초록 ▼

The invention relates to a power train which is to be utilized in a motor vehicle and employs a hydrokinetic torque converter--lockup clutch--electronic control system assembly operating in such a way that the lockup clutch is already at least partially engaged while the engine of the motor vehicle

The invention relates to a power train which is to be utilized in a motor vehicle and employs a hydrokinetic torque converter--lockup clutch--electronic control system assembly operating in such a way that the lockup clutch is already at least partially engaged while the engine of the motor vehicle is running but the vehicle is at a standstill. This reduces the likelihood of the development of shocks during shifting of a manual, automated or continuously variable transmission which receives torque from the output element of the torque converter. Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a compact, lightweight and inexpensive design of the torus composed of the impeller, reactor and stator of the hydrokinetic torque converter.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fluid-operated hydrokinetic torque converter for use in a power train of a motor vehicle, comprising:a fluid-containing housing rotatable about a predetermined axis;means for connecting said housing to a rotary output element of a prime mover forming part of the power t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fluid-operated hydrokinetic torque converter for use in a power train of a motor vehicle, comprising:a fluid-containing housing rotatable about a predetermined axis;means for connecting said housing to a rotary output element of a prime mover forming part of the power train and having idle and running conditions;a rotary input element coaxial with said housing;means for transmitting torque between said housing and said input element along a first path;means for transmitting torque between said housing and said input element along a second path, including an engageable and disengageable lockup clutch; andcontrol means including means for supplying fluid to the torque converter and means for at least partially engaging said lockup clutch while the motor vehicle is at a standstill and said prime mover is running so that a first torque is being transmitted between said housing and said input element along said first path and a second torque is being transmitted between said housing and said input element along said second path. [17.] A fluid-operated hydrokinetic torque converter for use in a power train of a motor vehicle, comprising:a fluid-containing housing rotatable about a predetermined axis;means for connecting said housing to a rotary output element of a prime mover forming part of the power train;a rotary input element coaxial with said housing;means for transmitting torque between said housing and said input element along a first path including a pump disposed in and rotatable with said housing, a turbine disposed in and rotatable with and relative to to said housing and connected to said input element, and a stator disposed in said housing between said turbine and said pump as seen in the direction of said axis, said pump having an outer wall remote from said turbine and said turbine having an outer wall remote from said pump, as considered in the direction of said axis, said turbine and said pump and said stator together forming a torus having a width as measured radially of said axis and a length as measured in the direction of said axis and the ratio of said length to said width being at most 0.65;means for transmitting torque between said housing and said input element along a second path, including an engageable and disengageable lockup clutch; andcontrol means including means for supplying fluid to said the torque converter. The torque converter of claim 17, wherein said ratio at most equals 0.6. The torque converter of claim 17, wherein said ratio is between 0.4 and 0.6.