Hydrokinetic torque convertor with bypass clutch having grooved friction lining

摘要

The bypass clutch in the fluid-containing housing of the hydrokinetic torque converter in the power train of a motor vehicle is provided with a first friction surface carried by a radially extending or conical section of the housing, and with a complementary friction surface carried by an axially movable piston or by an intermediate clutch plate of the bypass clutch. At least one of the friction surfaces is provided with an array of pockets and/or channels for a fluid (such as oil) which withdraws friction heat developing when the bypass clutch is partially engaged so that the friction surfaces contact but slip relative to each other. The depth and/or the width of the channels is at least substantially constant, and such channels can include bends between straight channel sections. The inlets of the channels can be located at the radially inner or radially outer marginal portion and their outlets can be located at the radially outer or inner marginal portion of the respective friction surface.