Fluid Coupling with Partially Curved Impeller Vanes

Abstract

The fluid coupling of the present disclosure transmits torque by a fluid in a variable speed transmission. The fluid coupling comprises a front cover and a back cover, and the front cover and the back cover forming a chamber. The fluid coupling includes a plurality of impeller vanes are located on the back cover and the back cover is configured to rotate in a first direction. The fluid coupling also includes a turbine having a plurality of turbine vanes located within the chamber. The ends of each of the plurality of impeller vanes are curved in the first direction to direct flow of the fluid into the plurality of turbine vanes at a sharper angle thereby increasing torque applied to the turbine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid coupling to transfer torque by rotating in a first direction thereby rotating a fluid in the first direction to rotate a turbine, the fluid coupling comprising:
 a front cover and a back cover, the front cover and back cover forming a chamber;   the turbine located within the chamber; and   a plurality of impeller vanes affixed on an inside of the back cover and a perimeter section of each of the plurality of impeller vanes curving toward the first direction,   the perimeter section directing the fluid into the turbine at an angle that applies increased torque to the turbine.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid coupling of  claim 1 , wherein the turbine further comprises a plurality of turbine vanes, a center section, a closed section, and a perimeter section;
 the center section and the perimeter section of the turbine are open to allow the fluid to pass between the plurality of turbine vanes in the center section and perimeter section; and   the closed section of the turbine prevents the fluid from flowing between the plurality of turbine vanes in the closed section.   
     
     
         3 . The fluid coupling of  claim 2 , further comprising a metal plate attached to a back of the turbine over the closed section and blocking fluid flow through the closed section. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid coupling of  claim 1 , wherein the front cover has a toroidal shape. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid coupling of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of blades located on an inner surface of the front cover configured to direct the fluid toward the back of the center section of the turbine in a complimentary direction thereby increasing torque applied. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid coupling of  claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of blades is angled in the first direction to adjust the fluid flow into the center section of the turbine at an angle that increases the torque applied by the fluid.