Clutch assembly

By using the coupling method of multiple clutch groups and rotary connecting components in the friction clutch, the joint actuation of the actuating piston is solved, and the service life and reliability of the clutch are improved.

CN222702417UActive Publication Date: 2025-04-01达纳比利时公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202420943379.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-05-02
Filing Date
2024-04-30
Publication Date
2025-04-01
Estimated Expiration
2034-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing friction clutches span higher differential speeds when disengaged, resulting in increased friction, reduced service life and may lead to inability to operate.

Method used

Multiple clutch groups are coupled by rotary connecting components, and the clutch group is collectively actuated by actuating pistons to reduce the differential speed across the clutch assembly.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the wear of clutch components, improves the life and reliability of clutch, and reduces the possibility of clutch deterioration.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a first clutch pack coupled to the component via a rotational connection member and a second clutch pack coupled to the drum via a rotational connection member. The clutch assembly also includes an actuation piston configured to actuate the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a friction clutch having a plurality of clutch packs that are collectively engaged and disengaged using an actuator. Background Art

[0002] Previous powertrains and other systems have used friction clutches, which allow for smoother engagement and disengagement of the clutch compared to other types of clutches, such as dog clutches. In some systems, friction clutches experience higher differential speeds across the clutch when disengaging. For example, some electrified powertrains using electric motors have higher speeds than internal combustion engine powertrains. The high speed differential across the friction clutch reduces the service life of the clutch and may cause inoperability in some cases. In detail, wet friction clutches experience friction between the plates during disengagement. Therefore, in previous friction clutches, the higher differential speed across the clutch will result in increased friction. Utility Model Content

[0003] In the face of the above problems, the inventor has developed a clutch assembly to overcome at least some of the problems. In one example, the clutch assembly includes a first clutch group connected to a component (e.g., a gear) via a rotating connection component. In such an example, the clutch assembly also includes a second clutch group connected to a drum (e.g., a wheel hub) via a rotating connection component. The clutch assembly even includes an actuating piston configured to actuate the first clutch group and the second clutch group. In addition, the first clutch group is axially spaced from the second clutch group and the drum is connected to the shaft. The use of multiple clutch groups rotationally connected using a rotating connection component (used as a mechanical link) allows the differential speed across the clutch assembly to be reduced. Therefore, the life and reliability of the clutch are improved.

[0004] Furthermore, in one example, the first clutch pack is coupled to the component via a first set of separator plates and is coupled to the rotationally connected component via a first set of friction plates. Furthermore, in such an example, the second clutch pack is coupled to the rotationally connected component via a second set of friction plates and is coupled to the drum via a second set of separator plates. In this way, the clutch pack is effectively rotationally coupled to the rotationally connected component.

[0005] Further, in one example, the clutch assembly may also include a bearing coupled to the shaft and the rotating connection member. The bearing is configured to accommodate axial movement of the rotating connection member. The bearing may be a bushing or roller type bearing. In this way, the rotating connection member and the shaft are able to rotate independently. If desired, using bearings in this manner allows for increased compactness of the clutch assembly.

[0006] It should be understood that the above utility model content is provided to introduce a selection of concepts further described in the detailed description in a simplified form. This is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is uniquely defined by the claims following the detailed description. In addition, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle including a transmission with a clutch assembly is shown.

[0008] Figure 2A and 2B Examples of clutch assemblies are shown in a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] A clutch having multiple clutch packs that are coupled to each other using a mechanical rotating connection that attaches plates in the clutch packs so as to rotate with each other. In the clutch assembly, an actuating piston actuates two clutch packs, allowing the clutch assembly to act as a multi-pack clutch with a multi-pack actuator. The rotating member provides a rotating link between the clutch packs, which allows the relative speed between the input and output of each clutch pack to be reduced. Thus, the life of the clutch is increased and the likelihood of clutch degradation is reduced. In this way, a clutch assembly that is stronger and less prone to wear than previous clutches is achieved.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 is shown. In various examples, the vehicle may be a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, an on-highway vehicle, or an off-highway vehicle.

[0011] In the vehicle example, the vehicle 100 includes a powertrain 102 having a transmission 104 (e.g., a gearbox) and a prime mover 106 (e.g., an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor). When the prime mover is an electric motor, the motor can be included in the electric drive system. The prime mover 106 delivers mechanical power to the transmission during operation of the powertrain. In the case of an electric drive, electricity can flow from the transmission to the electric motor while the motor operates as a generator. In addition, the transmission 104 is mechanically coupled to an axle assembly 110 to enable torque to be transferred therebetween. The axle assembly 110 may include a differential 112, an axle shaft 114, and / or a drive wheel 116.

[0012] The transmission 104 may include at least one clutch assembly 108 (e.g., a wet clutch assembly). The transmission 104 may also include gears, shafts, etc., which can be used to change the speed of the mechanical input from the prime mover to achieve speed change. In one example, the clutch assembly 108 can be designed to change the operating gear ratio of the transmission or to disconnect the transmission from the upstream of the downstream component. In another example, the clutch assembly can be used to selectively connect an auxiliary device that is connected to a power take-off or an input from an auxiliary drive.

[0013] exist Figure 1 The clutch assembly 108 is schematically depicted in FIG. However, it will be appreciated that the clutch assembly has greater structural and functional complexity, which is not discussed herein. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exemplary clutch assembly depicted in FIG.

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, the prime mover 106, the transmission 104 and the axle assembly 110 are spaced apart from each other. However, it is understood that one or more of these components can be juxtaposed with each other in the assembly. For example, in other examples, when the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the electric motor, the transmission and the axle assembly can form an electric axle.

[0015] The vehicle 100 may also include a control system 190 having a controller 191 (eg, a transmission control unit (TCU)), such as Figure 1 As shown. The controller 191 may include a microcomputer having components such as a processor 192 (e.g., a microprocessor unit), input / output ports, and an electronic storage medium 194 (e.g., a read-only memory chip, a random access memory, a keep-alive memory, a data bus) for executable programs and calibration values. The storage medium may be programmed with computer-readable data representing instructions that are executable by the processor to perform the methods and control techniques described herein, as well as other variations that are anticipated but not specifically listed. In this way, the control techniques, methods, etc. expanded herein may be stored as instructions in a non-transitory memory.

[0016] The controller 191 may receive various signals from sensors 195 coupled to various areas of the system 100. For example, the sensors 195 may include a pedal position sensor designed to detect depression of an operator-actuated pedal such as an accelerator pedal and / or a brake pedal, one or more speed sensors at the transmission input and output shafts, a gear selector sensor, a clutch position sensor, etc. Input devices 198 (e.g., an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a drive mode selector, a gear selector, combinations of these, etc.) may further provide input signals indicative of operator intent for system control.

[0017] Upon receiving Figure 1 When signals from various sensors 195 are received, the controller 191 processes the received signals and uses various actuators 196 of system components to adjust the components based on the received signals and instructions stored on the memory of the controller 191. For example, the controller 191 can be designed to engage and disengage the clutch assembly 108. For example, the controller 191 can determine that the transmission should be switched to another gear or disconnected from the axle or prime mover. In response to this determination, the controller 191 can command actuation of the clutch assembly to disengage or engage the clutch. For example, other controllable components in the system can function in a similar manner in terms of sensor signals, control commands, and actuator adjustments.

[0018] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2A-2B A coordinate system is provided for reference in . In one example, the z-axis can be a vertical axis (e.g., parallel to the gravity axis), the x-axis can be a lateral axis (e.g., a horizontal axis), and / or the y-axis can be a longitudinal axis. However, in other examples, these axes can have other orientations. A rotational axis 260 of the shaft 229, component 227, and clutch packs 204, 206 is also provided for reference.

[0019] Figure 2A An example of a clutch assembly 200 in a transmission 201 or other suitable system is shown. The clutch assembly 200 is Figure 1 An example of a clutch assembly 108 is shown. The clutch assembly 200 includes a clutch group 204 and a clutch group 206, which are connected via a rotating connection member 208 (e.g., a mechanical link). It is understood that the clutch group 204 can be referred to as the first clutch group, and the clutch group 206 can be referred to as the second clutch group, and vice versa. The numbers associated with each of the clutch groups and other components described herein do not represent any structural or functional hierarchy, but can only indicate the order in which the clutch groups and components have been introduced. In addition, in an alternative example, the clutch assembly 200 may include additional clutch groups, which are also connected to each other using rotating connection members. In such an example, the axial length of the clutch assembly can be increased and the clutch groups can be arranged in series. The use of multiple clutch groups and rotating connection members 208 in the clutch assembly allows the relative speed across the clutch assembly to be reduced. Therefore, the wear of the plates in the clutch group is reduced, thereby improving the life and reliability of the clutch (by reducing the chance of the clutch being inoperable).

[0020] The rotating connection member 208 provides a rotatable mechanical link between the clutch assemblies. The rotating connection member 208 may include a body 210 having an extension 212, which is coupled to the clutch pack 204 via a set of friction plates 214. Similarly, the rotating connection member 208 includes an extension 216, which is coupled to the clutch pack 206 via a set of partitions 225. In detail, the friction plates 214 and the partitions 225 can be splined to the extensions 212 and 216, respectively. The clutch pack 204 also includes a partition 220 coupled to (e.g., splined to) a roller 222 (e.g., a hub). The roller 222 includes a radial section 224 and an axial section 226 (e.g., an annular section). The radial section 224 is fixedly coupled to the shaft 229 and rotates therewith. However, it can be understood that in alternative examples, the roller 222 can be fixedly coupled to other suitable rotating components in the transmission 202.

[0021] The friction plates 218 in the clutch pack 206 are coupled to (e.g., splined to) a component 227 (e.g., a driven gear). In detail, in the example shown, the friction plates 218 are coupled to a radial extension 228, which is fixedly coupled to a gear body 230. However, in an alternative example, the component may take another form. For example, in an alternative example, the component 227 may be a shaft. The friction plates and separator plates in each friction clutch may be conceptually grouped together as a set of plates. The friction plates and separator plates in each clutch pack are staggered. In addition, the gear body 230 may include teeth that mesh with another gear in the transmission.

[0022] In the example shown, the axial portion 226 of the drum 222 circumferentially surrounds the clutch pack 204, the clutch pack 206 and the rotating connection member 208. In this way, the clutch assembly achieves a compact architecture. However, clutch configurations have been envisioned in which the clutch pack is positioned radially outside the drum.

[0023] In the illustrated example, bearings 232 (e.g., ball bearings, roller bearings, etc.) can be coupled to the shaft 229 and the gear body 230. In this way, the gear can be mounted on the shaft 229 in an idle manner and allow the shaft to rotate independently relative to the gear during disengagement of the clutch assembly.

[0024] The clutch packs 204 and 206 may be axially positioned between an actuation piston 234 (e.g., a hydraulically actuated piston) and an end plate 236. The piston 234 may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated via an actuation system 238. The end plate 236 is fixedly coupled to the drum 222. A ring 240 may be coupled to an axial section 226 of the drum 222 to axially limit the movement of the end plate 236. The actuation system 238 is configured to push the piston 234 in a direction 242 to cause engagement of the clutch packs 204 and 206. In the example shown, a spring 244 (e.g., a return spring) is coupled to the piston 234 and pushes the piston back to the disengaged position when pressure applied to the piston (via hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuation example) is removed. The spring 244 is shown as a coil spring. However, other suitable types of springs, such as wave springs, have been contemplated.

[0025] In the illustrated example, bearing 246 is coupled to rotating connection member 208 and shaft 229. Bearing 246 can be, for example, a roller bearing or a bushing. In detail, in the roller bearing example, the bearing can have a cylindrical shape, no shoulders in the inner ring, or the rollers run directly on the shaft. Since actual movement is only required when engaging or disengaging the clutch, the number of axial movements is limited. In addition, bearing 246 and / or other bearings described herein can be force-lubricated (via lubrication system 248 described in more detail herein) to provide a target amount of lubrication to the bearing. Specifically, in one example, Figure 2A All bearings shown may be force lubricated to provide the desired amount of lubrication over the expected range of operating conditions.

[0026] There may be a gap 231 (e.g., an air gap) between the drum 222 and the rotating connection component 208 to enable the rotating connection component 208 to rotate freely in the drum. The bearing 246 may be carried in the body 210 of the rotating connection component 208 or on the shaft 229 (to axially fix the bearing) to allow axial movement of the component 208 during engagement or disengagement of the clutch. Alternatively, the bearing 246 may be assembled to the outer periphery 233 in the rotating connection component 208 (e.g., the body 210 of the rotating connection component) by a press fit or other suitable attachment scheme.

[0027] In some cases, lubrication system 248 provides lubrication fluid (eg, oil) to the plates in clutch pack 204 and the plates in clutch pack 206 as well as clutch assembly bearings. Figure 2AThe lubrication system is schematically depicted in . However, the lubrication system may include components such as one or more pumps, fluid lines, conduits, valves, etc., which are capable of delivering a target amount of lubricating fluid to the clutch pack. Lubricating the clutch pack reduces clutch wear when the clutch pack transitions into engagement. However, when the clutch is disengaged, heat is transferred to the lubricating fluid via the rotating plates in the clutch. Therefore, reducing the differential about the clutch plates will reduce the temperature of the lubricating fluid during clutch disengagement. Therefore, the life and reliability of the clutch are improved.

[0028] Figure 2A The clutch assembly 202 is shown in a disengaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, torque is not transmitted through the clutch assembly 202. In detail, the separator plates and friction plates in the two clutch packs 204, 206 are frictionally disengaged.

[0029] When the clutch assembly 202 is disengaged, the relative speed between the component 227 (e.g., driven gear) and the rotating connection component 208 and between the shaft 229 and the rotating connection component 208 may be close to half the relative speed that exists between the component 227 and the drum 222. For illustration, the clutch packs may be sized to produce similar amounts of drag, so the speed of the rotating connection component 208 will be determined by the drag caused by the two clutch packs by finding a balance and will be the result thereof. For example, in a specific use case example, the shaft 229 may run at 1,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and the component 227 may run at 11,000 rpm. In this use case example, the speed difference between them becomes 10,000 rpm. In this case, the rotating connection component 208 runs at about half the differential speed, or in this case will run at about 6,000 rpm. As a result, the relative speed between the friction plate 218 and the separator 225 will be about 5,000 rpm, and the relative speed between the friction plate 214 and the separator 220 will also be about 5,000 rpm. In this case, the friction energy on one clutch pack will be approximately half compared to when a single clutch pack is used, and the relative speed or differential can again be within the target range for a power shift and / or wet clutch transmission. However, it will be appreciated that in other use case examples, the plates may exhibit a variety of other speeds, and the clutch pack may have a different configuration that produces a different relative speed reduction across the clutch pack.

[0030] Figure 2B The clutch assembly 202 is shown in an engaged configuration, wherein torque can be transmitted therethrough. In the engaged configuration, the piston 234 moves in the direction 242 .

[0031] To push piston 234 in direction 242, when actuation system 238 is configured as a hydraulic actuator, pressurized hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) may be delivered to piston chamber 250. When the hydraulic fluid pressure is able to overcome the force of spring 244, piston 234 moves in direction 242. Thus, in the engaged configuration, spring 244 is compressed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown. Conversely, when the pressure drops below a threshold that overcomes the spring force, the piston moves in the opposite axial direction to return the clutch assembly to the disengaged configuration. However, clutch assemblies with alternative actuation architectures have been contemplated. For example, in alternative examples, the spring may be compressed when the clutch assembly is in the disengaged configuration. Still further, in other examples, the spring may be omitted from the clutch assembly.

[0032] Moving piston 234 in direction 242 moves friction plates 214 and separator plates 220 in clutch pack 204 of clutch assembly 200 into engagement. In turn, rotating connection member 208 pushes friction forces 218 and separator plates 225 in clutch pack 206 into frictional engagement. The general mechanical power path through clutch assembly 200 is indicated at 252. Figure 2B As shown, power travels from shaft 229 to drum 222, from the drum through first clutch set 204 to rotating connection member 208, and from the rotating connection member to member 227 via second clutch set 206. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative transmission configurations, the mechanical power path may travel in the opposite direction.

[0033] Figure 1-2B The description provides a method in which a first clutch group and a second clutch group in a clutch assembly are disengaged together via operation of an actuating piston. In detail, the hydraulic pressure of the fluid applied to the actuating piston can be reduced to enable the piston to return to the disengaged position via expansion of the spring. However, in other embodiments, the clutch actuation can have another suitable architecture. The method can also include engaging the clutch group together via operation of the actuating piston. For example, the pressure applied to the piston can be increased above a threshold pressure that overcomes the spring force and pushes the plates of the clutch group into frictional engagement so that torque transfer occurs between the hub and the gear. It will be understood that the clutch can be placed in a partially engaged state in which the plates of the clutch group are sliding, but torque transfer through the clutch is occurring.

[0034] The technical effect of the clutch assembly operating method described herein is to reduce clutch assembly wear by reducing the differential speed across the clutch. A stronger clutch is achieved with increased service life.

[0035] Figure 2A and 2BDrawn approximately to scale. However, in alternative examples, other relative component sizes may be used. Figure 1-2B An example configuration with relative positioning of various components is shown. If shown as directly contacting or directly connected to each other, such elements can be referred to as directly contacting or directly connected, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, at least in one example, elements shown as continuous or adjacent to each other can be respectively continuous or adjacent to each other. As an example, components placed as face-shared contact with each other can be referred to as face-shared contact. As another example, in at least one example, elements positioned to be spaced apart from each other with only a spacing space between them and no other components can be referred to as such. As another example, elements shown as above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or on the left / right of each other can be referred to as such relative to each other. In addition, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in at least one example, the topmost element or the point position of the element can be referred to as the "top" of the component, and the bottommost element or the point position of the element can be referred to as the "bottom" of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below can be relative to the vertical axis of the accompanying drawings and used to describe the positioning of the elements of the accompanying drawings relative to each other. Therefore, in one example, the element shown as above other elements is vertically positioned above the other elements. As another example, the shape of the elements depicted in the accompanying drawings may be referred to as having such a shape (e.g., such as circular, linear, planar, curved, blunt, chamfered, angled, etc.). In addition, in one example, elements coaxial with each other may be referred to as such. In addition, in at least one example, elements shown as intersecting with each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting with each other. Further, in one example, elements shown as being within another element or outside another element may be referred to as such. In other examples, elements offset from each other may be referred to as such. Further, elements coaxial or parallel to another element may be referred to as such. Further, the axis around which a component rotates may be referred to as an axis of rotation. Components fixedly coupled to each other may be referred to as such.

[0036] The present invention will be further described in the following paragraphs. In one aspect, a clutch assembly is provided, the clutch assembly comprising: a first clutch group coupled to a member via a rotational connection member; a second clutch group coupled to a roller via a rotational connection member; an actuating piston configured to actuate the first clutch group and the second clutch group; wherein the first clutch group is axially spaced from the second clutch group; and wherein the roller is coupled to a shaft.

[0037] In another aspect, a method for operating a clutch assembly is provided, the method comprising: jointly disengaging a first clutch group and a second clutch group via operation of an actuating piston; wherein the clutch assembly comprises: a rotating connection member; a first clutch group coupled to a gear via the rotating connection member; and a second clutch group coupled to a drum via the rotating connection member. In one example, the method may further comprise jointly engaging the first clutch group and the second clutch group via operation of the actuating piston.

[0038] On the other hand, a clutch assembly is provided, which includes: a first clutch group connected to a drive gear via a rotating connecting member; a second clutch group connected to a roller via a rotating connecting member; and a hydraulic piston configured to jointly actuate the first clutch group and the second clutch group, wherein the first clutch group is axially spaced apart from the second clutch group; wherein the first clutch group and the second clutch group are each connected to the rotating connecting member via a separate set of plates; and wherein the roller is connected to the shaft.

[0039] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the first clutch pack can be coupled to the component via the first set of friction plates and coupled to the rotationally connected component via the first set of separator plates.

[0040] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the second clutch set can be coupled to the rotationally connected member via a second set of friction plates and coupled to the roller via a second set of separator plates.

[0041] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the rotational connection component may be circumferentially surrounded by a portion of the drum.

[0042] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the clutch assembly can further include a return spring coupled to the actuating piston and positioned radially inward from the second clutch pack.

[0043] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the clutch assembly can further include an end plate coupled to the roller, wherein the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack can be axially positioned between the end plate and the actuating piston.

[0044] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the clutch assembly can further include a bearing coupled to the shaft and the rotationally connected member.

[0045] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the component can be a gear.

[0046] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the clutch assembly may be included in a transmission of an electric drive unit.

[0047] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the actuating piston can be a hydraulic piston.

[0048] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, during disengagement, the rotating connection component can have a different operating speed than the gear and the drum.

[0049] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, during disengagement, the drum can be coupled to the shaft and the shaft is positioned downstream of the traction motor.

[0050] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the individual sets of plates can be friction plates and / or separator plates.

[0051] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the actuating piston can be a hydraulic piston.

[0052] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the rotationally connected member, the first clutch group, and the second clutch group can be circumferentially surrounded by a portion of the drum.

[0053] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the clutch assembly may further include a controller including instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to:

[0054] The first clutch group and the second clutch group are jointly disengaged via operation of a hydraulic piston.

[0055] In any of these aspects or combinations of these aspects, the clutch assembly can further include a roller bearing or bushing coupled to the rotational connection member and the shaft.

[0056] In another representation, a wet friction clutch is provided that includes sequentially arranged clutch packs that are mechanically linked via plate carriers for plates in each clutch pack and a piston actuator configured to actuate the clutch packs in series.

[0057] It should be noted that the example control and estimation routines included herein can be used with various system (e.g., transmission) configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein can be stored in non-transitory memory as executable instructions and can be executed by a control system including a controller combined with various sensors and actuators, and other system hardware combined with an electronic controller. Therefore, the actions, operations and / or functions described can graphically represent the code in the non-transitory memory of a computer-readable storage medium that will be programmed into the vehicle and / or powertrain control system. The various actions, operations and / or functions shown can be performed in the order shown, in parallel, or omitted in some cases. Similarly, the processing order for implementing the features and advantages of the examples described herein is not necessary, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. Depending on the specific strategy used, one or more of the actions, operations and / or functions shown can be repeatedly performed. If desired, one or more method steps described herein can be omitted.

[0058] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented as examples rather than limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that the disclosed subject matter may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. Therefore, the above embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific examples should not be considered restrictive, as many variations are possible. For example, the above technology can be applied to a powertrain including different types of propulsion sources, including different types of traction motors, internal combustion engines, and / or transmissions. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations disclosed herein and other features, functions, and / or characteristics.

[0059] The appended claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations believed to be novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or a "first" element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed in this or a related application by amendment of the present claims or by presentation of new claims. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, are deemed to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly, characterized in that: The clutch assembly comprises: a first clutch pack coupled to the member via a rotational connection; a second clutch pack coupled to the drum via the rotational connection; and an actuation piston configured to actuate the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack; wherein the first clutch group is axially spaced from the second clutch group; and Wherein, the roller is coupled to a shaft.

2. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first clutch pack is coupled to the member via a first set of separator plates and to the rotationally connected member via a first set of friction plates.

3. The clutch assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second clutch pack is coupled to the rotationally connected member via a second set of friction plates and to the roller via a second set of separator plates.

4. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary connection member is circumferentially surrounded by a portion of the drum.

5. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a return spring coupled to the actuation piston and positioned radially inward from the second clutch pack.

6. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an end plate coupled to the drum, wherein the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack are axially positioned between the end plate and the actuating piston.

7. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a bearing coupled to the shaft and the rotational connection member.

8. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The component is a gear.

9. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch assembly is included in a transmission of an electric drive unit; and / or The actuating piston is a hydraulic piston.

10. The clutch assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a controller, the controller comprising instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to: The first clutch group and the second clutch group are jointly disengaged via operation of the hydraulic piston.