JP5343813B2 - Torque converter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a torque converter, and more particularly to a thrust force support structure for the stator.

The torque converter has a configuration in which a stator is disposed between a pump impeller and a turbine runner that are arranged to face each other. The stator is supported in a radial direction by an appropriate fixed member via an annular one-way clutch so as to be rotatable in one direction, and is axially supported by a pump impeller and a turbine runner (specifically, a hub thereof) via an annular thrust bearing. . Conventionally, the one-way clutch and the thrust bearing that support the stator in this manner have almost the same diameter, and the one-way clutch and the thrust bearing are overlapped in the axial direction so that the one-way clutch is sandwiched between the thrust bearings from both axial sides. (See Patent Document 1 ).

JP-A-8-14382

  As described above, in the conventional torque converter, on the inner peripheral side of the stator, the one-way clutch and the pair of thrust bearings are arranged in the axial direction at substantially the same radial position, and this arrangement is the inner peripheral portion of the torque converter. The length in the axial direction was increased, which in turn was a factor that hindered shortening the axial length of the torque converter. In this arrangement, the thrust bearing is positioned so as to overlap the side bearing of the one-way clutch, so that the thrust force is transmitted between the thrust bearing and the outer race of the one-way clutch via the side bearing of the one-way clutch. It is necessary to secure the thickness of the side bearing to withstand the thrust force, and the shape of the side bearing is complicated due to the thrust force transmission between the thrust bearing with different radial position and the outer race of the one-way clutch. It was inevitable to become.

  By the way, in an automatic transmission for a vehicle as a typical example in which a torque converter is used, the number of stages is increasing, and in order to prevent an increase in the shaft length due to the complication of the transmission mechanism associated therewith, the automatic transmission and the engine are particularly provided. In automatic transmissions for front engine front drive vehicles and rear engine rear drive vehicles arranged side by side in the tread width side by side in the axial direction, there is a strong demand for shortening the shaft length of the torque converter.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a torque converter in which the axial length on the inner peripheral side of the stator is shortened by improving the arrangement of the one-way clutch and the thrust bearing.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a one-way that includes elements for one-way engagement that are disposed between an outer race and an inner race while supporting a stator in a radial direction so that the stator can rotate in one direction. A clutch, a first thrust bearing interposed between a pair of races and having a bearing roller disposed between a pair of races to axially support the stator on the pump impeller, the stator and the turbine runner; And a second thrust bearing that axially supports the stator on the turbine runner by interposing a bearing roller between a pair of races, and an inner peripheral side of the first thrust bearing end surface and the inner peripheral end surface of the second thrust bearing, said one-way clutch outer race and Lee Characterized in that arranged on the outer diameter side than the outer circumferential end face of each element for the arranged direction engagement between Naresu.

In the above configuration, it is more effective if the first thrust bearing and the second thrust bearing are arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps with the one-way clutch when viewed from the radial direction.
In the above configuration, it is more effective if the first thrust bearing and the second thrust bearing are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transmission of the thrust force between the stator and the first and second thrust bearings is performed on the outer peripheral side of each element for the one-way engagement. Thrust load can be applied to each element for matching.

Next, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the axial length for disposing the one-way clutch and the thrust bearing can be reduced by the overlapping amount viewed from the radial direction of both, so The direction length can be further shortened.

1 is a partial half-side cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a torque converter to which the present invention is applied, omitting a torus part and a lock-up clutch part. It is a front view which shows only the stator of a torque converter. FIG. 5 is a half-ridge side cross-sectional view of the same part as in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional side view of the same portion as FIG. 1 showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional side view of the same portion as FIG. 1 showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a half-cross sectional side view of the same portion as FIG. 1 showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial half side cross-sectional view of the torque converter according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, with the torus part and the lock-up clutch part omitted, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing only the stator. As shown in FIG. 1, this torque converter has a one-way clutch 4 that supports a stator 3 in a radial direction so as to be rotatable in one direction on a fixed member (not shown), and a stator 3 that is a pump impeller 1 in the same manner as a conventional one. And a pair of thrust bearings 5A and 5B that are axially supported by the turbine runner 2.

In accordance with the features of the present invention, the diameters of the one-way clutch 4 and the thrust bearings 5A and 5B are different from each other, and the thrust bearings 5A and 5B overlap at least the side bearings 45A and 45B of the one-way clutch 4 in the axial direction. It is supposed to be a disposition. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thrust bearings 5A and 5B are arranged so that at least a part of them overlaps the one-way clutch 4 in the radial direction. Accordingly, both thrust bearings 5A and 5B are arranged on the outer diameter side from the outer peripheral side end face of each element for one-way engagement of the one-way clutch 4. Further, an oil passage G that communicates the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of both thrust bearings 5A, 5B is a support surface 32a (FIG. 2) of a member (stator hub described later in the present embodiment) 32 that contacts both thrust bearings 5A, 5B. Reference). The thrust bearings 5 </ b> A and 5 </ b> B are disposed on the outer peripheral side of the one-way clutch 4.

  More specifically, in the torque converter, the center piece 11 is centered and fitted to a crankshaft of an engine (not shown), a converter cover 12 attached to the drive plate, a pump shell 13 welded to the cover, and a pump shell. The outer shape is enclosed by a pump hub 14 which is welded and integrated with 13 and connected to an oil pump (not shown). The turbine shell 21 facing the pump shell 13 is rivets 8 fixed to the turbine hub 22 on the inner side in the radial direction with respect to the radial position of the thrust bearing 5B with the inner peripheral side thereof being combined with the damper disk 6. A piston 7 of a lock-up clutch (not shown) is slidably supported in the axial direction on the outer periphery of a boss portion extending to the converter cover 12 side (right side in the figure) of the turbine hub 22.

  The stator 3 having the blade portion 31 interposed between the pump shell 13 and the turbine shell 21 supports the hub 32 on the inner peripheral side thereof by the one-way clutch 4 and extends from the case of the automatic transmission via the one-way clutch 4. It is supported by an appropriate hollow shaft fixing member. In this embodiment, a stator hub 32 made of an aluminum material is cast and fixed on the outer periphery of an outer race 42 made of a steel material of the one-way clutch 4.

  The one-way clutch 4 includes the outer race 42, an inner race 41 on the inner periphery side thereof, elements for one-way engagement disposed between the both races, and the outer race 42 with a diameter on the inner race 41. A pair of side bearings 45A and 45B at both ends in the axial direction to support the direction, and an inner race 41 is connected to the hollow shaft-like fixing member by spline fitting. In this embodiment, the pair of side bearings 45A and 45B have the same shape for cost reduction, and the outer peripheral side thereof is similarly caulked and secured to the outer race 42 side.

  A pair of thrust bearings 5A and 5B that support the stator 3 in the axial direction are respectively disposed between the innermost circumferential side surface of the pump shell 13, the side surface and the side surface of the stator hub 32, and the outermost circumferential side surface of the turbine hub 22. Yes. In this embodiment, the thrust bearings 5A and 5B have the same standard, that is, the same diameter and the same shape, in which the bearing roller 51 held in the circumferential direction by the cage is arranged between a pair of races composed of the thin race 52 and the thick race 53. The front and back surfaces of the stator hub 32 are arranged opposite to each other so that the thick races 53 face each other with the stator hub 32 in between. The use of this same standard product is intended to reduce costs.

  The radial positioning of one thrust bearing 5A between the pump shell 13 and the stator hub 32 is such that the thrust bearing 5A is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the pump hub 14 that slightly enters the pump shell 13 side at the fitting portion between the pump shell 13 and the pump hub 14. The radial positioning of the other thrust bearing 5B between the stator hub 32 and the turbine hub 22 is performed by supporting the thin race 52, and the thrust bearing is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 22a extending from the turbine hub 22 toward the stator hub 32. While supporting the thin-walled race 52 of 5B and following the centering configuration without any other member by these positioning, a pair of thrust bearings 5A and 5B are arranged on the outer peripheral side from the one-way clutch 4. Bearing core that affects durability It is maintained accurately to.

  An oil passage provided by connecting the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B in order to connect the thrust bearings 5A and 5B to the hydraulic oil supply / exhaust oil passage so as to communicate with the torus portion of the torque converter. G is formed on the support surface 32a (see FIG. 2) of the stator hub 32, which is in contact with the thick race 53 of each thrust bearing 5A, 5B, as a plurality of grooves each having a continuous radial groove and an axial groove. Yes. FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of these grooves. In this embodiment, eight grooves are equally spaced in the circumferential direction.

  In the torque converter having such a configuration, transmission of the thrust force between the stator 3 and the thrust bearings 5A and 5B is performed without passing through the side bearings 45A and 45B of the one-way clutch 4, and the thrust is transmitted to the side bearings 45A and 45B. Since the load is not applied, the side bearings 45A and 45B are thinned, and the shape thereof is simplified because the transmission of the thrust force is unnecessary.

Furthermore, due to the partially overlapping arrangement in the radial direction of the one-way clutch 4 and the thrust bearings 5A and 5B, the axial length for the arrangement of the one-way clutch 4 and the thrust bearings 5A and 5B is from the radial direction of both. is reduced by polymerizing fraction viewed, axial direction length of the radially inner stator 4 is further shortened. Moreover, reducing the axial Direction length of the radially inner of these stator 4, it only without stopping, torus by it is possible to miniaturize the torus for the torque transmitting capability advances in recent CFD It is possible to realize an arrangement that effectively uses the marginal space generated on the inside, and an arrangement that is also effective in reducing the axial length of the entire torque converter.

  Further, according to the conventional configuration, since the oil passage that had to be provided on the side bearing of the one-way clutch is provided on the side of the stator hub 32 that is manufactured in this embodiment, the shape of the side bearings 45A and 45B is the groove. It is possible to form a simple flat plate with no processing cost, thereby reducing the processing cost.

  Further, by disposing the thrust bearings 5A and 5B on the outer peripheral side of the one-way clutch 4, the diameter of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B is difficult to ensure durability compared to the one-way clutch 4 when compared with the ones having the same diameter. Durability can be improved naturally.

  By the way, in the said 1st Embodiment, although the structure which connects the outer race of a stator and a one-way clutch by casting at the outer peripheral part of an outer race was taken, various forms can be taken about the connection structure of both. Hereinafter, these forms will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in which the casting position for connection is changed to the torus part side. In this embodiment, the outer race 42 of the one-way clutch 4 is extended to the blade root portion position of the stator, and the extension portion of the stator hub 32 to the radially inner side is eliminated, and the stator hub 32 is placed on the outer periphery of the outer race 42 of the one-way clutch 4 at this position. It is fixed by casting. With the change of the casting position, the oil passage G provided by connecting the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B is the outer race 42 that contacts the thick race 53 of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B. The radial grooves formed on the support surface of the stator and the axial grooves formed on the inner peripheral surface of the stator hub 32 are in communication with each other. The remaining configuration is substantially the same as in the case of the first embodiment. Even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, casting is changed to riveting. Specifically, a part of the outer race 42 of the one-way clutch 4 is extended to the blade root position of the stator 3, and the radially inward extension of the stator hub 32 is made thinner than the first embodiment. An overlapping portion in the axial direction is formed, and the outer race 42 and the stator 3 are fixed by a plurality of rivets 9 arranged in the circumferential direction inserted through the overlapping portion. In the case of this configuration, the radial position of the riveting and the diameter of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B are matched, so that the position of the thick race 53 of the rivet 9 and the thrust bearing is aligned in the axial direction, and the thrust force is applied to the rivet. 9 can be transmitted to both thick races 53 via 9. In this case, the oil passage G provided by connecting the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B is a compromise of the first and second embodiments, and the thrust bearing 5B side is The stator hub 32 is formed as a plurality of continuous radial grooves and axial grooves. On the thrust bearing 5A side, the radial grooves formed in the outer race 42 and the axial grooves formed on the inner peripheral surface of the stator hub 32 are formed. It is set as the structure which made it communicate. The circumferential positions of these grooves may be the same as or different from the positions of the rivets 9 as shown. The remaining configuration is substantially the same as in the case of the first embodiment. Even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the rivet stopper is changed to a snap ring stopper. Specifically, the stator 3 and the outer race 42 are axially stopped by fitting the snap ring 10 into a snap ring groove formed on the inner peripheral side of the blade root portion of the stator 3, so that the stator hub 32 and the outer race 42 are mutually connected. It is centered at the fitting part. Further, in this embodiment, the stator hub 32 is further extended radially inward with respect to the third embodiment and integrated with one side bearing 45B of the one-way clutch 4. In the case of this form, both thrust bearings 5A and 5B have an L-shaped cross section so as to be positioned on the thick race 53 side, and support the cage of the bearing roller 51 at the bent portion. In this case, the oil passage G provided by communicating the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the thrust bearings 5A and 5B is the same as that of the third embodiment. The remaining configuration is substantially the same as in the case of the third embodiment. Even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effects as those of the previous embodiments can be obtained.

  Finally, FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this form, the cast-in part of the first embodiment is changed to serration press-fitting. In the case of this form, the stator hub 32 and the outer race 42 are axially stopped and aligned with each other by the serration press-fitting portion S. Also in this case, the stator hub 32 is integrated with one side bearing of the one-way clutch 4 as in the fourth embodiment. The remaining configuration is substantially the same as in the case of the first embodiment. Even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effects as those of the previous embodiments can be obtained.

As mentioned above, although this invention was explained in full detail based on five embodiment, this invention can be implemented with another various different form .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pump impeller 2 Turbine runner 3 Stator 4 One-way clutch 5A, 5B Thrust bearing 32a Support surface 45A, 45B Side bearing G Oil path

Claims (4)

A one-way clutch having elements for one-way engagement disposed between an outer race and an inner race, while supporting the stator in a radial direction so as to be rotatable in one direction on a fixed member;
A first thrust bearing interposed between the stator and the pump impeller, and a bearing roller disposed between a pair of races to axially support the stator on the pump impeller;
A second thrust bearing interposed between the stator and the turbine runner and having a bearing roller disposed between a pair of races to axially support the stator on the turbine runner;
A torque converter comprising:
Outer circumferential end face of each element for the inner peripheral side end face and the inner end surface of the second thrust bearing of the first thrust bearing, arranged in one direction engagement between the outer race and the inner race of the one-way clutch Arranged on the outer diameter side,
Torque converter characterized by that. The first thrust bearing and the second thrust bearing are arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps with the one-way clutch when viewed from the radial direction,
The torque converter according to claim 1. The first thrust bearing and the second thrust bearing are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction.
The torque converter according to claim 1 or 2. The turbine runner has a turbine hub and a turbine shell, and the second thrust bearing is interposed between the turbine hub and the stator,
The turbine shell is fixed integrally to the turbine hub with rivets,
The rivet is disposed radially inward from the second thrust bearing;
The torque converter according to claim 1.

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