drive device

Abstract

A drive device improves the regeneration efficiency of a rotary electric machine. The drive device (100) includes a fluid coupling (2), a transmission shaft (4), and a rotary electric machine (3). The fluid coupling (2) includes a cover (21), a turbine (22), and an impeller (23). The turbine (22) is fixed to the cover (21). The impeller (23) is disposed in an outer shell formed by the cover (21) and the turbine (22). The impeller (23) is disposed opposite the turbine (22). The transmission shaft (4) extends through the outer shell of the fluid coupling (2). The transmission shaft (4) is connected to the impeller (23). The rotary electric machine (3) includes a first stator (31) and a rotor (32). The first stator (31) is disposed so as not to rotate. The rotor (32) is mounted to the outer shell of the fluid coupling (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drive device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a drive device configured between an engine and a transmission. The drive device includes a rotary motor and a torque converter.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-201402

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned drive system, the engine is directly connected to the rotary motor. Therefore, during the regeneration of the rotary motor, the engine cannot be isolated from the rotary motor. Consequently, due to frictional losses in the engine, the regeneration efficiency of the rotary motor is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to improve the regeneration efficiency of a rotating electric motor.

[0009] A drive device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a hydraulic coupling, a drive shaft, and a rotary electric motor. The hydraulic coupling has a housing, a turbine, and an impeller. The turbine is fixed to the housing. The impeller is disposed within a housing formed by the housing and the turbine. The impeller and turbine are arranged opposite each other. The drive shaft extends through the housing of the hydraulic coupling. The drive shaft is connected to the impeller. The rotary electric motor has a first stator and a rotor. The first stator is configured to be non-rotatable. The rotor is mounted on the housing of the hydraulic coupling.

[0010] According to this structure, the rotor of the rotating electric motor is mounted on a housing consisting of a shroud and a turbine. Furthermore, torque from the engine is transmitted to the impeller via a drive shaft that penetrates the housing. That is, a hydraulic coupling is sandwiched between the rotor of the rotating electric motor and the engine, allowing the rotor and engine to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, frictional losses from the engine during rotating electric motor regeneration can be reduced, improving regeneration efficiency. Alternatively, the rotor can be directly mounted on the housing of the hydraulic coupling, or indirectly mounted on the housing of the hydraulic coupling via other components.

[0011] Preferably, the drive unit also includes a vibration damping device. The vibration damping device is arranged axially adjacent to the hydraulic coupling. The vibration damping device is connected to the impeller via a drive shaft.

[0012] Preferably, it further comprises a first bearing component. The first bearing component is fixed to the crankshaft of the engine. The first bearing component supports the drive shaft so that it can rotate.

[0013] Preferably, the housing of the hydraulic coupling has an inner cylindrical portion. The inner cylindrical portion extends axially at its inner circumferential end. The drive shaft extends axially within the inner cylindrical portion. The drive unit also includes a sealing member and a second bearing member. The sealing member is disposed between the inner cylindrical portion and the drive shaft. The second bearing member is fixed to the crankshaft of the engine or to a member mounted on the crankshaft. The second bearing member radially outwardly supports the housing of the hydraulic coupling, enabling it to rotate.

[0014] Preferably, the second bearing member supports the inner cylindrical portion so that it can rotate.

[0015] Preferably, the hydraulic coupling also includes a lock-up clutch device. The lock-up clutch device is configured to transmit and cut off torque between the impeller and the turbine.

[0016] Preferably, the impeller has an impeller housing, impeller blades, an impeller hub, and a first one-way clutch. The impeller blades are mounted on the impeller housing. The impeller hub is supplied with torque. The first one-way clutch is disposed between the impeller housing and the impeller hub. The lock-up clutch device is configured to rotate integrally with the impeller hub.

[0017] Preferably, the impeller has an impeller housing, impeller blades, an impeller hub, and a first one-way clutch. The impeller blades are mounted on the impeller housing. The impeller hub is supplied with torque. The first one-way clutch is disposed between the impeller housing and the impeller hub.

[0018] Preferably, the vibration damping device has an input plate, an output member, and an elastic member. The input plate is mounted on the crankshaft of the engine. The output member outputs torque to the drive shaft. The elastic member elastically connects the output member to the input plate.

[0019] Preferably, the elastic member is a helical spring. When viewed axially, the center of the elastic member does not overlap with the rotor of the rotating electric motor.

[0020] Preferably, the drive unit also includes a gear ring for a starter. The gear ring is configured to transmit power to the crankshaft of the engine. The gear ring is positioned radially outward relative to the coil end of the rotary motor, and overlaps with the coil end when viewed radially.

[0021] Preferably, the drive unit also includes an angle sensor. The angle sensor is disposed radially inward relative to the center of the toroidal surface of the hydraulic coupler. The angle sensor is configured to overlap with the toroidal surface when viewed radially.

[0022] According to the present invention, the regeneration efficiency of a rotating electric motor can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit.

[0024] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the drive device involved in the modified example.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 2: Torque converter; 21: Cover; 21c: Protrusion; 22: Turbine; 23: Impeller; 23a: Impeller housing; 23b: Impeller blade; 23c: Impeller hub; 23e: First one-way clutch; 25: Lock-up clutch device; 3: Rotary motor; 31: First stator; 32: Rotor; 4: Drive shaft; 5: Vibration damping device; 51: Input plate; 52: Output component; 54: Elastic component; 6a: First bearing component; 6b: Second bearing component; 7: Sealing component; 8: Angle sensor; 9: Gear ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The drive device according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the axial direction refers to the direction in which the rotation axis of the drive device extends. The first side of the axial direction is... Figure 1 The left side, the second side along the axis is Figure 1 The engine is located on the first axial side of the drive unit, and the transmission is located on the second axial side. Furthermore, the circumferential direction is the circumference of a circle centered on the rotation axis, and the radial direction is the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis.

[0028] [Drive device]

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 100 includes a torque converter 2 (an example of a hydraulic coupler), a rotary motor 3, and a drive shaft 4. Additionally, the drive unit 100 includes a vibration damping device 5, a first bearing member 6a, a second bearing member 6b, a sealing member 7, and an angle sensor 8. The drive unit 100 is positioned along the torque transmission path from the engine (not shown) to the transmission.

[0030] [Torque Converter]

[0031] The torque converter 2 is configured to receive torque from a first axial side and output torque to a second axial side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the torque converter 2 is configured to receive torque from the engine and output torque to the transmission.

[0032] The torque converter 2 includes a housing 21, a turbine 22, an impeller 23, a second stator 24, and a lock-up clutch device 25. The torque converter 2 rotates around a rotating shaft O. The torque converter 2 is configured to transmit torque from the engine to the transmission via fluid.

[0033] [cover]

[0034] The cover 21 forms part of the housing of the torque converter 2. The cover 21 has a cover body portion 21a, an outer cylindrical portion 21b, and a protrusion 21c (an example of the inner cylindrical portion). The cover body portion 21a is a circular plate-shaped member with an opening in the center. The outer cylindrical portion 21b extends axially to a second side from the outer peripheral end of the cover body portion 21a.

[0035] The protrusion 21c extends axially from the inner peripheral end of the cover body 21a. Specifically, the protrusion 21c extends axially to a first side from the inner peripheral end of the cover body 21a. Alternatively, the protrusion 21c may extend axially to a second side from the inner peripheral end of the cover body 21a. The protrusion 21c is cylindrical. The front end of the protrusion 21c is bent radially inward.

[0036] [turbine]

[0037] The turbine 22 is fixed to the cover 21. The turbine 22 rotates integrally with the cover 21. The turbine 22 and the cover 21 together form the housing of the torque converter 2. The turbine 22 has a turbine housing 22a, multiple turbine blades 22b, a turbine hub 22c, and a turbine core 22d.

[0038] The turbine housing 22a forms part of the outer casing of the torque converter 2. Furthermore, the turbine housing 22a, together with the turbine hub 22c and the shroud 21, constitutes the outer casing of the torque converter 2. The turbine blades 22b are fixed to the inner side of the turbine housing 22a.

[0039] The turbine hub 22c is fixed to the inner circumferential end of the turbine housing 22a. The turbine hub 22c extends axially to a second side from the inner circumferential end of the turbine housing 22a. The turbine hub 22c is cylindrical. Splines are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the turbine hub 22c. The input shaft 101 of the transmission is mounted on the turbine hub 22c. Specifically, the input shaft 101 of the transmission is splined into the turbine hub 22c. The turbine hub 22c outputs torque to the input shaft 101. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the turbine hub 22c is constructed from a component different from that of the turbine housing 22a, but it can also be constructed from a component integral with the turbine housing 22a.

[0040] [impeller]

[0041] Impeller 23 is disposed within a housing consisting of shroud 21 and turbine 22. Impeller 23 is axially opposed to turbine 22. Impeller 23 has impeller housing 23a, multiple impeller blades 23b, impeller hub 23c, impeller core 23d, and first one-way clutch 23e.

[0042] The impeller housing 23a is mounted on the impeller hub 23c via a first one-way clutch 23e. The impeller blades 23b are fixed to the inner surface of the impeller housing 23a.

[0043] The impeller hub 23c receives torque from the engine via the drive shaft 4. The impeller hub 23c is mounted on the inner circumferential end of the impeller housing 23a via a first one-way clutch 23e. Splines are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the impeller hub 23c.

[0044] A first one-way clutch 23e is disposed between the impeller housing 23a and the impeller hub 23c. The first one-way clutch 23e is configured to transmit torque from the drive shaft 4 to the impeller housing 23a, but not to transmit torque from the impeller housing 23a to the drive shaft 4. More specifically, the first one-way clutch 23e is configured to transmit torque from the impeller hub 23c to the impeller housing 23a, but not to transmit torque from the impeller housing 23a to the impeller hub 23c.

[0045] [Second stator]

[0046] The second stator 24 is a mechanism for rectifying the flow of working oil returning from the turbine 22 to the impeller 23. The second stator 24 is disposed between the turbine 22 and the impeller 23. The second stator 24 has a stator housing 24a, a plurality of stator blades 24b disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the stator housing 24a, a second stator core 24c, and a second one-way clutch 24d.

[0047] A first thrust bearing 27a is disposed between the second stator 24 and the turbine 22, and a second thrust bearing 27b is disposed between the second stator 24 and the impeller 23.

[0048] The second one-way clutch 24d is mounted on the inner peripheral end of the stator housing 24a. Furthermore, the second one-way clutch 24d is supported by a cylindrical fixed shaft 102. The fixed shaft 102 extends between the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the turbine hub 22c. The fixed shaft 102 is configured to be non-rotatable.

[0049] [Lock-up clutch device]

[0050] The lock-up clutch device 25 is configured to transmit and cut off torque between the turbine 22 and the impeller 23. In this embodiment, the lock-up clutch device 25 transmits and cuts off torque between the turbine 22 and the impeller 23 via a cover 21.

[0051] A lock-up clutch device 25 is disposed between the cover 21 and the impeller 23, and is configured to mechanically connect or disconnect the two. The lock-up clutch device 25 has a piston plate 25a and a friction element 25b.

[0052] The piston plate 25a is supported so that it can move axially relative to the impeller hub 23c. Furthermore, the piston plate 25a is configured to rotate integrally with the impeller hub 23c. The piston plate 25a rotates integrally with the cover 21 by moving towards the cover 21 and frictionally engaging with it.

[0053] The piston plate 25a is circular and has an opening in the center. A friction element 25b is fixed to the outer peripheral end of the piston plate 25a on the side facing the cover 21. The friction element 25b is annular. By pressing the friction element 25b against the cover 21, torque is transmitted from the piston plate 25a to the cover 21. That is, the friction element 25b attached to the piston plate 25a constitutes a clutch portion.

[0054] [Rotary motor]

[0055] The rotary electric motor 3 functions as a motor for rotating and driving the drive wheel. Additionally, the rotary electric motor 3 also functions as a generator. For example, the rotary electric motor 3 functions as a generator during deceleration.

[0056] The rotary motor 3 is positioned radially outside the torque converter 2. When viewed radially, the rotary motor 3 overlaps with the torque converter 2. The rotary motor 3 has a first stator 31 and a rotor 32. The rotary motor 3 is configured in a ring shape centered on the rotation axis O.

[0057] [First Stator]

[0058] The first stator 31 is configured to be non-rotatable. Specifically, the first stator 31 is mounted on the housing 103. The first stator 31 can also be mounted directly on the housing 103 or indirectly on the housing 103.

[0059] The first stator 31 is ring-shaped. The first stator 31 has a first stator core 31a, a first coil end 31b, and a second coil end 31c.

[0060] The first stator core 31a is cylindrical. The first stator core 31a is fixed to the housing 103 via the mounting member 31d. When viewed radially, the first stator core 31a overlaps with the torque converter 2.

[0061] The first stator core 31a is composed of multiple stacked magnetic steel plates. A stator coil is wound around the first stator core 31a. Specifically, the stator coil is inserted into the slots between multiple teeth of the first stator core 31a.

[0062] The first and second coil ends 31b and 31c are part of the stator coil. Specifically, the first and second coil ends 31b and 31c are the axially projecting portions of the stator coil from the first stator core 31a.

[0063] The first and second coil ends 31b and 31c protrude from the first stator core 31a in opposite directions. In this embodiment, the first coil end 31b protrudes from the first stator core 31a toward a first axial direction, and the second coil end 31c protrudes from the first stator core 31a toward a second axial direction. The first and second coil ends 31b and 31c are each integrally formed into a ring centered on the rotation axis O.

[0064] When viewed radially, the first coil end 31b does not overlap with the torque converter 2. When viewed radially, the first coil end 31b overlaps with the vibration damping device 5. On the other hand, when viewed radially, the first stator core 31a overlaps with the torque converter 2.

[0065] When viewed radially, the second coil end 31c overlaps with the torque converter 2. More specifically, the second coil end 31c overlaps with the toroidal surface of the torque converter 2. Furthermore, the toroidal surface of the torque converter 2 refers to the space enclosed by the turbine housing 22a and the impeller housing 23a.

[0066] [Rotor]

[0067] The rotor 32 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis O. The rotor 32 is mounted on the housing of the torque converter 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotor 32 is mounted on the outer cylindrical portion 21b of the cover 21. That is, the rotor 32 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cover 21.

[0068] The rotor 32 is cylindrical and is disposed radially inside the first stator 31. That is, the rotary motor 3 according to this embodiment is an inner rotor type. The outer peripheral surface of the rotor 32 is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the first stator 31 and faces it.

[0069] Vibration damping device

[0070] The vibration damping device 5 is configured to be axially adjacent to the torque converter 2. Specifically, the vibration damping device 5 is positioned between the engine and the torque converter 2. The vibration damping device 5 receives torque from the engine and outputs that torque to the torque converter 2.

[0071] The vibration damping device 5 is mounted on the crankshaft 104 of the engine. The vibration damping device 5 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis O. The vibration damping device 5 has an input plate 51, an output member 52, a liner 53, and a plurality of elastic members 54.

[0072] The input plate 51 is a circular plate with an opening in the center. The input plate 51 has a plurality of receiving portions 511. The receiving portions 511 extend in the circumferential direction. The receiving portions 511 are arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0073] The input plate 51 is mounted on the crankshaft 104. Specifically, the input plate 51 is mounted on the crankshaft 104 at its inner circumferential end. The outer circumferential end of the input plate 51 is bent axially. In this embodiment, the outer circumferential end of the input plate 51 is bent towards a second axial direction.

[0074] A starter gear ring 9 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the input plate 51. The gear ring 9 is configured to transmit torque to the crankshaft 104 via the input plate 51. The gear ring 9 is positioned radially outward relative to the first coil end 31b. When viewed radially, the gear ring 9 overlaps with the first coil end 31b.

[0075] The output member 52 outputs torque to the drive shaft 4. The output member 52 has an output plate 521 and an output hub 522. The output plate 521 is fixed to the output hub 522 by rivets (not shown) or the like. Alternatively, the output plate 521 may be constructed as a component integrated with the output hub 522.

[0076] The output board 521 is configured adjacent to the input board 51. Specifically, the output board 521 is configured on the second side of the axial direction relative to the input board 51.

[0077] The output board 521 has a plurality of windows 521a. Each window 521a extends in the circumferential direction. The windows 521a are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each window 521a is formed at a position corresponding to the receiving portion 511 of the input board 51.

[0078] The output hub 522 is configured to rotate integrally with the drive shaft 4. Specifically, the output hub 522 has splines formed on its inner circumferential surface. Furthermore, the drive shaft 4 is splinedly engaged with the output hub 522.

[0079] The output hub 522 has a protrusion 522a that projects axially to a second side. The protrusion 522a is cylindrical. The protrusion 522a is disposed radially outside the protrusion 21c of the cover 21. When viewed radially, the protrusion 522a overlaps with the protrusion 21c.

[0080] The liner 53 is configured to rotate integrally with the output member 52. For example, the liner 53 is mounted to the output plate 521 by means of rivets (not shown). An input plate 51 is disposed between the liner 53 and the output plate 521.

[0081] The liner 53 has a plurality of windows 531. Each window 531 extends in the circumferential direction. The windows 531 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each window 531 is formed at a position corresponding to each window 521a of the output plate 521.

[0082] The elastic member 54 is configured to elastically connect the input plate 51 and the output member 52. The elastic member 54 is, for example, a coil spring. The elastic member 54 is disposed within the space defined by the receiving portion 511 of the input plate 51, the window portion 521a of the output plate 521, and the window portion 531 of the liner 53. The elastic member 54 is configured such that its center C1 does not overlap with the rotor 32 when viewed axially.

[0083] [transmission shaft]

[0084] The drive shaft 4 extends along the rotation axis O. The drive shaft 4 is rotatable about the rotation axis O. The drive shaft 4 extends through the housing of the torque converter 2. Specifically, the drive shaft 4 extends axially within the protrusion 21c of the cover 21. The drive shaft 4 extends from the outside to the inside of the torque converter 2 via the protrusion 21c.

[0085] The drive shaft 4 is configured to transmit torque from the engine to the impeller 23. The drive shaft 4 is connected to the vibration damping device 5 outside the torque converter 2. Specifically, the drive shaft 4 is splined into the output member 52 of the vibration damping device 5.

[0086] The drive shaft 4 is connected to the impeller 23 inside the torque converter 2. Specifically, the drive shaft 4 is splined into the impeller hub 23c. Therefore, the torque output from the damping device 5 is transmitted to the impeller 23 via the drive shaft 4. That is, the damping device 5 is connected to the impeller 23 via the drive shaft 4.

[0087] [First bearing component]

[0088] The first bearing member 6a is fixed to the crankshaft 104 of the engine. Specifically, the first bearing member 6a is fitted into a recess in the crankshaft 104. The first bearing member 6a supports the drive shaft 4 so that it can rotate. Specifically, the axial first-side end of the drive shaft 4 is fitted into the first bearing member 6a. That is, the axial first-side end of the drive shaft 4 is supported by the first bearing member 6a so that it can rotate.

[0089] [Second bearing component]

[0090] The second bearing member 6b is fixed to the vibration damping device 5. Specifically, the second bearing member 6b is fitted within the protrusion 522a of the output hub 522 of the vibration damping device 5. This second bearing member 6b supports the cover 21 radially outward. Specifically, the protrusion 21c of the cover 21 is fitted within the second bearing member 6b. That is, the second bearing member 6b is positioned between the vibration damping device 5 and the cover 21. Therefore, the vibration damping device 5 and the cover 21 rotate relative to each other.

[0091] [Sealing components]

[0092] A sealing member 7 is disposed between the protrusion 21c and the drive shaft 4. The sealing member 7 is annular and seals the space between the protrusion 21c and the drive shaft 4. The sealing member 7 is configured to prevent the working oil circulating inside the torque converter 2 from leaking to the outside.

[0093] [Angle Sensor]

[0094] The angle sensor 8 is configured to detect the rotational speed of the rotor 32 of the rotary motor 3. More specifically, the angle sensor 8 is configured to detect the rotational speed of the housing of the torque converter 2, which rotates integrally with the rotor 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle sensor 8 is configured to detect the rotational speed of the turbine hub 22c. The angle sensor 8 is, for example, a resolver.

[0095] Angle sensor 8 is configured to overlap with the toroidal surface of torque converter 2 when viewed radially. Specifically, angle sensor 8 overlaps with turbine 22 when viewed radially.

[0096] The angle sensor 8 is disposed radially inside the center C2 of the toroidal surface of the torque converter 2. The angle sensor 8 is also disposed radially inside the turbine blade 22b. Furthermore, the center C2 of the toroidal surface is the center of the space enclosed by the turbine core 22d and the impeller core 23d. Additionally, in the case where the torque converter 2 is coreless, the center C2 of the toroidal surface is determined by the presence of both the impeller core and the turbine core in the torque converter 2.

[0097] [Variation Example]

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Various modifications can be made as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0099] Variation Example 1

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotary motor 3 can also be configured to overlap with the torque converter 2 when viewed axially. Specifically, the rotary motor 3 can also be configured to be adjacent to the torque converter 2 axially. Preferably, the rotary motor 3 is configured on a second side axially relative to the torque converter 2. That is, the torque converter 2, the rotary motor 3, and the gearbox (not shown) are arranged sequentially axially.

[0101] The rotor 32 of the rotary motor 3 is mounted on the turbine 22, for example. For example, the rotor 32 is mounted on the turbine housing 22a or the turbine hub 22c. The rotor 32 is mounted on the torque converter 2 radially outward or inward relative to the center C2 of the toroidal surface of the torque converter 2.

[0102] Variation Example 2

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, the first coil end 31b can also be bent radially outward. Specifically, the first coil end 31b is bent radially outward from its root. Furthermore, the root of the first coil end 31b is the end axially close to the first stator core 31a. Additionally, the front end of the first coil end 31b is the end axially away from the first stator core 31a.

[0104] When viewed radially, the first coil end 31b overlaps with the toroidal surface of the torque converter 2. More specifically, when viewed radially, the first coil end 31b overlaps with the turbine 22.

[0105] The first coil end 31b is configured such that both its outer and inner diameters increase from the root towards the front end. Furthermore, the diameter of the first coil end 31b refers to its distance from the rotation axis O. Therefore, the radial dimension of the first coil end 31b is substantially equal between the root and the front end.

[0106] Variation Example 3

[0107] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotary motor 3 may also have an excitation coil 33. That is, the rotary motor 3 has a first stator 31, a rotor 32 and an excitation coil 33.

[0108] In this modified example 3, the rotor 32 is configured as a so-called claw pole type. That is, the rotor 32 has a plurality of first claw poles 32a and a plurality of second claw poles 32b. The first claw poles 32a and the second claw poles 32b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The first claw poles 32a and the second claw poles 32b are formed of a magnetic material such as iron. The first claw poles 32a and the second claw poles 32b are insulated from each other. For example, a non-magnetic material such as aluminum is disposed between the first claw poles 32a and the second claw poles 32b.

[0109] The rotor 32 has a support member 32c. The support member 32c supports the first claw pole 32a and the second claw pole 32b. The support member 32c is mounted on the turbine 22. More specifically, the support member 32c is mounted on the turbine hub 22c.

[0110] The excitation coil 33 is disposed radially inside the rotor 32. The excitation coil 33 is cylindrical. The outer circumferential surface of the excitation coil 33 is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 32 and faces it. The excitation coil 33 is configured to not rotate. For example, the excitation coil 33 is mounted in a housing, etc.

[0111] The excitation coil 33 is configured to magnetize the rotor 32 by imparting a magnetizing force to it. By adjusting the current supplied to the excitation coil 33 by the current control unit (not shown), the magnetizing force of the rotor 32 can be adjusted, and thus the induced voltage generated in the first stator 31 can be adjusted.

[0112] The first claw pole 32a and the second claw pole 32b are energized by supplying current to the excitation coil 33. For example, the first claw pole 32a is energized as the N pole and the second claw pole 32b is energized as the S pole. In this way, the rotor 32 is arranged with alternating N and S poles in the circumferential direction. As the rotor 32 rotates, an induced electromotive force is generated in the first stator 31.

[0113] Variation Example 4

[0114] The drive unit 100 may also not have a vibration damping device 5. In this case, the drive shaft 4 may be directly connected to the crankshaft 104 or to other components mounted on the crankshaft 104.

[0115] Variation Example 5

[0116] In the above embodiment, the vibration damping device 5 is disposed outside the torque converter 2, but the configuration of the vibration damping device 5 is not limited thereto. For example, the vibration damping device 5 may also be disposed inside the torque converter 2. In this case, it is preferable that the vibration damping device 5 is incorporated as part of the lock-up clutch device 25.

[0117] Variation Example 6

[0118] In the above embodiment, the impeller 23 has a first one-way clutch 23e, but the structure of the impeller 23 is not limited to this. That is, the impeller 23 may also not have a first one-way clutch 23e. In this case, the impeller housing 23a may also be fixed to, for example, the impeller hub 23c by means of rivets or the like.

[0119] Variation Example 7

[0120] In the above embodiment, the rotary motor 3 is an inner rotor type, but the rotary motor 3 can also be an outer rotor type.

[0121] Variation Example 8

[0122] Alternatively, the second one-way clutch 24d can be disposed on the second side of the axial direction relative to the center C2 of the toroidal surface of the torque converter 2. That is, the second one-way clutch 24d can also be disposed on the second side of the axial direction relative to the stator blade 24b. In this case, when viewed radially, the second one-way clutch 24d does not overlap with the stator blade 24b.

[0123] Variation Example 9

[0124] In the above embodiment, the piston plate 25a is configured to rotate integrally with the impeller hub 23c, but the structure of the piston plate 25a is not limited to this. For example, the piston plate 25a may also be configured to rotate integrally with the impeller housing 23a.

[0125] Variation Example 10

[0126] In the above embodiment, the cover 21 is disposed on a first side of the axial direction relative to the turbine 22, but the structure of the torque converter 2 is not limited to this. For example, the cover 21 may also be disposed on a second side of the axial direction relative to the turbine 22. That is, the turbine 22 and the cover 21 are disposed sequentially from the engine side. In this case, the drive shaft 4 passes through the turbine hub 22c of the turbine 22. The turbine hub 22c corresponds to the inner cylindrical portion of the present invention.

Claims

1. A driving device comprising: A hydraulic coupling includes: a shroud; a turbine fixed to the shroud; and an impeller disposed opposite to the turbine within a housing formed by the shroud and the turbine. A drive shaft extends through the housing of the hydraulic coupler and is connected to the impeller; A rotary electric motor having a first stator configured to be non-rotatable and a rotor mounted in the housing of the hydraulic coupling; as well as An angle sensor is disposed radially inside the center of the toroidal surface of the hydraulic coupler and is configured to overlap with the toroidal surface when viewed radially.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit also includes a vibration damping device. The vibration damping device is configured to be adjacent to the hydraulic coupler in the axial direction and is connected to the impeller via the drive shaft.

3. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drive device also includes a first bearing component. The first bearing component is fixed to the crankshaft of the engine and supports the drive shaft so that it can rotate.

4. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing of the hydraulic coupler has an inner cylindrical portion extending axially at its inner circumferential end. The drive shaft extends axially within the inner cylindrical portion. The drive device also includes: A sealing member is disposed between the inner cylindrical portion and the drive shaft; and The second bearing component is fixed to the crankshaft of the engine or to a component mounted on the crankshaft, and supports the housing of the hydraulic coupling from the radially outer side so that it can rotate.

5. The driving device according to claim 4, wherein, The second bearing component supports the inner cylindrical portion so that it can rotate.

6. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The hydraulic coupling also has a lock-up clutch device. The lock-up clutch device is configured to transmit and cut off torque between the impeller and the turbine.

7. The driving device according to claim 6, wherein, The impeller has: Impeller casing; Impeller blades are mounted on the impeller housing; The impeller hub is input with torque; and A first one-way clutch is disposed between the impeller housing and the impeller hub. The locking clutch device is configured to rotate integrally with the impeller hub.

8. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The impeller has: Impeller casing; Impeller blades are mounted on the impeller housing; The impeller hub is where torque is input; as well as A first one-way clutch is disposed between the impeller housing and the impeller hub.

9. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The vibration damping device has the following features: Input plate, mounted on the engine crankshaft; The output component outputs torque to the drive shaft; and An elastic member elastically connects the output member to the input plate.

10. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic component is a helical spring. When viewed in the axial direction, the center of the elastic member does not overlap with the rotor of the rotary motor.

11. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit also includes a starter gear ring configured to transmit power to the crankshaft of the engine. The gear ring is positioned radially outward relative to the coil end of the rotary motor and overlaps with the coil end when viewed radially.

Images