FR2826414A1 - Device for coupling crankshaft drive plate to torque converter comprises cotter pins which rotationally lock plate and converter - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for coupling a drive plate (5) fixed to a crankshaft (1) to a torque converter (3) comprises cotter pins (13a) for rotationally locking the plate relative to the converter under the sole effect of the axial bringing together of the plate and converter.

Description

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 The present invention relates to a device for coupling a drive plate integral with a crankshaft to a torque converter, and the associated method.

 Conventionally, a motor vehicle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission comprises a propulsion engine, an automatic gearbox, and, interposed between these two sets, a torque converter.

 Conventionally, the connection between the propulsion motor and the torque converter is effected by means of a drive plate fixed on the crankshaft by threaded screws and on the torque converter by studs.

In general, when mounting a vehicle, connect the torque converter to the automatic gearbox before connecting the crankshaft to the torque converter
Under these conditions, the connection of the drive plate with the torque converter is quite difficult to achieve, given the lack of space available.

 The present invention aims to overcome this disadvantage.

 This object of the invention is achieved with a device for coupling a drive plate integral with a crankshaft to a torque converter, characterized in that it comprises means for effecting a locking in rotation of said plate with respect to said converter under the sole effect of an axial approximation of said plate relative to said converter.

 Thanks to these characteristics, the device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a locking in rotation of the drive plate with respect to the torque converter by a simple relative movement of these organs: it is therefore no longer necessary to have use of studs or other fasteners whose implementation is inconvenient and not suitable for mass production.

 According to other characteristics of the device according to the invention: said means for locking in rotation comprise firstly first means integral with said plate and secondly second

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 means integral with said converter, said first and second means being shaped to fit axially into each other, said first means comprise at least one opening formed in said plate and said second means are adapted to fit axially into said opening - said plate is relatively thin, said opening is bordered by two rolled elements, said second means comprise two keys adapted to press axially against said two elements, - said opening comprises a bore integral said plate and said second means comprise a stud adapted to engage axially within said bore, said device comprises three openings disposed substantially at 1200 on said plate, and as many second means integral with said converter shaped to fit axially into said openings, said second means being set r a sheet attached to said converter, - said second means are fixed directly on said converter, - said first means and said second means comprise complementary indexing notches, - said device further comprises means for effecting an axial locking of said plate with respect to said converter under the sole effect of said axial approximation, - said axial locking means comprise elements of the Velcro® or Dual-Lock® type interposed between said plate and said converter, - said axial locking means comprise on the one hand at least one bore integral with said plate and secondly at least one finger secured to said converter, a block of elastomeric material being threaded onto said finger so as to axially engage frictionally within said bore, - said block made of elastomer material is adapted to adhere inside said bore,

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 said elastomeric material block and said bore are shaped to make a snap connection, said axial locking means comprise lips formed on the edges of said keys, adapted to cover at least partially the edges of said elements.

 The present invention also relates to a method of coupling a crankshaft to a torque converter by means of a device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - fixing said plate on said crankshaft, and - axially bring together the assembly formed by said plate and said crankshaft of said converter until said rotational locking means become operational.

 Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembly comprising a crankshaft coupled to a torque converter by means of the device according to the invention executed according to a first embodiment; - Figure 2 is a sectional view along! a tigne tt-! t of the whole of Figure 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1; - Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of the assembly of Figure 1; - Figure 5 is a detail view of Figure 2, showing axial locking means; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a variant of the first embodiment; - Figures 7 to 11 are respectively similar to Figures 1 to 5, the coupling device according to the invention being executed according to a second embodiment;

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 - Figures 12 and 13 show two variants of the axial locking means of the second embodiment; - Figures 14 to 18 are respectively analogous to Figures 1 to 5, the coupling device according to the invention being executed according to a third embodiment; - Figures 19 to 21 show three variants of the locking means of the third embodiment; - Figures 22 to 24 show three bore variants involved in the device according to the invention; - Figures 25 to 27 are similar to Figures 1 to 3 respectively, the coupling device according to the invention being executed according to a fourth embodiment; - Figure 28 is a detail view of Figure 23, showing axial locking means; - Figures 29 to 32 are respectively analogous to Figures 25 to 28, the coupling device according to the invention being executed according to a fifth embodiment; - Figures 33 to 36 are respectively analogous to Figures 25 to 28, the coupling device according to the invention being executed according to a sixth embodiment; - Figures 37 to 40 are respectively analogous to Figures 25 to 28, the coupling device according to the invention being executed according to a seventh embodiment.

 In these figures, identical references denote identical or similar organs or sets of members.

 Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, which shows a crankshaft 1 to be driven by a motor vehicle engine such as an internal combustion engine (not shown), and a torque converter 3 known in self intended to drive an automatic gearbox (not shown).

 This crankshaft 1 is connected to the torque converter 3 via a drive plate 5 of metal or metal alloy.

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 This plate 5 is fixed on the crankshaft 1 preferably by means of a plurality of screws 7.

 The plate 5 comprises a plurality of openings 9a, 9b, 9c preferably arranged substantially at 120, each of these openings being bordered by a pair of elements 11a, 11b, 11c obtained by rolling up the material forming the plate 5 towards the crankshaft 1.

 Key pairs 13a, 13b, 13c are integral with the torque converter 3, and arranged so that they can be axially pressed respectively against the pairs of rolled elements 11a, 11b, 11c.

 By axially, is meant in the direction of the axis of rotation A of the torque converter 3.

 In FIGS. 1 to 4, the pairs of keys 13a, 13b, 13c are in fact fixed on the torque converter 3 by means of a circular plate 15 attached by welding, gluing or any other means of attachment to the a 17 of the two half-shells 17,19 forming this converter.

 Alternatively visible in Figure 6, the key pairs 13 could also be directly fixed (for example by welding) on the half-shell 17 of the torque converter 3.

 Referring now to Figures 2 and 5, it is seen that elements of the Velcro @ or Dual-lock @ type 21 are interposed between the plate 5 and the plate 15.

 These elements Velcro type @ or Dual-lock @ 21 can be fixed on the plate 5 and the plate 15 by sectors, or cover the entire surface of this plate and this plate.

 Referring now to Figures 7 to 11, which shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

 In this second embodiment as well as in the following, it will be limited to describe the differences with respect to the previous embodiment.

 As is particularly visible in FIG. 11, in this second embodiment, the keys of each pair 13 comprise lips 23 on their edges, these lips shaped so as to provide a

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 snap when axially plate these keys against the rolled up elements 11.

 As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, these lips 23 can be respectively machined or stamped.

 This second embodiment differs from the previous one also in that there is no element of the type Velcro @ or Dual-lock @ interposed between the plate 5 and the plate 15 (or the half-shell 17).

 Referring now to Figures 14 to 18, which shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention.

 This embodiment differs from the preceding in that the plate 5 comprises at least one bore 25a, 25b, 25c, in that at least one finger 27a, 27b, 27c is integral with the converter 3 (this finger can be for example fixed on the plate 15), and in that a block of elastomeric material 29a, 29b, 29c is threaded on each finger 27a, 27b, 27c so as to axially engage frictionally inside the bore 25a, 25b, 25c.

 A locking member such as a circlip 30a, 30b, 30c is disposed at the end of each finger 27 so as to hold each block 29 on its associated finger.

 Preferably, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 14 and 16, the bores 25, the fingers 27 and the blocks 29 are three in number and are disposed substantially at 120 relative to the axis A.

 As can be seen clearly in FIGS. 19 to 21, the connection between each block 29 and each bore 25 may be respectively: snap type, adhesion type, and mixed type (adhesion + snap).

 As can be seen in FIGS. 22 to 24, the bores 25 can be obtained respectively: by adding (with welding for example) a hollow cylindrical part 31 to the plate 5, by joining (by gluing, for example) a plate machined relatively thick 33 on the plate 5; or by direct machining of a thick plate 5.

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 Referring now to Figures 25 to 28, which shows a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

 This embodiment differs from the previous first in that there is more platinum 15 nor key pairs 13, and in that elements of the type Velcro @ or Dual-lock @ are interposed between the plate 5 and the half-shell 17.

 In addition, a plurality (preferably six disposed at 60 relative to the axis A) of pads 37a to 37f are fixed on the half-shell 17 and are adapted to engage axially within corresponding bores in the plate 5.

 Preferably, these bores have alternately diameters corresponding substantially to those of the pads 37 (so-called small diameters), and substantially larger diameters than those of these pads (diameters said large).

 Blocks of elastomeric material 39a, 39c, 39e are threaded onto the large diameter pads 37, and cooperate non-frictionally with the corresponding bores formed in the plate 5.

 Referring now to Figures 29 to 32, which shows a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

 This embodiment differs from the previous one in that there is no more element of the Velcro® or Dual-lock® type, and in that the blocks of elastomeric material 29 are similar to those of the third embodiment. .

 Referring now to Figures 33 to 36, which shows a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

 This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that there is no longer platinum 15 nor pairs of keys 13, and in that the plate 5 and the half-shell 17 comprise at their periphery notches additional indexing 41.

 Referring now to Figures 37 to 40, which shows a seventh embodiment of the device according to the invention.

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 This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that there is more element Velcro type @ or Dual-lock @ 21, but fingers 27 fixed on the half-shell 17, blocks in elastomeric material 29 threaded onto these fingers and cooperating frictionally with bores formed in a relatively thick plate 33 contiguous to the plate 5 (arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 23).

 The mode of operation and the advantages of the device according to the invention are as follows.

 There are two categories of means: the means for locking the plate 5 in rotation relative to the converter 3, and the means for axially locking the plate relative to this converter.

The following table indicates which elements fulfill each of these two functions in Embodiments 1 to 7:

<Tb>
<tb> Blocking <SEP> in <SEP> rotation <SEP> Blocking <SEP> Axial
<tb> 1 <SEP><SEP><SEP> mode <SEP> realization <SEP> elements rolled up <SEP> 11 <SEP> + <SEP><SEP><SEP> element type <SEP> Velcro @
<tb> (figures <SEP> 1 <SEP> to <SEP> 6) <SEP><SEP> pairs of <SEP> keys <SEP> 13 <SEP> or <SEP> Dual-lock @ <SEP> 21
<tb> 2nd <SEP><SEP> mode of <SEP> realization <SEP><SEP> elements rolled up <SEP> 11 <SEP> + <SEP> Lips <SEP> 23
<tb> (figures <SEP> 7 <SEP> to <SEP> 13) <SEP><SEP> pairs of <SEP> keys <SEP> 13
<tb> 3rd <SEP><SEP> mode of <SEP> realization <SEP><SEP> pairs of <SEP> keys <SEP> 13 <SEP><SEP> 27 <SEP> + <SEP> blocks <SEP > 29
<tb> (figures <SEP> 14 <SEP> to <SEP> 24)
<tb> 4th <SEP><SEP> mode of <SEP> realization <SEP> Plots <SEP> 37 <SEP> + <SEP> blocks <SEP> 39 <SEP><SEP> element of <SEP> type <SEP > Velcro @
<tb> (figures <SEP> 25 <SEP> to <SEP> 28) <SEP> or <SEP> Dual-lock @ <SEP> 21
<tb> 5th <SEP><SEP> mode of <SEP> realization <SEP> Plots <SEP> 37 <SEP> Fingers <SEP> 27 <SEP> + <SEP> blocks <SEP> 29
<tb> (figures <SEP> 29 <SEP> to <SEP> 32)
<tb> 6th <SEP><SEP> mode of <SEP> realization <SEP>SEP>SEP><SEP><SEP><SEP><SEP><SEP><SEP> elements
<tb> (figures <SEP> 33 <SEP> to <SEP> 35) <SEP> or <SEP> Dual-lock @ <SEP> 21
<tb> 7th <SEP>SEP><SEP><SEP>Achievement>SEP>SEP>SEP> 41 <SEP><SEP> 27 <SEP> + <SEP> SEP <29
<tb> (figures <SEP> 37 <SEP> to <SEP> 40)
<Tb>

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To couple the crankshaft 1 to the torque converter 3, the procedure is as follows: first attach the plate 5 to the crankshaft 1 by means of the screws 7, then axially brings together the assembly formed by the plate 5 and the crankshaft 1 of the torque converter 3 until the rotational locking means recorded in the table above cooperate.

 In doing so, the axial locking means are also made to cooperate with one another.

 In this way, a coupling is obtained which makes it possible to lock the relative movements of the crankshaft 1 both in rotation and in axial translation.

 In the case of using a Velcro type element (D or Dual-lock @ 21, the tolerances must be chosen so as to allow a slight tangential displacement of the plate 5 with respect to the converter 3, so as to avoid Shear forces that could damage the elements 21.

 To break the connection provided by the elements Velcro type @ or Dual-lock @ 21, it can exert a tensile force tending to move the crankshaft 1 of the torque converter 3, and / or insert a tool between the plate 5 and the torque converter 3 to locally overcome the tensile strength of the elements 21.

 In the case of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 7 to 13), in order to break the connection provided by the key pairs 13, these keys must be gripped so as to release them from the rolled elements 11.

 In the case of the fourth embodiment (FIGS. 25 to 28), the blocks of elastomer material 39 are crushed during the torque transmission, thus generating a slight rotation of the crankshaft 1 with respect to the torque converter 3.

 This slight rotation makes it possible to bring the pads 37 into contact with the plate 5.

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 In this way, an optimal torque transmission is obtained because the presence of a tangential mounting clearance will not cause any noise of use thanks to the damping of the blocks of elastomeric material 39.

 In the case of the sixth and seventh embodiments (FIGS. 33 to 40), a sufficient clearance between the teeth and the recesses of the indexing notches 41 will be provided, in order to avoid the hyperstaticity of the connection.

 As can be understood at present, the device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a rotational locking of the drive plate with respect to the torque converter by a simple relative movement of these members: it is therefore no longer necessary to use studs or other means of attachment whose implementation is inconvenient and unsuitable for mass production.

 Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting example.

 For example, the number and the arrangement of the locking means of the plate 5 relative to the torque converter 3 could vary from what has been exposed, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (16)

1. Device for coupling a drive plate (5) integral with a crankshaft (1) to a torque converter (3), characterized in that it comprises means (11a, 11b, 11c, 13a 13b, 13c, 37a to 37f, 39a, 39c, 39e, 41) for rotationally locking said plate (5) with respect to said converter (3) by the sole effect of an axial approximation of said plate (5). ) with respect to said converter (3).  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rotational locking means comprise on the one hand first means (11a, 11b, 11c; 41) integral with said plate (5) and secondly second means (13a, 13b, 13c, 37a to 37f, 39a, 39c, 39e, 41) integral with said converter (3), these first and second means being shaped to fit axially into each other.  3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first means comprise at least one opening (9a, 9b, 9c) formed in said plate (5) and in that said second means (13a, 13b, 13c; 37f, 39a, 39c, 39e) are adapted to fit axially into said opening.  4. Device according to claim 3, said plate (5) being relatively thin, characterized in that said opening (9a, 9b, 9c) is bordered by two rolled elements (11a, 11b, 11c), and what said second means comprise two keys (13a, 13b, 13c) adapted to be pressed axially against said two elements.  5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said opening comprises a bore integral said plate and in that said second means comprise a stud (37a to 37f) adapted to engage axially inside. said bore.  6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises three openings (9a, 9b, 9c) disposed substantially at 120 on said plate (5), and as many second means (13a, 13b , 13c; 37a to 37f, 39a, 39c, 39e) integral with said converter (3) shaped to fit axially into said openings. <Desc / Clms Page number 12>  7. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said second means (13a, 13b, 13c, 37a to 37f, 39a, 39c, 39e, 41) are fixed on a plate (15) attached to said converter (3).  8. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said second means (13a, 13b, 13c, 37a to 37f, 39a, 39c, 39e, 41) are fixed directly on said converter (3).  9. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first means and said second means comprise complementary indexing notches (41).  10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means (21; 23; 27a, 27b, 27c, 29a, 29b, 29c) for effecting an axial locking of said plate (5). ) with respect to said converter (3) under the sole effect of said axial approximation.  11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said axial locking means comprise Velcro @ or Dual-lock @ type elements (21) interposed between said plate (5) and said converter (3).  12. Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said axial locking means comprise firstly at least one bore (25a, 25b, 25c) integral with said plate (5) and secondly at least one finger (27a, 27b, 27c) integral with said converter (3), a block made of elastomeric material (29a, 29b, 29c) being threaded onto said finger so as to axially engage frictionally inside said bore.  13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said block of elastomeric material (29a, 29b, 29c) is adapted to adhere within said bore (25a, 25b, 25c).  14. Device according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that said block of elastomeric material (29a, 29b, 29c) and said bore (25a, 25b, 25c) are shaped to make a snap connection.  15. Device according to any one of claims 11 to 14 when dependent on claim 4, characterized in that said axial locking means comprise lips (23) formed on the edges of said <Desc / Clms Page number 13>  keys (13a, 13b, 13c), adapted to at least partially cover the edges of said elements (11a, 11b, 11c).  16. A method of coupling a crankshaft (1) to a torque converter (3) by means of a device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - fixing said plate (5) on said crankshaft (1), and - axially bringing the assembly formed by said plate (5) and said crankshaft (1) of said converter (3) until said rotational locking means become operational.