U.S. patent application number 13/770582 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for cover hub with sealing ring.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG. The applicant listed for this patent is Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Gregory Blough, Yusuke ITO, Patrick Lindemann.
Application Number | 20130224002 13/770582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48950981 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130224002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ITO; Yusuke ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
COVER HUB WITH SEALING RING
Abstract
A cover hub for a torque converter includes a radial wall
arranged for axial alignment with a cover of the torque converter,
a first circumferential surface including an opening for receiving
a seal, and a second circumferential surface disposed radially
inside of the first circumferential surface and arranged for
sealing to a transmission input shaft. The hub has a first fluid
passage exiting the hub at a first axial side of the opening and a
second fluid passage, circumferentially offset from the first fluid
passage and exiting the hub on a second axial side of the opening,
opposite the first axial side, and a first circumferential
protrusion for sealing the hub to the cover.
Inventors: |
ITO; Yusuke; (Tochigi,
JP) ; Lindemann; Patrick; (Wooster, OH) ;
Blough; Gregory; (Wooster, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG &
CO. KG
Herzogenaurach
DE
|
Family ID: |
48950981 |
Appl. No.: |
13/770582 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61602242 |
Feb 23, 2012 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/182.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 41/30 20130101;
F16H 2045/0215 20130101; F16H 45/02 20130101; F01D 25/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/182.1 |
International
Class: |
F01D 25/08 20060101
F01D025/08 |
Claims
1. A cover hub for a torque converter comprising: a radial wall
arranged for axial alignment with a cover of the torque converter;
a first circumferential surface including an opening for receiving
a seal; a second circumferential surface disposed radially inside
of the first circumferential surface and arranged for sealing to a
transmission input shaft; a first fluid passage exiting the hub at
a first axial side of the opening; a second fluid passage,
circumferentially offset from the first fluid passage and exiting
the hub on a second axial side of the opening, opposite the first
axial side; and, a first circumferential protrusion for sealing the
hub to the cover.
2. The cover hub of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the first
fluid passage intersects the radial wall or the second
circumferential surface.
3. The cover hub of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the first
or second fluid passage intersects the first circumferential
surface.
4. The cover hub of claim 1 wherein the hub includes a second
circumferential protrusion, extending in a direction axially
opposite of the first protrusion, for engaging a clutch seal
plate.
5. A cover assembly for a torque converter comprising: a cover
including a first radial wall with a circumferential recess; and, a
cover hub including: a second radial wall with a first
circumferential protrusion extending axially into the recess; a
first circumferential surface arranged for sealing to a piston
plate for the torque converter; a second circumferential surface
disposed radially inside of the first circumferential surface and
arranged for sealing to a transmission input shaft; and, first and
second fluid passages exiting the hub at the first circumferential
surface.
6. The cover assembly of claim 5 wherein: the first circumferential
surface includes an opening for receiving a seal; at least a
portion of the first fluid passage extends from the radial wall or
the second circumferential surface and exits the hub at a first
axial side of the opening; and, at least a portion of the second
fluid passage exits the hub on a second axial side of the opening,
opposite the first axial side.
7. The cover assembly of claim 5 wherein the hub is fixed to the
cover by a discontinuous weld.
8. The cover assembly of claim 5 further comprising: a piston plate
with a third circumferential surface; and, a seal disposed in the
opening for sealing the third circumferential surface to the
hub.
9. The cover assembly of claim 8 further comprising: a seal plate,
wherein the hub includes a second circumferential protrusion,
extending in an axially opposite direction from the first
protrusion and fixed to the seal plate.
10. A torque converter comprising: a cover assembly including a
cover shell with a first continuous recess and a cover hub, fixed
to the shell by a discontinuous weld and including a second
continuous recess engaged with the first recess to seal the hub to
the cover shell; a piston plate sealed to the cover hub; and, a
seal plate fixed to the hub.
11. The torque converter of claim 10 wherein the hub further
comprises: a circumferential surface arranged for sealing to a
transmission input shaft; a first passage extending from a first
axial side of the circumferential surface, through the hub, to a
chamber at least partially formed by the cover shell and the piston
plate; and, a second passage extending from a second axial side of
the circumferential surface, opposite the first axial side, through
the hub, to a chamber at least partially formed by the piston plate
and the seal plate.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The invention relates generally to a torque converter cover
hub, and more specifically to a torque converter cover hub with a
sealing ring.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Torque converter cover hubs are known. Examples are shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,043 to Dehrmann et al. and commonly-assigned
United States Patent Publication No. 2011/0120829 to Vanni et
al.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Example aspects broadly comprise a cover hub for a torque
converter including a radial wall arranged for axial alignment with
a cover of the torque converter, a first circumferential surface
including an opening for receiving a seal, and a second
circumferential surface disposed radially inside of the first
circumferential surface and arranged for sealing to a transmission
input shaft. The hub has a first fluid passage exiting the hub at a
first axial side of the opening, a second fluid passage,
circumferentially offset from the first fluid passage and exiting
the hub on a second axial side of the opening, opposite the first
axial side, and a first circumferential protrusion for sealing the
hub to the cover.
[0004] In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the first
fluid passage intersects the radial wall or the second
circumferential surface. In an example embodiment, at least a
portion of the first or second fluid passage intersects the first
circumferential surface. In an example embodiment, the hub includes
a second circumferential protrusion, axially opposite of the first
protrusion, for engaging a clutch seal plate.
[0005] Other example aspects broadly comprise a cover assembly for
a torque converter including a cover having a first radial wall
with a circumferential recess and a cover hub. The hub has a second
radial wall with a first circumferential protrusion extending
axially into the recess, a first circumferential surface arranged
for sealing to a piston plate for the torque converter, a second
circumferential surface disposed radially inside of the first
circumferential surface and arranged for sealing to a transmission
input shaft, and first and second fluid passages exiting the hub at
the first circumferential surface.
[0006] In an example embodiment, the first circumferential surface
includes an opening for receiving a seal, at least a portion of the
first fluid passage extends from the radial wall or the second
circumferential surface and exits the hub at a first axial side of
the opening, and at least a portion of the second fluid passage
exits the hub on a second axial side of the opening, opposite the
first axial side. In an example embodiment, the hub is fixed to the
cover by a discontinuous weld. In some example embodiments, the
cover assembly includes a piston plate with a third circumferential
surface and a seal disposed in the opening for sealing the third
circumferential surface to the hub. In an example embodiment, the
cover assembly includes a seal plate and the hub includes a second
circumferential protrusion extending in an axially opposite
direction from the first protrusion and fixed to the seal
plate.
[0007] Other example aspects broadly comprise a torque converter
including a cover assembly having a cover shell with a first
continuous recess, and a cover hub. The cover hub is fixed to the
shell by a discontinuous weld and includes a second continuous
recess engaged with the first recess to seal the hub to the cover
shell. The torque converter also includes a piston plate sealed to
the cover hub and a seal plate fixed to the hub. In an example
embodiment, the hub has a circumferential surface arranged for
sealing to a transmission input shaft, a first passage extending
from a first axial side of the circumferential surface, through the
hub, to a chamber at least partially formed by the cover shell and
the piston plate, and a second passage extending from a second
axial side of the circumferential surface, opposite the first axial
side, through the hub, to a chamber at least partially formed by
the piston plate and the seal plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate
system demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present
application;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an object in the
cylindrical coordinate system of
[0011] FIG. 1A demonstrating spatial terminology used in the
present application;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a top half of a prior art
torque converter;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a detail view of boxed portion 3 in FIG. 2 with
several components removed for clarity;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the
hub and shell of FIG. 3 including a sealing ring shown before
assembly;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the hub and shell of FIG. 4 shown
after assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers appearing in different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements. Furthermore, it is
understood that this invention is not limited only to the
particular embodiments, methodology, materials and modifications
described herein, 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 invention, which is limited only by the
appended claims.
[0017] 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 invention belongs. Although
any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
invention, the following example methods, devices, and materials
are now described.
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of cylindrical coordinate
system 80 demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present
application. The present invention is at least partially described
within the context of a cylindrical coordinate system. System 80
has a longitudinal axis 81, used as the reference for the
directional and spatial terms that follow. The adjectives "axial,"
"radial," and "circumferential" are with respect to an orientation
parallel to axis 81, radius 82 (which is orthogonal to axis 81),
and circumference 83, respectively. The adjectives "axial,"
"radial" and "circumferential" also are regarding orientation
parallel to respective planes. To clarify the disposition of the
various planes, objects 84, 85, and 86 are used. Surface 87 of
object 84 forms an axial plane. That is, axis 81 forms a line along
the surface. Surface 88 of object 85 forms a radial plane. That is,
radius 82 forms a line along the surface. Surface 89 of object 86
forms a circumferential plane. That is, circumference 83 forms a
line along the surface. As a further example, axial movement or
disposition is parallel to axis 81, radial movement or disposition
is parallel to radius 82, and circumferential movement or
disposition is parallel to circumference 83. Rotation is with
respect to axis 81.
[0019] The adverbs "axially," "radially," and "circumferentially"
are with respect to an orientation parallel to axis 81, radius 82,
or circumference 83, respectively. The adverbs "axially,"
"radially," and "circumferentially" also are regarding orientation
parallel to respective planes.
[0020] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of object 90 in cylindrical
coordinate system 80 of FIG. 1A demonstrating spatial terminology
used in the present application. Cylindrical object 90 is
representative of a cylindrical object in a cylindrical coordinate
system and is not intended to limit the present invention in any
manner. Object 90 includes axial surface 91, radial surface 92, and
circumferential surface 93. Surface 91 is part of an axial plane,
surface 92 is part of a radial plane, and surface 93 is part of a
circumferential plane.
[0021] The following description is made with reference to FIGS.
2-3. FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a top half of a prior art
torque converter. FIG. 3 is a detail view of boxed portion 3 in
FIG. 2 with several components removed for clarity. Prior art
torque converter 100 includes impeller 102, stator 104, and turbine
106 enclosed within a housing formed by cover shell 108 and
impeller shell 110. During particular operating conditions of
converter 100, clutch and damper assembly 112 may be hydraulically
engaged as described below to bypass fluid operation of the
impeller, stator, and turbine.
[0022] Cover assembly 114 includes shell 108 and cover hub 116 as
shown in more detail in FIG. 3. Shell 108 includes radial wall 118
and cover hub 116 includes radial wall 120, axially aligned with
wall 118. By axially aligned, we mean that the walls are lying
adjacent to one-another. That is, they are touching. In an example
embodiment, the shell and hub may be fixed together by continuous
weld 122, for example, to maintain axial alignment of walls 118 and
120, and to seal hub 116 to cover 108.
[0023] Hub 116 includes circumferential surface 124 including
opening 126 for receiving seal 128 (FIG. 2), for example, and
surface 130 disposed radially inside of surface 124 and arranged
for sealing to a transmission input shaft (not shown) at bushing
132 (FIG. 2), for example. Fluid passage 134 exits hub 116 to the
right of opening 126 as shown in FIG. 3. Fluid passage 136 exits
hub 116 to the left, or the opposite side, of opening 126 as shown
in FIG. 3. Although passages 134 and 136 are shown in the same
section view, it should be understood that the passages are
circumferentially offset as evidenced by the dashed lines on
passage 134 where the passages appear to intersect. That is, the
fluid passages are independent of one another so that there is no
fluid exchange from passage 134 to passage 136, or vice versa.
[0024] Clutch and damper assembly 112 includes piston plate 138,
seal plate 140, and clutch pack 142. The clutch pack is clamped by
the piston plate when pressure in chamber 144 between the piston
plate and seal plate is higher than pressure in chamber 146 between
the piston plate and the cover shell. Pressurized oil enters
chamber 144 through passage 134, and chamber 146 through passage
136. Passage 136 may connect to the transmission through orifice
150 in hub 152 and a channel disposed between the input shaft and
the stator shaft (not shown), for example. Passage 134 may connect
to the transmission through a passage extending along the length of
the input shaft, for example.
[0025] Seals 128 and 148, and piston 138 cooperate to divide
chambers 144 and 146. Similarly, continuous weld 122 seals hub 116
to shell 108 so that pressurized oil directed from the input shaft
channel to passage 134 to clamp the clutch cannot leak into chamber
146 by flowing between the hub and the shell. Similarly, the
continuous weld prevents higher pressure oil in chamber 146 from
leaking into passage 134 when the clutch is unlocked. A continuous
weld is expensive and adds additional heat to the hub and shell
that may result in distortion or warpage.
[0026] The following description is made with reference to FIGS.
4-5. FIG. 4 is a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the
hub and shell of FIG. 3 including a sealing ring shown before
assembly. FIG. 5 is a detail view of the hub and shell of FIG. 4
shown after assembly. Hub 216 includes circumferential surface 224
including opening 226 for receiving seal 128, for example, arranged
for sealing to a piston plate (i.e., piston plate 138 in FIG. 2).
Piston plate 138 includes circumferential surface 166. In an
example embodiment (not shown), seal 128 is disposed in opening 226
for sealing surface 166 to hub 216. Hub 216 includes
circumferential surface 230 disposed radially inside of surface 224
and arranged for sealing to a transmission input shaft in a manner
similar to sealing of surface 130 described above.
[0027] Fluid passage 234 exits hub 216 to the right of opening 226
as shown in FIG. 4. Fluid passage 236 exits hub 216 to the left, or
the opposite side, of opening 226 as shown in FIG. 4. Otherwise
stated, passage 236 extends from the right axial side of
circumferential surface 230, through hub 216, to chamber 146 (FIG.
2) at least partially formed by cover shell 208 and piston plate
138. Passage 234 extends from the left axial side of
circumferential surface 230, through hub 216, to chamber 144 at
least partially formed by piston plate 138 and seal plate 140
[0028] Although passages 234 and 236 are shown in the same section
view, it should be understood that the passages are
circumferentially offset as evidenced by the dashed lines on
passage 234 where the passages appear to intersect. That is, the
fluid passages are independent of one another so that there is no
fluid exchange from passage 234 to passage 236, or vice versa.
[0029] Hub 216 includes circumferential protrusion, or sealing
ring, 254 for sealing the hub to the cover. By circumferential
protrusion, we mean that protrusion 254 is a continuous loop
extending from radial surface 220. Portion 256 of passage 134
intersects radial wall 220 and circumferential surface 230. Portion
258 of passage 234 intersects circumferential surface 224. Although
only portion 258 is shown to intersect surface 224, in other
embodiments (not shown), portion 260 of passage 236 intersects
surface 224. Hub 216 includes circumferential protrusion 262,
axially opposite of protrusion 254, for engaging clutch seal plate
140 (FIG. 2). That is, in a torque converter assembly, seal plate
140 and hub 216 are fixed together at protrusion 262.
[0030] Cover 208 includes radial wall 218 with circumferential
recess, or opening, 264. Similar to protrusion 254, recess 264
extends continuously in a circumferential direction from radial
surface 218. As best shown in FIG. 5, circumferential protrusion
254 extends axially into recess 264. That is, the protrusion and
recess are complementarily shaped such that the protrusion may be
assembled into the recess with minimal clearance. Hub 216 is fixed
to cover 208 by discontinuous weld 222. That is, weld 222 does not
form a complete ring around hub 216 in the way that weld 122 forms
a complete ring around hub 116 to seal the hub to the cover.
Because hub 216 includes axial protrusion 254 fitted into cover
recess 264, weld 222 does not need to seal the hub to the cover and
can be a series of smaller welds that is less expensive and less
prone to distortion when compared with a continuous weld. The tight
fit between the hub protrusion and the cover recess acts to seal
the components together to prevent fluid exchange as described
above. That is, the minimal clearance creates a high resistance to
fluid flow between the hub and cover, effectively sealing the hub
to the cover.
[0031] Of course, changes and modifications to the above examples
of the invention should be readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention as claimed. For example, although the
protrusion and recess extend in a circumferential direction, they
are not necessarily cylindrical in shape. For example, in some
applications, the pair may have a polygonal shape with straight
sides and rounded corners. This may be especially important if the
particular application necessitates torque transmission through the
hub because the polygonal shape limits the torque transmitted
through the weld. Although the invention is described by reference
to specific preferred and/or example embodiments, it is clear that
variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit
of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *