Torque converters and methods and devices for rebuilding torque converters
AssigneeSonnax Transmission Company
InventorMichael G. Morin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods of repairing a torque converter that enable the continued use of a torque converter and result in a repaired torque converter with a higher-strength and more durable construction. In some examples, a backing ring can be replaced with a replacement backing ring that includes a spline ring for replacing the function of a cover spline ring. In some examples, a method of repairing a torque converter can be improved by providing a replacement backing ring with a radial protrusion for locating the backing ring on the cover, and a method of determining an axial location of the radial protrusion.
Claims16
A kit for repairing an original equipment (“OE”) torque converter, the OE torque converter including a backing ring and a cover, the cover including a spline ring that engages an OE clutch plate of a lock-up clutch assembly, the kit comprising:
- a splined backing ring for replacing the OE backing ring, the splined backing ring including:
- an outer surface configured and dimensioned to be fixed to the cover;
- and
- a spline ring configured to engage a clutch plate of a modified lock-up clutch assembly.
A method of modifying an original equipment (“OE”) torque converter, the OE torque converter including a cover, a backing ring welded to the cover, and a lock-up clutch assembly that includes a plurality of metal clutch plates, the cover including a spline ring that engages the plurality of metal clutch plates, the method comprising:
- cutting the cover to remove the backing ring;
- and
- installing a splined backing ring on the cover, the splined backing ring including a spline ring configured and dimensioned to engage a metal clutch plate of a modified lock-up clutch assembly.
A splined backing ring for replacing an original equipment (“OE”) torque converter backing ring, the OE torque converter including a cover that includes a spline ring that engages an OE clutch plate of a lock-up clutch assembly, the splined backing ring comprising:
- an outer surface configured and dimensioned to be fixed to the cover of the OE torque converter;
- and
- a spline ring configured to engage a clutch plate of a modified lock-up clutch assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.