Torque limiter, flipper and toilet

Abstract

This invention relates to a torque limiter comprising a first component, a second component, a helical spring, and a positioning component, wherein the first component, the second component, the helical spring, and the positioning component are coaxially arranged along the same axis. According to the invention, the helical spring has a spring body and a first end and a second end extending from the spring body along the axial direction, wherein the spring body is wound on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first component, and the positioning component is connected to the second component and thereby forms a receiving space accommodating the helical spring and at least a portion of the first component, such that when the second component applies a tangential force relative to the axis at the first end, the first component can rotate in a first direction, and when the positioning component applies a tangential force relative to the axis at the second end, the first component can rotate in the opposite second direction. Also related is a flip-top lid machine and a toilet with a torque limiter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a torque limiter comprising a first component, a second component, a helical spring, and a positioning component, wherein the first component, the second component, the helical spring, and the positioning component are coaxially arranged along the same axis. The invention also relates to a lid-opening device having such a torque limiter and a toilet having such a lid-opening device. Background Technology

[0002] Torque limiters are typically found in applications involving torque transmission, such as flip-top mechanisms and door opening mechanisms. Under normal circumstances, torque is transmitted through the torque limiter. In abnormal situations, such as forceful user operation, if the torque applied to the limiter exceeds a threshold, it will interrupt the torque transmission path by slipping the transmission components against each other, thus protecting the transmission mechanism and actuator (motor) from overload damage. When the applied torque drops below the threshold range, the slippage stops, and the torque limiter resumes normal operation.

[0003] Friction-type torque limiters that use torsion springs to hold the shaft cylinder are known in existing technologies. In some designs, one end of the torsion spring extends axially, and the other end extends radially. This design mainly presents the following problems:

[0004] The torque limiter has poor consistency in the forward and reverse working torque. Because the two ends of the torsion spring extend in different ways, the degree of deformation caused by the contact between the two ends of the torsion spring and the structure it mates with is also inconsistent during operation. This results in inconsistent working torque of the torque limiter in the two directions of torque transmission, which in turn leads to inconsistent fatigue life in the two directions. In other words, the torsion spring may have reached its service life in one direction of torque transmission but not in the opposite direction.

[0005] Poor assembly processability. In this design, the torsion spring can be installed onto the shaft from either end, but one end of the torsion spring extends axially while the other end extends radially. Therefore, there is only one correct installation direction relative to the components that fix the torsion spring. Incorrect installation direction onto the shaft will prevent further installation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a torque limiter, a flip-top machine having such a torque limiter, and a toilet, which at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] According to the present invention, a torque limiter is now proposed, comprising a first component, a second component, a helical spring, and a positioning component, wherein the first component, the second component, the helical spring, and the positioning component are arranged coaxially along the same axis, the helical spring having a spring body and a first end and a second end extending from the spring body along the axial direction, wherein the spring body is wound on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first component, the positioning component is connected to the second component and thereby forms a receiving space for accommodating the helical spring and at least a portion of the first component, such that when the second component applies a tangential force relative to the axis at the first end, the first component can be rotated in a first direction, and when the positioning component applies a tangential force relative to the axis at the second end, the first component can be rotated in the opposite second direction.

[0008] In the torque limiter, the first component is designed to output torque to other components, such as a flip cover, when it receives torque directly or indirectly input from the second component. The drive of the first component is achieved by winding the spring body of the helical spring onto at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first component, such that the two ends of the helical spring extending from the spring body, namely the first end and the second end, can drive the first component wound by the spring body to rotate when subjected to tangential forces, respectively. Specifically, for example, applying a tangential force (or a force with at least a tangential component) relative to the axis to the first end of the helical spring can cause the first component to rotate in a first direction, and applying a tangential force relative to the axis to the second end can cause the first component to rotate in the opposite second direction.

[0009] Since this torque transmission relies on the coiled or clamped tension of a helical spring on the first component, when an abnormal situation occurs, such as when the torque to be transmitted exceeds a preset threshold, the helical spring can no longer clamp the first component, causing relative rotation between them, i.e., slippage. Thus, the transmission of torque exceeding the threshold is interrupted, thereby protecting related components, such as the motor. The aforementioned abnormal situations and torque transmission interruptions mainly include the following three types:

[0010] 1. The torque input from the motor, either directly or indirectly via the second component, is too large. In this case, the tangential force on the first or second end of the coil spring is too large, causing the spring body to slip on the first component, thereby interrupting torque transmission.

[0011] 2. When a torque opposite in direction to the transmitted torque is input from the first component, for example, in the case of a flip cover, the user may manually close an automatically opening flip cover or open an automatically closing flip cover. In this case, the first or second end of the coil spring will abut against the corresponding part of the second component or positioning component and be subjected to an action that causes the spring body to unwind on the first component, thereby interrupting the torque transmission.

[0012] 3. A torque exceeding a threshold is input from the first component, in the same direction as the transmitted torque. For example, in the case of a flip cover, the user may manually open an automatically opening flip cover faster or close an automatically closing flip cover faster. In this case, the spring body will also slip on the first component, thereby interrupting the torque transmission.

[0013] In the torque limiter according to the invention, a first end and a second end of a helical spring extend axially from the spring body, and a positioning member is connected to a second member, thereby forming a receiving space that accommodates at least a portion of the helical spring and the first member. This design ensures that the two ends of the helical spring deform to the same degree when subjected to force, thus guaranteeing an appropriate service life for the helical spring as a whole. Furthermore, since both ends of the helical spring extend axially, a degree of symmetry is achieved, eliminating the need to consider which direction is the correct installation orientation during assembly. This also reduces the radial dimension of the helical spring, and by accommodating it together with the first member in the space formed by the connection between the positioning member and the second member, the space requirement of the torque limiter is further reduced, achieving a radially miniaturized design.

[0014] In one advantageous design, the second component has a cylindrical portion with a first circumferential limiting portion extending along its axis. The positioning component has a third circumferential limiting portion. The first and third circumferential limiting portions are shaped to fit together, thereby fixing the second component and the positioning component circumferentially. The shaped fit between the first and third circumferential limiting portions can be designed in various ways. For example, the first circumferential limiting portion can be designed as a notch extending along its axis on the wall of the cylindrical portion, and correspondingly, the third circumferential limiting portion can be designed as a protrusion on the positioning component that can engage with the notch. This simply prevents the two components from rotating relative to each other when they are joined. Alternatively, the first circumferential limiting portion can be designed as a protrusion, and the third circumferential limiting portion as a corresponding notch.

[0015] In one advantageous design, a first axial limiting portion is constructed on the cylindrical portion, and a fourth axial limiting portion is constructed on the positioning component. The first and fourth axial limiting portions are shaped to fit together, thereby fixing the second component and the positioning component to each other in the axial direction. To make the torque limiter more compact and independent, in addition to fixing the second component and the positioning component to each other in the circumferential direction, these two components are also designed to be axially fixed to each other. The shape fit between the first and fourth axial limiting portions can be designed in various ways; for example, the first axial limiting portion can be designed as a groove on the cylindrical portion, and the fourth axial limiting portion can be designed as a snap-fit ​​portion that engages in the groove, thereby simply ensuring that the second component and the positioning component cannot move relative to each other in the axial direction when they are engaged.

[0016] In an advantageous design, the cylindrical portion has a bottom at one end, and a first annular protrusion protruding into the cylindrical portion along the axial direction is formed on the bottom. A first recess extending circumferentially is formed on the first annular protrusion. The helical spring is housed in a receiving space formed by the connection between the positioning component and the second component. For this purpose, a corresponding structure is provided on the bottom of the cylindrical portion of the second component. This makes the entire device more compact, suitable for use in limited spaces, and achieves efficient functionality. Specifically, the annular protrusion provides stable support for the helical spring body, while the recess positions the end of the helical spring, preventing it from shifting or misaligning during torsion. Furthermore, the annular protrusion on the bottom of the cylindrical portion increases the structural strength and rigidity of the second component. Finally, the design of the annular protrusion and the recess makes it easier to align the helical spring and other components, if necessary, in the installation position, simplifying the assembly process. Preferably, the first annular protrusion is designed to protrude into the cylindrical portion from the bottom, conforming to the cylindrical wall, thereby achieving more stable support for the helical spring.

[0017] In an advantageous design, the positioning member has a second annular protrusion that projects axially toward the second member and is coaxial with the first annular protrusion. The second annular protrusion has a second recess extending circumferentially. Besides enabling the advantages described for the first annular protrusion, the second annular protrusion, arranged coaxially with the first annular protrusion, ensures axial alignment between the two protrusions, providing stable support for the coil spring at both ends. Preferably, the second annular protrusion is designed to have only a small radial gap with its adjacent member when the positioning member and the second member are connected, further facilitating stable support for the coil spring.

[0018] In one advantageous design, the first and second annular protrusions are configured to support both ends of the spring body. This design achieves stable, centering support of the helical spring body in the axial direction within a minimal structural space, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the entire torque limiter.

[0019] In an advantageous design, the contact surfaces of the first and second annular protrusions with the spring body are constructed as helical surfaces that conform to the helical structure of the spring body. This helical surface design ensures that the support for the spring body better matches its helical structure, thus more evenly and stably defining the axial position of the helical spring. Furthermore, because the contact surfaces with the spring body conform to the direction of the helical spring body, they can better fit the spring body at the first and second axially extending ends of the helical spring.

[0020] In an advantageous design, the first end and the second end are respectively housed in the first and second recesses. When the positioning component or the second component begins to rotate the helical spring, the first and second ends can move circumferentially within the first and second recesses, respectively. The first and second ends are stopped by two axially extending sidewalls of the first and second recesses, respectively. The first and second ends are respectively housed in the first recess of the second component and the second recess of the positioning component, further reducing the axial and radial installation space of the helical spring and further miniaturizing the torque limiter. Furthermore, depending on the operating state of the torque limiter—whether torque is transmitted under normal conditions or interrupted under abnormal conditions—the circumferential movement of the first and second ends within their respective recesses is restricted by the corresponding sidewalls, ensuring that the two ends can only move within a predetermined range. This allows for more precise control over torque transmission or interruption. Additionally, the sidewall stops prevent excessive deformation or slippage of the first and second ends of the helical spring when the torque is too high, thus protecting the helical spring from damage.

[0021] In an advantageous design, the longer sidewall of the first recess in the axial direction is constructed as a first abutment, and the longer sidewall of the second recess in the axial direction is constructed as a second abutment. When the first end and the second end stop on the first abutment and the second abutment respectively, the action of the first abutment and the second abutment on the first end and the second end causes the helical spring to unwind. The first abutment and the second abutment are constructed as surfaces inclined relative to the radial direction, and gradually move away from the other sidewall of the first recess and the second recess from the inside to the outside relative to the radial direction. Because the contact surfaces of the first and second annular protrusions with the spring body are constructed as helical surfaces consistent with the helical structure of the spring body, the two axially extending sidewalls of the first and second recesses have different lengths. By designing the first and second abutting portions as sidewalls with a longer axial length in the first and second recesses, respectively, the first and second abutting portions can achieve a larger abutting length with the axially extending first or second end of the coil spring, thus achieving a more reliable abutting effect. This also allows the axially extending end of the coil spring to be shortened as much as possible, which is beneficial for the axial miniaturization design of the torque limiter. Furthermore, the first and second abutting portions are constructed as radially inclined surfaces, and gradually move away from the other sidewall of the first and second recesses from the inside outwards relative to the radial direction. This causes the first and second ends of the coil spring to experience a radially outward force when they abut with the corresponding abutting portions. This force tends to deform the first and second ends of the coil spring radially outwards, which helps the coil spring unwind and improves the reliability of the spring unwinding action. Finally, it also prevents burrs at the first and second ends of the coil spring from causing unnecessary friction with the parts they contact.

[0022] In one advantageous design, the first and second abutting portions are inclined at an angle of 5 to 60 degrees relative to the radial direction.

[0023] In one advantageous design, the first and second abutting portions are inclined at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the radial direction.

[0024] In one advantageous design, the first component includes a shaft and a cylindrical component, with the shaft of the first component housed and secured within the cylindrical component. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical component forms at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first component. Designing the first component as consisting of a shaft and a cylindrical component reduces maintenance costs because damaged parts can be replaced individually. Furthermore, by selecting shafts and cylindrical components of different sizes and materials, different application scenarios can be accommodated, improving design flexibility and applicability.

[0025] In one advantageous design, the cylindrical component has a notch in its wall, and the first component has a first locking protrusion that engages with the notch, thereby securing the cylindrical component and the first component circumferentially. This design allows for relatively simple circumferential fixation of the cylindrical component and the first component and contributes to a compact design of the entire torque limiter.

[0026] In one advantageous design, the positioning component has a sixth axial limiting portion, the first component has a flange portion that abuts against the sixth axial limiting portion axially, the cylindrical component has an abutment portion, and the second component has a third axial limiting portion that abuts against the third axial limiting portion axially. The first component is thus axially fixed between the positioning component and the second component. This design allows the first component, or rather, the first component and the helical spring, to be easily axially fixed within the receiving space formed by the connection of the positioning component and the second component.

[0027] In one advantageous design, the cylindrical component is constructed of metal. Since helical springs are generally made of metal, designing the cylindrical component as a metal component reduces wear caused by the helical spring clamping or sliding relative to the outer circumference of the cylindrical component, thereby increasing the service life of the torque limiter.

[0028] In one advantageous design, the helical spring is made of wire with a square cross-section. Compared to wire with a circular cross-section, wire with a square cross-section can make contact with the first component, or the cylindrical component, with a larger contact surface, which is beneficial for stable torque transmission.

[0029] In an advantageous design, the first end and the second end extend from the spring body with the same dimensions. Because the first and second ends extend by the same dimension, they exhibit a consistent deformation effect when abutted by other mating components, and assembly is no longer restricted by the installation direction.

[0030] In one advantageous design, the first and / or second components are designed with gears for transmitting torque to other components. It is also conceivable that the first component, when acting as an output or actuating component, may not have a gear. The gear can be designed as an integral part of the first and / or second components or as a separate component.

[0031] In one advantageous design, the first component has a first shaft hole coaxial with the axis, and the second component has a second shaft hole coaxial with the axis. The torque limiter also has a support shaft passing through the first and second shaft holes to rotatably support the first and second components. This coaxial support of the first and second components, via the support shaft, also provides support for the torque limiter. This design ensures precise alignment of the first and second components during rotation, thereby achieving smooth and consistent rotation. Of course, other support methods for the torque limiter can also be considered, such as integral support within a corresponding housing.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a flip cover maker having a housing in which a motor and a transmission mechanism are housed, the transmission mechanism having a torque limiter according to the present invention or an alternative advantageous design thereof.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a toilet having a toilet seat and a flip-top mechanism capable of driving the toilet seat to open and close, the flip-top mechanism being designed as a flip-top mechanism according to the present invention.

[0034] The advantageous design and benefits of the flip-top machine and toilet according to the present invention can be referenced in the description of the advantageous design and benefits for the torque limiter. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0036] Figure 1 A side view and a cross-sectional view along the axial direction are shown of the torque limiter according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 An exploded view of the torque limiter according to the invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A perspective view of the first component of the torque limiter according to the invention is shown from both axial sides.

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of the helical spring of the torque limiter according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 The diagram shows a perspective view of the second component of the torque limiter according to the invention and two radially partially sectional perspective views with slightly different viewing directions.

[0041] Figure 6 A perspective view and a partially sectional perspective view along the axial direction are shown of the second component of the torque limiter according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 7A perspective view and a partially axially sectional perspective view of the positioning component of the torque limiter according to the present invention are shown.

[0043] Figure 8 An axial front view and a slightly tilted perspective view of the positioning component of the torque limiter according to the present invention are shown.

[0044] Figure 9 An axial front view and a slightly tilted perspective view of the second component of the torque limiter according to the invention are shown.

[0045] Figure 10 An axial sectional view and a partially sectional perspective view of the torque limiter according to the invention are shown, wherein the second end of the helical spring is visible in the second recess of the positioning member.

[0046] Figure 11 This illustrates the use of a torque limiter according to the invention in a flip-top machine. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A side view and a cross-sectional view along the axial direction are shown for a torque limiter 1 according to the invention. The torque limiter 1 includes a first component 2, a second component 3, a coil spring 5, and a positioning component 6, wherein the first component 2, the second component 3, the coil spring 5, and the positioning component 6 are arranged coaxially along the same axis, particularly as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 An exploded view of the torque limiter 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, both the first component 2 and the second component 3 are designed with gears for transmitting torque to other components.

[0048] Figure 3 A perspective view of the first component 2 of the torque limiter according to the invention is shown from both axial sides. The first component 2 may initially include a shaft portion 25 and, as shown in the figure, a... Figure 2 The cylindrical component 4 is shown, and the shaft portion 25 of the first component 2 is received and fixed within the cylindrical component 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical component 4 has a notch 41 formed on its cylindrical wall (see...). Figure 2 The first component 2 has a first locking protrusion 21, which engages with the notch and thereby fixes the cylindrical component 4 and the first component 2 together in the circumferential direction.

[0049] Let's combine this first. Figure 7This describes how the first component 2 is axially fixed between the positioning component 6 and the second component 3. The positioning component 6 has a sixth axial limiting portion 66, which is designed as an annular flange in this example. The first component 2 is constructed with a flange portion 22, which abuts against the sixth axial limiting portion 66 axially. The cylindrical component 4 is constructed with an abutment portion 42 (see...). Figure 2 The second component 3 is constructed with a third axial limiting part 37 (see...) Figure 5 The abutment part 42 abuts against the third axial limiting part 37 in an axial direction.

[0050] The cylindrical component 4 can be constructed of metal. This reduces wear caused by the coil spring 5, which is generally made of metal, gripping and sliding relative to the cylindrical component 4. As shown in the figure, the first component 2 has a first shaft hole 23 coaxial with the axis, and the second component 3 has a second shaft hole 38 coaxial with the axis (see figure). Figure 6 The torque limiter 1 may also have a support shaft 7 that passes through a first shaft hole 23 and a second shaft hole 38 to rotatably support the first component 2 and the second component 3.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the helical spring 5 has a spring body 51 and a first end 52 and a second end 53 extending from the spring body 51 along the axial direction, wherein the spring body 51 is wound tightly on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first component 2 (see...). Figure 1 (Cross-sectional view on the right). Of course, if the first component 2 is designed with a cylindrical component 4, the spring body 51 is wound tightly onto the cylindrical component 4. Figure 4 The helical spring 5 shown is made of wire with a circular cross-section, but advantageously it is made of wire with a square cross-section. Furthermore, it can be seen from the figure that the first end 52 and the second end 53 extend from the spring body 51 with the same dimensions.

[0052] from Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 It can also be seen that the positioning component 6 is connected to the second component 3 and thereby forms a receiving space for accommodating at least a portion of the helical spring 5 and the first component 2. In the case where the first component 2 is designed with a gear portion, the gear portion extends from a hole on the positioning component 6 so as to connect with the component driven thereon.

[0053] Because the helical spring 5 is wound tightly on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first component 2, the second component 3 is wound at the first end 52 ( Figure 2When a tangential force relative to the axis is applied to the right end of the helical spring 5, the first component 2 can rotate in the first direction because the force acts along the winding direction of the helical spring 5. If the second component 3 wants to transmit torque to the first component 2 in the opposite direction, the second component 3 first drives the positioning component 6 to rotate through its connection with the positioning component 6, which is located at the second end 53 of the helical spring 5. Figure 2 When a tangential force relative to the axis (also acting in the winding direction of the coil spring 5) is applied to the left end of the coil spring 5, the first component 2 can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0054] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the second component 3 has a cylindrical portion 31, on which a first circumferential limiting portion 32 extending along the axis is constructed. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 32 is constructed as a notch in the wall of the cylindrical portion 31. The positioning component 6 has a third circumferential limiting portion 61, which in this embodiment is constructed as a protrusion on the positioning component 6. The first circumferential limiting portion 32 and the third circumferential limiting portion 61 are shaped to fit together, thereby fixing the second component 3 and the positioning component 6 to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0055] It can also be seen that the cylindrical portion 31 is provided with a first axial limiting portion 33, which is designed as a groove on the cylindrical portion in this example. The positioning member 6 is provided with a fourth axial limiting portion 62, which is designed as a snap-fit ​​portion that can engage with the first axial limiting portion 33, i.e., the groove. The first axial limiting portion 33 and the fourth axial limiting portion 62 are shaped to fit together, thereby fixing the second member 3 and the positioning member 6 to each other in the axial direction.

[0056] Figures 5 to 6 As can be seen, the cylindrical portion 31 has a bottom at one end, and a first annular protrusion 34 protruding into the cylindrical portion 31 along the axial direction is formed on the bottom. A first recessed portion 35 extending circumferentially is formed on the first annular protrusion 34. As shown in the figure, the first annular protrusion 34 is designed to protrude into the cylindrical portion from the bottom of the cylindrical portion, which can more stably support the helical spring.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the positioning component 6 has a second annular protrusion 63 that protrudes along the axial direction toward the second component 3 and is coaxial with the first annular protrusion 34. A second recess 64 that extends circumferentially is constructed on the second annular protrusion 63. As can be seen from the figure, the second annular protrusion 63 and the outer peripheral wall of the positioning component 6 can also be said to constitute a double-walled positioning component 6.

[0058] The first annular protrusion 34 and the second annular protrusion 63 are configured to support both ends of the spring body 51. Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the first annular protrusion 34 and the second annular protrusion 63 with the spring body 51 are constructed as helical surfaces consistent with the helical structure of the spring body 51. For example, in... Figure 6 The spiral surface of the first annular protrusion 34 can be seen in the right-side three-dimensional sectional view.

[0059] The first end 52 and the second end 53 of the helical spring 5 are respectively housed in the first recess 35 and the second recess 64. When the positioning component 6 or the second component 3 starts to rotate the helical spring 5, the first end 52 and the second end 53 can move circumferentially in the first recess 35 and the second recess 64, respectively. The first end 52 and the second end 53 are stopped on the two side walls of the first recess 35 and the second recess 64 that extend along the axial direction.

[0060] The longer sidewall of the first recess 35 along its axial direction is constructed as a first abutment 36, and the longer sidewall of the second recess 64 along its axial direction is constructed as a second abutment 65. When the first end 52 and the second end 53 stop on the first abutment 36 and the second abutment 65 respectively, the action of the first abutment 36 and the second abutment 65 on the first end 52 and the second end 53 causes the coil spring 5 to unwind. The first abutment 36 and the second abutment 65 are constructed as radially inclined surfaces, and gradually move away from the other sidewall of the first recess 35 and the second recess 64 from the inside out relative to the radial direction. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows the inclined design of the first abutment portion 36 and the second abutment portion 65, wherein the first abutment portion 36 is inclined at angle B, and the second abutment portion 65 is inclined at angle A. Angles A and B can be selected to be between approximately 5 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably 30 degrees.

[0061] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the application of the torque limiter 1 according to the invention to a flip-top machine. The left side shows the housing, in which a motor and transmission mechanism are arranged. A component extending from the housing can be connected to a flip-top (not shown) for opening and closing. The right side view shows the housing removed, where the second component 3 of the torque limiter 1 is visible, connected to the output shaft of the motor, while the first component 2 is connected to another component and ultimately outputs torque to the flip-top (not shown).

[0062] Although the present invention has been described in detail through preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive other modified design schemes by combining the technical features mentioned in this specification without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A torque limiter (1) comprising a first part (2), a second part (3), a helical spring (5) and a positioning part (6), wherein, The first component (2), the second component (3), the helical spring (5), and the positioning component (6) are arranged coaxially along the same axis. The helical spring (5) has a spring body (51) and a first end (52) and a second end (53) extending from the spring body (51) along the axial direction. The spring body (51) is wound on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first component (2). The positioning component (6) is connected to the second component (3) and thereby forms a receiving space that accommodates at least a portion of the helical spring (5) and the first component (2), such that when the second component (3) applies a tangential force relative to the axis at the first end (52), the first component (2) can be rotated in a first direction, and when the positioning component (6) applies a tangential force relative to the axis at the second end (53), the first component (2) can be rotated in the opposite second direction.

2. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second component (3) is constructed with a cylindrical portion (31) on which a first circumferential limiting portion (32) extending along the axis is constructed, and the positioning component (6) is constructed with a third circumferential limiting portion (61). The first circumferential limiting portion (32) and the third circumferential limiting portion (61) are shaped to fit together and thereby fix the second component (3) and the positioning component (6) to each other in the circumferential direction.

3. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first axial limiting part (33) is constructed on the cylindrical part (31), and a fourth axial limiting part (62) is constructed on the positioning part (6). The first axial limiting part (33) and the fourth axial limiting part (62) are shaped to fit together and thereby fix the second part (3) and the positioning part (6) to each other in the axial direction.

4. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cylindrical portion (31) has a bottom at one end, and a first annular protrusion (34) protruding into the cylindrical portion (31) along the axial direction is formed on the bottom. A first recess (35) extending circumferentially is formed on the first annular protrusion (34).

5. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning component (6) has a second annular protrusion (63) that protrudes toward the second component (3) along the axial direction and is coaxial with the first annular protrusion (34). The second annular protrusion (63) has a second recess (64) that extends circumferentially.

6. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first annular protrusion (34) and the second annular protrusion (63) are configured to support the two ends of the spring body (51).

7. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The contact surfaces of the first annular protrusion (34) and the second annular protrusion (63) with the spring body (51) are constructed as spiral surfaces that are consistent with the spiral structure of the spring body (51).

8. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first end (52) and the second end (53) are respectively housed in the first recess (35) and the second recess (64). When the positioning member (6) or the second member (3) starts to rotate the helical spring (5), the first end (52) and the second end (53) can move circumferentially in the first recess (35) and the second recess (64), respectively. The first end (52) and the second end (53) are stopped on two side walls of the first recess (35) and the second recess (64) extending along the axial direction, respectively.

9. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side wall with a longer length in the axial direction of the first recess (35) is constructed as a first abutment (36), and the side wall with a longer length in the axial direction of the second recess (64) is constructed as a second abutment (65). When the first end (52) and the second end (53) stop on the first abutment (36) and the second abutment (65) respectively, the action of the first abutment (36) and the second abutment (65) on the first end (52) and the second end (53) causes the helical spring (5) to unwind. The first abutment (36) and the second abutment (65) are constructed as surfaces that are inclined relative to the radial direction, and gradually move away from the other side wall of the first recess (35) and the second recess (64) respectively from the inside to the outside relative to the radial direction.

10. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first abutting portion (36) and the second abutting portion (65) are inclined at an angle of 5 to 60 degrees relative to the radial direction.

11. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first abutting part (36) and the second abutting part (65) are inclined at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the radial direction.

12. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component (2) includes a shaft portion and a cylindrical component (4), and the shaft portion of the first component (2) is accommodated and fixed in the cylindrical component (4), the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component (4) forming at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first component (2).

13. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cylindrical component (4) has a notch (41) on its cylindrical wall, and the first component (2) has a first locking protrusion (21) which engages in the notch and thereby fixes the cylindrical component (4) and the first component (2) to each other in the circumferential direction.

14. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The positioning component (6) has a sixth axial limiting portion (66), the first component (2) is constructed with a flange portion (22), the flange portion (22) abuts against the sixth axial limiting portion (66) axially, the cylindrical component (4) is constructed with abutting portion (42), the second component (3) is constructed with a third axial limiting portion (37), the abutting portion abuts against the third axial limiting portion (37) axially, thereby fixing the first component (2) axially between the positioning component (6) and the second component (3).

15. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cylindrical component (4) is constructed of metal.

16. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The helical spring (5) is made of wire with a square cross-section.

17. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end (52) and the second end (53) extend from the spring body (51) with the same dimensions.

18. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component (2) and / or the second component (3) are designed with gears for transmitting torque to other components.

19. The torque limiter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component (2) is provided with a first shaft hole (23) coaxial with the axis, and the second component (3) is provided with a second shaft hole (38) coaxial with the axis. The torque limiter (1) also has a support shaft (7) that passes through the first shaft hole (23) and the second shaft hole (38) to rotatably support the first component (2) and the second component (3).

20. A flip-top mechanism having a housing in which a motor and a transmission mechanism are housed, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism is equipped with a torque limiter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A toilet comprising a toilet seat and a flip-top mechanism for opening and closing the toilet seat, characterized in that, The flip-top machine is the flip-top machine according to claim 20.

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