A torque converter with a non-frictional lockup structure and a lockup synchronization method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of closed structure and its closed synchronous method, to solve the synchronous operation of the transmission mode of friction of the existing variable torque device locking device, it is prone to long synchronization time, speed discontinuity and the problem of the decline of combination efficiency, and provide a kind of variable torque device with non-friction locking structure and its closed synchronous method.The present application includes locking piston, deflection guide ring, turbine synchronizer, deflection coil spring assembly, piston return spring;Locking piston includes the first circular ring, second circular ring and third circular ring that are sequentially sleeved from inside to outside;Deflection guide ring includes the second circular ring plate and third circular ring plate that are arranged in parallel, and the second circular ring plate and third circular ring plate are connected by connecting piece;Turbine synchronizer includes the fourth circular ring, fifth circular ring and sixth circular ring that are sequentially sleeved from inside to outside.The present application can reduce the speed discontinuity, impact stronger and transmission unstable phenomenon when realizing locking of turbine and cover wheel, to improve the transmission efficiency of variable torque device locking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking structure and a locking synchronization method thereof, specifically to a torque converter with a frictionless locking structure and a locking synchronization method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Existing torque converter lock-up devices rely on friction to synchronize the turbine and pump wheel speeds. This synchronization depends on the friction surfaces of the lock-up device and the grinding disc connecting to the shroud wheel, achieving sufficient friction to achieve synchronized operation. However, using friction-based transmission during lock-up can easily lead to transmission instability. Furthermore, the long synchronization time achieved between the turbine and shroud wheel through friction can cause brief speed discontinuities during engagement. In addition, the energy generated by friction is converted into heat and dissipated during engagement, reducing the efficiency of the torque converter engagement process. Moreover, the frictional engagement capability decreases with operating time, resulting in a decline in engagement transmission capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of existing torque converter lock-up devices that use friction transmission to achieve synchronous operation, which easily leads to long synchronization time, discontinuous speed and reduced engagement efficiency. The invention provides a torque converter with a non-friction lock-up structure and its lock-up synchronization method.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this invention is:

[0005] A torque converter with a non-frictional locking structure includes a torque converter housing, and a turbine, a turbine output shaft, and a cover wheel disposed within the torque converter housing. The turbine is splined onto the turbine output shaft, and the cover wheel includes a cover wheel hub and a cover wheel housing. Its special feature is that it also includes a locking structure.

[0006] The locking structure includes a locking piston, a deflection guide ring, a turbine synchronizer, a deflection helical spring assembly, and a piston return spring;

[0007] The locking piston includes a first ring, a second ring, and a third ring arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the first ring and the second ring form a first annular chamber; the outer side wall of the second ring and the inner side wall of the third ring are connected by multiple circumferentially distributed connecting rods; one end of the third ring, the second ring, and the first ring is connected by a first ring plate; the outer side of the third ring has multiple external splines that mesh with the cover wheel housing; the other end of the third ring has a teeth with the end of a first isosceles triangle, where a is a positive integer; the first ring plate is located at the outlet of the oil passage (9);

[0008] The deflection guide ring includes a second ring plate and a third ring plate arranged in parallel, which are connected by a connector; the distance between the second ring plate and the third ring plate is defined as d1; a second isosceles triangular guide slopes that cooperate with the first isosceles triangle are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the second ring plate, and the apex of the second isosceles triangle faces the locking piston.

[0009] The turbine synchronizer includes a fourth ring, a fifth ring, and a sixth ring nested sequentially from the inside out. The sixth and fifth rings form a second annular chamber for mounting the deflection guide ring, and the fifth and fourth rings form a third annular chamber. One end of the sixth, fifth, and fourth rings is connected by a fourth ring plate. The other end of the sixth ring has *a* synchronizer slots evenly distributed around its circumference, which mate with the insert teeth. Adjacent synchronizer slots are provided with third isosceles triangular teeth that mate with the first isosceles triangle. The inner wall of the fourth ring has an internal spline that mates with the turbine output shaft. The distance between the tip of the third isosceles triangular tooth and the fourth ring plate is defined as d2, then d1 ≥ d2.

[0010] The deflection helical spring assembly is disposed between the second and third annular plates and connected to the connector, the fifth annular plate, and the sixth annular plate; one end of the piston return spring is disposed in the first annular cavity, and the other end is disposed in the third annular cavity, with its middle portion passing through the inner circles of the second and third annular plates.

[0011] Furthermore, the deflection guide ring connector includes X connecting plates arranged radially along the second annular plate, where X ≥ 4 and X is an integer; the deflection helical spring assembly includes X deflection helical springs, each deflection helical spring including a fixed thin block and arc-shaped springs respectively arranged on both sides of the fixed thin block, and the end of each arc-shaped spring away from the fixed thin block is in contact with one side of the connecting plate, and all the arc-shaped springs form a circle;

[0012] The inner wall of the sixth ring is evenly distributed with X fixing block slots. The outer wall of the fifth ring is provided with X fixing block slots at positions corresponding to the X fixing block slots of the sixth ring. The two ends of the fixing thin block are respectively set in a pair of fixing block slots corresponding to the inner wall of the sixth ring and the outer wall of the fifth ring.

[0013] Furthermore, a sealing ring for preventing hydraulic oil leakage is installed between the locking piston and the cover wheel.

[0014] Furthermore, X = 4.

[0015] Furthermore, the number of connecting rods is four.

[0016] Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a locking synchronization method for the torque converter with the above-mentioned frictionless locking structure, which is characterized by including the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: When the preset speed of the cover wheel is reached, the oil passage control valve controls the oil passage to open. The hydraulic oil in the oil passage pushes the locking piston to move in the direction of the deflection guide ring. At the same time, the piston return spring is continuously compressed until the locking piston's insert tooth contacts the guide slope of the corresponding deflection guide ring.

[0018] Step 2: Under the thrust of the hydraulic oil, the tooth continues to slide along the guide slope. The deflection guide ring continuously transmits torque to the turbine synchronizer through the deflection helical spring assembly until the tooth disengages from the corresponding guide slope. The tooth then begins to contact the outer edge of the second ring plate of the deflection guide ring, and the piston return spring is further compressed.

[0019] Step 3: The tooth is moved to the position where it contacts the inclined surface of the third isosceles triangular tooth of the corresponding turbine synchronizer. Then, the end of each tooth enters the bottom end of the corresponding synchronizer slot and engages. At the same time, the piston return spring is fully compressed, and the locking piston and the turbine synchronizer begin to rotate at the same angular velocity, completing the locking synchronization of the turbine and the shroud.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] 1. The present invention provides a torque converter with a non-frictional locking structure, which realizes the non-frictional locking structure through a deflection helical spring assembly. When the turbine and the cover wheel lock, the speed discontinuity, strong impact and transmission instability caused by locking are reduced, thereby improving the locking transmission efficiency of the torque converter.

[0022] 2. The torque converter with a non-frictional locking structure provided by the present invention can reduce the problem of decreased engagement transmission capability of the torque converter due to increased working time, thereby improving the service life of the locking torque converter and reducing costs.

[0023] 3. The present invention provides a locking synchronization method for a torque converter with a frictionless locking structure, which can achieve frictionless synchronization over a large speed difference range and is highly efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the locking structure in an embodiment of a torque converter with a frictionless locking structure according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locking piston in an embodiment of a torque converter with a non-friction locking structure according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the turbine synchronizer in an embodiment of a torque converter with a non-frictional locking structure according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the deflection helical spring in an embodiment of a torque converter with a non-friction locking structure according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking structure of a torque converter with a non-friction locking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking synchronization process in an embodiment of the locking synchronization method for a torque converter with a non-friction locking structure according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a torque converter with a frictionless locking structure according to the present invention;

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1-Locking piston, 101-Gear, 102-First annular chamber, 103-Connecting rod, 104-External spline; 2-Turbine synchronizer, 201-Synchronizer slot, 202-Fixing block slot, 203-Second annular chamber, 204-Third annular chamber, 205-Internal spline; 3-Deflection guide ring, 301-Guide ramp; 4-Deflection helical spring assembly; 5-Piston return spring; 6-Fixing block, 7-Cover wheel, 8-Turbine, 9-Oil passage, 10-Turbine output shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] In a car engine, the torque converter includes a torque converter housing, and a turbine 8, a turbine output shaft 10, and a cover wheel 7 disposed within the torque converter housing. The turbine 8 is splined onto the turbine output shaft 10. Hydraulic oil is used to control the axial reciprocating motion of the cover wheel 7. The cover wheel 7 includes a cover wheel hub and a cover wheel housing.

[0035] This embodiment provides a torque converter with a frictionless locking structure, which further includes the locking structure. See also Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The locking structure includes a locking piston 1, a deflection guide ring 3, a turbine synchronizer 2, a deflection helical spring assembly 4, and a piston return spring 5.

[0036] See Figure 2The locking piston 1 includes a first ring, a second ring, and a third ring arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The first ring and the second ring form a first annular chamber 102. The outer side wall of the second ring and the inner side wall of the third ring are connected by multiple circumferentially distributed connecting rods 103. One end of the third ring, the second ring, and the first ring is connected by a first annular plate. The outer side of the third ring has multiple external splines 104 that mesh with the cover wheel housing. The other end of the third ring has a number of teeth 101 with the end of a first isosceles triangle, where a is a positive integer. The first annular plate is located at the outlet of the oil passage 9. A sealing ring for preventing hydraulic oil leakage is installed between the locking piston 1 and the cover wheel 7.

[0037] The deflection guide ring 3 includes a second annular plate and a third annular plate arranged in parallel, which are connected by a connector. The distance between the second annular plate and the third annular plate is defined as d1. The outer circumference of the second annular plate is evenly distributed with a second isosceles triangular guide slopes 301 that cooperate with the first isosceles triangle. The apex of the second isosceles triangle faces the locking piston 1. The deflection guide ring 3 is used to lock the locking piston 1 and the deflection guide ring 3 after the locking piston 1's insert 101 successfully engages with the guide slope 301 of the deflection guide ring 3, thereby causing the deflection guide ring 3 and the locking piston 1 to rotate together at the same angular velocity.

[0038] See Figure 3 The turbine synchronizer 2 includes a fourth ring, a fifth ring, and a sixth ring arranged sequentially from the inside out. The sixth ring and the fifth ring form a second annular chamber 203 for mounting a deflection guide ring 3. The fifth ring and the fourth ring form a third annular chamber 204. One end of the sixth ring, the fifth ring, and the fourth ring is connected by a fourth ring plate. The other end of the sixth ring has a synchronizer slots 201 evenly distributed around its circumference to mate with the insert teeth 101. Two adjacent synchronizer slots 201 are provided with third isosceles triangular teeth that mate with the first isosceles triangle. The inner wall of the fourth ring has an internal spline 205 that mates with the turbine output shaft 10. The distance between the tooth tip of the third isosceles triangular tooth and the fourth ring plate is defined as d2, then d1≥d2.

[0039] One end of the piston return spring 5 is disposed in the first annular chamber 102, and the other end is disposed in the third annular chamber 204, with its middle portion passing through the inner circles of the second and third annular plates. The connecting component of the deflection guide ring 3 includes four connecting plates arranged radially along the second annular plate; the deflection helical spring assembly 4 includes four deflection helical springs, each including a fixing thin block 6 and arc-shaped springs respectively disposed on both sides of the fixing thin block 6. See [reference needed]. Figure 4Each arc-shaped spring has one end away from the fixed thin block 6 in contact with one side of the connecting plate, and all the arc-shaped springs form a circle; four fixed block slots 202 are evenly distributed on the inner circumference of the sixth ring, and four fixed block slots 202 are provided on the outer wall of the fifth ring at positions corresponding to the four fixed block slots 202 of the sixth ring. The two ends of the fixed thin block 6 are respectively set in a pair of fixed block slots 202 corresponding to the inner wall of the sixth ring and the outer wall of the fifth ring.

[0040] During the torque converter's lock-up synchronization operation, the deflection guide ring 3 compresses or stretches each deflection coil spring, causing elastic deformation. This deformation converts the kinetic energy generated by the angular velocity difference between the turbine synchronizer 2 and the lock-up piston 1 into elastic potential energy and stores it. This not only reduces the impact force caused by the angular velocity difference between the two, but also applies a gentle pre-acceleration torque to both ends of the deflection coil springs, making the change in angular velocity more consistent, and thus gradually bringing the angular velocity difference closer to zero. In this way, the impact force generated when the lock-up piston 1 engages with the deflection guide ring 3 can be minimized.

[0041] This embodiment also provides a locking synchronization method for the torque converter with the aforementioned frictionless locking structure, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 This includes the following steps:

[0042] Step 1: Initial stage of the locking process

[0043] The locking piston 1's teeth 101 and synchronizer slot 201 are not engaged. When a preset speed is reached (e.g., when the vehicle enters a high-speed driving phase), the control valve controls the hydraulic oil passage 9 to supply hydraulic oil, which pushes the locking piston 1 towards the deflection guide ring 3. During this period, the teeth 101 have not yet contacted the deflection guide ring 3, so the deflection guide ring 3 will maintain the same angular velocity as the turbine synchronizer 2. Because the angular velocities of the teeth 101, the deflection guide ring 3, and the turbine synchronizer 2 are inconsistent, the engagement parts of the teeth 101, the deflection guide ring 3, and the turbine synchronizer 2 will rotate relative to each other. Before the inclined surface of the teeth 101 contacts the guide inclined surface 301 of the deflection guide ring 3, this stage belongs to the idle stroke stage of the locking piston 1, until the teeth 101 of the locking piston 1 contact the guide inclined surface 301 of the deflection guide ring 3. This stage is the no-load movement stage of the locking piston 1, in which the piston return spring 5 begins to be compressed.

[0044] Step 2, in the middle stage of the locking process

[0045] The inclined surface of the gear 101 contacts the guide inclined surface 301 of the deflection guide ring 3. Under the thrust of the hydraulic oil, the gear 101 continues to slide along the guide inclined surface 301. Due to the speed difference between the locking piston 1 and the deflection guide ring 3, the gear 101 applies a deflection force to the deflection guide ring 3, causing the deflection guide ring 3 to rotate relative to the synchronizer slot 201. This process causes the deflection helical spring assembly 4 between the turbine synchronizer 2 and the deflection guide ring 3 to be dynamically compressed or stretched, thereby applying a smooth speed regulating torque to the turbine synchronizer 2. This helps to adjust the speed difference between the locking piston 1 and the turbine synchronizer 2 and reduce the impact force during locking. When this stage ends, the gear 101 disengages from the guide inclined surface 301 of the deflection guide ring 3 and contacts the outer edge of the second annular plate in the deflection guide ring 3. At this time, the gear 101 is exactly in front of the synchronizer slot 201 of the turbine synchronizer 2. At the same time, the piston return spring 5 is further compressed.

[0046] Step 3, the final stage of the locking process

[0047] The gear 101 is already in contact with the outer edge of the second annular plate in the deflection guide ring 3. Driven by hydraulic oil, the gear 101 continues to slide towards the turbine synchronizer 2 until its inclined surface contacts the inclined surface of the third isosceles triangular tooth of the synchronizer slot 201. This contact causes the locking piston 1 to begin rotating at the same angular velocity as the deflection guide ring 3 and the turbine synchronizer 2. The gear 101 continues to slide along the inclined surface of the third isosceles triangular tooth, pushing the deflection guide ring 3 to continue rotating relative to the synchronizer slot 201. This action further compresses or stretches the deflection helical spring assembly 4, applying a larger speed-regulating torque, achieving a smooth change in angular velocity, thereby effectively regulating speed and reducing the impact during engagement. Finally, the gear 101 is rapidly pushed to the bottom end of the synchronizer slot 201 and engages, the piston return spring 5 reaches a fully compressed state, and the locking synchronization process is completed.

[0048] After locking is completed, the tooth 101 is fully engaged at the bottom end of the synchronizer slot 201. At this moment, the locking piston 1 and the turbine synchronizer 2 rotate synchronously, and their teeth mesh together to form a tight engagement and locking state. It is worth noting that in the locked state, both the deflection helical spring assembly 4 and the piston return spring 5 remain compressed. If it is necessary to release the lock, the hydraulic oil supply to the oil passage 9 must be cut off by the control valve, so that the locking piston 1 is no longer subjected to thrust. Then, under the action of the piston return spring 5, the locking piston 1 retracts to the initial free stroke position. At the same time, the deflection guide ring 3 will also rotate back to the initial state under the force of the deflection helical spring assembly 4.

[0049] The core difference between the frictionless locking structure of this embodiment and the traditional torque converter locking structure lies in the change of the synchronization mechanism. In the hydraulic torque converter using the frictionless locking structure, the locking synchronization process between the shroud and the turbine no longer relies on traditional friction to regulate speed. Instead, it utilizes the deflection helical spring assembly 4 located between the locking piston 1 and the turbine synchronizer 2 to achieve speed matching, thereby achieving synchronization in a frictionless state.

Claims

1. A torque converter with a non-friction locking structure, comprising a torque converter housing, and a turbine (8), a turbine output shaft (10), and a cover wheel (7) disposed within the torque converter housing, wherein the turbine (8) is splined onto the turbine output shaft (10), and the cover wheel (7) comprises a cover wheel hub and a cover wheel housing, and the cover wheel housing has an oil passage (9); characterized in that: It also includes locking structures; The locking structure includes a locking piston (1), a deflection guide ring (3), a turbine synchronizer (2), a deflection helical spring assembly (4), and a piston return spring (5); The locking piston (1) includes a first ring, a second ring, and a third ring arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the first ring and the second ring form a first annular chamber (102); the outer side wall of the second ring and the inner side wall of the third ring are connected by a plurality of circumferentially distributed connecting rods (103); one end of the third ring, the second ring, and the first ring is connected by a first annular plate; the outer side of the third ring is evenly distributed with a plurality of external splines (104) that mesh with the cover wheel housing; the other end of the third ring is evenly distributed with a teeth (101) with the end of a first isosceles triangle, where a is a positive integer; the first annular plate is located at the outlet of the oil passage (9); The deflection guide ring (3) includes a second ring plate and a third ring plate arranged in parallel. The second ring plate and the third ring plate are connected by a connector. The distance between the second ring plate and the third ring plate is defined as d1. The outer circumference of the second ring plate is evenly distributed with a second isosceles triangle guide slopes (301) that cooperate with the first isosceles triangle. The apex of the second isosceles triangle faces the locking piston (1). The turbine synchronizer (2) includes a fourth ring, a fifth ring, and a sixth ring arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the sixth ring and the fifth ring form a second annular chamber (203) for installing the deflection guide ring (3), and the fifth ring and the fourth ring form a third annular chamber (204). One end of the sixth ring, the fifth ring, and the fourth ring are connected by a fourth ring plate. The other end of the sixth ring has a synchronizer slots (201) that mate with the insert teeth (101) evenly distributed around its circumference. Two adjacent synchronizer slots (201) are provided with third isosceles triangular teeth that mate with the first isosceles triangle. The inner wall of the fourth ring has an internal spline (205) that mates with the turbine output shaft (10). The distance between the tooth tip of the third isosceles triangular tooth and the fourth ring plate is defined as d2, then d1≥d2. The deflection helical spring assembly (4) is disposed between the second and third annular plates and connected to the connector, the fifth annular plate and the sixth annular plate; one end of the piston return spring (5) is disposed in the first annular chamber (102) and the other end is disposed in the third annular chamber (204), with its middle part passing through the inner circles of the second and third annular plates.

2. The torque converter with a frictionless locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deflection guide ring (3) includes X connecting plates arranged radially along the second ring plate, where X ≥ 4 and X is an integer; the deflection helical spring assembly (4) includes X deflection helical springs, each of which includes a fixed thin block (6) and arc-shaped springs respectively arranged on both sides of the fixed thin block (6). The end of each arc-shaped spring away from the fixed thin block (6) is in contact with one side of the connecting plate, and all the arc-shaped springs form a circle. The inner wall of the sixth ring is evenly distributed with X fixing block slots (202). The outer wall of the fifth ring is provided with X fixing block slots (202) at positions corresponding to the X fixing block slots (202) of the sixth ring. The two ends of the fixing thin block (6) are respectively located in a pair of fixing block slots (202) corresponding to the inner wall of the sixth ring and the outer wall of the fifth ring.

3. The torque converter with a frictionless locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing ring for preventing hydraulic oil leakage is installed between the locking piston (1) and the cover wheel (7).

4. The torque converter with a frictionless locking structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The value of X is 4.

5. The torque converter with a frictionless locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of connecting rods (103) is four.

6. A locking synchronization method for a torque converter with a frictionless locking structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: When the cover wheel (7) reaches the preset speed, the oil passage control valve controls the oil passage to open. The hydraulic oil in the oil passage pushes the locking piston (1) to move toward the deflection guide ring (3). At the same time, the piston return spring (5) is continuously compressed until the locking piston (1) tooth (101) contacts the guide slope (301) of the corresponding deflection guide ring (3). Step 2: Under the thrust of the hydraulic oil, the tooth (101) continues to slide along the guide slope (301), and the deflection guide ring (3) continuously transmits torque to the turbine synchronizer (2) through the deflection helical spring assembly (4) until the tooth (101) disengages from the corresponding guide slope (301), and the tooth (101) begins to contact the outer edge of the second ring plate of the deflection guide ring (3), while the piston return spring (5) is further compressed. Step 3: The tooth (101) moves to the position of contacting the third isosceles triangular tooth slope of the corresponding turbine synchronizer (2). Then, the end of each tooth (101) enters the bottom end of the corresponding synchronizer slot (201) and engages. At the same time, the piston return spring (5) is fully compressed, and the locking piston (1) and the turbine synchronizer (2) begin to rotate at the same angular velocity, completing the locking synchronization of the turbine (8) and the cover wheel (7).

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