Patent attributes
A vertical fluid power transmission includes: a vertical crankshaft of an engine; a vertical output shaft; and a vertical torque converter disposed between the crankshaft and the output shaft. An oil supply passage is connected to one end of the circulation circuit of the vertical torque converter, and guides a stored oil that is drawn up from an oil tank and discharged by an oil pump. An oil return passage is connected to the other one end of the circulation circuit, and leads to the oil tank. A normally-closed pressure response valve is provided in the oil return passage. The pressure response valve is opened by an upstream pressure. Thus, the oil tank for storing a working oil of the torque converter is separated from the torque converter, thereby downsizing the torque converter, and the working oil is circulated between the oil tank and the circulation circuit of the torque converter, thereby promoting cooling of the working oil.