A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.

A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.

According to one aspect, a clutch mechanism includes a control member. The control member is adapted to receive motive power and includes a first dry clutch member and a first viscous clutch member. The clutch mechanism further includes an output member that includes a second dry clutch member and a second viscous clutch member. The first and second dry clutch members form a dry clutch and the first and second viscous clutch members form a viscous clutch. The clutch mechanism further includes an actuation arm coupled to at least one of the control and output members. The actuation arm is selectively controllable to effect relative movement of the control and output members such that one of the dry and viscous clutches is selectively engaged.

According to one aspect, a clutch mechanism includes a control member. The control member is adapted to receive motive power and includes a first dry clutch member and a first viscous clutch member. The clutch mechanism further includes an output member that includes a second dry clutch member and a second viscous clutch member. The first and second dry clutch members form a dry clutch and the first and second viscous clutch members form a viscous clutch. The clutch mechanism further includes an actuation arm coupled to at least one of the control and output members. The actuation arm is selectively controllable to effect relative movement of the control and output members such that one of the dry and viscous clutches is selectively engaged.

A fluid friction clutch with a housing, a clutch plate and a reservoir that are disposed in the housing, a supply pump element rotatably coupled to the clutch plate, a supply conduit and a valve. The clutch plate and the housing form a working chamber. The supply conduit couples the reservoir to an inlet side of the working chamber. The supply pump element has a pump inlet and a pump outlet that are spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a rotational axis of the clutch plate. The pump outlet is coupled in fluid communication with the supply conduit. The valve has a valve element that is movable between a first or extended position and a second or retracted position. Placement of the valve element in the first position at least partly blocks fluid flow to the pump outlet.

A fluid friction clutch with a housing, a clutch plate and a reservoir that are disposed in the housing, a supply pump element rotatably coupled to the clutch plate, a supply conduit and a valve. The clutch plate and the housing form a working chamber. The supply conduit couples the reservoir to an inlet side of the working chamber. The supply pump element has a pump inlet and a pump outlet that are spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a rotational axis of the clutch plate. The pump outlet is coupled in fluid communication with the supply conduit. The valve has a valve element that is movable between a first or extended position and a second or retracted position. Placement of the valve element in the first position at least partly blocks fluid flow to the pump outlet.

The present invention relates to a hydraulic unit with a housing in which a hydraulic converter is accommodated, which is coupled with a drive shaft that includes a connecting shaft piece located outside the housing for connection to a mechanical drive element The invention furthermore relates to a hydraulic driving device with such hydraulic unit and to a drive train connecting piece to which the hydraulic unit is connected.

It is proposed to integrate a clutch for connecting and disconnecting the hydraulic unit into the hydraulic unit itself, so that a mechanical drive train, to which the hydraulic unit is connected, can remain unchanged or need not especially be adapted to the clutch. In accordance with the invention, a clutch for coupling and uncoupling the connecting shaft piece of the hydraulic unit to and from the hydraulic converter of the hydraulic unit is accommodated in the housing of the hydraulic unit.

A powertrain includes an electric machine including a rotor defining a hollow center and a fluid-coupling assembly at least partially disposed within the hollow center. The fluid-coupling assembly includes an input shaft, a turbine fixedly coupled to the rotor and having a hub configured to connect with a transmission input shaft, and an impeller configured to fluid couple with the turbine. The impeller is selectively coupled to the rotor and selectively coupled to the input shaft.

An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.

A viscous coupling may include: a housing part and an input body rotatable relative to the housing part that at least partially delimit an interior space; a shaft rotatable relative to the housing part and on which an output body arranged in the interior space may be formed for conjoint rotation with the shaft; a coupling region formed between the output and input bodies and configured to hold a viscous fluid to assure a coupling between the input body and the output body; a holding chamber for collecting coolant leaking from the coolant pump; a housing wall conformed integrally with the housing part and partially delimiting the holding chamber; and an actuator housing and an electric actuator therein by which a degree of the coupling between the input body and the output body may be adjustable. The actuator housing may at least partially cover the holding chamber.