Patent classifications
F16D31/00
Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive includes a speed change mechanism connected to a rotary electric machine; an output member connected to the speed change mechanism and wheels; an engagement device changes a state of engagement between an input member connected to an engine and the speed change mechanism; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine or the rotary electric machine; a first pressure control device that controls pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the speed change mechanism; a second, separate hydraulic pressure control device that controls the pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the engagement device; and a case that houses the rotary electric machine, speed change mechanism, engagement device, and pump. At least the engagement device is housed in a space formed by the case, and the second hydraulic pressure control device is provided at a part of the case forming the space.
Highly reactive fluid fan clutch device
Provided is a highly reactive fluid fan clutch device excellent in reaction speed of fan rotation to a control signal even with a weak centrifugal force during low fan rotation. The device of an external control type includes: an annular oil reserving chamber provided in a case that is supported by a rotary shaft having a drive disk fixed thereto; and a valve member for opening and closing an oil circulating flow passage hole of the annular oil reserving chamber by an electromagnet, wherein an effective oil contact area at a torque transmission gap formed between a drive side and a driven side is increased and decreased to control rotation torque transmission from the drive side to the driven side, and an inner wall eccentric to an outer wall of the annular oil reserving chamber is provided in the annular oil reserving chamber.
Viscous clutch with return bore through rotor
A viscous clutch (20) includes a housing assembly (28), a rotor assembly (26), a reservoir (38) to hold a supply of a shear fluid, a working chamber (40) operatively positioned between the housing assembly and the rotor assembly, and a fluid return bore (26-1B) that optionally extends radially through at least an outer diameter portion of the rotor assembly to the working chamber. Selective introduction of the shear fluid to the working chamber facilitates selective torque transmission between the housing assembly and the rotor assembly. The fluid return bore can form at least a portion of a fluid return path (50) from the working chamber to the reservoir.
Impeller shell with grooves for increased flow area
An impeller for a motor vehicle torque converter is provided. The impeller includes an impeller shell including blade supporting portions and fluid flow receiving portions between the blade supporting portions, the blade supporting portions being thicker than the fluid flow receiving portions; and a plurality of impeller blades, each of the impeller blades being connected to one of the blade supporting portions at an inner surface of the impeller shell. A method for forming an impeller of a torque converter is also provided.
Downhole power generation
Downhole electrical power generation apparatus and methods of using stored pressurized gas and/or ambient downhole pressure. One example comprises first and second fluid receiving chambers, a fluid communication path for allowing flow of fluid from the first chamber via the fluid communication path to the second chamber and a turbine generator disposed so that fluid flowing from the first chamber via the fluid communications path to the second chamber operates the turbine generator to generate electrical power.