Abstract: A multiplate lockup clutch for use in fluid, principally in a torque converter is provided with a multiplicity of friction plates. Each of the friction plates is provided on a friction surface thereof with at least one combined groove, preferably, a plurality of combined grooves. Each combined groove consists of a first groove and a second groove. The first groove extends from an inner circumferential edge to an outer circumferential edge of the friction plate and communicates an inner circumference and an outer circumference of the friction plate with each other. The second groove intersects the first groove and extends in a circumferential direction of the friction plate. As an alternative, a multiplate lockup clutch useful in fluid, primarily in a torque converter is provided with a multiplicity of friction plates, and each of the friction plates is shaped in a waveform as viewed in a circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A friction plate for a wet clutch includes a core plate, and friction members bonded to opposite sides of the plate core. The friction member is provided with a plurality of first oil grooves each permitting the communication between inner and outer circumferential edges of the friction member, and a plurality of second oil grooves each permitting the communication between intermediate portions of the adjacent first oil grooves. The first oil grooves are disposed in such a manner that they are inclined at a given angle in a circumferential direction of the core plate with respect to a line of radius passing through a radially inner end of each first oil groove. The second oil grooves are disposed in such a manner that they are inclined in the same direction as the first oil grooves at an acute angle larger than the given angle with respect to a line of radius passing through a radially inner end of each second oil groove. Thus, the cooling property is enhanced, and the dragging torque is decreased.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a bridging clutch having an annular friction liner for engaging axially against a reaction surface of the clutch. The liner is in the form of an annular ring having a friction surface, an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, with a network of grooves formed in the friction surface to enable a liquid to flow between the liner and the reaction surface. The network of grooves is not open radially in the outer perimeter of the liner.

Abstract: In a wet type multiplate clutch wherein outer tooth plates and inner tooth plates rotatable relative to each other are coaxially alternately disposed and are frictionally engaged with each other, of a plurality of oil grooves having opening portions opening to the inner peripheral edges of frictional materials secured to the inner tooth plates, at least 50 percent of the opening portions are opposed to a lubricant supply hole formed in a hub.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter is provided with a lockup clutch wherein the piston and other constituents of the lockup clutch are adequately cooled during each stage of operation of the torque converter and its clutch. The piston of the lockup clutch and/or the component which cooperates with the piston to transmit torque from the housing directly to the turbine of the torque converter is provided with a friction lining which establishes a portion of the path for the flow of fluid coolant between the fluid-filled compartments at opposite sides of the piston. The rate of fluid flow between the compartments is regulated by one or more adjustable valves which are carried by the housing of the torque converter and/or by the piston of the lockup clutch.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a bridging clutch having an annular friction liner for engaging axially against a reaction surface of the clutch. The liner is in the form of an annular ring having a friction surface, an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, with a network of grooves formed in the friction surface to enable a liquid to flow between the liner and the reaction surface. The network of grooves is not open radially in the outer perimeter of the liner.

Abstract: A friction member has a pair of friction facings 46a and 46b that are designed to reduce drag torque during operation in a fluid filled chamber. The friction member has a circular friction plate 43 with an aperture at its center and the friction facings 46a and 46b are coupled thereto. The friction member can be part of a lock-up device 4 of a torque converter 1 or a part of a power cut-off clutch 102 of a torque converter. The friction member has a first friction facing 46a that is formed of an annular and flat main body. The main body has a first surface fixedly coupled to the friction plate 43 and a second surface on the opposite side with a plurality of grooves 81. The grooves 81 extend through from the inner periphery to the outer periphery and having bent portions 83 and 85 at a middle area.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a bridging clutch having an annular friction liner for engaging axially against a reaction surface of the clutch. The liner is in the form of an annular ring having a friction surface, an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, with a network of grooves formed in the friction surface to enable a liquid to flow between the liner and the reaction surface. The network of grooves is not open radially in the outer perimeter of the liner.

Abstract: There is described a method of manufacturing a flat friction ring which consists of a supporting ring (1) and a friction lining (2) provided on at least one side of the supporting ring and at least approximately forming radial oil grooves (3), which friction lining is first cut out of a friction lining web including slits (5) extending from at least one circumferential side for forming the future oil grooves (3), and is then glued onto the supporting ring (1). This method is characterized in that the friction lining (2) is cut out of the friction lining web in the form of a strip (7) and in the area of the connecting webs (6) between the friction lining sectors (4) separated from each other by the slits (5) is bent in a polygon-like manner to form a ring and is glued onto the supporting ring (1).