192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Progressive engagement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-02
2001-06-26
Bonck, Rodney H (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Progressive engagement
C192S069910, C192S085060
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250446
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a clutch assembly and more particularly, to a hydraulic clutch assembly having interlocking splines which operatively couple a first or “clutch input” member to a second or “clutch output” member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Clutch assemblies are typically and operatively utilized within a vehicle and are mounted between the vehicle's engine and the vehicle's power train. These clutch assemblies are, more particularly, used to allow the engine and the power train to be operatively interconnected, thereby allowing for the transfer of torque and power between the engine and the power train.
One type of clutch assembly, known as a “friction clutch”, utilizes paper friction and two or more field separator plates or members which are selectively forced or pressed together in order to transfer torque and power between the engine and the power train. The members are typically and selectively engaged and disengaged (i.e., forced together and released) by use of a hydraulic actuator or assembly. While these types of clutches are effective to transmit and/or communicate torque and power between the engine and the vehicle power train, they suffer from some drawbacks.
For example and without limitation, the “holding power” of these clutch assemblies (e.g. the ability of the engaged plates to remain engaged) is dependent upon and/or is limited by the coefficient of friction which exists between the engaged friction plates or members. These prior clutch assemblies have a relatively limited torque capacity and can only be used to transfer limited amounts of torque and power between the engine and the power train. Furthermore, the engaged surfaces of the plates or members wear over time, thereby resulting in an undesirable variation in the force or hydraulic pressure required to engage and/or disengage the clutch. This variation adversely effects a vehicle's “ride” and performance and, for example and without limitation, undesirably causes the vehicle to “jerk”, vibrate, and/or shake during gearshifts.
There is therefore a need for a new and improved vehicle clutch assembly which overcomes many, if not all, of the previously delineated drawbacks of such prior vehicle clutch assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of the invention to provide a clutch assembly which overcomes at least some of the previously delineated drawbacks of prior clutch assemblies.
It is a second object of the invention to provide a clutch assembly which physically and/or “mechanically” links or couples a clutch “input member” to a “clutch output member”.
It is a third object of the invention to provide a clutch assembly which utilizes a hydraulic piston or actuating assembly to selectively engage a pair of members by use of intermeshing teeth or splines.
It is a fourth object of the invention to provide a clutch assembly having improved static torque capacity.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a clutch assembly is provided and includes a first member which is selectively rotatable at a first speed, the first member having a first portion, and a second member, which is selectively rotatable at a second speed, the second member having a second portion. A third member is provided, is coupled to the second member, and is selectively rotatable at the second speed. The third member is movable from a first position in which the third member is remotely positioned from first member to a second position in which the third member contacts the first member, the contact between the third member and the first member being effective to cause the second speed to become substantially equal to the first speed. A fourth member is disposed between the first and the second member and has a third portion. The fourth member is movable, when the first speed is substantially equal to the second speed, to a third position, in which the third portion is intermeshed with both the first portion and the second portion, thereby selectively and mechanically linking the first member to the second member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for transferring torque between a first movable member rotating at a first speed and a second movable member rotating at a second speed, is provided. The method includes the steps of: forming a first splined portion upon the first member; forming a second splined portion upon the second member; providing a third member having a frictional surface; coupling the third member to the second member; providing a fourth member having a third splined portion; disposing the third member between the first member and the second member; selectively moving the third member to a position in which the frictional surface contacts the first member effective to cause the second speed to become equal to the first speed; and selectively moving the fourth member to a third position in which the third splined portion is intermeshed with both the first splined portion and the second splined portion, thereby selectively and mechanically linking the first member to the second member and transferring torque between the first member and the second member.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reading the following specification and by reference to the following drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2392762 (1946-01-01), Peterson et al.
patent: 3025674 (1962-05-01), Peras
patent: 3679033 (1972-07-01), Wagner
patent: 4069803 (1978-01-01), Cataldo
patent: 4131185 (1978-12-01), Schall
patent: 5377800 (1995-01-01), Sperduti et al.
patent: 6027422 (2000-02-01), Yamazaki
Bonck Rodney H
Ford Global Tech. Inc.
Ford Global Tech., Inc.
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