Patent ID: 6776272
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A slippable frictional clutch for a converter bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter of a motor vehicle automatic transmission, the slippable frictional clutch comprising;at least a first wet-running friction lining for rotation at a first rotational speed and a second wet-running friction lining for rotation at a second rotational speed; a pressure piston for forcing the first and second friction linings toward one another as a function of an external hydraulic differential oil pressure, and as the first and second friction linings are move toward one another, any speed difference between the first and second friction linings is one of reduced and eliminated; when first and second friction linings move toward one another by pressure from the pressure piston, a radially outward high pressure chamber being sealed with respect to a radially inward low pressure chamber; at least one of the first and second friction linings has a plurality of oil-conducting depressions therein, the plurality of oil-conducting depressions each have a single inlet spaced from a single outlet, and the single inlet and the single outlet of each of the plurality of oil-conducting depressions being connected only with one of the radially outward high pressure chamber and the radially inward low pressure chamber; the oil-conducting depressions are configured such that when the first friction lining slips with respect to the second friction lining, the plurality of oil-conducting depressions exert a drag effect and induce oil flow through the plurality of oil-conducting depressions to facilitate cooling of the first and second friction linings, and the plurality of oil-conducting depressions amount to between 20 to 30% of the surface of the friction lining.