Torque limiter, drive assembly and vehicle

Abstract

A torque limiter (100), a drive assembly (1) and a vehicle. The torque limiter (100) comprises a flywheel (60); a first axial bearing part; a second axial bearing part, which is fixed relative to the first axial bearing part in the axial direction and is spaced a certain distance apart from same; a torque input disc (10), which is fixed relative to the flywheel (60) in the circumferential direction and drives the flywheel (60) to integrally rotate around the rotation axis; and a driven disc (20), used for outputting torque. The torque input disc (10) and the driven disc (20) are axially arranged between the first and second axial bearing parts, and the torque input disc (10) is closer to the first axial bearing part while the driven disc (20) is closer to the second axial bearing part. The torque input disc (10) abuts against the driven disc (20) with a certain axial force, and drives, by means of a frictional force therebetween, the driven disc (20) to rotate around the rotation axis (X). The torque limiter (100) has a compact and firm structure, and can be manufactured and assembled simply and cost-effectively.

Description

Torque limiters, transmission components and vehicles Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a torque limiter. In particular, the torque limiter comprises a flywheel integrated into the torque limiter. The present disclosure also relates to a transmission assembly comprising such a torque limiter and a vehicle comprising the transmission assembly. Background Art

[0002] The torque generated by a motor vehicle engine is usually not constant and often fluctuates. This non-constant torque can be transmitted to the gearbox, causing vibrations in the gearbox and thus generating particularly undesirable noise or impacts, etc. In order to reduce the adverse effects of vibrations and improve the driving comfort of the vehicle, it is known to equip the vehicle transmission system with a torque fluctuation absorbing mechanism. The torque fluctuation absorbing mechanism can allow the fluctuations in the torque generated by the vehicle engine to be limited and absorbed. It is known that the torque fluctuation absorbing mechanism can include a torsional vibration damper and a torque limiter. The torsional vibration damper usually absorbs and reduces the fluctuations in the torque by a spring structure, while the torque limiter can limit the torque fluctuations that exceed the maximum torque that the torsional vibration damper can allow. Specifically, when the torque fluctuation exceeds the maximum torque, the torque limiter slips, thereby limiting the transmitted torque.

[0003] In the prior art, the flywheel, fixed to the crankshaft of a vehicle engine, is the upstream component of the torque limiter in the vehicle's drivetrain. The torque limiter is fixed to the flywheel and driven by it. The flywheel and torque limiter are separate components. During installation, the flywheel is first secured to the engine crankshaft using fasteners such as bolts, and the torque limiter is then bolted to the flywheel. This separate construction of the flywheel and torque limiter requires two separate steps to install the flywheel and torque limiter, increasing the assembly process. Furthermore, this separate construction increases the number of components in the torque limiter, leading to higher material costs.

[0004] Therefore, existing torque limiters and flywheels have the disadvantages of having a large number of parts, high costs, and complicated assembly.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in existing torque limiters and flywheels, and its purpose is to provide a torque limiter, which includes a flywheel integrated in the torque limiter, has a compact and strong structure, and can be manufactured and assembled in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0007] The aforementioned object is achieved by a torque limiter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which comprises: a flywheel; a first axial bearing portion; a second axial bearing portion fixed relative to the first axial bearing portion in the axial direction and spaced a certain distance apart; a torque input disc fixed relative to the flywheel in the circumferential direction and driving the flywheel to rotate integrally around a rotation axis; and a driven disc for outputting torque. The torque input disc and the driven disc are axially arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion, with the torque input disc being arranged closer to the first axial bearing portion and the driven disc being arranged closer to the second axial bearing portion. The torque input disc and the driven disc abut against each other with a certain axial force, and the torque input disc drives the driven disc to rotate around the rotation axis through the friction force between the torque input disc and the driven disc.

[0008] The torque limiter according to the present disclosure includes a flywheel integrated in the torque limiter, so the flywheel can be installed at the same time through a single assembly operation of installing the torque limiter, eliminating one assembly process. In the present disclosure, the flywheel is driven by the torque input disc of the torque limiter. In the prior art, the flywheel is directly driven by the engine crankshaft, and the torque limiter is then driven by the flywheel. The transmission assembly according to the present disclosure has a power transmission path that is different from the prior art. The torque input disc of the torque limiter also drives the driven disc for outputting torque through friction. Relative sliding can occur between the torque input disc and the driven disc to limit the transmitted torque. The torque input disc drives both the flywheel and the driven disc at the same time, thereby reducing the number of components of the transmission assembly.

[0009] The transmission assembly according to the present disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes an elastic member axially arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion, wherein the elastic member biases one of the torque input disc and the driven disc toward the other of the torque input disc and the driven disc. The biasing force of the elastic member increases the friction between the torque input disc and the driven disc, thereby adjusting the maximum torque that the torque limiter can transmit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input disc of the torque limiter includes a plurality of transmission teeth extending radially outward or axially from its outer circumference. The torque input disc drives the flywheel via the transmission teeth. The transmission teeth of the torque input disc allow the torque input disc to be fixed relative to the flywheel in the circumferential direction, while not hindering the placement of the torque input disc between the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion during assembly.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input plate includes an inner plate and an outer plate fastened together, the outer plate is located radially outside the inner plate, and the transmission teeth are located at an outer circumference of the outer plate.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member is arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the torque input disc; or the elastic member is arranged between the driven disc and the second axial bearing portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes a friction lining disposed proximate to at least one of the two axial sides of the driven disc. During operation, the torque limiter rotates together with the torque input disc, the first and second axial bearing members, and the flywheel, forming a torque input side. Torque is transmitted from the input side to the driven disc via the friction lining. When the torque input via the torque input disc exceeds the maximum torque capable of transmission by the torque limiter, slippage occurs between the friction lining and the driven disc, thereby eliminating torque fluctuations.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes an intermediate disk, the intermediate disk comprising: a first ring securely connected to the flywheel; and a plurality of connecting strips integrally formed with the first ring. At least a portion of the connecting strips extends axially, and the drive teeth of the torque input disk can be inserted between two adjacent connecting strips.

[0016] According to this technical solution, the transmission teeth of the torque input disc can abut against the connecting strip of the intermediate disc, thereby transmitting the torque to the intermediate disc, and then transmitting the torque to the flywheel through the integrally formed first ring, thereby realizing torque transmission between the torque input disc and the flywheel.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ring includes a ring body and a plurality of first teeth, and each first tooth is arranged between two adjacent connecting strips in a circumferential direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring body is fastened to the flywheel, the first teeth are arranged at the inner circumference of the ring body, and constitute one of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring body is fastened to the flywheel, the first teeth are arranged at the outer circumference of the ring body and fastened to the flywheel, and the ring body constitutes one of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first tooth is axially spaced a certain distance from the ring body and is connected to the ring body via a bent portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate disk further includes a second ring, axially spaced a certain distance from the first ring and integrally formed with the connecting bar. The second ring constitutes the other of the first and second axial bearing portions of the torque limiter. In other words, the elastic member, torque input disk, and driven disk are clamped between the ring body or first teeth of the first ring and the second ring.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting strip includes a radially extending section axially spaced a certain distance from the first ring. This radially extending section constitutes the other of the first and second axially bearing portions of the torque limiter. In other words, the elastic member, the torque input disc, and the driven disc are clamped between the ring body of the first ring or the radially extending section of the connecting strip.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a main body portion and a flange portion extending radially inward from the main body portion, and the flange portion constitutes one of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel further includes a support protrusion extending radially inward from the main body. The support protrusion is axially spaced a certain distance from the flange portion, and the support protrusion constitutes the other of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter. In other words, the elastic member, the torque input disc, and the driven disc are clamped between the flange portion and the support protrusion of the flywheel.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes a carrier plate secured to the flywheel. The carrier plate is axially spaced a certain distance from the flange portion and constitutes the other of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter. In other words, the elastic member, the torque input plate, and the driven plate are clamped between the flange portion of the flywheel and the carrier plate.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a coupling hole disposed on the flange portion. The transmission teeth extend axially from the outer circumference of the torque input disc and are insertable into the coupling hole, thereby securing the torque input disc relative to the flywheel in the circumferential direction. In other words, the transmission teeth of the torque input disc engage with the coupling hole to achieve torque transmission between the torque input disc and the flywheel.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a coupling groove arranged on the inner circumference of the main body. The transmission teeth extend radially from the outer circumference of the torque input disc and are insertable into the coupling groove, thereby securing the torque input disc relative to the flywheel in the circumferential direction. In other words, the transmission teeth of the torque input disc engage with the coupling groove to achieve torque transmission between the torque input disc and the flywheel.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of support protrusions is provided with an anti-rotation groove.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member has multiple peripheral teeth, each supported by a support protrusion, and one of the teeth presses against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove. According to this technical solution, if circumferential relative sliding occurs between the elastic member and the flywheel, the peripheral teeth can abut against the sidewalls of the anti-rotation groove, preventing excessive sliding of the elastic member. Thus, the anti-rotation groove serves to limit relative sliding between the elastic member and the flywheel in the circumferential direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer peripheral teeth of the elastic member have a size capable of passing through between adjacent support protrusions in the axial direction, and the elastic member can be rotated by an angle in the circumferential direction during assembly so that the outer peripheral teeth are supported on the support protrusions.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission teeth extend radially from the outer circumference of the torque input disc. Each transmission tooth is supported by a support protrusion, and one of the multiple transmission teeth presses against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove. According to this technical solution, the torque input disc is circumferentially fixed relative to the flywheel through the cooperation between the transmission teeth and the anti-rotation groove. The transmission teeth of the torque input disc can abut against the sidewalls of the anti-rotation groove, enabling torque transmission between the torque input disc and the flywheel.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission teeth have a size capable of passing through between adjacent support protrusions in the axial direction, and the torque input disc can be rotated by an angle in the circumferential direction during assembly so that the transmission teeth are supported on the support protrusions.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes two carrier plates fastened to the flywheel on either axial side of the flywheel. The two carrier plates respectively constitute the first and second carrier portions of the torque limiter. In other words, the elastic member, the torque input plate, and the driven plate are clamped between the two carrier plates.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the two carrier plates is provided with a transmission hole. The transmission teeth extend axially from the outer circumference of the torque input plate and are insertable into the transmission hole, thereby securing the torque input plate relative to the flywheel in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the transmission teeth of the torque input plate engage with the transmission hole to achieve torque transmission between the torque input plate and the flywheel.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a coupling groove arranged on the inner circumference of its main body. The transmission teeth extend radially from the outer circumference of the torque input disc and are insertable into the coupling groove, thereby securing the torque input disc relative to the flywheel in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the transmission teeth of the torque input disc engage with the coupling groove to achieve torque transmission between the torque input disc and the flywheel.

[0036] The present disclosure also relates to a transmission assembly comprising the torque limiter and a torsional vibration damper as described above. The torsional vibration damper comprises an input portion, an output portion, and a spring arranged to be compressed circumferentially between the input and output portions. The input portion of the torsional vibration damper is fastened to a driven plate of the torque limiter, or the input portion of the torsional vibration damper and the driven plate of the torque limiter are integrally formed.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torsional vibration damper includes a through-hole, and a fastener can pass through the through-hole to fasten the torque input disc of the torque limiter to the upstream component of the transmission assembly.

[0038] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising the transmission member as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The following drawings are not drawn to scale with actual size, but are intended to illustrate the main points of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0040] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a transmission assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 showing the torsion limiter in detail.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows in detail a portion of the intermediate disk of the torsion limiter in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

[0045] FIG. 6 shows the torque input disc in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the transmission teeth of the torque input disc and the connecting strips of the intermediate disc.

[0047] FIG8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torque limiter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a portion of the flywheel in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 in detail.

[0049] FIG. 10 shows the elastic member of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 .

[0050] FIG. 11 shows the torque input disc in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 .

[0051] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torque limiter according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 13 shows the flywheel in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 .

[0053] In the various drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the usual meanings understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Similar words such as "one", "an" or "the" used in the patent application specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Similar words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Directions such as "axial", "radial" and "circumferential" are defined relative to the rotation axis X of the torque limiter. The axial direction is the direction in which the rotation axis X extends, the radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X, and the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X.

[0056] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the transmission assembly shown in Fig. 1 .

[0057] A transmission assembly 1 can be used to transmit torque between the engine and gearbox of a motor vehicle. The transmission assembly 1 can be divided into two parts: a torque limiter 100 and a torsional vibration damper 200. The torque limiter 100 is connected to and driven by the crankshaft of the vehicle engine to transmit torque about a rotation axis X. The torsional vibration damper 200 is entirely located within the torque limiter 100 and outputs the torque transmitted by the torque limiter 100 to the gearbox of the motor vehicle. The torque limiter 100 has a predetermined maximum torque. Even if the torque generated by the engine exceeds this maximum torque, the torque transmitted to the torsional vibration damper 200 will not exceed this maximum torque.

[0058] Referring to FIG3 , a torsional vibration damper 200 includes an input portion 210, an output portion 220, and four springs 230 arranged to be compressed circumferentially between the input portion 210 and the output portion 220. The input portion 210 is fixed to or integrally formed with the driven plate 20 of the torque limiter 100 to receive torque transmitted from the torque limiter 100. The springs 230 are coil springs, one end of which is acted upon by the input portion 210 and the other end of which acts upon the output portion 220 to transmit torque from the input portion 210 to the output portion 220. The springs 230 absorb and mitigate torque fluctuations through compression and expansion. It is conceivable that the driven plate 20 of the torque limiter 100 could also be fixed to the output portion 220 of the torsional vibration damper 200. The torsional vibration damper 200 includes a through-hole 201 through which a fastener such as a bolt can pass to fasten the torque input disc 10 of the torque limiter 100 to an upstream component of the transmission assembly 1 , such as a crankshaft of an engine.

[0059] With further reference to Figures 1 and 2 in conjunction with Figures 3 to 7 , the torque limiter 100 includes a flywheel 60, a torque input disc 10, a driven disc 20, an elastic member 30, and an intermediate disc 40. The torque input disc 10 is connected radially inwardly to an upstream component, such as an engine crankshaft. Thus, the torque limiter 100 receives torque from the engine via the torque input disc 10. The torque input disc 10 is connected to the engine crankshaft and is therefore located closer to the engine (the lower side in Figure 4 ) than the driven disc 20, which outputs torque.

[0060] The flywheel 60 is in the form of an inertia ring, circumferentially fixed relative to the torque input disc 10 and driven by the torque input disc 10 to rotate about the rotation axis X. The flywheel 60 has a large moment of inertia, which can be used to absorb fluctuations in the engine's torque output and provide a more uniform torque output. Referring to Figure 6 , the outer circumference of the torque input disc 10 is provided with a plurality of radially outwardly extending drive teeth 11, which are used to drive the flywheel 60. Also referring to Figure 11 , the torque input disc 10 is shown as comprising an inner disc 10a and an outer disc 10b, which are fastened together. The outer disc 10b is located radially outward of the inner disc 10a, and the drive teeth 11 are located on the outer circumference of the outer disc 10b. The inner disc 10a and the outer disc 10b can have different material properties. For example, the inner disc 10a can be heat-treated to enhance its strength.

[0061] 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 against the torque input plate 10 with a certain axial force. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 , friction linings 21 are arranged immediately adjacent to the driven plate 20 on both axial sides. Consequently, the driven plate 20 contacts and interacts with the friction linings 21 on both axially opposing surfaces. In other embodiments not shown, friction linings 21 may be arranged only on one side of the axially opposite sides of the driven plate 20. Another conceivable solution is to omit friction linings 21 altogether and instead treat the surface of the torque input plate 10 or the driven plate 20 to adapt it to transmit a certain torque.

[0062] During operation of the transmission assembly, the vehicle's engine drives the torque input plate 10, which in turn drives the flywheel 60 via the transmission teeth 11 to rotate about the rotation axis X. 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 also drives the driven plate 20 and the input portion 210 of the torsional vibration damper 200 to rotate about the rotation axis X, thereby transmitting torque to the torsional vibration damper 200. When the torque transmitted by the engine to the torque limiter 100 reaches or exceeds the maximum torque of the torque limiter 100, slip 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.

[0063] To allow the torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 to abut against each other, the torque limiter 100 needs to include two axial bearing portions, with the torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 axially arranged between the two axial bearing portions. Without loss of generality, in this disclosure, the axial bearing portion closer to the torque input disc 10 is referred to as the first axial bearing portion, and the axial bearing portion closer to the driven disc 20 is referred to as the second axial bearing portion.

[0064] The greater the friction between the torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20, the greater the maximum torque that can be transmitted by the torque limiter 100. Increasing the axial force between the torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 against each other can increase the friction between the two. To this end, the torsion limiter 100 includes an elastic member 30 axially arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion. The elastic member 30 can be in the form of a disc spring, which is supported by the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion and axially presses the torque input disc 10 toward the driven disc 20, or axially presses the driven disc 20 toward the torque input disc 10. Alternatively, the torque input disc 10 can also be formed from an elastic material so that the torque input disc 10 itself can generate an axial force that pushes the driven disc 20 toward the second ring 42, thereby eliminating the need for providing a dedicated elastic member.

[0065] 4-7 , the first axial bearing portion and the second ring 42 of the torsion limiter 100 are provided by the intermediate disc 40. As will be described in detail below, the intermediate disc 40 can also perform the torque transmission function from the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60.

[0066] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the intermediate disk 40 is integrally formed and includes a first ring 41, a second ring 42, and a plurality of connecting strips 43 connecting the first ring 41 and the second ring 42. The first ring 41 is secured to the flywheel 60 and includes a ring body 41a and a plurality of first teeth 44. The ring body 41a includes a plurality of evenly distributed through-holes. These through-holes are used to secure the first ring 41 to the flywheel 60 using screws (not shown), etc. The second ring 42 is integrally formed with the first ring 41 and rotates together with the first ring 41 about the rotation axis X. The second ring 42 is axially spaced apart from the first ring 41 by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the ring body 41a of the first ring 41 is larger than the outer diameter of the second ring 42, so that the main body 41a of the first ring 41 projects axially beyond the second ring 42.

[0067] The driven plate 20 is slidably held between the second ring 42 and the torque input plate 10 via an elastic member 30 axially disposed between the first ring 41 and the torque input plate 10. The torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 are axially positioned between the first teeth 44 of the first ring 41 and the second ring 42. The first teeth 44 and the second ring 42 constitute two axial bearing portions of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the first teeth 44 constitute the first axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100, and the second ring 42 constitutes the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100.

[0068] The second ring 42 and the first ring 41 are connected to each other via a plurality of connecting strips 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , one end of the connecting strip 43 is connected to the radially inner side of the first ring 41 and extends axially to the height of the second ring 42, where it is connected to the radially outer side of the second ring 42. The inner diameter of the first ring 41 is greater than the outer diameter of the second ring 42. The plurality of connecting strips 43 of the first ring 41 are evenly distributed circumferentially. The first teeth 44 are located between two adjacent connecting strips 43 on the inner periphery of the ring body 41a. They are axially spaced a certain distance from the ring body 41a and connected to the ring body 41a via a bent portion 45, so that they are radially located inward of the ring body 41a. Before assembling the torque limiter 100, the first teeth 44 may extend axially from the ring body 41a. The bent portion 45 is formed by bending the first teeth 44 from the workpiece during the assembly of the torque limiter 100. In this way, the first teeth 44 will neither hinder the assembly of the torque input disc 10, the driven disc 20 and / or the elastic member 30 in the axial direction, but can also support the elastic member 30 after the assembly is completed, thereby clamping the torque input disc 10, the driven disc 20 and / or the elastic member 30 between the first teeth 44 and the second ring 42.

[0069] FIG7 illustrates the mating of the torque input disc 10 and the intermediate disc 40. As shown, in the assembled configuration of the torque limiter 100, the drive teeth 11 of the torque input disc 10 extend radially and are inserted between two adjacent connecting strips 43. In other words, the angular position of the drive teeth 11 roughly coincides with the first teeth 44. If relative slippage occurs between the torque input disc 10 and the intermediate disc 40, the drive teeth 11 will abut against the sidewalls of the connecting strips 43, preventing further slippage of the torque input disc 10. Therefore, the drive teeth 11 secure the torque input disc 10 circumferentially relative to the intermediate disc 40 and, through the secure connection between the intermediate disc 40 and the flywheel 60, securely fasten the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60. This also facilitates torque transmission from the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60. In the embodiment shown in FIG7 , the width of the drive teeth 11 is approximately equal to the width of the gap between two adjacent connecting strips 43 to minimize relative slippage. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the width of the drive teeth 11 can also be smaller than the width of the gap between the two connecting strips 43.

[0070] With the above-described structure, the torque input disc 10, the intermediate disc 40, and the flywheel 60 of the torque limiter 100 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction but rotate together, collectively forming the input side of the torque limiter 100. Torque output from the torque limiter 100 to the torsional vibration damper 200 is achieved through the driven disc 20.

[0071] The intermediate disk 40 shown in FIG4 , via a first ring 41 and a second ring 42, provides two axial bearing portions of the torque limiter 100. Furthermore, the connecting strip 43 allows the torque input disk 10 to drive the flywheel 60 for rotation. It is conceivable that the intermediate disk 40 may have a configuration different from that shown in FIG4 . For example, the axial positions of the first ring 41 and the second ring 42 may be reversed, such that the first ring 41 is connected to the flywheel 60 from the axial upper side, the elastic member 30 is supported on the second ring 42, and the driven disk 20 rests against the first teeth 44 of the first ring 41. In this case, the second ring 42 constitutes the first axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100, and the first teeth 44 constitute the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100.

[0072] The intermediate disk 40 may also not include a second ring. In this configuration, the connecting strip 43 includes a radially extending section located at the end of the connecting strip 43 distal from the first ring 41, thereby being axially spaced a certain distance from the first ring 41. The radially extending sections of the multiple connecting strips 43 are not connected by a ring body. The torque input disk 10, the elastic member 30, and the driven disk 20 may be clamped between the first teeth 44 and the radially extending section. In this case, the first teeth 44 and the radially extending section constitute the first and second axial bearing portions of the torque limiter 100, respectively.

[0073] Furthermore, for embodiments in which the connecting strip 43 includes a radially extending section, the radial positional relationship between the ring body 41a of the first ring 41 and the first teeth 44 can also be different. Specifically, the first teeth 44 can be arranged on the outer periphery of the ring body 41a and secured to the flywheel 60, while the ring body 41a is positioned radially inward of the flywheel 60. With this configuration, the radially extending section of the connecting strip 43 can be formed by bending the connecting strip 43 during assembly of the torque limiter 100, thereby not hindering the axial assembly of the torque input disc 10, the driven disc 20, and / or the elastic member 30. In this case, the ring body 41a and the radially extending section constitute the first and second axial bearing portions of the torque limiter 100, respectively.

[0074] The axial bearing portion and torque transmission function of the torque limiter 100 can also be provided by other components, thereby omitting the intermediate disk 40. Figures 8 to 13 show different embodiments of the torque limiter 100 that do not include the intermediate disk 40. The following description will mainly focus on the aspects that are different from the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in FIG8 , the flywheel 60 of the torque limiter 100 includes a main body 61, a flange 62 and a support protrusion 63 extending radially inward from the main body 61. Further referring to FIG9 , the support protrusion 63 is axially spaced a certain distance from the flange 62. The torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 are axially disposed between the support protrusion 63 and the flange 62. The support protrusion 63 and the flange 62 constitute two axial support components of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG8 , the support protrusion 63 constitutes the first axial support component of the torque limiter 100, while the flange 62 constitutes the second axial support component of the torque limiter 100. It is contemplated that the axial positions of the flange 62 and the support protrusion 63 of the flywheel 60 may be reversed, with the flange 62 constituting the first axial support component of the torque limiter 100 and the support protrusion 63 constituting the second axial support component.

[0076] The flywheel 60 may further include a coupling portion directly coupled to the driving teeth 11 of the torque input disc 10 , such that the torque input disc 10 directly transmits torque to the flywheel 60 .

[0077] Specifically, referring to Figures 9 and 11, the flywheel 60 includes a coupling hole 64 arranged on the flange portion 62. The transmission teeth 11 of the torque input disc 10 extend axially from its outer periphery and can be inserted into the coupling hole 64. If relative sliding occurs between the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60, the transmission teeth 11 will abut against the side wall of the coupling hole 64, preventing the torque input disc 10 from sliding further. Therefore, the cooperation between the transmission teeth 11 and the coupling hole 64 fixes the torque input disc 10 relative to the flywheel 60 in the circumferential direction and realizes torque transmission from the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60. The width of the transmission teeth 11 is approximately equal to the width of the coupling hole 64 to eliminate relative sliding as much as possible. Optionally, the width of the transmission teeth 11 can also be smaller than the width of the interval between the coupling holes 64.

[0078] 8 to 10 , the elastic member 30 has a plurality of peripheral teeth 31 on its outer periphery. Each peripheral tooth 31 is supported by a support protrusion 63. An anti-rotation groove 66 is provided on the support protrusion 63. In the assembled structure of the torque limiter 100, the peripheral teeth 31 of the elastic member 30 press against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove 66, that is, the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove 66 provides axial support for the elastic member 30. On the other hand, the anti-rotation groove 66 defines the angular position of the elastic member 30. When relative sliding occurs in the circumferential direction between the elastic member 30 and the first ring 41, the peripheral teeth 31 will abut against the side wall of the anti-rotation groove 66 to prevent excessive sliding of the elastic member 30. In the illustrated example, the width of the anti-rotation groove 66 is approximately equal to the width of the peripheral teeth 31 to eliminate relative sliding as much as possible.

[0079] To ensure that the elastic member 30 is supported on the support protrusions 63, the dimensions of the support protrusions 63 require special design. Specifically, in Figure 8 , the diameters of the torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 are smaller than the diameter of the radially innermost portion of the support protrusions 63, allowing them to axially pass through the support protrusions 63. The diameter of the main body of the elastic member 30 is also smaller than the diameter of the radially innermost portion of the support protrusions 63, while its outer peripheral teeth 31 are sized to pass axially between adjacent support protrusions 63. Therefore, during assembly of the torque limiter, the angular position of the elastic member 30 is first adjusted so that the outer peripheral teeth 31 correspond circumferentially to the gaps between the support protrusions 63, and then the elastic member 30 is moved axially. Due to these dimensional settings, the outer peripheral teeth 31 are not obstructed by the support protrusions 63. Thus, the elastic member 30 axially passes over the support protrusions 63 and abuts the torque input disc 10. Then, the elastic member 30 may be rotated to adjust the angular position of the elastic member 30 so that the outer peripheral teeth 31 are pressed against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove 66 .

[0080] In an unillustrated embodiment, the elastic member 30 can also be supported on the flange portion 62 of the flywheel 60. In this case, the torque input disc 10 may include a plurality of drive teeth 11 extending radially from its outer circumference. Each drive tooth 11 is supported by a support protrusion 63, and one of the plurality of drive teeth 11 presses against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove 66. When circumferential relative sliding occurs between the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60, the drive tooth 11 abuts against the sidewalls of the anti-rotation groove 66, preventing excessive sliding of the torque input disc 10. Thus, the engagement of the drive teeth 11 with the anti-rotation groove 66 secures the torque input disc 10 relative to the flywheel 60 circumferentially, enabling torque transmission from the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60. Similarly, the drive teeth 11 are sized to pass axially between adjacent support protrusions 63. During assembly, the torque input disc 10 first moves over the support protrusion 63 in the axial direction and then rotates by a certain angle in the circumferential direction, so that the transmission teeth 11 are supported on the support protrusion 63 .

[0081] The flywheel 60 of the torque limiter 100 may also not include support protrusions, but instead provide axial load-bearing functionality via a carrier plate 50 secured to the flywheel 60. This is illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the torque limiter 100 includes a carrier plate 50 secured to the flywheel 60 and axially spaced a certain distance from the flange portion 62. The torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 are axially disposed between the carrier plate 50 and the flange portion 62. The carrier plate 50 and the flange portion 62 constitute the two axial load-bearing components of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the carrier plate 50 constitutes the first axial load-bearing component of the torque limiter 100, while the flange portion 62 constitutes the second axial load-bearing component of the torque limiter 100. It is also conceivable that the axial positions of the carrier plate 50 and the flange portion 62 may be reversed, with the flange portion 62 constituting the first axial load-bearing component of the torque limiter 100. The bearing plate 50 constitutes the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100. The bearing plate 50 may be an integrally formed annular plate, or may be composed of a plurality of separate arc-shaped ring segments.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 , the flywheel 60 includes a coupling groove 65 on the inner circumference of the main body 61. The transmission teeth 11 extend radially from the outer circumference of the torque input disc 10 and are insertable into the coupling groove 65, thereby securing the torque input disc 10 circumferentially relative to the flywheel 60. If relative slippage occurs between the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60, the transmission teeth 11 abut against the sidewalls of the coupling groove 65, preventing further slippage. Thus, the engagement of the transmission teeth 11 with the coupling groove 65 secures the torque input disc 10 circumferentially relative to the flywheel 60 and facilitates torque transmission from the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60. The width of the transmission teeth 11 is approximately equal to the width of the coupling groove 65 to minimize relative slippage. Alternatively, the width of the transmission teeth 11 may be smaller than the width of the spacing between the coupling holes 64. In an embodiment not shown, a transmission hole may also be provided on the carrier disc 50, and the transmission teeth 11 extend axially from the outer periphery of the torque input disc 10 and can be inserted into the transmission hole, so that the torque input disc 10 is fixed relative to the flywheel 60 in the circumferential direction, and torque transmission from the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel 60 is realized.

[0083] Although not shown in the drawings, the axial load-bearing function of the torque limiter 100 can also be provided solely by the carrier plate 50 fastened to the flywheel 60. In such an embodiment, the flywheel 60 may not include a flange portion. Instead, the torque limiter 100 includes two carrier plates 50 fastened to the flywheel 60 on either axial side of the flywheel 60. The two carrier plates 50 respectively constitute the first and second load-bearing portions of the torque limiter 100. Torque transmission between the torque input plate 10 and the flywheel 60 can be achieved by inserting axially extending transmission teeth 11 into transmission holes provided in the carrier plate 50, or by inserting radially extending transmission teeth 11 into coupling grooves 65 provided in the flywheel 60. Details will not be given here.

[0084] Certain features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0085] The above is an illustration of the present disclosure and should not be considered as a limitation thereof. Although several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. It should be understood that the above is an illustration of the present disclosure and that the present disclosure should not be considered as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A torque limiter (100), It is characterized in that The torque limiter (100) comprises a flywheel (60); A first axial bearing portion; A second axial bearing portion, which is relatively fixed to the first axial bearing portion in the axial direction and is at a certain distance from the first axial bearing portion; A torque input disc (10) which is fixed relative to the flywheel (60) in the circumferential direction and drives the flywheel (60) to rotate integrally around the rotation axis (X); The driven plate (20) is used to output torque. The torque input disc (10) and the driven disc (20) are axially arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion, the torque input disc (10) is arranged closer to the first axial bearing portion, and the driven disc (20) is arranged closer to the second axial bearing portion, and, The torque input disc (10) and the driven disc (20) abut against each other with a certain axial force, and the torque input disc (10) drives the driven disc (20) to rotate around the rotation axis (X) through the friction force between the torque input disc (10) and the driven disc (20).

2. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The torque limiter (100) further comprises an elastic member (30) axially arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion, the elastic member (30) biasing one of the torque input disc (10) and the driven disc (20) toward the other of the torque input disc (10) and the driven disc (20).

3. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The torque input disc (10) includes a plurality of transmission teeth (11) extending radially outward or axially from an outer periphery thereof, and the torque input disc (10) drives the flywheel (60) via the transmission teeth (11).

4. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The torque input disc (10) comprises an inner disc (10a) and an outer disc (10b) fastened together, the outer disc (10b) being located radially outside the inner disc (10a), and the transmission teeth (11) being located at the outer periphery of the outer disc (10b).

5. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The elastic member (30) is arranged between the first axial bearing portion and the torque input disc (10); or The elastic member (30) is arranged between the driven disc (20) and the second axial bearing portion.

6. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The torque limiter (100) further comprises a friction lining (21) arranged adjacent to at least one of the two axial sides of the driven disc (20).

7. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, It is characterized in that The torque limiter (100) further comprises an intermediate disk (40), wherein the intermediate disk (40) comprises: a first ring (41), the first ring (41) being firmly connected to the flywheel (60), a plurality of connecting strips (43), the connecting strips (43) being integrally formed with the first ring (41), At least a portion of the connecting strip (43) extends axially, and the driving teeth (11) of the torque input disc (10) can be inserted between two adjacent connecting strips (43).

8. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The first ring (41) comprises a ring body (41a) and a plurality of first teeth (44), each of the first teeth (44) being arranged between two adjacent connecting strips (43) in the circumferential direction.

9. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The ring body (41a) is fastened to the flywheel (60), the first teeth (44) are arranged at the inner periphery of the ring body (41a), and constitute one of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

10. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The first teeth (44) are arranged at the outer periphery of the ring body (41a) and are fastened to the flywheel (60), and the ring body (41a) constitutes one of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

11. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, It is characterized in that The first tooth (44) is axially spaced a certain distance from the ring body (41a) and is connected to the ring body (41a) via a bent portion (45).

12. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized in that The intermediate disk (40) further comprises a second ring (42), which is axially spaced a certain distance from the first ring (41) and is formed integrally with the connecting strip (43). The ring (42) constitutes the other of the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

13. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The connecting strip (43) comprises a radially extending section which is axially spaced a certain distance from the first ring (41), and the radially extending section constitutes the other of the first axial bearing portion and the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

14. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, It is characterized in that The flywheel (60) includes a main body (61) and a flange (62) extending radially inward from the main body (61), wherein the flange (62) constitutes one of a first axial bearing portion or a second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

15. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The flywheel (60) further comprises a support protrusion (63) extending radially inward from the main body portion (61), the support protrusion (63) being axially spaced a certain distance from the flange portion (62), and the support protrusion (63) constituting the other of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

16. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The torque limiter (100) further comprises a bearing plate (50) fastened to the flywheel (60), the bearing plate (50) being axially spaced a certain distance from the flange portion (62), and the bearing plate (50) constituting the other of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

17. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, It is characterized in that The flywheel (60) includes a coupling hole (64) arranged on the flange portion (62), and the transmission tooth (11) extends axially from the outer periphery of the torque input disc (10) and can be inserted into the coupling hole (64), so that the torque input disc (10) is fixed relative to the flywheel (60) in the circumferential direction.

18. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, It is characterized in that The flywheel (60) comprises a coupling groove (65) arranged on the inner periphery of the main body (61), the transmission teeth (11) radially extending from the outer periphery of the torque input disc (10) and being insertable into the coupling groove (65), so that the torque input disc (10) is opposite to the flywheel (60) in the circumferential direction. fixed.

19. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 15, It is characterized in that At least one of the plurality of supporting protrusions (63) is provided with an anti-rotation groove (66).

20. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 19, It is characterized in that The elastic member (30) has a plurality of peripheral teeth (31), each peripheral tooth (31) is supported by a supporting protrusion (63), and one peripheral tooth (31) among the plurality of peripheral teeth (31) is pressed against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove (66).

21. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 20, It is characterized in that The outer peripheral teeth (31) of the elastic member (30) have a size capable of passing through between adjacent support protrusions (63) in the axial direction, and the elastic member (30) can be rotated by an angle in the circumferential direction during assembly so that the outer peripheral teeth (31) are supported on the support protrusions (63).

22. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The transmission teeth (11) radially extend from the outer periphery of the torque input disc (10), each transmission tooth (11) is supported by a support protrusion (63), and one transmission tooth (11) among the plurality of transmission teeth (11) is pressed against the bottom surface of the anti-rotation groove (66).

23. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 22, It is characterized in that The transmission teeth (11) have a size capable of passing through adjacent support protrusions (63) in the axial direction, and the torque input disc (10) can be rotated by an angle in the circumferential direction during assembly so that the transmission teeth (11) are supported on the support protrusions (63).

24. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, It is characterized in that The torque limiter (100) further comprises two bearing plates (50) respectively fastened to the flywheel (60) on both axial sides of the flywheel (60), and the two bearing plates (50) respectively constitute a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

25. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 24, It is characterized in that At least one of the two supporting plates (50) is provided with a transmission hole, and the transmission tooth (11) extends axially from the outer periphery of the torque input plate (10) and can be inserted into the transmission hole, so that the torque input plate (10) is fixed relative to the flywheel (60) in the circumferential direction.

26. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 24, It is characterized in that The flywheel (60) includes a coupling groove (65) arranged on the inner periphery of the main body (61) thereof, and the transmission teeth (11) radially extend from the outer periphery of the torque input disc (10) and can be inserted into the transmission teeth (11). The torque input disc (10) is arranged in the coupling groove (65), so that the torque input disc (10) is relatively fixed to the flywheel (60) in the circumferential direction.

27. A transmission assembly (1), It is characterized in that The transmission assembly (1) comprises: A torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, and A torsional vibration damper (200), the torsional vibration damper (200) comprising an input portion (210), an output portion (220), and a spring (230) arranged to be compressed in a circumferential direction 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).

28. Transmission assembly (1) according to claim 27, It is characterized in that The torsional vibration damper (200) comprises a through-hole (201) through which a fastener can pass to fasten the torque input disc (10) of the torque limiter (100) to an upstream component of the transmission assembly.

29. A vehicle comprising a transmission assembly (1) according to claim 27 or 28.

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