초록

A torque converter clutch is provided with a temperature responsive valve which controls fluid flow from the apply chamber to the release chamber which is connected to exhaust. The increased fluid flow provides additional cooling for a viscous clutch which is included in the torque converter clutch.

대표청구항 ▼

A thermally sensitive control and torque converter clutch for use in a torque converter comprising; a friction clutch selectively engageable with the input of the torque converter and including a pressure plate; a viscous shear clutch in series drive relation with said friction clutch and being driv

A thermally sensitive control and torque converter clutch for use in a torque converter comprising; a friction clutch selectively engageable with the input of the torque converter and including a pressure plate; a viscous shear clutch in series drive relation with said friction clutch and being drivingly connected to the output of the torque converter; apply chamber means and release chamber means on opposite sides of said pressure plate; a passage means through said pressure plate connecting said apply chamber means to said release chamber means; and thermally sensitive valve means mounted on said pressure plate for normally closing said passage means when the temperature in said apply chamber means is below a predetermined value and for opening communications between said apply chamber means and said release chamber means when the temperature is above said predetermined value.