Torque converter having dam and compensation reservoir

Abstract

A torque converter includes a front cover, a shield, a lock-up clutch, and a dam. The front cover is arranged to receive a torque and includes a radial portion having an orifice extending axially therethrough. The shield is non-rotatably connected to the front cover and includes an opening extending axially therethrough. The shield and the front cover define a chamber. The lock-up clutch includes a piston. The piston and the front cover define in part a compensation chamber. The dam is arranged in the chamber and sub-divides the chamber into an air chamber and a compensation reservoir. At least a portion of the dam is axially displaceable within the chamber. The air chamber is arranged between the dam and the shield and is in fluid communication with an ambient environment via the opening. The compensation reservoir is arranged between the dam and the radial portion and is in fluid communication with the compensation chamber via the orifice.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.