Torque limiter, corresponding transmission assembly and use

Abstract

The torque limiter (14) includes a first body (18) and a second body (20) extending about a central axis (X-X). The first body supports a first stop tooth (28) and the second body supports a second stop tooth (36). The first and second limiting teeth define an engaged configuration and a released configuration. The torque limiter includes a limit retention device (44) that retains the first and second limit teeth (28, 36) in an engaged configuration when the torque is less than the transmission torque limit and deforms the first and second limit teeth (28, 36) when the torque exceeds the transmission torque limit. The retaining device comprises an inner retaining element (50) having an outer contact surface (56) and an outer retaining element (52) having an inner contact surface (58) matching the outer contact surface. The inner retaining element (50) and the outer retaining element (52) have a retaining configuration in which the inner retaining element is clamped in the outer retaining element, and a deformed configuration in which the inner retaining element (50) is released from the outer retaining element (52).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque limiter, which type of torque limiter includes a first body and a second body, which extend around a central axis, the first body supports a first limiting tooth, the second body supports a second limiting tooth, and matches the first limiting tooth, the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth define an engagement configuration, wherein the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth are suitable for transmitting torque around the central axis of the first body to the second body and a release configuration, wherein the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth are not easy to transmit torque between the first body and the second body, the torque limiter further includes a locking device and a limit retaining device, the locking device is suitable for preventing the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth from transitioning from their release configuration to their engagement configuration, the limit retaining device is suitable for keeping the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth in their engagement configuration when the torque is less than the transmission torque limit, and is also suitable for deforming when the torque exceeds the torque transmission limit.

[0002] Torque limiters adapted to limit the torque transmission between a drive shaft and a driven shaft are known. A torque limiter is known, for example, from US9086096B2. The torque limiter comprises a piston which is radially movable relative to the central axis of the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The piston is spring-loaded radially inwardly.

[0003] The company SU sells another torque limiter under the name SU. This torque limiter includes a ball arranged in an axial housing and supported by a Belleville spring. When the torque limit is reached, the ball slides out of its housing and rolls to the next housing, repeating the process until the torque drops below the torque limit.

[0004] Torque limiters are relatively complex and therefore expensive. In addition, for a given size, the transmission limiting force of such torque limiters is relatively low.

[0005] The object of the invention is to propose a torque limiter of simple construction for transmitting high limiting torques for given dimensions. Another object of the invention is to propose a torque limiter for adjusting the limiting torque in an inexpensive manner and preferably with small tolerances.

[0006] To this end, the subject of the present invention is a torque limiter as described above, characterized in that the limit retaining device comprises at least one internal limit retaining element having an external contact surface and at least one external limit retaining element having an internal contact surface matching the external contact surface, the internal limit retaining element and the external limit retaining element having a retaining configuration in which the internal limit retaining element is clamped in the external limit retaining element, and a deformation configuration in which the internal limit retaining element is released from the external limit retaining element.

[0007] Depending on the specific embodiment of the torque limiter, the torque limiter may have one or more of the following features:

[0008] - the rotation shape of the outer contact surface is a truncated cone, wherein the rotation shape of the inner contact surface is a truncated cone, specifically, wherein the opening angle (α) of the outer contact surface and the inner contact surface is 1°-20°;

[0009] - the position limiting and retaining device comprises at least one box body, each box body comprises at least one external position limiting and retaining element and at least one internal position limiting and retaining element,

[0010] The external limit retaining element is a sleeve, and

[0011] The internal limit retaining element is a punch with a piston, more specifically the piston is adapted to extend through the opening of the cover having the opening of the box body;

[0012] - when the inner and outer limit retaining elements are in a given configuration, the inner limit retaining element is offset along the central axis relative to its retaining configuration relative to the configuration of the outer limit retaining element;

[0013] - in its meshing configuration, the first teeth and the second teeth mesh with each other;

[0014] -Torque limiter includes:

[0015] - a first coupling flange, fastened to the first body and provided with first coupling teeth, and

[0016] - a second coupling flange, fastened to the second body and provided with second coupling teeth, and

[0017] The first coupling tooth is adapted to mate with a mating coupling tooth, and

[0018] The second coupling tooth is adapted to mate with the matching coupling tooth;

[0019] the second limiting tooth is fixed relative to the second body, or the second limiting tooth comprises a tooth insert which is axially movable relative to the second body between an engaged configuration and a released configuration; and

[0020] The second body comprises two body parts which are axially movable relative to each other about a central axis and rotationally fixed relative to each other.

[0021] A further subject of the invention is a transmission assembly comprising a drive shaft, a driven shaft and a torque limiter, characterised in that the torque limiter is a torque limiter as defined above, wherein a first body is rotationally fastened to the drive shaft and a second body is rotationally fastened to the driven shaft.

[0022] Depending on the particular embodiment of the transmission assembly, the transmission assembly may include one or more of the following features:

[0023] The driving shaft comprises matching coupling teeth, the driven shaft comprises matching coupling teeth, and the torque limiter is a torque limiter as defined above.

[0024] A further subject of the invention is the use of a transmission assembly as defined above, comprising the following consecutive steps:

[0025] supplying the transmission assembly wherein the inner limit retaining element and the outer limit retaining element are in a deformed configuration; and

[0026] By fitting the outer contact surface with the inner contact surface, the inner position limiting and retaining element and the outer position limiting and retaining element are set to their retaining configurations, so that the inner position limiting and retaining element is clamped in the outer position limiting and retaining element.

[0027] Depending on the specific embodiment of the transmission assembly, the transmission assembly may have one or more of the following features:

[0028] The use further comprises the following consecutive steps, which are performed after the step of placing the inner limit retaining element and the outer limit retaining element into their retaining configuration:

[0029] - exceeding the transmission torque limit, thereby setting the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth in a released configuration,

[0030] - The inner and outer limit retaining elements are placed in their retaining configurations by bringing the outer contact surfaces into contact with the inner contact surfaces to engage the torque limiter, thereby clamping the inner limit retaining element in the outer limit retaining element.

[0031] The invention will be better understood from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device comprising a transmission assembly equipped with a torque limiter according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the torque limiter being in an engaged configuration;

[0033] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a device in which the torque limiter is in the released configuration;

[0034] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 1 a radial view of a portion of the torque limiter shown;

[0035] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A radial view of a portion of the torque limiter shown, which is similar to Figure 3 The view corresponding to;

[0036] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 schematically shows a transmission assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the torque limiter in an engaged configuration;

[0037] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 schematically shows a transmission assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, with the torque limiter in a released configuration; and

[0038] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 schematically shows a transmission assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with the torque limiter in an engaged configuration;

[0039] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 show Figure 7 A transmission assembly with a torque limiter in a released configuration;

[0040] [ Fig. 9 ]yes Figure 7 a radial view of a portion of the torque limiter shown;

[0041] [ Fig.10 ] shows Figure 8 A radial view of a portion of the torque limiter shown, which is similar to Fig. 9 The views shown correspond.

[0042] In the following, the terms "fasten" or "fix" are used, without further explanation, to refer to a connection without any degree of freedom. The terms "fasten" or "fix", when indicating the relevant degrees of freedom, generally refer to a fixed connection with respect to the indicated degrees of freedom, and a free or non-free connection with respect to the other degrees of freedom. A person skilled in the art knows how to remove degrees of freedom in order to obtain a device with the desired degrees of freedom.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the invention is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 2. The apparatus 2 comprises a driving device 4, such as a motor M, and a driven device 6, such as a reducer R or a grinding machine. The apparatus 2 comprises a transmission assembly 8 according to the invention, which connects the driving device 4 with the driven device 6, providing for its driving.

[0044] The transmission assembly 8 includes a drive shaft 10, a driven shaft 12, and a torque limiter 14 connecting the drive shaft 10 and the driven shaft 12. The drive shaft 10 is, for example, an output shaft of the driving device 4, and the driven shaft 12 is, for example, an input shaft of the driven device 6. In this example, the drive shaft 10 is an axially fixed shaft, and the driven shaft 12 is an axially movable shaft.

[0045] The torque limiter 14 is adapted to transmit torque from the drive shaft 10 to the driven shaft 12 when the torque is less than the transmission torque limit. The torque limiter 14 is adapted to deform when the torque reaches or exceeds the transmission torque limit, thereby allowing the drive shaft 10 to rotate freely relative to the driven shaft 12 when the torque reaches or exceeds the transmission torque limit.

[0046] The torque limiter 14 defines a central axis XX which in this example is coaxial with the driving shaft 10 and the driven shaft 12. Unless otherwise stated, the expressions "axial", "radial" and "circumferential" are used with reference to the central axis XX.

[0047] The torque limiter 14 has a first body 18 and a second body 20 extending around and centered on a central axis XX.

[0048] In this example, the first body 18 is an axially fixed body and is fixed on the drive shaft 10 in the axial, radial and circumferential directions.

[0049] In this example, the second body 20 is an axially movable body. The second body 20 is fixed to the driven shaft 12 in the axial, radial and circumferential directions. The driven shaft 12 and the second body 20 are axially movable relative to the drive shaft 10 and the first body 18.

[0050] Generally, the terms "axially fixed body" and "axially movable body" in the context of the present invention mean that the axial mobility of the axially movable body is greater than that of the axially fixed body in order to be able to adopt a release configuration (see below). The axial mobility can be obtained by different technical means.

[0051] In this example, the first body 18 includes a first flange 22 for fastening to the transmission shaft 10, a first connecting flange 24, an outer skirt 26, and a support ring 27. The first connecting flange 24 is axially arranged between the first flange 22 and the outer skirt 26. The support ring 27 is fastened to the outer skirt 26. The shape of the first body 18 may be different from that of the first embodiment.

[0052] The first body 18 carries a first set of limiting teeth or first limiting teeth 28 , in this case axial teeth, which are fastened to the first connecting flange 24 in this example.

[0053] The second body 20 comprises in this example a second flange 30 for fastening to the driven shaft 12 , a second connecting flange 32 and a thrust surface 34 .

[0054] The second body 20 supports a second set of limiting teeth or second limiting teeth 36, in this example axial teeth, which are fastened to the second connecting flange 32 in this example. In this example, the first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36 each form a ring gear, whose teeth protrude in the axial direction. The first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36 can be integrally formed with the first body 18 and the second body 20, respectively, or can be one or more different components.

[0055] The second limiting teeth 36 match or complement the first limiting teeth 28. The first limiting teeth group 28 and the second limiting teeth group 36 define a meshing configuration ( Figure 1 ), wherein the first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36 are adapted to transmit the torque about the central axis XX from the first body 18 to the second body 20. In the meshing configuration, during the rotation of the first body 18 about the central axis XX, the first limiting teeth set 28 and the second limiting teeth set 36 transmit the torque rotating about the central axis XX from the first body 18 to the second body 20. This configuration is as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown.

[0056] In the meshing configuration, the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 are in contact with each other, that is, there is no intervention of the limiting body. In the meshing configuration, the surface of the first limiting tooth 28 is therefore in contact with the surface of the second limiting tooth 36.

[0057] The first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36 define a release configuration, wherein the first limiting teeth group 28 and the second limiting teeth group 36 are not easy to transmit torque between the first body and the second body, so that the first body 18 and the second body 20 can rotate freely relative to each other. In the release configuration, the first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36 are axially spaced apart and spaced apart from each other. This release configuration is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown.

[0058] Under the action of the transmission torque, the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 are suitable for generating an axial force to transition the first body 18 and the second body 20 from the meshing configuration to the release configuration. To this end, the tooth flanks of the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 are inclined relative to all planes including, for example, the central axis XX. In this example, when the transmission torque is applied, the second limiting tooth 36 is in the Figure 1 There is a force to the right in the middle.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the first body 18 and the second body 20 define an engagement configuration and a release configuration, respectively, which correspond to the engagement configuration and the release configuration of the first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36, respectively.

[0060] The torque limiter 14 further comprises a guide device 37 , specifically, guiding the first body 18 when the first limiting teeth 28 and the second limiting teeth 36 are in the release configuration, and is suitable for guiding the first body 18 to rotate relative to the second body 20 around the central axis XX.

[0061] In this example, the guide device 37 is also suitable for guiding the first body 18 when the first body 18 and the second body 20 are in the release configuration, so that the first body 18 moves axially along the central axis XX and rotates around the central axis XX relative to the second body 20. In this example, the guide device 37 is schematically represented as a matching cylindrical support surface of a circular cross section. The guide device 37 in this example has an axial degree of freedom and allows the first body 18 to be offset between its release configuration and the engagement configuration relative to the second body 20.

[0062] The torque limiter 14 further comprises a locking device 38 adapted to prevent the first and second limiting teeth 28, 36 from transitioning from their release configuration to their engagement configuration. The locking device 38 can be released.

[0063] In the present example, the locking device 38 is adapted to prevent the first body 18 and the second body 20 from transitioning from their released configuration to the engaged configuration.

[0064] The locking device 38 prevents the meshing structures of the first and second position-limiting tooth sets 28 and 36 from being improperly meshed, and thus, in this example, prevents the meshing structures of the first and second bodies 18 and 20 from being improperly meshed.

[0065] In this example, the locking device 38 comprises a device for transitioning the first body 18 and the second body 20 from the engaged configuration to the released configuration. Such a transition device comprises, for example, a spring 40, in particular arranged in a hole of the first body 18, pushing the first body 18 and the second body 20 away from each other in the axial direction, in this example, by a thrust cylinder 42.

[0066] In a variant (not shown), the locking device 38 may include other locking elements, such as a locking ball acted upon by a thrust spring, a locking ball engaged in a groove or a magnet mated with a ferromagnetic component.

[0067] The torque limiter 14 also includes a limit retaining device 44 for maintaining the first limit tooth set 28 and the second limit tooth set 36 in a meshing configuration when the torque is less than the transmission torque limit, and can be deformed when the torque exceeds the transmission torque limit. In this example, the limit retaining device 44 is suitable for maintaining the first body 18 and the second body 20 in a meshing configuration when the torque is less than the transmission torque limit to overcome the axial force generated by the first limit tooth 28 and the second limit tooth 36. If appropriate, the limit retaining device 44 can also be used to maintain the first body 18 and the second body 20 in a meshing configuration to overcome the force of the locking device 38, although the force is usually negligible. When the torque reaches or exceeds the transmission torque limit, the limit retaining device 44 will deform. When the torque reaches or exceeds the transmission torque limit, the limit retaining device 44 therefore generates a deformation force corresponding to the axial force generated by the first limit tooth 28 and the second limit system 36. In appropriate cases, the deformation force corresponds to the axial force of the locking device 38.

[0068] The limiting and holding device 44 includes at least one internal limiting and holding element 50 and at least one external limiting and holding element 52 matched with the internal limiting and holding element 50 .

[0069] The following will introduce a retaining element group consisting of only one inner limiting retaining element 50 and one outer limiting retaining element 52.

[0070] The inner limiting and retaining element 50 has an outer contact surface 56 , and the outer limiting and retaining element 52 has an inner contact surface 58 matching the outer contact surface 56 .

[0071] Therefore, the inner stop and retaining element 50 is a male element, and the outer stop and retaining element 52 is a female element.

[0072] The inner limit retaining element 50 and the outer limit retaining element 52 have a retaining configuration, wherein the inner limit retaining element 50 is clamped in the outer limit retaining element 52 ( Figure 1 ), in particular by friction clamping; and a deformed configuration in which the inner limit retaining element 50 is released from the outer limit retaining element ( Figure 2 ).

[0073] All inner limit retaining elements 50 and outer limit retaining elements 52 determine the deformation force by their retaining configuration.

[0074] In the retaining configuration, the outer limit retaining element 52 is only elastically deformed relative to the deformed configuration.

[0075] The inner and outer position-limiting retaining elements 50 and 52 are adapted to reversibly adopt a retaining configuration and a deformed configuration.

[0076] The inner limit retaining element 50 is preferably made of steel, in particular high alloy steel. The outer limit retaining element 52 is preferably made of steel, in particular high alloy steel. The inner limit retaining element 50 and the outer limit retaining element 52 may be surface treated by, for example, nitriding or carburizing.

[0077] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, two groups of retaining elements are shown, and thus two inner limit retaining elements 50 and two outer limit retaining elements 52 are also shown. The number of inner limit retaining elements 50 and outer limit retaining elements 52 depends on the required transmission torque limit and the maximum transmission force capacity of each group of retaining elements.

[0078] Typically, the number of retaining element groups ranges from 6 to 36, more specifically, from 8 to 24.

[0079] In this example, the outer contact surface 56 is preferably truncated cone-shaped. Similarly, the inner contact surface 58 is also truncated cone-shaped. The truncated cone extends along a cone axis AA, which extends parallel to the central axis XX.

[0080] The opening angle α of the outer contact surface 56 and the inner contact surface 58 is 1°-20°, preferably 2°-10°. The opening angle α is measured relative to the cone axis AA. The opening angle α of the outer contact surface and the inner contact surface is preferably the same. The outer contact surface 56 and the inner contact surface 58 are moved in the direction from the meshing configuration to the release configuration ( Figure 1 in the figure).

[0081] In the retained configuration, the inner position-limiting retaining element 50 is retained by static friction in the outer position-limiting retaining element 52. In other words, in the retained configuration, the static friction forces prevent the adoption of the deformed configuration.

[0082] When the outer limit retaining element 52 begins to deform, the contact with the inner limit retaining element 50 becomes a sliding friction contact, so the friction coefficient is lower than the static friction coefficient, and the pressure applied to the inner limit retaining element 50 is reduced. Therefore, once the outer limit retaining element 52 begins to deform, the deformation process will be self-sustaining.

[0083] The inner and outer position-limiting retaining elements 50 and 52 are adapted to reversibly adopt a retaining configuration and a deformed configuration.

[0084] Thus, the torque limiter 14 may be reconfigured, reassembled or reengaged.

[0085] Advantageously, the limit-retaining device 44 comprises at least one box body 60. Each box body 60 comprises one of the internal limit-retaining elements 50 and one of the external limit-retaining elements 52. In the present example, the box body 60 has only one internal limit-retaining element 50 and one external limit-retaining element 52. The external limit-retaining element 52 is a sleeve 62. The box body 60 is provided with a cover with an opening 64. The internal limit-retaining element 50 is a punch or a driver 66 provided with a piston 68, in particular, the piston is adapted to extend through the opening of the cover with the opening 64 at least in the deformed configuration.

[0086] Furthermore, the box body 60 may advantageously be provided with a flange 70 for fastening the box body 60 to the first body 18 , more precisely to the support ring 27 .

[0087] When the inner limiting and retaining elements 50 and the outer limiting and retaining elements 52 are in the released configuration ( Figure 2 ), relative to its retaining configuration, the inner limit retaining element 50 is offset relative to the outer limit retaining element 52 along the central axis XX ( Figure 1 ). The inner limiting and retaining element 50 and the outer limiting and retaining element 52 jointly define a transfer direction, which is parallel to the central axis XX.

[0088] Advantageously, when the inner limit retaining element 50 and the outer limit retaining element 52 are in the deformed configuration ( Figure 2 ), the piston 68 protrudes from the cover having the opening 64. Advantageously, when the inner limit retaining element 50 and the outer limit retaining element 52 are in the retaining configuration ( Figure 1 ), the piston 62 is retracted into the cover having the opening 64.

[0089] Advantageously, when the inner limit retaining element 50 and the outer limit retaining element 52 are in the deformed configuration ( Figure 2 ), the outer contact surface 56 and the inner contact surface 58 are spaced apart from each other.

[0090] When the box body 60 is in an unmounted state, that is, without the first body 18, the box body 60 can be handled as a single unit without completely separating the internal limit retaining element 50 and the external limit retaining element 52. Therefore, the box body 60 is a module that can be preassembled and delivered for use.

[0091] The torque limiter 14 may also be provided with a disengaging device 76 adapted to bring the inner limit retaining element 50 and the outer limit retaining element 52 from the retaining configuration into the deformed configuration when the torque limiter 14 is stopped. In the present example, the disengaging device 76 is adapted to enable the inner limit retaining element 50 to move to the deformed configuration by traction. The disengaging device 76 comprises a tapping 78 in which a traction element may engage, such as is provided in the inner limit retaining element 50. Thus, the torque limiter 14 is easy to maintain.

[0092] According to the present invention, the working principle of the torque limiter 14 is as follows.

[0093] from Figure 2 The situation shown starts with the first stop tooth 28 and the second stop tooth 36 being in their release configuration. Thus, all the inner stop retaining elements 50 and the outer stop retaining elements 52 are in a deformed configuration.

[0094] The inner and outer stop retaining elements are moved to their retaining configurations. Therefore, each inner stop retaining element 50 is pushed so that the inner stop retaining element 50 is clamped in the associated outer stop retaining element 52. In this case, the outer contact surface contacts the inner contact surface and presses against each other.

[0095] In this case, the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 move relative to each other in the axial direction until the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 are in a meshing configuration. In this example, the first body 18 and the second body 20 approach each other in the axial direction until they are in a meshing configuration.

[0096] The approach of the first limiting tooth 28 to the second limiting tooth 36 is achieved by overcoming the locking device 38 , and in this example, by overcoming the force applied by the transition device.

[0097] In this example, a determined axial force is applied to the piston 68 of the first limit tooth 28. The determined axial force is such that the axial holding force of all combinations of the internal limit retaining element 50 and the external limit retaining element 52 corresponds to the axial force generated by the first limit tooth 28 and the second limit tooth 36 when the transmission torque limit is reached, including the force of the transition device where appropriate. Therefore, the axial holding force of all combinations of the internal limit retaining element 50 and the external limit retaining element 52 is the same as the deformation force.

[0098] Then, the torque limiter 14 adopts Figure 1 The meshing configuration shown.

[0099] The drive shaft 10 is then driven to rotate about the central axis XX and drives the driven shaft 12 to rotate via the torque limiter 14 .

[0100] When the transmission torque limit is reached or exceeded, the axial reaction force of the first limit tooth 28 and the second limit tooth 36 will deform all the outer retaining elements 52, thereby axially releasing the inner retaining element 50. The axial release is achieved by overcoming the static friction between the inner retaining element 50 and the outer retaining element 52.

[0101] The second limiting tooth 36 is axially away from the first limiting tooth 28. The internal retaining element 50 is also axially away from the first body 18. In this example, under the action of the axial reaction force of the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36, the second body 20 is axially away from the first body 18. In this example, the force of the transition device (spring 40) facilitates this movement.

[0102] The second body 20 and the inner holding element 50 and the outer holding element 52 are formed by Figure 2 In the configuration shown, the locking device 38 prevents the second limiting tooth 36 from moving toward the first limiting tooth 28 and from adopting its meshing configuration.

[0103] As a result, the drive shaft 10 can rotate freely about the driven shaft 12, and the driven device 6 located downstream of the torque limiter 14 is prevented from being damaged.

[0104] Torque limiter 14 is used again Figure 2 Once the torque limiter 14 is in its released configuration, the locking device 38 will prevent the second stop tooth 36 from moving towards the first stop tooth 28 and entering its engaged configuration.

[0105] To reconfigure, re-engage or reinstall the torque limiter 14, the above operation needs to be repeated until the torque limiter 14 is restored to Figure 1 The meshing configuration shown.

[0106] Figure 5 Schematically shows a transmission assembly 8 according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the torque limiter 14 in an engaged configuration, in a manner similar to that of Figure 1 The configuration shown is similar. Only the differences from the first embodiment are described below. Similar elements have the same numbering.

[0107] The driven shaft 12 is a shaft that is axially fixed relative to the drive shaft 10 .

[0108] The torque limiter 14 includes, on one hand, a first coupling flange 80 provided with first coupling teeth 82 and fastened to the first body 18 , and, on the other hand, a second coupling flange 84 provided with second coupling teeth 86 and fastened to the second body 20 .

[0109] The drive shaft 10 is provided with matching coupling teeth 88 that match the first coupling teeth 82. The first coupling teeth 82 and the matching coupling teeth 88 firmly connect the drive shaft 10 to the first body 18 so that it rotates around the central axis XX, but is free to move axially and rotate freely around a fracture axis extending perpendicular to the central axis XX.

[0110] Similarly, the driven shaft 12 is provided with a matching coupling tooth 90 that matches the second coupling tooth 86. The second coupling tooth 86 and the matching coupling tooth 90 firmly connect the driven shaft 12 to the second body 20 so that it rotates around the central axis, but is free to move axially and freely rotate around a fracture axis extending perpendicular to the central axis XX.

[0111] The torque limiter 14 includes an axial stopper 92 that limits the axial movement of the first body 18 relative to the drive shaft 10 toward the second body 20 unilaterally. The torque limiter 14 includes an axial stopper 94 that limits the axial movement of the second body 20 relative to the driven shaft 12 toward the first body 18 unilaterally.

[0112] This embodiment allows radial offset of the drive shaft 10 and the driven shaft 12 .

[0113] Figure 5 The operating principle of the device shown is as follows.

[0114] When the transmission torque limit is reached or exceeded, under the action of the axial reaction force of the first limit tooth 28 and the second limit tooth 36, the second body 20 moves axially away from the first body 18, which is the same as the first embodiment, but the difference is that the first connecting tooth 82 and the second connecting tooth 86 and the matching connecting teeth 88 and 90 allow the first body 18 and the second body 20 to move axially relative to the drive shaft 10 and the driven shaft 12.

[0115] The axial position of the driven shaft 12 relative to the drive shaft 10 remains unchanged when changing from the engaged configuration to the released configuration.

[0116] Figure 6 Schematically shows a transmission assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, with the torque limiter 14 in a released configuration, in the same manner as in Figure 2 The configuration shown is similar. Only the differences from the first embodiment are described below. Similar elements have the same numbering.

[0117] The driven shaft 12 is a shaft that is axially fixed relative to the drive shaft 10 in a manner similar to the second embodiment.

[0118] The second body 20 comprises two body parts 100 and 102 which are axially movable relative to each other and rotationally fixed relative to each other about a central axis XX, in this example an outer groove 106 matching an inner groove 108 .

[0119] The body member 100 includes the connecting flange 32, the thrust surface 34 and the second tooth 36. The body member 100 includes the outer groove 106. The body member 100 is also in contact with the thrust cylinder 42.

[0120] The body part 102 forms the fastening flange 30 and includes an internal groove 108 .

[0121] During the transition between the released configuration and the engaged configuration, the body member 100 moves axially relative to the body member 102, while the body member 102 remains axially stationary.

[0122] Figures 7 to 10 The transmission assembly 8 in the fourth embodiment is shown. The following only describes the second embodiment ( Figure 5 ) are different or have characteristics. Similar components have the same reference numerals.

[0123] Figure 7 The transmission assembly 8 is schematically shown with the torque limiter 14 in an engaged configuration.

[0124] The guide 37 has no axial freedom along the central axis XX and thus prevents the first body 18 from axially shifting relative to the second body 20 between the release configuration and the engagement configuration. Therefore, the axial position of the first body 18 relative to the second body 20 is the same in the release configuration and the engagement configuration.

[0125] The second limiting tooth 36 is supported by the second body 20 and can move axially relative to the second body 20. The second limiting tooth 36 includes a tooth insert 120 arranged on the second body 20. The tooth insert 120 can move axially relative to the second body 20 between an engaged configuration and a released configuration.

[0126] To this end, in the present example, each tooth insert 120 comprises a cylindrical guide surface, while the second body 20 comprises a matching cylindrical guide surface.

[0127] In the present example, each tooth insert 120 includes a single tooth 124. Each tooth insert 120 may include one to three teeth 124, so the number of teeth 124 per tooth insert 120 is less than four.

[0128] Each tooth insert 120 has a thrust surface 34 on which one of the internal limit retaining elements 50 bears.

[0129] Therefore, each tooth insert 120 can be made of a material with high mechanical strength and small tolerance, while keeping the overall cost of the torque limiter within an acceptable range. The maximum torque that can be transmitted by the torque limiter can also be easily adjusted. Each tooth insert 120 is made of, for example, high alloy steel, preferably after surface treatment such as nitriding, carburizing or quenching.

[0130] Advantageously, the number of tooth inserts 120 of the torque limiter 14 and the number of internal limit-holding elements 50 are identical.

[0131] The locking device 38 comprises a snap-fit ​​device 130, such as an axial groove with a groove end provided on the tooth insert 120, and a snap-fit ​​member, such as a ball (see Fig.10 ).

[0132] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 In the device, the torque limiter 14 is in the release configuration. All tooth inserts 120 are spaced apart from the first limiting teeth 36.

[0133] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A detail of the torque limiter 14 is shown in a radial view. A portion of the first body 18, a portion of the second body 20, a portion of the first limit tooth 28 and the tooth insert 120 can be seen.

[0134] Generally, the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 can have any shape, as long as these shapes are suitable for generating axial force, so that the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 or the first body 18 and the second body 20 transition from the meshing configuration to the release configuration under the action of torque transmission. The first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth 36 can be, for example, inclined teeth. The first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36 can have a regular or repeated profile, or can have an irregular and non-repeated profile. In a variation, the torque limiter 14 may include a limiting body, such as a ball or a roller, inserted between the first limiting tooth 28 and the second limiting tooth 36.

[0135] The above description contains the technical features of the present invention. Although these technical features are proposed in the technical context, if they are appropriately combined with other technical features, they can be used alone every time without other technical features as long as it is technically feasible.

Claims

1. A torque limiter (14), comprising: - a first body (18), and - a second body (20), The first body and the second body extend around a central axis (XX), The first body supports a first limiting tooth (28), The second body supports a second limiting tooth (36) matching the first limiting tooth, and the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth define: meshing configuration, wherein the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth are adapted to transmit torque about a central axis of the first body to the second body, and A release configuration, wherein the first limiting tooth (28) and the second limiting tooth (36) are not prone to transmitting torque between the first body and the second body, The torque limiter also includes: A locking device (38) adapted to prevent the first limiting tooth (28) and the second limiting tooth (36) from transitioning from their release configuration to their engagement configuration, and A limit retaining device (44) is adapted to retain the first limit tooth (28) and the second limit tooth (36) in an engaged configuration when the torque is less than the transmission torque limit, and is adapted to deform when the torque exceeds the transmission torque, It is characterized in that The limit holding device comprises: at least one internal stop retaining element (50) having an external contact surface (56), and at least one external stop retaining element (52) having an internal contact surface (58) matching the external contact surface, The internal position limiting and retaining element (50) and the external position limiting and retaining element (52) have: a retaining configuration in which the inner limit retaining element is clamped in the outer limit retaining element, and - A deformed configuration in which the inner limit retaining element (50) is released from the outer limit retaining element (52).

2. The torque limiter according to claim 1, wherein the shape of revolution of the outer contact surface (56) is a frustoconical shape, and the shape of revolution of the inner contact surface (58) is a frustoconical shape.

3. The torque limiter according to claim 2, wherein an opening angle (α) of the outer contact surface and the inner contact surface is 1°-20°.

4. The torque limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the limit holding device (44) comprises at least one box body (60), each box body comprising at least one of the external limit holding elements (52) and at least one of the internal limit holding elements (50), The external limiting and retaining element is a sleeve (62), and The internal limiting and retaining element is a punch (66) with a piston (68), and more specifically, the piston is adapted to extend through an opening of a cover having an opening (64) of the box body (60).

5. A torque limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the internal limit retaining element (50) and the external limit retaining element (52) are in a deformed configuration, the internal limit retainer is offset relative to the external limit retainer along the center axis (XX) relative to its retaining configuration.

6. The torque limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in their meshing configuration the first teeth (28) and the second teeth (36) are pressed against one another.

7. The torque limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the torque limiter comprises: - a first coupling flange (80) fastened to said first body and provided with first coupling teeth (82), and A second coupling flange (84) is fastened to the second body and is provided with a second coupling tooth (86), wherein The first coupling tooth (82) is adapted to mate with a matching coupling tooth (88), and The second coupling tooth (86) is adapted to mate with a matching coupling tooth (90).

8. The torque according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second limiting tooth (36) is fixed relative to the second body (20), or The second stop tooth (36) comprises a tooth insert (120) which is axially movable relative to the second body (20) between an engaged configuration and a released configuration.

9. A torque limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second body (20) comprises two body parts (100, 102) which are axially movable relative to each other and rotationally fixed relative to each other around a central axis (XX).

10. A transmission assembly (8), comprising: - a drive shaft (10), - a driven shaft (12), and - A torque limiter, characterized in that The torque limiter is a torque limiter (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and The first body (18) is rotatably fixed on the drive shaft, and The second body (20) is rotatably fixed on the driving shaft.

11. The transmission assembly of claim 10, wherein the drive shaft (10) includes matching coupling teeth (88), the driven shaft (12) includes matching coupling teeth (90), and wherein the torque limiter (14) is the torque limiter of claim 7.

12. Use of the transmission assembly according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the following consecutive steps: Supplying a transmission assembly (8), wherein the inner limit retaining element and the outer limit retaining element are in their deformed configurations; By bringing the outer contact surface into contact with the inner contact surface, the inner position-limiting retaining element and the outer position-limiting retaining element are arranged in their retaining configurations, so that the inner position-limiting retaining element is clamped in the outer position-limiting retaining element.

13. The use according to claim 12, further comprising the following consecutive steps, performed after the step of placing the inner limit retaining element and the outer limit retaining element in their retaining configuration: exceeding the transmission torque limit, thereby setting the first limiting tooth (28) and the second limiting tooth to be in a released configuration (36), The inner and outer limit retaining elements are placed in their retaining configurations to engage a torque limiter (14) by bringing the outer contact surface into contact with the inner contact surface, thereby clamping the inner limit retaining element in the outer limit retaining element.

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