torque converter

The torque converter in heavy machinery is a fluid coupling that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, like an internal combustion engine, to a rotating driven load. It’s a type of hydraulic transmission that enhances the performance of the machine by allowing the engine to produce power and torque independent of the machine’s speed, thus allowing for smooth acceleration without interrupting power flow.
Components of a Torque Converter:
Pump (Impeller): The pump is attached to the engine’s flywheel, so it spins with the engine. It pushes transmission fluid in a way that creates a flow directed towards the turbine.
Turbine (Runner): The turbine is connected to the transmission input shaft. As transmission fluid enters the turbine, it is pushed along the blades of the turbine, causing it to spin and, in turn, driving the input shaft.
Stator: Positioned between the pump and the turbine, the stator redirects the fluid returning from the turbine before it hits the pump again. This redirection improves efficiency by preventing the fluid from working against the pump’s rotation.
Transmission Fluid: The fluid is the medium that transmits power from the pump to the turbine.