Torque converter with deflectable seal

US8839923B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG · DE
• Allison Transmission, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Wilbert Greathouse · Canton, US
• Richard D. Bednar · Superior, US
• John Carrier · Lodi, US
• Rashid Farahati · Copley, US
• Jeremy Vanni · Medina, US
• Brian Zaugg · Wooster, US
• Jerry Munk · Zionsville, US
• Bruce E. Fox · Indianapolis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 30, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 23, 2014
• Expiry date: Feb 8, 2032

Classification

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

Abstract

A torque converter assembly includes a cover for driving engagement with a prime mover, a piston plate including an annular surface for engaging a clutch, and a first seal disposed radially inward of the annular surface. In a lockup mode for the torque converter, the first seal blocks fluid flow through an orifice in the piston plate or between the cover and the piston plate and, in a release mode for the torque converter, the first seal is deflectable to enable a fluid flow through the orifice or between the cover and the piston plate and around the first seal. In an example embodiment, the torque converter assembly includes an apply chamber, the piston plate is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the apply chamber, and the first seal is arranged to be deflected by the fluid pressure in the apply chamber.