[0001] The present disclosure relates to a torque converter configured with circumferentially overlapping pressurized flow paths for apply and release pressure chambers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cross-flow hubs in torque converters are known. One such example is described in commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0023116-A1, published January 26, 2017.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a torque converter, including: an axis of rotation; a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a lock-up clutch including a piston plate; an output hub connected to the turbine and arranged to non- rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft; a first hub connected to the cover: a through-bore bounded in first and second opposite radial directions by the first hub; a first chamber bounded at least in part by the turbine; an apply chamber bounded at least in part by the piston plate; a release chamber bounded at least in part by the cover, the first hub, and the piston plate; a first flow path; a second flow path sealed from the first chamber and including the through-bore and a portion circumferentially aligned with the first flow path. A line in a first axial direction passes through an entirety of the through-bore without intersecting the first hub. For a lock-up mode for the torque converter, in which the piston plate is non-rotatably connected to the cover, first pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the first flow path into the apply chamber and displace the piston plate in the first axial direction. For a torque converter mode for the torque converter, in which the cover is rotatable with respect to the piston plate, second pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the second flow path into the release chamber and displace the piston plate in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, to disconnect the piston plate from the cover.

[0004] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a torque converter, including: an axis of rotation; a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a flow plate non-rotatably connected to the cover; a through-bore through the flow plate; a lock-up clutch including a piston plate; an output hub non-rotatably connected to the turbine and arranged to non- rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft; a first chamber including the impeller; an apply chamber bounded at least in part by the piston plate; a release chamber bounded at least in part by the cover and the piston plate; a first flow path including a first radially innermost end bounded in a first axial direction by the flow plate; and a second flow path sealed from the first chamber and including a second radially innermost end bounded in a first and second opposite radial directions by the output hub and the flow plate, respectively and located further in the first axial direction, than the first radially innermost end. The first axial direction is parallel to the axis of rotation and from the turbine toward the impeller. A line in the first axial direction passes through the through- bore without intersecting the flow plate. For a lock-up mode, first pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the first radially innermost end and the first flow path into the apply chamber to displace the piston plate in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, and non- rotatably connect the cover and the piston plate. For a torque converter mode, second pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the second flow path to displace the piston plate in the first axial direction to disconnect the piston plate from the cover.

[0005] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a lock-up clutch including a piston plate; a first hub fixedly connected to the cover; a through-bore through the first hub; an output hub non-rotatably connected to the turbine and arranged to non-rotatably connect to an input shaft for a transmission; a first chamber including the turbine; an apply chamber bounded at least in part by the piston plate; a release chamber bounded at least in part by the cover, the first hub, and the piston plate; a first flow path including an first entry point for the first flow path into the torque converter, the first entry point bounded in part by the first hub; a second flow path passing through the through-bore and including a second entry point for the second fluid path into the torque converter, the second entry point bounded in part by the output hub and located further in a first axial direction than the first entry point. A line in the first axial direction passes through an entirety of the through-bore without intersecting the first hub. The second flow path is sealed from the first chamber. The first axial direction is from the turbine toward the impeller. For a lockup mode, first pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the first entry point and the first flow path into the apply chamber to displace the piston plate in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, and non-rotatably connect the cover and the piston plate. For a torque converter mode, second pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the second entry point and the second flow path into the release chamber to displace the piston plate in the first axial direction and disconnect the piston plate from the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torque converter configured for cross flow to pressure chambers;

Figure 2 is a detail of area 2 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view generally along line 3-3 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is detail of area 4 of Figure 1 with a transmission input shaft added; and, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate system demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0008] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure.

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of cylindrical coordinate system 10 demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application. The present application is at least partially described within the context of a cylindrical coordinate system. System 10 includes axis of rotation, or longitudinal axis, 11, used as the reference for the directional and spatial terms that follow. Opposite axial directions AD1 and AD2 are parallel to axis 11. Radial direction RD1 is orthogonal to axis 11 and away from axis 11. Radial direction RD2 is orthogonal to axis 11 and toward axis 11. Opposite circumferential directions CD1 and CD2 are defined by an endpoint of a particular radius R (orthogonal to axis 11) rotated about axis 11, for example clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.

[0011] To clarify the spatial terminology, objects 12, 13, and 14 are used. As an example, an axial surface, such as surface 15A of object 12, is formed by a plane co-planar with axis 11. However, any planar surface parallel to axis 11 is an axial surface. For example, surface 15B, parallel to axis 11 also is an axial surface. An axial edge is formed by an edge, such as edge 15C, parallel to axis 11. A radial surface, such as surface 16A of object 13, is formed by a plane orthogonal to axis 11 and co-planar with a radius, for example, radius 17A. A radial edge is co- linear with a radius of axis 11. For example, edge 16B is co-linear with radius 17B. Surface 18 of object 14 forms a circumferential, or cylindrical, surface. For example, circumference 19, defined by radius 20, passes through surface 18.

[0012] Axial movement is in axial direction AD1 or AD2. Radial movement is in radial direction RD1 or RD2. Circumferential, or rotational, movement is in circumferential direction CD1 or CD2. The adverbs "axially," "radially," and "circumferentially" refer to movement or orientation parallel to axis 11, orthogonal to axis 11, and about axis 11, respectively. For example, an axially disposed surface or edge extends in direction AD1, a radially disposed surface or edge extends in direction RD1, and a circumferentially disposed surface or edge extends in direction CD1

[0013] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of torque converter 100 configured for cross flow to pressure chambers.

[0014] Figure 2 is a detail of area 2 in Figure 1. The following should be viewed in light of Figures 1 and 2. Torque converter 100 includes: axis of rotation AR; cover 102 arranged to receive torque; impeller 104; turbine 106; lock up clutch 108; output hub 110; hub 112 non- rotatably connected to cover 102; flow plate 114; and backing plate 116. Impeller 104 includes: impeller shell 118 non-rotatably connected to cover 102; and at least one impeller blade 120. Turbine 106 includes: turbine shell 122 non-rotatably connected to hub 110; and at least one turbine blade 124. Lock-up clutch 108 includes piston plate 126. Torque converter 100 includes: apply chamber 128; release chamber 130; and chamber 132. By "non-rotatably connected" elements, we mean that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required.

[0015] Flow plate 114 is non-rotatably connected to: hub 112; and plate 116. Chamber 128 is bounded, at least in part, by plate 116 and plate 126. Chamber 130 is bounded, at least in part, by cover 102, hub 112, and plate 126. Chamber 132 is bounded, at least in part, by plate 116 and shell 122. By "bounded in part," we mean that a portion of the cited chamber, flow path, or other structure is bounded, or formed, by the cited element.

[0016] Hub 112 includes through-bore 134 bounded in opposite radial directions RD1 and

RD2, orthogonal to axis AR, by hub 112. In an example embodiment: hub 112 includes extruded rivet 136; and through-bore 134 passes through rivet 136. Torque converter 100 includes flow path 138 and flow path 140. Flow path 140 is sealed from flow path 138 and includes, that is, passes through, through-bore 134. That is, flow path 140 includes through-bore 134. Flow path 138 does not pass through through-bore 134. Portion 141 of flow path 140 is circumferentially aligned with flow path 138. In an example embodiment, line LI, in axial direction AD1 parallel to axis AR, passes through the entirety of through-bore 134 without intersecting hub 112. Torque converter 100 includes: entry point 142 for flow path 138 into converter 100; and entry point 143 for flow path 140 into converter 100.

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view generally along line 3-3 in Figure 2. The following should be viewed in light of Figures 1 through 3. Flow plate 114 includes at least one groove 144. Groove 144 is bounded, in opposite circumferential directions CD1 and CD2, by portions 146 and 148, respectively, of plate 114 sealed against, for example in contact with, hub 112. Portion 149 of flow path 138 passes through groove 144. That is, flow path 138 includes groove 144. Groove 144 is bounded by hub 112 in direction AD1 and includes openings 150 and 152 opening radially inwardly and radially outwardly, respectively. Flow plate 114 includes: surface 154 facing in direction AD1 and bounding, in part, flow path 138; and surface 156, facing in direction AD2 and bounding, in part, flow path 140. In an example embodiment, line L2, in radial direction RDl, passes through the entirety of groove 144 without intersecting hub 112 or plate 114.

[0018] For a lock-up mode for torque converter 100, in which piston plate 126 is non- rotatably connected to cover 102 and the torque is transmitted to hub 110 through clutch 108, Pressurized fluid PI is arranged to flow through flow path 138 into apply chamber 128 and displace piston plate in axial direction ADl. For a torque converter mode for torque converter 100, in which cover 102 is rotatable with respect to piston plate 126 and the torque bypasses clutch 108, pressurized fluid P2 is arranged to flow through flow path 140 into release chamber 130 and displace piston plate 126 in axial direction AD2, opposite direction ADl, to disconnect piston plate 126 from cover 102.

[0019] Flow plate 114 bounds, in part, flow paths 138 and 140. For example, flow plate

114 bounds portions 158 and 160 of flow paths 138 and 140, respectively. Flow path 138 includes: end 162 open to apply chamber 128; and end 164 radially inward of end 162 and bounded in part by plate 114. Flow path 140 includes: end 166 open to release chamber 130; and end 168 radially inward of end 166 and bounded in part by plate 114. In an example embodiment, end 164 is bounded in axial directions ADl and AD2 by hub 112 and flow plate 114, respectively. In an example embodiment, end 168 is radially disposed between backing plate 116 and flow plate 114. In an example embodiment, end 168 is bounded radially inwardly in direction RD2 by flow plate 114 and is bounded radially outwardly in direction RDl by output hub 110.

[0020] In an example embodiment, torque converter 100 includes seal 170 sealing hub 110 against plate 116. Seal 170 seals flow path 140 from chamber 132. Line L3, orthogonal to axis AR passes through in sequence: axis of rotation AR; flow plate 114; end 168; output hub 110; and backing plate 116. In an example embodiment, torque converter 100 includes seals 171 and 172. Seal 171 seals piston plate 126 against backing plate 116. Seal 172 seals hub 112 against piston plate 126.

[0021] In an example embodiment, torque converter 100 includes: stator 173 with at least one stator blade 174; one-way clutch 175; torsional vibration damper 176; and pendulum vibration absorber 178. Damper 176 includes input plate 180, at least one spring 182, spring retainer plate 184, at least one spring 186, and output flange 188. Spring 182 is engaged with plates 180 and 184. Spring 186 is engaged with plate 184 and flange 188. Absorber 178 is connected to plate 184 and flange 188 is non-rotatably connected to hub 110.

[0022] In an example embodiment, clutch 108 includes clutch plates 190, 192 and 194 axially disposed between cover 102 and piston plate 126. Plates 190 and 192 are non-rotatably connected to plate 180 and connected to spring 182. Plate 194 is non-rotatably connected to cover 102. Respective friction material F is disposed between: cover 102, plates 190, 192 and 194; and piston plate 116.

[0023] Figure 4 is detail of area 4 of Figure 1 with transmission input shaft IS added. In

Figure 4, output hub 110 is non-rotatably connected to shaft IS. Seal 196 seals plate 114 against shaft IS and seals flow path 138 from flow path 140. Shaft IS includes channels CHI and CH2. Channel CHI supplies pressurized fluid to apply chamber 128. Thus, flow path 138 flows through channel CHI. Channel CH2 supplies pressurized fluid to release chamber 130. Thus, flow path 140 flows through channel CH2. Channel CHI extends further in direction AD1 than channel CH2, resulting in an axial orientation of channels CHI and CH2 opposite of the axial orientation for apply chamber 128 and release chamber 130. However, the configuration of torque converter 100 enables flow path 138 to cross flow path 140 in axial direction AD1 and overlap flow path 140 in circumferential directions CD1 and CD2, enabling the use of shaft IS with torque converter 100. Entry point 142 opens to opening Ol for channel CHI. Entry point 143 opens to opening 02 for channel CH2.

[0024] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

List of Reference Characters:

10 cylindrical system

11 axis of rotation

AD1 axial direction

AD2 axial direction

RD1 radial direction

RD2 radial direction

CDl circumferential direction

CD2 circumferential direction

R radius

12 object

13 object

14 object

15A surface

15B surface

15C edge

16A surface

16B edge

17A radius

17B radius

18 surface

19 circumference

20 radius

AR axis of rotation

CHI channel

CH2 channel

F friction material

LI line

L2 line

L3 line Ol opening

02 opening

100 torque converter

102 cover

104 impeller

106 turbine

108 lock up clutch

110 output hub

112 hub

114 flow plate

116 backing plate

118 impeller shell

120 impeller blade

122 turbine shell

124 turbine blade

126 piston plate

128 apply chamber

130 release chamber

132 chamber

134 through-bore

136 rivet

138 flow path

140 flow path

142 entry point

143 entry point

144 groove

146 portion, plate 114

148 portion, plate 114

149 portion, path 138

150 opening, groove 144 152 opening, groove 144

154 surface, plate 114

156 surface, plate 114

158 portion, path 138

160 portion, path 140

162 end, path 138

164 end, path 138

166 end, path 140

168 end, path 140

170 seal

171 seal

172 seal

173 stator

174 stator blade

176 torsional vibration damper

178 pendulum vibration absorber

180 input plate, damper 176

182 spring

184 spring retainer plate

186 spring

188 output flange

190 clutch plate

192 clutch plate

194 clutch plate