Torque converter disconnect and bypass clutch structure for automatic mechanical transmission

An automatic mechanical transmission system of the type comprising;

• a throttling device controlled internal combustion engine;
• a multi-speed change gear mechanical transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft;
• a torque converter drivingly interposed said internal combustion engine and said transmission input shaft, said torque converter including an impeller driven by said engine, a stator and a turbine fluidly driven by said impeller;
• shift actuators for selectively engaging and disengaging selected ratios in said transmission;
• power synchronizing means selectively decreasing and, independent of said internal combustion engine, accelerating the rotational speed of said input shaft;
• control means for receiving inputs and processing same in accordance with predetermined logic rules to issue command outputs, the improvement comprising:
• a torque converter disconnect and bypass clutch assembly operable by said control means and including a connecting member rotationally fixed to said transmission input shaft, a first friction clutch selectively engagable and disengagable to drivingly connect and disconnect, respectively, said torque converter turbine to said connecting member and a second friction clutch selectively engagable and disengagable, independent of the engagement and disengagement of said first friction clutch, to drivingly connect and disconnect, respectively, said torque converter impeller and said connecting member, said first friction clutch comprising at least one friction member carried for rotation with said connecting member and said second friction clutch comprising at least one second friction member carried for rotation with said connecting member, said first friction clutch, with said second friction clutch disengaged, providing the sole driving connection between said torque converter turbine and said transmission input shaft.

A coupling assembly for drivingly coupling the output shaft of a prime mover to the input shaft of a mechanical change gear transmission, said assembly comprising:

• a fluid torque converter including an impeller driven by said output shaft and a turbine fluidly driven by said impeller;
• a connecting member fixed for rotation with said input shaft;
• a first friction clutch for selectively frictionally engaging and disengaging said turbine and said connecting member;
• a second friction clutch for selectively frictionally engaging and disengaging said impeller and said connecting member;
• said first friction clutch, upon disengagement of said second friction clutch, providing the sole driving connection between said turbine and said input shaft;
• and,
• actuating means for selectively independently causing engagement and disengagement of said first and second friction clutches.