Torque converter with deflectable seal

US9121485B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG · DE

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: Apr 7, 2014
• Grant date: Sep 1, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2034

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 comprises: a cover for driving engagement with a prime mover; a piston plate including an annular surface for engaging a clutch; and, a sealing plate comprising a substantially radial wall arranged between the cover and the piston plate and disposed radially inward of the annular surface, wherein: in a lockup mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate blocks fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate; and, in a release mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate is deflectable to enable a fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate via a pathway between the cover and the sealing plate.