The present invention relates to a torque limiter for driving away a possible sudden and high torque that may be formed by the engine or transmission members of single mass flywheels, and thus preventing said high torque from being transmitted to other transmission members.

State of the Art

It is of great importance that vehicles produced in the automotive industry have comfortable driving and fuel saving characteristics. For comfortable driving, the engine speed needs to operate close to the idle speed. As the engine speed comes closer to the idle speed, which is required for comfortable driving, irregularities occur in operation of the engine. These irregularities also lead to vibrations in vehicles, which manifest as increase in noise. These vibration problems affect the comfort of the driver and the lifetime of the working parts of vehicles. One of the engine components that causes vibration problems is known as the flywheel.

In internal combustion engines, it is the task of the flywheel to ensure proper transmission of the first movement upon starting of the engine. The flywheel is a large disc- shaped member that is connected to the crank shaft and rotates with the movement of the crank, and ensures continuity of movement by using the energy it obtains at the moment of ignition for rotation of the engine at other times. The flywheel is positioned in contact with a surface of the clutch lining so that the rotational movement of the crank shaft can be transmitted to the transmission box. However, in internal combustion engines, the movement due to ignition involves irregularities. The flywheel, together with the crankshaft, dampens these irregularities and provides engine stability. The other task of the flywheel is to transmit the motion taken from the engine to other power transmission members. It is preferred that vibrations are minimized in this motion that is transmitted to the power transmission organs.

Nowadays, two types of flywheels are used in vehicles. The dual-mass flywheel consists of two masses. The first mass is connected to the crankshaft via bolts and directly receives the rotational motion of the engine. The peripheral friction component found within the first mass dampens vibration and ensures more proper motion transmission to the second mass. The dual-mass flywheel transmits the torque of the engine to the clutch pressure plate and the clutch disc. The dual- mass flywheel is preferred in vehicles with high comfort expectation. The primary purpose of the dual-mass flywheel is to protect and extend the life of the transmission members by means of preventing transfer of the torsion and vibrations generated by the engine to the transmission members. The other purpose of the dual-mass flywheel is to save fuel by allowing the vehicle to be used in the same comfort level even at low revs. In this way, vehicles do not lose torque and power even at low revs. The other type of flywheel, which is still in use and also known as the old generation flywheel, is a single-mass flywheel. Single-mass flywheels generally consist of a cast main mass, a flywheel gear, and pins that ensure centering for mounting to the clutch. Single-mass flywheels are preferred if there are relatively fewer irregularities on the engine side or if the comfort level expected from the vehicle is low. When the clutch is engaged very quickly, the rotational motion of the engine is transmitted to the transmission member in a very short time. As a result of this movement, instantaneous, but very high torques are seen on the clutch, gearbox, and shaft. These high torques cause vibrations by the piston during combustion. In internal combustion engines, it is aimed to reduce the vibration caused by piston movements during combustion by the flywheel that is connected with the crank shaft via bolts. During damping of this vibration, the flywheel makes flexion movements in axial direction so as to ensure transmission of the torque transmitted from the engine to the clutch. However, it does not have a presently available mechanism for controlling or regulating the torque. Some dual-mass flywheel designs have torque limiter mechanisms that would prevent this situation. This mechanism is located between the first and second masses. The maximum torque that can be transmitted from the first mass to the second mass is limited according to the characteristic of the mechanism. If more torque than the specified torque is encountered, the masses move relative to each other and do not transmit the rotational motion. However, there is no mechanism for this purpose in single-mass flywheels. In this case, there is a need for the use of a torque limiter mechanism also in single mass flywheels.

A torque limiter clutch system design is disclosed in the U.S. patent document No. US2012142437A1, with priority date 27.08.2009. This design comprises a flywheel, a clutch disc assembly, a cover pressure plate, a pressure ring, friction members, and a conical spring. In the relevant design, the pressure plate is secured via rivets and placed in contact with the friction plates. The conical spring is axially positioned between the first head portions and the pressure ring in a compressed state. The connection is made on the plate in the front surface and this plate moves together with the flywheel. In order to balance the performance of the torque limiter design, the device is covered with a covering element. In the relevant invention, the load-generating element which will create the friction force does not appear to be connected to any component. In the invention according to the present application, the element that creates the load that will form the friction force is connected to the moving body. The document encountered in the state of the art is found in a similar technical field and looking for solution to problems similar to the invention according to the present application in terms of having the technical characteristics of preventing transmission of high torque to the transmission box, protection of the transmission box and the clutch system, comprising a plate that creates a pressure force and the pressure plate being fastened to the first plate with a rivet. However, the invention according to the present application differs from the state of the art document in terms of its components and having the technical characteristics of comprising gaskets, the two transmission body of which fit into the motion transmitter, and which prevent friction up to a certain torque value. Also in the invention according to the present application, while the motion body moves in connection with the engine, the friction body is fixed at the clutch connecting plate. The design in the document of the state of the art cannot be used exactly with the clutch system. The design found in the invention according to the present application can be used exactly with the standard clutch system. For this reason, the invention according to the present application and the state of the art document are different from each other.

A torque limiter system is disclosed in the U.S. patent document No. US20020092715A1, with priority date 14.12.2000. In this design, it is disclosed that an airtight dampener is mounted to the inlet axis and a flywheel with the help of a bolt. The torque transmitter and the support plate are also connected to each other by means of bolts. The pressing of the torque transmitting plate to the friction plate and the support plate is accomplished by a spring. In the aforementioned design, the rotational movement is transmitted by the friction plate on the transmission plate found on the transmission box. At the same time, the other part of the friction plate is held in contact for the purpose of transmitting the engine motion by the pressure plate that is connected to the flywheel. If the engine torque is higher than the permitted value, the friction component can slide with a constant torque depending on the pressure of the spring and it is balanced against excessive load. In the invention found in the state of the art document, the friction component is directly connected to the torque limiter system. However, in the invention according to the present application, the friction components are placed individually on the motion transmitter found on the flywheel. In this way, a better torque limiting can be achieved. In the present invention, the transmission plate, pressure plate, and other plates are connected to each other by means of a structure having tabs. This can reduce the life span of parts. For this reason, in the design of the present invention, the plates are connected to each other by different connection methods. The invention found in the known state of the art is found in a similar technical field with the invention according to the present application and looks for solution to similar problems in terms of having similar components, preventing transmission of high torque to the transmission box, and protection of the transmission box and the clutch. However, the invention according to the present application and the invention found in the known status of the art are different from each other in terms of the above given technical characteristics.

A torque limiter is disclosed in the U.S. patent document No. US20120115620A1, with priority date 05.11.2010. This design comprises a first element, a second element, a thrust element, a first face forming and a second face. The first element is connected to the first rotary shaft. The friction plate is connected to the second rotary shaft. The thrust element presses the second element against the friction plate. The first element comprises a positioner. For this reason, the first element and the second element can be positioned coaxially with each other. In the relevant design, the pressure plate is in contact with the first plate and this plate is connected to the flywheel. The pressure plate is also in contact with the transmission box and in contact with the plate holding the friction plate. The purpose of this design is to provide friction characteristics by means of only fixing the first and second faces without using an adhesive or rivet, and ensure torque limiting via these friction characteristics. The invention found in the state of the art serves similar technical purposes with the invention according to the present application and is found in a similar technical field in terms of preventing transmission of high torque to the transmission box and protecting the clutch and the transmission box. However, in the invention of the state of the art, the clutch connection of the friction plate is designed differently from the connection of the invention according to the present application. In the invention of the state of the art, the pressure spring is pre-tensioned and mounted between the cover and the support plate. The force created by this piece presses the support plate onto the friction surfaces. With the friction force formed therein, torque flow through the core and damper is ensured. With respect to the above given technical characteristics, the invention of the present application and the invention found in the state of the art document are different from each other.

Purposes of the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to develop a torque limiter which ensures reduction of vibration and bounces formed due to high torque in vehicles, by means of preventing transmission of high torque to the transmission box. Another purpose of the invention is to develop a torque limiter which extends the life of the transmission box and clutch system by protecting thereof by means of preventing high torque, and thus reducing the high cost warranty expenses.

Another purpose of the invention is to develop a torque limiter which ensures a comfortable driving experience by minimizing vibrations, bounces, and noises in the engine that are caused by transmission of high torque.

Brief Description of the Invention In the torque limiter developed in order to achieve the purposes of the present invention, which is defined in claim 1 and the other claims dependent to claim 1, it comprises a motion body connected to the crank shaft and moving in synchronization with the crank shaft as a result of the movement of the crank shaft due to piston movements that occur as a result of the combustion in the engine, a friction body, which is connected to the clutch and ensures regular transmission of the rotational motion formed by the engine, and which is the part that is first affected when the clutch is engaged quickly, a motion transmitter found between the motion body and the friction body, and directly transmitting the present motion if the torque formed at the motion body and/or the friction body is less than the predefined value, or driving away the present motion and thus ensuring proper transmission of the rotation to other transmission members if the torque is higher than the predefined value. At both sides of said motion transmitter, one friction gasket each are found for ensuring transmission of the torque formed at the motion body and/or the friction body via friction. Said friction gaskets are exposed to pressure force by means of the pressure plate. Said pressure plate is connected to the motion body and applies pressure on the at least one friction gasket and motion transmitter such that the predefined torque value would be determined. Moreover, by means of changing the intensity of the pressure applied by the pressure plate, the predefined torque value also changes.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The torque limiter developed in order to achieve the purposes of the present invention is shown in the attached figures, among which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the torque limiter.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the torque limiter from a different angle.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the torque limiter.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the torque limiter including the crank and clutch.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the motion body.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the friction body.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the pressed state (circle form) of the pressure plate.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the unpressed state (diaphragm form) of the pressure plate.

The components given in the figures are enumerated individually, and the meanings of these numbers are given below.

1. Torque limiter 2. Motion body

2.1. Pressure plate connection housings

2.2. Crank connection housings

3. Friction body

3.1. Connection holes

3.2. Central space

4. Motion Transmitter

4.1. Gasket housing

4.2. Fixing hole

5. Friction gasket

6. Pressure plate

6.1. Pressure plate connection housings

7. Pressure connection component

8. Fixing connection component

9. Crank connection component

10. Bushing

A. Crank shaft

B. Clutch The torque limiter (1) for driving away a possible sudden and high torque that may be formed by the engine or transmission members of single mass flywheels, and thus preventing said high torque from being transmitted to other transmission members, basically comprises:

at least one motion body (2) connected to the crank shaft (A) and moving in synchronization with the motion of the engine,

at least one friction body (3) connected to the clutch (B) and ensuring proper transmission of the rotational motion formed by the engine,

at least one motion transmitter (4) found between the motion body (2) and the friction body (3), and directly transmitting the present motion if the torque formed at the motion body (2) and/or the friction body (3) is less than the predefined value, or driving away the present motion and thus ensuring proper transmission of the rotation to other transmission members if the torque is higher than the predefined value,

at least one friction gasket (5) positioned at at least one side of the motion transmitter (4) and ensuring transmission of the torque formed at the motion body (2) and/or the friction body (3) via friction,

at least one pressure plate (6) connected to the motion body (2), applying pressure on at least one friction gasket (5) via the motion transmitter (4) at an intensity such that the predefined torque value is determined, and changing the predefined torque value by means of changing the intensity of the applied pressure in a preferred ratio.

The torque limiter (1) found in an embodiment of the invention ensures transmission of the motion, which is formed in the engine as a result of irregular combustion and transmitted to the crank shaft (A) by means of the pistons, as well as the high torque that may be formed in case the clutch (B) is engaged too quick, to other transmission members. In the torque limiter (1) found in this embodiment of the invention, the motion body (2) is preferably connected to the crank shaft (A). Due to the connection of the motion body (2) with the crank shaft (A), the torque that is transmitted by means of the pistons as a result of the combustion in the engine, is then directly transmitted to the motion body (2). In other words, the crank shaft (A) and the motion body (2) rotate in synchronization. The motion body (2) comprises more than one crank connection housings (2.2) formed at the edges of a circular form and formed for connection of the crank shaft (A). Connection of the motion body (2) to the crank shaft (A) is ensured by means of fitting more than one crank connection components (9) to these said pressure plate connection housings (2.1).

In the torque limiter (1) according to one embodiment of the invention, a friction body (3) is found. Said friction body (3) is directly connected to the clutch (B). A central space (3.2) is found at the middle part of the friction body (3), and a bushing (10) is mounted to said central space (3.2). The friction body (3) transmits the rotational motion formed by the engine in connection with the clutch (B), to other transmission members together with the clutch (B) in a regular manner. In the torque limiter (1) found in an embodiment of the invention, a motion transmitter (4) is found as positioned between the motion body (2) and the friction body (3). Said motion transmitter (4) preferably has a circular form and it comprises more than one fixing holes (4.2) opened at a place close to its outermost part for the purpose of connection to the friction body (3). The motion transmitter (4) and the friction body (3) can be rigidly connected to each other by means of more than one fixing connection components (8) placed in said fixing holes (4.2). This fixing connection component (8) placed in the motion transmitter (4) is also placed at the connection holes (3.1) found on the friction body (3) and rigid connection is obtained in this manner. The middle part of the motion transmitter (4) is empty/hollow, and a gasket housing (4.1) is formed between said space and the part where the fixing holes (4.2) are found. The friction gasket (5) is placed in said gasket housing (4.1). The friction gasket (5) found in this embodiment of the invention preferably has a circular form and has dimensions that would allow it to fit into the gasket housing (4.1) found in the motion transmitter (4). Two friction gaskets (5) are used in this embodiment of the invention, and one of said friction gaskets (5) is fitted into the gasket housing (4.1) found at one side of the motion transmitter (4), while the other friction gasket (5) is fitted into the gasket housing (4.1) found at the other side of the motion transmitter (4).

In the torque limiter (1) found in an embodiment of the invention, a pressure plate (6) is also found. Said pressure plate (6) similarly has a circular form and comprises pressure plate connection holes (6.1) at the part that is close to the space found at the middle part. The pressure plate (6) and the motion body (2) are mounted to each other by means of the more than one pressure connection components (7) fitted into these said pressure plate connection holes (6.1). The pressure plate (6) has a diaphragm form before being mounted to the motion body (2), and after mounting, it takes a circular form. The pressure plate (6) found in this embodiment of the invention is positioned between the motion body (2) and the friction body (3), and also in a way that it would apply pressure on the motion transmitter (4) and one or more friction gasket (5). The intensity of the pressure applied by the pressure plate (6) on the motion body (2) can be changed by the pressure connection components (7). The pressure connection component (7) found in this embodiment of the invention is preferably a rivet. By means of changing of the pressure applied by the pressure plate (6) in this manner, the predefined torque value of the motion transmitter (4) can also be increased or reduced in the preferred ratio. In other words, if the force applied by the pressure plate (6) on the motion transmitter (4) and the friction gaskets (5) found at both sides of the motion transmitter (4), the predefined torque value formed at the motion transmitter (4) is also increased, and if said pressure is reduced, then the predefined torque value formed on the motion transmitter (4) is also reduced. In addition, if the intensity of the pressure applied on the pressure plate (6) is increased, the diaphragm structure of the pressure plate (6) is increased in the same ratio, and if the pressure intensity is reduced, then the diaphragm structure of the pressure plate (6) also changes and tends to take a circular form.

Mounting of the torque limiter (1) is performed as follows. The motion body (2) found in the torque limiter (1) is rigidly mounted to the crank shaft (A), while the friction body (3) is similarly mounted to the clutch (B). In this case, the motion body (2) and the crank shaft (A), and similarly the clutch (B) and the friction body (3) move in synchronization. A motion transmitter (4), one or more than one friction gasket(s) (5), and also a pressure plate (6) applying pressure on said motion transmitter (4) and friction gasket (5) are found between the motion body (2) and the friction body (3). In this embodiment of the invention, two friction gaskets (5) are used. Said friction gaskets (5) are found such that they would be positioned at both sides of the motion transmitter (4). When the motion transmitter (4) has friction gaskets (5) at both sides, the motion transmitter (4) and the friction gaskets (5) are brought closer to the motion body (2). Afterwards, the pressure plate (6) is brought closer to the motion body (2) at the other end of the motion transmitter (4) where the motion body (2) is not found, such that the pressure plate (6) and the motion body (2) are connected to each other by means of the pressure connection components (7). The geometric shape of the pressure plate (6) changes depending on the intensity of the force applied by the pressure plate (6). The pressure plate (6) has originally has a circular geometry and then takes the shape of a diaphragm if the intensity of the pressure is increased. By means of changing of the intensity of the pressure applied by the pressure plate (6) in a preferred ratio, the predefined torque value of the motion transmitter (4) can also be changed in the preferred ratio. The predefined torque value of the motion transmitter (4) found in this embodiment of the invention are adjusted such that it would not damage the other components of the vehicle. The operation of the torque limiter (1) is performed as follows. The rotational force transmitted to the pistons by the engine as a result of combustion, and then transmitted to the crank shaft (A), continuously affects the motion body (2). If the clutch (B) is engaged too quickly in the vehicle, the transmission members and the engine suddenly interact with each other and the torque generated in this case is suddenly transmitted to the transmission members. This causes damage on the transmission members. In order to prevent this situation, a motion transmitter (4) is positioned between the motion body (2) and the friction body (3). The motion transmitter (4) rotates synchronous with the friction body (3) in the present position. Under normal conditions, or in other words, in cases where a torque value below the predefined torque value is formed in the motion transmitter (4), the torque value transmitted by the motion body (2) is directly transmitted to the friction body (3). However, in cases where damage is caused on the transmission members such as sudden engagement of the clutch (B), the generated torque value exceeds the predefined torque value. In this case, the motion transmitter (4) slides on the friction gaskets (5) and prevents direct transmission of the motion. By means of this sliding motion, the high transmitted torque is not transmitted directly to the transmission members.

By means of application of the torque limiter (1), possible high torque that may be generated between the engine and the transmission members are dampened and the transmission members and engine are prevented from being exposed to sudden forces.