A torque converter acts as a fluid coupling that transfers power from the engine to the transmission, enabling smooth starts and gear changes. Based on the provided reference, a fundamental part of its operation involves fluid interaction between key components.
According to the reference: "The turbine sits near to the pump. And the high energy fluid coming out of the pump turns the turbine. The turbine is connected to the transmission."
This highlights a core principle: the movement of fluid generated by one component (the pump) drives another component (the turbine), which then transmits power to the vehicle's transmission.
Core Components Discussed in the Reference
The provided information specifically mentions two primary components and their connection:
- The Pump (or Impeller): This component is connected to the engine. It spins at engine speed and uses vanes to push transmission fluid outward.
- The Turbine: This component is connected to the transmission. It sits "near to the pump."
How They Interact (Based on the Reference)
The process described is straightforward:
- The pump spins, driven by the engine.
- The spinning pump accelerates transmission fluid, creating "high energy fluid" flow.
- This "high energy fluid coming out of the pump turns the turbine."
- Since the turbine is connected to the transmission, its rotation then drives the transmission, allowing the vehicle to move.
Think of it like two fans facing each other: if you turn on one fan (the pump), the air it pushes can make the blades of the second fan (the turbine) spin. In a torque converter, the "air" is transmission fluid, and the components are designed to efficiently transfer power this way.
Simplified Interaction Summary
| Component | Connected To | Role Described |
|---|---|---|
| Pump | Engine | Pushes high energy fluid |
| Turbine | Transmission | Turned by fluid from the pump |
This fluid-based connection allows the engine to continue running even when the vehicle is stopped (like at a red light) because the fluid coupling is not rigid. As engine speed increases, the fluid flow from the pump becomes more powerful, causing the turbine to spin faster and transfer more torque to the transmission.
