Hydroformed torque converter fluid coupling member

a technology of fluid coupling and torque converter, which is applied in the direction of fluid couplings, gearings, couplings, etc., can solve problems such as adversely affecting performan

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-05-19
GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach improves torque converter efficiency by eliminating gaps and complexities in the manufacturing process, enhancing fluid flow and reducing noise through the use of hydroformed tubes, which are preferably made of low carbon steel, and allows for improved resonance control with prime numbers of tubes.

Problems solved by technology

However, the brazing process does not necessarily fill the gaps between the shells and the blades with 100 percent effectiveness, which may adversely affect performance.

Method used

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  • Hydroformed torque converter fluid coupling member
  • Hydroformed torque converter fluid coupling member
  • Hydroformed torque converter fluid coupling member

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0014] Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings in detail, numeral 10 generally indicates a hydrodynamic torque converter for use with a transmission in the drivetrain of an automotive vehicle. The torque converter 10 includes a formed outer housing 12 enclosing a lockup clutch 14 connected through a torsion damping coupling 16 with an output hub 18. Coaxial with the hub 18 is a stator hub 20 carrying a one-way clutch 22 that conventionally supports a vaned stator 24. A housing 12 also acts as an outer shell 26 for an impeller 28 forming one hydrodynamic coupling member (a / k / a fluid coupling member) of the torque converter 10. The impeller (pump) 28 conventionally includes stamped blades 30 fixed between the outer shell 26 and a stamped inner shell 31. An improved turbine 32 according to the invention forms a second hydrodynamic coupling (fluid coupling member) of the torque converter 10 and is mounted on the output hub 18, facing the impeller (pump) 28.

[0015] In operation, the ho...

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Abstract

A method of manufacturing a torque converter fluid coupling member includes forming a plurality of hollow tubes having first and second ends and connecting the plurality of tubes together side-by-side in an annular array. Fluid may be carried through each tube from the first end to the second end, thereby forming the fluid coupling member. The fluid coupling member may be a turbine or a pump of a torque converter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a torque converter fluid coupling member including a plurality of hydroformed hollow tubes connected together in an annular array to form a fluid coupling. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is known in the art to provide a hydrodynamic torque converter for an automotive transmission with fluid coupling members, including an impeller (pump) and a turbine, which together with a stator include blades defining circulation passages that transmit power from the impeller to the turbine for driving a vehicle. The passages are configured in a known manner so that engine torque delivered to the impeller is increased in the turbine when operating at lower speeds. The stator is mounted on a one-way clutch so that the stator may rotate with the fluid flow as torque multiplication is reduced and the turbine speed increases to approach the rotational speed of the impeller. [0003] Conventionally, the coupling members have been formed as ca...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F16D33/18F16H45/02
CPCF16D33/18F16H2045/0294F16H45/02F16D2250/00
InventorTURNER, GARY A.
OwnerGM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC