| 摘要 |
An axially oriented annular piston is provided in the torque converter. It encircles the converter pump. The piston has an open and a closed position. In the open position, a portion of the fluid exiting the converter pump bypasses the turbine, passing through an axial gap between the pump and the turbine. Having some of the fluid bypass the turbine reduces the amount of fluid impinging on the turbine, thereby reducing the torque induced in the turbine by the fluid. When the piston is in the closed position, all of the fluid is directed toward the turbine, maximizing the torque developed. Springs keep the piston in the open position at rotative speeds at or below an engine idle speed. As the rotative speed of the pump is increased beyond engine idle, a centrifugal chamber opposed to the springs fills with fluid and forces the piston to the closed position.
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