Hydrodynamic torque converter

US6708804B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG · DE

Inventors

• Thorsten Krause · Laufenburg (Baden), DE
• Bruno Muller · Muhen, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: May 14, 2002
• Grant date: Mar 23, 2004
• Expiry date: May 14, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H45/02
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydrodynamic torque converter has a rotary housing which carries a pump assembly and can be driven by the output element of a prime mover in the power train of a motor vehicle, a turbine which is rotatable in the housing and has a hub mounted on the input shaft of a change-speed transmission, and a lockup clutch which, when engaged, can transmit torque from the housing directly to the turbine. The axially movable piston of the clutch is rotatable with the housing; this piston defines a first chamber with the housing and a second chamber with the turbine. The first chamber can receive pressurized hydraulic fluid to cause the piston to disengage the clutch so that the turbine can be rotated by the pump assembly by way of the body of fluid in the housing between the pump assembly and the turbine. The second chamber can receive fluid along at least one first path to engage the clutch by moving the piston toward the housing, and along at least one second path when the clutch is at least partially engaged.