Torque limiter and torque damping device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a torque limiter and a torque damping device. The torque limiter comprises: a holding plate used for introducing torque, a first cover plate used for outputting torque, a second cover plate which is axially pressed onto the first cover plate and used for outputting torque, a first friction plate axially provided between the first cover plate and the holding plate, and a second friction plate axially provided between the second cover plate and the holding plate, the first friction plate and the second friction plate being an outer ring and an inner ring formed by separating the same ring-shaped friction plate. Compared with conventional single-friction-plate designs, the separation means saves about half the material costs of friction plates.

Description

Torque limiter and torque damping device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle vibration reduction technology, and in particular to a torque limiter and a torque damping device. Background Technology

[0002] For the foreseeable future, motor vehicles will continue to be driven by internal combustion engines. Regardless of the type of transmission chosen, the fundamental requirement for torque transmission between the engine and transmission remains the same: torque should be transmitted while minimizing torsional vibration and noise in the drivetrain, simultaneously with engine startup and torque transmission. Therefore, torque damping devices are typically installed between the engine and transmission to absorb and buffer vibrations from the torque output from the engine (forward torque transmission) or from the torque output from the electric motor within the transmission housing (reverse torque transmission).

[0003] Torque damping devices typically include a torque limiter and a torque damper. The torque limiter includes a retaining plate and friction plates, with the friction plates abutting against both sides of the retaining plate. Friction between the friction plates and the retaining plate is used to transmit torque not exceeding a predetermined value, thus providing protection between the engine and transmission. However, in related technologies, the friction plates on both sides of the retaining plate have the same structure and are both annular. This configuration and shape of the friction plates leads to higher manufacturing costs for the torque damping device.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a torque limiter and a torque damping device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a torque limiter is provided, comprising: a retaining plate for introducing torque, a first cover plate for discharging torque, a second cover plate for discharging torque axially pressed onto the first cover plate, a first friction plate axially disposed between the first cover plate and the retaining plate, and a second friction plate axially disposed between the second cover plate and the retaining plate, wherein the first friction plate and the second friction plate are separated by the same annular friction plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first friction plate is composed of an inner ring friction plate separated by the annular friction plate, and the second friction plate is composed of an outer ring friction plate separated by the annular plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the circumferential direction, the radially inner edge of the inner ring friction plate is a circumferentially uninterrupted circular outline, and the radially outer edge of the outer ring friction plate is a circumferentially uninterrupted circular outline.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer radial edge of the inner ring friction plate is provided with a non-circular outer contour, and the inner radial edge of the outer ring friction plate is provided with a non-circular inner contour, wherein the outer contour of the inner ring friction plate and the inner contour of the outer ring friction plate are one or more of the following: wavy, rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangular.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner ring friction plate and the outer ring friction plate have equal surface areas facing the retaining plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the torque limiter further includes a diaphragm spring disposed between the second cover plate and the second friction plate, wherein the second cover plate is pressed against the first cover plate axially by means of the diaphragm spring.

[0012] In some embodiments, the diaphragm spring is provided with a pressure plate adjacent to the side facing the retaining plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first friction plate is provided with a plurality of first through holes or first grooves on the side away from the retaining plate, and the first cover plate is provided with a plurality of first pins or first protrusions on the side facing the retaining plate. The first pins or first protrusions are axially engaged with the first through holes or first grooves to realize the anti-torsional connection between the first friction plate and the first cover plate.

[0014] The second friction plate has multiple second through holes or second grooves on the side away from the retaining plate, and the pressure plate has multiple second pins or second protrusions on the side facing the retaining plate. The second pins or second protrusions are axially engaged with the second through holes or second grooves to achieve an anti-torsional connection between the second friction plate and the pressure plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a torque damping device is provided, comprising: a torque limiter as described in the first aspect; and a torque damper including a flange, a coil spring, and a hub, wherein the flange, the coil spring, and the hub are torsionally connected to the radially inner side of the torque limiter.

[0017] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: the first friction plate or the second friction plate is formed by separating an existing single friction plate. Compared with the traditional single friction plate design, this separation method saves about half of the friction plate material cost. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a torque damping device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a friction plate divided into an inner friction plate and an outer friction plate according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of an outer friction plate and a first cover plate on one axial side according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of a friction plate and a pressure plate on the other side of the axial direction according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0024] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, axial A, radial R, and circumferential W refer to the axial A, radial R, and circumferential W of the torque damping device 100, respectively; one side of the axial direction refers to the left side in Figure 1, and the other side of the axial direction refers to the right side in Figure 1; the radial outer side (or radial outer end) refers to the side on the radial R that is away from the central axis O in Figure 1 (the upper side in Figure 1), and the radial inner side (or radial inner end) refers to the side on the radial R that is close to the central axis O (the lower side in Figure 1).

[0025] Furthermore, "torque transmission connection" refers to a connection between two components capable of transmitting driving force / torque. These two components can be directly connected or achieve the above function through various transmission mechanisms or connection structures. The term "torque-resistant connection" refers to a connection between two elements that do not rotate relative to each other. This can be achieved through a press fit (i.e., interference fit) or by integrally forming the two mentioned components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention as appropriate.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, this disclosure provides a torque damping device 100, which is a device disposed between an engine and a transmission for transmitting torque between the engine (not shown) and the transmission or gearbox (not shown) and reducing torsional vibration or torsional impact when transmitting torque.

[0027] The torque damping device 100 may include a torque limiter 10 and a torque damper 20. The torque limiter 10 is used to transmit torque between the engine and transmission up to a predetermined torque limit, thereby preventing excessive torque transmission between the engine and transmission and potential damage to the engine or transmission. The torque damper 20 reduces torsional vibration or torsional impact during torque transmission between the engine and transmission. Therefore, the torque limiter 100 and the torque damper 20 enable the torque damping device 100 to simultaneously perform torque limiting and torque damping functions.

[0028] In this embodiment, the torque limiter 10 is generally torsionally connected to the radially outer side of the torque damper 20. As shown in FIG1, the torque limiter 10 includes a retaining plate 11, two friction plates 12, a pressure plate 13, a diaphragm spring 14, a first cover plate 15, and a second cover plate 16. The radially inner side of the retaining plate 11 is clamped between the two friction plates 12, the two friction plates 12 are clamped between the first cover plate 15 and the pressure plate 13, and the diaphragm spring 14 abuts axially between the pressure plate 13 and the second cover plate 16.

[0029] The engine rotates and transmits torque to the retaining plate 11, which generates relative rotation or rotational tendency in the circumferential direction W. Due to the axial pressing action of the diaphragm spring 14, friction is generated on the contact surface between the radial inner side of the retaining plate 11 and the two friction plates 12. Friction is also generated on the contact surface between the two friction plates 12 and the first cover plate 15 and the pressure plate 13, respectively.

[0030] After receiving the torque transmitted by the engine, the radial outer side of the retaining plate 11 transmits the torque to the two friction plates 12 through friction. The two friction plates 12 then transmit the torque to the first cover plate 15 through friction. The first cover plate 15 and the second cover plate 16 are connected by multiple rivets arranged in the circumferential direction W to transmit the torque.

[0031] If the torque received radially outward by the retaining plate 11 exceeds the maximum torque between the two friction plates 12 and the retaining plate 11, slippage will occur at the contact surface between the two friction plates 12 and the retaining plate 11, preventing the torque from being transmitted to the torque damper 20. The maximum torque is the maximum torque provided by the maximum frictional force of the diaphragm spring 14 axially pressing between the two friction plates 12 and the retaining plate 11. The maximum torque can be adjusted by adjusting the clamping force of the diaphragm spring 14 and / or the coefficient of friction of the two friction plates 12 and / or the retaining plate 11.

[0032] Therefore, the torque limiter 10 transmits the torque within a preset range to the retaining plate 11. Excessive torque cannot be transmitted to the torque damper 2 due to slippage between the two friction plates 12 and the retaining plate 11, thus protecting the engine or transmission from damage.

[0033] To save on the material cost of the friction plate 12 used in manufacturing the torque limiter 10, the torque limiter 10 provided in this disclosure can have a friction plate 12 divided into a first friction plate and a second friction plate. As shown in FIG2, the first friction plate abuts against one axial side of the radially inner end of the retaining plate 11, and the second friction plate frictionally abuts against the other axial side of the radially inner end of the retaining plate 11.

[0034] Typically, the existing friction plate 12 is a ring-shaped structure with a circular outer edge and a circular inner edge. In this embodiment, the existing ring-shaped friction plate 12 can be divided into two parts, namely a first friction plate and a second friction plate, and the first friction plate and the second friction plate are respectively abutted against the two sides of the radial inner end of the retaining plate 11.

[0035] The first friction plate and the second friction plate are separated by a dividing line 123 extending circumferentially along the existing annular friction plate 12. Therefore, after the division, the first friction plate and the second friction plate are still roughly in the shape of an annular ring. The dividing line 123 extends circumferentially, so that the friction plate 12 is divided into an outer ring friction plate 121 and an inner ring friction plate 122.

[0036] The annular structure of the first and second friction plates ensures that when they rub against the two sides of the radial inner end of the retaining plate 11 in the circumferential direction W, the retaining plate 11 and the first and second friction plates can maintain a uniform frictional torque in the circumferential direction W.

[0037] Compared to the traditional torque limiter 10 which requires two friction plates 12, this separation method only requires one friction plate 12 in the torque limiter 10, saving about half of the friction plate material cost and reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the torque damping device 100.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first friction plate can be either an inner ring friction plate 122 or an outer ring friction plate 121, and the second friction plate can be either an inner ring friction plate 122 or an outer ring friction plate 121. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG3, the first friction plate can be the outer ring friction plate 121 separated by the annular friction plate 12. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG4, the second friction plate can be the inner ring friction plate 122 separated by the annular friction plate 12. Therefore, the first and second friction plates on both sides of the radially inner end of the retaining plate 11 are asymmetrical friction plates.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the radially inner edge of the inner ring friction plate 122 is a circumferentially uninterrupted circular outline in the circumferential direction W, and the radially outer edge of the outer ring friction plate 121 is a circumferentially uninterrupted circular outline. Specifically, the dividing line 123 separating the friction plates is located radially between the radially outer edge and the radially inner edge of the friction plate 12, and the dividing line 123 does not intersect with the radially outer outline and the radially inner outline of the friction plate 12, ensuring that the separated inner ring friction plate 122 and outer ring friction plate 121 are uninterrupted in the circumferential direction W.

[0040] When the inner ring friction plate 122 and the outer ring friction plate 121 rub against the axial side of the radial inner end of the retaining plate 11, they are always in contact with the axial side of the radial inner end of the retaining plate 11 in the circumferential direction W, thereby forming a continuous friction torque in the circumferential direction W, which improves the stability and reliability of the torque limiter 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the radial outer edge of the inner ring friction plate 122 is provided with a non-circular outer contour, and the radial inner edge of the outer ring friction plate 121 is provided with a non-circular inner contour.

[0042] Non-circular profiles can be designed to optimize frictional characteristics and torque distribution based on specific application requirements. For example, a specific non-circular profile can provide higher friction in certain areas to adapt to different working conditions. Non-circular profiles can increase the radial frictional length between the first and second friction plates and the retaining plate 11, thereby improving radial friction and stability, especially under high-speed or high-load conditions, reducing unnecessary sliding or movement.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer contour of the inner ring friction plate 122 and the inner contour of the outer ring friction plate 121 are one or more of the following: wavy, rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangular. That is, the dividing line 123 is one or more of the following: wavy line, rectangular line, trapezoidal line, and triangular line. Different types of dividing lines 123 can be optimized for specific application requirements, providing different friction characteristics and performance advantages. Selecting a suitable non-circular contour can maximize the performance of the torque limiter 10 and meet different application needs.

[0044] Furthermore, the surface areas of the inner ring friction plate 122 and the outer ring friction plate 121 facing the retaining plate 11 are equal. Specifically, when the annular friction plate 12 is divided into the inner ring friction plate 122 and the outer ring friction plate 121, since the pitch circle radius of the inner ring friction plate 122 is small, the radial width of the inner ring friction plate 122 can be greater than the radial width of the outer ring friction plate 121, so that the area of ​​the inner ring friction plate 122 and the surface area of ​​the outer ring friction plate 121 are equal or approximately equal. This ensures that the frictional torque on both sides of the retaining plate 11 is equal, the balanced frictional torque reduces local stress concentration, avoids slippage of one side of the retaining plate 11 with the friction plate, and makes the torque limiter 10 more stable and reliable.

[0045] In addition, the equal friction area makes the wear between the first friction plate, the second friction plate and the retaining plate more uniform, thus extending the service life of the first friction plate or the second friction plate.

[0046] Furthermore, the first friction plate can be installed on the first cover plate 15 and is anti-torsional connected to the first cover plate 15, and the second friction plate is installed on the pressure plate 13 and is anti-torsional connected to the pressure plate 13.

[0047] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first friction plate is an outer ring friction plate 121, which is provided with a plurality of first through holes 1211 or first grooves along the circumferential direction W. The first cover plate 15 is provided with a plurality of first pins or first protrusions (not shown in the figure) along the circumferential direction. The first pins or first protrusions are axially engaged with the first through holes 1211 or first grooves to ensure that there is no relative rotation between the first friction plate and the first cover plate 15, thereby realizing the anti-torsional connection between the first friction plate and the first cover plate 15.

[0048] The second friction plate is an inner ring friction plate 122, which has multiple second through holes 1221 or second grooves along the circumferential direction W. The pressure plate 13 has multiple second pins or second protrusions along the circumferential direction W. The second pins or second protrusions are axially engaged with the second through holes 1221 or second grooves to ensure that there is no relative rotation between the second friction plate and the pressure plate 13, thereby achieving an anti-torsional connection between the second friction plate and the pressure plate 13.

[0049] The engagement of pins and through holes or protrusions and grooves provides a reliable connection. The design of these pins and grooves is simple, easy to process and manufacture, and reduces production costs. Inserting the pin into the through hole or embedding the protrusion into the groove simplifies the assembly process, reduces assembly time and errors, and also reduces malfunctions caused by loosening or wear. If replacement or maintenance of the first or second friction plate is required, it can be easily disassembled by simply pulling out the pin or protrusion, facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first through hole 1211 and the second through hole 1221 can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction W. Taking the wavy dividing line 123 shown in Figure 2 as an example, a first through hole 1211 or a first groove can be provided at each crest of the first friction plate (outer ring friction plate 121), and a second through hole 1221 or a second groove can be provided at each crest of the second friction plate (inner ring friction plate 122). Alternatively, a first through hole 1211 (or first groove) or a second through hole 1221 (or second groove) can be provided every other crest. By providing multiple through holes along the circumferential direction W, multi-point fixing can be achieved, making the stress distribution more uniform, reducing local stress concentration, and improving the durability of the first and second friction plates.

[0051] In some other embodiments, a first friction plate may be mounted on a pressure plate 13 and torsionally connected to the pressure plate, and a second friction plate may be mounted on a first cover plate 15 and torsionally connected to the first cover plate 15.

[0052] Furthermore, the torque damper 20 includes a single flange 21, a coil spring 22, and a hub 23. The single flange 21 has a first window for accommodating the coil spring 22. The single flange 21 is located axially between a first cover plate 15 and a second cover plate 16. The first cover plate 15 and the second cover plate 16 are provided with second windows for accommodating the coil spring 22 at corresponding positions of the first window.

[0053] When the engine transmits torque to the transmission in the forward direction, the first cover plate 15 and the second cover plate 16 receive the torque and rotate. The coil spring 22 is compressed through the circumferential inner wall of the second window. The coil spring 22 is compressed and drives the single flange 21 to rotate through the first window of the single flange 21. The single flange 21 is torsionally connected to the wheel hub 23. The single flange 21 then transmits the torque to the wheel hub 23 and the input shaft of the transmission, thus realizing the torque transmission from the engine to the transmission.

[0054] When the transmission transmits torque to the engine in the reverse direction, the input shaft of the transmission drives the hub 23 to rotate, and the hub 23 in turn drives the single flange 21 to rotate. The single flange 21 compresses the coil spring 22 through the inner wall of the first window. The coil spring 22 is compressed and drives the first cover plate 15 and the second cover plate 16 to rotate through the second window. The first cover plate 15 and the second cover plate 16 transmit torque to the retaining plate 11 through friction, thus realizing the transmission of torque to the engine.

[0055] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A torque limiter (10) characterized by, include: A retaining plate (11) for introducing torque; The first cover plate (15) is used to export torque; A second cover plate (16) for ducting torque is pressed axially onto the first cover plate (15); A first friction plate is axially disposed between the first cover plate (15) and the retaining plate (11); and A second friction plate is axially disposed between the second cover plate (16) and the retaining plate (11). The first friction plate and the second friction plate are separated by the same annular friction plate (12).

2. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first friction plate is composed of an outer ring friction plate (121) separated by the annular friction plate (12), and the second friction plate is composed of an inner ring friction plate (122) separated by the annular friction plate (12).

3. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the circumferential direction (W), the radial inner edge of the inner ring friction plate (122) is a circumferentially uninterrupted circular outline, and the radial outer edge of the outer ring friction plate (121) is a circumferentially uninterrupted circular outline.

4. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner ring friction plate (122) has a non-circular outer contour on its radially outer edge, and the outer ring friction plate (121) has a non-circular inner contour on its radially inner edge. The outer contour of the inner ring friction plate (122) and the inner contour of the outer ring friction plate (121) are one or more of the following: wavy, rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangular.

5. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The inner ring friction plate (122) and the outer ring friction plate (121) have equal surface areas facing the retaining plate (11).

6. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The torque limiter (10) also includes a diaphragm spring (14) disposed between the second cover plate (16) and the second friction plate, wherein the second cover plate (16) is pressed against the first cover plate (15) in the axial direction by means of the diaphragm spring (14).

7. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The diaphragm spring (14) has a pressure plate (13) disposed adjacent to the side facing the retaining plate (11).

8. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first friction plate is provided with a plurality of first through holes (1211) or first grooves on the side away from the retaining plate (11), and the first cover plate (15) is provided with a plurality of first pins or first protrusions on the side facing the retaining plate (11). The first pins or first protrusions are axially engaged with the first through holes (1211) or the first grooves to realize the anti-torsional connection between the first friction plate and the first cover plate (15). The second friction plate is provided with a plurality of second through holes (1221) or second grooves on the side away from the retaining plate (11), and the pressure plate (13) is provided with a plurality of second pins or second protrusions on the side facing the retaining plate. The second pins or second protrusions are axially engaged with the second through holes (1221) or second grooves to realize the anti-torsional connection between the second friction plate and the pressure plate (13).

9. The torque limiter (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first through hole (1211) and the second through hole (1221) are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

10. A torque damping device, characterized by include: Torque limiter (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as The torque damper (20) includes a flange (21), a coil spring (22), and a hub (23), which are torsionally connected to the radially inner side of the torque limiter (10).

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