U.S. patent application number 09/805697 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-19 for torque-transmitting apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Luk Getriebe-Systeme GmbH. Invention is credited to Honemann, Rudolf, Maienschein, Stephan, Meisner, Marc.
Application Number | 20010008198 09/805697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26045986 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010008198 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maienschein, Stephan ; et
al. |
July 19, 2001 |
Torque-transmitting apparatus
Abstract
A torque-transmitting apparatus, particularly for motor
vehicles, with a fluid coupling or a hydrodynamic torque converter
and a damping system has an improved design providing the
advantages of stress-free mounting of the damper, technical and
cost improvements in the manufacture of the apparatus, modular
assembly, capability to transmit large torque and attenuate
rotational perturbations over a wide RPM range so as to minimize
wear to prolong the useful life of the entire unit.
Inventors: |
Maienschein, Stephan; (Buhl,
DE) ; Meisner, Marc; (Buhl-Weitenung, DE) ;
Honemann, Rudolf; (Ottersweier, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
805 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Assignee: |
Luk Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
|
Family ID: |
26045986 |
Appl. No.: |
09/805697 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09805697 |
Mar 13, 2001 |
|
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09305504 |
May 5, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
192/3.29 ;
192/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 2045/0294 20130101;
F16H 2045/021 20130101; F16H 2045/0226 20130101; F16H 2045/0231
20130101; F16H 2045/0247 20130101; F16H 45/02 20130101; F16H
2045/0278 20130101; F16H 2045/007 20130101; F16H 2041/246 20130101;
F16H 2045/0284 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
192/3.29 ;
192/212 |
International
Class: |
F16H 045/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 6, 1998 |
DE |
198 20 128.1 |
Jun 18, 1998 |
DE |
198 27 127.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for transmitting torque, comprising a torque converter
with at least one housing connectable to a driving shaft of a prime
mover, the housing containing and imparting torque to at least one
pump and also containing a turbine connectable to and arranged to
drive an input shaft of a power train, with further at least one
damper arranged in a power flow path between the housing and a
rotary output element of the apparatus, and with a lock-up clutch
connectable to the housing, the damper having an input member and
an output member, the input member being in form-locking engagement
with the turbine and with the lock-up clutch, the input member and
the output member being rotatable relative to each other against
the opposition of a restoring force of energy-storing devices
arranged between them, and the output member being connected to the
rotary output element.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said turbine
includes a first hub axially restrained and rotatable on a second
hub surrounding the input shaft, the input member being constrained
to rotate together with the turbine, the damper having a radially
outer connection to the turbine and a radially inner,
rotation-locked connection to the second hub with one of the
radially outer connection and the radially inner connection being
restrained from axial movement relative to the turbine and the
second hub, respectively.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member is
constrained to rotate together with the turbine and the input
member and the turbine are at least indirectly form-lockingly
connected to each other by means of an axial plug-in
connection.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the torque converter
further includes a stator interposed between the pump and the
turbine.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input shaft of
the power train is a transmission shaft.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member and
the turbine are movable relative to each other in the axial
direction.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lockup clutch is
interposed in the torque-flow path between the driving shaft and
the damper.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lockup clutch
includes means for establishing a force-locking connection between
the housing and the damper.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lockup clutch
has at least one friction-lining carrier with at least one friction
lining.
10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lockup clutch
is a disk clutch.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lockup clutch
is controlled by an axially moveable control piston.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control piston
in an engaged state of the lockup clutch forms a plenum chamber
with an essentially tight separation from a chamber formed by the
housing.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control piston
is centered on, axially movable in relation to, and sealed against
the transmission shaft.
14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control piston
is centered on, axially movable in relation to, and sealed against
a hub that supports the housing and surrounds the transmission
shaft.
15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control piston
is axially movable relative to the housing and has an outside
perimeter along which the control piston is sealed against the
housing.
16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control piston
has a form-locking engagement with the housing.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the form-locking
engagement is formed by complementary axially oriented profiles of
the control piston and the housing.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the axially
oriented profiles are formed by alternating ridges and grooves in
the shape of ring segments that are distributed over the outside
perimeter where the ridges of the control piston engage the grooves
of the housing.
19. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the friction-lining
carrier includes an annular disk and said lockup clutch comprises
friction linings flanking a radially outer zone of said disk.
20. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the locking clutch
is controlled by an axially moveable control piston and the
friction-lining carrier is interposed axially between the control
piston and a pressure plate and has an axial attachment to the
housing along a radially outer portion of the pressure plate.
21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the pressure plate
has at least one opening to allow damper fluid to pass through.
22. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the locking clutch
is controlled by an axially moveable control piston and the
friction-lining carrier is centered on the control piston by means
of lugs protruding axially from the friction-lining carrier towards
the housing and engaging a shoulder that is formed on the control
piston and extends in an axial direction away from the
friction-lining carrier.
23. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control piston
constitutes the lockup clutch.
24. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lockup clutch
carries friction linings in a radially outer zone that faces
axially towards the housing.
25. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lockup clutch
is bent in the axial direction towards the turbine, conforming to a
wall of the housing, so that between the wall and the lockup clutch
a conical surface is formed for the friction linings.
26. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a component of the
lockup clutch is connected to the input member of the damper.
27. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the friction-lining
carrier is connected to the input member of the damper by means of
an axial plug-in connection.
28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the axial plug-in
connection is a toothed connection.
29. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the axial plug-in
connection is constituted by a radially extending flange-like
element.
30. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the axial plug-in
connection is constituted by a flange-like element having an
axially directed portion.
31. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the flange-like
element is attached to, and extends radially outwardly relative to
a shell of the turbine.
32. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the flange-like
element with the axially directed portion has an inwards-tapered
zone conforming and attached to a shell of the turbine, and an
inner perimeter bent in the axial direction towards the damper.
33. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the flange-like
element with the axially directed portion forms part of a hub that
carries the turbine.
34. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the radially
extending flange-like element constitutes an annular disk centered
on and attached to a hub that carries the turbine.
35. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the radially
extending flange-like element forms part of the input member.
36. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the flange-like
element with the axially directed portion is formed out of a
lateral part that forms the input member, and the lateral part at
an inner perimeter is bent into an axial direction towards the
damper.
37. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the axial plug-in
connection is formed between a radially extending element and an
axially extending element, and wherein further the radially
extending element has an outward-directed toothed profile and the
axially extending element has an axially directed toothed
profile.
38. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the axial plug-in
connection is formed between a radially extending element and an
axially extending element, and wherein further the radially
extending element has openings evenly distributed along a
concentric circle and the axially extending element has axially
directed teeth engaging the openings.
39. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the damper
comprises at least two damper stages.
40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the two damper
stages are configured to operate in series.
41. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the two damper
stages comprise at least one common disk-like part.
42. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein each damper stage
has an input member and an output member and the input member and
output member of each damper stage are rotatable relative to each
other through equal angles.
43. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein each damper stage
has an input and an output members and the input member and output
members of each damper stage are rotatable relative to each other
within different angles.
44. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the damper is
arranged to transmit torque both in a pull direction and a push
direction, and at least one damper stage is inactive in one of said
directions.
45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the damper stage
that is inactive in one of the directions comprises a bypass for
connecting the input member with the output member when the damper
stage is in an inactive mode.
46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the bypass is
effected by the mutual engagement of rotation-limiting stops
provided on the input member and the output member.
47. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the input
and output members of the damper comprises a lateral part.
48. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member
comprises two lateral parts and the output member comprises a
flange-like part interposed between the two lateral parts.
49. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member
and the output member are connected by engagement means evenly
distributed along a circle, said engagement means comprising in one
of said members a set of elongated holes with a dimension
corresponding at least to a maximum angle of relative rotation
between said members, and comprising in the other of said members a
set of matching connector means engaging said elongated holes,
whereby the input member and the output member are allowed to
rotate relative to each other.
50. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the flange-like
part includes by a disk-like part extending radially outwards from
a hub constituting the rotary output element.
51. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the lateral parts
are centered on a hub constituting the rotary output element.
52. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the flange-like
part is centered on a hub constituting the rotary output
element.
53. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein at least one of
the lateral parts defines a chamber wherein the energy-storing
devices are held against movement in the radial direction.
54. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one
force-introducing element for the energy-storing device is provided
on each of the input and output members.
55. The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein at least one
wear-resistant shell is interposed between said every storing
device and an inner side of a wall surrounding said chamber.
56. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy storing
devices comprises compression coil springs.
57. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein compression coil
springs with different spring-rate characteristics are used as the
energy-storing devices for the two damper stages.
58. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein at least one
arcuately pre-shaped compression coil spring extending
approximately along an outer circumference of the damper is used as
the energy-storing device for one of said damper stage.
59. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a lateral part
constituting the input member is bent along an inside perimeter to
extend axially towards the lockup clutch and has an axially
directed toothed profile in form-locking engagement with a radially
inward-directed toothed profile at an inner perimeter of the lockup
clutch.
60. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the form-locking
engagement permits axial movement of the lateral part and the
lockup clutch relative to each other.
61. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a form-locking
engagement between the turbine and the input member is established
along a radius between the at least two damper stages.
62. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a form-locking
engagement between the turbine and the input member is established
radially outwardly of the energy-storing devices of the damper.
63. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a form-locking
engagement between the turbine and the input member is established
radially inwardly of the energy-storing devices of the damper.
64. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member
and the output member are rotatable relative to each other within
an angle determined by at least one rotation-limiting stop.
65. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the
rotation-limiting stop includes means for uncoupling the
energy-storing devices of the damper from the power flow.
66. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the energy-storing
devices of at least one damper stage are uncoupled from the power
flow before the energy-storing devices of another damper stage.
67. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein at least one
rotation-limiting stop is constituted by at least one connector
means extendable into at least one end portion of at least one of
the elongated holes.
68. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the
rotation-limiting stop includes a flange-like part arranged on the
rotary output element, at least one extremity of the flange-like
part being axially-engaged in at least one opening formed along a
perimeter of the input member, the opening having an angular width
that determines a range of rotary play.
69. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a rotation-limiting
stop is formed by an axially directed flange-like part of the
plug-in connection, and wherein further the flange-like part is
attached to the turbine and has at least one axially directed tooth
engaging an elongated hole oriented along a perimeter, the
elongated hole having an angular width that determines a range of
rotary play.
70. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein an axially
directed flange-like part forming the rotation-limiting stop is
attached to the turbine.
71. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an axially directed
flange-like part forming the rotation-limiting stop is formed out
of the turbine hub.
72. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a rotation-limiting
stop functions as the plug-in connection, engages without play in
two lateral parts forming the input member of the damper, and
passes through openings provided along a perimeter in a flange-like
part forming the output member, the openings having an angular
width that determines an amount of rotary play between the input
member and the output member.
73. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the
rotation-limiting stop is formed by the engagement of an
outward-facing toothed profile of the rotary output element and an
inward-facing toothed profile of a flange-like part forming the
input element, the engagement having an angular play between tooth
flanks.
74. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member
has an axially and rotationally fixed connection to the turbine
wheel, and the output member is rotationally fixed and axially
movable on a hub that is rotationally tied to the rotary output
element.
75. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input member is
welded to the turbine wheel.
76. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the input member
is welded to the turbine wheel by a process selected from the group
that consists of laser welding, impulse welding, MIG (Metal/Inert
Gas) welding, friction welding, and resistance welding.
77. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the output member
has an inward-facing profile in form-locking engagement with an
outward-facing profile of the hub.
78. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an outward-facing
profile of the second hub is engaged by a profile of the first hub,
the engagement having at least as much angular play as the
damper.
79. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second hub has
window-shaped openings distributed evenly along a perimeter and
serving for an engagement with the first hub with angular play.
80. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the damper is
centered on the second hub by means of a disk-like part serving to
hold the energy-storing devices.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a torque-transmitting apparatus
with a fluid-operated torque coupler such as, e.g., a fluid
coupling or a hydrodynamic torque converter, with at least one
housing that can be connected to a driving shaft of a prime mover.
The housing contains at least one impeller pump receiving torque
from the housing and a turbine that is connected to the input
shaft, such as a transmission shaft, of a power train to be driven.
Also, if applicable, the housing contains at least one stator
arranged between the pump and the turbine. Further, at least one
damper is arranged in the power flow between the turbine and a
rotary output element of the device. The damper has an input member
constrained to rotate together with the turbine and an output
member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and
the output member are rotatable relative to each other at least
against the opposition of a restoring force furnished by
energy-storing devices arranged between them.
[0002] Torque-transmitting apparatuses of this kind have been
proposed, e.g., in DE-OS 195 14 411. To allow rotational
displacement of the input and output members relative to each
other, it is customary for torque-transmitting apparatuses of this
kind to be equipped with a hub that has a toothed internal profile
establishing a positive engagement with the transmission shaft and
also a toothed external profile which mates with a further
component, normally a further hub that carries the turbine and has
a toothed internal profile, with play between the flanks of the
mating teeth. When a lockup clutch is added that is activated by an
axial control piston, there needs to be a corresponding axial space
to allow for the axial travel of the hub containing the two toothed
profiles. The manufacture of hubs of this kind is complex and
therefore expensive. Furthermore, due to the required axial
dimension, longer transmission shafts will be needed. Added to this
is the difficulty of connecting bulky hub components with the
filigreed construction of the turbine shell. Also, dampers that
extend far in the radial direction have a tendency to wobble. If in
an attempt to solve these problems, the damper is axially docked to
the turbine along two or more perimeters of different radii, this
will cause undesirable stresses and frictional losses in the
damper.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
improve the design of a torque-transmitting apparatus in a manner
that allows a stress-free accommodation of the damper as well as
economical and technical improvements in the manufacturing process
for torque-transmitting apparatuses of this kind. According to a
further object of the invention, the device is to be manufacturable
in such a manner that a modular assembly without time-consuming
fastening operations can be performed during final assembly. Also
required of the torque-transmitting apparatus are the capabilities
to transfer torque of high magnitude and to attenuate rotational
perturbations over a broad RPM range. Besides, the unit is to meet
the objectives that it will minimize wear and prolong the useful
life of the overall system of which it is a part.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention is embodied in a torque-transmitting apparatus
of the kind that has a fluid-operated torque coupler such as a
hydrodynamic torque converter or a similar device comprising
[0005] at least one housing that can be connected to a driving
shaft of a prime mover,
[0006] at least one pump that is arranged inside of and driven by
the housing,
[0007] a turbine that is connected to and drives the input shaft of
a power train such as a transmission shaft and also, if
applicable,
[0008] at least one stator arranged between the pump and the
turbine, and further
[0009] at least one damper arranged in the torque-flow path between
the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus, with an
input member of the damper being constrained to rotate together
with the turbine and an output member of the damper being connected
to the rotary output element, the input member and the output
member being at least rotatable relative to each other at least
against the opposition of the restoring force exerted by
energy-storing devices arranged between them.
[0010] In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment of the
improved torque-transmitting apparatus, the damper at its outside
perimeter is directly or indirectly connected to the turbine
through a positive rotational constraint. This connection may be
free of play relative to coaxial rotational displacements but may
allow an axial displacement of the turbine and the input member of
the damper relative to each other. For example, the connection may
be axially displaceable by means of an axial plug-in connection
with the damper rigidly attached to a hub. The problem can further
be solved through a torque-transmitting apparatus with a damper
whose connection to the turbine shell or turbine, or to the hub, is
rotationally fixed both along an inside and outside perimeter,
while in the axial direction the connection is fixed only along one
perimeter, either on the hub or on the turbine shell, so that axial
stresses are relieved by an axial displacement at the axially
non-restrained connection.
[0011] In accordance with a further inventive concept, there may
also be an axially and-rotationally fixed connection at the outside
perimeter of the damper in which case, in order to prevent stresses
in the damper, the inside perimeter of the damper may be designed
to be axially displaceable, e.g., in an arrangement where the
damper, by means of a positive circumferential coupling such as a
toothed profile, engages a complementary profile on the hub. In
addition, the profile on the hub may be axially fixed but rotatable
on a complementary profile of the turbine hub on which the turbine
is seated, with the amount of rotational play designed to be at
least equal to the working range, i.e., the effective angular
range, of the damper. The play in the form-fitting engagement
between the turbine hub and the hub may also be obtained through
additional devices such as window-like openings that are
distributed over the circumference of the hub and are engaged with
angular play by a corresponding series of axially directed
projections on the turbine hub.
[0012] With particular advantage, the connection between the
turbine and the input member of the damper is accomplished through
welding processes such as laser welding, impulse welding, or
resistance welding, in which case the damper can be centered on the
hub by means of a disk-shaped part that holds the energy-storing
devices, or on the turbine shell, e.g., by providing the turbine
shell with a series of projections that are distributed over the
circumference and that may also serve as locating references for
the weld.
[0013] It is advantageous for the torque-transmitting apparatus to
be provided with a lockup clutch arranged in the torque-flow path
between the driving shaft and the damper, in which case it has
proved to be beneficial if the lockup clutch, by means of friction
linings or laminar disks, establishes a positive engagement with a
housing surface and transfers the torque to be transmitted directly
to the input member of the damper. Thus, when the lockup clutch is
engaged, the torque converter is bypassed and the torque to be
transmitted is introduced directly into the damper and from there
to the rotary output element and subsequently to the transmission
shaft. When the lockup clutch is disengaged, the turbine will
impart the torque that has been converted--in most cases amplified
through the effect of the stator--to the input member of the damper
from where the torque will follow the same path as has been
previously described.
[0014] The clutch can be engaged and disengaged through an axially
moveable control piston that is controlled by an application of
pressure. It is advantageous if the control piston defines a plenum
chamber which, in the engaged state of the lockup clutch, is
essentially sealed tight against the interior space of the housing
(except for insignificant flows of pressure medium into the housing
that may be provided to cool the friction linings) and is energized
by a pressure medium identical to the converter fluid that is
admitted through a bore hole, whereby a pressure force is applied
to the piston in the axial direction towards the turbine. According
to the invention, this axial displacement is compensated by
allowing an axial displacement of the axial plug-in connection.
Another possibility for controlling the piston is to apply an over
pressure to the control piston, in which case the piston will seal
off the chamber when the clutch is open; and when the pressure in
the chamber is reduced, the piston is pushed to the housing wall by
the fluid pressure in the torque converter, thereby causing the
lockup clutch to engage.
[0015] The control piston can be centered on the transmission
shaft, on a hub holding the housing of the torque converter, or on
another appropriate part of the apparatus and is preferably
provided with sealing means at the interface surfaces to these
components for the purpose of sealing the plenum chamber in the
same manner as the piston can be sealed at its outside perimeter
against the housing.
[0016] A further embodiment comprises a form-fitting engagement
between the control piston and the housing by means of
complementary profiles extending in the axial direction, in which
case the axial profile is formed by alternating ridges and grooves
in the shape of ring segments that are distributed over a perimeter
where, e.g., the ridges of the control piston may engage the
grooves in the housing. An advantage of such configuration is the
direct engagement of the piston with the housing so that the piston
can transmit torque to the friction linings directly and/or through
other pressure-transmitting devices, whereby the use of an enlarged
friction surface and/or of a larger number of friction surfaces and
thus a greater transmission torque is made possible.
[0017] For this purpose, there may be one or more carriers of
friction linings in the form of annular disks or laminar disks that
can carry friction linings in the outer zones of their axially
facing surfaces. The friction-lining carriers or laminar disks are
axially movable, and the pressure force is applied against a
ring-shaped pressure plate that is connected with the housing
either directly or indirectly, e.g., welded, riveted or attached to
a flange that is, in turn, connected to the housing. For better
cooling fluid distribution, the pressure plate can have one or more
circles of holes.
[0018] It is advantageous to center the friction-lining carrier on
the housing. For this purpose, the friction-lining carrier can be
provided with lugs that protrude axially towards the housing and
are inserted in a shoulder extending in the direction away from the
friction-lining carrier.
[0019] A further advantageous embodiment renders it possible to
configure the piston itself as the lockup clutch or, more
precisely, as the friction-lining carrier. For this, the radially
outer part of the control piston surface that faces axially towards
the housing carries a ring-shaped friction lining that may be
provided with an optimized surface finish to achieve better
cooling. The piston surface may be bent in the axial direction
towards the turbine, so that the piston may rest in form-fitting
contact against the housing, which in the respective surface
portion is shaped similar to a cone shell.
[0020] As already described above, the lockup clutch is connected
through one of its components to the input member of the damper. In
one embodiment, the connecting part may be the control piston
itself in the manner described above, in which case the piston may
be connected to lateral parts of the input member by rivets, weld
joints or similar means. A further embodiment employs a ring-shaped
friction-lining carrier that may form an axial plug-in connection
by virtue of an appropriately shaped lateral portion. In this case
the friction-lining carrier has a form-fitting engagement with the
input member of the damper, e.g., by means of internal teeth at its
inside perimeter and, e.g., an axially oriented profile on the
lateral part of the input member. The advantages of axial plug-in
connections in accordance with the invention are that they
compensate for axial displacements and facilitate the manufacturing
process by virtue of a modular configuration, because systems of
this kind can be built by plug-in assembly without further resort
to fastening undertakings such as, e.g., welding or riveting, thus
allowing the use of work stations that are not equipped with the
respective infrastructure.
[0021] Further advantageous embodiments of axial plug-in
connections between components of the damper and components of the
turbine will be described hereinafter. An advantageous
configuration has two components of the two units to be connected
meeting each other approximately at a right angle, i.e., in the
form of a radially and an axially extending flange, respectively,
with the two parts in a form-fitting engagement. In this, it may be
advantageous to provide the radially extending flange with external
teeth and the axially extending flange with axially oriented
teeth.
[0022] It may also be advantageous if a radially extending
flange-like part has closed cutouts, distributed along a circle of
smaller radius than the outside perimeter, that are engaged by
axially directed extremities of the axially extending flange-like
part.
[0023] A preferred embodiment may be a radially oriented
flange-like part that, starting at its inside perimeter, follows
the shape of the turbine shell outwards in the radial direction and
is attached in this portion, e.g., welded or riveted. From there,
the flange-like part bends into the radial direction and has a
toothed profile along its exterior circumference that is engaged by
the lateral part of the input member of the damper. For this
purpose, the lateral part at its exterior circumference bends into
the axial direction and forms the axially directed flange-like part
that carries, e.g., the axially oriented toothed profile.
[0024] A further advantageous embodiment may include a flange-like
part in the shape of an annular disk that adjoins along its inside
perimeter the turbine shell and conforms to the shape of the
turbine shell towards the inside in the radial direction, is
attached in the shape-conforming portion as described above and
then curves into the axial direction. The profile facing away from
the turbine shell in axial direction, e.g., a toothed profile,
engages in closed recesses distributed over the circumference of a
radially directed lateral part and in this manner forms an axial
plug-in connection. To form this plug-in connection, it may be
necessary for the axially directed toothed profile to pass through
the output member before engaging the input member of the damper,
given that the output member is interposed axially between the
turbine and the input member. For this purpose, the output member
has a circular arrangement of elongated holes matching the number
of teeth. The angular width of the holes corresponds to the maximum
angular displacement of the input and output members relative to
each other so that at the same time the elongated holes in
combination with the axially directed teeth of the axially oriented
flange-like part that is connected to the turbine form at least one
stop for the angular displacement of the damper.
[0025] In an advantageous arrangement, the axially extending
flange-like part can itself be in the form of a hub that carries
the turbine, the latter being connected to the hub by, e.g.,
welding or riveting. The hub carrying the turbine, in turn, can be
seated on a further hub that performs the function of the rotary
output element and is attached to the transmission shaft. The
axially extending flange-like part has a profile established, e.g.,
by axially oriented teeth that extend into enclosed cutouts
corresponding to the number of teeth in the flange whereby an axial
plug-in connection is formed. Depending on the configuration of the
damper, it may be necessary with this embodiment, too (as described
above), to provide in the output member an appropriate arrangement
of elongated holes which, in combination with the axially directed
profile of the axially oriented flange for the axial plug-in
connection, can function as stops for the relative displacement
between the input and output members of the damper. The output
member, being a radial extension of the hub that is attached to the
transmission shaft, may also be configured as a separate
flange-like part, in which case the flange needs to be centered on
the hub and attached through a rotationally fixed connection.
[0026] It can further be advantageous if an annular disk in the
form of a radially extending flange-like part with an exterior
profile, e.g., an arrangement of external teeth, is centered on the
hub that carries the turbine. By attachment means such as, e.g.,
rivets, the annular disk is rotationally tied to the turbine, and
its outward-pointing teeth, mentioned above by way of an example,
engage a lateral part that is bent in the axial direction along the
interior perimeter and (also by way of example) has a
complementary, axially directed toothed profile. In this case, too,
a connection is established that constrains rotational but allows
translational displacement of the engaged parts relative to each
other. The angular displacement of the damper may advantageously be
defined by means of a toothed profile with play between the
respective tooth flanks of the hub and the annular disk. The
outward-facing profile of the hub may also be engaged by the
inward-facing profile of the output member, albeit without play at
the flanks, in order to secure the output member for rotation with
the hub. This has the advantage of saving space in the axial
direction of the hub, given that the relative axial displacement
occurring between the damper and the turbine as a result of the
axial movement of the control piston is already compensated for by
the axial plug-in connection.
[0027] The axial plug-in connection between the damper and the
turbine in different practical variations may be arranged, e.g., at
a radial distance beyond the energy-storing devices, at an
intermediate radius between the storage devices in the case of at
least two damper stages, or inside the radial distance of the
storage devices.
[0028] Other embodiments of the invention concern the advantageous
design of the damper. The damper may be of the single-stage or
multi-stage type. A dual-stage damper may be configured in such a
way that the damper stages can function in a serial or parallel
mode, with the additional possibility of different limits of
rotation so that, e.g., in a serial arrangement of the damper
stages the relative rotation of one stage is stopped before the
other stage, e.g., for the purpose of achieving particular damping
characteristics.
[0029] In connection with the damper, it is also advantageous to
combine different energy-storing devices, e.g., by selecting
arc-shaped springs in a radially exterior damper stage, and short,
stiff spring elements for use in smaller-diameter areas so that,
e.g., a damper characteristic can be achieved that provides a high
amount of energy to compensate for both large-amplitude rotational
irregularities at low RPM and small-amplitude rotational
irregularities at high RPM. In this kind of an arrangement, the
arc-shaped springs in the radially exterior area may be pre-bent to
their working diameter and are retained radially by a chamber that
is formed by at least one lateral part or by other components of
the damper or of the torque-transmitting apparatus, e.g., by the
wall of the housing. In addition, there may be wear-reducing
components such as wear-protection shells interposed between the
arc-shaped springs and the chamber, with the characteristic of the
arc-shaped spring being determined by all of the aforementioned
factors.
[0030] It can be advantageous to provide the individual damper
stages with displacement properties that depend on the direction
from which the torque is introduced. Thus, the damper system may be
designed to function in two stages in the "pull" mode and in one
stage in the "push" mode. In this manner, the damper characteristic
may be adapted to the possibility of hard transient peaks in the
torque-flow that are introduced from the "push" side, i.e., from
the input shaft of the transmission, in which case, e.g., the soft
damper stage is bypassed completely and the firm damper stage is
-effective instantly. The bypass can be accomplished by means of
limit stops that block angular displacement against the drive
direction in the input and output members of the damper stage that
is inactive in the push mode.
[0031] It is advantageous to accommodate the storage devices in
disk-shaped parts that have dimensionally matched recesses into
which the storage devices are fitted and which may at their ends
have force-introduction elements facing against the direction of
the restoring force. The force-introduction elements retain and
thereby compress the storage devices when the input and output
members are displaced in relation to each other. The disk-shaped
parts forming the input and output members may be arranged in such
a manner that either the input or output member is formed by two
mutually connected lateral parts, while the other of the two
members is formed by a corresponding disk-shaped, flange-like part
arranged between the two lateral parts. A further embodiment that
brings cost advantages has two disk-shaped parts, one representing
a lateral part serving as input member and the other representing a
lateral part serving as output member. In two-stage dampers, it can
further be cost-effective to use a common disk-shaped part working
with both damper stages.
[0032] Further in the interest of optimizing cost, the disk-shaped
parts may take on additional functions. For example, as mentioned
already, one or more disk-shaped parts may form a chamber for the
energy storing devices, or they may contain the axial plug-in
connection between the damper and the turbine, and/or they may
perform other functions.
[0033] It is further advantageous for cost-optimization if
disk-shaped parts and different other components are made of one
piece. Thus, e.g., the output member of the damper together with
the rotary output element (e.g., the hub that is arranged on the
transmission shaft), or the output member together with the hub
that carries the turbine, may be made of one piece.
[0034] An advantageous and cost-effective embodiment of means for
limiting the extent of angular displacement avoids the need for
special stops. For this purpose, a circular arrangement of
elongated holes may be provided on at least one disk-shaped part,
where the fasteners (e.g., rivets) that are in any case already
provided pass through the holes and are held on the opposite side
by another disk-shaped part and/or by means of a sheet metal
holder. The angular width of the elongated holes is preferably
selected so that the extent of relative angular displacement
between the input member and the output member is limited by the
ends of the elongated holes stopping the shafts of the
fasteners.
[0035] It is advantageous to provide displacement-limiting stops
insofar as a damper or either some or all of the damper stages can
be bypassed, so that the damper or the damper stages can be
protected from wear. This may apply particularly in the case of
wear-prone versions with storage devices that, e.g., contain
arc-shaped springs, permit large angular displacements, and/or are
exposed to strong shock loads. To guard against premature failure,
it is advantageous if initially one damper stage is totally
bypassed by means of displacement-limiting stops, while the second
stage is either not bypassed at all or only at a later point. When
a damper or a damper stage reaches its limit stop, the torque that
previously entered into the energy-storing device is transmitted
through the stop directly to the output member of the bypassed
damper or damper stage. It may also be advantageous to provide
different angular displacement limits in the damper device and its
damper stages depending on the direction of the torque, i.e.,
whether the torque works in the pull or push direction,
respectively. Thus, it may be advantageous, for example, to provide
limit stops in such a manner that a damper stage is entirely
bypassed in the costing mode. Likewise, there may be advantages to
a configuration in which, e.g., one damper stage works only in the
coasting direction while the other stage works only in the pull
direction.
[0036] The novel features that are considered as characteristic of
the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims.
The improved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction
and its mode of operation, together with additional features and
advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the
following detailed description of certain presently preferred
specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying
drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of a novel
torque-transmitting apparatus with a two-stage damper.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of a further
embodiment of a torque-transmitting apparatus with an axial plug-in
connection located at a radial position between the energy-storing
devices of two damper stages.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of an embodiment of
the invention with axially directed projections formed on the
hub.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a partial view of a disk-shaped part of a
damper.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of an embodiment of a
damper.
[0042] FIG. 6 represents a fragmentary view of another embodiment
of a damper.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary axial sectional view of an
embodiment of a torque-transmitting apparatus with a single-stage
damper.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary axial sectional view of an
embodiment of a torque-transmitting apparatus with a two-stage
damper and a two-part hub.
[0045] FIGS. 9-12 are fragmentary sectional views of further
embodiments of two-part turbine dampers.
[0046] FIG. 13 represents an embodiment with a damper docked
fixedly to the turbine shell.
[0047] FIG. 14 represents a modified version of the damper of the
embodiment of FIG. 13.
[0048] FIG. 15 represents a detail of an embodiment comprising a
damper that is docked fixedly to the turbine shell.
[0049] FIG. 16 represents an embodiment of a torque-transmitting
apparatus comprising a damper that is docked fixedly to the turbine
shell.
[0050] FIG. 17 represents a hub of the embodiment of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The torque-transmitting apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a
housing 2 confining a torque converter 3. The housing 2 is
connected to a driving shaft that can constitute the output shaft
of a prime mover such as, e.g., the crankshaft of a combustion
engine. As is known, the housing 2 is constrained to rotate with
the shaft by a sheet metal disk that is connected at an inner
radius with the driving shaft and at an outer radius with the
housing.
[0052] The housing 2 comprises a shell 4 adjoining the driving
shaft or the combustion engine and a further shell 5 axially
distant from the driving shaft and attached to the housing shell 4
by means of a weld 2a. The two housing shells 4 and 5 are connected
and sealed at their radially outer portions by a welded connection
6. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing shell 5
simultaneously serves as the outer shell of the pump 7. This is
accomplished by connecting the vane portions 8 to the housing shell
5 in a manner known manner per se. A turbine 10 is interposed
axially between the pump 7 and the radially extending wall 9 of the
housing shell 4. A stator 11 is provided between the radially
interior portions of the pump 7 and the turbine 10.
[0053] Furthermore, the internal space 12 enclosed by the housing
shells 4, 5 contains a torque-elastic damper 13 that establishes
torque-elastic connection between the output hub 14 and a driving
part. In the illustrated embodiment, the driving part is formed by
the housing shell 4 in the case where the lockup clutch 15 is
engaged or operates with slip. When the lockup clutch 15 is
disengaged or slipping, the driving part is formed by the turbine
10. The converter lockup clutch 15 is arranged in series with the
damper 13.
[0054] The hub 14 representing the rotary output element of the
torque-transmitting apparatus 1 can be coupled through an interior
toothed profile 16 to an input shaft (not shown) of a transmission.
The turbine 10 is rotatable within a limited angular range relative
to the rotary output element, i.e., the hub 14, against the
opposition of the damper. In the case of a damper based on the
principle of shear flow of a hydraulic medium, while the relative
rotation between the turbine 10 and the output element 14 would
still be damped, the angle of relative rotation would be
unrestricted.
[0055] The output hub or rotary output element 14 is non-rotatably
connected, e.g., welded or caulked, to the flange-like output
member 17 of the torque-elastic damper 13. The input member 18 of
the torque-elastic damper 13 is at its outer perimeter bent in the
axial direction towards the turbine and forms an axially oriented
flange-like part 19 with a rim of axially directed teeth 20. At its
interior perimeter the input member 18 is bent in the axial
direction towards the housing shell 4 and has a rim of axially
directed teeth 21 so that the input member 18 transmits the torque
flow through form-locking connections to the lockup clutch 13 and
the turbine 10 by means of the toothed rims 20, 21. For this
purpose, a radially oriented flange-like part 22 is attached to the
turbine 10 by a weld 24 along its inner perimeter to the outside of
the turbine shell 23. The flange-like part 22 along its outside
perimeter has a toothed rim 26 and thereby forms an axial plug-in
connection 78 to the input member 18 of the damper 13.
[0056] Input member 18 and output member 17 in the axial space
between them enclose a flange-like intermediate part 27 which
simultaneously constitutes the output member of the first damper
stage 28a and the input member of the second damper stage 28b.
Input member 18, output member 17 and intermediate part 27 are
equipped in an essentially known manner with windows for holding
the energy-storing devices in the form of coil springs 29, 30 for
the two damper stages 28a, 28b.
[0057] In the axial direction, input member 18 is connected to an
intermediate part 27, and the intermediate part 27 is connected to
the output member 17 by means of fasteners, here in the form of
rivets 31, 32. The given range of play by which the parts can
rotate relative to each other is limited by the rivets passing
through elongated perforations 33, 34 that are arranged along a
circle on the input member 18 and on the intermediate part 27,
forming stops limiting the extent of travel of the rivets within
the holes. As axial retainers for the rivets 31, 32, ring-shaped
membranes 35, 36 are provided on the side of the perforations 33,
34. The axial spacing of the input member 18 from the intermediate
part 27 and of the intermediate part 27 from the output member 17
is provided by energy-storing devices working in the axial
direction between the respective parts, represented in this
embodiment by plate springs 44, 45.
[0058] The input member 18 at its interior perimeter has a profile
shape designed to accommodate the energy-storing devices 30 so as
to make optimum use of the available axial space, then turning into
the axial direction to form an axially oriented flange-like part 37
with a rim of axially directed teeth 21, where the input member 18
meets the exterior toothed rim 39 of a friction-lining carrier 38
in a form-locking engagement. The friction-lining carrier 38 is
centered on a shoulder 41 by means of lugs 40 bent into the axial
direction towards the control piston 43 and is faced on both sides
with friction linings 42 along its outer perimeter. The
friction-lining carrier 38 is interposed in the axial direction
between the control piston 43 and the annular disk 46. The latter
is attached in a rotation-blocking connection to the housing shell
4, which in the respective area extends in the radial direction.
Fastener means such as the impulse weld 48 of the present example
are used for the connection. The annular disk 46 has cut-outs 47
distributed along a circle that serve to promote circulation and
cooling of the chamber 49 that is formed between the annular disk
46, the control piston 43 and the friction-lining carrier 38. The
annular disk is centered on the housing 2 by means of projections
57 arranged in a circle on the housing shell 4.
[0059] The axial displacement of the control piston 43 effects the
slipping engagement, full engagement and disengagement of the
lockup clutch 15. The control piston is actuated by the pressure
differential in the chamber 50 that is located in the axial
direction between the control piston 43 and the housing shell 4 and
is supplied from a pressure pump (not shown) with a pressure medium
entering through a channel 51 from the radially interior direction.
To seal off the chamber 50, the control piston 43 is equipped along
its inner and outer perimeter with sealing means 51a, 52. Also, in
order to improve guidance and to prevent canting and thereby
jamming of the control piston, the latter is bent into the axial
direction at one perimeter, such as at the interior perimeter in
the present embodiment. To avoid slippage at the sealing means of
the piston 43, the latter has a form-locking engagement with the
housing 2 through an axially oriented profile 54 which in the
present embodiment consists of alternating ring segment-like
recesses 53 and projections 55 that are distributed over the
circumference and are engaged by the complementary-shaped profile
56 of the housing shell 4.
[0060] The embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates the function of the
torque-transmitting apparatus 1 as follows: When the lockup clutch
is open, the torque is transmitted by the pump 7 driving the
turbine 10, assisted in known manner by the free-wheeling stator
11, through the converter medium that fills the interior space 12
to the flange-like part 22 from where the torque is introduced
through an axial plug-in connection formed by the engagement of
toothed rims 20, 26 into the input member 19 of the damper 13. When
the lockup clutch 15 is closed, the torque-flow path runs through
the form-locking engagement of the mutually complementary profiles
54, 56 as well as through the annular disk 46 that is connected to
the housing 2. Through the friction engagement of the control
piston 43 and the annular disk 46 with the friction linings 42, the
torque is introduced into the friction-lining carrier 38 which, by
means of the axial plug-in connection with toothed rims 21, 40,
transmits the torque to the input member 18. Continuing from the
input member 18, the torque flow is smoothed in the damper 13 by
means of energy-storing devices 29, 30. The angular displacement of
both damper stages 28a, 28b is bounded by limit stops 33, 34 and
matched to the characteristics and properties of the energy-storing
devices 29, 30. If a friction component is needed in the damper 13,
i.e., in the damper stages 28a, 28b, the energy-storing devices 44,
45 are designed independently of each other in such a manner that a
frictional engagement occurs for the first damper stage 28a between
the securing membranes 35, 36 and the input member 17 and/or for
the second damper stage 28b between the securing membranes 35, 36
and the intermediate part 27. The output member 17 of the damper 13
transmits the torque to the hub 14 representing the rotary output
element of the torque-transmitting apparatus 1, from where the
torque is introduced into the transmission shaft.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows an inventive torque-transmitting apparatus 101
of similar configuration as the torque-transmitting apparatus 1,
but with a modified damper 113. The pump 107, stator 111, turbine
110, the overall construction, function and arrangement of the
lockup clutch 115 are provided in similar manner as has been
described in connection with FIG. 1.
[0062] The axial plug-in connection 178 in this embodiment is
formed by the flange-like part 122, which is engaged without play
in recesses 120 that are distributed over the circumference of the
input member 118. At its interior perimeter, the flange-like part
122 is connected to the shell 123 of the turbine 10--by a weld 124
in the illustrated example. Subsequently, the flange-like part 122
conforms to the shape of the turbine shell at a radial distance,
then turns into the axial direction towards damper 113, where its
rim of axially oriented teeth 126 engages the openings 120 of the
input member 118. The toothed engagement occurs at a radius inside
the first damper stage 128a and outside the second damper stage
128b where the flange-like part 122 runs in the axial direction and
passes through elongated perforations 133 formed along a circle on
the intermediate part 117 that is provided as output member of the
first damper stage 128a. Simultaneously, the flange-like part 122
forms the limiting stops for the relative angular displacement
between the input member 118 and the intermediate part 117 within
the angular range that is delimited by the perforations 133. Thus,
the energy-storing devices 129 are bypassed in the case of large
angular displacements and are protected against the possibility of
harmful effects from high transient peaks in the torque flow. In
this embodiment, the energy-storing devices of the first, radially
exterior damper stage 128a are formed in a known manner as
arc-shaped springs 129 that are accommodated and retained at their
outside radius by a chamber 118b formed by the peripheral portion
of the input member 118 that is bent into the axial direction
towards the turbine 110 and by an additional lateral part 118a
enclosing the arc-shaped springs on the side facing the turbine
110. The chamber 118b has provisions for applying a force in the
longitudinal direction of the springs in the shape of protrusions
118c of the input member 118 and the lateral part 118a, and
wear-protection shells may be interposed between the inside wall at
the circumference of the chamber 118b and the arc-shaped springs
129. The intermediate part 127 representing the output member of
the first damper stage 128a is arranged between the input member
118 and the lateral part 118a (relative to the axial direction) and
is equipped with radially arranged extremities 127a along its
outside perimeter. A further radially extending flange-like part
127b is connected to the intermediate part 127 through fasteners
such as the rivets 131 shown in the present embodiment. With
openings 130a formed in a known manner, the flange-like part
together with the intermediate part 127 holds the energy-storing
devices of the second damper stage 128b, in this embodiment
represented by short, stiff helix springs 130 distributed evenly
along a circle. On the output side, the force introduction into the
springs is accomplished with the output member 117 that is
interposed in the axial direction between the intermediate part 127
and the flange-like part 127b with openings 117a corresponding to
the dimensions of the helix springs 130 that in the present
embodiment consist of sets of helix springs nested inside each
other. At its outer perimeter, the output member 117 has
extremities 117b that are directed outwards in the radial direction
and engage openings 127c in the flange-like part 127b with play,
thus allowing the intended range of angular displacement for the
second damper stage 128b and providing limit stops so that the
second damper stage 128b will be bypassed when the angular
displacement of the, extremities 117b within the openings 127c has
reached the limit.
[0063] By the interposition of energy-storing devices--in this case
plate springs 144, 145--the respective input and output members
118, 127 of the first damper stage 128a and 127, 117 of the second
damper stage 128b are spaced apart from each other, and through
appropriate selection of the spring constants of the plate springs
144, 145, it is possible to achieve a desired amount of frictional
torque at the friction surfaces 144a, 145a.
[0064] In the present embodiment, the output member 117 and the
output element 114 with the interior toothed profile 116 for the
torque-transmitting connection to the transmission shaft (not
shown) are formed as one integral part.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a similar
torque-transmitting apparatus 201 similar to the
torque-transmitting apparatuses 1 and 101 with a housing 202 that
also contains a torque converter 203. The pump 208 and the stator
211 are configured and arranged in the same manner as has been
described in the context of FIG. 1.
[0066] The turbine 210 is spaced apart from the stator 211 by means
of a roller bearing 211a and is connected to a hub 210a by means of
a weld 210b made, e.g., by impulse welding. The hub 210a is
centered on a projection 214b of the hub 214 extending axially
towards the stator 211. The hub 214 represents the output element
of the torque-transmitting apparatus 201 and has an interior
toothed profile 216 for a form-locking engagement with the
outward-facing profile of a transmission shaft 272. For optimum use
of space in the axial dimension, the projection 214b surrounds the
outside of the stationary sleeve 270 that supports the stator 211
through a free-wheeling hub 271. In the axial direction, the hub
210a is held in place on the projection 214b by a retaining ring
214a. To limit the relative angular displacement between the
turbine 210 and the hub 214, i.e., the working range of the damper
213, the hub 210a has axially directed bolts 273 engaged with the
required amount of rotational play in openings 274 of the hub 214,
the latter representing at the same time the output member 217 of
the damper 213.
[0067] To accommodate the control piston 243 of the lockup clutch
215, a further hub 275 is slidably supported on the transmission
shaft and rotatable relative to the hub 214 by means of a roller
bearing 275a retaining the hub 275 engaged with the housing 202. In
first axially and then radially outwards directed wall portions
202a, 202b of the housing 202, axial and radial toothed profiles
are, respectively, arranged for a form-locking engagement with
complementary toothed profiles 275b on the hub 275. On the axially
extending circumference of the hub 275, a seal 251 is provided for
sealing the piston 243.
[0068] Located at a farther radius, the piston 243 has ridges 243a
running in a circle and projecting axially towards the
friction-lining carriers 238. When the piston 243 is displaced in
the axial direction, the ridges 243a bear against the clutch disks
238a and the friction-lining carriers 238 that are faced on both
sides with friction linings 242, resulting in slipping engagement,
full engagement, and disengagement of the lockup clutch 215. The
axial displacement of the piston 243 is energized by the
application of pressure differentials of a pressure medium entering
through a channel (not shown) into the tightly sealed chamber 250
that is formed by the piston 243a where the sealing interface
between the outer circumference of the piston 243 and the housing
204 is formed by a seal 252.
[0069] The clutch disks 238a and an additional annular disk 277
that serves as take-up surface against the clutch force are at
their exterior circumference engaged by a rotation-blocking toothed
profile and secured axially by a retaining ring 276a in the
exterior disk holder 276 that is welded to the housing 204. The
friction-lining carriers 238 are held at their inside perimeter in
the interior disk holder 218e by a rotation-blocking tooth profile.
Consequently, when there is friction engagement between the clutch
disks 238a and the friction linings 242, a torque-locked connection
is established between the housing 202 and the interior disk holder
218e, whereby the latter imparts the applied torque to the input
member 218. For this purpose, the inner disk holder is shaped as a
ring of approximately rectangular cross-sectional profile. The
portion of the disk holder that is running in the axial direction
towards the housing 204 supports the friction-lining carriers 238,
while the second portion, extending outwards in the radial
direction, is attached to a radially directed portion of the input
member 218 in a non-rotatable connection by means of fasteners such
as the rivets 231 that are arranged along a circle in the
illustrated example.
[0070] As has been described, the input member 218 of the damper
213 takes up the applied torque in the case where the lockup clutch
215 is closed or at least partially engaged. When the lockup clutch
215 is open as well and when it is slipping, the torque (or a
portion of the torque when the lockup clutch 215 is slipping) is
passed on from the turbine 210 through an axial plug-in connection
278 to the input member 218 in the same manner as was described in
the context of FIG. 1, but using the arrangement and functional
concept of FIG. 2, where the input member 218 together with the
lateral part 218a forms a chamber 218b to accommodate the
arc-shaped springs 229 with the wear-protection shells 218d
inserted at the contact surfaces. In order to form the axial
plug-in connection 278, the axially directed portion of the input
member 218 is extended at the outer circumference towards the
turbine in such a manner that its axially directed toothed rim 226
can engage the outward-pointing toothed rim 220 of the radially
directed flange-like part 222 that is attached to the turbine.
[0071] Input member 218 and lateral part 218a are connected by
means of fasteners represented in the present embodiment by the
rivets 231 with spacer bolts 231a to hold them at a fixed distance
from each other. Arranged in the space extending in the axial
direction between input member 218 and lateral part 218a is the
intermediate part 227 in the shape of a disk-shaped part 227
serving as output member of the first damper stage 228a and as
input member of the second damper stage 228b. The detail
configuration of the disk-shaped part 227 is illustrated in a
partial view in FIG. 4.
[0072] The FIGS. 3 and 4 show a disk-shaped part 227 with radially
directed extremities 227a arranged at the exterior circumference
and serving as force-introduction elements for the arc-shaped
springs (FIG. 3). Distributed along a circle of smaller radius in
the disk-shaped part are elongated openings 233 through which the
rivets 231 pass, permitting relative rotation between the input
member and the output member of the first damper stage 228a within
a limited angular range. As soon as the rivets 231 reach the
borders of the cutouts 233, the first damper stage 228a is bypassed
and the applied torque is transmitted through the contact points
between the rivets 231 and the cutouts 233, whereby the arc-shaped
springs are protected against greater amounts of torque and angular
displacement. The rest position of the rivets 231 in the
illustrated embodiment is not centered within the cutouts 233 (seen
in the circumferential direction), meaning that the range of
angular displacement is not equal in both directions but is smaller
in the "push" direction than in the "pull" direction. In an
inventive embodiment not shown in the drawing, the rivets 231 can
be in direct contact with the border 233a of the elongated openings
233 so that this damper stage is being bypassed immediately in the
push direction without an angular displacement, thus providing a
damper with one active stage in the push direction and two active
stages in the pull direction. Distributed over another yet smaller
circle in the disk-shaped part are further openings 227b to hold
the energy-storing devices in the form of short helix springs 230
nested inside each other (FIG. 3). At their outer radius, the
openings 227b have flaps 230a that are bent towards the lockup
clutch 215 to secure the helix springs 230 in the axial direction.
By means of the rivets 232 passing through holes 227c (FIG. 4)
distributed along a circle of intermediate radius between the
openings 233, 227b, the disk-shaped part 227 is connected to a
further flange-like part (227b) that has openings with flaps (227c)
bent axially towards the turbine to accommodate the helix springs
230. The flange-like part (227c) is formed into the shape of a cup
extending in the axial direction to provide space in the axial
dimension between the intermediate part 227 and the flange-like
part (227b) to accommodate the hub 214. The hub 214 is extended
radially into a disk shape to serve as output member 217 of the
damper 213 and thus of the second damper stage 228b. To provide
space for and couple a force to the helix spring 230, the output
member 217 has openings 217a distributed along a circle so that the
hub 217 is rotatable relative to the intermediate part 227 against
the restoring force of the helix springs 230. This produces the
damping effect of the second damper stage 228b wherein the range of
angular displacement is limited by the play of the bolts 273 in the
openings 274.
[0073] The input member 218 and the output member 227 of the first
damper stage 228a as well as the input member 227 and the output
member 217 of the second damper stage 228b are elastically clamped
against each other by the action of the interposed plate springs
244, 245. Thus, with an appropriate selection of the spring
characteristic, a friction effect of a desired magnitude can be
generated between the respective input and output members 218, 227
and 227, 217 at the friction surfaces 244a, 245a, where the
friction surface 245a is provided by a series of projections
distributed along a circle on the lateral part 218a.
[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a damper 313 in
single-stage configuration. The torque to be transmitted is
introduced into the damper 313 through the two lateral parts 318a,
318b that form the input member 318. The contributions to the
torque coming from the lockup clutch 315 are introduced into the
damper 313 through the toothed rim 321 of the lateral part 318a of
the input member 318. The contributions to the torque coming from
the turbine 310 are introduced through the inventive plug-in
connection 378 into the input member 318, represented by its
lateral part 318b. In addition, a disk-shaped part 322 is connected
by means of rivets 332 with the turbine 310, with the hub 314 (that
represents the output element and is connected to the transmission
shaft 372 through a toothed profile 316) and with the output member
317. The spacer bolts 332a are provided to allow an angular
displacement of the output member 317 relative to the turbine 310,
hub 314 and lateral part 322 within a range that is delimited by
the borders of elongated openings 334. The disk-shaped part 322 is
engaged in a toothed exterior profile 314a of the hub 314 without
play. At its outer circumference, the disk-shaped part 322 has an
exterior toothed rim 326 that forms the play-free plug-in
connection 378. Also engaged in the toothed exterior profile 314a
of the hub 314 is the output member 317 of the damper 313, which
has a toothed inner perimeter 317a with an amount of play between
the opposing tooth flanks that determines the range of relative
angular displacement between the input member and the output member
in opposition to the restoring torque of the energy-storing devices
329. It should be noted, however, that the openings 334 and the
elongated further openings 333 that are located farther out in the
radial direction on the output member 317 will permit a larger
amount of angular displacement. Nevertheless, it is conceivable in
principle that the maximum amount of angular displacement is
determined by any one of the three elements 317a, 333, 334.
[0075] The energy-storing devices 329 have the shape of arc-shaped
springs 329. The configuration of the chamber 318c that
accommodates the arc-shaped springs 329 as well as the arrangement
and function of the force-introducing elements have been described
previously in the context of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0076] The lateral parts 318a, 318b are connected in the axial
direction by means of rivets 331 and spacer bolts 331a and are held
at a suitable distance from each other to allow the output member
317 to be arranged within the axial space between them. Interposed
between the lateral part 318a and the output member 317 is a plate
spring whose axial thrust determines the intensity of the
frictional engagement between the output member 317 and a circular
ridge 318d formed on the lateral part 318b.
[0077] FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of a two-stage
damper 413 of the kind that was described in the context of FIG. 3,
except for the following distinguishing features: The turbine 410
is supported in a manner permitting relative rotation directly by
the hub 414 that forms the output element; it is centered on a
shoulder 414b provided for this purpose and secured in the axial
direction by a retaining ring. Thus the hub 210a shown in FIG. 3
can be omitted. The bolts 473 delimiting the maximum angular
displacement between output member 417 and output member 418 are
distributed along a circle and configured to protrude directly from
the hub 414 into the axial direction, engaging the input member 418
through elongated openings 474 that provide the limiting stops. For
the form-locking engagement with the lockup clutch (not shown), a
ring 418e of rectangular profile is attached to the input member
418 by means of rivets (231) that are arranged along a circle. The
radially directed portion of the ring 418e is riveted to the input
member 418, while the axially directed portion provides the
form-locking engagement with the lockup clutch by means of an
axially directed profile.
[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates a further inventive embodiment of a
torque-transmitting apparatus 501 with a single-stage damper 513
and a modified lockup clutch 515.
[0079] The control piston 543 of the lockup clutch 515, which is
axially displaceable, sealed and centered on the transmission shaft
572, carries a friction lining 542 along its radially exterior
peripheral area on the side that is facing the friction surface
504a on the housing 504. When the clutch is closed or slipping, the
friction lining 542 is frictionally engaged with the friction
surface 504a of the housing 504 and thereby introduces the torque
to the input member 518 consisting of lateral parts 518a and
518b.
[0080] At a point between the housing 504 and the piston 543,
converter fluid is suctioned off through an outlet channel (not
shown), whereby an under pressure is generated relative to the
converter chamber 512, resulting in an axial displacement of the
piston 543, thus providing the capability of controlling the
slipping engagement, closing and opening of the lockup clutch 515.
The friction engagement between the friction surface 504a and the
friction linings 542 can be controlled so that the lockup clutch
515 slips while the friction linings 542 are being cooled by the
passing flow of the converter medium. However, it is also possible
to engage the lockup clutch without slippage. The friction surface
504a and the control piston 543 are cone-shaped in the vicinity of
the friction engagement, so that the closure and friction
engagement of the lockup clutch are enhanced by the effect of the
centrifugal force.
[0081] In a circular area of smaller radius than the friction
linings 542, the piston 543 has protuberances 543a projecting in
the axial direction towards the input member 518 where the piston
543 is connected to the lateral parts 518a and 518b by means of
bolts 543b in a manner permitting axial but blocking rotational
movement of the piston in relation to the input member 518. The two
lateral parts 518a, 518b are riveted together at their outer
circumference (rivets not shown), while the bolts 543b are inserted
into cutouts 518c on the lateral parts 518a, 518b that are open at
the outer perimeter and thereby permit an axial play between the
piston 543 and the input member 518. The purpose is to prevent
negative effects on the axial mobility of the piston 543 from
stresses that occur during the engagement and disengagement of the
lockup clutch between the piston 543 and the already torque-loaded
input member 518.
[0082] The torque introduction through the turbine 510 occurs by
means of a turbine hub 510a that is centered on the hub 514
representing the output element. The turbine hub 510a is fixedly
attached to the turbine 510 and has axially directed projections
573 distributed along its outer perimeter that are engaged without
play--in order to avoid a one-sided introduction of torque--in
openings of both lateral parts 518a, 518, thereby forming the
inventive plug-in connection 578 between the turbine 510 and the
input member 518.
[0083] The disk-shaped output member 517 that is formed out of the
hub 514, together with the input member 518 and the energy-storing
devices in the form of nested helix springs 530, represent an
essentially known damper device 513. A series of openings (574) is
distributed along a circle on the output member 517. The
projections 573 of the turbine hub 510a pass through the openings
(574) and stop the relative angular displacement between the input
and output members 518, 517 against the restoring torque of the
energy-storing devices 530 as soon as the projections 573 run
against the borders of the openings (574).
[0084] FIG. 8 illustrates a further possible configuration of a
damper device 613 of the inventive torque-transmitting apparatus.
In contrast to the damper devices described above, the hub 614 is
composed of two hub components 614a, 614b. The hub component 614a
is mounted on the transmission shaft 672 in play-free and
rotation-blocking connection. The hub component 614b is supported
and aligned on a shoulder 614d arranged axially on the hub
component 614a on the side towards the transmission. The hub
component 614b is secured axially by means of a retaining ring
614c. The turbine 610 is firmly connected with the hub component
614b, e.g., by welding or keying. To form a meshing engagement with
play between the first and second hub components 614a, 614b, the
second hub component 614b has axially directed projections 673
distributed along its circumference, which engage openings 674 of
the hub component 614a. The dimension of the openings 674 in the
circumferential direction is such that the projections 673 in
concert with the openings 674 permit a desired amount of relative
angular displacement between the turbine 610 and the hub component
614a, with the damper 613 being interposed between them. The output
member 617 of the damper device 613 is arranged axially between the
two hub components 614a, 614b, centered on the hub component 614a
and rotationally tied to it by means of the keyed connection 614e.
The output member 617 rests against the hub component 614a along a
series of projections distributed on a circle or a circular ridge
614f protruding in the axial direction. At locations that
correspond to the openings 674, the flange-like output member 617
of the damper device 613 has openings 675 that are engaged by the
projections 673 of the hub component 614b. It is advantageous if
the openings 675 are wider in the circumferential direction than
the openings 674, so that the limits of angular play are determined
by the openings 674. This prevents the torque from entering the hub
component 614a through the keyed connection 614e, so that the
latter does not have to be dimensioned for the torque loads that
would occur in that case. The function of the further components of
the damper device 613 is otherwise comparable with the other damper
devices that have been described above.
[0085] The FIGS. 9-12 show partial sectional views of embodiments
of dampers 713a-d that are similar to the damper 213 of FIG. 3. The
dampers 713a-d differ from the damper 213 and in part among each
other in the different configuration of the input member 718a-d and
the-output member 717.
[0086] In contrast to the hub 214 and the output member 217 being
configured together as one piece as in FIG. 3, the dampers 713a-d
of FIGS. 9-12 have output members 717 and hubs 714 in two-piece
configuration, in which the output members 717 are sheet metal
stampings attached to and centered on the hub 714 in a
rotation-blocking connection, e.g., by shrink-fitting. To
accommodate the energy-storing devices of the second damper stage,
the disk-shaped output members 717 have window-shaped openings 717a
distributed along a circle. The disk-shaped output members 717
limit the angular displacement of the second damper stage by means
of radially directed extremities 717b distributed along the
circumference, which are engaged with the required amount of
angular play in corresponding openings of the disk-shaped part 727b
that serves as input member of the second damper stage.
[0087] In the dampers 713a, 713c of the FIGS. 9 and 11,
respectively, the input members 718a, 718c of the damper that
transmit an applied torque from the converter lockup clutch 715
and/or from the turbine 710 to the damper 713a, 713c are of
single-piece configuration, i.e., they have at their inner
circumference an axially directed extension 778a, 778c with a
profile 780a, 780b for a rotation-blocking engagement of the disks
742a, 742b. The profile 780a (FIG. 9) is impressed into the
exterior circumference of the extension 778a, while the profile
780c (FIG. 11) is formed by axially oriented openings distributed
over the circumference of the extension 778c for a
rotation-blocking engagement of the correspondingly profiled disks
742b.
[0088] The dampers 713b, 713d of FIGS. 10, 12 have an input member
718b, 718d firmly connected, preferably riveted as shown here, to
the flange-like part 778b, 778d of L-shaped cross-section. The
flange-like parts 778b, 778d have profiles 780b, 780d corresponding
to the extensions 778a, 778c of FIGS. 9, 11 for a rotation-blocking
connection with the disks 742a, 742b of the converter lockup clutch
715.
[0089] FIG. 13 represents a cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a torque-transmitting apparatus 801. Its damper 813, shown here
in a two-stage configuration working in serial mode, is at its
outer perimeter solidly connected and thereby axially constrained
to the turbine 810. At its inner perimeter, the damper 813 has an
axially displaceable but non-rotatable connection to the hub
814.
[0090] The damper 813 is attached to the turbine shell 823 by means
of a weld seam or spot welds 822a using essentially known welding
methods such as, e.g., induction welding, laser welding, impulse
welding, or other suitable welding methods. It is to be understood
that any other fastening method such as riveting, as well as
self-locking connections, could also be used advantageously. In the
illustrated embodiment, a connector flange 822--or alternatively an
arrangement of connector lugs in the shape of circular segments
distributed over a circumference-- is attached, e.g., welded, to
the turbine shell 823. The axially directed extension 820 of the
input member 819 is slipped over the connector flange 822 or the
connector lugs and then attached as described above. It can be
advantageous if in the attachment process the connector flange 822
is centered on the turbine and the input member 819 is centered on
the connector flange.
[0091] Additionally or alternatively, it can be of advantage if the
second damper stage is centered on the first damper stage in order
to prevent displacement of the two damper stages relative to each
other. Thus it is possible to accomplish the centering through a
configuration in the area 888 where a component 818a of the input
member of the first damper stage overlaps radially with a component
827b of the output member of the first damper stage (which is also
the input member of the second damper stage) allowing the two
damper stages to be positioned relative to each other.
[0092] The output member 817 of the damper 813 is connected to the
hub 814 through an inward-facing toothed profile that engages an
exterior toothed profile of the hub 814, allowing axial but
preventing angular relative displacement, so that stresses between
the outer attachment 822a and the interior connection of the damper
813 are prevented.
[0093] The turbine 810 is supported through a turbine hub 873 on an
axially projecting shoulder 814b of the hub 814. The turbine hub
873 has limited rotational play relative to the hub 14 and is
axially secured by a retaining ring 814c. The angular displacement
of the turbine 810 relative to the hub 814, i.e., the working range
of the damper 813, is limited by axially directed projections 873a
distributed along a circle on the turbine hub 873 that are engaged
with angular play in the exterior toothed profile 814a of the hub
814. It is to be understood that the toothed interior rim 817a of
the output member 817 and the projections 873a of the turbine hub
873 do not have to be arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 13 but
may instead be one above the other for the benefit of minimizing
the overall axial dimensions, in which case it is advantageous if
the projections 873a are arranged inside the radius of the toothed
rim 817a.
[0094] FIG. 14 illustrates a damper 913 that has been modified in
comparison to the damper 813 of FIG. 13 in that the disk-shaped
input member 927b of the second damper stage is shaped at its
interior periphery in such a manner that by means of an axially
directed extension 927c, the damper 913 can be centered on the
exterior toothed profile 914a of the hub 914. By means of the
centering feature 988, the first damper stage 928a can be centered
on the second damper stage 928b. The axially and rotationally fixed
connection of the input member 918 to the turbine shell (not shown)
can thus be made with a tighter tolerance, e.g., according to the
embodiment of FIG. 15.
[0095] An alternative to the solution shown in FIG. 13 for
attaching the damper 813 to the turbine shell 823 by means of a
connector flange 822 is illustrated in the detail view of FIG. 15.
The rim 920a of the axially directed extension 920 of the input
member 918 of the damper is adapted to the shape of the turbine
shell 923 of the turbine 910 and attached along a circle by a
continuous weld seam or individual spot welds 922a.
[0096] FIG. 16 shows a partial section of a further embodiment of a
torque-transmitting apparatus device 1001 that is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 13. Modifications that deviate from the
embodiment of FIG. 13 are in the hub area, including a hub 1014
that is also-shown in the detail view of FIG. 17.
[0097] As may be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the two form-locking
connections for the transmission of the torque from the damper 1013
through its output member 1017, and from the turbine 1010 through
the turbine hub 1073, to the hub 1014 and from there through the
toothed-profile connection 1016 to the transmission shaft are
spatially separated from each other. At its exterior circumference,
the hub 1014 has an outward-facing profile, such as the illustrated
toothed rim 1014a, that meets the complementary interior profile
1017a of the output member 1017 in a form-fitting engagement that
is preferably free of play and permits axial displacement. Inside
of the toothed rim of the hub 1014 are window-shaped openings 1014b
distributed along a circle, shown here in an arrangement of four,
but arrangements of two or six openings may also be advantageous.
The axially directed projections 1073a of the turbine hub 1073 pass
through the window-shaped openings 1014b and establish a positive
engagement with a maximum play angle a-b (amounting to, e.g.,
10.degree. to 70.degree. in the case where four openings are used),
between the hub 1014 and the turbine hub 1073 that is rotatable and
axially constrained on the hub 1014, whereby the maximum angular
working range a-b of the damper 1013 is being determined in an
advantageous manner. For reasons of structural integrity, the
openings 1014b are widened and rounded in both radial directions in
the vicinity 1014c of the contact areas for the projections 1073a.
The toothed rim profile 1014a is interrupted in the circumference
segments 1014d adjacent to the radial enlargements 1014c.
[0098] The axial fixation of the damper 1013 is modified slightly
in comparison to the embodiment 801 of FIG. 13 in that, unlike the
connector flange 822 of FIG. 13, the connector flange 1022 is not
fitted to the radial shape of the turbine shell 1023 and then
continued in an outward radial direction. Rather, the connector
flange 1022 has a planar, radially outward-directed shape with a
taper 1022b at the contact surface to the turbine shell 1023 and is
connected to the latter preferably at its inner perimeter through
weld seams or a string of evenly distributed spot welds 1022c,
1022d. The connection 1022a between the connector flange 1022 and
the input member 1018 of the damper 1013 is made in the same manner
as in the embodiment 801 shown in FIG. 13.
[0099] The function of the damper 1013, likewise, is similar to the
dampers 213, 813 of the FIGS. 3 and 13, respectively, where it
should be noted that the dampers shown in the illustrated sample
embodiments are serially configured two-stage dampers. However, in
applying the invention it may also be of advantage to provide a
parallel mode of operation for dampers with two or more stages. It
may further be beneficial, to provide individual limits for the
angular displacement of each damper stage, as in the present case
for the damper stages 1013a, 1013b, in addition to the delimitation
of the relative angular displacement of the entire damper 1013 by
means of the projections 1073a in combination with the openings
1014b. For this purpose, the first damper stage 1013a as well as
its output member 1077 have window-shaped openings 1033 distributed
along a circle that are engaged with angular play by the rivet
bolts 1031 that connect the two input members 1018, 1018a. In case
of a rotation of the input members 1018, 1018a relative to the
output member 1077 of the first damper stage 1013a, when the range
of play has been used up, the rivet bolts will act as stops and
thereby cause the damper stage 1013a to be bypassed.
[0100] In analogous manner, the rivet bolts 1032 connecting the
input member 1077 of the second damper stage 1013b (which also
represents the output member of the first damper stage 1013a) with
the disk-shaped part 1078 restrict the angular displacement of the
second damper stage 1013b as they perform the function of
rotation-limiting stops for the radially directed extremities 1017e
on the circumference of the output member 1017, whereby the range
of relative rotation between the input members 1077, 1078 and the
output member 1017 is determined by the amount of play between the
rivet bolts 1032 and the extremities 1017e. Preferably, the ranges
between stops for the first and second damper stages 1013a, 1013b
as well as for the entire damper are coordinated in such a manner
that the individual damper stages 1013a, 1013b reach their stops at
a point before the limit angle of the entire damper has been
attained by the projections 1073a reaching the end of their play.
For specific applications it may further be advantageous if the
first damper stage is stopped before the second stage or vice
versa.
[0101] It must be understood that features and functions described
for individual embodiments of the torque-transmitting apparatus can
also be advantageously applied in the rest of the embodiments,
regardless of whether or not they are being shown, even if these
features and functions have not been described in detail in the
context of the respective embodiment and that, therefore, such
features and functions are considered to be included in the
coverage of all embodiments to which they are applicable.
[0102] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and
specific aspects of the aforedescribed contribution to the art and,
therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the
appended claims.
* * * * *