Seat and torsional damper including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat (32) for placement on one end of a first spring (20), in particular for a torsional damping device of a vehicle, comprising: a back part (34) comprising a main body (35) designed to cooperate with the end of the first spring, and a stem part (43) designed to engage with the end of the first spring, the rod part (43) forms a surface of an element designed to be pivotally connected; and a front portion (33) designed to be connected to the back portion (34) by having a complementary shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a seat for a spring, in particular integrated in a torsional damper for a drive train of a vehicle, and to a torsional damping device comprising such a seat. Background Art

[0002] A torsional damping device integrated into a friction clutch is known. This device comprises a set of springs, the ends of which engage with the rest of the device via a one-piece metal seat. More specifically, the torsional damping device comprises two coaxial parts, which are mounted rotatably relative to each other against the aforementioned circumferentially acting springs, the one-piece metal seat acting between at least one of the spring ends on one side and one and / or the other of the coaxial parts on the other side. To this end, each one-piece metal seat comprises a front portion for abutting and / or centering the end of the spring or spring assembly with which it engages, and a back portion resting against the front portion and having a protruding rod providing a pivot connection with one and / or the other of the coaxial parts.

[0003] Yet, the manufacturing cost of these one-piece seatings is very high.In addition, they have sizable mass, which makes them very complicated to use aspect the overall requirement that reduces the friction clutch quality.

[0004] The present invention is particularly directed to further improving the seating of a torque damping device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides a mounting seat, which is used to be placed on one end of a first spring, the first spring being particularly used in a torsional damping device of a vehicle, and the mounting seat comprises:

[0006] a back portion comprising a body designed to cooperate with the end of the first spring and a stem forming a surface of an element designed to be pivotally connected; and

[0007] The front section is designed to be connected to the back section by having a complementary shape.

[0008] Therefore, the seat according to the present invention is two-part, or two-piece (i.e., the seat is not in one piece). The two parts of the seat provide a variety of shapes for reducing the mass of the seat and making it easier to manufacture, while at the same time resisting the centrifugal movement of the first spring by keeping its ends parallel and allowing the first spring to operate in good condition, even at full torque. The present invention makes it possible to obtain a cost-effective and lightweight seat without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0009] The quality that reduces the settling seat has a direct impact on reducing fuel consumption and improving the recyclability of described settling seat.In addition, the quality that reduces the settling seat can also reduce the inertia of torsion damping device.

[0010] The two distinct parts of the mounting base make it easier to design and manufacture each part, allowing each component to have a dedicated manufacturing process. Furthermore, the two parts can be assembled simply, i.e., by having complementary shapes, enabling the mounting base to be installed quickly, simply, and effectively. Furthermore, manufacturing the mounting base in two parts makes it possible to manufacture one of the parts (preferably the back part) as a standard component, making it possible to have a single reference regardless of the product in question, and only need to adapt the other part (preferably the front part) to the specific dimensions of the product in question.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the rod forms a cylindrical surface. This optimizes the pivot connection.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the front portion is independent of the back portion. Thus, before installation, the front portion is not rigidly fixed to the back portion, such as by gluing or welding. This degree of freedom between the two parts of the mounting block makes it easier to install or remove the mounting block from the torsional damping device.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion is at least partially composed of a first material, while the back portion is at least partially composed of a second material different from the first material. This makes it possible to select the most suitable material for each part of the seat by taking into account the constraints related to its function, while still seeking to reduce the mass and manufacturing costs of the seat.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion of the seating is at least partially made of a synthetic material. This reduces the weight and manufacturing costs of the seating without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the front portion of the seating is made entirely of synthetic material. This further reduces the weight and manufacturing cost of the seating without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the back portion of the seating is at least partially made of metal. This maintains an optimal effect of the seating.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the back portion of the seating is made entirely of metal. This maintains the best effect of the seating.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the back portion includes at least one protrusion extending perpendicularly from an edge of the body and designed to guide the first spring. Consequently, the first spring abuts the body of the back portion, and the at least one protrusion guides the first spring so that it does not move eccentrically. The at least one protrusion extends perpendicularly or radially relative to the main surface of the back portion body.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the back portion comprises at least two protrusions, preferably four protrusions, arranged opposite each other in pairs. As a result, the first spring is perfectly guided.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the stem is tubular and has an open cross section facing the front portion. This reduces the mass of the back portion without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part comprises a body designed to provide at least one of the following functions: centering of the first spring, centering of the second spring inside the first spring, and abutment of the second spring.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front part is cross-shaped. This optimizes the shape of the body between the centering function and minimizing the mass.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the body of the front portion includes at least one first rib, which is fixed to a first edge of the body, extends radially relative to the first edge, and is designed to be inserted into a first groove formed in the body of the back portion. As a result, the back portion and the front portion are nested within each other by having complementary shapes. Furthermore, the first rib is designed to axially maintain the seat during angular displacement under compression of the first spring.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front portion comprises two first ribs extending facing each other.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the body of the front portion further comprises at least one second rib, secured to a second edge of the body opposite the first edge and extending radially relative to the body. The second rib is designed to be inserted into a second groove formed in the body of the back portion. As a result, the back portion and the front portion are nested within each other by having complementary shapes. Furthermore, the second rib is designed to axially maintain the seat during angular displacement under compression of the first spring.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front portion comprises two second ribs extending facing each other.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the first spring bears against at least one first rib and at least one second rib.As a result, the first spring makes it possible to hold the back portion and the front portion together.

[0028] The invention also relates to a torsional damping device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising two coaxial components which are mounted rotatably relative to one another counter to at least one first spring, a seat as described above being positioned circumferentially between one end of the first spring and one of the coaxial components, the back portion of the seat being designed to bear against the first spring and itself bearing against the coaxial component, the front portion of the seat being designed to be connected to the back portion by having a complementary shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on the one hand upon reading the following description and on the other hand by reference to several exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication in the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a semi-perspective front view of a friction clutch including a seating according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of

[0032] Figure 3 and Figure 2 Likewise, there are alternative embodiments of the seating according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a back portion of a seating base according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a perspective rear view of the back portion of the

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective front view of a front portion of a seating seat according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a perspective rear view of the front portion of the;

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective front view of a placement seat according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 a perspective rear view of the illustrated mounting base;

[0039] Figure 10 is based on Figure 3 A perspective front view of a front portion of a seating seat of an alternative embodiment;

[0040] Figure 11 is included Figure 10 A front perspective view of the front portion of the mounting seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The features, variants and various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with one another in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the present invention can be envisaged that include only a selection of the features described below, without the other features described, if the selection of features is sufficient to give the present invention a technical advantage or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0042] Throughout the description and claims, the terms "external" and "inner" and the directions "axial" and "radial" will be used to refer to the elements of the torsional damping device, in accordance with the definitions given in the description. The axis of rotation X defines the "axial" direction. The "radial" direction is orthogonal to the axis of rotation X. The "circumferential" direction is orthogonal to the axis of rotation X and to the radial directions. Furthermore, the angles and angular sectors indicated are defined relative to the axis of rotation X. The terms "external" and "inner" are used to define the relative position of one component with respect to another component, with reference to the axis of rotation X; thus, a component closer to the axis is described as an inner component, as opposed to an outer component located radially at the periphery.

[0043] “Vehicle” is understood to mean a motor vehicle, including not only passenger cars but also industrial vehicles, including in particular heavy goods vehicles, public transport vehicles or agricultural vehicles, but also any transport unit capable of moving living beings and / or objects from one point to another or any stationary unit capable of performing mechanical work.

[0044] Ordinal adjectives are used to distinguish characteristics. They do not define the position of the characteristic. So, for example, a product's third characteristic does not mean that the product has the first and / or second characteristics.

[0045] Figure 1 The present invention is described by way of example in the context of its use in a friction clutch 10 , in particular in a vehicle.

[0046] The friction clutch 10 may include a hub 11 and a friction plate 12 with a torsional damping device 14 therebetween.

[0047] The friction disc 12 can be designed to be rotatably mounted on a drive shaft or crankshaft connected to the engine of the vehicle. The hub 11 can be designed to be rotatably mounted on a driven shaft connected to a gearbox. The hub 11 can rotate around an axis of rotation x.

[0048] The friction disc 12 may include a web, and two friction linings 16, not shown, attached to the periphery of the web, one on each side, for providing clamping force between the two plates of the clutch. The web may be thin and may break into blades.

[0049] The torsional damping device 14 is designed to function under high torque. It may include two coaxial components 14A, 14B that are rotatably mounted relative to one another within a defined range of angular travel, resisting a damping device 22 acting circumferentially therebetween. Each damping device 22 may include a single first spring 20. The first spring 20 may be a coil spring.

[0050] Alternatively, each damping device 22 may include a first spring 20 and a second spring 21 positioned inside the first spring 20. The first spring 20 is an outer spring or a spring with a larger diameter. The second spring 21 is an inner spring or a spring with a smaller diameter. Therefore, the outer diameter of the second spring is smaller than the inner diameter of the first spring 20. The first and second springs are coaxial. The second spring 21 may be a coil spring. The stiffness of the second spring 21 may be lower than the stiffness of the first spring 20. Each damping device 22 may also include a third spring positioned axially between the first and second springs. These three springs are coaxial. The third spring may be a coil spring.

[0051] The coaxial part 14A may comprise two guide washers 23. The two guide washers 23 may be parallel to each other, preferably spaced apart from each other. The two guide washers 23 may be connected to the hub 11 at their smallest diameter periphery, with or without a gap, in order to transmit torque thereto.

[0052] The coaxial part 14B may include a web 25. The web 25 may act between the guide washers 23. The friction disc 12 may be fixed to the web 25.

[0053] The structure can be reversed, with the web 25 meshing with clearance with the hub 11 , for example by teeth, while the guide washers 23 are mounted freely rotatable relative to the hub 11 and fixed to the friction discs 12 by being connected to each other, the friction discs 12 being fixed to one of them, for example by riveting.

[0054] The torsional damping device 14 may include a plurality of damping devices 22. Figure 1 In the example shown, the torsional damping device 14 includes five damping devices 22. The damping devices 22 can be evenly distributed circumferentially by extending substantially tangentially to a single circumference of the entire assembly. The damping devices 22 can each be received in a receiving portion 28. The receiving portion 28 can be formed by a window provided in the guide washer 23 and a window provided in the web 25.

[0055] Between at least one end of the first spring 20 and one and / or the other of the coaxial components 14A, 14B, a seat 32 may be positioned in the axial direction. The seat 32 may include a front portion 33 and a back portion 34.

[0056] The mounting seat 32 can be a two-piece structure. The front portion 33 and the back portion 34 can be independent of each other. The front portion 33 is not rigidly fixed to the back portion 34 before the mounting seat is installed in the torsional damping device 14. Each portion can be manufactured independently of the other and have its own manufacturing process, shape and / or material.

[0057] As an alternative, the seating 32 may be composed of a plurality of components or units. For example, the front portion 33 may be composed of a plurality of units. The back portion 34 may be composed of a plurality of units.

[0058] The front portion 33 and the back portion 34 can be assembled by having complementary shapes. The back portion 34 can bear against the first spring 20. Furthermore, by being pivotally mounted relative to the coaxial components 14A, 14B about an axis parallel to the coaxial components' / its own axis, and therefore parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hub 11, the back portion 34 can abut one and / or the other of the coaxial components 14A, 14B. The front portion can center the first spring 20. Alternatively, the front portion 33 can bear against and / or center the second spring 21.

[0059] A mount 32 may be mounted at each end of the damping device 22 .

[0060] All seats 32 may be identical.

[0061] The front portion 33 may include a body 24. The body 24 may extend axially between a first end 29 and a second end 30. The body 24 may extend radially between a first edge 18 and a second edge 19. The body 24 may form a cross, with a first arm of the cross extending between the first end 29 and the second end 30, and a second arm of the cross extending between the first edge 18 and the second edge 19. Each edge and end may be designed to center the first spring 20. Each edge and end may additionally or alternatively abut the second spring 21. Each edge and end may additionally or alternatively center the second spring 21. The body 24 may have a flat first surface 26 facing the first spring 20. The body 24 may have a flat second surface opposite the first surface 26.

[0062] Alternatively, the body 24 may have a circular shape. The first surface 26 may include a stepped portion 60 for centering the first spring 20. Alternatively or additionally, the stepped portion 60 may abut and / or center the second spring 21. The first surface 26 of the body 24 may include a single step 60. Alternatively, the first surface 26 of the body 24 may include two concentrically annular steps 60. The outermost step 60 centers the first spring 20, while the innermost step 60 abuts and centers the second spring 21.

[0063] Each step 60 may comprise a transverse section perpendicular to the axis of the first spring 20 at rest, for abutting said first or second spring, and an axial section parallel to this axis, for centring said spring.

[0064] The front portion 33 may also include at least one first rib 50. The first rib 50 may extend radially between an inner end 51 and an outer end 52. The first rib 50 may be secured to the main body 24. More specifically, the first rib 50 may be secured to the first edge 18. The inner end 51 of the first rib 50 may be secured to the first edge 18 of the main body 24. Alternatively, an intermediate section of the first rib between the inner end 51 and the outer end 52 may be secured to the first edge 18. The first rib 50 may be circumferentially offset from the main body 24. The first rib 50 may extend circumferentially between a first end at least partially secured to the main body 24 and a free second end. The first end of the first rib 50 may be flat. The first end of the first rib 50 may be parallel to the main body 24. The free second end of the first rib 50 may be flat. The free second end of the first rib 50 may be tangential to the main body 24.

[0065] Preferably, the front portion 33 may include a pair of first ribs 50 that are parallel to each other, preferably at a distance from each other.

[0066] The front portion 33 may also include at least one second rib 55. The second rib 55 may extend radially between an inner end 56 and an outer end 57. The second rib 55 may be secured to the body 24. More specifically, the second rib 55 may be secured to the second edge 19. The inner end 56 of the second rib 55 may be secured to the second edge 19 of the body 24. Alternatively, an intermediate section of the second rib between the inner end 56 and the outer end 57 may be secured to the second edge 19. The second rib 55 may be circumferentially offset from the body 24. The second rib 55 may extend circumferentially between a first end at least partially secured to the body 24 and a free second end. The first end of the second rib 55 may be flat. The first end of the second rib 55 may be parallel to the body 24. The free second end of the second rib 55 may be flat. The free second end of the second rib 55 may be parallel to the body 24.

[0067] Preferably, the front portion 33 may include a pair of second ribs 55 parallel to each other, preferably at a distance from each other.

[0068] The first ribs 50 and the second ribs 55 may extend axially between the web 25 and the guide washer 23, their axial spacing being determined by the thickness of the web 25. The function of the first ribs 50 and the second ribs 55 is to wedge the seating seats 32 axially on the web 25 in order to prevent them from falling out of the receiving portion 28 of the damping device 22.

[0069] The front portion 33 can be produced by a forging process. As an alternative, the front portion 33 can be produced by a cold heading process.

[0070] Back portion 34 may include a body 35. Body 35 may be at least partially circular. Body 35 may be circular with a flat portion. Body 35 may have a continuous edge 36. Body 35 may have a flat first surface 37 facing first spring 20. Surface 37 may be designed to serve as a seat for first spring 20. Body 35 may have a flat second surface opposite first surface 37. The second surface may contact one and / or the other of coaxial components 14A, 14B.

[0071] The body 35 may further include a stem 43. The stem 43 may be part of the body 35, more specifically, part of the second surface of the body 35. The stem 46 may be configured to bear against one and / or the other of the coaxial components 14A, 14B. The stem 43 may protrude from the second surface of the body 35. The stem 43 may extend axially, i.e., parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hub 11. The stem 43 may have, at least in part, a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surface may have a curved cross-section.

[0072] The rod portion 43 may be formed by stamping the body 35 .

[0073] By means of this back portion 34, the seating 32 can be brought into swing engagement with a recess with a curved profile on one of the radial edges of the window of the guide washer 23 of the coaxial part 14A and / or with a recess with a curved profile on one of the radial edges of the window of the web 25 of the coaxial part 14B. The profile of the recess can be complementary to the profile of the stem 43.

[0074] By this oscillation, the seats 32 advantageously allow the ends of the damping means 22 to remain substantially parallel to one another during use. At rest, they bear against the radially innermost portions of the radial edges of the windows of the guide washer 23. At the end of the angular travel between them and the web 25, they bear against the radially outermost portions of these radial edges.

[0075] The cylindrical surface of the stem portion 43 may have a circular cross-section.

[0076] The stem 43 may be tubular. The cross section may be circular and closed. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the cross section of the stem 43 may open toward the front portion 33 at an opening angle of less than 180°.

[0077] The stem 43 may form an insert onto which at least a portion of the body 24 of the front portion 33 may be inserted. The body 24 of the front portion 33 may fully enter the interior volume of the stem 43. Preferably, the body 24 of the front portion 33 may partially enter the interior volume of the stem 43.

[0078] In a variant, the stem 43 may be solid.

[0079] If the stem 43 is solid, the material of the body 24 of the front portion 33 surrounds it.

[0080] The first ribs 50 and second ribs 55 of the front portion 33 may be disposed facing each other on either side of the stem 43. The first ribs 50 and / or the second ribs 55 may extend over at least a portion of the stem 43, for example by closely following its shape at least partially. The first ribs 50 and the second ribs 55 allow the stem 43 to snap fit with the front portion 33. To this end, the first ribs 50 and the second ribs 55 may extend at a slight angle, converging toward each other on either side of the stem 43. In this embodiment, the front portion 33 is not independent of the back portion 34.

[0081] Alternatively, the first rib 50 and the second rib 55 of the front portion 33 may be kept a distance from the stem 43. The first spring 20 may exert pressure on the first rib 50 and the second rib 55 to hold the front portion 33 and the back portion 34 together.

[0082] The back portion 34 may further include at least one protrusion 38. The protrusion 38 may extend circumferentially. The protrusion 38 may extend perpendicularly relative to the main body 35 between an integral first end and a free second end of the main body 35. The protrusion 38 is designed to guide the first spring 20. The protrusion 38 may have a curved shape. The shape of the protrusion 38 may be designed to closely follow the shape of the turns of the first spring 20.

[0083] Preferably, the back portion 34 may include a pair of protrusions 38, preferably opposite each other in a pair. More specifically, the back portion 34 may include two pairs of protrusions 38, preferably opposite each other in a pair.

[0084] The back portion 34 may further include at least one first slot 39. More specifically, the body 35 of the back portion 34 may include at least one first slot 39. The first slot 39 may be a through slot. The first slot 39 may be closed. The first slot 39 is designed to receive the first rib 50 by having a complementary shape.

[0085] Preferably, the back portion 34 may include a pair of first slots 39 parallel to each other, preferably at a distance from each other.

[0086] The back portion 34 may further include at least one second slot 40. More specifically, the body 35 of the back portion 34 may include at least one second slot 40. The second slot 40 may be a through slot. The second slot 40 may be open at at least one end, preferably at its inner end. The second slot 40 is designed to receive the second rib 55 by having a complementary shape.

[0087] Preferably, the back portion 34 may include a pair of second slots 40 that are parallel to each other, and preferably spaced a distance from each other.

[0088] According to the present invention, the front portion 33 of the seating seat 32 is at least partially made of a first material. Alternatively, the front portion 33 can be made entirely of this first material. The back portion 34 of the seating seat 32 can be made at least partially of a second material. Alternatively, the back portion 34 can be made entirely of this second material. The first material can be different from the second material. The first material can be a synthetic material, such as plastic or polyamide 6.6. The second material can be a metal, such as steel with a high proportion of carbon or aluminum.

Claims

1. A mounting seat (32) for being placed on one end of a first spring (20), the first spring being particularly used in a torsional damping device (14) of a vehicle, the mounting seat comprising: a back portion (34) comprising a body (35) designed to cooperate with the end of the first spring and a stem (43) forming the surface of an element designed to be pivotally connected; and The front portion (33) is designed to be connected to the back portion (34) by having a complementary shape.

2. The seating seat (32) according to claim 1, wherein: The front portion (33) is independent of the back portion (34).

3. A seating seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The front portion (33) is at least partially composed of a first material, and the back portion (34) is at least partially composed of a second material different from the first material.

4. A seating seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The body (35) of the back portion (34) comprises at least one protrusion (38) extending perpendicularly from an edge (36) of the body (35) and designed to guide the first spring (20).

5. The seating seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The stem (43) is tubular and has an open cross section facing the front portion (33).

6. A seating seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The front portion (33) comprises a body (24) designed to provide at least one of: centering of the first spring (20), centering of the second spring (21) inside the first spring, and abutment of the second spring.

7. The seating seat (32) according to claim 6, wherein: The body (24) of the front portion (33) comprises at least one first rib (50) fixed to a first edge (18) of the body (24), extending radially relative to the body and designed to be inserted into a first groove (39) formed on the body (35) of the back portion (34).

8. The seating seat (32) according to claim 7, wherein: The body (24) of the front portion (33) further comprises at least one second rib (55) fixed to a second edge (19) of the body (24) arranged opposite the first edge (18) and extending radially relative to the body, the second rib (55) being designed to be inserted into a second groove (40) formed on the body (35) of the back portion (34).

9. The seating seat (32) according to claim 8, wherein: The first spring (20) bears against the at least one first rib (50) and the at least one second rib (55).

10. A torsional damping device (14), in particular for a vehicle, comprising two coaxial parts (14A, 14B) mounted rotatably relative to one another against at least one first spring (20), a seat (32) according to any of the preceding claims being positioned circumferentially between one end of the first spring (20) and one of the coaxial parts (14A, 14B), a back part (34) of the seat (32) being designed to bear against the first spring and itself bear against the coaxial parts, and a front part (33) of the seat (32) being designed to be connected to the back part (34) by having a complementary shape.

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