Method of and apparatus for transmitting torque in the power trains of motor vehicles

US5674155A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Dieter Otto · Achern, DE
• Thomas Pfund · Leiberstung, DE
• Klaus Herzog · Oberkochen, DE
• Anton Rink · Calw, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 1994
• Grant date: Oct 7, 1997
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2061/146
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of operating a torque transmitting system with a hydrodynamic power transmission and with a friction clutch, which constitutes a lock-up clutch and bridges the power transmission, involves controlling the lock-up clutch and the hydrodynamic power transmission so that clutch slip is present. The input torque furnished by a prime mover is divided into a torque which is to be transmitted by the power transmission and a torque which is to be transmitted by the lock-up clutch. The lock-up clutch includes an annular piston which is disposed between the cover and the turbine wheel of the power transmission. The radially outer portion of the piston constitutes a clutch disc and its radially inner portion is mounted on a complementary sealing hub. The power transmission is "soft" and exhibits a flat progress of the primary characteristic curve as well as a wide secondary characteristic curve, i.e., a wide torque conversion range.