A torque converter disposed between a prime mover and an output shaft is disclosed. The torque converter includes a cover, an impeller, a turbine, and a first clutch. The impeller is unitarily rotated with the cover. The turbine is disposed opposite to the impeller. The first clutch is configured to allow and block transmitting power outputted from the prime mover to the cover.

A torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes first and second rotatable rotors, a centrifugal element and a cam mechanism. The first rotor includes an accommodation portion. The second rotor is rotatable with and relative to the first rotor. The centrifugal element is disposed in the accommodation portion to be radially movable, and receives a centrifugal force generated by rotation of the first or second rotor. The cam mechanism receives the centrifugal force acting on the centrifugal element, and converts the centrifugal force into a circumferential force directed to reduce rotational phase difference between the first and second rotors. The cam mechanism includes a cam surface provided on the centrifugal element, and a cam follower which contacts the cam surface. The cam follower transmits a force therethrough between the centrifugal element and the second rotor. The centrifugal element is radially moved while rolling on an inner wall surface of the accommodation portion.

A torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes first and second rotatable rotors, a centrifugal element and a cam mechanism. The first rotor includes an accommodation portion. The second rotor is rotatable with and relative to the first rotor. The centrifugal element is disposed in the accommodation portion to be radially movable, and receives a centrifugal force generated by rotation of the first or second rotor. The cam mechanism receives the centrifugal force acting on the centrifugal element, and converts the centrifugal force into a circumferential force directed to reduce rotational phase difference between the first and second rotors. The cam mechanism includes a cam surface provided on the centrifugal element, and a cam follower which contacts the cam surface. The cam follower transmits a force therethrough between the centrifugal element and the second rotor. The centrifugal element is radially moved while rolling on an inner wall surface of the accommodation portion.

A monitoring device and a method for operating an idling automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a torque converter which includes at least one pump wheel and a turbine wheel that are designed to transmit torque hydrodynamically from one to the other. The method includes at least the following steps of: determining a rotational speed of the turbine wheel; determining a load on the motor of the motor vehicle; and recognizing whether there is a blockage in the drive-train of the motor vehicle or whether the torque converter is running dry, as a function of the turbine rotational speed and the motor load detected.

A monitoring device and a method for operating an idling automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a torque converter which includes at least one pump wheel and a turbine wheel that are designed to transmit torque hydrodynamically from one to the other. The method includes at least the following steps of: determining a rotational speed of the turbine wheel; determining a load on the motor of the motor vehicle; and recognizing whether there is a blockage in the drive-train of the motor vehicle or whether the torque converter is running dry, as a function of the turbine rotational speed and the motor load detected.

A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a stator; and a lock-up clutch including a piston plate, a first plate, a second plate axially disposed between the cover and the first plate, and a rivet non-rotatably connecting the first plate to the second plate, the rivet being a component distinct from the first plate and the second plate. The cover and the piston plate define at least a portion of a first pressure chamber. The first plate and the second plate define at least a portion of a second pressure chamber. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged to receive and expel a fluid to axially displace the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch.

A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a stator; and a lock-up clutch including a piston plate, a first plate, a second plate axially disposed between the cover and the first plate, and a rivet non-rotatably connecting the first plate to the second plate, the rivet being a component distinct from the first plate and the second plate. The cover and the piston plate define at least a portion of a first pressure chamber. The first plate and the second plate define at least a portion of a second pressure chamber. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged to receive and expel a fluid to axially displace the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch.

A torque converter includes a pump shell having pump blades; a turbine shell having a support portion supporting turbine blades, wherein the turbine blades are driven by the pump blades via a fluid to rotate about a rotational axis. The turbine shell further has a flange portion extending outward at the radially outside of the support portion and is integrally formed with the support portion. The torque converter further comprises a vibration damping device, the mass of which is mounted on the flange portion and configured to be movable relative to the flange portion and apply a torque to the turbine shell, thereby damping the torque vibration on the turbine shell. In addition, the invention also discloses a vehicle comprising the torque converter.

A torque converter includes a pump shell having pump blades; a turbine shell having a support portion supporting turbine blades, wherein the turbine blades are driven by the pump blades via a fluid to rotate about a rotational axis. The turbine shell further has a flange portion extending outward at the radially outside of the support portion and is integrally formed with the support portion. The torque converter further comprises a vibration damping device, the mass of which is mounted on the flange portion and configured to be movable relative to the flange portion and apply a torque to the turbine shell, thereby damping the torque vibration on the turbine shell. In addition, the invention also discloses a vehicle comprising the torque converter.

A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle includes an input shaft, which introduces torques from an internal combustion engine into the hybrid drive system and which is mounted rotatably around an axis of rotation. An output shaft is arranged coaxially to the input shaft. The system also includes an electric machine having a stator and a rotor, and a hub non-rotatably connected to the rotor. The system further includes a wet clutch which has a first actuating piston. The hub is formed as a one-piece forged part and has a first running surface for the first actuating piston. The wet clutch is provided to non-rotatably connect the hub to the output shaft.