Variable capacity control apparatus for an automotive torque converter clutch
US4998604A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2045/0294
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The torque capacity of a torque converter clutch is controlled with a two-state directional valve and a single solenoid operated pressure control valve. In operation, the directional valve is spring biased to a release state in which converter feed pressure is directed to a passage between the clutch plate and the converter input shell to release the clutch and feed the converter. The return fluid from the opposite (apply side) of the clutch is routed through the directional valve to a low pressure fluid cooler. A control pressure generated by the solenoid operated valve develops a hydraulic bias which opposes the spring bias. When the hydraulic bias is sufficiently great, the directional valve shifts to a control state in which the solenoid operated valve controls the pressure supplied to either the apply or release side of the clutch to control its torque capacity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.