Torque converter with hydrodynamic thrust bearing

Abstract

Torque converter (10) which includes: a rotation axis (A); a stator assembly (26, 226) comprising a side plate (36, 236) with a first radial surface and a thickness (t); a turbine (20) containing a plurality of blades (79); an impeller (18) comprising a plurality of blades (81) and an impeller housing (16) with a second radial surface facing the first radial surface of the side plate (36, 236); a hydrodynamic thrust bearing (50, 250) arranged between the stator side plate (36, 236) and the impeller housing (16) and comprising: a pressure surface (52, 252) facing the first radial surface or the second radial surface, with a fluid channel in between; a bearing surface (54, 254) which is opposite the pressure surface (52, 252) and faces the other radial surface, the first radial surface or the second radial surface; an inner circumferential surface (56, 256) that defines an opening concentric to the axis of rotation (A); an outer circumferential surface (58, 258); and an axial retaining means (60) for attachment to the stator side plate (26, 236) or the impeller (18), comprising at least two elastic tongues (60), each tongue comprising: a bendable section (262); a lockable section (264); and an axial section (266) with a first width (w2) connecting the bendable section (262) and the lockable section (264), wherein the bendable section (264) also serves as a lockable section (264), and wherein the axial section (266) with a width (w2) connects the bendable section (264) to the radial surface (254).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to torque converters and in particular to the axial holding of hydrodynamic thrust bearings or intermediate disks between stator side plates and impellers in torque converters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] US Patent No. 8,453,439 B2, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a torque converter which includes an intermediate disk for a thrust bearing.

[0003] US patent application US 2015 / 0184701A1, filed on December 11, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a torque converter which includes a stator thrust bearing.

[0004] Publication US 5 277 500 A shows a hydrodynamic thrust bearing in an electric motor with a radial pressure surface, a second radial surface opposite the radial pressure surface, and anti-rotation pins.

[0005] Documents DE 10 2012 213 012 A1 and DE 10 2011 085 884 A1 disclose hydrodynamic torque converters.

[0006] The object of the invention is to further develop the known torque converters and to improve them with regard to their bearings. SUMMARY

[0007] Exemplary aspects include a provided torque converter. The torque converter comprises: a rotating axis; a stator assembly comprising a side plate with a first radial surface and thickness; a turbine comprising a plurality of blades; an impeller comprising a plurality of blades and an impeller housing comprising a second radial surface facing the first radial surface of the side plate; a hydrodynamic thrust bearing arranged between the stator side plate and the impeller housing, comprising: a pressure surface facing either the first radial surface or the second radial surface, with a fluid channel between them; a bearing surface opposite the pressure surface and facing either the other radial surface, the first or the second radial surface; an inner circumferential surface defining an opening concentric with the rotating axis; and an outer circumferential surface.and an axial retaining means attached to the stator side plate or the impeller, comprising at least two elastic tongues, each tongue comprising: a bendable section; a lockable section; and an axial section with a first width connecting the bendable section to the lockable section, the bendable section also serving as a lockable section, and the axial section with a width connecting the bendable section to the radial surface.

[0008] Other exemplary aspects generally include a torque converter comprising: an axis of rotation; a turbine with a plurality of blades; an impeller comprising: a plurality of blades; and an impeller casing comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, and a thickness between the two; an impeller collar forming an opening concentric to the axis of rotation and comprising: a first circumferential surface with a first width at most equal to the thickness; a second circumferential surface arranged radially and axially outside the first circumferential surface; and a first radial surface connecting the first and second circumferential surfaces; a stator assembly arranged between the turbine and the impeller; a hydrodynamic thrust bearing arranged between the stator assembly and the impeller casing, comprising: a pressure surface facing the stator assembly with a fluid channel between them;a bearing surface opposite the pressure surface and facing the inner surface of the impeller; and an axial retaining means for attachment to the collar of the impeller housing, comprising at least two elastic tongues, each tongue comprising: a bendable section; a lockable section; and an axial section with a second width connecting the bendable section to the lockable section, the second width being at least equal to the first width.

[0009] Other exemplary aspects generally include a hydrodynamic thrust bearing assembly for a torque converter, comprising: a stator side plate; and the aforementioned hydrodynamic thrust bearing attached to the stator side plate or impeller.

[0010] Other exemplary aspects generally include a stator assembly comprising: a pivot axis; a stator containing a plurality of blades; a freewheel clutch; a stator side plate for holding the freewheel clutch in position within the stator assembly; and the aforementioned hydrodynamic thrust bearing, located between the stator side plate and the impeller, and attached to the stator side plate or the impeller.

[0011] According to one exemplary aspect, the bearing surface of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing according to one of the above paragraphs further includes at least two axially protruding anti-rotation pins which, in the assembled state, prevent relative movement with respect to a stator assembly or impeller.

[0012] According to one exemplary aspect, the pressure surface of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing, as described in one of the paragraphs above, further includes grooves extending from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface.

[0013] According to one exemplary aspect, in the torque converter according to one of the above paragraphs, the stator side plate also contains a recess for receiving the axial retaining means of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing.

[0014] As an example, the aforementioned stator side plate also contains holes for receiving the rotation-inhibiting pins.

[0015] According to one exemplary aspect, the width of the axial section of the aforementioned hydrodynamic thrust bearing is at least equal to the thickness of the stator side plate. According to another exemplary aspect, the stator side plate further comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter. According to another exemplary aspect, the stator side plate further comprises tongues on the inner diameter and / or the outer diameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The nature and functioning of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: Fig. 1 A lateral partial cross-sectional view of a torque converter is illustrated according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. 2 A lateral partial cross-sectional view of a stator assembly for a torque converter is illustrated according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. 3A illustrates a top view of an assembly containing a hydrodynamic thrust bearing attached to a side plate for use between an impeller and a stator according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. Figure 3B illustrates a top view of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing of Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of an axial retention feature incorporated in the hydrodynamic thrust bearing according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. 3D is a partial cross-sectional view of the axial retention feature of the thrust bearing, which fits a side plate according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. 3E is a partial cross-sectional view of a rotation-inhibiting feature incorporated in the hydrodynamic thrust bearing according to an exemplary aspect; and Fig. 3F is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotation-inhibiting feature of the thrust bearing that fits a hole in the side plate according to an exemplary aspect. Fig. 4A illustrates a top view of a side panel according to an exemplary aspect, and Fig. Figure 4B illustrates a top view of a partial cross-sectional view of a side panel in Fig. 4A, which contains a tongue; Fig. Figure 5A illustrates a top view of a hydrodynamic pressure disk according to an alternative embodiment with a rotation-inhibiting feature and an axial retention feature, both of which are contained in tongues according to an exemplary aspect, and Fig. Figure 5B illustrates a partial view of a tongue of the side plate, which leads to the hydrodynamic pressure plate of Fig. 5A fits; Fig. Figure 6A illustrates a rear view of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing according to an alternative embodiment with axial retention features, which are shown in the partial cross-sectional view of Figure 6A. Fig. 6B are shown, and rotation-inhibiting features, which are shown in the partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 6C are shown according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. Figure 7A illustrates a top view of a side plate belonging to the hydrodynamic thrust bearing of the Fig. 6A to 6C fits; Fig. Figure 7B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the side panel of Fig. 7A according to an exemplary aspect; and Fig. Figure 7C illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of a stator assembly, which includes the thrust bearing of Fig. 6A and the axial mounting feature of Fig. 6B contains an exemplary aspect; Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a partial top view of a stator assembly of a torque converter according to another alternative embodiment, which includes a hydrodynamic thrust bearing with tongues for clamping to the inner diameter of the side plate in an alternative embodiment according to an exemplary aspect; Fig. Figure 8B illustrates anti-rotation features of the thrust bearing on the back of the thrust bearing of Fig. 8A according to an exemplary aspect; and Fig. Figure 8C illustrates a partial lateral cross-sectional view of the thrust bearing clamped to the inner diameter of the side plate; Fig. Figure 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a lateral partial cross-sectional view of a torque converter with a hydrodynamic thrust bearing according to an exemplary aspect mounted on an impeller; and Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of a stator assembly in a torque converter according to Fig. 9 according to an exemplary aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] It should be obvious from the outset that identical drawing numbers in different drawing views denote identical or functionally similar structural elements. Furthermore, it is clear that this invention is not limited to the individual embodiments, methods, materials, and modifications described herein and can therefore naturally vary. It is also clear that the terms used herein serve only to describe individual aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention, which is limited only by the accompanying claims.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as they would be understood by a person skilled in the art to whom this invention is directed. While any methods, units, or materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used to implement or test the invention, the following are examples of such methods, units, and materials.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a hydrodynamic thrust bearing that includes retaining features for securing the thrust bearing, for example, to a stator side plate or an impeller. The term "hydrodynamic thrust bearing" may interchangeably be used herein as "hydrodynamic bearing," "thrust bearing," "thrust washer," or simply "bearing" or "intermediate washer." It is obvious to those skilled in the art that in some types of torque converters, particularly when the stator shifts towards the turbine during idling, retaining features are necessary to secure the hydrodynamic bearing and ensure that it does not fall out of the torque converter. Furthermore, anti-rotation features are required to prevent relative movement of the thrust bearing with respect to the side plate. Previous solutions, such as notching the hydrodynamic bearing to the stator side plate, are undesirable.Notching requires appropriate tools and a controlled notching force to ensure that the hydrodynamic bearing in the torque converter does not fall out.

[0020] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the disclosed bearing can be integrated into a side plate for holding a stator (which is interchangeably referred to herein as the stator side plate) or otherwise attached to it, or alternatively mounted on an impeller. According to one exemplary aspect, the bearing is attached to the stator side plate using snap-in features integrated into the bearing or by other methods known to those skilled in the art. Without considering theoretical aspects, it is assumed that the generation of a pressure wave in the hydrodynamic bearing disclosed herein involves a fluid adhering to the bearing surface, which is drawn into a narrow, tapered gap by strong shear forces, whereupon a high pressure builds up in the fluid film, causing the fluid to escape through the narrow gap between the bearing's pressure surface and the counter surface.Advantageously, the bearing maintains at least a region of hydrodynamic pressure on the bearing surface, preventing the bearing surface from touching the opposing surface, for example, the inner surface of the impeller according to one exemplary aspect, or the side plate according to another aspect.

[0021] The following description refers to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10. According to one example, the hydrodynamic thrust bearing can be formed by processes known in engineering, such as injection molding, machining, or profile extrusion (which are not to be understood as restrictions). The hydrodynamic bearing is flexible and made of plastic or another suitable material, for example, with good mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and sufficient flexibility. According to one example, the hydrodynamic bearing is made of polyamide-imide (PAI). According to another example, a polyamide-imide such as Torlon® is used. According to another example (not to be understood as restrictions), the hydrodynamic bearing is made of Torlon® 4275. According to another example (not to be understood as restrictions), the hydrodynamic bearing is made of Torlon® 4301.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of a torque converter incorporating a hydrodynamic thrust bearing according to an exemplary aspect. The torque converter 10 includes a front cover 12, which is connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine by a journal 11, and a rear cover 16 for an impeller 18, which is interchangeably referred to herein as the impeller housing. Impellers are also interchangeably referred to as "pumps" in the art. The front cover 12 and the rear cover 16 are connected to each other by a weld 14. The cover 12 is attached to the cover guide 88. The torque converter 10 also includes a turbine 20, a turbine housing 22, and a stator 26 arranged between the turbine 20 and the impeller 18. It is known in the art that turbines and impellers contain a plurality of blades 79 and 81, respectively. Fig. 1 is optionally a friction material 24 arranged between the turbine housing 22 and the impeller housing 16.

[0023] The torque converter 10 includes a freewheel clutch 28, which holds the stator 26 and comprises, for example, an inner race 90, rolling elements 92, an outer race 94, and (not shown) springs. Alternatively, the freewheel clutch 28 can, for example, comprise an inner race and a rocker arm known in the art. A centering disk 30 holds the freewheel clutch 28 in its position within the stator 26. The stator 26, which is also referred to interchangeably herein as the stator assembly 26, comprises a lower part 32 and a thrust bearing 50 adjacent to the lower part 32, the thrust bearing surface being designed according to Fig. The thrust bearing surface 52 faces the impeller housing 16. The thrust bearing surface is interchangeably referred to herein as the pressure surface, first bearing surface, or surface of high hydrodynamic pressure. The bearing surface 52 is shaped to carry a hydrodynamic film that prevents the bearing surface 52 from contacting the impeller housing 16. More precisely, the thrust bearing surface 52 faces the axial inner surface 35 of the radially extending section 37 of the impeller housing 16, which is located between the rounded or torus section 39, which holds the blades 81 of the impeller 18, and the hub 84 of the impeller 18. Alternatively, the thrust bearing surface faces the lower part 32 of the stator, so that a hydrodynamic film is maintained that prevents the bearing surface 52 from contacting the stator assembly according to another exemplary aspect.The torque converter 10 also includes a damper assembly 40, which is connected to and driven by the turbine 20 and is located between the turbine 20 and the front cover 12. The damper assembly 40 comprises a spring 42, a flange 46, and a drive tongue 44 attached to the turbine housing 22.

[0024] The torque converter 10 contains a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50, which, with reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 is described in detail. Fig. The torque converter 10 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a turbine hub 80 attached to the flange 46, a bearing 86, and a flange hub 82. The hub 80 is sealed against the flange hub 82. The flange hub 82 engages with a tooth profile 78 in a stator shaft (not shown). The torque converter 10 includes a rotational axis A, which is also simply referred to as axis A.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the stator assembly 26 in a torque converter according to an exemplary aspect. According to this exemplary aspect, the stator assembly 26 includes a freewheel clutch with a rocker arm 96 and an inner race 90. Furthermore, the stator assembly 26 includes a recess 28, a tooth profile 78, a side plate 36, a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50, and a pivot axis A. The recess 27 provides space for receiving an axial retaining element 60 of the bearing 50 so that it fits into the stator assembly 26. The bearing 50 includes a pressure surface 52 and a bearing surface 54, which faces the radial surface 31 of the side plate.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3A illustrates a top view of a stator assembly comprising a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 mounted on the side plate 36, arranged between an impeller and a stator according to an exemplary aspect. The stator assembly 26 includes a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 with a first radial pressure surface 52 and a second radial surface 54 opposite the first radial pressure surface 52. The bearing 50 further comprises an inner circumferential surface 56 and an outer circumferential surface 58 and at least two elastic tongues 60. The stator assembly 26 also includes a side plate 36 and an inner race 90 with a tooth profile 78. Fig. Figure 3B illustrates a top view of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50. Fig. 3A with a first radial pressure surface 52, a second radial surface 54, an inner circumferential surface 56, an outer circumferential surface 58, and elastic tongues 60. The elastic tongues 60 are interchangeably referred to herein as axial retaining means 60. The elastic tongues 60 are arranged radially outside the outer circumferential surface 58 according to an aspect that is not to be considered a limitation. Alternatively, a connection can be made between the inner circumferential surface 56 and the outer circumferential surface 58 (see Fig. 3E) or arranged radially within a rotation-locking means with respect to the inner circumferential surface 56. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 further comprises rotation-locking pins 70 that project from the second radial surface 54 and are arranged radially between the inner circumferential surface 56 and the outer circumferential surface 58. The rotation-locking pins 70 are interchangeably referred to herein as rotation-locking features 70. Alternatively, rotation-locking features 70, 170 can be integrated within the axial retaining features 60, 160, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 5A can be seen.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of an axial retaining feature integrated into the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 according to an exemplary aspect, comprising an elastic tongue 60 with a first radial pressure surface 52, a second radial pressure surface 54, a bendable section 62 which is a radially extending section, a lockable section 64 and an axial section 66 with a width w1 connecting the bendable section 62 to the lockable section 64. Fig. Figure 3D is a partial cross-sectional view of the stator assembly 26, which includes a thrust bearing 50 with an elastic tongue 60 as a retaining element that fits the side plate 36 with a thickness t according to an exemplary aspect. The width w1 of the axial section 66 is at least equal to the thickness t of the side plate 36. The side plate 36 is adjacent to the stator lower part 32.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3E is a partial cross-sectional view of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 incorporating a rotation-inhibiting feature 70, interchangeably referred to herein as anti-rotation pins 70. The pins 70 may be round, square, or irregularly shaped, provided they fit into holes in the side plate 36 so that the bearing 50 does not rotate with respect to the side plate according to one exemplary aspect. Alternatively, if the bearing 50 is mounted, for example, on an impeller, the bearing incorporates anti-rotation pins 70 that fit into suitably shaped recesses within the inner surface of the impeller. Fig. 3F is a partial cross-sectional view showing a rotation-inhibiting feature 70 of the thrust bearing 50, which fits into a hole 38 of the side plate 36 according to an exemplary aspect.

[0029] The Fig. Figures 1 to 4B show a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 for the torque converter 10 according to an exemplary aspect, comprising a rotation axis A, a first radial pressure surface 52, and a second radial surface 54 opposite the first radial pressure surface 52, and including at least two axially projecting anti-rotation pins 70 to prevent relative movement with respect to a stator assembly or an impeller when assembled. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 further comprises an inner circumferential surface 56 defining an opening 48 concentric with respect to the rotation axis A, an outer circumferential surface 58, and an axial retaining means 60 that is attached either to a stator assembly or to an impeller.The axial retaining means 60 comprises at least two elastic tongues 60, each tongue comprising a bendable section 62 extending in a radial direction inwards towards the opening 48, a lockable section 64 and an axial section 66 with a width w1 connecting the bendable section 62 and the lockable section 64.

[0030] According to one exemplary aspect, the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 is part of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing assembly for a torque converter, which includes a stator side plate 36, wherein the hydrodynamic thrust bearing is attached to the side plate 36 of the stator or, according to another exemplary aspect, to an impeller. According to another aspect, the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 is part of a stator assembly 26, which includes a pivot axis A, the stator with a lower part 32 and a plurality of blades, a freewheel clutch 28, and a stator side plate 36 that holds the freewheel clutch 28 in its position within the stator assembly 26; wherein the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 is arranged between the stator side plate 36 and the impeller 18 and is attached to the stator side plate 36 or, according to yet another exemplary aspect, to the impeller 18.According to one exemplary aspect, the width w1 of the axial section 66 is at least equal to the thickness t of the stator side plate 36. According to another exemplary aspect, the pressure surface 52 of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 further includes grooves 49 extending from the inner circumferential surface 56 to the outer circumferential surface 58. According to another exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 36 further includes a recess 27 for receiving an axial retaining element 60 and a profiled section 36a for centering the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50.

[0031] According to an exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 36 also contains holes 38 for receiving the rotation-inhibiting pins 70 of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50. Fig. Figure 4A illustrates a top view of the side plate 36, which includes holes 38 that align with the anti-rotation features 70 of the hydrodynamic bearing 50, and rigid tongues 41 that align with the axial retention features 60 of the hydrodynamic bearing 50. The side plate 36 includes recesses 43 for improved manufacturability and assembly and can therefore vary in shape and size. Fig. Figure 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a top view of side plate 36 of Fig. 4A with rigid tongues 41 and recesses 43. The elastic tongues 60 of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 engage in the rigid tongues 41 of the side plate 36. According to one exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 36 further comprises an inner diameter 33 and an outer diameter 34. According to one exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 36 further comprises tongues 41 which are arranged as in Fig. 4A extends radially outwards from the outer diameter 34 or from the inner diameter 33 according to other exemplary aspects or from both diameters according to yet other exemplary aspects.

[0032] According to one exemplary aspect, the torque converter comprises 10 according to the Fig. 1 to 4B, a rotary axis A, a stator assembly 26 comprising a side plate 36 with a radial surface 31 and a thickness t, a turbine 20 comprising a plurality of blades 79, an impeller 18 comprising a plurality of blades 81, and an impeller housing 16 with a radial surface 35 facing the radial surface 31 of the stator side plate. Furthermore, the torque converter 10 comprises a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 arranged between the stator side plate 36 and the impeller housing 16, the thrust bearing 50 comprising a pressure surface 52 facing the radial surface 31 of the stator side plate 36 or the radial surface 35 of the impeller 18, with a fluid channel between them. In the example of Fig. 1. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 has a pressure surface 52 facing the radial surface 35 of the impeller housing. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 includes a bearing surface 54 opposite the pressure surface 52. The bearing surface 54 faces either the first radial surface 31 or the second radial surface 35. In the example of Fig. 2 The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 has a bearing surface 54 facing the radial surface 31 of the stator side plate. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 includes an inner circumferential surface 56 defining an opening 48 concentric with the axis of rotation A, an outer circumferential surface 58, and an axial retaining means 60 for attachment to a stator assembly or impeller. The axial retaining means 60 comprises at least two elastic tongues 60, each tongue comprising a bendable section 62 extending radially towards the opening 48, a lockable section 64, and an axial section 66 with a width w1 connecting the bendable section 62 and the lockable section 64. By way of example, the width w1 of the axial section 66 is at least equal to the thickness t of the stator side plate 36.

[0033] According to one exemplary aspect, the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 of the torque converter 10 further comprises at least two axially projecting anti-rotation pins 70 to prevent relative movement with respect to the stator assembly 26 or the impeller 18 in the assembled state. According to one exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 36 further comprises holes 38 for receiving the anti-rotation pins 70 of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50. According to one exemplary aspect, the pressure surface of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50 further comprises grooves 49 extending from the inner circumferential surface 56 to the outer circumferential surface 58. According to one exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 36 further comprises a profiled section 36a for centering the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 50.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5A illustrates a top view of a hydrodynamic pressure disk according to an alternative embodiment with anti-rotation features and axial retention features, both of which are incorporated into tongues according to an exemplary aspect. Fig. Figure 5A illustrates a top view of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 150, which has a first radial pressure surface 152, a second radial pressure surface 154, an inner circumferential surface 156, an outer circumferential surface 158, and elastic tongues 160. The elastic tongues 160 also include anti-rotation pins 170 that project from the second radial surface 154. Fig. Figure 5B illustrates a partial view of the side plate 136 with rigid tongues 141 containing a notch 143 that aligns with the hydrodynamic pressure plate 150. Fig. 5A fits together.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6A illustrates a rear view of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 250 according to an alternative embodiment, which has a radial surface 254, a pressure surface 252 (opposite the radial surface 254), an inner circumferential surface 256, an outer circumferential surface 258, and at least two elastic tongues 260. The partial cross-sectional view of Fig. The elastic tongues 270 shown in Figure 6B, according to an exemplary aspect, include a bendable section 264, which also serves as a locking section, and an axial section 266 with a width w2, which connects the bendable section 264 to the radial surface 254. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 250 further includes at least two rotation-resistant features 270, which are shown in the partial cross-sectional view of Figure 6B. Fig. Figure 6C shows axial holding features 260 and rotation-inhibiting features 270 arranged radially between the inner circumferential surface 256 and the outer circumferential surface 258.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7A illustrates a top view of a side plate belonging to the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 250 of the Fig. 6A to 6C fits. Fig. Figure 7A shows a side plate 236 with holes 238 into which the axial retention features 260 or the rotation-resistant features 270 of the hydrodynamic bearing 250 fit. The holes 238 have a diameter d1. The side plate 236 includes snap-in sections 241 with a diameter d2 and a radial section 243. The side plate 236 also includes recesses 237 for improved manufacturability and assembly, as well as tongues 239 for alignment during assembly. According to one exemplary aspect, the diameter d2 is at least equal to the diameter d1. More precisely, the diameter d2 is larger than the diameter d1. According to another exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 236 also includes a profiled section 236a for centering the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 250. Fig. Figure 7B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the side panel of Fig. 7A according to an exemplary aspect to better illustrate how the snap-in section and the axial retention features 260 of the bearing 250 fit together. The side plate 236 includes holes 238 with a diameter d1, a radial section 243 with a width w3, and a snap-in section 241 with a diameter d2. Fig. Figure 7C illustrates a lateral partial cross-sectional view of a stator assembly 226, which includes the thrust bearing 250. Fig. 6A and the axial holding feature of Fig. 6C contains, according to one exemplary aspect, the bendable section 264 bends so that the radial section 243, with a width w3, fits into the axial section 266, with a width w2. The width w2 is at least equal to the width w3; according to some exemplary aspects, the width w2 is greater than the width w3. The anti-rotation feature 230 fits easily into the hole 238, with diameter d1.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a section of the top view of the stator assembly 326 of a torque converter, which includes a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 350 with axial retaining features 360 for clamping to the inner diameter 333 of the side plate in an alternative embodiment according to an exemplary aspect. The stator assembly 326 includes a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 350 having a pressure surface 352, an inner circumferential surface 356, an outer circumferential surface 358, and axial retaining features 360 arranged radially inside the inner circumferential surface 356. The stator assembly 326 also includes a side plate 336 with an inner diameter 333. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 350 is concentric with the stator assembly 326 and the axis of rotation A. Axial retaining features 360 engage in the inner diameter 333 of the side plate. Fig. Figure 8B illustrates rotation-inhibiting features 370 of the thrust bearing which protrude from the counter surface 354 of the thrust bearing 350 between the inner circumferential surface 356 and the outer circumferential surface 358 according to an exemplary aspect. Fig. Figure 8C illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of the thrust bearing 350, which is clamped or snapped onto the side plate 336 with an inner diameter 333. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 350 includes an axial retaining feature 360 ​​with a radial section 362, a locking section 364, and an axial section 366. The locking section 364 is snapped onto the side plate 336.

[0038] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a side partial cross-sectional view of a torque converter, wherein a hydrodynamic thrust bearing is attached to an impeller according to an exemplary aspect. The torque converter 410 comprises a front cover 412, which is connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine by a journal 411, and a rear cover 416 for an impeller 418. The front cover 412 and the rear cover 416 are rigidly connected to each other by a weld 414. The cover 412 is attached to a cover guide 488. The torque converter 410 also comprises a turbine 420, a turbine housing 422, and a stator 426 between the turbine 420 and the impeller 418. It is known in the art that turbines and impellers contain a plurality of blades. The impeller 418 is attached to an impeller hub 484 by a weld 496.

[0039] The torque converter 410 includes a freewheel clutch 428, which holds the stator 426 and contains, for example, an inner race 490, rolling elements 492, an outer race 494, and (not shown) springs. Alternatively, the freewheel clutch 428 can, for example, contain an inner race and a rocker arm known in engineering. The stator 426, which is also referred to interchangeably herein as the stator assembly 426, includes a lower part 432 and a thrust bearing 450 adjacent to the lower part 432, with a thrust bearing surface 452 that is connected to the side plate 436 and the stator lower part 432. Fig. The thrust bearing surface 452 is shaped to maintain a hydrodynamic film that prevents the bearing surface 452 from contacting the side plate 436. The opposite bearing surface 454 faces the impeller housing 416, in particular the radial section 437 of the impeller housing. The torque converter 410 also includes a damper assembly 440, which is connected to and driven by the turbine 420 and is located between the turbine 420 and the front cover 412. The damper assembly 440 includes a spring 442, a flange 446, and a drive tongue 444 attached to the turbine housing 422.

[0040] The in Fig. The torque converter 410 shown in Figure 9 further includes a cover plate 447, which is attached to the flange 446 and the turbine housing 422. A bushing 430 positions the turbine housing 422 on the drive shaft 482 of the gearbox and seals it at least partially. A flange hub 481 holds the flange 446 and the cover plate 447, seals them at least partially, and engages the drive shaft 480 of the gearbox via a tooth profile 476. The inner bearing ring 490 engages the stator shaft 482 via a tooth profile 478. The torque converter 410 includes a rotary axis A, which is also simply referred to as axis A.

[0041] Fig.Figure 10 illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of the stator assembly 426 in the torque converter 410 according to an exemplary aspect. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 450 comprises a radial pressure surface 452, an opposing radial surface 454, an inner circumferential surface 456, an outer circumferential surface 458, and an axial retention feature 460, which is attached to or snapped onto the impeller housing 416 and includes a radial collar section 435. The axial retention feature 460 includes a bendable section 462, a lockable section 464, and an axial section 466 with a width 465, which connects the bendable section 462 to the lockable section 464. A fluid channel is formed between the pressure surface 452 and the side plate 436.

[0042] According to an exemplary aspect, the torque converter 410 comprises a rotational axis A, a turbine with a plurality of blades 479, an impeller 418 with a plurality of blades 481, and an impeller housing 416, which includes an inner surface 437, an outer surface 439, and a thickness t2 between the two. The impeller housing 416 further includes an impeller collar 435, which forms an opening 433 concentric with respect to the rotational axis A, wherein the collar 435 includes a first circumferential surface 441 with a width w4 which is at most equal to the thickness t2, a second circumferential surface 443 which is arranged radially and axially outside the first circumferential surface 441, and a first radial surface 445 which connects the first and second circumferential surfaces 441 and 443, respectively.Furthermore, the torque converter 410 comprises a stator assembly 426, which is arranged between the turbine 420 and the impeller 418, and includes a hydrodynamic thrust bearing 450 arranged between the stator assembly 426 and the impeller housing 416. The hydrodynamic thrust bearing 450 comprises a pressure surface 452, which faces the stator assembly 426 with a fluid channel between them, a bearing surface 454, which is opposite the pressure surface 452 and faces the inner surface 437 of the impeller, and an axial retaining means 460 for attachment to the collar 425 of the impeller housing. The axial retaining means 460 comprises at least two elastic tongues, each tongue comprising a bendable section 462, a lockable section 464 and an axial section 466 with a width 465 connecting the bendable section 462 and the lockable section 464, the width 465 being at least equal to the width w4.According to other exemplary aspects, the width 465 is greater than the width w4.

[0043] According to other exemplary aspects, the bearing surface 454 of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 450 of the torque converter 410 further comprises at least two axially projecting anti-rotation pins 470 to prevent relative movement with respect to the impeller 418 in the assembled state. According to one exemplary aspect, the pressure surface 452 of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 450 further comprises grooves extending from the inner circumferential surface 456 to the outer circumferential surface 458. According to one exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 436 further comprises a profiled section for centering the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 450. According to one exemplary aspect, the stator side plate 436 further comprises holes for receiving anti-rotation pins 470. According to one exemplary aspect, a width 456 of the axial section is at least equal to the thickness w4 of the impeller collar.

[0044] Changes and modifications to the above examples of the invention should, of course, be obvious to a person skilled in the art, without altering the essential nature or scope of protection of the claimed invention. Although the invention is described with reference to certain preferred and / or exemplary embodiments, it is clear that changes can be made to these without altering the scope of protection or the essential nature of the claimed invention.

Claims

[1] Torque converter (10) comprising: a rotation axis (A); a stator assembly (26, 226) comprising a side plate (36, 236) with a first radial surface and a thickness (t); a turbine (20) containing a plurality of blades (79); an impeller (18) comprising a plurality of blades (81) and an impeller housing (16) with a second radial surface facing the first radial surface of the side plate (36, 236); a hydrodynamic thrust bearing (50, 250) arranged between the stator side plate (36, 236) and the impeller housing (16) and comprising: a pressure surface (52, 252) facing the first radial surface or the second radial surface, with a fluid channel in between; a bearing surface (54, 254) which is opposite the pressure surface (52, 252) and faces the other radial surface, the first radial surface or the second radial surface; an inner circumferential surface (56, 256) that defines an opening concentric to the axis of rotation (A); an outer circumferential surface (58, 258); and an axial retaining means (60) for attachment to the stator side plate (26, 236) or the impeller (18), comprising at least two elastic tongues (60), each tongue comprising: a bendable section (262); a lockable section (264); and an axial section (266) with a first width (w2) connecting the bendable section (262) and the lockable section (264), wherein the bendable section (264) also serves as a lockable section (264), and wherein the axial section (266) with a width (w2) connects the bendable section (264) to the radial surface (254). [2] Torque converter (10) comprising: a rotation axis (A); a turbine (20, 430) with a plurality of blades (79, 479); a wheel (18, 418) with: a large number of shovels (81, 481); and a wheel housing (16, 416) containing: an inner surface (437), an outer surface (439) and a thickness (t2) between the two; a wheel collar (435) which forms and contains an opening (433) concentric to the axis of rotation (A): a first circumferential surface (441) with a first width (w4) which is at most equal to the thickness (t2); a second circumferential surface (443) which is arranged radially and axially outside the first circumferential surface (441); and a first radial surface (445) connecting the first and second circumferential surfaces (441, 443); a stator assembly (26, 426) arranged between the turbine (20, 420) and the impeller (18, 418); a hydrodynamic thrust bearing (450) arranged between the stator assembly (26, 426) and the impeller housing (16, 416) and comprising: a pressure surface (452) facing the stator assembly (26, 226) with a fluid channel in between; a bearing surface (454) which is opposite the pressure surface (452) and faces the inner surface (437) of the impeller (18, 418); and an axial retaining means (60, 460) for attachment to the collar (435) of the impeller housing (16, 416), comprising at least two elastic tongues, each tongue comprising: a bendable section (462); a lockable section (464); and an axial section (466) with a second width (465) connecting the bendable section (462) and the lockable section (464), wherein the second width (465) is at least equal to the first width (w4). [3] Torque converter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bearing surface (54, 254) of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing (50, 250) further comprises at least two axially protruding anti-rotation pins (70, 470) to prevent relative movement in the assembled state with respect to the stator assembly (26, 426) or the impeller (18, 418). [4] Torque converter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure surface (52, 252) of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing (50, 450) further comprises grooves (49) extending from the inner circumferential surface (56, 456) to the outer circumferential surface (58, 458). [5] Torque converter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stator (26, 426) further includes a recess (27) for receiving the axial holding means (60, 460) of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing (50, 450). [6] Torque converter (10) according to claim 3, wherein the stator side plate (36, 436) further includes holes (38, 438) for receiving the rotation-inhibiting pins (70, 470). [7] Torque converter (10) according to claim 1, wherein the width (w2) of the axial section (66, 266) is at least equal to the thickness of the stator side plate (36, 236).

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