JP3971626B2 - Torque converter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pump impeller connected to an input shaft, a turbine impeller connected to the pump impeller and connected to a turbine shaft, and a stator disposed between the pump impeller and the inner peripheral portion of the turbine impeller. The present invention relates to an improvement in a torque converter including an impeller, and a stator shaft impeller coupled with a hollow stator shaft that is rotatably supported on an outer periphery of an input shaft.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Such a torque converter is already known as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-241530.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional torque converter, the stator impeller is made of steel and the stator shaft is splined to the inner periphery of the hub. Therefore, the spline joint between the hub and the stator shaft has high durability. It was disadvantageous in terms of reducing the weight of the impeller.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and ensures the durability of the spline connecting portion between the hub and the stator shaft of the stator impeller and enables the weight reduction of the stator impeller. The purpose is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a pump impeller connected to an input shaft, a turbine impeller connected to the pump impeller and connected to a turbine shaft, and the inside of the pump impeller and the turbine impeller. and a stator impeller disposed between the peripheral portion, these circulation circuit for the power transmission by the working oil between the three impeller is defined, the hub of the scan stator impeller, relative to the outer periphery of the input shaft In a torque converter with a hollow stator shaft that is rotatably supported, the stator impeller is made of light alloy, and the outer peripheral surface of a steel sleeve is integrally connected to the inner peripheral surface of the hub. the inner peripheral surface is spline-coupled to the stator shaft, and the outer end face of the sleeve protrudes from the outer end face of the hub, Borubeari to support the turbine impeller to the outer periphery of the stator shaft Is brought into contact with one side surface of the inner race of the grayed, between one side surface of the outer race of the hub and the ball bearings, that define an annular oil passage to allow outflow of the working oil from the circulation circuit the One feature.
[0006]
According to the first feature, the stator impeller is made of a light alloy, thereby reducing the weight of the impeller, and by connecting the stator shaft to the steel sleeve by spline, The durability of the joint with the shaft can be increased. In addition, the thrust load generated in the stator impeller is supported on the ball bearing via the steel sleeve, and the durability against the thrust load of the light alloy hub can be enhanced. An annular oil passage that allows the working oil to flow out from the circulation circuit can be defined between the outer race of the ball bearing and one side surface of the outer race of the ball bearing.
[0007]
In addition to the first feature, the present invention has a second feature that the sleeve is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the hub.
[0008]
According to this second feature, the sleeve can be heat-treated alone before press-fitting into the hub, and easily imparts the desired durability to the sleeve regardless of the casting of the stator impeller. be able to.
[0009]
Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the second feature, the hub of the stator impeller is formed with a small-diameter inner peripheral surface and a large-diameter inner peripheral surface with a central partition wall interposed therebetween, and the sleeve is formed on the small-diameter inner peripheral surface. press-fitted, the or larger-diameter inner circumferential plane, the placing part of the hub of the pump impeller, between the hub and the partition wall, the thrust bearing comprising a thrust plate in contact with the partition wall The third feature is that the axial position of the stator impeller is defined by the ball bearing and the thrust bearing.
[0010]
According to the third feature, the thrust load generated in the stator impeller, will be supported in the thrust plate of the thrust bearing through the septum wall, the durability against thrust loads light alloy hub Can be increased. In addition, the thrust bearing and part of the hub of the pump impeller are arranged in the large-diameter inner peripheral surface of the stator impeller hub, thereby reducing the outward protrusion of the hub and contributing to a compact torque converter. Can do.
[0011]
Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the third feature, the inner race of the ball bearing is formed thicker than the outer race to increase the contact area of the inner race with the sleeve. Features.
[0012]
According to the fourth feature, only the inner race of the ball bearing is made thick, thereby suppressing the increase in the diameter of the ball bearing as much as possible, and the contact area between the inner race and the sleeve is increased. , The surface pressure can be lowered and the durability can be improved.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on one embodiment of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a torque converter according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part 2 of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part 3 of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of 6 parts of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing process of the pump impeller, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing process of the turbine impeller, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 1, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG.
[0015]
First, in FIG. 1, a torque converter T as a fluid transmission device mounted on a small vehicle such as a motorcycle or a buggy has an engine crankshaft 1 as an input shaft and a driven gear 17 of a multistage auxiliary transmission. In between. This torque converter T includes a pump impeller 2, a turbine impeller 3 having an outer peripheral portion opposed to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and a stator impeller 4 disposed between the inner peripheral portions thereof. , 3 and 4, a circulation circuit C for power transmission by hydraulic oil is defined. A side cover 5 that covers the outer surface of the turbine impeller 3 is integrally connected to the pump impeller 2 by welding. The pump impeller 2 is spline-fitted with the hub 2 h to the crankshaft 1, and is sandwiched between an annular shoulder 1 a on the outer periphery of the crankshaft 1 and a nut 15 screwed onto the crankshaft 1. Thus, the pump impeller 2 is fixed to the crankshaft 1.
[0016]
The stator impeller 4 is made of a light alloy such as an Al alloy, and the hub 4h is formed with a small-diameter inner peripheral surface 35a and a large-diameter inner peripheral surface 35b with a central partition wall 34 interposed therebetween. A steel sleeve 36 press-fitted into the surface 35a is splined to the inner end of the hollow stator shaft 7 (steel).
[0017]
Thus, the stator impeller 4 is made of a light alloy, so that the weight of the impeller 4 is reduced, and the stator shaft 7 is spline-coupled to the steel press-fitting sleeve 36 so that the stator impeller 4 Thus, the durability of the joint portion between the stator impeller 7 and the stator shaft 7 can be enhanced, that is, both the weight reduction and the durability of the stator impeller 4 can be satisfied.
[0018]
Incidentally, the steel sleeve 36 can be cast in the hub 4h when the stator impeller 4 is cast. However, as described above, a structure in which the steel sleeve 36 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4 is employed. For example, the sleeve 36 can be freely heat-treated in a single state before press-fitting into the hub 4h, and easily imparts the desired durability to the sleeve 36 regardless of the casting of the stator impeller. be able to.
[0019]
The hollow stator shaft 7 is supported on the crankshaft 1 via a pair of left and right radial needle bearings 8 and 8 '. A part of the hub 2h of the pump impeller 2 is disposed in the large-diameter inner peripheral surface 35b, and a thrust bearing 9 with a thrust plate is interposed between the hub 2h and the partition wall 34. This thrust bearing with thrust plate 9 will be described in detail later.
[0020]
The turbine impeller 3 is fitted and welded to the inner end of the turbine shaft 6 surrounding the stator shaft 7, and the turbine shaft 6 is connected to the outer periphery of the stator shaft 7 via a radial ball bearing 10 and a radial needle bearing 11. It is supported so that it can rotate freely. At that time, the radial ball bearing 10 is disposed on the inner end side of the turbine shaft 6 and the radial needle bearing 11 is disposed on the outer end side thereof.
[0021]
The steel sleeve 36 press-fitted into the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 35a of the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4 has an outer end surface protruding from the hub 4h, and the radial ball bearing 10 has its inner race 10a attached to the sleeve. The hub 4h of the stator impeller 4 is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer end face of the turbine 36, and the hub 2h of the turbine shaft 6 and the pump impeller 2 through the radial ball bearing 10 and the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate. The position in the axial direction is specified.
[0022]
Here, the inner race 10a of the radial ball bearing 10 is formed thicker than the outer race 10b in order to increase the contact area between the inner race 10a and the sleeve 36.
[0023]
Thus, the thrust load generated in the stator impeller 4 is supported by the radial ball bearing 10 through the steel sleeve 36 and the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate through the partition wall 34. The durability against the thrust load of the manufactured hub 4h can be enhanced. In particular, in the radial ball bearing 10, the inner race 10a is formed to be thicker than the outer race 10b. Therefore, while increasing the diameter of the bearing 10 as much as possible, the contact area of the inner race 10a and the sleeve 36 is increased. These surface pressures can be lowered to further improve the durability against thrust loads.
[0024]
Further, the outer end surface of the sleeve 36 that abuts against the inner race 10a of the radial ball bearing 10 protrudes from the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4, so that a circulation circuit C is provided between the hub 4h and the outer race 10b of the bearing 10. It is possible to define an annular oil passage that allows the hydraulic oil to flow out from.
[0025]
Further, a part of the hub 2h of the pump impeller 2 together with the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate is arranged in the large-diameter inner peripheral surface 35b of the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4, so that the outer side of the hub 2h of the pump impeller 2 is removed. It is possible to reduce the amount of lateral protrusion and contribute to the compactness of the torque converter T.
[0026]
A hub 5 h that surrounds the turbine shaft 6 is welded to the side cover 5. At the time of welding, the inner peripheral surface of the side cover 5 is fitted into the stepped portion of the stepped flange 85 formed at the base end portion of the hub 5h. An annular groove 86 having a trapezoidal or V-shaped cross section is formed on the outer surface of the side cover 5 and the flange 85, and the side cover 5 and the flange 85 are formed by the annular groove 86. They are TIG or MIG welded together. The weld is indicated by reference numeral 87. When welding is performed in this manner, the welded portion 87 extends over the side cover 5 and the flange 85 over a wide range, and the welding strength can be increased.
[0027]
Between the inner peripheral surface of the hub 5 h of the side cover 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the turbine shaft 6, a one-way clutch 13 and a radial ball bearing 14 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction with the former 13 as the stator impeller 4 side. Is done. A hub 16h of an output gear 16 that drives the driven gear 17 is connected to the outside of the radial ball bearing 14, and the hub 16h is rotatable relative to the inner peripheral surface of the hub 5h of the side cover 5. The first sealing means 48 is provided between the fitting surfaces. These structures will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0028]
The hub 5h of the side cover 5 extends from the proximal end welded to the side cover 5 to the axially outward end, and the inner peripheral surface thereof includes a large-diameter inner peripheral surface 37a on the proximal end side and this large diameter. The inner peripheral surface 37a is stepped with a small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b on the distal end side that is connected to the outer end of the inner peripheral surface 37a via an annular step portion 37c. The axial length of the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b is the large-diameter inner peripheral surface. It is set as small as one half or less of the axial length of 37a. This stepped inner peripheral surface is processed all at once from the base end side of the hub 5h. The large-diameter inner peripheral surface 37a is provided with a deep annular locking groove 40 at the center and a shallow annular locking groove 41 near the base end.
[0029]
The outer peripheral surface of the hub 5h is composed of a large-diameter portion 38a on the base end side and a small-diameter portion 38b connected to the large-diameter portion 38a via a tapered portion 38c.
[0030]
On the other hand, the turbine shaft 6 disposed inside the hub 5h of the side cover 5 has a distal end projecting outward from the hub 5h, and the outer peripheral surface of the turbine shaft 6 is a large-diameter portion on the proximal end side. 39a and a small-diameter portion 39b on the tip side connected to the large-diameter portion 39a via an annular step portion 39c. The annular step portion 39c substantially corresponds to the deep annular locking groove 40 of the hub 5h. Placed in position. A tapered surface 49 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the annular step portion 39c.
[0031]
The outer race 14 a of the radial ball bearing 14 is fitted to the large-diameter inner peripheral surface 37 a of the hub 5 h of the side cover 5, and the retaining ring 18 that is locked to the annular step 37 c and the deep annular locking groove 40. And the inner race 14b is fitted with the small diameter portion 39b of the turbine shaft 6 and is fitted to the annular step portion 39c of the turbine shaft 6 and the outer end portion of the small diameter portion 39b. The inner race 14b is clamped in the axial direction by the hub 16h of the gear 16.
[0032]
The annular retainer 13a of the one-way clutch 13 is locked in the shallow annular locking groove 41 of the hub 5h of the side cover 5, and a large number of sprags 13b, 13b... Held by the retainer 13a are large diameters of the hub 5h. It is interposed between the inner peripheral surface 37 a and the large diameter portion 39 a of the turbine shaft 6. When the large-diameter portion 39a is fitted to the one-way clutch 13, the tapered surface 49 of the annular step portion 39c guides the fitting, so that the one-way clutch 13 can be easily mounted regardless of the presence of the annular step portion 39c. Can be done. The one-way clutch 13 is configured to be in an ON state so as to directly connect between the turbine shaft 6 and the hub 5 h of the side cover 5 when a reverse load is applied to the turbine shaft 6.
[0033]
In FIG. 1 again, an outer cylinder 19 adjacent to the outer surface of the output gear 16 is integrally formed on the stator shaft 7, and an inner cylinder 20 surrounded by the outer cylinder 19 is attached to the crankshaft 1 with a radial needle bearing 24. And a free wheel 23 is interposed between the inner and outer cylinders 20 and 19. The inner cylinder 20 has a flange 20a at one end thereof, and the flange 20a is engaged with a fixing pin 22 provided on a fixing structure 21 such as a crankcase and is protruded from the fixing structure 21. The outer end face is supported by the positioning stopper 21a. The end surface of the outer cylinder 19 is supported by the flange 20a via a thrust bearing 25 with a thrust plate.
[0034]
In consideration of the load on the inner cylinder 20, a relatively large diameter needle roller is used for the radial needle bearing 24, and the radial needle bearing 24 and the radial needle bearing 8 ′ disposed adjacent to one end of the radial needle bearing 24. A washer 33 is interposed between the two bearings 24 and 8 'to avoid interference.
[0035]
Thus, the rotation of the crankshaft 1 is transmitted to the pump impeller 2 by the operation of the engine, and when this is rotated, the oil filling the circulation circuit C in the torque converter T is as shown by the arrow in FIG. Then, the rotational torque of the pump impeller 2 is transmitted to the turbine impeller 3 while circulating through the pump impeller 2 → the turbine impeller 3 → the stator impeller 4 → the pump impeller 2, and the output gear 16 is driven from the turbine shaft 6. To do. At this time, if a torque amplifying action is generated between the pump impeller 2 and the turbine impeller 3, the accompanying reaction force is borne by the stator impeller 4, and the stator impeller 4 is caused by the locking action of the free wheel 23. It is supported by the fixing pin 22.
[0036]
When the torque amplifying action is finished, the stator impeller 4 rotates in the same direction together with the pump impeller 2 and the turbine impeller 3 while idling the free wheel 23 due to the reversal of the torque direction received by the stator impeller 4.
[0037]
When a reverse load is transmitted from the drive gear 16 to the turbine shaft 6 during deceleration of the vehicle, the one-way clutch 13 is turned on and the turbine shaft 6 and the side cover 5 are directly connected. From the pump impeller 2 to the crankshaft 1. Therefore, slippage between the turbine impeller 3 and the pump impeller 2 is not caused, and a good engine braking effect can be obtained.
[0038]
Moreover, since the radial ball bearing 14 adjacent to the one-way clutch 13 is interposed between the turbine shaft 6 and the hub 5h of the side cover 5, both 6 and the hub 5h are secured concentrically. , The load received by the multiple sprags 13b, 13b,... Of the one-way clutch 13 between the hubs 5h is equalized, and the durability of the clutch 13 can be improved. Further, the radial ball bearing 14 connects the turbine shaft 6 and the hub 5h of the side cover 5 in the axial direction in cooperation with the output gear 16 fixed to the turbine shaft 6. Therefore, the crankshaft 1 The assembly of the torque converter T can be constructed before assembly to the crankshaft. Therefore, when assembling to the crankshaft 1, the hub 2 h of the pump impeller 2 is fitted to the crankshaft 1 by a slump line and fixed with a nut 15. The axial positioning of the entire torque converter T can be performed only by doing this.
[0039]
In FIG. 2, the coupling structure of the turbine shaft 6 and the output gear 16 will be described in detail.
[0040]
The output gear 16 includes a hub 16h, an arm 16a extending in the radial direction from the outer end of the hub 16h, and a toothed rim 16r extending in the axial direction so as to overhang from the outer peripheral end of the arm 16a to the side cover 5 side. The small diameter portion 39b of the turbine shaft 6 is lightly press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the hub 16h, and the fitting surfaces of the hub 16h and the outer end surface of the turbine shaft 6 are welded to each other by a laser beam. The Reference numeral 42 indicates the laser beam weld. The press-fit depth of the turbine shaft 6 into the inner peripheral surface of the hub 16h is easily and accurately defined by the hub 16h coming into contact with the annular step portion 39c via the inner race 14b of the radial ball bearing 14. Thus, the output gear 16 is coupled to the turbine shaft 6, and at the same time, the inner race 14b of the radial ball bearing 14 is held in the axial direction by the annular step portion 39c and the hub 16h, and the holding structure is simplified. .
[0041]
By the way, since the press-fitting of the turbine shaft 6 into the hub 16h of the output gear 16 is a light press-fitting, the press-fitting load is relatively small. Therefore, distortion of the turbine shaft 6 due to press-fitting can be suppressed as much as possible without making the hollow turbine shaft 6 thick. In addition, since the light press-fitting part is firmly coupled over the entire circumference by the laser beam welded part 42, it is possible to sufficiently compensate for the insufficient coupling strength between the turbine shaft 6 and the output gear 16 due to the light press-fitting, and to light press-fitting. The sealing of the part can also be performed reliably. Laser beam welding also has a relatively low heat input, so there is no risk of thermal distortion in each part.
[0042]
In the output gear 16, an annular recess 43 having substantially the same diameter as the large diameter portion 38a of the hub 5h of the side cover 5 is defined between the hub 16h and the rim 16r. 43a is rounded. The small-diameter portion 38b of the hub 5h of the side cover 5 is disposed in the annular recess 43, and the large-diameter portion 38a of the hub 5h is disposed outside the annular recess 43. By doing so, the torque converter T can be made compact in the axial direction while sufficiently securing the width of the rim 16r of the output gear 16, that is, the tooth width. Further, the radius of curvature of the rounded portion 43a on the rim 16r side of the annular recess 43 can be set sufficiently large without being interfered with the large diameter portion 38a of the hub 5h of the side cover 5. , The stress concentration at the corner 43a can be avoided, and the durability of the output gear 16 can be improved.
[0043]
Next, the oil supply and lubrication system for the torque converter T and the seal structure thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0044]
First, in FIG. 1, the crankshaft 1 is provided with a supply oil passage 31 passing through the axial center portion thereof, and an inlet hole 26 and an outlet hole 27 extending from the supply oil passage 31 in the radial direction. Is formed with an orifice 32 interposed between the inlet hole 26 and the outlet hole 27.
[0045]
One end of the supply oil passage 31 is connected to a discharge port of an oil pump 30 driven by the crankshaft 1, and the other end is connected to a lubricating portion (not shown) of the engine. The inlet hole 26 passes through the radial needle bearing 8, the radial oil groove 44 of the partition wall 34 in the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4, and the axial oil groove 45 of the large-diameter inner peripheral surface 35b (see FIGS. 11 and 13). The outlet hole 27 communicates with the circulation circuit C, and includes an annular oil passage 29 formed between the opposed peripheral surfaces of the crankshaft 1 and the turbine shaft 6, a lateral hole 28 formed in the stator shaft 7, and the radial ball bearing. 10 to the circulation circuit C.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral surface of the hub 16h of the output gear 16 is fitted to the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b of the hub 5h of the side cover 5 so as to be relatively rotatable. At that time, a seal ring 47 elastically in close contact with the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b is attached to an annular seal groove 46 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub 16h of the output gear 16. The seal groove 46 and the seal ring 47 constitute the first seal means 48 so as to prevent the oil that has lubricated the radial ball bearing 14 from leaking to the outside.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 4, the seal ring 47 is formed of an elastic ring body having a single abutment 47a and provided with a radial tension having a larger diameter than the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b of the hub 5h in a free state. The end face facing the joint 47 a is inclined with respect to the axis or radius of the ring 47. When the seal ring 47 is mounted in the seal groove 46, the abutment 47a is greatly opened, the hub 16h of the output gear 16 is inserted into the seal ring 47, and the opening force to the ring 47 is released. Can be attached to the seal groove 46 with its own restoring force.
[0048]
A second seal means 52 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the stator shaft 7 and the turbine shaft 6 outside the radial needle bearing 11. Similar to the first seal means 48, the second seal means 52 has an annular seal groove 50 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the stator shaft 7, and an inner peripheral surface of the stator shaft 7 mounted in the seal groove 50. And a seal ring 51 that is elastically in close contact with the oil, and prevents leakage of the oil that has lubricated the radial needle bearing 11 to the outside.
[0049]
Thus, the crankshaft 1 drives the oil pump 30 during its rotation, so that the oil pump 30 continues to pump oil into the supply oil passage 31. Part of the oil passes through the orifice 32, and the remainder flows through the inlet hole 26 into the circulation circuit C in the torque converter T while lubricating the radial needle bearing 8 and the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate. After that, the radial ball bearing 10 and the radial needle bearing 11 are lubricated, sequentially flow through the lateral hole 28, the annular oil passage 29, and the outlet hole 27 to the downstream side of the supply oil passage 31 and pass through the orifice 32. It merges with oil and goes to the lubrication part of the engine (not shown).
[0050]
Part of the oil in the circulation circuit C also moves to the side cover 5 side from the opposed gaps of the outer peripheral portions of the pump impeller 2 and the turbine impeller 3 and is used for lubrication of the one-way clutch 13 and the radial ball bearing 14. The Part of the oil that has entered the annular oil passage 29 passes through the gap between the crankshaft 1 and the stator shaft 7 and lubricates the radial needle bearings 8 ′ and 24 and the freewheel 23.
[0051]
By the way, the oil that has lubricated the one-way clutch 13 and the radial ball bearing 14 is blocked by the light press-fitting portion between the turbine shaft 6 and the hub 16h of the output gear 16 and the annular laser beam welded portion 42. By being blocked by the first sealing means 48 between the hubs 5h, 16h of the output gear 16, there is no leakage to the outside.
[0052]
In particular, the first seal means 48 is attached to the annular seal groove 46 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub 16 h of the output gear 16 and the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37 b of the hub 5 h of the side cover 5. Since the seal ring 47 is configured to be elastically in close contact, the seal ring 47 attempts to expand the diameter by the action of the centrifugal force generated by rotating together with the side cover 5, and exerts close contact force on the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b. Will increase. Further, the hydraulic pressure in the torque converter T presses the inner surface of the seal ring 47 so that the ring 47 is brought into close contact with the outer inner surface of the seal groove 46. As a result, when the torque converter T rotates at high speed, leakage of the rising internal hydraulic pressure can be effectively prevented.
[0053]
Further, the seal ring 47 has a single abutment 47a and is formed of an elastic ring body to which a radially outward tension is applied. Therefore, by expanding the abutment 47a, the seal of the hub 16h of the output gear 16 is sealed. The groove 46 can be easily mounted, and the close contact force of the seal ring 47 with the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b is reliably increased in accordance with the increase in the rotational speed of the hub 5h of the side cover 5 and the output gear 16. be able to.
[0054]
Furthermore, the end face of the seal ring 47 facing the joint 47a is inclined with respect to the axial line or the radial line of the ring 47, so that leakage of working oil from the joint 47a can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0055]
Further, the inner peripheral surface of the hub 5h of the side cover 5 is composed of a large-diameter inner peripheral surface 37a on the base end side used for mounting the radial ball bearing 14 and the one-way clutch 13, and a small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b on the distal end side. Since it is configured with a step, the entire inner peripheral surface of the step can be processed at a stroke from one end side, reducing the number of steps and contributing to the cost reduction.
[0056]
In addition, the annular step 37c between the large-diameter inner peripheral surface 37a and the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b is used for axially holding the outer race 14a of the radial ball bearing 14, so that the holding structure is simple and the cost is low. Further reduction can be achieved.
[0057]
In addition, the first seal means 48 can be reduced in diameter by providing the first seal means 48 between the small-diameter inner peripheral surface 37b and the hub 16h of the output gear 16 fitted so as to be rotatable relative thereto. Thus, the load on the first sealing means 48 can be reduced and the durability thereof can be improved.
[0058]
The second sealing means 52 interposed between the crankshaft 1 and the turbine shaft 6 also exhibits a sealing function similar to that of the first sealing means 48, and effectively leaks oil that has lubricated the radial needle bearing 11 to the outside. Can be prevented.
[0059]
In addition, the hub 5h of the side cover 5 composed of the large-diameter portion 38a on the proximal end side and the small-diameter portion 38b on the distal end side has a reasonable thickness corresponding to the load. Can be satisfied.
[0060]
Next, the pump impeller 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0061]
The pump impeller 2 has a bowl-shaped and annular shell 2s, a plurality of blades 2b, 2b... Brazed to a fixed position on the inner surface of the shell 2s, and brazed to the inner surface of the shell 2s. , 2b..., 2b..., 2b..., 2b... A core 2c that connects intermediate portions of all blades 2b, 2b. A number of positioning recesses 55, 55,... Arranged in the circumferential direction are formed in the shell 2s, and positioning protrusions 56 formed at the radially inner ends of the blades 2b are engaged with the recesses 55.
[0062]
On the other hand, the retainer plate 2r is arranged so that the positioning projections 56 of all the blades 2b, 2b... The retainer plate 2r is provided with positioning notches 57, 57... For engaging the blades 2b.
[0063]
Each blade 2b is formed with a positioning projection 58 at an edge facing the core 2c, and a positioning hole 59 with which the positioning projection 58 engages is formed in the core 2c.
[0064]
When brazing the shell 2s, the blades 2b, 2b... And the retainer plate 2r to the shell 2s, first, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), the blades 2b, 2b. After setting 2r, an annular or annular array of protrusions 60 raised on one side near the inner peripheral edge of the retainer plate 2r are resistance-welded to the inner surface of the shell 2s, and the retainer plate 2r is temporarily fixed to the shell 2s. In this state, brazing is performed. By doing so, the brazing operation can be performed easily and accurately.
[0065]
After the brazing, as shown in FIG. 7B, the inner peripheral end of the retainer plate 2r to the vicinity of the welded portion of the projection 60 is cut together with the inner surface of the shell 2s, and the retainer plate 2r is cut into the shell plate 2r. An escape hole 61 having a larger diameter than the inner peripheral surface of 2s is formed.
[0066]
On the other hand, a large-diameter portion 62 and a small-diameter fitting portion 64 connected to the outer end of the large-diameter portion 62 via an annular step portion 63 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub 2h. While the portion 64 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the shell 2 s, the large-diameter portion 62 is inserted into the escape hole 61 and the inner side surface of the shell 2 s is pressed against the annular step portion 63. The outer surface of the shell 2s and the hub 2h is formed with a trapezoidal or V-shaped annular groove 65 with the fitting portion as a groove bottom, and the fitting portion between the shell 2s and the hub 2h is formed in the annular groove 65. TIG or MIG welding is performed over the entire circumference. The weld 66 formed at this time fills the annular groove 65 and reaches the annular step 63 of the hub 2h with which the inner surface of the shell 2s abuts.
[0067]
In the illustrated example, the annular groove 65 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with the bottom surface extending from the fitting surface of the hub 2h and the shell 2s to the shell 2s side. In this way, the groove bottom of the annular groove 65 is close to the inner surface of the shell 2s in a relatively wide range, and the welding portion 66 is connected to the hub 2h by relatively little heat input during welding in the annular groove 65. The annular stepped portion 63 can be reliably reached.
[0068]
Thus, since the brazing material 67 is surely removed from the exposed inner surface of the shell 2s by cutting after brazing, the welded portion 66 is then welded to the inner surface of the shell 2s by welding the hub 2h and the shell 2s. Even if the ring reaches the annular step 63 of the hub 2h where it contacts, there will be no situation where the brazing material is eluted or mixed into the welded portion 66, the welding failure rate is drastically reduced, and the brazing operation is easy. Together, it can improve production efficiency.
[0069]
Moreover, the welded portion 66 of the hub 2h and the shell 2s fills the annular groove 65 and reaches the annular stepped portion 63 of the hub 2h with which the inner surface of the shell 2s abuts, so that the entire inner peripheral end of the shell 2s is It will be welded to the hub 2h, and its welding strength can be greatly increased.
[0070]
Next, the turbine impeller 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0071]
Similar to the pump impeller 3, the turbine impeller 3 has a bowl-shaped and annular shell 3s, this shell 3s, a plurality of blades 3b, 3b... A retainer plate 3r that is brazed to the inner surface of 3s and presses the inner ends in the radial direction of these blades 3b, 3b... And a core 3c that connects the intermediate portions of all the blades 3b, 3b. And the turbine shaft 6 welded to the reinforcing plate 70 so that the welding heat does not affect the melting of the brazing material 67 between the shell 3s, the retainer plate 3r, and the reinforcing plate 70. Further, the thickness of the reinforcing plate 70 is set larger than that of the retainer plate 3r.
[0072]
Since the structures of the shell 3s, the retainer plate 3r, and the core 3c are basically the same as those of the pump impeller 2, the description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
When brazing the shell 3s, the blades 3b, 3b..., The retainer plate 3r and the reinforcing plate 70, first, as shown in FIG. 9A, the blades 3b, 3b. In addition, the retainer plate 3r is disposed, and the reinforcing plate 70 is overlaid on the back surface of the retainer plate 3r. At the same time, annular or annular projections 71 and 72 formed on both side surfaces near the inner peripheral edge of the retainer plate 3r are resistance-welded to the side surfaces of the shell 3s and the reinforcing plate 70, so that the retainer plate 3r and the reinforcing plate 70 are attached. Temporarily fasten to the shell 3s and perform brazing in this state.
[0074]
After the brazing, as shown in FIG. 9 (B), the inner peripheral ends of the shell 3s, the retainer plate 3r and the reinforcing plate 70 are cut to the vicinity of the welded portions of the projections 71 and 72, and fitted there An inner peripheral surface 73 is formed. Further, a tapered surface 70 a having a smaller diameter toward the inside of the turbine impeller 3 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing plate 70.
[0075]
On the other hand, at the inner end of the turbine shaft 6, as shown in FIG. 8, a connecting cylindrical portion 74 surrounding the radial ball bearing 10 and a positioning flange 75 extending radially outward from the root of the connecting cylindrical portion 74. The connecting cylindrical portion 74 is fitted to the fitting inner peripheral surface 73, and the shell 3s is pressed against the positioning flange 75. In this state, the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylindrical portion 74 and the reinforcing plate 70 are The connecting cylindrical portion 74 and the reinforcing plate 70 are TIG or MIG welded over the entire circumference at the inner corner with the outer surface, and as a result, a fillet 76 is formed at the inner corner.
[0076]
The heat generated during the welding is absorbed by the reinforcing plate 70 having a larger thickness and larger heat capacity than the retainer plate 3r, and the brazing material 67 between the shell 3s, the retainer plate 3r and the reinforcing plate 70 is melted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the penetration of the elution raw material into the welded portion between the connecting cylindrical portion 74 and the reinforcing plate 70 and obtain a good welded portion.
[0077]
Thus, during operation of the torque converter T, the shell 3s of the turbine impeller 3 and the turbine shaft 6 are subjected to an axially outward load due to the internal pressure. Therefore, the load of the shell 3 s is supported by the positioning flange 75 of the turbine shaft 6. In addition, since the inner peripheral edge of the shell 3s supported by the positioning flange 75 is strongly reinforced by the retainer plate 3r and the reinforcing plate 70 brazed to the inner surface thereof, the space between the reinforcing plate 70 and the connecting cylindrical portion 74 is reduced. The load burden on the welded portion can be greatly reduced.
[0078]
Further, the tapered surface 70a, which is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the thick reinforcing plate 70 and has a smaller diameter toward the inside of the turbine impeller 3, and the fillet 76, the flow of the working oil in the turbine impeller 3 Therefore, it is possible to ensure the rectification of the hydraulic oil and contribute to the improvement of fluid transmission efficiency.
[0079]
Next, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the thrust bearing 9 with thrust plate interposed between the hubs 2h, 4h of the pump impeller 2 and the stator impeller 4 will be described in detail.
[0080]
This thrust bearing 9 with a thrust plate has a large number of needle rollers 78, 78... Arranged in an annular shape with the axial line radially oriented, and a large number of windows 79 a, 79 a. An annular retainer 79 and an annular thrust plate 80 made of a steel plate that supports one side surface of the needle rollers 78, 78. The thrust plate 80 is integrally formed with a cylindrical portion 80a that is rotatably fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the retainer 79. The distal end edge portion of the cylindrical portion 80a is caulked outward in the radial direction, so that the retainer 79 A plurality of retaining claws 80b are formed to face the outer surface of the. Thus, the thrust plate 80 is integrally incorporated in the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate as one element. One or a plurality of detent pieces 80 c are integrally projected on the outer periphery of the thrust plate 80.
[0081]
When the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate is mounted between the two hubs 2h, 4h of the pump impeller 2 and the stator impeller 4, first, within the large-diameter inner peripheral surface 35b of the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4, The thrust plate 80 is placed at the head, the rotation stop piece 80c is aligned with the axial oil groove 45, the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate is inserted, and the thrust plate 80 is brought into contact with the partition wall 34 of the hub 4h. Next, the small diameter short shaft portion 2ha formed at the inner end of the hub 2h of the pump impeller 2 is loosely fitted to the cylindrical portion 80a of the bearing 9 so that the needle rollers 78, 78... Are brought into contact with the inner end surface of the hub 2h. Make contact.
[0082]
As described above, the thrust bearing 9 with the thrust plate once inserted into the hub 24 of the stator impeller 4 is accurately positioned between the hubs 2h and 4h of the pump impeller 2 and the stator impeller 4 without dropping the retainer 79. It can be interposed, the assemblability is extremely good, and the forgetting to attach the thrust plate 80 can be prevented. In addition, since the retainer 79 and the thrust plate 80 are held concentrically by the cylindrical portion 80a of the thrust plate 80, the cylindrical portion 80a is simply fitted into the small-diameter short shaft portion 2ha of the hub 2h of the pump impeller 2, so Both the plate 80 and the retainer 79 can be positioned concentrically with respect to the hub 2h, and the positioning structure can be simplified.
[0083]
Thus, at the time of relative rotation of the pump impeller 2 and the stator impeller 4, the thrust plate 80 rotates integrally with the hub 4h of the stator impeller 4 and directly receives the thrust load from the needle rollers 78, 78. The wear of the alloy hub 4h can be prevented. The axial oil groove 45 also serves as a detent groove corresponding to the detent piece 80c.
[0084]
Next, referring to FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, the thrust bearing with the thrust plate is interposed between the end surface of the outer cylinder 19 on the outer periphery of the free wheel 23 and the flange 20 a of the inner cylinder 20 on the inner periphery of the free wheel 23. 25 will be described in detail.
[0085]
Like the thrust bearing 9 with thrust plate, this thrust bearing with thrust plate 25 also holds a large number of needle rollers 81, 81... Arranged in a ring shape with the axes radially oriented, and these needle rollers 81, 81. The annular retainer 82 having a large number of windows 82a, 82a... And the annular thrust plate 83 made of a steel plate that supports one side of the group of needle rollers 81, 81. The thrust plate 83 is integrally formed with a cylindrical portion 83a that is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 82 so as to be relatively rotatable. The distal end edge of the cylindrical portion 83a is caulked inward in the radial direction to retain the retainer 82. A plurality of retaining claws 83b are formed to face the outer surface of the. Thus, the thrust plate 83 is integrated into the thrust bearing with thrust plate 25 as one element.
[0086]
The thrust plate 83 is formed with an inner diameter smaller than that of the retainer 82, thereby forming an annular step portion 25 a between the retainer 82 and the thrust plate 83. The thrust plate 83 is free to play on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 20. It comes to fit. On the other hand, on the side surface of the flange 20a of the inner cylinder 20 facing the thrust bearing 25 with the thrust plate, an annular erroneous mounting preventing projection 20b that is received by the step portion 25a is formed.
[0087]
Thus, in order to correctly attach the thrust bearing 25 with the thrust plate, first, the thrust plate 83 is fitted to the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 20 with the needle rollers 81, 81... Facing the flange 20a, and then the retainer 82 is attached to the flange. It is only necessary to fit the outer periphery of the erroneous mounting prevention protrusion 20b of 20a, and the group of needle rollers 81, 81... That hold the erroneous mounting prevention protrusion 20b in the step portion 25a between the retainer 82 and the thrust plate 83 is fixed to the flange 20a. It can be brought into contact with the position. Therefore, when the mounting direction of the thrust bearing 25 with the thrust plate is opposite to the normal direction, the thrust plate 83 interferes with the erroneous mounting preventing projection 20b, so that the thrust bearing 25 with the thrust plate has the flange 20a. From this, it can be easily determined that it is erroneously mounted.
[0088]
After the thrust bearing 25 with the thrust plate is correctly attached to the inner cylinder 20, the thrust bearing 25 with the thrust plate is attached to the flange 20 a, the outer cylinder 19, and the end surface of the outer cylinder 19 by hitting the outer surface of the thrust plate 83. It is inserted between. When the outer cylinder 19 and the inner cylinder 20 are rotated relative to each other, the thrust plate 83 rotates with the outer cylinder 19 in contact therewith, and directly receives the thrust load from the needle rollers 81, 81. Wear of the end face of the area can be prevented.
[0089]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, resistance welding of each part may be spot welding without using projections instead of projection welding using projections as in the illustrated example.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first feature of the present invention, the pump impeller connected to the input shaft, the turbine impeller connected to the pump impeller and connected to the turbine shaft, the pump impeller, and a stator impeller disposed between the turbine wheel periphery, these circulation circuit for the power transmission by the working oil between the three impeller is defined, the hub of the scan stator impeller, the input shaft In a torque converter with a hollow stator shaft that is rotatably supported on the outer periphery, the stator impeller is made of light alloy, and the outer peripheral surface of a steel sleeve is integrally connected to the inner peripheral surface of the hub. the stator shaft in the inner circumferential with splined sleeve, and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve is spline-coupled to the stator shaft, protrudes the outer end face of the sleeve from the outer end face of the hub, motor The bin impeller is brought into contact with one side of the inner race of the ball bearing that supports the outer periphery of the stator shaft, and hydraulic oil can flow out from the circulation circuit between the hub and one side of the outer race of the ball bearing. Since the annular oil passage is defined, both the weight reduction and durability of the turbine impeller can be satisfied, and the durability against the thrust load of the light alloy hub can be enhanced. Furthermore, between one side surface of the outer race of the hub and the ball bearings, Ru can also define an annular oil passage to allow outflow of the working oil from the circulating circuit.
[0091]
According to the present invention, in addition to the first feature, since the sleeve is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the hub, it is possible to heat-treat the sleeve independently before press-fitting into the hub. The desired durability can be easily imparted to the sleeve regardless of the casting of the car.
[0092]
Further, according to the third feature of the present invention, in addition to the second feature, the hub of the stator impeller is formed with a small-diameter inner peripheral surface and a large-diameter inner peripheral surface with a central partition wall interposed therebetween. press-fitting the said sleeve on the small diameter inner peripheral surface, in the large-diameter inner peripheral surface was or, together with the placing part of the hub of the pump impeller, between the hub and the partition wall abuts the partition wall Since the axial position of the stator impeller is defined by the ball bearing and the thrust bearing through a thrust bearing with a thrust plate, the durability against the thrust load of the hub made of light alloy can be improved, and the pump blade It is possible to reduce the outward protrusion amount of the hub of the car and contribute to the downsizing of the torque converter.
[0093]
Furthermore, according to the fourth feature of the present invention, in addition to the third feature, the inner race of the ball bearing is formed thicker than the outer race, and the contact area of the inner race with the sleeve is increased. Since the diameter of the ball bearing is increased as much as possible, the contact area between the inner race and the sleeve can be increased to reduce the surface pressure of the ball bearing and improve its durability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a torque converter according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part 2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part 3 in FIG. 2;
4 is a perspective view in which a part of the seal ring in FIG. 3 is broken.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
6 is an enlarged view of a portion 6 in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing process of a pump impeller.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part 8 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing process of the turbine impeller.
10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG.
12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.
13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
T ... Torque converter 1 ... Input shaft (crankshaft)
2 ... Pump impeller 2h ... Pump impeller hub 3 ... Turbine impeller 4 ... Stator impeller 4h ... Stator impeller Hub 6 ... turbine shaft 7 stator shaft 9 thrust bearing 10 ball bearing 10a inner race 10b outer race 34... Partition 35 a... Small diameter inner peripheral surface 35 b... Large diameter inner peripheral surface 36... Sleeve 80.

Claims (4)

A pump impeller (2) connected to the input shaft (1), a turbine impeller (3) connected to the pump impeller (2) and connected to the turbine shaft (6), and the pump impeller ( 2) and a turbine impeller (3) and a stator impeller (4) disposed between the inner peripheral portions , and circulation for power transmission by working oil between these three impellers (2, 3, 4) circuit (C) is defined, the hub (4h) of the scan stator impeller (4), a torque converter attached hollow stator shaft (7) which is relatively rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the input shaft (1) In
The stator impeller (4) is made of a light alloy, and the outer peripheral surface of the steel sleeve (36) is integrally coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the hub (4h), and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve (36) is connected to the stator. A ball bearing which is splined to the shaft (7) , the outer end surface of the sleeve (36) projects from the outer end surface of the hub (4h), and the turbine impeller (3) is supported on the outer periphery of the stator shaft (7). It is made to contact | abut to one side of the inner race of (10), and the outflow of the working oil from the circulation circuit (C) is permitted between the hub (4h) and one side of the outer race of the ball bearing (10). A torque converter characterized by defining an annular oil passage . The torque converter according to claim 1,
A torque converter, wherein the sleeve (36) is press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the hub (4h). The torque converter according to claim 2,
The hub (4h) of the stator impeller (4) is formed with a small-diameter inner peripheral surface (35a) and a large-diameter inner peripheral surface (35b) across the central partition wall (34). together with the press-fitting the sleeve (36) to 35a), the or the large diameter inner peripheral surface (35b) in, to place a portion of the hub (2h) of the pump impeller (2), the hub (2h) A thrust bearing (9) provided with a thrust plate (80) in contact with the partition wall (34) is interposed between the ball bearing (10) and the partition wall (34). A torque converter characterized by defining an axial position of the impeller (4). The torque converter according to claim 3,
A torque converter characterized in that the inner race (10a) of the ball bearing (10) is formed thicker than the outer race (10b) to increase the contact area of the inner race with the sleeve (36). .

Images