Hydraulic torque converter and motor vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic torque converter, comprising: a cover, arranged around a rotation axis and used for receiving an input torque; a lock-up clutch, comprising a piston plate that can be actuated in the axial direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a torsional vibration damper, comprising a damper housing, and a first damping spring set and a second damping spring set which are accommodated in the damper housing and spaced apart in the radial direction. The lock-up clutch further comprises one or more transmission discs axially arranged between the piston plate and the cover, having two ends fixed to the piston plate and the cover, respectively, and used for transmitting torque between the piston plate and the cover, such that the piston plate rotates synchronously with the cover and the piston plate deviates toward the disengaged position. The transmission disc is radially arranged between the first damping spring set and the second damping spring set. The present disclosure further relates to a motor vehicle comprising the hydraulic torque converter.

Description

Hydraulic torque converter and motor vehicle including the same

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310900141.8 filed on July 21, 2023, and the contents of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as a part of this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic torque converter and also to a hydraulic torque converter and a motor vehicle comprising the hydraulic torque converter. Background Art

[0003] Typically, a torque converter is installed between the engine and transmission of an automatic transmission motor vehicle. The torque converter is used to transfer the engine's driving power to the transmission, performing both torque transmission and torque conversion functions. The torque converter may include a cover driven by the engine's drive components, an impeller rotationally connected to the cover, a turbine, a torsional vibration damper, a lock-up clutch, and a wheel hub for outputting torque. The lock-up clutch includes a piston disk that is actuated between an engaged and disengaged position. The torque converter switches between fluid and mechanical transmission modes via the lock-up clutch. During the vehicle's starting phase, the lock-up clutch's piston disk is in the disengaged position, and the torque converter operates in fluid transmission mode. In this mode, the torque converter's impeller drives the turbine via a fluid (usually oil), which in turn transmits torque directly or indirectly to the wheel hub. After the engine reaches a higher speed, the lock-up clutch's piston disk engages, and the torque converter switches to mechanical transmission mode. In mechanical transmission mode, torque is mechanically transmitted from the cover to the wheel hub via the lockup clutch via the torsional vibration damper and / or other transmission components.

[0004] To ensure synchronous rotation of the lockup clutch's piston disc and cover (particularly when the piston disc is in the disengaged position), the lockup clutch may include a transmission plate. The transmission plate's ends are secured to the piston disc and cover, respectively, ensuring synchronous rotation of the piston disc and cover, thus preventing jerking when the torque converter switches transmission modes.

[0005] However, placing a transmission plate in the lockup clutch increases the axial size of the torque converter. This increased axial size is particularly disadvantageous in situations where axial space is limited. For example, in a transverse front-wheel drive vehicle, the engine and torque converter are arranged side by side across the vehicle's width. The axial installation space for the torque converter is relatively limited, making it difficult to install the torque converter despite the increased axial size due to the transmission plate.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the existing torque converter, and its purpose is to provide a torque converter, wherein the position of the transmission plate of the lock-up clutch is specifically designed without increasing the axial size of the torque converter.

[0008] The objective is achieved by a torque converter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The torque converter includes: a cover disposed about a rotation axis for receiving input torque; a lockup clutch including a piston disc capable of being actuated axially between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a torsional vibration damper including a damper housing and a first damper spring group and a second damper spring group housed in the damper housing and radially separated. The lockup clutch also includes one or more transmission plates, the transmission plates being axially arranged between the piston disc and the cover and having their ends fixed to the piston disc and the cover, respectively, for transmitting torque between the piston disc and the cover, causing the piston disc to rotate synchronously with the cover and biasing the piston disc toward the disengaged position. The transmission plates are radially arranged between the first damper spring group and the second damper spring group.

[0009] In the present disclosure, a torsional vibration damper includes two radially separated damper spring groups, and the transmission plate of the lockup clutch is radially positioned between the first and second damper spring groups. Compared to a torsional vibration damper with a single damper spring group, a torsional vibration damper with two damper spring groups has a better vibration damping effect. The damper springs in the damper spring groups have a certain diameter and are components with a large axial dimension in the torque converter. Radially arranging the transmission plate between the two damper spring groups avoids radial overlap between the transmission plate and the damper spring groups, thus preventing an increase in the axial dimension of the torque converter. Furthermore, with this configuration, the axial projections of the transmission plate and the damper spring group at least partially overlap, thereby fully utilizing the space between the two damper spring groups.

[0010] The torque converter according to the present disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock-up clutch further includes an intermediate plate axially arranged between the piston plate and the cover, the intermediate plate transmitting torque to the first and second damper spring groups of the torsional vibration damper.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the engaged position, the cover directly transmits torque to the intermediate plate to drive the intermediate plate to rotate, and the intermediate plate transmits torque to the first and second damper spring groups of the torsional vibration damper. In the disengaged position, the cover does not directly transmit torque to the intermediate plate.

[0013] With this configuration, in a lock-up clutch, the piston plate and cover rotate synchronously via the drive plate, while the rotational state of the intermediate plate varies depending on the position of the piston plate. When the piston plate is in the engaged position, the intermediate plate is driven to rotate by the cover, transmitting torque from the cover through the intermediate plate to the first and second damper spring assemblies of the torsional vibration damper. When the piston plate is in the disengaged position, direct torque transmission ceases between the cover and the intermediate plate, and the torque converter operates in fluid transmission mode.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque converter further includes: an impeller disposed about the rotation axis and including an impeller housing fixedly connected to the cover; a turbine disposed about the rotation axis axially opposite the impeller and including a turbine housing; and an output hub disposed about the rotation axis and fixedly connected to the turbine housing for outputting torque. The damper housing is fixedly connected to the output hub.

[0015] With this configuration, when the piston plate is in the engaged position, the first and second damper spring assemblies of the torsional vibration damper transmit torque to the damper housing and, in turn, to the output hub. The torque transmission path from the cover to the output hub is mechanically composed of components, and the torque converter operates in mechanical transmission mode. When the piston plate is disengaged, torque is transmitted from the cover to the output hub via the pump impeller and turbine, with the pump impeller driving the turbine via fluid, and the torque converter operates in fluid transmission mode.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, both ends of the transmission plate are riveted to the piston disc and the cover respectively. It should be understood that other feasible connection methods of the transmission plate, the piston disc and the cover are also conceivable.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more through holes are provided on the piston disc, and a riveting tool can pass through the through holes to rivet the transmission plate to the cover.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the piston disc further includes one or more plugging caps to seal the through hole after riveting is completed, thereby preventing the transmission plate from being exposed in the axial direction.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover is provided with one or more riveting protrusions for riveting corresponding ends of the transmission plate to the cover, wherein the positions of the riveting protrusions correspond to the through holes.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radial positions of both ends of the transmission plate are substantially the same.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission plate has an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction. The arc shape of the transmission plate can prevent the middle portion of the transmission plate from occupying the radial inner space of the lock-up clutch.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the center of the arc shape of the transmission plate is located on the rotation axis.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission plate has a certain rigidity such that when the piston disc and the cover rotate relative to each other and compress the transmission plate, the central portion of the transmission plate does not contact the piston disc or the cover. When transmitting torque, the transmission plate is subjected to circumferential compressive or tensile forces. When the transmission plate is compressed, it deforms, causing its central portion to arch. When the transmission plate has sufficient rigidity, the deformation of the transmission plate is minimal, preventing the central portion from contacting the piston disc or the cover.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission plate comprises a plurality of stacked elastic plates. Through the stacked structure, the transmission plate can be made of standard materials, reducing production costs while having sufficient rigidity.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission plate is formed of high carbon spring steel.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking clutch comprises six transmission plates evenly arranged around the rotation axis. It should be understood that other numbers of transmission plates or non-uniformly arranged transmission plates are also conceivable.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first damping spring group includes a plurality of first damping springs, and / or the second damping spring group includes a plurality of second damping springs.

[0028] The present disclosure also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a torque converter as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. In the drawings:

[0030] FIG1 is a partially cutaway schematic diagram of a torque converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torsional damper and a lock-up clutch in the torque converter shown in FIG1 , taken at an angle different from that in FIG1 .

[0032] FIG3 is a radial cross-sectional view of the lock-up clutch, showing a piston disc and a drive plate.

[0033] FIG4 is a side view of the transmission plate.

[0034] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the usual meanings understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Similar words such as "one", "an" or "the" used in the patent application specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Similar words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects preceding the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Directions such as "axial", "radial" and "circumferential" are defined relative to the rotation axis X of the torque converter. The axial direction is the direction in which the rotation axis X extends, the radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X, and the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X.

[0037] 1 is a partially cutaway schematic diagram of a torque converter 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity, several components of the torque converter that are not relevant to understanding the technical solution of the present disclosure have been omitted.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the torque converter 100 includes a cover 1, a lock-up clutch 5, a torsional vibration damper 6, a turbine 3, an impeller 2, and an output hub 4. The cover 1 is rotationally driven by a drive component on the engine side of the motor vehicle (such as the engine crankshaft, a dual-mass flywheel, etc.) to receive input torque and rotates around a rotation axis X. The impeller 2 is arranged around the rotation axis X and includes an impeller housing 21 fixedly connected to the cover 1, for example, by welding. In this way, torque is input into the torque converter through the cover 1 and the impeller 2. The turbine 3 is arranged axially opposite to the impeller 3 around the rotation axis X and includes a turbine housing 31. The output hub 4 is arranged around the rotation axis X and fixedly connected to the turbine housing 31 for outputting torque. It should be understood that additional torque transmission components can also be provided between the turbine housing 31 and the output hub 4.

[0039] The lockup clutch 5 and torsional vibration damper 6 are located axially between the turbine 3 and the cover 1. The lockup clutch 5 includes a piston disc 51 and an intermediate disc 52 arranged axially between the piston disc 51 and the cover 1. The piston disc 51 can be actuated axially between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the piston disc 51 and the cover 1 contact the intermediate disc 52 on both sides. The contact surfaces of the intermediate disc 52 with the piston disc 51 and / or the cover 1 can be configured as friction surfaces, so that the piston disc 51 and / or the cover 1 are in frictional contact with the intermediate disc 52. In this case, the cover 1 directly transmits torque to the intermediate disc 52, driving it to rotate. In the disengaged position, the intermediate disc 52 is out of contact with the piston disc 51 and the cover 1, and the cover 1 no longer directly transmits torque to the intermediate disc 52.

[0040] The torsional vibration damper 6 includes a damper housing 61 and first and second damper spring groups 62, 63 housed in the damper housing 61 and spaced apart in the radial direction. The damper housing 61 is fixedly connected to the output hub 4 for outputting torque. It should be understood that additional torque-transmitting components may be provided between the damper housing 61 and the output hub 4. The intermediate plate 52 may include portions that contact the first and second damper spring groups 62, 63, allowing the intermediate plate 52 to transmit torque to the damper housing 61 via the first and second damper spring groups 62, 63.

[0041] Depending on the position of the piston plate 51, torque can be transmitted from the cover 1 to the output hub 4 via two paths. In fluid transmission mode, the piston plate 51 is in the disengaged position. At this point, the cover 1 and the pump impeller 2 are driven by the engine-side drive components of the motor vehicle. The rotation of the pump impeller 2 about the rotation axis X causes the working fluid of the torque converter 100 to flow, driving the turbine 3, which in turn transmits torque to the output hub 4 via the turbine housing 31. In mechanical transmission mode, the piston plate 51 is actuated toward the cover 1 to the engaged position. The cover 1 transmits torque directly to the intermediate plate 52, which transmits the torque to the damper housing 61 via the first and second damper spring groups 62 and 63, and then to the output hub 4.

[0042] To avoid jerking when the torque converter switches transmission modes, the lockup clutch 5 also includes one or more transmission plates 53. These plates are axially arranged between the piston disc 51 and the cover 1, with their ends fixed to the piston disc 51 and the cover 1, respectively. This allows the transmission plates 53 to transmit torque between the cover 1 and the piston disc 51, even when the piston disc 51 is disengaged, allowing the piston disc 51 to rotate synchronously with the cover 1. This eliminates the need to accelerate the piston disc 51 when the torque converter 100 switches from fluid to mechanical transmission mode, resulting in a smoother power transition.

[0043] In addition, when the piston disc 51 is in the engaged position, the elastic force of the transmission plate 53 in the axial direction can also bias the piston disc 51 toward the disengaged position. When the hydraulic pressure actuating the piston disc 51 is removed, the transmission plate 53 can push the piston disc 51 back to the disengaged position, thereby playing the role of a reset member.

[0044] Radially, referring to Figure 1 , the drive plate 53 is positioned radially inward of the intermediate plate 52 to avoid interference with the intermediate plate 52. Specifically, the drive plate 53 is radially positioned between the first damper spring assembly 62 and the second damper spring assembly 63 of the shock absorber 6. The first and second damper spring assemblies both have a certain radius, resulting in comparable axial dimensions. The radially intermediate portion between the first and second damper spring assemblies 62, 63 forms a "recess" in the torque converter 100 where the axial dimension is reduced, providing space for the drive plate 53. The axial extent of the drive plate 53 overlaps at least partially, and preferably substantially or completely, with that of the first and second damper spring assemblies 62, 63. This arrangement significantly reduces the increase in axial dimension of the torque converter 100 caused by the drive plate 53, thereby reducing the overall axial dimension of the torque converter 100. This arrangement is particularly useful in applications where the axial dimension of the torque converter is limited, such as in transverse front-wheel drive vehicles.

[0045] The transmission plate 53 extends as a whole in the circumferential and axial directions, with its two ends at approximately the same radial position (as shown in FIG3 ), while being riveted to the piston plate 51 and cover 1 at different circumferential positions. FIG1 is a cross-sectional view taken at the circumferential position where one end of the transmission plate 53 is riveted to the cover 1, FIG2 is a cross-sectional view taken at the circumferential position where the other end of the transmission plate 53 is riveted to the piston plate 51, and FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the lockup clutch 5 at a position near the cover 1, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X and viewed axially toward the piston plate 51.

[0046] As shown in FIG1 , the cover 1 is provided with a rivet protrusion 11 on the side facing the piston disc 51. The rivet protrusion 11 can be formed by extrusion or stamping. The piston disc 51 can be provided with a through hole 54 aligned with the rivet protrusion 11. When the transmission plate 53 is connected to the cover 1, the riveting tool passes through the through hole 54 and rivets the corresponding end of the transmission plate 53 to the cover 1 through the rivet protrusion 11. In addition, it should be noted that FIG1 shows the deformed rivet protrusion 11 after the riveting operation is completed. It is understandable that the cover 1 may also not be provided with a rivet protrusion, and the transmission plate 53 may be riveted to the cover 1 by rivets.

[0047] After the transmission plate 53 is riveted to the cover 1, the through hole 54 of the piston disc 51 can be sealed by a plugging cap 55. The plugging cap 55 can be welded or connected to the piston disc 51 in other suitable ways.

[0048] The other end of the transmission plate 53 is riveted to the piston plate 51 at approximately the same radial position via a rivet 56. As shown in Figure 2, the rivet 56 passes through the piston plate 51 and the transmission plate 53, riveting them together. Alternatively, the piston plate 51 may be provided with a rivet protrusion, similar to the cover 1, and the transmission plate 53 may be riveted to the piston plate 51 via the rivet protrusion.

[0049] The above description describes the transmission plate 53 connecting the piston disc 51 and the cover 1 by riveting. It is understood that the connection method of the transmission plate 53 to the piston disc 51 and / or the cover 1 is not limited to riveting, and welding, bonding or other suitable connection methods are also conceivable.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of the transmission plates 53 on the lockup clutch 5. As shown, the lockup clutch 5 includes six transmission plates 53 evenly spaced about the rotation axis X. The transmission plates 53 shown in Figure 3 extend in a straight line from one end to the other, meaning they have a linear shape. Alternatively, the transmission plates 53 may have an arcuate shape. This arcuate shape allows the middle portion of the transmission plates 53 to free up radially inward space, making it particularly suitable for transmission plates with longer lengths. The arcuate transmission plates 53 are preferably centered on the rotation axis X, thereby being coaxially arranged with the piston plate 51 and the cover 1.

[0051] When transmitting torque or resetting the piston disc 51, the transmission plate 53 deforms, relying on the elastic force generated by this deformation to transmit torque or reposition the piston disc 51. In the case of torque transmission, since the speed difference between the piston disc 51 and the cover 1 can be positive or negative, the relative rotation of the piston disc 51 and the cover 1 can either stretch the transmission plate 52 along its length or compress it. When compressed, the middle portion of the transmission plate 52 deforms, arching toward the piston disc 51 and the cover 1. The transmission plate 52 has a certain degree of rigidity to minimize deformation and prevent contact between the middle portion and the piston disc 51 and the cover 1. To this end, the transmission plate 52 can be made of high-carbon spring steel to provide sufficient rigidity. The transmission plate 52 can also be composed of multiple stacked elastic plates 53a, thereby achieving a greater height than a single elastic plate. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the transmission plate 53 is composed of two stacked elastic plates 53a.

[0052] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a motor vehicle including the above-mentioned torque converter.

[0053] It should be understood that the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure and that they may be replaced by other structures that perform the same or similar functions for achieving the desired end result. In addition, it should be understood that the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are to be considered as constituting only non-limiting examples of the present disclosure and that they may be modified in various ways within the scope of the patent claims.

Claims

1. A hydraulic torque converter, characterized in that: The torque converter comprises: A cover (1) arranged about a rotation axis (X) for receiving an input torque; A lock-up clutch (5) comprising a piston disc (51) which can be actuated in an axial direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position; A torsional vibration damper (6) comprising a vibration damper housing (61) and a first vibration damper spring group (62) and a second vibration damper spring group (63) accommodated in the vibration damper housing (61) and separated in a radial direction; The locking clutch (5) further comprises one or more transmission plates (53), which are axially arranged between the piston disc (51) and the cover (1) and have two ends respectively fixed to the piston disc (51) and the cover (1), and are used to transmit torque between the piston disc (51) and the cover (1), so that the piston disc (51) and the cover (1) rotate synchronously, and the piston disc (51) is biased toward the disengaged position, and Wherein, the transmission plate (53) is radially arranged between the first damping spring group (62) and the second damping spring group (63).

2. The torque converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lock-up clutch (5) further comprises an intermediate plate (52) arranged axially between the piston plate (51) and the cover (1).

3. The torque converter according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the engaged position, the cover (1) directly transmits torque to the intermediate plate (52) to drive the intermediate plate (52) to rotate, and the intermediate plate (52) transmits torque to the first damping spring group (62) and / or the second damping spring group (63) of the torsional vibration damper (6). In the disengaged position, the cover (1) does not directly transmit torque to the intermediate plate (52).

4. The torque converter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The torque converter further comprises: a pump wheel (2) arranged around the rotation axis (X) and comprising a pump wheel housing (21) fixedly connected to the cover (1); a turbine (3) which is arranged axially opposite to the pump wheel (3) around the rotation axis (X) and comprises a turbine housing (31); and An output hub (4) arranged around the rotation axis (X) and fixedly connected to the turbine housing A body (31) for outputting torque; Wherein, the shock absorber housing (61) is fixedly connected to the output hub (4).

5. The torque converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two ends of the transmission plate (53) are riveted to the piston plate (51) and the cover (1) respectively.

6. The torque converter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The piston plate (51) is provided with one or more through holes (54), and a riveting tool can pass through the through holes (54) to rivet the transmission plate (53) to the cover (1).

7. The torque converter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The piston disc (51) further comprises one or more plugging caps (55) to seal the through hole (54) after riveting is completed.

8. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: One or more riveting protrusions (11) are provided on the cover (1) for riveting the corresponding ends of the transmission sheet (53) to the cover (1).

9. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The radial positions of the two ends of the transmission plate (53) are substantially the same.

10. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When viewed in the axial direction, the transmission plate (53) has an arc shape.

11. The torque converter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The center of the arc shape of the transmission plate (53) is located on the rotation axis (X).

12. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The transmission plate (53) has a certain rigidity so that when the piston plate (51) and the cover (1) rotate relative to each other to squeeze the transmission plate (53), the middle part of the transmission plate (53) will not contact the piston plate (51) or the cover (1).

13. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The transmission sheet (53) comprises a plurality of stacked elastic sheets (53a).

14. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The transmission plate (53) is formed of high carbon spring steel.

15. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The locking clutch (5) comprises six transmission plates (53) evenly arranged around the rotation axis (X).

16. The hydraulic torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first damping spring group (62) includes a plurality of first damping springs (62a), and / or the second damping spring group (63) includes a plurality of second damping springs (63a).

17. A motor vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises a hydraulic torque converter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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