Patent ID: 7665588
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A starting unit, comprising: an input which can be connected to a drive and an output which can be connected to a load; a starting element in the form of a hydrodynamic clutch comprising a primary impeller and a secondary impeller which together form a working compartment which can be filled with working fluid, said hydrodynamic clutch being free of a guide wheel; a switchable clutch comprising at least two clutch elements which can be brought into a working frictional connection with one another directly or indirectly through additional transmission means; the at least two clutch elements including a first clutch element and a second clutch element which are connected respectively with the input and the output at least indirectly in a rotationally fixed manner and which are actuated by means of a clutch actuation system; a housing enclosing at least one impeller in the axial direction forming at least one working fluid guide channel or chamber and connected to the primary impeller in a static or rotationally fixed manner; the clutch actuation system of the switchable clutch being at least indirectly connected to the working fluid guide channel or chamber as a pressure source, whereby the working fluid guide channel or chamber can be connected at least indirectly to a working fluid inlet channel; means to influence the transmission ratio of the hydrodynamic component; the means to influence comprising pressure medium actuated integrated mechanical components which act at least indirectly on the working circulation in the working compartment and which have an actuation system; the integrated mechanical components being implemented in the form of separate elements which can be introduced into the working compartment or in the form of a partial region of a wall of one of the impellers guiding the flow in the working compartment which can be moved in the axial direction; the pressure medium actuated integrated mechanical components being impinged upon by pressure medium from the inlet channel or the working fluid guide channel or chamber, whereby the position of the pressure medium actuated integrated mechanical components relative to the working compartment is a function of differential pressure between pressure medium diverted from the inlet channel or the working fluid guide channel or chamber and pressure in the interior of the housing in the area of the clutch actuation system.