Abstract: A stator of a torque converter is divided into a first stator on an upstream side and a second stator on a downstream side, and the first and second stators are supported on a fixed part via first and second one-way clutches, respectively. Since, with regard to a blade of the first stator, when viewed in the axis direction, the blade tip part is inclined relative to the blade base part in the disengagement direction of the first one-way clutch, it is possible to ensure the blade area without increasing the dimension in the radial direction and the dimension in the axis direction of the blade of the first stator, and it is possible, by smoothly guiding oil along the blade of the first stator to thus suppress the occurrence of a vortex, to reduce energy loss in a low speed ratio region where the vortex easily occurs.

Abstract: Among first and second stators of a torque converter supported on a fixed part by a one-way clutch corresponding to the stators, the number of second stator blades of the second stator on the downstream side in the direction of flow of oils larger than the number of first blades of the first stator on the upstream side, and the maximum value t2 for blade thickness of the second stator blade is smaller than the minimum value t1 for blade thickness of the first stator blade. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that there is a sufficient gap (?) between a trailing edge of the first stator blade and a leading of the second stator blade, thus preventing the flow of oil from being stopped by the gap (?), and it is possible to align effectively the flow of oil by means of the second stator blades.

Abstract: In a torque converter in which a radial bearing and a one-way clutch are disposed adjacent and concentrically with each other between a hub of a side cover and a turbine shaft extending through the hub, and a hub of an output gear is coupled to an outer end of the turbine shaft, an inner peripheral surface of the hub of the side cover is comprised of a larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion located on the side of its base end, and a smaller-diameter inner peripheral surface portion located on the side of its tip end and connected to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion through an annular step, and an outer race of the radial bearing fitted to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion is clamped by the annular step and a retaining ring locked to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter includes a pump wheel, a turbine wheel, and a stator wheel having a variable entrance between the blade rows upon at least one of these wheels, preferably on the stator wheel. The opening between the blades is adjustable automatically by the torque applied by the circulating fluid against the action of a compression spring. The blades on the wheel whose entrance is adjustable includes at least two annular members divided along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the wheel. The annular members are rotatable relative to one another approximately one-half blade pitch. The annular member becomes located in the inlet region of the blade row, is rotatable by the torque of the circulating flow only in the region of the installed condition against the force of the spring to a position that reduces the inlet cross section of the blade row.