Spring torque limiter

Abstract

A spring torque limiter, comprising: a torque input, a torque output, a spring overload action disc, a ball and a torque adjustment assembly, the torque adjustment assembly, the spring overload action disc and the torque output are sequentially arranged along the torque input in the axial direction; the outer peripheral wall of the torque input is provided with a radially protruding convex part, the convex part is provided with a ball engaging hole, and the ball can be engaged with the ball engaging hole; the torque output is sleeved on the torque input, and a bearing is arranged between the torque input and the torque output; the end face opposite to the convex part of the torque output is provided with a ball groove, and the ball is partially accommodated in the ball groove; the torque adjustment assembly comprises an adjusting nut and a rectangular spring, the rectangular spring is uniformly spaced along the circumference, surrounds the periphery of the torque input, the rectangular spring is located between the spring overload action disc and the adjusting nut, the adjusting nut presses the rectangular spring, and the spring overload action disc is pressed on the ball. The utility model discloses a rectangular spring is used for adjusting torque, can control the force value with accuracy, and does not need non-standard customization, and the cost is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of mechanical power transmission technology, specifically relating to a spring torque limiter. Background Technology

[0002] Torque limiters are primarily used in mechanical power transmission to transmit torque, often in high-speed rotating mechanisms and rotating mechanisms with varying heavy loads. The main function of a torque limiter is overload protection, preventing torque exceeding a set value when equipment is overloaded or malfunctions. It limits the transmitted torque through slippage and returns to its original position after the overload disappears. Ball-type torque limiters are a common type, typically using disc springs for torque adjustment. In practical designs, using standard disc springs presents problems: small compression, short stroke, and poor flexibility. Furthermore, the large adjustment load required for standard disc springs necessitates a very small inclination angle at the slot engaging the ball, increasing the horizontal distance the ball travels when it disengages. Therefore, most ball-type torque limiters currently use non-standard, custom-made thin disc springs. However, non-standard customized disc springs require custom molds, which face problems such as high supply chain risks, high unit price for small-batch production, long delivery time, and performance inconsistency deviation caused by non-standard processes. Moreover, the non-linear relationship between load and stroke of non-standard customized disc springs can also lead to inaccurate torque adjustment. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-cost spring torque limiter with more precise torque adjustment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A spring torque limiter includes: a torque input component, a torque output component, a spring overload actuating disc, balls, and a torque adjustment assembly. The torque adjustment assembly, the spring overload actuating disc, and the torque output component are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the torque input component. The outer peripheral wall of the torque input component has a radially protruding convex portion, and the convex portion has ball engagement holes arranged at intervals along the circumference, the balls being able to engage with the ball engagement holes. The torque output component is sleeved on the torque input component, and a bearing is provided between the torque output component and the torque input component. The end faces of the torque output component and the convex portion opposite each other have ball grooves corresponding to the number of balls, and the balls are partially accommodated in the ball grooves. The torque adjustment assembly includes an adjusting nut and a rectangular spring. The rectangular spring is evenly spaced along the circumference and surrounds the torque input component. The rectangular spring is located between the spring overload actuating disc and the adjusting nut, one end of the rectangular spring abutting against the adjusting nut and the other end abutting against the spring overload actuating disc, the spring overload actuating disc pressing on the balls.

[0006] In some embodiments, the torque adjustment assembly further includes an adjustment disc, the adjustment nut and the adjustment disc are sequentially fitted onto the torque input component, the adjustment disc presses against the top of the rectangular spring, and the bottom of the rectangular spring abuts against the spring overload action disc.

[0007] In some embodiments, the end faces of the spring overload action plate and the adjustment plate opposite to each other are respectively machined with spring assembly slots that are evenly spaced along the circumference and corresponding to each other. One end of the rectangular spring is disposed in the spring assembly slot on the spring overload action plate and the other end is disposed in the spring assembly slot on the adjustment plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the end face of the spring overload action disc opposite to the protrusion is machined with an annular groove, and the protrusion is fitted inside the groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bearing is a deep groove ball bearing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the torque input component is a bushing, and the torque output component is a flange.

[0011] In some embodiments, a retaining ring located at the bottom of the torque output member is further included, and a retaining ring groove extending circumferentially is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the torque input member. The retaining ring is fitted into the retaining ring groove and presses against the inner ring of the bearing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device further includes an annular bearing clamping plate located at the bottom of the torque output component, the bearing clamping plate being connected to the bottom end face of the torque output component and pressing against the outer ring of the bearing.

[0013] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this utility model uses a rectangular spring for torque adjustment, which has a compact structure, high stiffness, stable linearity, and can accurately control the force value, making the torque disengagement from the set value more precise. Moreover, it does not require non-standard customization, has higher process stability, a stable supply chain, and lower costs. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is an axial view of the spring torque limiter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the spring torque limiter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the spring torque limiter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the spring torque limiter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the torque adjusting disc in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the spring overload action plate in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the drawings illustrating the device structure will be partially enlarged without adhering to the general scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings are in a simplified form and use non-precise scales, solely for the purpose of conveniently and clearly illustrating the embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, in the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Terms such as "positive," "negative," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The spring torque limiter in this embodiment includes a torque input component 1, a torque output component 2, a torque adjustment component 3, a rectangular spring 4, a spring overload actuation disc 5, a ball bearing 6, and a bearing 7. The torque adjustment component 3, the rectangular spring 4, the spring overload actuation disc 5, and the torque output component 2 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the torque input component 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the torque input component 1 is used to connect with the power output component and serves as the power input end of the torque limiter. In some embodiments, the power output component may be a drive component such as a motor, and the torque input component 1 is equivalent to a bushing. The torque input component 1 has a shaft hole a extending along its own axial direction. The motor output shaft (not shown) extends into the shaft hole a of the torque input component 1, driving the torque input component 1 to rotate around its own axis. Specifically, a keyway b can be machined in the shaft hole a. The torque input component 1 and the motor output shaft are assembled together by the keyway b engaging with a protrusion on the motor output shaft.

[0026] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the torque input component 1 has a radially protruding ring of protrusions 1a. The protrusions 1a are machined with spaced-apart ball engagement holes 1b, which are used to engage with balls 6. The balls 6 can be engaged in the ball engagement holes 1b, with their tops and bottoms exposed. When the torque input component 1 is driven to rotate around its own axis by the power output component, it causes the balls 6 to rotate together.

[0027] The torque output component 2 serves as the output end of the torque limiter and is used to connect to the rotating component. The power output from the power output component is transmitted to the rotating component via the torque limiter, causing the rotating component to rotate. In this embodiment, the torque output component 2 is a flange with threaded holes 2a machined on it. The flange is connected to the rotating component through the engagement of screws and threaded holes.

[0028] The torque output component 2 has a through hole 2b extending along its own axial direction, and one end of the torque input component 1 passes through the through hole 2b of the torque output mechanism 2. A bearing 7 is provided between the torque input component 1 and the torque output component 2. In this embodiment, the bearing 7 is a deep groove ball bearing, which allows the torque input component 1 and the torque output component 2 to rotate relative to each other. A ball groove 2c is machined on the end face of the torque output component 2 opposite to the protrusion 1, and the ball 6 can be partially accommodated in the ball groove 2c. When the torque input component 1 drives the ball 6 to rotate, the ball 6 further drives the torque output component 2 to rotate through the cooperation with the ball groove 2c. In this embodiment, the ball groove 2c is a tapered groove.

[0029] The spring overload actuating disc 5 is sleeved around the torque input component 1. The spring overload actuating disc 5 presses down on the top of the ball bearing 6 exposed in the ball bearing engagement hole 1b, pressing the ball bearing 6 downwards so that part of the ball bearing 6 is accommodated in the ball bearing groove 2c. Thus, the torque output component 2 can be rotated through the engagement with the ball bearing groove 2c. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the end face opposite to the protrusion 1a of the spring overload action disc 5 is machined with a ring groove 5a. When the spring overload action disc 5 is fitted onto the torque input component 1, the protrusion 1a is fitted into the groove 5a. When the torque is too large, the ball 6 disengages from the ball groove 2c, which will push the spring overload action disc 5 upward. The upward pushing action of the spring overload action disc 5 is sensed by the sensor, and an overload detection signal is issued.

[0030] The torque adjustment assembly 3 in this embodiment includes an adjustment disc 3-1, an adjustment nut 3-2, and a rectangular spring 4. The adjustment disc 3-1 presses against the rectangular spring 4. The rectangular spring 4 is located between the adjustment disc 3-1 and the spring overload actuation disc 5, and is used for torque adjustment. One end of the rectangular spring 4 abuts against the spring overload actuation disc 5, and the other end abuts against the adjustment disc 3-1. In this embodiment, spring mounting grooves c are machined on the opposite end faces of the spring overload actuation disc 5 and the adjustment disc 3-1, which are evenly spaced along the circumference and corresponding to each other. Figure 6 The rectangular spring 4 has one end set in the spring assembly groove c on the spring overload action plate 5 and the other end set in the spring assembly groove c on the adjustment plate 3-1. The spring assembly groove c can better help the rectangular spring 4 to be positioned and prevent the rectangular spring 4 from running off course.

[0031] The adjusting nut 3-2 and the adjusting disc 3-1 are connected by fasteners such as screws. The adjusting disc 3-1 presses against the rectangular spring 4. The pressure of the rectangular spring 4 is adjusted by changing the downward screwing distance of the adjusting nut 8. The pressure of the rectangular spring 4 determines the torque required to disengage the ball 6. Various torque specifications can be accommodated by replacing the rectangular spring 4 with one of different coefficients. A scale hole 3-1a is provided on the end face of the adjusting disc 3-1 opposite to the adjusting nut 3-2. A clearance hole 3-2a is provided on the adjusting nut 3-2. The clearance hole 3-2a of the adjusting nut 3-2 and the scale hole 3-1a on the adjusting disc 3-1 cooperate to achieve scale adjustment, allowing for fine torque adjustment. When the adjusting disc is not installed, the adjusting nut 3-2 presses directly against the rectangular spring 4. When the adjusting disc is installed, the adjusting nut 3-2 presses against the rectangular spring 4 through the adjusting disc 3-1. To adjust the pressure of the rectangular spring 4, the adjusting nut 3-2 is screwed down, causing the adjusting disc 3-1 to press down on the rectangular spring 4 as well, thereby adjusting the downward pressure of the rectangular spring 4.

[0032] In some embodiments, a retaining ring 8 and a bearing clamping plate 9 located at the bottom of the torque output component 2 are also included. The retaining ring 8 and the bearing clamping plate 9 are used to better secure the bearing 7. In this embodiment, a retaining ring groove 1c extending circumferentially is machined on the outer peripheral wall of the torque input component 1. The retaining ring 8 is assembled at the retaining ring groove 1c to secure the inner ring of the deep groove ball bearing. The bearing clamping plate 9 is connected to the bottom end face of the torque input component 1 by fasteners such as screws to secure the outer ring of the deep groove ball bearing. Both the retaining ring 8 and the bearing clamping plate 9 are annular.

[0033] The torque limiter operates as follows: when the set torque is exceeded, the ball bearing 6 disengages from the ball groove 2c and the ball engagement hole 1b. The torque input component 1 then cannot drive the torque output component 2 to rotate, and the rotational force transmission stops. After the ball bearing 6 disengages, the spring overload action plate 5 springs upward, and the corresponding sensor receives the signal, allowing for emergency stopping of the equipment. The operating principle of this torque limiter is the same as that of a conventional torque limiter, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0034] This embodiment uses a rectangular spring instead of a conventional disc spring. Compared to non-standard disc springs, rectangular springs are standard parts, allowing for more precise torque disengagement settings. They also eliminate the need for custom-made parts, resulting in higher process stability and lower cost. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, a rectangular spring is used to adjust the torque. Compared to ordinary springs, rectangular springs, with the same height and outer diameter, have a higher load-bearing capacity, a more compact structure, higher stiffness consistency, and better linearity. Ordinary springs, on the other hand, are prone to coil buckling upon compression, leading to abrupt changes in stiffness and affecting accuracy.

[0035] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A spring torque limiter, comprising: The system comprises a torque input component, a torque output component, a spring overload actuating disc, a ball bearing, and a torque adjustment assembly, wherein the torque adjustment assembly, the spring overload actuating disc, and the torque output component are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the torque input component; characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the torque input component is provided with a radially protruding protrusion, and the protrusion is provided with ball engagement holes arranged at intervals along the circumference, and the balls can engage with the ball engagement holes. The torque output component is sleeved on the torque input component, and a bearing is provided between the torque output component and the torque input component. The end face of the torque output component and the protrusion opposite to each other is provided with a ball groove corresponding to the number of balls, and the balls are partially accommodated in the ball groove. The torque adjustment assembly includes an adjusting nut and a rectangular spring. The rectangular springs are evenly spaced around the periphery of the torque input component. The rectangular springs are located between the spring overload actuation disc and the adjusting nut. One end of the rectangular spring abuts against the adjusting nut, and the other end abuts against the spring overload actuation disc. The spring overload actuation disc presses against the ball bearing.

2. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The torque adjustment assembly also includes an adjustment disc. The adjustment nut and the adjustment disc are sequentially fitted onto the torque input component. The adjustment disc presses against the top of the rectangular spring, and the bottom of the rectangular spring abuts against the spring overload action disc.

3. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The spring overload action plate and the adjustment plate are respectively provided with spring assembly slots that are evenly spaced along the circumference and are corresponding in position on their opposite end faces. One end of the rectangular spring is set in the spring assembly slot on the spring overload action plate and the other end is set in the spring assembly slot on the adjustment plate.

4. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end face of the spring overload action disc opposite to the protrusion is machined with a ring groove, and the protrusion is fitted inside the groove.

5. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing is a deep groove ball bearing.

6. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The torque input component is a bushing, and the torque output component is a flange.

7. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a retaining ring located at the bottom of the torque output component, and a retaining ring groove extending circumferentially is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the torque input component. The retaining ring is assembled in the retaining ring groove and presses against the inner ring of the bearing.

8. The spring torque limiter as described in claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes an annular bearing clamping plate located at the bottom of the torque output component, the bearing clamping plate being connected to the bottom end face of the torque output component and pressing against the outer ring of the bearing.

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