초록 ▼

This hydrodynamic torque converter for the automatic transmission of motor vehicles which provide several gear ratios comprises means for bridging the input and output shafts of the converter. The hydraulic fluid supplied through the hollow transmission shaft penetrates into the converter inner spac

This hydrodynamic torque converter for the automatic transmission of motor vehicles which provide several gear ratios comprises means for bridging the input and output shafts of the converter. The hydraulic fluid supplied through the hollow transmission shaft penetrates into the converter inner space via a gaged orifice; the outlet of the control chamber of the converter is closed by a solenoid valve in one position thereof; the pressure in the converter inner space is the same as in the control chamber, and spring means are provided for urging the control piston to its release position when the assembly operates as a torque converter. In the other valve position the pressure prevailing in the converter inner space having its outlet closed is applied to the control piston against the force of the spring means. The pressure in the control chamber is low and thus the friction lining carried by the control piston produces the desired bridging action.

대표청구항 ▼

A transmission device having input and output shaft means, a housing drivingly connected to said input shaft means and defining an enclosure, hydrodynamic torque converter means disposed within said housing enclosure and having an impeller member drivingly connected to said housing and a turbine mem

A transmission device having input and output shaft means, a housing drivingly connected to said input shaft means and defining an enclosure, hydrodynamic torque converter means disposed within said housing enclosure and having an impeller member drivingly connected to said housing and a turbine member coupled to said output shaft means, and bridging means capable of coupling without substantial slip said impeller and turbine members, said bridging means comprising a clutch assembly having a control chamber and control piston means for coupling and uncoupling said turbine and impeller members, said piston constituting a movable wall common to both said control chamber and said housing enclosure and having a first restrictive orifice therethrough to enable restricted fluid communication between said housing enclosure and said control chamber, said control chamber having spring means for urging said control piston towards a position where said impeller and turbine members are uncoupled, a hydraulic circuit having a substantially constant-pressure unidirectional fluid source connected to said clutch assembly, return means for returning said fluid from said clutch assembly to a fluid reservoir, by one at least of two pathways one only of which includes a second restrictive orifice exterior to said clutch assembly, control valve means actuated independently of said hydraulic circuit for determining whether the pathway of said return means comprises only the pathway having the second restrictive orifice or includes the other said pathway as at least the principal fluid conveying conduit, said second restrictive orifice, when part of the sole pathway, providing means for moving said control piston toward a position in which said impeller and turbine members are uncoupled, whereas when the unrestricted return pathway is used, it provides means for moving said control piston toward a position in which said impeller and turbine members are coupled.