Patent · US Active

Method and apparatus for prefill of wet clutches

US9109645B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by

5References

12Claims

0Family size

Assignee

DANA BELGIUM N.V. · BE

Inventors

Mark R. J. Versteyhe · Beernem, BE
Mark M. A. Maessen · Roermond, NL

Key dates

Filing date	Feb 12, 2014
Grant date	Aug 18, 2015
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Feb 12, 2034

Classification

Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
CPC primaryF16D2500/5035
WIPO fieldMechanical elements
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for controlling a wet clutch are provided. The clutch comprises a pump, a piston, and a fluid conduit. The pump provides a housing with a hydraulic fluid. The piston is movably disposed in the housing and is movable into an extended position by a preloaded spring and into a retracted position by applying an engagement pressure on the piston by the hydraulic fluid. In the retracted position torque is transmittable through the clutch. The fluid conduit connects the pump and the housing. The method comprises the steps of prefilling the clutch by applying a prefill pressure on the piston, prefilling the fluid conduit line and the housing with the hydraulic fluid. The prefill pressure is lower than the engagement pressure required to move the piston into the retracted position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.