Patent Description:
Conventionally, a work vehicle (such as a wheel loader or the like) is known that is provided with a torque converter device having a torque converter and a lock-up clutch. In the torque converter device, power from the engine is transmitted to a travel device through the torque converter if the lock-up clutch is in a disengaged state and is transmitted to the travel device through the lock-up clutch if the lock-up clutch is in an engaged state (see <CIT>).

<CIT> discloses a power transmission device comprising a torque converter device, a hydraulic pump, a first oil path, a second oil path, a third oil path, a first, second and third pressure control valve, and a controller. The torque converter device includes a torque converter and a lock-up clutch and transmits power from the power source to the travel device. The hydraulic pump is driven by a power source. The first oil path supplies hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the torque converter. The second oil path drains hydraulic fluid from the torque converter. The third oil path communicates with the first oil path and the second oil path. The pressure control valves are disposed in the second oil path and the third oil path. The controller causes the pressure control valves to open and close. The second pressure control valve is configured to regulate the pressure within the torque converter and the third pressure control valve is configured to control the pressured oil to be supplied to the torque converter.

The internal pressure of the torque converter increases even while the lock-up clutch is in the engaged state in <CIT>. In this case, the loss of horsepower in the hydraulic pump increases because there is a need to continually maintain the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump at a high level.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power transmission device and a power transmission method that can suppress the loss of horsepower in a hydraulic pump.

According to a first aspect of the present invention a power transmission device comprises the following features: a torque converter device including a torque converter and a lock-up clutch and configured to transmit power from the power source to the travel device; a first hydraulic pump driven by the power source; a second hydraulic pump driven by the power source; a first oil channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump to the torque converter; a second oil channel for draining hydraulic fluid from the torque converter; a third oil channel that communicates with the first oil channel and the second oil channel; a fourth oil channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump to a hydraulic apparatus; a fifth oil channel that communicates with the fourth oil channel and an orifice; a sixth oil channel that communicates with the fifth oil channel and an on/off valve; a pressure control valve disposed in the second oil channel or the third oil channel; a seventh oil channel that communicates with the sixth oil channel and the pressure control valve; and a controller configured to set the pressure control valve to an open state and to a closed state. The on/off valve is configured to be switched by the controller between an ON-state, which is a closed state, and an OFF-state, which is an open state. The controller sets the pressure control valve to the open state when the lock-up clutch is in an engaged state, wherein the controller sets the pressure control valve to the open state by setting the on/off valve to the ON-state.

In a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic apparatus is a transmission.

According to a second aspect of the present invention a power transmission method for above-mentioned power transmission device is performed between a power source and a travel device and the method comprises the following features: a step for causing the lock-up clutch to be engaged in the torque converter device that has the torque converter and the lock-up clutch and transmits power from the power source to the travel device; and a step for setting the pressure control valve to an open state when the lock-up clutch is in the engaged state, the pressure control valve being disposed in the second oil channel or the third oil channel among the first oil channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump driven by the power source to the torque converter, the second oil channel for draining hydraulic fluid from the torque converter, and the third oil channel that communicates with the first oil channel and the second oil channel, and wherein the controller sets the pressure control valve to the open state by setting the on/off valve to the ON-state.

According to the present invention, there can be provided a power transmission device and a power transmission method that can suppress loss of horsepower in a hydraulic pump.

An embodiment of the power transmission device according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. The power transmission device according to the present invention is mounted in a work vehicle. The work vehicle may be, for example, a wheel loader, a dump truck, a bulldozer, a forklift, or the like but is not limited as such.

<FIG> is a side view of a work vehicle <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a power transmission device <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

The work vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment is a wheel loader. The work vehicle <NUM> is provided with the power transmission device <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, and a travel device <NUM>. The power transmission device <NUM> is disposed between the power source <NUM> and the travel device <NUM>. The power source <NUM> is, for example, an engine.

The power transmission device illustrated in <FIG> is mounted to the work vehicle <NUM>.

The power transmission device <NUM> has a transmission <NUM>, a torque converter device <NUM>, a hydraulic circuit, and a controller <NUM>.

The transmission <NUM> is disposed between the torque converter device <NUM> and the travel device <NUM>. The transmission <NUM> is coupled to the torque converter device <NUM> and transmits the power from the power source <NUM> transmitted through the torque converter device <NUM>, to the travel device <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the transmission <NUM> is an example of a hydraulic apparatus.

The torque converter device <NUM> is disposed between the power source <NUM> and the transmission <NUM>. The torque converter device <NUM> is coupled to an output shaft of the power source <NUM> and an input shaft of the transmission <NUM>.

The torque converter device <NUM> has a torque converter <NUM> and a lock-up clutch <NUM>. The torque converter <NUM> includes an impeller, a turbine, and a stator. The lock-up clutch <NUM> is a hydraulic actuation-type clutch and can be switched between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The clutch pressure of the lock-up clutch <NUM> is adjusted with a lock-up clutch control valve <NUM>. The lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM>.

When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the disengaged state, the torque converter <NUM> transmits the power from the power source <NUM> to the transmission <NUM> using oil as a medium. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state, the lock-up clutch <NUM> couples the impeller and the turbine of the torque converter <NUM> and transmits the power from the power source <NUM> to the transmission <NUM>.

The hydraulic circuit has first to eighth oil channels L1-L8, a first hydraulic pump <NUM>, a first pressure control valve <NUM>, a second pressure control valve <NUM>, a second hydraulic pump <NUM>, an on/off valve <NUM>, a third pressure control valve <NUM>, and an oil pan <NUM>.

The first oil channel L1 communicates with the first hydraulic pump <NUM> and the torque converter <NUM>. The first oil channel L1 is an oil supply channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump <NUM> to the torque converter <NUM>.

The first hydraulic pump <NUM> is driven by the power source <NUM>. The first hydraulic pump <NUM> is a fixed displacement pump. A gear pump, for example, may be used as the first hydraulic pump <NUM>. The first hydraulic pump <NUM> discharges hydraulic fluid taken in from the oil pan <NUM>. The hydraulic fluid discharged by the first hydraulic pump <NUM> is supplied to the torque converter <NUM> through the first oil channel L1.

The second oil channel L2 communicates with the torque converter <NUM> and the oil pan <NUM>. The second oil channel L2 is a drain oil channel for draining hydraulic fluid from the torque converter <NUM>. The hydraulic fluid drained from the torque converter <NUM> is returned to the oil pan <NUM> through the second oil channel L2.

The first pressure control valve <NUM> is disposed in the second oil channel L2. The first pressure control valve <NUM> is a regulator valve for adjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid drained from the torque converter <NUM> so that the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> does not fall below a constant pressure.

The third oil channel L3 communicates with the first oil channel L1 and the second oil channel L2. The third oil channel L3 is coupled to the first oil channel L1 at a connection point P1 and is coupled to the second oil channel L2 at a connection point P2. The connection point P1 is the upstream end of the third oil channel L3 and the connection point P2 is the downstream end of the third oil channel L3. The connection point P1 is positioned on the upstream side of the second pressure control valve <NUM> and the connection point P2 is positioned on the downstream side of the first pressure control valve <NUM>.

The second pressure control valve <NUM> is disposed in the third oil channel L3. The second pressure control valve <NUM> is a relief valve for adjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the first hydraulic pump <NUM> so that the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> does not rise above a constant pressure.

In the present embodiment, the second pressure control valve <NUM> functions as a pressure control valve for reducing the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> when the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state. The second pressure control valve <NUM> is held in an open state by the controller <NUM> when the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state.

The fourth oil channel L4 communicates with the second hydraulic pump <NUM> and the transmission <NUM>. The fourth oil channel L4 is an oil supply channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump <NUM> to the transmission <NUM>.

The second hydraulic pump <NUM> is driven by the power source <NUM>. The second hydraulic pump <NUM> discharges the hydraulic fluid taken in from the oil pan <NUM>. The hydraulic fluid discharged by the second hydraulic pump <NUM> is supplied to the transmission <NUM> through the fourth oil channel L4.

The fifth oil channel L5 communicates with the fourth oil channel L4, the sixth oil channel L6, and the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM>. The fifth oil channel L5 is coupled to the fourth oil channel L4 at a connection point P3. The fifth oil channel L5 supplies, to the sixth oil channel L6, a portion of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the second hydraulic pump <NUM> to the fourth oil channel L4. The fifth oil channel L5 supplies, to the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM>, a portion of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the second hydraulic pump <NUM> to the fourth oil channel L4.

The sixth oil channel L6 communicates with the fifth oil channel L5 and the on/off valve <NUM>. The sixth oil channel L6 is coupled to the fifth oil channel L5 at an orifice <NUM>. The orifice <NUM> is positioned on the upstream side of the sixth oil channel L6. The sixth oil channel L6 supplies, to the on/off valve <NUM>, a portion of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the second hydraulic pump <NUM> to the fifth oil channel L5 through the fourth oil channel L4.

The on/off valve <NUM> can be switched between an ON-state (closed state) and an OFF-state (open state). The switching of the on/off valve <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the on/off valve <NUM> is an electromagnetic valve that can be switched between on and off by means of a control signal from the controller <NUM>. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state, the on/off valve <NUM> is switched to the ON-state and the hydraulic pressure of the sixth oil channel L6 is maintained at a high state. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the disengaged state, the on/off valve <NUM> is switched to the OFF-state and the hydraulic pressure of the sixth oil channel L6 is maintained at a low state.

The seventh oil channel L7 communicates with the sixth oil channel L6 and the second pressure control valve <NUM>. The seventh oil channel L7 is coupled to the sixth oil channel L6 at a connection point P4. The connection point P4 is positioned on the upstream side of the on/off valve <NUM>. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state, the on/off valve <NUM> is switched to the ON-state and the hydraulic pressure of the seventh oil channel L7 is maintained at a high state. As a result, the second pressure control valve <NUM> is held in the open state. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the disengaged state, the on/off valve <NUM> is switched to the OFF-state and the hydraulic pressure of the seventh oil channel L7 is maintained at a low state. As a result, the second pressure control valve <NUM> is actuated to open and close so that the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> is kept at a constant pressure.

The eighth oil channel L8 communicates with the first oil channel L1 and the fourth oil channel L4. The eighth oil channel L8 is coupled to the first oil channel L1 at the connection point P1 and is coupled to the fourth oil channel L4 at a connection point P5. The connection point P5 is positioned on the upstream side of the fourth oil channel L4, the fifth oil channel L5, and the connection point P3. The third pressure control valve <NUM> is disposed in the eighth oil channel L8. The third pressure control valve <NUM> is a regulator valve for adjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid that passes through the fourth oil channel L4.

The controller <NUM> is a controller for controlling the entire power transmission device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> and the on/off valve <NUM>, etc. The controller <NUM> has a processor such as a CPU, and a memory (RAM, ROM, etc.) having programs stored therein. The memory stores a lockup clutch engaged vehicle speed, a lockup clutch disengaged vehicle speed, a constant α, and a constant β. The respective values of the lockup clutch engaged vehicle speed, the lockup clutch disengaged vehicle speed, the constant α, and the constant β are set to desired values as appropriate.

The controller <NUM> outputs a clutch pressure command signal to the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> and causes the lock-up clutch <NUM> to become engaged when an engagement condition of the lock-up clutch <NUM> is established. In the present embodiment, the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> exceeding the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed is used as the engagement condition of the lock-up clutch <NUM>. The controller <NUM> outputs the clutch pressure command signal to the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> and causes the lock-up clutch <NUM> to become disengaged when a disengagement condition of the lock-up clutch <NUM> is established. In the present embodiment, the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> falling below the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed is used as the disengagement condition of the lock-up clutch <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> causes the second pressure control valve <NUM> to open and close in response to the engagement and disengagement of the lock-up clutch <NUM>.

Specifically, the controller <NUM> outputs the clutch pressure command signal to the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> when the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> exceeds the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed. When the engagement of the lock-up clutch <NUM> is finished and the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> exceeds a value derived by adding the constant α to the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed, the controller <NUM> outputs a control signal to the on/off valve <NUM> and the on/off valve <NUM> switches to the ON-state. As a result, the second pressure control valve <NUM> is switched to the open state without increasing the hydraulic pressure in the seventh oil channel L7, and a portion of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the first hydraulic pump <NUM> to the torque converter <NUM> is returned to the oil pan <NUM> through the third oil channel L3 and the second oil channel L2 in order. As a result, loss of horsepower of the first hydraulic pump <NUM> is suppressed because the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> is reduced to a predetermined pressure that is lower than the constant pressure. The internal pressure (predetermined pressure) of the torque converter <NUM> when the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state is preferably lower than the constant pressure and, while not limited in particular, is preferably of a degree that the inside of the torque converter <NUM> can be lubricated with the hydraulic fluid.

In this way, the controller <NUM> causes the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> to decrease by setting the second pressure control valve <NUM> to the open state when the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state.

However, when the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> falls below a value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the controller <NUM> outputs a control signal to the on/off valve <NUM> before disengaging the lock-up clutch <NUM> and switches the on/off valve <NUM> to the OFF-state. As a result, the second pressure control valve <NUM> is switched to the closed state without the hydraulic pressure of the seventh oil channel L7 decreasing, and the hydraulic pressure of the third oil channel L3 is adjusted by the second pressure control valve <NUM>. As a result, the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> recovers to the constant pressure.

In this way, when the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> falls below the value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the controller <NUM> raises the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> to the constant pressure by setting the second pressure control valve <NUM> to the closed state.

<FIG> is a flow chart for explaining a power transmission method of the torque converter device <NUM>.

In step S1, the controller <NUM> determines whether the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has exceeded the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has exceeded the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed, the processing advances to step S2. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> does not exceed the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed, the processing of step S1 is repeated.

In step S2, the controller <NUM> outputs the clutch pressure command signal to the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> and causes the lock-up clutch <NUM> to become engaged.

In step S3, the controller <NUM> determines whether the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has exceeded a value derived by adding the constant α to the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has exceeded the value derived by adding the constant α to the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed, the processing advances to step S4. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> does not exceed the value derived by adding the constant α to the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed, the processing advances to step S5.

When the processing advances from step S3 to step S4, the controller <NUM> outputs a control signal to the on/off valve <NUM> and switches the on/off valve <NUM> to the ON-state (closed state) in step S4. Consequently, as indicated above, the second pressure control valve <NUM> is switched to the open state and the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> is reduced. When step S4 is completed, the processing returns to step S1.

When the processing advances from step S3 to step S5, the controller <NUM> determines, in step S5, whether the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has fallen below the value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has fallen below the value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the processing advances to step S6. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has not fallen below the value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the processing returns to step S1.

When the processing advances from step S5 to step S6, the controller <NUM> outputs, in step S6, a control signal to the on/off valve <NUM> and switches the on/off valve <NUM> to the OFF-state (open state). Consequently, as indicated above, the second pressure control valve <NUM> is switched to the closed state and the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> rises to the constant pressure.

In step S7, the controller <NUM> determines whether the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has fallen below the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has fallen below the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the processing advances to step S8. If the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> has not fallen below the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the processing returns to step S1.

In step S8, the controller <NUM> outputs the clutch pressure command signal to the lock-up clutch control valve <NUM> and causes the lock-up clutch <NUM> to become disengaged.

A power transmission device 2a according to a second embodiment will be explained. The power transmission device 2a according to the present embodiment is mounted in a similar work vehicle as the work vehicle <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the power transmission device 2a according to the second embodiment.

The power transmission device 2a differs from the power transmission device <NUM> according to the first embodiment in that a seventh oil channel 7a communicates with the sixth oil channel L6 and the first pressure control valve <NUM>. Said difference will mainly be explained hereinbelow.

The seventh oil channel L7a communicates with the sixth oil channel L6 and the first pressure control valve <NUM>. The seventh oil channel L7a is coupled to the sixth oil channel L6 at the connection point P4. The connection point P4 is positioned on the upstream side of the on/off valve <NUM>. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state, the on/off valve <NUM> is switched to the ON-state and the hydraulic pressure of the seventh oil channel L7a is maintained at a high state. As a result, the first pressure control valve <NUM> is held in the open state. When the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the disengaged state, the on/off valve <NUM> is switched to the OFF-state and the hydraulic pressure of the seventh oil channel L7a is maintained at a low state. As a result, the first pressure control valve <NUM> is actuated to open and close so that the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> is kept at the constant pressure.

The controller <NUM> causes the first pressure control valve <NUM> to open and close in response to the engagement and disengagement of the lock-up clutch <NUM>.

Specifically, the controller <NUM> issues an engagement command to the lock-up clutch <NUM> when the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> exceeds the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed. When the engagement of the lock-up clutch <NUM> is finished and the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> exceeds the value derived by adding the constant α to the lock-up clutch engagement vehicle speed, the controller <NUM> outputs a control signal to the on/off valve <NUM> and the on/off valve <NUM> switches to the ON-state. Consequently, the pressure of the seventh oil channel 7a increase and the first pressure control valve <NUM> is switched to the open state, and the hydraulic fluid drained from the torque converter <NUM> is returned quickly through the second oil channel L2 to the oil pan <NUM>. As a result, loss of horsepower of the first hydraulic pump is suppressed because the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> is reduced to a predetermined pressure that is lower than the constant pressure.

In this way, the controller <NUM> causes the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> to decrease by setting the first pressure control valve <NUM> to the open state when the lock-up clutch <NUM> is in the engaged state.

However, when the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> falls below the value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the controller <NUM> outputs a control signal to the on/off valve <NUM> before disengaging the lock-up clutch <NUM> and switches the on/off valve <NUM> to the OFF-state. As a result, the pressure of the seventh oil channel 7a decreases and the first pressure control valve <NUM> is switched to the closed state, and the hydraulic pressure of the second oil channel L2 is adjusted by the first pressure control valve <NUM>. As a result, the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> recovers to the constant pressure.

In this way, when the vehicle speed of the work vehicle <NUM> falls below the value derived by adding the constant β to the lock-up clutch disengagement vehicle speed, the controller <NUM> raises the internal pressure of the torque converter <NUM> to the constant pressure by setting the first pressure control valve <NUM> to the closed state.

The power transmission method of the torque converter device <NUM> is the same as explained with the flow chart in <FIG>.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
A power transmission device (<NUM>) disposable between a power source (<NUM>) and a travel device (<NUM>), the power transmission device (<NUM>) comprising:
a torque converter device (<NUM>) including a torque converter (<NUM>) and a lock-up clutch (<NUM>) and configured to transmit power from the power source to the travel device (<NUM>);
a first hydraulic pump (<NUM>) driven by the power source (<NUM>);
a second hydraulic pump (<NUM>) driven by the power source (<NUM>);
a first oil channel (L1) for supplying hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump (<NUM>) to the torque converter (<NUM>);
a second oil channel (L2) for draining hydraulic fluid from the torque converter (<NUM>);
a third oil channel (L3) that communicates with the first oil channel (L1) and the second oil channel (L2);
a fourth oil channel (L4) for supplying hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump (<NUM>) to a hydraulic apparatus;
a fifth oil channel (L5) that communicates with the fourth oil channel (L4) and an orifice (<NUM>);
a sixth oil channel (L6) that communicates with the fifth oil channel (L5)
and an on/off valve (<NUM>); a pressure control valve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the second oil channel (L2) or the third oil channel (L3);
a seventh oil channel (L7) that communicates with the sixth oil channel (L6) and the pressure control valve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to set the pressure control valve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to an open state and to a closed state,
the on/off valve (<NUM>) configured to be switched by the controller (<NUM>) between an ON-state, which is a closed state, and an OFF-state, which is an open state,
wherein the controller (<NUM>) sets the pressure control valve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the open state when the lock-up clutch (<NUM>) is in an engaged state,
wherein the controller sets the pressure control valve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the open state by setting the on/off valve to the ON-state.