Clutch device for coupling an input shaft to at least one output shaft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clutch device (10) for connecting an input shaft (12) to at least one output shaft (14) by means of a sleeve (42), wherein the sleeve (42) forms a pressure space channel system (76, 92, 98) for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the pressure spaces (66, 72, 97) and a balance space channel system (80, 92, 102) for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the balance spaces (68, 74, 103), the pressure space channel system (76, 92, 98) comprising at least A pressure space orifice device (78, 90, 100) and the balance space channel system (80, 92, 102) includes at least one balance space orifice device (82, 93, 104), and the pressure space channel system (76, 92, 98) has at least one pressure space slot (84, 94, 106) in fluid communication with the pressure space orifice device (78, 90, 100) and / or the balance space channel system (80, 92, 102) has at least one balance space slot (86, 96, 108) in fluid communication with the balance space orifice device (82, 93, 104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch device for connecting an input shaft to at least one output shaft. Background Technology

[0002] Clutch devices are always used when a motor, especially an internal combustion engine, needs to selectively connect to or disconnect from the drivetrain to transmit torque. Typically, a clutch device includes at least one friction clutch, which transmits torque supplied by the motor to the drivetrain in the closed state and interrupts torque flow in the open state. In many cases, the friction clutch is operated by at least one piston-cylinder unit, whereby fluid, typically hydraulic oil, is pumped into a pressure chamber. The pressure formed here causes the piston to move out, closing the friction clutch. However, in addition to the pressure formed by the pump, centrifugal force can also act on the fluid based on the rotational speed of the components of the clutch device, especially the main sleeve, further increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber. The pressure present in the pressure chamber is hereinafter referred to as the closing pressure.

[0003] To prevent accidental disengagement of the friction clutch, a balancing space is often provided, in which pressure can also be generated, which reacts with the closing pressure. This pressure is referred to below as the counter-pressure. To disengage the clutch, only the closing pressure is increased, thereby causing the piston to move out and fluid to be forced out of the balancing space.

[0004] The friction clutch is preloaded to the open position by means of a preload device, such as a spring assembly. Once the closing pressure falls below a certain value, the friction clutch disengages.

[0005] In order to transport and withdraw fluid into the pressure space and the equilibrium space, a channel system is provided in the sleeve, and a clutch device is supported on the sleeve. Hereinafter, the channel system fluidly connected to the pressure space is referred to as the pressure space channel system, and the channel system fluidly connected to the equilibrium space is referred to as the equilibrium space channel system.

[0006] Dual clutches are increasingly used in vehicle manufacturing (Fahrzeugbau), as disclosed, for example, in EP 2 913 554 A1. Because the two clutches must be operated independently of each other, there are correspondingly multiple piston cylinder units and correspondingly multiple pressure and balance spaces. The pressure space channel system and the balance space channel system must be arranged accordingly, thus giving dual clutches considerable complexity.

[0007] In the pursuit of reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles, drives are increasingly being electrified. Here, the solution is a so-called hybrid drive, which includes not only an internal combustion engine but also an electric motor. Depending on the operating conditions, the vehicle can be driven by both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor (e.g., during acceleration). For example, when traveling slowly in urban areas, the vehicle can be driven solely by the electric motor. To optionally connect or disconnect the internal combustion engine from the transmission system for torque transmission, an additional friction clutch is provided. DE 10 2007 003 107 A1 and DE 102018 009 252 A1 show clutch devices for such hybrid drives. In addition to a dual clutch with a first and second friction clutch, as disclosed, for example, in EP 2 913 554 A1, a third friction clutch is provided for optionally connecting or disconnecting the internal combustion engine from the transmission system. Because the third friction clutch must also be operated independently of the first and second friction clutches, additional pressure and balance spaces should be provided accordingly, fluidly connected to a dedicated pressure or balance space channel system. This further increases the complexity of the channel system.

[0008] Particularly in vehicle manufacturing, the marginal condition is the extremely limited structural space available for use. In this case, the transverse motor design presents a particular challenge. With a transverse motor, the internal combustion engine is installed laterally to the main direction of travel, and the axial structural space for the clutch assembly is severely limited due to the inherently fixed width of the motor space. Different friction clutches are often arranged with different radial diameters to allow for a shorter axially oriented clutch assembly.

[0009] The channel system has holes arranged within the sleeve and in structural components connected to the sleeve. Multiple holes are necessary for each channel system to reach the pressure and balance spaces; these holes can extend parallel, perpendicular, and inclined to the rotational axis of the clutch assembly. Channel systems, especially those for radially external clutches, have very long radially extending holes, which are difficult to manufacture and therefore expensive. Furthermore, for manufacturing and flow technology reasons, the holes require a minimum diameter, which cannot be less than this minimum diameter. This minimum diameter also affects the minimum wall thickness, which must be accommodated in the structural components through which the holes pass, thus requiring a certain amount of structural space. Summary of the Invention

[0010] However, as mentioned, structural space is often insufficient in vehicle manufacturing, and thus the objective of embodiments of the present invention is to describe a clutch device that requires less structural space than clutch devices known from the prior art and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0011] The task is solved by means of the features described in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clutch device for connecting an input shaft to at least one output shaft, including...

[0013] - An input unit that can be rotatably and permanently connected to the input shaft.

[0014] - A friction clutch unit that works in conjunction with the input unit.

[0015] - An operating mechanism for opening and closing the friction clutch unit.

[0016] - An output unit that works in conjunction with a friction clutch unit, the output unit being rotatably and fixedly connected to at least one output shaft.

[0017] ○ In this configuration, the input unit and the output unit are coupled to each other in a torque-transmitting manner when the friction clutch unit is closed, and

[0018] - A sleeve for supporting the clutch assembly, wherein...

[0019] - Control mechanism

[0020] ○ It has a piston cylinder unit for opening and closing the friction clutch unit, and

[0021] ○ It has a pressure space for forming the closing pressure acting on the piston cylinder unit, and

[0022] - Sleeve

[0023] ○ Forming a pressure space channel system for supplying and extracting fluids into or from a pressure space, as well as

[0024] ○ The pressure space channel system has at least one pressure space slot.

[0025] The pressure space groove is part of the pressure space channel system and thus participates in guiding the fluid. The groove can be easily and suitably manufactured as an orifice, especially an elongated orifice. Furthermore, the groove can be manufactured with a width smaller than the minimum diameter of the orifice already mentioned, without concern for insufficient pressure and working space supply. Viewed along the rotational axis of the clutch device, the groove can be a closed annulus, an interrupted annular segment, or a sickle shape, where the list is not definitive. The choice of groove shape is largely free and can be made based on manufacturing considerations and strength criteria. Because the groove can be positioned such that the structural components in which the groove is arranged require a smaller wall thickness compared to the orifice, the structural space of the clutch device can be reduced.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the pressure space channel system can include at least one pressure space orifice device, and the pressure space groove is in fluid communication with the pressure space orifice device. The pressure space orifice device has at least one orifice. Here, the orifice can extend parallel to, perpendicular to, or inclined to the axis of rotation. The pressure space groove can pass into the orifice of the pressure space orifice device.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the clutch device is capable of

[0028] - It has a balancing space for generating the counter-pressure acting on the piston cylinder unit and

[0029] - The sleeve-formed equilibrium space channel system is used to supply and extract fluid into or from the equilibrium space, wherein...

[0030] - The balancing space channel system has at least one balancing space slot.

[0031] The implementation scheme for the pressure space tank also applies, in a meaningful sense, to the balance space tank. The balance space prevents the friction clutch from accidentally closing due to an uncontrolled increase in the closing pressure within the pressure space. This increase can, for example, be generated by the accumulation of centrifugal force in the fluid within the pressure space, caused by the rotation of the clutch.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the balancing space channel system has at least one balancing space orifice, wherein the balancing space tank and the balancing space orifice are in fluid communication. Like the pressure space orifice, the balancing space orifice also has at least one orifice. Guiding fluid into the balancing space combined with the balancing space tank can be easily maintained in manufacturing.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the pressure space groove can extend into the pressure space. Direct extension of the pressure space groove into the pressure space is not mandatory. For example, the groove can be arranged between two holes in the pressure space channel system and fluidly connect the two holes. However, when the pressure space groove extends directly into the pressure space, manufacturing can be simplified because the number of holes can be kept small. Furthermore, structural space can be saved for the reasons described.

[0034] In the improved embodiment, the balancing space slot can be connected to the balancing space. This embodiment also simplifies manufacturing and saves structural space.

[0035] In the improved embodiment, the friction clutch unit can be implemented as a diaphragm clutch, and

[0036] - Having at least two inner diaphragms and correspondingly having a separating element between the two adjacent inner diaphragms for opening the friction clutch unit or

[0037] - It has at least two outer diaphragms and a corresponding separating element between the two adjacent outer diaphragms for opening the friction clutch unit.

[0038] For example, it is evident from the already mentioned EP 2 913 554 A1 that a spring assembly is typically used to disengage the friction clutch unit. However, spring assemblies require relatively large structural space. In contrast, the disengaging element can be arranged in a space-saving manner within the friction clutch unit, thereby reducing the structural space required for the clutch assembly.

[0039] In another embodiment, the sleeve can be rotatably and fixedly connected to or linked to the input unit. In this embodiment, the sleeve can be integrated into the input unit and participate in the torque flow, thereby reducing the number of structural components.

[0040] The key feature of the improved implementation is the friction clutch unit.

[0041] - Equipped with a first friction clutch and

[0042] - It has a second friction clutch, wherein,

[0043] - The first friction clutch is operated by the first control subunit and

[0044] - The second friction clutch can be operated by means of the second control subunit.

[0045] - First Control Subunit

[0046] ○ It has a first piston cylinder unit for opening and closing the first friction clutch, and

[0047] ○ It has a first pressure space for forming a closing pressure acting on the first piston cylinder unit, and

[0048] - Second control subunit

[0049] ○ It has a second piston cylinder unit for opening and closing the second friction clutch, and

[0050] ○ It has a second pressure space for forming the closing pressure acting on the second piston cylinder unit, and

[0051] - Sleeve

[0052] ○ A first pressure space channel system is provided for supplying and extracting fluid into or from the first pressure space, and

[0053] ○ A second pressure space channel system is provided for supplying and extracting fluid into or from a second pressure space, wherein,

[0054] ○ The first pressure space channel system has at least one first pressure space slot, and / or

[0055] ○ The second pressure space channel system has at least one second pressure space slot.

[0056] In the described embodiment, the clutch device is implemented according to the type of dual clutch, thereby enabling uninterrupted traction or shifting without interruption of pulling force. The axial structural space of the dual clutch can be kept small, especially by means of the application of pressure space grooves.

[0057] According to another implementation method

[0058] - The first manipulation subunit has

[0059] The first balancing space is used to generate the counter-pressure acting on the first piston cylinder unit, and

[0060] - The second manipulation subunit has

[0061] The second balancing space is used to generate the counter-pressure acting on the second piston cylinder unit, and

[0062] - Sleeve has

[0063] The first equilibrium space channel system is used to supply and extract fluid into or from the first equilibrium space, and

[0064] ○ The second equilibrium space channel system is used to supply and extract fluid into or from the second equilibrium space, wherein,

[0065] - The first balancing space channel system has at least one first balancing space slot, and / or

[0066] - The second balancing space channel system has at least one second balancing space slot.

[0067] As mentioned, the increased closing pressure due to fluid accumulation caused by centrifugal force in the pressure space can lead to the unintended disengagement of both the first and second friction clutches. This unintended disengagement can be prevented by means of a balancing space. The balancing space groove allows for a smaller structural space for the clutch assembly.

[0068] The first pressure space channel system may have a first pressure space orifice device, which is in fluid communication with a first pressure space tank. Similarly, the second pressure space channel system may have a second pressure space orifice device, which is in fluid communication with a second pressure space tank.

[0069] The first balancing space channel system may have a first balancing space orifice device, which is in fluid communication with a first balancing space tank. Similarly, the second balancing space channel system may have a second balancing space orifice device, which is in fluid communication with a second balancing space tank.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the first balance space and the second balance space are fluidly connected to each other, wherein the first balance space channel system and the second balance space channel system are combined to form a common balance space channel system. In this embodiment, at least one balance space channel system can be saved, and the clutch device can be manufactured in a simplified and space-saving manner. As long as another balance space exists, this balance space can be fluidly connected to the first balance space and / or the second balance space.

[0071] The distinguishing feature of the other implementation method is that the first friction clutch

[0072] - Having at least two inner diaphragms and correspondingly having a separating element between the two adjacent inner diaphragms for opening the first friction clutch or

[0073] - It has at least two outer diaphragms and a corresponding separating element between the two adjacent outer diaphragms for opening the first friction clutch.

[0074] In the described embodiment, the first friction clutch is implemented as a diaphragm clutch. As already mentioned, the spring assembly can be omitted when using a separation element, thereby saving structural space.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the second friction clutch

[0076] - It has at least two inner diaphragms and a separating element between the two adjacent inner diaphragms for opening the second friction clutch or

[0077] - It has at least two outer diaphragms and a corresponding separating element between the two adjacent outer diaphragms for opening the second friction clutch.

[0078] In the described embodiment, the second friction clutch is implemented as a diaphragm clutch. As already mentioned, the spring assembly can be omitted when using a separation element, thereby saving structural space.

[0079] A notable feature of the alternative embodiment is that the first and second friction clutches are arranged alternately in the radial direction. This radial staggering reduces the axial structural space, thus enabling the clutch device according to the embodiment to be used particularly when there is insufficient axial structural space, such as that present in a lateral motor.

[0080] In another embodiment, the clutch device can include an electric motor having a stator and a rotor, wherein the rotor is rotatably or torque-transmittingly connected to or coupled to the input unit. This embodiment enables a hybrid drive that incorporates both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. CO2 emissions from the vehicle can be reduced. Furthermore, the electric motor can apply additional torque to the input element, for example, during acceleration, thereby improving driving behavior. The electric motor can also operate as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.

[0081] The key feature of the improved implementation is that the friction clutch unit has a third friction clutch, which can be operated by a third operating subunit. Through this third friction clutch, the first and second sections of the input unit are torque-transmittingly connected to each other when the third friction clutch is closed. Thus, the internal combustion engine can be completely separated from the transmission system, and the vehicle can operate solely by an electric motor.

[0082] According to a further embodiment, the first friction clutch, the second friction clutch, and the third friction clutch are arranged alternately in the radial direction. The axial structural space can be kept small by means of this alternate arrangement.

[0083] According to another embodiment, at least one of the pressure spaces or at least one of the balance spaces is at least partially formed by a first wall component and a second wall component, which are connected to each other at at least one connection point. The wall components can be implemented as sheet metal components, cast components, or forged components and can be easily formed, suitable for a space-saving configuration of the clutch device. The connection point prevents or reduces deformation of the sheet metal under pressure loading to an acceptable level. Here, the first connection point can be arranged at approximately half the diameter of the clutch device, while the second connection point can be arranged in the region of the radially outer end of one of the wall components. Deformation of the wall components due to pressure loading can thus be effectively reduced to a tolerable level.

[0084] Another key feature of this implementation is that the wall components are formed from input units. This keeps the number of structural components small and saves structural space. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the proposed clutch device is shown.

[0087] Figure 2 A perspective view of the sleeve according to the proposed clutch device is shown.

[0088] Figure 3A This shows a principle cross-sectional view of the first embodiment via a balancing space slot.

[0089] Figure 3B A schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment via a balancing space slot is shown, and

[0090] Figure 3C A principle cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the balancing space slot is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0091] Figure 1A cross-sectional view is shown according to an embodiment of a clutch device 10 for connecting an input shaft 12 to two output shafts 14 in this case, also referred to as a first transmission input shaft 16 and a second transmission input shaft 18 (not explicitly shown). The clutch device 10 is rotatably supported on the input shaft by a radial support 13 and rotatably supported relative to adjacent structural members by an axial support 15. The radial support 13 and the axial support 15 abut against a support portion 17 of the clutch device 10. The clutch device 10 includes an input unit 20 rotatably fixedly connected to or capable of being connected to the input shaft 12, the input unit having a first section 22 and a second section 24. A radially external friction clutch, referred to below as a third friction clutch 26, is arranged between the first section 22 and the second section 24; this third friction clutch is part of a friction clutch unit 27 and can be opened and closed by means of an operating mechanism 28. The operating mechanism 28 has a third operating subunit 30 with a third piston cylinder unit 29, by means of which a third friction clutch 26 can be operated. The third friction clutch 26 is constructed as a diaphragm clutch 31 and has a third inner diaphragm 32 and a third outer diaphragm 34. The first section 22 of the input unit 20 serves as a carrier for the third outer diaphragm 34, while the second section 24 serves as a carrier for the third inner diaphragm 32. The concepts of "inner diaphragm" and "outer diaphragm" here refer to their orientation as viewed from the carrier.

[0092] The clutch assembly 10 includes an electric motor 36 having a rotor 38 and a stator 40, wherein the rotor 38 is rotatably or torque-transmittingly connected to a second section 24. The second section 24 is rotatably connected to a sleeve 42, which rotates about the rotation axis D of the clutch assembly 10 at the rotational speed of the second section. The sleeve 42 is axially supported by an axial support 43. The input unit 20 further has a third section 44, which is also rotatably connected to the sleeve 42 and guided into a first friction clutch 46 and a second friction clutch 48, both of which are diaphragm clutches 31 and also belong to the friction clutch unit 27. The third section 44 forms a diaphragm carrier for a first outer diaphragm 50 of the first friction clutch 46 and a diaphragm carrier for a second inner diaphragm 52 of the second friction clutch 48.

[0093] The first friction clutch 46 works in conjunction with the first output unit 54. The first output unit forms a diaphragm carrier for the first inner diaphragm 55 of the first friction clutch 46 and is rotatably and fixedly connected to the input shaft 16 of the first transmission mechanism. The second friction clutch 48 works in conjunction with the second output unit 56. The second output unit forms a diaphragm carrier for the second outer diaphragm 58 of the second friction clutch 48 and is rotatably and fixedly connected to the input shaft 18 of the second transmission mechanism.

[0094] The first friction clutch 46 is radially arranged within the second friction clutch 48. The third friction clutch 26 surrounds not only the first friction clutch 46 but also the second friction clutch 48. Therefore, the friction clutches 26, 46, and 48 are arranged radially and alternately.

[0095] The operating mechanism 28 has a first operating subunit 60, by means of which the first friction clutch 46 can be operated. Furthermore, the operating mechanism 28 has a second operating subunit 62, by means of which the second friction clutch 48 can be operated. All three friction clutches 26, 46, and 48 can be operated independently of each other.

[0096] The first operating mechanism 28 includes: a first piston cylinder unit 64 for opening and closing the first friction clutch 46; a first pressure space 66 for generating a closing pressure acting on the first piston cylinder unit 64; and a first balance space 68 for generating a counter-pressure acting on the first piston cylinder unit 64.

[0097] The second operating subunit 62 includes: a second piston cylinder unit 70 for opening and closing the second friction clutch 48; a second pressure space 72 for generating a closing pressure acting on the second piston cylinder unit 70; and a second balance space 74 for generating a counter pressure acting on the second piston cylinder subunit 70.

[0098] A first pressure space channel system 76 is arranged in the sleeve 42 for supplying and withdrawing fluid to or from the first pressure space 66 via a first pressure space orifice 78, and a first balancing space channel system 80 is arranged for supplying and withdrawing fluid to or from the first balancing space 68 via a first balancing space orifice 82. The first pressure space channel system 76 has at least one first pressure space groove 84 in fluid communication with the first pressure space orifice 78, and the first balancing space channel system 76 has at least one first balancing space groove 86 in fluid communication with the first balancing space orifice 82.

[0099] Furthermore, a second pressure space channel system 88 is arranged in the sleeve 42 for supplying and withdrawing fluid to or from the second pressure space 72 via a second pressure space orifice device 90, and a second balancing space channel system 92 is arranged for supplying and withdrawing fluid to or from the second balancing space 74 via a second balancing space orifice device 93. The second pressure space channel system 88 has at least one second pressure space groove 94 in fluid communication with the second pressure space orifice device 90; however, the second pressure space groove is designed as an orifice in this case. The second balancing space channel system 92 has at least one second balancing space groove 96 in fluid communication with the second balancing space orifice device 93.

[0100] Furthermore, a third pressure space channel system 98 is arranged in the sleeve 42 for supplying and withdrawing fluid to or from the third pressure space 97 via the third pressure space orifice device 100, and a third balance space channel system 102 is arranged for supplying and withdrawing fluid to or from the third balance space 103 via the third balance space orifice device 104. The third pressure space channel system 98 has at least one third pressure space groove 106 in fluid communication with the third pressure space orifice device 100, and the third balance space channel system 102 has at least one third balance space groove 108 in fluid communication with the third balance space orifice device 104. All pressure space grooves 84, 94, and 106 are directly connected to pressure spaces 66, 72, and 97, and all balance space grooves 86, 96, and 108 are directly connected to balance spaces 68, 74, and 103.

[0101] The basic structures of the pressure space channel system and the balance space channel system are essentially the same; however, the pressure space channel system and the balance space channel system are evenly distributed on the periphery of the sleeve 42, thus for display purposes... Figure 1 Only one channel system is shown in the figure. However, for completeness, reference numerals are given for all pressure space channel systems and for all equilibrium space channel systems and their components.

[0102] Furthermore, it should be noted that the first balance space 68 and the third balance space 103 are fluidly connected to each other through the connecting hole 109, thereby combining the first balance space channel system 80 and the third balance space channel system 102 into a common balance space channel system 110.

[0103] The first friction clutch 46 is preloaded to the open position by means of a spring assembly 112. The second friction clutch 48 is preloaded to the open position by means of a separating element 114, which is arranged between two adjacent inner diaphragms of the second friction clutch 48. The third friction clutch 26 is preloaded to the open position by means of a spring 116.

[0104] The third pressure space 97 is formed by a first wall component 118 and a second wall component 120, which can be constructed, for example, as a sheet metal component, a cast component, or a forged component. The first wall component 118 is formed here by the second segment 24 of the input unit 20. The second wall component 120 is fixed to the second segment 24 at a first connection point 1241 at its radially outer end by a retaining ring 122 and is additionally connected to the second segment 24 at a second connection point 1242. For example, the connection point 124 can include a spot weld or a form-fit device (not shown). Other connecting devices can also be used, as long as they ensure the sealing of the pressure space 97.

[0105] The clutch device 10 operates as described in DE 10 2007 003 107 A1 and DE 10 2018 009 252 A1.

[0106] exist Figure 2 The sleeve 42 is shown separately in a three-dimensional view. The common balancing space channel system 110 for the first balancing space 68 and the third balancing space 103 is identified (see [reference]). Figure 1 Here, the common balancing space hole device 125 has a first hole 126 extending parallel to the rotation axis D of the clutch device 10 and a second hole 128 extending obliquely to the rotation axis. The common balancing space groove 130 opens into the second hole 128 and from there into the first balancing space 68 (see...). Figure 1 The third pressure space 106 can also be identified. Due to the fluid connection between the first balancing space 68 and the third balancing space 103, and the formation of the first pressure space via the first wall component 118 and the second wall component 120, a sleeve 42 with a small radial extension is sufficient. The pressure space troughs 84, 94, 106 and the balancing space troughs 86, 96, 108 are also constructed to be correspondingly shorter.

[0107] Figures 3A to 3C Almost passed according to Figure 2 The balance space grooves 86, 96, and 108 are shown in cross-sectional views through different embodiments of the sleeve 42. Figure 3AA first embodiment of the sleeve 421 is shown, in which the balancing space slots 86, 96, 108 are designed in an approximately sickle shape and have an arched groove bottom 132. The balancing space slots 86, 96, 108 of the sleeve 421 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured, for example, by means of a milling head that moves laterally into the sleeve 42. All four balancing space slots 86, 96, 108 are arranged distributed around the periphery of the sleeve 42, but not uniformly. The two upper and two lower balancing space slots 86, 96, 108 are in fluid communication with each other, while there is no fluid communication between the two upper balancing space slots 86, 96, 108 and the two lower balancing space slots 86, 96, 108.

[0108] Figure 3B A second embodiment of the sleeve 422 is shown, in which the balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 also have an arched groove bottom 132 and are designed to be approximately annular. The balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 of the sleeve 422 according to the second embodiment can be manufactured, for example, on a lathe. Interconnected balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 are formed, into which all four second holes 128 pass.

[0109] Figure 3C A third embodiment of the sleeve 423 is shown, in which the balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 have flat groove bottoms 132 and are, for example, millable. The two upper balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 and the two lower balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 are in fluid communication with each other, while there is no fluid communication between the two upper balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 and the two lower balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108. More precisely, the two upper balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 and the two lower balancing space grooves 86, 96, 108 are separated from each other by bridging portions, thereby maintaining a high degree of stability for the sleeve 42.

[0110] Pressure space grooves 84, 94, and 106 can be formed in the same way as balance space grooves 86, 96, and 108.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 10. Clutch assembly

[0113] 12 Input Axes

[0114] 13 Radial support components

[0115] 14 Output shaft

[0116] 15 Axial support components

[0117] 16 First transmission mechanism input shaft

[0118] 17 Support section

[0119] 18 Second transmission mechanism input shaft

[0120] 20 Input Units

[0121] 22 First Section

[0122] 24 Second Section

[0123] 26 Third Friction Clutch

[0124] 27 Friction Clutch Unit

[0125] 28. Control mechanism

[0126] 29 Third Piston Cylinder Unit

[0127] 30 Third Control Subunit

[0128] 31 Diaphragm clutch

[0129] 32 Third inner membrane

[0130] 34 Third outer membrane

[0131] 36 Electric motors

[0132] 38 rotors

[0133] 40 stator

[0134] 42 sleeve

[0135] 43 Axial support components

[0136] 44 Third Section

[0137] 46 First Friction Clutch

[0138] 48 Second Friction Clutch

[0139] 50 First outer membrane

[0140] 52 Second inner membrane

[0141] 54 First Output Unit

[0142] 55 First Inner Membrane

[0143] 56 Second Output Unit

[0144] 58 Second outer membrane

[0145] 60 First Control Subunit

[0146] 62 Second Control Subunit

[0147] 64 First Piston Cylinder Unit

[0148] 66 First Pressure Space

[0149] 68 First Equilibrium Space

[0150] 70 Second Piston Cylinder Unit

[0151] 72 Second Pressure Space

[0152] 74 Second Equilibrium Space

[0153] 76 First Pressure Space Channel System

[0154] 78 First pressure space orifice device

[0155] 80 First Balanced Space Channel System

[0156] 82 First Balance Space Hole Device

[0157] 84 First Pressure Space Tank

[0158] 86 First Balance Space Slot

[0159] 88 Second Pressure Space Channel System

[0160] 90 Second pressure space orifice device

[0161] 92 Second Balanced Space Channel System

[0162] 93 Second Balance Space Hole Device

[0163] 94 Second pressure space groove

[0164] 96 Second Balance Space Slot

[0165] 97 Third Pressure Space

[0166] 98 Third Pressure Space Channel System

[0167] 100 Third pressure space orifice device

[0168] 102 Third Balanced Space Channel System

[0169] 103 Third Equilibrium Space

[0170] 104 Third Balance Space Hole Device

[0171] 106 Third Pressure Space Tank

[0172] 108 Third Balance Space Slot

[0173] 109 Connecting hole

[0174] 110 Common Balanced Spaceway System

[0175] 112 Spring Assembly

[0176] 114 Separate components

[0177] 116 Spring

[0178] 118 First wall component

[0179] 120 Second wall component

[0180] 122 Fixing ring

[0181] 124 Connection parts

[0182] 1241 First connecting part

[0183] 1242 Second connecting part

[0184] 125 Common balancing hole device

[0185] 126 First Hole

[0186] 128 Second Hole

[0187] 130 Common Equilibrium Space Trough

[0188] 132 Tank Bottom

[0189] D. Rotation axis.

Claims

1. A clutch device (10) for connecting an input shaft (12) to at least one output shaft (14), comprising - An input unit (20) that can be rotatably and fixedly connected to the input shaft (12). - Friction clutch unit (27) that works in conjunction with the input unit (20). - An operating mechanism (28) for opening and closing the friction clutch unit (27). - An output unit (54, 56) that works in conjunction with the friction clutch unit (27), the output unit being rotatably and fixedly connected to at least one output shaft (14). o wherein, The input unit (20) and the output units (54, 56) are coupled to each other in a torque-transmitting manner with the friction clutch unit (27) closed, and - A sleeve (42) for supporting the clutch assembly (10), wherein, - The operating mechanism (28) ○ Includes piston cylinder units (29, 64, 70) for opening and closing the friction clutch unit (27), and ○ It has pressure spaces (66, 72, 97) for forming a closing pressure acting on the piston cylinder unit (29, 64, 70), and - The sleeve (42) ○ Forming a pressure space channel system (76, 88, 98) for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the pressure spaces (66, 72, 97) and ○ The pressure space channel system (76, 88, 98) has at least one pressure space slot (84, 94, 106).

2. The clutch device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, - The pressure space channel system (76, 88, 98) includes at least one pressure space orifice device (78, 90, 100), and - The pressure space grooves (84, 94, 106) and the pressure space orifice devices (78, 90, 100) are in fluid communication.

3. The clutch device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The clutch device (10) - Equipped with balancing spaces (68, 74, 103) for generating counter-pressure acting on the piston cylinder unit (29, 64, 70), and - The sleeve (42) forms a balancing space channel system (80, 92, 102) for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the balancing spaces (68, 74, 103), wherein, - The balancing space channel system (80, 92, 102) has at least one balancing space slot (86, 96, 108).

4. The clutch device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, - The balanced space channel system (80, 92, 102) includes at least one balanced space aperture device (82, 93, 104), and - The balancing space grooves (86, 96, 108) and the balancing space hole devices (82, 93, 104) are in fluid communication.

5. The clutch device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The friction clutch unit (27) is configured as a diaphragm clutch (31), and - Having at least two inner diaphragms (32, 52, 55) and correspondingly having a separating element (114) between two adjacent inner diaphragms (32, 52, 55) for opening the friction clutch unit (27) or - It has at least two outer diaphragms (34, 50, 58) and a corresponding separating element (114) between the two adjacent outer diaphragms (34, 50, 58) for opening the friction clutch unit (27).

6. The clutch device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sleeve (42) is rotatably and fixedly connected to or can be connected to the input unit (20).

7. The clutch device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The friction clutch unit (27) - Equipped with a first friction clutch (46) and - It has a second friction clutch (48), wherein, - The first friction clutch (46) is operated by means of the first operating subunit (60) and - The second friction clutch (48) can be operated by means of the second operating subunit (62). - The first manipulation subunit (60) ○ It has a first piston cylinder unit (64) for opening and closing the first friction clutch (46), and ○ It has a first pressure space (66) for forming a closing pressure acting on the first piston cylinder unit (64), and - The second manipulation subunit (62) ○ It has a second piston cylinder unit (70) for opening and closing the second friction clutch (48), and ○ It has a second pressure space (72) for forming a closing pressure acting on the second piston cylinder unit (70), and - The sleeve (42) ○ A first pressure space channel system (76) is provided for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the first pressure space (66), and ○ A second pressure space channel system (88) is provided for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the second pressure space (72), wherein, ○ The first pressure space channel system (76) has at least one first pressure space slot (84), and / or ○ The second pressure space channel system (88) has at least one second pressure space slot (94).

8. The clutch device (10) according to claim 7. Its features are, - The first manipulation subunit (60) ○ It has a first balancing space (68) for generating counter-pressure acting on the first piston cylinder unit (64), and - The second manipulation subunit (62) ○ It has a second balancing space (74) for generating counter-pressure acting on the second piston cylinder unit (70), - The sleeve (42) ○ A first balancing space channel system (80) is provided for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the first balancing space (68), and ○ A second balancing space channel system (92) is provided for supplying and withdrawing fluid into or from the second balancing space (74), wherein, - The first balancing space channel system (80) has at least one first balancing space slot (86), and / or - The second balancing space channel system (92) has at least one second balancing space slot (96).

9. The clutch device (10) according to claim 8. characterized in that The first equilibrium space (68) and the second equilibrium space (74) are fluidly connected to each other, and the first equilibrium space channel system (80) and the second equilibrium space channel system (92) are combined to form a common equilibrium space channel system (110).

10. The clutch device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first friction clutch (46) - Having at least two inner diaphragms (32, 52, 55) and correspondingly having a separating element (114) between two adjacent inner diaphragms (32, 52, 55) for opening the first friction clutch or - It has at least two outer diaphragms (34, 50, 58) and a corresponding separating element (114) between the two adjacent outer diaphragms (34, 50, 58) for opening the first friction clutch.

11. The clutch device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The second friction clutch (48) - Having at least two inner diaphragms (32, 52, 55) and correspondingly having a separating element (114) between two adjacent inner diaphragms (32, 52, 55) for opening the second friction clutch (48) or - It has at least two outer diaphragms (34, 50, 58) and a separating element (114) between the two adjacent outer diaphragms (34, 50, 58) for opening the second friction clutch (48).

12. The clutch device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first friction clutch (46) and the second friction clutch (48) are arranged alternately in the radial direction.

13. The clutch device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The clutch device (10) has an electric motor (36) with a stator (40) and a rotor (38), wherein the rotor is rotatably or torque-transmittingly connected to or can be connected to the input unit (20).

14. The clutch device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The friction clutch unit (27) has a third friction clutch (26) which can be operated by means of a third operating subunit (30) and by means of the third friction clutch, the first section (22) and the second section (24) of the input unit (20) are connected to each other in a torque-transmitting manner when the third friction clutch (26) is closed.

15. The clutch device (10) according to claim 14. characterized in that The first friction clutch (46), the second friction clutch (48) and the third friction clutch (26) are arranged alternately in the radial direction.

16. The clutch device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that At least one of the pressure spaces (66, 72, 97) or at least one of the balance spaces (68, 74, 103) is formed at least partially by a first wall component (118) and a second wall component (120), the first wall component and the second wall component being connected to each other at at least one connection point (124).

17. The clutch device (10) according to claim 16. characterized in that One of the wall parts (118, 120) is formed by the input unit (20).

Images