CN109642652B

CN109642652B - Stator support, turbine system, transmission system, method of manufacturing a stator support

Info

Publication number: CN109642652B
Application number: CN201780042627.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: H·潘蒂拉
Original assignee: Nanjing Bangqi Automatic Transmission Co ltd
Current assignee: Nanjing Bangqi Automatic Transmission Co ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-08
Filing date: 2017-06-06
Publication date: 2022-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-06
Also published as: DE112017003444T5; BE1024354B1; CN109642652A; WO2018007082A1; BE1024354A1

Abstract

A stator support for a stator of a torque converter (2) comprises a stator support shaft (4, 8, 9) having an axial bore (10) therein for receiving a turbine shaft (3); the stator support flange (9) is an integral part of the stator support shaft (4, 8, 9) and extends radially outward to engage with the transmission housing (100); wherein the stator support flange (9) comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel (12, 15), wherein the at least one hydraulic fluid channel (12B) is arranged for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter (2), wherein the stator support shaft (4, 8, 9) comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel (12, 15) which is fluidly connected with the hydraulic fluid channel (12, 15) of the stator support flange (9) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter (2); wherein the hydraulic fluid channels (12, 15) of the stator bearing shafts (4, 8, 9) have an oblique orientation with respect to the hydraulic fluid channels (12, 15) of the stator bearing flange (9).

Description

Stator support, turbine system, transmission system, method of manufacturing a stator support

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a stator support for supporting a stator of a torque converter of an automatic transmission.

Background

In an automatic transmission such as a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a torque converter is provided between an engine such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor and the transmission. Torque converters are used to transfer rotational power from an engine to a driven load. The torque converter includes a stator supported by a stator support. The torque converter also includes a turbine that drives the turbine shaft.

The stator support typically includes a stator support shaft having an axial bore therein for receiving the turbine shaft and having a stator support flange extending radially outwardly from the stator support shaft for engagement with the transmission housing to fixedly mount the stator support to the transmission housing and prevent rotation thereof relative to the transmission housing.

The stator support is typically used to supply hydraulic fluid, such as oil, to various components of the transmission. Further, the stator support flange includes at least one hydraulic fluid passage extending through the stator support flange.

Various embodiments of stator supports are known. For example, it is known to provide a separate stator support shaft and a separate stator support flange. The stator supporting flange is provided with an oil hole, and the stator supporting shaft is also provided with an oil hole. Since the stator support shaft and the stator support flange are two separate parts, a fluid tight coupling is preferably obtained between the two parts when assembled, so that oil flows from the oil holes in the stator support flange to the oil holes in the stator support shaft. The oil may then flow as follows: flows from the radially outer end to the radially inner end of the stator support shaft and then flows into the oil hole of the stator support shaft, which terminates in the space between the stator support shaft and the turbine shaft, and further enters the torque converter through another oil hole in the stator support shaft. This embodiment, as applied by Jatco, provides a relatively large axial length of the stator support shaft and, therefore, of the transmission. Furthermore, there are disadvantages to using two separate component assemblies for the stator support for assembly.

In another example, a one-piece stator support is used, meaning that the stator shaft is formed integrally with the stator support. The oil flow passages in the stator support flange then terminate radially outwardly from the stator support shaft. Thus, the oil flow continues between the stator support shaft and the impeller hub of the torque converter radially outward from the stator support shaft and then into the torque converter. This results in complex seals and bearings for the oil passages, and a relatively large axial length of the stator support shaft, and also of the transmission.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stator support. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a stator support having a reduced length and/or a lower complexity.

Further, the present invention provides a stator support for a stator of a torque converter, the stator support including a stator support shaft having an axial bore therein for receiving a turbine shaft; the stator support flange is an integral part of the stator support shaft and extends radially outwardly to engage the transmission housing; wherein the stator support flange comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel, at least one of the hydraulic fluid channels being arranged for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter, wherein the stator support shaft comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel being fluidly connected with the hydraulic fluid channel of the stator support flange for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter; wherein the hydraulic fluid passage of the stator support shaft has an oblique orientation relative to the hydraulic fluid passage of the stator support flange.

A one-piece stator support is provided by providing a stator support having a stator support shaft and a stator support flange that are an integral part of the stator support. This facilitates manufacturing, assembly, sealing, etc.

By providing hydraulic fluid passages in the stator support flange that are inclined relative to the hydraulic fluid passages of the stator support shaft, hydraulic fluid passages can be provided in the stator support without the need for complex and/or additional seals. Moreover, by providing such inclined fluid passages, the axial length of the stator support may be reduced, and thus the overall length of the transmission may be shortened.

In the prior art, when providing a one-piece stator support, it is a problem how to provide hydraulic fluid passages through the one-piece stator support. In prior art one-piece stator supports, there are no fluid passages in the stator support shaft and fluid flow is directed radially outward, resulting in complex seals, bearings and relatively long support shafts. The inventors have now found that when an inclined fluid passage is provided in the stator support shaft, fluid flow can be directed to the torque converter through the fluid passage in the stator support flange, through the inclined passage in the stator support shaft, and via the space between the axial bore in the stator support shaft and the turbine shaft. Thereby, complex sealing can be avoided and advantageously the axial length of the bearing shaft and thus of the transmission can be made shorter.

Advantageously, the inclined channel in the stator supporting shaft thus extends through the entire stator supporting shaft from one side of the stator supporting shaft to the opposite side of the stator supporting shaft, as seen in the direction of the central axis of the axial bore. This allows for easy manufacturing and drilling to provide fluid passages in the support shaft. This means that the holes for the fluid passages can be drilled from one side of the stator shaft, through the wall of the stator shaft and then through the opposite wall of the stator shaft, as viewed in the direction of the axial hole of the stator support shaft, so as to end in the passage holes of the stator support flange. Drilling through the entire stator support shaft provides the primary advantage of providing fluid passages in the one-piece stator support.

In an advantageous embodiment, the stator support shaft comprises a further hydraulic fluid channel directed towards the torque converter, such that, in use, the further hydraulic fluid channel ends in the torque converter. By providing such additional or further hydraulic fluid passages in the stator support shaft, the flow of hydraulic fluid may be as follows. Under pressure applied to the torque converter, hydraulic fluid may flow from the radially outer end of the hydraulic fluid passage of the stator support flange to the radially inner end of the hydraulic fluid passage into the hydraulic fluid passage of the stator support shaft. The fluid flow then continues in the space between the inner wall side of the support shaft and the outer wall side of the turbine shaft towards an additional or further hydraulic passage terminating in the torque converter.

Preferably, this additional or further hydraulic fluid channel in the stator support shaft comprises a plurality of holes, which are preferably distributed substantially equidistantly over the circumference of the stator support shaft. The hydraulic fluid may then enter the torque converter at a plurality of locations distributed on the circumference of the stator support shaft.

It is particularly advantageous to drill a through hole through the bearing shaft so that a hole through the wall of one side of the bearing shaft ends in a channel of the bearing flange, which hole provides a fluid connection with the hydraulic fluid channel of the bearing flange. Additionally, apertures through the walls at opposite sides of the support shaft may provide additional fluid passages connectable to the torque converter.

Preferably, the angled hydraulic fluid passages in the stator support shaft are angled between about 20 degrees and about 80 degrees, more preferably between about 30 degrees and about 70 degrees, and more preferably about 45 degrees, relative to the hydraulic passages of the stator support flange. Thus, an optimum angle can be obtained between the relatively short stator support and the smooth fluid flow channel.

The invention also relates to a mounting bracket, a transmission comprising such a parking lock unit, and a method for assembling a parking lock unit into a transmission.

Other advantageous embodiments are indicated below.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limiting illustration.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a section through a plane including an "apply" fluid flow passage of a turbine system including a stator support according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the stator support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view in axial section of a stator support according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view in radial section of a stator support according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view through a plane including the "relief" -fluid flow passages of the turbine system of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a stator support connected to a transmission housing.

It is to be noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of non-limiting example. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 shows a schematic embodiment of a turbine system 1, the turbine system 1 including a torque converter 2, a turbine shaft 3, and a stator support 4. The function of the torque converter 2 is well known and will not be repeated here.

As is known, the torque converter 2 receives input from an engine, such as an internal combustion engine and/or an electric machine, via a flex plate (not shown). A front alignment bushing 5 is provided to align the torque converter relative to the crankshaft. The torque converter 2 includes a lock plate, a turbine, and a stator on its inner side. For reasons of simplicity, these components are not shown here. The turbine of torque converter 2 is coupled to turbine shaft 3 through turbine hub 6, and turbine shaft 3 provides input to the transmission via shaft end 3 a. The stator of the torque converter 2 is coupled to the stator support 4 via a one-way clutch and a stator hub 7.

The stator support 4 includes a stator support shaft 8 and a stator support flange 9. According to the invention, the stator support 4 is a one-piece component, meaning that the stator support flange 9 is an integral part (integral component) of the stator support shaft 8.

The stator bearing shaft 8 has an axial bore 10, which axial bore 10 is configured for receiving the turbine shaft 3. The axial bore 10 has a central axis C. The stator support shaft 8 extends axially in the direction of the center axis C. This is also shown in fig. 3.

The stator support flange 9 extends radially outward relative to the stator support shaft 8 in a direction transverse to the center axis C. The stator support flange 9 has a radially outward end 11a, which end 11a is arranged for mounting to a transmission housing, as shown in fig. 6. The stator support 4 is held stationary in the transmission housing 100 by mounting the stator support flange 9 to the transmission housing 100, i.e. to a fixture. Thereby, due to the connection with the stator hub of the torque converter 2, the stator blades of the torque converter can also be held stationary at least in the state in which the one-way clutch providing the connection between the stator blades and the stator hub is engaged. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the stator support 4 is connected to the transmission housing 100 by means of bolts 101. Here eight bolts 101 are used, but more or fewer bolts or other attachment means such as welding or press fitting or clamping or threading may be used.

On the radially outer side of the stator support shaft 8, a flange 21a of an impeller hub 21 of the torque converter 2 is supported by the stator support shaft 8 with a bearing bush 21 b. Impeller hub 21 also drives an oil pump drive system sprocket 22 to drive the oil pump. The function of which is well known and will not be further elucidated.

The stator support flange 9 includes at least one hydraulic fluid passage to supply hydraulic fluid to the various components of the transmission. Typically, there are a plurality of hydraulic fluid passages arranged to supply hydraulic fluid to various components of the transmission. Furthermore, the stator support shaft 8 comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel for supplying hydraulic fluid. Advantageously, the hydraulic fluid channels of the stator support shaft 8 and the stator support flange 9 are fluidly connected to each other to supply hydraulic fluid to the respective components of the transmission.

At least one of these hydraulic fluid passages of the stator support 4 is arranged for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter 2. A "apply" -mode fluid passage 12 for the torque converter is provided in which the locking plate of the torque converter 2 is locked to the friction surface on the impeller of the torque converter 2. In this "apply" -mode, the hydraulic fluid is applied at a relatively high pressure. There is a fluid flow passage 12a extending through the stator support shaft 9, and there is a fluid flow passage 12b in the stator support shaft 8. Preferably, the

fluid flow channels

12a, 12b are fluidly connected to each other. In fig. 1, the "apply" -fluid flow channels are shown, as the cross-section of the stator support 4 is shown in a plane through the "apply" -fluid flow channels 12 a.

In addition, the stator support 4 includes fluid flow passages 13 for the "release" -mode of the torque converter. In the "released" mode of the torque converter 2, the locking plate is released and pushed away from the friction surface. In the "release" -mode, hydraulic fluid is applied at a relatively large flow rate to push the locking plates apart. There are fluid flow passages 13a extending through the stator support flange 9 and there are fluid flow passages 13b in the stator support shaft 8. Preferably, the fluid flow channels 13 are fluidly connected to each other. In fig. 5, the "relief" -fluid flow channels 13 are shown, since the cross-section of the stator support 4 is shown in a plane through the "relief" -fluid flow channels 13. In fig. 4, a cross-section of the stator shaft 8 is given, showing a plurality of fluid flow channels, including "apply" -fluid flow channels 12a and "release" -fluid flow channels 13 a. The "relief" fluid flow passage 13 terminates in the turbine shaft 3, with a bore 30 disposed in the turbine shaft 3, the bore 30 fluidly connected at one end to the passage 13 of the stator support 4 and fluidly connected at the other end to the torque converter 2.

According to the invention, the fluid flow channels 12b in the stator support shaft 8 have an inclined orientation with respect to the fluid flow channels 12a in the stator support flange 9, as shown in fig. 1 or 2. The angle α between the fluid flow channel 12b and the fluid flow channel 12a is between about 20 degrees and 80 degrees, preferably between about 30 degrees and about 70 degrees, and more preferably about 45 degrees. The apply outlet through passages 15 and 14b2 preferably has a predetermined axial position so that the apply flow can enter the torque converter. From this position, the hole 14b may be drilled obliquely towards the radially drilled hole 14a of the stator support flange 9.

The fluid flow channel 12a is provided by a bore 14a, the bore 14a extending in the stator support flange 9 between the radially inner end 11b and the radially outer end 11 a. The fluid flow passage 12b is provided with a hole 14b, and the hole 14b advantageously extends from one side 8a of the stator support shaft 8 to the other side 8b of the stator support shaft 8 when viewed in the direction of the center axis C. In other words, the bore 14b forming the fluid flow passage 12b extends through the entire stator support shaft 8, as can be seen in fig. 1, 2 or 3. Thus, according to the present invention, the hole 14b is oriented obliquely with respect to the hole 14 a. The angle α between the

bores

14b, 14a, and thus the

passages

12b, 12a, is preferably the angle between the respective central axes of the

bores

14b, 14a, and thus the angle α of the

passages

12b, 12 a.

By providing the hole 14B through the entire stator support shaft 8, it is possible to easily drill a hole from the side 8a of the stator support shaft 8 in the drilling direction B towards the hole 14a and until the hole 14B terminates in the hole 14a to provide a fluid connection between the fluid flow channels 12B and 12 a. Thus, the bore 14b includes two portions, a first portion 14b1 terminating in the bore 14a and a second portion 14b2 terminating in the torque converter. By providing such inclined fluid flow passages 12b in the stator support shaft 8 in the one-piece stator support 4, a relatively short stator support shaft 8 may be provided, while additionally the advantages of the one-piece stator support, such as a simple seal and/or a simple connection to the torque converter, may be maintained.

By providing such an inclined fluid flow passage 12b in the stator support shaft 8, the axial length of the stator support shaft 8 can be made shorter. In particular, the length a between the flange 21a of the impeller hub 21 and the end 8c of the stator support shaft 8 is set for receiving the thrust bearing 23 to bearingly support the flange 3b of the turbine shaft 3. The length a determines the built-in axial dimension, and the shorter the length a, the shorter the transmission can become. A relatively short transmission is advantageous for assembly and built-in purposes.

Advantageously, the stator bearing shaft 8 comprises a further fluid channel 15, which fluid channel 15 is directed towards the torque converter 2 and ends in the torque converter 2 when assembled. Advantageously, the channel 15 comprises a plurality of holes, in this embodiment the hole 14b2 is already one hole. The

further holes

15a, 15b may be equally spaced on the circumference of the stator support shaft 8. For example, when four apertures are provided, they may be equiangularly spaced apart by an angle of about 90 degrees, as can be seen for example in figure 3. Preferably, the angle of the passage 15 relative to the central axis of the passage 12a is the same or similar to the angle a of the passage 12b relative to the central axis of the passage 12 a.

A hole 14b2 may be machined near the end 8e of the support shaft 8. Preferably, the machining of the hole 14b2 is not performed over the length 8f of the stator support shaft 8, since this length is preferably used for supporting the bearing bush 21 b. Furthermore, if the application channel were to leak, the application channel hole would be located outside the bearing bushing support area 8f, since the bearing bushing 21b also provides a seal. The closer the hole 14b2 is to the bearing bush support region 8f, the smaller the angle α may become, which may be advantageous for applying the flow. The application stream may then not be disturbed too much. In addition, the application holes 14b1 preferably allow sufficient space for the landing area L of the sealing ring 140, the sealing ring 140 sealing the application chamber 110 from the release chamber 120. The land area L may be about 1-4mm, preferably about 2 mm.

In the "apply" -mode, hydraulic fluid is applied through the opening 16, from the hydraulic manifold to the opening 16 via passages in the transmission housing, into the fluid flow passage 12a and radially inward to the fluid flow passage 12 b. The fluid then flows in the application chamber 110 between the wall 17 of the axial bore 10 and the outer wall 18 of the turbine shaft 3. This application chamber 110 is provided due to a recess in the turbine shaft 3, which corresponds in axial length to the axial distance between the

channels

12b and 15 of the stator support shaft 4. The fluid then continues into the

bores

15a, 15b, 14b2, 15c of the passage 15 into the torque converter 2 via the opening 19a between the impeller 21 and the one-way clutch 7. Fluid exits torque converter 2 via opening 19b between impeller 21 and turbine hub 6 and enters bore 30 of turbine shaft 3, which bore 30 is fluidly connected with fluid flow passage 13 of stator support flange 9.

In the "release" -mode, fluid enters the fluid flow passage 13 via the opening 31, passes through the bore 30 of the turbine shaft 3 and through the fluid flow passage 13. The fluid then enters the torque converter via opening 19b and exits the torque converter 2 through opening 19a to enter passage 15 and continue through relief chamber 120 formed between axial bore 10 and

walls

17 and 18 of turbine shaft 3, respectively, at the location of relief passage 13. Via the inclined bore 14b, the fluid enters the bore 14a to exit the stator support via the opening 16.

Furthermore, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, a main pressure chamber 130 is provided between the outer wall 17 of the axial hole and a recess in the turbine shaft 3. When the variator of the transmission is pressurized, fluid flows through the chamber 130. This is not further explained in this disclosure.

Between the

subsequent chambers

110, 120, 130, a sealing ring 140 is provided to separate on its way the different hydraulic

fluid delivery channels

12, 13, for example for the main pressure, using the turbine shaft 3 and the stator support 4.

In the above, the oblique passage in the stator support shaft 8 is explained with respect to the fluid flow passage that supplies the torque converter. It will be appreciated that other fluid flow passages in the stator support shaft may also be implemented as slanted or angled passages.

For purposes of clarity and conciseness of description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. It is to be understood that the illustrated embodiments have identical or similar components, except as described differently.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" should not be construed as limited to "only one," but rather are used to mean "at least one," and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A stator support for a stator of a torque converter, the stator support comprising:

-a stator support shaft having an axial bore therein for receiving a turbine shaft;

-a stator support flange which is an integral part of the stator support shaft and extends radially outwardly for engagement with a transmission housing; wherein the stator support flange comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel, at least one of the hydraulic fluid channels being arranged for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter,

-wherein the stator support shaft comprises at least one hydraulic fluid channel, the hydraulic fluid channel of the stator support shaft being fluidly connected with the hydraulic fluid channel of the stator support flange for supplying hydraulic fluid to the torque converter;

-wherein the hydraulic fluid channels of the stator support shaft have an inclined orientation with respect to the hydraulic fluid channels of the stator support flange,

-wherein the hydraulic fluid channel in the stator support shaft extends through the entire stator support shaft in a drilling direction (B) from one side of the stator support shaft to the opposite side of the stator support shaft, as seen in the direction of the centre axis of the axial bore of the stator support shaft.

2. A stator support according to claim 1 wherein the stator support shaft includes a further hydraulic fluid passage directed towards the torque converter such that, in use, the further hydraulic fluid passage terminates in the torque converter.

3. The stator support of claim 2 wherein the angle of inclination of the hydraulic fluid passages in the stator support shaft relative to the hydraulic fluid passages in the stator support flange is between 20 and 80 degrees.

4. The stator support of claim 2 wherein said additional hydraulic fluid passage in said stator support shaft has a plurality of bores equally spaced about the circumference of said stator support shaft.

5. The stator support of claim 3 wherein the additional hydraulic fluid passage in the stator support shaft includes four bores, each of the bores being spaced about 90 degrees apart on the circumference of the stator support shaft.

6. A turbine system comprising a torque converter, the stator support of any of claims 2-5, and a turbine shaft.

7. The turbine system of claim 6 wherein the turbine shaft has a diameter less than the axial bore of the stator support shaft over an axial length between the hydraulic fluid passage in the stator support shaft and the additional hydraulic fluid passage in the stator support shaft to form a fluid connection between the hydraulic fluid passage in the stator support shaft and the additional hydraulic fluid passage of the stator support shaft.

8. An automatic transmission system comprising a stator support according to any one of claims 1-5 and a torque converter.

9. A method for manufacturing a stator support according to any of claims 1-5, the method comprising:

-providing a stator support shaft having an axial bore therein and a stator support flange which is an integral part of the stator support shaft and extends radially outwardly;

-providing a channel in the stator support flange from a radially outer end of the stator support flange to a radially inner end of the stator support flange;

-providing a channel in the stator support shaft inclined with respect to the channel in the stator support flange by drilling from one side of the stator support shaft to the other side of the stator support shaft, seen in the direction of the axial hole, until the channel in the stator support flange is reached.