阅读说明：本技术 包括定子和用于限制定子的径向运动的涡轮组件的变矩器 (Torque converter including a stator and a turbine assembly for limiting radial movement of the stator ) 是由 潘卡伊·马杜卡尔·帕蒂尔 于 2018-11-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：变矩器包括涡轮,该涡轮包括多个涡轮叶片和从涡轮叶片径向向内的内部径向延伸部。该变矩器还包括定子,该定子包括多个定子叶片和支承定子叶片的定子本体。内部径向延伸部和定子本体中的至少一者设置有定子保持组件用以限制定子相对于涡轮的径向运动。(The torque converter includes a turbine including a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades. The torque converter also includes a stator including a plurality of stator blades and a stator body supporting the stator blades. At least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body is provided with a stator retention assembly to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine.)

1. A torque converter, comprising:

a turbine comprising a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades; and

a stator including a plurality of stator vanes and a stator body supporting the stator vanes, at least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body being provided with a stator retention assembly to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine.

2. The torque converter of claim 1, wherein the stator retention assembly includes an axial projection that extends into a gap formed between a turbine radially-facing extending surface of the stator body and a stator radially-facing extending surface of the inner radially-extending portion.

3. The torque converter of claim 2, wherein the stator body includes an axially extending surface extending from the turbine facing radially extending surface of the stator body, the axially extending surface of the axial projection being disposed radially outward from the axially extending surface of the stator body to limit radial movement of the stator by contacting the axially extending surface of the stator body.

4. The torque converter of claim 3, further comprising a curved plate secured to the inner radial extension, the curved plate including the axial protrusion, the axial protrusion being integrally formed with the inner radial extension.

5. The torque converter of claim 2, wherein the inner radial extension includes an axially extending surface extending from the stator facing radially extending surface of the inner radial extension, the axially extending surface of the axial projection being disposed radially outward from the axially extending surface of the inner radial extension to limit radial movement of the stator by contacting the axially extending surface of the inner radial extension.

6. The torque converter of claim 1, further comprising an impeller, the stator including a visor on an outer diameter of the stator blades, the stator retention assembly configured to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine to prevent the visor from contacting the turbine and the impeller, the impeller including impeller blades and an impeller core ring secured to the impeller blades, the turbine including a turbine core ring secured to the turbine blades, the stator retention assembly configured to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine to prevent the visor from contacting the turbine core ring and the impeller core ring.

7. A method of constructing a torque converter, the method comprising:

providing a turbine comprising a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades;

providing a stator comprising a plurality of stator vanes and a stator body supporting the stator vanes; and

providing a stator retention assembly for at least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the stator retention assembly includes an axial projection that extends into a gap formed between a turbine radially-facing extending surface of the stator body and a stator radially-facing extending surface of the inner radially-extending portion.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the stator body includes an axially extending surface extending from the turbine facing radially extending surface of the stator body, the axially extending surface of the axial projection being disposed radially outward from the axially extending surface of the stator body to limit radial movement of the stator by contacting the axially extending surface of the stator body.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said providing the stator holding assembly for at least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body includes forming the axial projection on the inner radial extension.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to torque converters and more particularly to stators and turbines of torque converters.

Background

A torque converter comprising an axially movable turbine in which the turbine forms a piston, i.e. an iTC torque converter, is known. U.S. publication 2015/0027110 shows such a iTC torque converter.

Us publication 2017/0254397 discloses an extruded impeller for radial alignment of the stator.

Disclosure of Invention

A torque converter is provided that includes a turbine including a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades. The torque converter also includes a stator including a plurality of stator blades and a stator body supporting the stator blades. At least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body is provided with a stator retention assembly to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine.

According to an embodiment of the torque converter, the stator holding assembly may comprise an axial protrusion extending into a gap formed between a turbine facing radially extending surface of the stator body and a stator facing radially surface of the inner radially extending portion. The stator body may include an axially extending surface extending from the turbine face of the stator body to the radially extending surface. The axially extending surface of the axial projection may be disposed radially outward from the axially extending surface of the stator body to limit radial movement of the stator by contacting the axially extending surface of the stator body. The inner radial extension may be fixed with a curved plate comprising an axial projection. The axial projection may be integrally formed with the inner radial extension. The axial projection may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs pierced from the material of the inner radial extension. The inner radial extension may include an axially extending surface extending from a stator face of the inner radial extension to the radially extending surface. The axially extending surface of the axial projection may be disposed radially outward from the axially extending surface of the inner radial extension to limit radial movement of the stator by contacting the axially extending surface of the inner radial extension. The axial protrusion may be integrally formed with the stator body. The torque converter may include an impeller, and the stator may include a visor-like portion on an outer diameter of the stator blades. The stator retention assembly may be configured to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine to prevent the visor from contacting the turbine and the impeller. The impeller includes impeller blades and an impeller core ring secured to the impeller blades. The turbine may include a turbine core ring secured to the turbine blades. The stator retention assembly may be configured to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine to prevent the brim portion from being sandwiched between the wheel core ring and the turbine core ring. The impeller may include impeller blades and an impeller core ring secured to the impeller blades. The turbine may include a turbine core ring secured to the turbine blades. The stator retention assembly may be configured to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine to prevent the visor from contacting the turbine core ring and the wheel core ring.

A method of construction is also provided. The method comprises the following steps: providing a turbine wheel comprising a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades; providing a stator including a plurality of stator vanes and a stator body supporting the stator vanes; and providing a stator retention assembly for at least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine.

According to an embodiment of the method, the stator retention assembly may include an axial projection extending into a gap formed between the turbine radially-facing surface and an inner radially-extending stator radially-facing surface of the stator body. The stator body may include an axially extending surface extending from the turbine face of the stator body to the radially extending surface. The axially extending surface of the axial projection may be disposed radially outward from the axially extending surface of the stator body to limit radial movement of the stator by contacting the axially extending surface of the stator body. Providing the stator retention assembly for at least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body may include forming an axial projection on the inner radial extension. Forming the axial projection on the inner radial extension may include securing a curved plate to the inner radial extension, the curved plate including the axial projection. Forming the axial projection on the inner radial extension may include piercing or extruding the inner radial extension to form the axial projection as a plurality of pierced circumferentially spaced apart tabs. Providing the stator retention assembly for at least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body may include forming an axial projection on the stator body. The method may include providing an impeller including impeller blades and an impeller core ring secured to the impeller blades. The turbine may include a turbine core ring secured to the turbine blades. The stator may include a visor-like portion on an outer diameter of the stator vane. The stator retention assembly may be configured to limit radial movement of the stator relative to the turbine to prevent the visor from contacting the turbine core ring and the wheel core ring.

Drawings

The disclosure is described below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates a torque converter including a stator holding assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1b shows an enlarged view of the stator holding assembly shown in FIG. 1 a;

fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a stator holding assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a stator holding assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 4a shows an enlarged view of a stator holding assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

figure 4b schematically illustrates a plan view of an annular cross-section of the extruded inner radial extension of the stator holding assembly extension shown in figure 4 a.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides an embodiment of an iTC torque converter having a stator retention assembly configured to limit radial movement of the stator. iTC the design has no bearing between the stator and the turbine, but leaves a gap between these two components for turbine deflection during clutch application. This clearance allows the stator to rest on the turbine after the torque converter is assembled and before the torque converter is installed on the transmission. Due to this gap, some stators may be radially displaced and sandwiched between the turbine and the impeller core ring during transport. The stator cannot be assembled to the transmission and parts must be scrapped. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a stator retention assembly for limiting radial movement of a stator. The stator holding assembly may also be beneficial in non-iTC applications (i.e., in applications where the lockup clutch is distinct from the turbine). For the non-iTC with a higher end play (endplay), there is additional clearance between the components that can allow the stator to move radially outward.

FIG. 1a illustrates a torque converter 10 including a stator holding assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The torque converter 10 is rotatable about a central axis CA, and the torque converter 10 includes a front cover 12 and a rear cover 14, the front cover 12 for connection to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the rear cover 14 forming a housing 16 for an impeller or pump 18. The terms "axially," "radially," and "circumferentially" as used herein are used with respect to the central axis 11. The torque converter 10 also includes a turbine 20, the turbine 20 configured to define a piston that is axially movable toward the impeller 18 and away from the impeller 18 such that an engagement section of the turbine 20 selectively engages and disengages with an engagement section of the impeller 18 to form a lock-up clutch. The turbine 20 includes a turbine shell 22 and a core ring 24 with a plurality of turbine blades 26 supported between the turbine shell 22 and the core ring 24. The impeller 18 also includes a plurality of impeller blades 28, the plurality of impeller blades 28 being retained between the impeller shell 16 and the core ring 30.

The turbine casing 22 includes a rounded blade support portion 32, the rounded blade support portion 32 being shaped as an annular bowl and for contacting the engine-side edge of the turbine blade 26. the turbine casing 22 includes an annular inner radial extension 34 radially inward of the blade support portion 32, the annular inner radial extension 34 coupling an axially extending inner peripheral section 36 at an inner radial end of the annular inner radial extension 34, an inner peripheral surface 36a of the inner peripheral section 36 contacting an outer peripheral surface of a hub bushing 38 having a cross-section of L, the hub bushing 38 contacting an outer peripheral surface of the transmission input shaft such that the turbine 20 is rotatable relative to the transmission input shaft.

The turbine 20 includes an outer radial extension 40 radially outward of the blade support portion 32 and the turbine blades 26, the outer radial extension 40 projecting radially outward from an outer periphery of the blade support portion 32 to define an annular projection having a flat annular radially extending wheel facing surface 40a and having an outermost periphery defining an outermost circumferential surface 40b of the turbine 20. Thus, the piston and turbine shell 22 are formed as a single piece.

A friction material 41 is bonded to the radially extending impeller facing surface of the outer radial extension 40, the friction material 41 forming an engagement section of the turbine 20 for engaging a radially extending annular wall 44 of the impeller shell 16. The radially extending wall 44 is frustoconical in shape and forms an engagement section of the impeller shell 16. In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to being bonded to the outer radial extension 40, the friction material 41 may be bonded to a radially extending turbine facing surface of the radially extending wall 44 or to one or more additional disks located between the radial extension 40 and the wall 44. Whether the friction material 41 is bonded to the outer radial extension 40, to the radially extending wall 44, or to one or more additional disks, the friction material 41 is axially disposed between the extension 40 and the wall 44 to selectively rotationally engage the engagement section of the turbine 20 with the engagement section of the impeller shell 16. The impeller 18 drives the turbine via fluid flowing from the impeller blades 28 to the turbine blades 26 when the lock-up clutch is disengaged or via the friction material 41 when the lock-up clutch is engaged. The turbine 20 then drives the damper assembly 46, which damper assembly 46 in turn drives the transmission input shaft.

The damper assembly 46 is secured to the turbine shell 22 by fasteners 42, which in the preferred embodiment are rivets that pass through the turbine 20. More specifically, the damper assembly 46 includes a first cover plate 48 through which the fasteners 42 pass and a second cover plate 50 secured to the first cover plate 48 by a plurality of fasteners 52, the plurality of fasteners 52 axially spacing the cover plates 48, 50 from one another. The cover plates 48, 50 each include a window that receives circumferentially spaced springs 54, wherein the axially spaced springs 54 are configured to allow the cover plates 48, 50 to contact one circumferential end of each spring 54. The other circumferential end of each of the springs 54 contacts a flange 56, the flanges 56 being axially disposed between the cover plates 48, such that the cover plates 48, 50 are configured to drive the flanges 56 via the springs 54. The flange 56 is fixed to a drive hub 58 having an inner peripheral surface configured for non-rotatable connection to an outer peripheral surface of a transmission input shaft.

The damper assembly 46 further includes a centering sleeve 60 and a biasing spring 64, wherein the centering sleeve 60 is supported on an outer peripheral surface of the drive hub 58 via an L-shaped bushing 62, and the biasing spring 64 is supported on the bushing 38 to limit axial movement of the turbine 20 away from the stator 66. the centering sleeve 60 axially abuts an inner surface of the front cover 12 and axially abuts the drive hub 58 via the bushing 62. the biasing spring 64 axially abuts the flange 56 and the turbine 20.

The stator 66 is positioned axially between the turbine 20 and the impeller 18 to redirect fluid flowing from the turbine blades 26 before the fluid reaches the impeller blades 28 to increase the efficiency of the torque converter 10. The stator 66 comprises a stator casting including a plurality of vanes 68 for redirecting fluid and a stator body 70. The stator 66 also includes a one-way clutch 72 held within the stator body 70 by a centering plate 74. The stator 66 is configured for connection to a stator shaft via a one-way clutch 72 that rotates in one rotational direction about the central axis 11. An axial thrust washer 76, located axially between the stator 66 and the impeller 18, is fixed to the stator 66 at the outer periphery of the centering plate 74. One-way clutch 72 includes an inner race 72a configured for connection to a stator shaft, an outer race 72b, and an intermediate section 72c formed by rollers and springs located radially between inner race 72a and outer race 72 b. The stator body 70 is rotationally fixed to the outer race 72b, and the inner race 72a and the outer race 72b are rotationally fixed to or rotatable relative to each other according to the operating conditions of the torque converter 10.

The stator body 70 includes an annular recess 78, the annular recess 78 being formed in the impeller side of the stator body 70 and receiving the one-way clutch 72. The annular recess 78 is defined by the following two stepped portions: a radially inner stepped portion 79 that receives inner race 72a and a radially outer stepped portion 80 that receives outer race 72b and intermediate section 72 c. The radially inner stepped portion 79 includes a radially extending surface 79a extending radially outward from the innermost peripheral surface 70a of the stator body 70 and an axially extending circumferential surface 79b extending from a radially outer edge of the radially extending surface 79 a. The radially outer stepped portion 80 includes a radially extending surface 80a extending radially outward from an axially extending circumferential surface 79b of the stepped portion 79 and an axially extending circumferential surface 80b extending from a radially outer edge of the radially extending surface 80 a. The axially extending circumferential surface 80b is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending notches 82 extending from the axially extending circumferential surface 80b, wherein each of the notches 82 receives a respective one of the plurality of arms 76a of the thrust washer 76.

The stator body 70 is provided with stepped portions 83, 84 on the turbine side of the stator body 70. The radially inner stepped portion 83 includes a radially extending surface 83a extending radially outward from the innermost peripheral surface 70a of the stator body 70 and an axially extending circumferential surface 83b extending from a radially outer edge of the radially extending surface 83 a. The radially outer stepped portion 84 includes a radially extending surface 84a extending radially outward from an axially extending circumferential surface 83b of the stepped portion 83 and an axially extending circumferential surface 84b extending from a radially outer edge of the radially extending surface 84 a. The turbine side of the stator body 70 also includes a radially extending surface 70b, the radially extending surface 70b extending radially outward from the axially extending circumferential surface 84b to an outermost circumferential surface 70c of the stator body 70.

The vanes 68 are radially supported between the outermost circumferential surface 70c of the stator body 70 and the inner circumferential surface 86a of the visor 86 such that the visor 86 is located on the outer diameter of the vanes 68. The stator 66 includes a cap portion 88 on an outer peripheral surface 86b of the cap portion 86, the cap portion 88 projecting radially outward from the cap portion 86 to define a radially outermost edge of the stator 66. The inner rim 30a of the impeller core ring 30 is positioned directly radially outward of the brim 86 such that radial movement of the stator 66 will result in contact between the brim 86 and the rim 30a, rendering one or both of the stator 66 and core ring 30 damaged and unsuitable for use. For example, contact between the bill 86 and the inner rim 30a may cause the stator 66 to be sandwiched between the core rings 24, 30, resulting in scrapping of these portions.

No bearing or bushing is provided between the turbine 20 and the stator 66, but rather a gap G is left between the stator facing radially extending surface 34a of the inner radially extending portion 34 of the turbine shell 22 and the turbine facing radially extending surface 83a of the stator body 70, the gap G having a maximum axial distance X.

To limit radial movement of the stator 66, a stator retaining assembly in the form of a retaining plate 90 is secured to the turbine 20. The retaining plate 90 includes a base portion 90a for securing the plate 90 to the turbine 20 and an axial projection 90b for limiting radial movement of the stator 66 relative to the turbine 20 by radially abutting the stator body 70. The axial projection 90b extends away from the radially extending surface 34a of the inner radially extending portion 34 by a distance greater than the maximum axial distance X of the gap G. The retention plate 90 is formed as a single continuous ring or a plurality of segments spaced circumferentially about the central axis 11. The retaining plate 90 may be formed from a thin plate 0.2mm to 3mm thick, with the axial projections 90b being bent at an angle relative to the base 90 a. The retaining plate 90 is secured to the turbine 20 by fasteners 42 passing through holes in the base 90 a.

Fig. 1b shows an enlarged view of the stator holding assembly shown in fig. 1 a. More specifically, the fasteners 42 each include a shank 42a, a first head 42b and a second head 42c, wherein the shank 42a passes through one of the plurality of holes in the cover plate 48, one of the plurality of holes in the inner radial extension 34, and one of the plurality of holes in the base 90a, the first head 42b is for contacting the base 90a, and the second head 42c is for contacting the cover plate 48 such that the inner radial extension 34 is sandwiched between the cover plate 48 and the base 90 a. The base 90a is flush against the radially extending surface 34a of the inner radial extension, and the base 90a is disposed radially outward of the radially inner stepped portion 83 along with the fastener 42.

The axial projections 90b are arranged to form an interference to limit radial movement of the stator 66 by contacting the axially extending circumferential surface 83b of the stator 66. The radially inner axially extending surface 90c of the axial projection 90b is spaced radially outward from the axially extending circumferential surface 83b such that the projection 90b does not contact the surface 83b of the stator 66 during operation of the torque converter 10, but prevents the stator 66 from moving radially to prevent the stator 66, and particularly the visor 86, from contacting the core rings 24, 30 after assembly of the torque converter 10 and prior to installation of the torque converter 10 on a transmission. Similarly, the rearmost surface 90d of the axial projection 90b, which forms the free end of the axial projection 90b, is spaced from the radially extending surface 84a of the stator body 70 such that the projection 90b does not contact the surface 84a of the stator 66 during operation of the torque converter 10.

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a stator holding assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure for a torque converter designed in the same way as the torque converter 10 shown in fig. 1 a. In this embodiment, stator body 70 is replaced by stator body 170 and inner radial extension 34 is replaced by inner radial extension 134. The stator body 170 is configured in the same manner as the stator body 70 except that an axial protrusion 192 protruding axially forward from the radially extending surface 83a toward the turbine 20 is formed on the stator body 170. The inner radial extension 134 is configured in the same manner as the inner radial extension 34, except that a groove 194 is formed in the inner radial extension 134 for receiving the axial projection 192.

The axial projection 192 may be in the form of a continuous ring or a plurality of circumferentially spaced segments. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the axial projection 192 is integrally formed as a single piece with the stator body 170 from the material of the stator body 170. The projection 192 projects axially beyond the radially extending surface 83a to form the forwardmost portion of the stator 66. The projection 192 includes a radially inner axially extending surface 192a, a radially outer axially extending surface 192b, and a radially extending surface 192c that extends radially outward from the surface 192a to the surface 192 b.

The recess 194 is formed in a corresponding shape to receive the axial projection 192 and may be shaped as a continuous ring or a plurality of circumferentially spaced segments. The recess 194 includes an axially extending surface 194a extending axially away from the radially extending surface 134a and a radially extending surface 194b extending radially inward from the axially extending surface 194 a. In a preferred embodiment, the recess 194 is formed by machining the surface 134 a.

The projection 192 and the groove 194 are arranged radially inside the fastener 42, wherein the projection 192 is disposed in the groove 194 such that the axially extending surface 194a is positioned radially outside the axially extending surface 192 a. The grooves 194 and projections 192 allow the turbine shell 22 to contact the stator 66 to limit radially outward movement of the stator 66 relative to the turbine 20 and prevent the bill 86 (fig. 1a) of the stator 66 from contacting the core rings 24, 30. More specifically, the grooves 194 and the projections 192 are configured such that the axially extending surfaces 194a of the grooves 194 contact the axially extending surfaces 192a of the projections 192 to form an obstruction to limit radially outward movement of the stator 66 relative to the turbine 20. The axial projection 192 extends away from the radially extending surface 83a distance greater than the maximum axial distance X of the gap G (fig. 1a) such that the turbine 20 and stator 66 cannot be in a spaced arrangement in which the projection 192 can move radially outward without contacting the radially inner extension 134 of the turbine 20 at the axially extending surface 194 a.

The axially extending surface 194a of the recess 194 is spaced radially outward from the radially outer axially extending surface 192b such that the projection 192 does not contact the surface 194a during operation of the torque converter 10, but prevents the stator 66 from moving radially to prevent the stator 66, and particularly the visor 86, from contacting the core rings 24, 30 after assembly of the torque converter 10 and prior to installation of the torque converter 10 on the transmission. Similarly, the radially extending surface 192c of the axial projection 192 that forms the free end of the axial projection 192 is spaced from the radially extending surface 194b of the inner radially extending portion 134 such that the projection 192 does not contact the surface 194b during operation of the torque converter 10.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a stator holding assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure for a torque converter designed in the same way as the torque converter 10 shown in fig. 1 a. In this embodiment, the stator body 70 is constructed in the same manner as the first embodiment, and the inner radial extension 34 is replaced by an inner radial extension 234. The inner radial extension 234 is constructed in the same manner as the inner radial extension 34, except that the inner radial extension 234 includes an axial projection 290 pierced directly from the material of the inner radial extension 234. Accordingly, the axial projection 290 is integrally formed as a single piece with the inner radial extension 234 from the material of the inner radial extension 234.

The axial projection 290 may be in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs formed by contacting the front radially extending surface 234b of the inner radially extending portion 234 with a piercing tool to separate the edge of the tab from the surfaces 234a, 234b, which in turn extends the projection 290 beyond the rear radially extending surface 234a of the inner radially extending portion 234. The tab is formed to begin at the front radially extending surface 234b of the inner radially extending portion 234 and extend beyond the rear radially extending surface 234 a. The projection 290 projects axially beyond the rear radially extending surface 234a to form the forwardmost portion of the inner radially extending portion 234. Projection 290 includes a radially inner axially extending surface 290a, a radially outer axially extending surface 290b, and a radially extending surface 290c extending radially outward from surface 290a to surface 290 b.

The axial projection 290 is configured for limiting radial movement of the stator 66 relative to the turbine 20 by radially abutting the stator body 70. The axial projection 290 extends away from the radially extending surface 234a of the inner radially extending portion 234 by a distance greater than the maximum axial distance X of the gap G (fig. 1a), and the axial projection 290 is arranged to form an obstruction by contacting the axially extending circumferential surface 83b of the stator 66 to limit radial movement of the stator 66. The radially inner axially extending surface 290a of the axial projection 290 is spaced radially outward from the axially extending circumferential surface 83b such that the projection 290 does not contact the surface 83b of the stator 66 during operation of the torque converter 10, but prevents the stator 66 from moving radially to prevent the stator 66, and particularly the visor 86, from contacting the core rings 24, 30 after assembly of the torque converter 10 and prior to installation of the torque converter 10 on the transmission. Similarly, the radially extending surface 290c of the axial projection 290 that forms the free end of the axial projection 290 is spaced from the radially extending surface 84a of the stator body 70 such that the projection 290 does not contact the surface 84a of the stator 66 during operation of the torque converter 10.

Fig. 4a shows an enlarged view of a stator holding assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure for a torque converter designed in the same way as the torque converter 10 shown in fig. 1 a. In this embodiment, the stator body 70 is constructed in the same manner as the first embodiment, and the inner radial extension 34 is replaced by an inner radial extension 334. The inner radial extension 334 is constructed in the same manner as the inner radial extension 34, except that the inner radial extension 334 includes an axial projection 390 that is extruded directly from the material of the inner radial extension 334. Accordingly, the axial projection 390 is integrally formed as a single piece with the inner radial extension 334 from the material of the inner radial extension 334.

The axial projections 390 may be in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs formed by contacting the front radially extending surface 334b of the inner radial extension 334 with an extrusion tool to form the recess 336 in the surface 34b, which in turn extends the projections 390 beyond the rear radially extending surface 334a of the inner radial extension 334. The projection 390 projects axially beyond the radially extending surface 334a in such a manner that the projection 390 forms the forwardmost portion of the inner radially extending portion 334. Projection 390 includes a radially inner axially extending surface 390a, a radially outer axially extending surface 390b, and a radially extending surface 390c that extends radially outward from surface 390a to surface 390 b.

The axial projection 390 is configured for limiting radial movement of the stator 66 relative to the turbine 20 by radially abutting the stator body 70. The axial projection 390 extends away from the radially extending surface 334a of the inner radial extension 334 by a distance greater than the maximum axial distance X of the gap G (fig. 1a), and the axial projection 390 is arranged to form an obstruction by contacting the axially extending circumferential surface 83b of the stator 66 to limit radial movement of the stator 66. The radially inner axially extending surface 390a of the axial protrusion 390 is spaced radially outward from the axially extending circumferential surface 83b such that the protrusion 390 does not contact the surface 83b of the stator 66 during operation of the torque converter 10, but prevents the stator 66 from moving radially to prevent the stator 66, and particularly the visor 86, from contacting the core rings 24, 30 after assembly of the torque converter 10 and prior to installation of the torque converter 10 on the transmission. Similarly, the radially extending surface 390c of the axial projection 390 that forms the free end of the axial projection 390 is spaced from the radially extending surface 84a of the stator body 70 such that the projection 390 does not contact the surface 84a of the stator 66 during operation of the torque converter 10.

FIG. 4b schematically illustrates an annular cross-section of the extruded inner radial extension 234, as shown in FIG. 4b, with the projections 390 circumferentially spaced from one another to define an alternating pattern with fasteners 42 securing the cover plate 48 and the inner radial extension 334 together. Thus, the projection 390 at least partially radially overlaps the fastener 42.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.

List of reference numerals

10 torque converter

11 central axis

12 front cover

14 back cover

16 impeller shell

18 impeller

20 turbine

22 turbine shell

24 turbine core ring

26 turbine blade

28 impeller blade

30 impeller core ring

30a inner edge

32 rounded blade support

34 annular inner radial extension

36 inner peripheral section

36a inner peripheral surface

38 hub bush

40 outer radial extension

40a flat annular radially extending impeller facing surface

40b outermost circumferential surface

41 Friction material

42 fastener

42a handle

42b first head

42c second head

44 radially extending annular wall

46 damper assembly

48 first cover plate

50 second cover plate

52 fastener

54 spring

56 drive flange

58 drive hub

60 centering sleeve

62L shaped bushing

64 bias spring

66 stator

68 stator blade

70 stator body

70a innermost peripheral surface

70b radially extending surface

70c outermost circumferential surface

72 one-way clutch

72a inner race

72b outer race

72c middle section

74 centering plate

76 axial thrust washer

76a arm part

78 annular recess

79 rear portion radially inner stepped portion

79a radially extending surface

79b axially extending circumferential surface

80 rear radially outer stepped portion

80a radially extending surface

80b axially extending circumferential surface

82 notch

83 front part radially inner stepped part

83a radially extending surface

83b axially extending circumferential surface

84 front radially outer stepped portion

84a radially extending surface

84b axially extending circumferential surface

86 brim-shaped part

86a inner peripheral surface

86b outer peripheral surface

88 cap-shaped part

90 holding plate

90a base

90b axial projection

90c radially inner axially extending surface

90d rearmost surface

134 inner radial extension

134a stator-side radially extending surface

170 stator body

192 axial projection

192a radially inner axially extending surface

192b radially outer axially extending surface

192c radially extending surface

194 groove

194a axially extending surface

194b radially extending surface

234 inner radial extension

234a rear radially extending surface

234b front radially extending surface

290 axial projection

290a radially inner axially extending surface

290b radially outer and axially extending surface

290c radially extending surface

334 internal radial extension

334a rear radially extending surface

334b front radially extending surface

336 concave part

390 axial projection

390a radially inner axially extending surface

390b radially outer axially extending surface

390c radially extending surface

Distance X

G gap