Torque transmission device

Abstract

The invention relates to a torque transmission device. The torque transmitting device includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member relatively rotatable about a central axis. The torque transmission device further comprises a swing part mounted to the first rotating part, and the swing part can swing relative to the first rotating part within a preset swing range around a swing axis and abut against the first rotating part at two limit positions of the swing range. The swing member includes a guide groove, and the second rotating member includes a guide portion inserted into the guide groove. When the first rotating part and the second rotating part rotate relatively in any rotating direction, the guide part moves along the guide groove so as to guide the swing part to swing relative to the first rotating part, and when the swing part swings to abut against the first rotating part, the swing part prevents the first rotating part and the second rotating part from further rotating relatively. The torque transmission device can reduce impact noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transmission technology. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel torque transmission device. Background Art

[0002] In traditional mechanical transmission structures, torque transmission between different rotating components is usually achieved through mutually engaged gear teeth or splines. In order to assemble the gear teeth or splines on different components together, the mutually engaged gear teeth or splines are usually in clearance fit, and machining tolerances also result in the generation of clearances. Due to the existence of such clearances, when the rotation direction of these transmission structures changes or the transmitted torque approaches zero, the gear teeth or splines will collide or vibrate, resulting in noise. For example, in various motor vehicles, when the gear train in the transmission or differential changes the direction of transmitted torque or approaches zero, noise that can be perceived by the driver or passengers inside the vehicle will be generated for the above reasons, which greatly affects the driving experience of the driver and the riding experience of the passengers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a torque transmission device that can reduce impact noise.

[0004] The above technical problem is solved by a torque transmission device according to the present invention. The torque transmission device includes a first rotating component and a second rotating component that can rotate relative to each other about a central axis. Among them, the torque transmission device further includes a swinging member mounted on the first rotating component. The swinging member can swing relative to the first rotating component within a predetermined swinging range about a swinging axis and abut against the first rotating component at two extreme positions of the swinging range. The swinging member includes a guiding groove, and the second rotating component includes a guiding portion inserted into the guiding groove. When the first rotating component and the second rotating component rotate relative to each other in any rotating direction, the guiding portion moves along the guiding groove to guide the swinging member to swing relative to the first rotating component, so that when the swinging member swings to abut against the first rotating component, the swinging member prevents the first rotating component and the second rotating component from further rotating relative to each other, thereby being able to transmit torque in the corresponding rotating direction between the first rotating component and the second rotating component. The swinging member can achieve decoupling between the first rotating component and the second rotating component in a non-torque-transmitting state through swinging within the swinging range, thereby reducing vibration noise.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the swing axis can be parallel to the central axis, the guiding groove can extend in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the guiding portion can be inserted axially into the guiding groove so that it can only move relative to the swing member along the extending direction of the guiding groove in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. In this design, the movement of the swing member relative to the first rotating member and the second rotating member only occurs in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, thereby simplifying the movement mode and structural design.

[0006] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the torque transmission device can further include a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first elastic member and the second elastic member respectively abut against each other circumferentially and reversely between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, so that when the torque transmission device is in a non-torque transmission state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member can be stably in a neutral position relative to each other. Thereby, automatic return of the torque transmission device in the non-torque transmission state can be achieved, and torque vibration can be further buffered by the two elastic members.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the first rotating member and the second rotating member are in a neutral position relative to each other, the swing member can be located at the midpoint of the swing range. This ensures the circumferential symmetry of the rotational characteristics of the torque transmission device.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second rotating member can include a body portion and a roller as the guiding portion. The roller can rotate relative to the body portion around a rolling axis parallel to the central axis, so that it can be in rolling contact with the guiding groove. This makes the contact between the guiding portion and the swing member a rolling contact, thereby reducing friction and wear.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guiding groove can extend along an arc line in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. This can ensure the smoothness of the movement.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the torque transmission device can further include an elastic buffer member installed on the first rotating member. The swing member can indirectly abut against the first rotating member via the elastic buffer member at two extreme positions of the swing range. Thereby, the impact force when the swing member impacts the first rotating member is buffered by the elastic buffer member.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating member can be located radially outside the second rotating member and have an annular radially inner wall facing the second rotating member. The swing member can respectively abut against the radially inner wall of the first rotating member at two extreme positions of the swing range. Mounting the swing member on the rotating member radially outside can provide a more sufficient swing space for the swing member.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the swinging member may have an arc-shaped side surface facing the radially inner wall of the first rotating member, and the swinging member can respectively abut against the radially inner wall of the first rotating member through the arc-shaped side surface at two limit positions within the swinging range. The mutual abutment between the arc-shaped surfaces can reduce the impact force during abutment.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the torque transmission device may include a plurality of swinging members circumferentially spaced apart. When the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other in any rotating direction, the plurality of swinging members can simultaneously reach the corresponding limit positions within the swinging range. Thereby, the circumferential force distribution of the rotating members can be optimized. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent elements with the same functions. Among them:

[0015] Figure 1 shows a schematic structural view of a torque transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the rotating state of a torque transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0017] The following will describe the detailed implementation of the torque transmission device according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description and the drawings are used to exemplarily illustrate the principle of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments, and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a torque transmission device is provided. Such a torque transmission device can replace the traditional spline or gear tooth torque transmission structure to transmit torque between two rotating members. The following will illustrate an exemplary embodiment of such a torque transmission device with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a schematic structural view of a torque transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the left side shows a transverse section of the torque transmission device, and the right side shows a longitudinal section of the torque transmission device passing through the central axis. As Figure 1As shown, the torque transmission device includes a first rotating member 1 and a second rotating member 2. The first rotating member 1 is formed as a generally cylindrical member, which can correspond to a conventional ring gear or a rotating member with internal teeth or internal splines. The second rotating member 2 is formed as a generally cylindrical or tubular member and is coaxially arranged radially inside the first rotating member 1. It can correspond to a conventional gear or a rotating member with external teeth or external splines and can be further torsionally connected to another rotating shaft. The first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 can rotate relative to each other about a common central axis, and this central axis is thus also the common rotation axis.

[0020] The torque transmission device further includes a swinging member 3 rotatably mounted (e.g., via a mounting pin 4) to the first rotating member 1. The swinging member 3 can swing relative to the first rotating member 1 about a swinging axis. The swinging member 3 has a predetermined swinging range defined by the first rotating member 1. At the two extreme positions of the swinging range, the swinging member 3 abuts against the first rotating member 1 respectively and cannot swing further beyond the swinging range.

[0021] The swinging member 3 includes a guiding groove 31, and the second rotating member 2 includes a guiding portion 22 inserted into the guiding groove 31. The distance of the guiding groove 31 from the central axis changes along its extending direction. Thus, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 , when the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 rotate relative to each other in any rotating direction, the guiding portion 22 will move along the guiding groove 31 relative to the swinging member 3 to guide the swinging member 3 to swing relative to the first rotating member 1. The shape matching between the guiding portion 22 and the guiding groove 31 enables the guiding portion 22 to move linearly (straight or curved) only along the extending direction of the guiding groove 31. When the swinging member 3 swings to abut against either extreme position of the first rotating member 1, the swinging member 3 prevents the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 from further rotating relative to each other, thereby being able to transmit the torque in the corresponding rotating direction between the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2. Here, the "corresponding rotating direction" refers to the torque direction that keeps the first rotating member 1 and the swinging member 3 in contact at the current extreme position.

[0022] The torque transmission device may include one or more swinging members 3 distributed at circumferential intervals. The number of the swinging members 3 is preferably multiple. When the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 rotate relative to each other in any rotating direction, these swinging members 3 can reach the corresponding extreme positions of the swinging range simultaneously to transmit torque. These swinging members 3 are preferably evenly distributed circumferentially. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the torque transmission device includes two evenly distributed swinging members 3.

[0023] Preferably, the movement of the swing member 3 relative to the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 is performed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Specifically, the swing axis of the swing member 3 may be parallel to the central axes of the two rotating members, and the guide groove 31 extends linearly (straight or curved) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The guide portion 22 is inserted axially into the guide groove 31, so that it can only move relative to the swing member 3 along the extending direction of the guide groove 31 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. In a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the width of the guide groove 31 perpendicular to the extending direction is substantially constant and is adapted to the shape and size of the guide portion 22, so that the guide portion 22 can only linearly move along the extending direction of the guide groove 31. Preferably, within the swing range of the swing member 3, the guide portion 22 does not reach the end of the guide groove 31. Particularly preferably, the guide groove 31 may extend along an arc line in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, so as to ensure the smoothness of the moving process.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the second rotating member 2 may include a body portion 21 and a roller as the guide portion 22. The roller is rotatably mounted to the body portion 21 such that the roller can rotate relative to the body portion 21 about a rolling axis parallel to the central axis. Therefore, when the roller moves along the guide groove 31, the roller is in rolling contact with the guide groove 31. Preferably, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the width of the guide groove 31 perpendicular to the extending direction is adapted to the diameter of the roller, that is, slightly larger than the diameter of the roller, so that the roller can basically only roll along the extending direction of the guide groove 31.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the first rotating member 1 for abutting against the swing member 3 is preferably its radially inner wall. Specifically, the radially inner wall of the first rotating member 1 is generally an annular cylindrical surface facing the second rotating member 2. At the two extreme positions of the swing range, the swing member 3 abuts against the radially inner wall of the first rotating member 1 respectively. The first rotating member 1 may further include a lug 11 protruding from the radially inner wall towards the radial inner side. The mounting pin 4 axially passes through the lug 11 and the swing member 3 so as to rotatably mount the swing member 3 to the first rotating member 1. Correspondingly, the swing member 3 may preferably have an arcuate side surface facing the radially inner wall of the first rotating member 1. The swing member 3 can abut against the radially inner wall of the first rotating member 1 respectively through the arcuate side surface at the two extreme positions of the swing range. The contact of the two arcuate surfaces can reduce the impact force, making the contact between the first rotating member 1 and the swing member 3 smoother. In this case, the swing member 3 may be formed, for example, as a substantially fan-shaped member having a bending direction corresponding to the radially inner wall of the first rotating member 1, and the guide groove 31 is also similarly formed as an arc shape having a bending direction corresponding to the radially inner wall of the first rotating member 1.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the torque transmission device may further include an elastic buffer 6 mounted on the first rotating member 1. At two extreme positions of the swing range, the swing member 3 indirectly abuts against the first rotating member 1 via the elastic buffer 6 respectively. The elastic buffer 6 may be, for example, a corrugated disc spring. The elastic buffer 6 can buffer the impact force when the swing member 3 contacts the first rotating member 1 through elastic deformation. In this embodiment, the elastic buffer 6 may be mounted, for example, on the radially inner side wall of the first rotating member 1.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the torque transmission device may further include a first elastic member 5a and a second elastic member 5b. The first elastic member 5a and the second elastic member 5b respectively abut against each other circumferentially and oppositely between the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2, so that when the torque transmission device is in a non-torque transmission state, the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 can be stably positioned at the neutral position relative to each other. When the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 are in the neutral position, the swing member 3 is located between the two extreme positions. Preferably, when the first rotating member 1 and the second rotating member 2 are in the neutral position relative to each other, the swing member 3 is located at the midpoint of the swing range. The first elastic member 5a and the second elastic member 5b can not only make the two rotating members automatically return to the neutral position in the non-torque transmission state, but also buffer vibrations in the non-torque transmission state and buffer the impact force during the torque reversal process. The first elastic member 5a and the second elastic member 5b may be, for example, arc-shaped helical springs. To facilitate the installation of the two elastic members, the second rotating member 2 may be formed, for example, Figure 1 into the structure shown. Specifically, the body portion 21 of the second rotating member 2 may include a central ring 21a and extension pieces 21b extending radially outward from the central ring 21a. The central ring 21a is coaxially arranged with the first rotating member 1. The guiding portion 22 may be located at the outer end of the extension piece 21b. The first rotating member 1 may include a stop portion 12 protruding axially. Each elastic member may respectively abut against each other circumferentially between the stop portion 12 and the extension piece 12b. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating member 2 includes two extension pieces 21b evenly distributed circumferentially to respectively mount the two guiding portions 22. Correspondingly, the first rotating member 1 includes two stop portions 12 evenly distributed circumferentially. The first elastic member 5a abuts against one stop portion 12 and one extension piece 21b circumferentially, while the second elastic member 5b abuts against the other stop portion 12 and the other extension piece 21b circumferentially and oppositely.

[0028] It should be noted that although in the above embodiment, the first rotating member 1 for mounting the swinging member 3 is located radially outside the second rotating member 2, in an alternative embodiment, the first rotating member 1 for mounting the swinging member 3 can also be a member located radially inside the second rotating member 2, as long as the relative movement relationship among the first rotating member 1, the second rotating member 2, and the swinging member 3 can achieve the buffering effect.

[0029] The torque transmission device according to the present invention allows two rotating members to rotate relative to each other within a certain range through a swinging member, thereby achieving decoupling in a non-torque transmission state. The two elastic members can further buffer vibrations and impact forces and contribute to returning the torque transmission device to its original position. The elastic buffer member can buffer the impact force during torque commutation. Thus, such a vibration damping device can achieve good NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) characteristics through a relatively simple structure.

[0030] Although possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the above description, it should be understood that there are still numerous variations of the embodiments through combinations of all known and additionally technically conceivable technical features and embodiments. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples, and such embodiments in no way limit the protection scope, application, and construction of the present invention. Through the foregoing description, more is to provide technical guidance for those skilled in the art to transform at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes can be made as long as the protection scope of the claims is not exceeded, especially regarding the functions and structures of the components.

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 1 First rotating member

[0033] 11 Lug

[0034] 12 Stop portion

[0035] 2 Second rotating member

[0036] 21 Body portion

[0037] 21a Central ring

[0038] 21b Extension piece

[0039] 22 Guide portion

[0040] 3 Swinging member

[0041] 31 Guide groove

[0042] 4 Mounting pin

[0043] 5a First elastic member

[0044] 5b Second elastic member

[0045] 6 Elastic buffer

Claims

1. A torque transmission device, comprising a first rotating member (1) and a second rotating member (2) that can rotate relative to each other about a central axis, characterized in that, the torque transmission device further comprises a swing member (3) mounted to the first rotating member (1), the swing member (3) can swing relative to the first rotating member (1) within a predetermined swing range about a swing axis and abut against the first rotating member (1) at two limit positions within the swing range, the swing member (3) includes a guiding groove (31), the second rotating member (2) includes a guiding portion (22) inserted into the guiding groove (31), when the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2) rotate relative to each other in any rotating direction, the guiding portion (22) moves along the guiding groove (31) to guide the swing member (3) to swing relative to the first rotating member (1), so that when the swing member (3) swings to abut against the first rotating member (1), the swing member (3) prevents the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2) from further rotating relative to each other, thereby enabling torque in the corresponding rotating direction to be transmitted between the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2).

2. The torque transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the swing axis is parallel to the central axis, the guiding groove (31) extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the guiding portion (22) is inserted axially into the guiding groove (31), so that it can only move relative to the swing member (3) along the extending direction of the guiding groove (31) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

3. The torque transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the torque transmission device further comprises a first elastic member (5a) and a second elastic member (5b), the first elastic member (5a) and the second elastic member (5b) respectively abut against each other circumferentially and reversely between the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2), so that when the torque transmission device is in a non-torque-transmitting state, the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2) can be stabilized at a neutral position relative to each other.

4. The torque transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2) are in the neutral position relative to each other, the swing member (3) is located at the midpoint of the swing range.

5. The torque transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the second rotating member (2) includes a body portion (21) and a roller as the guiding portion (22), the roller can rotate relative to the body portion (21) about a rolling axis parallel to the central axis, so as to be able to rollingly contact with the guiding groove (31).

6. The torque transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the guiding groove (31) extends along an arc line in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

7. The torque transmission device according to claim 1, wherein, the torque transmission device further includes an elastic buffer member (6) mounted on the first rotating member (1), and the swinging member (3) can indirectly abut against the first rotating member (1) via the elastic buffer member (6) at two limit positions within the swinging range.

8. The torque transmission device according to claim 1, wherein, the first rotating member (1) is located radially outside the second rotating member (2) and has an annular radially inner wall facing the second rotating member (2), and the swinging member (3) abuts against the radially inner wall of the first rotating member (1) at two limit positions within the swinging range respectively.

9. The torque transmission device according to claim 8, wherein, the swinging member (3) has an arcuate side surface facing the radially inner wall of the first rotating member (1), and the swinging member (3) can abut against the radially inner wall of the first rotating member (1) respectively through the arcuate side surface at two limit positions within the swinging range.

10. The torque transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the torque transmission device includes a plurality of swinging members (3) circumferentially and spaced apart, and when the first rotating member (1) and the second rotating member (2) rotate relative to each other in any rotation direction, the plurality of swinging members (3) can simultaneously reach the corresponding limit positions within the swinging range.

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