Hydrokinetic torque converter

US6273226A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Rudolf Honemann · Ottersweier, DE
• Thomas Heck · Wooster, US
• Steven Olsen · Bühl, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 11, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 14, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 11, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/49
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved apparatus and method for assembly of a hydrokinetic torque converter which comprises a hydraulic pump, a turbine, a stator, a driven hub, and a housing that is driven by the output element of an engine of a motor vehicle, and which functions to transmit torque to the hydraulic pump is disclosed. In such a torque converter the housing is coaxial with the pump and the turbine, and further defines an interior chamber, which encloses the turbine as well as a bypass or lockup clutch cooperating with a torsion damper having an input member and an output member. The present invention provides a positive interlocking connection between the output member of the torsion damper and the driven hub of the turbine by forming a circumferential array of staked protuberances in the driven hub to compressively engage a mating circumferential serration formed in the output member to prevent axial rotation thereof Thus, the inherently complex manufacturing processes required to form the internal and external splines conventionally utilized to interlock such components are eliminated thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the torque converter. In addition, other components of the torqu…