Hydrokinetic torque converter with lock-up clutch and internal vibration damping

Claim 1

A hydrokinetic torque transmitting mechanism comprising a bladed impeller and a bladed turbine situated in toroidal fluid flow relationship, the impeller being adapted to be connected to a source of torque such as an internal combustion engine, multiple ratio gearing, an output element of said gearing being connected to driven portions of said mechanism, a torque input element of said gearing being adapted to be connected to said turbine, a mechanical torque delivery path arranged in parallel disposition with respect to the hydrokinetic torque delivery path defined by said impeller and said turbine including a friction clutch selectively engageable to establish and disestablish said mechanical torque delivery path, said torque delivery path being defined in part by a vibration cushioning and dampening mechanism having a torque input element and a torque output element, a spring connection between said torque input element and said torque output element, said torque input element and said torque output element being adapted for limited relative angular displacement therebetween, said spring connection resisting said relative displacement, a damper spring carried by one of said elements of said cushioning and dampening mechanism, friction surfaces carried by said torque input and torque output elements and arranged in juxtaposed face-to-face relationship, said damper spring being adapted to apply an engaging force to said friction surfaces thereby establishing tangential damping forces upon relative displacement of said torque input element and said torque output element.