Hydrodynamic torque converter

Details Hydrodynamic torque converter Hydrodynamic torque converter

1999-08-20

2001-02-27

Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)

192 clutches and power-stop control

Vortex-flow drive and clutch

Including drive-lockup clutch

C192S070200

Reexamination Certificate

active

06193037

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter with a turbine wheel and a converter lockup clutch accommodated in a housing, the converter lockup clutch having a piston which can be axially displaced on a hub, a clutch disk secured to the hub in such a way that it cannot rotate relative to the hub, and friction linings on the radially outer portion of the clutch disk. The radially outer part of the input section of the clutch disk is provided with friction linings, and the radially inner part of the output section of the clutch disk is connected to the hub by an internal gear.
Within the housing, hydrodynamic torque converters of such type normally have a pump wheel connected to the housing in such a way that it cannot rotate relative to the housing, and a stator between the turbine wheel and the pump wheel. The piston is normally connected to the hub so that it cannot rotate or can be rotated relative to the hub within a predetermined damper angle range. Torque converters of such type are known, for example, from DE 37 22 860 or DE 44 31 640. Rattling noises, which are generated by the engine-transmission unit when the vehicle is in use, develop due to the large rotary masses of the piston, especially when the combustion engine is idling.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a hydrodynamic torque converter with lockup clutch which exhibits acoustic characteristics superior to those of conventional torque converters, especially when the engine is idling, and which can be produced at a lower cost. Another object of the invention is to provide a torque converter which requires a small amount of space for installation, especially in the axial direction.
A further object of the invention is to simplify the making of torque converters and to reduce the number of component parts present in the hydrodynamic torque converter, thus achieving a more economical manufacture of such aggregates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, this is accomplished in a hydrodynamic torque converter by attaching to the housing an axially movable lamina so that it cannot turn relative to the housing and is installed in an axial position between the radially outer marginal zone of the piston, which latter is mounted in such a way that it can turn freely on the hub, and the friction linings of the clutch disk.
It is particularly advantageous if the piston can turn freely on the hub and is separated from the torque transmitting path. The piston performs the sole function of building up pressure and biasing the lamina and the friction linings which are disposed between the lamina and the complementary friction surface.
It is advantageous if the lamina assumes the shape of an essentially annular element. It is desirable for the lamina to be manufactured as a shaped sheet metal component or a stamping.
It is further desirable to non-rotatably connect the lamina to the housing.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the lamina has a gear which is on its radially outer marginal portion and mates with an internal gear machined into the housing of the torque converter.
It is also desirable to provide the lamina with a toothed radially outer portion, a radially inner portion extending in a radial direction, and an angular portion disposed between the inner and outer portions and extending both in a radial and in an axial direction.
It is equally desirable if the radially inner marginal portion of the lamina is radially within a radially inner marginal portion of a friction lining.
It is particularly advantageous if the radially inner marginal portion of the lamina is located radially outwardly of a damper of the clutch disk.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4177885 (1979-12-01), Ross
patent: 4785924 (1988-11-01), Jackel
patent: 5211270 (1993-05-01), Tamura et al.
patent: 5337867 (1994-08-01), Kirkwood
patent: 5718311 (1998-02-01), Victoria et al.
patent: 5918713 (1999-07-01), Shimizu et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Hydrodynamic torque converter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Hydrodynamic torque converter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydrodynamic torque converter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2590040