초록 ▼

A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutche

A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to a change in engine air-fuel ratio is minimized by transmitted torque through multiple transmission paths.

대표청구항 ▼

A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutche

A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to a change in engine air-fuel ratio is minimized by transmitted torque through multiple transmission paths. clutch pack when the torque cam mechanism is extended axially at the second position whereas the torque cam mechanism leaves an axial clearance between the clutch pack and the torque cam mechanism to leave the clutch pack uncompressed even when the torque cam mechanism is extended axially to a maximum extent as long as the torque cam mechanism is located at the first position, and the torque cam mechanism leaves an axial clearance between the clutch pack and the torque cam mechanism to leave the clutch pack uncompressed when the torque cam mechanism is not extended axially at the second position. 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in addition to the cam member which is a first cam member, the torque cam mechanism further comprises a second cam member; and the first and second cam members are arranged to move axially away from each other to extend the torque cam mechanism axially in response to relative rotation between the first and second members, and thereby to allow the clutch piston to compress the clutch pack through the torque cam mechanism when the clutch piston is actuated. 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotation stopper to limit the relative rotation between the first and second cam members. 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the torque cam mechanism is arranged to extend axially when the relative rotation between the first and second cam members is in a first rotational direction whereas the torque cam mechanism is not extended when the relative rotation between the first and second members is in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotation stopper to limit the relative rotation between the first and second cam members in the first rotational direction. 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotation stopper to limit the relative rotation between the first and second cam members in the second rotational direction. 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the clutch actuator is arranged to further shift the torque cam mechanism axially from the second position to a third position toward the clutch pack, and thereby to compress the clutch pack without resorting to the axial extension of the torque cam mechanism. 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the clutch actuator comprises a first fluid chamber for forcing the clutch piston to push the torque cam mechanism from the first position to the second position, and a second fluid chamber for forcing the torque cam mechanism to move from the second position to the third position. 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the apparatus further comprises a shift stopper to limit axial movement of the clutch piston and to hold the clutch piston at a limit position to hold the torque cam mechanism at the second position, and a return spring to urge the torque cam mechanism toward the first position. 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second cam member serves as a second piston upon which a fluid pressure in the second fluid chamber acts. 13. An apparatus for transmitting torque, the apparatus comprising: a clutch pack of friction elements; a clutch actuator to produce a clutch action to compress the clutch pack axially for clutch engagement, the actuator comprising a clutch piston to move toward the clutch pack when the clutch piston is actuated; and a torque cam mechanism interposed between the clutch pack and the clutch piston, wherein the torque cam mechanism comprising first and second cam members arranged to move axially away from each other to extend the torque cam mechanism axially in response to relative rotation between the first and second cam members, and thereby to allow the clutch piston to compress the clutch pack through the torque cam mechanism when the clutch piston is ac