Centering Sleeve for a Torque Converter Assembly

Abstract

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a centering sleeve including a hub defining an axially extending central opening between a first axial end and a second axial end. At least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer surface. Both the first axial end and the second axial end can include a plurality of fluid grooves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 490,623, filed on September 30, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field of the Invention This disclosure relates to a centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly.

Background Art

[0003] Torque converter assemblies are well - known. Various components are provided within these assemblies to provide thrust surfaces, bearing surfaces, and other support surfaces. Specifically, a centering sleeve can generally be implemented in these assemblies that is welded to the torque converter cover. Also, the centering sleeve can be configured to house or surround the input shaft.

[0004] Some known techniques for forming a centering sleeve include stamping or forging. However, due to the various functions attributed to the centering sleeve, it is generally expensive to form a centering sleeve that provides sufficient durability for the connection to the torque converter cover as well as other necessary functions.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An improved form of centering sleeve is disclosed herein.

[0006] In one aspect, the centering sleeve includes a hub defining an axially extending central opening between a first axial end and a second axial end. At least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves in an axially outer surface. Both the first axial end and the second axial end can include a plurality of fluid grooves.

[0007] In one aspect, the first axial end includes a radially extending flange having a plurality of connection regions, which may be formed as elongated slots having enlarged ends configured to receive fasteners, and the radially extending flange extends continuously circumferentially between the plurality of connection regions.

[0008] The central opening of the hub is defined by a radially inner surface having at least one first section defining a flat bearing surface configured to support the input shaft or the transmission shaft, the flat bearing surface extending to the second axial end. The at least one second section of the radially inner surface can include a curved profile. The at least one first section and the at least one second section intersect each other.

[0009] In one aspect, the centering sleeve is formed by casting and is made from aluminum.The hub can include a groove in its radially outer surface configured to receive the seal.

[0010] Further embodiments are disclosed herein.

[0011] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Certain specialized terms are used only for convenience in the following description and are not limiting. The terms "front", "rear", "upper", and "lower" indicate directions in the referenced drawings. The terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to the direction towards and away from the components referenced in the drawings. "Axially" refers to the direction along the axis of the shaft. A reference to a list of items cited as "at least one of a, b, or c" (where a, b, and c represent the listed items) means any one of the items a, b, or c, or a combination thereof. Specialized terms include the words specifically described above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows generally a torque converter assembly 1 including a centering sleeve 10. As also shown in FIG. 1, the torque converter assembly 1 also includes a torque converter cover 2, a damper flange 4, a piston 5, a secondary damper flange 6, and an input shaft or transmission shaft 7. The centering sleeve 10 generally engages the axial end faces of the torque converter cover 2 and the damper flange 4. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the components of the torque converter assembly 1 can vary.

[0015] In one aspect, the centering sleeve 10 is adapted or configured to be used in a torque converter assembly. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the centering sleeve 10 may be configured to be used in other types of assemblies.

[0016] In one aspect, the centering sleeve 10 is formed by casting. The centering sleeve 10 may be formed as a die-cast aluminum component.

[0017] The centering sleeve 10 generally includes a hub 12 or a body portion. The hub 12 defines a central opening 13 that extends axially therealong. The central opening 13 can extend between the axial end portions (i.e., the first axial end portion 14 and the second axial end portion 20) on both sides of the hub 12. At least one of the axial end portions 14, 20 includes a plurality of fluid grooves 17, 24. In one aspect, the fluid grooves 17, 24 are defined on the axial outer surface of the centering sleeve 10.

[0018] In one aspect, the first axial end portion 14 includes a radially extending flange 16 that generally extends radially outward. The radially extending flange 16 defines a plurality of connection regions 18. The connection regions 18 can define open-end slots that open in the radially outward direction. In one aspect, the connection region 18 is formed as an elongated slot 18a having an enlarged end portion 18b configured to receive a fastening element, a fastener, or other connection element. The contour of the connection region 18 can vary. Each of the connection regions 18 can be configured to enable connection to the torque converter cover 2 via a fastening element, a fastener, or other connection element. For example, a stamped extrusion rivet can be used to secure the centering sleeve 10 to the torque converter cover 2 or any other torque converter component. In one aspect, the connection region 18 can be regarded as a rivet hole. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various types of connection configurations can be used.

[0019] The radially extending flange 16 extends continuously circumferentially between the connection regions 18. Based on this configuration, the radially extending flange 16 is continuous between the connection regions 18. This particular configuration results in stress reduction by improving the strength of the centering sleeve 10.

[0020] The outer or rear side (i.e., the axially outer surface) of the radially extending flange 16 is used to provide the structure of the fluid groove 17. As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid groove 17 extends radially between the central opening 13 and the radially outer edge 16a of the radially extending flange 16. In one aspect, one of the fluid grooves 17 can be disposed between adjacent pairs of the connection regions 18. In one aspect, there are at least six fluid grooves 17. Additional or fewer fluid grooves 17 can be provided. The fluid grooves 17 can be configured to direct fluid, such as automatic transmission fluid (ATF), from the input shaft or the transmission shaft 7 to flow behind the piston 5 and build pressure within the space defined between the piston 5 and the torque converter cover 2.

[0021] In one aspect, the second axially end 20 includes a second plurality of fluid grooves 24 on the axially outer thrust surface 22. The fluid grooves 24 extend between the central opening 13 and the radially outer edge 20a of the second axially end 20. In one aspect, there are at least six fluid grooves 24. Additional or fewer fluid grooves 24 can be provided. The fluid grooves 24 can be configured to enable fluid film generation during rotation when the centering sleeve 10 is pressed against the mating surface. Thus, these fluid grooves 24 help prevent wear during the engagement of the centering sleeve 10 against the damper flange 4.

[0022] In one aspect, both the first axially end 14 and the second axially end 20 include a plurality of fluid grooves 17, 24, and the fluid grooves 17, 24 are defined on the axially outermost surfaces on both sides of the centering sleeve 10.

[0023] The central opening 13 of the hub 12 is defined by a radially inner surface 13a that includes at least a first section 13b and a second section 13c. The second section 13c defines a bearing surface configured to support the input shaft or transmission shaft 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the second section 13c has a completely flat profile. The second section 13c can be configured to act as a bushing surface for guiding the input shaft or transmission shaft 7. The second section 13c is configured to engage directly with the input shaft or transmission shaft 7. The second section 13c extends from a second axial end 20 of the radially inner surface 13a to the first section 13b. In one aspect, the input shaft or transmission shaft 7 is formed from steel and the centering sleeve 10 is formed from a non-steel material such as aluminum.

[0024] The first section 13b of the radially inner surface 13a has an inclined or curved surface. The first section 13b is defined between a first axial end 14 of the radially inner surface 13a and the second section 13c. The first section 13b can extend over a majority of the radially inner surface 13a. In one embodiment, the first section 13b extends from the first axial end 14 to an intermediate region of the radially inner surface 13a. In one aspect, the radially inner surface 13a consists of only two sections 13b, 13c. The second section 13c (i.e., the bearing section) is preferably thicker than the first section 13b. In one embodiment, the first section 13b provides a surface or geometry that is specifically configured to avoid capturing water or contaminants during machining and cleaning processes. In other words, the shape of the first section 13b provides manufacturing efficiency by avoiding sharp edges or corners that may trap debris or fluid during the forming process. In one embodiment, the hub 12 includes a groove 15 on the radially outer surface configured to receive a seal.

[0025] Figures 5 to 7 show other embodiments of the centering sleeve 110. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the centering sleeve 110 has several differences from the centering sleeve 10, but includes many of the same features. Unless otherwise specified herein, the centering sleeves 10, 110 are identical to each other, and like elements are denoted by like reference numerals and are not necessarily described in more detail. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the centering sleeve 110 includes a radially extending flange 116 having a plurality of connection regions 118. The centering sleeve 110 differs from the centering sleeve 10 in that the plurality of connection regions 118 are not formed as elongated slots with surrounding openings and openings in the radial direction. In the circumferential direction between the connection regions 118, the radially extending flange 116 is continuous and not interrupted.

[0026] Although the embodiments have been described in detail in this way, it is understood and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes can be made without changing the concepts and principles of the invention embodied within the embodiments, although only some of them are illustrated in the detailed description of the present disclosure.

[0027] Also, it should be understood that many embodiments incorporating only some of the preferred embodiments are possible, and with respect to these parts, the concepts and principles of the invention embodied within the embodiments are not changed.

[0028] Therefore, the present embodiments and optional configurations are to be considered illustrative and / or explanatory in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing specification text. Accordingly, all alternative embodiments and modifications to the present embodiments that fall within the scope of the purpose of the claims and their equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 1 Torque converter assembly 2 Torque converter cover 4 Damper flange 5 Piston 6 Secondary damper flange 7 Shaft 10,110 Centering sleeve 12,112 Hub 13,113 Central opening 13a、113a Radial inner surface of the hub 13b,113b First region of the radial inner surface 13c,113c Second region of the radial inner surface 14,114 First axial end 15,115 Groove 16,116 Radially extending flange 16a、116a Radial outer edge of the radially extending flange 17,117 First plurality of fluid grooves 18,118 Connection region 20,120 Second axial end 20a、120a Radial outer edge of the second axial end 22,122 Axial outer thrust surface 24,124 Second plurality of fluid grooves

Claims

1. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, comprising: a hub defining a central opening that axially extends between a first axial end and a second axial end; at least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axial outer surface; the first axial end includes a radially extending flange having a plurality of connection regions; the plurality of connection regions are formed as elongated slots having enlarged ends configured to receive fasteners, the centering sleeve.

2. The centering sleeve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connection regions are formed as surrounding openings.

3. The centering sleeve of claim 1, wherein the radially extending flange extends circumferentially continuously between the plurality of connection regions.

4. The centering sleeve of claim 1, wherein the first axial end includes the plurality of fluid grooves.

5. The centering sleeve of claim 1, wherein the second axial end includes the plurality of fluid grooves on an axial outer thrust surface.

6. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, comprising: a hub defining a central opening that axially extends between a first axial end and a second axial end; at least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axial outer surface; the centering sleeve, wherein both the first axial end and the second axial end include the plurality of fluid grooves.

7. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, comprising: a hub defining a central opening that axially extends between a first axial end and a second axial end; at least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axial outer surface; the central opening of the hub is defined by a radially inner surface having at least one first section defining a flat bearing surface configured to support an input shaft or a transmission shaft, the flat bearing surface extending to the second axial end; the centering sleeve, wherein at least one second section of the radially inner surface includes a curved contour.

8. The centering sleeve of claim 7, wherein the at least one first section and the at least one second section intersect each other.

9. The centering sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the centering sleeve is formed by casting.

10. The centering sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the centering sleeve is formed from aluminum.

11. The centering sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the hub includes a groove configured to receive a seal on a radially outer surface.

12. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, comprising a hub defining an axially extending central opening configured to receive an input shaft, at least one end of the hub including a radially extending flange having a plurality of connection regions, the radially extending flange extending circumferentially continuously between the plurality of connection regions, the hub including a first axially end portion defining the radially extending flange and a second axially end portion, both the first axially end portion and the second axially end portion including a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer surface, the centering sleeve.

13. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, comprising a hub defining an axially extending central opening configured to receive an input shaft, at least one end of the hub including a radially extending flange having a plurality of connection regions, the radially extending flange extending circumferentially continuously between the plurality of connection regions, the central opening of the hub being defined by a radially inner surface having at least one first section defining a flat bearing surface configured to support an input shaft or a transmission shaft, the flat bearing surface extending to an axially end portion of the hub, the centering sleeve.

14. The centering sleeve according to claim 13, wherein the hub includes a first axially end portion defining the radially extending flange and a second axially end portion, at least one of the first axially end portion or the second axially end portion including a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer surface.

15. The centering sleeve according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the centering sleeve is formed from aluminum and is formed by casting.

16. The centering sleeve according to claim 13, wherein at least one second section of the radially inner surface includes a curved contour.

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