Patent ID: 6832673
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A hydrodynamic coupling device comprising a housing which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, a turbine wheel mounted for rotation with respect to said housing, and a bridging clutch for transmitting torque between the housing and the turbine, said bridging clutch comprising:a first friction element which is essentially fixed against rotation with respect to said housing, said first friction element having an axially facing first friction surface; at least one second friction element which is essentially fixed against rotation with respect to said turbine, said second friction element having an axially facing second friction surface which can contact said first friction surface; a first channel in one of said friction surfaces, said first channel having first channel sections with radially closed inner ends and second channel sections with radially closed outer ends; and a circumferentially extending second channel in the other of said friction surfaces, said second channel being arranged so that, in a first relative rotational position of said friction elements, parts of the other of said friction surfaces are opposite said second channel, and so that, in a second relative rotational position of said friction elements, said parts are in contact with said one of said friction surfaces, said second channel establishing a fluid conducting connection between said first channel sections and said second channel sections when said first friction surface contacts said second friction surface.