Patent ID: 6116024
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
A torque converter for a motor vehicle comprising:a plurality of rotary members including a drive member and a driven member, each located along a common rotational axis;a stator positioned between said drive and driven members, said stator including a central hub having a bore coaxial with said common rotational axis, an outer ring approximately concentric with said central hub, and a plurality of radially spaced blades extending between said hub and said outer ring;a mechanical diode positioned in said bore and having an inner member and an outer member, said mechanical diode including a dog clutch to transmit torque when said diode is driven in a first rotational direction causing said inner and outer members to rotate together, and a ratchet clutch to allow said inner member to rotate relative to said outer member when said diode is driven in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction;mounting means for coupling said mechanical diode to said hub such that said mechanical diode is coaxial with said common rotational axis; andmeans for inducing rotation in said drive member in response to cyclic flow of a fluid along a path from said drive member to said driven member, from said driven member through said blades of said stator, thereby causing an increase in fluid pressure, back to said driven member.