Torque converter

Abstract

To provide a torque converter that can obtain a torque amplification effect in both forward and reverse rotations.SOLUTION: A first stator impeller 32 and a second stator impeller 34 are provided to obtain appropriate torque amplification effect by rotation in both forward and reverse directions, thereby eliminating a gear train or the like to switch between forward and reverse rotation. Also, since a cylindrical member 50 is connected to a TC output shaft 22 by radially disposing a large number of rod materials 66 around a uniaxial line S1, flow resistance between the first stator impeller 32 and a first input / output impeller 30 is suppressed by allowing fluid to flow between the rod materials 66, so that it is possible to ensure predetermined torque amplification effect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque converter that can amplify torque in both forward and reverse rotation directions. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a torque converter that amplifies the driving force of a vehicle and transmits it to the drive wheels. Forward and reverse gear trains are provided in parallel between the torque converter and the drive wheels, and can be switched by a switching mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-14901 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, an electric motor is provided as a power source for driving, and forward and reverse driving can be achieved simply by switching the rotation direction of the electric motor. However, since the rotation direction of the electric motor in which the torque amplification effect is obtained by the torque converter is limited to one direction, it is necessary to provide a gear train for forward and reverse driving, leaving room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a torque converter which can obtain torque amplification effect in both forward and reverse rotation directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a rotor having a rotor shaft including: (a) a first input / output wheel, a first stator wheel, a second stator wheel, and a second input / output wheel, which are arranged in that order in the axial direction on a single axis; (b) the first stator wheel is disposed so that reverse rotation is permitted and forward rotation is prevented via a one-way clutch, and the second stator wheel is disposed so that forward rotation is permitted and reverse rotation is prevented via a one-way clutch; (c) during forward rotation of an input member, the second input / output wheel is rotated in the forward rotation direction integrally with the input member, and reverse rotation of the second stator wheel is prevented, so that the first input / output wheel is torque-amplified via a fluid and driven to rotate in the forward rotation direction to output to an output member; and (d) This is a fluid-type torque converter in which, during reverse rotation of the input member, the first input / output impeller is rotated in the reverse rotation direction together with the input member, and the forward rotation of the first stator wheel is prevented, so that the torque of the second input / output impeller is amplified via a fluid and driven to rotate in the reverse rotation direction to output to the output member, thereby obtaining a torque amplification effect in both forward and reverse rotations. The torque converter is characterized in that it has: (e) a rotating member arranged rotatably around the axis on the outer periphery of the first stator wheel and the second stator wheel in order to transmit the rotation of the second input / output impeller to the output member during reverse rotation of the input member; (f) a connecting member arranged between the first stator wheel and the first input / output impeller in the axial direction and transmitting the rotation of the rotating member to the output member; and (g) the connecting member is composed of a plurality of rods arranged at a distance from each other. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to this torque converter, by providing the first stator wheel and the second stator wheel, it is possible to obtain an appropriate torque amplification effect in both forward and reverse rotation directions. As a result, for example, in the case of an electric vehicle having an electric motor as a power source, it is possible to perform forward and reverse running simply by switching the rotation direction of the electric motor, and the torque amplification effect of the torque converter is obtained appropriately in both forward and reverse running.

[0008] On the other hand, in such a torque converter that obtains torque amplification action in both forward and reverse rotation, in order to transmit the rotation of the second input / output wheel to the output member during reverse rotation of the input member, it is necessary to dispose a rotating member on the outer periphery of the first stator wheel and the second stator wheel, and to provide a connecting member between the first stator wheel and the first input / output wheel to connect the rotating member and the output member. In this case, since a fluid flows between the first stator wheel and the first input / output wheel, it is desirable to provide a connecting member so as not to impede the flow as much as possible, but in the present invention, a plurality of rods are used as the connecting member, and the flow resistance is suppressed by allowing the fluid to flow between the rods, and a predetermined torque amplification action can be ensured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a drive device for an electric vehicle having a torque converter according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is an operation table illustrating the operations of six one-way clutches C1 to C6 provided in the torque converter of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a torque transmission member provided in the torque converter of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another example of the torque transmission member of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of a torque converter, the schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining still another example of a torque converter, the schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention is preferably applied to a torque converter for an electric vehicle equipped with only an electric motor as a power source, but can also be applied to torque converters for various vehicles, such as a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) in addition to an electric motor, etc. It can also be applied to torque converters for drive devices and power transmission devices other than those for vehicles. EXAMPLES

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a drive device 12 of an electric vehicle 10 equipped with a torque converter 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drive device 12 includes a rotating machine MG, a torque converter 14, and a transmission 16 in the axial direction (parallel to the axis S1, i.e., the left-right direction in FIG. 1) on an axis S1. The rotating machine MG, the torque converter 14, and the transmission 16 are configured substantially symmetrically around the axis S1, and FIG. 1 shows the upper half of the axis S1, with an output shaft 18 provided at the center on the axis S1. The rotating machine MG is a motor generator that can be used alternatively as an electric motor or a generator, and is used as a power source for traveling by being power-controlled to function as an electric motor. The rotating machine MG is rotated in a forward direction when the electric vehicle 10 travels forward, and in a reverse direction when the electric vehicle 10 travels backward. The forward and reverse directions can be determined arbitrarily, and the forward rotation may be for reverse traveling, and the reverse rotation may be for forward traveling. The electric vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle that includes only a rotary machine MG as a power source. In Fig. 1, the members with x's in the squares are bearings such as roller bearings.

[0012] The rotor of the rotating machine MG is connected to a TC input shaft 20 which is an input member of the torque converter 14. The transmission 16 is a planetary gear device, and the ring gear 16r is connected to a TC output shaft 22 which is an output member of the torque converter 14, the carrier 16c is fixed to a case 24, and the sun gear 16s is connected to an output shaft 18. As a result, the rotation in both forward and reverse directions output from the rotating machine MG is torque-amplified by the torque converter 14 and transmitted to the transmission 16, where it is accelerated and its rotation direction is reversed before being output from the output shaft 18 to the driving wheels (not shown). The transmission 16 functions as a speed-up gear, but may function as a speed reducer by, for example, connecting the sun gear 16s to the TC output shaft 22, fixing the ring gear 16r to the case 24, and connecting the carrier 16c to the output shaft 18, or may be omitted. The TC input shaft 20 and the TC output shaft 22 of the torque converter 14 are directly connected via a lock-up clutch LU. The lock-up clutch LU is, for example, of a normally closed type that is released when energized, and is released when the vehicle starts moving at a vehicle speed below a predetermined vehicle speed.

[0013] The torque converter 14 is provided on an axis S1 with a first input / output impeller 30, a first stator impeller 32, a second stator impeller 34, and a second input / output impeller 36 arranged in this order in the axial direction from the TC input shaft 20 side. The torque converter 14 also includes a first one-way clutch C1 provided between the second input / output impeller 36 and the TC input shaft 20, a second one-way clutch C2 provided between the first input / output impeller 30 and the TC input shaft 20, a third one-way clutch C3 provided between the first input / output impeller 30 and the TC output shaft 22, a fourth one-way clutch C4 provided between the second input / output impeller 36 and the TC output shaft 22, a fifth one-way clutch C5 provided between the first stator impeller 32 and a fixed member 38, and a sixth one-way clutch C6 provided between the second stator impeller 34 and a fixed member 38. The fixed member 38 is cylindrical and is fixed to the case 24 via a support 40. The support portion 40 is provided between the second input / output wheel 36 and the transmission 16 in the axial direction, and the fourth one-way clutch C4 is provided between a torque transmission member 42 arranged to straddle the outer periphery of the first stator wheel 32 and the second stator wheel 34, and the second input / output wheel 36. The torque transmission member 42 has an end portion on the first input / output wheel 30 side, which is opposite to the support portion 40 in the axial direction, connected to the TC output shaft 22 inserted through the fixed member 38, and is always rotated integrally with the TC output shaft 22 in both forward and reverse directions.

[0014] 2 is an operation table for explaining the operation of the one-way clutches C1 to C6. When the electric vehicle 10 is traveling forward, i.e., when the TC input shaft 20 is rotating in the forward direction, the one-way clutches C1, C3, and C6 are engaged, and the other one-way clutches C2, C4, and C5 are in a free state (disengaged state). As a result, the second input / output impeller 36 is rotated in the forward rotation direction together with the TC input shaft 20 via the first one-way clutch C1, and the reverse rotation of the second stator impeller 34 is prevented by the sixth one-way clutch C6, and the first input / output impeller 30 is rotated in the forward rotation direction with torque amplified via the fluid. Then, the TC output shaft 22 is rotated in the forward rotation direction together with the first input / output impeller 30 via the third one-way clutch C3. The second stator impeller 34 is disposed so that forward rotation is permitted and reverse rotation is prevented via the sixth one-way clutch C6.

[0015] On the other hand, when the electric vehicle 10 is traveling backward, i.e., when the TC input shaft 20 rotates in the reverse direction, the one-way clutches C1, C3, and C6 are in a free state, and the other one-way clutches C2, C4, and C5 are engaged. As a result, the first input / output impeller 30 is rotated in the reverse direction together with the TC input shaft 20 via the second one-way clutch C2, and the forward rotation of the first stator wheel 32 is prevented by the fifth one-way clutch C5, and the second input / output impeller 36 is rotated in the reverse direction with torque amplified by the fluid. The first stator wheel 32 is disposed so that reverse rotation is permitted via the fifth one-way clutch C5, and forward rotation is prevented. Then, the rotation of the second input / output impeller 36 is transmitted to the torque transmission member 42 via the fourth one-way clutch C4, and the TC output shaft 22 connected to the torque transmission member 42 is rotated in the reverse direction together with the second input / output impeller 36.

[0016] In addition, some or all of the first one-way clutch C1 to the fourth one-way clutch C4 may be configured as friction clutches or dog clutches that can be controlled to be engaged and released. In addition, in this embodiment, the fourth one-way clutch C4 is disposed between the second input / output wheel 36 and the torque transmission member 42, but the torque transmission member 42 and the second input / output wheel 36 may be connected, and the fourth one-way clutch C4 may be disposed between the torque transmission member 42 and the TC output shaft 22.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of the torque transmission member 42. The torque transmission member 42 includes a cylindrical member 50 concentric with the axis S1 arranged on the outer periphery side of the first stator impeller 32 and the second stator impeller 34, and a pair of cylindrical support members 60, 62 that support the cylindrical member 50 rotatably around the axis S1 on both axial sides of the cylindrical member 50. In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 50 has a frame shape including a pair of annular rings 52, 54 arranged spaced apart in the axial direction, and a number of rods 56 arranged parallel to the axis S1 to connect the rings 52, 54. The rods 56 are straight round bars with a circular cross section, and are arranged at equal angular intervals around the axis S1, and eight rods are arranged at 45° intervals in this embodiment. The cylindrical member 50 corresponds to a rotating member.

[0018] One support member 60 is disposed on the inner periphery side of the second input / output impeller 36 and on the outer periphery side of the fixed member 38 via a bearing so as to be rotatable about one axis S1, and is fixed to one ring 52 via a number of rods 64 arranged radially toward the outer periphery at one end of the second stator impeller 34 side, and a fourth one-way clutch C4 is disposed between this support member 60 and the second input / output impeller 36. The other support member 62 is disposed on the inner periphery side of the first input / output impeller 30 and on the outer periphery side of the fixed member 38 via a bearing so as to be rotatable about one axis S1, and is fixed to the other ring 54 via a number of rods 66 arranged radially toward the outer periphery at one end of the first stator impeller 32 side. The rods 64, 66 are straight round bars with a circular cross section, and are disposed at equal angular intervals around the axis S1, and in this embodiment, eight rods are provided at 45° intervals. In addition, instead of the straight rods 64, 66 with a circular cross section, rods with an elliptical, oval, square, rectangular, etc. cross section may be used, or rods that are curved or bent in the longitudinal direction may be used.

[0019] A number of rods 64 connecting the cylindrical member 50 and the one support member 60 are disposed between the second stator wheel 34 and the second input / output wheel 36 in the axial direction, and a fluid is allowed to flow between the rods 64, thereby appropriately ensuring torque amplification by the flow of the fluid. A number of rods 66 connecting the cylindrical member 50 and the other support member 62 are disposed between the first stator wheel 32 and the first input / output wheel 30 in the axial direction, and a fluid is allowed to flow between the rods 66, thereby appropriately ensuring torque amplification by the flow of the fluid. A bottom 68 is provided at the other end of the other support member 62, and the other end is connected to the TC output shaft 22 via the bottom 68. That is, the number of rods 66 correspond to a connecting member that is disposed between the first stator wheel 32 and the first input / output wheel 30 in the axial direction and transmits the rotation of the cylindrical member 50 to the TC output shaft 22.

[0020] According to such torque converter 14, by providing first stator wheel 32 and second stator wheel 34, torque amplification can be appropriately achieved in both forward and reverse rotation, and a gear train or the like for switching between forward and reverse rotation is not required. That is, in the case of electric vehicle 10, forward running and reverse running can be performed simply by switching the rotation direction of the rotating machine MG, and torque amplification by torque converter 14 can be appropriately achieved in both forward running and reverse running, ensuring large driving force when starting.

[0021] Furthermore, since the cylindrical member 50 is connected to the TC output shaft 22 by arranging a large number of rods 66 radially around the axis S1, fluid is allowed to flow between the rods 66, thereby suppressing flow resistance between the first stator wheel 32 and the first input / output wheel 30 and ensuring a predetermined torque amplification effect. In particular, since round bars with a circular cross section are used as the rods 66, flow resistance of the fluid can be appropriately suppressed.

[0022] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiment, the parts that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] 4 is a schematic perspective view of a torque transmission member 70 that can be used in place of the torque transmission member 42. The cylindrical member 72 is a cylindrical member having a circular cross section centered on an axis S1. By employing such a cylindrical member 72, agitation of the fluid is suppressed and strength is also advantageous.

[0024] The torque converter 82 of the drive unit 80 in Fig. 5 differs in the positions where the second one-way clutch C2 and the lock-up clutch LU are disposed. The second one-way clutch C2 is disposed between the connecting path between the third one-way clutch C3 and the first input / output wheel 30 and the TC input shaft 20. The lock-up clutch LU is disposed between the connecting path between the first one-way clutch C1 and the second input / output wheel 36 and the connecting path between the second one-way clutch C2 and the first input / output wheel 30 so as to connect the first input / output wheel 30 and the second input / output wheel 36. In this case, the axial length of the entire drive unit 80 can be shortened.

[0025] The torque converter 92 of the drive unit 90 of FIG. 6 is different from the embodiment of FIG. 5 in the arrangement positions of the one-way clutches C3 and C4. That is, the third one-way clutch C3 is arranged between the first input / output impeller 30 and the cylindrical member 50, and the fourth one-way clutch C4 is arranged between the second input / output impeller 36 and the cylindrical member 50. These one-way clutches C3 and C4 are arranged between the first input / output impeller 30 and the second input / output impeller 36 in the axial direction, on the outer circumferential side of the cylindrical member 50. In this case, the axial length of the entire drive unit 90 can be further shortened compared to the drive unit 80 of FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the support member 60 and the rod 64 of the torque transmission member 42 may be omitted.

[0026] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, this is merely one embodiment, and the present invention can be embodied in various modified and improved forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 14, 82, 92: torque converter 20: TC input shaft (input member) 22: TC output shaft (output member) 30: first input / output impeller 32: first stator impeller 34: second stator impeller 36: second input / output impeller 50, 72: cylindrical member (rotating member) 66: rod (connecting member) S1: axis C5, C6: one-way clutch

Claims

[Claim 1] A first input / output impeller, a first stator impeller, a second stator impeller, and a second input / output impeller are provided in that order in the axial direction on one axis, the first stator wheel is disposed so that reverse rotation is permitted and forward rotation is prevented via a one-way clutch, and the second stator wheel is disposed so that forward rotation is permitted and reverse rotation is prevented via a one-way clutch, During forward rotation of the input member, the second input / output impeller is rotated in the forward rotation direction together with the input member, and reverse rotation of the second stator impeller is prevented, so that the first input / output impeller is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction with torque amplified via the fluid, and is output to the output member. When the input member rotates in the reverse direction, the first input / output impeller is rotated in the reverse direction together with the input member, and the forward rotation of the first stator impeller is prevented, so that the torque of the second input / output impeller is amplified via a fluid, and the second input / output impeller is rotated in the reverse direction and output to the output member. A fluid torque converter that amplifies torque in both forward and reverse directions. a rotating member arranged rotatably about the axis on an outer circumferential side of the first stator wheel and the second stator wheel to transmit the rotation of the second input / output impeller to the output member during reverse rotation of the input member; a connecting member disposed between the first stator wheel and the first input / output wheel in the axial direction and configured to transmit rotation of the rotating member to the output member; The connecting member is composed of a plurality of rods arranged at a distance from each other. A torque converter comprising:

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