Crimped connection for a cover and impeller in a torque converter

Abstract

The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a cover arranged to accept torque from a drive unit and an impeller. The cover and the impeller are joined by a crimped connection. In some aspects, the converter includes a sealing element disposed between the cover and the impeller and the sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an o-ring and a gasket. In some aspects, the cover is a cast piece. In some aspects, the cover is formed by a process selected from the group consisting of: molding, compression molding, and pressed metal forming. In some aspects, the cover is a stamped metal piece. The present invention also broadly comprises a torque converter including a cover, an impeller, and an induction brazed connection joining the cover and impeller. In some aspects, the cover further comprises axially disposed fingers engaged with the impeller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a present invention torque converter with a cast cover; and,

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a present invention torque converter with a stamped cover.

Claims

1. A torque converter, comprising: a cover arranged to accept torque from a drive unit; and,an impeller, wherein said cover and said impeller are joined by a crimped connection.

2. The torque converter of claim 1 further comprising: a sealing element disposed between said cover and said impeller.

3. The torque converter of claim 2 wherein said sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an o-ring and a gasket.

4. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said impeller axially overlaps said cover at said crimped connection.

5. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said cover axially overlaps said impeller at said crimped connection.

6. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said cover is manipulated to form said crimped connection.

7. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said impeller is manipulated to form said crimped connection.

8. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said cover is formed by casting.

9. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said cover is formed by a first process selected from the group consisting of: molding, compression molding, and pressed metal forming.

10. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said cover is formed by stamping.

11. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said impeller is formed by casting.

12. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said impeller is formed by a second process selected from the group consisting of: molding, compression molding, and pressed metal forming.

13. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said impeller is formed by stamping.

14. The torque converter of claim 1 wherein said cover further comprises at least one connection point for connection to a drive unit, said impeller further comprises at least one axial extension, and said at least one axial extension is in contact with said at least one connection point.

15. A torque converter, comprising: a cover arranged to accept torque from a drive unit; and,an impeller, wherein said cover and said impeller are joined by a brazed connection and at least one of said cover and impeller is formed by casting.

16. The torque converter of claim 15 wherein said impeller is formed by casting.

17. The torque converter of claim 15 wherein said cover is formed by casting.

18. The torque converter of claim 15 wherein said cover further comprises at least one first axial extension, said impeller is formed by casting and includes at least one first recess, and said at least one first axial extension is disposed in said at least one first recess.

19. The torque converter of claim 15 wherein said impeller further comprises at least one second axial extension said cover is formed by casting and includes at least one second recess, and said at least one second axial extension is disposed in said at least one second recess.