192 clutches and power-stop control – Vortex-flow drive and clutch – With means to effect torque reversal
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-15
2001-09-25
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Vortex-flow drive and clutch
With means to effect torque reversal
C192S003270, C192S003320
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293379
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to improvements in hydrokinetic or hydrodynamic torque converters.
A standard hydrokinetic torque converter comprises certain basic components including a housing, a pump which is confined in the housing and receives torque from a suitable prime mover (such as by way of the housing), a turbine in the housing, and an optional stator in the housing. The turbine receives torque from the pump and drives an output element, e.g., the input shaft of a transmission if the torque converter is installed in the power train of a motor vehicle between an internal combustion engine (which drives the housing) and a variable speed transmission, particularly an automated transmission. The ratio of the transmission is or can be changed by one or more suitable actuators to shift the transmission into neutral, reverse or a selected forward gear. When utilized in conjunction with an automated transmission, a torque converter can serve as a means for starting, as a means for equalizing the RPM of the input element of the transmission with the engine RPM and, if necessary, also as a torque increasing or amplifying means.
Presently known automated transmissions in the power trains of motor vehicles are designed in such a way that a shifting from a forward gear into reverse gear, or vice versa, necessitates the shifting into an intermediate gear. For example, an automated transmission of such character can embody a suitable planetary gearing. A drawback of such transmissions is that they are complex and expensive because each such transmission comprises a large number of in part complex components which contributes to the initial, assembly and maintenance cost of the transmission and of the entire power train.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a hydrokinetric torque converter which renders it possible to employ a relatively simple, compact and inexpensive transmission, particularly an automated transmission, when such apparatus are utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hydrokinetic torque converter which renders it possible to change ratio of an automated transmission from forward to reverse or vice versa in a novel and improved way.
A further object of the invention is to provide a hydrokinetic torque converter which renders it possible to reduce the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine in the power train of a motor vehicle in which the torque converter and a transmission are being put to use.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved power train which embodies the above outlined hydrokinetic torque converter and can be utilized in a motor vehicle to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels of the vehicle.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a hydrokinetic or hydrodynamic torque converter wherein the turbine(s), the pump(s), the stator(s) and/or the associated parts in the rotary housing of the torque converter are distributed and cooperate in a novel and improved way.
A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved system or combination of torque transmitting components (such as claw clutches and/or other types of clutches) which can be utilized in or with a hydrokinetic torque converter of the above outlined character.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved arrangement of actuators for the aforementioned torque transmitting components to influence the direction of rotation and/or other parameters of the rotary output element of the torque converter, such as the input shaft of an automated transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved arrangement of synchronizers for use in the housing of or with the above outlined hydrokinetic torque converter to influence the acceleration and/or deceleration of various rotary constituents which serve to transmit torque to the rotary output element of the torque converter.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus for selecting the magnitude and/or other parameters of torque being transmitted or being transmissible to a transmission (such as an automated transmission) in the power train of a motor vehicle.
A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved lockup clutch or bypass clutch for use in the above outlined hydrokinetic torque converter.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hydrokinetic torque converter which can be utilized as a superior substitute for conventional torque converters in the power trains of existing types of motor vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One feature of the invention resides in the provision of a hydrokinetic torque converter which comprises a rotary housing, a pump which is confined in and is rotatable by the housing, a rotary turbine component and at least one rotary stator component in the housing, a drive (such as an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle) for the housing, an output device rotatable in the housing in a clockwise and in a counter-clockwise direction, means for connecting the output device with one of the components to rotate the output device in one of the two directions, and means for connecting the output device with the other of the components to rotate the output device in the other direction.
At least one of the connecting means can comprise at least one engageable and disengageable clutch which permits the respective component to rotate relative to the output device in the disengaged condition of the clutch.
The torque converter can be utilized with advantage with a transmission having a stationary case and a rotary input element (such as a shaft) which is arranged to receive torque from the output device. At least one of the connecting means can include a hub which non-rotatably and axially movably surrounds the output device, and at least one engageable and disengageable clutch which is arranged to transmit torque between the respective component and the hub in the engaged condition of the clutch. Such torque converter preferably further comprises an engageable and disengageable form-locking connection between the hub and the case of the transmission. The form-locking connection can comprise a first gear which is provided on the transmission case and a second gear which is provided on the hub and is arranged to mate with the first gear in the engaged condition of the form-locking connection.
At least one of the two connecting means can comprise at least one form-locking clutch, e.g., a claw clutch. Alternatively, the at least one connecting means can comprise at least one friction clutch.
Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a hydrokinetic torque converter which comprises a rotary housing, a pump which is confined in and is rotatable by the housing, a drive (such as the aforementioned engine) for the housing, a rotary turbine and at least one stator provided in the housing, a rotary output device (such as a shaft) which is rotatable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, means for connecting the output device with the turbine to rotate the output device in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and means for connecting the output device with the at least one stator to rotate the output device in the other direction. The torque converter has a first operating mode in which the output device is connected with the turbine to rotate in the one direction, and a second operating mode in which the output device is connected with the at least one stator to rotate in the other direction.
The torque converter can be set to assume a third operating mode in which the output device is disconnected from the turbine as well as from the at least one stator.
Such torque converter can further comprise at least one engageable and disengageable clutch which is arranged to transmit torque between the turbine and the output device in the first operating mode of the torque con
Gradu Mircea
Kozarekar Shailesh
Maucher Edmund
Middelmann Volker
Reik Wolfgang
Darby & Darby
Ho Ha
LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
Marmor Charles A
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