JP6676145B2 - Torque converter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a torque converter, and more particularly to a torque converter capable of performing lock-up.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a torque converter that can transmit the output of an engine to a transmission by amplifying torque and can directly connect the engine and the transmission by a lock-up clutch (Patent Document 1). At the time of lock-up, the engine and the transmission are directly connected without the intervention of fluid, so that transmission efficiency can be improved. However, the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has a problem in that if the engine and the transmission are directly connected at the time of lock-up, it is impossible to absorb a shock caused by a fluctuation in engine torque or the like.

  Therefore, the present applicant has developed a torque converter (unknown technique) capable of suppressing shock at the time of lock-up, and filed a patent application (PCT / JP2014 / 75664).

JP-A-5-263896

  It is required to improve the transmission efficiency at the time of lock-up for the above unknown technique.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to meet the above-described demands, and has as its object to provide a torque converter capable of suppressing shock at lock-up and improving transmission efficiency at lock-up.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

To achieve this object, according to the torque converter of the first aspect, when a torque is input from the rotating body to the impeller, the torque is transmitted from the impeller to the turbine via the fluid, and the input shaft of the transmission is transmitted. The rotational force is output to. When starting, the first clutch transmits torque from the turbine to the input shaft, and the second clutch blocks transmission of torque from the rotating body to the input shaft. Thereby, torque amplification at the time of starting can be performed. After the start, the transmission of torque from the turbine to the input shaft is interrupted by the first clutch, and the torque is transmitted from the rotating body to the input shaft by the second clutch. This makes it possible to perform lockup in which the rotational force of the rotating body is output to the input shaft without passing through the impeller and the turbine. The transmission and cutoff of the rotational force from the input shaft to the rotating body are switched by the third clutch.

Each of the first clutch , the second clutch, and the third clutch includes two annular elements concentrically arranged around the center axis of the rotating body, and a plurality of rollers interposed between the two elements is used as an element. Engage to transmit torque. The element has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the central axis. The retainer holds a plurality of rollers at an interval in the circumferential direction while tilting the rollers by a predetermined angle from a plane including the center axis of the rotating body, so that when the two elements rotate relative to each other, the rollers rotate between the elements. While revolving around the central axis. When the roller is engaged, the roller rolls between the elements, and the traction causes the roller to bite between the elements and rotate integrally with the element, so that transmission loss during lock-up can be suppressed.

When the two elements rotate relative to each other due to engine torque fluctuation or the like, the shock can be absorbed by the rollers interposed between the elements. Therefore, there is an effect that the shock at the time of lock-up can be suppressed and the transmission efficiency at the time of lock-up can be improved. When a rotational force is transmitted from the input shaft to the rotating body, such as during coasting of the vehicle, there is an effect that the shock at the time of engagement can be suppressed by the roller.

  According to the torque converter of the second aspect, the element is moved in the axial direction by the actuator, and the torque is transmitted by the first clutch and the torque is interrupted by the second clutch, or the torque is interrupted by the first clutch. The transmission of the rotational force by the second clutch is selectively switched. In addition to the effects of the first aspect, there is an effect that switching between the first clutch and the second clutch can be simplified by the actuator, and double meshing in which the first clutch and the second clutch are simultaneously engaged can be prevented.

According to claim 3 the torque converter according, so that the third clutch rollers when the rotational force from the rotary member to the input shaft is transmitted by the second clutch is not engaged, the first spring two elements are axial Relatively far away in the direction. When a rotational force is input from the input shaft, the two elements are relatively moved in the axial direction by the cam mechanism against the elastic force of the first spring, and the roller of the third clutch is engaged. Thus in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, the first spring and the cam mechanism is possible to switch the second clutch and the third clutch simply, the second clutch and the third clutch is engaged double simultaneous engagement There is an effect that can be prevented.

According to the torque converter of the fourth aspect , when the third clutch transmits the torque from the rotating body to the input shaft by the second clutch, the roller is engaged when the torque is input from the input shaft. Elements are arranged as follows. In addition to the effect of any one of the first to third aspects , there is an effect that the transmission path of the rotational force can be smoothly switched from the second clutch to the third clutch.

According to the torque converter of the fifth aspect , the two clutches of the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are arranged such that the elements of the two clutches are arranged in the axial direction, and the shaft is driven by the second spring. Elastic force in the same axial direction is applied to the elements arranged in the direction. In the two clutches having an element to which an elastic force is applied by the second spring, when the roller of one clutch is engaged, the engagement of the roller of the other clutch is released. Therefore, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, there is an effect that double meshing in which two clutches are simultaneously engaged can be prevented.

According to the torque converter of claim 6, when the torque is input from the rotating body to the impeller, the torque is transmitted from the impeller to the turbine via the fluid, and the torque is output to the input shaft of the transmission. . When starting, the first clutch transmits torque from the turbine to the input shaft, and the second clutch blocks transmission of torque from the rotating body to the input shaft. Transmission and cutoff of the rotational force from the input shaft to the rotating body are switched by the third clutch. Thereby, torque amplification at the time of starting can be performed. After the start, the transmission of torque from the turbine to the input shaft is interrupted by the first clutch, and the torque is transmitted from the rotating body to the input shaft by the second clutch. This makes it possible to perform lockup in which the rotational force of the rotating body is output to the input shaft without passing through the impeller and the turbine.

  Each of the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch includes two annular elements concentrically arranged around the center axis of the rotating body, and a plurality of rollers interposed between the two elements is used as an element. Engage to transmit torque. The element has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the central axis. The retainer holds a plurality of rollers at an interval in the circumferential direction while tilting the rollers by a predetermined angle from a plane including the center axis of the rotating body, so that when the two elements rotate relative to each other, the rollers rotate between the elements. While revolving around the central axis. When the roller is engaged, the roller rolls between the elements, and the traction causes the roller to bite between the elements and rotate integrally with the element, so that transmission loss during lock-up can be suppressed.

  When the two elements rotate relative to each other due to engine torque fluctuation or the like, the shock can be absorbed by the rollers interposed between the elements. Therefore, there is an effect that the shock at the time of lock-up can be suppressed and the transmission efficiency at the time of lock-up can be improved. When a rotational force is transmitted from the input shaft to the rotating body, such as during coasting of the vehicle, there is an effect that the shock at the time of engagement can be suppressed by the roller.

  The two clutches of the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch have their components coupled axially side by side and the components of the other one clutch integrated. The same elastic force in the axial direction is applied to the axially aligned elements by the second spring. When the element moves in the axial direction by the elastic force of the second spring, the two clutches are simultaneously engaged because the engagement of the rollers of one clutch disengages the rollers of the other clutch. This has the effect of preventing double meshing. Further, one of the two clutches and the other clutch have a taper angle of the element so that engagement and disengagement of the rollers are performed in the same manner, so that power transmission is performed. There is an effect that the route can be switched quickly.

According to the torque converter of the seventh aspect , the actuator that moves the element in the axial direction against the elastic force of the second spring has an effect that switching of the clutch can be simplified in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect .

(A) is a sectional view of the torque converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a schematic view of a cam mechanism. (A) is a sectional view of the torque converter at the time of starting, and (b) is a schematic view of a cam mechanism. (A) is sectional drawing of the torque converter at the time of lockup, (b) is a schematic diagram of a cam mechanism. (A) is sectional drawing of the torque converter at the time of coasting, (b) is a schematic diagram of a cam mechanism. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a torque converter according to a second embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the torque converter at the time of a start. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the torque converter at the time of lock-up. It is sectional drawing of the torque converter at the time of inertia driving | running | working.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a torque converter 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the torque converter 10 according to the first embodiment. Since the torque converter 10 has the center axis O as the center of rotation, FIG. 1A is a one-side cross-sectional view in which 1/4 of the whole is cut by a cut surface orthogonal to the center axis O.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the torque converter 10 is a device used in a power transmission system of an automobile, and includes a pump 20, a turbine 30, a stator 40, a first clutch 50, a second clutch 60, a third clutch 70, and An actuator 93 is provided. The pump 20 and the turbine 30 are coaxially arranged with the stator 40 interposed therebetween, and are provided so as to be relatively rotatable. In the torque converter 10, a case 12 is formed by a rotating body 11 formed in a bowl shape and a pump shell 21 of a pump 20 coupled to the rotating body 11. A turbine shell 31 of the turbine 30 is provided in the case 12 so as to face the pump shell 21. The case 12 is a member that contains the pump 20, the turbine 30, the stator 40, the first clutch 50, the second clutch 60, and the third clutch 70, and seals fluid with a transmission (not shown).

  A rotating force is input to the rotating body 11 that forms a part of the case 12 from a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine. The input shaft 2 of the transmission (not shown) is inserted into the center of the case 12, and the case 12 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the input shaft 2. An accumulator 13 for storing a part of the fluid sealed in the case 12 is fixed to the case 12.

  The pump shell 21 has a number of impellers 22 provided on a surface facing the turbine 30. The turbine shell 31 has a number of turbine blades 32 provided on a surface facing the pump 20. The stator 40 is supported on the input shaft 2 via a one-way clutch 41 that can rotate in one direction around the input shaft 2. A rotating disk 33 is connected to an inner end of the turbine 30. The turntable 33 is an annular member disposed radially outside the input shaft 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the input shaft 2.

  The first clutch 50 is a device that performs switching between transmission of torque from the turbine 30 to the input shaft 2 and switching off. The first clutch 50 includes a first element 51, a second element 52, a plurality of first rollers 53 interposed between the first element 51 and the second element 52, and a first roller 53 that holds the first roller 53. And a retainer 54.

  The first element 51 is an annular member having the center axis O of the input shaft 2 as a center of rotation, and has an axial end coupled to the inner edge of the turntable 33. The first element 51 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission unit 55. The transmission unit 55 is a cylindrical member that is axially movable with respect to the input shaft 2 by a ball spline, and is fixed so as not to rotate relative to the input shaft 2. The transmission portion 55 is coupled with a flange portion 56 that expands outward in the radial direction. The transmission unit 55 is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the first element 51 and to be rotatable relative to the first element 51. The first element 51 has an outer peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface decreases as the distance from the turbine 30 increases along the central axis O.

  The second element 52 is an annular member having the center axis O as the center of rotation, and is disposed radially outside the first element 51 with a gap from the first element 51. The second element 52 is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the first element 51 and to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the first element 51. The second element 52 has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface that form a single-plane rotational hyperboloid about the central axis O. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface and the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface It becomes smaller as it gets away from 30.

  The second element 52 has a part of the inner peripheral surface axially opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the first element 51. The end of the second element 52 on the small diameter side is engaged with the flange 56 of the transmission portion 55. The second element 52 rotates integrally with the transmission section 55 via the flange section 56. Since the transmission portion 55 and the flange portion 56 can move in the axial direction with respect to the input shaft 2, they do not hinder the displacement of the second element 52 in the axial direction.

  The first roller 53 is a cylindrical member that transmits torque by engaging between the outer peripheral surface of the first element 51 and the inner peripheral surface of the second element 52. Are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by a first retainer 54 disposed between them, and each of them is rotatably held. The first retainer 54 inclines the first roller 53 from the plane including the central axis O by a predetermined angle (for example, 15 °), and causes the first roller 51 to contact the first element 51 and the second element 52 so that the outer peripheral surface can linearly contact the first element 51 and the second element 52. One roller 53 is held. The first roller 53 is centered such that the first roller 51 engages with the first element 51 and the second element 52 by the relative rotation of the first element 51 with respect to the second element 52 when the vehicle starts (the first element 51 is on the driving side). The direction of inclination (skew) with respect to the axis O is set. The outer peripheral surface of the first element 51 and the inner peripheral surface of the second element 52 have a taper angle with respect to the central axis O set to a predetermined angle such that the first roller 53 can be engaged.

  The second clutch 60 is a device that switches between transmission and interruption of the rotational force from the rotating body 11 to the input shaft 2. The second clutch 60 includes a third component 61, a fourth component 62, a plurality of second rollers 63 interposed between the third component 61 and the fourth component 62, and a second component that holds the second roller 63. And a retainer 64.

  The third element 61 is an annular member having the center axis O of the input shaft 2 as a center of rotation, and is configured to be unable to rotate with respect to the input shaft 2 and to be unable to move in the axial direction with respect to the input shaft 2. It is connected to the input shaft 2. The third element 61 has an outer peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O, and the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface decreases as approaching the turbine 30 along the central axis O.

  The fourth element 62 is an annular member having the center axis O as the center of rotation, and is arranged radially outside the third element 61 with a gap from the third element 61. The fourth element 62 is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the third element 61 and to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the third element 61. The fourth element 62 has an inner peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface decreases as the position approaches the turbine 30 along the central axis O. A part of the inner peripheral surface of the fourth element 62 faces the outer peripheral surface of the third element 61 in the axial direction.

  The second roller 63 is a cylindrical member that transmits torque by engaging between the outer peripheral surface of the third element 61 and the inner peripheral surface of the fourth element 62. Are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by a second retainer 64 disposed between them, and are each held rotatably. The second retainer 64 inclines the second roller 63 from the plane including the central axis O by a predetermined angle (for example, 15 °) so that the outer peripheral surface can linearly contact the third element 61 and the fourth element 62. The two rollers 63 are held. The second roller 63 is engaged with the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 by the relative rotation of the fourth element 62 with respect to the third element 61 when the vehicle is locked up (the fourth element 62 is on the driving side). The direction of inclination (skew) with respect to the central axis O is set. The taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the third element 61 and the inner peripheral surface of the fourth element 62 with respect to the central axis O is set to a predetermined angle with which the second roller 63 can engage.

  The fourth element 62 is supported by the support 65 along the axial direction of the second element 52. The support 65 is a cylindrical member disposed radially outside the fourth element 62, and is connected so as not to rotate with respect to the rotating body 11 and to be unable to move in the axial direction with respect to the rotating body 11. It is connected to the rotating body 11 via the portion 66. The support 65 allows the fourth element 62 to move in the axial direction with respect to the support 65 by the ball spline, and supports the fourth element 62 so as not to rotate with respect to the support 65.

  The third clutch 70 is a device that switches between transmitting the torque from the input shaft 2 to the rotating body 11 and switching off. The third clutch 70 includes a second element 52, a fifth element 72, a plurality of third rollers 73 interposed between the second element 52 and the fifth element 72, and a third roller 73 that holds the third roller 73. And a retainer 74. The second element 52 also functions as a part of the second clutch 60 and the third clutch 70.

  The fifth element 72 is an annular member having the center axis O of the input shaft 2 as the center of rotation, and is arranged radially outside the second element 52 with a gap from the second element 52. The fifth element 72 is coupled to the turntable 33 such that the fifth element 72 cannot rotate with respect to the turntable 33 and cannot move in the axial direction with respect to the turntable 33. The fifth element 72 has an inner peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface decreases as the distance from the turbine 30 along the central axis O increases. A part of the inner peripheral surface of the fifth element 72 faces the outer peripheral surface of the second element 52 in the axial direction.

  The third roller 73 is a cylindrical member that transmits torque by engaging between the outer peripheral surface of the second element 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the fifth element 72. Are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by a third retainer 74 disposed therebetween, and each is rotatably held. The third retainer 74 inclines the third roller 73 from the plane including the central axis O by a predetermined angle (for example, 15 °) so that the outer peripheral surface can linearly contact the second element 52 and the fifth element 72. The three rollers 73 are held. The third roller 73 is engaged with the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 by the relative rotation of the second element 52 with respect to the fifth element 72 during the coasting of the vehicle (the second element 52 is driven). The direction of inclination (skew) with respect to the central axis O is set. The taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the second element 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the fifth element 72 with respect to the central axis O is set to a predetermined angle at which the third roller 73 can be engaged.

  The first spring 81 is an annular disc spring disposed between the second element 52 and the fourth element 62, and the first spring 81 is an elasticity that separates the fourth element 62 and the second element 52 in the axial direction. Apply force. The second spring 82 is an annular disc spring disposed between the turntable 33 and the second element 52. The second spring 82 has an elastic force that separates the turntable 33 and the second element 52 in the axial direction. Add. The first spring 81 is a member that generates an axial pressure on a cam mechanism 83 (described later) provided between the turntable 33 and the second element 52. The axial elastic force of the first spring 81 is set to be larger than the axial elastic force of the second spring 82.

  The cam mechanism 83 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the cam mechanism 83 as viewed from the outside in the radial direction. The cam mechanism 83 is provided on an end face of the rotating disk 33 and the second element 52 in which the rotating disk 33 and the second element 52 face each other in the axial direction. Engaging surfaces 34 and 84 parallel to the central axis O and cam surfaces 35 and 85 inclined with respect to the central axis O are formed on the turntable 33 and the second element 52, respectively. The ball 86 is arranged in a groove-shaped region surrounded by the engagement surfaces 34 and 84 and the cam surfaces 35 and 85. The circumferential distance between the engaging surface 34 and the cam surface 35 and the circumferential distance between the engaging surface 84 and the cam surface 85 are set to be larger than the diameter of the ball 86.

  The engagement surfaces 34 and 84 are surfaces on which the ball 86 abuts when the turntable 33 rotates with respect to the second element 52 (during start or lockup, the turntable 33 is driven). The cam surfaces 35 and 85 are surfaces on which the ball 86 abuts when the second element 52 rotates with respect to the turntable 33 (during inertial running, the second element 52 is driven). The cam surfaces 35 and 85 generate a reaction force on the ball 86 due to a torque difference between the rotating disk 33 and the second element 52, and generate an axial thrust for separating the second element 52 from the rotating disk 33.

  Returning to FIG. The position of the fourth element 62 in the axial direction is regulated by the first spring 81 and the regulating plate 90. The regulating plate 90 is an annular member, and the axial end surface of the fourth element 62 abuts in the circumferential direction. The fourth element 62 is urged in the axial direction by the first spring 81 so that the end face thereof comes into contact with the regulating plate 90.

  A shaft 91 penetrates through the regulating plate 90 in the thickness direction, and a first end of the shaft 91 is fixed to the regulating plate 90. The shaft 91 is arranged in parallel with the central axis O, and is inserted into a hole penetrating the rotating body 11. The second end of the shaft 91 is exposed on the outer surface of the rotating body 11. An annular stopper 92 is fixed to the second end of the shaft 91. The stopper 92 engages with the actuator 93. The regulating plate 90, the shaft 91, and the stopper 92 rotate integrally with the rotating body 11. The actuator 93 is a device that pushes the stopper 92 on a straight line parallel to the central axis O against the elastic force of the first spring 81 and the second spring 82. By the operation of the actuator 93, the stopper 92, the shaft 91, and the regulating plate 90 are pushed in the axial direction. When the operation of the actuator 93 is released, the stopper 92, the shaft 91, and the regulating plate 90 are pushed back by the elastic force of the first spring 81 and the second spring 82.

  Next, a method of using the torque converter 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the torque converter 10 at the time of starting, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the cam mechanism 83. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the torque converter 10 at the time of lock-up, (FIG. 3B is a schematic view of a cam mechanism. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the torque converter 10 during coasting. 4 (b) is a schematic view of the cam mechanism 83. The broken lines shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 3 (a) and 4 (a) show the transmission path of the rotational force, and the arrows. 2 (b), 3 (b) and 4 (b), arrows attached to the rotating plate 33 and the second element 52 indicate the rotating plate 33 and the second element. It shows the rotation direction of 52. Of the turntable 33 and the second element 52, the one with the longer arrow is the drive side.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the vehicle starts moving, the actuator 93 is operated to push the shaft 91 in. The fourth element 62 is pushed toward the second element 52 side in the axial direction via the regulating plate 90, and the axial distance between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 is widened. 61 and the fourth element 62 cannot be engaged. With the movement of the fourth element 62 toward the second element 52, the elastic force of the first spring 81 causes the second element 52 to move toward the turbine 30 against the elastic force of the second spring 82. Since the axial distance between the first element 51 and the second element 52 is reduced, the first roller 53 linearly contacts the first element 51 and the second element 52. On the other hand, the axial distance between the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 increases.

  When a rotational force is input to the rotating body 11 from a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine, the fourth element 62 rotates via the connecting portion 66 and the support 65. However, since the axial distance between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 is large, the second roller 63 cannot engage with the third element 61 and the fourth element 62. Therefore, no rotational force is transmitted from the fourth element 62 to the input shaft 2 via the second roller 63 and the third element 61.

  On the other hand, the pump shell 21 and the impeller 22 also rotate with the rotating body 11. The rotation of the fluid by the impeller 22 causes the turbine blade 32 and the turbine shell 31 (turbine 30) to rotate via the fluid. The torque of the turbine 30 is transmitted to the first element 51 via the turntable 33. The first roller 53 linearly contacting the first element 51 and the second element 52 revolves around the central axis O while rotating. The first roller 53 rolls between the first element 51 and the second element 52, bites into and engages with the first element 51 and the second element 52 by its traction, and It rotates integrally with the two elements 52. Since the movement of the first element 51 in the axial direction is restricted, the second element 52 reduces the axial distance between the inner peripheral surface of the second element 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the first element 51. While rotating, it moves in the axial direction (the direction approaching the turntable 33).

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the automobile starts, the turntable 33 rotates with respect to the second element 52 (the turntable 33 is driven), so that the balls 86 come into contact with the engagement surfaces 34 and 84. . When the first roller 53 bites between the first element 51 and the second element 52 and the second element 52 approaches the turntable 33 against the elastic force of the second spring 82, the engagement surfaces 34 and 84 Is guided to the ball 86. Since the cam mechanism 83 does not prevent the axial movement of the second element 52 due to the first roller 53 biting between the first element 51 and the second element 52, as shown in FIG. The torque of the turbine 30 is transmitted to the second element 52. The rotational force of the second element 52 is transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the flange 56 and the transmission 55. The torque transmitted from the input shaft 2 is amplified by the action of the impeller 22, the turbine 30, and the stator 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the operation of the actuator 93 is released during lock-up after the vehicle starts moving, the first spring 81 is restored and the fourth element 62 moves in a direction away from the second element 52. The regulating plate 90 and the shaft 91 move accordingly. The axial distance between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 is reduced, and the second roller 63 linearly contacts the third element 61 and the fourth element 62. The second roller 63 in contact with the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 revolves around the central axis O while rotating. The second roller 63 rolls between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 and bites into and engages with the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 due to the traction. It rotates integrally with the four elements 62. Since the movement of the third element 61 in the axial direction is restricted, the fourth element 62 reduces the axial distance between the inner peripheral surface of the fourth element 62 and the outer peripheral surface of the third element 61. While rotating, it moves in the axial direction (the direction away from the second element 52).

  On the other hand, since the elastic force of the first spring 81 acting on the second element 52 decreases with the movement of the fourth element 62, the second element 52 moves toward the fourth element 62 by the elastic force of the second spring 82. I do. As shown in FIG. 3B, at the time of lock-up, the rotating disk 33 rotates with respect to the second element 52 (the rotating disk 33 is on the driving side), so that the balls 86 abut on the engagement surfaces 34 and 84. When the second element 52 moves toward the fourth element 62, the engagement surfaces 34 and 84 are guided by the ball 86. Since the axial distance between the first element 51 and the second element 52 is increased by the movement of the second element 52, the first roller 53 cannot be engaged with the first element 51 and the second element 52.

  When the second element 52 moves toward the fourth element 62, the axial distance between the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 decreases. The third roller 73 contacts the second element 52 and the fifth element 72, but the third roller 73 cannot engage with the second element 52 and the fifth element 72. This is because the skew with respect to the center axis O is set so that the third roller 73 cannot be engaged when the fifth element 72 is on the driving side and the second element 52 is on the driven side.

  As a result, the rotational force input from the engine crankshaft (not shown) to the rotating body 11 passes through the connecting portion 66, the support 65, the fourth element 62, the second roller 63, and the third element 61 and the input shaft. 2 is transmitted. The second clutch 60 can perform lock-up in which the rotational force of the rotating body 11 is output to the input shaft 2 without using a fluid, so that transmission efficiency can be improved.

  Since the second roller 63 bites between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 and rotates integrally, transmission loss at the time of lock-up can be suppressed. When the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 rotate relative to each other due to torque fluctuation of an engine (not shown) or the like, the second roller interposed between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 63 can roll to absorb the shock. Therefore, the shock at the time of lock-up can be suppressed, and the transmission efficiency at the time of lock-up can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the vehicle is coasting without the engine (not shown) driving the rotating body 11 in a state in which the second clutch 60 transmits the rotating force, the input shaft 2 is used. The torque is input. Although the third element 61 rotates with the input shaft 2, the second roller 63 cannot engage with the third element 61 and the fourth element 62. This is because the skew of the second roller 63 with respect to the center axis O is set so that the third element 61 cannot be engaged when the third element 61 is on the driving side and the fourth element 62 is on the driven side. Similarly, the first roller 53 cannot engage with the first element 51 and the second element 52.

  On the other hand, the transmitting portion 55 to which the rotational force has been transmitted from the input shaft 2 rotates the second element 52 via the flange portion 56. As shown in FIG. 4B, during coasting, the second element 52 rotates with respect to the turntable 33 (the second element 52 is on the driving side), so that the ball 86 comes into contact with the cam surfaces 35 and 85. The cam surfaces 35 and 85 generate an axial thrust for separating the second element 52 from the rotating disk 33 by a torque difference between the rotating disk 33 and the second element 52 via the ball 86. When the second element 52 moves toward the fourth element 62 in the axial direction by the thrust, the movement of the fifth element 72 in the axial direction is restricted, so that the outer peripheral surface of the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 The distance in the axial direction from the peripheral surface is reduced. The first spring 81 absorbs the approach of the second element 52 to the fourth element 62.

  The third roller 73 revolves around the central axis O while rotating by contacting the second element 52 and the fifth element 72. The third roller 73 rolls between the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 and bites into and engages with the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 due to the traction. It rotates integrally with the five elements 72. The rotational force of the fifth element 72 is transmitted to the rotating body 11 via the rotating disk 33, the turbine 30, and the impeller 22. During coasting, the third roller 73 bites between the second element 52 and the fifth element 72 after rolling, so that the shock at the time of engagement can be buffered.

  According to the torque converter 10, torque can be amplified at the time of starting, so that a manual transmission (hereinafter, referred to as "MT"), a semi-automatic transmission (hereinafter, referred to as "AMT"), and a dual clutch transmission (hereinafter, referred to as "DCT"). In the case of an MT-based transmission such as described in (1), a low gear for starting can be eliminated. As a result, it is possible to shift up smoothly and reduce a shock due to a change in inertia at the time of shifting. Further, since the cross ratio can be easily set in the transmission, the power band of the engine can be effectively used. Further, in an MT-based transmission (especially AMT), like a multi-stage automatic transmission (hereinafter referred to as “AT”) or a continuously variable transmission (hereinafter referred to as “CVT”), power transmission that does not require a main clutch is used. System can be realized.

  During lock-up, the torque converter 10 can suppress a shock due to torque fluctuation or the like while suppressing a decrease in transmission efficiency by the second clutch 60, so that it is possible to drive in a middle to low speed region with the lock-up state. In the case of an AT (transmission), chip-in shock due to engine torque fluctuation and blooming noise due to engine vibration are transmitted without being absorbed during lock-up, and vibration and noise increase particularly in a low-speed range. Unless the lockup is performed in the middle to low speed range in order to suppress them, fuel efficiency deteriorates. According to the torque converter 10, a shock generated at the time of lock-up can be suppressed, so that the speed range in which lock-up can be performed can be extended to a middle to low speed range, and both comfort and improvement in transmission efficiency due to lock-up can be achieved. As a result, fuel efficiency can be improved.

  The torque converter 10 locks up by driving the actuator 93 to move the regulating plate 90 in the axial direction. Unlike the lock-up clutch using a hydraulic clutch such as a conventional wet-type multi-plate clutch, the actuator 93 and the second clutch 60 are mechanical mechanisms that exhibit their functions mainly by mechanical operation. Equipment can be made unnecessary. Therefore, energy loss for maintaining the hydraulic pressure can be eliminated and the mechanism can be simplified.

  Since the oil pressure generator can be dispensed with, the torque converter 10 can be easily attached to an MT-based transmission that does not have an oil pressure generator such as a hydraulic pump. Further, since the torque converter 10 has a structure in which fluid is sealed in the case 12, it can be attached to any type of transmission, and the versatility can be improved. Furthermore, since a part of the fluid sealed in the case 12 is stored in the accumulator 13, the accumulator 13 can tolerate a volume change due to a thermal expansion and contraction of the fluid due to a temperature change.

  Note that a vehicle having a transmission such as an AT or a CVT is provided with a hydraulic pressure generating device (not shown) such as a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic control device (not shown). An existing oil pressure generating device or oil pressure control device can be used as a source.

  When the torque converter 10 performs coasting during lock-up, when the input shaft 2 is driven and the second element 52 rotates, the first spring 81 generates a frictional force on the cam mechanism 83, and the cam mechanism 83 automatically generates the frictional force. The third clutch 70 is engaged. By providing the first spring 81 and the cam mechanism 83, switching between lock-up traveling and coasting traveling can be realized without special control. Switching between the second clutch 60 and the third clutch 70 can be simplified by the first spring 81 and the cam mechanism 83, and double meshing in which the second clutch 60 and the third clutch 70 are simultaneously engaged can be prevented.

  The third clutch 70 is configured such that the third roller 73 is engaged when the rotational force is input from the input shaft 2 when the rotational force is transmitted from the rotating body 11 to the input shaft 2 by the second clutch 60. The second element 52 and the fifth element 72 are arranged. Therefore, the state in which the rotational force is transmitted by the second clutch 60 is smoothly switched to the state in which the rotational force is transmitted by the third clutch 70.

  In the first clutch 50 and the second clutch 60, the second element 52 and the fourth element 62 are arranged side by side in the axial direction, the elastic force of the second spring 82 acts on the second element 52, and the first spring 81 Elastic force acts on the second element 52 and the fourth element 62. The second spring 82 applies an elastic force to the second element 52 and the fourth element 62 in the same axial direction. When the roller of one clutch engages the second element 52 and the fourth element 62, the engagement of the roller of the other clutch is released. Therefore, double meshing in which the first clutch 50 and the second clutch 60 are simultaneously engaged can be prevented.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the case where the first clutch 50 and the second clutch 60 are arranged in the axial direction has been described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a description will be given of the torque converter 100 in which the first clutch 110 and the third clutch 130 are arranged in the axial direction. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a torque converter 100 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in torque converter 100, first transmission unit 101 is coupled to an inner end of turbine 30. The first transmission unit 101 is a cylindrical member arranged on the outer periphery of the input shaft 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the input shaft 2. The first transmission unit 101 is coupled to the turbine 30 and cannot move in the axial direction with respect to the input shaft 2.

  The first clutch 110 is a device that switches between transmission and interruption of the rotational force from the turbine 30 to the input shaft 2. The first clutch 110 includes a first element 111, a second element 112, a plurality of first rollers 113 interposed between the first element 111 and the second element 112, and a first roller that holds the first roller 113. And a retainer 114.

  The first element 111 is an annular member having the center axis O of the input shaft 2 as the center of rotation, and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first transmission unit 101. The first element 111 is coupled to the first transmission unit 101 such that the first element 111 cannot move in the axial direction with respect to the first transmission unit 101 and cannot rotate relative to the first transmission unit 101. The first element 111 has an outer peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O, and the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface decreases as the distance from the turbine 30 increases along the central axis O.

  The second element 112 is an annular member having the center axis O as the center of rotation, and is arranged radially outside the first element 111 with a space from the first element 111. The second element 112 is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the first element 111 and to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the first element 111. The second element 112 has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface which form a single-plane rotational hyperboloid about the central axis O. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface and the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface It becomes smaller as it gets away from 30. A part of the inner peripheral surface of the second element 112 faces the outer peripheral surface of the first element 111 in the axial direction.

  The first roller 113 is a cylindrical member that transmits torque by engaging between the outer peripheral surface of the first element 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the second element 112. Are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by a first retainer 114 disposed between them, and each is rotatably held. The first retainer 114 inclines the first roller 113 at a predetermined angle (for example, 15 °) from a plane including the central axis O so that the outer peripheral surface can linearly contact the first element 111 and the second element 112. One roller 113 is held. The first roller 113 is centered so as to engage with the first element 111 and the second element 112 by the relative rotation of the first element 111 with respect to the second element 112 when the automobile starts (the first element 111 is on the driving side). The direction of inclination (skew) with respect to the axis O is set. The outer peripheral surface of the first element 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the second element 112 have a taper angle with respect to the central axis O set to a predetermined angle with which the first roller 113 can engage.

  The second clutch 120 is a device that switches between transmitting and disconnecting the rotational force from the rotating body 11 to the input shaft 2. The second clutch 120 includes a second element 112, a third element 122 disposed radially outside the second element 112, and a plurality of second rollers interposed between the second element 112 and the third element 122. 123 and a second holder 124 for holding the second roller 123. The second element 112 also serves as a part of the first clutch 110 and the second clutch 120.

  The third element 122 is an annular member having the center axis O of the input shaft 2 as the center of rotation, and is arranged radially outside the second element 112 with a gap from the second element 112. The third element 122 is coupled to the rotating body 11 via the connecting portion 125 such that the third element 122 cannot rotate with respect to the rotating body 11 and cannot move in the axial direction with respect to the rotating body 11. The third element 122 has an inner peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface decreases as the distance from the turbine 30 along the central axis O increases. The third element 122 has a part of the inner peripheral surface axially opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the second element 112.

  The second roller 123 is a cylindrical member that transmits torque by engaging between the outer peripheral surface of the second element 112 and the inner peripheral surface of the third element 122. Are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by a second retainer 124 disposed between them, and each is rotatably held. The second roller 123 is engaged with the second element 112 and the third element 122 by the relative rotation of the third element 122 with respect to the second element 112 at the time of lockup of the vehicle (the third element 122 is driven). The direction of inclination (skew) with respect to the central axis O is set. The outer peripheral surface of the second element 112 and the inner peripheral surface of the third element 122 have a taper angle with respect to the central axis O set to a predetermined angle with which the second roller 123 can engage.

  The third clutch 130 is a device that switches between transmission of the rotational force from the input shaft 2 to the rotating body 11 and switching off. The third clutch 130 includes a fourth element 131, a fifth element 132, a plurality of third rollers 133 interposed between the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132, and a third clutch 133 that holds the third roller 133. And a retainer 134.

  The fourth element 131 is an annular member disposed radially outside the first transmission unit 101, and is supported by the first transmission unit 101 along the axial direction of the first element 111. The fourth element 131 is coupled to the first transmission unit 101 such that it cannot rotate relative to the first transmission unit 101 and cannot move relative to the first transmission unit 101 in the axial direction. The fourth element 131 has an outer peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid around the central axis O, and the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface becomes smaller as approaching the turbine 30 along the central axis O.

  The fifth element 132 is an annular member having the center axis O of the input shaft 2 as the center of rotation, and is arranged radially outside the fourth element 131 with an interval from the fourth element 131. The fifth element 132 is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the fourth element 131 and to be relatively movable in the axial direction with respect to the fourth element 131. The fifth element 132 has an inner peripheral surface that forms a single-plane rotational hyperboloid about the central axis O. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface decreases as the position approaches the turbine 30 along the central axis O. The fifth element 132 has a part of the inner peripheral surface axially opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the fourth element 131. The fifth element 132 is connected to and integrated with the second element 112 arranged in the axial direction.

  The third roller 133 is a cylindrical member that transmits torque by engaging between the outer peripheral surface of the fourth element 131 and the inner peripheral surface of the fifth element 132. Are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by a third retainer 134 disposed therebetween, and each is rotatably held. The third roller 133 is engaged with the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132 by the relative rotation of the fifth element 132 with respect to the fourth element 131 during the coasting of the vehicle (the fifth element 132 is driven). The direction of inclination (skew) with respect to the central axis O is set. The taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the second element 112 and the inner peripheral surface of the third element 122 with respect to the central axis O is set to a predetermined angle with which the third roller 133 can be engaged.

  The second transmission portion 135 is a cylindrical member that is axially movable with respect to the input shaft 2 by a ball spline and is supported so as not to rotate relative to the input shaft 2. The second transmission portion 135 is coupled to a flange portion 136 that extends outward in the radial direction. The second transmission unit 135 is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the first transmission unit 101 and to be relatively rotatable with respect to the first transmission unit 101. The collar 136 engages with the axial end of the fifth element 132. The fifth element 132 rotates integrally with the second transmission unit 135 via the flange 136. Since the second transmission portion 135 and the flange portion 136 can move in the axial direction with respect to the input shaft 2, they do not hinder the axial displacement of the fifth element 132 and the second element 112.

  The second spring 138 is an annular disc spring disposed between a radially inner end of the turbine 30 and the second element 112, and the second spring 138 connects the second element 112 and the fifth element 132 to the turbine. Apply an elastic force that pulls it away from 30 in the axial direction. The third spring 139 is an annular disc spring disposed between the flange 136 and the fourth element 131, and the third spring 139 applies an elastic force to separate the flange 136 from the fourth element 131 in the axial direction. . The axial elastic force of the second spring 138 is set to be greater than the axial elastic force of the third spring 139.

  The positions of the fifth element 132 and the second element 112 in the axial direction are regulated by the second spring 138 and the regulating plate 137. The regulating plate 137 is an annular member, and its inner periphery is inserted into a groove 140 formed continuously on the outer peripheral surface of the fifth element 132 in the circumferential direction. The shaft 91 passes through the regulating plate 137 in the thickness direction. By the operation of the actuator 93, the stopper 92, the shaft 91, and the regulating plate 137 are pushed in the axial direction against the elastic force of the second spring 138. When the operation of the actuator 93 is released, the stopper 92, the shaft 91, and the regulating plate 137 are pushed back by the elastic force of the second spring 138.

  Next, a method of using the torque converter 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a sectional view of the torque converter 100 at the time of starting, FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the torque converter 100 at the time of lock-up, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the torque converter 100 at the time of coasting. 6 to 8 indicate the transmission path of the rotational force, and the arrows indicate the transmission direction of the rotational force.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle starts moving, the actuator 93 is operated to push the shaft 91 in. The second element 112 and the fifth element 132 are pushed toward the turbine 30 in the axial direction against the elastic force of the second spring 138 via the regulating plate 137. Since the axial distance between the third element 122 and the second element 112 increases, the second roller 123 cannot engage with the second element 112 and the third element 122. On the other hand, since the axial distance between the first element 111 and the second element 112 is reduced, the first roller 113 linearly contacts the first element 111 and the second element 112. The axial distance between the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132 increases.

  When a rotational force is input to the rotating body 11 from a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine, the third element 122 rotates via the connecting portion 125. However, since the axial distance between the second element 112 and the third element 122 is large, the second roller 123 cannot engage with the second element 112 and the third element 122. Therefore, no rotational force is transmitted from the third element 122 to the input shaft 2 via the second roller 123 and the second element 112.

  On the other hand, the impeller 22 also rotates with the rotating body 11. The rotation of the fluid by the impeller 22 causes the turbine 30 to rotate via the fluid. The torque of the turbine 30 is transmitted to the first element 111 via the first transmission unit 101. The first roller 113, which linearly contacts the first element 111 and the second element 112, moves between the first element 111 and the second element 112 while rolling between the first element 111 and the second element 112. And rotate integrally with the first element 111 and the second element 112. The torque of the second element 112 is transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the fifth element 132, the flange 136, and the second transmission unit 135.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the operation of the actuator 93 is released at the time of lock-up after the vehicle starts moving. The second element 112 and the fifth element 132 move in a direction away from the turbine 30 by the elastic force of the second spring 138. As the second element 112 and the fifth element 132 move, the regulating plate 137 and the shaft 91 are pushed back. Since the axial distance between the first element 111 and the second element 112 increases, the first roller 113 cannot engage with the first element 111 and the second element 112. Note that the axial distance between the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132 is reduced, and the third roller 133 linearly contacts the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132. 131 and the fifth element 132 cannot be engaged.

  On the other hand, since the axial distance between the second element 112 and the third element 122 is reduced, the second roller 123 linearly contacts the second element 112 and the third element 122. The second roller 123 bites between the second element 112 and the third element 122 while rolling between the second element 112 and the third element 122 and engages with the second element 112 and the third element 122. It rotates together with 122. As a result, the rotational force input to the rotating body 11 from the crankshaft (not shown) of the engine is applied to the connecting portion 125, the third element 122, the second roller 123, the second element 112, the fifth element 132, and the flange. The power is transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the second transmission unit 135 and the second transmission unit 135. The second clutch 120 can perform lock-up in which the rotational force of the rotating body 11 is output to the input shaft 2 without the intervention of a fluid.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle is coasting without the engine (not shown) driving the rotating body 11 in a state where the second clutch 120 transmits the torque, the torque is input from the input shaft 2. Is entered. When the fifth element 132 rotates through the input shaft 2, the second transmission unit 135, and the flange 136, the third roller 133 that linearly contacts the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132 causes the fourth element 131 and the fourth element 131 to rotate. Rolls between the five elements 132. With the traction, the third roller 133 bites into engagement between the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132.

  The second element 112 also rotates with the fifth element 132, but since the third element 122 is on the driven side and the second element 112 is on the driving side, the second roller 123 is connected to the second element 112 and the third element 112. Even if it is in contact with 122, it cannot be engaged. On the other hand, the rotational force of the fourth element 131 engaged with the third roller 133 is transmitted to the rotating body 11 via the first transmission unit 101, the turbine 30, and the impeller 22. During coasting, the third roller 133 bites between the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132 after rolling, so that the shock at the time of engagement can be buffered.

  In the torque converter 100, the second element 112 and the fifth element 132 of the first clutch 110 and the third clutch 130 are arranged side by side in the axial direction. When the operation of the actuator 93 causes the second element 112 and the fifth element 132 to move integrally in the axial direction against the elastic force of the second spring 138 and releases the operation of the actuator 93, the elastic force of the second spring 138 ( The second element 112 and the fifth element 132 can be moved collectively by the restoring force). Since the second spring 138 receives the axial force by the actuator 93, the mechanism for switching the clutch by the actuator 93 can be simplified.

  Since the second element 112 and the fifth element 132 are integrated, the first spring 81 and the cam mechanism 83 described in the first embodiment can be omitted, and the structure can be simplified. Further, when the roller of one clutch is engaged with the second element 112 and the fifth element 132, the engagement of the roller of the other clutch is released. Therefore, double meshing in which the first clutch 110 and the third clutch 130 are simultaneously engaged can be prevented.

  The second roller 123 engages when the third element 122 is driven with respect to the second element 112 at the time of lock-up (during power running), and the third roller 133 engages the fifth element with the fourth element 131. When 132 is driven (during coasting), it is engaged. At the time of lock-up, the second roller 123 contacts the second element 112 and the third element 122 and the third roller 133 contacts the fourth element 131 and the fifth element 132 by the elastic force of the second spring 138. The clutch can be switched instantaneously by switching between powering and coasting.

  The third clutch 130 has a structure capable of transmitting a rotational force from the input shaft 2 to the turbine 30, and a predetermined taper angle is set to the second clutch 120 and the third clutch 130 so that engagement and disengagement can be performed simultaneously. Thus, it is possible to quickly switch the power transmission path by repeating the driving of the driving force and the coasting force, and it is possible to prevent double meshing in which the two clutches are simultaneously engaged.

  When the shaft 91 is pushed by operating the actuator 93 during the coasting shown in FIG. 8, the second element 112 and the fifth element 132 are moved closer to the turbine 30 by the regulating plate 137. As a result, the engagement of the third roller 133 is released and the transmission of the rotational force by the third clutch 130 is interrupted, while the first roller 113 is engaged, and the rotational force is transmitted by the first clutch 110. You can do it. Transmission of the rotational force by the second clutch 120 is shut off (see FIG. 6). Since the components other than the first clutch 110 can be prevented from being coupled to the input shaft 2, torque from an engine (not shown) can be prevented from being transmitted to the input shaft 2 and a transmission (not shown). By doing so, in an MT-based transmission such as MT, AMT, or DCT, the transmission can be temporarily set in the neutral range, and the downshift can be performed after adjusting the rotation speed of the drive system.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be easily inferred.

  In each of the above embodiments, the surface where the first roller 53, 113, the second roller 63, 123, and the third roller 73, 133 are engaged is formed by a single-blade rotating hyperboloid, and the first roller 53, 113, the second roller Although the case where the rollers 63 and 123 and the third rollers 73 and 133 are formed in a columnar shape has been described, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is of course possible to employ other rollers and surfaces on which the rollers engage. As other forms, for example, the surface on which the roller engages is formed by a single-blade rotating hyperboloid, and the roller is conical, the surface on which the roller engages is a conical surface, the surface on which the roller engages And a roller having a drum shape, a drum shape, a cylindrical shape, and the like.

  In each of the above embodiments, the torque converters 10 and 100 provided with the accumulator 13 for storing a part of the fluid (oil) sealed in the case 12 are described, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, in place of the accumulator 13, it is naturally possible to provide a drain oil passage for discharging a part of the fluid (oil) of the torque converters 10, 100 to a transmission (not shown).

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the third clutch 70, 130 has been described using the roller (third roller 73, 134) inclined with respect to the central axis O as the engaging element. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and it is naturally possible to employ another clutch having another engaging element or another element with which the engaging element engages. Other clutches include a sprag type in which the engaging element has a cam surface and a roller type in which the element to which the engaging element engages has a cam surface. In the case of these clutches, a shock may occur when the engaging element is engaged, but the torque of the input shaft 2 when the vehicle coasts can be input to the torque converter.

2 Input shaft 10, 100 Torque converter 11 Rotating body 22 Impeller 30 Turbine 50, 110 First clutch 51, 111 First element (element)
52, 112 Second element (element)
53, 113 1st roller (roller)
54, 114 1st cage (cage)
60, 120 Second clutch 61 Third element (element)
62 4th element (element)
63, 123 Second roller (roller)
64,124 2nd cage (cage)
70, 130 Third clutch 72 Fifth element (element)
73,133 Third roller (roller)
74,134 Third retainer (retainer)
81 first spring 82,138 second spring 83 cam mechanism 93 actuator 122 third element (element)
131 fourth element (element)
132 5th element (element)
O center axis

Claims (7)

An impeller whose rotational force is input from a rotating body,
A turbine that outputs a rotational force transmitted from the impeller via a fluid to an input shaft of a transmission,
A first clutch that switches between transmission and interruption of torque from the turbine to the input shaft;
A second clutch that switches between transmission and interruption of a rotational force from the rotating body to the input shaft ;
A third clutch that switches between transmission and interruption of a rotational force from the input shaft to the rotating body ,
The first clutch , the second clutch, and the third clutch are two concentric annular elements having a predetermined taper angle with respect to the center axis, the elements being arranged concentrically around a center axis of the rotating body. ,
A plurality of rollers interposed between the two elements and engaged with the elements to transmit rotational force;
A torque converter, comprising: retainers for holding the plurality of rollers at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction from a plane including the central axis and at intervals in a circumferential direction.   The element is moved in the axial direction to transmit the rotational force by the first clutch and interrupt the rotational force by the second clutch, or to interrupt the rotational force by the first clutch and transmit the rotational force by the second clutch. 2. The torque converter according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator that selectively switches the torque. The third clutch is a first spring that relatively moves the two elements relatively in the axial direction so that the rollers do not engage when a rotational force is transmitted from the rotating body to the input shaft by the second clutch. When,
A cam mechanism for relatively bringing the two elements relatively close in the axial direction against the elastic force of the first spring so that the roller is engaged when a rotational force is input from the input shaft. The torque converter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The third clutch is configured such that, when a rotational force is transmitted from the rotating body to the input shaft by the second clutch, the roller engages when the rotational force is input from the input shaft. The torque converter according to claim 1 , wherein the torque converter is arranged. Two clutches of the first clutch, the second clutch and the third clutch are arranged such that the elements of the two clutches are arranged side by side in the axial direction, and the elements of the two clutches are arranged in the same direction in the axial direction. A second spring for applying elastic force;
Two clutches with the element elastic force exerted by the second spring, according to claim 1, wherein the rollers of the one clutch, characterized in that the engagement of the rollers of the engaging the other clutch is released 5. The torque converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . An impeller whose rotational force is input from a rotating body,
A turbine that outputs a rotational force transmitted from the impeller via a fluid to an input shaft of a transmission,
A first clutch that switches between transmission and interruption of torque from the turbine to the input shaft;
A second clutch that switches between transmission and interruption of a rotational force from the rotating body to the input shaft;
A third clutch that switches between transmission and interruption of a rotational force from the input shaft to the rotating body,
The first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are two concentric annular elements having a predetermined taper angle with respect to the center axis, the elements being arranged concentrically around a center axis of the rotating body. ,
A plurality of rollers interposed between the two elements and engaged with the elements to transmit rotational force;
Each of the plurality of rollers includes a retainer that holds the rollers at an interval in the circumferential direction while inclining by a predetermined angle from a plane including the central axis,
The two clutches of the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are configured such that the elements of the two clutches are coupled side by side in the axial direction, and the elements of the other one clutch are integrated,
A second spring for applying an elastic force in the same axial direction to the elements arranged in the axial direction,
When the element moves in the axial direction by the elastic force of the second spring, when the rollers of one clutch are engaged, the rollers of the other clutch are disengaged, and the two clutches are disengaged. Wherein one of the clutches and the other clutch have a taper angle of the element set so that the engagement and disengagement of the rollers are performed in the same manner. . The torque converter according to claim 6, further comprising an actuator that moves the element in an axial direction against an elastic force of the second spring.

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