Torque converter
OwnerRonald Prater, Joseph Szubainventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torque converter housing includes an end cover that is secured to an impeller outer wall in a unique manner. The outward portions of the end cover extend in a radial direction but not in an axial direction. The end cover preferably does not extend axially beyond a plane of a clutch supported within the assembly. The impeller outer wall extends axially beyond the plane where it is secured to the end cover. The inventive arrangement changes the location of the connection between the impeller outer wall and the end cover, which enables the use of various other optional and advantageous features of the inventive arrangement. In one example, the impeller outer wall is welded to the end cover. In another example, a threaded connection secures the impeller outer wall to the end cover.
Claims30
A torque converter assembly, comprising:
- a clutch portion;
- an end cover at a first axial end of the assembly that does not extend beyond a plane of the clutch;
- a turbine portion on an opposite side of the clutch from the end cover;
- and
- an impeller portion having an outer wall that begins near a second axial end of the assembly and extends beyond the plane of the clutch, an end portion of the outer wall being secured to the end cover.
A torque converter housing, comprising:
- a generally plate-like end cover having an outward portion that extends in a radial direction but not in an axial direction;
- and
- an impeller outer wall having a portion that extends axially toward the end cover outward portion and is secured to the outward portion.
A torque converter assembly, comprising:
- an end cover including a threaded portion;
- and
- an impeller outer wall including a threaded portion that cooperates with the threaded portion of the end cover to secure the outer wall to the end cover.
A torque converter assembly, comprising:
- an impeller outer wall including a plurality of splines on at least an inside surface of the outer wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.