Torque distributing clutch device
By designing a torque distribution clutch device and adopting a dual torque transmission path consisting of an engageable friction clutch and a non-operable torsional vibration damper, the problems of complex structure and high cost of tractor dual clutches are solved, achieving more efficient torque distribution and space utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing dual-clutch tractors require multiple levers and drive bearings to engage and disengage the clutch, resulting in a complex structure, large space occupation, and high cost.
Design a torque distribution clutch device with an engageable and disengageable friction clutch and a non-operable torsional vibration damper, which transmits torque through two torque transmission paths, simplifying the structure and reducing reliance on levers and drive bearings.
It achieves reliable, space-saving, and cost-effective torque distribution, simplifies clutch operation, and reduces the need for levers and drive bearings.
Smart Images
Figure CN224120566U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to a torque distribution clutch device, particularly suitable for motor vehicles, and more preferably for tractor clutches. Background Technology
[0002] In a known dual-clutch tractor, one clutch consists of friction surfaces on a housing, friction surfaces on an axially movable pressure plate, and a driven clutch plate located between them. The pressure plate bears pressure via a spring mechanism (e.g., a disc spring). The direction of the pressure causes the clutch plate to clamp between the friction surfaces of the pressure plate and the housing to transmit torque. To partially disengage the clutch, i.e., to disengage the clutch, the pressure plate must be moved against the force of the spring mechanism.
[0003] For this purpose, multiple levers are typically used. Each lever is mounted on the housing via a rotary joint and acts on its top via a drive bearing. Each lever is connected to a pressure plate via its respective actuator, allowing the friction clutch to be disengaged via the lever. If the force on the drive bearing used for this purpose decreases, the pressure plate, under the action of a spring mechanism, presses against the clutch driven plate, thus engaging the friction clutch. The levers and drive bearings can also be moved back via the actuators.
[0004] In a tractor dual-clutch transmission, one of the two partial clutches typically functions as the power output clutch, used to operate implements attached to the tractor. The other partial clutch is typically used as a shifting or starting clutch. When both clutches are engaged, the torque of the tractor's internal combustion engine is divided into two parts: the power output torque and the tractor gearbox torque.
[0005] Like a dual-clutch transmission in a tractor, a torque distribution clutch also has two torque paths. However, unlike a dual-clutch transmission in a tractor, a torque distribution clutch has only one friction clutch, which is designed as a single clutch, i.e., not a dual-clutch transmission with two separately driven partial clutches. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a torque distribution clutch device that is reliable, space-saving, and cost-effective.
[0007] According to this disclosure, this problem is solved by a torque distribution clutch device having a first torque transmission path through which torque can be transmitted in an engaging and disengaging manner from the input component of the clutch device to a first output hub of the clutch device via a friction clutch, and a second torque transmission path through which torque from the same input component can be transmitted in an inoperable manner to a second output hub of the clutch device, wherein a torsional vibration damper having at least one output flange is arranged in the second torque transmission path between the input component and the second output hub, wherein the output flange is non-rotatably connected to the second output hub, wherein the input component is an annular clutch housing, and the inner edge of the clutch housing centers the torsional vibration damper in the radial direction of the clutch device.
[0008] The term "output hub" is generally understood as a device through which torque is transmitted to another device in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the term "output hub" should be understood as a component on the output side of a clutch device, especially an internal toothed component, through which torque is transmitted to a shaft, especially an external toothed shaft, in a rotationally fixed manner. Besides the spline-type meshing mentioned above, frictional connections (e.g., by contraction) or material connections (e.g., by welding) can also be used.
[0009] The term "inoperable" should be understood as meaning that torque can be transmitted from the input component to the second output hub without the need for an operable device, specifically an operable friction clutch or positive lock-up clutch that could interrupt torque transmission. Torque transmission can be entirely torsional rigid or flexible, for example, by installing a torsional vibration damper. Therefore, the term "inoperable" also specifically means "without interruption of torque transmission" or "without a device that could interrupt torque transmission."
[0010] Preferably, the friction clutch in the first torque transmission path includes a clutch disc, the friction lining of which is preferably non-rotatably connected to the first output hub.
[0011] Preferably, the friction clutch is designed as a normally closed friction clutch.
[0012] Preferably, a torsional vibration damper, preferably an arc spring damper, is arranged on the second torque transmission path between the input component and the second output hub, and the output flange is designed to be non-rotatable relative to the second output hub.
[0013] In addition, the input component is preferably designed as a clutch housing, with its inner side facing the pressure plate of the friction clutch, and can move to a limited extent in the axial direction of the clutch device, while its outer side faces away from the pressure plate.
[0014] The spring mechanism of the friction clutch, preferably a disc spring, is supported on the inner side of the clutch housing, and more preferably on an axially protruding convex portion, so as to act on the pressure plate from the inside.
[0015] Preferably, multiple tiltable control levers are arranged on the outside of the clutch housing, and these control levers are distributed along the circumference of the clutch device and act on the pressure plate.
[0016] Preferably, the input flange of the torsional vibration damper is rotatably fixed to the inside of the clutch housing.
[0017] The clutch housing is preferably annular, and the inner edge of the clutch housing centers the torsional vibration damper in the radial direction of the clutch device, preferably centering the spring channel of the torsional vibration damper.
[0018] Preferably, the inner diameter of the first output hub is smaller than the inner diameter of the second output hub. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The present disclosure will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a torque distribution clutch device is shown in a half-sectional view. The torque distribution clutch device includes an input component, a first output hub, and a second output hub.
[0021] Figure 2: Figure 1 Another half-sectional view of the first embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device, the figure being viewed relative to... Figure 1 It is drawn as a cross-section rotating along the circumference.
[0022] Figure 3: Figure 1 and Figure 2 A semi-perspective sectional view of the input component of the torque distribution clutch device, which is designed as a clutch housing;
[0023] Figure 4: Half-sectional view of a second embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device;
[0024] Figure 5: Figure 4 Another half-sectional view of the second embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device, the view being viewed through a perspective relative to... Figure 4 Draw a cross-section rotating along the circumference;
[0025] Figure 6: Cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device, and
[0026] Figure 7: Cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device.
[0027] Figures 1 to 7 show four preferred embodiments of the torque distribution clutch device 1 (also known as the "torque distribution clutch"). Detailed Implementation
[0028] This torque distribution clutch device 1 is particularly suitable for tractors equipped with automatic or automated shift or drive transmissions. The output shaft of the work equipment fixed on the tractor can be connected or disconnected from the crankshaft 3 of the tractor's internal combustion engine via a first torque transmission path, which can be engaged and disengaged by a friction clutch 2. The automatic or automated shift or drive transmission is connected to the crankshaft 3 of the tractor's internal combustion engine via a non-operable second torque transmission path. Typically, this shift or drive transmission has an automatically operating friction clutch and an automatically operating (countershaft) gearbox or torque converter with planetary gears.
[0029] Features not explicitly described as essential to this disclosure in the following description should be understood as optional features.
[0030] Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment relates to a torque distribution clutch device 1. The torque distribution clutch device 1 has a first torque transmission path and a second torque transmission path. Through the first torque transmission path, torque can be transmitted from the input component 9 of the torque distribution clutch device 1 to the first output hub 11 of the torque distribution clutch device 1 via an engageable and disengageable friction clutch 2. Furthermore, without operation, torque can be transmitted from the same input component 9 to the second output hub 12 of the torque distribution clutch device 1 via the second torque transmission path; this transmission is "non-operable". The two output hubs 11 and 12 define the axis of rotation of the torque distribution clutch device 1.
[0031] The output hubs 11 and 12 can generally be understood as devices that, in each case, transmit torque to another device in a rotationally fixed manner. Specifically, the output hubs 11 and 12 can be understood as a component on the output side of the torque distribution clutch device 1, particularly an internal toothed component, through which torque is transmitted in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft, particularly an external toothed shaft. In addition to the spline-type meshing mentioned above, frictional connections (e.g., by contraction) or material connections (e.g., by welding) can also be used.
[0032] The characteristic of "inoperability" should be understood as the ability of torque to be transmitted from the input component 9 to the second output hub 12 without the need for an operating device, specifically an operable friction clutch 2 or a positive locking clutch, by which torque transmission could be interrupted. Torque transmission can be entirely rigid or flexible, for example, achieved by installing a torsional vibration damper 19. Therefore, the term "inoperability" also specifically means "without interruption of torque transmission" or "without a device that could interrupt torque transmission."
[0033] Specifically, the crankshaft 3 of the tractor's internal combustion engine is non-rotatably connected to the flywheel 4 of the torque distribution clutch device 1. Preferably, the flywheel 4 also forms the counter-pressure plate 5 of the friction clutch 2, which cannot move along the axial direction A of the torque distribution clutch device 1, i.e., it remains stationary. The counter-pressure plate 5 is firmly connected to the input component 9 of the torque distribution clutch device 1, which is designed as a clutch housing 10. The clutch housing 10 has an inner side 13 and an outer side 14. The inner side 13 faces the pressure plate 6 of the friction clutch 2, which can move within a limited range along the axial direction A, while the outer side is away from the pressure plate 6. The pressure plate 6 is supported in the clutch housing 10, preventing it from rotating, but allowing it to move within a limited range along the axial direction A.
[0034] The pressure plate 5, pressure plate 6, and clutch housing 10, together with the clutch disc 7, constitute the main components of the friction clutch 2. In the engaged state of the friction clutch 2, the friction lining 8 of the clutch disc 7 is frictionally clamped between the pressure plate 5 on one side and the pressure plate 6 on the other side. The pressure plate 6 can move within a limited range along the axial direction A. Therefore, in the engaged state of the friction clutch 2, torque is transmitted from the internal combustion engine crankshaft 3 through the flywheel 4 / pressure plate 5 and input component 9 / clutch housing 10 to the friction lining 8 of the clutch disc 7 along the first torque transmission path. In the illustrated embodiment, the friction lining is rigidly connected to the first output hub 11 via a lining bracket 18.
[0035] In Figures 2 and 4 through 7 below, for clarity, the counterpressure disc 5 with the first output hub 11 and the clutch disc 7 are not shown.
[0036] Furthermore, the friction clutch 2 has operating levers 25 distributed in the circumferential direction U of the torque distribution clutch device 1 and arranged to tilt on the outer side 14 of the clutch housing 10. A preload is applied to each operating lever 25 by a preload spring 28, specifically to prevent them from making noise when not in use.
[0037] The operating lever 25 extends radially R along the torque distribution clutch device 1. It acts on the pressure plate 6 via the actuating rods 26, which are distributed in the circumferential direction U and extend axially A, to engage the pressure plate 6, i.e., establish a frictional connection between the pressure plate 6, the counter-pressure plate 5, and the clutch disc 7, or disengage the frictional connection between the pressure plate 6, the counter-pressure plate 5, and the clutch disc 7. The actuating rod 26 can be used as a push rod or a pull rod.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the friction clutch 2 is designed as a normally engaged friction clutch 2, meaning that the friction clutch 2 is engaged in the non-engaged state via a spring device 15 within the friction clutch 2. For this purpose, the spring device 15 is preferably designed as a disc spring 16. The disc spring 16 is supported on a support protrusion 24 in its outer circumferential region. The support protrusion 24 protrudes axially A from the inner side 13 of the clutch housing 10, particularly from its base, and is distributed circumferentially U, particularly independently, so as to act on the pressure plate 6 away from the inner side 13. In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the diameter of the support protrusion is smaller than the wall portion of the clutch housing 10, which also extends axially A, allowing the clutch housing 10 to be securely screwed or tightened onto the flywheel 4. The wall portion is preferably distributed circumferentially U.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner circumferential region of the disc spring 16 is also supported on the pressure plate 6, more specifically, on the inner circumferential region of the annular pressure plate 6. When the friction clutch 2 is engaged, the disc spring 16 is tapered. In the driving and disengaged states of the friction clutch 2, the taper of the disc spring 16 decreases, that is, the disc spring 16 becomes approximately flat.
[0040] In the second torque transmission path of the torque distribution clutch device 1, the aforementioned torsional vibration damper 19 is mounted between the input component 9 or the clutch housing 10 and the second output hub 12. The torsional vibration damper 19 is preferably designed as an arc-shaped spring damper. The drive side of the torsional vibration damper 19 has at least one input flange 20, which is torsionally fixed to the inner side 13 of the clutch housing 10. Specifically, the input flange 20 is connected to the clutch housing 10 in the circumferential direction U, between adjacent support protrusions 24. Furthermore, the connection diameter between the torsional vibration damper 19 and the clutch housing 10 is smaller than the diameter of the support protrusion 24.
[0041] The clutch housing 10 is annular, and its inner edge 27 in the radial direction R, or more precisely, the inner edge 27 of the bottom of the cup-shaped clutch housing 10, centers the torsional vibration damper 19. Specifically, the radially outer region of the spring channel 23 is adjacent to the inner edge 27 of the clutch housing 10, in which the spring of the torsional vibration damper 19 is arranged, preferably an arc-shaped spring 22.
[0042] The torsional vibration damper 19 also has at least one output flange 21 through which one output side of the torsional vibration damper 19 is non-rotatably connected to or integrated with the second output hub 12.
[0043] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter 29 of the first output hub 11 is smaller than the inner diameter 30 of the second output hub 12, so that the first output hub 11 can be mounted on the central shaft, which is located inside the hollow shaft on which the second output hub 12 is mounted.
[0044] In the embodiments described below, only the differences from the first embodiment will be discussed. The same reference numerals denote the same features.
[0045] The second embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5 differs from the first embodiment in that the diameters of the arc spring 22 and the spring channel 23 of the torsional vibration damper 19 are larger than those of the first embodiment.
[0046] This means that the torsional vibration damper 19 cannot be centered on the inner edge 27 of the clutch housing 10. Instead, the torsional vibration damper 19 is attached to a wall of the clutch housing 10 extending axially along A. Centering can be achieved by a collar portion located at the transition between the wall and the bottom of the clutch housing 10.
[0047] This also means that a support protrusion 24 cannot be provided for the disc spring 16 in this area. Instead, the disc spring 16 is supported in the axial end region of the clutch housing 10 wall, which greatly increases the installation space required for the torque distribution clutch device 1 in the axial direction A.
[0048] Since the support is not provided by a separate support protrusion 24, but by a cut in the wall portion, it is impossible to manufacture a protrusion on which the disc spring 16 can tilt without extensive milling. Instead, to simplify milling, the support of the disc spring 16 is designed to be flat, which necessitates the insertion of additional wire coils to avoid hindering the tilting of the disc spring 16.
[0049] Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device 1, which also lacks a separate or independent support protrusion 24. Instead, a torsional vibration damper 19 with a compression spring is used. This damper is not pre-centered through contact with the clutch housing 10, but is instead rotatably fixed to the clutch housing 10 via an input flange 20 on the inner side 13 of the clutch housing 10. Compared to the first embodiment, this significantly increases the installation space required for the axial direction A.
[0050] Unlike the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the fourth embodiment of the torque distribution clutch device 1 shown in Figure 7 is equipped with a normally disengaged friction clutch 2, i.e., a friction clutch 2 that disengages in the non-starting state. A disc spring 17 replaces the disc spring 16. The arrangement and connection of the torsional vibration damper 19 are similar to those in the second embodiment.
[0051] The foregoing embodiments relate to a torque distribution clutch device 1, which has a first torque transmission path through which torque can be transmitted from the input component 9 of the clutch device 1 to the first output hub 11 of the clutch device 1 in an engaging and disengaging manner via a friction clutch 2; and also has a second torque transmission path through which torque is transmitted in an inoperable manner from the same input component 9 to the second output hub 12 of the clutch device 1.
[0052] Reference Symbol List
[0053] 1. Torque distribution clutch device
[0054] 2 Friction Clutch
[0055] 3 crankshafts
[0056] 4 flywheels
[0057] 5 counter-pressure plates
[0058] 6 pressure plate
[0059] 7. Clutch disc
[0060] 8 Friction Liner
[0061] 9 input components
[0062] 10 Clutch Housing
[0063] 11 First Output Hub
[0064] 12 Second Output Hub
[0065] 13. Inner side of clutch housing
[0066] 14. The outer side of the clutch housing
[0067] 15 Spring Device
[0068] 16 disc springs
[0069] 17 coil spring
[0070] 18 Liner Bracket
[0071] 19 Torsional Vibration Damper
[0072] 20 Input Flange
[0073] 21 Output Flange
[0074] 22-curved spring
[0075] 23 Spring Channel
[0076] 24 support convex part
[0077] 25 joysticks
[0078] 26 Actuating rod
[0079] 27. Inner edge of clutch housing
[0080] 28 Preload Spring
[0081] 29. Inner diameter of the first output hub
[0082] 30 Inner diameter of the second output hub
[0083] Axial axis
[0084] D-axis of rotation
[0085] R radial
[0086] U-shaped circumferential direction.
Claims
1. Torque distribution clutch device (1) having a first torque transmission path, through which torque can be transmitted from an input member (9) of the clutch device (1) to a first output hub (11) of the clutch device (1) in an engageable and disengageable manner via a friction clutch (2), and having a second torque transmission path, through which torque from the same input member (9) can be transmitted to a second output hub (12) of the clutch device (1) in an inoperable manner, wherein A torsional vibration damper (19) having at least one output flange (21) is arranged in a second torque transmission path between the input component (9) and the second output hub (12), wherein the output flange (21) is non-rotatably connected to the second output hub (12); wherein the input component (9) is an annular clutch housing (10), and the inner edge (27) of the clutch housing (10) centers the torsional vibration damper (19) in the radial (R) direction of the clutch assembly (1).
2. The torque-distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The friction clutch (2) on the first torque transmission path includes a clutch disc (7) with friction linings (8) which are non-rotatably connected to the first output hub (11).
3. The torque-distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The friction clutch (2) is designed as a normally closed friction clutch.
4. The torque-distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The clutch housing (10) has an inner side (13) facing the pressure plate (6) of the friction clutch (2), the pressure plate (6) being movable to a limited extent in the axial (A) direction of the clutch assembly (1), and an outer side (14) away from the pressure plate (6).
5. The torque distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spring device (15) of the friction clutch (2) is supported on the inner side (13) of the clutch housing (10) to act on the pressure plate away from the inner side (13).
6. The torque-distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that Multiple tiltable levers (25) are arranged on the outer side (14) of the clutch housing (10), which are distributed along the circumferential direction (U) of the clutch device (1) and act on the pressure plate (6).
7. The torque-distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The input flange (20) of the torsional vibration damper (19) is rotatably fixed to the inside (13) of the clutch housing (10).
8. The torque-distribution clutch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner diameter (29) of the first output hub (11) is smaller than the inner diameter (30) of the second output hub (12).