Hydraulic torque converter

US6615962B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG · DE

Inventors

• Gunnar Back · Bühl, DE
• Bruno Muller · Muhen, CH
• Hubert Friedmann · Bogen, DE
• Stephan Maienschein · Baden-Baden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 9, 2003
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2045/0294
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.