Wet clutch valve arrangement

Abstract

A wet clutch (10) is provided for mounting on a shaft (12) having an internal shaft conduit (88) for hydraulic fluid. The wet clutch (10) includes a clutch hub (16) configured to mount on the shaft (12), a clutch basket (18) configured to be rotationally supported relative to the shaft (12), and a clutch pack (20) operatively connecting the clutch hub (16) and the clutch basket (18). The wet clutch (10) further includes a front portion (34) configured to be fixed relative to the shaft, an actuator (22) supported by the front portion (34) and radially spaced from the shaft (12), wherein the actuator (22) is configured to be operatively connected to the shaft conduit (88). The wet clutch (10) further includes one or more safety valves (102) connected to the actuator and configured to release the hydraulic fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The proposed technology generally relates to the field of wet clutches for road vehicles, and more specifically, to fast-rotating multi-plate wet clutches for high-performance applications. Background Technology

[0002] In some applications, single-plate clutches are too large and require more compact clutches to transmit the required torque. This can be achieved with multi-plate clutches, which allow for a smaller diameter while maintaining total friction. Multi-plate clutches are a well-established technology. In road vehicles, multi-plate clutches are commonly found in motorcycles and high-performance cars. Multi-plate clutches have several drive components that intersect with the driven components and are typically concentrated in a clutch assembly. There is a need to further reduce the size of the clutch, or at least maintain the existing size while improving efficiency.

[0003] In a dry clutch, the friction elements, or driving and driven components, are not affected by cooling lubricant but engage through mechanical friction. In a wet clutch, the friction elements are typically immersed in cooling and lubricant to achieve smoother performance and a longer lifespan.

[0004] In some applications, the viscous resistance in the clutch assembly of a wet clutch that remains disengaged for extended periods can lead to efficiency losses. Such wet clutches can be designed to engage or disengage only during active initiation. Therefore, a multi-plate wet clutch is needed that reduces viscous resistance during clutch disengagement.

[0005] Hydraulically operated wet clutches can self-start due to the increased pressure of the hydraulic fluid caused by their rotation. This limits the operating speed of the wet clutch, which is disadvantageous in some applications, such as in the transmissions of high-performance vehicles. Therefore, there is a need for a wet clutch that does not self-start at high speeds. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the proposed technology is to provide a method to prevent self-starting caused by the rotation of a wet clutch. Other objectives include improving efficiency and reducing the overall size of multi-plate wet clutches. Another objective is to improve the cooling of such clutches and reduce viscous resistance when the clutch is not engaged.

[0007] In a first aspect of the proposed technology, a wet clutch is provided for mounting on a shaft having an internal shaft conduit for hydraulic fluid. The wet clutch includes: a clutch hub configured to be mounted on the shaft; a clutch basket configured to be rotatably supported relative to the shaft; and a clutch assembly operatively connecting the clutch hub and the clutch basket. The wet clutch also includes a front portion or collar configured to be fixed relative to the shaft, an actuator or prime mover supported by the collar and radially spaced from the shaft, wherein the actuator is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the internal shaft conduit, or the actuator is operatively connected to the shaft conduit. The wet clutch further includes one or more safety valves connected to the actuator and configured to release the hydraulic fluid, or more specifically, configured to release the hydraulic fluid to prevent actuation caused by rotation of the actuator or the wet clutch.

[0008] The shaft may pass through the entire wet clutch. The actuator may be configured to engage or disengage the clutch assembly upon an increase in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, or to be driven or operated by the hydraulic fluid. A safety valve may be configured to release hydraulic fluid from the actuator, or to deactivate the actuator. The safety valve may be configured to release hydraulic fluid based on the rotational speed of the shaft or the rotational speed of the safety valve about the axis of rotation of the shaft. The safety valve may be configured to release hydraulic fluid at a pressure higher than that caused or established by a first rotation in the hydraulic fluid. This pressure may be at the actuator. The pressure caused by the first rotation may be equal to or lower than the pressure of the hydraulic fluid that causes the actuator to engage the clutch assembly. The safety valve may be configured to release hydraulic fluid at a first rotational speed higher than that of the shaft or the first rotational speed of the safety valve about the axis of rotation of the shaft.

[0009] The fact that the actuator is radially spaced from the shaft and operatively connected to the shaft conduit means that rotation of the shaft will create pressure in the actuator. The safety valve has the effect of reducing the pressure caused by the rotation of hydraulic fluid at the actuator. The safety valve can even vent hydraulic fluid from the actuator and may also vent hydraulic fluid from the internal shaft conduit. The safety valve can open at any pressure caused by rotation of the actuator. Preferably, the safety valve can open before the pressure required to actuate the actuator is reached.

[0010] The actuator can be biased away from the clutch assembly. The actuator can be spring-biased or biased by one or more springs. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator can be biased to disengage from the clutch assembly, or the actuator can be biased to be in a disengaged state. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the actuator may have to overcome the actuator bias to engage the clutch assembly, or change the actuator from, for example, a disengaged state to an engaged state.

[0011] One or more safety valves may be located at the actuator. This ensures that the hydraulic fluid forming the pressure column is released at the actuator.

[0012] One or more safety valves, and a wet clutch, may be configured to release hydraulic fluid to or around the wet clutch. The periphery of the wet clutch is understood to include the exterior of the wet clutch. The wet clutch may include one or more inlet release conduits, each configured to direct hydraulic fluid from the actuator to the safety valve. The wet clutch may include one or more outlet release conduits, each configured to direct hydraulic fluid from the safety valve to the periphery of the wet clutch. Each of the outlet release conduits may extend radially relative to the shaft. The inlet release conduit may have an inlet at the outer end of the piston or at a radially remote portion of the piston relative to the shaft. Similarly, the outlet release conduit may have an outlet at the outer end of the piston or at a radially remote portion of the piston relative to the shaft.

[0013] The actuator may include: a recess formed from the front portion and configured to be operatively connected to an internal shaft guide; and a piston positioned in the recess and configured to be axially movable relative to the shaft and engage a clutch assembly. The piston may be configured to move axially toward the clutch assembly upon an increase in pressure of hydraulic fluid in the recess. The recess configured to be operatively connected to the internal shaft guide is understood to include a recess in fluid communication with the internal shaft guide.

[0014] The recess can be annular and concentric with the axis, and the piston can also be annular and concentric with the axis.

[0015] The wet clutch may also include a mechanical seal between the piston and the front section, configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from passing through or escaping between the piston and the front section. Thus, hydraulic fluid cannot escape from the actuator except through one or more safety valves or through an internal shaft conduit.

[0016] The piston may include or form an outward-facing outer piston surface and an inward-facing inner piston surface. The recess may include or form an inward-facing outer recess surface and an outward-facing inner recess surface. The piston and recess surfaces may be concentric with respect to an axis or rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis. It should be understood that the piston outer surface faces the recess outer surface, and the piston inner surface faces the recess inner surface. If the actuator is in a disengaged state, the complete surfaces may face each other.

[0017] Mechanical seals may include an annular outer gasket, such as a double-acting O-ring piston seal, configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing between the piston's outer surface and the outer surface of a recess. The piston or piston's outer surface may include or form the outer gasket recess. The outer gasket may be positioned within or supported by the outer gasket recess.

[0018] Similarly, mechanical seals may include an annular inner gasket, such as a double-acting O-ring piston seal, configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing between the inner surface of the piston and the inner surface of the recess. The recess or inner surface of the recess at the front may include or form an inner gasket recess. The inner gasket may be located in or supported by the inner gasket recess.

[0019] The piston's outer surface can be divided into two or equally divided into a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the clutch assembly than the rear portion. The front and rear portions of the piston's outer surface can have the same length in a direction parallel to the axis or in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The front and rear portions can be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis.

[0020] The outer washer recess can be concentric with respect to the shaft. The outer washer recess can be located on the rear portion of the piston's outer surface, or form part of the rear portion of the piston's outer surface. The front portion of the piston's outer surface can be cylindrical. The outer surface of the recess can be cylindrical.

[0021] The inner surface of the recess can be divided into a front portion and a rear portion, with the front portion being closer to the clutch assembly than the rear portion. The front and rear portions of the inner surface of the recess can have the same length in a direction parallel to the axis or in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The front and rear portions can be rotationally symmetrical relative to the axis.

[0022] The inner washer recess can be concentric with respect to the shaft. The inner washer recess can be located on the front portion of the inner surface of the recess, or form part of the front portion of the inner surface of the recess. The rear portion of the inner surface of the recess can be cylindrical. The inner surface of the piston can be cylindrical.

[0023] The piston can be mechanically or spring-biased in a direction away from the clutch assembly. The piston can be biased to disengage from the clutch assembly, or biased in or toward the recess to disengage from the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly may include a spring arrangement for biasing the piston. Additionally or alternatively, a wet clutch may include an annular pressure plate concentric with respect to the shaft and positioned between the actuator and the clutch assembly. This means the pressure plate is located between the piston and the clutch assembly. The pressure plate can contact the piston of both the clutch assembly and the actuator. A wet clutch may also include multiple springs individually positioned in or supported by the clutch hub, each spring engaging or biasing the pressure plate. The pressure plate, in turn, biases the piston. This relative positioning causes the piston to bias in a direction away from the clutch assembly.

[0024] One or more safety valves can be positioned or housed within the piston. This means that no modifications are required to the front section for the pressure-reducing valve, allowing it to become very compact. Extending this further, this enables a more compact wet clutch.

[0025] A wet clutch may include multiple safety valves. These safety valves may be rotationally symmetrically positioned relative to the shaft or the axis of rotation of the shaft. This has the effect of releasing hydraulic fluid symmetrically, which prevents imbalance caused by uneven or unbalanced distribution of hydraulic fluid in the wet clutch or actuator. For example, a wet clutch may have two release valves positioned 180° apart relative to the shaft or the axis of rotation of the shaft. This means the safety valves are located on opposite sides of the shaft. In another example, a wet clutch may have three release valves positioned 120° apart relative to the shaft, or a wet clutch may have six release valves positioned 60° apart relative to the shaft.

[0026] Each of the outlet release conduits may be formed by, or at least partially formed by, a pressure plate. For example, the outlet release conduit may include a recess or open channel in the pressure plate facing the actuator or piston, extending relative to the axis to the outer edge of the pressure plate. The outlet release conduit in the pressure plate may extend radially relative to the axis.

[0027] Each of the outlet release conduits may be formed by a piston, or at least partially formed by a piston. For example, the outlet release conduit may include a recess or open channel in the piston facing the pressure plate or clutch assembly, extending relative to the shaft to the outer edge of the piston. Alternatively or additionally, each of the outlet release conduits may be formed by a front portion, or at least partially formed by a front portion. For example, the outlet release conduit may include a recess or open channel in the front portion facing the pressure plate or clutch assembly, extending relative to the shaft to the outer edge of the front portion.

[0028] Each safety valve may include a valve seat and a valve member configured to mate with the valve seat. The valve member may be spherical.

[0029] The valve seat can divide the safety valve into an inlet side and an outlet side. The valve member can be configured to move relative to the valve seat in a direction transverse to the axis. The valve member can be configured to move radially or vertically relative to the axis. In other words, the safety valve can be configured to move the valve member relative to the valve seat in a direction transverse to the axis. Here, the cooperation between the valve member and the valve seat is understood to include the opening and closing of the safety valve. The valve member can be configured to move linearly relative to the valve seat.

[0030] Safety valves may also include a valve body. It should be understood that the valve components are located within the valve body. The valve body may be formed by a piston. Additionally or alternatively, the valve seat may be formed by a piston. The piston may be integral or made from a single piece of material.

[0031] The valve member engages the valve seat during a closing movement toward the shaft and disengages from the valve seat during an opening movement away from the shaft. In other words, the valve member can have a closed position relative to the valve seat and an open position relative to the valve seat. The valve member is closer to the shaft in the closed position than in the open position. It should be understood that in the closed position, the valve member and valve seat cooperate to prevent hydraulic fluid from passing through the safety valve. It should also be understood that in the open position, the valve member and valve seat form a passage for hydraulic fluid to pass through.

[0032] The valve seat may be located between the valve member and the shaft. It should be understood that this positioning is in the radial direction relative to the shaft. The engagement of the valve member with the valve seat can include the closure of the safety valve. The disengagement of the valve member from the valve seat can include the opening of the safety valve.

[0033] A safety valve can have both a closed and an open state. It should be understood that when the safety valve is in the closed state, hydraulic fluid is prevented from passing through it. It should also be understood that when the safety valve is in the open state, hydraulic fluid can pass through it, and the safety valve can switch between the closed and open states. The safety valve can be mechanically biased or spring-biased to be in the closed state. Mechanical biasing or spring biasing can maintain both the closed and open states.

[0034] A safety valve may include a valve spring. The valve member can be mechanically biased or spring-biased toward the valve seat, for example, by the valve spring. In other words, the valve member can be mechanically biased or spring-biased to be in the closed position. The biasing can be toward the shaft, transverse to the shaft, or radially relative to the shaft. The valve spring may be a compression coil spring. The valve spring can bias the valve member toward the valve seat, or bias the valve member to the closed position, or bias the safety valve to the closed state.

[0035] The safety valve can be configured to reduce or weaken its mechanical or spring bias when the shaft rotates, or when the safety valve rotates relative to the shaft's axis of rotation. It can be configured to bias the safety valve during shaft rotation to change or switch it from a closed to an open state. The safety valve can be configured to change or switch from a closed to an open state when the shaft speed exceeds 1000 rpm, 2000 rpm, 4000 rpm, 5000 rpm, or 6000 rpm.

[0036] A safety valve can be configured to reduce or weaken the mechanical or spring bias of the valve member toward the valve seat when the shaft rotates. A safety valve can also be configured to bias or rotate the valve member away from the valve seat when the shaft rotates, or when the safety valve rotates relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft. In other words, a safety valve can be configured to bias or rotate the valve member to change or switch from a closed position to an open position when the shaft rotates.

[0037] A safety valve may include a spring base support connected to the valve body. It should be understood that the valve spring engages the spring base support and the valve member, and the valve spring is compressed or biased between the spring base support and the valve member. The spring base support may have an adjustable position in a direction toward or away from the valve member or in a direction toward or away from the valve seat. This adjusts the compression of the spring and the biasing of the valve member. For example, the spring base support may include or form a male thread, and the valve body may form a female thread that mates with the male thread of the spring base support. The thread allows adjustment of the position of the spring base support relative to the valve body, as well as the position of the valve member and the valve seat.

[0038] The valve body may form a cylindrical spring bore, in which a valve spring is positioned and aligned. A valve seat or valve component is then positioned at one end or the inner end of the spring bore, and a spring base support is positioned at the other end or the outer end of the spring bore. The cylindrical spring bore may form a female thread that mates with the male thread of the spring base support.

[0039] A cylindrical spring bore can extend from the front portion of the piston's outer surface, for example, laterally toward the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, a spring base support can be located on the front portion of the piston's outer surface. Combined with an outer washer recess located on the rear portion of the piston's outer surface, this allows for a longer piston stroke without increasing the overall diameter of the front portion, which would occur if the outer washer recess were located on the outer surface of the recess.

[0040] The spring base support can be configured for manual adjustment, such as by using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.

[0041] When a wet clutch rotates, it can bias the valve components away from the valve seat. This biasing can be understood as being caused by the centripetal force generated by the rotation. The biasing can be directed away from or laterally away from the shaft.

[0042] A safety valve can be configured to be in a closed position or remain closed by or biased under the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the safety valve. Here, it can be understood that the safety valve is in the closed position. In other words, a safety valve can be configured to bias the valve members to a closed position or remain closed by or biased under the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the safety valve.

[0043] A safety valve can be configured to be biased toward a closed state by dynamic pressure in the hydraulic fluid at the safety valve or under that dynamic pressure. Here, it can be understood that the safety valve is in the open state. Dynamic pressure only occurs when hydraulic fluid flows through the safety valve. The safety valve can be configured to be biased from the open state to the closed state by hydraulic fluid flowing through or through the safety valve. Here, it should be understood that the flow of hydraulic fluid originates from an actuator. In other words, the safety valve can be configured to bias the valve member from the open position to the closed position by dynamic pressure in the hydraulic fluid at the safety valve or under that dynamic pressure, or by hydraulic fluid flowing through or through the safety valve.

[0044] The safety valve can be configured to change from a closed state to an open state when the shaft speed is above 2000 rpm, 4000 rpm, 5000 rpm or 6000 rpm, as hydraulic fluid is present in the actuator.

[0045] The valve assembly can be positioned upstream of the valve seat relative to the flow from the recess to the area around the wet clutch. This means that if the valve is open, the dynamic pressure of the flow will close the valve, or transition it from the open to the closed state. This also means that static pressure (such as the pressure supplied to start the clutch or the pressure caused by rotation) is used to close the valve.

[0046] The valve seat divides the safety valve into an input side and an output side. The input side is in fluid communication with the recess, and the output side is in fluid communication with the surrounding area of ​​the wet clutch. The flow of hydraulic fluid from the input side to the output side, or the dynamic pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the actuator, can bias the valve member toward the valve seat. It should be understood that the safety valve is open, or the valve member is in the open position relative to the valve seat, when hydraulic fluid flows from the input side to the output side.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the hydraulic fluid or the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid on the input side can bias the valve member against the valve seat. This can be when the safety valve is open or the valve member is in the open position relative to the valve seat, or when the safety valve is closed or the valve member is in the closed position relative to the valve seat or engaged with the valve seat.

[0048] One or more safety valves may be configured to restrict the flow of hydraulic fluid through the internal shaft conduit and actuator. It should be understood here that the restriction is relative to the internal shaft conduit and actuator.

[0049] The internal shaft guide and / or actuator may have a first minimum area transverse to the flow of hydraulic fluid actuating the actuator, and one or more safety valves may have a second minimum area, total or combined, transverse to the flow of hydraulic fluid released through one or more safety valves, wherein the second area is smaller than the first area. It should be understood here that the valve member of each safety valve is in the open position relative to the valve seat. This has the effect of restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid through one or more safety valves.

[0050] The second minimum area can be defined by the gap between the valve seat and valve members of the safety valve when it is fully open. It should be understood that the first minimum area of ​​the actuator refers to the entire actuator, which may include the hydraulic connection to the internal shaft guide. It is not limited to the effective area of ​​the piston or the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal shaft guide.

[0051] The first minimum area can be at least three, five, or ten times larger than the second minimum area. For example, the first minimum area can be defined by an internal shaft conduit with a diameter of 4 mm, and there can be two safety valves, each with an inlet release conduit with a diameter of 1 mm, which together define the second minimum area.

[0052] The front portion can be attached to the clutch hub. The front portion can be fixed relative to the shaft via the clutch hub. The wet clutch may further include: a radially extending rear portion or flange configured to be fixed relative to or mounted on the shaft. The rear portion can be juxtaposed with the clutch hub, and a clutch assembly can be located between the rear and front portions, wherein the clutch assembly presses against the rear portion when the actuator engages the clutch assembly. The rear portion can be attached to the clutch hub. The rear portion can be fixed relative to the shaft via the clutch hub.

[0053] The shaft may have additional internal shaft conduits for coolant. The wet clutch also includes: multiple individual clutch conduits, each clutch conduit having a front portion or collar portion formed by a front section and a hub portion formed by a clutch hub. The front portion has an inlet for receiving coolant, and the hub portion is coupled to the front portion and has one or more outlets at the clutch assembly for releasing coolant. The wet clutch also includes: multiple valves, each operatively connected to a single clutch conduit, the single clutch conduit configured to control the flow of coolant through the clutch conduit; and an actuator supported by the front section and configured to simultaneously engage the clutch assembly and operate the multiple valves.

[0054] Multiple clutch conduits enable a compact design for the wet clutch. Furthermore, the fact that the actuator engages the clutch assembly and operates multiple valves means it controls both the operation (engagement and disengagement) and cooling of the clutch assembly. This combined functionality also contributes to a more compact design.

[0055] Here, the front or collar can be annular. A clutch assembly is understood as a multi-plate clutch assembly having multiple stacked inner and outer plates, or multiple stacked driving and driven plates. The actuator can be a single actuator. This means there is only one actuator, or only one piston engaging in the clutch assembly.

[0056] The clutch hub can be configured to be rigidly attached to the shaft directly, for example, via splines. The front part can be rigidly attached to the clutch hub, for example, via bolts. Alternatively, the front part can be rigidly attached directly to the shaft. In this way, the clutch hub and the front part can be rotatably and axially or longitudinally fixed relative to the shaft. When a wet clutch is installed, the fact that the clutch hub and the front part are rotatable and axially fixed relative to the shaft means that they cannot rotate relative to the shaft and cannot move longitudinally relative to the shaft. The clutch basket is rotatably supported relative to the shaft, which means that it can rotate relative to the shaft as long as the clutch assembly does not prevent it from rotating. The clutch basket can be axially fixed relative to the shaft, for example, via rolling bearings. This means that when a wet clutch is mounted on the shaft, it cannot move axially relative to the shaft, and only the clutch basket and the components of the clutch assembly that engage the clutch basket can rotate relative to the shaft.

[0057] The clutch hub can be concentric with respect to the shaft. Similarly, the clutch basket can be concentric with respect to the shaft. When a wet clutch is mounted on a shaft, it should be understood that the shaft extends through the entire clutch basket and the entire clutch hub. In other words, a wet clutch is configured to allow the shaft to extend through or along its entire axial length. This means that the wet clutch forms a through-hole for accommodating the shaft.

[0058] The clutch hub can be constructed as a single body made of a single material. Similarly, the front portion can be constructed as a single body made of a single material. The clutch hub can have a through-hole for accommodating a shaft. Similarly, the front portion can have a through-hole for accommodating a shaft.

[0059] It should be understood that hydraulic fluid is a liquid. Coolant can also be a liquid. The hydraulic fluid and coolant can be the same liquid or the same type of liquid, with the hydraulic fluid supplied partially through an internal shaft conduit and the coolant supplied partially through an additional internal shaft. The liquid can also be a lubricant or function as a lubricant in wet clutches or external equipment such as gearbox gears. The liquid can be oil-based.

[0060] The actuator can be configured to engage the clutch assembly when actuated. This means the wet clutch must actively engage or lock. When the actuator is deactivated, the clutch assembly and the wet clutch are disengaged or disengaged. Multiple individual clutch conduits can include ten or more clutch conduits. The hub portion of each clutch conduit can be elongated and aligned with or parallel to the shaft. Each hub portion can have a cylindrical portion, meaning that the portion is shaped like a cylinder. It can have a circular cross-section. The cylindrical portion can have an axis parallel to the shaft or an axis parallel to the shaft axis. The cylindrical portions of all hub portions can have parallel cylindrical shafts. The features specified herein achieve a compact conduit assembly, which in turn achieves a more compact wet clutch.

[0061] The front portion may form a through-hole for accommodating a shaft. The through-hole has a circumferential inner wall portion facing the shaft, and the front portion forms a circumferential groove or channel within this inner wall portion for receiving coolant from the shaft conduit, with the inlet of the front portion of each clutch conduit connected to the groove. For example, the shaft conduit may have a single outlet, and when a wet clutch is installed, the circumferential groove may be located at and in fluid communication with the single outlet. The shaft-facing inner wall portion may be configured to be flush with the shaft and prevent coolant leakage between the front portion and the shaft.

[0062] The front portion of the clutch guide can be evenly distributed around the shaft. Similarly, the hub portion of the clutch guide can be evenly distributed around the shaft. The distribution around the shaft is understood as an angular distribution relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft. For example, if there are 12 front portions, the centers of adjacent front portions are spaced 30 degrees apart relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft.

[0063] Multiple clutch conduits and grooves may form part of or constitute a conduit assembly configured to operatively connect a shaft conduit to an outlet and allow coolant to flow therebetween. The conduit assembly then forms a manifold for distributing coolant.

[0064] Each clutch conduit or hub section may have multiple outlets axially distributed relative to the clutch hub. In other words, this means the outlets are axially distributed relative to the shaft. Alternatively, each clutch conduit or hub section may have a single, elongated outlet that extends axially relative to the clutch hub. This allows for axial distribution of the coolant, which in turn allows the clutch assembly to have a greater number of plates and a smaller diameter, thus contributing to a more efficient and compact wet clutch.

[0065] The clutch hub and clutch assembly can form a spline joint or be connected via a spline joint, wherein the spline joint includes multiple axially extending ridges and grooves in the clutch hub. One or more outlets of each clutch conduit can then be located at the bottom of a single groove. Alternatively, the spline joint can include multiple external splines in the clutch hub, and one or more outlets of each clutch conduit can be located between two adjacent external splines. The number of ridges or external splines can be an integer multiple of the number of clutch conduits. For example, the number of clutch conduits can be fifteen, and the number of external splines can be forty-five, corresponding to an integer multiple of 3. The multiple axially extending ridges and grooves can form external splines that mate with the internal splines formed by the clutch assembly.

[0066] The clutch assembly can have: (a) a disengaged state, in which the clutch hub and clutch basket are not locked and are capable of rotating at different speeds; (b) a slipping state, in which the clutch hub and clutch basket are partially locked together, or partially engaged by dynamic friction, and are capable of rotating at different speeds; and (c) an engaged state, in which the clutch hub and clutch basket are locked together, or fully engaged by static friction, and rotate at the same speed. When the clutch hub and clutch basket are unlocked, it is understood that torque cannot be mechanically transmitted between the clutch hub and clutch basket. In this case, torque transmitted by fluid coupling caused by coolant is not considered to be mechanical torque transmission. Partial locking of the clutch hub and clutch basket means that there is slipping mechanical coupling between the clutch hub and clutch basket. The slipping state is understood to include the partially engaged state. Locking of the clutch hub and clutch basket means that there is non-slipping mechanical coupling between the clutch hub and clutch basket.

[0067] The clutch assembly may be concentric with respect to the clutch hub and extend relative to the shaft. The clutch basket may be concentric with respect to the clutch assembly and extend relative to the clutch hub. The clutch assembly may have an annular shape and extend radially and axially with respect to the clutch hub and relative to the shaft.

[0068] A clutch assembly may include multiple inner plates and multiple outer plates, with the inner plates attached or connected to a clutch hub and the outer plates attached or connected to a clutch basket. The inner plates are axially movable relative to the clutch hub and are rotatably or angularly fixed relative to the clutch hub, while the outer plates are axially movable relative to the clutch basket and are rotatably or angularly fixed relative to the clutch basket. This means that the clutch hub forms the inner plate support, and the clutch basket forms the outer plate support.

[0069] The inner and outer plates can be alternately placed in the clutch assembly. In the non-engaged state, there is no mechanical friction between the inner and outer plates; in the sliding state, there is dynamic friction between the inner and outer plates; and in the engaged state, there is static friction between the inner and outer plates.

[0070] The actuator can be configured to axially compress the clutch assembly. When axially compressing the clutch assembly, it can change from a non-engaged state (a) to a slipping state (b) to an engaged state (c).

[0071] The clutch assembly can form multiple channels extending laterally or radially relative to the shaft, allowing coolant to pass between the inner and outer plates or through the clutch assembly when it is engaged. The channels can be formed in the inner plate and define a square or rectangular grid pattern. Laterally extending channels contribute to effective cooling of the clutch assembly.

[0072] The clutch hub may have multiple external splines, and each of the multiple inner plates may have multiple internal splines that mate with the multiple external splines of the clutch hub. The clutch basket may have multiple internal splines, and each of the multiple outer plates may have multiple external splines that mate with the multiple internal splines of the clutch basket.

[0073] Each valve can: (i) prevent or restrict coolant flow when the clutch assembly is in its disengaged state, (ii) allow coolant flow when the clutch assembly is in its slipped state, and allow coolant flow when the clutch assembly is in its engaged state. When the clutch assembly is engaged, the coolant flow rate may be greater than when the clutch assembly is slipped. For example, the flow rate in the slipped state may be in the range of 70% to 100% or 90% to 100% of the flow rate in the engaged state.

[0074] The aforementioned pressure plate can be configured to engage the clutch assembly and form part of each valve.

[0075] For each valve, a valve seat may be formed at the junction or connection between the hub portion and the front portion of the clutch conduit to which the valve is connected. The valve seat may be a rigid seat integral with the front portion. This means that no elastomeric gasket provides a seal. The pressure plate may be disc-shaped and / or rotationally symmetrical relative to the shaft. The pressure plate may have a central bore, and the pressure plate may have or form multiple protrusions or lugs, each protrusion or lug extending radially inward in or relative to the central bore. Each protrusion of the pressure plate may constitute a valve member or valve disc of a single valve among multiple valves. When the wet clutch is in its disengaged state, the protrusion may contact or seal the valve seat. In its engaged state, the wet clutch may have a gap between the protrusion and the valve seat, thereby allowing lubricant to flow through the protrusion and into the hub portion.

[0076] The pressure plate can be part of the actuator or integrated with it. In both the slip and engaged states, the clutch assembly can be axially loaded by the pressure plate.

[0077] A wet clutch may also include multiple springs individually positioned in the hub portion of multiple clutch conduits, each spring engaging or biasing the pressure plate. This means that the hub portion of each clutch conduit has a spring. It is understood that the springs bias or push the pressure plate towards the actuator or front. This means that the piston is also mechanically or spring-biased in a direction away from the clutch assembly.

[0078] If the hub has a cylindrical portion, the springs can be located within that cylindrical portion. Each spring can engage a protrusion on the pressure plate. Assuming the protrusion forms part of a valve, this means the springs work together to close the valve. Each spring can be a compression coil spring, oriented parallel to the axis for compression and extension.

[0079] When the clutch assembly or wet clutch is in its disengaged state, the pressure plate or protrusion blocks the front portion of the clutch guide. This prevents coolant from flowing through the clutch guide and reaching the clutch assembly.

[0080] The actuator may include: an annular recess formed from the front portion and concentric with the shaft; and an annular piston located in the recess and configured to move axially relative to the shaft.

[0081] The annular recess may face or open toward the clutch assembly or pressure plate. The annular piston may engage or contact the annular pressure plate. In both sliding and engaged states, the annular piston is axially loaded or presses against the pressure plate. Multiple springs may be directed toward or against the annular piston to bias or push the pressure plate.

[0082] The rear portion can be rigidly attached to the clutch hub, for example, by bolts. Alternatively, the rear portion can be rigidly attached directly to the shaft. In short, the clutch hub and the front portion can be rotatably and axially fixed relative to the shaft. It should be understood that the rear portion extends outward relative to the axial direction, or extends laterally outward relative to the axial direction. The rear portion functions as a support or end plate against which the clutch assembly is pressed by the actuator. In the slipping and engaged states, the clutch assembly is then axially loaded by the pressure plate and the rear portion. The rear portion can be concentric with respect to the shaft. The rear portion can have an annular shape. The rear portion achieves a compact construction for a wet clutch.

[0083] The clutch basket can be cylindrical or annular. This means the clutch basket has a limited radial range and does not form end plates extending radially. The clutch basket includes or forms multiple holes to allow coolant to escape from the wet clutch in the radial direction. This means the wet clutch has no seal, and coolant is not contained within it. Therefore, a coolant circulation system is not required within such a wet clutch, resulting in a more compact construction. Instead, coolant can be circulated through an external system. Furthermore, this makes the wet clutch unaffected by coolant when the wet clutch or clutch assembly is not engaged. Additionally or alternatively, a gap may exist between the clutch basket and the front, through which coolant can escape from the wet clutch.

[0084] In a second aspect of the proposed technology, a gear assembly for mounting on a shaft having an internal shaft conduit for hydraulic fluid is provided. The gear assembly includes: a gear configured to be rotatably supported relative to the shaft; and a wet clutch according to a first aspect of the proposed technology. The wet clutch is configured to be mounted on the shaft and operatively connected to the internal shaft conduit. A clutch basket of the wet clutch is attached to the gear. The shaft may extend through the entire gear assembly. The shaft may have an additional internal shaft conduit for coolant, and the wet clutch may be configured to be operatively connected to the additional internal shaft conduit.

[0085] Operable connection to the internal shaft conduit is understood herein to include: an actuator coupled to or in fluid communication with the internal shaft conduit, such that the actuator can receive hydraulic fluid from the internal shaft conduit. Operable connection to the additional internal shaft conduit is understood herein to include: the inlet of the front portion of each individual clutch conduit of the wet clutch coupled to or in fluid communication with the additional internal shaft conduit, such that the wet clutch can receive coolant from the additional internal shaft conduit. It should be understood that the clutch basket is rotatably fixed relative to the gear.

[0086] The gear assembly may further include: a radial spacer configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the shaft; and a radial rolling bearing having an inner ring attached to the radial spacer and an outer ring attached to the gear. The radial spacer may be configured to be attached to the shaft. Optionally, the radial spacer may be attached to a clutch hub. The radial spacer can be fixed relative to the shaft via the clutch hub.

[0087] Gears and wet clutches can be concentric with respect to a shaft. It should be understood that the term "gear" does not include sprocket teeth or sprockets typically used for meshing with chains or belts. The maximum radius of a gear can be two to seven times its width at the maximum radius. The maximum radius is understood to be the radius of the outer circle defined by the teeth or apex of the gear, and the width can be the width at the teeth or apex.

[0088] The gear may have or form an axially extending flange concentric with the shaft, wherein the clutch basket and the flange overlap. The clutch basket is attached to the flange. The clutch basket and the flange may have the same shape at the overlap. The outer side of the flange may coincide with the inner side of the clutch basket at the overlap.

[0089] The entire gear assembly can form a through-hole for receiving the shaft. It should be understood that the gear has a central through-hole or bore with a cylindrical inner wall, and the outer ring can be flush with or attached to the inner wall of the through-hole. The radial spacer can have an annular hollow body. The body can be hollow or partially hollow. The radial spacer can be attached to or mounted on the clutch hub. As described above, the clutch hub can be configured to be mounted on the shaft and directly rigidly attached to the shaft. In this way, the radial spacer is configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the shaft.

[0090] The mass m of the valve component in each safety valve 阀 The following relationship can be satisfied:

[0091] m 阀 >(F 阀,偏压 +(A 阀 / A 活塞 )*F 活塞,偏压 ) / (r 阀 *ω 接合 2 ),in

[0092] F 阀,偏压 The force A is generated by the valve spring biasing valve components. 阀 A is the effective area of ​​the valve component. 活塞 It is the effective area of ​​the piston, F 活塞,偏压 For example, the force r exerted by the aforementioned multiple springs biasing a piston in a non-engaged state. 阀 It is the radial position of the safety valve or valve component in the closed position relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft, ω 接合 It is the angular velocity of the shaft at which the piston engages with the clutch assembly, or at which the wet clutch is actuated by the pressure caused by rotation in the hydraulic fluid. Here, the effective area is understood as a measure corresponding to the force divided by the pressure that causes that force.

[0093] In a third aspect of the proposed technology, a shaft assembly is provided, comprising: a shaft having an internal shaft conduit for hydraulic fluid; and a gear assembly according to a second aspect of the proposed technology, wherein the gear assembly is mounted on the shaft and operatively connected to the internal shaft conduit. The shaft may have an additional internal shaft conduit for coolant, and the gear assembly or the actuator of a wet clutch may be configured to be operatively connected to the additional internal shaft conduit.

[0094] In a fourth aspect of the proposed technology, a transmission assembly for a road vehicle is provided. The transmission assembly includes a transmission and a hydraulic control system, wherein the transmission includes: a transmission housing; a shaft assembly according to a third aspect of the proposed technology, wherein a gear assembly of the shaft assembly is located within the transmission housing. The transmission also includes an oil sump configured to collect hydraulic fluid released from a wet clutch of the gear assembly. The hydraulic control system includes: a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the oil sump and an internal shaft guide.

[0095] The oil sump may form part of the gearbox. A hydraulic pump may be operatively connected to the oil sump and the internal shaft conduit of the shaft. The hydraulic pump may be configured to receive hydraulic fluid or liquid collected by the oil sump and supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the internal shaft conduit. The hydraulic control system may also include one or more control valves configured to regulate the flow rate of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the internal shaft conduit and extending to the wet clutch.

[0096] Furthermore, the oil sump can be configured to collect coolant released from the wet clutch of the gear assembly. It is understood that hydraulic fluid and coolant mix in the oil sump. The gearbox assembly may also include a coolant regeneration pump operatively connected to the oil sump and an additional internal shaft conduit. The regeneration pump can be configured to receive coolant or liquid collected by the oil sump and supply coolant to the additional internal shaft conduit. In this way, the liquid collected in the oil sump can be regenerated and resupplyed to the wet clutch.

[0097] When the safety valve opens and the pressure in the internal shaft guide increases to activate the actuator, hydraulic fluid will begin to flow through the relief valve, causing dynamic pressure to act on the valve components, which leads to the safety valve closing. Attached Figure Description

[0098] A more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0099] Figure 1a This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the shaft assembly.

[0100] Figure 1b This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front section, which includes a piston fitted with a safety valve.

[0101] Figure 1c This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a piston with a safety valve, where the valve component is in the closed position.

[0102] Figure 1d This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a piston with a safety valve, where the valve component is in the open position.

[0103] Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the gear assembly shown in Figure 1 is illustrated.

[0104] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the gear assembly shown.

[0105] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of another part of the gear assembly shown.

[0106] Figure 5 An embodiment of a gearbox including the shaft assembly shown in FIG1 is illustrated schematically.

[0107] Figure 6 Alternative embodiments of the piston and safety valve are schematically illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0108] Figure 1a A shaft assembly 6 is schematically shown, having a shaft 12 with an internal shaft conduit 88 for hydraulic fluid and an additional internal shaft conduit 14 for conveying a combination of coolant and lubricant. The shaft assembly also has a gear assembly 8 mounted on the shaft 12 and connected to the additional internal shaft conduit 14. The entire gear assembly 8 forms a through-hole 68 receiving the shaft 12, through which the shaft 12 passes. The gear assembly 8 has a gear 80 rotatably supported relative to the shaft 12. The gear assembly also has a wet clutch 10 mounted on the shaft 12 and operatively connected to the additional internal shaft conduit 14. Figures 2 to 4 Details of the wet clutch 10 are shown.

[0109] Gear 80 and wet clutch 10 are concentric with respect to shaft 12. Gear 80 has an axially extending flange 82, which is also concentric with shaft 12. Clutch basket 18 and flange 82 overlap at flange 82. The outer side of flange 82 coincides with the inner side of clutch basket 18 at the overlap, thereby attaching clutch basket 18 to flange 82 and extending it to gear 80.

[0110] The wet clutch 10 is a multi-plate clutch, and a shaft 12 passes through the entire wet clutch 10. The wet clutch 10 has a clutch hub 16, which is mounted on the shaft 12 and radially fixed relative to the shaft 12 by splines. The wet clutch 10 also has a clutch basket 18 rotatably supported relative to the shaft 12 and a clutch assembly 20 connecting the clutch hub 16 and the clutch basket 18. The wet clutch 10 also has a front portion 34 bolted side-by-side to the clutch hub 16. Thus, the front portion 34 is mounted on the shaft 12 and rotatably fixed relative to the shaft 12.

[0111] The clutch hub 16 and clutch basket 18 are concentric with respect to the shaft 12. The clutch hub 16 forms a through hole 62, and the front portion 34 forms another through hole 64. This means that the entire clutch hub 10 forms a through hole 66 to accommodate the shaft 12.

[0112] Gear assembly 8 has a radial spacer 84, which is rotatably fixed relative to clutch hub 16 by bolts. Therefore, it is also rotatably fixed relative to shaft 12. Gear assembly 8 also has a radial rolling bearing 86, with an inner ring attached to radial spacer 84 and an outer ring attached to gear 80. Gear 80 has a central through-hole with a cylindrical inner wall, and the outer ring aligns with and engages with the inner wall of the through-hole. Radial spacer 84 has an annular, partially hollow body.

[0113] A clamp (not shown) is positioned on shaft 12, which is located on either side of gear assembly 8. The clamp axially fixes wet clutch 10 relative to shaft 12 and extends to fix clutch hub 16, clutch basket 18 and front 34.

[0114] The clutch hub 16 is made of a single piece of material. Similarly, the front part 34 is made of a single piece of material. This means that the two parts constitute a single unit.

[0115] The wet clutch 10 has multiple individual clutch conduits 48, more precisely, 15 clutch conduits 48. Each has a front portion 52 formed by a front portion 34 and a hub portion 50 formed by a clutch hub 16. The front portion 52 has an inlet 54 for receiving coolant. The hub portion 50 is coupled to the front portion 52 and has three outlets on the clutch assembly 20 through which coolant is released. The outlets 24 are axially distributed relative to the clutch hub 16, meaning they are longitudinally distributed relative to the shaft 12.

[0116] Each clutch conduit 48 has an elongated hub portion 50 aligned with the shaft 12. Each hub portion 50 has a cylindrical portion 56 with a circular cross-section and an axis parallel to the axis 90 of the shaft 12, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. This means that all cylindrical portions 56 have parallel cylindrical axes.

[0117] The through-hole 64 of the front portion 34 of the shaft 12 has a circumferential inner wall portion 72 facing the shaft 12. A circumferential groove 70 is formed in the inner wall portion 72 of the front portion 34, which receives coolant from the additional internal shaft conduit 14, and the inlet 54 of the front portion 52 of each clutch conduit 48 connects to the groove 70. The inner wall portion 72 facing the shaft 12 is flush with the outer surface of the shaft 12. Thus, the individual clutch conduits 48 form part of the conduit assembly 26 that connects the additional internal shaft conduit 14 to the outlet 24. The conduit assembly 26 allows coolant to be distributed from the additional internal shaft conduit 14 at the clutch assembly 20, thus functioning as a manifold.

[0118] The front portion 52 and hub portion 50 of the clutch conduit 48 are evenly distributed around the shaft 12. They are spaced 24 degrees apart from adjacent clutch conduits 48 relative to the axis of rotation 90 of the shaft 12.

[0119] The clutch hub 16 has a plurality of axially extending ridges 44 that form part of the spline engagement with the clutch assembly 20. The outlet 24 of each clutch conduit 48 is located between a pair of adjacent ridges 44, or more precisely, at the bottom of a single recess between adjacent ridges 44. There are forty-five ridges 44 and fifteen clutch conduits 48, meaning the former is three times the latter. The axially extending ridges 44 form external splines 44 that mate with the internal splines 46 formed by the clutch assembly 20.

[0120] The clutch assembly 20 has three states. In the first state, or disengaged state, the clutch hub 16 and clutch basket 18 are unlocked and can rotate at different speeds. In other words, this means that gear 80 can rotate freely relative to shaft 12. In the second state, or slippery state, the clutch hub 16 and clutch basket 18 are partially locked together but can rotate at different speeds. This means that some torque is delivered from shaft 12 to gear 80. In the third state, or engaged state, the clutch hub 16 and clutch basket 18 are locked together and rotate at the same speed. This means that all torque supplied to shaft 12 is delivered to gear 80.

[0121] The wet clutch 10 has 15 valves 28. Each valve 28 controls the flow of coolant through a single clutch conduit 48. The wet clutch 10 also has a single actuator 22 supported by a front part 34 and an annular pressure plate 40 concentric with respect to the shaft 12, as shown below. Figure 1a and Figure 2 As shown. The pressure plate 40 is located between the actuator 22 and the clutch assembly 20, such that when the actuator 22 is actuated, the pressure plate can engage the clutch assembly 20. In addition, the pressure plate 40 forms part of each valve 28, which means that it simultaneously engages the clutch assembly 20 and operates the valve 28.

[0122] When started, the actuator axially compresses the clutch assembly 20, and the clutch assembly 20 changes from a non-engaged state to an engaged state via a slipping state.

[0123] The clutch assembly 20 is concentric with respect to the clutch hub 16 and the shaft 12. The clutch basket 18 is concentric with respect to the clutch assembly 20 and extends with respect to the clutch hub 16. The clutch assembly 20 has an annular shape and extends radially and axially with respect to the axis of the shaft 90.

[0124] The clutch assembly 20 has eight inner plates 30 attached to a clutch hub 16, which forms an inner plate holder, and seven staggered outer plates 32 attached to a clutch basket 18, which forms an outer plate holder. The inner plates 30 are axially movable relative to the clutch hub 16 and rotatably fixed relative to the clutch hub 16. Similarly, the outer plates 32 are axially movable relative to the clutch basket 18 and rotatably fixed relative to the clutch basket 18.

[0125] Inner plate 30 and outer plate 32 are alternately placed in clutch assembly 20. In the non-engaged state, there is no mechanical friction between inner plate 30 and outer plate 32; in the sliding state, there is dynamic friction between inner plate 30 and outer plate 32; and in the engaged state, there is static friction between inner plate 30 and outer plate 32.

[0126] The clutch assembly 20 has channels 92 formed in a square grid pattern on both sides of each inner plate 30. Even without radial orientation, the square grid on the plates 30 means that all the channels 92 extend radially relative to the shaft 12 to some extent, which allows coolant to flow radially outward through the clutch assembly 20.

[0127] As described above, the clutch hub 16 has a plurality of external splines 44, and each inner plate 30 has the same number of internal splines 46 that mate with the external splines 44. Similarly, the clutch basket 18 has internal splines 76, and each of the outer plates 32 has an external spline 78 that mates with the internal splines 76.

[0128] Valve 28 is configured to prevent coolant flow through clutch conduit 48 when clutch assembly 20 is in its disengaged state. The valve also allows coolant flow when clutch assembly 20 is in its slipped and engaged states. In some embodiments, the coolant flow rate when clutch assembly 20 is engaged is ten times that when it is disengaged, meaning that coolant flow occurs even when valve 28 is closed.

[0129] At each connection between the hub portion 50 of the clutch conduit 48 and the front portion 52, the front portion 34 forms a valve seat 96. The valve seat 96 is a rigid seat integrated into the front portion 34.

[0130] The pressure plate 40 is a disc-shaped plane and is rotationally symmetrical about the axis 90 of shaft 12. The pressure plate has a central through-hole 94 and forms a plurality of protrusions 60, more precisely, 15 protrusions 60, each extending radially inward within the central hole 94, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown. Each protrusion 60 constitutes a valve member or valve disc of a single valve 28 and seals against one of the valve seats 96 when the wet clutch 10 is in its disengaged state. In its engaged state, the actuator 22 pushes the pressure plate 40, creating a gap between the protrusion 60 and the valve seat 96, thereby allowing coolant to flow through the protrusion 60 and into the hub portion 50, from which it exits via the outlet 24.

[0131] Compression coil springs 58 are located in the cylindrical portion 56 of each hub portion 50. Each spring 58 engages a single protrusion 60 of the pressure plate 40, and the spring 58 biases the pressure plate 40 relative to the clutch hub 16 and pushes the pressure plate against the actuator 22, thereby acting as a shut-off valve 28.

[0132] When the clutch assembly 20 or the wet clutch 10 is in its disengaged state, the valve closes, wherein the protrusion 60 blocks the front portion 52 of the clutch conduit 48. This prevents coolant from flowing through the clutch conduit 48 and reaching the clutch assembly 20.

[0133] Actuator 22 has an annular recess 36 formed by front portion 34 and concentric with axis 90 of shaft 12. Recess 36 is connected to and in fluid communication with internal shaft conduit 88. The recess also has an annular piston 38 concentric with shaft 12, located within recess 36, and axially movable relative to shaft 12 when the pressure of hydraulic fluid in recess 36 increases. Annular recess 36 is connected to additional internal shaft conduit 88. Actuator 22 is actuated by increasing the pressure of hydraulic fluid, which causes annular piston 38 to move toward clutch assembly 20 and engage wet clutch 10.

[0134] An annular piston 38 engages an annular pressure plate 40. In both the sliding and engaged states, piston 38 presses against and axially loads pressure plate 40. Multiple springs 58 provide a reaction force that pushes pressure plate 40 against annular piston 38. Through pressure plate 40, actuator 22 is configured to simultaneously engage clutch assembly 20 and operate multiple valves 28.

[0135] The wet clutch 10 has three safety valves 102 positioned 120° apart from the shaft 12. The valves 102 are located within the piston 38. Figure 1a Only one of the safety valves is shown in the schematic cross-section of shaft assembly 6. The other two safety valves are identical in form and function. This means that valve 10 has multiple safety valves positioned in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the axis of rotation 90 of shaft 12.

[0136] Each safety valve 102 has a valve body 108 and a valve seat 110, the latter dividing the safety valve 102 into an input side 112 and an output side 114. The input side 112 is in fluid communication with a recess 36, and the output side 114 is in fluid communication with the surrounding area of ​​the wet clutch 10. The valve body 108 and the valve seat 110 are formed by a piston 38. The safety valve 102 also has a valve member 116, which is a spherical steel ball located inside the valve body 108. This means that if the safety valve 102 is open, the flow of hydraulic fluid from the input side 112 to the output side 114, or the dynamic pressure of the hydraulic fluid, will bias the valve member 116 toward the valve seat 110. Furthermore, if the safety valve 102 is closed, the static pressure in the input side 112 will bias the valve member 116 toward the valve seat 110.

[0137] Valve seat 110 is located between valve member 116 and shaft 12. Valve member 116 is mechanically biased toward valve seat 110 by a compression coil spring 118. Valve spring 118 biases valve member 116 toward shaft 12 at an angle perpendicular to the axis of rotation 90. This means that valve member 116 engages valve seat 110 in a closing movement toward shaft 12 and disengages from valve seat 110 in an opening movement away from shaft 12.

[0138] When the wet clutch 10 rotates, the centripetal force caused by the rotation forces the valve member 116 outward. This force is counteracted by the force from the valve spring 118 and the pressure caused by the rotation of the hydraulic fluid on the input side 112 of the safety valve 102. At certain speeds, the centripetal force overcomes the reaction force, and the valve member 116 moves away from the valve seat 110, and the safety valve 102 opens to release the hydraulic fluid. Thus, the safety valve is configured to release hydraulic fluid according to the rotational speed of the shaft 12. Figure 1c The closed safety valve 102 is shown, and Figure 1d The open safety valve 102 is shown.

[0139] The wet clutch 10 has an inlet release conduit 104 for hydraulic fluid formed by a bore in the piston 38. The inlet release conduit 104 connects the actuator 22 and the safety valve 102. The wet clutch 10 also has an outlet release conduit 106 for hydraulic fluid, which is partially formed by a bore in the piston 38 and an open passage in the pressure plate 40 facing the piston 38. The outlet release conduit 106 connects the safety valve 102 to the periphery of the wet clutch 10. The portion of the outlet release conduit 106 in the pressure plate 40 releases hydraulic fluid at the outer edge of the pressure plate 40. Thus, the safety valve 102 and the wet clutch 10 are configured to release hydraulic fluid from the actuator 22 to the periphery of the wet clutch 10, such that if the actuator 22 is activated, the actuator 22 is deactivated.

[0140] Actuator 22 is radially spaced from shaft 12 and connected to shaft guide 88, meaning that rotation of shaft 12 generates pressure in actuator 22. In the basic model of the function of wet clutch 10, it is assumed that no pressure is actively generated and supplied through internal shaft guide 88 to actuate wet clutch 10. It is also assumed that P... 旋转 This is the static pressure acting on piston 38 generated from the radial column of hydraulic fluid when the wet clutch 10 rotates. If F 活塞,偏压 In the non-engaged state, the force generated by the spring 58 biasing the piston 38 is the force, and A 活塞 If the effective area of ​​the piston is 38, then the piston 38 engages with clutch assembly 20, provided that:

[0141] F 活塞,偏压 活塞 *P 旋转 , or P 旋转 >F 活塞,偏压 / A 活塞 .

[0142] By changing the actuator 22 from the disengaged state to the engaged state, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the actuator 22 must overcome the bias of the spring 58 in order to engage the actuator with the clutch assembly.

[0143] If F 阀,旋转 F is the centripetal force acting on the valve member 116 when the wet clutch 10 rotates. 阀,偏压 It is the force generated by the valve spring 118 biasing the valve component 116, and A 阀 If the effective area of ​​valve component 116 is given, then safety valve 102 is open, provided that:

[0144] F 阀,旋转 >F 阀,偏压 +A 阀 *P 旋转 .

[0145] In a simple model, the centripetal force F is derived from the following equation. 阀,旋转 :

[0146] F 阀,旋转 =m 阀 *r 阀 *ω 2 ,

[0147] Where m 阀 It is the mass of valve component 116 and valve spring 118, r 阀 ω is the radial position of safety valve 102 relative to the rotation axis 90 of shaft 12, and ω is the angular velocity of shaft 12's rotation. If the valve should always be open during wet clutch rotational start-up, then:

[0148] F 阀,旋转 >F​阀,偏压 +(A 阀 / A 活塞 )*F 活塞,偏压 .

[0149] Safety valve 102 can be configured to increase centripetal force F as hydraulic fluid passes through. 阀,旋转 The wet clutch 10 opens before reaching the pressure required to engage it. This can be achieved by increasing the weight of the valve assembly 116, for example, by using a heavier material, or by placing the safety valve 102 further away from the axis of rotation 90 of the shaft 12. Alternatively, the total bias force F of the spring 58 can be reduced. 活塞,偏压 Alternatively, by reducing the bias force F of the valve spring 118. 阀,偏压 This can be achieved by reducing the effective area A of the valve component 116. 阀 To achieve this.

[0150] In this embodiment, the wet clutch 10 is engaged at approximately 6400 rpm, and the safety valve 102 is configured to open at approximately 4200 rpm. Thus, the safety valve 102 is configured to release hydraulic fluid at a pressure higher than that caused by a first rotation, which is lower than the pressure at which the hydraulic fluid causes the actuator 22 to engage the clutch assembly 20. Furthermore, the safety valve 102 is configured to release hydraulic fluid at a first rotational speed above the shaft 12, for example, thereby generating the pressure caused by the first rotation.

[0151] When safety valve 102 opens and the pressure in the internal shaft conduit 88 increases to activate actuator 22, hydraulic fluid will begin to flow through relief valve 102, resulting in dynamic pressure acting on valve member 116, which causes safety valve 102 to close.

[0152] Piston 38 forms an outward-facing outer piston surface 122 and an inward-facing inner piston surface 124. Recess 36 forms an inward-facing outer recess surface 126 and an outward-facing inner recess surface 128. These four surfaces are concentric and rotationally symmetrical with respect to axis 12. When actuator 22 is not engaged, piston outer surface 122 faces recess outer surface 126, and piston inner surface 124 faces recess inner surface 128.

[0153] The wet clutch 12 has a mechanical seal between the piston 38 and the front portion 34, which is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from passing through or escaping between the piston 38 and the front portion 34. Thus, hydraulic fluid cannot escape from the actuator 22 except through one or more safety valves 102.

[0154] Piston 38 has an outer washer recess 130 on its outer surface 122, and recess 36 has an inner washer recess 132 on its inner surface 128. An outer washer 134 is located in and supported by the outer washer recess 130, and an inner washer 136 is located in and supported by the inner washer recess 132. The outer washer 134 prevents hydraulic fluid from passing through the outer side of piston 38 between the outer surface 122 and the outer surface 126 of the recess, and the inner washer 136 prevents hydraulic fluid from passing through the inner side of piston 38 between the inner surface 124 and the inner surface 128 of the recess, thereby forming a mechanical seal between piston 38 and front portion 34 that prevents hydraulic fluid from passing between the piston and the front portion.

[0155] The piston outer surface 122 is divided into a front portion 138 and a rear portion 140 of equal length, parallel to the axis of rotation 90 of shaft 12. The front portion 138 is closer to the clutch assembly 22 than the rear portion 140. The outer washer recess 130 is located on the rear portion 140 of the piston outer surface 122.

[0156] The inner surface 128 of the recess is divided into a front portion 142 and a rear portion 144 of equal length, parallel to the axis of rotation 90 of shaft 12. The front portion 142 is closer to the clutch assembly 22 than the rear portion 144. The inner washer recess 132 is located on the front portion 142 of the inner surface 128 of the recess.

[0157] The annular pressure plate 40 is mechanically biased by spring 58 in a direction away from clutch assembly 20 and toward recess 36. Pressure plate 40, in turn, biases piston 38. In other words, this means that piston 38 is held in recess 36 by spring bias.

[0158] A valve body 108 or piston 38 forms a cylindrical spring bore 146, which begins at the front portion 138 of the piston's outer surface 122 and extends inward toward the shaft 12. A valve spring 118 is located in and aligned with the cylindrical spring bore 146. A valve seat 110 is located at the inner end of the spring bore 146, and a spring base support 148 is located at the outer end of the spring bore 146. The valve spring 118 is biased between the spring base support 148 and the valve member 116. The cylindrical spring bore 146 has a female thread at its outer end, and the spring base support 148 has a mating male thread. The spring base support 148 can be engaged and rotated by an Allen wrench, thereby allowing manual adjustment of the position of the spring base support 148 in the spring bore 146, as well as the length and tension of the valve spring 118, should the piston 38 disengage from the recess 36.

[0159] The internal shaft guide 88 of the shaft defines an area of ​​approximately 13 mm upstream of the safety valve 102. 2The minimum or absolute lateral area of ​​the safety valve is understood to include the actuator 22. This corresponds to an internal shaft guide 88 with a diameter of approximately 4 mm. Three safety valves 102 may have a diameter of approximately 9 mm. 2 The combined minimum or minimum lateral area is defined by the combined area of ​​the inlet release conduits 104, which corresponds to a diameter of 1 mm for each release conduit 104. This means that the three safety valves 102 are configured to restrict the flow of released hydraulic fluid, and even if the safety valves 102 are open, the pressure in the actuator 22 can increase to the point where the actuator is actuated. The valve member 116 has a diameter of 2 mm, while the cylindrical spring bore has a diameter of 2.3 mm.

[0160] The wet clutch 10 also has a radially outwardly extending rear portion 42 mounted on and concentrically on the shaft 12. The rear portion 42 is juxtaposed with the clutch hub 16, and the clutch assembly 20 is positioned between the rear portion 42 and the front portion 34. The rear portion 42 is bolted to the clutch hub 16. When the actuator 22 engages the clutch assembly 20 in both the slipping and engaged states of the wet clutch 10, the clutch assembly 20 is pressed against the rear portion 42.

[0161] like Figure 3 As can be seen, the clutch basket 18 has a cylindrical shape without end plates. The clutch basket has several holes 74 through which coolant can escape radially from the wet clutch 10 relative to the axis 90 of the shaft 12. There is also a gap between the clutch basket 18 and the front portion 34, through which coolant can escape from the wet clutch 10.

[0162] Figure 5 The transmission assembly 2 is schematically shown, comprising a transmission 4 and a hydraulic control system 150. The transmission 4 is intended for use in road vehicles and has a shaft assembly 6 as described above. The shaft 12 of the shaft assembly 6 is the input shaft of the transmission 4, designed to receive torque from an internal combustion engine (not shown). The transmission also has a transmission housing 152 in which the wet clutch 10 of the shaft assembly 6 is positioned. The transmission 4 has an oil sump 154 ​​forming part of the transmission housing 152, which collects hydraulic fluid and coolant released from the wet clutch 10 of the gear assembly 8. The hydraulic fluid and coolant are mixed in the oil sump 154. This means that only one type of liquid exists within the transmission housing 152, and the different terminology reflects its different uses.

[0163] The hydraulic control system 150 has a high-pressure hydraulic pump 156 and a control valve 158 connected in series between an oil tank 154 and an internal shaft guide 88. The hydraulic pump 156 receives liquid collected by the oil tank 154 and supplies it as hydraulic fluid to the internal shaft guide 88, which in turn supplies hydraulic fluid to the actuator 22 of the wet clutch 10. The control valve 158 controls and regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 156 to the internal shaft guide 88 and extending to the wet clutch 10. The engagement and disengagement of the wet clutch 10 are controlled by the control valve 158.

[0164] The gearbox assembly 2 also has a low-pressure coolant regeneration pump 160 connected to an additional internal shaft conduit 14 that is connected to an oil sump 154 ​​and a shaft 12. The regeneration pump 160 receives the liquid collected by the oil sump 154 ​​and supplies it as coolant to the additional internal shaft conduit 14.

[0165] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of piston 38 and safety valve 102 is schematically shown, wherein inlet release conduit 104 has an inlet at the outer end of piston 38, and outlet release conduit 106 has an outlet at the outer end of piston 38. Figure 6 As shown, the outer end of the piston is located in the radially distant portion of the piston 38 relative to the shaft 12.

[0166] List of reference numerals

[0167] 2. Gearbox components

[0168] 4. Gearbox

[0169] 6-axis assembly

[0170] 8 Gear Assembly

[0171] 10. Wet clutch

[0172] 12-axis

[0173] 14 Additional internal shaft conduit for coolant

[0174] 16 Clutch Hub

[0175] 18. Clutch basket

[0176] 20 Clutch Assembly

[0177] 22 Actuators

[0178] 24 Exports

[0179] 26. Catheter devices

[0180] 28 valves

[0181] 30 inner sheets

[0182] 32 outside films

[0183] 34 Front or collar

[0184] 36. Annular recess

[0185] 38. Ring piston

[0186] 40 pressure plate

[0187] 42 Rear part or flange

[0188] 44 External splines of the clutch hub

[0189] 46. ​​Internal splines of the inner sheet

[0190] 48 Clutch conduit

[0191] Hub section of 50 separate clutch conduit

[0192] 52. Collar section of the individual clutch guide

[0193] 54. Clutch conduit inlet

[0194] 56 Cylindrical section

[0195] 58 Springs

[0196] 60 The protrusion of the pressure plate

[0197] 62. Through hole of clutch hub

[0198] 64. Through hole of the collar

[0199] 66. Through hole of wet clutch

[0200] 68 Through hole of gear assembly

[0201] Circumferential groove of 70 shaft collar

[0202] 72. Inner wall portion of the through hole of the collar

[0203] 74. Clutch basket hole

[0204] 76. Internal splines of the clutch basket

[0205] 78. External splines of the outer plate

[0206] 80 gears

[0207] 82. Axially extending flange of the gear

[0208] 84 Radial spacers

[0209] 86 Rolling Bearing

[0210] 88 Internal shaft conduit for hydraulic fluids

[0211] 90 axis

[0212] 92 inner film channels

[0213] 94 Through holes in the pressure plate

[0214] 96 Valve seat

[0215] 98 Washer

[0216] 100 gap

[0217] 102 Safety Valve

[0218] 104 Inlet Release Catheter

[0219] 106 Outlet Release Catheter

[0220] 108 Safety valve body

[0221] 110 Safety valve seat

[0222] 112 Safety valve input side

[0223] 114 Output side of safety valve

[0224] 116 Valve components of safety valves

[0225] 118 Safety valve bias spring

[0226] 120 Valve Guide

[0227] 122 Piston outer surface

[0228] 124 Piston inner surface

[0229] 126 concave outer surface

[0230] 128 Inner surface of concave part

[0231] 130 Outer gasket recess

[0232] 132 Inner gasket recess

[0233] 134 outer washer

[0234] 136 Inner Washer

[0235] 138 The front part of the piston's outer surface

[0236] 140 Rear portion of the piston's outer surface

[0237] 142 Front portion of the inner surface of the recess

[0238] 144 The rear portion of the inner surface of the recess

[0239] 146 Spring Hole

[0240] 148 Spring base support component

[0241] 150 Hydraulic Control System

[0242] 152 Gearbox housing

[0243] 154 Oil Tank

[0244] 156 Hydraulic Pump

[0245] 158 Control Valve

[0246] 160 Low-pressure coolant regeneration pump.

Claims

1. A wet clutch (10) for mounting on a shaft (12) having an internal shaft conduit (88) for hydraulic fluid, wherein the wet clutch (10) comprises: - Clutch hub (16), which is configured to be mounted on the shaft (12), - Clutch basket (18), which is configured to be rotatably supported relative to the shaft (12), - Clutch assembly (20), which operatively connects the clutch hub (16) and the clutch basket (18). - The front portion, which is configured to be fixed relative to the axis. - An actuator (22), supported by the front portion (34) and radially spaced from the shaft (12), wherein the actuator (22) is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the shaft conduit (88), and - One or more safety valves (102) connected to the actuator and configured to release the hydraulic fluid, wherein each safety valve (102) has a closed state and an open state, the safety valve (102) is spring-biased to the closed state, and the safety valve is configured to reduce the spring bias of the safety valve (102) as the shaft (12) rotates. Each of the one or more safety valves (102) is configured to release hydraulic fluid at a pressure higher than that caused by a first rotation in the hydraulic fluid, and the pressure caused by the first rotation is lower than that caused by the hydraulic fluid to engage the actuator (22) with the clutch assembly (20).

2. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the safety valve (102) is configured to be biased to switch from the closed state to the open state when the shaft (12) rotates.

3. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the safety valve (102) is configured to be biased toward the closed state under the dynamic pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the safety valve (102).

4. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the safety valve (102) includes a valve spring (118) biasing the safety valve (102) into the closed state.

5. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the safety valve (102) includes a valve seat (110) and a valve member (116) configured to cooperate with the valve seat (110), the valve member (116) having a closed position relative to the valve seat (110) and an open position relative to the valve seat (110), and the valve member (116) being spring-biased to be in the closed position.

6. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 5, wherein the safety valve (102) is configured to bias the valve member (116) to change or switch from the closed position to the open position when the shaft (12) rotates.

7. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the safety valve (102) is configured to bias the valve member (116) under the dynamic pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the safety valve (102) to change or switch from the open position to the closed position.

8. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 5, wherein the safety valve (102) is configured to move the valve member (116) relative to the valve seat (110) in a direction transverse to the shaft (12).

9. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 5, wherein the valve seat (102) is located between the valve member (110) and the shaft (12).

10. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 5, wherein the safety valve (102) includes a valve spring (118) that biases the valve member (116) to the closed position.

11. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (22) is biased away from the clutch assembly (20), and the one or more safety valves (102) are located at the actuator (22).

12. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more safety valves (102) are configured to release the hydraulic fluid to the vicinity of the wet clutch (10).

13. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (22) comprises: - A recess (36), formed by the front portion (34) and configured to be operatively connected to the internal shaft guide (88), and - A piston (38) is positioned in the recess (36) and configured to move axially relative to the shaft (12) and engage the clutch assembly (20). The recess (36) is annular and concentric with the shaft (12), and the piston (38) is annular and concentric with the shaft (12).

14. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 13, wherein the piston (38) is mechanically biased to disengage the clutch assembly (20).

15. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the safety valve (102) is located in the piston (38).

16. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 13, wherein the safety valve (102) comprises a valve body (108) formed by the piston (38), the safety valve (102) comprising a valve seat (110) and a valve member (116) configured to cooperate with the valve seat (110), the valve member (116) having a closed position relative to the valve seat (110) and an open position relative to the valve seat (110), and the valve member (116) being spring-biased to be in the closed position.

17. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 16, wherein the valve member (116) engages the valve seat (110) in a closing movement toward the shaft (12) and disengages from the valve seat (110) in an opening movement away from the shaft (12).

18. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the valve member (116) is spring-biased toward the valve seat (110), the valve member (116) is biased away from the valve seat (110) as the wet clutch (10) rotates, and the valve member (116) is located upstream of the valve seat (110) relative to the flow from the recess (36) to the periphery of the wet clutch (10).

19. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 16, wherein the valve seat (110) divides the safety valve (102) into an input side (112) and an output side (114), the input side (112) being in fluid communication with the recess (36), the output side (114) being in fluid communication with the surroundings of the wet clutch (10), and the flow of hydraulic fluid from the input side to the output side biases the valve member (116) toward the valve seat (110).

20. The wet clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more safety valves (102) are configured to limit the flow rate of hydraulic fluid through the internal shaft conduit (88) and the actuator (22).

21. A gear assembly (8) for mounting on a shaft (12), the shaft having an internal shaft conduit (88) for hydraulic fluid, wherein the shaft (12) passes through the entire gear assembly (8), and the gear assembly (8) comprises: - Gear (80), configured to be rotatably supported relative to the shaft (12), and - The wet clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the wet clutch (10) is configured to be mounted on the shaft (12) and operatively connected to the internal shaft guide (88), and the clutch basket (18) of the wet clutch (10) is attached to the gear (80).

22. A shaft assembly (6) comprising: - Shaft (12), which has an internal shaft conduit (88) for hydraulic fluid, and - The gear assembly (8) according to claim 21, wherein the gear assembly (8) is mounted on the shaft (12) and operatively connected to the internal shaft guide (88).

23. A transmission assembly for a road vehicle, the transmission assembly including a transmission and a hydraulic control system, wherein the transmission includes: - Gearbox housing, - The shaft assembly according to claim 22, wherein the gear assembly (8) is located inside the gearbox housing. - An oil sump, configured to collect hydraulic fluid released from the wet clutch (10) of the gear assembly (8), The hydraulic control system includes: - A hydraulic pump, which is operatively connected to the oil tank and the internal shaft conduit (88).

Images