Hydromechanical coupling with torque-limiting and temperature-sensitive unloading features
US6112874A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D43/284
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydraulic coupling is disclosed for use in motor vehicle driveline applications to rotatively couple a pair of rotary members. The hydraulic coupling includes a multi-plate clutch assembly operatively connecting the two rotary members and an actuator assembly for actuating the clutch assembly in response to and as a function of speed differentiation between the two rotary members. The actuator assembly includes a hydraulic pump, a piston disposed in a piston chamber, and a fluid control system for controlling the fluid pressure supplied to the piston chamber by the hydraulic pump to control the clutch engagement force exerted by the piston on the clutch assembly. The fluid control system includes a pressure relief valve operable for limiting the fluid pressure in the piston chamber to a predetermined maximum pressure value. The fluid control system also includes a thermal unload valve operable for releasing the fluid pressure within the piston chamber when the fluid temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.