IP Library Granted Patent US 9,714,668
Granted Patent B2
US 9,714,668 · App. 14/294,296 · Granted Jul 25, 2017

Stamped turbine hub with centring tabs for torque converter

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,714,668
App. No.
14/294,296
Granted
Jul 25, 2017
Kind
B2
Abstract

A torque converter is provided including a turbine with a turbine hub. A cover plate is fixed to the turbine hub. A damper assembly including a damper flange with an axially extending sleeve portion having a splined or toothed inner surface that is adapted to engage a transmission input shaft is provided. A spring is located between the cover plate and the damper flange for transferring torque from the turbine hub to the transmission input shaft via the damper flange. The turbine hub includes axially protruding tabs that contact an outer surface of the sleeve portion to center the turbine hub on the sleeve portion. The turbine hub also includes a radially inwardly extending portion that at least partially overlaps an axial end of the sleeve portion.

Claims (17)

1. A torque converter, comprising:

a turbine with a turbine hub;

a cover plate fixed to the turbine hub;

a damper assembly including a damper flange with an integrally formed axially extending sleeve portion having a splined or toothed inner surface adapted to engage a transmission input shaft;

a spring located between the cover plate and the damper flange;

the turbine hub including axially protruding tabs that contact an outer surface of the sleeve portion to center the turbine hub on the sleeve portion, and the turbine hub including a radially inwardly extending portion that at least partially overlaps an axially innermost end of the sleeve portion.

2. The torque converter of claim 1 , wherein the radially inwardly extending portion comprises a ring that contacts the axially innermost end of the sleeve portion.

3. The torque converter of claim 1 , wherein the turbine hub is a stamped sheet metal part that is connected to the turbine.

4. The torque converter of claim 1 , wherein there is a clearance fit between radially inner surfaces of the axially protruding tabs and the outer surface of the sleeve portion.

5. The torque converter of claim 1 , wherein the radially inwardly extending portion is adapted to transmit axial loads from the turbine to the damper flange.

6. A turbine assembly for a torque converter, comprising:

a turbine body;

turbine blades connected to the turbine body;

a turbine hub connected to the turbine body, the turbine hub including axially protruding tabs that are adapted to contact an outer surface of a sleeve portion of a damper flange to center the turbine hub on the sleeve portion, and the turbine hub including a radially inwardly extending portion that is adapted to at least partially overlap an axially innermost end of the sleeve portion.

7. The turbine assembly of claim 6 , wherein the radially inwardly extending portion comprises a ring.

8. The turbine assembly of claim 6 , wherein the turbine hub is a separate stamped sheet metal part that is connected to the turbine body.

9. The turbine assembly of claim 8 , wherein the turbine body is connected to the turbine hub via at least one of fasteners, brazing or welding.

Assignments (3)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PROPERTY NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037732 FRAME 0347. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE APP. NO. 14/553248 SHOULD BE APP. NO. 14/553258. Recorded Oct 11, 2016
From: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
To: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
Reel/Frame 040404/0530 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 5, 2016
From: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
To: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
Reel/Frame 037732/0347 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 3, 2014
From: ZAUGG, BRIAN
To: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
Reel/Frame 033015/0706 →