Two pass multi-function torque converter
AssigneeLuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
InventorsVural Ari, Todd J. Sturgin, Kevin Parks
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-function torque converter including: an apply pressure chamber for a torque converter clutch; a first pressure chamber including a torus; and a resilient flow control element in fluid communication with the apply chamber and the first pressure chamber and arranged to control fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber. The resilient flow element is displaceable to block fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber in torque converter mode for the torque converter and to enable fluid flow to the apply chamber in lock-up mode. The torque converter includes a second pressure chamber and the clutch includes a piston plate at least partially bounding the apply pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.
Claims20
A multi-function torque converter comprising:
- an apply pressure chamber for a torque converter clutch;
- a first pressure chamber including a torus;
- and,
- a resilient flow control element in fluid communication with the apply chamber and the first pressure chamber and arranged to control fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber from the first chamber.
A multi-function torque converter including:
- an apply pressure chamber for a torque converter clutch;
- and,
- a resilient flow control element, wherein in torque converter mode for the torque converter, the resilient flow control element is arranged to block fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber and wherein in lock-up mode for the torque converter, the resilient flow control element is arranged to enable fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber.
A multi-function torque converter including:
- a first fluid circuit including an apply pressure chamber for a pump clutch and an apply pressure chamber for a torque converter clutch;
- a second fluid circuit at least partially bounding the respective apply pressure chambers for the torque converter and pump clutches;
- and,
- a resilient flow control element arranged to control flow to the apply pressure chamber for the torque converter clutch.
A torque converter comprising:
- a first pressure chamber including a torus;
- a second pressure chamber;
- and,
- a resilient flow control element axially displaceable to control an opening between the first and second pressure chambers.
A method of controlling a torque converter comprising the steps of:
- forcing fluid through a channel to pressurize a first chamber;
- applying a first pressure in the first chamber to close a pump clutch;
- applying a second fluid pressure;
- axially displacing a resilient flow control element with the second fluid pressure;
- and
- axially displacing a torque converter clutch piston plate with the second pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.