Power transmission device

Abstract

Power transmission device (1) with - an entrance (E) and an exit (A), - a hydrodynamic component (3) arranged between inlet (E) and outlet (A), comprising at least one pump impeller (P) and one turbine impeller (T) which together form a working chamber (13) and a switchable coupling device (4) for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component (3), comprising a first coupling part (7) connected to the inlet (E) and a second coupling part (8) connected at least indirectly to the outlet (A), which can be brought into operative contact with each other via an actuating device (9), - a device (22) for damping vibrations, at least downstream of the switchable clutch device in the power flow, with at least one damper input (23) and one damper output (24), which are coupled to each other via means (26) for torque transmission and damping coupling, - a housing (17) coupled to the inlet (E) or to an element non-rotatably connected to it and the pump impeller (P), which, forming an intermediate space (15), encloses the switchable coupling device (4) and the device (22) for damping vibrations, - Means (40) for separating a channel and / or chamber (19) from the space (15) to generate a directed flow via the switchable coupling device (4), wherein the chamber (19) is formed by the actuating device (9) and a pressure-tight wall (41) arranged between the second coupling part (8) and the outlet (A) or a rotationally fixed element connected thereto, wherein the switchable coupling device (4) is designed in a lamellar construction, wherein each coupling part (7, 8) comprises a carrier (27, 30) and friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements (28, 29) which are guided axially displaceably on this carrier and are rotationally fixed to it, characterized in that the wall (41) is formed by a sealing element, in particular a sealing plate (36), which is rotationally fixed to the second coupling part (8) and to the damper inlet (23), wherein the coupling of the sealing element (36) with the second coupling part (8) on a common diameter is carried out with the connection of the second coupling part (8) with the damper inlet (23) using the same connecting elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a power transmission device with an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component arranged between the input and the output, comprising at least a pump impeller and a turbine impeller forming a working chamber, a switchable clutch device for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a first clutch part connected to the input and a second clutch part connected at least indirectly to the output, which can be brought into operative contact with each other via an actuating device, a device for damping vibrations located at least downstream of the switchable clutch device in the power flow, and a housing coupled to the input or to an element non-rotatably connected to it and to the pump impeller.which, forming an intermediate space, encloses the switchable coupling device and the device for damping vibrations and is equipped with means for separating a channel and / or chamber from the intermediate space to generate a directed flow over the switchable coupling device.

[0002] Power transmission devices for use in motor vehicles are known in various designs from the prior art. These comprise a hydrodynamic component and a switchable clutch device for bypassing power transmission via the hydrodynamic component. The flow within the power transmission device is such that the hydrodynamic component is subjected to either centrifugal or centripetal flow. In one operating mode of the hydrodynamic component, the fluid is not only circulated within the working chamber but also routed through an external cooling circuit outside the hydrodynamic component. Furthermore, even when the clutch is bypassed, the operating fluid remains within the power transmission device and is routed through an external circuit for cooling purposes.The fluid is generally guided through the space bounded by the housing of the power transmission device and the outer circumference of the hydrodynamic component. Particularly in two-channel designs, where the power transmission device is characterized by at least two ports and the actuation of the switchable clutch's actuator is controlled by the pressure differential between these ports, the fluid is guided through the switchable clutch for cooling purposes. In contrast, three-channel designs are characterized by a separate, pressurized chamber for the actuator, which, via a third port, allows for free adjustment of the actuation pressure. The switchable clutch is generally designed as a friction clutch, typically a multi-plate clutch with multiple plates.However, slip operation leads to significant heating and stress on the friction linings. Insufficient cooling, abrasion and decomposition components of the friction linings, as well as waste products in the fluid, further impair the function and reliability of the switchable clutch system.

[0003] From German patent application DE 103 50 935 A1, an embodiment of a power transmission device is known in which measures are taken to restrict the oil flow in certain areas, thus generally generating a pressure increase within the housing. In the first solution described in this embodiment, at least one additional resistance element for the oil flow is arranged between the inside of the converter housing and the outer circumference of the turbine wheel, preventing the oil flow from passing through this space unimpeded. This additional element is formed by the switchable clutch assembly itself. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the oil flow can be increased by forming channels in at least one of the friction plates.

[0004] In a three-channel converter design, as described in WO 2007 / 079713 A1, a pressure-tight additional wall is provided, which is attached to the side of the piston element and faces the first chamber, thereby creating a gap between the piston element and the additional wall. This additional wall is essentially oil-tight against the lamellae facing the piston and simultaneously enables hydraulic separation from the adjacent pressure chambers, in particular the intermediate space and the separate chamber supplied with operating fluids.

[0005] Document WO 2007 / 048505 A1 discloses an embodiment in which the plates of the switchable clutch assembly, which are actuated by a piston element, guide hydraulic fluid along the clutch plates to a torsional damper. The hydraulic fluid, which is guided through the pressure chamber for the piston element of the actuating device of the switchable clutch assembly, is then directed along the clutch plates into the torque converter interior, thereby achieving a highly effective cooling measure.

[0006] A generic embodiment of a power transmission device is known from German patent application DE 197 22 151 A1. This device comprises an inlet and an outlet, a hydrodynamic component arranged between the inlet and outlet, comprising at least one pump impeller and one turbine impeller forming a working chamber, and a switchable coupling device for at least partially bypassing the hydrodynamic component, comprising a first coupling part connected to the inlet and a second coupling part connected at least indirectly to the outlet. A device for damping vibrations is arranged downstream of the switchable coupling device and the hydrodynamic component in the direction of power flow.The power transmission device further comprises a housing coupled to the inlet or to an element non-rotatably connected thereto and to the impeller, which, forming an intermediate space, encloses the switchable coupling device and the vibration damping device. Means for creating a flow circuit between the working chamber and the intermediate space are provided, wherein means for generating a directed flow over the switchable coupling device are arranged in the intermediate space. These means, forming a channel, guide the flow medium directly into the area of ​​the switchable coupling device, this channel being realized by connecting the second coupling part to the vibration damping device. At the switchable coupling device, the operating medium flowing through the power transmission device exits at the outer circumference after being deflected.The disadvantage of this design is that not all of the operating medium is routed through the switchable clutch device, but rather through the damper.

[0007] Regarding further state of the art, reference is made to DE 10 2006 009 987 A1, DE 10 2007 005 999 A1, DE 11 2008 000 749 T5, DE 10 2006 042 441 A1 and WO 2008 / 043 331 A1.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of designing and constructing a power transmission device of the type mentioned above, in particular a three-channel design, in such a way as to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to achieve effective cooling of the switchable clutch assembly in order to increase the service life of the friction linings and thus the availability of the switchable clutch assembly. The controllability of the switchable clutch assembly is to be improved by avoiding excessive temperature-related fluctuations in the clutch's coefficient of friction.

[0009] The problem according to the invention is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] A power transmission device with an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component arranged between the input and the output, comprising at least a pump impeller and a turbine impeller forming a working chamber, with a switchable coupling device for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a first coupling part connected to the input and a second coupling part connected at least indirectly to the output, which can be brought into operative contact with each other via an actuating device, with a device for damping vibrations located downstream of the switchable coupling device in the power flow, with a housing coupled to the input or to an element non-rotatably connected to it and to the pump impeller,which, forming an intermediate space, encloses the switchable coupling device and the device for damping vibrations and is equipped with means for separating a channel and / or chamber from the intermediate space to generate a directed flow over the switchable coupling device, is characterized in that the chamber is formed by the actuating device and a pressure-tight wall arranged between the second coupling part and the outlet or an element non-rotatably connected to it.

[0011] The solution according to the invention makes it possible to direct a defined volume flow from the external cooling circuit of the hydrodynamic component to the switchable clutch device, ensuring sufficient cooling of the switchable clutch device, which is operated with a pressure medium, in particular oil, under all operating conditions. This improves the cooling of the switchable clutch device, reducing the maximum temperatures generated at the friction surfaces by frictional losses and preventing damage to the operating medium and the friction linings of the switchable clutch device caused by excessively high temperatures.

[0012] The solution according to the invention makes it possible to actively direct the fluid circulated in the hydrodynamic component, which is guided via an external cooling circuit, to the coupling package by reducing the many theoretically possible paths of the fluid through the power transmission device to the hydrodynamic component to a single path.

[0013] The means for generating a directed flow to the switchable coupling device via only a portion of the interstitial space are characterized by the provision of at least one channel or flow chamber that is separated from the remaining interstitial space. This separation can be achieved in various ways. According to a first embodiment, the existing components are designed and arranged to enable the formation of the additional channel or pressure chamber. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, separate elements are installed that can be easily retrofitted into existing systems. The additional wall is formed, at least in part, by the second coupling component.

[0014] According to a first embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable to design the second coupling part of the switchable coupling device such that it, together with the piston element, separates a space or channel from the gap formed by the outer circumference of the hydrodynamic component and the inner circumference of the housing. For this purpose, the second coupling part, in particular the lamellar carrier of the second coupling part, is designed in the radial direction such that it is extended as far inwards as possible towards the axis of rotation and is guided pressure-tight at the respective connection element, in particular the outlet or an element non-rotatably connected to it.

[0015] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the described additional wall is formed by a connecting element on the second coupling part, in particular the inlet of a device for damping vibrations. In this case, the damper inlet is preferably designed as a driven disc that extends radially into the area of ​​the connecting hub. Here, too, a sealing device is provided between the driven disc and the connecting hub.

[0016] In both cases, the shape of the additional wall is determined according to the desired flow pattern. Sealing the respective element, in particular the second coupling part or the damper inlet, against the connecting element, especially the output of the power transmission device or the transmission input shaft, or an element rigidly coupled to it, can be achieved simply by means of sealing devices, in particular sealing rings.

[0017] The embodiments according to the second solution approach of the invention allow for the simple retrofitting of the additional cooling measure into existing systems. This requires only an additional disc-shaped element, in particular a sealing plate, which is also guided in a pressure-tight manner relative to the outlet or to an element non-rotatably connected to it and is non-rotatably connected to the second coupling part, whereby this element, together with the second coupling part and the actuating device, forms the aforementioned channel or chamber. Advantageously, the connection between the sealing plate and the second coupling part is made on the same diameter as the connection between the second coupling part and the vibration damping device, utilizing the same connecting elements.

[0018] The solution according to the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. The following details are shown therein: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a first variant according to a first embodiment using a section of an axial section of a power transmission device; Fig. Figure 2 illustrates, in a schematically simplified representation, a second variant according to the first solution approach according to the invention; Fig. Figure 3 illustrates, in a schematically simplified representation, an implementation according to the second solution approach according to the invention.

[0019] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates, in a highly simplified schematic representation, the basic principle and function of a power transmission device 1 according to a first embodiment designed according to the invention, comprising at least one input E and one output A, wherein the input E can be connected, at least indirectly and non-rotatably, to a drive motor (not shown here). The output A is, for example, connected to a further power-receiving and power-transmitting component, in particular a gearbox, arranged in the power flow of the drive train, wherein the output A is formed either by the gearbox input shaft 2 or by an element non-rotatably connected to it. The input E and the output A are preferably arranged coaxially with each other.Between input E and output A, a hydrodynamic component 3 and a switchable coupling device 4 are arranged in the direction of power flow, forming a first hydrodynamic power branch 5 and a second mechanical power branch 6. The switchable coupling device 4 and the hydrodynamic component 3 are preferably arranged in parallel and can be switched at least in parallel. This means that the power flow can occur either solely via one of the two components – the hydrodynamic component 3 or the switchable coupling device 4 – or via both together in a power split. The hydrodynamic component 3 comprises at least one pump impeller P connected to input E in a rotationally fixed manner and a turbine impeller T connected to output A of the power transmission device 1 in a rotationally fixed manner.In the illustrated case, the hydrodynamic component 3 is preferably designed as a hydrodynamic speed / torque converter. This includes at least one further guide wheel L, which serves as a reaction element for the speed / torque conversion. The hydrodynamic speed / torque converter thus functions as a hydrodynamic transmission, in which a speed conversion always necessitates a torque conversion. However, an embodiment solely as a hydrodynamic clutch is also conceivable. In this case, the hydrodynamic component 3 is free of a guide wheel and functions only as a speed converter. The switchable clutch assembly 4 is preferably designed as a friction clutch assembly. The design is preferably a friction clutch in disc construction.The switchable clutch assembly comprises a first clutch part 7, which is at least indirectly rotationally fixed to the input E, and a second clutch part 8, which is at least indirectly rotationally fixed to the output A of the power transmission device 1, wherein the first clutch part 7 and the second clutch part 8 can be brought into operative contact with each other at least indirectly, i.e., directly or via further transmission elements, via an actuating device 9. In a disc-type design of the switchable clutch assembly 4, the first clutch part 7 and the second clutch part 8 each comprise at least one disc-shaped element, which has friction surface-bearing areas that can be brought into operative contact with each other by a piston element 10 of the actuating device 9, which can be actuated by a chamber 11 pressurised with a pressure medium.The chamber 11, which can be pressurized with a pressure medium, is formed by the pressure- and fluid-tight guide of the piston element 10 between the inlet E and the outlet A, or by an element that is non-rotatably connected to each of these. Preferably, the piston element 10 is non-rotatably coupled to either the inlet E or the outlet A. The chamber 11, which can be pressurized with a pressure medium, has at least one connection 12, via which the pressure in the chamber 11 can be freely, i.e., variably, adjusted.

[0020] The switchable coupling device 4 is designed here as a multi-plate coupling, comprising in the first coupling part 7 a carrier 27 in the form of an outer plate carrier, which is rotationally fixed to the input E, and friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements 28 in the form of plates, which are guided axially displaceably on this carrier and rotationally fixed to it and which are coupled to it. These friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements 28 can be brought into operative contact with friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements 29 of the second coupling part 8. The friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements 29 of the second coupling part 8 are also designed as plates and are guided on a carrier 30, which is designed as an inner plate carrier and is at least indirectly rotationally fixed, here via a device 22 for damping vibrations, to the output A.The individual disc-shaped elements 28 and 29 form friction surfaces in the areas that can be frictionally connected to one another, which can be brought into operative contact by forming friction pairs. The piston element 10 of the actuating device 9 of the switchable clutch device 4 is guided by the support 27, which is non-rotatably connected to the input E in the area of ​​the outer circumference 31 of the piston element. Guidance relative to the output A is provided by the output hub 25, which is non-rotatably coupled to the output hub. For pressure- and fluid-tight guidance, sealing devices 33 and 34 are provided on the outer circumference 31 and the inner circumference 32 of the piston element 10, respectively. These are designed as movable sealing devices.

[0021] The hydrodynamic component 3 can be subjected to centrifugal or centripetal flow. The flow direction depends on the pressure difference between the pressure in the working chamber 13 and the space 15 of the power transmission device 1 formed by the outer circumference 18 of the hydrodynamic component 3 and the inner circumference 16 of the housing 17. In the operating mode of the power transmission device 1 with power flow via the hydrodynamic component 3, operating fluid is introduced into the working chamber 13 in the region of the outer circumference 18 of the hydrodynamic component 3 and into the separation gap located between the pump impeller P and the turbine impeller T. Due to the rotation of the pump impeller P, a flow cycle is generated between the impellers, which is also referred to as the working cycle.Furthermore, in the region of the inner diameter 14 of the working chamber 13, operating fluid is extracted from the working circuit located in the working chamber 13 and, for cooling purposes, is routed out of the hydrodynamic component 3 and returned to the working chamber 13 via the intermediate space 15 in the power transmission device 1. The flow direction can also be reversed in hydrodynamic operation. In purely mechanical power transmission via the switchable coupling device 4, the hydrodynamic component 3 is bypassed, and the flow direction is generally reversed compared to purely hydrodynamic operation.

[0022] The flow direction through the power transmission device 1 in the individual operating modes can vary depending on the control of the individual chambers, in particular between centrifugal and centripetal at the hydrodynamic component 3. In each case, at least a portion of the flow medium is guided through a circuit, which, depending on the design, can be closed or open and is formed between the working chamber 13 and the intermediate space 15. According to the invention, the flow medium is now guided in the intermediate space 15 in a concentrated manner via the switchable coupling device 4.For this purpose, means 40 are provided for separating a channel and / or chamber 19 from the intermediate space 15 to generate a directed flow via the switchable coupling device 4. By means of these means, a chamber 19 is separated from the intermediate space 15 in the area of ​​the switchable coupling device 4, in particular between the second coupling part 8 and outlet A, through which the flow medium is specifically fed to the switchable coupling device 4. The flow is then guided via the elements of the switchable coupling device 4 that can be brought into operative contact with each other and from these elements back into the remaining intermediate space 15 to the hydrodynamic component 3. This ensures that in the Fig. In the case shown in Figure 1 with centripetal flow, the cooling medium circulated via the hydrodynamic component 3 is actively directed to the switchable coupling device 4 in the form of the flow medium by significantly restricting the possible flow paths and concentrating them directly towards the coupling 4. Regarding the specific design of this additional chamber 19, separated from the intermediate space 15, there are numerous possibilities, which depend essentially on the design of the switchable coupling device 4, in particular the second coupling part 8, and the coupling with the respective connection element on the second coupling part 8. All of them have in common that the chamber 19 is formed by the actuating device 9 and a pressure-tight wall 41 arranged between the second coupling part 8 and the outlet A or a rotationally fixed element connected to it.Wall 41 can be produced in different ways. According to the [document / reference]... Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, this is formed at least partially by the second coupling part 8 and by a connecting element to the second coupling part 8. This connecting element is formed by the device 22 for damping vibrations, which is located downstream of both the switchable coupling device 4 and the hydrodynamic component 3 in the power flow. The device 22 is arranged axially between the switchable coupling device 4 and the hydrodynamic component 3 when viewed in the installation position between inlet E and outlet A. It is positioned in the space 15, which is bounded by the inner circumference 16 of the housing 17 of the power transmission device 1 and the outer circumference 18 of the hydrodynamic component 3. The second coupling part 8 is coupled to the damper inlet 23 of the device 22 for damping vibrations.According to the invention, the chamber 19, and thus the flow path, is limited by the coupling between the second coupling part 8 and the damper inlet 23. The device 22 for damping vibrations further comprises a damper outlet 24, which is connected at least indirectly, i.e., directly or via further transmission elements, here, for example, a so-called output hub 25, which is also referred to as a damper hub, wherein the damper inlet 23 and the damper outlet 24 are arranged coaxially to each other, but are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction within limits. The coupling between the damper inlet 23 and the damper outlet 24 is effected via means 26 for torque transmission and damping coupling. The functions of torque transmission and damping coupling can be performed by the same elements or by different elements.The device 22 for damping vibrations can further be designed with only one or a plurality of damper stages, which describe damper arrangements that are referred to as series dampers or parallel dampers.

[0023] The connecting element to the switchable coupling device 4 for forming the wall 41 is formed here by the damper inlet 23. This comprises two drive discs 23.1, 23.2 arranged axially on both sides of the damper outlet 24, wherein the drive disc 23.1 facing the switchable coupling device 4 extends radially in the direction of the axis of rotation R to the outer circumference of the output hub 25, which is formed by the damper hub. A sealing device 42 is provided between the output hub 25 and the drive disc 23.1. The rotationally fixed connection 43 between the damper inlet 23 and the second coupling part 8 is preferably achieved via positive-locking, permanent connections.For complete sealing, a further sealing device, not shown here, can be provided between the second coupling part 8, in particular the flange area extending radially towards the axis of rotation R, and the damper inlet 23. This is then provided in the area of ​​the connection 43, preferably, however, on a larger diameter in the radial direction and runs circumferentially.

[0024] The rotationally fixed connection 43 of the carrier 30, in the form of the inner lamellar carrier, to the damper inlet 23 can be made in the usual manner over a relatively large diameter. Furthermore, no modifications to the carrier 30 are required. The second connection 21 is arranged axially between the piston element 10 and the damper inlet 23 and extends through the output hub 25. To allow the cooling medium to exit the switchable clutch assembly 4 directly, openings 37 are advantageously provided in the carrier 27, in the form of the outer lamellar carrier, which allow passage from the switchable clutch assembly 4 into the intermediate space 15. The flow through the switchable clutch assembly 4 can thus occur directly in the radial direction via the shortest path, free from deflections between the individual friction surfaces supporting elements 28, 29.

[0025] The uniform flow direction results in lower flow resistance, as the flow does not need to be deflected by 180° at the outer diameter of the friction surface-bearing elements 28, 29. Furthermore, in addition to the drag flow effect, the radial pumping effect can be used to increase the self-pumping effect within the grooves. To ensure that the fluid is well distributed between the individual friction surface-bearing elements, these are either equipped with through-holes in the region of their inner diameter, or the rotationally fixed connection has such tolerances that no sealing contact occurs with the support 30 in the region of the inner circumference.

[0026] The power transmission device 1 is designed as at least a three-channel unit, i.e., it forms at least three different chambers, each of which can be connected to a port. In the illustrated case, the three different chambers are the working chamber 13, to which a first port 20 is assigned; the intermediate chamber 15, to which a further port 21 is assigned, which, according to the invention, is now connected to the chamber 19; and the chamber 11, which can be pressurized with a pressure medium and to which port 12 is assigned in order to variably pressurize the chamber 11. The coupling between the first port 20 and the second port 21 is designed to be pressure- and liquid-tight with respect to port 12.For this purpose, a further sealing device 38 is provided, which is arranged between the output hub 25 and the transmission input shaft 2, in particular the inner circumference or a part forming an inner circumference of the output hub 25 and an outer circumference or part forming an outer circumference of the transmission input shaft 2.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a further development according to an implementation of Fig. 1, in which the flow path is formed via the chamber 19 on the radially inner support 30 of the second coupling part 8. For this purpose, the inner plate support is designed and configured radially such that it is guided on the output hub 25 or the transmission input shaft 2. Preferably, the guidance is pressure- and fluid-tight by providing the inner plate support with a radially extending flange area 39 on its inner diameter, which forms an axially extending flange surface on which a sealing device 42 arranged in the output hub 25 is guided. This ensures that the support 30 is guided pressure- and fluid-tight on its inner circumference on the output hub 25. The connection 43 with the damper inlet 23 can be made at any point radially on the support 30, in particular the inner plate support.Here too, the chamber 19 is formed between the piston element 10, in particular the end face facing away from the chamber 11 which can be pressurized, by utilizing the piston element 10 and the support 30. The connection 21 is provided between the piston element 10 and the support 30 in the axial direction and extends radially through the output hub 25.

[0028] Compared to the in Fig. The second illustrated version clarifies this. Fig. 3. A further development in which, with regard to the design of chamber 19, no modifications to the support 30 and the damper inlet 23 are required compared to conventional configurations, and which also allows for easy retrofitting. For this purpose, a separate sealing plate 36 is provided, which is rotationally fixed to the support 30. The coupling preferably takes place in the area of ​​the already existing rotationally fixed connection 43 of the second coupling part 8 with the damper inlet 23. The sealing plate 36 is also characterized in the area of ​​its inner diameter by a sealing surface with the output hub 25. This element in the form of the sealing plate 36 can be easily retrofitted into existing designs without having to make any additional modifications, except for a possibly provided sealing device. Here, too, the flow is guided in the radial direction along the shortest path to the switchable coupling device 4.The connection 21 is preferably arranged in the region of the axial extension of the switchable coupling device 4, i.e. in the region of the axial extension of the arrangement or the adjustment path of the individual disc-shaped elements of the individual coupling parts 7 and 8, and thus enables a direct exit in the radial direction and the supply to the individual disc-shaped elements, wherein the end face of the piston element 10 effective on the individual disc-shaped elements is designed in such a way that it acts as a guide surface for the flow medium which in this case functions as a coolant.In the area of ​​the effective piston surface of the piston element 10, the flow medium is deflected into the disc-shaped elements, which, as already described, can be provided with a corresponding through-opening or the radial clearance in the connection between the individual lamellae and the respective carrier is utilized. Due to the design of the through-openings 37 on the carrier 27 and their radial orientation, a flow within the switchable clutch assembly 4 is realized that is characterized by direct radial passage and thus enables optimal heat dissipation from the friction surface-bearing elements, in particular the friction surfaces.

[0029] The in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig.The embodiments described in Figure 3 represent particularly advantageous configurations. However, the solution according to the invention is not limited to these configurations. This applies in particular to the design of the power transmission device 1 itself. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention is not dependent on the arrangement of the individual components. Crucially, the theoretically available space for guiding the fluid when generating an external cooling circuit is made available by directing it from the working chamber 13 out of the working chamber 13 and back into the working chamber 13 via the space 15. The flow path for the fluid is thereby concentrated and guided through the switchable coupling device 4.

Claims

[1] Power transmission device (1) with - an entrance (E) and an exit (A), - a hydrodynamic component (3) arranged between inlet (E) and outlet (A), comprising at least one pump impeller (P) and one turbine impeller (T) which together form a working chamber (13) and a switchable coupling device (4) for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component (3), comprising a first coupling part (7) connected to the inlet (E) and a second coupling part (8) connected at least indirectly to the outlet (A), which can be brought into operative contact with each other via an actuating device (9), - a device (22) for damping vibrations, at least downstream of the switchable clutch device in the power flow, with at least one damper input (23) and one damper output (24), which are coupled to each other via means (26) for torque transmission and damping coupling, - a housing (17) coupled to the inlet (E) or to an element non-rotatably connected to it and the pump impeller (P), which, forming an intermediate space (15), encloses the switchable coupling device (4) and the device (22) for damping vibrations, - Means (40) for separating a channel and / or chamber (19) from the space (15) to generate a directed flow via the switchable coupling device (4), wherein the chamber (19) is formed by the actuating device (9) and a pressure-tight wall (41) arranged between the second coupling part (8) and the outlet (A) or a rotationally fixed element connected thereto, wherein the switchable coupling device (4) is designed in a lamellar construction, wherein each coupling part (7, 8) comprises a carrier (27, 30) and friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements (28, 29) which are guided axially displaceably on this carrier and are rotationally fixed to it, characterized by , that the wall (41) is formed by a sealing element, in particular a sealing plate (36), which is rotationally fixed to the second coupling part (8) and to the damper inlet (23), wherein the coupling of the sealing element (36) with the second coupling part (8) on a common diameter is carried out with the connection of the second coupling part (8) with the damper inlet (23) using the same connecting elements. [2] Power transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the actuating device (9) comprises at least one piston element (10) which can be actuated by means of a chamber which can be pressurized, wherein the chamber (19) and / or the channel is formed by the piston element (10) and the wall (41). [3] Power transmission device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the carrier (30) of the second coupling part (8) is designed as an inner lamellar carrier. [4] Power transmission device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the first coupling part (7) includes radially oriented through openings (37) in the carrier (27). [5] Power transmission device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the input (E) is formed by the housing (17) or an element coupled non-rotatably to this housing and the output (A) is formed by a gearbox input shaft (2) or an element coupled non-rotatably to this housing. [6] Power transmission device (1) with - an entrance (E) and an exit (A), - a hydrodynamic component (3) arranged between inlet (E) and outlet (A), comprising at least one pump impeller (P) and one turbine impeller (T) which together form a working chamber (13) and a switchable coupling device (4) for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component (3), comprising a first coupling part (7) connected to the inlet (E) and a second coupling part (8) connected at least indirectly to the outlet (A), which can be brought into operative contact with each other via an actuating device (9), - a device (22) for damping vibrations, at least downstream of the switchable clutch device in the power flow, with at least one damper input (23) and one damper output (24), which are coupled to each other via means (26) for torque transmission and damping coupling, - a housing (17) coupled to the inlet (E) or to an element non-rotatably connected to it and the pump impeller (P), which, forming an intermediate space (15), encloses the switchable coupling device (4) and the device (22) for damping vibrations, - Means (40) for separating a channel and / or chamber (19) from the space (15) to generate a directed flow via the switchable coupling device (4), wherein the chamber (19) is formed by the actuating device (9) and a pressure-tight wall (41) arranged between the second coupling part (8) and the outlet (A) or a rotationally fixed element connected to it, wherein the switchable coupling device (4) is designed in a lamellar construction, wherein each coupling part (7, 8) comprises a carrier (27, 30) and friction surface-bearing or friction surface-forming elements (28, 29) which are guided axially displaceably on this carrier and are rotationally fixed to it, characterized by , that the wall (41) is completely formed by the support (30) of the second coupling part (8) and wherein the support (30) is designed as an inner lamella support and the inner lamella support is provided on the inner diameter with a radially designed flange area (39) which forms an axially directed flange surface on which a sealing device (42) arranged in the output hub (25) is guided.

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