GB1212951A - Improvements in or relating to hydrodynamic and torque converters - Google Patents

Abstract

1,212,951. Clutch combinations; change speed control. HONDA GIKEN KOGYO K.K. 19 Feb., 1969, No. 9104/69. Headings F2C and F2D. A control for an hydraulically operated bridging clutch 2 of a torque converter comprises an engine driven pump 13 supplying pressure liquid to the clutch 2 through a valve 21 responsive to the speed of the torque converter input 3a or output shaft 3b and a valve 15 responsive to the reaction torque on the reactor 6 of the torque converter 1 so that the clutch 2 is engaged when the speed exceeds a predetermined value and the reaction torque is zero (i.e. at the torque converter coupling point). Pressure liquid supplied from a generator 27 at a pressure proportional to the torque converter input or output speed acts on the left end of a spool 25 of the valve 21 against the bias of a spring 28. When the speed exceeds the predetermined value the valve spool 25 moves right to interconnect inlet and outlet ports 29, 30. The speed at which the valve spool 25 moves right may be adjusted by a lever 33. Differential lands 23, 24 provide an additional leftward bias to the valve spool 25 below the predetermined speed and thus prevent hunting. The valve 15 is formed by a duct 19 in a shaft 8 fast with the reactor 6. When the reactor torque is zero a spring 16 urges the shaft 8 to the position shown in which the duct 19 is aligned with a supply duct 20. Reaction torque on the reactor 6 rotates the shaft 8 against the spring 16 to close the valve 15. Operation.-When the speed exceeds the predetermined value the valve 21 opens to supply pressure fluid to the valve 15 which opens to engage the clutch 2 when the reaction torque on the reactor 6 falls to zero. The clutch 2 remains engaged until the speed falls below the predetermined value whereupon the valve 21 closes to disengage the clutch 2.