WO2011102220A1 - Lockup device - Google Patents

Abstract

A lockup device (7) is provided with a driven plate (35), a piston (30), a spring (33), and a connecting ring (60). The piston (30) is supported by a turbine (4) in such a way as to be axially movable and rotatable, and moves axially according to pressure change. The connecting ring (60) connects the piston (30) to the driven plate (35).

Description

Lock-up device

The present invention relates to a lockup device for mechanically connecting a front cover of a fluid power transmission device and a turbine.

In many cases, the fluid power transmission device is provided with a lockup device for directly transmitting torque from the front cover to the turbine. This type of lock-up device includes, for example, a piston, a back plate, a friction coupling portion, a drive plate, a spring, and a driven plate.
The piston is supported by the front cover so as to be movable in the axial direction. A hydraulic chamber is formed between the front cover and the piston. When the pressure in the hydraulic chamber changes, the piston moves in the axial direction.

The friction connecting portion is disposed between the piston and the back plate in the axial direction, and is sandwiched between the piston and the back plate when the piston moves to the turbine side. As a result, power is transmitted from the front cover to the drive plate via the friction coupling portion.
The drive plate is rotatably provided with respect to the turbine, and supports the spring so as to be elastically deformable. The driven plate is elastically connected in the rotational direction by a spring and is fixed to the turbine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-145858

A so-called drag torque may be generated when hydraulic oil flows in the friction portion.
An object of the present invention is to provide a lockup device capable of reducing drag torque.
The lockup device according to the present invention is a device for mechanically connecting the front cover and the turbine, which is disposed in a space between the front cover and the turbine of the fluid power transmission device. This lockup device includes a piston, a driven member, an elastic member, and a connecting member. The piston is supported by the turbine so as to be movable and rotatable in the axial direction, and moves in the axial direction in accordance with a change in pressure. The driven member is fixed to the turbine. The elastic member elastically connects the piston to the driven member in the rotational direction. The connecting member connects the piston to the driven member.

In the above lockup device, since the piston is connected to the driven member by the connecting member, the drag torque can be reduced.

Cross section of torque converter (first embodiment) Sectional view of the lock-up device (first embodiment) III sectional view of FIG. 2 (first embodiment) Enlarged sectional view around the connection ring (first embodiment) (A) to (C) Assembly explanatory diagram of lock-up device (first embodiment) Sectional view of the lock-up device (second embodiment) Enlarged sectional view around the connection ring unit (second embodiment) (A) to (C) Assembly explanatory diagram of lock-up device (second embodiment) Sectional view of lock-up device (third embodiment) Enlarged sectional view around the connection plate (third embodiment) (A) to (C) Assembly explanatory diagram of lock-up device (third embodiment) Sectional view of lock-up device (fourth embodiment) XIII sectional view of FIG. 6 (fourth embodiment) Plan view of driven plate (fourth embodiment) (A) to (C) Assembly explanatory diagram of lock-up device (fourth embodiment)

[First Embodiment]
<Overall configuration of torque converter>
The overall configuration of the torque converter 1 (an example of a fluid power transmission device) will be described with reference to FIG. An engine (not shown) is arranged on the left side of FIG. 1, and a transmission (not shown) is arranged on the right side of the figure. OO shown in FIG. 1 is a rotation center line of the torque converter 1 and the lockup device 7. In the first embodiment, a torque converter is described as an example of the fluid power transmission device, but the fluid power transmission device may be another device such as a fluid coupling that does not have a stator.

The torque converter 1 is a device for transmitting power from a crankshaft (not shown) on the engine side to an input shaft (not shown) of a transmission, and includes a front cover 2 coupled to the crankshaft, an impeller 3, , A turbine 4, a stator 5, and a lockup device 7.
The front cover 2 includes an annular cover body 10, an annular support plate 2 a fixed to the cover body 10, and a disc-shaped back plate 2 b fixed to the cover body 10. The support plate 2a supports a second friction plate 52 (described later) of the lockup device 7 so as to be movable in the axial direction and integrally rotatable, and is disposed on the inner side in the radial direction of the second friction plate 52. The back plate 2b is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the support plate 2a, and is disposed in the vicinity of a first friction plate 51 (described later) of the lockup device 7. In the connected state of the lockup device 7, the back plate 2 b slides with the first friction plate 51.

The impeller 3 includes an impeller shell 12, a plurality of impeller blades 13, and an impeller hub 14. The impeller shell 12 is fixed to the front cover 2. The plurality of impeller blades 13 are fixed to the impeller shell 12. The impeller hub 14 is fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the impeller shell 12. A fluid chamber filled with hydraulic oil is formed by the front cover 2 and the impeller 3.

The turbine 4 is connected to the input shaft of the transmission, and is disposed to face the impeller 3 in the fluid chamber. The turbine 4 includes a turbine shell 15, a plurality of turbine blades 16, and a turbine hub 17. The turbine blade 16 is fixed to the turbine shell 15. The turbine hub 17 is fixed to the inner periphery of the turbine shell 15. Specifically, the turbine hub 17 has a disk-shaped flange 17a and a turbine hub body 17b. The turbine hub body 17b is connected to the input shaft of the transmission. The flange 17a extends radially outward from the turbine hub body 17b. An inner peripheral portion of the turbine shell 15 is fixed to the flange 17 a by a plurality of rivets 18.

The stator 5 is a mechanism for rectifying hydraulic oil returning from the turbine 4 to the impeller 3, and is disposed between the impeller 3 and the inner peripheral portion of the turbine 4. The stator 5 includes a disk-shaped stator carrier 20, a plurality of stator blades 21 provided on the outer periphery of the stator carrier 20, and a one-way clutch 22. The stator carrier 20 is supported by a fixed shaft (not shown) via a one-way clutch 22.

A thrust bearing 25 is provided between the front cover 2 and the turbine hub 17. A thrust bearing 26 is provided between the turbine hub 17 and the stator carrier 20. A thrust bearing 27 is provided between the stator carrier 20 and the impeller shell 12.
<Lock-up device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the lockup device 7 is a device for mechanically connecting the front cover 2 and the turbine 4, and is disposed in a space between the front cover 2 of the torque converter 1 and the turbine 4. ing. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lockup device 7 includes a piston 30, a plurality of springs 33 (an example of an elastic member), a first friction plate 51, a second friction plate 52, and a driven plate 35 ( An example of a driven member) and a connection ring 60 (an example of a connection member).

In the first embodiment, the spring is described as an example of the elastic member, but the elastic member may be another member as long as it is a member that can absorb torsional vibration. Further, the piston 30 has two members, ie, the piston main body 36 and the retaining plate 37, but the whole piston 30 may be integrally formed, and the piston 30 is composed of three or more members. Also good.

(1) Piston 30
The piston 30 is arranged so as to divide the space between the front cover 2 and the turbine 4 into two in the axial direction. A space between the front cover 2 and the turbine 4 is roughly divided into a first space A and a second space B by the piston 30. The piston 30 is supported by the turbine 4 so as to be movable and rotatable in the axial direction, and moves in the axial direction in accordance with a change in pressure. Specifically, when a pressure difference is generated between the first space A and the second space B, the piston 30 moves in the axial direction with respect to the front cover 2 and the turbine 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the piston 30 has a piston body 36, a retaining plate 37, and a plurality of rivets 40. The piston body 36 is a member for pressing the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate 52 toward the front cover 2, and is disposed on the turbine 4 side of the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate 52. . The piston body 36 is supported by the turbine hub body 17b of the turbine hub 17 so as to be movable and rotatable in the axial direction. The piston main body 36 includes a sliding portion 30b disposed on the turbine 4 side of the second friction plate 52, a plurality of outer peripheral claw portions 30c disposed on the outer peripheral side of the sliding portion 30b, and a cylindrical portion 30d. Have.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sliding portion 30 b is an annular portion that presses the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate 52 toward the front cover 2. The sliding portion 30 b is disposed in the vicinity of the second friction plate 52.
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral claw portion 30c extends in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion of the sliding portion 30b. The outer peripheral claw portion 30c supports the first friction plate 51 so as to be movable in the axial direction and integrally rotatable. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of outer peripheral claw portions 30 c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The cylindrical portion 30 d is a portion that slides with the turbine hub body 17 b of the turbine 4. As shown in FIG. 1, a seal ring 38 is embedded in the turbine hub body 17b, and the cylindrical portion 30d and the sliding portion of the turbine hub body 17b are sealed by the seal ring 38.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retaining plate 37 is fixed to the piston main body 36 by a rivet 40, and supports the spring 33 so as to be elastically deformable. Specifically, the retaining plate 37 includes an annular fixing portion 37a fixed to the piston main body 36, and a support portion 37b disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the fixing portion 37a. The fixed portion 37 a is disposed on the turbine 4 side of the piston main body 36. An inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion 37 a is fixed to the piston body 36. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of openings 37c are formed in the fixing portion 37a. The opening 37 c is disposed at the same circumferential position as the connection intermediate part 62 and the claw tip 63 of the connection ring 60. The connecting intermediate part 62 is inserted into the opening 37c.

The shape of the opening 37c will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening 37c has a first opening 37e, a second opening 37f, and a third opening 37g. The first opening 37e is disposed at a position corresponding to the connection intermediate portion 62 and the claw tip 63, and is formed slightly larger than the connection intermediate portion 62 and the claw tip 63. The second opening 37f is formed on the outer side in the radial direction of the first opening 37e, and is connected to the first opening 37e. The second opening 37f is formed to be longer in the circumferential direction than the first opening 37e, and is disposed at substantially the same radial position as the annular portion 61. By providing the second opening 37f, the annular part 61 can be elastically deformed in the axial direction, and when the claw part tip 63 is hooked on the driven plate 35, the connecting intermediate part 62 and the claw part tip 63 are pushed into the turbine 4 side. (See, for example, FIG. 5C). The third opening 37g is formed on the outer side in the radial direction of the second opening 37f, and is connected to the second opening 37f. The third opening 37g is formed longer in the circumferential direction than the second opening 37f. A part of the annular portion 61 overlaps the third opening 37g.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support portion 37b supports the spring 33 so as to be elastically deformable in the rotational direction. The cross-sectional shape of the support portion 37b is generally C-shaped, and the spring 33 is accommodated inside the support portion 37b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support portion 37b has a plurality of contact portions 37d. The contact portion 37d is a portion that protrudes into the support portion 37b and supports the end portion of the spring 33 in the rotation direction.

(2) Spring 33
The spring 33 elastically connects the piston 30 and the turbine 4 in the rotational direction. The spring 33 is accommodated in the support portion 37 b of the retaining plate 37. The end portion of the spring 33 is supported in the rotation direction by the contact portion 37d. The spring 33 is disposed between the adjacent contact portions 37d. Further, a protrusion 35 c of the driven plate 35 is inserted between the adjacent springs 33 in the axial direction. When the piston 30 and the turbine 4 rotate relative to each other, the spring 33 is compressed in the rotation direction between the contact portion 37d and the protrusion 35c.

(3) Driven plate 35
As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the driven plate 35 is in contact with the end of the spring 33 in the rotational direction, and is fixed to the outer periphery of the turbine 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the driven plate 35 includes an annular fixed portion 35 a fixed to the turbine 4, a plurality of protrusions 35 c that can support the end of the spring 33, and an inner periphery of the fixed portion 35 a. And an annular claw portion 35b provided in the portion. The protrusion 35 c protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the fixed portion 35 a toward the piston 30 and is inserted into the support portion 37 b of the retaining plate 37. The claw portion 35b protrudes from the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion 35a to the piston 30 side. A gap S is secured between the claw portion 35b and the turbine 4 in the axial direction. The connection ring 60 is hooked on the claw portion 35b, and the claw portion tip 63 of the connection ring 60 is disposed in the gap S.

2 and 4, the driven plate 35 is provided with a first tapered surface 35d in consideration of the assembly of the connecting ring 60. The first tapered surface 35d is formed at the end of the claw portion 35b. The first tapered surface 35d is inclined with respect to the axial direction and faces the piston 30. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, when the connecting ring 60 is assembled, the claw portion tip 63 of the connecting ring 60 slides on the first tapered surface 35d, and the radius is increased by the first tapered surface 35d. Guided inward direction. The assembly work will be described later.

(4) First friction plate 51
The first friction plate 51 is disposed between the piston 30 and the front cover 2 in the axial direction. The first friction plate 51 is disposed on the radially inner side of the spring 33, and is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction and integrally rotatable with respect to the front cover 2. Specifically, the first friction plate 51 is supported by the outer peripheral claw portion 30c of the piston 30 so as to be movable in the axial direction and integrally rotatable.

(5) Second friction plate 52
The second friction plate 52 is disposed between the piston 30 and the front cover 2 in the axial direction. More specifically, the second friction plate 52 is disposed between the first friction plate 51 and the sliding portion 30b. The second friction plate 52 is disposed on the radially inner side of the spring 33, and is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction and rotatable integrally with the piston 30. The second friction plate 52 is supported by the support plate 2a of the front cover 2 so as to be movable in the axial direction and integrally rotatable.

Since the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate 52 are arranged between the back plate 2b and the sliding portion 30b in the axial direction, the lockup device 7 is provided with a total of three power transmission surfaces. .
The number of the first friction plates 51 and the second friction plates 52 is not limited to one each. For example, the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate 52 may be plural. In this case, the first friction plates 51 and the second friction plates 52 are alternately arranged in the axial direction.

(6) Connecting ring 60
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the connection ring 60 is formed of a plate thinner than the driven plate 35, and elastically connects the piston 30 to the driven plate 35 in the axial direction. Specifically, the connecting ring 60 is hooked on the inner peripheral portion of the driven plate 35 (more specifically, the aforementioned claw portion 35b). The connection ring 60 sandwiches the piston 30 and the driven plate 35 in a state where a clearance is secured.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the connecting ring 60 has an annular portion 61 disposed on the front cover 2 side of the piston 30 and a plurality of connecting claw portions 65 extending from the annular portion 61 on the turbine 4 side. is doing. The connection ring 60 is integrally formed from a single plate.
As shown in FIG. 3, the annular portion 61 is formed of an annular plate, and is disposed on the radially inner side of the support portion 37 b of the retaining plate 37 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The annular portion 61 is disposed on the radially outer side than the outer peripheral claw portion 30 c of the piston main body 36. The annular portion 61 is thinner than the driven plate 35 and is elastically deformable in the axial direction with a relatively small force. In the state shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the annular portion 61 is slightly elastically deformed in the axial direction, and the driven plate 35 is pulled toward the piston 30 via the connecting claw portion 65. As shown in FIG. 1, in this state, the cylindrical portion 30 d of the piston 30 is in contact with the turbine hub 17. Therefore, the piston 30 is held in the axial direction at the position shown in FIG.

2 and 4, the connecting claw portion 65 extends from the inner peripheral edge of the annular portion 61 on the turbine 4 side, and is formed by being bent. Specifically, the connecting claw portion 65 has a claw portion tip 63 disposed on the opposite side of the driven plate 35 from the piston 30, and an annular portion 61 and a connecting intermediate portion 62 that connects the claw portion tip 63. ing. The connecting intermediate portion 62 extends radially inward and axially from the inner peripheral edge of the annular portion 61 and penetrates the opening 37 c of the retaining plate 37. The connecting intermediate portion 62 is disposed on the radially inner side of the claw portion 35 b of the driven plate 35. A claw portion tip 63 is formed at the end of the connecting intermediate portion 62.

2 and 4, the claw portion tip 63 protrudes radially outward from the end portion of the connecting intermediate portion 62, and is in contact with the claw portion 35b in the axial direction. When the piston 30 and the turbine 4 rotate relative to each other, the claw portion 35b and the claw portion tip 63 slide. In consideration of assembly, the claw portion tip 63 is provided with a second tapered surface 63a. The second taper surface 63 a is inclined with respect to the axial direction and faces the turbine 4. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, when the coupling ring 60 is assembled to the driven plate 35, the first tapered surface 35d of the driven plate 35 guides the claw portion tip 63 radially inward. At this time, the second tapered surface 63a slides with the first tapered surface 35d. In the present embodiment, the first taper surface 35d and the second taper surface 63a are inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the axial direction, but the inclination angles of the first taper surface 35d and the second taper surface 63a are limited to 45 degrees. Not.

<Assembly work>
Here, the assembly work of the lock-up device 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C.
A thrust bearing 27, a stator 5, a thrust bearing 26, and the turbine 4 are assembled to the impeller 3 in order, and the piston 30 is inserted into the turbine hub 17 of the turbine 4. At this time, the protrusion 35 c of the driven plate 35 is inserted between the ends of the spring 33.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5A, the connecting ring 60 is assembled to the retaining plate 37 and the driven plate 35. The annular portion 61 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral claw portion 30c, but the radial positions of the connecting intermediate portion 62 and the claw portion tip 63 are substantially the same as the radial positions of the outer peripheral claw portion 30c. For this reason, when the connecting ring 60 is assembled to the retaining plate 37 and the driven plate 35, it is expected that the connecting ring 60 interferes with the outer peripheral claw portion 30 c of the piston body 36.

However, as shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the axial direction, the opening 37 c is disposed between the adjacent outer peripheral claw portions 30 c, and accordingly, the connection intermediate portion 62 and the claw portion tip 63 of the connection ring 60. Are also inserted between the adjacent outer peripheral claw portions 30c. For this reason, the coupling ring 60 does not interfere with the piston main body 36 during assembly, and the coupling claw portion 65 of the coupling ring 60 can be inserted into the opening 37c as shown in FIG.

When the connecting claw portion 65 is inserted into the opening 37c, the claw portion tip 63 comes into contact with the claw portion 35b as shown in FIG. Since the first taper surface 35d is formed at the end portion of the claw portion 35b, when the connecting ring 60 is pushed into the turbine 4, the claw portion tip 63 is formed by the first taper surface 35d as shown in FIG. Guided radially inward, the connecting intermediate portion 62 bends radially inward. At this time, since the second taper surface 63a is formed at the end of the claw tip 63, the second taper surface 63a slides on the first taper surface 35d, and the claw tip 63 is smoothly moved radially inward. Guided.

When the connecting claw portion 65 is further pushed into the turbine 4 side while the annular portion 61 is in contact with the retaining plate 37, the claw tip end 63 enters the turbine 4 side of the claw portion 35b, and the connecting intermediate portion 62 is in the original state. Return to. Thus, the assembly of the connection ring 60 is completed.
<Operation>
Next, the operation of the torque converter 1 will be described.

In a state in which the lockup device 7 is disconnected, when power is transmitted from the crankshaft of the engine to the front cover 2, the impeller 3 rotates together with the front cover 2, and hydraulic oil in the fluid chamber is transferred from the impeller 3 to the turbine. It flows to 4. The turbine 4 is rotated by the flow of the hydraulic oil, and power is transmitted to the input shaft connected to the turbine 4.
When the rotational speed of the turbine 4 reaches a predetermined level, the front cover 2 and the turbine 4 are mechanically connected by the lockup device 7. Specifically, a hydraulic control valve (not shown) is switched, and the hydraulic oil in the first space A is discharged. As a result, the pressure in the second space B becomes higher than the pressure in the first space A, and the piston 30 moves to the front cover 2 side.

When the piston 30 moves to the front cover 2 side, the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate are disposed between the front cover 2 and the piston main body 36 (more specifically, between the back plate 2b and the sliding portion 30b). 52 is sandwiched. As a result, the back plate 2b, the first friction plate 51, the second friction plate 52, and the sliding portion 30b slide, and power is transmitted from the front cover 2 to the piston 30 via the power transmission surface. When power is transmitted to the piston 30, power is transmitted from the piston 30 to the turbine 4 via the spring 33, and the spring 33 absorbs an impact when the lockup device 7 is connected, and finally the piston 30 and the turbine 30 are absorbed. 4 and rotate together. In the coupled state of the lockup device 7, rotational fluctuations generated in the engine are absorbed and attenuated by the spring 33.

In a state where power is transmitted by hydraulic oil, the front cover 2 and the piston 30 may rotate relative to each other. When the front cover 2 and the piston 30 rotate relative to each other, the piston 30 is attracted to the front cover 2 side, and so-called drag torque may be generated by the hydraulic oil around the first friction plate 51 and the second friction plate 52. .
However, in the torque converter 1, the piston 30 is hardly pulled toward the front cover 2 because the piston 30 is pulled toward the turbine 4 by the connecting ring 60. Therefore, the generation of drag torque can be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
A lockup device 107 according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure which has the substantially same function as the above-mentioned structure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
<Configuration>
In the first embodiment described above, the connection ring 60 is an integral member, but the connection ring 60 may be composed of a plurality of members.

For example, the lockup device 107 shown in FIG. 6 includes a driven plate 135 (an example of a driven member) and a connecting ring unit 160 (an example of a connecting member). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the driven plate 135 has a substantially annular fixing portion 135a, a plurality of claw portions 135b, and a plurality of protrusions 35c. The fixed part 135 a is fixed to the turbine 4. The claw portion 135b extends radially inward and axially from the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion 135a. A gap S is secured between the fixed portion 135a and the turbine 4. The disc portion 163 of the connection ring unit 160 is disposed in the gap S.

Unlike the connection ring 60 described above, the connection ring unit 160 is composed of two members. Specifically, the connection ring unit 160 includes a wire ring 165 (an example of a ring member) and a connection ring 169 that connects the wire ring 165 and the driven plate 135.
The connection ring 169 includes an annular portion 161 hooked on the claw portion 135 b and a plurality of connection claw portions 168 hooked on the wire ring 165. The annular portion 161 is disposed between the piston 30 and the turbine 4 in the axial direction, and is formed by bending an annular plate. Specifically, the annular portion 161 has a disc portion 163 and a cylindrical portion 162. The disc portion 163 is an annular plate and is disposed between the claw portion 135 b of the driven plate 135 and the turbine 4. The disc portion 163 is in contact with the claw portion 135b in the axial direction, and when the piston 30 and the turbine 4 rotate relative to each other, the claw portion 135b and the disc portion 163 slide. The cylindrical portion 162 extends from the inner peripheral edge of the disc portion 163 to the piston 30 side, and is disposed on the radially inner side of the claw portion 135b.

The plurality of connecting claws 168 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The connecting claw portion 168 extends from the annular portion 161 to the turbine 4 side, and is formed by bending a plate-like portion protruding from the annular portion 161. Specifically, the connecting claw portion 168 includes a claw portion tip 166 disposed on the opposite side of the driven plate 35 from the piston 30, and a connecting intermediate portion 164 that connects the annular portion 61 and the claw portion tip 166. ing.

The connecting intermediate portion 164 extends from the tubular portion 162 to the front cover 2 side, and further extends obliquely outward from the tubular portion 162 in the radial direction. The connecting intermediate portion 164 passes through the opening 37 c of the retaining plate 37. A claw end 166 is formed at the end of the connecting intermediate portion 164. The claw portion tip 166 is disposed on the side of the retaining plate 37 opposite to the turbine 4 (front cover 2 side), and the end portion of the coupling intermediate portion 164 is bent inward in the radial direction. The claw portion tip 166 protrudes radially inward from the end of the connecting intermediate portion 164, but is disposed on the radially outer side of the tubular portion 162 of the annular portion 161.

The wire ring 165 is hooked on the connecting claw portion 168. Specifically, the wire ring 165 is hooked on the claw tip 166 and is sandwiched between the claw tip 166 and the axial direction of the retaining plate 37. The wire ring 165 is disposed on the side of the retaining plate 37 opposite to the turbine 4 (front cover 2 side). The wire ring 165 has a C shape with a notch and is elastically deformable in the radial direction. At the time of assembly, the wire ring 165 is hooked on the plurality of connecting claws 168 while being elastically deformed radially inward. The nail | claw part front-end | tip 166 and the wire ring 165 are arrange | positioned in the radial direction outer side rather than the outer periphery claw part 30c. The inner diameter of the wire ring 165 is larger than the outer diameter of the piston body 36. A clearance enough to insert the wire ring 165 is secured between the claw tip 166 and the piston body 36.

The wire ring 165 is formed of a relatively thin wire, and can be elastically deformed in the axial direction with a relatively small force. The wire ring 165 is assembled in a state of being slightly elastically deformed in the axial direction.
<Assembly work>
Here, the assembly work of the connecting ring unit 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (A) to 8 (C).

When the driven plate 135 is fixed to the turbine 4, the connecting ring 169 is hooked on the driven plate 135 first. The connecting ring 169 is assembled together with the turbine 4 and the driven plate 135.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the piston 30 is assembled to the turbine 4. At this time, the connection claw portion 168 of the connection ring 169 is inserted into the opening 37c. Next, the wire ring 165 is fitted into the connecting claw portion 168. At this time, since the wire ring 165 has a notch, the wire ring 165 can be elastically deformed so that its diameter becomes smaller like a snap ring. When the wire ring 165 is attached, as shown in FIG. 8B, the wire ring 165 is elastically deformed so as to pass through the radially inner side of the claw tip 166, and as shown in FIG. The wire ring 165 is fitted between the claw portion 166 and the claw portion tip 166. In a state where the wire ring 165 is fitted into the connection claw portion 168, the periphery of the connection claw portion 168 of the wire ring 165 is slightly elastically deformed toward the turbine 4 side, and a part of the wire ring 165 enters the opening 37c.

As described above, since the piston 30 is elastically connected to the turbine 4 in the axial direction by the connecting ring unit 160, the drag torque can be reduced as in the case of the connecting ring 60 described above.
[Third Embodiment]
A lockup device 207 according to a third embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure which has the substantially same function as the above-mentioned structure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Configuration>
In the first and second embodiments described above, a part of the connection ring 60 and a part of the connection ring unit 160 are disposed on the front cover 2 side (opposite side of the turbine 4) of the piston 30. The piston 30 may be disposed on the turbine 4 side.
For example, the lockup device 207 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a driven plate 235 (an example of a driven member) and a connecting plate 260 (an example of a connecting member). The driven plate 235 has a substantially annular fixing portion 235a, a plurality of claw portions 235b, and a plurality of protrusions 35c. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fixing portion 235 a is fixed to the turbine 4. The claw portion 235b extends radially inward and axially from the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion 235a. A gap S is secured between the fixed portion 235 a and the turbine 4. A claw portion tip 263 of the connecting plate 260 is disposed in the gap S.

9 and 10, the connecting plate 260 is disposed on the turbine 4 side of the piston 30 (more specifically, the retaining plate 37), and is fixed to the piston 30 by the rivet 40. Specifically, the connection plate 260 includes a connection plate main body 261 fixed to the piston 30 and a connection claw portion 269 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the connection plate main body 261. The inner peripheral portion of the connecting plate main body 261 is fixed to the retaining plate 37 and the piston main body 36 by rivets 40. The connection plate main body 261 is a disk-shaped part and has a shape along the retaining plate 37. The connection plate main body 261 is thinner than the driven plate 235 and can be elastically deformed in the axial direction with a relatively small force.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the connecting claw portion 269 is hooked on the driven plate 235, and has a cylindrical connecting intermediate portion 262 and a claw portion tip 263. The connection intermediate portion 262 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the connection plate main body 261 to the turbine 4 side, and is disposed on the radially inner side of the claw portion 235b. The claw portion tip 263 is an annular portion that extends radially outward from the end of the connecting intermediate portion 262 on the turbine 4 side, and is formed by bending the end of the connecting intermediate portion 262. The claw portion tip 263 is in contact with the claw portion 235b in the axial direction. In consideration of assembly, the claw portion tip 263 is provided with a tapered surface 263a. The tapered surface 263a is inclined with respect to the axial direction and faces the turbine 4. In the present embodiment, the tapered surface 263a is inclined about 45 degrees with respect to the axial direction.

<Assembly work>
Here, the assembling work of the connecting plate 260 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 (A) to 11 (B).
The connecting plate 260 is fixed to the piston main body 36 and the retaining plate 37 by rivets 40. For this reason, the connecting plate 260 and the piston 30 are handled as an integral assembly.

After the turbine 4 is assembled, the piston 30 and the connecting plate 260 are assembled to the turbine 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the claw tip 263 of the connecting plate 260 contacts the claw 235 b of the driven plate 235. Since the tapered surface 263a is formed at the claw tip 263, when the piston 30 and the connecting plate 260 are pushed into the turbine 4, the claw tip 263 is guided radially inward by the claw 235b, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the claw portion tip 263 enters the inside of the claw portion 235b in the radial direction. At this time, the connecting intermediate portion 262 is elastically deformed radially inward. Further, when the piston 30 and the connecting plate 260 are pushed into the turbine 4 side, the claw tip 263 enters the turbine 4 side of the driven plate 235 and the claw tip 263 enters the driven plate 235 as shown in FIG. Get caught. Thus, the assembly of the connecting plate 260 is completed.

Even with the connection plate 260 described above, the drag torque can be reduced.
[Fourth Embodiment]
A lockup device 307 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure which has the substantially same function as the above-mentioned structure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Configuration>
In the first to third embodiments described above, a part or all of the connecting member is disposed on the turbine 4 side of the piston 30, but the entire connecting member may be disposed on the front cover 2 side of the piston 30. .
For example, the lock-up device 307 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 includes a driven plate 335 (an example of a driven member) and a wire ring 360 (an example of a connecting member). The driven plate 335 includes a substantially annular fixing portion 335a, a plurality of protrusions 335b, and a plurality of protrusions 35c. The driven plate 235 is integrally formed. The fixed portion 335 a is fixed to the turbine 4. The protruding portion 335b extends in the axial direction from the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion 335a. Specifically, the protruding portion 335b includes a driven connecting portion 335d extending in the axial direction from the fixed portion 335a and a driven claw portion 335e provided at an end of the driven connecting portion 335d. The driven connecting portion 335 d is inserted into the opening 37 c of the retaining plate 37. The driven claw portion 335e is formed by bending the end of the driven connecting portion 335d inward in the radial direction. The driven claw portion 335e is disposed on the front cover 2 side of the retaining plate 37 and extends radially inward from the end portion of the driven coupling portion 335d.

The wiring 360 elastically connects the driven plate 335 and the piston 30 in the axial direction. Specifically, the wire ring 360 is hooked on the protruding portion 335 b and is sandwiched between the driven claw portion 335 e and the retaining plate 37. The wiring 360 is disposed on the side of the retaining plate 37 opposite to the turbine 4 (front cover 2 side). The wire ring 360 has a C shape with a notch 361 formed therein, and is elastically deformable in the radial direction. The retaining plate 37 is formed with a positioning portion 337g protruding from the fixing portion 37a to the front cover 2 side. The positioning part 337g is formed by press work, for example. Since the positioning portion 337g is fitted in the notch 361 of the wire ring 360, the wire ring 360 rotates integrally with the retaining plate 37.

At the time of assembly, the wire ring 360 is hooked on the plurality of protrusions 335b while being elastically deformed radially inward. The driven claw portion 335e and the wire ring 360 are arranged on the outer side in the radial direction than the outer peripheral claw portion 30c. The inner diameter of the wire ring 360 is larger than the outer diameter of the piston body 36. A clearance is secured between the driven claw portion 335e and the piston main body 36 so that the wire ring 360 can be inserted.

The wire ring 360 is formed of a relatively thin wire, and can be elastically deformed in the axial direction with a relatively small force. The wire ring 360 is assembled in a state of being slightly elastically deformed in the axial direction. Specifically, the opening 37 c is formed long in the circumferential direction, and the wire ring 360 is pulled toward the turbine 4 by the protruding portion 335 b of the driven plate 335. For this reason, the peripheral part of the part hooked by the protrusion part 335b of the wire ring 360 is elastically deformed in the axial direction, and slightly enters the opening 37c.

<Assembly work>
Here, the assembly work of the wire ring 360 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 (A) to 15 (C).
After the turbine 4 is assembled, the piston 30 is assembled to the turbine 4. As shown in FIG. 15A, the protrusion 335 b is inserted into the opening 37 c of the retaining plate 37. As shown in FIG. 15B, the wire ring 360 is inserted radially inside the driven claw 335e in a state deformed radially inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15C, the wire ring 360 is fitted between the retaining plate 37 and the driven claw portion 335e, and the assembly of the wire ring 360 is completed.

Even with the wire ring 360 and the driven plate 335 described above, the drag torque can be reduced.
The lock-up device according to the present invention is not limited to the first to fourth embodiments described above, and the lock-up device according to the present invention can be variously modified or changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Correction is possible.

In the above lock-up device, since the piston is connected to the driven member by the connecting member, the drag torque can be reduced. Therefore, the above technique is useful in the field of lock-up devices.

1 Torque converter (an example of a fluid power transmission device)
2 Front cover 4 Turbine 7 Lock-up device 30 Piston 33 Spring (an example of an elastic member)
35, 135, 235, 335 Driven plate (an example of a driven member)
36 piston body 37 retaining plate 51 first friction plate 52 second friction plate 60 connecting ring (an example of a connecting member)
160 Connection ring unit (an example of a connection member)
260 Connection plate (example of connection member)
360 Wiring (an example of a connecting member)

Claims (22)

A lockup device that is disposed in a space between a front cover of a fluid power transmission device and a turbine, and mechanically connects the front cover and the turbine;
A piston that is axially movable and rotatable by the turbine and that moves in the axial direction in response to a change in the pressure;
A driven member fixed to the turbine;
An elastic member that elastically connects the piston to the driven member in a rotational direction;
A connecting member for connecting the piston to the driven member;
A lock-up device. The connecting member elastically connects the piston to the driven member in the axial direction.
The lockup device according to claim 1. The connecting member is hooked on the inner periphery of the driven member,
The lockup device according to claim 1 or 2. The connecting member sandwiches the piston and the driven member in a state where a gap is secured,
The lockup device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The connecting member includes an annular portion that is disposed on the front cover side of the piston and abuts on the piston, and a connecting claw portion that extends from the annular portion toward the turbine side and is hooked on an inner peripheral portion of the driven member. Have
The lockup device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The piston has an opening formed at a position corresponding to the connecting claw portion,
The connecting claw portion is inserted into the opening,
The lockup device according to claim 5. The connection claw portion includes a connection intermediate portion extending from the annular portion toward the turbine side, a claw portion tip protruding in a radial direction from an end portion of the connection intermediate portion, and disposed on the opposite side to the piston of the driven member, have,
The lock-up device according to claim 5 or 6. The inner peripheral portion of the driven member has a first tapered surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction and faces the piston side,
The claw tip has a second tapered surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction and faces the turbine.
The lockup device according to claim 7. A first friction plate supported by the piston so as to be axially movable and integrally rotatable;
A second friction plate disposed between the piston and the first friction plate and supported by the front cover so as to be axially movable and integrally rotatable;
The piston has a plurality of support portions that support the first friction plate so as to be movable in the axial direction.
The connecting claw portion is disposed at a position that does not overlap the support portion in the axial direction.
The lockup device according to claim 7 or 8. The annular portion is disposed radially outside the support portion,
The lockup device according to claim 9. The connecting member includes a ring member that is disposed on the front cover side of the piston and contacts the piston, an annular portion that is disposed on the opposite side of the driven member from the piston and that contacts the driven member, and the annular portion A connecting claw portion extending to the front cover side and hooked on the ring member,
The lockup device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The piston has an opening formed at a position corresponding to the connecting claw portion,
The connecting claw portion is inserted into the opening,
The lockup device according to claim 11. The connection claw portion includes a connection intermediate portion extending from the annular portion toward the front cover, a claw portion tip protruding in a radial direction from an end portion of the connection intermediate portion, and disposed on the opposite side of the ring member from the piston. ,have,
The lockup device according to claim 11 or 12. The ring member has a generally C shape with a notch formed,
The lockup device according to any one of claims 11 to 13. The connecting member is disposed between the piston and the turbine and is fixed to the piston.
The lockup device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The connecting member includes a connecting member main body fixed to the piston, and a connecting claw provided on an outer peripheral portion of the connecting member main body and hooked on the driven member.
The lockup device according to claim 15. The connection claw portion extends in the radial direction from the connection intermediate portion extending from the outer peripheral portion of the connection member main body to the turbine side, and extends radially outward from the end portion of the connection intermediate portion, and is in axial contact with the inner peripheral portion of the driven member. A claw tip, and
The lockup device according to claim 16. The claw tip has a tapered surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction and faces the turbine.
The lockup device according to claim 17. The driven member has a fixed portion fixed to the turbine, and a protruding portion provided on an inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion and hooked with the connecting member.
The lockup device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The protruding portion includes a driven connecting portion extending in an axial direction from the fixed portion, and a driven claw portion extending in a radial direction from an end portion of the driven connecting portion.
The lockup device according to claim 19. The connecting member is sandwiched between the driven claw portion and the piston,
The lockup device according to claim 20. The piston has an opening formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion,
The protrusion is inserted into the opening;
The lockup device according to any one of claims 19 to 21.

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