shock absorber

Abstract

The present application provides a new shock absorber capable of simplifying the structure for axial positioning of a first rotating element, a second rotating element, and a third rotating element. The shock absorber has: a first friction element configured to be able to rotate integrally with the second rotating element around a rotation center, having a fifth surface located on one direction side in the axial direction with respect to a first surface of the first rotating element, and a sixth surface located on one direction side with respect to a third surface of the third rotating element; a second friction element configured to be able to rotate integrally with the second rotating element around the rotation center, having a seventh surface located on the other direction side with respect to the second surface and capable of sliding on the second surface, and an eighth surface located on the other direction side with respect to a fourth surface and capable of sliding on the fourth surface; and a third elastic element interposed between the friction element of one of the first friction element and the second friction element and a wall portion, pushing the first surface and the fifth surface against each other, and pushing the second surface and the seventh surface against each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to shock absorbers. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, there is a known shock absorber comprising: a first rotating element, a second rotating element, a third rotating element, an axial positioning component (friction element and disc spring) for the first rotating element and the second rotating element, and an axial positioning component (friction element and disc spring) for the second rotating element and the third rotating element (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-98954 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] This type of shock absorber uses its respective positioning components to axially position the first rotating element and the second rotating element, as well as the second rotating element and the third rotating element. Therefore, it has the problem of having a large number of components and a complex structure.

[0008] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to obtain a novel shock absorber, for example, capable of simplifying the structure for axial positioning of the first rotating element, the second rotating element, and the third rotating element.

[0009] Technical means to solve the problem

[0010] The shock absorber of the present invention has:

[0011] A first rotating element is configured to rotate about a rotation center and has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces an axial direction toward the rotation center, and the second surface is located on the side of the first surface facing that direction and faces an opposite direction.

[0012] The second rotating element is configured to rotate about the rotation center and has a wall portion located between the first surface and the second surface in the axial direction.

[0013] A third rotating element, configured to rotate about the rotation center, has a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface being located in the axial direction between the wall portion and the first surface, and the fourth surface being located in the axial direction between the wall portion and the second surface;

[0014] A first elastic element is located between the first rotating element and the third rotating element, and elastically expands and contracts in the circumferential direction at the center of rotation;

[0015] A second elastic element is located between the second rotating element and the third rotating element, and elastically expands and contracts in the circumferential direction at the center of rotation;

[0016] The first friction element is configured to rotate integrally with the second rotating element around the rotation center, and has a fifth surface and a sixth surface. The fifth surface is located on the side of the first surface in one direction and can slide on the first surface, and the sixth surface is located on the side of the third surface in one direction and can slide on the third surface.

[0017] The second friction element, configured to rotate integrally with the second rotating element about the rotation center, has a seventh surface and an eighth surface. The seventh surface is located on the opposite side relative to the second surface and is capable of sliding on the second surface. The eighth surface is located on the opposite side relative to the fourth surface and is capable of sliding on the fourth surface.

[0018] A third elastic element, located between the friction element of one of the first and second friction elements and the wall portion, causes the first and fifth surfaces to press against each other, and causes the second and seventh surfaces to press against each other.

[0019] According to this structure, the third elastic element causes the first surface of the first rotating element and the fifth surface of the first friction element to press against each other, and the second surface of the first rotating element and the seventh surface of the second friction element to press against each other, thereby bringing the first surface into contact with the fifth surface and the second surface into contact with the seventh surface. This achieves axial relative positioning of the first and second rotating elements. Furthermore, axial relative positioning of the second and third rotating elements is achieved by the third surface of the third rotating element contacting the sixth surface of the first friction element or by the fourth surface of the third rotating element contacting the eighth surface of the second friction element. In other words, in the above structure, the first friction element, the second friction element, and the third elastic element are used for both axial positioning of the first and second rotating elements and axial positioning of the second and third rotating elements. Therefore, according to the above structure, compared to a structure that does not use the first friction element, the second friction element, and the third elastic element for both axial positioning of the first and second rotating elements and axial positioning of the second and third rotating elements, the number of components used for axial positioning of the first, second, and third rotating elements can be reduced. Therefore, the structure for axial positioning of the first rotating element, the second rotating element and the third rotating element can be simplified.

[0020] In the shock absorber, for example, the third elastic element has: a first end contacting the wall portion; and a second end contacting one of the first friction element and the second friction element. The second end is aligned axially with the first surface, the second surface, the fifth surface, and the seventh surface.

[0021] With this structure, the second end of the third elastic element is axially aligned with the first, second, fifth, and seventh surfaces, thus facilitating the homogenization of the surface pressure between the first and fifth surfaces and between the second and seventh surfaces. Consequently, the frictional torque between the first and second rotating elements (specifically, the frictional torque between the first and second friction elements and the second rotating element) can be stabilized.

[0022] In the shock absorber, for example, the first rotating element performs radial positioning of the rotation center of the first friction element and the radial positioning of the second friction element.

[0023] Based on this structure, compared to the structure where the radial positioning of the first friction element and the second friction element are different components, the radial relative position accuracy of the first friction element and the second friction element is improved.

[0024] In the shock absorber, for example, on one of the friction elements of the first friction element and the second friction element, a recess is provided that is recessed from the wall side of the friction element away from the wall and into which the third elastic element enters.

[0025] With this structure, the axial thickness of the shock absorber can be reduced compared to a structure without recesses.

[0026] The shock absorber, for example, can change between a state in which there is a gap between the third surface and the sixth surface and a state in which the third surface and the sixth surface are in contact, and can also change between a state in which there is a gap between the fourth surface and the eighth surface and a state in which the fourth surface and the eighth surface are in contact.

[0027] With this structure, the axial relative positioning of the second rotating element and the third rotating element can be achieved by the third surface of the third rotating element contacting the sixth surface of the first friction element in the axial direction, or by the fourth surface of the third rotating element contacting the eighth surface of the second friction element in the axial direction.

[0028] In the shock absorber, for example, the first friction element has a ninth surface facing outward in the radial direction, the second friction element has a tenth surface facing outward in the radial direction, and the first rotating element has: a first inner peripheral portion that contacts the ninth surface to perform the radial positioning of the first friction element; and a second inner peripheral portion that contacts the tenth surface to perform the radial positioning of the second friction element.

[0029] With this structure, the first and second inner circumferences of the first rotating element can be used to radially position the first friction element and the second friction element. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exemplary front view when viewed from the axial direction of the shock absorber of the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view III-III.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part IV. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The structure of the embodiments shown below, as well as the effects and results (effects) resulting from that structure, are examples. The present invention can also be implemented using structures other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Furthermore, according to the present invention, at least one of various effects (including derived effects) obtained by the structure can be obtained.

[0035] Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, the side closer to the engine (not shown) will be referred to as the front side, and the side farther from the engine will be referred to as the rear side. The front and rear sides in the following description may not be consistent with the front and rear in the vehicle's on-board configuration.

[0036] In addition, from now on, the axial direction of the rotation center Ax will be referred to as the axial direction, the radial direction of the rotation center Ax will be referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction of the rotation center Ax will be referred to as the circumferential direction. The rotation center Ax is also called the central axis.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an exemplary front view when viewed axially from the damper 1 of the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view III-III.

[0038] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the shock absorber 1 includes a drive plate 10, a driven plate 20, and an intermediate plate 30. The drive plate 10, driven plate 20, and intermediate plate 30 are each configured to rotate independently about a rotation center Ax. In other words, the drive plate 10, driven plate 20, and intermediate plate 30 can rotate relative to each other. Furthermore, the drive plate 10, driven plate 20, and intermediate plate 30 are made of a metallic material, such as an iron-based material. The drive plate 10 is an example of a first rotating element, the driven plate 20 is an example of a second rotating element, and the intermediate plate 30 is an example of a third rotating element. Additionally, the drive plate 10 can also be referred to as an outer plate or input member, and the driven plate 20 can also be referred to as an inner plate or output member.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive plate 10 has a central portion 10a, a plurality of drive arms 10b, and a peripheral portion 10c. The central portion 10a is located radially inward of the drive plate 10, and its shape is annular with the rotation center Ax as the center. The drive arms 10b protrude radially outward from the central portion 10a and are positioned between the central portion 10a and the peripheral portion 10c. In this embodiment, the plurality of drive arms 10b are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the drive board 10 is composed of a plurality of components. Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drive plate 10 has a front side plate 11 and a rear side plate 12. The front side plate 11 and the rear side plate 12 are connected by a connecting member 14. Figure 3 The connecting member 14 can be integrated as a single unit. It can be a rivet, but it can also be other connecting components such as bolts and nuts, or a shaft. Alternatively, the front side plate 11 and the rear side plate 12 can be joined without the connecting member 14 by welding, bonding, or other methods.

[0041] The front side plate 11 is located between the engine and the rear side plate 12. In other words, the rear side plate 12 is located on the opposite side of the engine relative to the front side plate 11. The front side plate 11 and the rear side plate 12 are plate-shaped and intersect (orthogonal) with the rotation center Ax (axial direction).

[0042] The driven plate 20 has a hub 21, a flange 22, and a plurality of driven arms 23. The flange 22 is an example of a wall portion.

[0043] The hub 21 is cylindrical in shape with the rotation center Ax as its center. It is located radially inside the driven plate 20.

[0044] The flange 22 protrudes radially outward from the hub 21. The flange 22 is located between the front side plate 11 and the rear side plate 12 of the drive plate 10. The flange 22 is plate-shaped and intersects (orthogonalizes) the rotation center Ax (axial direction).

[0045] A plurality of driven arms 23 protrude radially outward from the flange 22. The plurality of driven arms 23 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The drive arm 10b and the driven arms 23 overlap axially.

[0046] The intermediate plate 30 has a central portion 30a and a plurality of intermediate arms 30b. The central portion 30a is located radially inward of the intermediate plate 30, and its shape is annular with the rotation center Ax as the center. The intermediate arms 30b protrude radially outward from the central portion 30a. In this embodiment, the plurality of intermediate arms 30b are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the intermediate plate 30 is composed of a plurality of components. Specifically, the intermediate plate 30 has a first intermediate plate 31 and a second intermediate plate 32. The first intermediate plate 31 and the second intermediate plate 32 are connected by a connecting member 33. Figure 3 They are integrated as a whole. The connecting component 33 is, for example, a rivet, or other connecting parts such as bolts and nuts, or a shaft, etc.

[0048] The first intermediate plate 31 is located between the front side plate 11 of the drive plate 10 and the hub 21 of the driven plate 20. The second intermediate plate 32 is located between the rear side plate 12 of the drive plate 10 and the hub 21 of the driven plate 20. The first intermediate plate 31 and the second intermediate plate 32 are plate-shaped and intersect (orthogonal) with the rotation center Ax.

[0049] Furthermore, a cylindrical first friction element 61 and a cylindrical second friction element 62 are provided on both axial sides of the flange 22 of the driven plate 20. Both the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 provide sliding resistance between the drive plate 10 and the driven plate 20 when they rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first friction element 61 is configured to rotate integrally with the driven plate 20 and to slide on the rear side plate 12. The first friction element 61 is engaged with the driven plate 20, for example, by engaging a recess provided in one of the flanges 22 of the first friction element 61 and the driven plate 20 with a protrusion provided in the other of the flanges 22 of the first friction element 61 and the driven plate 20. The second friction element 62 is configured to rotate integrally with the driven plate 20 and to slide on the front side plate 11. The second friction element 62 is engaged with the driven plate 20, for example, by engaging a recess provided in one of the flanges 22 of the second friction element 62 and the driven plate 20 with a protrusion provided in the other of the flanges 22 of the second friction element 62 and the driven plate 20.

[0050] The first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 are, for example, made of synthetic resin material.

[0051] In addition, a disc spring 71 is sandwiched between the first friction element 61 and the driven plate 20.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the shock absorber 1 has a plurality of first helical springs 41 and a plurality of second helical springs 42. The first helical springs 41 and the second helical springs 42 are located between the corresponding drive arm 10b and driven arm 23 and intermediate arm 30b.

[0053] The first helical spring 41 and the second helical spring 42 extend approximately circumferentially (tangentially). The first helical spring 41 is relative to the driving arm 10b and the driven arm 23. Figure 1 Adjacent in a clockwise direction, and relative to the intermediate arm 30b Figure 1 They are adjacent in a counterclockwise direction. Additionally, the second helical spring 42 is relative to the drive arm 10b and the driven arm 23. Figure 1 Adjacent to each other in the counterclockwise direction, relative to the intermediate arm 30b Figure 1 The first helical spring 41 and the second helical spring 42 are adjacent in a clockwise direction. They are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The first helical spring 41 is an example of a first elastic element, and the second helical spring 42 is an example of a second elastic element. The first elastic element and the second elastic element are not limited to helical springs, but may also be other elastic elements such as elastomers.

[0054] When the shock absorber 1 rotates clockwise, during acceleration, the relative torsion of the drive plate 10 and driven plate 20 causes the drive arm 10b and intermediate arm 30b to elastically compress the first coil spring 41, and the intermediate arm 30b and driven arm 23 to elastically compress the second coil spring 42. Conversely, during deceleration, the relative torsion of the drive plate 10 and driven plate 20 causes the drive arm 10b and intermediate arm 30b to elastically compress the second coil spring 42, and the intermediate arm 30b and driven arm 23 to elastically compress the first coil spring 41. The torsional state during acceleration is the state in which the drive plate 10 is torsionally rotated in the forward direction relative to the neutral position (untorted position, position with a torsion angle of 0) relative to the driven plate 20. In this specification, this state is defined as the positive torsional state of the shock absorber 1. On the other hand, the torsional state during deceleration is the state in which the drive plate 10 is torn in the opposite direction (the opposite direction of the forward rotation) from the neutral position relative to the driven plate 20. In this specification, this state is set as the reverse torsional state of the shock absorber 1.

[0055] Additionally, sheet members 43 are sandwiched between the two ends of the first helical spring 41 and the second helical spring 42 along their respective length directions (winding axis, circumferential direction of the shock absorber 1) and the drive arm 10b, the driven arm 23, and the intermediate arm 30b. The sheet members 43 are also referred to as retainers.

[0056] Next, the positioning structure of the drive plate 10, the driven plate 20, and the intermediate plate 30 will be described.

[0057] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of part IV. (See image below.) Figure 4 As shown, the drive plate 10 has a friction surface 10fa and a friction surface 10fb. Friction surface 10fa is an example of a first surface, and friction surface 10fb is an example of a second surface. Friction surface 10fa is disposed on the rear side plate 12, facing an axial direction D1 toward the rotation center Ax. Friction surface 10fa is formed into an annular shape around the rotation center Ax. Friction surface 10fb is disposed on the front side plate 11, located on the side of friction surface 10fa facing a direction D1. Friction surface 10fb faces an axial direction D2 opposite to the direction D1. Friction surface 10fb is formed into an annular shape around the rotation center Ax. Friction surfaces 10fa and 10fb are axially opposed. That is, friction surfaces 10fa and 10fb are arranged axially. The flange 22 of the driven plate 20 is located between friction surfaces 10fa and 10fb.

[0058] Additionally, the driven plate 20 has surfaces 20fa and 20fb. Surfaces 20fa and 20fb are disposed on the flange 22. Surface 20fa faces another direction D2, and surface 20fb faces one direction D1.

[0059] The intermediate plate 30 has a contact surface 30fa and a contact surface 30fb. Contact surface 30fa is an example of a third surface, and contact surface 30fb is an example of a fourth surface. Contact surface 30fa is located axially between flange 22 and friction surface 10fa, and faces in one direction D1. Contact surface 30fb is located axially between flange 22 and friction surface 10fb, and faces in another direction D2.

[0060] The first friction element 61 has a friction surface 61fa and a contact surface 61fb. Friction surface 61fa is an example of a fifth surface, and contact surface 61fb is an example of a sixth surface. Friction surface 61fa is located on the side of friction surface 10fa of the drive plate 10 in one direction D1 and faces the other direction D2. Friction surface 61fa is in contact with friction surface 10fa. Friction surface 61fa is capable of sliding on friction surface 10fa. Contact surface 61fb is located on the side of contact surface 30fa of the intermediate plate 30 in one direction D1 and faces the other direction D2. Contact surface 61fb is capable of contacting contact surface 30fa. Contact surface 61fb is capable of sliding on contact surface 30fa.

[0061] Furthermore, the first friction element 61 has surfaces 61fc, 61fd, and 61fe. Surface 61fc faces in one direction D1 and is spaced apart from surface 20fa of flange 22 of intermediate plate 30. Surface 61fd faces radially outward and contacts the inner periphery 12a of rear side plate 12 of drive plate 10. The inner periphery 12a is, for example, a cylindrical surface. Thus, the radial positioning of the first friction element 61 is achieved using the inner periphery 12a of rear side plate 12 of drive plate 10. Surface 61fd is an example of a ninth surface, and the inner periphery 12a is an example of a first inner periphery. Surface 61fe faces radially outward and supports the inner periphery of the second intermediate plate 32 of intermediate plate 30, thereby achieving radial positioning of the second intermediate plate 32, i.e., intermediate plate 30.

[0062] Additionally, a recess 61a is provided on surface 61fc. Recess 61a is recessed in the opposite direction D2, away from surface 61fc and away from flange 22. Surface 61c is an example of the surface on the flange 22 side of the first friction element 61.

[0063] The second friction element 62 has a friction surface 62fa and a contact surface 62fb. Friction surface 62fa is an example of a seventh surface, and contact surface 62fb is an example of an eighth surface. Friction surface 62fa is located on the opposite direction D2 side relative to friction surface 10fb of the drive plate 10, and faces one direction D1. Friction surface 62fa is in contact with friction surface 10fb. Friction surface 62fa is capable of sliding on friction surface 10fb. Contact surface 62fb is located on the opposite direction D2 side relative to contact surface 30fb of the intermediate plate 30, and faces one direction D1. Contact surface 62fb is capable of contacting contact surface 30fb. Contact surface 62fb is capable of sliding on contact surface 30fb.

[0064] Furthermore, the second friction element 62 has surfaces 62fc, 62fd, and 62fe. Surface 62fc faces in the opposite direction D2 and is opposite to surface 20fb of flange 22 of intermediate plate 30. Surface 62fc contacts surface 20fb. Surface 62fd faces radially outward and contacts the inner periphery 11a of front side plate 11 of drive plate 10. The inner periphery 11a is, for example, a cylindrical surface. Thus, the radial positioning of the second friction element 62 is achieved using the inner periphery 11a of front side plate 11 of drive plate 10. The inner periphery 11a is an example of a second inner periphery. Surface 62fe faces radially outward and supports the inner periphery of the first intermediate plate 31 of intermediate plate 30, thus radially positioning the first intermediate plate 31 and intermediate plate 30.

[0065] A disc spring 71 is positioned between the first friction element 61 and the flange 22. The disc spring 71 is annular about the rotation center Ax. The disc spring 71 has a conical shape whose diameter gradually increases as it moves toward the other direction D2. The disc spring 71 has a first end 71a and a second end 71b. The first end 71a is the inner circumferential end (edge ​​portion) and contacts the surface 20fa of the flange 22 of the driven plate 20. The second end 71b is the outer circumferential end (edge ​​portion) and enters the recess 61a of the first friction element 61. That is, at least a portion of the disc spring 71 is accommodated in the recess 61a. The recess 61a is also referred to as the receiving portion. The second end 71b contacts the surface 61b of the recess 61a forming the first friction element 61. The second end 71b is axially aligned with friction surfaces 10fa, 10fb, 61fa, and 62fa. In other words, the second end 71b overlaps axially with the friction surface 10fa via the first friction element 61, and overlaps axially with the friction surface 10fb via the second friction element 62. The radial position of the second end 71b is within the range E1 of the radial position of the overlapping portion of the friction surfaces 10fa and 61fa, and within the range E2 of the radial position of the overlapping portion of the friction surfaces 10fb and 62fa. The disc spring 71 is an example of a third elastic element. The disc spring 71 is made of, for example, an iron-based metal material such as spring steel.

[0066] The disc spring 71 causes friction surfaces 10fa and 61fa to press against each other, and also causes friction surfaces 10fb and 62fa to press against each other. As a result, frictional force is generated between friction surfaces 10fa and 61fa, and between friction surfaces 10fb and 62fa.

[0067] In the above structure, the disc spring 71 causes the friction surface 10fa of the drive plate 10 and the friction surface 61fa of the first friction element 61 to press against each other, and causes the friction surface 10fb of the drive plate 10 and the friction surface 62fa of the second friction element 62 to press against each other, thereby bringing the friction surfaces 10fa and 61fa into contact, and the friction surfaces 10fb and 62fa into contact. This achieves axial relative positioning between the drive plate 10 and the driven plate 20. Here, the intermediate plate 30, the first friction element 61, and the second friction element 62 can move relative to each other axially. Therefore, the shock absorber 1 can be in a state where there is a gap between the contact surface 30fa and the contact surface 61fb. Figure 4 That is, the state in which contact surface 30fa and contact surface 61fb are separated. Figure 4 The damper 1 can change between a state where contact surface 30fa and contact surface 61fb are in contact. Additionally, the damper 1 can be in a state where there is a gap between contact surface 30fb and contact surface 62fb. Figure 4That is, the state of contact surface 30fb being separated from contact surface 62fb changes between the state of contact surface 60fb being in contact with contact surface 62fb. Then, the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30 are axially positioned by the contact surface 30fa of the intermediate plate 30 being in axial contact with the contact surface 61fb of the first friction element 61 or the contact surface 30fb of the intermediate plate 30 being in axial contact with the contact surface 62fb of the second friction element 62.

[0068] At this time, if the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 wear down due to sliding against the drive plate 10, at least a portion of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 will become thinner in the axial direction. Since the disc spring 71 is located between the first friction element 61 and the flange 22 of the intermediate plate 30, at least a portion of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 will become thinner in the axial direction, causing them to separate axially from each other. Specifically, in the first friction element 61, the portion between the friction surface 61fa and the surface 61fc becomes thinner in the axial direction, and in the second friction element 62, the portion between the friction surface 62fa and the surface 62fc becomes thinner in the axial direction. This prevents the narrowing of the gap between the contact surface 61fb of the first friction element 61 and the contact surface 62fb of the second friction element 62. That is, the wear of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 reduces the loosening between the second intermediate plate 32 of the intermediate plate 30 and the first friction element 61, as well as the loosening between the first intermediate plate 31 of the intermediate plate 30 and the second friction element 62.

[0069] As described above, in this embodiment, the shock absorber 1 includes a drive plate 10 (first rotating element), a driven plate 20 (second rotating element), an intermediate plate 30 (third rotating element), a first helical spring 41 (first elastic element), a second helical spring 42 (second elastic element), a first friction element 61, a second friction element 62, and a disc spring 71 (third elastic element). The drive plate 10 is configured to rotate about a rotation center Ax. The drive plate 10 has a friction surface 10fa (first surface) facing an axial direction D1 towards the rotation center Ax; and a friction surface 10fb (second surface) located on the friction surface 10fa in a direction D1 and facing a direction D2 opposite to the direction D1. The driven plate 20 is configured to rotate about the rotation center Ax. The driven plate 20 has a flange 22 (wall portion) located axially between the friction surface 10fa and the friction surface 10fb. The intermediate plate 30 is configured to rotate about the rotation center Ax. The intermediate plate 30 has a contact surface 30fa (third surface) located axially between the flange 22 and the friction surface 10fa, and a contact surface 30fb (fourth surface) located axially between the flange 22 and the friction surface 10fb. A first helical spring 41 is located between the drive plate 10 and the intermediate plate 30, and elastically extends and retracts in the circumferential direction of the rotation center Ax. A second helical spring 42 is located between the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30, and elastically extends and retracts in the circumferential direction of the rotation center Ax. A first friction element 61 is configured to rotate integrally with the driven plate 20 about the rotation center Ax. The first friction element 61 has: a friction surface 61fa (fifth surface), located in a direction D1 relative to the friction surface 10fa and capable of sliding on the friction surface 10fa; and a contact surface 61fb (sixth surface), located in a direction D1 relative to the contact surface 30fa and capable of sliding on the contact surface 30fa. The second friction element 62 is configured to rotate integrally with the driven plate 20 about the rotation center Ax. The second friction element 62 has: a friction surface 62fa (seventh surface), located on the opposite direction D2 side relative to the friction surface 10fb and capable of sliding on the friction surface 10fb; and a contact surface 62fb (eighth surface), located on the opposite direction D2 side relative to the contact surface 30fb and capable of sliding on the contact surface 30fb. A disc spring 71 is positioned between one of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 (for example, the first friction element 61) and the flange 22, causing the friction surfaces 10fa and 61fa to press against each other, and also causing the friction surfaces 10fb and 62fa to press against each other.

[0070] According to this structure, the disc spring 71 causes the friction surface 10fa of the drive plate 10 and the friction surface 61fa of the first friction element 61 to press against each other, and causes the friction surface 10fb of the drive plate 10 and the friction surface 62fa of the second friction element 62 to press against each other, thereby bringing friction surface 10fa into contact with friction surface 61fa and friction surface 10fb into contact with friction surface 62fa. This achieves axial relative positioning between the drive plate 10 and the driven plate 20. Furthermore, axial relative positioning between the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30 is achieved by the contact surface 30fa of the intermediate plate 30 contacting the contact surface 61fb of the first friction element 61 or by the contact surface 30fb of the intermediate plate 30 contacting the contact surface 62fb of the second friction element 62. In other words, in the above structure, the first friction element 61, the second friction element 62, and the disc spring 71 are used for both axial positioning of the drive plate 10 and the driven plate 20 and axial positioning of the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30. Therefore, according to the above structure, compared with a structure that does not use the first friction element 61, the second friction element 62, and the disc spring 71 for the axial positioning of the drive plate 10 and the driven plate 20, and the axial positioning of the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30, the number of components used in the structure for the axial positioning of the drive plate 10, the driven plate 20, and the intermediate plate 30 can be reduced. Therefore, the structure for the axial positioning of the drive plate 10, the driven plate 20, and the intermediate plate 30 can be simplified.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above structure, when the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 slide and wear against the drive plate 10, at least a portion of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 thins axially. At this time, since the disc spring 71 is located between the first friction element 61 and the flange 22 of the intermediate plate 30, at least a portion of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 thins axially, causing them to separate axially. Specifically, in the first friction element 61, the portion between the friction surface 61fa and the surface 61fc thins axially, and in the second friction element 62, the portion between the friction surface 62fa and the surface 62fc thins axially. This suppresses the narrowing of the gap between the contact surface 61fb of the first friction element 61 and the contact surface 62fb of the second friction element 62. That is, the wear of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 reduces the looseness between the second intermediate plate 32 of the intermediate plate 30 and the first friction element 61, and between the first intermediate plate 31 of the intermediate plate 30 and the second friction element 62. Therefore, even with the wear of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62, looseness between the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30 can be suppressed. As a result, the operation of the shock absorber 1 is stable.

[0072] Additionally, the disc spring 71 has a first end 71a that contacts the flange 22 and a second end 71b that contacts one of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62. The second end 71b is axially aligned with friction surfaces 10fa, 10fb, 61fa, and 62fa.

[0073] With this structure, the second end 71b of the disc spring 71 is axially aligned with friction surfaces 10fa, 10fb, 61fa, and 62fa. Therefore, it is easy to homogenize the surface pressure between friction surfaces 10fa and 61fa, and between friction surfaces 10fb and 62fa. Consequently, the frictional torque between the drive plate 10 and the driven plate 20 (specifically, the frictional torque between the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 and the driven plate 20) can be stabilized.

[0074] In addition, the drive plate 10 performs axial positioning of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62.

[0075] Based on this structure, compared to the structure where the radial positioning of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 are different components, the radial relative position accuracy of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 is improved.

[0076] Additionally, on one of the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 (for example, the first friction element 61), there is a recess 61a that is recessed from the surface 61fc on the flange 22 side of that side in a direction away from the flange 22 and into which the disc spring 71 enters.

[0077] According to this structure, compared with the structure without the recess 61a, the axial thickness of the shock absorber 1 can be reduced.

[0078] In addition, the shock absorber 1 can change between a state in which there is a gap between the contact surface 30fa and the contact surface 61fb and a state in which the contact surface 30fa and the contact surface 61fb are in contact, and can also change between a state in which there is a gap between the contact surface 30fb and the contact surface 62fb and a state in which the contact surface 60fb and the contact surface 62fb are in contact.

[0079] With this structure, the driven plate 20 and the intermediate plate 30 can be axially positioned relative to each other by the contact surface 30fa of the intermediate plate 30 contacting the contact surface 61fb of the first friction element 61 or by the contact surface 30fb of the intermediate plate 30 contacting the contact surface 62fb of the second friction element 62.

[0080] Furthermore, the first friction element 61 has a radially outward surface 61fd (ninth surface). The second friction element 62 has a radially outward surface 62fd (tenth surface). The drive plate 10 has: an inner peripheral portion 12a (first inner peripheral portion) that contacts the surface 61fd to radially position the first friction element 61; and an inner peripheral portion 11a (second inner peripheral portion) that contacts the surface 62fd to radially position the second friction element 62.

[0081] With this structure, the first friction element 61 and the second friction element 62 can be radially positioned using the inner peripheral portion 12a and the inner peripheral portion 11a of the drive plate 10.

[0082] Furthermore, this embodiment shows an example where the disc spring 71 is positioned between the first friction element 61 and the flange 22, but it is not limited to this. For example, the disc spring 71 may also be positioned between the second friction element 62 and the flange 22.

[0083] Furthermore, this embodiment shows an example with a recess 61a, but it is not limited to this. For example, the recess 61a may not be provided.

[0084] The above examples illustrate embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the structures and shapes of the examples can be partially replaced. Additionally, the specifications (structure, type, orientation, shape, size, length, width, height, quantity, arrangement, position, etc.) of the structures and shapes can be appropriately modified for implementation.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0086] 1: Shock absorber

[0087] 10: Drive board (first rotating element)

[0088] 10fa: Friction surface (first surface)

[0089] 10fb: Friction surface (second surface)

[0090] 11a: Inner circumference (Second inner circumference)

[0091] 12a: Inner circumference (first inner circumference)

[0092] 20: Driven plate (second rotating element)

[0093] 22: Flange (wall part)

[0094] 30: Intermediate plate (third rotating element)

[0095] 30fa: Contact surface (third surface)

[0096] 30fb: Contact surface (fourth surface)

[0097] 41: First helical spring (first elastic element)

[0098] 42: Second helical spring (second elastic element)

[0099] 61: First friction element

[0100] 61a: concave part

[0101] 61fa: Friction surface (fifth surface)

[0102] 61fb: Contact surface (sixth surface)

[0103] 61fd: Face (Ninth Face)

[0104] 62: Second friction element

[0105] 62fa: Friction surface (seventh surface)

[0106] 62fb: Contact surface (eighth surface)

[0107] 62fd: Face (Tenth Face)

[0108] 71: Disc spring (third elastic element)

[0109] 71a: First end

[0110] 71b: Second end

[0111] Ax: Center of rotation

[0112] D1: One direction

[0113] D2: Another direction

Claims

1. A shock absorber, wherein, have: A first rotating element is configured to rotate about a rotation center and has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces an axial direction toward the rotation center, and the second surface is located on the side of the first surface facing that direction and faces an opposite direction. The second rotating element is configured to rotate about the rotation center and has a wall portion located between the first surface and the second surface in the axial direction. A third rotating element, configured to rotate about the rotation center, has a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface being located in the axial direction between the wall portion and the first surface, and the fourth surface being located in the axial direction between the wall portion and the second surface; A first elastic element is located between the first rotating element and the third rotating element, and elastically expands and contracts in the circumferential direction at the center of rotation; A second elastic element is located between the second rotating element and the third rotating element, and elastically expands and contracts in the circumferential direction at the center of rotation; The first friction element is configured to rotate integrally with the second rotating element around the rotation center, and has a fifth surface and a sixth surface. The fifth surface is located on the side of the first surface in one direction and can slide on the first surface, and the sixth surface is located on the side of the third surface in one direction and can slide on the third surface. The second friction element is configured to rotate integrally with the second rotating element around the rotation center, and has a seventh surface and an eighth surface. The seventh surface is located on the other side relative to the second surface and can slide on the second surface, and the eighth surface is located on the other side relative to the fourth surface and can slide on the fourth surface. as well as A third elastic element, located between the friction element of one of the first and second friction elements and the wall portion, causes the first and fifth surfaces to press against each other, and causes the second and seventh surfaces to press against each other.

2. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein, The third elastic element has: a first end portion that contacts the wall portion; and a second end portion that contacts one of the friction elements, the first friction element and the second friction element. The second end is arranged in the axial direction with the first surface, the second surface, the fifth surface and the seventh surface.

3. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotating element performs radial positioning of the rotation center of the first friction element and radial positioning of the second friction element.

4. The shock absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, On one of the first friction element and the second friction element, a recess is provided that is recessed from the wall side of the friction element away from the wall and into which the third elastic element enters.

5. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein, The shock absorber is capable of changing between a state in which there is a gap between the third surface and the sixth surface and a state in which the third surface and the sixth surface are in contact, and is also capable of changing between a state in which there is a gap between the fourth surface and the eighth surface and a state in which the fourth surface and the eighth surface are in contact.

6. The shock absorber according to claim 3, wherein, The first friction element has a ninth surface facing outward in the radial direction. The second friction element has a tenth surface facing outward toward the radial direction. The first rotating element has: a first inner periphery that contacts the ninth surface to perform the radial positioning of the first friction element; The second inner circumference contacts the tenth surface to perform the radial positioning of the second friction element.

Images