Torque limiter, transmission assembly and vehicle

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a torque limiter comprising a flywheel, a first axial load-bearing portion, a second axial load-bearing portion fixed axially with respect to the first axial load-bearing portion and spaced a certain distance from the first axial load-bearing portion, a torque input plate fixed radially with respect to the flywheel and driving the flywheel to rotate integrally around a rotation axis, and a driven plate configured to output torque. The torque input plate and the driven plate are axially positioned between the first axial load-bearing portion and the second axial load-bearing portion, with the torque input plate closer to the first axial load-bearing portion and the driven plate closer to the second axial load-bearing portion. The torque input plate and the driven plate are in contact with each other with a constant axial force, and the driven plate is driven to rotate around a rotation axis by friction between the two. This disclosure further relates to a transmission assembly comprising such a torque limiter and a vehicle comprising the transmission assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311079736.8 filed on August 25, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as part of the present application.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a torque limiter. In particular, the torque limiter has a flywheel integrated therein. The present disclosure further relates to a transmission assembly provided with such a torque limiter, and a vehicle provided with the transmission assembly. [Background Art]

[0003] The torque generated by an automobile engine is generally not constant and fluctuates frequently. Such non-constant torque can be transmitted to the gearbox, causing the gearbox to vibrate, thereby generating particularly undesirable noise or shock. In order to reduce the adverse effects of vibration and improve vehicle driving comfort, it is already known to provide a torque fluctuation absorbing mechanism in the drive train of a vehicle. The torque fluctuation absorbing mechanism can allow fluctuations in torque generated by the vehicle engine to be limited and absorbed. It is known that the torque fluctuation absorbing mechanism may comprise a torsional vibration damper and a torque limiter. The torsional vibration damper generally absorbs and reduces torque fluctuations through a spring structure, and the torque limiter can limit torque fluctuations exceeding the maximum torque allowed by the torsional vibration damper. Specifically, when the torque fluctuation exceeds the maximum allowable torque, the torque limiter slides, thereby limiting the transmitted torque.

[0004] In conventional technology, the flywheel, fixed to the crankshaft of the vehicle engine, is the upstream component of the torque limiter in the vehicle drivetrain. The torque limiter is fixed to and driven by the flywheel. The flywheel and torque limiter are separate structures. During installation, the flywheel is first fixed to the engine crankshaft by bolts or other fasteners, and then the torque limiter is fixed to the flywheel by bolts. This separate configuration of the flywheel and torque limiter requires two separate steps for installation, increasing the assembly process. Furthermore, this separate configuration increases the number of parts in the torque limiter, leading to increased material costs.

[0005] Therefore, existing torque limiters and flywheels have the disadvantages of having a large number of parts, high cost, and complex assembly. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems present in existing torque limiters and flywheels, and its objective is to provide a torque limiter that has an internally integrated flywheel, has a compact and robust configuration, and can be manufactured and assembled in a simple and cost-effective manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This objective is achieved by a torque limiter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a flywheel, a first axial load-bearing portion, a second axial load-bearing portion fixed axially with respect to the first axial load-bearing portion and spaced a certain distance from the first axial load-bearing portion, a torque input plate fixed radially with respect to the flywheel and driving the flywheel to rotate integrally around a rotation axis, and a driven plate configured to output torque. The torque input plate and the driven plate are axially positioned between the first axial load-bearing portion and the second axial load-bearing portion, with the torque input plate positioned closer to the first axial load-bearing portion and the driven plate positioned closer to the second axial load-bearing portion. The torque input plate and the driven plate are in contact with each other with a constant axial force, and the torque input plate drives the driven plate to rotate around a rotation axis by friction between the torque input plate and the driven plate.

[0008] The torque limiter according to this disclosure includes an integrated flywheel, so that the flywheel can be installed simultaneously in a single assembly operation for installing the torque limiter, thereby eliminating one assembly step. In this disclosure, the torque input plate of the torque limiter drives the flywheel to rotate integrally in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the radial relative fixation between the torque input plate and the flywheel prevents the flywheel's center of gravity from shifting away from the axis of rotation, thereby preventing the flywheel from vibrating during torque transmission. In the prior art, the flywheel is driven directly by the engine crankshaft, and then the torque limiter is driven by the flywheel. The transmission assembly according to this disclosure has a different power transmission path than that of the prior art. The torque input plate of the torque limiter further drives a driven plate configured to output torque by friction. Relative sliding may occur between the torque input plate and the driven plate to limit the torque transmitted. The torque input plate drives both the flywheel and the driven plate simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of components in the transmission assembly.

[0009] The transmission assemblies according to this disclosure may also have, either alone or in combination, one or more of the following features:

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further comprises an elastic member axially positioned between a first axial load-bearing portion and a second axial load-bearing portion, the elastic member biasing one of the torque input plate and the driven plate toward the other of the torque input plate and the driven plate. The biasing force of the elastic member can increase the friction between the torque input plate and the driven plate to adjust the maximum torque that the torque limiter can transmit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input plate comprises a plurality of locking teeth extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the torque input plate, and the torque input plate is radially fixed to the flywheel via the locking teeth.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member is positioned between a first axial load-bearing portion and a torque input plate, or between a driven plate and a second axial load-bearing portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further comprises a friction lining positioned on at least one of two axial sides adjacent to the driven plate. When the torque limiter is operating, the torque input plate, the first and second axial load-bearing portions, and the flywheel rotate together to form the torque input side. Torque is transmitted from the input side to the driven plate via the friction lining. When the torque input via the torque input plate exceeds the maximum torque that the torque limiter can transmit, sliding occurs between the friction lining and the driven plate, thereby providing a function to eliminate torque fluctuations.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking hole is provided in at least one of a plurality of locking teeth, and the torque input plate is fastened to the flywheel via a fastener that passes through the locking hole. This fastening allows the torque input plate and the flywheel to rotate together, that is, the torque input plate and the flywheel are fixed in the circumferential, radial, and axial directions.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further comprises an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate comprising a plurality of load-bearing tabs, a load-bearing ring spaced a certain distance axially from the load-bearing tabs, wherein each load-bearing tab is connected to the load-bearing ring via a pair of connecting strips, and a plurality of load-bearing teeth, each arranged radially inward of the corresponding load-bearing tab, wherein each load-bearing tooth is circumferentially arranged between a pair of corresponding connecting strips. The load-bearing teeth form a first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter, and the load-bearing ring forms a second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the load-bearing teeth are spaced a certain distance axially from the load-bearing tab and are connected to the load-bearing tab via a bent portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking teeth are circumferentially positioned between two adjacent load-bearing tabs and are inserted between two adjacent pairs of connecting strips and / or between two adjacent load-bearing tabs.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input plate further comprises a plurality of transmission teeth extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the torque input plate, each transmission tooth being inserted between a pair of corresponding connecting strips.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel has an axially recessed recess, and the locking teeth are received within the recess.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of a plurality of locking teeth is provided with a locking hole, the flywheel is provided with a fitting hole aligned with the locking hole, a locking pin passes through the locking hole and is inserted into the fitting hole, and thus the torque input plate is radially fixed to the flywheel.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flywheel includes a body portion and a flange portion extending radially inward from the body portion, the flange portion forming one of a first axial load-bearing portion and a second axial load-bearing portion of a torque limiter.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes a carrier plate fastened together with the flywheel, the carrier plate being axially spaced apart from the flange portion by a constant distance, and forming the other of the first axial load-bearing portion and the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier plate extends beyond the fitting hole to restrain the axial position of the locking pin. That is, axial movement of the locking pin away from the fitting hole toward the carrier plate is restricted by the carrier plate.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a connecting groove disposed on an inner circumference of the body portion, the fitting hole is positioned circumferentially within the connecting groove, and the locking tooth is inserted into the connecting groove.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes two carrier plates respectively fastened together with the flywheel on two axial sides of the flywheel, and the two carrier plates respectively form a first load-bearing portion and a second load-bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a connecting groove disposed on an inner circumference of the flywheel, and the locking tooth is inserted into the connecting groove.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one locking hole is provided in a torque input plate, a fitting hole aligned with the locking hole is provided in the flywheel, and a locking pin passes through the locking hole and is inserted into the fitting hole, whereby the torque input plate is fixed radially relative to the flywheel.

[0028] The present disclosure further relates to a transmission assembly comprising the torque limiter described above and a torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper comprises an input portion, an output portion, and a spring arranged to be compressed in the circumferential direction between the input portion and the output portion. The input portion of the torsional vibration damper is fastened together with the driven plate of the torque limiter, or the input portion of the torsional vibration damper is formed integrally with the driven plate of the torque limiter.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the torsional vibration damper is provided with a through hole, and a fastener is allowed to pass through the through hole to fasten the torque input plate of the torque limiter to an upstream component of the transmission assembly.

[0030] The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising the transmission assembly described above.

[0031] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein the description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The following drawings are not drawn to scale according to actual dimensions, but rather focus on illustrating the main objects of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an exploded view of a transmission assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a transmission assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 3, in which the torque limiter is shown in detail. [Figure 5]This figure shows a detailed view of a portion of the intermediate plate of the torsion limiter in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This figure shows the torque input plate in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the torque input plate and the intermediate plate. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the cooperation between the flywheel, torque input plate, and intermediate plate from different perspectives. [Figure 9] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a torque limiter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows the torque input plate in the embodiment shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This figure shows the flywheel in the embodiment shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] In the drawings, identical or similar components are indicated by the same reference numeral.

[0034] To clarify the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure are described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein have the general meanings understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Words such as “one,” “a,” or “the” used in the specifications and claims of patent applications disclosed herein do not indicate a limit on quantity, but mean that there is at least one. “Comprise,” “include,” or any other similar terms mean that the element or object appearing before the term encompasses, but does not exclude, any other element or object listed after the term. “Axial,” “radial,” “circumferential,” and other directions are defined with respect to the rotation axis X of the torque limiter, where the axial direction is the direction of extension of the rotation axis X, the radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X, and the circumferential direction is the direction of the circumference around the rotation axis X.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the transmission assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0037] The transmission assembly 1 may be configured to transmit torque between the engine and gearbox of an automobile. The transmission assembly 1 may be divided into two parts, namely a torque limiter 100 and a torsional vibration damper 200. The torque limiter 100 is connected to the crankshaft of the vehicle engine and driven by the crankshaft to transmit torque around the axis of rotation X. The torsional vibration damper 200 is entirely located inside the torque limiter 100, and the torque transmitted by the torque limiter 100 is output to the automobile's gearbox by the torsional vibration damper. The torque limiter 100 has a predetermined maximum torque, and even if the torque generated by the engine exceeds the maximum torque, the torque transmitted to the torsional vibration damper 200 does not exceed the maximum torque.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, the torsional vibration damper 200 has an input portion 210, an output portion 220, and four springs 230 arranged to be compressed between the input portion 210 and the output portion 220 in the circumferential direction. The input portion 210 is fixed to the driven plate 20 of the torque limiter 100, or is integrally formed with the driven plate 20, so as to receive torque transmitted from the torque limiter 100. The springs 230 are coil springs, with one end acting on the input portion 210 and the other end acting on the output portion 220, so as to transmit torque from the input portion 210 to the output portion 220. The springs 230 can absorb and reduce torque fluctuations by being compressed and extended. It is also conceivable that the driven plate 20 of the torque limiter 100 may be fixed to the output portion 220 of the torsional vibration damper 200. The torsional vibration damper 200 is provided with a through hole 201, which allows fasteners such as bolts to pass through the through hole 201 to fasten the torque input plate 10 of the torque limiter 100 to an upstream component of the transmission assembly 1, such as the engine crankshaft.

[0039] Referring further to Figures 1 and 2, and in conjunction with Figures 3 to 8, the torsion limiter 100 comprises a flywheel 60, a torque input plate 10, a driven plate 20, an elastic member 30, and an intermediate plate 40. The torque input plate 10 is connected radially inward to an upstream component, such as the engine crankshaft. Thus, the torsion limiter 100 receives torque from the engine via the torque input plate 10. The torque input plate 10 must be connected to the engine crankshaft and is therefore located closer to the engine (lower side in Figure 4) than the driven plate 20, which is configured to output torque.

[0040] The flywheel 60 is in an inertial configuration, circumferentially fixed to the torque input plate 10, and driven by the torque input plate 10 to rotate around the axis of rotation X. The flywheel 60 is also radially fixed to the torque input plate 10 to maintain its center of gravity on the axis of rotation X and prevent the flywheel 60 from vibrating during transmission. The flywheel 60 may have a large moment of inertia and be configured to absorb fluctuations in engine torque output, making its torque output more uniform. Referring to Figures 6 and 10, the outer circumference of the torque input plate 10 is provided with a plurality of locking teeth 11 extending radially outward. The torque input plate 10 is radially fixed to the flywheel 60 via the locking teeth 11 and drives the flywheel 60 to rotate via the locking teeth 11.

[0041] The radially inner portion of the driven plate 20 is fixedly connected to the input portion 210 of the torsional vibration damper 200, while its radially outer portion abuts the torque input plate 10 with a constant axial force. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the friction lining 21 is positioned adjacent to the driven plate 20 on both of its two axial sides. Thus, the driven plate 20 contacts and interacts with the friction lining 21 on its two axially opposing surfaces. In other embodiments not shown in the drawings, the friction lining 21 may be positioned on only one of the two axial sides of the driven plate 20. Another possible technical solution is to omit the friction lining 21 altogether, and instead, the surface of the torque input plate 10 or the driven plate 20 is treated to be suitable for transmitting a constant torque.

[0042] When the transmission assembly is operating, the vehicle's engine drives the torque input plate 10, which in turn drives the flywheel 60 to rotate around the rotation axis X via the locking teeth 11. Furthermore, through direct friction between the torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20, or indirect friction generated by the friction lining 21, the torque input plate 10 can drive the driven plate 20 and the input portion 210 of the torsional vibration damper 200 to rotate around the rotation axis X, thereby enabling torque transmission to the torsional vibration damper 200. When the torque transmitted from the engine to the torque limiter 100 reaches or exceeds the maximum torque of the torque limiter 100, sliding occurs between the driven plate 20 and the torque input plate 10, thereby limiting the torque transmitted to the torsional vibration damper 200 to the maximum torque of the torque limiter 100.

[0043] In order to allow the torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 to contact each other, the torque limiter 100 must have two axial load-bearing portions, the torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 being axially positioned between the two axial load-bearing portions. Without loss of generality, the axial load-bearing portion closer to the torque input plate 10 may be referred to as the first axial load-bearing portion, and the axial load-bearing portion closer to the driven plate 20 may be referred to as the second axial load-bearing portion.

[0044] The greater the friction between the torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20, the greater the maximum torque that the torque limiter 100 can transmit. The friction between the two can be increased by increasing the axial force between the torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 relative to each other. Therefore, the torsion limiter 100 includes an elastic member 30 axially positioned between a first axial load-bearing portion and a second axial load-bearing portion. The elastic member 30 may be in the form of a leaf spring and is supported by the first axial load-bearing portion or the second axial load-bearing portion, and either axially presses the torque input plate 10 toward the driven plate 20 or axially presses the driven plate 20 toward the torque input plate 10. Optionally, the torque input plate 10 may be formed of an elastic material, so that the torque input plate 10 itself can generate an axial force that pushes the driven plate 20 toward the second axial load-bearing portion, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated elastic member.

[0045] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 8, the torque input plate 10 and the flywheel 60 are fastened to each other. As shown in Figure 4, the locking teeth 11 of the torque input plate 10 are provided with locking holes 12, and a fastener 63 passes through the locking holes 12 to fasten the torque input plate 10 to the flywheel. The fastener 63 may be a screw, rivet, threaded rod, etc. Referring to Figure 8, the flywheel 60 has an axially recessed recess 64, and the locking teeth 11 are received within the recess 64. The recess 64 allows for easy circumferential positioning of the torque input plate 10 and the flywheel 60. Furthermore, the locking teeth 11 can also abut against the side wall of the recess 64, thereby allowing the torque input plate 10 and the flywheel 60 to be relatively fixed in the circumferential direction without relying on fasteners, and transmitting torque.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first and second axial load-bearing portions of the torsion limiter 100 are provided by an intermediate plate 40. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the intermediate plate 40 is integrally formed and comprises a plurality of load-bearing tabs 41 and a load-bearing ring 42. The load-bearing ring 42 is spaced a predetermined distance axially from the load-bearing tabs 41, and each load-bearing tab 41 is connected to the load-bearing ring 42 via a pair of connecting strips 43. The intermediate plate 40 further comprises a plurality of load-bearing teeth 44 arranged radially inward of the load-bearing tabs 41. In the circumferential direction, each load-bearing tooth 44 is positioned between a pair of connecting strips 43 that connect the corresponding load-bearing tab 41 to the load-bearing ring 42. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the load-bearing ring 42 is smaller than the radially inward diameter of the load-bearing tabs 41, and therefore the axial projection of the load-bearing ring 42 is within the load-bearing tabs 41.

[0047] The driven plate 20 is clamped slidably between the load-bearing ring 42 and the torque input plate 10 by an elastic member 30 positioned axially between the load-bearing teeth 44 and the torque input plate 10. The torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 are positioned axially between the load-bearing teeth 44 of the first ring 41 and the load-bearing ring 42. The load-bearing teeth 44 and the load-bearing ring 42 form two axial load-bearing portions of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the load-bearing teeth 44 form the first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100, and the load-bearing ring 42 forms the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100.

[0048] The load-bearing ring 42 and load-bearing tabs 41 are connected to each other via a number of connecting strips 43. Specifically, referring to Figure 5, one end of a pair of connecting strips 43 is connected to the radially inward side of the load-bearing tabs 41, extends axially to the height of the load-bearing ring 42, and connects to the radially outward side of the load-bearing ring 42. The load-bearing tabs 41 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The load-bearing teeth 44 are located radially inward of the load-bearing tabs 41 between the pair of connecting strips 43 that connect the load-bearing tabs 41 to the load-bearing ring 42, are spaced a certain distance axially from the load-bearing tabs 41, and are connected to the load-bearing tabs 41 via a bent portion 45. Thus, the load-bearing teeth 44 are located radially inside the load-bearing tabs 41. Before assembling the torque limiter 100, the load-bearing teeth 44 may extend axially from the load-bearing tabs 41. The bent portion 45 is formed by bending the load-bearing teeth 44 during the assembly of the torque limiter 100. Therefore, the load-bearing teeth 44 do not hinder the axial assembly of the torque input plate 10, the driven plate 20 and / or the elastic member 30, and can support the elastic member 30 after assembly, thereby clamping the torque input plate 10, the driven plate 20 and / or the elastic member 30 between the load-bearing teeth 44 and the load-bearing ring 42.

[0049] Figure 7 shows the cooperation between the torque input plate 10 and the intermediate plate 40. As shown in the figure, in the assembly configuration of the torque limiter 100, the locking teeth 11 of the torque input plate 10 extend radially and are circumferentially positioned between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 41. The intermediate plate 40 is axially movable relative to the torque input plate 10, for example, under the action of the elastic element 30. The axial position of the locking teeth 11 inserted into the intermediate plate 40 can also change. The locking teeth 11 can be axially inserted closer to the load-bearing tabs 43 between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 43, or axially inserted closer to the load-bearing ring 42 between two adjacent pairs of connecting strips 43. Correspondingly, a constant axial clearance may exist between the load-bearing tabs 41 of the intermediate plate 40 and the flywheel 60.

[0050] If relative sliding occurs in the circumferential direction between the torque input plate 10 and the intermediate plate 40, the locking teeth 11 abut against the side wall of the load-bearing tab 41 or connecting strip 43, preventing further sliding of the intermediate plate 40. Thus, the locking teeth 11 fix the intermediate plate 40 circumferentially to the torque input plate 10. This also enables torque transmission from the torque input plate 10 to the intermediate plate 40. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the width of the locking teeth 11 is approximately equal to the width of the gap between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 43 and / or the gap between two adjacent pairs of connecting strips 43, in order to eliminate relative sliding as much as possible. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the width of the locking teeth 11 may also be smaller than the width of the gap between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 43 or two adjacent pairs of connecting strips 43.

[0051] The torque input plate 10 may also have a plurality of transmission teeth 13 that extend radially outward from the outer circumference of the torque input plate 10 and are positioned between adjacent locking teeth 11. In the assembled configuration of the torque limiter 100, the angular positions of the transmission teeth 13 substantially coincide with the angular positions of the load-bearing teeth 44, which are inserted between a pair of corresponding connecting strips 43. The engagement of the transmission teeth 13 with the connecting strips 43 also allows the intermediate plate 40 to be fixed circumferentially to the torque input plate 10.

[0052] With the above configuration, the torque input plate 10, intermediate plate 40, and flywheel 60 of the torque limiter 100 are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction and rotate together, thereby collectively forming the input side of the torque limiter 100. The torque output from the torque limiter 100 to the torsional vibration damper 200 is realized via the driven plate 20.

[0053] Figures 9 to 11 show another embodiment of the torque limiter. In this embodiment, radial locking of the torque input plate 10 to the flywheel 60 is achieved via a locking pin 66. As shown in the figures, the locking teeth 11 of the torque input plate 10 are provided with locking holes 12, and the flywheel 60 is provided with a fitting hole 65 aligned with the locking holes 12. The locking pin 66 passes through the locking holes 12 and is inserted into the fitting hole 65, so that the torque input plate 10 is fixed to the flywheel 60 both circumferentially and radially. The fitting hole 65 shown in Figure 9 is a blind hole, which helps to restrain the axial position of the locking pin 66. Optionally, the fitting hole 65 may also be configured as a through hole, into which the locking pin 66 is press-fitted to prevent the locking pin 66 from falling out of the flywheel.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intermediate plate 40 is also omitted from the torque limiter 100, and other components function as axial load-bearing parts. The following description mainly focuses on embodiments that differ from those shown in Figures 4 to 8.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the flywheel 60 of the torque limiter 100 comprises a body portion 61 and a flange portion 62 extending radially inward from the body portion 61. The torque limiter 100 further comprises a carrier plate 50 fastened together with the flywheel 60, the carrier plate 50 being spaced a certain distance axially from the flange portion 62. Referring further to Figure 9, the flange portion 62 forms either a first axial load-bearing portion or a second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100. The torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 are axially positioned between the carrier plate 50 and the flange portion 62. The carrier plate 50 and the flange portion 62 form two axial load-bearing portions of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the carrier plate 50 is closer to the torque input plate 10 and forms the first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100, while the flange portion 62 is closer to the driven plate 20 and forms the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100. The positions of the flange portion 62 and the carrier plate 50 of the flywheel 60 in the axial direction may be reversed, that is, the flange portion 62 may form the first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100 and the carrier plate 50 may form the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter 100.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the carrier plate 50 extends beyond the fitting hole 65 of the flywheel 60, constraining the axial position of the locking pin 66. The locking pin 66 cannot move axially beyond the carrier plate 50, thereby preventing the locking pin 66 from disengaging from the fitting hole 65.

[0057] In addition to circumferential fixing via the locking pin 66, a connecting groove 67 is further provided on the flywheel 60 for circumferential fixing and torque transmission between the flywheel 60 and the torque input plate 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the connecting groove 67 is provided on the inner circumference of the main body portion 61 of the flywheel 60, and the locking teeth 11 of the torque input plate 10 are inserted into the connecting groove 67. As a result, the torque input plate 10 and the flywheel 60 are fixed to each other circumferentially by the engagement between the locking teeth 11 and the connecting groove 67. Correspondingly, the fitting hole 65 of the flywheel 60 is also positioned in the circumferential direction within the connecting groove 67, thereby enabling alignment with the locking hole 12 on the locking teeth 11.

[0058] Although not shown in the drawings, the axial load-bearing function of the torque limiter 100 may also be provided solely by the carrier plates 50 fastened to the flywheel 60. In such embodiments, the flywheel 60 may not have a flange portion, and instead, the torque limiter 100 comprises two carrier plates 50 fastened to the flywheel 60 on two axial sides of the flywheel 60, respectively. The two carrier plates 50 form the first and second load-bearing portions of the torque limiter 100. In this embodiment, relative fixing in the circumferential and radial directions between the flywheel 60 and the torque input plate 10 is achieved in a manner similar to that of the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11. The difference is that, since the carrier plates 50 can restrain the locking pin 66 in two axial directions, the hole in the flywheel 60 that engages with the locking pin 66 may be a blind hole as shown in Figure 9 or a through hole.

[0059] The above describes an embodiment in which the torque input plate 10 is radially fixed to the flywheel via locking teeth. It will be understood that the torque input plate 10 may not have locking teeth, and the body may be directly fixed radially to the flywheel. For example, the locking hole 12 may be directly provided in the body of the torque input plate 10 at a relatively radially outward position, and the flywheel 60 may be provided with a fitting hole 65 aligned with the locking hole 12. The locking pin 66 passes through the locking hole 12 and is inserted into the fitting hole 65, and thus the torque input plate 10 is radially fixed to the flywheel 60.

[0060] Some features, structures, or properties in one or more embodiments of this disclosure can be appropriately combined.

[0061] The above is a description of the Disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the Disclosure. While several exemplary embodiments of the Disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and merits of the Disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the Disclosure as defined by the claims. The above is a description of the Disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the Disclosure to any particular embodiment disclosed, and in addition, modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the Disclosure.

Claims

1. A torque limiter (100), wherein the torque limiter (100) is Flywheel (60) and The first axial load-bearing portion, A second axial load-bearing portion is fixed in the axial direction to the first axial load-bearing portion and spaced a certain distance from the first axial load-bearing portion, A torque input plate (10) is fixed radially to the flywheel (60) and drives the flywheel (60) to rotate integrally with the rotation axis (X), It comprises a driven plate (20) configured to output torque, The torque input plate (10) and the driven plate (20) are axially positioned between the first axial load-bearing portion and the second axial load-bearing portion, with the torque input plate (10) positioned closer to the first axial load-bearing portion and the driven plate (20) positioned closer to the second axial load-bearing portion. The torque input plate (10) and the driven plate (20) are in contact with each other with a constant axial force, and the torque input plate (10) drives the driven plate (20) to rotate around the rotation axis (X) by friction between the torque input plate (10) and the driven plate (20). A torque limiter (100) characterized by the following features.

2. The torque limiter (100) further comprises an elastic member (30) axially positioned between the first axial load-bearing portion and the second axial load-bearing portion, wherein the elastic member (30) biases one of the torque input plate (10) and the driven plate (20) toward the other of the torque input plate (10) and the driven plate (20). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that...

3. The torque input plate (10) is provided with a plurality of locking teeth (11) extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the torque input plate (10), and the torque input plate (10) is fixed radially to the flywheel (60) via the locking teeth (11). The torque limiter (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that...

4. The elastic member (30) is positioned between the first axial load-bearing portion and the torque input plate (10), or The elastic member (30) is positioned between the driven plate (20) and the second axial load-bearing portion. A torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

5. The torque limiter (100) further comprises a friction lining (21) disposed on at least one of two axial sides adjacent to the driven plate (20). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

6. A locking hole (12) is provided in at least one of the plurality of locking teeth (11), and the torque input plate (10) is fastened to the flywheel (60) via a fastener (63) that passes through the locking hole (12). A torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that

7. The torque limiter (100) further comprises an intermediate plate (40), and the intermediate plate (40) Multiple load-bearing tabs (41), A load-bearing ring (42) is spaced a certain distance in the axial direction from the load-bearing tab (41), wherein each load-bearing tab (41) is connected to the load-bearing ring (42) via a pair of connecting strips (43), A plurality of load-bearing teeth (44) are arranged radially inward of each corresponding load-bearing tab (41), and each load-bearing tooth (44) is arranged circumferentially between a pair of corresponding connecting strips (43), comprising: The load-bearing teeth (44) form the first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100), and the load-bearing ring (42) forms the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100). The torque limiter (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that...

8. The load-bearing teeth (44) are spaced a certain distance apart from the load-bearing tab (41) in the axial direction and are connected to the load-bearing tab (41) via a bent portion (45). The torque limiter (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that...

9. The locking teeth (11) are positioned circumferentially between two adjacent load-bearing tabs (41), A torque limiter (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is the same as the one described in claim 7 or 8.

10. The torque input plate (10) further comprises a plurality of transmission teeth (13) extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the torque input plate (10), and each transmission tooth (13) is inserted between a pair of corresponding connecting strips (43). The torque limiter (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that...

11. The flywheel (60) has a recess (64) that is recessed in the axial direction, and the locking teeth (11) are received within the recess (64). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is the same as the one described in claim 7 or 8.

12. A locking hole (12) is provided in at least one of the plurality of locking teeth (11), and a fitting hole (65) is provided in the flywheel (60) that is aligned with the locking hole (12), and a locking pin (66) passes through the locking hole (12) and is inserted into the fitting hole (65), so that the torque input plate (10) is fixed to the flywheel (60) in the radial direction. A torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that

13. The flywheel (60) comprises a main body portion (61) and a flange portion (62) extending radially inward from the main body portion (61), wherein the flange portion (62) forms either the first axial load-bearing portion or the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that...

14. The torque limiter (100) further comprises a carrier plate (50) fastened together with the flywheel (60), wherein the carrier plate (50) is spaced a certain distance in the axial direction from the flange portion (62) and forms the other of the first axial load-bearing portion or the second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that...

15. The carrier plate (50) extends beyond the fitting hole (65) to restrain the axial position of the locking pin (66). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that...

16. The flywheel (60) is provided with a connecting groove (67) located on the inner circumference of the main body portion (61), the fitting hole (65) is located in the circumferential direction within the connecting groove (67), and the locking teeth (11) are inserted into the connecting groove (67). A torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that

17. The torque limiter (100) further comprises two carrier plates (50) fastened together with the flywheel (60) on two axial sides of the flywheel (60), and the two carrier plates (50) each form a first load-bearing portion and a second load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that...

18. The flywheel (60) is provided with a connecting groove (67) located on the inner circumference of the flywheel (60), and the locking teeth (11) are inserted into the connecting groove (65). A torque limiter (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that...

19. The torque input plate (10) is provided with at least one locking hole (12), the flywheel (60) is provided with a fitting hole (65) aligned with the locking hole (12), a locking pin (66) passes through the locking hole (12) and is inserted into the fitting hole (65), and thus the torque input plate (10) is fixed to the flywheel (60) in the radial direction. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that...

20. A transmission assembly (1), wherein the transmission assembly (1) is A torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, A torsional vibration damper (200) comprises an input portion (210), an output portion (220), and a spring (230) arranged to be compressed circumferentially between the input portion (210) and the output portion (220), The input portion (210) of the torsional vibration damper (200) is fastened together with the driven plate (20) of the torque limiter (100), or the input portion (210) of the torsional vibration damper (200) is integrally formed with the driven plate (20) of the torque limiter (100). A transmission assembly (1) characterized by the following features.

21. The torsional vibration damper (200) is provided with a through hole (201) that allows a fastener to pass through the through hole (201) to fasten the torque input plate (10) of the torque limiter (100) to the upstream component of the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that

22. A vehicle comprising the transmission assembly (1) according to claim 20 or 21.

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