Torsional Damping Device

Abstract

a first rotary torque transmitting element (7) provided with a first housing (17); a second rotary torque transmitting element (9, 10); a resilient device (11) comprising a first spring (13) mounted in the first housing (17) having a first end (131) and an opposite second end (132); a first flange (30'') with a first compression tab (32); and a second flange (40'') with a first compression tab (42), wherein the first rotary element (7) rotates in a positive direction; When the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in a negative direction, the first rotating element (7) moves a first end (131) of the first spring (13) toward a second end of the first spring via a first compression tab of a first flange (30''); and when the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in a negative direction, the first rotating element (7) moves a second end (132) of the first spring (13) toward the first end of the first spring via a first compression tab of a second flange (40'').

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of torque transmission in electric machines and relates to a torsional damping device for a vehicle drivetrain. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicles generally have such torsional damping devices that may be integrated into various elements of the drivetrain. For example, dual mass engine flywheels, clutch discs, and torque limiters may include torsional damping devices to eliminate non-periodic behavior of the engine and other torsional vibrations. This elimination is usually performed by one or more torsional dampers, which are spring-damper combinations that act in torsion and allow a relative rotational movement between a first rotating torque transmission element coupled upstream of the drivetrain and a second rotating torque transmission element coupled downstream of the drivetrain during the transmission of torque. The relative rotation may be made possible by springs arranged in series. During the transfer of torque, especially when the transfer is close to 0°, a transfer of the load-bearing forces of these springs occurs between the first and second rotating torque transmission elements, which allows the compression of these springs. This transfer causes a relative movement and therefore, under the effect of centrifugal forces, radial friction that can damage the springs and significantly reduces the filtering performance of the damping device. Furthermore, these transfers of load-bearing forces are a source of noise. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve on prior art torsional damping devices by proposing such a device which is less sensitive to centrifugal forces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a first rotary torque transmitting element provided with a first housing; a second rotary torque transmitting element; a resilient device interposed between the first rotating element and the second rotating element and configured to, upon deformation, permit relative rotation of the first rotating element and the second rotating element about a rotation axis, the resilient device comprising at least one first spring mounted within a first housing having a first end and an opposite second end, the first rotating element being movable between a rest position in which the spring of the resilient device is not compressed and an actuated position in which at least one spring of the resilient device is compressed; a first flange including a first compression tab circumferentially disposed between the first end of the first spring and the first rotating element; a second flange including a first compression tab circumferentially disposed between the second end of the first spring and the first rotating element; when the first rotating element is rotatable in a positive direction from a rest position, the first rotating element moves a first end of the first spring toward a second end of the first spring via a first compression tab of a first flange; The present invention relates to a torsional damping device for a vehicle drivetrain, wherein when a first rotating element is rotatable in a negative direction from a rest position, the first rotating element moves a second end of a first spring toward a first end of the first spring via a first compression tab of a second flange.

[0005] In this way, the suppression of the transfer of load-bearing forces during the transmission of torque makes it possible to reduce the wear of the spring or the parts in contact with said spring and to reduce noise during the operation of the device. The suppression of the transfer of load-bearing forces also makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate radial friction in order to obtain an optimal damping performance. The presence of the first and second flanges guiding the springs makes it possible for the first and second rotating elements to exclusively transmit torque without retaining the spring or any intermediate elements between the first and at least one spring. This makes it possible in particular to standardize the first rotating element. This also makes it possible to reinforce the strength of said first rotating element.

[0006] Furthermore, the first and second flanges do not oppose any reaction to the transmission of torque transfer, thus making them easier to dimension and cheaper to manufacture.

[0007] The positive direction is the positive direction in trigonometry, also known as the counterclockwise direction. The negative direction is the negative direction in trigonometry, also known as the clockwise direction. The positive direction is the opposite of the negative direction.

[0008] The torque transfer device may have the following additional features, either individually or in combination:

[0009] The first compression tab of the first flange comprises at least one retaining element designed to radially retain the first spring. The retaining element is designed to radially retain the spring when the spring is subjected to centrifugal force. The retaining element makes it possible to avoid loss of the spring. The retaining element facilitates the movement of the first end of the first spring by the first flange when the first rotating element is movable in the positive direction from the rest position. The retaining element is a stud extending radially from the first compression tab in the direction of the first spring between an end fixed to said first compression tab and a free end. The retaining element is an outer edge extending radially from the upper end of the first compression tab between an end fixed to said first compression tab and a free end. The retaining element is a stud and an outer edge.

[0010] The resilient device further comprises a second spring mounted within the first housing, the second spring having a first end and an opposite second end, the first compression tab of the second flange being circumferentially disposed between the second end of the second spring and the first rotating element, and when the first rotating element is rotatable in a negative direction from the rest position, the first rotating element moves the second end of the second spring toward the first end of the second spring via the first compression tab of the second flange.

[0011] In this way, by increasing the number of springs in the resilient device, it is possible to improve the damping performance while still maintaining the above-mentioned advantages.

[0012] The first spring and the second spring are arranged in series with a phase adjustment element connecting the second end of the first spring and the first end of the second spring.

[0013] A second housing is provided on the first rotating element, and the resilient device further comprises a third spring mounted within the second housing and having a second end opposite the first end and radially opposed to the first spring, and the first flange and the second flange each have a second compression tab arranged circumferentially between the first rotating element and the first end of the third spring or the second end of the third spring, respectively, such that when the first rotating element is rotatable in a positive direction from the rest position, the first rotating element moves the first end of the third spring toward the second end of the third spring via the second compression tab of the first flange, and when the first rotating element is rotatable in a negative direction from the rest position, the first rotating element moves the second end of the third spring toward the first end of the third spring via the second compression tab of the second flange.

[0014] The springs are thus diametrically opposed in pairs, in other words the springs are radially aligned in pairs or the springs are on opposite sides of the pair relative to the axis of rotation, and each of the flanges is thus connected to one end of two diametrically opposed springs.

[0015] This configuration of the device allows that under the effect of the rotational speed, the first and second compression tabs of one and the same flange are subjected to two centrifugal forces from the mass of the spring. These two centrifugal forces have the same magnitude but opposite direction. In this way, the deformations associated with these two centrifugal forces cancel each other out, and radial forces no longer act on the first and / or second rotating element, even if the rotation of the first rotating element changes from a positive to a negative direction or vice versa. Thus, by balancing the centrifugal forces in the device, it is possible to eliminate friction and therefore the friction-related decrease in filtration performance. The device becomes less sensitive to the adverse effects of centrifugal forces.

[0016] A second housing is provided on the first rotating element; the resilient device further comprises a third spring radially opposed to the first spring and a fourth spring radially opposed to the second spring, the third spring and the fourth spring mounted within the second housing, each having a first end and an opposing second end; the first flange and the second flange each include a second compression tab circumferentially disposed between the first rolling element and the first end of the third spring or the second end of the fourth spring, respectively; When the first rotating element is rotatable in a positive direction from the rest position, the first rotating element moves the first end of the third spring toward the second end of the third spring via the second compression tab of the first flange, and when the first rotating element is rotatable in a negative direction from the rest position, the first rotating element moves the second end of the fourth spring toward the first end of the fourth spring via the second compression tab of the second flange.

[0017] The springs are thus diametrically opposed in pairs: each of the flanges is thus connected to one end of two diametrically opposed springs, e.g. a first spring and a third spring for the first flange, and a second spring and a fourth spring for the second flange.

[0018] This configuration of the device allows that under the effect of the rotational speed, the first and second compression tabs of one and the same flange are subjected to two centrifugal forces from the mass of the spring. These two centrifugal forces have the same magnitude but opposite direction. In this way, the deformations associated with these two centrifugal forces cancel each other out, and radial forces no longer act on the first and / or second rotating element, even if the rotation of the first rotating element changes from a positive to a negative direction or vice versa. Thus, by balancing the centrifugal forces in the device, it is possible to eliminate friction and therefore the friction-related decrease in filtration performance. The device becomes less sensitive to the adverse effects of centrifugal forces.

[0019] The first flange is movable in a positive direction between a predetermined initial position where the first flange does not compress the first spring and an end position where the first flange compresses the first spring, this movement being a predetermined range of movement for the first flange. The second flange is movable in a negative direction between a predetermined initial position where the second flange does not compress the second spring and an end position where the second flange compresses the second spring, this movement being a predetermined range of movement for the second flange.

[0020] The second rotating element includes a circumferential stop, or the first compression tab of the first flange and the second compression tab of the second flange each include a stop, the one or more stops being designed to prevent movement of the first flange in a negative direction beyond a predetermined initial position and to prevent movement of the second flange in a positive direction beyond a predetermined initial position, respectively.

[0021] In this way, when the second rotating element is provided with a stop, the stop ensures that the first flange and the second flange do not both travel beyond their predetermined range of movement, specifically between their predetermined initial position and their end position. The stop is a movement end element.

[0022] The stop is circumferentially disposed between the first compression tab of the first flange and the second compression tab of the second flange.

[0023] The second rotating element includes two stops. The first stop is designed to prevent movement of the first compression tab of the first flange beyond a predetermined range of travel and to prevent movement of the second compression tab of the second flange. The second stop is designed to prevent movement of the second compression tab of the first flange beyond a predetermined range of travel and to prevent movement of the first compression tab of the second flange. Control of movement of the first and second flanges is improved.

[0024] The stop is a stamped-out portion formed in the second rotating element. Thus, the stop is of simple design, cheap and compact.

[0025] If the first compression tab of the first flange and the second compression tab of the second flange each include a stop, the stop of the first compression tab of the first flange stops the movement of the first flange in the negative direction, thereby ensuring that the first flange does not travel beyond its predetermined range of movement, specifically between its predetermined initial position and its end position, and the stop of the first compression tab of the second flange stops the movement of the second flange in the positive direction, thereby ensuring that the second flange does not travel beyond its predetermined range of movement, specifically between its predetermined initial position and its end position. The stops are end-of-travel elements.

[0026] The second compression tab of the first flange and the second compression tab of the second flange each include a stop. The stops of the first compression tab of the first flange and the second compression tab are designed to prevent movement of the first flange beyond a predetermined range of movement. The stops of the first compression tab of the second flange and the second compression tab are designed to prevent movement of the first flange beyond a predetermined range of movement. Control of movement of the first flange and the second flange is improved.

[0027] Each of the stops is a shoulder formed on a first tab of the first flange and a first tab of the second flange, respectively. Thus, the stops are of simple design, inexpensive and compact.

[0028] The first flange and / or the second flange are rotatable about an axis of rotation and include a single integral balance disk forming the first compression tab. In this manner, the first flange and / or the second flange are made of only one piece, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and facilitating installation of the device.

[0029] The first compression tab has an inclined U-shape. This shape is also called a suitcase corner. This shape comprises a main wall and two side walls radial to the main wall. The inclined U-shape of the first compression tab is made by a stamping. The inclined U-shape of the first compression tab makes it possible to ensure a good interface with the spring.

[0030] The second compression tab has the same shape as the first compression tab.

[0031] The first flange and / or the second flange comprises a single balance disk rotatable about a rotation axis and an end piece fixed to said single balance disk and forming a first compression tab. The single balance disk is made of metal. The end piece is made of plastic and overmolded onto the single balance disk. In this way, the first flange and / or the second flange is made of a limited number of parts, thereby limiting its price and making it possible to adapt the various parts to their functions.

[0032] The first flange and / or the second flange includes a second end piece that is fixed to the single balance disc and forms a second compression tab.

[0033] The first flange and the second flange are arranged on either side of the first rotating element in the axial direction, in other words, the first rotating element is interposed between the first flange and the second flange in the axial direction, and the axial bulk of the device is thereby optimized.

[0034] The first flange and / or the second flange includes a first balance disc, a second balance disc that rotates with the first balance disc, and an end piece that forms a first compression tab.

[0035] The first balance disc is riveted to the second balance disc. In this way the connecting means making it possible to fix the two balance discs to one another are robust and can be easily manufactured.

[0036] The first balance disc and the second balance disc are rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0037] The first and second balance discs are strictly identical, thus only one standard is required, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0038] The first balance disc and / or the second balance disc are stamped metal sheets.

[0039] The first flange and / or the second flange includes a second punched portion that forms a second compression tab. The second punched portion is identical to the first punched portion. In this way, only one criterion is required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0040] The first balance disk of the first flange and the first balance disk of the second flange are axially disposed on one side of the first rotating element, and the second balance disk of the first flange and the second balance disk of the second flange are axially disposed on the other side of the first rotating element, so that the flanges have excellent mechanical strength.

[0041] One of the first rotating element and the second rotating element is rotatably coupled to a hub, and the first flange and / or the second flange is rotationally guided by the hub.

[0042] The apparatus further comprises a friction system comprising a friction washer arranged to rub in a positive or negative direction against the first rotating element or the second rotating element and driven in rotation by the first flange or the second flange.

[0043] Thus, the friction system makes it possible to distinguish between friction in the positive direction and friction in the negative direction.

[0044] The friction washer is arranged to rub in a positive or negative direction against the second rotating element, and the friction system further comprises an actuation washer with an axial finger that interacts with a notch in the friction washer to ensure that the friction washer is driven by the actuation washer when the second flange is rotatable.

[0045] This friction is especially high in the negative direction, especially during start-up of a hybrid vehicle, so the friction system is especially effective in the negative direction. The friction system has fewer parts and is more robust.

[0046] The friction system further includes an axial support that rotates with the second rotating element, and a resilient washer disposed between the axial support and the friction washer to apply an axial force to the friction washer in the direction of the second rotating element.

[0047] A final subject of the invention is, according to another aspect thereof, a vehicle propulsion unit comprising a combustion engine and / or an electric motor for propelling the vehicle and a torsional damping device according to the invention.

[0048] In this description and in the claims, the terms "compressed" or "compression" in relation to one part, and "prestressed" or "prestress" in relation to the other part, when referring to a spring, are used as follows:

[0049] Prestressing a spring refers to the fact that the spring is mounted in a housing that is smaller than the initial length of the spring, so that the spring exerts a force against at least one of the walls of the housing due to the spring's elasticity;

[0050] Compressing a spring means that the spring is compressed by pressing two movable parts together.

[0051] The prestressing of the spring is therefore effective even when the torsion damping device is at rest and without a torque being transmitted: compression of parts of the spring only takes place in the course of torque transmission, the parts being movable relative to one another, which change the shape of the spring housing and compress the spring.

[0052] "Vehicle" should be understood to mean motor vehicles, including passenger cars but also industrial vehicles, in particular heavy goods vehicles, public transport vehicles or agricultural vehicles, but also any transport unit making it possible to move living beings and / or objects from one point to another.

[0053] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a torsional damping device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a partial perspective view of a torsional damping device with a first flange and a second flange in a predetermined initial position; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the torsional damping device with the first flange at an end of travel position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the torsional damping device with the second flange at an end of travel position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torsional damping device including a friction system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a torsional damping device including a stop; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the flange. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the flange. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a torsional damping device having a flange according to a third modified embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] In this description and in the claims, the terms "external" and "internal" as well as the orientations "axial" and "radial" are used to designate elements of the damping device according to the definitions given in the description. The axis of rotation X determines the "axial" orientation. The "radial" orientation is perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. The "circumferential" orientation is perpendicular to the axis of rotation X and perpendicular to the radial direction. The terms "external" and "internal" are used to define the relative position of one component with respect to another with respect to the axis of rotation X, such that a component closer to said axis is described as internal with respect to an outer component located radially outward. Furthermore, the angles and angle sectors expressed are defined with respect to the axis of rotation X.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a torsional damping device 1.

[0057] The damping device 1 may comprise a peripheral torque transmission member and a central torque transmission member, in this example constituted by a hub 5 .

[0058] The peripheral torque transmission member may for example be a friction disc of a torque limiter (not shown) intended to transmit torque by rotating about the axis of rotation X during normal operation and to limit this transmission when this torque exceeds a certain value.

[0059] The peripheral torque transmission member may be fixed, for example by a first set of rivets, to a first rotary torque transmission element constituted by a disk, in this example called "web" 7. The device 1 may comprise a web 7.

[0060] The hub 5 may be fixed by a second set of rivets 2 to a second rotary torque transmitting element constituted by a pair of disks, in this example called "guide washers" 9, 10. The guide washers 9, 10 may form a cover for the device 1. A first guide washer 9 is fixed against a side of the hub 5 and a second guide washer 10 is fixed against an opposite side of the hub 5. The device 1 may comprise the guide washers 9, 10.

[0061] The roles of the web and guide washer may be reversed, with the web becoming the second rotating element and the guide washer becoming the first rotating element.

[0062] The damping device 1 comprises an elastic damping device 11 interposed between the web 7 and the guide washers 9, 10. The elastic device 11 is designed such that the web 7 on the one hand and the guide washers 9, 10 on the other hand can rotate relative to each other as the elastic device 11 is compressed.

[0063] The damping device 1 is intended to be mounted in a torque transmission drive train, for example between the engine and the wheels of a vehicle. The peripheral torque transmission member can be pressed by an elastically loaded pressure disk against a support disk fixedly mounted on the engine flywheel. The hub 5 can be coupled to a transmission shaft. The engine elements rotate the peripheral torque transmission member and thus the web 7 fixed to the peripheral torque transmission member. The web 7 compresses the elastic device 11 via one of the first flange 30 and the second flange 40 and transmits the torque via the other of the first flange 30 and the second flange 40 to the guide washers 9, 10 and thus to the hub 5 fixed to the guide washers. By transmitting the torque between the web 7 and the guide washers 9, 10, the elastic properties of the elastic device 11 eliminate non-periodic behavior and other undesirable torsional movements.

[0064] The device 1 can operate in dry conditions or in an environment where grease or oil is present.

[0065] The damping device 1 further comprises a second end-of-travel stop complementary to the first end-of-travel stop, which allows torque to be transmitted directly from the peripheral torque transmission member to the hub 5, bypassing the elastic device 11 beyond a predetermined relative rotation angle between the web 7 and the guide washers 9, 10.

[0066] The first travel end stop is in this example constituted by external teeth arranged on the outer periphery of the hub 5, and the complementary second travel end stop is in this example constituted by internal teeth 4 in the centre of the web 7.

[0067] The elastic damping device 11 comprises a first spring 13. The first spring 13 may be straight. Alternatively, the first spring 13 may be curved.

[0068] The elastic damping device 11 may further comprise a third spring 15. The third spring 15 may be straight. Alternatively, the third spring 15 may be curved. The first spring 13 may be diametrically opposed to the third spring 15 with respect to the axis of rotation X.

[0069] The first spring 13 extends between a first end 131 and a second end 132. The third spring 15 extends between a first end 151 and a second end 152.

[0070] The web 7 may include a first opening that defines a first housing 17. The first spring 13 may be mounted within the first housing 17. The web 7 may further include a second opening that defines a second housing 18. The third spring 15 may be mounted within the second housing 18.

[0071] Each of the housings 17 , 18 of the web 7 has a first support zone 19 and an opposing second support zone 20 .

[0072] The web 7 comprises two diametrically opposed arms 6. Each of the arms 6 can form a partition between a first housing 17 and a second housing 18. The springs 13, 15 are mounted between the arms 6.

[0073] The guide washers 9,10 each have an opening 12 allowing a spring 13,15 to be attached. The edges of said openings are spaced apart from the springs 13,15.

[0074] The function of the resilient device 11 can be provided by a single spring or by any number of springs, which can be in series or in parallel.

[0075] The web 7 may be rotatable between a rest position, in which the springs 13, 15 of the resilient device 11 are not compressed, and an operating position, in which the springs 13, 15 of the resilient device 11 are compressed.

[0076] The apparatus 1 further comprises a first flange 30 and a second flange 40 .

[0077] The first flange 30 and the second flange 40 may be rotatable about a rotation axis X. The first flange 30 and the second flange 40 may be guided by a hub 5. The first flange 30 and the second flange 40 may be axially mounted on either side of a web 7.

[0078] The first flange 30 may be directly radially centered on the guide washer 9, 10 or the web 7. Alternatively, the first flange 30 may be indirectly radially centered on the guide washer 9, 10 or the web 7.

[0079] The second flange 40 may be directly radially centered on the guide washer 9, 10 or the web 7. Alternatively, the second flange 40 may be indirectly radially centered on the guide washer 9, 10 or the web 7.

[0080] The first flange 30 includes at least one balance disc 31 , a first compression tab 32 and a second compression tab 33 .

[0081] The balance disc 31 may be a stamped metal sheet.

[0082] The first compression tab 32 and the second compression tab 33 may each comprise a support surface 34 designed for one of the ends of one of the springs 13, 15 to abut against it. The first compression tab 32 and the second compression tab 33 may each further comprise a stud 35 extending radially from the support surface 34 between the end fixed to the support surface and the free end. The stud 35 may be a retaining element designed to hold one of the springs radially. The stud 35 may be designed to hold one of the springs radially when the latter is subjected to centrifugal forces. The stud 35 may further be designed to hold one of the springs 13, 15 axially. The first compression tab 32 and the second compression tab 33 may each further comprise an outer edge 36 extending radially from the upper end of the support surface 34 between the end fixed to the support surface and the free end. The edge 36 may be a retaining element designed to hold one of the springs radially. The edge 36 may be designed to radially retain one of the springs when that spring is subjected to centrifugal force.

[0083] The first compression tab 32 of the first flange 30 may be arranged circumferentially between the first end 131 of the first spring 13 and the web 7. More specifically, the first compression tab 32 of the first flange 30 may abut against the first support zone 19 of the first housing 17 of the web 7 when the device 1 is at rest. This rest state of the device 1 is a state in which the web 7 is in a rest position. The rest position of the web 7 is a position in which the web 7 is spaced apart from the springs 13, 15. That is to say, the web 7 does not compress any of the springs 13, 15. This rest state of the device 1 is a state in which the first flange 30 is in a predetermined initial position. The support surface 34 of the first compression tab 32 of the first flange 30 may abut against the first end 131 of the first spring 13.

[0084] The second compression tab 33 of the first flange 30 may be arranged circumferentially between the first end 151 of the third spring 15 and the web 7. More specifically, the second compression tab 33 of the first flange 30 may abut against the first support zone 19 of the second housing 18 of the web 7 when the device 1 is in a rest state. In this rest state of the device 1, the first flange 30 is in a predetermined initial position and the web 7 is in a rest position. The support surface 34 of the second compression tab 33 of the first flange 30 may abut against the first end 151 of the third spring 15.

[0085] The balance disc 31 rotatable about the rotation axis X may be a single balance disc. The balance disc 31 may be one piece. The balance disc 31 may form a first compression tab 32 and a second compression tab 33. The first compression tab 32 and the second compression tab 33 may have an inclined U-shape. This shape is also called a suitcase corner. This shape comprises a main wall and two side walls radial to the main wall. One of the side walls may form an edge 36. The inclined U-shape of the first compression tab is made by a stamping.

[0086] The second flange 40 includes at least one balance disc 41 , a first compression tab 42 and a second compression tab 43 .

[0087] The balance disc 41 may be a stamped metal sheet.

[0088] The first compression tab 42 and the second compression tab 43 may each comprise a support surface 44 designed for one of the ends of one of the springs 13, 15 to abut against it. The first compression tab 42 and the second compression tab 43 may each further comprise a stud 45 extending radially from the support surface 44 between the end fixed to the support surface and the free end. The stud 45 may be a retaining element designed to hold one of the springs radially. The stud 45 may be designed to hold one of the springs radially when the latter is subjected to centrifugal forces. The stud 45 may further be designed to hold one of the springs 13, 15 axially. The first compression tab 42 and the second compression tab 43 may each further comprise an outer edge 46 extending radially from the upper end of the support surface 44 between the end fixed to the support surface and the free end. The edge 46 may be a retaining element designed to hold one of the springs radially. The edge 46 may be designed to radially retain one of the springs when that spring is subjected to centrifugal force.

[0089] The first compression tab 42 of the first flange 40 may be arranged circumferentially between the second end 132 of the first spring 13 and the web 7. More specifically, the first compression tab 42 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second support zone 20 of the first housing 17 of the web 7 when the device 1 is in a rest state. In this rest state of the device 1, the second flange 40 is in a predetermined initial position and the web 7 is in a rest position. The support surface 44 of the first compression tab 42 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second end 132 of the first spring 14.

[0090] The second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40 may be arranged circumferentially between the second end 152 of the third spring 15 and the web 7. More specifically, the second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second support zone 20 of the second housing 18 of the web 7 when the device 1 is in a rest state. In this rest state of the device 1, the second flange 40 is in a predetermined initial position and the web 7 is in a rest position. The support surface 44 of the second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second end 122 of the third spring 15.

[0091] The angle of attack of one of the compression tabs relative to at least one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 is between 0 and 20° (degrees).

[0092] The balance disc 41 rotatable about the axis of rotation X may be a single balance disc. The balance disc 41 may be one piece. The balance disc 41 may form a first compression tab 42 and a second compression tab 43. The first compression tab 42 and the second compression tab 43 may have an inclined U-shape. This shape is also called a suitcase corner. This shape comprises a main wall and two side walls radial to the main wall. One of the side walls may form an edge 46. The inclined U-shape of the first compression tab is made by a stamping.

[0093] Axially there is a first flange 30 , a web 7 and then a second flange 40 .

[0094] The elastic damping device 11 may further comprise a second spring 14 and a fourth spring 16. The springs 13, 14, 15, 16 may be arranged in a circumferential direction. The springs 13, 14, 15, 16 may be arranged in series. The springs 14, 16 may be straight. Alternatively, the springs 14, 16 may be curved. The second spring 14 may be diametrically opposed to the fourth spring 16 with respect to the axis of rotation X.

[0095] The second spring 14 extends between a first end 141 and a second end 142. The fourth spring 16 extends between a first end 161 and a second end 162.

[0096] The first spring 13 and the second spring 14 may be mounted within a first housing 17 of the web 7. The third spring 15 and the fourth spring 16 may be mounted within a second housing 18 of the web 7. The springs 13, 14, 15, 16 are mounted between the arms 6 of the web 7.

[0097] Openings 12 in the guide washers 9,10 allow the mounting of springs 13,14,15,16. The edges of said openings are spaced apart from the springs 13,14,15,16.

[0098] The elastic damping device 11 further comprises a phasing element 50 for phasing the springs 13, 14, 15, 16. The phasing element 50 comprises two spacers 51 diametrically opposed and axially mounted between two phasing disks 52. The first spacer 51 may be mounted circumferentially between the first spring 13 and the second spring 14. The second spacer 51 may be mounted circumferentially between the third spring 15 and the fourth spring 16.

[0099] Each spacer 51 may comprise two end pieces 53. The two end pieces may be identical. The two end pieces may form a one-piece part. Each of the end pieces 53 may be made of sintered steel. Each of the end pieces 53 may comprise a support surface 54 designed to have one of the ends of the springs abutting against it. Each of the end pieces 53 may further comprise a stud 55 extending radially from the support surface 54 between the end fixed to said support surface and the free end. The stud 55 may be a retaining element designed to radially retain one of the springs. The stud 55 may be designed to radially retain one of the springs when it is subjected to centrifugal forces. The stud 55 may further be designed to axially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16. Each of the end pieces 53 may further comprise an outer edge 56 extending radially from the upper end of the support surface 54 between the end fixed to said support surface and the free end. The edge 56 may be a retaining element designed to radially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16. The stud 56 may be designed to radially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 when the spring is subjected to centrifugal forces.

[0100] The first end piece 53 of the first spacer 51 may contact the second end 132 of the first spring 13, and the second end piece 53 of the first spacer may contact the first end 141 of the second spring 14. The first end piece 53 of the second spacer 51 may contact the second end 152 of the third spring 15, and the second end piece 53 of the second spacer may contact the first end 161 of the fourth spring 16.

[0101] Each of the phasing disks 52 and end pieces 53 may be secured to one another by a rivet 57 .

[0102] The support surfaces 34 of the first and second compression tabs 32, 33 may each be designed to have one of the ends of one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 abut against the support surface 34. The stud 35 may be designed to axially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16. The edge 36 may be designed to radially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16.

[0103] The support surfaces 44 of the first and second compression tabs 42, 43 may each be designed to have one of the ends of one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 abut against the support surface 44. The stud 45 may be designed to axially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16. The edge 46 may be designed to radially retain one of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16.

[0104] If the elastic device 11 comprises four springs 13, 14, 15, 16, the first compression tab 42 of the second flange 40 may be arranged circumferentially between the second end 142 of the second spring 14 and the web 7. More specifically, the first compression tab 42 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second support zone 20 of the first housing 17 of the web 7 when the device 1 is in a rest state. In this rest state of the device 1, the second flange 40 is in a predetermined initial position and the web 7 is in a rest position. The support surface 44 of the first compression tab 42 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second end 142 of the second spring 14.

[0105] The second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40 may be arranged circumferentially between the second end 162 of the fourth spring 16 and the web 7. More specifically, the second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second support zone 20 of the second housing 18 of the web 7 when the device 1 is in a rest state. In this rest state of the device 1, the second flange 40 is in a predetermined initial position and the web 7 is in a rest position. The support surface 44 of the second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40 may abut against the second end 162 of the fourth spring 16.

[0106] The second modified embodiment of the first flange 30' differs from the first modified embodiment of the first flange 30 in the following respects.

[0107] The first flange 30' may further comprise two end pieces 37'. The two end pieces 37' are fixed to said single balance disc 31'. The first end piece 37' may form a first compression tab 32. The second end piece 37' may form a second compression tab 33. The single balance disc 31' may be made of metal. Each of the end pieces 37' may be made of plastic and overmolded onto an arm of the single balance disc 31'.

[0108] The features of this second variant also apply to the second flange.

[0109] The third variant embodiment of the first flange 30'' differs from the first variant embodiment of the first flange 30 in the following respects.

[0110] The first flange 30'' may comprise two balance discs 31'' and two end pieces 37''. The first balance disc may rotate together with the second balance disc. The first balance disc 31'' and the second balance disc 31'' are strictly identical. The two end pieces 37'' are fixed to said single balance disc 31''. The first end piece 37'' may form the first compression tab 32. The second end piece 37'' may form the second compression tab 33. The second stamping is identical to the first stamping 37''. The two balance discs 31'' may be made of stamped metal sheet. Each of the end pieces 37'' may be made of sintered steel. The first balance disc is riveted to the second balance disc. The stampings 37'' may be riveted to the two balance discs 31''.

[0111] The features of this third variant also apply to the second flange 40''.

[0112] The first balance disk 31'' of the first flange 30'' and the first balance disk 41'' of the second flange 40'' are axially disposed on one side of the web 7, and the second balance disk 31'' of the first flange 30'' and the second balance disk 41'' of the second flange 40'' are axially disposed on the other side of the web 7.

[0113] The damping device 1 may further comprise a friction system 60 intended to dissipate the energy of the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 and to avoid vibration phenomena. The friction system 60 has an axial support 61 fixed to the second guide washer 10 by a third set of rivets 62. Between the axial support 61 and the second guide washer 10 are arranged a friction washer 63, an intermediate washer 64 and an elastic washer 65, which applies a load to the friction washer 63 via the intermediate washer 64.

[0114] The axial support 61 may also be made integral with the guide washer 10 .

[0115] In addition, a second flange 40 is provided on the other side of the second guide washer 10. The second flange 40 may further comprise at least one toothing. The toothing is designed to actuate an additional friction washer with axial fingers 49, preferably four axial fingers 49. The additional friction washer may be made of plastic. The additional friction washer may be mounted such that the four axial fingers 49 pass through four corresponding grooves 8 formed in the second guide washer 10. The four axial fingers 49 are respectively inserted into notches 69 of the friction washer 63. Thus, the second flange 40 is rotatably coupled to the friction washer 69.

[0116] At least one of the guide washers 9, 10 may include a stop 21 designed to prevent movement of the first flange 30 in a negative direction beyond a predetermined initial position and to prevent movement of the second flange 40 in a positive direction beyond a predetermined initial position. The stop 21 may be circumferentially disposed between the first compression tab 32 of the first flange 30 and the second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40.

[0117] The stop 21 may be a stamped-out portion formed in at least one of the guide washers 9,10.

[0118] At least one of the guide washers 9 , 10 may be provided with two stops 21 .

[0119] Alternatively, the compression tabs 32, 33, 42, 43 of the first and second flanges may each include a stop 23. The stop 23 is designed to prevent movement of the first flange 30 in a negative direction beyond a predetermined initial position and to prevent movement of the second flange 40 in a positive direction beyond a predetermined initial position. More specifically, the stop 23 located on the first flange 30 is designed to prevent movement of the first flange 30 in a negative direction beyond a predetermined initial position. The stop 23 located on the second flange 40 is designed to prevent movement of the second flange 40 in a positive direction beyond a predetermined initial position.

[0120] Each of the stops 23 may be a shoulder formed on a respective compression tab of the flange.

[0121] The mounting of the device 1 is shown in the diagram of FIG. 2, which shows the device 1 in a rest state, i.e. without transmitting any torque and without load on the springs 13, 14, 15, 16. Each spring 13, 14, 15, 16 is mounted at one of its ends in a compression tab 32, 33, 42, 43 and at the other end against one of the spacers 51. Each compression tab 32, 33, 42, 43 bears exclusively against the web 7. In this way, the first pair of springs 13, 14 is mounted between the first compression tab 32 of the first flange 30, which bears, for example, exclusively against the first support zone 19 of the first housing 17 of the web 7, and the first compression tab 42 of the second flange 40, which bears, for example, exclusively against the second support zone 20 of the first housing 17 of the web 7. In addition, the second pair of springs 15, 16 is mounted between the second compression tab 33 of the first flange 30, which, for example, presses exclusively against the first support zone 19 of the second housing 18 of the web 7, and the second compression tab 43 of the second flange 40, which, for example, presses exclusively against the second support zone 20 of the second housing 18 of the web 7.

[0122] The springs 13, 14, 15, 16 are thus prestressed in pairs between the first support zone 19 and the second support zone 20. Between each pair of springs 13, 14, 15, 16, a spacer 51 rotatable about the axis X by means of a phasing disc 52 ensures the series connection of the pairs of springs 13, 14, 15, 16 and also the phasing, i.e. angular, adjustment of one pair with the other.

[0123] The rest angular position is an initial position characterized by the following:

[0124] a first torque polarity defined by the web 7 being in an angular position relative to the guide washers 9, 10 that is located within the angular sector between a predetermined initial position, also called the rest angular position, in which the web 7 is in its rest position, and an end-of-travel position in which the web 7 is in its working position, i.e. where the web 7 has rotated as far as possible in the positive direction until the teeth 3, 6 abut;

[0125] A second torque polarity defined by the web 7 being in an angular position relative to the guide washers 9, 10 that is located within the angular sector between a predetermined initial position, also called the rest angular position, where the web 7 is in its rest position, and an end-of-travel position, where the web 7 is in its working position, i.e. where the web 7 has rotated as far as possible in the positive direction until the teeth 3, 6 abut.

[0126] These two torque polarities correspond to two operating modes of the torsional damping device 1:

[0127] A mode in which torque is transferred from the central torque transmission elements to the peripheral torque transmission elements, which corresponds, for example, to the transfer of torque from the wheels to the engine in a vehicle (e.g., an engine braking phase), commonly referred to as a "reverse mode", corresponds to a second torque polarity.

[0128] A mode in which torque is transferred from the peripheral torque transmission elements to the central torque transmission elements, commonly referred to as a "forward mode", which corresponds, for example, to the transfer of torque from the engine to the wheels in a vehicle (e.g., an acceleration phase), corresponds to a first torque polarity.

[0129] Figure 3 relates to the disk 1 in a first torque polarity. With respect to the rest angular position of Figure 2, the web 7 has rotated in the positive direction (arrow D) to its end of travel position. In this position, the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 are compressed between the first support zone 19 of the web 7 and the compression tabs 42, 43 of the second flange 40.

[0130] Figure 4 relates to the disk 1 in a second torque polarity. With respect to the rest angular position of figure 2, the web 7 has now rotated in the negative direction (arrow I) to its end of travel position. In this position, the springs 13, 14, 15, 16 are compressed between the second support zone 20 of the web 7 and the compression tabs 32, 33 of the first flange 30.

[0131] The operation of the friction device 60 differs depending on whether the torsional damping device 1 is operating with one or the other of these torque polarities.

[0132] When the torsion damping device 1 is loaded according to a first torque polarity, this is equivalent in FIG. 3 to a movement of the web 7 in the direction of the arrow D, while the guide washer 10 remains stationary. The web 7 then drives the compression tabs 32, 33 of the first flange 30 via the first support zone 19, compressing the first spring 13 and the third spring 15, respectively, against one of the spacers 51, which in turn compress the second spring and the fourth spring, respectively, against the first and second compression tabs of the second flange 40. The second support zone 20 of the web 7 then moves away from the compression tabs 42, 43 of the second flange 40. The friction system 60 is not activated. Since there is nothing to load the second flange 40, the second flange 40 does not move.

[0133] In contrast, when the torsion damping device 1 is loaded according to a second torque polarity, this is equivalent to a movement of the web 7 in the direction of the arrow I while the guide washer 10 remains stationary. The web 7 then drives the compression tabs 42, 43 of the second flange 40 via the second support zone 20, compressing the second spring 14 and the fourth spring 16, respectively, against one of the spacers 51, which in turn compress the first spring and the third spring, respectively, against the first compression tab and the second compression tab of the first flange 30. The first support zone 19 of the web 7 then moves away from the compression tabs 32, 33 of the first flange 30. The friction system 60 is in operation, since the movement of the second flange 40 drives the movement of the friction washer 63, which then rubs the intermediate washer 64 against the guide washer 10.

[0134] Thus, friction system 60 is deactivated according to a first torque polarity and activated according to a second torque polarity.

[0135] Other variations of the torsional damping device 1 may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the system to which the torsional damping device is attached may be any system in a torque transmitting drive train that requires torsional damping, such as a clutch disc.

Claims

1. a first rotary torque transmitting element (7) provided with a first housing (17); a second rotary torque transmitting element (9, 10); an elastic device (11) interposed between the first rotating element (7) and the second rotating element (9, 10) and enabling relative rotation of the first rotating element (7) and the second rotating element (9, 10) about a rotation axis (X) when deformed, the elastic device (11) comprising at least one first spring (13) mounted in the first housing (17) having a first end (131) and an opposite second end (132), the elastic device (11) being movable between a rest position in which the spring of the elastic device is not compressed and an actuation position in which the at least one spring of the elastic device is compressed; a first flange (30; 30'; 30'') with a first compression tab (32) arranged circumferentially between the first end (131) of the first spring (13) and the first rotating element (7); a second flange (40; 40'') with a first compression tab (42) arranged circumferentially between the second end (132) of the first spring (13) and the first rotating element (7), when the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in a positive direction from the rest position, the first rotating element (7) moves the first end (131) of the first spring (13) towards the second end of the first spring via the first compression tab of the first flange (30; 30'; 30''); when the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in a negative direction from the rest position, the first rotating element (7) moves the second end (132) of the first spring (13) towards the first end of the first spring via the first compression tab of the second flange (40; 40''); A torsional damping device (1) for a vehicle drivetrain, characterized in that the first flange (30; 30'; 30'') and the second flange (40; 40'') are arranged axially on either side of the first rotating element (7).

2. 2. The torsional damping device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first compression tab (32) of the first flange (30; 30'; 30'') comprises at least one retaining element (35, 55, 36, 56) designed to retain the first spring (13) in the radial direction.

3. the resilient device (11) further comprises a second spring (14) mounted within the first housing (17) having a first end (141) and an opposite second end (142); the first compression tab (42) of the second flange (40; 40'') is circumferentially disposed between the second end (142) of the second spring (14) and the first rotating element (7); 3. The torsional damping device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in the negative direction from the rest position, the first rotating element (7) moves the second end (142) of the second spring (14) towards the first end of the second spring via the first compression tab of the second flange (40; 40'').

4. 4. The torsional damping device (1) of claim 3, wherein the first spring (13) and the second spring (14) are arranged in series via a phase adjustment element (50) connecting the second end of the first spring (13) and the first end of the second spring (14).

5. The first rotating element (7) is provided with a second housing (18); the elastic device (11) further comprises a third spring (15) radially opposite the first spring (13) and a fourth spring (16) radially opposite the second spring (14), the third spring and the fourth spring being mounted within the second housing (18), each having a first end (151, 161) and an opposite second end (152, 162); the first flange (30; 30'; 30'') and the second flange (40; 40'') each having a second compression tab (33, 43) arranged circumferentially between the first rolling element (7) and the first end (151) of the third spring (15) or the second end of the fourth spring (16), respectively; when the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in the positive direction from the rest position, the first rotating element (7) moves the first end (151) of the third spring (15) towards the second end of the third spring (15) via the second compression tab of the first flange (30; 30'; 30''); 5. The torsional damping device (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that when the first rotating element (7) is rotatable in the negative direction from the rest position, the first rotating element (7) moves the second end (162) of the fourth spring (16) towards the first end of the fourth spring (16) via the second compression tab of the second flange (40; 40'').

6. 6. A torsional damping device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second rotating element (9, 10) is provided with a circumferential stop (21) or the first compression tab (32) of the first flange (30; 30'; 30'') and the second compression tab (43) of the second flange (40; 40'') are each provided with a stop (23), one or more of the stops being designed to prevent movement of the first flange (30; 30'; 30'') in the negative direction beyond a predetermined initial position and to prevent movement of the second flange (40; 40'') in the positive direction beyond a predetermined initial position, respectively.

7. 7. The torsional damping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first flange (30; 30') and / or the second flange (40) comprise a single integral balance disc (31, 41) rotatable about the axis of rotation (X) and forming the first compression tab, or comprise a single balance disc (31') rotatable about the axis of rotation (X) and an end piece (37') fixed to the single balance disc (31') and forming the first compression tab (32, 42).

8. 7. The torsional damping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first flange (30'') and / or the second flange (40'') comprises a first balance disc, a second balance disc (31'', 41'') that rotates together with the first balance disc, and an end piece (37'') that forms the first compression tab (32, 42).

9. 9. The torsional damping device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first balance disc of the first flange (30'') and the first balance disc of the second flange (40'') are arranged axially on one side of the first rotating element (7), and the second balance disc of the first flange (30'') and the second balance disc of the second flange (40'') are arranged axially on the other side of the first rotating element (7).

10. 10. The torsional damping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one of the first rotating element (7) and the second rotating element (9, 10) is rotatably connected to a hub (5), and the first flange and / or the second flange is rotationally guided by the hub.

11. 11. A torsional damping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device further comprises a friction system (60) comprising a friction washer (63) arranged to rub against the first rotating element or the second rotating element in the positive direction or the negative direction and which is driven in rotation by the first flange or the second flange.

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