초록 ▼

A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and a bypass clutch. A drive ring is located between adjacent surfaces of the cover and a clutch piston, which moves axially on a support surface. The piston is welded at a radially outer position to thin clutch plate, which is supported at

A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and a bypass clutch. A drive ring is located between adjacent surfaces of the cover and a clutch piston, which moves axially on a support surface. The piston is welded at a radially outer position to thin clutch plate, which is supported at another radial location on the cover. As the piston moves into engagement with the ring and cover, the clutch plate permits this movement by bending elastically. When clutch apply pressure is reduced, energy stored in the clutch plate is used to move the piston out of engagement with the drive ring and cover.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A bypass clutch for the torque converter of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, comprising:a cover fixed against axial displacement, supported for rotation about an axis, having a first surface;a piston supported for rotation about said axis, having a second surface

[ I claim:] [1.] A bypass clutch for the torque converter of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, comprising:a cover fixed against axial displacement, supported for rotation about an axis, having a first surface;a piston supported for rotation about said axis, having a second surface facing the first surface, the piston supported for displacement relative to said cover; anda clutch plate located between the piston and casing, fixed to the piston at a first location, supported against displacement toward the cover at a second location spaced radially from the first location, the clutch plate adapted for elastic bending deflection between the first location and second location due to movement of the piston relative to the cover, said deflection tending to resist movement of the piston toward the cover and tending to displace the piston away from the cover.