Torque converter with a flywheel with fingers and tongues

Abstract

Torque converter (100), which includes: a rotational axis (AR); an impeller (104) for receiving a torque, wherein the impeller (104) comprises an impeller housing (108) and at least one impeller blade (110) attached to the impeller housing (108); a turbine (106) which contains: a turbine casing (112) comprising a slot (114) with an open end (116) arranged around the circumference between a first and a second outermost section (118, 120) of the turbine casing (112); and at least one attached to the turbine housing (112) Turbine blade (122); and a flywheel ring (102) attached to the turbine housing (112), which includes a tongue (124) with a segment (126) arranged in the slot (114), where: the turbine housing (112) contains an inner surface (128) and an outer surface (130); the at least one turbine blade (122) is attached to the inner surface (128) of the turbine casing (112); the turbine housing (112) contains an opening (146) that connects the inner surface (128) and the outer surface (130) of the turbine housing (112); and the swing ring (102) contains a finger (148) with a segment (126) which is arranged in the opening (146).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a torque converter with a flywheel, in particular a flywheel which is attached to the turbine housing by tongues in slots in a radially outer section of the turbine housing and by fingers in openings in the turbine housing radially inside the slots. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A flywheel ring on the turbine of a torque converter is desirable to improve performance parameters and certain NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) characteristics. A durable fastening method is essential, and brazing is currently the preferred method for mounting the turbine blades. During brazing, an inner surface of the turbine, the turbine blades, and a center ring are joined together so that the turbine blades are bonded to the inner surface and the center ring to the turbine blades. For a durable bond, it is important that the flywheel ring is securely held to an outer surface of the turbine housing (facing downwards), while the inner surface faces upwards.To securely hold the flywheel in its position, numerous clamping devices can be used on a conveyor belt of the brazing furnace; however, the use of numerous clamping devices is associated with many problems and considerable costs.

[0003] According to US Patent 4,844,216 A, a mass is connected not to a turbine, but to a damper. Thus, the mass does not provide a direct moment of inertia, but only a damper moment of inertia. According to US Patent 5,195,621, a flywheel is welded to a turbine casing. However, welding weakens the brazed joints of the turbine blades and reduces the durability of the turbine blades. Furthermore, the mass is relatively large, resulting in slower start-up. According to US Patent 6,648,112, a flywheel is welded to a turbine casing of a torque converter to increase the turbine's moment of inertia. However, welding weakens the brazed joints of the turbine blades and reduces the durability of the turbine blades. Furthermore, the mass is relatively large, resulting in slower start-up.According to US Patent 6,789,446 B2, a toothed ring is welded to a torque converter cover to increase the cover's moment of inertia. In this way, the moment of inertia has a different effect than a ring attached only to the turbine. According to US Patent 8,763,775, a mass is added to the intermediate mass in the damper, but not to the turbine (which would increase the mass of the transmission's drive shaft). Thus, the mass has a different effect on the NVH characteristics and performance. According to US Patent Application 2004 / 0226794, a (flywheel) mass is added to the intermediate mass in the damper, but not to the turbine (which would directly increase the mass of the transmission's drive shaft). Thus, the mass has a different effect on the NVH characteristics and performance.

[0004] Further torque converters are known from the publications US 2016 / 0 116 040 A1, DE 196 26 685 A1 and DE 10 2015 210 364 A1.

[0005] The purpose of the invention is to improve known torque converters with regard to efficiency and noise behavior. SUMMARY

[0006] According to the aspects illustrated herein, a torque converter is provided comprising: an impeller for receiving torque, the impeller comprising an impeller housing and at least one impeller blade attached to the impeller housing; a turbine comprising a turbine housing comprising a slot with an open end arranged circumferentially between a first and a second radially outermost section of the turbine housing, and at least one turbine blade attached to the turbine housing; and a flywheel attached to the turbine housing comprising a tongue with a segment arranged in the slot.

[0007] According to the aspects illustrated herein, a torque converter is provided, comprising: a cover for receiving torque; an impeller, which includes an impeller housing non-rotatably connected to the cover and at least one impeller blade attached to the impeller housing; a turbine, which includes a turbine housing and a flywheel. The turbine housing comprises: an outer surface; an inner surface; and at least one turbine blade attached to the inner surface of the turbine housing. The flywheel is attached to the outer surface of the turbine housing and includes a finger with a radially innermost surface of the flywheel and a segment arranged in the opening.

[0008] According to the aspects illustrated herein, a torque converter is provided, comprising: a cover for receiving torque; an impeller comprising an impeller housing non-rotatably connected to the cover and at least one impeller blade attached to the impeller housing; and a flywheel. The turbine comprises: a turbine housing with an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one turbine blade connected to the inner surface, a slot, and an opening connecting the inner and outer surfaces and arranged radially within the slot. The flywheel includes: a tongue with a segment arranged in the slot; and a finger with a radially innermost surface of the flywheel and with a segment arranged in the opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] With reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which certain reference numerals denote corresponding components, various embodiments are disclosed, wherein: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate system illustrating the spatial concepts used in the present application; Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a torque converter with a flywheel with hard-soldered fingers and tongues; Fig. 3 a detail of a section of Fig. 2 is where the impeller and the turbine of Fig. 2 are shown; Fig. 4 a partial top view of the flywheel and the turbine housing in Fig. 2 is; Fig. 5 a partial view of a detail of the flywheel ring and the turbine housing in Fig. 2 is; Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a torque converter with a flywheel with hard-soldered fingers and tongues; Fig. 7 a detail of a section of Fig. 6 is the impeller and the turbine of Fig. 6 shows; Fig. 8 a partial top view of the flywheel and the turbine housing in Fig. 6 is; and Fig. 9 a partial side view of a section of the flywheel ring and the turbine housing in Fig. 6 is. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] It should be obvious from the outset that identical or functionally similar structural elements of the disclosure are identified by the same drawing numbers in different drawing views. It should be clear that the claimed disclosure is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0011] Furthermore, it is clear that this disclosure is not limited to the individual processes, materials, and modifications described and may therefore naturally vary. It is also clear that the terms used herein serve only to describe individual aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of protection afforded by this disclosure.

[0012] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as they would be understood by a person skilled in the art to whom this disclosure is addressed. It should be clear that any methods, units, or materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used to implement or test the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate system 10 to illustrate the spatial concepts used in the present application. The present application is described, at least in part, in connection with a cylindrical coordinate system. The system 10 includes a longitudinal axis 11, which serves as a reference for the following spatial and directional concepts. An axial direction AD is parallel to the axis 11. A radial direction RD is perpendicular to the axis 11. A circumferential direction CD is defined by an endpoint of a radius R (perpendicular to the axis 11) that rotates about the axis.

[0014] Objects 12, 13, and 14 serve to illustrate spatial concepts. An axial surface, such as surface 15 of object 12, is formed by a plane coplanar with axis 11. Axis 11 passes through the plane surface 15; however, any surface coplanar with axis 11 is an axial surface. A radial surface, such as surface 16 of object 13, is formed by a plane perpendicular to axis 11 and coplanar with a radius, for example, radius 17. Radius 17 passes through the plane surface 16; however, any plane surface coplanar with radius 17 is a radial surface. Surface 18 of object 14 forms a cylindrical or circumferential surface. For example, the circumference 19 passes through the area 18. Another example states that axial movement occurs parallel to the axis 11, radial movement perpendicular to the axis 11, and circumferential movement parallel to the circumference 19. Rotational movement occurs with respect to the axis 11.The terms "axial", "radial" and "circumferential" refer to orientations parallel to the axis 11, the radius 17 and the circumference 19 respectively. For example, an axially oriented surface or edge extends in the direction AD, a radially oriented surface or edge extends in the direction R, and a circumferentially oriented surface or edge extends in the direction CD.

[0015] Fig. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a torque converter 100 with a flywheel 102 with hard-soldered fingers and tongues.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a detail of a section of Fig. 2, which power the impeller and the turbine of Fig. 2 shows.

[0017] Fig. Figure 4 is a partial top view of the flywheel ring 102 and the turbine housing in Fig. 2.

[0018] Fig. Figure 5 is a partial view of a detail of the flywheel ring 102 and the turbine housing in Fig. 2. The following description is in connection with the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows the torque converter 100 comprising a rotary axis AR, a flywheel 102, an impeller 104, and a turbine 106. The impeller 104 serves to receive torque and comprises an impeller housing 108 and at least one impeller blade 110 connected to the impeller housing 108, for example, by brazing. The turbine 106 comprises a turbine housing 112, which includes a slot 114 with an open end 116, arranged around the circumference between the radially outermost sections 118 and 120 of the turbine housing 112. The turbine 106 comprises at least one turbine blade 122 attached to the turbine housing 112 by brazing. The flywheel 102 is attached to the turbine housing 112 and comprises a tongue 124 with a segment 126 arranged in the slot 114.

[0019] The turbine housing 112 comprises an inner surface 128 and an outer surface 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, the turbine blade 122 is in contact with the inner surface 128, and the flywheel 102 is in contact with the outer surface 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, sections 118 and 120 comprise radially outermost edges 132 and 134 of the housing 112, respectively, and an open end 116 is arranged around the circumference between edges 132 and 134.

[0020] The flywheel ring 102 contains a body 136. According to an exemplary embodiment, the body 136 is L-shaped in a radial cross-section. For example, the body 136 is L-shaped in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 L-shaped. A tongue 124 extends from the body 136 in the direction AD and is then bent radially inwards along the direction AD. A line CL runs in the circumferential direction CD successively through section 118, segment 126 and section 120.

[0021] The torque converter 100 comprises: a cover 138 for receiving a torque, which is rotationally fixed to the impeller housing 108; and a cavity 140, which is partially formed by the cover 138, the housing 108 and the housing 112. The flywheel 102 is arranged in the cavity 140.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the tongue 124 includes a notch 142 that connects the body 136 to the segment 126 of the tongue 124. The notch 142 rests against the turbine housing 112. The segment 126 extends beyond the notch 142 to the impeller housing, for example in the AD direction, and radially inwards from the notch 142.

[0023] The torque converter 100 contains a cavity 144, which is partially enclosed by the impeller housing 108 of the turbine housing 112. The cavity 144 does not extend radially outwards beyond the turbine housing 112. The blades 110 and 122 are arranged in the cavity 144. The tongue 124, for example the segment 126, forms part of a boundary of the cavity 144. That is, the tongue 124 is in communication with the cavity 144.

[0024] The turbine housing 112 includes an opening 146 that connects the surfaces 128 and 130 of the turbine housing 112 and is completely surrounded by the material from which the housing 112 is formed. The flywheel 102 includes a finger 148 with a segment 150 arranged in the opening 146. The finger 148 extends radially inward from the body 136. The segment 150 includes a surface 152. According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface 152 is a radially innermost surface of the flywheel 102.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the torque converter 100 includes brazing material 154, which is in contact with the finger 148 and the housing 112 and with which the finger 148 (and the flywheel 102) are attached to the housing 112. According to an exemplary embodiment, the finger 148 forms part of the boundary of the cavity 144. That is, the finger 148, for example the segment 150, is in contact with the cavity 144. According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 the end 155 of segment 126 extends into the cavity 144.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, a cavity 156 is formed between the flywheel ring 102 and the turbine housing 112, for example between the body 136 and the surface 130.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, the torque converter 100 comprises a lock-up clutch 158, a torsional vibration damper 160, and a centrifugal pendulum vibration damper 162. The clutch 158 includes an axially displaceable piston 164. The damper 160 includes at least one spring 166 and at least one spring 168 arranged radially inside the spring 166. When the clutch 158 is engaged, in a lock-up mode of the torque converter 100, it transmits a torque from the cover 138 to the damper 160, specifically to the springs 166. The cover plate 170 transmits a torque from the spring 166 to the spring 168, and the spring 168 transmits the torque via a flange 174 to the output hub 172. The hub 172 is connected to a drive shaft (not shown) of a transmission (not shown). The turbine housing 112 is connected to the hub 172 in a rotationally fixed manner.The term "rotationally fixed components" means that all components rotate as soon as one component rotates, and that none of the components is rotatable relative to any of the other components. The vibration damper 162 includes a flange 176 that is rotationally fixed to the flange 174 and flywheels 178 connected to the flange 176.

[0028] The torque converter 100 contains a stator 180 with blades 182, which are arranged between the impeller 104 and the turbine 106.

[0029] According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 The turbine housing 112 contains a plurality of openings 146, and the flywheel 102 contains a plurality of fingers 148. The torque converter 100 is not limited to a specific number of openings 146 or fingers 148. According to an exemplary embodiment (not shown), the housing 112 contains multiple slots 114, and the flywheel 102 contains multiple tongues 124.

[0030] Fig. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the torque converter 100 with a flywheel 102 with hard-soldered fingers and tongues.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a detail of a section of Fig. 6, which the impeller and turbine of Fig. 6 shows.

[0032] Fig. Figure 8 is a partial top view of the flywheel ring 102 and the turbine housing in Fig. 6.

[0033] Fig. Figure 9 is a partial view of a detail of the flywheel ring 102 and the turbine housing in Fig. 6. The following description is in connection with the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 to be seen. The discussion and description of the torque converter 100 in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 also applies to the torque converter 100 in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7, unless otherwise specified in the following discussion and description. Segment 126 does not extend into cavity 144, and section 185 of the body 136 lies radially outside the turbine 106. According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9, the length 186 of finger 148 is greater than that in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5, so that finger 148 into the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 a greater moment of inertia than the finger 148 in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 generated.

[0034] The following discussion applies to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. To attach a flywheel ring to a turbine, a method for secure fastening is required, whereby brazing is preferred in conjunction with the currently common process for mounting the turbine blades. An advantage is that the design of the flywheel ring 102 and the housing 112 makes it possible to braze the flywheel ring 102 to the turbine housing 112 without using multiple clamping devices or other complex modifications to existing methods for brazing turbine blades to a turbine housing. For example, the tongue 124 is inserted into the slot 114 and the segment 126 is bent radially inwards. According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 The notch 142 rests against the edge 188 of the housing 112, and the tongue 124 partially covers the surfaces 130 and 190 of the housing 112. The finger 148 is inserted into the opening 146. According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 The surface 192 of the tongue 124 lies against the surface 190. The finger 148 is inserted into the opening 146.

[0035] As described above, the turbine 106 is then tilted so that the inner surface 128, the turbine blade 122, and the central ring 192 are exposed for the brazing process in order to attach the turbine blade 122 to the inner surface 128 and the central ring 192 to the turbine blade 122. In the tilted position, the tongue 124 securely holds the flywheel ring 102 against the outer surface 130 (which faces downwards), while the inner surface 128 faces upwards. According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 The transition area between the notch 142, the edge 188 and the surface 190 provides a large part of the swing ring 102 during the brazing process. According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6 to 6, the transition area between surfaces 190 and 192 provides a large part of the flywheel 102 during the brazing process. The inserted flywheel 102 ensures secure attachment of the flywheel 102 to the housing 112. The brazing alloy 154 flows into the opening 146 and fastens the flywheel 102 to the turbine 106.

[0036] It is obvious that various features and functions disclosed above, as well as other features and functions, or their alternatives, can be desirablely combined to form many other different systems or applications. The person skilled in the art may later introduce various currently unforeseeable or unexpected alternatives, modifications, variants, or improvements to them, which are also to be covered by the following claims. List of reference symbols 100 torque converters AR axis of rotation 102 Swing ring 104 wheel 106 Turbine 108 wheel housings 110 wheel blade 112 turbine housings 114 slots 116 open ending 118 radial outermost section of the turbine casing 120 radial outermost section of the turbine casing 122 Turbine blade 124 Tongue 126 Segment 128 Inner surface of the turbine housing 130 Outer surface area of ​​the turbine casing 132 radial outermost edge of the surface 128 134 radial outermost edge of the surface 130 136 Hull AD axial direction CL line CD Circumference 138 lids 140 cavity 142 notch 144 cavity 146 Opening 148 fingers 150th finger segment 152 Area of ​​the finger segment 154 Lot 155 End of segment 126 156 cavity 158 Jumper coupling 160 torsional vibration dampers 162 Centrifugal pendulum vibration damper 164 Centrifugal pendulum vibration damper 166 spring 168 spring 170 Cover plate 172 Output hub 174 Flange 176 flange 178 pendulum masses 180 Stator 182 stator blades 184 Part of the hull 136 186 Length of finger 148 i 188 Edge of the case 122 190 Area of ​​the housing 122 192 Area of ​​the tongue 124

Claims

[1] Torque converter (100) comprising: a rotational axis (AR); an impeller (104) for receiving a torque, wherein the impeller (104) comprises an impeller housing (108) and at least one impeller blade (110) attached to the impeller housing (108); a turbine (106) which contains: a turbine casing (112) containing a slot (114) with an open end (116) arranged around the circumference between a first and a second outermost section (118, 120) of the turbine casing (112); and at least one attached to the turbine housing (112) Turbine blade (122); and a flywheel ring (102) attached to the turbine housing (112), which includes a tongue (124) with a segment (126) arranged in the slot (114), where: the turbine housing (112) contains an inner surface (128) and an outer surface (130); the at least one turbine blade (122) is attached to the inner surface (128) of the turbine casing (112); the turbine housing (112) contains an opening (146) that connects the inner surface (128) and the outer surface (130) of the turbine housing (112); and the swing ring (102) contains a finger (148) with a segment (126) which is arranged in the opening (146). [2] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the flywheel (102) contains a body (136) with an L-shaped radial cross-section; and the tongue (124) extends from the L-shaped trunk (136): in an axial direction towards the impeller housing (108); and extends radially inwards. [3] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, wherein a line (CL) passes successively through a circumferential direction (CD): the first radial outermost section (118) of the turbine housing (112); the tongue (124); and the second radial outermost section (120) of the turbine housing (112). [4] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover (138) for receiving a torque, which is rotationally fixed to the impeller housing (108); and a cavity (140) partially enclosed by the cover (138), the impeller housing (108) and the turbine housing (112), wherein the flywheel (102) is arranged in the cavity (140). [5] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the flywheel (102) contains an L-shaped body (136) in radial cross-section; the tongue (124) extends from the L-shaped trunk (136): in an axial direction (AD) to the impeller housing (108); and radially inwards; and, the tongue (124) contains a notch (142): which connects the L-shaped trunk (136) and the segment (126) of the tongue (124); and is located on the turbine housing (112). [6] Torque converter (100) according to claim 5, wherein the segment (126) of the tongue (124) extends: beyond the notch (142) to the impeller housing (108); and from the notch (142) radially inwards. [7] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a cavity (144) partially enclosed by the impeller housing (108) and the turbine housing (112), wherein: the cavity (144) does not extend radially outwards from the turbine housing (112); the at least one impeller blade (110) and the at least one turbine blade (122) are arranged in the cavity (144); and the tongue (124) forms part of a boundary of the cavity (144). [8] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the finger (148) contains a radially innermost surface of the swing ring (102); the flywheel (102) contains a body (136) with an L-shaped cross-section, wherein the cross-section is formed by a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (AR), which passes through the axis of rotation (AR); and the finger (148) extends radially inwards from the L-shaped trunk (136). [9] Torque converter (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the flywheel (102) contains a body (136) with an L-shaped radial cross-section; and a part of the L-shaped body (136) is arranged radially outside the turbine housing (112).

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