Three-pass torque converters
View Patent ↗A torque converter includes a cover for receiving torque from a prime mover, an impeller fixed to the cover to form a housing for the torque converter, a turbine disposed in the housing for receiving torque from the impeller, and a clutch backing plate fixed to the housing and arranged to receive a force, in an axial direction, from the turbine during operation of the torque converter. In some example embodiments, the turbine includes a thrust plate for thrust engagement with the clutch backing plate. In an example embodiment, the turbine includes a turbine shell and the thrust plate is attached to the turbine shell.
1. A torque converter comprising:
a cover for receiving torque from a prime mover;
an impeller fixed to the cover to form a housing for the torque converter;
a turbine disposed in the housing for receiving torque from the impeller; and,
a clutch backing plate, comprising a radial wall, fixed to the housing and arranged to receive a force, in an axial direction, from the turbine during operation of the torque converter; and
a thrust plate, comprising a substantially radial wall fixed to the turbine and arranged between the turbine and clutch backing plate, for engagement with the clutch backing plate.
2. The torque converter of claim 1 , wherein the turbine includes a turbine shell and the thrust plate is attached to the turbine shell.
3. A torque converter comprising:
a housing;
a piston plate;
a clutch backing plate fixed to the housing;
a turbine;
a thrust plate for transmitting axial force from the turbine to the clutch backing plate;
a clutch;
a first hydraulic chamber at least partially defined by the housing and the piston plate for engaging the clutch;
a second hydraulic chamber at least partially defined by the piston plate, the clutch backing plate, and the thrust plate;
a third hydraulic chamber at least partially defined by the clutch backing plate, the thrust plate, and the housing; and,
a sealing plate with an annular friction material ring partially dividing the second and third hydraulic chambers.
4. The torque converter of claim 3 , wherein one of the second or third hydraulic chambers is for introducing a cooling flow to the clutch, and the other of the second or third hydraulic chambers is for receiving a cooling flow from the clutch.
5. The torque converter of claim 3 wherein the clutch backing plate includes an orifice for exchanging fluid between the second and third hydraulic chambers.
6. The torque converter of claim 3 wherein the sealing plate is fixed to the clutch backing plate and pressingly engaged with the thrust plate.
7. The torque converter of claim 3 wherein the sealing plate is fixed to the thrust plate and pressingly engaged with the clutch backing plate.
8. A torque converter assembly comprising:
a cover assembly including a clutch backing plate, comprising a radial wall, for receiving torque from an engine;
an impeller assembly fixed to the cover assembly to form a housing for the torque converter;
a stator for multiplying torque;
a turbine assembly;
a thrust plate for transmitting axial force from the turbine assembly to the clutch backing plate, the thrust plate comprising a substantially radial wall fixed to the turbine and arranged between the turbine and clutch backing plate; and,
a damper assembly for transmitting torque to a transmission input shaft.
9. The torque converter assembly of claim 8 wherein:
the damper assembly comprises:
a cover plate drivingly engaged with the turbine assembly; and,
a flange including a hub for driving engagement with the input shaft; and,
the turbine assembly comprises a centering plate for centering the turbine assembly relative to the input shaft.