Torque limiter, transmission assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a flywheel; a first axial bearing part; a second axial bearing part, which is fixed relative to the first axial bearing part in an axial direction and has a certain distance from the first axial bearing part; a torque input disk, which is fixed relative to the flywheel in a radial direction and drives the flywheel to integrally rotate about a rotating axis; and a driven disk, which is used for outputting a torque. The torque input disk and the driven disk are axially arranged between the first and second axial bearing parts, the torque input disk is closer to the first axial bearing part, and the driven disk is closer to the second axial bearing part. The torque input disk and the driven disk abut against each other under a certain axial force, and the driven disk is driven to rotate about the rotating axis by a friction force between the torque input disk and the driven disk. The present disclosure further relates to a transmission assembly comprising such a torque limiter and a vehicle comprising the transmission assembly.

Description

Torque limiters, transmission components and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311079736.8 filed on August 25, 2023. The contents of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as a part of this application. Technical Field

[0002] 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

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Therefore, existing torque limiters and flywheels have the disadvantages of having a large number of parts, high costs, and complicated assembly.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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 radial 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.

[0009] The torque limiter according to the present disclosure includes a flywheel integrated therein, so the flywheel can be installed simultaneously with the torque limiter in a single assembly operation, eliminating an assembly step. In the present disclosure, the torque input disc of the torque limiter drives the flywheel to rotate integrally in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the radial relative fixation of the torque input disc and the flywheel prevents the flywheel's center of gravity from deviating from the axis of rotation, thus preventing the flywheel from vibrating during torque transmission. 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 different power transmission path than the prior art. The torque input disc of the torque limiter also drives a 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 simultaneously drives both the flywheel and the driven disc, thereby reducing the number of components in the transmission assembly.

[0010] The transmission assembly according to the present disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input plate includes a plurality of locking teeth extending radially outward from an outer periphery thereof, and the torque input plate is fixed relative to the flywheel in the radial direction by the locking teeth.

[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, at least one of the plurality of locking teeth is provided with a locking hole, and the torque input plate is fastened to the flywheel via a fastener passing through the locking hole. This fastening allows the torque input plate and flywheel to rotate together, meaning the torque input plate and flywheel are fixed in all three directions: circumferentially, radially, and axially.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes an intermediate disk comprising: a plurality of load-bearing tabs; a load-bearing ring axially spaced a certain distance from the load-bearing tabs, each load-bearing tab being connected to the load-bearing ring via a pair of connecting strips; and a plurality of load-bearing teeth, each disposed radially inwardly of a corresponding load-bearing tab, each load-bearing tooth being circumferentially disposed between a corresponding pair of connecting strips. The load-bearing teeth constitute a first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter, and the load-bearing ring constitutes a second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the load-bearing tooth is axially spaced a certain distance from the load-bearing tab, and is connected to the load-bearing tab via a bent portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking teeth are located between two adjacent load-bearing tabs in the circumferential direction and inserted into two adjacent pairs of connecting strips and / or between two adjacent load-bearing tabs.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input disc further includes a plurality of transmission teeth extending radially outward from an outer periphery thereof, and each transmission tooth is inserted between a corresponding pair of connecting bars.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a recessed portion recessed in the axial direction, and the locking tooth is accommodated in the recessed portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the multiple locking teeth is provided with a locking hole, and the flywheel is provided with a matching hole aligned with the locking hole. The locking pin passes through the locking hole and is inserted into the matching hole, so that the torque input disk is fixed relative to the flywheel in the radial direction.

[0022] 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.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further comprises a bearing plate fastened to the flywheel, wherein the bearing 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.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier plate extends beyond the matching hole to constrain the axial position of the locking pin. In other words, the movement of the locking pin toward the carrier plate and away from the matching hole in the axial direction is restricted by the carrier plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a coupling groove arranged on an inner circumference of the main body portion, the fitting hole is located in the coupling groove in a circumferential direction, and the locking tooth is inserted into the coupling groove.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque limiter further includes two bearing plates fastened to the flywheel on both axial sides of the flywheel, and the two bearing plates respectively constitute the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion of the torque limiter.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flywheel includes a coupling groove arranged on an inner circumference thereof, and the locking tooth is inserted into the coupling groove.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque input disc is provided with at least one locking hole, the flywheel is provided with a matching hole aligned with the locking hole, and the locking pin passes through the locking hole and is inserted into the matching hole, so that the torque input disc is fixed relative to the flywheel in the radial direction.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising the transmission member as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] 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:

[0033] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a transmission assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 showing the torsion limiter in detail.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows in detail a portion of the intermediate disk of the torsion limiter in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

[0038] FIG. 6 shows the torque input disc in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the torque input disc and the intermediate disc.

[0040] FIG8 shows the cooperation of the flywheel, the torque input disc and the intermediate disc from different perspectives.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torque limiter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows the torque input disc in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 .

[0043] FIG. 11 shows the flywheel in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 .

[0044] In the various drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 .

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] With further reference to Figures 1 and 2 in conjunction with Figures 3 to 8 , 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 (lower side in Figure 4 ) than the driven disc 20, which outputs torque.

[0051] The flywheel 60 is in the form of an inertia ring, which is relatively fixed to the torque input disc 10 in the circumferential direction and is driven by the torque input disc 10 to rotate about the rotation axis X. The flywheel 60 is also relatively fixed to the torque input disc 10 in the radial direction to maintain the center of gravity of the flywheel 60 on the rotation axis X and prevent the flywheel 60 from shaking during the transmission process. The flywheel 60 has a large moment of inertia and can be used to absorb the fluctuation of the engine torque output and make its torque output more uniform. Referring to Figures 6 and 10, a plurality of locking teeth 11 extending radially outward are provided on the outer circumference of the torque input disc 10. The torque input disc 10 is relatively fixed to the flywheel 60 in the radial direction by the locking teeth 11, and drives the flywheel 60 to rotate by the locking teeth 11.

[0052] 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.

[0053] During operation of the transmission assembly, the vehicle's engine drives the torque input plate 10, which in turn drives the flywheel 60 to rotate about the rotation axis X via the locking teeth 11. 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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. Optionally, 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 axial bearing portion, thereby eliminating the need for providing a dedicated elastic member.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 8, the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60 are fastened together. As shown in Figure 4, the locking teeth 11 of the torque input disc 10 are provided with locking holes 12, and fasteners 63 pass through the locking holes 12 to fasten the torque input disc 10 to the flywheel. The fasteners 63 can be screws, rivets, threaded rods, etc. Referring to Figure 8, the flywheel 60 includes an axially recessed recess 64, and the locking teeth 11 are accommodated in the recess 64. The recess 64 makes it easier to position the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60 in the circumferential direction. In addition, the locking teeth 11 can also abut against the side walls of the recess 64, thereby achieving relative fixation of the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60 in the circumferential direction and transmitting torque without relying on fasteners.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first and second axial bearing portions of the torsion limiter 100 are provided by an intermediate disk 40. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the intermediate disk 40 is integrally formed and includes a plurality of bearing tabs 41 and a bearing ring 42. The bearing ring 42 is axially spaced a predetermined distance from the bearing tabs 41, and each bearing tab 41 is connected to the bearing ring 42 via a pair of connecting bars 43. The intermediate disk 40 also includes a plurality of bearing teeth 44 arranged radially inwardly of the bearing tabs 41. In the circumferential direction, each bearing tooth 44 is arranged between a pair of connecting bars 43 that connect the corresponding bearing tab 41 to the bearing ring 42. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the bearing ring 42 is smaller than the radial inner diameter of the bearing tabs 41, so that the axial projection of the bearing ring 42 is within the bearing tabs 41.

[0058] The driven plate 20 is slidably clamped between the load ring 42 and the torque input plate 10 via an elastic member 30 axially disposed between the load teeth 44 and the torque input plate 10. The torque input plate 10 and the driven plate 20 are axially positioned between the load teeth 44 and the load ring 42 of the first ring 41. The load teeth 44 and the load ring 42 constitute the two axial load-bearing components of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the load teeth 44 constitute the first axial load-bearing component of the torque limiter 100, and the load ring 42 constitutes the second axial load-bearing component of the torque limiter 100.

[0059] The load ring 42 and the load tab 41 are connected to each other via a plurality of connecting strips 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , a pair of connecting strips 43 are connected at one end to the radially inner side of the load tab 41 and extend axially to the height of the load ring 42, where they connect to the radially outer side of the load ring 42. The load tab 41 is evenly distributed circumferentially. The load teeth 44 are located radially inward of the load tab 41 between the pair of connecting strips 43 connecting the load tab 41 to the load ring 42. These teeth are axially spaced a certain distance from the load tab 41 and connected to the load tab 41 via a bent portion 45, radially inward of the load tab 41. Prior to assembling the torque limiter 100, the load teeth 44 may extend axially from the load tab 41. The bent portion 45 is formed by bending the load teeth 44 from a workpiece during assembly of the torque limiter 100. In this way, the load-bearing 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 load-bearing teeth 44 and the load-bearing ring 42.

[0060] Figure 7 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 locking teeth 11 of the torque input disc 10 extend radially and are circumferentially positioned between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 41. The intermediate disc 40 is axially movable relative to the torque input disc 10, for example, under the action of the elastic member 30. The axial position at which the locking teeth 11 are inserted into the intermediate disc 40 can also be varied. The locking teeth 11 can be inserted axially closer to the load-bearing tabs 43, between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 43, or closer to the load ring 42, between two adjacent pairs of connecting bars 43. Accordingly, a certain amount of axial clearance can exist between the load-bearing tabs 41 of the intermediate disc 40 and the flywheel 60.

[0061] If relative sliding occurs circumferentially between the torque input disc 10 and the intermediate disc 40, the locking teeth 11 will abut against the sidewalls of the load-bearing tabs 41 or the connecting strips 43, preventing further sliding of the intermediate disc 40. Thus, the locking teeth 11 circumferentially secure the intermediate disc 40 relative to the torque input disc 10. This also facilitates torque transmission from the torque input disc 10 to the intermediate disc 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG7 , the width of the locking teeth 11 is approximately equal to the width of the spacing between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 43 and / or the spacing between two adjacent pairs of connecting strips 43, thereby minimizing relative sliding. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the width of the locking teeth 11 may also be smaller than the width of the spacing between two adjacent load-bearing tabs 43 or the spacing between two adjacent pairs of connecting strips 43.

[0062] The torque input disc 10 may further include a plurality of drive teeth 13 extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the torque input disc 10 and arranged between adjacent locking teeth 11. In the assembled configuration of the torque limiter 100, the angular position of the drive teeth 13 substantially coincides with that of the load-bearing teeth 44, which are inserted between a corresponding pair of connecting strips 43. The engagement of the drive teeth 13 with the connecting strips 43 also serves to secure the intermediate disc 40 relative to the torque input disc 10 in the circumferential direction.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Figures 9 to 11 show another embodiment of the torque limiter. In this embodiment, radial locking of the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60 is achieved by a locking pin 66. As shown in the figure, a locking hole 12 is provided on the locking tooth 11 of the torque input disc 10, and a matching hole 65 aligned with the locking hole 12 is provided on the flywheel 60. The locking pin 66 passes through the locking hole 12 and is inserted into the matching hole 65, so that the torque input disc 10 is fixed relative to the flywheel 60 in both the circumferential direction and the radial direction. The matching hole 65 shown in Figure 9 is a blind hole, which is conducive to constraining the axial position of the locking pin 66. Optionally, the matching hole 65 can also be constructed as a through hole, and the locking pin 66 is interference fit with the matching hole 65 so that it will not fall off the flywheel.

[0065] In addition, the torque limiter 100 in this embodiment also omits the intermediate disk 40, and uses other components as axial bearing parts. The following description will mainly focus on the aspects that are different from the embodiment shown in Figures 4-8.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in FIG9 , the flywheel 60 of the torque limiter 100 includes a main body 61 and a flange 62 extending radially inward from the main body 61. The torque limiter 100 also includes a carrier plate 50 secured to the flywheel 60 and axially spaced a certain distance from the flange 62. Further referring to FIG9 , the flange 62 constitutes one of the first axial bearing member and the second axial bearing member of the torque limiter 100. The torque input disc 10 and the driven disc 20 are axially disposed between the carrier plate 50 and the flange 62. The carrier plate 50 and the flange 62 constitute the two axial bearing members of the torque limiter 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG9 , the carrier plate 50 is closer to the torque input disc 10 and constitutes the first axial bearing member of the torque limiter 100, while the flange 62 is closer to the driven disc 20 and constitutes the second axial bearing member of the torque limiter 100. It is conceivable that the flange portion 62 of the flywheel 60 and the carrier plate 50 may be reversed in axial position, that is, the flange portion 62 constitutes the first axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100 , and the carrier plate 50 constitutes the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter 100 .

[0067] 9 , the carrier plate 50 extends beyond the mating hole 65 of the flywheel 60 to constrain the axial position of the locking pin 66. The locking pin 66 cannot axially move beyond the carrier plate 50 and thus will not move out of the mating hole 65.

[0068] In addition to the circumferential fixation provided by the locking pin 66, the flywheel 60 is also provided with a coupling groove 67 for circumferential fixation and torque transmission between the flywheel 60 and the torque input disc 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG11 , the coupling groove 67 is provided on the inner circumference of the main body 61 of the flywheel 60, and the locking teeth 11 of the torque input disc 10 are inserted into the coupling groove 67. Thus, the torque input disc 10 and the flywheel 60 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction through the engagement between the locking teeth 11 and the coupling groove 67. Accordingly, the mating holes 65 of the flywheel 60 are also circumferentially arranged in the coupling groove 67, thereby aligning with the locking holes 12 of the locking teeth 11.

[0069] Although not shown in the accompanying 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. In this embodiment, the relative fixation between the flywheel 60 and the torque input plate 10 in the circumferential and radial directions is achieved in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 9-11. The difference is that because the carrier plate 50 can constrain the locking pin 66 in both axial directions, the hole in the flywheel 60 that cooperates with the locking pin 66 can be either a blind hole as shown in Figure 9 or a through hole.

[0070] The above describes an embodiment in which the torque input disc 10 is radially secured relative to the flywheel via locking teeth. It is understood that the torque input disc 10 may also be radially secured relative to the flywheel by its main body without locking teeth. For example, the locking hole 12 may be positioned directly on the main body of the torque input disc 10 at a relatively radially outer position, with the flywheel 60 provided with a mating hole 65 aligned with the locking hole 12. A locking pin 66 passes through the locking hole 12 and is inserted into the mating hole 65, thereby securing the torque input disc 10 radially relative to the flywheel 60.

[0071] Certain features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0072] 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), 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 relatively fixed to the flywheel (60) in the radial 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, 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, characterized in that: The torque input disc (10) comprises a plurality of locking teeth (11) extending radially outward from its outer periphery, and the torque input disc (10) is fixed relative to the flywheel (60) in the radial direction via the locking teeth (11).

4. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, 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.

5. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 3, 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).

6. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of locking teeth (11) is provided with a locking hole (12), and the torque input disc (10) is fastened to the flywheel (60) by a fastener (63) passing through the locking hole (12).

7. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The torque limiter (100) further comprises an intermediate disk (40), wherein the intermediate disk (40) comprises: a plurality of load-bearing tabs (41); a carrying ring (42) which is axially spaced a certain distance from the carrying tabs (41), and each carrying tab (41) is connected to the carrying ring (42) by a pair of connecting strips (43); A plurality of load-bearing teeth (44), each of which is arranged on the radial inner side of a corresponding load-bearing protrusion (41), and each load-bearing tooth (44) is arranged between a corresponding pair of connecting strips (43) in the circumferential direction. The load-bearing teeth (44) constitute a first axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100), and the load-bearing ring (42) constitutes a second axial load-bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

8. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The load-bearing tooth (44) is axially spaced a certain distance from the load-bearing tab (41), and is connected to the load-bearing tab (41) via a bent portion (45).

9. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The locking tooth (11) is located between two adjacent load-bearing tabs (41) in the circumferential direction.

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

11. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The flywheel (60) includes a recessed portion (64) recessed in the axial direction, and the locking tooth (11) is accommodated in the recessed portion (64).

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

13. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 12, 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).

14. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The torque limiter (100) further comprises a bearing plate (50) fastened to the flywheel (60), wherein the bearing plate (50) is axially spaced a certain distance from the flange portion (62) and constitutes the other of the first axial bearing portion or the second axial bearing portion of the torque limiter (100).

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

16. The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: The flywheel (60) includes a coupling groove (67) arranged on the inner circumference of the main body (61), the matching hole (65) is located in the coupling groove (67) in the circumferential direction, and the locking tooth (11) is inserted into the coupling groove (67).

17. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 12, 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).

18. The torque limiter (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that The flywheel (60) includes a coupling groove (67) arranged on an inner circumference thereof, and the locking tooth (11) is inserted into the coupling groove (65).

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

20. A transmission assembly (1), characterized in that: The transmission assembly (1) comprises: The torque limiter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, 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).

21. The transmission assembly (1) according to claim 20, 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.

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

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