Torque limiter and power transmission device

Abstract

A friction material is to be evenly applied with a load. A first side plate has an annular shape. A backing plate is arranged in an axial direction at a distance from the first side plate. The backing plate has an annular shape. A plurality of auxiliary plates is attached to the backing plate. The plurality of auxiliary plates are arranged radially outwardly of the backing plate. The plurality of auxiliary plates are aligned in an annular shape. A Belleville spring is arranged between the backing plate and the first side plate in the axial direction. A first friction material is arranged between the backing plate and the Belleville spring in the axial direction. The first friction material is arranged adjacent to the backing plate and the plurality of auxiliary plates. An inner peripheral edge of the Belleville spring is arranged radially outwardly of an outer peripheral edge of the backing plate and radially inwardly of an outer peripheral edge of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese application 2023-216992 filed on December 22, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a torque limiter and a drive device. BACKGROUND

[0003] To prevent the transmission of excessive torque, a power transmission device with a torque limiter has been proposed. For example, a power transmission device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-55616 includes a damper unit and a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a clutch composed of multiple clutch plates, which prevents excessive torque from being transmitted by clutch slippage. The torque limiter has a support plate for supporting a friction material and a disc spring for pressurizing the clutch.

[0004] From a cost perspective, manufacturing a support plate and a disc spring from a single material sheet using a nesting process is preferred. However, since the support plate and disc spring are each annular, they do not overlap in the axial direction when removed from a single material sheet using the nesting process. For this reason, it is not possible to apply uniform load to a friction material arranged between the support plate and the disc spring. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a torque limiter which allows a uniform loading of a friction material.

[0006] A torque limiter according to a first aspect comprises a first side plate, a backing plate, a plurality of auxiliary plates, a Belleville spring, and a first friction material. The first side plate has an annular shape. The backing plate is arranged at a distance from the first side plate in an axial direction. The backing plate has an annular shape. The plurality of auxiliary plates are attached to the backing plate. The plurality of auxiliary plates are arranged radially outwardly of the backing plate. The plurality of auxiliary plates are aligned in an annular shape. The Belleville spring is arranged axially between the backing plate and the first side plate. The first friction material is arranged axially between the backing plate and the Belleville spring. The first friction material is arranged adjacent to the first backing plate and each of the plurality of auxiliary plates.An inner peripheral edge of the disc spring is disposed radially outwardly of an outer peripheral edge of the support plate and radially inwardly of an outer peripheral edge of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates.

[0007] According to this arrangement, the plurality of auxiliary plates are fixed to the support plate. Therefore, the first friction material can be arranged between the disc spring and the plurality of auxiliary plates. As a result, the first friction material can be uniformly applied with a load.

[0008] A torque limiter according to a second aspect relates to a torque limiter according to the first aspect and is configured as follows. The support plate has a plurality of engagement recesses. The plurality of engagement recesses extend radially inward from an outer peripheral surface of the support plate. Each of the plurality of auxiliary plates has a plate body and an engagement projection. The engagement projection extends radially inward from the plate body. The engagement projection is engaged with a respective one of the plurality of engagement recesses.

[0009] A torque limiter according to a third aspect relates to the torque limiter according to the second aspect and is configured as follows. The engaging protrusion and the respective one of the plurality of engaging recesses extend so as to be inclined with respect to an imaginary line connecting a center of gravity of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates and a rotation axis.

[0010] A torque limiter according to a fourth aspect relates to the torque limiter according to the second or third aspect and is configured as follows. The engaging protrusion is one of at least two engaging protrusions included in each of the plurality of auxiliary plates. The at least two engaging protrusions are arranged in a circumferential direction on both sides of a center of gravity of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates. Each of the at least two engaging protrusions and each of the at least two engaging recesses extends toward a rotation axis.

[0011] A torque limiter according to a fifth aspect relates to the torque limiter according to any one of the second to fourth aspects and is configured as follows. The first friction material has a groove. The groove is provided on a surface of the first friction material that comes into contact with the support plate and each of the plurality of auxiliary plates. The groove is open radially outward. The groove overlaps with a boundary between the engagement projection and the corresponding one of the plurality of engagement recesses when viewed in the axial direction.

[0012] A torque limiter according to a sixth aspect relates to the torque limiter according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and further comprises a second side plate, a pressure plate, and a second friction material. The second side plate is arranged to sandwich each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, the disc spring, and the first friction material between itself and the first side plate. The second side plate has an annular shape. The pressure plate is arranged between the disc spring and the first friction material in the axial direction. The second friction material is arranged between the support plate and the second side plate in the axial direction.

[0013] A torque limiter according to a seventh aspect relates to the torque limiter according to any one of the second to fifth aspects and further comprises a second side plate, a pressure plate, and a second friction material. The second side plate is arranged to sandwich the support plate, each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, the disc spring, and the first friction material between it and the first side plate. The second side plate has an annular shape. The pressure plate is arranged between the disc spring and the first friction material in the axial direction. The second friction material is arranged between the support plate and the second side plate in the axial direction. The first friction material has a first through-hole extending therethrough in the axial direction. The second friction material has a second through-hole extending therethrough in the axial direction.The support plate has a first projection, a second projection, a first portion, and a second portion. The first projection projects toward the first friction material for engagement with the first through-hole. The second projection projects toward the second friction material for engagement with the second through-hole. The first portion is provided with the first projection and is defined by a pair of the plurality of engagement recesses adjacently arranged in a circumferential direction. The second portion is provided with the second projection and is defined by another pair of the engagement recesses adjacently arranged in the circumferential direction. The first portion is configured to be straightened from its curved state toward the first friction material when clamped between the pressure plate and the second side plate.The second region is configured to be straightened from its curved state toward the second friction material when clamped between the pressure plate and the second side plate.

[0014] A torque limiter according to an eighth aspect relates to the torque limiter according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and is configured as follows. The plate thickness of the disc spring is identical to that of the support plate.

[0015] A power transmission device according to a ninth aspect comprises a torque limiter according to any one of aspects one to eight and a damper unit. The damper unit comprises an input rotor, an output rotor, and an elastic member. The input rotor is configured to rotate integrally with the support plate. The elastic member elastically connects the input rotor to the output rotor.

[0016] Overall, the present invention enables a uniform application of a load to the friction material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view of a power transmission device; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the power transmission device along the line II-II in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of a support plate; Fig. 4 is a sectional view of an unassembled torque limiter; Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the assembled torque limiter; Fig. 6 is a front view of the support plate to which several additional plates have been attached; Fig. 7 is a front view of each additional plate; Fig. 8 is a front view of a first friction material; Fig. 9 is a view of the first friction material along the arrow IX-IX in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a front view of the torque limiter; Fig. 11 is a front view of a plate material from which the support plate, a disc spring and the plurality of auxiliary plates are taken. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A torque limiter 3 and a power transmission device 100 according to the present preferred embodiment will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following explanation, the term "axial direction" refers to an extending direction of a rotation axis O in both the torque converter 3 and the power transmission device 100. The term "circumferential direction" refers to a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle around the rotation axis O, and the term "radial direction" refers to a radial direction of the imaginary circle around the rotation axis O. In addition, the term "first side in the axial direction" means the left side in Fig. 2 and the term “second side in the axial direction” means the right side in Fig. 2.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a front view of the power transmission device 100, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the power transmission device 100 along the line II-II in Fig. 1. As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the power transmission device 100 includes the torque limiter 3 and the damper unit 4. Basically, the torque limiter 3 and the damper unit 4 are rotated together as a unit. The power transmission device 100 is arranged between an internal combustion engine (not shown in the drawing) and an output-side member (not shown in the drawing). The output-side member is, for example, an electric motor, a transmission, or the like. The power transmission device 100 is attached to a flywheel (not shown in the drawing). For example, the internal combustion engine is Fig. 2 is arranged on the left side of the power transmission device 100, and the output-side element is arranged on the right side of the power transmission device 100. The power transmission device 100 is configured not only to limit the torque transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the output-side element, but also to mitigate torque fluctuations. [Damper unit]

[0019] The damper unit 4 is attached to the torque limiter 3. The damper unit 4 is designed to mitigate rotational fluctuations. The damper unit 4 comprises an input rotor 41, an output rotor 42, and elastic elements 43. <eingangsrotor>

[0020] The input rotor 41 is configured for rotation as a unit with a support plate 33 of the torque limiter 3 (to be described later). The input rotor 41 includes a first plate 41a and a second plate 41b. The first and second plates 41a and 41b are each annular members with a central opening. The first and second plates 41a and 41b are rotated as a unit. The first and second plates 41a and 41b cannot move axially relative to each other.

[0021] The first and second plates 41a and 41b are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The second plate 41b is disposed on the second side of the first plate 41a in the axial direction.

[0022] The first plate 41a has a plurality of window areas 411a. The second plate 41b has a plurality of window areas 411b. It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment, the first plate 41a has four window areas 411a and the second plate 41b has four window areas 411b, but the window areas 411a, 411b are not limited to the specified number.

[0023] Not only the window regions 411a but also the window regions 411b are arranged at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction. Not only the window regions 411a but also the window regions 411b are configured to each accommodate the elastic elements 43. <ausgangsrotor>

[0024] The output rotor 42 is configured to transmit the torque input to it from the input rotor 41 to the output-side element. The output rotor 42 is axially disposed between the first and second plates 41a and 41b. The output rotor 42 is arranged such that it can rotate relative to the first and second plates 41a and 41b.

[0025] The output rotor 42 has a hub 421 and a flange plate 422. The hub 421 and the flange plate 422 are formed as one piece, but can also be formed as separate elements.

[0026] The hub 421 is tubular and is disposed in the central opening of the first plate 41a and the second plate 41b. The hub 421 is provided in its inner peripheral region with a splined hole extending in the axial direction. The splined hole enables a splined connection with an input shaft of the output-side member.

[0027] The flange plate 422 extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the hub 421. The flange plate 422 has an annular shape. The flange plate 422 is rotatably mounted relative to the first and second plates 41a and 41b. The flange plate 422 is axially interposed between the first and second plates 41a and 41b.

[0028] The flange plate 422 has a plurality of receiving openings 423. In the present preferred embodiment, the flange plate 422 has four receiving openings 423, but is not limited to this number. The receiving openings 423 are arranged at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction. The receiving openings 423 are configured to respectively receive the elastic members 43. When viewed in the axial direction, the receiving openings 423 are arranged so that they each overlap not only with the window portions 411a but also with the window portions 411b. <Elastische Elemente>

[0029] The elastic elements 43 are configured to elastically couple the input rotor 41 and the output rotor 42 in one direction of rotation. The elastic elements 43 are, for example, coil springs.

[0030] The elastic elements 43 are each received in the receiving openings 423 of the output rotor 42. Furthermore, the elastic elements 43 are each received not only in the window areas 411a of the first plate 41a, but also in the window areas 411b of the second plate 41b. [Torque limiter]

[0031] How Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the torque limiter 3 is arranged to be rotatable about the rotation axis O. The torque limiter 3 is arranged on the second side of the flywheel in the axial direction. The torque limiter 3 has a ring shape and is attached to the flywheel.

[0032] The torque limiter 3 is configured to limit the torque transmitted between the flywheel and the damper unit 4. In other words, the torque limiter 3 is configured to limit the transmission of torque in the power transmission device 100 when the torque is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0033] The torque limiter 3 comprises a first side plate 31, a second side plate 32, the support plate 33 and a plurality of auxiliary plates 34, a first friction material 35a, a second friction material 35b, a pressure plate 36 and a disc spring 37. <Erste Seitenplatte und zweite Seitenplatte>

[0034] The first and second side plates 31 and 32 are fixed to the flywheel. The first and second side plates 31 and 32 are rotated as a unit with the flywheel. The first and second side plates 31 and 32 each have an annular shape. The second side plate 32 is arranged at a distance from the first side plate 31 in the axial direction. The second side plate 32 is arranged on the second side of the first side plate 31 in the axial direction. The first and second side plates 31 and 32 sandwich the support plate 33, the respective auxiliary plates 34, the first friction material 35a, the second friction material 35b, the pressure plate 36, and the Belleville spring 37. The plate thickness of the second side plate 32 is greater than that of the first side plate 31. <Stützplatte>

[0035] The support plate 33 is an annular plate. The support plate 33 is arranged rotatably about the rotation axis O. The support plate 33 is arranged at a distance from the first side plate 31 in the axial direction.

[0036] The support plate 33 is attached to the input rotor 41. In detail, the support plate 33 is attached to the first plate 41a.

[0037] For example, the support plate 33 is fixed to the first plate 41a by fasteners 101. The support plate 33 is rotated as a unit with the input rotor 41. The support plate 33 is provided as a separate member from the first plate 41a, but may also be formed integrally with the first plate 41a.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows the support plate 33 in a front view, wherein the support plate 33, as in Fig. 3, has a plurality of engagement recesses 335. The engagement recesses 335 extend radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the support plate 33. The distal ends of the engagement recesses 335 are arranged radially inward of the inner peripheral edge of the first friction material 35a (see Fig. 10). The engagement recesses 335 are open radially outward. The engagement recesses 335 are provided in an outer peripheral region of the support plate 33. The engagement recesses 335 penetrate the support plate 33 in the axial direction. The engagement recesses 33 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0039] As the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the support plate 33 has a plurality of first projections 331 and a plurality of second projections 332. The first projections 331 and the second projections 332 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The first protrusions 331 protrude toward the first friction material 35a. In other words, the first protrusions 311 protrude toward the first side in the axial direction. The first protrusions 311 are respectively engaged with the first through-holes 351a of the first friction material 35a (to be described later).

[0041] The second protrusions 332 protrude toward the second friction material 35b. In other words, the second protrusions 332 protrude toward the second side in the axial direction. The second protrusions 332 are respectively engaged with second through holes 351b of the second friction material 35b (to be described later).

[0042] How Fig. 3, the support plate 33 has a plurality of first regions 333 and a plurality of second regions 334. Each first region 333 is defined by a pair of engagement recesses 335 arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Each first region 333 is provided with a respective first protrusion 331. In other words, of the regions between pairs of engagement recesses 335 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, those provided with the first protrusions 331 correspond to the first regions 333.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the unassembled torque converter 3. Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the assembled torque converter 3. As in Fig. 4, in a state where the support plate 33 has not been subjected to an axial load, the first portions 333 are curved toward the first friction material 35a. In other words, the first portions 333 are curved toward the first side in the axial direction. This allows the first projections 331 of the support plate 33 to be easily inserted into the first through-holes 351a of the first friction material 35a, respectively.

[0044] If the torque limiter 3, as in Fig. 5, that is, in other words, when the first side plate 31 has been mounted to the second side plate 32 with a plurality of rivets 102, the support plate 33 having the first portions 333 is clamped between the second side plate 32 and the pressure plate 36. As a result, the axial load is exerted on the support plate 33 having the first portions 333, whereby the first portions 333, which were axially curved up to this point, are radially straightened.

[0045] How Fig. 3, each second region 334 is defined by a pair of engagement recesses 335 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Each second region 334 is provided with a respective second protrusion 332. In other words, of the regions between pairs of engagement recesses 335 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, those provided with the second protrusions 332 correspond to the second regions 334.

[0046] The first portions 333 and the second portions 334 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. Each pair of adjacent first and second portions 333 and 334 is divided by the respective engagement recess 335. Each portion disposed between the respective pair of engagement recesses 335 is provided with either only the first projection 331 or only the second projection 332. In other words, each portion is not provided with both the first projection 331 and the second projection 332.

[0047] How Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the unassembled state of the torque limiter 3, in other words, in a state in which the support plate 33 has not been subjected to the axial load, the second portions 334 are curved toward the second friction material 35b. In other words, the second portions 334 are curved toward the second side in the axial direction. This facilitates the insertion of the second projections 332 of the support plate 33 into the second through-holes 351b of the second friction material 35b.

[0048] If the torque limiter 3 has been mounted as shown in Fig. 5, in other words, when the first side plate 31 is fixed to the second side plate 32 by the plurality of rivets 102, the support plate 33 including the second portions 334 is clamped between the second side plate 32 and the pressure plate 36. Thereby, the axial load is applied to the support plate 33 including the second portions 334, whereby the second portions 334, which were initially axially curved, are radially straightened. <zusatzplatten>

[0049] Fig. 6 is a front view of the auxiliary plates 34 attached to the support plate 33. As Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the additional plates 34 are arranged radially outside the support plate 33. The additional plates 34 are attached to the support plate 33. The additional plates 34 are rotated as a unit with the support plate 33.

[0050] In the present preferred embodiment, the torque limiter 3 has six auxiliary plates 34. The auxiliary plates 34 are aligned in a ring shape. In other words, the auxiliary plates 34 are aligned in the circumferential direction. The auxiliary plates 34 are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the auxiliary plates 34 may be in contact with each other.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a front view of each additional plate 34. As Fig. As shown in Figure 7, each auxiliary plate 34 has a plate body 342 and a plurality of engagement projections 343. It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment, each auxiliary plate 34 has four engagement projections 343. The plate body 342 extends in the circumferential direction. The plate body 342 has a circular arc shape around the rotation axis O.

[0052] The engaging projections 343 extend radially inward from the plate body 342. The engaging projections 343 are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The engaging projections 343 engage with the engaging recesses 335. Each engaging projection 343 is identical in the extension direction to the respective engaging recess 335. Each engaging projection 343 is substantially identical in shape to the respective engaging recess 335. When the engaging projections 343 engage with the engaging recesses 335, each auxiliary plate 34 is fixed to the support plate 33.

[0053] Each engagement projection 343 extends inclined with respect to an imaginary line L connecting the rotation axis O and the center of gravity (G) of each auxiliary plate 34. It should be noted that each engagement recess 335 extends similarly to each engagement projection 343. Therefore, even if a centrifugal force acts on each auxiliary plate 34 due to the rotation of the power transmission device 100, each engagement projection 343 is locked to the inner wall surface of the respective engagement recess 335, whereby radial outward movement of the respective auxiliary plate 34 and consequently detachment from the support plate 33 can be prevented.

[0054] Each engagement projection 343 extends toward the rotation axis O. It should be noted that each engagement recess 335 extends in a manner similar to each engagement projection 343. The plurality of engagement projections 343 are circumferentially arranged on both sides of the center of gravity G of each auxiliary plate 34. It should be noted that, in the present preferred embodiment, two of the engagement projections 343 are arranged on the right side of the center of gravity G, and the remaining two of the engagement projections 343 are arranged on the left side of the center of gravity G. Accordingly, each auxiliary plate 34 can be more reliably prevented from moving radially outward and thus from detaching from the support plate 33. <reibmaterialien>

[0055] How Fig. 2, the first friction material 35a is disposed axially between the support plate 33 and the pressure plate 36. The first friction material 35a is disposed adjacent to the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34 in the axial direction.

[0056] The first friction material 35a has the first through-holes 351a. The first through-holes 351a penetrate the first friction material 35a in the axial direction. The first friction material 35a is fixed to the support plate 33. When described in detail, the first projections 331 of the support plate 33 engage the first through-holes 351a of the first friction material 35a, thereby fixing the first friction material 35a to the support plate 33. The first friction material 35a is rotated as a unit with the support plate 33.

[0057] The first friction material 35a has a ring shape. The first friction material 35a extends within a region of the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34. In other words, the first friction material 35a overlaps both the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34 in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the first friction material 35a is smaller than the outer diameter of the support plate 33. The outer diameter of the first friction material 35a is larger than that of the support plate 33. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the first friction material 35a is less than or equal to that of each auxiliary plate 34. It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the first friction material 35a is substantially identical to that of each auxiliary plate 34. The term "outer diameter" of each auxiliary plate 34 also means the length from the rotational axis O to the outer peripheral edge of each auxiliary plate 34.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a front view of the first friction material 35a as seen from the second side in the axial direction. Fig. 9 is a view of the first friction material 35a along the arrow IX-IX in Fig. 8. How the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the first friction material 35a has a plurality of grooves 352a. The grooves 352a are arranged circumferentially at intervals from each other. The grooves 352a are arranged at equal intervals from the engaging projections 343. The width of each groove 352a is greater than that of each engaging projection 343. Here, the term "width" refers not only to each groove 352a but also to each engaging projection 343's circumferential dimension. Each groove 352a extends in the radial direction. Each groove 352a is open radially outward.

[0059] The grooves 352a are provided on one of the two surfaces of the first friction material 35a, that is, on the surface that comes into contact with the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34. In other words, the grooves 352a are provided on one of the two surfaces of the first friction material 35a, that is, on the surface facing the second side in the axial direction. The grooves 352a do not penetrate the first friction material 35a in the axial direction.

[0060] Fig. 10 is a front view of the torque limiter 3. How Fig. As shown in Figure 10, each groove 352a, when viewed in the axial direction, overlaps with a boundary between each engagement recess 335 and each engagement projection 343. With this configuration, if water collects in a gap between a respective engagement recess 335 and a respective engagement projection 343, this water can be drained out through each groove 352a. Preferably, each groove 352a overlaps with a root portion of each engagement projection 343 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0061] As in Fig. 2, the second friction material 35b is disposed axially between the support plate 33 and the second side plate 32. The second friction material 35b is disposed axially adjacent to the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34.

[0062] The second friction material 35b has the second through-holes 351b. The second through-holes 351b penetrate the second friction material 35b in the axial direction. The second friction material 35b is fixed to the support plate 33. Described in detail, the second projections 332 of the support plate 33 engage with the second through-holes 351b of the second friction material 35b, thereby fixing the second friction material 35b to the support plate 33. The second friction material 35b is rotated as a unit with the support plate 33.

[0063] The second friction material 35b has a ring shape. The second friction material 35b extends to a portion of the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34. In other words, the second friction material 35b overlaps the support plate 33 and the auxiliary plates 34 in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the second friction material 35b is smaller than the outer diameter of the support plate 33. The outer diameter of the second friction material 35b is larger than that of the support plate 33. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the second friction material 35b is less than or equal to that of each auxiliary plate 34. It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the second friction material 35b is substantially identical to that of each auxiliary plate 34. <druckplatte>

[0064] The pressure plate 36 has a ring shape. The pressure plate 36 is axially disposed between the disc spring 37 and the support plate 33. When described in detail, the pressure plate 36 is axially disposed between the first friction material 35a and the disc spring 37. The inner diameter of the pressure plate 36 is smaller than that of the first friction material 35a. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the pressure plate 36 is larger than that of the first friction material 35a. In other words, the pressure plate 36 is capable of applying pressure to the entire surface of the first friction material 35a.

[0065] The pressure plate 36 is configured for rotation as a unit with the second side plate 32. It should be noted that the pressure plate 36 can move axially with respect to the second side plate 32. <tellerfeder>

[0066] The disc spring 37 is axially disposed between the support plate 33 and the first side plate 31. Described in detail, the disc spring 37 is axially disposed between the first side plate 31 and the pressure plate 36. The disc spring 37 urges the pressure plate 36 toward the second side in the axial direction. In other words, the disc spring 37 urges the pressure plate 36 toward the support plate 33. Accordingly, the support plate 33, the first friction material 35a, and the second friction material 35b are clamped between the pressure plate 36 and the second side plate 32.

[0067] The disc spring 37 has a ring shape. How Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the disc spring 37, together with the support plate 33, is obtained from a single material plate by applying a nesting process. The inner diameter of the disc spring 37 is therefore larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the support plate 33. The plate thickness of the disc spring 37 is also identical to the plate thickness of the support plate 33.

[0068] In addition to the disc spring 37 and the support plate 33, the multiple additional plates are also taken from a common material plate using a nesting process. The multiple support plates 34 originate from an area surrounded by the support plate 33. Fig. 11 shows a view of the material plate from which the support plate 33, the disc spring 37 and the several additional plates 34 originate.

[0069] How Fig. 2, the disc spring 37 is in contact with the first side plate 31 at its outer peripheral end and with the pressure plate 36 at its inner peripheral end. The inner peripheral edge of the coil spring 37 is located radially outside the outer peripheral edge of the support plate 33. Further, the inner peripheral edge of the disc spring 37 is located radially inside the outer peripheral edges of the auxiliary plates 34. In other words, the disc spring 37 overlaps with the auxiliary plates 34 in the axial direction. It is thus possible to apply a load uniformly to the first friction material 35a. [Modifications]

[0070] A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, but allows for various modifications within its scope. It should be noted that any modifications to be described below are simultaneously applicable.

[0071] For example, the first and second friction materials 35a and 35b may be attached to the auxiliary plates 34 and not to the support plate 33. Furthermore, the first and second friction materials 35a and 35b may be attached either to the support plate 33 or to the auxiliary plates 34 through the use of a suitable means, e.g., an adhesive. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 3 torque limiters 31 first side plate 32 second side plate 33 Support plate 331 first lead 332 second lead 333 first area 334 second area 335 Intervention deepening 34 Additional plate 342 plate body 343 engagement projection 35a first friction material 351a first passage opening 352a groove 35b second friction material 351b second passage opening 36 printing plate 37 Disc spring 4 Damper unit 41 Input rotor 42 Output rotor 43 elastic element 100 power transmission device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023-216992

[0001] < / tellerfeder> < / druckplatte> < / reibmaterialien> < / zusatzplatten> < / ausgangsrotor> < / eingangsrotor>

Claims

[1] Torque limiter, comprising: a first side plate having a ring shape; a support plate having a ring shape and arranged at a distance from the first side plate in the axial direction; several additional plates attached to the support plate, wherein the plurality of auxiliary plates are arranged radially outwardly of the support plate and aligned in a ring shape; a disc spring arranged in the axial direction between the support plate and the first side plate; and a first friction material disposed in the axial direction between the support plate and the disc spring, the first friction material being disposed adjacent to the support plate and each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, an inner peripheral edge of the disc spring being disposed radially outwardly of an outer peripheral edge of the support plate and the inner peripheral edge of the disc spring being disposed radially inwardly of an outer peripheral edge of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates. [2] The torque limiter according to claim 1, wherein the support plate has a plurality of engagement recesses extending radially inward from an outer peripheral surface of the support plate, and wherein each of the plurality of auxiliary plates has a plate body and an engagement projection, wherein the engagement projection extends radially inward from the plate body and wherein the engagement projection is engaged with a corresponding one of the engagement recesses. [3] The torque limiter according to claim 2, wherein the engaging projection and the corresponding one of the plurality of engaging recesses extend so as to be inclined with respect to an imaginary line connecting a center of gravity of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates and a rotation axis. [4] Torque converter according to claim 2, wherein the engaging projection is one of at least two engaging projections provided in each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, wherein the at least two engaging projections are arranged in a circumferential direction on both sides of a center of gravity of each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, and wherein each of the at least two engagement projections and each of the plurality of engagement recesses extends toward a rotation axis. [5] The torque limiter according to claim 2, wherein the first friction material has a groove provided on a surface thereof that comes into contact with the support plate and with each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, the groove being open radially outward, and the groove overlapping with a boundary between the engaging projection and the corresponding one of the engaging recesses as viewed in the axial direction. [6] Torque converter according to claim 1, further comprising: a second side plate having an annular shape and arranged to sandwich the support plate, each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, the disc spring, and the friction material between itself and the first side plate; a pressure plate disposed in the axial direction between the disc spring and the first friction material; and a second friction material disposed in the axial direction between the support plate and the second side plate. [7] Torque limiter according to claim 2, further comprising: a second side plate having an annular shape and arranged to sandwich the support plate, each of the plurality of auxiliary plates, the disc spring, and the first friction material between itself and the first side plate; a pressure plate arranged in the axial direction between the disc spring and the first friction material; and a second friction material arranged in the axial direction between the support plate and the second side plate, wherein the first friction material has a first through-opening extending therethrough in the axial direction, wherein the second friction material has a second through-opening extending therethrough in the axial direction, wherein the support plate has a first projection, a second projection, a first region, and a second region, the first projection protrudes toward the first friction material for engagement with the first through-hole, the second projection protrudes toward the second friction material for engagement with the second through-hole, the first region is provided with the first projection, the first region is defined by a pair of engagement recesses that are adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction among the plurality of engagement recesses, the second region is provided with the second projections, and the second region is defined by another pair of engagement recesses that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the plurality of engagement recesses, wherein the first portion is configured to be straightened from its curved state toward the first friction material when clamped between the pressure plate and the second side plate, and wherein the second region is configured to be straightened from its curved state toward the second friction material when clamped between the pressure plate and the second side plate. [8] Torque limiter according to claim 1, wherein the plate thickness of the disc spring is identical to that of the support plate. [9] Power transmission device comprising: a torque limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a damper unit having an input rotor, an output rotor and an elastic element, wherein the input rotor is configured to rotate as a unit with the support plate and wherein the elastic element elastically connects the input rotor to the output rotor.

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