A torque converter includes a cover, an impeller including an impeller engagement section, an axially movable turbine piston including a turbine engagement section configured for engaging the impeller engagement section to form a lockup clutch and a coast engagement structure configured for contacting the cover to limit axial movement of the turbine piston away from the impeller in a coast condition.

A drive unit includes a prime mover, a torque converter, and a torque converter casing. The torque converter is configured to amplify a torque generated by the prime mover. The torque converter is disposed to be rotatable. The torque converter casing is disposed to be non-rotatable. The torque converter casing accommodates the torque converter. The torque converter casing includes a first air intake port and a first air discharge port. The first air intake port is configured to draw air into the torque converter casing therethrough. The first air discharge port is configured to discharge the air inside the torque converter casing therethrough. The drive unit allows the torque converter to be cooled.

A drive unit includes a prime mover, a torque converter, and a torque converter casing. The torque converter is configured to amplify a torque generated by the prime mover. The torque converter is disposed to be rotatable. The torque converter casing is disposed to be non-rotatable. The torque converter casing accommodates the torque converter. The torque converter casing includes a first air intake port and a first air discharge port. The first air intake port is configured to draw air into the torque converter casing therethrough. The first air discharge port is configured to discharge the air inside the torque converter casing therethrough. The drive unit allows the torque converter to be cooled.

A turbine wheel for a hydrokinetic torque converter. The turbine wheel is rotatable about a rotational axis and comprises a substantially annular turbine shell member coaxial with the rotational axis, and a plurality of turbine blade members axially extending from the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel is a single-piece component such that the turbine blade members are unitarily formed with the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel (22) is made by an additive manufacturing process from a polymeric material.

A turbine wheel for a hydrokinetic torque converter. The turbine wheel is rotatable about a rotational axis and comprises a substantially annular turbine shell member coaxial with the rotational axis, and a plurality of turbine blade members axially extending from the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel is a single-piece component such that the turbine blade members are unitarily formed with the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel (22) is made by an additive manufacturing process from a polymeric material.

A torque converter having a two-part turbine is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller rotatable about an axis. A turbine is axially spaced from the impeller and rotatable about the axis. The turbine includes a turbine shell and a turbine hub non-rotatably fixed to the turbine shell. In embodiments, the turbine hub and the turbine shell do not overlap in an axial face-to-face contacting relationship. In embodiments, the turbine hub and the turbine shell each terminate at an end surface that face one another in direct connection. The connection of the turbine hub and the turbine shell may be at a location of a bulge or apex of the turbine so as to inhibit turbine deflection of that location during operation of the torque converter.

A torque converter having a two-part turbine is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller rotatable about an axis. A turbine is axially spaced from the impeller and rotatable about the axis. The turbine includes a turbine shell and a turbine hub non-rotatably fixed to the turbine shell. In embodiments, the turbine hub and the turbine shell do not overlap in an axial face-to-face contacting relationship. In embodiments, the turbine hub and the turbine shell each terminate at an end surface that face one another in direct connection. The connection of the turbine hub and the turbine shell may be at a location of a bulge or apex of the turbine so as to inhibit turbine deflection of that location during operation of the torque converter.

A turbine wheel for a hydrokinetic torque converter. The turbine wheel is rotatable about a rotational axis and comprises a substantially annular turbine shell member coaxial with the rotational axis, and a plurality of turbine blade members axially extending from the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel is a single-piece component such that the turbine blade members are unitarily formed with the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel (22) is made by an additive manufacturing process from a polymeric material.

A turbine wheel for a hydrokinetic torque converter. The turbine wheel is rotatable about a rotational axis and comprises a substantially annular turbine shell member coaxial with the rotational axis, and a plurality of turbine blade members axially extending from the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel is a single-piece component such that the turbine blade members are unitarily formed with the turbine shell member. The turbine wheel (22) is made by an additive manufacturing process from a polymeric material.

Presented are wedge-type engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device includes an outer race that attaches to a torque converter's pump cover. The outer race's inner diameter (ID) surface has circumferentially spaced grooves. An inner race is concentrically aligned within the outer race and attaches to an engine's output shaft. The inner race's outer diameter (OD) surface has circumferentially spaced pockets. A wedge plate interposed between the inner and outer races has multiple circumferentially spaced ramps. Each ramp slidably mounts within one groove and one pocket. The wedge plate moves between an engaged position, whereat the ramps wedge between the ID and OD surfaces to thereby transfer torque between the inner and outer races, and a disengaged position, whereat the ramps unwedge to thereby free the inner race to rotate with respect to the outer race.