Torque Converter Thrust Washer and Seal Plate Assembly

Abstract

The torque converter includes a front cover configured to receive torque and a damper assembly including an output flange configured to non-rotatably couple to a transmission input shaft. The torque converter further includes a seal plate disposed between the front cover and the output flange. The seal plate is non-rotatably coupled to the cover. The torque converter further includes a thrust washer including a body axially disposed between the seal plate and the output flange. The thrust washer is secured to the seal plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 870,929, filed on July 22, 2022, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 240,352, filed on September 2, 2021. The entire disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a torque converter of a vehicle. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a thrust washer and a seal plate assembly of the 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 automatic transmissions. A typical torque converter includes an impeller fixed to the crankshaft of the engine and a turbine fixed to the turbine shaft that 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 to bypass the fluid coupling. Due to the limited space within the envelope of the torque converter, alternative designs and configurations are desired to accommodate all the necessary components within the torque converter while meeting durability and performance requirements.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one embodiment, the torque converter includes a front cover configured to receive torque and a damper assembly including an output flange configured to be non-rotatably coupled to a transmission input shaft. The torque converter further includes a seal plate disposed between the cover and the output flange. The seal plate is non-rotatably coupled to the front cover. The torque converter further includes a thrust washer having a body disposed axially between the seal plate and the output flange. The thrust washer is fixed to the seal plate.

[0005] In an embodiment, the output flange may be configured to rotate relative to the thrust washer. In an embodiment, the thrust washer can include struts extending axially from the body, and the seal plate can include an opening extending axially through the seal plate. The struts can be received in the opening. The front cover can include a groove axially aligned with the opening. The struts can extend through the opening and into the groove. The seal plate can be fixed to the front cover via a weld having two portions radially spaced from each other. The opening can be disposed radially between the two portions of the weld. The weld can extend entirely around the opening. The thrust washer can be disposed radially between the two portions of the weld.

[0006] In an embodiment, the seal plate can be fixed to the front cover via a weld having two portions radially spaced from each other. The thrust washer can be disposed radially between the two portions of the weld. The weld can extend entirely around the thrust washer.

[0007] In an embodiment, the body of the thrust washer can abut the seal plate. In an embodiment, the damper assembly can include a cover plate disposed axially between the output flange and the seal plate. The thrust washer can be disposed radially inside the cover plate.

[0008] In an embodiment, the output flange can include a hole extending axially through the output flange. The thrust washer can be disposed radially inside the hole. The damper assembly can include a spring supported by the output flange. The hole can be disposed radially inside the spring. The damper assembly can include a cover plate disposed axially between the output flange and the seal plate. The cover plate can extend radially across a portion of the hole. The thrust washer can be disposed radially inside the hole and the cover plate. The torque converter can further include an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably coupled to the front cover. The torque converter can be in fluid communication with the impeller and can further include a turbine including a turbine shell. The damper assembly can include a cover plate coupled to the output flange and the turbine shell via a connector. The connector can be radially aligned with the hole. The output flange can be disposed axially between the connector and the thrust washer. The output flange can be disposed axially between the seal plate and the turbine. The seal plate can be fixed to the front cover via a weld having two portions spaced radially apart from each other. One of these portions can extend radially across a portion of the hole.

[0009] Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a thrust washer and seal plate assembly configured for an envelope having axial constraints that also meet performance and durability requirements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments can take various alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features are considered to 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 should be interpreted merely as representative criteria for teaching those skilled in the art to use the embodiments in various ways. As will be understood by those 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 generate embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for a particular application or implementation.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, a part of a torque converter 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. At least some parts of the torque converter 100 are rotatable about a central axis 102. In FIG. 1, only the part of the torque converter 100 above the central axis 102 is shown, but it should be understood that the torque converter 100 can appear substantially similarly with many components extending about the central axis 102 below the central axis 102. Terms such as "axial direction", "radial direction", "circumferential direction", "outer side", etc. used herein are intended to be with respect to the central axis 102.

[0013] The torque converter 100 includes a front cover 104 configured to receive torque, an impeller 106, a turbine 108, an output flange 112, a thrust washer 114, and a seal plate 116 non-rotatably coupled to the front cover 104. The impeller 106 includes an impeller shell 118 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 120 attached to the inner surface of the impeller shell 118, and an impeller hub 122 attached to the radially inner end of the impeller shell 118. The turbine 108 includes a turbine shell 124 non-rotatably coupled to the transmission input shaft 126 and at least one turbine blade 128 attached to the turbine shell 124. The "non-rotatably coupled" components mean that whenever one of the components rotates, all the components are coupled such that they rotate, and relative rotation between the components is not possible. Axial and / or radial movement of components non-rotatably coupled to each other is possible but not essential.

[0014] The torque converter 100 can be provided with a stator 130 that is axially disposed between the impeller 106 and the turbine 108 and redirects the fluid flowing from the turbine blade 128 before the fluid reaches the impeller 106 to enhance the efficiency of the torque converter 100. For example, when the impeller blade 120 rotates about the central axis 102, it pushes the fluid outward. The fluid is pressed against the turbine 108 of the torque converter 100, causing the turbine 108 to rotate about the central axis 102. The stator 130 functions to return the fluid from the turbine 108 to the impeller 106 with minimal power loss or no power loss. The driving force is transmitted from the turbine 108 to the transmission input shaft 126. The torque converter 100 can further include, for example, a one-way clutch 132 disposed within the stator 130, a thrust bearing 134 axially disposed between the stator 130 and the impeller shell 118, and a side plate 136 configured to hold the one-way clutch 132 within the stator 130.

[0015] The torque converter 100 can also include a damper assembly 138 for hydraulically transmitting torque through the torque converter 100. The damper assembly 138 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 126. The damper assembly 138 includes a spring 140, cover plates 142, 144, and an output flange 112. The cover plate 142 can support the spring 140 on one axial side surface. The cover plate 144 can support the spring 140 on another opposite axial side surface. The cover plates 142, 144 are radially outside the spring 140 and are coupled to each other, for example, via rivets, and can be coupled to the output flange 112. The cover plate 144 can be further coupled to the turbine shell 124, for example, by rivets. The torque converter 100 can include a centrifugal pendulum absorber 146 coupled to the output flange 112.

[0016] The output flange 112 is coupled to the transmission input shaft 126 for torque transmission therebetween. The output flange 112 includes a hole 148 that extends axially through the output flange 112. The hole 148 is configured to enable a tool, such as a rivet tool, to couple the cover plate 144 to the turbine shell 124. The cover plate 142 can extend radially across a portion of the hole 148.

[0017] Power from a vehicle engine (not shown) can be transmitted through a fluid and via 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 torque converter 100 can include a lock-up clutch 110 configured to selectively transmit torque from the front cover 104 to the transmission input shaft 126. The lock-up clutch 110 includes a piston 150, a clutch plate 152, and a reaction plate 154.

[0018] The piston 150 is coupled to the front cover 104 via a leaf spring coupling and can be sealed to the front cover 104 at its outer diameter. The reaction plate 154 can be fixed to the front cover 104, for example, via a weld. The clutch plate 152 can be disposed between the piston 150 and the reaction plate 154. The clutch plate 152 can be further coupled to a drive ring 156, for example, via a tabbed coupling. The drive ring 156 can be fixed to the turbine shell 124 at one end and attached to the clutch plate 152 at the opposite end.

[0019] Piston 150 engages or closes the lock-up clutch 110 in response to the pressurization of a medium (such as a fluid like oil) within the piston application chamber 158 defined between the front cover 104 and the piston 150. During the axial movement of the piston 150, the piston 150 slides along the seal plate 116. The piston 150 is sealed to the front cover 104 via a seal 160 at its outer diameter and to the seal plate 116 via a seal 162 at its inner diameter. Seals 160, 162 maintain fluid separation between the piston application chamber 158 and the remainder of the torque converter 100. The piston application chamber 158 is further defined by, or bounded between, the front cover 104, the seal 160, the piston 150, the seal 162, and the seal plate 116. "Partially bounded" means that a portion of the cited chamber, flow path, or other structure is bounded or formed by the cited elements.

[0020] The seal plate 116 is non-rotatably coupled to the front cover 104, for example via a weld 164, and is sealed to the transmission input shaft 126 at its inner diameter. Each weld 164 is a single continuous weld. Each weld 164 can have, for example, two portions radially spaced from each other. The welds 164 may be circumferentially spaced from each other about the central axis 102.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, the seal plate 116 further includes an opening 166 that extends axially through the seal plate 116. The opening 166 is disposed in a dry area where fluid leakage is not permitted, for example, between portions of each weld 164. For example, each weld 164 can extend around the entire perimeter of one respective opening 166. In such an example, the weld 164 may be generally circular, i.e., even if the weld 164 deviates from a perfect circle, it can extend around the entire perimeter of the corresponding opening 166. The front cover 104 includes a groove 168 on the axial side facing the seal plate 116. The opening 166 is axially and radially aligned with the groove 168.

[0022] The seal plate 116 and / or the front cover 104 can further include a channel 170. The channel 170 can be formed on the axial side of the seal plate 116 facing the front cover 104 and / or on the axial side of the front cover 104 facing the seal plate 116. The channel 170 can be circumferentially spaced from the opening 166 and the groove 168. The channel 170 is provided to enable the flow of fluid between the seal plate 116 and the front cover 104, for example, from the transmission input shaft 126 to the piston apply chamber 158. That is, pressurized fluid is supplied from the transmission input shaft 126 and can then be sent through the channel 170 between the seal plate 116 and the front cover 104 to the piston apply chamber 158.

[0023] The thrust washer 114 includes a main body 172 and a support column 174. The main body 172 is disposed between the seal plate 116 and the output flange 112. Specifically, the main body 172 abuts against the axial side surface of the seal plate 116. The support column 174 extends axially outward from the main body 172 toward the front cover 104. The support column 174 is configured to be received and held in the corresponding opening 166 and groove 168. That is, the support column 174 extends into the corresponding groove 168 through the corresponding opening 166. The support column 174 fixes the thrust washer 114 to the seal plate 116 so as to prevent relative movement between the seal plate 116 and the thrust washer 114. When the thrust washer 114 is fixed to the seal plate 116, instead, relative movement occurs between the thrust washer 114, for example, its hydrodynamic surface and the output flange 112. When the seal plate 116 is welded to the front cover 104, deformation may occur on the axial side surface of the seal plate 116 that abuts against the thrust washer 114. By fixing the thrust washer 114 to the seal plate 116 and causing relative movement between the thrust washer 114 and the output flange 112, there may be no surface deformation on the axial side surface facing the thrust washer 114, and wear of the thrust washer 114 during operation of the torque converter 100 can be reduced.

[0024] While the exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The terms used in this specification 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, it is possible to combine the features of the various embodiments to form further embodiments of the present invention that may not be 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 it is possible to compromise on one or more features or characteristics to achieve the desired overall system attributes that depend on a particular 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.

Explanation of Signs

[0025] 100 Torque converter 102 Central axis 104 Front cover 106 Impeller 108 Turbine 110 Lock-up clutch 112 Output flange 114 Thrust washer 116 Seal plate 118 Impeller shell 120 Impeller blade 122 Impeller hub 124 Turbine shell 126 Transmission input shaft 128 Turbine blade 130 Stator 132 One-way clutch 134 Thrust bearing 136 Side plate 138 Damper assembly 140 Spring 142 Cover plate 144 Cover plate 146 Centrifugal pendulum absorber 148 Hole 150 Piston 152 Clutch plate 154 Reaction plate 156 Drive ring 158 Piston application chamber 160 Seal 162 Seal 164 Weld part 166 Opening 168 Groove 170 Channel 172 Body 174 Strut

Claims

1. A front cover configured to receive torque, A damper assembly including an output flange configured to be non-rotatably coupled to a transmission input shaft, A seal plate disposed between the front cover and the output flange, the seal plate being non-rotatably coupled to the front cover, A thrust washer including a body disposed axially between the seal plate and the output flange, the thrust washer being fixed to the seal plate, Comprising, The thrust washer includes struts extending axially from the body, the seal plate includes an opening extending axially through the seal plate, and the struts are received within the opening, The front cover includes a groove axially aligned with the opening, and the struts extend through the opening and into the groove, a torque converter.

2. A front cover configured to receive torque, A damper assembly including an output flange configured to be non-rotatably coupled to a transmission input shaft, A seal plate disposed between the front cover and the output flange, the seal plate being non-rotatably coupled to the front cover, A thrust washer including a body disposed axially between the seal plate and the output flange, the thrust washer being fixed to the seal plate, Comprising, The thrust washer includes struts extending axially from the body, the seal plate includes an opening extending axially through the seal plate, and the struts are received within the opening, The seal plate is fixed to the front cover via a weld having two portions spaced radially from each other, and the opening is disposed radially between the two portions of the weld, a torque converter.

3. A front cover configured to receive torque, A damper assembly including an output flange configured to be non-rotatably coupled to a transmission input shaft, a seal plate disposed between the front cover and the output flange, the seal plate being non-rotatably coupled to the front cover; a thrust washer including a body axially disposed between the seal plate and the output flange, the thrust washer being secured to the seal plate; Equipped with a torque converter, wherein the seal plate is fixed to the front cover via a weld having two portions radially spaced from each other, and the thrust washer is radially disposed between the two portions of the weld.

4. A front cover configured to receive torque; a damper assembly including an output flange configured to non-rotatably couple to a transmission input shaft; a seal plate disposed between the front cover and the output flange, the seal plate being non-rotatably coupled to the front cover; a thrust washer including a body axially disposed between the seal plate and the output flange, the thrust washer being secured to the seal plate; Equipped with the output flange includes a bore extending axially therethrough, the thrust washer being disposed radially inwardly of the bore; the seal plate is fixed to the front cover via a weld having two portions radially spaced from one another, one of the portions extending radially across a portion of the hole.

5. 5. The torque converter of claim 1, wherein the output flange is configured to rotate relative to the thrust washer.

6. The torque converter of claim 2 wherein the weld extends entirely around the opening.

7. 3. The torque converter of claim 2, wherein said thrust washer is radially disposed between said two portions of said weld.

8. 4. The torque converter of claim 3, wherein the weld extends circumferentially around the thrust washer.

9. The torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main body of the thrust washer is in contact with the seal plate.

10. The torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the damper assembly includes a cover plate disposed axially between the output flange and the seal plate, and the thrust washer is disposed radially inside the cover plate.

11. The torque converter according to claim 4, wherein the damper assembly includes a spring supported by the output flange, and the hole is disposed radially inside the spring.

12. The torque converter according to claim 4, wherein the damper assembly includes a cover plate disposed axially between the output flange and the seal plate, and the cover plate extends radially across a part of the hole.

13. The torque converter according to claim 12, wherein the thrust washer is disposed radially inside the hole and the cover plate.

14. An impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably coupled to the front cover, A turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell, and further comprising: The damper assembly includes a cover plate coupled to the output flange and the turbine shell via a connector, The torque converter according to claim 4, wherein the connector is radially aligned with the hole.

15. The torque converter according to claim 14, wherein the output flange is disposed axially between the connector and the thrust washer.

16. The torque converter according to claim 14, wherein the output flange is disposed axially between the seal plate and the turbine.

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