Multiple ratio automatic transmission and torque converter

US5722519A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Johann Kirchhoffer
• Thomas Martin · Burns Lake, CA
• Eric Reichert · Mölsheim, DE
• Werner Croonen · Bergheim, DE
• Thomas A. Wagner · Northville, US
• Wolfgang Wickler · Farmington Hills, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 7, 1996
• Grant date: Mar 3, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 7, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2312/02
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A control system for engaging and releasing a torque converter bypass clutch and for varying the torque capacity of the clutch by adjusting the torque converter torus chamber pressure in accordance with changing operating variables, the bypass clutch including a clutch release pressure chamber that is maintained at a calibrated pressure threshold valve whereby pressure clutch capacity control is achieved by controlling pressure differential in the converter.