A step-adjustment mechanism for use in a hydraulic pressure adjustment block of a transmission, the step-adjustment mechanism including at least one opening. The opening is in fluid communication with the transmission and a torque converter. The step-adjustment mechanism has a first and second position to selectively restrict fluid flow between the transmission and the torque converter.

A step-adjustment mechanism for use in a hydraulic pressure adjustment block of a transmission, the step-adjustment mechanism including at least one opening. The opening is in fluid communication with the transmission and a torque converter. The step-adjustment mechanism has a first and second position to selectively restrict fluid flow between the transmission and the torque converter.

A torque converter (10) translates torque between an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission. The torque converter (10) includes a rotatable torque input member (20) adapted to be operatively coupled to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and an impeller assembly (12) operatively coupled to rotate with the torque input member (20). The torque converter (10) further includes a turbine assembly (14) and a one-way clutch assembly (62). The turbine assembly (14) is fluidly connected in driven relationship with the impeller assembly (12) and adapted to be coupled to a rotatable transmission input shaft (56). The one-way clutch assembly (62) is disposed radially between the turbine assembly (14) and the transmission input shaft (56).

A torque converter (10) translates torque between an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission. The torque converter (10) includes a rotatable torque input member (20) adapted to be operatively coupled to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and an impeller assembly (12) operatively coupled to rotate with the torque input member (20). The torque converter (10) further includes a turbine assembly (14) and a one-way clutch assembly (62). The turbine assembly (14) is fluidly connected in driven relationship with the impeller assembly (12) and adapted to be coupled to a rotatable transmission input shaft (56). The one-way clutch assembly (62) is disposed radially between the turbine assembly (14) and the transmission input shaft (56).

The present invention discloses a torque converter for a vehicle in which the number of components is reduced and stability is improved in a long-travel torsional damper structure having springs that operate at two stages. The torque converter for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a front cover, an impeller, a turbine, a reactor, a lock-up clutch, and a torsional damper, and the lock-up clutch includes a clutch drum which is coupled to the front cover, multiple first friction plates which are coupled to the clutch drum, second friction plates which are disposed between the multiple first friction plates, and a retaining plate which has an extending drum portion to which the second friction plate are coupled and supports springs provided on the torsional damper.

The present invention discloses a torque converter for a vehicle in which the number of components is reduced and stability is improved in a long-travel torsional damper structure having springs that operate at two stages. The torque converter for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a front cover, an impeller, a turbine, a reactor, a lock-up clutch, and a torsional damper, and the lock-up clutch includes a clutch drum which is coupled to the front cover, multiple first friction plates which are coupled to the clutch drum, second friction plates which are disposed between the multiple first friction plates, and a retaining plate which has an extending drum portion to which the second friction plate are coupled and supports springs provided on the torsional damper.

A torque converter is disclosed. The torque converter includes a cover, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, and a first one-way clutch. A torque outputted from a prime mover is inputted to the cover. The impeller is unitarily rotated with the cover. The turbine is opposed to the impeller. The stator is disposed between the impeller and the turbine. The first one-way clutch is configured to make the cover rotatable relative to the turbine in a forward rotational direction. The first one-way clutch is further configured to rotate the cover unitarily with the turbine in a reverse rotational direction.

A torque converter is provided with a stator having adjustable fluid flow holes for changing the K-factor of the torque converter, as needed. The stator includes a base plate with fluid flow openings and an adjustable plate with fluid flow openings. The plates matingly engage, such that the fluid openings are adjacent one another. The degree of overlap of the openings can be varied from fully aligned to substantially misaligned by rotating the adjustable plate relative to the base plate, and thereby controlling the fluid flow through the openings. In alternative embodiments the stator holes can be automatically opened and closed in response to changes in fluid pressure in the torque converter, via reed values or spring biased balls.

A torque converter is provided with a stator having adjustable fluid flow holes for changing the K-factor of the torque converter, as needed. The stator includes a base plate with fluid flow openings and an adjustable plate with fluid flow openings. The plates matingly engage, such that the fluid openings are adjacent one another. The degree of overlap of the openings can be varied from fully aligned to substantially misaligned by rotating the adjustable plate relative to the base plate, and thereby controlling the fluid flow through the openings. In alternative embodiments the stator holes can be automatically opened and closed in response to changes in fluid pressure in the torque converter, via reed values or spring biased balls.

A torque converter controller includes a pressure regulator connected to a pipe that delivers a fluid circulating through a pump impeller and a turbine runner of a torque converter, the pressure regulator changing a pressure applied to the fluid based on a plurality of states of a vehicle where the torque converter controller is mounted, the plurality of states including a starting state where the vehicle is starting and at least one of a stopped state where the vehicle is stopped and a cruising state where the vehicle is cruising.