Torque converter damper assembly

Abstract

The torque converter includes a front cover arranged to receive torque. The torque converter is engaged with the front cover and further includes a lock-up clutch including a clutch plate. The torque converter further includes a damper assembly engageable with the lock-up clutch. The damper assembly includes a cover plate defining a spring retainer extending about an axis. The damper assembly further includes a spring disposed within the spring retainer. The damper assembly further includes a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate. The spring support plate includes an inner tab and an outer tab disposed radially outward of the inner tab. The outer tab is configured to radially restrain the spring within the spring retainer. The inner tab is configured to position the clutch plate relative to the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 875,576, filed on July 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure generally relates to torque converters, and more specifically, to a damper assembly for a torque converter.

Background Art

[0003] Many vehicles include a starting device between the engine and the transmission. A torque converter is a type of starting device commonly used in vehicles with an automatic transmission. A typical torque converter includes an impeller fixed to the crankshaft of the engine and a turbine fixed to the turbine shaft, which is an input to the transmission. To improve fuel efficiency, most torque converters include a bypass clutch or a lock - up clutch that mechanically couples the turbine shaft to the cover of the torque converter so as to bypass the fluid coupling. In some torque converter devices, the torque converter may include a damper assembly, and the damper assembly has a spring and a spring support plate that supports the spring and positions the components of the lock - up clutch. In such a device, the thickness of the spring support plate can be limited by the installation of the spring and the components of the lock - up clutch so that the spring support plate can restrain the spring and position the components.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a torque converter that includes a front cover arranged to receive torque. The torque converter is engaged with the front cover and further includes a lock-up clutch that includes clutch plates. The torque converter further includes a damper assembly engageable with the lock-up clutch. The damper assembly includes a cover plate that defines a spring retainer extending about an axis. The damper assembly further includes a spring disposed within the spring retainer. The damper assembly further includes a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate. The spring support plate includes an inner tab and an outer tab disposed radially outward of the inner tab. The outer tab is configured to radially restrain the spring within the spring retainer, and the inner tab is configured to position the clutch plate relative to the axis.

[0005] In an embodiment, the spring support plate may be disposed within the spring retainer and include a stopper configured to circumferentially restrain the spring within the spring retainer. Each outer tab may be circumferentially disposed between one respective inner tab and the stopper. In an embodiment, the inner tab may extend axially outwardly of the outer.

[0006] In an embodiment, the spring support plate may partially extend about an axis. The torque converter may be fixed to the cover plate and may include a further spring support plate that partially extends about the axis. The further spring support plate may be circumferentially aligned with the spring support plate. The further spring support plate may include a further inner tab and a further outer tab disposed radially outward of the further inner tab. The further outer tab may radially restrain a spring within the spring retainer, and the further inner tab may be configured to position a clutch plate relative to the axis. The further spring support plate may be circumferentially spaced from the spring support plate. The further spring support plate may include two circumferentially spaced ends. Each further inner tab may be disposed at one respective end. Each inner tab may be circumferentially disposed between one further inner tab and one outer tab. The spring support plate may include two circumferentially spaced ends. Each inner tab may be disposed at one respective end.

[0007] In an embodiment, the inner tabs may be circumferentially spaced from each other. In an embodiment, the outer tabs may be circumferentially spaced from each other. In an embodiment, the outer tabs may be circumferentially disposed between the inner tabs. In an embodiment, the inner tabs may be configured to place the clutch plate centered on the axis.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a damper assembly for a torque converter that includes a cover plate defining a spring retainer extending about an axis. The damper assembly further includes a spring disposed within the spring retainer. The damper assembly further includes a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate. The spring support plate includes an inner tab and an outer tab disposed radially outward of the inner tab. The outer tab is configured to radially restrain a spring within the spring retainer, and the inner tab is radially disposed inside the spring retainer.

[0009] In an embodiment, the inner tabs may extend axially outwardly of the outer tabs. In an embodiment, the inner tabs may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other. In an embodiment, the outer tabs may be circumferentially disposed between the inner tabs. In an embodiment, the spring support plate may extend partially about an axis. The spring support plate may include two circumferentially spaced-apart ends. Each inner tab may be disposed at one respective end. In an embodiment, the outer tabs may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0010] The embodiments described herein include a spring support plate having inner tabs disposed radially inward of outer tabs, instead of having a thickness of the spring support plate such that tabs on the outer periphery of the spring support plate support a spring and can position a lock-up clutch component, whereby the spring support plate holds the spring via the outer tabs and enables positioning of the lock-up clutch component via the inner tabs. Such an arrangement can reduce the thickness of the spring support plate by, for example, an amount equal to the radial offset between the inner and outer tabs, thereby reducing the weight of the torque converter and improving fuel economy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It should be understood that like reference numerals appearing in different drawings identify the same or functionally similar structural elements. Also, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as representative criteria for teaching one skilled in the art how to use the embodiments in various ways. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to create embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Combinations of the illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for a particular application or implementation.

[0013] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Any methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, but the exemplary methods, devices, and materials are described herein.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a portion of a torque converter 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. At least some portions of the torque converter 100 are rotatable about a central axis 102. Although only a portion of the torque converter 100 above the central axis 102 is shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the torque converter 100 may appear substantially the same below the central axis 102 with many components extending about the central axis 102. Words used herein, such as "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "outer," etc., are intended with respect to the central axis 102.

[0015] The torque converter 100 includes a front cover 104 arranged to receive torque, an impeller 106, a turbine 108, a lock-up clutch 110, and a damper assembly 112. The impeller 106 includes an impeller shell 114 non-rotatably coupled to the front cover 104 such that the impeller 106 rotates with the rotation of the front cover 104, at least one impeller blade 116 attached to the inner surface of the impeller shell 114, and an impeller hub 118 attached to the radially inner end of the impeller shell 114. The turbine 108 includes a turbine shell 120 and at least one turbine blade 124 attached to the turbine shell 120. A "non-rotatably coupled" component means that the components are coupled such that when one of the components rotates, all of the components rotate, and relative rotation between the components is not possible. Radial and / or axial movement of components non-rotatably coupled to each other is possible but not essential.

[0016] The torque converter 100 may include a cover hub 126 fixed to the front cover 104, for example, via welding. The cover hub 126 is sealed to a hub (unnumbered) non-rotatably coupled to the transmission input shaft 122, for example, via a spline connection. The cover hub 126 includes a main body 128 and a pedestal 130 extending radially outward from the main body 128. The torque converter 100 may include a seal plate 132 fixed to the cover hub 126, for example, at its inner diameter, for example, via welding. The pedestal 130 may be axially disposed between the seal plate 132 and the front cover 104.

[0017] The torque converter 100 may include a stator 134 axially disposed between the impeller 106 and the turbine 108 and configured to redirect the fluid flowing from the turbine blade 124 before the fluid reaches the impeller 106 to increase the efficiency of the torque converter 100. For example, when the impeller blade 116 rotates about the central axis 102, it pushes the fluid outward. The fluid pushes the turbine 108 of the torque converter 100 and rotates the turbine 108 about the central axis 102. The stator 134 functions to return the fluid from the turbine 108 to the impeller 106 with minimal or no power loss. The driving force is transmitted from the turbine 108 to the transmission input shaft 122. The torque converter 100 may further include, for example, a one-way clutch 136 disposed within the stator 134, a thrust bearing 138 axially disposed between the stator 134 and the impeller shell 114, and a side plate 140 configured to hold the one-way clutch 136 within the stator 134.

[0018] Power from a vehicle engine (not shown) can be transmitted via a fluid through a torque converter 100 to a transmission (not shown). In particular, the power can first be transmitted to the front cover 104 of the torque converter 100. The lock-up clutch 110 is configured to selectively transmit torque from the front cover 104 to the damper assembly 112. The lock-up clutch 110 includes a piston 142 and a clutch plate 144.

[0019] The piston 142 can be disposed between the front cover 104 and the seal plate 132. The piston 142 can be supported by the pedestal 130 and the seal plate 132. The clutch plate 144 can be disposed between the piston 142 and the front cover 104. The clutch plate 144 can be engaged with the damper assembly 112 (as further discussed below).

[0020] The piston 142 engages or closes the lock-up clutch 110 in response to the pressurization of a medium (e.g., a fluid such as oil) within a piston application chamber 146 defined between the pedestal 130, the seal plate 132, and the piston 142. The piston 142 slides along the pedestal 130 during axial movement of the piston 142. The piston 142 is sealed to the pedestal 130 via a seal 148 at its inner diameter. Additionally, the piston 142 is sealed to the seal plate 132 via a seal 150. The seals 148, 150 maintain fluid separation between the piston application chamber 146 and the remainder of the torque converter 100. The piston application chamber 146 is further defined by, or bounded between, the body 128, the pedestal 130, the seal 148, the piston 142, the seal 150, and the seal plate 132. "Partially bounded" means that a portion of the cited chamber, flow path, or other structure is bounded or formed by the cited elements.

[0021] The damper assembly 112 can be configured to hydraulically transmit torque through the torque converter 100. The damper assembly 112 is axially positioned between the front cover 104 and the turbine 108 and is configured to transmit torque from the front cover 104 to the transmission input shaft 122. The damper assembly 112 includes an outer spring 152, an inner spring 154 disposed radially inward of the outer spring 152, cover plates 156, 158 that support the inner spring 154, an output flange 160, and a spring support plate 162.

[0022] The output flange 160 is disposed between the cover plates 156, 158. The output flange 160 can be coupled to the cover plates 156, 158. The output flange 160 is coupled to the transmission input shaft 122, for example via a hub, and transmits torque therebetween. The damper assembly 112 can include a centrifugal pendulum absorber 164. The centrifugal pendulum absorber 164 can be disposed, for example, at a radially outer end portion of the cover plate 158. As another example, the centrifugal pendulum absorber 164 can be disposed at a radially outer end portion of the output flange 160.

[0023] The cover plate 156 can support the inner spring 154 on one axial side surface. The cover plate 158 can support the inner spring 154 on the other opposite axial side surface. The cover plate 158 is coupled to the transmission input shaft 122, for example via a hub, and transmits torque therebetween. The cover plate 158 can be coupled to the turbine shell 120.

[0024] The cover plate 156 includes a spring retainer 166 at its radially outer end portion. The spring retainer 166 is formed by the rounded outer periphery of the cover plate 156. The spring retainer 166 is configured to receive the outer spring 152. That is, the cover plate 156 houses the outer spring 152 within the spring retainer 166.

[0025] The spring support plate 162 is fixed to the cover plate 156 via a fastener such as a rivet, for example. The spring support plate 162 is axially disposed between the cover plate 156 and the front cover 104. As will be further considered below, the spring support plate 162 is configured to hold the outer spring 152 within the spring retainer 166 and engage the clutch plate 144.

[0026] The damper assembly 112 can include any suitable number, for example one or more spring support plates 162. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the damper assembly 112 can include a plurality of spring support plates 162 disposed about the central axis 102. In such an example, the plurality of spring support plates 162 can be circumferentially spaced from each other about the central axis 102. The damper assembly 112 can include, for example, the same number of spring support plates 162 as the outer spring 152.

[0027] The spring support plates 162 can be substantially the same as each other. For example, the spring support plates 162 can be formed via a common process (e.g., stamping) and in accordance with common manufacturing / design requirements (e.g., dimensions, tolerances, etc.).

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the spring support plate 162 includes a body 168 that partially extends circumferentially about the central axis 102. The body 168 includes an inner side 170 radially spaced from the central axis 102 and an outer side 172 disposed radially outward of the inner side 170. The inner side 170 and the outer side 172 each partially extend circumferentially about the central axis 102. The spring support plate 162 includes two end portions 174 circumferentially spaced from each other about the central axis 102.

[0029] The spring support plate 162 may include a groove 176 extending radially inwards from the outer side 172. The spring support plate 162 may include a stopper 178 extending radially outwards from the groove 176. The stopper 178 may extend into the spring retainer 166. The stopper 178 may be configured to circumferentially hold the outer spring 152 within the spring retainer 166. Additionally, the stopper 178 may transmit torque between the spring support plate 162 and the outer spring 152.

[0030] The spring support plate 162 includes an outer tab 180 disposed on the outer side 172. The outer tab 180 extends axially towards the clutch plate 144. The outer tab 180 includes an inner surface 182 and an outer surface 184 disposed radially outside the inner surface 182. The outer tab 180, for example the inner surface 182 and the outer surface 184, extends circumferentially partially about the central axis 102. The outer surface 184 is configured to radially restrain at least one of the outer springs 152. That is, the outer surface 184 holds at least one of the outer springs 152 within the spring retainer 166. For example, the outer surface 184 may abut, i.e., contact, at least one of the outer springs 152 within the spring retainer 166.

[0031] The spring support plate 162 includes a plurality of inner tabs 186 circumferentially spaced apart from each other about the central axis 102. Each inner tab 186 may be disposed at one respective end 174 of the spring support plate 162. The inner tabs 186 are radially aligned with each other with respect to the central axis 102.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-3, the spring support plate 162 includes two outer tabs 180 circumferentially spaced apart from each other. Each outer tab 180 may be circumferentially disposed between the stopper 178 and one respective inner tab 186. The outer tabs 180 are radially aligned with each other with respect to the central axis 102. In an example where the spring support plate 162 does not have a stopper 178 (i.e., another component such as the clutch plate 144 includes the stopper 178), the spring support plate 162 may include one outer tab 180 disposed between the inner tabs 186.

[0033] The inner tab 186 includes an inner surface 188 and an outer surface 190 disposed radially outside the inner surface 188. The inner tab 186 is disposed radially inside the outer tab 180. That is, the outer surface 190 of the inner tab 186 is disposed radially inside the outer surface 184 of the outer tab 180 by a distance equal to, for example, the thickness of the spring support plate 162 (e.g., determined along the central axis 102). The outer surface 190 of the inner tab 186 may be radially aligned with the inner surface 182 of the outer tab 180.

[0034] Each inner tab 186 may be circumferentially aligned with the outer tab 180 disposed between the stopper 178 and the respective inner tab 186. In such an example, the circumferential side surface of each inner tab 186 may be disposed in a common plane with the circumferential side surface of the outer tab 180 disposed between the stopper 178 and the respective inner tab 186. Alternatively, the inner tab 186 may be circumferentially spaced from the outer tab 180.

[0035] The inner tab 186 extends axially toward the clutch plate 144. The inner tab 186 may extend axially outward of the outer tab 180. That is, the inner tab 186 may extend further from the outer tab 180 along the central axis 102 by a distance equal to, for example, the thickness of the spring support plate 162.

[0036] The inner tab 186 is configured to position the clutch plate 144 relative to the central axis 102. That is, the plurality of spring support plates 162 are arranged to radially restrain the clutch plate 144. Specifically, the inner surface 188 is spaced about the central axis 102 so as to place the clutch plate 144 at the center of the central axis 102. Additionally, the clutch plate 144 can be engaged with the plurality of spring support plates 162 via a tabbed coupling. For example, the clutch plate 144 can include one or more tabs (not numbered) configured to be received between circumferentially adjacent spring support plates 162. In such an example, the tabs can engage the respective inner tabs 186 of the circumferentially adjacent spring support plates 162 to transmit torque from the clutch plate 144 to the spring support plates 162.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes a spring support plate 200 that is monolithic, i.e., an integrally formed structure, and includes the features of the plurality of spring support plates 162 shown in FIGS. 2-3 except for the end 174. In such an example, the damper assembly 112 includes one spring support plate 162 having a body 168 that extends circumferentially around the central axis 102. In other words, the body 168 can extend annularly about the central axis 102.

[0038] In this example, each inner tab 186 is circumferentially disposed between one other inner tab 186 and one of the outer tabs 180. The inner tabs 186 can be arranged such that pairs of circumferentially adjacent inner tabs 186 are equally spaced about the central axis 102. The tabs of the clutch plate 144 can engage with respective pairs of circumferentially adjacent inner tabs 186 to transmit torque from the clutch plate 144 to the spring support plate 200. The spring support plate 200 is configured to hold the outer spring 152 within the spring retainer 166 while positioning the clutch plate 144 relative to the central axis 102, which allows for a reduction in the thickness of the spring support plate 200 as compared to a plate without the inner tabs 186 disposed radially inward of the outer tabs 180.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments have been described above, but these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The terms used herein are terms for explanation rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As described above, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the present disclosure that may not have been explicitly described or illustrated. The various embodiments have been described as providing advantages with respect to one or more desired characteristics, or as being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations, but those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve the desired overall system attributes that depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Thus, to the extent that any embodiment is described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics, these embodiments are not outside the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 100 Torque Converter 102 Central Axis 104 Front Cover 106 Impeller 108 Turbine 110 Lock-up Clutch 112 Damper Assembly 114 Impeller Shell 116 Impeller Blade 118 Impeller Hub 120 Turbine Shell 122 Transmission Input Shaft 124 Turbine Blade 126 Cover Hub 128 Body 130 Pedestal 132 Seal Plate 134 Stator 136 One-way Clutch 138 Thrust Bearing 140 Side Plate 142 Piston 144 Clutch Plate 146 Piston Apply Chamber 148 Seal 150 Seal 152 Outer Spring 154 Inner Spring 156 Cover Plate 158 Cover Plate 160 Output Flange 162 Spring Support Plate 164 Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber 166 Spring Retainer 168 Body 170 Inner 172 Outer 174 End 176 Groove 178 Stopper 180 Outer Tab 182 Inner Surface 184 Outer Surface 186 Inner Tab 188 Inner Surface 190 outside 200 spring support plate

Claims

1. A torque converter, comprising: a front cover arranged to receive torque; a lock-up clutch engaged with the front cover and including a clutch plate; a damper assembly engageable with the lock-up clutch, wherein the damper assembly includes: a cover plate defining a spring retainer extending around an axis; a spring disposed within the spring retainer; a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate, the spring support plate including an inner tab and an outer tab disposed radially outside the inner tab; the outer tab being configured to radially restrain the spring within the spring retainer, and the inner tab being configured to position the clutch plate relative to the axis. The torque converter.

2. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the spring support plate is disposed within the spring retainer and includes a stopper configured to circumferentially restrain the spring within the spring retainer, and each outer tab is circumferentially disposed between one respective inner tab and the stopper.

3. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the inner tab extends axially outwardly of the outer tab.

4. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the spring support plate extends partially around the axis.

5. The torque converter according to claim 1, further comprising a further spring support plate fixed to the cover plate and extending partially around the axis, the further spring support plate being circumferentially aligned with the spring support plate, the further spring support plate including: a further inner tab and a further outer tab disposed radially outside the further inner tab; the further outer tab being configured to radially restrain the spring within the spring retainer, and the further inner tab being configured to position the clutch plate relative to the axis.

6. The torque converter according to claim 5, wherein the further spring support plate is circumferentially spaced from the spring support plate.

7. The torque converter according to claim 5, wherein the further spring support plate includes two circumferentially spaced ends, and each further inner tab is disposed at one respective end.

8. The torque converter according to claim 5, wherein each inner tab is circumferentially disposed between one further inner tab and one outer tab.

9. The torque converter according to claim 4, wherein the spring support plate includes two circumferentially spaced-apart ends, and each inner tab is disposed at one respective end.

10. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the inner tabs are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

11. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the outer tabs are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

12. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the outer tabs are circumferentially disposed between the inner tabs.

13. The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein the inner tabs are configured to place the clutch plate at the center on the axis.

14. A damper assembly for a torque converter, comprising: a cover plate defining a spring retainer extending about an axis; a spring disposed within the spring retainer; a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate, the spring support plate including inner tabs and outer tabs disposed radially outward of the inner tabs; The damper assembly, wherein the outer tabs are configured to radially restrain the spring within the spring retainer, and the inner tabs are disposed radially inward of the spring retainer.

15. The damper assembly according to claim 14, wherein the inner tabs extend axially outward of the outer tabs.

16. The damper assembly according to claim 14, wherein the inner tabs are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

17. The damper assembly according to claim 14, wherein the outer tabs are circumferentially disposed between the inner tabs.

18. The damper assembly according to claim 14, wherein the spring support plate extends partially about the axis.

19. The damper assembly according to claim 18, wherein the spring support plate includes two circumferentially spaced-apart ends, and each inner tab is disposed at one respective end.

20. The damper assembly according to claim 14, wherein the outer tabs are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

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