LIMITADOR DE TORQUE, E, MÉTODOS DE MONTAGEM DE UM LIMITADOR DE TORQUE E PARA DISPOR UM SISTEMA DE ATUAÇÃO

Abstract

TORQUE LIMITER, AND METHODS OF MOUNTING A TORQUE LIMITER AND FOR DISPOSING AN ACTUATION SYSTEM. A torque limiter (TL) is provided for transmitting torque (TT) to downstream components. The TL includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a torsion spring that is preloadable by a preload torque, after which the torsion spring is adjustable around the output shaft with the output shaft adjusted around the input shaft. For rotation of the input shaft, the first TT paths run from the input shaft to the output shaft through the torsion spring when the downstream torque of the downstream components exceeds the preload torque, and a second TT path runs from the input shaft to an external structure when the downstream torque exceeds the preload torque.

Description

/ 12 Torque limiter and method for mounting a torque limiter. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Application No. 202111043549 filed on September 25, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] This disclosure relates to torque limiters and, more particularly, to an assembly of a torsion spring type roller blocker torque limiter.

[003] Torque limiters can be used in any power transmission system to protect components against torsional overload. In general, a torque limiter (TL) in secondary flight control drive systems (such as high-lift drive systems) provides torque transmission (TT) to downstream actuators and a gear assembly. At the same time, the TL protects the transmission system from which the torque originates in the event of blockage in the downstream actuators or gear assembly. The TL typically does this by diverting a TT path to a ground structure.

[004] A challenge in TL assemblies is interconnecting an input shaft, a spring, and an output shaft in a limited space without losing the TL's functional requirements in clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the input shaft without any significant additional mounting operations or adjustments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a torque limiter (TL) is provided for torque transmission (TT) to downstream components. The TL includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a torsion spring that is preloadable by a preload torque, after which the torsion spring Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 10 / 33 / 12 is adjustable around the output shaft with the output shaft adjusted around the input shaft. For rotation of the input shaft, the first TT paths run from the input shaft to the output shaft via the torsion spring when the downstream torque of the downstream components does not exceed the preload torque, and a second TT path runs from the input shaft to an external structure when the downstream torque exceeds the preload torque.

[006] According to additional or alternative embodiments, for clockwise and counterclockwise input shaft rotation, normal operations are characterized by the downstream torque not exceeding the preload torque and, for clockwise and counterclockwise input shaft rotation, a stalled condition is characterized by the downstream torque exceeding the preload torque.

[007] According to additional or alternative embodiments, a first of the first TT paths associated with clockwise input shaft rotation proceeds through the torsion spring in a first direction and a second of the first TT paths associated with counterclockwise input shaft rotation proceeds through the torsion spring in a second direction.

[008] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the TL also includes a roller blocker by which the torque following the second TT path proceeds to the outer structure.

[009] In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the input shaft includes a cam profile.

[0010] In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the output shaft includes a gear that is communicative with the downstream components.

[0011] According to additional or alternative embodiments, a torsion spring preload angle is based on a torque requirement on the output shaft.

[0012] According to one aspect of disclosure, a limiter of Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 11 / 33 / 12: Torque transmission (TL) is provided for torque transmission (TT) to downstream components. The TL includes an input shaft including reaction faces, an output shaft defining slots, and a torsion spring including first and second tangs at opposite ends of the output shaft, respectively. The torsion spring is preloadable by a preload torque to align the first and second tangs whereby, with the torsion spring fitted around the output shaft and the output shaft fitted around the input shaft, the first and second tangs are sliding in the slots and against the reaction faces.For input shaft rotation, the first TT paths run from the input shaft to the output shaft via the torsion spring when the downstream torque of the downstream components does not exceed the preload torque, and a second TT path runs from the input shaft to an external structure when the downstream torque exceeds the preload torque.

[0013] According to additional or alternative embodiments, for clockwise and counterclockwise input shaft rotation, normal operations are characterized by downstream torque not exceeding the preload torque and, for clockwise and counterclockwise input shaft rotation, a jammed condition is characterized by downstream torque exceeding the preload torque.

[0014] According to additional or alternative embodiments, a first of the first TT paths associated with the clockwise rotation of the input shaft proceeds through the torsion spring in a first direction and a second of the first TT paths associated with the counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft proceeds through the torsion spring in a second direction.

[0015] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the TL also includes a roller blocker by which the torque after the second TT path proceeds to the outer structure.

[0016] According to additional or alternative modalities, the axis Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 12 / 33 / 12 of entry includes a cam profile.

[0017] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the reaction faces are oriented in opposite directions and are alignable with the sides of the slots.

[0018] In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the output shaft includes a gear that is communicative with downstream components.

[0019] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the first ears are at a first end of the output shaft and oppose each other by 180° and the second ears are at a second end of the output shaft opposite the first end and oppose each other by 180°.

[0020] According to additional or alternative embodiments, a torsion spring preload angle is based on a torque requirement on the output shaft.

[0021] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method for mounting a torque limiter (TL) is provided. The method includes aligning the first prongs of a torsion spring with slots in an output shaft, partially sliding the torsion spring onto the output shaft until the first prongs contact the faces of the slots, preloading the torsion spring so that the second prongs of the torsion spring align with the slots in the output shaft, fully sliding the torsion spring onto the output shaft until the second prongs contact the faces of the slots, providing a secondary alignment of the first prongs and the second prongs with the reaction faces of an input shaft, and sliding the output shaft and the torsion spring onto the input shaft, maintaining the secondary alignment so that the first prongs and the second prongs collide against the reaction faces.

[0022] In accordance with additional or alternative arrangements, the Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, page 13 / 33 / 12, the method also includes shaping the torsion spring to exhibit a preload angle based on a torque requirement on the output shaft.

[0023] According to additional or alternative embodiments, a method of arranging an actuation system is provided and includes mounting a TL, operationally connecting a power drive unit (PDU) and a gear stage to the input shaft and output shaft, respectively, and coupling a roller blocker connected to a housing structure to the input shaft.

[0024] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the method further includes operating the actuation system, wherein, for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft, normal operations are characterized by the downstream torque of the gear stage not exceeding a preload torque of the torsion spring and the torque applied to the input shaft by the PDU is transmitted to the gear stage and, for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft, a jammed condition is characterized by the downstream torque exceeding the preload torque and the torque applied to the input shaft by the PDU being transmitted to the housing structure by the roller blocker.

[0025] Additional features and advantages are realized with the techniques of the current disclosure. Other modalities and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail in this document and are considered a part of the claimed technical concept. For a better understanding of the disclosure with the advantages and features, please refer to the description and figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] For a fuller understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, where similar reference numbers represent similar parts: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an actuation system. Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 14 / 33 / 12 according to the modalities; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an input shaft of a torque limiter according to embodiments; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an output shaft of a torque limiter according to embodiments; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a torsion spring of a torque limiter according to embodiments; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the input shaft, output shaft and torsion spring of FIGS. 2-4 assembled together to form a torque limiter according to embodiments; FIG. 6 is an axial view illustrating a preload angle of the torsion spring of FIG. 4 according to embodiments; FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a torque transmission path through the torque limiter of FIG. 5 in an operating configuration according to the modes; FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a torque transmission path through the torque limiter of FIG. 5 in an operating configuration according to embodiments; and FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram showing a method for mounting a torque limiter according to various configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In high-lift actuation systems, rotary geared actuators (RGAs) are used to control the movement of control panels or surfaces (flaps and auxiliary airfoil). The RGA is a simple torque device designed to plug into a pinion located in the aircraft, which then drives a rack to which the corresponding control panel or surface is attached. An RGA typically includes a torque limiter (TL) stage and a power stage or a gear stage. The TL stage provides a Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, page 15 / 33 / 12 drive via an input shaft to allow torque to be transmitted to downstream actuators and the gear stage. The TL stage also provides a torque limiting function that protects the transmission system in the event of a blockage and provides a bypass path from the torque limiter to a mounting structure. The gear stage provides speed reduction and torque amplification to drive the corresponding control panel or surface, as well as a main interface for ground drive torques and backlash loads.

[0028] As will be described below, a TL is provided to interconnect an input shaft, a spring, and an output shaft in a confined space without losing the functional requirements of the TL in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the input shaft. When a blockage occurs, such as when a gear stage torque requirement exceeds a spring preload torque (T1), the TL diverts the torque transmission path (TT) to an aircraft housing structure, regardless of the direction of rotation of the input shaft. The TL can be mounted without significant additional mounting operations or adjustments.

[0029] The TL includes an input shaft and an output shaft that allow for the concentric mounting of components in a limited space. A torsion spring will be preloaded to a required torque value and mounted in slots on the output shaft. The preloaded torsion spring and the output shaft are aligned with the torque reaction characteristics of the input shaft and are connected together. In this arrangement, the torsion spring serves as a connecting link between the input shaft and the output shaft. This ensures that there is a TT path from the input torsion spring shaft gear stage when a gear stage torque requirement is less than the torsion spring preload torque, and a TT path from the input shaft roller housing structure when the gear stage torque requirement exceeds the torsion spring preload torque. Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 16 / 33 / 12

[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, an actuation system 101 is provided and can be configured as a high-lift actuation system for an aircraft. In any case, the actuation system 101 includes a power transmission unit (PDU) 110, a gear stage 120, a roller blocker 130, a housing structure 140, and a TL 150. The TL 150 includes an input shaft 151 and an output shaft 152 and a torsion spring 153, which is preloaded by a preload torque. The TL 150 is provided with transmission torque applied to the input shaft 151 by the PDU 110, through the torsion spring 153, and to the output shaft 152, whereby the output shaft 152 can further transmit torque to the gear stage 120 in certain cases. That is, in cases where a downstream torque applied by gear stage 120 is less than or does not exceed the preload torque of the torsion spring 153, there will be no relative rotation between the input shaft 151 and the output shaft 152.Here, the torque applied to the input shaft 151 by the PDU 110 will proceed from the input shaft 151 rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, through the torsion spring 153 and to the output shaft 152, whereby the output shaft 152 can still transmit the torque to the gear stage 120. On the other hand, for cases where the downstream torque applied by the gear stage 120 exceeds the preload torque of the torsion spring 153, there will be relative rotation between the input shaft 151 and the output shaft 152. Here, the torque applied to the input shaft 151 by the PDU 110 will proceed from the input shaft 151 rotating clockwise or counterclockwise to the roller blocker 130 and from the roller blocker 130 to the housing structure 140.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2-6, a TL 201 (see FIG. 5), like the TL 150 of FIG. 1, is provided for TT of downstream components, such as the gear stage 120 of FIG. 1. The TL 201 includes an input shaft 210 including first reaction faces 211, second reaction faces 212 and a cam profile 213, which is configured to be engaged by the blocker. Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, page 17 / 33 / 12 of roll 130 of FIG. 1, an output shaft 220 which is formed to define a first slot 221 and a second slot 222 (see FIG. 5) and which includes a gear 223 that engages with downstream components (i.e., the gear stage 120 of FIG. 1) and a torsion spring 230. The torsion spring 230 includes first tangs 231, second tangs 232 (see FIG. 6) and a torsion spring section 233. The first tangs 231 are provided at a first end 234 of the torsion spring 230, the second tangs 232 are provided at a second end 235 of the torsion spring 230, which is opposite the first end 234, and the torsion spring section 233 is axially interposed between the first end 234 and the second end 235. The first faces reaction points 211 are facing in opposite directions from each other and opposite each other on opposite sides of the input axis 210 by 180°.The second reaction faces 212 are oriented in opposite directions from each other and opposite each other on opposite sides of the input shaft 210 by 180°. The first slot 221 and the second slot 222 oppose each other on opposite sides of the output shaft 220 by 180°. The first slot 221 and the second slot 222 each include slot faces 226. The first tenons 231 are provided on opposite sides of the first end 234 and oppose each other by 180°. The second tenons 232 are provided on opposite sides of the second end 235 and oppose each other by 180°.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, at an initial moment before the torsion spring 230 is preloaded, the first tangs 231 and the second tangs 232 are displaced relative to each other by a preload angle. According to embodiments, the preload angle is defined based on a torque requirement of downstream components (i.e., the gear stage 120 of FIG. 1) on the output shaft 220.

[0033] With the construction described above, the torsion spring 230 is preloadable by the preload torque on the output shaft 220 to align the first tangs 231 and the second tangs 232 with each other. Once Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 18 / 33 / 12 that this alignment is achieved, with the torsion spring 230 fitted around the output shaft 220 and with the output shaft 220 fitted around the input shaft 210, the first tangs 231 and the corresponding second tangs 232 slide in the first slot 221 of the output shaft 220 and in contact with the first reaction faces 211 and the corresponding second reaction faces 212 and one side of the first slot 221, while the other first tangs 231 and the corresponding second tangs 232 slide in the second slot 222 of the output shaft 220 and in contact with the first reaction faces 211 and the corresponding second reaction faces 212 and one side of the second slot 222.

[0034] Thus, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, for clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the input shaft 210, the first paths of TT 701 (see FIG. 1) and 702 (see FIG. 2) run from the input shaft 210 to the output shaft 220 via the torsion spring 230 when the downstream torque of the downstream components (i.e., the gear stage 120 of FIG. 1) does not exceed the preload torque. These are considered normal operations of the TL 201. More particularly, for clockwise rotations of the input shaft 210, when the downstream torque of the downstream components (i.e., the gear stage 120 of FIG. 1) does not exceed the preload torque of the torsion spring 230, the torque transmission proceeds from the input shaft 210 to the output shaft 220 and through the torsion spring 230 in a first direction from the first end 234 to the second end 235.On the other hand, for counterclockwise rotations of the input shaft 210, when the downstream torque of the downstream components (i.e., the gear stage 120 of FIG. 1) does not exceed the preload torque of the torsion spring 230, the torque transmission proceeds from the input shaft 210 to the output shaft 220 and in a circuit through the torsion spring 230 in a second direction from the second end 235 to the first end 234.

[0035] When the downstream torque of the downstream components (i.e., the Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, page 19 / 33 / 12 gear stage 120 of FIG. 1) exceeding the preload torque of the torsion spring 230 or the output shaft 220 stops rotating, a jamming condition occurs. In these cases, the first pins 231 and the second pins 232 will twist relative to each other and there will be relative rotation of the input shaft 210 and the output shaft 220. When this occurs, the roller blocker 130 of FIG. 1 will engage the input shaft 210 and divert the torque to the housing structure 140 along a second TT 703 path (see FIG. 1).

[0036] With reference to FIG. 9, a method for assembling a TL, such as the TL 150 and TL 201 described above, is provided. As shown in FIG.9, the method includes aligning the first tangs of a torsion spring with slots of an output shaft (901); partially sliding the torsion spring onto the output shaft until the first tang contact faces of the slots (902) preload the torsion spring which is formed to be preloaded by an amount based on a torque requirement of the output shaft, so that the second tangs of the torsion spring align with the slots of the output shaft (903); fully sliding the torsion spring onto the output shaft until the second tangs contact the faces (904); providing a secondary alignment of the first tangs and the second tangs with the reaction faces of an input shaft (905); and sliding the output shaft and the torsion spring onto the input shaft, maintaining the secondary alignment so that the first tangs and the second tangs collide against the reaction faces (906).

[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 9 and with reference back to FIG. 1 provides a method for arranging an actuation system, such as a high-lift actuation system for an aircraft. The method includes mounting a TL according to the method in FIG. 9, operationally connecting a PDU 110 and a gear stage 120 to the input shaft 151 and output shaft 152, respectively, and coupling a roller blocker 130. Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 20 / 33 / 12 connected to a housing structure 140 to the input shaft 151. The method also includes operating the actuation system.

[0038] The technical effects and benefits of this disclosure are the provision of a torque limiter (TL) with few parts (i.e., weight and cost-effectiveness), no additional components required for spring retention, a simple and foolproof assembly process (possibly facilitating automated assembly), and no additional adjustment (shim) required during assembly due to the high precision of the torsion spring. The TL also ensures that all functional requirements of the TL are met.

[0039] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or stages, plus functional elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for carrying out the function in combination with other claimed elements, as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure is given for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the technical concepts in the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and meaning of the disclosure. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others ordinarily skilled in the art to understand various embodiments with various modifications as will be suitable for the particular use contemplated.

[0040] Although the preferred embodiment of the disclosure has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements that fall within the scope of the claims that follow. These claims should be interpreted to maintain appropriate protection for the disclosure described first. Petition 870260026872, dated 03 / 23 / 2026, p. 21 / 33

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Torque limiter (TL) for torque transmission (TT) to downstream components, comprising: an input shaft (151) comprising a cam profile; an output shaft (152) comprising a gear, communicating with downstream components, and first and second ends; a roller block with which the cam profile engages;and a torsion spring (230) wherein, for clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the input shaft: first TT paths depart from the input shaft (151) to the output shaft (152) through the torsion spring (230) in a first direction when the downstream torque of the downstream components does not exceed the preload torque, to characterize normal operations, and a second TT path departs from the input shaft (151) in a second direction to an external structure by means of the roller blocker when the downstream torque exceeds the preload torque to characterize a jammed condition, characterized in that: the input shaft (151) comprises reaction faces, facing in opposite directions; the output shaft defines slots comprising sides with which the reaction faces are alignable;the torsion spring (230) comprises first pins at the first end of the output shaft and opposed to each other by 180° and second pins at the second end of the output shaft and opposed to each other by 180°; and the torsion spring (230) is preloadable by a preload torque, to align the first pins and the second pins, after which, with Petition 870260059174, dated 06 / 17 / 2026, page. 9 / 14 2 / 3 the torsion spring (230) fitted around the output shaft (152) and the output shaft (152) fitted around the input shaft (151), the first and second pins are sliding in the slots and against reaction faces, the first pins and the second pins being displaced by a preload angle based on a torque requirement on the output shaft (152).; 2. A method for mounting a torque limiter (TL) as defined in claim 1, the method being characterized in that it comprises: aligning the first tangs with the slots; partially sliding the torsion spring (230) onto the output shaft (152) until the first tangs contact the sides of the slots; preloading the torsion spring (230) so that the second tangs align with the slots; fully sliding the torsion spring (230) onto the output shaft (152) until the second tangs contact the sides of the slots; providing a secondary alignment of the first and second tangs with the reaction faces; and sliding the output shaft (152) and the torsion spring (230) onto the input shaft (151), maintaining the secondary alignment so that the first and second tangs collide against the reaction faces.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises forming the torsion spring (230) to exhibit a preload angle.

4. Method for arranging an actuation system, comprising: operationally connecting a power transmission unit (PDU) and a gear stage to an input shaft (151) and an output shaft (152), respectively; and coupling a roller blocker connected to a housing structure to the input shaft (151), characterized in that it further comprises: mounting a TL according to the method as defined in claim 2.

5. Method for arranging an actuation system according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises operating the actuation system, wherein: for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft, the torque applied to the input shaft (151) by the PDU is transmitted to the gear stage during normal operation, and for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft, the torque applied to the input shaft (151) by the PDU is transmitted to the housing structure by the roller blocker when the jammed condition occurs. Petition 870260059174, dated 06 / 17 / 2026, page 11 / 14

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