Patent Application
20070181395
The present invention relates to a torque converter with two dampers and one bridging clutch, where the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers.
From DE 43 33 562 A1 (
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a torque converter for motor vehicles is provided which comprises a bridging clutch and two dampers, wherein the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers, and wherein the converter has a three-duct system for the oil supply.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the bridging clutch is designed as a multiple-disk clutch.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an outer disk support of the bridging clutch is attached to an output part of a radially outer damper and an inner disk support of the bridging clutch is connected to an input part of a radially inner damper in a rotationally fixed connection.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a supplemental mass is attached to the output part of the radially outer damper.
An object of the present invention is to provide a converter that has both the bridging clutch between two dampers and—at least partially—no longer has the named disadvantages.
The task was solved by equipping the converter with a three-duct system for the oil supply. A three-duct system has the advantage that the oil circulation can be accomplished by means of two ducts and the operation of the bridging clutch can be brought about with a separate duct. This uncoupling of the oil supply function brings an improvement of the converter function.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bridging clutch is situated at the output part of the radially outer damper, which is supported in the converter housing by means of roller bearings.
In
Important to the present invention is the design of the output part 2 of the radially outer damper. This output part is in a sense like an image of the left converter wall. In particular, the output part 2 preferably follows the contour of the left converter wall below the spring 4. This makes it possible to position the multiple-plate bridging clutch in the known manner. Another advantage is that this output part 2 has high-quality support by means of the support bearing 20.
It is also advantageous that the input part 3 of the radially outer damper extends in the axial direction. This makes it possible for pre-assembled subassemblies to simply be inserted into the housing from right to left during assembly. This design of the input part is additionally advantageous because as a result the outer damper can almost reach the outer diameter of the housing with its outer diameter.
The S-shaped design of output part 2 is also advantageous, since therefore the multiple-plate clutch can also be placed close to the housing. In addition, the upper curve of the output part 2 (to the right of spring 4) and the low design of the radially inner damper allow attachment of a supplemental mass 16 to the output part 2 of the radially outer damper. This makes it possible in an advantageous manner to tune the vibrating behavior, and hence the damping behavior of the overall damper design.
For an average person skilled in the art, the other functions and also the designs are recognizable from the reference number list. Reference is also made to DE 103 50 935 A1, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, in which all of the elements can be differentiated very thoroughly.
Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/758,301, filed Jan. 12, 2006 is claimed, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60758301 | Jan 2006 | US |
