Clutch assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a clutch assembly (1) comprising at least a clutch (2) having a first clutch disc (3) and a second clutch disc (4) which can be displaced in a switchable manner between an engaged first position and a disengaged second position in order to selectively transmit torque in a circumferential direction (5, 6), and an actuating mechanism (7) for actuating the clutch (2), the actuating mechanism (7) has at least one input disk (9) which can be driven by a motor (8) in a first peripheral direction (5) and in a second peripheral direction (6) opposite the first peripheral direction (5), and an output disk (12) which can be rotated by the input disk (9) in the peripheral directions (5, 6) and can be displaced in the axial direction (10, 11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch assembly and in particular to a drive train assembly having such a clutch assembly. Background Art

[0002] The clutch assembly can be used in particular for multi-axle driven motor vehicles, in particular for drive train components that include a first drive train for continuously driving a first drive shaft and a second drive train for selectively driving a second drive shaft. Such drive concepts with selectively drivable drive shafts are also referred to as "Hang-On" or "On-Demand" systems.

[0003] In general, a distinction is made between different drive concepts for motor vehicles. Thus, there are motor vehicles with a front motor, in which the front axle can be driven continuously and the rear axle can be driven selectively. There are also motor vehicles in which the rear axle is driven continuously and the front axle can be selectively engaged. Finally, there are motor vehicles with a rear motor, in which the rear axle is driven continuously and the front axle can be selectively connected via a hang-on clutch.

[0004] A clutch assembly is known from WO 2015 / 120909 A1, in which the clutch can be actuated by an actuation mechanism comprising an input disc that can be driven by a motor in a first circumferential direction and in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, and an output disc that can be displaced in the axial direction by the input disc via a ramp system.

[0005] A clutch is known from DE 10 2009 049 013 A1, in which the motor is rotated only in the peripheral direction in order to move the shift element. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems posed in relation to the prior art. In particular, a clutch assembly should be proposed, by which the switching time for switching the clutch between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position can be shortened. Furthermore, the first position should be detectable without having to use a position sensor for this purpose, for example. Furthermore, a preload mechanism for fixing the clutch in the first position should be omitted.

[0007] A clutch assembly having the features according to patent claim 1 contributes to achieving this object. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims. The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in a technically suitable manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and / or details from the drawings, wherein further embodiments of the invention are described.

[0008] A clutch assembly (having a common axis of rotation) is proposed, comprising at least:

[0009] a clutch having a first clutch plate and a second clutch plate (arranged coaxially with each other) which are displaceable between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position to selectively transmit torque in a circumferential direction, and

[0010] An operating mechanism, which is used to operate the clutch.

[0011] The operating mechanism at least comprises:

[0012] an input plate drivable by a motor in a first circumferential direction and in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction (and arranged coaxially with the clutch plate), and

[0013] an output disk which is twistable in the circumferential direction via the input disk and displaceable in the axial direction (and is arranged coaxially with the clutch disk), and

[0014] A control disc (arranged coaxially with the input disc) having a control element (one of a control contour and a control pin).

[0015] The movement of the output disk can be controlled by means of a control element (or by means of a combination of a control contour and a control pin), wherein the first clutch disk can be displaced in the axial direction by means of the output disk.

[0016] Basically, the clutch can have any arbitrary design and include any clutch element, which is suitable for selectively enabling or interrupting the torque transmission in the motor vehicle drive train. For example, a positive-locking clutch such as a tooth clutch or a claw clutch can be used.

[0017] A form-fitting clutch comprises at least two clutch parts, which in the engaged position form a connection in the peripheral direction. In the engaged position, the clutch parts are engaged in one another in a form-fitting manner to transmit torque. In a second, separated position, the clutch parts are separated so as to be freely rotatable relative to one another.

[0018] Alternatively, a friction clutch can also be used, in particular a plate clutch. Generally, a plate clutch includes a first clutch part, to which a first friction plate is connected in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner, and a second clutch part, to which a second friction plate is connected in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner. By axially loading the plate pack composed of the first and second friction plates, a frictionally engaged connection can be generated between the friction plates and torque can be transmitted through the clutch.

[0019] In particular, the first clutch disk is connected or can be connected to the first shaft, and the second clutch disk is connected or can be connected to a second shaft (arranged coaxially with the first shaft), so that torque can be transmitted between the shafts.

[0020] In particular, the first clutch disk can be displaced in the axial direction. In particular, the second clutch disk is arranged in a position-fixed manner relative to the axial direction. In particular, the two clutch disks are arranged rotatably in the circumferential direction.

[0021] The actuating mechanism can be driven by any suitable drive, such as an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor. The motor can be controlled by a control unit, so that the switching process of the clutch assembly can be initialized or can be initialized by the control unit.

[0022] In particular, the actuating mechanism includes an (electric) motor and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism has a transmission ratio between the input gear and the output gear that is greater than 1 / 25 and less than 1 / 15 (1 / 25 < i < 1 / 15). The motor can have a torque output of 0.5 to 1.5 Nm (Newton meters), preferably approximately 1.0 Nm. Thus, with a motor having a driving torque of 1 Nm, a actuating force of more than 400 N (Newton) can be achieved, for example. The output gear is particularly constructed on the outer peripheral surface of the input disk, that is to say, the motor drives the input disk (through the transmission mechanism).

[0023] The motor can particularly drive the input disk in the two circumferential directions. That is to say, the motor operates during the operation of the clutch assembly such that the motor can twist the input disk in the two circumferential directions. The output disk is correspondingly arranged such that the output disk can be twisted in the two circumferential directions by the input disk.

[0024] The control disk is particularly realized by a separate structural member. That is to say, the actuating mechanism is particularly constructed by an input disk, an output disk implemented separately therefrom, and a control disk implemented separately therefrom.

[0025] The movement of the output disk can be controlled by a control element (or by a control contour and / or a control pin). In this case, for example, the control contour in particular forms a guideway, via which a further control element (for example a control pin) which can be displaced in the guideway is mechanically deflected. The control element, which can be designed as a control pin, is connected in particular to the output disk, so that the mechanical deflection of the control element is transmitted to the output disk.

[0026] In particular, the input disk and the output disk together form a ramp system, by means of which the output disk can be twisted in the peripheral direction and displaced in the axial direction. The ramp system can be designed such that a limited twisting in the peripheral direction is also possible without causing a displacement in the axial direction.

[0027] The ramp system is formed in particular by at least one ramp along which the other structural element can move. The other structural element can also be configured as a ramp, or can, for example, be configured as a plane, a pin or a ball.

[0028] In particular, the input disc has at least one first ramp and the output disc has at least one second ramp, which together form a ramp system, by means of which the output disc can be rotated in the circumferential direction and displaced in the axial direction.

[0029] In particular, the input disc has a plurality of first inclined surfaces along the circumferential direction. In particular, the output disc has a plurality of second inclined surfaces along the circumferential direction. The inclined surfaces are implemented, for example, in a sawtooth shape. The surfaces of the inclined surfaces are in contact with each other, so that the output disc and the input disc can move away from each other or closer to each other in the axial direction when they are twisted relative to each other.

[0030] That is, if the input disk is set in rotation by the motor, the output disk (when the inclined surfaces are in contact) is displaced in the axial direction and / or is also twisted in the circumferential direction.

[0031] In particular, the output disk is controlled by the joint action of the control element (for example, by a control contour of the control disk) so that the same-directional rotation of the output disk and the input disk is limited in a manner determined by the shape of the control contour, so that a displacement of the output disk in the axial direction is then achieved due to the contact of the structural parts (for example, ramps) forming the ramp system.

[0032] In particular, one of the input disk and the output disk has a control contour as a control element, and the other of the input disk and the output disk has a control pin as a control element, wherein the control pin and the control contour interact to control the movement of the output disk.

[0033] In particular, for example, the output disk has a control pin as a control element, which engages in the control contour in order to control the movement of the output disk.

[0034] In particular, one of the input disk and the output disk has a plurality of control pins which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction, wherein each control pin in particular engages in a control contour provided on the respective other of the input disk and the output disk.

[0035] The control pin is guided in particular by a control contour implemented in the manner of a guideway and deflected by the shaping of the control contour. The driving force for the control pin acting in the peripheral direction is generated by the motor of the actuating mechanism. The force acting in the axial direction is also generated by the motor of the actuating mechanism (but in the peripheral direction) and is deflected in the axial direction by a ramp system.

[0036] In particular, the control element or control pin extends outwardly from the (first) bushing section of the output disk in the radial direction. The control contour is arranged in particular in the (second) bushing section of the control disk, wherein the first bushing section of the output disk is arranged within the second bushing section of the control disk relative to the radial direction. The control element or control pin is guided in the control contour, which is implemented in particular as a guideway, and is deflected by the shaping of the control contour (that is, for example, by the wall of the second bushing section). The output disk and the control disk or also the control contour and the control pin can obviously also be arranged in the opposite direction.

[0037] The control contour is in particular a recess in the sleeve segment, which preferably extends from the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve segment to the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve segment. The control contour is in particular formed by a wall of the sleeve segment. The wall delimits the control contour in particular (only) with respect to the axial direction and with respect to the peripheral direction. The control element of the output disk extends in the radial direction into the recess or through the recess.

[0038] In particular, the control contour is arranged on the end side of the control disk pointing in the axial direction. In particular, the control contour has an opening toward the end side, so that the control element can be slid into the control contour in the axial direction within the scope of the assembly of the clutch assembly.

[0039] In particular, the input disc has at least one stop element which only interacts with the control element of the output disc in the separated second position, so that a relative rotation of the input disc relative to the output disc is blocked at least in the peripheral direction. In particular, a plurality of stop elements are provided on the input disc along the peripheral direction.

[0040] In particular, the at least one stop element does not interact with the control element of the output disk in the first engaged position, so that a relative rotation of the input disk with respect to the output disk is not hindered or prevented (at least not by the stop element).

[0041] In particular, the adjustment of the motor driving the input disc can thus be simplified. In particular, further rotation of the input disc can thus be blocked in certain states of the clutch assembly. The blocking can be sensed by the motor or a control unit controlling the motor, for example due to an increase in current in the electric drive, so that the motor can be automatically disconnected.

[0042] In particular, the control profile has at least:

[0043] a first contour section, by which the movement of the output disk in a first axial direction is blocked, so that the clutch is fixed in a first position; or

[0044] a second contour section, by which the output disc is forced to be displaced in the axial direction when the output disc moves in the peripheral direction; or

[0045] a third contour section, by means of which a movement of the output disk in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction is blocked, so that the clutch is fixed in the second position; or

[0046] a fourth contour section, by which the movement of the output disk in the first peripheral direction is locked;

[0047] A fifth contour section, by which the movement of the output disk in the second circumferential direction is blocked.

[0048] The first contour section extends in particular transversely to the axial direction and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk relative to the first axial direction.

[0049] The second contour section runs, in particular, obliquely with respect to the peripheral direction and the axial direction and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk with respect to the first axial direction and the first peripheral direction.

[0050] The third contour section runs, in particular, transversely to the axial direction and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk relative to the second axial direction.

[0051] The fourth contour section runs, in particular, transversely to the peripheral direction and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk relative to the first peripheral direction.

[0052] In particular, the fifth contour section runs transversely to the peripheral direction and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk relative to the second peripheral direction.

[0053] The control contour is particularly formed on or in the control disk. The control contour particularly includes all of the above-mentioned contour segments, wherein the control element is arranged in the control contour and contacts one of the contour segments depending on the position of the clutch or the state of the actuating member.

[0054] In particular, the control element is permanently located in the control contour in the state of the clutch pack for operating the clutch pack as intended. The control element is located outside the control contour only for assembly or service purposes.

[0055] In particular, the third contour section is implemented in the manner of a latching position, ie the control element latches into a deepening formed by the control contour relative to the axial direction. The deepening forms the third contour section or is part of it.

[0056] In particular, the input disc and the output disc form a ramp system (for example, the input disc has at least one first ramp, and the output disc has at least one second ramp, in particular, respectively has a plurality of ramps distributed along the circumferential direction, which together form the ramp system), by which the output disc can be rotated in the circumferential direction and can be displaced in the axial direction. The control contour has a fourth contour section, by which the movement of the output disc in the first circumferential direction is locked. The ramp system and the fourth contour section are configured so that the movement of the input disc is also locked by locking the movement of the output disc.

[0057] The ramp system forms freewheeling in particular in a peripheral direction, preferably in a second peripheral direction, in the case of a relative rotation of the input disc relative to the output disc. That is, in the case of the relative movement, the ramp surfaces slide on each other, wherein the output disc is then displaced in the axial direction with each ramp. In the case of relative rotation in other directions, the ramps in particular form a stop with each other, thereby blocking further relative rotation.

[0058] In particular, the input disk has at least one stop element which interacts with the control element of the output disk only in the separated second position, so that a relative rotation of the input disk relative to the output disk is blocked at least in the second peripheral direction. The ramp system and the at least one stop element are designed such that the rotation is blocked after a corresponding displacement of the output disk in the axial direction.

[0059] For example, locking occurs precisely when the control element or the control pin of the output disk is arranged on the fifth contour section of the control contour.

[0060] By means of blocking by means of the ramp system or ramps and by means of a suitable embodiment of the fourth contour section, a stop occurs which can be detected, for example, by means of a control unit of the motor (because further rotation of the input disc driven by the motor is blocked). Thus, at least when the first position is present (clutch engaged), the position of the components of the clutch assembly can be detected.

[0061] By means of the blocking by the stop element and by a suitable embodiment of the fifth contour section, a stop occurs which can be detected, for example, by the control unit of the motor (because further rotation of the input disc driven by the motor is blocked). Thus, at least when the second position is present (clutch disengaged), the position of the components of the clutch assembly can be detected.

[0062] In particular, the clutch assembly comprises at least one energy storage element, for example a spring, in particular a helical spring, preferably a compression spring, by means of which the output disk can be displaced in the second axial direction. In particular, the energy storage element can be omitted if a second contour section is present in the control contour, since the forced displacement of the output disk in the second axial direction is then caused by the contour section. In particular, the energy storage element can interact with a third contour section designed as a latching position, so that the control element is pressed against a wall of the control contour in the third contour section by the restoring force of the energy storage element.

[0063] In particular, the first clutch disk is connected to the output disk in a form-fitting manner with respect to the axial direction, in particular with respect to the two axial directions. The form-fitting connection between the components can be directly or indirectly realized. "Indirectly" means that the components are not directly connected to each other, but the form-fitting connection is realized by means of at least one component located therebetween, such as a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing can decouple the torsion of the first clutch disk, which is usually connected to the first shaft, from the output disk.

[0064] In particular, the input disc is twisted in a first angular range in a circumferential direction in order to switch the clutch between a first position and a second position, wherein the rotation of the input disc forces the output disc to be twisted in a second angular range in a circumferential direction, wherein the second angular range is smaller than the first angular range or is the same as the first angular range.

[0065] In particular, the ramp system enables the output disk to rotate with the input disk. However, when a displacement of the output disk in the axial direction is achieved or forced by the control contour, the surfaces of the ramp system (e.g. ramps) that contact each other slide on each other, so that the rotation of the output disk in the peripheral direction is reduced due to the degree of displacement in the axial direction.

[0066] In particular, after the first position is present and in the direction of the second position, the surfaces of the ramp system that are in contact with each other (e.g. ramps) change (when a plurality of ramps are present there, for example, distributed in the peripheral direction). In particular, the same surfaces (e.g. the same ramps) remain in contact with each other when the second position is present and when the switch is then subsequently made in the direction of the first position.

[0067] In particular, the second angular range is smaller than the first angular range only when switching from the first position to the second gear position. In particular, the angular range is the same only when switching from the second position to the first position.

[0068] In particular, when observing the angle range, the surfaces of the ramp system (ie, for example, ramps) are in contact with each other. When observing the angle range, changes in the surfaces (ie, for example, ramps) forming the ramp system are not taken into account.

[0069] In particular, the first angular range is at most 60°, preferably at most 45°, and / or, at least when the clutch is switched from the first position into the second position, the second angular range is at most 30°, preferably at most 20° or even at most 15°.

[0070] The only slight rotation of the input disk and the only slight necessary rotation of the output disk make possible in particular short switching times for shifting the clutch.

[0071] In particular, the clutch assembly has a housing, and the control disk is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the housing, ie, cannot be moved relative to the housing.

[0072] In addition, a drive train assembly for a motor vehicle is proposed, which comprises at least: a first drive train that can be driven continuously and has a first drive shaft; a second drive train that can be driven optionally and has a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive train comprises a first clutch assembly, a second clutch assembly and a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is arranged in a power path between the first and second clutch assemblies, wherein at least one of the first and second clutch assemblies is implemented as the described clutch assembly.

[0073] In the engaged position of the first and second clutches, the drive shaft transmits a torque, in particular, to the second drive shaft.

[0074] An advantage of the drive train is that in the released state of the two clutches, the drive shaft arranged between the first and second clutch assembly can be completely separated, which reduces undesirable friction losses.

[0075] In particular, one of the two clutch assemblies comprises a brake, so that the drive shaft can be braked directly after the clutch is released. This is particularly advantageous when one of the two clutches is designed as a friction disk clutch, because the friction disk clutch can be quickly de-oiled after release, which reduces the drag torque.

[0076] In particular, the drive train assembly comprises a transfer case which distributes the torque introduced from the drive unit to a first drive train and a second drive train, wherein the first drive train is drive-connected to the transfer case in order to continuously transmit the torque to a first drive shaft, and wherein the second drive train can be drive-connected to the transfer case in order to optionally transmit the torque to a second drive shaft.

[0077] The drive shaft is preferably designed as a cardan shaft or longitudinal shaft, which is arranged in the force path between the transfer case and the second drive shaft. The first clutch assembly is arranged in the force path between the transfer case and the cardan shaft and is in particular designed as the described clutch assembly. The second clutch assembly is arranged in the force path between the cardan shaft and the rear axle differential and is preferably designed in the form of a friction disk clutch.

[0078] Embodiments relating to the clutch assembly can be transferred to the drive train assembly and vice versa.

[0079] For an exemplary embodiment of such a drive train assembly, reference is made to WO 2015 / 120909 A1 mentioned at the outset. The clutch assembly described here can replace the clutch assembly mentioned therein in the drive train assembly of WO 2015 / 120909 A1.

[0080] The use of the indefinite pronoun ("a"), especially in patent claims and in the specification reciting them, should be understood as "this" and not as a numeral. Thus, the concepts or components introduced accordingly should be understood as at least one and, in particular, also a plurality of them.

[0081] It should be noted as a precaution that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) serve primarily (only) to distinguish between a plurality of different types of objects, variables or processes, i.e., in particular do not necessarily prescribe a relationship and / or a sequence of the objects, variables or processes. If a relationship and / or sequence is necessary, this is explicitly stated here or is self-evident to a person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described design. As long as a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), a description of one of the components can also apply to all or some of the multiple components, but this is not mandatory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] The invention and the technical field are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be pointed out that the invention is not to be restricted to the exemplary embodiments listed. In particular, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts illustrated in the figures and combine them with other components and knowledge from the present description, unless explicitly shown differently. It should be pointed out in particular that the drawings and in particular the size ratios shown are merely schematic. Among them:

[0083] Figure 1 The clutch assembly is shown in exploded view in perspective;

[0084] Figure 2 The side view is shown in the form of a cross-sectional view according to Figure 1 Clutch assembly;

[0085] Figure 3 The side view and partly in cross-section of the Figure 1 and 2 Details of a clutch assembly having a clutch in a first position engaged when a shifting process towards a second position is initiated;

[0086] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 Details of; having a clutch in a first intermediate position between the first position and the second position;

[0087] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 and 4 Details; having a clutch in a second intermediate position between the first position and the second position;

[0088] Figure 6 Show Figures 3 to 5 Details; having a clutch in a disengaged second position after performing a switching process;

[0089] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 having a clutch in a disengaged second position when the switching process toward the first position is initiated;

[0090] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Details; having a clutch in a first intermediate position between the second position and the first position;

[0091] Fig. 9 Show Figure 7 and 8 Details; having a clutch in a second intermediate position between the second position and the first position;

[0092] Fig.10 Show Figures 7 to 9 having a clutch in a first position after performing a switching process; and

[0093] Fig.11 The side view and partly in cross-section of the Figure 1 and 2 Details of an embodiment variant of the clutch assembly include a clutch which is in a first intermediate position between the second position and the first position during a switching process from the second position to the first position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Figure 1 The clutch assembly 1 is shown in an exploded view in a perspective view. Figure 2 The side view is shown in the form of a cross-sectional view according to Figure 1 Clutch assembly 1. Figure 1 and 2 They are described together below.

[0095] The clutch assembly 1 comprises a housing 37 and a clutch 2 is arranged therein, which has a first clutch disc 3 and a second clutch disc 4, which can be displaced in a manner switchable between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position for selectively transmitting a torque in a peripheral direction 5, 6. The clutch assembly 1 further comprises an actuating mechanism 7 for actuating the clutch 2. The actuating mechanism 7 comprises an input disc 9 which can be driven by a motor 8 in a first peripheral direction 5 and in a second peripheral direction 6 opposite to the first peripheral direction 5, and an output disc 12 which can be twisted in the peripheral directions 5, 6 and displaced in the axial directions 10, 11 by the input disc 9, and a control disc 13 having a control contour 14. The movement of the output disc 12 can be controlled by the control contour 14, wherein the first clutch disc 3 can be displaced in the axial directions 10, 11 by the output disc 12.

[0096] The control disk 13 is arranged in a fixed position relative to the housing 37 , ie, is arranged immovably relative to the housing 37 .

[0097] The clutch 2 is designed as a positive-locking clutch 2 (claw clutch).

[0098] The first clutch plate 3 is connected or connectable to the first shaft 34 , and the second clutch plate 4 is connected or connectable to the second shaft (not shown), so that torque can be transmitted between the shafts 34 in a manner that can be switched by the clutch assembly 1 .

[0099] The first clutch disk 3 is displaceable in the axial directions 10, 11. The second clutch disk 4 is arranged stationary with respect to the axial directions 10, 11. The two clutch disks 3, 4 are arranged rotatably in the peripheral directions 5, 6 about the indicated axis of rotation.

[0100] The first clutch disk 3 , the second clutch disk 4 , the input disk 9 , the output disk 12 , the control disk 13 , the first shaft 34 , the second shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to one another and (except the control disk 13 ) are rotatable relative to the housing 37 about the indicated axis of rotation.

[0101] The actuating mechanism 7 comprises a motor 8 and an input gear 30 driven by the motor 8, which together with an input disk 9 designed as an output gear 31 forms a transmission with a fixed transmission ratio. The motor 8 is controlled by a control unit 35, so that a shifting process of the clutch assembly 1 is initiated or can be initiated by the control unit 35.

[0102] The motor 8 can drive the input disc 9 in the two circumferential directions 5, 6. That is, when the clutch assembly 1 is in operation, the motor 8 is operated such that it causes the input disc 9 to be twisted in the two circumferential directions 5, 6. The output disc 12 is correspondingly arranged such that it can be twisted in the two circumferential directions 5, 6 by the input disc 9.

[0103] The control disk 13 is realized by a separate component. The actuating mechanism 7 is constructed by the input disk 9, the output disk 12 which is realized separately therefrom, and by the control disk 13 which is realized separately therefrom.

[0104] The movement of the output disk 12 can be controlled by the control contour 14. In this case, the control contour 14 forms a kind of guideway, through which the control element (control pin 18) is mechanically deflected. The control element is connected to the output disk 12, so that the mechanical deflection of the control element is transmitted to the output disk 12.

[0105] The input disk 9 has a plurality of first ramps 15 and the output disk 12 has a plurality of second ramps 16 , which together form a ramp system 17 by which the output disk 12 can be rotated in the peripheral directions 5 , 6 and displaced in the axial directions 10 , 11 .

[0106] The surfaces of the bevels 15 , 16 contact each other so that the output disk 12 and the input disk 9 can move away from or towards each other in the axial direction 10 , 11 when they are rotated relative to each other in the peripheral directions 5 , 6 .

[0107] That is, if the input disk 9 is set in rotation by the motor 8 , the output disk 12 is displaced in the axial direction 10 , 11 and / or is also rotated in the circumferential direction 5 , 6 when the inclined surfaces 15 , 16 come into contact.

[0108] Output disk 12 is controlled by control contour 14 of control disk 13 in such a way that a rotation of output disk 12 in the same direction as input disk 9 is limited in a manner determined by the shape of control contour 14 , so that contact of ramps 15 , 16 then causes displacement of output disk 12 in axial directions 10 , 11 .

[0109] The output disk 12 has a plurality of control pins 18 as control elements, wherein each control pin 18 engages in each of the control contours 14 in order to control the movement of the output disk 12. The control pins 18 are guided by the control contours 14 which are designed in the manner of a guide and are deflected by the shape of the control contours 14. The drive forces for the control pins 18 acting in the peripheral directions 5, 6 are generated by the motor 8 of the actuating mechanism 7. The forces acting in the axial directions 10, 11 are likewise generated by the motor 8 of the actuating mechanism 7 (however, in the peripheral directions 5, 6) and are deflected in the axial directions 10, 11 by the ramps 15, 16.

[0110] The control pin 18 extends outwards from a first bushing section 19 of the output disk 12 in a radial direction 20. The control contour 14 is arranged in a second bushing section 21 of the control disk 13, wherein the first bushing section 19 of the output disk 12 is arranged within the second bushing section 21 of the control disk 13 relative to the radial direction 20. The control pin 18 is guided by the control contour 14 which is designed in the manner of a sliding guide and is deflected by the shaping of the control contour 14, that is to say, for example, by the wall of the second bushing section 21.

[0111] The control contour 14 is a recess in the second sleeve section 21, which extends from the inner peripheral surface of the second sleeve section 21 to the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve section 21. The control contour 14 is formed by a wall of the second sleeve section 21. The wall only limits the control contour 14 with respect to the axial directions 10, 11 and with respect to the peripheral directions 5, 6. The control element of the output disk 12 extends in the radial direction 20 into the recess or through the recess.

[0112] The control contour 14 is arranged on the end face of the control disk 13 pointing in the axial direction 10, 11. The control contour 14 has an opening towards the end face so that the control pin 18 can be slid into the control contour 14 in the axial direction 10, 11 during assembly of the clutch assembly 1.

[0113] The control contour 14 is formed on or in the control disk 13. The control contour 14 includes all of the mentioned contour sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, wherein the control element is arranged in the control contour 14 and contacts one of the contour sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 depending on the position of the clutch 2 or the state of the actuating element 7.

[0114] In the intended state of the clutch pack 1 for operating the clutch pack 1, the control element is permanently located in the control contour 14. The control element is located outside the control contour 14 only for assembly or service purposes.

[0115] The clutch assembly 1 further comprises an energy storage element 27 (in the present case a helical spring in the form of a compression spring), by means of which the output disk 12 can be displaced in the second axial direction 11. The energy storage element 27 is arranged on the first shaft 34 and is tensioned by a stop on the first shaft 34 and by a rolling bearing 33 arranged in a fixed position on the first clutch disk 3. With the aid of the energy storage element 27, a restoring force can be generated, by means of which the output disk 12 can be displaced in the direction of the second axial direction 11. The engagement of the first clutch disk 3 can be supported with the aid of the energy storage element 27, when, for example, the teeth of the clutch disks 3, 4 are opposite one another and the clutch disks 3, 4 must be further twisted relative to one another for engagement.

[0116] In particular, the energy storage element 27 is provided when the second contour section 23 is present in the control contour 14 (see Fig.11 ) can be omitted, since the forced displacement of the output disk 12 in the second axial direction 11 is then caused by the second contour section 23. The energy storage element 27 is connected to the third contour section 24 (see Figures 3 to 11 ) so that the control element is pressed against the wall of the control contour 14 in the third contour section 24 by the restoring force of the energy storage element 27.

[0117] The first clutch disk 3 is connected to the output disk 12 in a form-fitting manner with respect to the axial directions 10, 11. The form-fitting connection is realized indirectly. "Indirectly" means that the structural parts (the first clutch disk 3 and the output disk 12) are not directly connected to each other, but the form-fitting connection is realized by means of a rolling bearing 33. The rolling bearing 33 can decouple the torsion of the first clutch disk 3 connected to the first shaft 34 from the output disk 12.

[0118] The input disk 9 has a plurality of stop elements 36 which interact with the control pins 18 of the output disk 12 only in the separated second position, so that a relative rotation of the input disk 9 with respect to the output disk 12 is blocked at least in the peripheral directions 5 , 6 .

[0119] In the first engaged position, the stop element 36 does not interact with the control pin 18 of the output disk 12 , so that a relative rotation of the input disk 9 relative to the output disk 12 is not hindered or prevented (at least not by the stop element 36 ).

[0120] As a result, the adjustment of the motor 8 driving the input disk 9 can be simplified. Thus, for example, in a certain state of the clutch assembly 1, further rotation of the input disk 9 can be blocked. The blocking can be sensed by the motor 8 or a control unit 35 controlling the motor 8 (for example due to an increase in current in the electric drive), so that the motor 8 can be automatically disconnected. The stop element 36 is arranged outside the control contour 14 in the radial direction 20.

[0121] Figure 3 The side view and partly in cross-section of the Figure 1 and 2 Detail of a clutch assembly 1 having a clutch 2 in a first position engaged at the start of a switching process towards a second position. Figure 4 Show Figure 3 having a clutch 2 in a first intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Figure 5 Show Figure 3 and 4 having a clutch 2 in a second intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Figure 6 Show Figures 3 to 5 having a clutch 2 in a disengaged second position after the switching process. Figures 3 to 6 They are described together below. Figure 1 and 2 implementation plan.

[0122] Figures 3 to 6 The displacements of the components involved in the switching process from the engaged first position at the start of the switching process to the second position are shown in the described sequence. The drawn arrows show the direction of movement of the input disk 9 (lower arrow) and the direction of movement of the output disk 12 (upper arrow).

[0123] The input disk 9 has a plurality of first ramps 15 and the output disk 12 has a plurality of second ramps 16 , which together form a ramp system 17 , via which the output disk 12 can be rotated in the peripheral directions 5 , 6 and displaced in the axial directions 10 , 11 .

[0124] The surfaces of the bevels 15 , 16 touch each other so that the output disk 12 and the input disk 9 can move away from or towards each other in the axial direction 10 , 11 when they are rotated relative to each other in the peripheral directions 5 , 6 .

[0125] That is, if the input disk 9 is set in rotation by the motor 8 , the output disk 12 is displaced in the axial direction 10 , 11 and / or is also rotated in the circumferential direction 5 , 6 when the inclined surfaces 15 , 16 come into contact.

[0126] Output disk 12 is controlled by control contour 14 of control disk 13 in such a way that a rotation of output disk 12 and input disk 9 in the same direction is limited in a manner determined by the shape of control contour 14 , so that contact of ramps 15 , 16 then causes displacement of output disk 12 in axial directions 10 , 11 .

[0127] The control contour 14 has a first contour section 22 (see Figure 4 ), the first contour section blocks the movement of the output disc 12 in the first axial direction 10, so that the clutch 2 is fixed in the first position. The first contour section 22 extends transversely to the axial directions 10, 11 and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disc 12 relative to the first axial direction 10.

[0128] The control contour 14 has a third contour section 24 (see Figure 4 ), the movement of the output disc 12 in the second axial direction 11 opposite to the first axial direction 10 is blocked by the third contour section, so that the clutch 2 is fixed in the second position. The third contour section 24 extends transversely to the axial directions 10, 11 and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disc 12 relative to the second axial direction 11. The third contour section 24 is implemented according to the type of locking position, that is, the control element is locked in the deepening 32 formed by the control contour 14 relative to the axial directions 10, 11 (see Figure 5 The deepening 32 forms the third contour section 24 or is a part thereof.

[0129] The control contour 14 has a fourth contour section 25 (see Figure 5 ), by which the movement of the output disk 12 in the first peripheral direction 5 is blocked. The fourth contour section 25 extends transversely to the peripheral directions 5, 6 and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk 12 relative to the first peripheral direction 5.

[0130] The control contour 14 has a fifth contour section 26 (see Figure 3), by which the movement of the output disk 12 in the second peripheral direction 6 is blocked. The fifth contour section 26 extends transversely to the peripheral directions 5, 6 and forms a stop surface for the control element of the output disk 12 relative to the second peripheral direction 6.

[0131] The input disk 9 has a first ramp 15 and the output disk 12 has a second ramp 16 , which together form a ramp system 17 , by means of which the output disk 12 can be rotated in the peripheral directions 5 , 6 and displaced in the axial directions 10 , 11 .

[0132] The ramp system 17 creates a freewheeling motion during a relative rotation of the input disk 9 relative to the output disk 12 in the second peripheral direction 6. That is, during this relative movement, the ramp surfaces slide on one another, wherein the output disk 12 is then displaced in the axial directions 10, 11 by means of each ramp. During a relative rotation in the other direction (first peripheral direction 5), the ramps 15 together with one another form a stop (see Figures 7 to 10 ), thereby locking further relative torsion.

[0133] In order to switch the clutch 2 between the first position and the second position, the input disc 9 is correspondingly rotated in the second circumferential direction 6 within a first angular range 28, wherein the rotation of the input disc 9 forces the output disc 12 to rotate in the second circumferential direction 6 within a second angular range 29, wherein the second angular range 29 is smaller than the first angular range 28.

[0134] The ramp system 17 ensures that the output disk 12 is twisted along with the input disk 9. However, when a displacement of the output disk 12 in the axial direction 10, 11 is achieved or forced by the control contour 14, the surfaces of the ramps 15, 16 that contact each other slide on each other, so that the rotation of the output disk 12 in the second peripheral direction 6 is reduced by the degree of displacement in the axial direction 10, 11.

[0135] When the control element (control pin 18) reaches the locking position in the third contour section 24, further rotation of the output disk 12 is blocked by the fifth contour section 26. The input disk 9 can be rotated further in the manner of freewheeling, wherein the ramps 15, 16 slide past each other. The insufficient contact of the ramps 15, 16 at this time can be sensed by the control unit 35, for example, due to the insufficient friction at this time and the required drive torque of the motor 8 for driving the input disk 9, which is thereby reduced. For the subsequent switching process from the second position back to the first position, the motor 8 now drives the input disk 9 in the opposite direction of rotation. The switching process is then Figures 7 to 10 Shown in.

[0136] exist Figure 6In FIG. 1 , a stop element 36 is shown, which is arranged on the input disk 9 and is thus arranged in a fixed position relative to the first inclined surface 15. The stop element 36 is only Figure 6 In the separated second position shown in FIG. 6 , the input disk 9 interacts with the control pin 18 of the output disk 12 , so that a further relative rotation of the input disk 9 relative to the output disk 12 is blocked at least in the second circumferential direction 6 .

[0137] The stop element 36 is arranged outside the control contour 14 in the radial direction 20, that is to say at Figure 6 In another drawing plane, a control contour 14 is located.

[0138] The stop element 36 is in the engaged first position (eg Figure 3 , 4 , 9 and 10 ) do not interact with the control pin 18 of the output disk 12 , so that a relative rotation of the input disk 9 with respect to the output disk 12 is not hindered or prevented (at least not by the stop element 36 ).

[0139] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 having a clutch 2 in a disengaged second position when the switching process towards the first position is started. Figure 8 Show Figure 7 having a clutch 2 in a first intermediate position between the second position and the first position. Fig. 9 Show Figure 7 and 8 having a clutch 2 in a second intermediate position between the second position and the first position. Fig.10 Show Figures 7 to 9 having a clutch 2 in a first position after the switching process is performed. Figures 7 to 10 They are described together below. Figures 3 to 6 implementation plan.

[0140] Figures 7 to 10 The displacements of the components involved in the switching process from the separated second position to the first position at the start of the switching process are shown in the described sequence. The drawn arrows show the movement direction of the input disk 9 (lower arrow) and the movement direction of the output disk 12 (upper arrow).

[0141] The motor 8 now drives the input disk 9 in the first peripheral direction 5. The ramps 15, 16 now no longer contact each other via the inclined end faces, but via the side faces running essentially parallel to the axial directions 10, 11. As a result, the movement of the input disk 9 and the output disk 12 is coupled to each other via a positive connection with respect to the first peripheral direction 5.

[0142] In order to switch the clutch 2 between the second position and the first position, the input disc 9 is rotated in the first circumferential direction 5 over a first angular range 28, wherein the rotation of the input disc 9 forces the output disc 12 to be rotated in the first circumferential direction 5 over a second angular range 29, wherein the second angular range 29 is as large as the first angular range 28.

[0143] The control element (control pin 18) starts from the locked position in the third contour section 24 (see Figure 7 ) is guided by the control contour 14 toward the fifth contour section 25. The displacement of the output disk 12 in the direction of the second axial direction 11 (see Fig. 9 ) is facilitated by the energy storage element 27.

[0144] Control contour 14 has a fourth contour section 25, by which the movement of output disk 12 in first peripheral direction 5 is blocked. Inclined surface system 17 and fourth contour section 25 are designed such that blocking the movement of output disk 12 also blocks the movement of input disk 9.

[0145] Thus, by means of the locking by means of the inclined surfaces 15, 16 and by means of a suitable embodiment of the fourth contour section 25, a stop is produced which can be detected by the control unit 35 of the motor 8 (because further rotation of the input disc 9 driven by the motor 8 is blocked, see Fig.10 ). Thus, at least when the first position exists (the clutch 2 is engaged, see Fig.10 ), which can detect the positions of the components 3, 12, and 18 of the clutch assembly 1.

[0146] After the first position exists and toward the second position (from Figure 10 to Figure 3 Transition), the contacting inclined surfaces 15, 16 of the inclined surface system 17 are transformed (when there are multiple inclined surfaces 15, 16 distributed in the peripheral directions 5, 6 respectively).

[0147] When the second position is present and when a switch is then made towards the first position (see Figure 6 to Figure 7 or Figure 8 The same inclined surfaces 16, 17 remain in contact with each other.

[0148] Fig.11 The side view and partly in cross-section of the Figure 1 and 2 Details of an embodiment variant of a clutch assembly 1 of , with a clutch 2 in a first intermediate position between the second position and the first position during a switching process from the second position to the first position. Figures 3 to 10 implementation plan.

[0149] The drawn arrows show the direction of movement of the input disk 9 (lower arrow) and the direction of movement of the output disk 12 (upper arrow).

[0150] The control profile 14 present here is consistent with the Figures 3 to 10 The control contour 14 of the output disk 12 differs only by the second contour section 23, by which the output disk 12 is forced to be displaced in the second axial direction 10 when the output disk 12 moves in the first peripheral direction 5. The second contour section 23 runs obliquely with respect to the peripheral directions 5, 6 and the axial directions 10, 11 and forms a (stationary) stop surface for the control element of the output disk 12 with respect to the first axial direction 10 and the first peripheral direction 5.

[0151] Reference numerals list

[0152] 1 Clutch assembly

[0153] 2 Clutch

[0154] 3 First clutch plate

[0155] 4 Second clutch plate

[0156] 5 First peripheral direction

[0157] 6 Second peripheral direction

[0158] 7. Control mechanism

[0159] 8 Motor

[0160] 9 Input disk

[0161] 10 First axial direction

[0162] 11 Second axial direction

[0163] 12 Output tray

[0164] 13 Control Panel

[0165] 14 Controlling the contour

[0166] 15 First Incline

[0167] 16 second slope

[0168] 17 Incline System

[0169] 18 Control pin

[0170] 19 First sleeve section

[0171] 20 Radial direction

[0172] 21 Second sleeve section

[0173] 22 First contour segment

[0174] 23 Second contour segment

[0175] 24 Third contour segment

[0176] 25 Fourth contour segment

[0177] 26 Fifth contour segment

[0178] 27 Energy storage element

[0179] 28 First angle range

[0180] 29 Second angle range

[0181] 30 Input gear

[0182] 31 Output gear

[0183] 32 Deepening

[0184] 33 Rolling bearing

[0185] 34 First axis

[0186] 35 Control Unit

[0187] 36 Stop element

[0188] 37 Housing.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly (1) comprising at least a clutch (2) having a first clutch disc (3) and a second clutch disc (4), the first clutch disc and the second clutch disc being displaceable in a manner switchable between an engaged first position and a disengaged second position for selectively transmitting torque in a peripheral direction (5, 6), and an operating mechanism (7) for operating the clutch (2), wherein: The operating mechanism (7) comprises at least one input disc (9) which can be driven by a motor (8) in a first peripheral direction (5) and in a second peripheral direction (6) opposite to the first peripheral direction (5), and an output disc (12) which can be rotated in the peripheral direction (5, 6) and displaced in an axial direction (10, 11) by the input disc (9), and a control disc (13) having a control element (14, 18), wherein the movement of the output disc (12) can be controlled by the control element (14, 18); wherein the first clutch disc (3) can be displaced in the axial direction (10, 11) by the output disc (12).

2. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The input disc (9) and the output disc (12) together form a ramp system (17), by means of which the output disc (12) can be twisted in the peripheral direction (5, 6) and can be displaced in the axial direction (10, 11).

3. A clutch assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims, wherein: One of the input disk (9) and the output disk (12) has a control contour (14) as a control element (14, 18), and the other of the input disk (9) and the output disk (12) has a control pin (18) as a control element (14, 18), wherein the control pin (18) and the control contour (14) act together to control the movement of the output disk (12).

4. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The control pin (18) extends outwardly from a first bushing section (19) of the output disk (12) in a radial direction (20), wherein the control contour (14) is arranged in a second bushing section (21) of the control disk (13), wherein the first bushing section (19) is arranged within the second bushing section (21) with respect to the radial direction (20).

5. A clutch assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims, wherein: The input disk (9) has at least one stop element (36) which interacts with the control elements (14, 18) of the output disk (12) only in the separated second position, so that a relative rotation of the input disk (9) relative to the output disk (12) is blocked at least in the peripheral direction (5, 6).

6. A clutch assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims, wherein: The control profile (14) has at least having a first contour section (22), by which the movement of the output disk (12) in the first axial direction (10) is blocked, so that the clutch (2) is fixed in the first position; or having a second contour section (23), by means of which the output disc (12) is forced to be displaced in the axial direction (10, 11) when the output disc (12) moves in the peripheral direction (5, 6); or having a third contour section (24), by means of which the movement of the output disc (12) in a second axial direction (11) opposite to the first axial direction (10) is blocked, so that the clutch (2) is fixed in the second position; or having a fourth contour section (25), by which the movement of the output disk (12) in the first peripheral direction (5) is locked; A fifth contour section (26) is provided, by which the movement of the output disk (12) in the second peripheral direction (6) is blocked.

7. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The input disk (9) and the output disk (12) together form a ramp system (17), by means of which the output disk (12) can be rotated in the peripheral direction (5, 6) and can be displaced in the axial direction (10, 11), wherein the control contour (14) has a fourth contour section (25), by means of which the movement of the output disk (12) in the first peripheral direction (5) is blocked; wherein the ramp system (17) and the fourth contour section (25) are designed such that the movement of the input disk (9) is also blocked by blocking the movement of the output disk (12).

8. The clutch assembly (1) according to any of the preceding patent claims, comprising at least an energy storage element (27) by means of which the output disc (12) can be displaced in the second axial direction (11).

9. A clutch assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims, wherein: The first clutch disc (3) is connected to the output disc (12) in a form-fitting manner with respect to the axial direction (10, 11).

10. A clutch assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims, wherein: The input disc (9) is rotated in a first angular range (28) along the peripheral direction (5, 6) in order to switch the clutch (2) between the first position and the second position, wherein the output disc (12) is forced to rotate in a second angular range (29) along the peripheral direction (5, 6) by the rotation of the input disc (9), wherein the second angular range (29) is smaller than the first angular range (28) or is the same as the first angular range (28).

11. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The first angular range (28) is at most 60°, or the second angular range (29) is at most 30°, at least when the clutch (2) is switched from the first position to the second position.

12. A clutch assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims, wherein: The control disk (13) is arranged in a fixed position relative to a housing (32) of the clutch assembly (1).

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