DE102020128195A1 - Coupling device - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling device, comprising a first partial clutch (6) with an axially compressible first disk set (8) and a second partial clutch (7) with an axially compressible second disk set (9), each disk set (8, 9) having several outer disks (10, 11) and several inner disks (12, 13) engaging between these, the inner disks (12) of the first partial clutch (6) on a first inner disk carrier (16) and the inner disks (13) of the second partial clutch (7) on a second inner disk carrier (17) ) and the outer disks (10, 11) of both partial clutches (6, 7) are guided axially movably on a common outer disk carrier (14) in respective axially extending teeth, and each disk pack (8, 9) via a separate actuating element (18, 19 ) is compressible against an abutment, with a circumferential groove (33) in which a retaining ring (29) is provided on the outer disk carrier (14) in the toothing (15) engages, which is connected to a support ring (28) which forms a common abutment for both lamellas (8, 9) which can be compressed from opposite sides.

Description

The invention relates to a clutch device, comprising a first partial clutch with an axially compressible first disk pack and a second partial clutch with an axially compressible second disk pack, each disk pack having several outer disks and several inner disks engaging between them, the inner disks of the first partial clutch on a first inner disk carrier and the inner disks of the second partial clutch are guided axially movably on a second inner disk carrier and the outer disks of both partial clutches are guided on a common outer disk carrier in respective axially extending teeth, and each disk pack can be compressed against an abutment via a separate actuating element.

Such a coupling device is used in a known manner for the temporary production of a torque-transmitting frictional connection between a drive shaft of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor and an output shaft running to a transmission. The clutch device usually comprises, if it is designed as a single clutch, an outer disk carrier with outer disks axially displaceable thereon, an inner disk carrier with inner disks axially displaceable thereon, which grip between the outer disks, and an actuating element, usually in the form of a pressure pot, which is axially movable to to compress the disk pack axially against an abutment. The outer disk carrier is connected, for example, to the drive shaft via which the torque is introduced, while the inner disk carrier is connected to the output shaft leading to the transmission. By compressing the disk set, a force or frictional connection is achieved, so that torques introduced by the drive shaft via the outer disk carrier can be conducted via the disk pack to the inner disk carrier and via this to the output shaft to the gearbox.

In addition to the design as a single clutch with only one disk pack, it is also known to design a clutch device as a double clutch. In this case, the clutch device comprises a first partial clutch and a second partial clutch, each of which has a corresponding disk pack with outer and inner disks as well as an outer disk carrier and an inner disk carrier, each disk pack being able to be compressed via a separate actuating element, i.e. a separate pressure pot. The two outer disk carriers are, for example, jointly connected to the drive shaft introducing the torque, while the two inner disk carriers are connected to separate output shafts that lead to separate gear stages, which can be switched separately via the individual partial clutches.

The structure of a single or double clutch described above is well known.

In addition to a clutch device with separate outer disk carriers, embodiments are also known in which the outer disks of both partial clutches are arranged quasi axially one behind the other on a common outer disk carrier. They can be displaced along the outer disk carrier in opposite directions via separate actuating elements, so that the disk packs can be pressed against separate abutments in order to achieve the frictional engagement. Such a structure is very compact in the radial direction and is particularly suitable for applications where high centrifugal forces act. Such a coupling device can be integrated, for example, in what is known as an “e-axle” of a motor vehicle, with such e-axles or electric axles being increasingly installed in modern motor vehicles. This makes it possible to drive the wheels via an electric machine that is part of the e-axle. The clutch device is switched between the electric machine and a two-stage planetary gear via which the torque is transmitted to the assigned wheel, so that it is possible to switch the two planetary gear stages via it. The construction of known clutch devices with outer plates of both partial clutches arranged on a common outer plate carrier is, however, relatively complex, which is why there is a need for a coupling device designed as simply as possible, for example for integration in an e-axle.

The invention is based on the problem of specifying an improved coupling device.

To solve this problem, the invention provides for a clutch device of the type mentioned at the outset that a circumferential groove is provided in the toothing on the outer disk carrier, into which a locking ring engages, which is connected to a support ring, which is one for both sides from opposite sides compressible plate packs forming common abutment.

In the clutch device according to the invention, a support ring that is axially fixed in position on the outer disk carrier is used with particular advantage, against which both disk packs are pressed to achieve the frictional engagement, i.e. to shift the planetary gear connected downstream become. The two actuating elements, i.e. the two pressure pots, engage from axially opposite sides on the respective terminal lamellae of the two laminae packs, thus pressing them to the center of the outer disk carrier, where the common support ring is arranged. Advantageously, only one component is used to implement both support planes of the two disk packs, which simplifies the construction of the coupling device, since fewer components are required, and which is also advantageous with regard to the centrifugal forces that act, since less mass is moved.

For the axial fixing of the support ring, a locking ring is used, as described, which on the one hand is fixed to the support ring so that the two cannot be separated axially from one another and which, on the other hand, engages in a circumferential groove formed in the toothing of the outer disk carrier and in this is set axially. The axial fixing of the common support ring is consequently achieved in a structurally simple manner via this simple locking ring. The assembly is just as simple as the axial fixation, since it is only necessary in the context of assembly to axially insert the support ring together with the securing ring attached to it axially into the toothing of the outer disk carrier until the securing ring snaps radially into the toothed groove.

In order to connect the support ring to the securing ring in a simple manner, in a further development of the invention the support ring likewise has a circumferential groove in which the securing ring engages. The inside diameter of this groove is inevitably slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the retaining ring, so that the retaining ring can be pressed into the groove during assembly and the combination of retaining ring and support ring can be pushed into the disk carrier toothing until the assembly position in which the retaining ring is reached springs out radially into the toothed groove. The locking ring can be fixed to the support ring in a very simple way; it is only necessary to push it on until it snaps into the groove on the support ring side.

As described, in the assembly position the locking ring springs into the groove formed in the disk carrier toothing. In this case, the outer diameter of the groove is expediently selected to be larger than the outer diameter of the engaging locking ring, that is to say that the locking ring is received with a slight radial play. This small radial play makes it possible, if necessary, to remove the locking ring from the groove again when the coupling device is dismantled. It is only necessary to drive axially into the outer disk carrier with a suitable tool such as a crown and to press the circlip inward into the groove on the support ring side with the corresponding sections of the crown that overlap the circlip radially on the outside, whereupon the combination of circlip and support ring over the Crown can be pulled out of the outer disc carrier.

In order to make the assembly of the support ring including the retaining ring as simple as possible, according to an advantageous development of the invention, the toothing has an insertion bevel at the axially open end, from which the outer lamellae as well as the support ring including the retaining ring are inserted. When the support ring is pushed in, the radially outwardly sprung locking ring runs against the lead-in bevel and is automatically pressed into the locking ring-side groove when it is moved further, so that it can easily be moved axially along the disk carrier toothing.

With the switching of the clutch device, that is to say the compression of one or the other disk pack, there is inevitably a change in the speed within the clutch device. For example, when integrating the clutch device into an E-axle with a two-stage planetary gear, in which arrangement the two output shafts, one of which is coupled to an inner disk carrier of the clutch device, rotate permanently, but at different speeds, when shifting there are circumferential forces on the disk pack side works. In order to be able to support these circumferential forces also on the part of the support ring in the circumferential direction, the support ring is provided with a toothing formed on the outer circumference which engages in the toothing of the outer disk carrier. Via this meshing engagement, the support ring, which is fixed in the axial direction via the locking ring, is now also fixed in the circumferential direction, so that corresponding circumferential forces resulting from the shifting process can be supported. When integrating the coupling device into an E-axis, only the difference in speed between the two output shafts, which each run to one stage of the planetary gear, is expediently transmitted, which is given in particular with regard to the very high on such an E-axis Speeds in the drive area is advantageous.

It is also useful if the support ring is centered on the toothing of the outer disk carrier. This centering on the root circle of the outer disk carrier toothing can also be implemented without problems if the support ring has a toothing formed on the outer circumference, as described above. In this case, the toothing is dimensioned accordingly so that the support ring can be centered exactly over the root circle of the disk carrier toothing.

As described, the support ring serves as an abutment against which one disk pack is pressed from one side and the other disk pack from the other side. An expedient further development of the invention provides for the support ring to be used not only as a pure abutment, but also as a lamella pack element at the same time. For this purpose, the support ring is preferably provided with a friction lining on both sides, i.e. it can be used as a friction disc, in which case the outer discs on the outer disc carrier are all designed as friction discs, while the discs on the inner disc carriers are steel discs. This means that the support ring has a double function in this case, namely on the one hand the axial support function and on the other hand also a lamellar function.

As described, each disk pack is compressed axially from opposite directions via its own actuating element, that is, its own pressure pot. In order to ventilate the compressed disk pack again, i.e. to cancel the frictional engagement, it is necessary to move the respective pressure pot back axially. For this purpose, two spring assemblies are provided, each actuating element being axially movable against the restoring force of a respective spring assembly when the disk assembly is compressed. Each actuating element is guided radially via the radially positionally fixed spring assembly. This means that the ring-shaped spring assemblies have not only the restoring function but also a guiding function.

In addition to the clutch device itself, the invention also relates to an electric axle of a motor vehicle, comprising an electric machine, a clutch device of the type described above coupled to this, and a two-stage planetary gear shiftable via the clutch device.

• 1 eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungseinrichtung als Teil einer E-Achse,
• 2 eine Teilansicht der Kupplungseinrichtung aus 1 während der Montage,
• 3 die Kupplungseinrichtung aus 2 nach der Montage, und
• 4 eine vergrößerte Teilansicht des Bereichs IV aus 3.

The invention is explained below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic representations and show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a coupling device according to the invention as part of an e-axle,
• 2 a partial view of the coupling device from 1 during assembly,
• 3 the coupling device off 2 after assembly, and
• 4th an enlarged partial view of the area IV 3 .

1 shows a partial view of an e-axle or electric axle according to the invention 1 , comprising an electric machine shown here only in principle 2 that have a drive gear 3 with a toothing of a drive shaft 4th that meshes with the coupling device 5 is coupled. The coupling device 5 is a double clutch consisting of a first partial clutch 6th and a second partial clutch 7th , each partial coupling 6th , 7th a separate lamella pack 8th , 9 has, each consisting of outer discs 10 , 11 and inner lamellas 12th , 13th . The outer slats 10 , 11 are on a common outer plate carrier 14th in a corresponding axial toothing 15th , in which they engage with corresponding edge-side toothings, guided axially movable. The inner lamellas 12th , 13th are on two separate inner plate carriers 16 , 17th in corresponding axial gears on the disk carriers 16 , 17th , in which they engage with corresponding teeth on the edge of the lamella, axially movably guided.

Around the two lamella packs 8th , 9 To bring each into frictional engagement, i.e. to compact in a torque-transmitting manner, are two separate actuating elements 18th , 19th Shown in the form of pressure pots, each of which has a ball bearing 20th , 21 with a piston 22nd , 23 a respective hydraulic actuator are coupled, so that the actuating elements 18th , 19th for pressing the respective lamella packs together 8th , 9 and thus to actuate the individual partial clutches 6th , 7th via the axially moved piston 23 , 23 can be moved axially. This compression takes place against the restoring force of a respective spring assembly 24 , 25th over which the actuators 18th , 19th are also guided radially.

In the clutch device shown, the common outer disk carrier is 14th with the drive shaft 4th connected, that is, that the outer disc carrier 14th both partial couplings 6th , 7th about the electric machine 2 is driven in rotation.

The two inner plate carriers 16 , 17th are each with a drive shaft 26th , 27 connected, the drive shaft 26th on the one hand and the drive shaft 27 runs to the other stage of the downstream planetary gear, not shown in detail. Both drive shafts 26th , 27 rotate during operation, but have a speed that differs from one another in terms of the transmission ratio of the two gear stages. That means that via the two partial couplings 6th , 7th only the corresponding speed difference is to be transmitted when switching from one gear stage to the other. the Inner disc carrier 16 , 17th are via corresponding axial gear meshing with the corresponding drive shafts 26th , 27 connected.

The two plate packs are as described 8th , 9 axially over the two actuating elements 18th , 19th compressible coming from opposite directions. You are against a support ring 28 movable, which acts as an axially fixed abutment for both plate packs 8th , 9 serves and which has a locking ring 29 axially on the outer ring 14th is set and via a one-sided toothing formed on its outer circumference 30th that go into the axial teeth 15th of the outer disk carrier 14th engages, set in the circumferential direction. This means that there is only one common component here, namely the support ring 28 , is used, which has a dual function as the abutment for both plate packs 8th , 9 forms. The support ring 28 have a friction lining on both sides, so it can also be used as a disk of the outer disk carrier 14th are used, the outer lamellae 10 , 11 in this case all are designed as friction plates.

2 shows the coupling device in an enlarged partial view 5 during assembly. The first lamella pack can already be seen 8th has been mounted. The support ring is now installed 28 including locking ring 29 . The support ring 28 has a radially outwardly open, circumferential groove 31 in which the support ring 29 is used. When assembling the combination of support ring 28 and locking ring 29 is the locking ring 29 loosely, i.e. with radial play, in the groove 31 , that is, the inside diameter of the groove 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the locking ring 29 in the unloaded state.

This combination is now inserted into the outer plate carrier for assembly 14th inserted. This points in the area of its axial toothing 15th a lead-in bevel 32 on, against which the radially protruding locking ring 29 runs and over which it is positively driven into the groove 31 is inserted. The gearing 30th is in the axial toothing 15th introduced so that the entire combination can be moved axially, until the locking ring 29 in the area of a groove 33 that arrives in the axial toothing 15th is trained. This groove 33 defines the final assembly position. When it is reached, the locking ring snaps 29 to the outside and therefore engages in the groove 33 one, but at the same time it remains in the groove 31 added so that the support ring 28 is axially secured. The circumferential securing and thus also the transmission or support of a circumferential force takes place via the engagement of the toothing 30th into the axial toothing 15th . The in 3 End of assembly position shown. As shown by the arrows P1 and P2, the respective actuating element 18th , 19th the respective plate pack 8th , 9 are axially compressed, both against the common abutment, formed by the support ring 28 due to the engagement of the locking ring 29 in both grooves 31 , 33 is axially secured, are pressed.

4th FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the area IV from FIG 3 . The support ring is shown 28 , which in this example has two friction linings 34 , 35 Has on both sides, against each of which an inner plate designed as a steel plate 12th , 13th runs.

It is also shown that the locking ring 29 with slight radial play in the groove 33 is added, which makes it possible, in the event of dismantling, axially to insert a release tool, for example a crown, with corresponding sections in the radial gap between the locking ring 29 and groove base engages so that the locking ring 29 back into the groove 31 of the support ring 28 pressed in and out of the groove 33 can be removed to the support ring 28 to dismantle again.

It is also shown that, as described, the toothing 30th is only executed on one side, while the outer circumference on the other side 36 of the support ring 28 is dimensioned so that a diameter centering against tilting or deformation on the root circle of the axial toothing 15th of the lamellar carrier 14th results.

List of reference symbols

1

axis

2

machine

3

Drive toothing

4th

drive shaft

5

Coupling device

6th

Partial coupling

7th

Partial coupling

8th

Disc pack

9

Disc pack

10

Outer lamella

11

Outer lamella

12th

Inner lamella

13th

Inner lamella

14th

Outer disc carrier

15th

Axial toothing

16

Inner disc carrier

17th

Inner disc carrier

18th

Actuator

19th

Actuator

20th

ball-bearing

21

ball-bearing

22nd

piston

23

piston

24

Spring package

25th

Spring package

26th

drive shaft

27

drive shaft

28

Support ring

29

Circlip

30th

Interlocking

31

Groove

32

Lead-in bevel

33

Groove

34

Friction lining

35

Friction lining

36

Outer circumference

Claims (9)

Coupling device, comprising a first partial clutch (6) with an axially compressible first disk set (8) and a second partial clutch (7) with an axially compressible second disk set (9), each disk set (8, 9) having several outer disks (10, 11) and several inner disks (12, 13) engaging between these, the inner disks (12) of the first partial clutch (6) on a first inner disk carrier (16) and the inner disks (13) of the second partial clutch (7) on a second inner disk carrier (17) ) and the outer disks (10, 11) of both partial clutches (6, 7) are guided axially movably on a common outer disk carrier (14) in respective axially extending teeth, and each disk pack (8, 9) via a separate actuating element (18, 19 ) is compressible against an abutment, characterized in that a circumferential groove (33) is provided on the outer disk carrier (14) in the toothing (15) into which a locking ring (29) engages which is connected to a support ring (28) which forms a common abutment for both plate packs (8, 9) which can be compressed from opposite sides. Coupling device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a circumferential groove (31) is provided on the support ring (28) in which the locking ring (29) engages. Coupling device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the outer diameter of the groove (33) provided on the outer disk carrier is greater than the outer diameter of the engaging locking ring (29). Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insertion bevel (32) is provided on the toothing (15). Clutch device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support ring (28) has a toothing (30) formed on the outer circumference which engages in the toothing (15) of the outer disk carrier (14). Clutch device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support ring (28) is centered on the toothing (15) of the outer disk carrier (14). Clutch device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support ring (28) has a friction lining (34, 35) on both sides. Clutch device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each actuating element (18, 19) can be moved axially against the restoring force of a spring assembly (24, 25), each actuating element (18, 19) via the radially positionally fixed spring assemblies (24, 25) is guided radially. Electric axle of a motor vehicle, comprising an electric machine (2), a coupling device (5) according to one of the preceding claims coupled to the electric machine (2), and a two-stage planetary gear shiftable via the coupling device (5).

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