Seat and torsional shock absorber included

Abstract

Title: Seat and torsional damper including it. The invention relates to a seat (32) intended to be placed on one end of a first spring (20), in particular of a torsional damping device for a vehicle, comprising: - a dorsal part (34) including a body (35), adapted to cooperate with the end of the first spring, and a bar section (43) forming a surface adapted to be an element of a pivot joint; and - a front part (33) adapted to join with the dorsal part (34) by complementary shape. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Seat and torsional damper including it

[0001] The invention relates to seats for integrated springs, particularly in torsional dampers of a vehicle's transmission line. The invention also relates to torsional damping devices comprising such seats.

[0002] A torsional damping device integrated into a clutch friction element is known. This device comprises a set of springs whose ends cooperate with the rest of the device through one-piece metal seats. More specifically, the torsional damping device comprises two coaxial parts mounted to rotate relative to each other in contact with the aforementioned springs, which act circumferentially. The one-piece metal seats are located between, on the one hand, at least one of the spring ends and, on the other hand, one and / or the other of the coaxial parts.To this end, each one-piece metal seat comprises a front part ensuring the support and / or centering of the end of the spring or spring assembly with which it cooperates, and a back part attached to the front part featuring a section of bar extending outwards, creating a pivot connection with one or both of the coaxial parts.

[0003] However, these one-piece seats are expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, their significant mass complicates their implementation with respect to the requirements for overall reduction of clutch friction mass.

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to further improve the seats of torsional damping devices.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention provides a seat intended to be placed on one end of a first spring, in particular of a torsional damping device for a vehicle, comprising: - a dorsal part comprising a body, adapted to cooperate with the end of the first spring, and a section of bar forming a surface adapted to be an element of a pivot joint; and, - a front part adapted to combine with the back part by complementary shape.

[0006] Thus, the seat according to the invention is in two parts or bi-blocks (i.e., the seat is not a single block). These two blocks of the seat offer a wide variety of shapes, making it possible to reduce the seat's mass and facilitate its manufacture, while also preventing centrifugal force on the first spring and allowing said first spring to operate under optimal conditions, even at full torque, by maintaining parallelism between its ends. The invention makes it possible to obtain economical and lightweight seats without sacrificing their efficiency.

[0007] Reducing the mass of the seats has a direct impact on reducing fuel consumption and improving seat recycling. Furthermore, reducing seat mass also allows for a reduction in the inertia of the torsional damping device.

[0008] The two distinct parts of the seat facilitate the design and manufacture of each part, as each part can have a dedicated manufacturing process. Furthermore, the two parts are easily assembled, i.e., by complementary shapes, allowing for quick, simple, and efficient installation of the seat. Moreover, manufacturing a seat in two parts allows for the standardization of one part, preferably the backrest, thus providing a single reference regardless of the products offered, and only the other part, preferably the front section, needs to be adapted to the precise dimensions of said products.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the bar section forms a cylindrical surface. Thus, the pivot joint is optimized.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part is independent of the back part. Thus, the front part is not rigidly attached to the back part, for example by gluing or welding, before assembly. This freedom between the two parts of the seat facilitates the assembly or disassembly of the seat in the torsional damping device.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part is made at least partially of a first material and the back part is made at least partially of a second material, different from the first material. Thus, it is possible to choose the most suitable material for each part of the seat, taking into account the constraints related to their function while seeking to reduce the weight and manufacturing costs of the seat.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part of the seat is at least partly made of synthetic material. Thus, the weight and manufacturing cost of the seat are reduced without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the front part of the seat is made entirely of synthetic material. Thus, the weight and manufacturing cost of the seat are further reduced without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the back part of the seat is at least partly made of metal. Thus, the seat's efficiency is maintained at its optimum.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the back part of the seat is made entirely of metal. Thus, the seat's efficiency is maintained at its optimum.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the dorsal part comprises at least one projection, extending perpendicularly from an edge of said body, adapted to guide the first spring. Thus, the first spring bears against the The dorsal part's body and at least one protrusion guide the first spring to prevent it from centrifuging. This at least one protrusion extends perpendicularly, or radially, to the main surface of the dorsal part's body.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the dorsal part comprises at least two protrusions, preferably four protrusions, opposed in pairs. Thus, the first spring is perfectly guided.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the bar section is tubular and has an open cross-section opposite the front part. Thus, the mass of the back part is limited without sacrificing its effectiveness.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part comprises a body adapted to ensure at least one of the following: centering of the first spring, centering of a second spring internal to the first spring, and support of the second spring.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front part has a cross shape. Thus, the shape of the body is optimized between its centering function and the maximum reduction of its mass.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front part comprises at least one first rib, integral with a first edge of said body and extending radially from it, and adapted to fit into a first groove formed on the body of the back part. Thus, the back part and the front part fit together by complementary shape. Furthermore, the first rib is adapted to ensure axial retention of the seat during angular movement with compression of the first spring.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front part comprises two first ribs, extending opposite each other.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front part further comprises at least one second rib, integral with a second edge of said body, opposite the first edge, and extending radially from said body, the second rib being adapted to fit into a second groove formed on the body of the back part. Thus, the back and front parts fit together by complementary shape. In addition, the second rib is adapted to provide axial support for the seat during angular movement with compression of the first spring.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the front part comprises two second ribs, extending opposite each other.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the first spring rests on at least one first rib and on at least one second rib. Thus, the first spring makes it possible to hold the dorsal part and the frontal part together.

[0026] The invention further relates to a torsional damping device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising two coaxial parts mounted to rotate relative to each other against at least one first spring with, interposed circumferentially between one of the ends of said first spring and one of the coaxial parts, a seat as described above, the dorsal part of the seat being adapted to provide support for said first spring and to itself bear support on said coaxial part and the frontal part of the seat being adapted to join with the dorsal part by complementary shape.

[0027] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a semi-perspective front view of a clutch friction including seats according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a partial view of an enlargement of the [Fig.1];

[0030] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is identical to [Fig.2] with an alternative embodiment of the seat according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a perspective front view of the dorsal part of the seat according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a rear perspective view of the dorsal part of the [Fig.4];

[0033] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] is a perspective front view of the front part of the seat according to the invention;

[0034] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a rear perspective view of the front of the [Fig.6];

[0035] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a perspective front view of the seat according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a rear perspective view of the seat of the [Fig.8];

[0037] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective front view of the front part of the seat according to the alternative implementation of [Fig.3];

[0038] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a perspective front view of the seat including the front part of the [Fig. 10].

[0039] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0040] In the description and claims, the terms "external" and "internal," as well as the orientations "axial" and "radial," will be used to designate, according to the definitions given in the description, elements of the torsional damping device. The axis of rotation X determines the "axial" orientation. The "radial" orientation is directed orthogonally to the axis of rotation X. The "circumferential" orientation is directed orthogonally to the axis of rotation X and orthogonally to the radial direction. Furthermore, the angles and angular sectors expressed are defined in relation to the axis of rotation X. The terms "external" and "internal" are used to define the relative position of one component with respect to another, with reference to the axis of rotation X; a component close to said axis is thus described as internal, as opposed to an external component located radially at the periphery.

[0041] By "vehicle" we mean motor vehicles, which include not only passenger vehicles but also industrial vehicles, which include in particular heavy goods vehicles, public transport vehicles or agricultural vehicles, but also any transport device enabling the passage from one point to another of a living being and / or an object or any stationary device performing mechanical work.

[0042] Ordinal numeral adjectives are used to differentiate features. They do not define the position of a feature. Therefore, for example, a third feature of a product does not mean that the product has a first and / or a second feature.

[0043] Fig. 1 represents, by way of example, the application of the invention to a clutch friction 10, in particular for a vehicle.

[0044] The clutch friction 10 may include a hub 11 and a friction disc 12, with, intervening between these, a torsional damping device 14.

[0045] The friction disc 12 can be adapted to be fixed in rotation on a driving shaft, or crankshaft, connected to the vehicle's engine. The hub 11 can be adapted to be fixed in rotation on a driven shaft, connected to the gearbox. The hub 11 can be free to rotate about an axis of rotation X.

[0046] The friction disc 12 may comprise a web and, for clamping between the two plates of a clutch not shown, two friction linings 16, each attached respectively to the periphery of the web, on either side thereof. The web may be thin, possibly fragmented into blades.

[0047] The torsional damping device 14 is adapted to operate at high torques. The torsional damping device 14 may comprise two coaxial parts 14A, 14B, which, within the limits of a determined angular deflection, are mounted to rotate relative to each other against damping devices 22 acting circumferentially between them. Each damping device 22 may include a single first spring 20. The first spring 20 can be a helical spring.

[0048] Alternatively, each damping device 22 may comprise a first spring 20 and a second spring 21, internal to the first spring 20. The first spring 20 is the external spring or the spring with the larger diameter. The second spring 21 is the internal spring or the spring with the smaller diameter. Thus, the outer diameter of the second spring is smaller than the inner diameter of the first spring 20. The first and second springs are coaxial. The second spring 21 may be a helical spring. The second spring 21 may have a lower stiffness than the first spring 20. Each damping device 22 may further comprise a third spring located axially between the first and second springs. The three springs are coaxial. The third spring may be a helical spring.

[0049] The coaxial portion 14A may include two guide washers 23. The two guide washers 23 may be parallel to each other, preferably spaced apart. The two guide washers 23 may be connected, with or without clearance, to the hub 11 at their smaller diameter periphery in order to transmit torque to it.

[0050] The coaxial part 14B may include a veil 25. The veil 25 may be positioned between the guide washers 23. The friction disc 12 may be fixed to the veil 25.

[0051] It is possible to reverse the structure, the veil 25 engaging with play, for example via a tooth, the hub 11 while the guide washers 23 are mounted free to rotate relative to the hub 11 by being connected to each other and fixed to the friction disc 12, the latter being for example fixed by riveting to one of them.

[0052] The torsional damping device 14 may comprise a plurality of damping devices 22. In the example shown in [Fig. 1], the torsional damping device 14 comprises five damping devices 22. The damping devices 22 may be regularly distributed circumferentially, all being elongated substantially tangentially to the same circumference of the assembly. Each of the damping devices 22 may be housed in a recess 28. The recess 28 may be formed by a window made in the guide washers 23 and by a window made in the web 25.

[0053] Between at least one of the ends of the first spring 20 and one and / or the other of the coaxial parts 14A, 14B, a seat 32 may be interposed circumferentially. The seat 32 may include a front part 33 and a back part 34.

[0054] The seat 32 can be two-piece. The front part 33 and the back part 34 can be independent of each other. Before assembly in the torsional damping device 14, the front part 33 is not rigidly attached to the back part 34. Each part can be manufactured independently of the other parts and have its own manufacturing process, shape and / or material.

[0055] Alternatively, the seat 32 may be composed of a plurality of parts or blocks. For example, the front part 33 may be composed of a plurality of blocks. The back part 34 may be composed of a plurality of blocks.

[0056] The front portion 33 and the rear portion 34 can be assembled by complementary shape. The rear portion 34 can provide support for the first spring 20. The rear portion 34 can also bear on one and / or the other of the coaxial portions 14A, 14B, by being pivotally mounted relative to them about an axis parallel to their own axis, and therefore to the axis of rotation X of the hub 11. The front portion can center the first spring 20. Alternatively, the front portion 33 can provide support and / or center the second spring 21.

[0057] A seat 32 can be installed at each end of the shock-absorbing devices 22.

[0058] All seats 32 can be identical to each other.

[0059] The front portion 33 may include a body 24. The body 24 may extend along the axial direction between a first end 29 and a second end 30. The body 24 may extend along the radial direction between a first edge 18 and a second edge 19. The body 24 may form a cross, the first arm of the cross extending between the first end 29 and the second end 30, and the second arm of the cross extending between the first edge 18 and the second edge 19. Each of the edges and ends is adapted to ensure the centering of the first spring 20. Each of the edges and ends may also, or alternatively, provide support for the second spring 21. The body 24 may have a first flat surface 26 opposite the first spring 20. The body 24 may have a second surface, opposite to the first flat surface 26.

[0060] Alternatively, the body 24 may have a circular shape. The first surface 26 may include a stepped section 60 for centering the first spring 20. Alternatively or additionally, the stepped section 60 may provide support and / or centering for the second spring 21. The first surface 26 of the body 24 may include a single step 60. Alternatively, the first surface 26 of the body 24 may include, annularly and concentrically, two steps 60. The outermost step 60 provides centering for the first spring 20, and the innermost step 60 provides support and centering for the second spring 21.

[0061] Each of the steps 60 may include, perpendicular to the axis of the first spring 20 at rest, a transverse portion for the support of the first or second spring concerned, and, parallel to this axis, an axial portion for the centering of this spring.

[0062] The front portion 33 may further comprise at least one first rib 50. The first rib 50 may extend radially between an inner end 51 and an outer end 52. The first rib 50 may be integral with the body 24. More particularly, the first rib 50 may be integral with the first edge 18. The inner end 51 of the first rib 50 may be integral with the first edge 18 of the body 24. Alternatively, an intermediate portion of the first rib, located between the inner end 51 and the outer end 52, may be integral with the first edge 18. The first rib 50 may be circumferentially offset from the body 24. The first rib 50 may extend circumferentially between a first end at least partially integral with the body 24 and a second free end. The first end of the first rib 50 can be flat.The first end of the first rib 50 may be parallel to the body 24. The second free end of the first rib 50 may be planar. The second free end of the first rib 50 may be tangential to the body 24.

[0063] Preferably, the front part 33 may include a pair of first ribs 50, parallel to each other, preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0064] The front portion 33 may further comprise at least one second rib 55. The second rib 55 may extend radially between an inner end 56 and an outer end 57. The second rib 55 may be integral with the body 24. More specifically, the second rib 55 may be integral with the second edge 19. The inner end 56 of the second rib 55 may be integral with the second edge 19 of the body 24. Alternatively, an intermediate portion of the second rib, located between the inner end 56 and the outer end 57, may be integral with the second edge 19. The second rib 55 may be circumferentially offset from the body 24. The second rib 55 may extend circumferentially between a first end at least partially integral with the body 24 and a second free end. The first end of the second rib 55 can be flat.The first end of the second rib 55 can be parallel to the body 24. The second free end of the second rib 55 can be planar. The second free end of the second rib 50 can be parallel to the body 24.

[0065] Preferably, the front part 33 may include a pair of second ribs 55, parallel to each other, preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0066] The first rib 50 and the second rib 55 can extend axially between the web 25 and the guide washers 23, their axial spacing being a function of the thickness of the web 25. The first rib 50 and the second rib 55 have for function of axially securing the seats 32 on the web 25, to prevent them from escaping the housings 28 of the shock-absorbing device 22.

[0067] The front portion 33 can be produced by a forging process. Alternatively, the front portion 33 can be produced by a cold forging process.

[0068] The dorsal portion 34 may include a body 35. The body 35 may be at least partially circular. The body 35 may be circular with a flat portion. The body 35 may have a continuous edge 36. The body 35 may have a first flat surface 37, opposite the first spring 20. The surface 37 may be adapted to serve as a support for the first spring 20. The body 35 may have a second flat surface, opposite the first flat surface 37. The second surface may be in contact with one or both of the coaxial portions 14A, 14B.

[0069] The body 35 may further comprise a bar section 43. The bar section 43 may be a part of the body 35, more particularly a part of the second surface of the body 35. The bar section 46 may be adapted to bear on one or both of the coaxial parts 14A, 14B. The bar section 43 may project from the second surface of the body 35. The bar section 43 may extend axially, that is, parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hub 11. The bar section 43 may have, at least locally, a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surface may have a curved cross-section.

[0070] The bar section 43 can be formed by stamping onto the body 35.

[0071] By means of this dorsal part 34, the seat 32 can be engaged, by tilting, with a notch, of curved profile, on one of the radial edges of the windows of the guide washers 23 of the coaxial part 14A, and / or with a notch, of curved profile, on one of the radial edges of the windows of the web 25 of the coaxial part 14B. The profiles of the notches can be complementary to the profile of the bar section 43.

[0072] By this tilting mechanism, the seats 32 advantageously allow the ends of the damping devices 22 to remain substantially parallel to each other during operation. At rest, they bear against the innermost radial portion of the radial edges of the windows in the guide washers 23. At the end of the angular travel between these washers and the web 25, they bear against the outermost radial portion of these radial edges.

[0073] The bar section 43 may have a cross-section of its circular cylindrical surface.

[0074] The bar section 43 can be tubular. The cross-section can be circularly closed. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the cross-section of the bar section 43 can be open on the side of the front part 33, with an opening angle of less than 180°.

[0075] The bar section 43 can form an insert into which at least a portion of the body 24 of the front part 33 can be inserted. The body 24 of the front part 33 can completely fill the internal volume of the bar section 43. Preferably, the body 24 of the front part 33 can partially fill the internal volume of the bar section 43.

[0076] Alternatively, the bar section 43 can be solid.

[0077] When the bar section 43 is full, the material of the body 24 of the front part 33 encases it.

[0078] The first rib 50 and the second rib 55 of the front portion 33 can be arranged opposite each other on either side of the bar section 43. The first rib 50 and / or the second rib 55 can extend over at least a portion of the bar section 43, for example, by conforming at least locally to its shape. The first rib 50 and the second rib 55 can allow the bar section 43 to be snapped into place with the front portion 33. To achieve this, the first rib 50 and the second rib 55 can extend slightly obliquely, converging towards each other on either side of the bar section 43. In this embodiment, the front portion 33 is not independent of the dorsal portion 34.

[0079] Alternatively, the first rib 50 and the second rib 55 of the front part 33 can be at a distance from the bar section 43. The first spring 20 can exert pressure on the first rib 50 and the second rib 55 in order to hold the front part 33 with the back part 34.

[0080] The dorsal portion 34 may further include at least one projection 38. The projection 38 may extend circumferentially. The projection 38 may extend perpendicularly to the body 35 between a first end fixed to said body 35 and a second free end. The projection 38 is adapted to guide the first spring 20. The projection 38 may have a curved shape. The shape of the projection 38 may be adapted to conform to the shape of the coils of the first spring 20.

[0081] Preferably, the dorsal portion 34 may comprise a pair of protrusions 38, preferably opposite each other. More particularly, the dorsal portion 34 may comprise two pairs of protrusions 38, preferably opposite each other.

[0082] The dorsal portion 34 may further comprise at least one first groove 39. More specifically, the body 35 of the dorsal portion 34 may comprise at least one first groove 39. The first groove 39 may be through groove 39. The first groove 39 may be closed groove 39. The first groove 39 is adapted to receive, by complementary shape, the first rib 50.

[0083] Preferably, the dorsal part 34 may include a pair of first grooves 39, parallel to each other, preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0084] The dorsal portion 34 may further include at least one second groove 40. More specifically, the body 35 of the dorsal portion 34 may include at least one second groove 40. The second groove 40 may be through groove 40. The second groove 40 may be open at at least one of its ends, preferably its inner end. The second groove 40 is adapted to receive, by complementary shape, the second rib 55.

[0085] Preferably, the dorsal part 34 may include a pair of second grooves 40, parallel to each other, preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0086] According to the invention, the front portion 33 of the seats 32 may be at least partially made of a first material. Alternatively, the front portion 33 may be made entirely of this first material. The back portion 34 of the seats 32 may be at least partially made of a second material. Alternatively, the back portion 34 may be made entirely of this second material. The first material may be different from the second material. The first material may be a synthetic material, for example, plastic or type 6.6 polyamide. The second material may be a metal such as high-carbon steel or aluminum.

Claims

Demands

1. Seat (32) intended to be placed on one end of a first spring (20), in particular of a torsional damping device (14) for a vehicle, comprising: - a dorsal part (34) comprising a body (35), adapted to cooperate with the end of the first spring, and a bar section (43) forming a surface adapted to be an element of a pivot joint; and - a front part (33) adapted to associate with the dorsal part (34) by complementary form, the body (35) of the dorsal part (34) comprising at least one projection (38), extending perpendicularly from an edge (36) of said body (35), adapted to guide the first spring (20).

2. Seat (32) according to the preceding claim, wherein the front part (33) is independent of the back part (34).

3. Seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front part (33) is made at least partially of a first material and the back part (34) is made at least partially of a second material, different from the first material.

4. Seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bar section (43) is tubular and has, opposite the front part (33), an open cross-section.

5. Seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front part (33) comprises a body (24) adapted to provide at least one of a centering of the first spring (20), a centering of a second spring (21) internal to the first spring and a support of the second spring.

6. Seat (32) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (24) of the front part (33) comprises at least one first rib (50), integral with a first edge (18) of said body (24) and extending radially with respect to it, and adapted to fit into a first groove (39) formed on the body (35) of the back part (34).

7. Seat (32) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (24) of the front part (33) further comprises at least one second rib (55), integral with a second edge (19) of said body (24), opposite the first edge (18), and extending radially with respect to said body, the second rib (55) being adapted to fit into a second groove (40) formed on the body (35) of the dorsal part (34).

8. Seat (32) according to the preceding claim, in which the first spring (20) is supported on at least one first rib (50) and on at least one second rib (55).

9. Torsional damping device (14), in particular for a vehicle, comprising two coaxial parts (14A, 14B) mounted rotatably relative to each other against at least one first spring (20) with, interposed circumferentially between one of the ends of said first spring (20) and one of the coaxial parts (14A, 14B), a seat (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, the dorsal part (34) of the seat (32) being adapted to provide support for said first spring and to itself bear on said coaxial part, and the frontal part (33) of the seat (32) being adapted to join with the dorsal part (34) by complementary shape.