JPH02125153A - Torque converter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the durability of a one-way clutch by casting the outer race of the one-way clutch into a stator impeller to integrally assemble them and forming one thrust receiving section of the one-way clutch on the stator impeller. CONSTITUTION:The outer race 9a of a one-way clutch 9 is cast together when a stator impeller 8 is cast and assembled not to be relatively rotated. The outer race 9a is coupled with an inner race 9b spline-coupled with a stator shaft 10 via many pieces 9c to constitute the one-way clutch 9. The right side end section of the inner race 9b is supported in the axial direction on the large projection 8c of the stator impeller 8 to constitute a thrust receiving section, and the left side end section is prevented from being moved in the axial direction by a thrust washer 11 and a snap spring 13. The durability of the one-way clutch is improved, and the axial length of a torque converter can be shortened.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a torque converter for converting and transmitting torque, and in particular, a stator impeller is rotatably supported in only one direction by a one-way clutch. This is related to the torque converter.

[Prior Art] A torque converter has conventionally been used as a means for increasing the driving torque of a driving source and transmitting the increased driving torque to a driven side. FIG. 6 shows a conventional general torque converter. Since the torque converter is vertically symmetrical with respect to the central axis, FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the upper half and omits the lower half.

As shown in FIG. 6, in a general torque converter 1, a drive plate 3 is connected to a member 2 connected to an output shaft of a power source such as an engine, and a pump is connected to this drive plate 3. An impeller 4 is connected. A space 5 formed by the drive plate 3 and the pump impeller 4 is filled with a working fluid such as oil.

Further, a turbine impeller 6 is arranged so as to face the pump impeller 4, and this turbine impeller 6 is an example ^
For example, the input shaft 7 is connected to an input shaft 7 of a wave motion example such as an automatic transmission.

Furthermore, between the pump impeller 4 and the turbine impeller 6,
A stator impeller 8 is provided. This stator impeller 8 is supported via a one-way clutch 9 by a stator shaft lO fixed to a housing (not shown) of the transmission. That is, the stator impeller 8 can be rotated only in one direction by the one-way clutch 9.

The pump impeller 4 rotates due to the rotation of the output shaft of the power source,
The working fluid flows toward the turbine impeller 6 in the direction of arrow A by the blades 4a of the pump impeller 4. The working fluid that has flowed into the turbine impeller 6 causes the blades 6 of the turbine impeller 6 to
a, and the turbine impeller 6 begins to rotate due to the reaction force. As a result, torque is transmitted to the input shaft 7 of the driven example, and the input shaft 7 rotates.

In that case, due to the rotation of the turbine impeller 6, the working fluid flows out of the turbine impeller 6 as shown by arrow B and flows into the stator impeller 8. While the rotational speed of the turbine impeller 6 is low, the IMJ liquid that has flowed into the stator impeller 8 collides with the blades 8a of the stator impeller 8, and then the flow direction is changed and flows again to the pump impeller as shown by arrow C. Flowing into 4,
It collides with the back surface of the blade 4a of the pump impeller 4 and helps the rotation of the pump impeller 4. In this way, by the action of the stator impeller 8, the torque converter 1 increases the drive torque from the drive source and transmits it to the input shaft 7 on the wave side, which is a so-called converter action. therefore,
The transmission torque ratio at this time is large. And the hydraulic fluid is feather W
8a, the stator impeller 8 receives a reaction force in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the turbine impeller 6, but the one-way clutch 9 causes the stator impeller 8 to
Since rotation in this direction is prevented, the stator impeller 8 will not rotate even if it receives such a reaction force.

As the rotational speed of the turbine impeller 6 increases, the direction of the working fluid flowing into the stator impeller 8 gradually changes toward the direction of inclination of the blades 8a of the stator impeller 8, so that it flows out from the stator impeller 8. Since the hydraulic fluid no longer assists the rotation of the pump impeller 4, the transmission torque ratio gradually decreases. When the rotational speed of the turbine impeller 6 becomes considerably large, the working fluid flowing out from the turbine impeller 6 comes to collide with the back surface of the blades 8a of the stator impeller 8, and the impact force causes the stator impeller 8 to rotate against the turbine impeller 8. It will start spinning in the same direction as 6. When the stator impeller 8 idles, no converter action takes place, and the torque converter 1 begins to function as a normal fluid coupling.

By the way, in the one-way clutch 9 that supports the stator impeller 8, if the outer race 9a and the inner race 9b (2) are centered, wear may occur, reducing the durability of the one-way clutch 9, or causing loss of @ 11 +tJ. One-way clutch 9
Therefore, it is required to maintain the concentricity between the outer race 9a and the inner race 9b as accurately as possible.

In addition, in recent years, F-F cars have become more common, but in order to improve power transmission efficiency and simplify the structure, engines and transmissions are generally placed in grooves. many. When the engine and transmission are placed horizontally, their axial lengths are limited by the width of the vehicle, so it is necessary to keep these lengths as short as possible. As has been said,
The length in the axial direction is shortened by forming the pump impeller 4 and the turbine impeller 6 flat.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the one-way clutch 9 of the conventional torque converter l, the outer race 9a is assembled to the stator impeller 8 by spline connection. It is press-fitted into the hole 8b of the wheel 8. Therefore, when the outer race 9a is press-fitted, the outer race 9a may be deformed, and the outer race 9a and the inner race 9a may be deformed.
There was a problem in that the accuracy of concentricity with b was poor. For this reason, the one-way clutch 9 of the conventional torque converter 1
However, the above-mentioned demands could not be fully met.

Further, as is clear from FIG. 6, in order to support the one-way clutch 9 in the axial direction, a pair of thrust washers 11 and 12 are disposed on both left and right sides of the one-way clutch 9, and this thrust washer Further, a pair of snap rings 13 and 14 are arranged on both left and right sides of 11 and 12.

For this reason, the length of the torque converter 1 in the axial direction becomes long. In particular, since the torque converter 1 is provided with the lock-up device 15, the torque converter 1
The structure has become longer in the axial direction. In addition to this, thrust washers 11.12
It is undesirable from a design point of view for the axial length to be shortened due to the bolts or snap rings 13, 14, etc. Moreover, the conventional torque converter 1 has many parts such as thrust washers, so assembly is difficult. Not only is it not easy, but a pair of grooves into which the snap rings 13 and 14 fit must be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hole 8b of the stator impeller 8, which requires more machining and reduces productivity. There is also the problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a torque converter that can ensure the concentricity of a one-way clutch that supports a stator impeller with extremely high precision. It is to be.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a torque converter whose axial length can be further reduced.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a torque converter that can be assembled easily by reducing the number of parts, improve productivity, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[Means for solving the problem] In order to solve such a problem, the invention of claim 1 provides the following:
It is characterized in that the outer race of the one-way clutch that supports the stator impeller is assembled into the stator impeller by being integrally cast therein.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that a detent is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer race to prevent relative rotation with the stator impeller.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the thrust receiving portion that receives the thrust load of the one-way clutch is formed integrally with the stator impeller.

[Operation] With this configuration, in the invention of claim 1,
The outer race of the one-way clutch is cast together with the stator impeller when the stator impeller is cast, so that it can be integrally assembled with the stator impeller. Therefore, since the outer race is not press-fitted into the hole of the stator impeller, the outer race is not deformed, and concentricity between the outer race and the inner race is ensured with high precision. Moreover, since machining to form splines on the inner circumferential surface of the hole of the stator impeller is not required, manufacturing is extremely simple.

In addition, in the invention of claim 2, the rotation stopper formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer race reliably prevents relative rotation between the stator impeller and the axes l, -s. In this case, since the detent is formed on the outer circumferential surface, the outer race does not become longer in the axial direction, and therefore the length of the torque converter in the axial direction is reduced.

Furthermore, in the invention of claim 3, since the thrust receiving portion of the one-way clutch is formed integrally with the stator impeller, the thrust washer and snap ring are not required compared to the conventional one-way clutch. . In addition, there is no need to provide a groove to fit an unnecessary snap ring, making it cleaner. Therefore, since these parts are no longer necessary, the axial length of the torque converter can be further shortened. Additionally, there are fewer parts and less machining.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail using the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 6 showing an embodiment of a torque converter according to the present invention. Note that the same components as in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

As is clear from FIG. 1, the outer race 9a of the one-way clutch 9 is fixed to the stator impeller 8. Second
As shown in Figures 3 to 3, the outer race 9a is formed from steel into a ring shape with a hole 9a+. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the member constituting the outer race 9a is formed in a convex shape. That is, this outer lace 9a
Thin wall portions 9a, which are thinner than the center portion 9a, by removing the thickness of the outer peripheral end portions, are provided on both left and right sides of the thin wall portions 9a.

9 a a is formed 6 Also, the outer lace 9a
There are many protrusions 9a s, 9a5°... on the outer peripheral edge of the .
are formed at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this way, the outer race 9a as a whole is formed symmetrically in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer race 9a is cast and assembled into the stator impeller 8 when the stator impeller 8 is made of aluminum. In that case, the thinned portions forming the thin-walled portions 9as and 9a4 on the left and right sides of the outer race 9a are embedded in the small protrusion 8b and the large protrusion 8c of the stake impeller 8. That is, these protrusions 8b, 8
The center portion 9a of the outer race 9a is axially clamped by the outer race 9a, and the outer race 9a cannot move relative to the stator impeller 8 in the axial direction.

Furthermore, the outer peripheral end of the outer race 9a comes to be in complete contact with the stator impeller 8. At this time, the protrusion 9 a
s, the outer race 9a cannot rotate relative to the stator impeller 8. In this way, the two outer races 9a can be completely fixed and assembled to the stator impeller 8.

Further, the large protruding portion 8c extends toward the center from the inner circumferential surface of the hole 9a+ of the outer race 9a, and the extending portion includes:
A protrusion 8d is formed that protrudes into the hole 9a+.

Therefore, the left thin wall portion 9a of the outer race 9a
From the thinned part forming s to the right side through the outer peripheral end: conductor part 9
a, the outer race 9a is completely and closely covered by the stake impeller 8.

In this way, an integrally molded product is formed in which the steel outer race 9a is cast into the aluminum stator impeller 8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the integrally molded product constructed in this way is attached to a stator shaft 1o fixed to a housing (not shown) of the transmission. That is,
An inner race 9b is spline fitted to the stator shaft 10, and an outer race 9a is fitted to the inner race 9b via a number of pieces 9c, 9c, . . . that perform an axial clutch action. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the axial clutch 9 is constituted by the outer race 9a, the inner race 9b, and the link 9c. Therefore, in FIG. 5, the outer race 9a is allowed to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow, but is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

The right end of the inner race 9b near the outer periphery is also supported in the axial direction by the large protrusion 8c of the stator impeller 8. That is, the large protruding portion 80 constitutes a right thrust receiving portion of the axial clutch 9. On the other hand, an aluminum thrust washer 11 is disposed at the left end of the one-way clutch 9. This washer 11 is the snap ring 1
3 prevents axial movement. This washer 11 receives the left thrust of the axial clutch 9. This washer 11 also protrudes into the hole 9a+ of the outer race 9a, and the stator impeller 8
A protruding portion 11a is formed opposite to the protruding portion 8d. Therefore, the left thin wall portion 9a of the outer race 9a
s is supported by the stator impeller 8 and washer 11 in substantially the same way as the thin walled portion 9a4 on the right side.

Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained.

The stator impeller 8 and one-sided clutch 9 configured in this way are assembled by integrally casting the outer race 9a into the stator impeller 8, so the outer race 9a will not be deformed. As a result, concentricity between the outer race 9a and the inner race 9b can be ensured with high precision. Therefore, outer race 9
Since the inner race a and the inner race 9b are not partially biased, they do not wear out prematurely, and the durability of the one-way clutch 9 is improved.

Further, the outer circumferential surface of the outer race 9a and the stator impeller 8 are completely in close contact with each other, so that no clearance is created between them. Therefore, when the outer race 9a receives a load in the radial direction via the pieces 9C, the portion of the stake impeller 8 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the outer race 9a serves as a reinforcing member, so that the capacity of the one-way clutch 9 can be reduced. can. As a result, the one-way clutch 9 can be made smaller, so the torque converter l can be made more compact. Furthermore, since the outer race 9a and the stator impeller 8 are in close contact with each other, the dynamic balance is improved. Further, when the capacity of the one-way clutch 9 is kept the same as that of the conventional one, the thickness of the outer race 9a can be made thinner.

Furthermore, since the right thrust receiving portion is integrally formed with the stator impeller 8, there are seven thrust washers and one snap ring each. As a result, the axial length of the support portion of the stake impeller 8 can be shortened, so that the axial length of the torque converter 1 as a whole can be shortened. Protrusion 9 for preventing rotation with stator impeller 8
Since a s is provided on the outer periphery of the outer race 9a,
The outer race 9a does not become longer in the axial direction, which also allows the axial length of the torque converter 1 to be further reduced.

Furthermore, since the outer race 9a is formed symmetrically and supports the left and right ends of the one-way clutch 9 almost symmetrically, the temperature rises during operation and the one-way clutch 9 is prevented from being thermally deformed. Even if this happens, the left and right deformation will be well balanced, and the concentricity between the outer race 9a and the inner race 9b will hardly be disrupted.
Moreover, by forming the outer race 9a symmetrically, when the outer race 9a is cast into the stake impeller 8, incorrect assembly of the outer race 9a can be completely prevented.

Further, the left and right end portions of the outer race 9a are formed into thin wall portions 9as, 9.
Since it is set to A4, the amount of relatively heavy steel material is reduced, and the weight of the torque converter 1 can be reduced. In this case, the force transmitted to the outer race 9a by the piece 9C of the one-way clutch 9 is applied almost to the center, so that sufficient strength can be ensured even if the left and right ends are made thinner than the center.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments; for example, the rotation-stopping protrusion 9as may be a recessed portion.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, according to the torque converter of the present invention, the outer race of the one-way clutch is integrally assembled by being cast into the stator impeller, so the outer race is not deformed. You can definitely prevent this from happening.

Therefore, the concentricity of the one-way clutch can be ensured with high precision, and the durability of the one-way clutch is improved.

In addition, since the thrust receiving part of one side of the one-sided clutch is integrally formed in the stator impeller, there are fewer thrust washers and snap rings (they line up in parallel).Therefore, the axial length of the torque converter can be shortened. Particularly, in the invention of Rusukyucho 2, since the anti-rotation protrusion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer race, the length in the axial direction can be further shortened.

Furthermore, the number of parts is reduced, which not only simplifies assembly, but also improves productivity as there is less machining required.
Another effect is that the one-way clutch can be manufactured at low cost.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the upper half of an embodiment of the torque converter according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of an outer race of a one-way clutch, and FIG. 3 is a section III-I in FIG.
4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the upper half of an integrally molded product in which the outer race is integrally cast into the stator impeller, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line v-v in FIG. 1. A sectional view of the directional clutch, FIG. 6, is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing the upper half of an embodiment of a conventional torque converter. l...torque converter, 4...pump impeller, 6
... Turbine impeller, 7... Wave side input shaft, 8.
...Stator impeller, 8C...Protrusion (thrust receiving part), 9...One-way clutch, 9a...Outer race, 9 a s...Protrusion (rotation stopper)

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A pump impeller rotationally driven by a power source,
The turbine impeller is driven by the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump impeller to generate output, and the stator shaft can rotate in only one direction via a one-way clutch between the pump impeller and the turbine impeller. A torque converter comprising a stator impeller supported by a stator impeller, wherein an outer race of the one-way clutch is assembled to the stator impeller by integral casting. (2) The torque converter according to claim 1, wherein a detent is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer race to prevent relative rotation with the stator impeller. (3) The torque converter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thrust receiving portion that receives the thrust of the one-way clutch is formed integrally with the stator impeller.