Patent ID: 6357229
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A method of overfill protecting a hydrodynamic clutch, said method comprising the steps of:providing at least two blade wheels, said blade wheels forming at least one torus-shaped operating chamber, said at least one torus-shaped operating chamber being configured for being filled with operating medium; determining a filling degree of the clutch by using a value that at least indirectly characterizes said filling degree; interrupting a supply of the operating medium to said operating chamber when a maximum filling degree is attained; coupling an accumulation chamber with said operating chamber; feeding the operating medium from said operating chamber into said accumulation chamber in a substantially proportional ratio to said filling degree of the clutch; inserting at least one of a dynamic pressure generator and sensor into said accumulation chamber; arranging said at least one of a dynamic pressure generator and sensor relative to said accumulation chamber such that: in a first filling condition in which said filling degree of the clutch is lower than said maximum filling degree, one of no pressure and a substantially constant first pressure is measured by said at least one of a dynamic pressure generator and sensor; and in a second filling condition corresponding to said maximum filling degree, a second pressure is measured by said at least one of a dynamic pressure generator and sensor, said second pressure being substantially greater than said first pressure; providing a device for influencing said supply of operating medium to said operating chamber; at least indirectly triggering said device using said second pressure; and generating at least one signal pressure spike in a transition from one of said first filling condition and said second filling condition to another of said first filling condition and said second filling condition.