Stator side plate for a torque converter

The present invention broadly comprises a stamped side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface. The at least one protrusion comprises a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface. The inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain an inner race for the stator, respectively. The annular segment also includes at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface and including a centering surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface. The centering surface is arranged to center a bearing for the stator. The at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumferential surface or an outer edge for the annular segment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to improvements in apparatus for transmitting force between a rotary driving unit (such as the engine of a motor vehicle) and a rotary driven unit (such as the variable-speed transmission in the motor vehicle). In particular, the invention relates to a stamped side plate for the stator of a torque converter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Side plates are used in stators for torque converters to center and retain an inner race for the stator and to center a bearing for the stator. It is known to use machined or cast parts for the side plates. Unfortunately, machining is relatively slow and costly and results in significant scrap material. Casting also is relatively costly. In some cases, ancillary parts, such as snap rings also are necessary. Unfortunately, the use of ancillary parts increases the cost and complexity of installing a side plate in a stator.

Thus, there is a long-felt need for a stator side plate that can be quickly and inexpensively manufactured and installed in the stator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a stamped side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface. The at least one protrusion comprises a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface. In some aspects, the race retaining surface is non-coplanar with the top surface. In some aspects, the stator comprises an inner race, the inner circumferential surface is arranged to center the inner race, and the race retaining surface is arranged to retain the inner race in the stator.

The annular segment also includes at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface and including a centering surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface. In some aspects, the stator comprises a bearing and the centering surface is arranged to center the bearing. In some aspects, the annular segment comprises an outer edge and the at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumferential surface or the outer edge. In some aspects, the at least one protrusion includes the at least one annular protrusion.

In some aspects, the annular segment further comprises at least one slot. The slot is fully surrounded by the annular segment or the slot is in communication with an inner or an outer edge of the annular segment. In some aspects the at least one slot crosses a plane formed by the inner or outer circumference for a bearing in the stator.

The present invention also broadly includes a side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having a top surface and at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface. The side plate is stamped. In some aspects, the at least one annular protrusion further includes a surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface or the annular segment further includes an inner circumference and the at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumference. In some aspects, the annular segment includes an outer circumference and the at least one annular protrusion is proximate the outer circumference or the stator includes a bearing and the surface is arranged to center the bearing. In some aspects, the annular segment includes an inner circumferential surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface, and the at least one protrusion includes a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface and non-coplanar with the top surface. Then, the stator includes an inner race and the inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain the inner race, respectively.

In some aspects, the at least one annular protrusion includes the at least one protrusion or the annular segment further includes at least one slot. In some aspects, the at least one slot is fully defined by the annular segment, the annular segment further includes an inner edge and an outer edge and the at least one slot is in communication with the inner edge or the outer edge, or the stator includes a bearing with an inner circumference and an outer circumference and the at least one slot crosses a respective plane formed by the inner or outer circumference for the bearing.

The present invention further broadly includes a side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface; at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface, where the at least one protrusion includes a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface and the inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain, respectively, an inner race for the stator; at least one annular protrusion, separate from the at least one protrusion, extending from the top surface, proximate an outer edge for the annular segment, and arranged to center a bearing for the stator; and at least one slot in the annular segment. A bearing for the stator includes an inner circumference and an outer circumference, and the at least one slot crosses a respective plane formed by the inner or the outer circumference.

The present invention broadly comprises a method for engaging an inner race and a bearing for a stator in a torque converter, including the steps of: stamping the plate to form at least one first, second, and third surfaces, respectively, and at least one slot; retaining the inner race in the stator with the at least one first surface; centering the inner race with the at least one second surface; centering the bearing with the at least one third surface; and providing oil flow through the side plate with the at least one slot.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a stamped side plate for a stator in a torque converter, thereby reducing the costs associated with manufacturing a side plate for the stator.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a top view of present invention stamped side plate10for a stator.

FIG. 2is a bottom view of side plate10shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view of side plate10shown inFIG. 1along line3-3inFIG. 1. The following should be viewed in light ofFIGS. 1-3. Side plate10includes at least one protrusion12, at least one annular protrusion14, and an inner circumferential surface16. Protrusions12extend radially inward beyond surface16. In some aspects, protrusions12are in the form of tabs12. Tabs12are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions12and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

By annular protrusion, we mean that protrusions14form at least a portion of a ring about center17for plate10. Alternately stated, protrusions14are a uniform radial distance18from center17. In some aspects, protrusions14are in the form of tabs14. Tabs14are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions14and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Tabs14extend from top surface19of plate10. In some aspects, centering surfaces20of tabs14are substantially orthogonal to surface19.

It should be understood that plate10is not limited to the number, size, shape, and configuration of tabs12and14shown and that other numbers, sizes, shapes, and configurations of tabs12and14are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, plate10can include more or less than3respective tabs12or14. Regarding tabs12, thickness21, width22, and radial dimension23with respect to surface16, can be selected according to the particular application in which plate10is installed. In like manner, for tabs14, thickness24, height26, width28, and radial dimension18can be selected according to the particular application in which plate10is installed. Plate10is not limited to a particular thickness32or radius34. The thickness and radius can be selected according to the particular application in which plate10is installed. In general, the number of respective tabs and the dimensions of tabs12and14and surface16can be selected to provide the retaining and centering capability, described infra, required for a particular application, while accounting for the particular parameters, tolerances, and characteristics regarding the stator, inner race, bearing, and materials of construction associated with the application.

Tabs12include race retaining surfaces35. In some aspects, surfaces35are substantially parallel to top surface19. InFIGS. 1-3, surfaces35are non-coplanar with surface19. In some aspects (not shown), surfaces19and35are co-planar. In some aspects, tabs14are proximate outer edge36. In some aspects, tabs14form a portion of outer edge36. For example, if plate10is stamped, tabs14can be formed from a periphery (not shown) of the stock material forming plate10. Tabs12, specifically surfaces35retain an inner race (shown infra) for a stator (shown infra) into which plate10is installed. Surface16centers the inner race. Tabs14, specifically, surfaces20, center a bearing (shown infra) for the preceding stator.

In some aspects, plate10includes slots, which provide oil flow to the bearing and oil flow through the plate. Plate10is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots. In some aspects, slots37are fully surrounded, or defined by, plate10and surface19. In these cases, slots37are not limited to a particular width38or length40. In some aspects, the slots are in communication with surface16(slots42) or outer edge36or43(slots44). That is, the respective slots open into the respective surface or edges. Plate10is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots37,42or44. For example, slots42and44are not limited to a particular respective length46or48or respective width50or52, or to a particular radial angle with respect to longitudinal axis54of plate10. Plate10can include any combination of slots37,42, and44.

In some aspects, slots37,42, or44cross the respective planes formed by an inner or outer circumference for a bearing (not shown) engaged with plate10, in particular, engaging surfaces19and20. The planes are orthogonal to surface19. Dashed lines55and56show possible intersections of the aforementioned planes with surface19. In some aspects, slots37,42, and44cross lines55or56at areas57A,57B, and57C, respectively. Due to these crossings, oil flowing through the slots is able to both lubricate the bearing and flow past the bearing. For example, at area57B, a portion of slot37is between the inner and outer circumference of the bearing (enabling oil flow to the bearing) and a portion of slot37is outside line56, with respect to center17, (enabling oil flow past the bearing).

In some aspects, plate10also includes slots58. These slots are configured to engage the stator (not shown), rotationally locking the plate and the stator. Plate10is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots58. For example, slots58are not limited to a particular length59or width60. Slots58can be configured to accommodate the particular stator in which plate10is to be installed.

In some aspects, plate10is machined, cast, or molded. In some aspects, plate10is stamped. Plate10can be made of any material known in the art. For example, a stamped plate10can be made from steel or aluminum. In those aspects in which plate10is stamped, thickness32can be made smaller than for machined, cast, or molded plates. A reduction in thickness32advantageously reduces the axial space occupied by the stator containing plate10.

FIG. 4is a top view of stator70with present invention side plate10installed.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view of stator70shown inFIG. 4along line5-5inFIG. 4, with bearing72added. The following should be viewed in light ofFIGS. 1 through 5. InFIG. 4, bearing72is not shown, in order to more fully show plate10. InFIG. 5, bearing72has been added to provide further detail regarding plate10and the configuration of plate10with respect to stator70, specifically, with respect to bearing72and inner race74. Outer circumference76of bearing72is in at least intermittent contact with surface20of tabs14to center the bearing. Face78of bearing72is in contact with surface19of plate10. Outer circumference80of inner race74is in at least intermittent contact with surface16. Face82of the inner race is in at least intermittent contact with surface35of tabs12. It should be understood that a present invention side plate is not limited to use with the stator shown inFIGS. 4 and 5and that the use of a present invention side plate with other stators is included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

FIG. 6is a top view of present invention side plate100for a stator.

FIG. 7is a bottom view of side plate100shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of side plate100shown inFIG. 6along line8-8inFIG. 6. The following should be viewed in light ofFIGS. 6-8. Side plate100includes at least one protrusion112and an inner circumferential surface116. Protrusions112extend radially inward beyond surface116. In some aspects, protrusions112are in the form of tabs112. Tabs112are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions112and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Tabs112also form annular protrusions, by this we mean that protrusions112form at least a portion of a ring about center117for plate100. In particular, surfaces118define the annular protrusion. Surfaces118are a uniform radial distance119from center117and in some aspects, are substantially orthogonal to surface120. Thus, referring toFIGS. 1-6, in contrast to plate10, which has separate tabs12and14, tabs112of plate100incorporate the functionality shown for tabs12and14.

It should be understood that plate100is not limited to the number, size, shape, and configuration of tabs112shown and that other numbers, sizes, shapes, and configurations of tabs112are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, plate100can include more or less than3tabs112. Regarding tabs112, thickness121, width122, radial dimension119, and dimension123can be selected according to the particular application in which plate100is installed. Plate100is not limited to a particular thickness132or radius134. The thickness and radius can be selected according to the particular application in which plate100is installed. In general, the number of respective tabs and the dimensions of tabs112and surface116can be selected to provide the retaining and centering capability, described infra, required for a particular application, while accounting for the particular parameters, tolerances, and characteristics regarding the stator, inner race, bearing, and materials of construction associated with the application.

In some aspects, plate100includes slots, which provide oil flow to the bearing and oil flow through the plate. Plate100is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots. In some aspects, slots136are fully surrounded, or defined by, plate100and surface120. In these cases, slots136are not limited to a particular width138or length140. In some aspects, the slots142are in communication with surface116. That is, the slots open into surface116. Plate10is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots136or142. For example, slots142are not limited to a particular length146, width150, or radial angle with respect to longitudinal axis154of plate100. Plate100can include any combination of slots136and142. In some aspects (not shown), slots are in communication with an outer edge for plate100.

In some aspects, slots136and142cross the respective planes formed by an inner or outer circumference for a bearing (not shown) engaged with plate100, in particular, engaging surfaces118and120. The planes are orthogonal to surface120. Dashed lines155and156show possible intersections of the aforementioned planes with surface120. In some aspects, slots136and142cross lines155or156at areas157A and157B, respectively. Due to these crossings, oil flowing through the slots is able to both lubricate the bearing and flow past the bearing. For example, at area157B, a portion of slot136is between the inner and outer circumference of the bearing (enabling oil flow to the bearing) and a portion of slot136is outside line156, with respect to center117, (enabling oil flow past the bearing).

In some aspects, plate100also includes slots158. These slots are configured to engage the stator (not shown), rotationally locking the plate and the stator. Plate100is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots158. For example, slots158are not limited to a particular length159or width160. Slots158can be configured to accommodate the particular stator in which plate100is to be installed.

In some aspects, plate100is machined, cast, or molded. In some aspects, plate100is stamped. Plate100can be made of any material known in the art. For example, a stamped plate100can be made from steel or aluminum. In those aspects in which plate100is stamped, thickness132can be made smaller than for machined, cast, or molded plates. A reduction in thickness132advantageously reduces the axial space occupied by the stator containing plate100.

FIG. 9is a top view of present invention stamped side plate200for a stator.

FIG. 10is a bottom view of side plate200shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view of side plate200shown inFIG. 9along line11-11inFIG. 9. The following should be viewed in light ofFIGS. 9 through 11. Side plate200includes at least one protrusion212, at least one annular protrusion214, and an inner circumferential surface216. Protrusions212extend radially inward beyond surface216. In some aspects, protrusions212are in the form of tabs212. Tabs212are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions212and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

By annular protrusion, we mean that protrusions214form at least a portion of a ring about center217for plate200. Alternately stated, protrusions214are a uniform radial distance218from center217. In some aspects, protrusions214are in the form of tabs214. Tabs214are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions214and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Tabs214extend from top surface219of plate200. In some aspects, centering surfaces220of tabs214are substantially orthogonal to surface219.

It should be understood that plate200is not limited to the number, size, shape, and configuration of tabs212and214shown and that other numbers, sizes, shapes, and configurations of tabs212and214are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, plate200can include more or less than 3 respective tabs212or214. Regarding tabs212, thickness221, width222, and dimension223can be selected according to the particular application in which plate200is installed. In like manner, for tabs214, thickness224, height226, width228, and radial dimension218can be selected according to the particular application in which plate200is installed. Plate200is not limited to a particular thickness232or radius234. The thickness and radius can be selected according to the particular application in which plate200is installed. In general, the number of respective tabs and the dimensions of tabs212and214and surface216can be selected to provide the retaining and centering capability, described infra, required for a particular application, while accounting for the particular parameters, tolerances, and characteristics regarding the stator, inner race, bearing, and materials of construction associated with the application.

Tabs212include race retaining surfaces235. In some aspects, surfaces235are substantially parallel to top surface219. InFIGS. 9-11, surfaces235are non-coplanar with surface219. In some aspects (not shown), surfaces219and235are co-planar. In some aspects, tabs214are proximate inner edge236or are formed at inner edge236. For example, if plate200is stamped, tabs214can be formed from an inner circumference (not shown) of the stock material forming plate200. Tabs212, specifically surfaces235retain an inner race (shown infra) for a stator (shown infra) into which plate200is installed. Surface216centers the inner race. Tabs214, specifically, surfaces220, center a bearing (shown infra) for the preceding stator.

In some aspects, plate200includes slots, which provide oil flow to the bearing and oil flow through the plate. Plate200is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots. In some aspects, slots237are fully surrounded, or defined by, plate200and surface219. In these cases, slots237are not limited to a particular width238or length240. In some aspects, the slots are in communication with surface216(slots242and243). In some aspects (not shown), slots also are placed in communication with outer edge244. Plate200is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots237or242. For example, slots242are not limited to a particular length246or width250, or to a particular radial angle with respect to longitudinal axis254of plate200. The discussion regarding the dimensions of slots242is applicable to slots243. Plate200can include any combination of slots237,242and255.

In some aspects, slots237and242cross the respective planes formed by an inner or outer circumference for a bearing (not shown) engaged with plate200, in particular, engaging surfaces219and220. The planes are orthogonal to surface219. Dashed lines255and256show possible intersections of the aforementioned planes with surface219. In some aspects, slots237and242cross lines255or256at areas257A and257B, respectively. Due to these crossings, oil flowing through the slots is able to both lubricate the bearing and flow past the bearing. For example, at area257B, a portion of slot237is between the inner and outer circumference of the bearing (enabling oil flow to the bearing) and a portion of slot237is outside line256, with respect to center217, (enabling oil flow past the bearing).

In some aspects, plate200also includes slots258. These slots are configured to engage the stator (not shown), rotationally locking the plate and the stator. Plate200is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots258. For example, slots258are not limited to a particular length259or width260. Slots258can be configured to accommodate the particular stator in which plate200is to be installed.

In some aspects, plate200is machined, cast, or molded. In some aspects, plate200is stamped. Plate200can be made of any material known in the art. For example, a stamped plate200can be made from steel or aluminum. In those aspects in which plate200is stamped, thickness232can be made smaller than for machined, cast, or molded plates. A reduction in thickness232advantageously reduces the axial space occupied by the stator containing plate200.