Construction kit comprising a flywheel and a damper for transferring torque from an internal combustion engine to a downstream gearbox

EP4766961A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-01SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
Filing Date
2024-06-12
Publication Date
2026-07-01

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Abstract

The invention relates to a construction kit (1) comprising a one-piece flywheel (2), which can be screw-connected directly to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, and a torque limiter (3) for transferring torque from the internal combustion engine to a downstream gearbox of a vehicle drive train, wherein the torque limiter (3) comprises two friction linings (4) between which a torque transfer plate (5) is clamped, and wherein one of the friction linings (4) is in contact with the flywheel (2). The invention also relates to a vehicle drive train comprising an internal combustion engine, a gearbox and a construction kit (1) according to the invention arranged / interposed between them.
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Description

[0001] Flywheel and damper kit for transmitting torque from an internal combustion engine to a downstream transmission

[0002] The invention relates to a kit comprising a flywheel and a torque limiter for transmitting torque from an internal combustion engine to a downstream transmission of a vehicle drive train, wherein the torque limiter has two friction linings between which a torque transmission plate is clamped.

[0003] Numerous similar assemblies are already known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2004 016 960 A1. DE 10 2004 016 960 A1 relates to a flywheel assembly. The subject matter therein relates to a flywheel damper to which torque is transmitted from a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The flywheel damper comprises a second flywheel assembly, a damper mechanism, and a support plate. The damper mechanism connects the second flywheel assembly to the crankshaft in a rotational direction. The support plate is attached to the crankshaft and supports the second flywheel assembly of a crankshaft. The support plate has an axial extension that can be attached to and detached from the second flywheel assembly in the axial direction.

[0004] It is the object of the invention to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a kit comprising a one-piece flywheel that can be screwed directly to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and a torque limiter for transmitting torque from the internal combustion engine to a downstream transmission of a vehicle drive train according to claim 1, wherein the torque limiter has two friction linings between which a torque transmission plate is clamped, one of the friction linings being in contact with the flywheel. Costs and space requirements are significantly reduced, and installation space is utilized more effectively. The core of the invention is therefore the proposal for a flywheel with an integrated torsional vibration damper and torque limiter, in which the flywheel forms a lining carrier for a torque limiter. The torsional vibration damper is optional and can also be referred to below as "damper" for short.In particular, the preferably annular or segment-shaped friction lining or friction lining segment is non-rotatably secured to the flywheel, for example, by means of corresponding embossings that engage one or more recesses in the friction lining or friction lining segment. Of course, segmenting the torque transmission plate is even more effective.

[0006] A friction lining is defined here as a ring-section, segment-like, or annular configuration. Several segments can also form a composite ring.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims and are explained in more detail below.

[0008] It is advantageous if the friction lining closest to the flywheel is attached to the flywheel or rubs against it during operation. Two alternative modes of operation can thus be adapted to the specific application as needed. It should be understood that in some cases, the linings are firmly attached to a drive plate and rub against the flywheel or a support plate.

[0009] If the friction lining, preferably in the form of a ring segment, segment, or ring, is attached to the flywheel via a positive connection, fail-safe torque transmission is ensured even during long-term operation. In principle, additional or alternative fastening methods using frictional and / or material bonding can also be used. It has proven effective to attach the friction lining remote from the flywheel to a spacer element fixed to the flywheel, such as a spacer plate or a spacer bolt, for example, via a carrier plate.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a damper / torsional vibration damper is connected downstream of the torque limiter in the direction of torque transmission from an internal combustion engine to the transmission.

[0011] It is space-efficient if the damper uses a variety of compression springs, such as straight coil springs. In principle, arc spring dampers would also be conceivable, but this would require a cage-like structure.

[0012] It has a friction-reducing and noise-reducing effect if an end cap is present at at least one end or preferably at both ends of the compression springs (each).

[0013] It has proven effective for the end cap to be designed as a cup, sleeve, or pot made of plastic or metal (e.g., steel). The cup shape and plastic material offer advantages in the passenger car sector, whereas the steel material offers advantages in the commercial vehicle sector.

[0014] A special design is also characterized by the damper being arranged radially inside the torque limiter. This allows for particularly efficient use of installation space.

[0015] In principle, it is worth considering whether the damper is designed as a single-flange damper, a two-flange damper or a three-flange damper.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the flywheel is made of sheet metal. This is particularly advantageous in terms of production speed and material yield, as well as the generation of moment of inertia. The use of a cast flywheel is also conceivable. To be able to position a particularly large amount of mass radially outward, it is advantageous if the flywheel has a doubling area on the radial outer side or is folded radially outward.

[0017] Furthermore, from a corrosion perspective, it is advantageous if the torque limiter has a torque transmission plate made of stainless steel clamped between the friction linings.

[0018] Finally, the invention also relates to a vehicle drive train with an internal combustion engine, a transmission and a kit according to the invention arranged / interposed therebetween.

[0019] It is therefore important that a sheet metal flywheel is used, which is folded on the outside. The torque limiter is located radially outside the damper and riveted to the flywheel.

[0020] A conventional compression spring damper is located inside, which can also be equipped with a second friction device with a friction control disc. Its drive plate could extend directly between the torque limiter's linings as a friction partner. In this case, riveting it to a stainless steel sheet is particularly advantageous for passing corrosion tests.

[0021] If possible, a closed ring should not be used as a friction lining, but rather segments in order to minimize the use of material.

[0022] Ideally, the flange and hub are manufactured as one piece, i.e., integrally / from a single material, meaning the hub area is drawn out of the flange. A bolted connection to the crankshaft through holes in the flange / hub and a counter plate of the damper is recommended.

[0023] Various approaches are conceivable for disassembly: The damper in the torque limiter is rotated until the holes line up with the screws. The damper has a special geometry for a torque-reducing tool. However, instead of riveting, the damper can also be removed from the torque limiter. The counter-disk should be larger on the inside so that it does not extend over the screws. If the inner diameter of the counter-disk and friction sleeve is large enough to allow the screw holes to remain unobstructed, the flange in the damper could be rotated until the holes align. This is a third option for disassembly.

[0024] In principle, the kit is suitable for any drivetrain with an internal combustion engine. However, the primary focus is on hybrid systems.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing. It shows:

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a kit according to the invention in a longitudinal section along a rotation axis around which the flywheel of the kit rotates, and

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the kit according to the invention in a comparable representation.

[0028] The figures are merely schematic and serve only to clarify the invention. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Features of the individual embodiments may be interchangeable or complementary.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a kit 1 according to the invention, comprising a one-piece flywheel 2 and a torque limiter 3. In particular, the flywheel 2 is designed as a single component and can be screwed or is screwed directly, i.e. without further, intermediate components, to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. If necessary, however, a cover plate 8 can also be provided for the direct screw connection in order to prevent the screw heads from digging into the flywheel 2. Such a cover plate 8 can be neglected when determining the inertia of the flywheel 2 - and thus for the function and the one-piece design of the flywheel 2 - since the said cover plate 8 has a very small

[0030] mass which is arranged on a small radius, usually on the screw connection radius or the radius of the crankshaft connection.

[0031] The torque limiter 3 has at least two preferably segment-shaped friction linings 4. A torque transmission plate 5, preferably made of stainless steel, is clamped between these. At least one of the friction linings 4 is in direct / immediate contact with a first end face 6 of the flywheel 2. A flywheel screw / bolt 7 extends through the cover plate 8 to a second end face 9 of the flywheel 2 and engages a crankshaft (not shown), in which a counter thread for the screw 7 is present.

[0032] The friction lining 4 closest to the flywheel 2 is attached to the flywheel 2 via a positive connection 10.

[0033] The other friction lining 4, located away from the flywheel, is attached to a spacer element 11, namely a spacer plate or a spacer bolt, for example, via a carrier plate. A disc spring 14 can also be inserted between a support plate 12 and a plate / disk 13.

[0034] The torque transmission plate 6 located between the friction linings 4 can be designed as a disc or ring or can itself be segmented.

[0035] In any case, a rivet 15 engages to attach a drive plate 16 to the torque transmission plate 5. Furthermore, a spacer plate 17 can be used to secure a counter plate 18.

[0036] In an optional damper / torsional vibration damper 19, a plurality of springs 20 are then used. The springs 20 are typically compression springs, such as helical compression springs, especially straight helical compression springs. They dampen impacts, which are then transferred to a flange 21 with a hub 22 attached to it. The flange 21 and the hub 22 can also be constructed in two or more parts. The use of a disc spring 23 is just as suitable as the use of a friction sleeve 24 and a friction ring 25. The disc spring 23, the friction sleeve 24, and the friction ring 25 then constitute a friction device.

[0037] In Fig. 2, a similar structure is chosen, but there an additional mass ring 26 is attached to the flywheel 2.

[0038] List of reference symbols

[0039] kit

[0040] flywheel

[0041] Torque limiter

[0042] Friction lining

[0043] Torque transmission plate first face of the flywheel screw / flywheel screw cover plate second face of the flywheel

[0044] Form closure

[0045] spacer element

[0046] Support disc

[0047] Sheet metal / disc

[0048] Disc spring (ITL)

[0049] rivet

[0050] Drive plate

[0051] spacer plate

[0052] Counter pane

[0053] Damper / torsional vibration damper

[0054] Feather

[0055] flange

[0056] hub

[0057] Disc spring

[0058] Friction sleeve

[0059] friction ring

[0060] Massing

Claims

Patent claims 1. Kit (1) comprising a one-piece flywheel (2) which can be screwed directly to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and a torque limiter (3) for transmitting torque from the internal combustion engine to a downstream transmission of a vehicle drive train, wherein the torque limiter (3) has two friction linings (4) between which a torque transmission plate (5) is clamped, characterized in that one of the friction linings (4) is in contact with the flywheel (2).

2. Kit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the friction lining (4) closest to the flywheel is attached to the flywheel (2) or rubs against the flywheel (2) during operation.

3. Kit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring-section-shaped, segment-like or annular friction lining (4) is fastened to the flywheel (2) via a positive connection (10).

4. Kit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the friction lining (4) remote from the flywheel is fastened to a spacer element (11) fixed to the flywheel.

5. Kit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the torque transmission direction from the internal combustion engine to the transmission, a damper (19) is connected downstream of the torque limiter (3).

6. Kit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the damper (19) uses springs (20) in the manner of compression springs and / or a drive plate (16) itself acts as a friction partner in the torque limiter (3).

7. Kit (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that an end cap is provided on at least one end of the springs.

8. Kit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the end cap is designed as a cup, sleeve or pot made of plastic or metal.

9. Kit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damper (19) is arranged radially inside the torque limiter (3).

10. Vehicle drive train with an internal combustion engine, a transmission and a kit (1) arranged therebetween according to one of the preceding claims.