Plate component with lip

Abstract

This invention provides a lipped plate component that reliably prevents lip curling during assembly. The piston component (3) (lipped plate component) inserted into an annular piston mounting portion (M1) includes an annular piston plate (31), an inner lip (32), and a first outer lip (33). Each lip (32, 33) has a base end portion (32a, 33a) fixed to the piston plate (31) and a top end portion (32b, 33b) slidably contacting the sides (111, 112) of the piston mounting portion (M1). The lip is conical and cylindrical, expanding in diameter from the base end portion (32a, 33a) to the top end portion (32b, 33b) and extending towards the bottom surface (113) of the piston mounting portion (M1). Each top end portion (32b, 33b) has a retaining portion (32c, 33c) capable of retaining fluid within the recess throughout the entire circumference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lipped plate component that is inserted into an annular groove-shaped mounting portion, and particularly to a lipped plate component that can be applied to a clutch piston mechanism that operates a clutch. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, in the clutch piston mechanism of an automatic transmission (including a continuously variable transmission), the piston assembly reciprocates under hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic chamber. This reciprocating motion of the piston assembly engages or disengages a multi-plate clutch, thereby enabling the vehicle to change gears. As an example of a conventional piston assembly, a piston seal for an automatic transmission as described in Patent Document 1 is known. The piston seal for an automatic transmission described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "piston assembly") is disposed inside a bottomed cylindrical cylinder, forming a pressure chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "hydraulic chamber") between itself and the cylinder. This piston assembly has a piston plate made of a metal plate, and an inner circumferential sealing lip made of a rubber-like elastomer is fixed to the inner circumference of the piston plate. Furthermore, an outer circumferential sealing lip made of a rubber-like elastomer is fixed to the outer circumference of the piston plate.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-190391. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the clutch piston mechanism described above, when the piston component is inserted into the cylinder, the tips of the inner and outer circumferential sealing lips of the piston component abut against the end face of the cylinder's insertion port. A recessed portion, such as a chamfer with an angled cut-off corner, is generally formed on the cylinder's insertion port. Therefore, when the tips of the sealing lips of the piston component are pressed into the cylinder, they are subjected to resistance (load) from the cylinder's recessed portion. When this resistance increases, the tip portion of the sealing lip of the piston component tends to curl outward in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. Therefore, a design is required to prevent the sealing lips from curling during assembly into the cylinder. The same design is required for the sealing lips of the pressure relief component (BCS) provided in the clutch piston mechanism to eliminate centrifugal oil pressure during high-speed rotation.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lipped plate component that can reliably prevent lip curling during assembly.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a lipped plate component is provided, which is inserted into a mounting portion via an insertion port having a retraction portion in an annular groove-shaped mounting portion. The lipped plate component includes an annular plate and a lip disposed on at least one of the inner and outer circumferences of the plate. The lip has a base end fixed to the plate and a tip portion that slidably contacts the side of the mounting portion, and expands in diameter from the base end end to the tip portion, extending towards the bottom surface of the mounting portion. The tip portion of the lip has a retaining portion capable of retaining fluid within a recess throughout its circumference.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a lipped plate component that can reliably prevent lip curling during assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of a clutch piston mechanism with a lip plate component installed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view including the inner lip of the piston component before insertion.

[0015] Figure 3 It shows from Figure 2 A partial top view showing the positional relationship between the opening portion of the inner lip and the recessed portion of the mounting part, viewed from direction B.

[0016] Figure 4 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view including the first outer lip of the piston assembly before insertion.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second outer lip, including the pre-insertion elimination component. Detailed Implementation

[0018] [Simplified structure of the clutch piston mechanism]

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the lipped plate component of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the structure of a clutch piston mechanism with a lip plate installed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The clutch piston mechanism 1 shown is mainly used in automatic transmissions for vehicles. It is configured to be housed together with the multi-plate clutch C in the receiving portion 11 of the housing 10 to engage and disengage the multi-plate clutch C. The receiving portion 11 is formed as an annular groove around the axis X of the housing 10 (centered on the axis X). Furthermore, in this specification, the side closer to the axis X is referred to as the "inner side", the direction closer to the axis X is referred to as the "inner direction", the side farther from the axis X is referred to as the "outer side", and the direction farther from the axis X is referred to as the "outer direction".

[0021] The receiving portion 11 is formed as a space defined by an inner side surface 111, an outer side surface 112, and a bottom surface 113 connecting the ends of the inner side surface 111 and the outer side surface 112. The inner side surface 111 and the outer side surface 112 of the receiving portion 11 are surfaces parallel to the axis X, and the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 is a surface perpendicular to the axis X. Furthermore, the inner side surface 111 and the outer side surface 112 only need to be approximately parallel to the axis X, and do not need to be strictly parallel, and the bottom surface 113 only needs to be approximately perpendicular to the axis X, and does not need to be strictly perpendicular.

[0022] The inner side surface 111 of the receiving portion 11 is formed as a stepped surface having a first inner side surface 111a and a second inner side surface 111b. The first inner side surface 111a is located on the side closer to the bottom surface 113, and the second inner side surface 111b is located on the side away from the bottom surface 113 and is further inward than the first inner side surface 111a. Similarly, the outer side surface 112 of the receiving portion 11 is formed as a stepped surface having a first outer side surface 112a and a second outer side surface 112b. The first outer side surface 112a is located on the side closer to the bottom surface 113, and the second outer side surface 112b is located on the side away from the bottom surface 113 and is further outward than the first outer side surface 112a. Furthermore, a multi-plate clutch C is disposed in the region of the receiving portion 11 corresponding to the second outer side surface 112b.

[0023] The space defined by the first inner side surface 111a, the first outer side surface 112a, and the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 is capable of housing the piston component 3 of the clutch piston mechanism 1 (described later). A hydraulic chamber 20 is formed between the piston component 3 and the housing 10. Hereinafter, the area (space) within the receiving portion 11, which will serve as the mounting portion for the piston component 3, will be referred to as the "piston mounting portion M1". That is, the piston mounting portion M1 is formed as a space defined by the first inner side surface 111a, the first outer side surface 112a, and the bottom surface 113. The piston component 3 is inserted into the interior of the piston mounting portion M1 through an insertion port that opens on the side opposite to the bottom surface 113.

[0024] A retraction portion 12 is formed at the insertion port of the piston mounting portion M1. The retraction portion 12 has an inner retraction portion 111c, which is a radially inner portion, and an outer retraction portion 112c, which is a radially outer portion. The inner retraction portion 111c is formed by a process such as chamfering, which involves obliquely cutting off the corner of the opening end of the first inner side surface 111a. The second inner side surface 111b is connected to the end of the inner retraction portion 111c on the side opposite to the first inner side surface 111a. In other words, the stepped portion of the inner side surface 111 is formed by the inner retraction portion 111c. The outer retraction portion 112c is formed by a process such as chamfering, which involves obliquely cutting off the corner of the opening end of the first outer side surface 112a. The outer end of the stepped surface 112d, which extends radially outward from the end of the outer retraction portion 112c on the side opposite to the first outer side surface 112a, is connected to the second outer side surface 112b. In other words, the stepped portion of the outer side 112 is composed of the outer recessed portion 112c and the stepped surface 112d.

[0025] The clutch piston mechanism 1 includes a piston component 3, an elimination component 5, and a return spring 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the piston component 3 and the elimination component 5 correspond to the "lipped plate component" of the present invention, and the return spring 7 corresponds to the "force-applying component" of the present invention.

[0026] The piston component 3 includes: a piston plate 31 made of metal and integrally formed in an annular shape; an inner lip 32 disposed on the inner periphery of the piston plate 31; and a first outer lip 33 disposed on the outer periphery of the piston plate 31, constituting a so-called "engaged piston seal (BPS)". The centerline of the piston component 3 is aligned with the axis X of the housing 10. The piston component 3 is capable of moving (reciprocating) within the piston mounting portion M1 along the axis X direction of the housing 10 (the extension direction of axis X). Furthermore, the centerline of the piston component 3 only needs to be approximately aligned with the axis X of the housing 10, and does not need to be strictly aligned.

[0027] The piston plate 31 has a first annular plate portion 31a, an inner cylindrical portion 31b, an outer cylindrical portion 31c, a first inner square extension portion 31d, and a first outer square extension portion 31e, which are integrally formed.

[0028] The first annular plate portion 31a faces the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11. The inner cylindrical portion 31b extends from the inner periphery of the first annular plate portion 31a in a direction away from the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11. The outer cylindrical portion 31c extends from the outer periphery of the first annular plate portion 31a in a direction away from the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11. A gap is provided between the outer cylindrical portion 31c and the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving portion 11. The first inner extension portion 31d extends from the top end of the inner cylindrical portion 31b... Figure 1The lower end of the first inner extension 31d extends inward in a flange-like shape. A gap is also provided between the end of the first inner extension 31d and the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11. The first outer extension 31e extends from the top end of the outer cylindrical portion 31c ( Figure 1 The lower end of the receiving portion 11 extends outward in a flange-like shape (specifically, the second outer side 112b of the receiving portion 11). The outer cylindrical portion 31c and the first outer extension portion 31e are located above the multi-plate clutch C. The piston plate 31 can be formed, for example, by stamping a rolled steel plate.

[0029] The inner lip 32 seals the gap between the inner periphery of the piston plate 31 (specifically, the end of the first inner extension 31d) and the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11. Additionally, the first outer lip 33 seals the gap between the outer periphery of the piston plate 31 (specifically, the first outer cylindrical portion 31c) and the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving portion 11. Furthermore, in the piston component 3 of this embodiment, the inner lip 32 corresponds to the "inner lip" of the "piston component" involved in this invention, and the first outer lip 33 corresponds to the "outer lip" of the "piston component" involved in this invention.

[0030] The inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 are made of synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), acrylic rubber (ACM), silicone rubber (VMQ), and fluororubber (FKM), forming a so-called lip seal. The tip of the inner lip 32 contacts the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11 and slides along the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11 as the piston component 3 moves. The tip of the first outer lip 33 contacts the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving portion 11 and slides along the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving portion 11 as the piston component 3 moves. Therefore, the inner lip 32 is always in contact with the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11, and the first outer lip 33 is always in contact with the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving portion 11, thereby forming a sealed hydraulic chamber 20 between the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 and the piston component 3. In other words, the hydraulic chamber 20 is the space in the piston mounting portion M1 that is closer to the bottom surface 113 than the piston component 3. Furthermore, the detailed shapes of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 will be described later.

[0031] One end of the working passage 21 for supplying working oil to the hydraulic chamber 20 opens at the bottom surface 113 side of the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11. The piston component 3 is configured to move away from the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 by the oil pressure of the working oil supplied to the hydraulic chamber 20. Figure 1The multi-plate clutch C is engaged by pressing the clutch plate C1 on the drive side of the multi-plate clutch C through the first outer extension 31e (arrow A direction). Furthermore, in this embodiment, arrow A direction corresponds to the "first direction" of the present invention.

[0032] The elimination component 5 is disposed on the opposite side of the receiving portion 11 from the bottom surface 113 (i.e., the side of the piston component 3 in the direction of arrow A) relative to the piston component 3. Specifically, the elimination component 5 is disposed at intervals relative to the first annular plate portion 31a and the inner extension portion 31d of the piston plate 31 in the direction away from the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11.

[0033] The elimination component 5 includes an elimination plate 51 made of metal and integrally formed in an annular shape, and a second outer lip 52 disposed on the outer periphery of the elimination plate 51, constituting a so-called "joint elimination seal (BCS)". The centerline of the elimination component (BCS) 5 is aligned with the axis X of the housing 10 (it only needs to be approximately aligned, not strictly aligned).

[0034] The elimination plate 51 has a second annular plate portion 51a, a middle cylindrical portion 51b, and a second outer extension portion 51c, which are integrally formed.

[0035] The second annular plate portion 51a is located on the side of arrow A, where the first annular plate portion 31a, the inner cylindrical portion 31b, and the inner extension portion 31d of the piston plate 31 are located. Specifically, the second annular plate portion 51a is opposite to the first annular plate portion 31a and the inner extension portion 31d of the piston plate 31. The intermediate cylindrical portion 51b extends from the outer periphery of the second annular plate portion 51a toward the first annular plate portion 31a of the piston plate 31. The intermediate cylindrical portion 51b is located radially between the inner cylindrical portion 31b and the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. The second outer extension portion 51c extends from the top end of the intermediate cylindrical portion 51b ( Figure 1 The piston plate 31 extends outward from the upper end, and more specifically, extends in a flange shape to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. A gap is formed between the inner periphery of the second annular plate portion 51a and the second inner side surface 111b of the receiving portion 11. A gap is also formed between the end of the second outward extension portion 51c and the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. The elimination plate 51 can be formed, for example, by stamping a rolled steel plate.

[0036] The second outer lip 52 seals the gap between the outer periphery of the elimination plate 51 (specifically, the end of the second outer extension 51c) and the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. The second outer lip 52, like the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 of the piston component 3, is made of synthetic rubber and formed as a so-called lip seal. The tip of the second outer lip 52 contacts the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31 and slides along the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. Furthermore, in the elimination component 5 of this embodiment, the second outer lip 52 corresponds to the "outer lip" of the "elimination component" involved in this invention.

[0037] Furthermore, the elimination component 5 restricts movement in the direction of arrow A by a stop ring 53. The stop ring 53 is fixed to the second inner side surface 111b of the receiving portion 11 when it abuts against the portion of the second annular plate portion 51a opposite to the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11, which is further inward than the protrusion 51d. The stop ring 53 restricts the movement of the elimination component 5 in the direction of arrow A by abutting against the portion of the second annular plate portion 51a that is further inward than the protrusion 51d by abutting against the bottom surface 113 side of its own receiving portion 11. It also restricts the radial movement of the elimination component 5 by abutting against the side surface of the protrusion 51d by its own outer peripheral surface.

[0038] An oil pressure relief chamber 22 is formed between the piston assembly 3 and the pressure relief assembly 5. In other words, the pressure relief assembly 5 and the piston assembly 3 cooperate to form the oil pressure relief chamber 22. When the housing 10 rotates at high speed during the disengagement of the multi-plate clutch C, centrifugal oil pressure is generated in the oil pressure chamber 20 due to the working oil remaining there. The piston assembly 3 may move in the direction of arrow A due to the force generated by the centrifugal oil pressure, thereby engaging the multi-plate clutch C. The oil pressure relief chamber 22 is provided to suppress the effects of the centrifugal oil pressure generated in the oil pressure chamber 20. Specifically, a predetermined amount of oil is stored in the oil pressure relief chamber 22. When centrifugal oil pressure is generated in the oil pressure chamber 20, centrifugal oil pressure is also generated in the oil pressure relief chamber 22. Thus, the force counteracting the centrifugal oil pressure generated in the oil pressure chamber 20 acts on the piston assembly 3, suppressing the effects of the centrifugal oil pressure generated in the oil pressure chamber 20.

[0039] The mounting portion of the elimination component 5, which forms the elimination chamber 22, is equivalent to the space defined by the piston plate 31 (specifically, the first annular plate portion 31a, the inner cylindrical portion 31b, the outer cylindrical portion 31c, and the first inner extension portion 31d) and the inner lip 32 of the piston component 3, and the inner side surface 111 (specifically, the first inner side surface 111a, the second inner side surface 111b, and the inner retraction portion 111c) of the receiving portion 11. In the following description, the area (space) within the receiving portion 11 that will become the mounting portion of the elimination component 5 is referred to as the "elimination mounting portion M2".

[0040] The elimination component 5 is inserted into the interior of the elimination mounting portion M2 via an insertion port that opens on the side of the elimination mounting portion M2 opposite to the first annular plate portion 31a. A retraction portion 13, similar to that of the piston mounting portion M1, is formed at the insertion port of the elimination mounting portion M2. The retraction portion 13 has a top end portion formed on the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. Figure 1 The outer recessed portion 31f of the lower end of the piston plate 31. The outer recessed portion 31f is formed by rounding the inner corner of the piston plate 31 where the outer cylindrical portion 31c connects to the first outer extension portion 31e (R chamfer).

[0041] A return spring 7 is disposed between the piston component 3 and the elimination component 5. The return spring 7 exerts a force on the piston component 3 and the elimination component 5 in a direction that separates them from each other. In other words, the return spring 7 exerts a force on the piston component 3 in the opposite direction to arrow A. Specifically, the return spring 7 exerts a force on the piston component 3 in a direction that approaches the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the direction opposite to arrow A (the direction that approaches the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11) corresponds to the "second direction" of the present invention.

[0042] [Detailed structure of the piston assembly]

[0043] Next, refer to Figures 2-4 The detailed structure of the piston component 3 in this embodiment will be described with a focus on the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33.

[0044] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the inner lip 32 of the piston component 3 before it is inserted into the piston mounting part M1 (before installation). Figure 3 It shows from Figure 2 A partial top view showing the positional relationship between the opening portion of the inner retaining portion 32c (described later) of the inner lip 32, as viewed from direction B, and the inner retracting portion 111c of the receiving portion 11. Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the area near the first outer lip 33 of the piston component 3 in its pre-insertion state.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner lip 32 of the piston component 3 has a base end portion 32a and a top end portion 32b. The base end portion 32a is fixed in such a way that it covers the end of the first inner extension portion 31d of the piston plate 31 from the inner side surface 111 side of the receiving portion 11. When the piston component 3 is inserted into the piston mounting portion M1, the top end portion 32b slides freely in contact with the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11 (piston mounting portion M1). The inner lip 32 is formed into a tapered cylindrical shape that expands in diameter from the base end portion 32a to the top end portion 32b while extending towards the bottom surface 113 side of the receiving portion 11.

[0046] The tip portion 32b of the inner lip 32 has an annular inner retaining portion 32c capable of retaining fluid throughout the circumference of the recess. The inner surface of the inner retaining portion 32c is composed of a straight portion SL1 extending linearly from the bottom of the recess toward the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11, and a smoothly curved portion CL1 extending smoothly from the bottom of the recess toward the inner side surface 111 of the receiving portion 11. The straight portion SL1 is parallel to the first inner side surface 111a (axis X) of the receiving portion 11 (it only needs to be approximately parallel, not strictly parallel). The curved portion CL1 is connected to one end of the straight portion SL1 opposite to the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 (the bottom of the aforementioned recess of the inner retaining portion 32c).

[0047] The inner retaining portion 32c of the inner lip 32 is located at the other end P1 on the bottom surface 113 side of the receiving portion 11 in the straight portion SL1, and the tangent line extending from the other end P1 to the curved portion CL1 ( Figure 2 Between the tangent point P2 of the dashed line, the inner side 111 of the receiving portion 11 opens. Therefore, the inner retaining portion 32c can retain fluids such as assembly oil flowing in from its own opening portion inside the annular recess having an inner surface composed of a straight portion SL1 and a curved portion CL1.

[0048] The opening portion of the inner retaining part 32c in the inner lip 32 is in the insertion direction from the piston component 3 to the piston mounting part M1. Figure 2 The top view observed in the direction of arrow B ( Figure 3 In the inner lip 32, the inner retraction portion SL1 is located within the range of the inner retraction portion 111c formed on the inner side surface 111 of the receiving portion 11 (piston mounting portion M1). In other words, in the inner retaining portion 32c of the inner lip 32, the straight portion SL1 is located further inward (towards the axis X) than the first inner side surface 111a of the receiving portion 11, and the tangent point P2 on the curved portion CL1 is located further outward (away from the axis X) than the end of the inner retraction portion 111c on the side opposite to the first inner side surface 111a (the second inner side surface 111b of the receiving portion 11).

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, the first outer lip 33 of the piston component 3 has a base end portion 33a and a top end portion 33b. The base end portion 33a is fixed in such a way that it covers the outer peripheral end portion of the first annular plate portion 31a of the piston plate 31 and the outer surface of the first outer cylindrical portion 31c from the outer side surface 112 side of the receiving portion 11. When the piston component 3 is inserted into the piston mounting portion M1, the top end portion 33b slides freely into contact with the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving portion 11 (piston mounting portion M1). The first outer lip 33 is formed into a tapered cylindrical shape that expands in diameter from the base end portion 33a to the top end portion 33b while extending towards the bottom surface 113 side of the receiving portion 11.

[0050] Like the inner lip 32, the top portion 33b of the first outer lip 33 has an annular outer retaining portion 33c capable of retaining fluid throughout the circumference of the recess. The inner surface of this outer retaining portion 33c is composed of a straight portion SL2 extending linearly from the bottom of the recess toward the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11, and a smoothly curved portion CL2 extending smoothly from the bottom of the recess toward the outer side surface 112 of the receiving portion 11. The straight portion SL2 is parallel to the first outer side surface 112a (axis X) of the receiving portion 11 (only approximately parallel is required, strict parallelism is not necessary). The curved portion CL2 is connected to one end of the straight portion SL2 opposite to the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 (the aforementioned bottom of the recess in the outer retaining portion 33c).

[0051] The other end P3 of the outer retaining portion 33c of the first outer lip 33 on the bottom surface 113 side of the receiving portion 11 in the straight portion SL2 and the tangent line leading from the other end P3 to the curved portion CL2 ( Figure 3 Between the tangent point P4 of the dashed line, the outer side 112 of the receiving portion 11 opens. Therefore, the outer retaining portion 33c can retain fluids such as assembly oil flowing in from its own opening portion inside the annular recess having an inner surface composed of a straight portion SL2 and a curved portion CL2.

[0052] In a top view (not shown) taken from the piston member 3 toward the piston mounting part M1 in the insertion direction, the opening of the outer retaining portion 33c in the first outer outer lip 33 is located within the range of the outer retraction portion 112c formed on the outer side surface 112 of the receiving part 11 (piston mounting part M1). In other words, in the outer retaining portion 33c of the first outer outer lip 33, the straight portion SL2 is located further outward (away from the axis X) than the first outer side surface 112a of the receiving part 11, and the tangent point P4 on the curved portion CL2 is located further inward (closer to the axis X) than the end of the outer retraction portion 112c on the side opposite to the first outer side surface 112a (the end of the inner side of the stepped surface 112d).

[0053] [Piston assembly operation]

[0054] However, in conventional clutch piston mechanisms, in most cases, the inclination of the chamfered surface (in other words, the inclined surface or conical surface) in the retraction portion of the piston mounting part is approximately the same angle as the inclination of the tip portion (contact surface) of each lip of the piston component. In this case, the contact area between the retraction portion and the tip portion of the lip increases when the piston component is inserted. This contact surface is usually lubricated by supplying assembly oil, but when the contact area increases, the oil film is prone to breakage, making it difficult to maintain lubrication. Under these conditions, the resistance (load) experienced by the tip portion of each sealing lip from the retraction portion of the cylinder increases, which may cause the tip portion of the sealing lip to curl.

[0055] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the piston component 3 having an inner lip 32 and a first outer lip 33 is inserted into the piston mounting portion M1, the operator, for example, pre-applies assembly oil to the retraction portions 111c, 112c of the inner side surface 111 and the outer side surface 112 of the receiving portion 11, and the tip portions 32b, 33b of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33. As a result, the assembly oil flows into the interior of the retaining portions 32c, 33c of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33. Furthermore, when the operator moves the piston component 3 into the insertion port of the piston mounting portion M1, the tip portion 32b of the inner lip 32 of the piston component 3 abuts against the inner retraction portion 111c of the inner side surface 111 of the receiving portion 11, and the tip portion 33b of the first outer lip 33 of the piston component 3 abuts against the outer retraction portion 112c of the outer side surface 112 of the receiving portion 11. At this time, as described above, when the inclination of the chamfered surfaces of each retraction portion 111c, 112c is approximately the same angle as the inclination of the tip portions 32b, 33b of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33, each retraction portion 111c, 112c contacts the tip portions 32b, 33b with a large contact area. However, in this embodiment, gaps formed by the inner retaining portion 32c of the inner lip 32 and the outer retaining portion 33c of the first outer lip 33 are formed between their contact surfaces, and the pre-applied assembly oil is held in each gap. In this state, when the tip portions 32b, 33b of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 are pressed into the piston mounting portion M1 while contacting each retraction portion 111c, 112c, the assembly oil held by the retaining portions 32c, 33c of each tip portion 32b, 33b is supplied between their contact surfaces. Therefore, even with a large contact area, the oil film is difficult to break, and the contact surface can be kept in a lubricated state. Thus, the increase in resistance (load) received by the tip portions 32b and 33b of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 from the retraction portions 111c and 112c can be suppressed, and the curling of the tip portions 32b and 33b can be reliably avoided.

[0056] The effect of the retaining portions 32c and 33c of the aforementioned top portions 32b and 33b is not limited to the case where the inclination of the chamfered surfaces of the retractable portions 111c and 112c is approximately the same angle as the inclination of the top portions 32b and 33b. For example, the same effect can be obtained even when the inclination of the top portions 32b and 33b (the angle between the axis X and the contact surface) is greater than the inclination of the retractable portions 111c and 112c (the angle between the axis X and the chamfered surface). In this case, the opening end of the top portions 32b and 33b of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 with respect to the opening of each retaining portion 32c and 33c, on the side away from the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 (corresponding to the aforementioned tangent points P2 and P4), first abuts against each retractable portion 111c and 112c. Furthermore, as each tip portion 32b and 33b is pressed into the piston mounting portion M1 while contacting each retraction portion 111c and 112c, each tip portion 32b and 33b elastically deforms, thereby causing the open end near the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 11 (corresponding to the other ends P1 and P3 mentioned above) to abut against each retraction portion 111c and 112c. In this way, even when the open ends of each holding portion 32c and 33c are in contact with each retraction portion 111c and 112c, the assembly oil held by each holding portion 32c and 33c is supplied between the contact surfaces, thus reliably preventing the tip portions 32b and 33b from curling.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a top view viewed from the insertion direction of the piston component 3, the openings of each retaining portion 32c, 33c are located within the range of each retraction portion 111c, 112c. Therefore, the assembly oil held inside each retaining portion 32c, 33c is reliably supplied to the contact surfaces between each retraction portion 111c, 112c and each tip portion 32b, 33b. Thus, curling of the tip portions 32b, 33b of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 can be more reliably prevented.

[0058] [Detailed structure of the component to be eliminated]

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 5 The detailed structure of the elimination component 5 in this embodiment will be described with the second outer lip 52 as the center. Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the area near the second outer lip 52 of the elimination component 5 before it is inserted into the elimination mounting part M2.

[0060] like Figure 5As shown, the second outer lip 52 of the elimination member 5 has a base end portion 52a and a top end portion 52b. The base end portion 52a is fixed in such a way that it covers the end of the second outer extension portion 51c of the elimination plate 51 from the side of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. The top end portion 52b, when the elimination member 5 is inserted into the elimination mounting portion M2, slides freely in contact with the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. The second outer lip 52 is formed into a tapered cylindrical shape that expands in diameter from the base end portion 52a to the top end portion 52b while extending towards the side of the first annular plate portion 31a of the piston plate 31.

[0061] The top end 52b of the second outer lip 52, like the first outer lip 33 of the piston component 3, has an annular outer retaining portion 52c capable of retaining fluid throughout the circumference of the recess. The inner surface of this outer retaining portion 52c is composed of a straight portion SL3 extending linearly from the bottom of the recess toward the side of the first annular plate portion 31a of the piston plate 31, and a smoothly curved portion CL3 extending smoothly from the bottom of the recess toward the side of the outer cylindrical portion 31c (outer side surface 112 of the receiving portion 11) of the piston plate 31. The straight portion SL3 is parallel to the inner surface (axis X) of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31 (approximately parallel is sufficient; strict parallelism is not required). The curved portion CL3 is connected to one end of the straight portion SL3 opposite to the side of the first annular plate portion 31a of the piston plate 31 (the aforementioned bottom of the recess in the outer retaining portion 52c).

[0062] The outer retaining portion 52c of the second outer lip 52 is located at the other end P5 of the piston plate 31 on the side of the first annular plate portion 31a in the straight portion SL3, and the tangent line leading from the other end P5 to the curved portion CL3. Figure 5 Between the tangent point P6 of the dashed line, the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31 opens towards the outer side. Therefore, the outer retaining portion 52c can retain fluids such as assembly oil flowing in from its own opening portion inside the annular recess having an inner surface composed of a straight portion SL3 and a curved portion CL3.

[0063] In a top view (not shown) of the outer retaining portion 52c of the second outer lip 52, viewed from the insertion direction of the eliminating member 5 toward the eliminating mounting portion M2, the opening portion of the outer retaining portion 52c is located within the range of the outer retraction portion 31f formed on the top end of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31. In other words, in the outer retaining portion 52c of the second outer lip 52, the straight portion SL3 is located further outward (away from the axis X) than the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 31c of the piston plate 31, and the tangent point P6 on the curved portion CL3 is located further inward (closer to the axis X) than the end of the outer retraction portion 31f on the side opposite to the outer cylindrical portion 31c (the end inside the first outer extension portion 31e).

[0064] [Eliminating component assembly work]

[0065] When inserting the elimination component 5 into the elimination mounting part M2, the operator pre-applies assembly oil to, for example, the outer retraction portion 31f of the piston plate 31 and the tip portion 52b of the second outer lip 52. This assembly oil flows into the interior of the outer retaining portion 52c of the second outer lip 52. Furthermore, when the operator moves the elimination component 5 to the insertion port of the elimination mounting part M2, the tip portion 52b of the second outer lip 52 of the elimination component 5 abuts against the outer retraction portion 31f (R-surface) of the piston plate 31. As the tip portion 52b is pressed into the elimination mounting part M2 while in contact with the outer retraction portion 31f, it elastically deforms, thereby causing each open end of the outer retaining portion 52c (corresponding to the other end P5 and the tangent point P6 mentioned above) to abut against the outer retraction portion 31f. Therefore, gaps formed by the outer retaining portion 52c are formed between the contact surfaces of the outer retraction portion 31f and the tip portion 52b, respectively, so that the pre-applied assembly oil is held in these gaps. When the elimination member 5 is further pressed in this state, the assembly oil held in the outer retaining portion 52c of the second outer lip 52 is supplied between the contact surfaces. Therefore, even if the contact surface area is large, the oil film is difficult to break, and the contact surface can be kept in a lubricated state. Therefore, the increase of resistance (load) received by the tip portion 52b of the second outer lip 52 from the outer retraction portion 31f can be suppressed, and the curling of the tip portion 52b can be reliably prevented. In addition, in the top view viewed from the insertion direction of the elimination member 5, the opening portion of the outer retaining portion 52c is located within the range of the outer retraction portion 31f, so the assembly oil in the outer retaining portion 52c can be reliably supplied between the contact surfaces.

[0066] [Variation Example]

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the straight portions SL1 to SL3, which constitute a part of the inner surface of each retaining portion 32c, 33c, and 52c, are described as being parallel to the axis X. However, the straight portions may also be inclined relative to the axis X. For example, if the straight portions are inclined away from the opening portion along with the recessed bottom of each retaining portion 32c, 33c, and 52c, the amount of fluid that can be retained can be increased. Alternatively, the straight portions may be set as curves.

[0068] Furthermore, in the clutch piston mechanism 1 of this embodiment, the case where retaining portions 32c, 33c, and 52c are formed on all of the inner lip 32 and the first outer lip 33 of the piston member 3, and the second outer lip 52 of the elimination member 5, has been described. However, retaining portions may also be formed on at least one of the three lips. In this case, it also has the effect of reducing the portion where lip curling may occur. To give an example, for the piston member 3, the inner periphery of the piston plate 31 can be sealed by the inner lip 32 with the retaining portion 32c, and the outer periphery of the piston plate 31 can be sealed by the lip without the retaining portion or a known O-ring, or vice versa. In addition, even when both the inner and outer peripheries of the piston plate 31 are sealed by the lip without the retaining portion or a known O-ring, the portion where lip curling may occur can be reduced by using the second outer lip 52 with the retaining portion 52c for the elimination member 5.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an application example of the lip plate component of the present invention, the piston component 3 and the elimination component 5 of the clutch piston mechanism 1 used in an automatic transmission for a vehicle are described, but the lip plate component can also be applied to various machines other than the clutch piston mechanism.

[0070] The preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications and alterations can be made based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0071] Symbol Explanation

[0072] 1…clutch piston mechanism, 3…piston assembly, 5…eliminating assembly, 7…reset spring, 11…receiving portion, 12, 13…retraction portion, 31…piston plate, 31f…outer retraction portion, 32…inner lip, 32a, 33a, 52a…base end, 32b, 33b, 52b…top end, 32c…inner holding portion, 33c, 52c…outer holding portion, 33…first outer lip, 51…eliminating plate, 52…second outer lip, 111…inner side of the receiving portion, 111c…inner retraction portion, 112…outer side of the receiving portion, 112c…outer retraction portion, 113…bottom surface of the receiving portion, A…first direction, C…multi-plate clutch, CL1~CL3…curved portion, M1…piston mounting portion, M2…eliminating mounting portion, SL1~SL3…straight portion, X…axis.

Claims

1. A lip-equipped plate member to be inserted into a ring-groove-shaped mounting portion via an insertion port having a retreat portion in the mounting portion, the lip-equipped plate member comprising: a ring-shaped plate; and a lip provided to at least one of an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion of the plate, having a base end portion fixed to the plate and a top end portion slidingly in contact with a side surface of the mounting portion, the lip being a tapered cylindrical shape, expanding in diameter from the base end portion toward the top end portion and extending toward a bottom surface side of the mounting portion, the top end portion of the lip having a holding portion capable of holding a fluid inside on an entire circumference, an inner surface of the holding portion being composed of a straight line portion extending linearly from a bottom of the recess toward the bottom surface side of the mounting portion, the straight line portion being parallel to the side surface of the mounting portion, and a curved line portion extending from the bottom of the recess toward the side surface side of the mounting portion and smoothly curved, the curved line portion being connected to one end of the straight line portion on a side opposite to the bottom surface of the mounting portion.

2. The lip-equipped plate member according to claim 1, wherein the lip is an inner side lip provided to the inner peripheral portion of the plate, the base end portion is fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the plate, and the top end portion slidingly in contact with an inner side surface of the mounting portion, an opening portion of the holding portion in the inner side lip is located within a range of an inner side retreat portion in a top view observed from an insertion direction of the plate member in a state before insertion, the inner side retreat portion being a portion on a radially inner side among the retreat portion.

3. The lip-equipped plate member according to claim 1, wherein the lip is an outer side lip provided to the outer peripheral portion of the plate, the base end portion is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the plate, and the top end portion slidingly in contact with an outer side surface of the mounting portion, an opening portion of the holding portion in the outer side lip is located within a range of an outer side retreat portion in a top view observed from an insertion direction of the plate member in a state before insertion, the outer side retreat portion being a portion on a radially outer side among the retreat portion.

4. The lip-equipped plate member according to claim 1, wherein the lip is provided to the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion of the plate, respectively, the lip provided to the inner peripheral portion is an inner side lip having the base end portion fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the plate and the top end portion slidingly in contact with an inner side surface of the mounting portion, an opening portion of the holding portion in the inner side lip is located within a range of an inner side retreat portion in a top view observed from an insertion direction of the plate member in a state before insertion, the inner side retreat portion being a portion on a radially inner side among the retreat portion, the lip provided to the outer peripheral portion is an outer side lip having the base end portion fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the plate and the top end portion slidingly in contact with an outer side surface of the mounting portion, an opening portion of the holding portion in the outer side lip is located within a range of an outer side retreat portion in a top view observed from an insertion direction of the plate member in a state before insertion, the outer side retreat portion being a portion on a radially outer side among the retreat portion.

5. The lip-equipped plate member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The plate is a piston plate of a piston member in a clutch piston mechanism including: a ring-shaped piston member that moves in a first direction by oil pressure of an oil pressure chamber and presses a clutch plate; a ring-shaped cancel member that is disposed on the first direction side of the piston member and restricts movement of the piston member in the first direction; and a force applying member that is provided between the piston member and the cancel member and applies a force to the piston member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

6. The lip-equipped plate member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The plate is a cancel plate of a cancel member in a clutch piston mechanism including: a ring-shaped piston member that moves in a first direction by oil pressure of an oil pressure chamber and presses a clutch plate; a ring-shaped cancel member that is disposed on the first direction side of the piston member and restricts movement of the piston member in the first direction; and a force applying member that is provided between the piston member and the cancel member and applies a force to the piston member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

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