Method of operating hydrokinetic torque converters in the power trains of motor vehicles and torque converter for the practice of the method

US7036643B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG · DE

Inventors

• Gunnar Back · Bühl, DE
• Rudolf Honemann · Ottersweier, DE
• Stephan Maienschein · Baden-Baden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 11, 2003
• Grant date: May 2, 2006
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2023

Classification

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

Abstract

The hydrokinetic torque converter between the prime mover and the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is designed to promote and/or otherwise regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The fluid is circulated between the friction linings on the laminations of the bypass clutch in the housing of the torque converter. In a first embodiment of the method, the flow of fluid in certain parts of the torque converter is opposed or interfered with in such a way that a larger quantity of fluid flows between the laminations of the bypass clutch. In a second embodiment, the resistance to fluid flow through the bypass clutch of the torque converter is reduced. It is also possible to resort to both solutions in one and the same torque converter.