Honda's innovative Rincon™ boasts the only
true automotive-style automatic transmission in the entire ATV
world. The use of a torque converter makes this possible, and the
Rincon's torque converter is truly a unique piece of
engineering.
Many items distinguish the
Rincon's torque converter from automotive-style torque converters,
but two innovations stand out: An ingenious one-way lock-up clutch
mechanism, and another system Honda calls "creep control."Honda's Innovative Creep Control System
A torque converter transmits torque even when a vehicle is idling,
causing some amount of forward motion, or "creep" to occur. In the
case of an automobile, creep can add a measure of smoothness when
the vehicle begins to move, but it also requires the operator to
keep a foot on the brake when the vehicle is stopped in
gear.
To allow the Rincon to idle in gear
without moving forward, Honda's new creep control system detects
the idling of the vehicle while it is stationary, and disengages a
hydraulic clutch mechanism within the transmission in order to cut
creep. In addition, an ECU computes the necessary hydraulic
pressure according to throttle position and engine speed in order
to engage the clutch gradually. The result: the ability to idle in
gear without creep, while maintaining the smooth engagement of
power off-idle that torque converters deliver. One-way to Engine Braking
Another shortcoming of traditional torque-converters is a lack of
engine braking. Because of their power transmission efficiencies,
torque converters can only provide a small amount of engine
braking, which is not a desirable trait in an ATV. To counter this,
Honda engineers designed the Rincon's torque converter with a
built-in one-way lock-up clutch--the first time in the world that
this construction has been employed.
The
problem of engine braking has been overcome in some four-wheel
drive vehicles with a hydraulically controlled lock-up clutch.
However, such systems are immensely complex, large and heavy, and
not at all suitable for an ATV. Honda's solution was to incorporate
a one-way clutch mechanism for engine braking that transmits power
to the crankshaft instead of the torque converter during
deceleration. As a result, the Rincon features the same kind of
direct engine braking feel as that of ATVs with conventional
transmissions.Torque Converter
Basics
Though it features several innovations that cater specifically to
ATV application, the Rincon's torque converter operates in
principle much like other torque converters: In the most basic
sense, it serves to link the engine to the automatic transmission
much like a manual clutch connects an engine to a manual gearbox.
Both systems are used to drive a vehicle, and they also come into
play when the vehicle stops.
With a manual
transmission, manual actuation of the clutch serves to temporarily
disengage the engine from the transmission when coming to a stop.
In similar fashion, a torque converter performs this very important
connect/disconnect function between the engine and the
transmission, but automatically, as needed. Moreover, with a torque
converter and automatic transmission, the rider need only operate
one control, the brake, when stopping the vehicle.
A torque converter can accomplish this because it
is a fluid coupling, rather than a solid coupling. At low engine
speeds, the torque converter can slip internally, which allows the
engine to spin independently of the transmission. As a result, the
engine of the stopped vehicle is allowed to run at an idle while
the transmission is in gear. When it's time to roll, the rider
simply opens the throttle to increase engine speed, and the torque
converter then transfers power to the transmission to make the
vehicle move.
How is this accomplished?
Picture in your mind a pair of electric fans facing each other.
Turn on one fan, and the blowing air creates enough force to spin
the blades of the second fan-power is transferred. In a similar
fashion, a torque converter incorporates a driven impeller to pump
a fluid that drives the turbine portion of the torque converter.
The driven turbine, in turn, then powers the transmission.
In the Rincon, the engine output shaft drives the
torque converter's impeller, which uses fins to pump fluid-in this
case, engine oil. As this fluid drives the vanes of the torque
converter's turbine, the spinning turbine then powers the automatic
transmission to propel the vehicle. The Rincon's automatic
transmission employs three hydraulic clutches and an electronic
control unit (ECU) that automatically selects one of three forward
gears (or reverse if reverse is engaged). The ECU monitors throttle
opening, vehicle speed, engine speed, gear selector position (if
engaged), brake application and engine oil temperature, and
processes this information to select the correct drive gear for the
appropriate conditions.
The other key component within a torque converter is the stator,
which redirects fluid flow within the torque converter to create
torque multiplication. This occurs when the engine is spinning much
faster than the transmission, i.e. when the rider quickly opens the
throttle from a standing start--just the time that more pulling
power is needed!
The automotive world has
been graced with torque converters and automatic transmissions for
decades. But it took the creative minds at Honda to adapt this
proven technology for the ATV market and apply these innovative
solutions on a whole new, smaller scale. At Honda, elegance in
engineering takes on many forms, but it's always for the same goal:
Customer satisfaction.
i have 03 rincon and it wants to downshift everytime i let off the gas, it will then pop out of gear and a few moments later downshift, also bike can have hard time going into 2nd gear, is this normal? how can i tell if torque converter is going bad? thanks chris
Phil / Leesburg, FL, UNITED STATES
Posted May 03 2008 07:59PM
I have a 2003 rincon. 1600 miles and suddenly will not go over 15 mph. Starts and runs ok but will not get up and go as it use to. No other problems.?? Thanks Phil
heath lavalle / perry, FL, UNITED STATES
Posted Jan 09 2009 01:49PM
I have a 03 ricon with 3300 miles and right when you crank up it does not want to go until the motor has warmed up. the motor runs fine think it is in the trans. Also it seems third never has any power gains speed very slowly. What is my problem?
heath lavalle / perry, FL, UNITED STATES
Posted Jan 09 2009 01:49PM
I have a 03 ricon with 3300 miles and right when you crank up it does not want to go until the motor has warmed up. the motor runs fine think it is in the trans. Also it seems third never has any power gains speed very slowly. What is my problem?
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