A method for operating a vehicle that includes a torque converter is described. In one example, the method adjusts torque of an electric machine in response to a requested torque converter speed. The requested torque converter speed linearizes torque output of a torque converter so that vehicle wheel torque control may be improved.

A hydrodynamic clutch having an input side and an output side, the rotational motions of which are coupled to one another with a hydraulic fluid. A method for determining the degree of filling of the hydrodynamic clutch with fluid including steps of periodically sensing a fluid temperature of the hydraulic fluid, determining the thermal output supplied to the clutch on the basis of the temperature, determining a lambda value on the basis of the thermal output and determining the degree of filling on the basis of the lambda value.

A hydrodynamic clutch having an input side and an output side, the rotational motions of which are coupled to one another with a hydraulic fluid. A method for determining the degree of filling of the hydrodynamic clutch with fluid including steps of periodically sensing a fluid temperature of the hydraulic fluid, determining the thermal output supplied to the clutch on the basis of the temperature, determining a lambda value on the basis of the thermal output and determining the degree of filling on the basis of the lambda value.

A launch device coupling the rotary output of a prime mover to the rotary input of an automotive transmission. The launch device includes a shell defining a chamber into which impeller blades extend. A rotatable turbine is located in the chamber. Turbine blades oppose the impeller blades and receive fluid from the impeller blades, causing rotation of the turbine and an output hub. Pull bearings constructively support the shell for relative rotation with respect to one or more internal components of the launch device, such as the output hub. Portions of the pull bearings are fixed relative to an associated one of the internal components to limit axial movement of the inner and outer races of the pull bearing and, thereby, limit axial expansion of the shell.

A washer assembly and a hydrodynamic torque converter comprising the washer assembly is provided. The washer assembly comprises a washer and a plate; the washer is annular and comprises a washer body and two or more positioning clamps protruding radially inward from an inner periphery of the washer body, at least one side of the positioning clamp in a circumferential direction having a positioning protrusion protruding; the plate is annular, an inner periphery portion of the plate being provided with two or more positioning notches; an edge of at least one side of the positioning notch in the circumferential direction being provided with a positioning groove; and the washer is mounted to one end face of the plate. The washer assembly saves the internal space of the torque converter and saves the material cost of the washer.

A washer assembly and a hydrodynamic torque converter comprising the washer assembly is provided. The washer assembly comprises a washer and a plate; the washer is annular and comprises a washer body and two or more positioning clamps protruding radially inward from an inner periphery of the washer body, at least one side of the positioning clamp in a circumferential direction having a positioning protrusion protruding; the plate is annular, an inner periphery portion of the plate being provided with two or more positioning notches; an edge of at least one side of the positioning notch in the circumferential direction being provided with a positioning groove; and the washer is mounted to one end face of the plate. The washer assembly saves the internal space of the torque converter and saves the material cost of the washer.

An electric actuator assembly for controlling the output of a variable output drive device such as a hydraulic transaxle or pump having an output shaft connected to a swash plate for rotation thereof to control the output of the drive device. The output shaft is engaged to and driven by a control shaft of an electric actuator. The assembly includes a clamping coupler to connect and align the output shaft and the control shaft, thereby permitting use of the electric actuator with multiple drive device designs without the need to modify the control shaft of the drive device.

An electric actuator assembly for controlling the output of a variable output drive device such as a hydraulic transaxle or pump having an output shaft connected to a swash plate for rotation thereof to control the output of the drive device. The output shaft is engaged to and driven by a control shaft of an electric actuator. The assembly includes a clamping coupler to connect and align the output shaft and the control shaft, thereby permitting use of the electric actuator with multiple drive device designs without the need to modify the control shaft of the drive device.

A method for operating a vehicle that includes a torque converter is described. In one example, the method adjusts torque of an electric machine in response to a requested torque converter speed. The requested torque converter speed linearizes torque output of a torque converter so that vehicle wheel torque control may be improved.

A method for operating a vehicle that includes a torque converter is described. In one example, the method adjusts torque of an electric machine in response to a requested torque converter speed. The requested torque converter speed linearizes torque output of a torque converter so that vehicle wheel torque control may be improved.