Clutch apparatus with fluid entrapment device

Abstract

The invention relates to a clutch device (2) having a wet-running multiplate clutch (16) with a first clutch plate carrier (20), a second clutch plate carrier (30) and a clutch plate pack (38) assigned to the first and second clutch plate carriers (20, 30), and a force transmission element (60) for exerting an actuating force on the clutch plate pack (38), wherein the force transmission element (60) has an actuating finger (66) which extends through a recess (68) in the first clutch plate carrier (20). A fluid retention device (76) is provided which has an annular finger-side fluid retention element (78) arranged on the actuating finger (66), which projects beyond the actuating finger (66) in the radial direction (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch device comprising: a wet-operating plate clutch having a first clutch plate carrier, a second clutch plate carrier, and a clutch plate assembly assigned to the first clutch plate carrier and the second clutch plate carrier; and a force transmission element for applying an operating force to the clutch plate assembly, wherein the force transmission element has operating fingers extending through a notch in the first clutch plate carrier. Background Technology

[0002] Clutch devices with at least one wet-operating plate clutch are known in practice, through which a fluid, preferably oil, flows for cooling and / or lubrication purposes. The wet-operating plate clutch used in known clutch devices comprises: a first clutch plate carrier, i.e., an inner or outer clutch plate carrier; a second clutch plate carrier, i.e., an outer or inner clutch plate carrier; and a clutch plate assembly assigned to the first and second clutch plate carriers, the clutch plate assembly consisting of an inner clutch plate and an outer clutch plate. The clutch plate assembly is assigned a force transmission element for applying an operating force to the clutch plate assembly, the force transmission element typically being made of sheet metal and / or designed in a pot shape. Therefore, the known force transmission element has operating fingers that extend through recesses in the first clutch plate carrier, particularly recesses in the radial support section of the first clutch plate carrier, so that their free end sections can interact with the clutch plate assembly.

[0003] Known clutch devices have proven useful, yet they warrant improvement because temperature rise can occur in the clutch plate assembly or on the clutch plates within the clutch plate assembly. This temperature rise leads to increased wear on the plate clutches within the clutch device and consequently reduces their service life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve a clutch device of the same type, so that the temperature-dependent wear on the clutch device is reduced and thus the service life is increased.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a clutch device. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in detail below.

[0006] The clutch device according to the invention is preferably a clutch device located in the powertrain of a motor vehicle, and has at least one wet-operating plate clutch, which is therefore a plate clutch cooled and lubricated by means of fluid. The clutch device is preferably a dual-clutch device, particularly preferably a concentric dual-clutch device, in which the two plate clutches are arranged radially nested. The wet-operating plate clutch of the clutch device has a first clutch plate carrier, a second clutch plate carrier, and a clutch plate assembly assigned to the first and second clutch plate carriers. The first clutch plate carrier may be, for example, an inner or outer clutch plate carrier, while the second clutch plate carrier may be an outer or inner clutch plate carrier. The clutch plate assembly consists of an inner clutch plate and an outer clutch plate that are rotationally synchronously connected to the inner or outer clutch plate carrier. The clutch plate assembly is also assigned a force transmission element. The force transmission element is used to apply an operating force to the clutch plate assembly, wherein the force transmission element is preferably displaceable in the axial direction for this purpose. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that the force transmission element can be hydraulically driven, for example, by a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly. The plate clutch can be a plate clutch that is normally closed or normally disengaged, with the latter being preferred. The force transmission element, preferably designed as a sheet metal or / and one-piece element, has an operating finger extending through a notch in the first clutch plate carrier, wherein the notch is preferably formed in a radially supporting section of the first clutch plate carrier. A fluid trapping device is provided on the operating finger, preferably designed as an axially extending finger. The fluid trapping device has an annular fluid trapping element arranged on the operating finger, referred to as a finger-side fluid trapping element due to its arrangement on the operating finger. The individual finger-side fluid trapping element arranged on the operating finger extends radially inward beyond the operating finger. If fluid flows radially outward between the fluid trapping element on the finger side and the clutch plate assembly, the fluid trapping element on the finger side prevents fluid from flowing axially into and overflowing through the notches in the first clutch plate carrier in this region, thus failing to achieve cooling or lubrication on one side of the clutch plate assembly. Therefore, the fluid trapping element on the finger side facilitates at least partial fluid trapping on one side of the clutch plate assembly, thereby significantly and more effectively cooling and lubricating the clutch plate assembly. This ultimately leads to reduced wear at the clutch plates and thus increases the service life of the clutch device.

[0007] In order to specifically guide and trap the radially outward-flowing fluid used for cooling and / or lubricating the plate clutch in advance into the area of ​​the clutch plate assembly, in a preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side extends at least to the inner diameter of at least one outer clutch plate of the clutch plate assembly or extends radially inward beyond the inner diameter of the at least one outer clutch plate. The at least one outer clutch plate of the clutch plate assembly is preferably the end plate of the clutch plate assembly facing the force transmission element. This end plate can also be designed as a so-called pressing or clamping disc, but essentially functions as an outer clutch plate, i.e., establishing a frictional engagement with the adjacent inner friction plate.

[0008] To achieve a more efficient application of the radially outward flow of fluid to the wet-operation disc clutch assembly, in another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side extends at least to or beyond the outer diameter of the clutch plate bearing section of the second clutch plate carrier for the inner clutch plate of the clutch plate assembly, extending radially inward. This prevents axial flow of fluid in this region from reaching behind the fluid trapping element on the finger side, where fluid might overflow through a notch in the first clutch plate carrier and thus potentially deprive the clutch plate assembly of cooling. To further reliably avoid this situation, in this embodiment it is also preferred that the fluid trapping element on the finger side extends at least to or beyond the tooth root diameter of the teeth of the clutch plate bearing section of the second clutch plate carrier for the inner clutch plate of the clutch plate assembly, particularly preferably at least to or beyond the inner diameter of the clutch plate bearing section of the second clutch plate carrier, extending radially inward.

[0009] As explained at the outset, the clutch device is preferably a dual-clutch device having plate clutches arranged concentrically. In this context, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side extends radially through a protrusion into the teeth of the clutch plate bearing section of the second plate clutch of the clutch device, the second plate clutch being arranged nested radially with the initially mentioned plate clutch. The aforementioned clutch plate bearing section of the second plate clutch is preferably the clutch plate bearing section of the outer clutch plate carrier of the second plate clutch, which has outer teeth in addition to the inner teeth for the outer clutch plate of the second plate clutch, the radial protrusion on the fluid trapping element on the finger side extending into these outer teeth. Therefore, in this embodiment, the radial protrusion also prevents the fluid flowing within such teeth from flowing axially to the rear of the fluid trapping element on the finger side, so that it subsequently flows radially outward and through the notch in the first clutch plate carrier, thus reducing the cooling effect of the clutch plate assembly of the disc clutch.

[0010] In order to more effectively guide and retain the fluid of the wet-operated plate clutch into the region of the clutch plate assembly, in another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid retaining element on the finger side has a rear radial section that is axially retracted relative to the front radial section of the fluid retaining element on the finger side. Here, the rear radial section is preferably retracted relative to the front radial section in such a way that the rear radial section of the fluid retaining element on the finger side has a larger axial spacing relative to the clutch plate assembly than the front radial section. In its simplest case, the retraction of the rear radial section can be understood as only the side of the rear radial section facing the clutch plate assembly retracting relative to the side of the front radial section facing the clutch plate assembly. However, the retraction of the rear radial section can also include embodiments in which the side of the rear radial section facing the clutch plate assembly and the side of the rear radial section away from the clutch plate assembly are retracted axially relative to the side of the front radial section facing the clutch plate assembly or relative to the side of the front radial section away from the clutch plate assembly.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the rear radial section of the fluid trapping element on the finger side and the clutch plate carrying section of the second clutch plate carrier are arranged flush in the axial direction. In addition to the previously mentioned advantages of particularly effective guiding and trapping of fluid, this also has the advantage that the fluid trapping element on the finger side can be displaced particularly far toward the clutch plate assembly along with the force transmission element without the risk of collision between the clutch plate carrying section of the second clutch plate carrier and the fluid trapping element on the finger side. This allows for a particularly compact structure.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the rear radial section of the fluid trapping element on the finger side is arranged further in the radial direction than the front radial section, so as to trap most of the fluid for wet operation of the plate clutch and guide it to the clutch plate assembly.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the rear radial section of the fluid trapping element on the finger side is connected to the front radial section via an axial section of the fluid trapping element on the finger side. In other words, the side of the radial section facing the clutch plate assembly retracts behind the side of the front radial section of the fluid trapping element on the finger side, away from the clutch plate assembly, thus forming an axial section between the front and rear radial sections. This axial section is preferably designed to be tubular.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side has a second front radial section, a rear radial section, and, if necessary, a further front radial section retracting axially relative to the second front radial section. The second front radial section is preferably arranged further in the radial direction than the clutch plate bearing section of the second clutch plate carrier, so as to reliably avoid collision with the aforementioned clutch plate bearing section and achieve a compact structure; and / or is arranged further inward than the rear radial section. The second front radial section is particularly preferably connected to the rear radial section by an axial section of the fluid trapping element on the finger side. Alternatively, the second front radial section is preferably inclined relative to the radial direction to cause the rear radial section to retract relative to the second front radial section and to achieve uninterrupted fluid guidance. Due to the second front radial section, fluid can be acquired earlier and redirected to facilitate targeted and effective cooling and lubrication.

[0015] In order to further trap fluid residing in the region of the clutch plate assembly outside the operating fingers in the radial direction, thereby achieving effective cooling and lubrication of the clutch plate assembly in this region, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side extends radially outward beyond the operating fingers. Preferably, the fluid trapping element on the finger side extends at least to the root diameter of the teeth of at least one outer clutch plate of the clutch plate assembly, or extends radially outward beyond the root diameter of the teeth on the at least one outer clutch plate, so as to trap the fluid particularly effectively and achieve an improved cooling or lubrication effect on one side of the clutch plate assembly. The at least one outer clutch plate is preferably the end plate of the clutch plate assembly facing the force transmission element, which is particularly preferably designed as a pressing or clamping plate of the clutch plate assembly of a plate clutch.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side has radial protrusions that extend into the teeth on the clutch plate bearing section of the first clutch plate carrier for the outer clutch plate, so as to also achieve a fluid trapping effect within the teeth on the clutch plate bearing section.

[0017] In principle, the fluid trapping element on the finger side can be retracted axially behind the free end section, or if necessary, the free end of the operating finger, to achieve direct contact between the free end section or the free end of the operating finger and the end plates of the clutch plate assembly. However, in another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side is arranged axially in front of the free end section, or if necessary, the free end of the operating finger, and / or in front of the gap formed between the operating fingers in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in this region, fluid is trapped particularly reliably and effectively on one side of the clutch plate assembly, and the fluid trapping element on the finger side does not need to be adapted to the arrangement of the operating fingers in a costly manner. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the free end section, or if necessary, the free end, can be indirectly supported or be supported on the clutch plate assembly, or if necessary, the end plates of the clutch plate assembly, by means of the fluid trapping element on the finger side. Therefore, the fluid trapping element on the finger side in this embodiment may also have a second function, namely, to apply the operating force to the clutch plate assembly in a relatively uniform distribution. In particular, the fluid trapping element on the finger side can compensate for possible manufacturing tolerances in terms of the size of the operating fingers.

[0018] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side has trapping sections spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, which extend radially into the gap formed between the operating fingers in the circumferential direction. These trapping sections have the advantage that they impede the axial flow of fluid even if the fluid trapping elements on the finger side are not arranged axially in front of the free end section of the operating fingers or in front of the free end and / or the aforementioned gap. Furthermore, the trapping sections extending radially into the gap cause the fluid trapping elements on the finger side in the gap region to not bulge or only slightly bulge into the gap at higher rotational speeds. Additionally, simple rotational synchronization can be achieved between the force transmission element and the fluid trapping elements on the finger side by means of the trapping sections.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, viewed in the axial direction, the previously mentioned interception section of the fluid interception element on the finger side fills the gap by at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and particularly preferably completely, so as to largely prevent fluid from flowing into the gap in the axial direction and to cause fluid to be intercepted in the area of ​​the clutch plate assembly.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side has at least one fixing protrusion that extends radially into a recess in one of the operating fingers, thereby fixing the fluid trapping element on the finger side to the force transmission element in at least one axial direction. In this embodiment, it is also preferred that the recess in one of the operating fingers is formed by an end-side inlet in the operating finger, which particularly preferably extends axially. In this way, the fluid trapping element on the finger side can be easily guided axially to the operating finger so as to simultaneously introduce the fixing protrusion into the recess in the form of an end-side inlet.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping device comprises the operating fingers and a cover for the fluid flowing radially outward in the gap formed between the operating fingers in the circumferential direction, so as to prevent the fluid from prematurely overflowing through the notch in the first clutch plate carrier, and in particular, to draw fluid from the clutch plate assembly, which could otherwise cool and / or lubricate the clutch plate assembly. The axial length of this cover is preferably at least 50% of the length of a section of the operating finger that extends from the notch in the first clutch plate carrier when the plate clutch is disengaged with the force transmission element in the end position, in order to achieve sufficient trapping and cooling effects.

[0022] To ensure the effectiveness of the fluid trapping device forming the cover, independent of the axial position of the force transmission element, in another particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the length of the cover can vary in the axial direction. Preferably, the axial length of the cover is variable due to the axial displacement of the force transmission element relative to the first clutch plate carrier.

[0023] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the length of the cover formed by the fluid trapping device in the axial direction is variable or telescopically variable due to the elastic deformation of the fluid trapping device, so as to be adapted to different axial positions of the force transmission element in a particularly simple and quick manner.

[0024] To induce the aforementioned elastic deformation of the fluid trapping device, thereby changing the axial length of the cover, in another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side has at least one elastic annular seal or is formed of such an elastic annular seal. The elastic annular seal preferably has a sealing lip on the carrier side abutting against the first clutch plate carrier and / or a sealing lip on the plate assembly side abutting against the clutch plate assembly, so as to reliably trap the fluid. In this embodiment, it is also preferred that the sealing lip on the carrier side and / or the sealing lip on the plate assembly side are supported on the first clutch plate carrier and / or the clutch plate assembly independently of the axial position of the force transmission element.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, a resilient annular seal is arranged on a one-piece or multi-piece carrier element. The one-piece or multi-piece carrier element is preferably formed from one or more carrier plates. The advantage of a multi-piece carrier element, or a carrier element composed of multiple metal plates, is that such a carrier element can have very complex shapes without resulting in increased material usage or large scraps during the manufacture of individual metal plates. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the carrier element is arranged axially in front of the free end section of the operating fingers, or, if necessary, in front of the free end, and / or circumferentially in front of the gap formed between the operating fingers, in order to achieve the advantages of this arrangement of the fluid trapping element on the finger side as described above.

[0026] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping device further comprises an annular fluid trapping element supported or supportable in the axial direction on the first clutch plate carrier, the annular fluid trapping element being referred to below as the carrier-side fluid trapping element. Here, the finger-side fluid trapping element and the carrier-side fluid trapping element are axially displaceable relative to each other to, for example, change the telescoping variation in the axial direction of the cover formed by the fluid trapping device as described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the finger-side fluid trapping element and the carrier-side fluid trapping element be guided toward each other, and, if necessary, sealingly toward each other, so as to be able to trap fluid and / or divert fluid particularly effectively.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the carrier side has an axial section along which the fluid trapping element on the finger side is guided. The axial section of the fluid trapping element on the carrier side is preferably designed as a tubular section.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the carrier side has a radial section that can be supported or is supported on the first clutch plate carrier in the axial direction. The radial section is preferably designed in a generally annular shape and can, for example, be provided as a single piece on the aforementioned axial section of the fluid trapping element on the carrier side, thereby forming an L-shaped cross-section.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the carrier side is preferably fastened to the first clutch plate carrier by means of the previously mentioned radial section. Alternatively, the fluid trapping element on the carrier side may also be designed as a single piece with the first clutch plate carrier.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the notches and / or operating fingers in the first clutch plate carrier, preferably all the notches and / or all the operating fingers in the first clutch plate carrier, are particularly preferably arranged completely flush with the clutch plate assembly in the axial direction.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side and / or the fluid trapping element on the carrier side are formed circumferentially, preferably closedly, in the circumferential direction of the clutch device so as to be able to trap fluid particularly reliably.

[0032] In order to achieve a particularly simple, lightweight and space-saving construction of the clutch device, in another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the fluid trapping element on the finger side has a smaller thickness than the end plate of the clutch plate assembly oriented towards the force transmission element. In particular, the main function of the fluid trapping element on the finger side is to guide and trap fluid, thus requiring only a relatively thin-walled design of the fluid trapping element on the finger side.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the first clutch plate carrier has a support section extending in the radial direction, in which a notch through which an operating finger extends, and / or a fluid trapping element on the carrier side is supported or can be supported, and if necessary, secured to the support section. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. In the drawings: Figure 1 A partial side view of a first embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 2 A partial side view of a second embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 3A partial side view of a third embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 4 A partial side view of the fourth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 5 a to Figure 5 c shows Figure 3 Partial front views of different implementation variations of the clutch device. Figure 5 d shows Figure 5 A top view of the implementation variant shown in c. Figure 6 A partial side view of the fifth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 7 A partial side view of the sixth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 8 A partial side view of the seventh embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 9 A partial side view of the eighth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 10 A partial side view of the ninth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 11 A partial side view of the tenth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 12 A partial side view of the eleventh embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Figure 13 A partial side view of the twelfth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section, and Figure 14 A partial side view of the thirteenth embodiment of the clutch device is shown in cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figures 1 to 14 Different embodiments of the clutch device 2 are shown, wherein all clutch devices 2 have a common structure described in detail below.

[0036] The clutch device 2 is designed as a dual-clutch device. More precisely, the clutch device 2 is a concentric dual-clutch device. In the accompanying drawings, the opposing axial directions 4 and 6, the opposing radial directions 8 and 10, and the opposing circumferential directions 12 and 14 are shown by corresponding arrows, wherein the clutch device 2 can rotate about a central axis of rotation (not shown in the drawings) that extends along the axial directions 4 and 6.

[0037] The clutch device 2 has a wet-operating first plate clutch 16 and a wet-operating second plate clutch 18, which are nested in the radial directions 8 and 10 to form a clutch device 2 in the form of a concentric dual-clutch device. The first plate clutch 16 has a first clutch plate carrier 20, which is designed as an outer clutch plate carrier. The first clutch plate carrier 20 has a clutch plate carrying section 22 designed to be generally tubular, on which teeth 24 are formed on the inward-facing side in the radial direction 10. A fluid through opening 26 is also designed in the clutch plate carrying section 22. Adjacent to the clutch plate carrying section 22 in the axial direction 6 is a radial support section 28, which extends from the clutch plate carrying section 22 in the radial direction 10 so that the first clutch plate carrier 20 is supported in the radial directions 8 and 10 on the components of the power transmission system in which the clutch device is arranged. Furthermore, the first disc clutch 16 has a second clutch disc carrier 30, wherein the second clutch disc carrier 30 has: a clutch disc bearing section 32 having teeth 34 pointing outward in the radial direction 8; and a radial support section 36 extending inward in the radial direction 10 from the end of the clutch disc bearing section 32 pointing in the axial direction 4, so that the second clutch disc carrier 30 is supported in the radial directions 8 and 10. A fluid through opening 26 is also formed in the clutch disc bearing section 32 of the second clutch disc carrier 30.

[0038] A clutch plate assembly 38 of a first-plate clutch 16 is arranged in the radial directions 8 and 10 between clutch plate bearing sections 22 and 32. This clutch plate assembly consists of outer clutch plates 40 to 44 and an inner clutch plate 46 alternating sequentially in the axial directions 4 or 6. Here, the outer clutch plate 40 forms the end plate 40 on the side of the clutch plate assembly 38 facing the axial direction 6, while the outer clutch plate 44 forms the end plate 44 of the clutch plate assembly 38 facing the axial direction 4. When an operating force is applied to the end plate 40 by a force-applying element described in detail later, the end plate 44 can be supported or is supported on the first clutch plate carrier 20 in the axial direction 4, which is indirectly achieved by a synchronizer disc 48, which is detachably rotaryly synchronized with the clutch plate bearing section 22 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 and can be supported or is supported on the clutch plate bearing section 22 in the axial direction 4 by a retaining ring 50. The motor torque is introduced into the clutch device 2 by the synchronizer disc 48, so that the first clutch plate carrier 20 is also the input side of the clutch device 20.

[0039] The outer clutch plates 40 to 44 are designed as frictionless clutch plates or steel plates, while the inner clutch plate 46 is designed as a friction-lined plate, with friction lining on both sides. As can also be seen in the figure, the outer clutch plates 40 to 44 have external teeth with a root diameter d1 that engage with the teeth 24. Furthermore, the outer clutch plate 40, at least in the form of an end plate 40, has an inner diameter d2. The clutch plate carrying section 32 of the second clutch plate carrier 30 also has an outer diameter d3 and an inner diameter d4. Furthermore, the teeth 34 of the clutch plate carrying section 32 have a root diameter d5.

[0040] The second-plate clutch 18 also has a first clutch plate carrier 52, which is designed as an outer clutch plate carrier and also forms the input side of the second-plate clutch 18. For this purpose, the first clutch plate carrier 52 is axially connected in the axial direction 6 to the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 of the first-plate clutch 16 in an anti-rotational manner. Therefore, the first clutch plate carrier 52 further has a clutch plate bearing section 54, which, depending on its manufacturing process, has internal teeth on its radially inwardly pointing side 10 and teeth 56 on its radially outwardly pointing side 8. The support section 58 of the first clutch plate carrier 52 (which follows the clutch plate bearing section 54 in the axial direction 6 and extends inwardly in the radial direction 8) is axially connected in the axial direction 6 to the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 of the first-plate clutch 16 in an anti-rotational manner, as previously described, and is here exemplaryly connected by riveting. A fluid penetration opening 26 is also formed in the clutch plate bearing section 54.

[0041] To apply an operating force to the clutch plate assembly 38, a force transmission element 60 is provided. This force transmission element is generally arranged in the axial direction 6 next to the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 and is displaceable in the axial directions 4 and 6. The force transmission element 60 has a section 62 extending generally in the radial directions 8 and 10. The interior of this section in the radial direction 10 is subjected to an operating device (not shown) to act an operating force in the axial direction 4. This operating device is preferably a hydraulic operating device, i.e., a corresponding piston cylinder assembly, for example. Here, the force transmission element 60 is preloaded to the initial position shown in the figures by a reset element 64, in which the first plate clutch 16 is disengaged. This relates to the first plate clutch 60 that is disengaged under normal conditions. Preferably, the reset element 64 of a spring element (exemplarily a disc spring in this case) is supported in the axial direction 4 on the support section 28 and in the axial direction 6 on the section 62 of the force transmission element 60. Starting from the end of segment 62 of force transmission element 60 located radially outward in the direction 8, the operating finger 62 of force transmission element 60 extends toward the axial direction 4. The operating finger 66, formed integrally with segment 62, may also be referred to as an axial finger. Two or more operating fingers 66 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential directions 12, 14 on force transmission element 60 and extend along the axial direction 4 through recesses 68 in the first clutch plate carrier 20, more specifically in the support segment 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20, these recesses being formed in a corresponding manner spaced apart from each other in the circumferential directions 12, 14, wherein the recesses 28 are also designed to be window-shaped. In this way, the operating finger 66 extends in the axial direction 4 through the notch 68 and beyond the side 70 of the support section 28 facing the clutch plate assembly 68 to the end section 72 of the operating finger or the free end 74 of the end section 72, wherein the free end 74 faces the clutch plate assembly 38.

[0042] As can also be seen from the figure, the notch 68 and the operating finger 66 in the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 are arranged flush with the clutch plate group 38 in the axial directions 4 and 6, so that the operating force can be transmitted to the clutch plate group 38 as directly as possible.

[0043] In the configuration previously described for clutch device 2, fluids, such as oil, i.e., coolant and / or lubricant, flow outward in the radial direction 8 due to the rotation of clutch device 2 along one of the circumferential directions 12, 14. Therefore, fluid flows from the interior radially through the fluid penetration opening 26 in the clutch plate bearing section 54 of the second-plate clutch 18 into the annular space formed between the clutch plate bearing section 54 and the clutch plate bearing section 32 in the radial directions 8, 10. From there, the fluid further flows radially through the fluid penetration opening 26 into the clutch plate bearing section 32, between the clutch plates 40 to 46 of the clutch plate assembly 38, and outward in the radial direction 8 via the fluid penetration opening 26 in the clutch plate bearing section 22. Furthermore, a portion of the fluid also flows axially through the clutch plate bearing section 32 from the annular space between the clutch plate bearing section 54 and the clutch plate bearing section 32 and further outward in the radial direction 8. If the clutch device 2 remains as described above, the fluid will enter the area of ​​the operating fingers 66 of the force transmission element 60 and may overflow through the notch 68 in the axial direction 6, causing this portion of the fluid used for cooling and / or lubricating the clutch plate assembly 38 to be lost. To prevent this, the clutch device 2 has a fluid trapping device 76.

[0044] The fluid trapping device 76 has an annular fluid trapping element arranged on the operating finger 66, which is also referred to below as the finger-side fluid trapping element 78. The finger-side fluid trapping element 78, according to... Figure 1 In this embodiment, it is generally designed as a ring-shaped disc and formed in a circumferential, preferably closed, manner in the circumferential directions 12, 14. Here, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side extends inward in the radial direction 10 beyond the operating finger 76 in order to capture fluid overflowing from the annular space between the clutch plate support sections 54 and 32 in the axial direction 6 as early as possible and to trap the fluid at least partially in the space between the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side and the clutch plate assembly 38 in the axial direction, so that the fluid does not overflow via or immediately via the notch 68 in the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 and is therefore available for cooling and / or lubricating the clutch plate assembly 38.

[0045] To enhance this effect, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side extends at least to the inner diameter d2 of the outer clutch plates 40 to 44, preferably to the inner diameter d2 of the outer clutch plate 40 designed as an end piece, and extends inward in the radial direction 10 beyond the mentioned inner diameter d2. According to Figure 1In the first embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side extends further inward in the radial direction 10 to achieve better cooling and / or lubrication of the clutch plate assembly 38 by trapping the fluid. Therefore, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side extends at least to and beyond the outer diameter d3 of the clutch plate bearing section 32 of the second clutch plate carrier 30 for the inner clutch plate 46 of the clutch plate assembly 38. To further improve the described effect, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side continues to extend at least to and beyond the tooth root diameter d5 of the tooth 34 of the clutch plate bearing section 32 of the second clutch plate carrier 30, extending inward in the radial direction 10. To further improve the described effect, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side continues to extend at least to the inner diameter d4 of the clutch plate carrier section 32 of the second clutch plate carrier 30 and extends inward in the radial direction 10 beyond the inner diameter, so as to be arranged flush with the annular space formed between the clutch plate carrier section 54 and the clutch plate carrier section 32 in the axial directions 4, 6.

[0046] In order to achieve the described interception of fluid flowing out of the aforementioned annular space in the radial direction 10 within the operating finger 6, and also to achieve interception in the radial direction 8 outside the operating finger 66, and thus further improve the cooling and / or lubrication of the clutch assembly 38, the fluid interception element 78 on the finger side also extends outward in the radial direction 8 beyond the operating finger 66, wherein the fluid interception element 78 on the finger side, as Figure 1 The tooth root diameter d1 extends at least to the tooth root diameter d1 of at least one of the outer clutch plates 40 to 44, and here extends at least to the tooth root diameter d1 of the outer clutch plate 40 which is designed as an end plate, or extends outward in the radial direction 8 beyond the mentioned tooth root diameter d1.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the one-piece design of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side generally consists of a front radial section 80 and a rear radial section 82 arranged more inwardly in the radial direction 10 than the front radial section 80. The names of the front and rear radial sections 80 and 82 are derived from the fact that the rear radial section 82 is retracted relative to the front radial section 80 in the axial direction 6, so as to achieve a larger axial distance between the rear radial section 82 and the clutch plate assembly 38 or the clutch plate bearing section 32 of the second clutch plate carrier 30. The rear radial section 82 is also arranged flush with the clutch plate bearing section 32 of the second clutch plate carrier 30 in the axial directions 4 and 6. Due to the retracted rear radial section 82, fluid overflowing from the annular space between the clutch plate bearing sections 54 and 32 can be more effectively trapped, so that the fluid can be delivered to the clutch plate assembly 38. The retraction of the rear radial section 82 is based on… Figure 1In the first embodiment, this is achieved by the retraction of the front side 84 of the rear radial section 82 pointing in the axial direction 4 relative to the front side 86 of the front radial section 80 pointing in the axial direction 4. The two back sides 88 and 90 of the rear radial sections and the front radial sections 82 and 80, pointing in the axial direction 6, are arranged in a common radial plane. In other respects, the thickness or material thickness a of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, designed as a metal sheet or plastic part, is less than the thickness b of the outer clutch piece 40, designed as an end piece, which faces the force transmission element 60 in the axial direction 6. Thicknesses a and b are preferably the maximum thicknesses of the fluid trapping element 78 and the end piece 40 on the finger-shaped side.

[0048] The fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side also extends in the axial direction 4 to the front of the free end section 72 or free end 74 of the operating finger, and correspondingly extends to the front of the gap 92 formed between the operating fingers 66 in the circumferential directions 12, 14. More specifically, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side extends between the free end section 72 and free end 74 and the clutch plate assembly 38, such that the free end section 72 or free end 74 can be indirectly supported or is supported on the end plate 40 and therefore the clutch plate assembly 38 in the axial direction 4 by means of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side. In this way, any manufacturing tolerances that may exist in the length of the operating fingers 66 in the axial directions 4, 6 can be compensated, and thus the operating force can be uniformly introduced into the clutch plate assembly 38. Alternatively, the free end section 72 or the free end 74 may extend through a notch in the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side so that it can be directly supported or supported on the end piece 40 or the clutch piece assembly 38.

[0049] The fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, or its movement in the axial directions 4 and 6, does not necessarily need to be coupled with the corresponding movement of the operating finger 66 in the axial directions 4 and 6. However, it is preferred that the operating finger 66 be supported on the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side at least in the axial direction 4, such that the axial movement of the force transmission element 60 toward the clutch plate assembly 38 in the axial direction 4 also causes a corresponding movement of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side. In the illustrated... Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side is fixed to the free end section 42 or free end 74 of the operating finger 66 in two axial directions 4 and 6, such that the axial movement of the force transmission element 60 also causes the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side to perform a corresponding axial movement. For this purpose, the free end 74 or free end section 72 enters into a recess on the back side 88, 90 of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, wherein a recess or groove is provided in the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, which surrounds the operating finger 66 in the circumferential directions 12, 14, into which the operating finger 66 enters.

[0050] Furthermore, the thickness 'a' of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side is selected such that the extension dimension of the fluid trapping device 76 in the axial directions 4 and 6 is at least 50% of the axial extension dimension of the section of the operating finger 66, which corresponds to the extension dimension of the section of the operating finger 66 extending beyond the notch 68 in the axial direction 4 at the initial position of the force transmission element 60 (where the plate clutch 16 is disengaged).

[0051] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown, which is generally similar to that according to... Figure 1 The first embodiment corresponds to this, so the following discussion will only cover the differences, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0052] According to Figure 2 In the second embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side has a radial protrusion 94 located inward in the radial direction 10, wherein the radial protrusion 94 extends inward in the radial direction 10 into the teeth 56, more specifically the outer teeth 56, of the clutch plate carrying section 54 of the second plate clutch 18, so as to also impede or prevent fluid from flowing axially in the axial direction 6 behind the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side and thus into the region of the recess 68. Therefore, the radial protrusion 94 can also more effectively trap the fluid and deliver the fluid to the clutch plate assembly 38. Correspondingly, radial protrusions 96 are provided on the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side in the radial direction 8, which extend into the teeth 24 on the clutch plate carrying section 22 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 for the outer clutch plates 40 to 44, so as to also impede or prevent fluid from passing through in the axial direction 6. This also allows for a synchronous rotational connection between the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side and the input side of the clutch device 2, without needing to fix the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side to the operating finger 66 along the circumferential directions 12, 14. Furthermore, this also allows for precise positioning of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side in the radial directions 8, 10, without needing to be correspondingly supported on the operating finger 66 for such positioning. To achieve the two advantages mentioned above, either only the radial protrusion 94 or only the radial protrusion 96 is needed; however, for the reasons mentioned above, it is preferable to provide both radial protrusions 94 and 96.

[0053] In principle, the free end section 72 or the free end 74 can be arranged on the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side such that it is fixed along the two axial directions 4 and 6; however, the axial fixation along the two axial directions 4 and 6 can be completely omitted here. More precisely, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side can also be arranged floatingly within the clutch device 2 along the axial directions 4 and 6, wherein, according to Figure 2 The second embodiment further provides the supportability of the manipulating finger 66 on the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side in the axial direction 4, such that the movement of the force transmission element 60 toward the clutch plate assembly 38 in the axial direction 4 causes a corresponding movement of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger side in the axial direction 4. However, in the opposite axial direction 6, such motion coupling is not proposed in the second embodiment.

[0054] In order to retain a particularly large amount of fluid in the second embodiment, not only is the front side 84 of the rear radial section 82 of the fluid trapping element 78 offset in the axial direction 6 relative to the front side 86 of the front radial section 80, but the back side 88 of the rear radial section 82 is also retracted in the axial direction 6 relative to the back side 90 of the front radial section 80. Here, the retraction is chosen to be large enough that the front radial section 80 is connected to the rear radial section 82 by the axial section 98 of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, which is preferably designed to be tubular.

[0055] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clutch device corresponds to this, so the following discussion will only cover the differences. The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0056] In the third embodiment, the fluid trapping device 76 also has a fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, wherein the fluid trapping device 76 forms a cover for the fluid flowing outward in the radial direction 8 for the operating finger 66 and the gap 92 formed between the operating fingers in the circumferential directions 12, 14. The length of the cover in the axial directions 4, 6 is... Figure 3 The figure is indicated by the numeral c in the attached diagram. According to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The implementation also has a corresponding length c; however, the length c depends on... Figure 3 The implementation method is variable, as in all cases... Figures 3 to 11 This is the case in all implementations, where the length c is variable due to the displacement of the force transmission element 60 relative to the first clutch plate carrier 20 in the axial directions 4 and 6. According to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the length is variable due to the elastic deformation of the fluid trapping device 76, as described in more detail later. Figures 6 to 11 In the implementation method, the length c varies in a flexible manner.

[0057] According to Figure 3 In a third embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side has at least one resilient annular seal 100 or is formed entirely of such a resilient annular seal 100. For example, the resilient annular seal 100, which may be formed of a rubber seal, has a sealing lip 102 that abuts against the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20, and is therefore also referred to as the carrier-side sealing lip 102. Alternatively or supplementarily, the resilient annular seal 100 has a sealing lip 104 that abuts against the end piece 40 of the clutch plate assembly 38 in the opposite axial direction 4 and is therefore referred to as the plate assembly-side sealing lip 104. The resilient annular seal 100 is designed such that the sealing lip 102 on the carrier side is supported in the axial direction 6 independently of the axial position of the force transmission element 60 on the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20, while the sealing lip 104 on the plate assembly side is supported in the axial direction 4 independently of the axial position of the force transmission element 60 on the end plate 40 of the clutch plate assembly 38, so as to facilitate complete coverage of the end section 72 extending beyond the notch 68 in the axial direction 4 and the gap 92 therebetween for fluid flowing outward in the radial direction 8. The resilient annular seal 100 can again be arranged floatingly on the operating finger 66 in the axial directions 4, 6; however, it is equally possible for the resilient annular seal 100 to be fixed on the operating finger 66 in at least one or two axial directions.

[0058] For example, from the example shown, according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first embodiment variant of the implementation Figure 5 As can be seen in a, the elastic annular seal 100 does not need to extend outward in the radial direction 8 into the gap 92 formed between the operating fingers 66. However, according to Figure 5 In a second embodiment of b, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side, in the form of an elastic annular seal 100, has trapping sections 106 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential directions 12, 14, which extend into the gap 92 in the radial direction 8. This is consistent with the embodiment according to... Figure 5 The implementation variant of a prevents the resilient annular seal 100 from bending into the gap 92 due to centrifugal force. Furthermore, the resilient annular seal 100 and the actuating finger 66 can be synchronously connected in the circumferential directions 12, 14 by means of the intercepting section 106. For example, from... Figure 5As can be seen in b, viewed in the axial direction 6, the intercepting section 106 fills the gap, at least to 90%, preferably at least to 95%, and particularly preferably completely, to impede or prevent fluid from entering the gap 92 along the axial direction 6. Furthermore, Figures c and d show, according to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In another embodiment of the implementation, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-side, in the form of a resilient annular seal 100, has a fixing protrusion 108 that extends in the radial direction 8 into a recess 110 of one of the actuating fingers 66, thereby securing the finger-side fluid trapping element 78 to the force transmission element 66 along at least one axial direction 4, 6 (here, axial direction 6). For example, particularly from Figure 5 As can be seen in d, the notch 110 is preferably an end-side cut-in in the operating finger 66, which extends along the axial directions 4 and 6.

[0059] Figure 5 A fourth embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown, which is generally consistent with the engagement. Figure 5 a to Figure 5 The basis of d Figure 3 The implementation methods are corresponding, so the following will only discuss the differences, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0060] According to Figure 3 Compared to the previous implementation, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side not only includes the elastic annular seal 100, but also includes a one-piece or multi-piece carrier element 112 on which the elastic annular seal 100 is disposed. Therefore, the carrier element 112 can be formed, for example, from one or more metal plates. The advantage of the multi-piece implementation of the carrier element 112 is that it can be manufactured with less material or less scrap and can also produce carrier elements 112 with more complex shapes. The connection between the carrier element 112 and the elastic annular seal 100 is further such that the carrier element 112 is arranged in the axial directions 4 and 6 in front of the free end section 72 or free end 74 of the operating finger 66 and correspondingly in front of the gap 92, so that the above reference can be omitted in principle. Figure 5 b and Figure 5 The interception section 106 described in c, and the principle that can be omitted from the reference, are also relevant. Figure 5 c and Figure 5 The fixed protrusion 108 is described in d.

[0061] Figure 6 A fifth embodiment of the clutch device is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Corresponding to clutch device 2, the following discussion will focus only on the differences, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0062] As explained above, Figures 6 to 7 The following embodiments relate to an implementation in which the length c of the cover or fluid trapping device 76 in the axial directions 4 and 6 is telescopically variable. For this purpose, according to... Figures 6 to 11 All embodiments of the fluid trapping device 76 further include an annular fluid trapping element 114 supported or potentially supported in the axial direction 6 on the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20. This annular fluid trapping element is therefore referred to hereinafter as the carrier-side fluid trapping element 114. The carrier-side fluid trapping element 114 is formed circumferentially, preferably in a closed-circumferential manner, in the circumferential directions 12, 14 of the clutch device 2. The carrier-side fluid trapping element 114 can also be arranged floatingly in the clutch device 2 in the axial directions 4, 6; however, it is preferred that the carrier-side fluid trapping element 114 is fastened to the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20, thereby fixing the carrier-side fluid trapping element along both axial directions 4, 6. In principle, it is also possible to design the fluid trapping element 114 on the carrier side and the support section 28 of the first clutch carrier 20 as a single piece. However, it has been proven advantageous from a manufacturing technology point of view that the fluid trapping element 114 on the carrier side is formed separately and fastened to the support section 28 of the first clutch carrier 20.

[0063] The carrier-side fluid trapping element 114 is generally composed of an axial section 116 and a radial section 118 designed as one piece to each other. The axial section 116 extends out of the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 in the axial direction 4 and is designed to be generally tubular. The radial section 118, which may also be referred to as an annular disc section, is adjacent to the axial section 116 in the axial direction 6 so as to extend inward in the radial direction 10 from the axial section, wherein the carrier-side fluid trapping element 114 is supported and / or secured to the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 by means of the radial section 118. The finger-side fluid trapping element 78 is displaceable relative to the carrier-side fluid trapping element 114 in the axial directions 4, 6, wherein the finger-side fluid trapping element 78 is slidably and preferably sealingly guided along the axial section 116 of the carrier-side fluid trapping element 114.

[0064] According to Figure 6In the fifth embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side is designed as a simple ring with a rectangular cross-section that is closed around the circumferential direction 12, 14. A reference may also be provided on this fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side. Figure 5 b and Figure 5 The interception section described in c is 106.

[0065] According to Figure 7 In the sixth embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side has a previously described front radial section 80, adjacent to which is a previously referenced... Figure 2 The axial section 98 is described, wherein the aforementioned rear radial section 82 is omitted, so that the axial section 90 is guided in such a way that it slides along the axial section 116 of the fluid trapping element 114 on the carrier side.

[0066] According to Figure 8 In the seventh embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side includes the previously described axial section 90 and the previously described rear radial section 82, wherein the front radial section 80 is omitted, and the inwardly pointing edge of the rear radial section 82 in the radial direction 10 is slidably guided on the axial section 116 of the fluid trapping element 114 on the carrier side.

[0067] Figure 9 An eighth embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to Figure 6 Corresponding to the embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side is provided with a radial protrusion 120 preferably surrounding in the circumferential directions 12, 14. This radial protrusion engages in a recess on the radially inwardly pointing side of the operating finger 66, so as to fix the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side to the operating finger 66 in these two axial directions 4, 6. The recess in the operating finger 66 is preferably a groove surrounding in the circumferential directions 12, 14.

[0068] according to Figure 10 The ninth embodiment is largely the same as in Figure 7 Corresponding to the embodiment shown, radial protrusions 96, which have been previously described, are also provided on the front radial section 80. These radial protrusions engage with the teeth 24 of the outer clutch plates 40 to 44 for the clutch plate assembly 38, while having the advantages already described.

[0069] Figure 11 A tenth embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to... Figure 7Corresponding to the embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side has an additional axial section 122 in addition to the previously described axial section 90. This additional axial section engages the end section 72 of the operating finger-shaped element 66 from the outside in the radial direction 8. Furthermore, axial protrusions 124 are provided on the axial section 122, extending into recesses 68 in the support section 28 of the first clutch plate carrier 20 to achieve a rotationally synchronized connection between the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side and the first clutch plate carrier. It has proven advantageous here to provide at least two, preferably at least three, such axial protrusions 124.

[0070] Figure 12 An eleventh embodiment of the clutch device is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to Figure 2 Corresponding to clutch device 2, the following discussion will focus only on the differences, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0071] and Figure 2 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, in the eleventh embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side does not, or only slightly extends outward in the radial direction 8, beyond the operating finger 66. Therefore, it is preferable that the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side does not extend outward in the radial direction 8 to the tooth root diameter d1 or / and extends outward in the radial direction 8 beyond the operating finger 66 by at most 1 mm. Therefore, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side in this embodiment also does not have a radial protrusion 94 extending into the tooth 24 on the clutch plate bearing section 22 of the first clutch plate carrier 20. In the eleventh embodiment, the structure of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side and its introduction into the clutch device 2 become simple.

[0072] Figure 13 A twelfth embodiment of the clutch device is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to Figure 12 Corresponding to clutch device 2, the following discussion will focus only on the differences, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0073] In the twelfth embodiment, the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side has a second front radial section 126 in addition to the front radial section 80 and the rear radial section 82, and the rear radial section 82 is retracted relative to the second front radial section in the axial direction 6. The second front radial section 126 is arranged further in the radial direction 10 than the clutch plate bearing section 22 of the second clutch plate carrier 30 and further in the radial direction 10 than the rear radial section 82. Therefore, the second front radial section 126 does not extend further outward than the inner diameter d4 in the radial direction 10. Furthermore, the rear radial section 82 is connected to the second front radial section 126 by the axial section 128 of the fluid trapping element 78 on the finger-shaped side. The second front radial section 126 has a front side 130 pointing in the axial direction 4 and a back side 132 pointing in the axial direction 6. According to Figure 13 In one embodiment, the front radial section 80 is also retracted in the axial direction 6 relative to the second front radial section 126.

[0074] Figure 14 A thirteenth embodiment of the clutch device is shown, which is generally consistent with the embodiment according to Figure 12 and Figure 13 Corresponding to clutch device 2, the following discussion will focus only on the differences, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the above description applies accordingly in all other respects.

[0075] In the thirteenth embodiment, the second front radial section 126 is inclined relative to the radial direction, wherein the axial section 128 is omitted entirely, by way of example. However, in principle, implementation variations having an inclined second front radial section 126 and axial section 128 are also feasible or advantageous. Even in the thirteenth embodiment, the front radial section 80 is at least partially retracted relative to the second front radial section 126 in the axial direction 6.

[0076] List of reference numerals 2. Clutch equipment 4. Axial direction 6. Axial direction 8. Radial direction 10 Radial direction 12 Circumferential Direction 14. Circumferential direction 16 First-plate clutch 18 Second-plate clutch 20 First clutch plate carrier 22 Clutch plate bearing section 24 teeth 26. Fluid through opening 28 Support Sections 30 Second clutch plate carrier 32 Clutch plate bearing section 34 teeth 36 Support Sections 38 clutch plate group 40 External clutch plate / end plate 42 External clutch plate / end plate 44 External clutch plate / end plate 46 internal clutch plates 48 Synchronizer disks 50 retaining ring 52 First clutch carrier 54 Clutch plate bearing section 56 teeth 58 Support Section 60 Transmission Element Section 62 64 Reset Element 66. Manipulating finger-shaped components 68 Notch 70 Side View 72 End Section 74 Free end 76 Fluid Retention Device 78. Fluid trapping element on the finger-shaped side 80 radial section 82 rear radial section 84 Front 86 Front 88 Backside 90 dorsal side 92 gap 94 Radial protrusions 96 Radial protrusions 98 Axial Section 100% flexible annular seal 102 Sealing lip on the carrier side Sealing lip on the side of the 104-piece set 106 Retention Section 108 Fixed protrusions 110 Notch 112 Load-bearing element 114 Fluid trapping element on the carrier side 116 Axial Section 118 radial segments 120 radial protrusions 122 Axial Section 124 Axial protrusion 126 Second forward radial section 128 Axial Section 130 Front 132 Dorsal side a thickness b Thickness c length d1 Tooth root diameter d2 inner diameter d3 outer diameter d4 inner diameter d5 is the diameter of the tooth root.

Claims

1. A clutch device (2), the clutch device comprising: a wet-operating plate clutch (16), the plate clutch having a first clutch plate carrier (20), a second clutch plate carrier (30), and a clutch plate assembly (38) assigned to the first clutch plate carrier (20) and the second clutch plate carrier (30); and a force transmission element (60) for applying an operating force to the end plates (40) of the clutch plate assembly (38), wherein the force transmission element (60) has operating fingers (66) extending through a notch (68) in the first clutch plate carrier (20), characterized in that, A fluid trapping device (76) is provided, the fluid trapping device having an annular fluid trapping element (78) arranged on the finger-shaped parts (66), the fluid trapping element on the finger-shaped part extending inward beyond the finger-shaped parts (66) in the radial direction (10), wherein the annular fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped part and the end piece (40) are rotated synchronously connected with the first clutch plate carrier (20).

2. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side extends inward in the radial direction (10) at least to the inner diameter (d2) of at least one outer clutch (40) of the clutch plate group (38) or beyond the inner diameter (d2) of the at least one outer clutch (40).

3. The clutch device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side extends inward in the radial direction (10) at least to or beyond the outer diameter (d3) of the clutch bearing section (22) of the second clutch carrier (30) for the inner clutch (46) of the clutch assembly (38).

4. The clutch device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side extends inward in the radial direction (10) at least to or beyond the inner diameter (d4) of the clutch bearing section (32) of the second clutch carrier (30).

5. The clutch device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side extends radially (10) inward at least to or beyond the tooth root diameter (d5) of the tooth (24) of the tooth bearing section (22) of the second clutch carrier (30) of the inner clutch (46) of the clutch plate assembly (38).

6. The clutch device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side extends into the teeth (56) on the clutch plate bearing section (54) of the second plate clutch (18) of the clutch device (2) by a radial protrusion (94) on the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side, the second plate clutch and the plate clutch (16) being nested in the radial direction (8, 10).

7. The clutch device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side has a rear radial section (82) that is retracted in the axial direction (6) relative to the front radial section (80) of the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side.

8. The clutch device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rear radial section (82) and the clutch bearing section (22) of the second clutch carrier (30) are arranged flush in the axial direction (4, 6), or / and the rear radial section (82) is connected to the front radial section (80) by means of the axial section (98) of the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side.

9. The clutch device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rear radial section (82) is arranged further inward in the radial direction (10) than the front radial section (80).

10. The clutch device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side has a second front radial section (126), and the rear radial section (82) is retracted in the axial direction (6) relative to the second front radial section.

11. The clutch device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The front radial section (80) is also retracted in the axial direction (6) relative to the second front radial section (126).

12. The clutch device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second front radial section (126) is arranged further in the radial direction (10) than the clutch bearing section (22) of the second clutch carrier (30) and / or the rear radial section (82).

13. The clutch device (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second front radial section (126) is connected to the rear radial section (82) by means of the axial section (128) of the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side or is inclined relative to the radial direction.

14. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side extends outward in the radial direction (8) beyond these manipulating fingers (66).

15. The clutch device (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side extends outward in the radial direction (8) at least to the root diameter (d1) of the tooth portion on at least one outer clutch plate (40) of the clutch plate assembly (38) or beyond the root diameter (d1) of the tooth portion on the at least one outer clutch plate (40).

16. The clutch device (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side extends with a radial protrusion (96) on the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side into the teeth (24) on the clutch bearing section (22) of the first clutch carrier (20) for these outer clutches (40, 42, 44).

17. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side is arranged in the axial direction (4, 6) in front of the free end section (72) of these operating fingers (66) and / or in the circumferential direction (12, 14) in front of the gap (92) formed between these operating fingers (66).

18. The clutch device (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side is arranged in the axial direction (4, 6) in front of the free end (74) of these manipulating fingers (66).

19. The clutch device (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that, These free end sections (72) can be indirectly supported or supported on the clutch plate assembly (38) by means of the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side.

20. The clutch device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that, These free ends (74) can be indirectly supported or supported on the clutch assembly (38) by means of the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side.

21. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side has: trapping sections (106) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (12, 14), which extend in the radial direction (8) into gaps (96) formed between the operating fingers (66) in the circumferential direction (12, 14); and / or at least one fixing protrusion (108) extending in the radial direction (8) into a notch (110) in one of the operating fingers (66), thereby fixing the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side to the force transmission element (60) in at least one axial direction (4; 6).

22. The clutch device (2) according to claim 21, characterized in that, When viewed in the axial direction (6), these intercepted sections (106) fill these gaps (92) by at least 90%.

23. The clutch device (2) according to claim 22, characterized in that, When viewed in the axial direction (6), these intercepted sections (106) fill these gaps (92) at least up to 95%.

24. The clutch device (2) according to claim 23, characterized in that, When viewed in the axial direction (6), these intercepted sections (106) completely fill these gaps (92).

25. The clutch device (2) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The notch (110) is formed by an incision on the end side of the operating finger (66).

26. The clutch device (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The incision on the end side extends in the axial direction (4, 6).

27. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping device (76) forms a cover for the fluid flowing outward in the radial direction (8) for the manipulating fingers (66) and for the gap (92) formed between the manipulating fingers (66) in the circumferential direction (12, 14).

28. The clutch device (2) according to claim 27, characterized in that, The length (c) of the cover is variable in the axial direction.

29. The clutch device (2) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The length (c) of the cover in the axial direction is variable by the displacement of the force transmission element (60) relative to the first clutch plate carrier (20) in the axial direction (4, 6).

30. The clutch device (2) according to claim 29, characterized in that, The length (c) of the cover in the axial direction is variable or stretchable due to the elastic deformation of the fluid trapping device (76).

31. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side has an elastic annular seal (100) having a sealing lip (102) on the carrier side abutting the first clutch plate carrier (20) and / or a sealing lip (104) on the plate group side abutting the clutch plate group (38).

32. The clutch device (2) according to claim 31, characterized in that, The sealing lip (102) on the carrier side and / or the sealing lip (104) on the disc assembly side are supported on the first clutch disc carrier (20) and / or the clutch disc assembly (38) regardless of the axial position of the force transmission element (60).

33. The clutch device (2) according to claim 31, characterized in that, The elastic annular seal (100) is arranged on a one-piece or multi-piece carrier element (112).

34. The clutch device (2) according to claim 33, characterized in that, The bearing element (112) is arranged in the axial direction (4, 6) in front of the free end section (72) of these operating fingers (66) and / or in the circumferential direction (12, 14) in front of the gap (92) formed between these operating fingers (66).

35. The clutch device (2) according to claim 34, characterized in that, The bearing element (112) is arranged in the axial direction (4, 6) in front of the free end (74) of these operating fingers (66).

36. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid trapping device (76) also has an annular carrier-side fluid trapping element (114) that is supported or can be supported on the first clutch plate carrier (20) in the axial direction (6), wherein the finger-side fluid trapping element (78) and the carrier-side fluid trapping element (114) are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction (4, 6).

37. The clutch device (2) according to claim 36, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side and the fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side are telescopically displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction (4, 6).

38. The clutch device (2) according to claim 36, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger-shaped side and the fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side are guided toward each other in the axial direction (4, 6).

39. The clutch device (2) according to claim 38, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side and the fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side are guided toward each other in a sealed manner along the axial direction (4, 6).

40. The clutch device (2) according to claim 36, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side has: an axial section (114) along which the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side is guided; and / or a radial section (118) which is capable of being supported or supported on the first clutch plate carrier (20) in the axial direction (6), and / or fastened to or integrally formed with the first clutch plate carrier.

41. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notches (68) in the first clutch plate carrier (20) and / or these operating fingers (66) are arranged flush with the clutch plate assembly (38) in the axial direction (4, 6), and / or the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side and / or the fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side are formed around the clutch device (2) in the circumferential direction (12, 14), and / or the fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side has a thickness (a) smaller than the end piece (40) of the clutch plate assembly (38) facing the force transmission element (60), and / or the first clutch plate carrier (20) has a support section (28) extending in the radial direction (8, 10), in which the notches (68) and / or the fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side are supported or can be supported on the support section.

42. The clutch device (2) according to claim 41, characterized in that, All the notches (68) and / or all the operating fingers (66) in the first clutch plate carrier (20) are arranged flush with the clutch plate group (38) in the axial direction (4, 6).

43. The clutch device (2) according to claim 41, characterized in that, The notches (68) and / or these operating fingers (66) in the first clutch plate carrier (20) are arranged flush with the clutch plate assembly (38) in the axial direction (4, 6).

44. The clutch device (2) according to claim 41, characterized in that, The fluid trapping element (78) on the finger side and / or the fluid trapping element (114) on the carrier side are formed in a closed loop around the clutch device (2) in the circumferential direction (12, 14).

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