Locking type hydraulic torque converter and mining vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a locking type hydraulic torque converter and mining vehicle, the locking type hydraulic torque converter comprises a torque conversion mechanism and a locking mechanism, the torque conversion mechanism comprises a shell, a pump wheel and a turbine, the pump wheel and the turbine are arranged in the shell, the pump wheel is fixedly connected with the shell, the turbine and the pump wheel are arranged at an interval and are connected to a gearbox, and the locking mechanism is arranged on the shell. The pump wheel can drive the turbine to rotate through liquid in the rotating process. The locking mechanism is arranged on the side, close to the turbine, of the torque changing mechanism, the two ends of the locking mechanism are connected with the engine and the shell correspondingly, and the locking mechanism is provided with a first state in which the locking mechanism is opened to enable the turbine and the pump wheel to be disengaged and a second state in which the locking mechanism is closed to enable the turbine and the pump wheel to be combined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mining vehicle technology, specifically to a lock-up hydraulic torque converter and a mining vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most mining vehicles, such as underground rubber-tired vehicles, use conventional basic hydraulic torque converters. These torque converters have a simple structure and lack a locking mechanism, causing them to operate in a torque-changing state continuously during vehicle operation. Consequently, the energy transfer efficiency is low at medium to high speeds (approximately 70%-85%), resulting in a low overall energy transfer efficiency (only 30%-85%). Furthermore, when the vehicle speed reaches a certain value, the torque converter remains in a torque-changing state, leading to significant fuel energy loss. This excess fuel consumption also inevitably increases engine exhaust emissions, worsening the working environment in mine tunnels and increasing the incidence of occupational diseases among miners, thus endangering their health. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a lock-up hydraulic torque converter and a mining vehicle, which can improve the energy transfer efficiency under high vehicle speed conditions, thereby solving the technical problems of low overall energy transfer efficiency, large engine exhaust emissions leading to deterioration of the working environment, and thus endangering the health of miners in existing hydraulic torque converters for mining vehicles.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a lock-up hydraulic torque converter, comprising:

[0006] A torque converter includes a housing, a pump wheel, and a turbine. The pump wheel and the turbine are disposed inside the housing. The pump wheel is fixedly connected to the housing. The turbine is spaced apart from the pump wheel and connected to the gearbox. During rotation, the pump wheel can drive the turbine to rotate through a liquid.

[0007] A locking mechanism is disposed on the side of the torque converter near the turbine and its two ends are respectively connected to the engine and the housing. The locking mechanism is configured to have a first state of being open to disengage the turbine from the pump wheel and a second state of being closed to engage the turbine with the pump wheel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a cover wheel, a transition sleeve, and a clutch assembly. The cover wheel is connected to the engine and one end is connected to the housing. The transition sleeve is fixed to the end of the cover wheel near the turbine. The clutch assembly is disposed inside the cover wheel. The clutch assembly causes the transition sleeve to disengage from the turbine to form the first state, and the clutch assembly causes the transition sleeve to engage with the turbine to form the second state.

[0009] In some embodiments, the clutch assembly includes a piston, a friction plate, and a steel plate. The cover wheel has a piston cavity, the piston is slidably disposed in the piston cavity, the friction plate is disposed on the piston, and the steel plate is fixedly connected to the transition sleeve. The piston moves in the piston cavity to press or release the friction plate and the steel plate, thereby connecting or disconnecting the transition sleeve from the turbine.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cover wheel is detachably connected to the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a torsional damper, one end of which is fixed to the turbine and the other end of which is connected to the friction plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the torque converter further includes a guide wheel assembly disposed between the pump wheel and the turbine and fixedly connected to the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the guide wheel assembly includes a guide wheel and a one-way clutch, the one-way clutch being fixed to the housing, one end of the guide wheel facing the center of the housing, and the other end of the guide wheel being connected to the one-way clutch.

[0014] In some embodiments, the engine includes a flywheel disk, and the locking mechanism is detachably connected to the flywheel disk.

[0015] In some embodiments, a control component is further included, the control component including a speed sensor and a controller, the speed sensor being disposed on the gearbox and the speed sensor being signal-connected to the controller.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model also provides a mining vehicle, which includes the lock-up hydraulic torque converter provided in the first aspect of this utility model.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model mainly include:

[0018] The lock-up hydraulic torque converter provided by this utility model can lock up the torque converter in a timely manner when the operating conditions are met (stable driving at medium and high speeds). That is, by activating the locking mechanism, the turbine can be disengaged from the pump wheel. At this time, the turbine is directly driven by the engine, and its speed is almost the same as that of the pump wheel. The torque converter changes from hydraulic transmission to mechanical transmission. The circulation flow of the liquid in the torque converter mechanism approaches zero, and the energy conversion and transfer also approach zero. Therefore, the energy loss caused by the torque converter being in a constant torque conversion state is eliminated. The energy transfer efficiency under medium and high vehicle speed conditions can be increased to over 90-95%, which improves the overall energy transfer efficiency of the vehicle, reduces energy loss, and also reduces the emission of engine exhaust gas from fuel consumption, which is beneficial to protecting the health of miners working in mine tunnels. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lock-up hydraulic torque converter described in this utility model.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0021] 100. Torque converter; 110. Housing; 120. Pump impeller; 130. Turbine; 140. Guide wheel assembly; 141. Guide wheel; 142. One-way clutch;

[0022] 200. Locking mechanism; 210. Cover wheel; 220. Transition sleeve; 230. Clutch assembly; 231. Piston; 232. Friction plate; 233. Steel plate; 240. Torsional damper. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a lock-up hydraulic torque converter, including a torque converter mechanism 100 and a lock-up mechanism 200. The torque converter mechanism 100 includes a housing 110, a pump impeller 120, and a turbine 130. The pump impeller 120 and the turbine 130 are disposed inside the housing 110. The pump impeller 120 is fixedly connected to the housing 110. The turbine 130 is spaced apart from the pump impeller 120 and is connected to a gearbox. During rotation, the pump impeller 120 can drive the turbine 130 to rotate via liquid. The lock-up mechanism 200 is disposed on the side of the torque converter mechanism 100 near the turbine 130 and its two ends are respectively connected to the engine and the housing 110. The lock-up mechanism 200 is configured with a first state of opening, which disengages the turbine 130 from the pump impeller 120, and a second state of closing, which engages the turbine with the pump impeller.

[0025] In use, the lock-up hydraulic torque converter provided by this utility model connects the pump impeller 120 to the engine end via the housing 110, and the turbine 130 to the transmission end. When the vehicle is starting, climbing hills, or traveling at low speeds on difficult terrain, the speed difference between the pump impeller 120 and the turbine 130 is significant, and the torque converter operates under hydraulic transmission with a large output torque. When the speed of the turbine 130 approaches that of the pump impeller 120 (under medium to high speed conditions), the lock-up mechanism 200 is activated. The lock-up mechanism 200 then disengages the turbine 130 from the pump impeller 120, at which point the turbine 130 is directly driven by the engine. With a rotational speed almost identical to that of the pump wheel 120, the torque converter changes from hydraulic to mechanical transmission. The fluid circulation within the torque converter mechanism approaches zero, thus energy conversion and transfer also approach zero. Therefore, this invention eliminates energy loss caused by the torque converter constantly being in a torque-changing state, increasing energy transfer efficiency to over 90-95% under medium-to-high speed conditions. This improves the vehicle's overall energy transfer efficiency, reduces energy loss, and also reduces engine exhaust emissions from fuel consumption, which is beneficial for protecting the health of miners working in mine tunnels. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 200 is activated, power transmission is more direct, and acceleration response is faster.

[0026] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 200 includes a cover wheel 210, a transition sleeve 220, and a clutch assembly 230. The cover wheel 210 is connected to the engine and one end is connected to the housing 110. The transition sleeve 220 is fixed to the end of the cover wheel 210 near the turbine 130. The clutch assembly 230 is disposed inside the cover wheel 210. The clutch assembly 230 can disengage the transition sleeve 220 from the turbine 130 to form the first state, and the clutch assembly 230 can engage the transition sleeve 220 with the turbine 130 to form the second state.

[0027] In one embodiment, the clutch assembly 230 includes a piston 231, a friction plate 232, and a steel plate 233. The cover wheel 210 forms a piston cavity, the piston 231 is slidably disposed in the piston cavity, the friction plate 232 is disposed on the piston 231, and the steel plate 233 is fixedly connected to the transition sleeve 220. The movement of the piston 231 in the piston cavity can cause the friction plate 232 and the steel plate 233 to press together or loosen, so that the transition sleeve 220 can be connected to or disconnected from the turbine 130.

[0028] In one embodiment, the friction pad 232 is made of paper-based material and has a special groove pattern on its surface, which can improve lubrication and heat dissipation.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cover wheel 210 is detachably connected to the housing 110 via a spline.

[0030] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 200 further includes a torsional damper 240, one end of which is fixed to the turbine 130 and the other end of which is connected to the friction plate 232.

[0031] In one embodiment, the torque converter 100 further includes a guide wheel assembly 140, which is disposed between the pump wheel 120 and the turbine 130 and is fixedly connected to the housing 110.

[0032] In one embodiment, the guide wheel assembly 140 includes a guide wheel 141 and a one-way clutch 142, the one-way clutch 142 being fixed to the housing 110, one end of the guide wheel 141 facing the center of the housing 110, and the other end of the guide wheel 141 being connected to the one-way clutch 142.

[0033] In one embodiment, the engine includes a flywheel disk, and the cover wheel 210 is detachably connected to the flywheel disk.

[0034] In one embodiment, the lock-up hydraulic torque converter provided by this utility model further includes a control component, which includes a speed sensor and a controller. The speed sensor is disposed in the gearbox and is signal-connected to the controller.

[0035] The working principle of the lock-up hydraulic torque converter provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0036] The controller controls the opening and closing of the locking mechanism by acquiring and analyzing signals such as the speed at the transmission end or the speed difference with the engine end monitored by sensors. When the locking conditions are met (during stable driving at medium and high speeds), the controller controls the solenoid valve to open, and hydraulic oil enters the piston chamber of the cover wheel 210 through the solenoid valve, pushing the piston 231 to move and press the friction plate 232 and the steel plate 233. Then the transition sleeve 220 contacts the turbine 130. At this time, the turbine 130 is directly driven by the engine and no longer relies on the pump wheel 120 to rotate. The torque converter changes from the original hydraulic transmission to mechanical transmission. When the locking conditions are not met, the controller controls the solenoid valve to close, the hydraulic oil pressure disappears, the friction plate 232 is released, the transition sleeve 220 does not contact the turbine 130, and the turbine 130 is driven by the liquid kinetic energy thrown out by the pump wheel 120. The torque converter changes from mechanical transmission to hydraulic transmission.

[0037] In addition, this utility model also provides a mining vehicle, which includes the lock-up hydraulic torque converter provided by this utility model above.

[0038] In summary, the lock-up hydraulic torque converter and mining vehicle provided by this utility model, under good road conditions, can increase the energy transmission efficiency of the vehicle from 70-85% in torque converter operation to 90-95% when the lock-up mechanism 200 is opened. Moreover, the improvement in energy transmission efficiency will lead to improved fuel economy of the vehicle engine, reduced exhaust emissions, improved working environment, and have a positive effect on reducing the content of harmful gases and the incidence of occupational diseases in the closed environment of mines.

[0039] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lock-up hydraulic torque converter, characterized in that, include: A torque converter includes a housing, a pump wheel, and a turbine. The pump wheel and the turbine are disposed inside the housing. The pump wheel is fixedly connected to the housing. The turbine is spaced apart from the pump wheel and connected to the gearbox. During rotation, the pump wheel can drive the turbine to rotate through a liquid. A locking mechanism is disposed on the side of the torque converter near the turbine and its two ends are respectively connected to the engine and the housing. The locking mechanism is configured to have a first state of being open to disengage the turbine from the pump wheel and a second state of being closed to engage the turbine with the pump wheel.

2. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a cover wheel, a transition sleeve, and a clutch assembly. The cover wheel is connected to the engine and one end is connected to the housing. The transition sleeve is fixed to the end of the cover wheel near the turbine. The clutch assembly is disposed inside the cover wheel. The clutch assembly causes the transition sleeve to disengage from the turbine to form the first state, and causes the transition sleeve to engage with the turbine to form the second state.

3. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clutch assembly includes a piston, a friction plate, and a steel plate. The cover wheel forms a piston cavity, and the piston is slidably disposed in the piston cavity. The friction plate is disposed on the piston, and the steel plate is fixedly connected to the transition sleeve. The piston moves in the piston cavity, which can cause the friction plate and the steel plate to press together or loosen, so that the transition sleeve can be connected to or disconnected from the turbine.

4. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover wheel is detachably connected to the housing.

5. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism also includes a torsional damper, one end of which is fixed to the turbine, and the other end of which is connected to the friction plate.

6. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The torque converter also includes a guide wheel assembly, which is disposed between the pump wheel and the turbine and is fixedly connected to the housing.

7. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide wheel assembly includes a guide wheel and a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch is fixed to the housing. One end of the guide wheel faces the center of the housing, and the other end of the guide wheel is connected to the one-way clutch.

8. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine includes a flywheel, and the locking mechanism is detachably connected to the flywheel.

9. The lock-up hydraulic torque converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, which includes a speed sensor and a controller. The speed sensor is disposed in the gearbox and is signal-connected to the controller.

10. A mining vehicle, characterized in that, The mining vehicle includes a lock-up hydraulic torque converter as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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