Flexible coupling flange for automobiles
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611308436.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-13
AI Technical Summary
[0003]目前汽车挠性联轴器的对中衬套普遍采用圆柱面橡胶硫化粘结结构，橡胶层与内外金属衬套仅依靠光滑圆柱面的粘结力实现结合，橡胶与金属界面的粘结锚固强度不足是现有技术最核心的技术缺陷
该汽车用挠性联轴器法兰盘，通过多级阶梯锚固结构、周向自定位结构、联动散热结构与可视化预警结构的协同配合，全面提升挠性联轴器法兰盘的运行可靠性与服役寿命；
Smart Images
Figure CN122899847A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automotive transmission system components, specifically relating to a flexible coupling flange for automobiles. Background Technology
[0002] Flexible couplings are core components in automotive transmission systems, responsible for torque transmission and misalignment compensation. They are widely used in power transmission connections such as between engines and gearboxes, and between drive motors and reduction gears. While transmitting rated torque, they compensate for axial, radial, and angular misalignments between two shafts caused by manufacturing errors, assembly deviations, and operational deformation. They also buffer transmission shocks and attenuate vibration noise, ensuring smooth and reliable power transmission. The flange, as the load-bearing and mounting base of the flexible coupling, directly determines the assembly accuracy, bonding reliability, and overall service life of the alignment bushing.
[0003] Currently, the alignment bushings of automotive flexible couplings generally adopt a cylindrical rubber vulcanization bonding structure. The rubber layer and the inner and outer metal bushings are bonded solely by the adhesive force of the smooth cylindrical surfaces. Insufficient bonding and anchoring strength at the rubber-metal interface is the most critical technical defect of existing technology. Under long-term alternating load conditions in vehicles, the combined effects of torsional vibration, axial movement, and continuous temperature rise in the transmission system accelerate the debonding and creep deformation of the rubber layer interface. This not only degrades the coaxiality of the coupling, exacerbates transmission vibration and abnormal noise, but also further accelerates the thermal aging rate of the rubber, significantly shortening the effective service life of the coupling. Simultaneously, existing flanges are mostly solid disc structures, lacking directional heat dissipation paths for the bushing area. The heat generated by the deformation of the rubber layer is difficult to dissipate quickly, further accelerating the creep and aging process. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible coupling flange for automobiles to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a flexible coupling flange for automobiles, comprising a flange body, a connecting bushing, and a centering bushing assembly. The centering bushing assembly includes an outer bushing, a shaped rubber layer, and an inner bushing arranged coaxially from the outside to the inside. The outer circumferential wall of the inner bushing is provided with at least two levels of annular tenons arranged sequentially along the axial direction, and the radial height of each level of annular tenon increases in a stepped manner along the axial direction. The inner circumferential wall of the outer bushing is provided with a multi-level annular groove that matches the annular tenons. The shaped rubber layer is vulcanized and bonded between the inner bushing and the outer bushing, and the shaped rubber layer completely covers the annular tenons and fills the annular grooves to form a multi-level stepped anchoring structure. The flange body has multiple radially extending heat dissipation channels inside the flange body, and an axially extending warning pin hole is provided on the end face of the flange body.
[0006] In a further embodiment, the inner wall of the central mounting hole of the flange body is provided with multiple circumferentially evenly distributed arc-shaped positioning keys, and the outer circumferential wall of the outer bushing is provided with an arc-shaped keyway that matches the arc-shaped positioning keys. The outer bushing is press-fitted into the central mounting hole through the circumferential fit between the arc-shaped positioning keys and the arc-shaped keyway.
[0007] In a further embodiment, an annular damping rubber ring is provided between the axial end face of the outer bushing and the mounting hole stepped surface of the flange body, and the annular damping rubber ring is in contact with the axial end face of the irregular rubber layer.
[0008] In a further embodiment, the outer wall of the outer bushing is provided with an annular heat dissipation groove, the inner end of the heat dissipation channel is connected to the annular heat dissipation groove on the outer wall of the outer bushing, and the outer end penetrates the outer circumferential surface of the flange body. A dustproof baffle is provided at the outer end port of each heat dissipation channel.
[0009] In a further embodiment, the inner end of the warning pin abuts against the axial end face of the inner bushing, the outer end of the warning pin is provided with a warning color segment, and the inner end of the warning pin is provided with an abutment end, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the warning pin rod body.
[0010] In a further embodiment, each of the two axial end faces of the annular tenon is provided with several circumferentially evenly distributed micro-tooth patterns. The micro-tooth patterns are embedded inside the irregular rubber layer to further enhance the axial pull-out resistance and tear resistance.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the cross-section of the arc-shaped positioning key is arc-shaped, and the axial length of the arc-shaped positioning key is equal to the axial length of the outer bushing, thereby achieving full-length circumferential positioning; the bottom of the arc-shaped keyway is provided with a wear-resistant coating to reduce press-fit wear and fretting wear during operation.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the annular damping rubber ring has an L-shaped cross-section, with one side embedded in the annular groove of the mounting hole step surface of the flange body, and the other side attached to the inner wall of the end of the outer bushing, thus achieving both end face buffering and radial sealing for dust prevention.
[0013] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: This automotive flexible coupling flange comprehensively improves the operational reliability and service life of the flexible coupling flange through the coordinated operation of a multi-level stepped anchoring structure, a circumferential self-positioning structure, a linkage heat dissipation structure, and a visual early warning structure. The multi-stage stepped anchoring structure transforms the planar bonding of rubber and metal into multi-stage mechanical interlocking anchoring, significantly improving the anti-debonding, anti-creep, and axial pull-out performance of the irregular rubber layer, effectively resisting the risk of interface failure under alternating loads. The micro-tooth pattern on the end face of the annular tenon further strengthens the interface bonding force and improves the tear resistance. The circumferential fit structure of the arc-shaped locating key and the arc-shaped keyway can realize the precise press-fit positioning of the center bushing assembly, ensure the coaxiality of the assembly, and at the same time limit the circumferential micro-movement of the outer bushing and the flange body during operation, reduce micro-movement wear, and maintain the long-term stability of transmission accuracy. The radial heat dissipation channel and the annular heat dissipation groove form a continuous heat dissipation path, which can directionally conduct the operating heat of the centering bushing area to the outside of the flange, reduce the working temperature of the rubber layer, and slow down the thermal aging process. The dustproof baffle at the port can effectively block external dust and debris from entering the channel, avoiding blockage and failure of the heat dissipation channel. The warning pin structure can convert the axial creep displacement of the inner bushing into a visual warning signal. In the early stage of bushing failure, the exposed warning color segment can provide an intuitive warning, which is convenient for maintenance personnel to carry out timely inspection and maintenance, avoid sudden failure of the transmission system, and improve vehicle operation safety. The automotive flexible coupling flange, through anchoring reinforcement, self-positioning assembly, heat dissipation warning and other multi-structure linkage, greatly improves the rubber's anti-debonding and anti-creep performance, ensures assembly coaxiality, delays thermal aging and realizes visual warning of failure, and significantly improves the operating reliability and service life of the coupling. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flange body of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the centering bushing assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner liner of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the warning pin and the contact end of the present invention.
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Flange body; 2. Connecting bushing; 3. Outer bushing; 4. Shaped rubber layer; 5. Inner bushing; 6. Annular tenon; 7. Arc-shaped locating key; 8. Arc-shaped keyway; 9. Annular damping rubber ring; 10. Heat dissipation channel; 11. Annular heat dissipation groove; 12. Dustproof baffle; 13. Warning pin; 14. Abutting end; 15. Warning color segment. Detailed Implementation
[0017] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, the directions mentioned herein, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, and outside, are based on the directions shown in the figures of this invention, and are explained here together.
[0019] This invention provides, for example Figure 1-7 The image shows a flexible coupling flange for automobiles, comprising a flange body 1, connecting bushings 2, and a centering bushing assembly. Several sets of connecting bushings 2 are uniformly press-fitted and fixed in the circumferential connecting holes of the flange body 1 for bolt connection between the flange and external transmission components, transmitting circumferential torque. The centering bushing assembly is press-fitted and fixed in the central mounting hole of the flange body 1 for centering and positioning of the coupling, while compensating for transmission deviation and buffering vibration through rubber deformation. The bushing assembly includes an outer bushing 3, a shaped rubber layer 4, and an inner bushing 5, which are coaxially arranged from the outside to the inside. The three are bonded into a single assembly by a high-temperature vulcanization process. The outer circumferential wall of the inner bushing 5 is machined with at least two levels of annular tenons 6 arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The radial height of each level of annular tenon 6 increases in a stepped manner along the axial direction. Correspondingly, the inner circumferential wall of the outer bushing 3 is machined with multi-level annular grooves that match the number, position, and size of the annular tenons 6. During the vulcanization process, the shaped rubber layer 4 completely fills the annular cavity between the inner bushing 5 and the outer bushing 3. The surface of all annular protrusions 6 is completely covered and the annular grooves of the inner wall of the outer bushing 3 are filled to form a multi-level stepped mechanical anchoring structure, which replaces the traditional planar bonding structure and greatly improves the interface bonding strength between rubber and metal from the structural level. Several micro-tooth patterns are processed on the two axial end faces of each level annular protrusion 6. After vulcanization, the micro-tooth patterns are completely embedded in the interior of the irregular rubber layer 4, which can further increase the contact area and interlocking force between rubber and metal, improve axial pull-out force and tear resistance, and reduce the risk of interface debonding under alternating loads. The inner wall of the central mounting hole of the flange body 1 is machined with multiple circumferentially evenly distributed arc-shaped locating keys 7. The arc-shaped locating keys 7 and the flange body 1 are integrally formed. The outer circumferential wall of the outer bushing 3 is provided with arc-shaped keyways 8 that match the shape, size and number of the arc-shaped locating keys 7. When pressing and aligning the bushing assembly, the arc-shaped keyways 8 and the arc-shaped locating keys 7 are aligned one by one and then pressed in smoothly along the axial direction. Through the circumferential engagement of the arc-shaped locating keys 7 and the arc-shaped keyways 8, the circumferential limit of the outer bushing 3 and the flange body 1 is realized, preventing relative rotation between the two during operation. The cross-section of the arc-shaped locating key 7 is arc-shaped, and the axial length of the arc-shaped locating key 7 is equal to the axial length of the outer bushing 3, which can realize full-length circumferential limit, ensure uniform force, and avoid local stress concentration. The bottom of the arc-shaped keyway 8 is coated with a wear-resistant coating, which can reduce the scratching wear during the pressing process and the impact of circumferential fretting wear on the fitting accuracy during long-term operation. An annular damping rubber ring 9 is provided between the axial end face of the outer bushing 3 and the mounting hole step surface of the flange body 1. One side end face of the annular damping rubber ring 9 is in contact with the axial end face of the irregular rubber layer 4. The cross-section of the annular damping rubber ring 9 is L-shaped. Its axial side is embedded in the annular groove preset in the mounting hole step surface of the flange body 1 to achieve axial positioning and prevent displacement after assembly. Its radial side is in contact with the inner wall of the end of the outer bushing 3 to form a radial sealing structure. At the same time, it achieves the dual functions of end face buffering and radial sealing dust prevention. It can absorb the axial impact load during the transmission process, buffer axial movement, and prevent external dust and moisture from entering the bushing bonding interface, thus delaying rubber aging. Multiple radially extending heat dissipation channels 10 are opened inside the flange body 1. The multiple heat dissipation channels 10 are evenly distributed circumferentially. A ring-shaped heat dissipation groove 11 is opened in the middle of the outer wall of the outer bushing 3. The inner end of the heat dissipation channel 10 is connected to the ring-shaped heat dissipation groove 11, and the outer end of the heat dissipation channel 10 penetrates the outer circumferential surface of the flange body 1, forming a through heat dissipation path from the core area of the bushing to the outside of the flange. During operation, the heat generated by the repeated deformation of the shaped rubber layer 4 is conducted through the metal substrate of the outer bushing 3 to the ring-shaped heat dissipation groove 11, and then dissipated to the external environment of the flange through each heat dissipation channel 10, realizing directional heat dissipation of the bushing area and maintaining the reasonable working temperature of the rubber. A dustproof baffle 12 is installed at the outer end of each heat dissipation channel 10. The dustproof baffle 12 is made of breathable and dustproof material. While ensuring air circulation and heat dissipation, it prevents external dust and debris from entering the heat dissipation channel 10 and causing blockage, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the heat dissipation path. An axially extending warning pin hole is provided on the end face of the flange body 1. The warning pin hole is connected to the central mounting hole. A warning pin 13 is slidably installed in the warning pin hole. The inner end of the warning pin 13 is provided with an abutment end 14. The diameter of the abutment end 14 is larger than the diameter of the rod of the warning pin 13. It can cooperate with the inner step of the warning pin hole to prevent the warning pin 13 from coming out of the warning pin hole. The inner end face of the abutment end 14 rests smoothly against the axial end face of the inner bushing 5. The outer end of the warning pin 13 is machined with a warning color segment 15. Under normal assembly conditions, the warning color segment 15 is completely hidden inside the warning pin hole. When the irregular rubber layer 4 creeps and causes the inner bushing 5 to move axially, the inner bushing 5 pushes the warning pin 13 to move outward along the warning pin hole, so that the warning color segment 15 is exposed on the end face of the flange body 1. Maintenance personnel can intuitively judge the degree of failure of the bushing by observing the exposed state of the warning color segment 15, so as to realize the visual warning of failure.
[0020] All standard parts used in this invention can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.
[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
[0022] Working principle: After assembly, the torque of the flexible coupling flange used in this automobile is transmitted to the flange body 1 through the external connector, and then to the transmission component at the other end through the circumferential connecting bushing 2 and the central alignment bushing assembly, achieving stable power transmission. During transmission, the shaped rubber layer 4 compensates for the installation deviation and running deformation between the two shafts through its own elastic deformation, while buffering transmission impact and damping vibration. During operation, the multi-level annular tenons 6 pre-formed on the outer wall of the inner bushing 5 form an interlocking anchoring effect with the shaped rubber layer 4, and together with the annular groove on the inner wall of the outer bushing 3, form a multi-level mechanical anchoring structure, which transforms the planar bonding force between rubber and metal into a multi-stage interlocking anchoring force, greatly improving the interface bonding strength and effectively resisting the risks of debonding and creep caused by alternating torque and axial movement. The micro-tooth patterns on the end face of the annular tenon 6 are further embedded in the interior of the shaped rubber layer 4, increasing the contact friction and enhancing the axial pull-out and tear resistance. The circumferential engagement of the arc-shaped positioning key 7 and the arc-shaped keyway 8 restricts the relative circumferential rotation between the outer bushing 3 and the flange body 1, ensuring coaxiality accuracy during transmission and avoiding wear and precision degradation caused by circumferential micro-movement. The heat generated by the repeated deformation of the irregular rubber layer 4 during transmission is conducted through the metal substrate of the inner bushing 5 and the outer bushing 3 to the annular heat dissipation groove 11 on the outer wall of the outer bushing 3, and then quickly dissipated to the environment outside the flange body 1 through multiple radially distributed heat dissipation channels 10, maintaining a reasonable working temperature of the irregular rubber layer 4 and delaying the thermal aging process. The dustproof baffle 12 at the outer end of the heat dissipation channel 10 not only ensures heat dissipation and ventilation but also prevents external impurities from entering the channel, thus avoiding blockage and failure of the heat dissipation path. When the coupling has been in service for a long time, the irregular rubber layer 4 will creep and age, causing the inner bushing 5 to move axially. The axial end face of the inner bushing 5 will push the abutment end 14 of the warning pin 13, causing the warning pin 13 to move outward along the warning pin hole. The warning color segment 15 at the outer end of the warning pin 13 will gradually be exposed on the end face of the flange body 1. The maintenance personnel can visually observe the exposure of the warning color segment 15 to intuitively judge the degree of failure of the bushing, carry out maintenance and replacement in time, and avoid the complete failure of the bushing causing a sudden failure of the transmission system. The annular damping rubber ring 9 is filled between the end face of the outer bushing 3 and the stepped surface of the mounting hole. On the one hand, it absorbs the axial impact load during the transmission process and buffers the axial movement. On the other hand, it forms a sealing barrier at the end of the bushing to prevent external dust and moisture from entering the bonding interface, thereby improving the protective performance and service life of the center bushing assembly.
[0023] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A flexible coupling flange for automobiles, comprising a flange body (1), a connecting bushing (2), and an alignment bushing assembly, characterized in that: The centering bushing assembly includes an outer bushing (3), a shaped rubber layer (4), and an inner bushing (5) arranged coaxially from the outside to the inside. The outer circumferential wall of the inner bushing (5) is provided with at least two levels of annular tenons (6) arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The radial height of each level of annular tenon (6) increases in a step-like manner along the axial direction. The inner circumferential wall of the outer bushing (3) is provided with a multi-level annular groove that matches the annular tenon (6). The shaped rubber layer (4) is vulcanized and bonded between the inner bushing (5) and the outer bushing (3). The shaped rubber layer (4) completely covers the annular tenon (6) and fills the annular groove, forming a multi-level stepped anchoring structure. The flange body (1) has multiple radially extending heat dissipation channels (10) inside. The end face of the flange body (1) is provided with an axially extending warning pin hole, and a warning pin (13) is installed in the warning pin hole.
2. The automotive flexible coupling flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the central mounting hole of the flange body (1) is provided with multiple circumferentially evenly distributed arc-shaped positioning keys (7), and the outer circumferential wall of the outer bushing (3) is provided with an arc-shaped keyway (8) that matches the arc-shaped positioning keys (7). The outer bushing (3) is press-fitted into the central mounting hole through the circumferential fit between the arc-shaped positioning keys (7) and the arc-shaped keyway (8).
3. The automotive flexible coupling flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular damping rubber ring (9) is provided between the axial end face of the outer bushing (3) and the mounting hole step surface of the flange body (1), and the annular damping rubber ring (9) is in contact with the axial end face of the irregular rubber layer (4).
4. The automotive flexible coupling flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the outer bushing (3) is provided with an annular heat dissipation groove (11). The inner end of the heat dissipation channel (10) is connected to the annular heat dissipation groove (11) on the outer wall of the outer bushing (3), and the outer end penetrates the outer circumferential surface of the flange body (1). A dustproof baffle (12) is provided at the outer end port of each heat dissipation channel (10).
5. The automotive flexible coupling flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner end of the warning pin (13) abuts against the axial end face of the inner bushing (5), the outer end of the warning pin (13) is provided with a warning color segment (15), and the inner end of the warning pin (13) is provided with an abutting end (14), the diameter of the abutting end (14) is larger than the diameter of the rod of the warning pin (13).
6. The automotive flexible coupling flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the two axial end faces of the annular tenon (6) of each level is provided with several micro-tooth patterns evenly distributed in the circumference. The micro-tooth patterns are embedded in the interior of the irregular rubber layer (4) to further enhance the axial pull-out force and tear resistance.
7. The automotive flexible coupling flange according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-section of the arc-shaped positioning key (7) is arc-shaped, and the axial length of the arc-shaped positioning key (7) is equal to the axial length of the outer bushing (3), so as to achieve full-length circumferential positioning; the bottom of the arc-shaped keyway (8) is provided with a wear-resistant coating to reduce press-fit wear and running fretting wear.
8. A flexible coupling flange for automobiles according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross-section of the annular damping rubber ring (9) is L-shaped. One side is embedded in the annular groove of the mounting hole step surface of the flange body (1), and the other side is attached to the inner wall of the end of the outer bushing (3), thus achieving end face buffering and radial sealing dust prevention.