Reduced cost viscous coupling by-pass element for a torque converter
US5314048A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4984
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A viscous coupling (11) is disclosed of the type used as a by-pass element in a torque converter assembly (T) including a torque converter housing (H) and an output shaft (S). The coupling includes a body member (13), a cover member (15), and an annular clutch assembly (19). The clutch assembly includes a pair of clutch plates (53 and 57), riveted to a mounting portion (37), and the coupling housing includes a housing plate (59), disposed between the clutch plates. The housing plate (59) has an outer portion (61) which is fixed between the body and cover members, by means of tabs (65) engaging the body member (13) and tabs (69) engaging the cover member (15). Preferably, the tabs (65) are received in recesses (67) to prevent relative rotation of the housing plate (59) and body member (13). Also disclosed is an assembly and fluid fill method which eliminates the need for fill holes and plugs or balls being pressed into the fill holes. The disclosed coupling requires substantially less machining than prior art viscous couplings, and therefore, has substantially reduced manufacturing cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.