Hydrodynamic torque converter with lockup clutch

Abstract

A hydrodynamic torque converter consists of a pump wheel driven by an internal combustion engine, a turbine wheel coupled to a drive shaft, and a stator which can be blocked in one direction of rotation. These wheels, together form a converter circuit filled with a hydraulic fluid, preferably oil, which interacts with a lock-up clutch. This lock-up clutch is located axially between the outside of the turbine wheel and the inside opposite it of the converter housing which forms the connection between the pump wheel and the internal combustion engine, and a piston which, like the converter housing, can also be driven preferably with some slip in relation to the corresponding friction lining, can be displaced axially and with the converter housing defines a chamber, which piston can be brought into contact by means of a first friction lining with a plate which is non-rotationally fastened to the turbine wheel, which plate is engaged for its part with its other side by means of a second friction lining with the converter housing. In the area of contact of the converter housing with the second friction lining there are channels for the flow of oil, which can carry the flow of oil on account of the pressure gradient between the turbine wheel and the chamber from radially outward to radially inward, while in the area of contact between the piston and the plate, a flow of oil into the chamber can at least be reduced.