Hydrodynamic clutch arrangement

US6702079B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Mannesmann Sachs AG · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Bauer · Deizisau, DE
• Peter Frey · Hofheim, DE
• Ruthard Knoblach · Bergrheinfeld, DE
• Christoph Sasse · Schweinfurt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 11, 2002
• Grant date: Mar 9, 2004
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2045/0284
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydrodynamic clutch arrangement, particularly a torque converter or fluid coupling, includes a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel provided in the housing arrangement, and a lockup clutch arrangement by which a torque transmitting connection can be produced selectively between the turbine wheel and the housing arrangement. The lockup clutch arrangement includes at least two friction members which are rotatable with one of the housing arrangement and turbine wheel, and at least one counter-friction member which is interposed between the two friction members and is rotatable with the other of the housing arrangement and turbine wheel. A first friction facing on at least one of the friction members at its first side faces the at least one counter-friction member. This at least one of the friction members can be brought into frictional interaction, via a second friction facing, with another counter-friction member on its second side located opposite to the first side. The first friction facing has a larger friction surface area than the second friction facing.