Granted Patent B2

US 12,331,817 · App. 17/490,623 · Granted Jun 17, 2025

Inventors: Alfredo Perez Mitre Jimenez (Wooster, OH); Scott Angel (Marshalville, OH); Melissa Blischak (Copley, OH); David Lewis (Lexington, OH)

Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG

F16H41/30F16H41/24F16H45/02F16D25/12F16D25/123F16D2200/003F16D2250/0007

Abstract

Claims (20)

1. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, the centering sleeve comprising:

a hub defining a central opening extending in an axial direction between a first axial end and a second axial end;

wherein the first axial end includes a radially extending flange having a plurality of openings defining connection regions for connection to a torque converter cover; and

wherein the radial flange includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer surface extending in a radial direction between the central opening and a radially outer edge of the radially extending flange;

wherein the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer thrust surface.

2. The centering sleeve according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of connection regions are formed as an elongated slot having an enlarged end configured to receive a fastener.

3. The centering sleeve according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of connection regions are formed as enclosed openings.

4. The centering sleeve according to claim 1 , wherein the radially extending flange extends continuously in a circumferential direction between the plurality of connection regions.

5. The centering sleeve according to claim 1 , wherein the central opening of the hub is defined by a radially inner surface having at least one first section that defines a flat bearing surface configured to support an input or transmission shaft, wherein the flat bearing surface extends to the second axial end.

6. The centering sleeve according to claim 5 , wherein at least one second section of the radially inner surface includes a curved profile.

7. The centering sleeve according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one first section and the at least one second section intersect with each other.

8. The centering sleeve according to claim 1 , wherein the centering sleeve is formed via casting.

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

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

11. The centering sleeve according to claim 1 , wherein the first axial end and the second axial end extend in parallel planes.

12. A centering sleeve for a torque converter assembly, the centering sleeve comprising:

a hub defining a central opening extending in an axial direction between a first axial end and a second axial end;

wherein at least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer surface;

wherein the first axial end includes a radially extending flange having a plurality of connection regions; and

wherein the plurality of connection regions are formed as an elongated slot having an enlarged end configured to receive a fastener.

Assignments (1)

Continuity (1)

References Cited (16)