dual clutch

Abstract

Double clutch (1), comprising a first partial clutch (2) with a first outer plate carrier (3), a first inner plate carrier (4) and a first plate pack (8) formed from the first outer plates (6) associated with the first outer plate carrier (3) and the first inner plates (7) associated with the first inner plate carrier (4), which can be actuated by means of a first actuating element (5); a second partial clutch (9) with a second outer plate carrier (10), a second inner plate carrier (11) and a second plate pack (15) formed from the second outer plates (13) associated with the second outer plate carrier (10) and the second inner plates (14) associated with the second inner plate carrier (11), which can be actuated by means of a second actuating element (12), wherein the first and the second partial clutch (2, 9) are axially adjacent,wherein the first inner plate carrier (4) is coupled to a first output shaft (17) and the second inner plate carrier (11) to a second output shaft (19) and the first and second actuating elements (5, 12) are arranged between the first and second partial clutches (2, 9), wherein the first actuating element (5) is coupled to the first or the second output shaft (17, 19) and the second actuating element (12) is coupled to the first or the second output shaft (17, 19), wherein the first actuating element (5) is hydraulically actuated by means of a central release bearing (22) and the second actuating element (12) is hydraulically actuated, or that the first actuating element (5) is hydraulically actuated and the second actuating element (12) is actuated by means of a central release bearing (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a double clutch comprising a first partial clutch with a first outer plate carrier, a first inner plate carrier and a first plate pack formed from the first outer plates assigned to the first outer plate carrier and the first inner plates assigned to the first inner plate carrier, which can be actuated by means of a first actuating element, a second partial clutch comprising a second outer plate carrier, a second inner plate carrier and a second plate pack formed from the second outer plates assigned to the second outer plate carrier and the second inner plates assigned to the second inner plate carrier, which can be actuated by means of a second actuating element, wherein the first and the second partial clutch are axially adjacent, wherein the first inner plate carrier is coupled to a first output shaft and the second inner plate carrier is coupled to a second output shaft.

[0002] Such dual clutches are well known from the prior art. Reference is made, for example, to DE 101 46 606 A1. These are usually referred to as axial dual clutches, since the first and second clutch components are arranged axially side by side. With axial dual clutches, the possible arrangement of the first and second clutch components or the actuating elements is limited. It is known to provide external actuation of the two clutch components, in which the actuating elements apply a force from the drive side and the driven side to the corresponding clutch plates, in particular the first and second clutch plates, which are assigned to the first or second clutch component. In this case, the first and second clutch components are usually arranged on a common central web of the dual clutch and positioned between the two actuating elements.Alternatively, with an axial double clutch, it is possible to implement unidirectional actuation, meaning that both actuating elements move in the same direction when the corresponding sub-clutch to which they are assigned is actuated. For this to be achieved, it is usually customary for the second actuating element, which is assigned to the second sub-clutch, to extend axially through the first sub-clutch. For such axial extension, corresponding recesses must be provided in the outer plates of the first sub-clutch, through which the second actuating element can pass in order to actuate the second sub-clutch, which is located axially behind the first sub-clutch.

[0003] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to extend the outer lamella carrier radially from the outside, thus providing a radial through-access solution, so that the actuating elements can engage between the two partial clutches through the outer lamella carrier and actuate them from the inside. Within the scope of this application, internal actuation refers to actuation such that the actuating elements are arranged radially within the outer lamella carrier between the axially adjacent partial clutches and transmit their force in opposite directions to the respective lamella packs.

[0004] A disadvantage of this solution is that, compared to an actuation system that doesn't require access to the outer lamella carrier, relatively large components, especially large actuating elements, are necessary. This results in a tendency towards imbalance due to the high rotating masses caused by the relatively large parts. Consequently, the moments of inertia increase, and more axial installation space is required.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an axial double coupling that enables a one-sided supply of the working fluid required for actuation as well as actuation of the partial couplings without an axial or radial through-cut solution.

[0006] To solve this problem, a double clutch with the features of claim 1 is provided.

[0007] In particular, to solve this problem, in a double clutch of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided according to the invention that the first and the second actuating element are arranged between the first and the second partial clutch and are coupled to the first or the second output shaft.

[0008] According to the invention, an internal actuation mechanism for an axial dual clutch is proposed. By arranging the two actuating elements between the first and second partial clutches, it is possible to implement internal actuation in an axial dual clutch without penetrating the outer clutch plate carrier. This saves relatively large parts and reduces the tendency to become unbalanced. The first and second actuating elements are arranged on or coupled to the first or second output shaft, respectively. This allows the actuating force required for actuating the first and second partial clutches to be generated on the output side, so that the generated actuating force can be supported by the first or second output shaft, respectively.It is therefore possible to actuate the two partial couplings in an axial double coupling, whereby a radial and axial through-cut solution with regard to the first and / or the second outer lamella carrier can be dispensed with.

[0009] Alternatively, it is also possible to dispense with an axial through-coupling solution, in which, for example, the first partial coupling is penetrated by the second actuating element, so that the second actuating element can actuate the second partial coupling arranged axially behind the first partial coupling, or vice versa. The invention thus proposes an internal actuation of an axial double coupling which, due to the reduced tendency to imbalance and the dispensing with a through-coupling solution, enables efficient actuation of the individual partial couplings.

[0010] To further develop the dual clutch according to the invention, it is provided that the first actuating element is actuated by means of a central release bearing and the second actuating element hydraulically, or that the first actuating element is actuated hydraulically and the second actuating element is actuated by means of a central release bearing. The first and second actuating elements are thus arranged on the first or the second output shaft and are actuated by means of a central release bearing or hydraulically. Preferably, one actuating element is actuated by means of a central release bearing and the other actuating element is actuated hydraulically. The central release bearing is also usually referred to as a CSC (concentric slave cylinder).

[0011] A further development of the double clutch according to the invention can consist in the second output shaft being designed as a hollow shaft and the first actuating element and the second actuating element being coupled to the second output shaft or to a hub associated with the second output shaft.

[0012] It is particularly preferred that the first and second actuating elements are coupled to the second output shaft, which is designed as a hollow shaft. It is also possible that the two actuating elements are coupled to a hub associated with the second output shaft. In this case, the actuating elements are not directly coupled to the second output shaft, but rather a hub is interposed between the second output shaft and the first and second actuating elements.

[0013] This advantageously allows both the first and second actuating elements to be mounted on the same output shaft. A speed difference between the actuating elements assigned to the other partial clutch can be compensated for by a central release bearing. For example, the second partial clutch can be connected to the second output shaft via the second inner plate carrier, with the second actuating element and the first actuating element arranged on the second output shaft. In this configuration, there is a relative speed difference between the first actuating element, which is also arranged on the second output shaft, and the first partial clutch, which is connected to the first output shaft via the first inner plate carrier.To overcome this relative rotational speed, the first actuating element is preferably connected to the second output shaft by means of a central release bearing, in order to bridge the relative rotational speed between the first and second output shafts. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to support the actuating forces generated for the first and second actuating elements together on the second output shaft.

[0014] It is particularly preferred that a fluid channel is provided in the second output shaft or the hub associated with the second output shaft, which is connected to the central release bearing(s) and / or the one or two pressure chambers provided for hydraulic actuation. The second output shaft, which is designed as a hollow shaft, thus has a fluid channel that directs a working fluid, for example, from a transmission-side feed, in particular a rotary feed, to the at least one pressure chamber or the at least one central release bearing. This allows the working fluid to be introduced into the second output shaft, which is in particular designed as a transmission input shaft, and to be directed to the devices provided for generating the actuating force, in particular the central release bearing(s) and the one or two pressure chambers. By generating a corresponding pressure in the fluid channel or hub, the hydraulic force is then applied to the transmission.By pressurizing the working fluid, for example by means of a pump, the pressure required for actuation can be generated in the central release mechanism or in the pressure chambers.

[0015] Furthermore, in the dual clutch according to the invention, a first return element can be arranged between the first inner plate carrier and the first actuating element, and a second return element can be arranged between the second inner plate carrier and the second actuating element, wherein the first return element generates a return force when the first actuating element moves, and the second return element generates a return force when the second actuating element moves. The return elements can, for example, be designed as spring elements, in particular as disc springs, and generate a return force when the corresponding partial clutch is actuated. The movement of the first or the second actuating element towards the first or the second plate pack causes the corresponding return element to be elastically deformed, thus generating a return force.When the actuating force on the first or second actuating element is removed, the first or second actuating element is moved from the closed position to the open position due to the restoring force provided by the first or second restoring element.

[0016] Another preferred embodiment of the double coupling according to the invention can provide that the first outer lamella carrier and the second outer lamella carrier are coupled in such a way that relative movement in the circumferential direction is blocked and the first outer lamella carrier is movable relative to the second outer lamella carrier in the axial direction.

[0017] According to this design, it is advantageously possible to prevent so-called "crosstalk" of the dual clutch when the first or second partial clutch is actuated to the other partial clutch. The first and second outer plate carriers are thus coupled in their movement, so that when the first or second partial clutch is actuated, a relative axial movement can occur between the first and second outer plate carriers, and the actuating force from the first partial clutch is not transmitted to the second partial clutch.

[0018] Particularly preferred is the provision of at least one coupling device comprising at least one coupling element and at least one receptacle corresponding to that coupling element, wherein the coupling element is assigned to the first outer lamella carrier and the receptacle to the second outer lamella carrier, or the coupling element is assigned to the second outer lamella carrier and the receptacle to the first outer lamella carrier. The coupling device thus enables the first outer lamella carrier and the second outer lamella carrier to be coupled to one another. The coupling device prevents the first outer lamella carrier and the second outer lamella carrier from being rotated relative to each other in the circumferential direction. In the axial direction, the coupling device allows the first outer lamella carrier to move relative to the second outer lamella carrier.The coupling device provides at least one coupling element that extends axially to a corresponding receptacle. For example, the first outer lamella carrier can have a coupling element that can be coupled to a corresponding receptacle in the second outer lamella carrier, and vice versa. Of course, any combination is possible, so that coupling elements and / or receptacles can be provided on both the first and second outer lamella carriers.

[0019] The double clutch according to the invention is preferably further characterized in that the coupling device is formed separately from the first and second outer lamella carriers, or that the coupling device is formed integrally with the first and / or the second outer lamella carrier. The coupling device can thus be provided as an additional part to the first or the second outer lamella carrier and enable coupling between the first and the outer lamella carriers, as described above. Alternatively, it is also possible that the coupling device is formed integrally with the first and / or the second outer lamella carrier. Particularly preferably, both the first and the second outer lamella carrier have a coupling device that is formed integrally with them.Naturally, in a coupling device, the coupling element is always located on one outer lamella support, for example, the first outer lamella support, and the corresponding receptacle is located on the other outer lamella support, for example, the second outer lamella support. This ensures that each coupling element has a corresponding receptacle into which it can engage axially.

[0020] The coupling element engages telescopically with its corresponding receptacle. This means that the coupling element does not always fully engage with its assigned receptacle, but rather that the portion of the coupling element that is engaged, or rather, that is held within the receptacle, is variable. At least one coupling element can be fully held within its assigned receptacle when the dual clutch is in the open position, i.e., when both partial clutches are open. When one of the two partial clutches is actuated, the coupling element can be at least partially moved out of the receptacle, thus allowing relative movement of the first and second outer lamella carriers to each other in the axial direction. This prevents crosstalk between the partial clutches when one is actuated, as described previously.

[0021] Particularly preferably, in the double coupling according to the invention, the first outer plate carrier and the second outer plate carrier are rotated relative to each other by one tooth width of a tooth of the gearing of the first or the second outer plate carrier. This ensures that the coupling element, which is designed, for example, as an extended part of a tooth root of the gearing of one of the two outer plate carriers, can engage in a receptacle of the other outer plate carrier. The first and the second outer plate carriers are thus rotated such that, viewed axially, a tooth root of the first outer plate carrier meets a tooth of the second outer plate carrier, and vice versa.

[0022] It is particularly preferred that the at least one receptacle is formed as part of the internal toothing of the first or the second outer lamella carrier and that the coupling element corresponding to the at least one receptacle engages in the receptacle in the axial direction. Accordingly, the receptacle is formed as part of the internal toothing of the first or the second outer lamella carrier. It is, of course, equally possible that both the first and the second outer lamella carrier have a receptacle that is formed as part of the corresponding internal toothing. The coupling elements arranged on the other outer lamella carrier engage in the receptacle accordingly. The coupling device or devices designed in this way ensure that the two outer lamella carriers are fixed circumferentially and remain movable in the axial direction.

[0023] The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawings are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 a double clutch according to the invention in the open position; Fig. 2 the inventive double coupling of Fig. 1 in the closed position; and Fig. 3 a perspective view of the two outer lamella carriers of the double coupling according to the invention of Fig. 1.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a double clutch 1, comprising a first partial clutch 2 with a first outer plate carrier 3, a first inner plate carrier 4 and a first plate pack 8, which can be actuated by means of a first actuating element 5 and is formed from the first outer plates 6 assigned to the first outer plate carrier 3 and the first inner plates 7 assigned to the first inner plate carrier 4, a second partial clutch 9 with a second outer plate carrier 10, a second inner plate carrier 11 and a second plate pack 15, which can be actuated by means of a second actuating element 12 and is formed from the second outer plates 13 assigned to the second outer plate carrier 10 and the second inner plates 14 assigned to the second inner plate carrier 11.

[0025] The first partial clutch 2 and the second partial clutch 9 are clearly axially adjacent to each other. The first inner plate carrier 4 is connected to a first output shaft 17 by means of a first hub 16, and the second inner plate carrier 11 is connected to a second output shaft 19 by means of a second hub 18. The second output shaft 19 is clearly designed as a hollow shaft and partially surrounds the first output shaft 17, which is designed as a solid shaft. The first actuating element 5 and the second actuating element 12 are clearly arranged between the first partial clutch 2 and the second partial clutch 9. The first actuating element 5 is actuated by a return element 20, and the second actuating element 12 is actuated by a return element 21. The return elements 20 and 21 build up force when the first actuating element 5 or the second actuating element 12 is moved.The second actuating element 12 exerts a restoring force opposite to the direction of actuation, i.e., towards the lamellar assembly 8, 15. When the corresponding actuating force ceases, the actuating elements 5, 12 are retracted into the position shown in the original text. Fig. The disclosure shown in section 1 has been postponed.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the first actuating element 5 and the second actuating element 12 are arranged on the second hub 18. The first actuating element 5 is mounted on the second hub 18 by means of a central release bearing 22. The second actuating element 12 is also mounted on the second hub 18 and can be actuated by means of a hydraulic actuating device 23. The hydraulic actuating device 23 has a pressure chamber 24 into which a working fluid can be pumped, so that the pressure in the pressure chamber 24 is variable. By means of an overpressure generated in the pressure chamber 24, the second actuating element 12 can be moved towards the second lamellar pack 15 and a force can be introduced into it.

[0027] To convey working fluid into the pressure chamber 24 or the central release bearing 22, the second hub 18 has a fluid channel 25 in which working fluid can be conveyed from the transmission side to the hydraulic actuating device 23 and the central release bearing 22. Depending on the pressure applied to the working fluid on the transmission side, and thus directed in the fluid channel 25 to the pressure chamber 24 or the central release bearing 22, the first actuating element 5 or the second actuating element 12 can be actuated. These are moved against the restoring force of the restoring elements 20, 21 towards their respective clutch pack 8, 15 and transmit an actuating force to it. If the pressure in the working fluid in the fluid channel 25 is released, the actuating elements 5, 12 are returned to the open position by the restoring elements 20, 21. Fig. 1 is shown, postponed.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows the closed position of the first partial clutch 2. The first actuating element 5 is clearly moved axially towards the lamellar pack 8 and introduces an actuating force into it. The first outer lamellar carrier 3 and the second outer lamellar carrier 10 are coupled to each other by means of a coupling device 26. The coupling device 26 allows the two outer lamellar carriers 3, 10 to move axially relative to each other, but blocks movement in the circumferential direction relative to each other. When a force is introduced into one of the partial clutches 2, 9, the corresponding first or second outer lamellar carrier 3, 10 can thus follow the direction of the force application, whereby the first outer lamellar carrier 3 and the second outer lamellar carrier 10 are relatively movable in the axial direction by means of a telescopic coupling through the coupling device 26. This prevents so-called "crosstalk".An actuating force introduced into the first lamellar package 8 or the second lamellar package 15 is evidently not transferred to the corresponding other outer lamellar carrier 3, 10.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the two outer lamella carriers 3, 10 of the double coupling 1 of Fig. 1 and Fig.2. For clarity, the first outer lamella carrier 3 and the second outer lamella carrier 10 are spaced apart axially. The coupling device 26 has first coupling elements 27 and second coupling elements 28. The first coupling elements 27 are assigned to the first outer lamella carrier 3, and the second coupling elements 28 are assigned to the second outer lamella carrier 10. Furthermore, the coupling device 26 has first receptacles 29 and second receptacles 30. The first receptacles 29 are assigned to the first outer lamella carrier 3, and the second receptacles 30 to the second outer lamella carrier 10. Of course, it is also possible to consider the coupling device 26 as two coupling devices, with the first coupling device comprising the first coupling elements 27 and the second receptacles 30, and the second coupling device comprising the second coupling elements 28 and the first receptacles 29.

[0030] The first outer lamella carrier 3 and the second outer lamella carrier 10 are evidently rotated circumferentially by the width of one tooth 31 of a toothing 32 of the first or the second outer lamella carrier 3, 10. Therefore, the first coupling elements 27 of the first outer lamella carrier 3 can engage in the second receptacles 30 of the second outer lamella carrier 10, and the second coupling elements 28 of the second outer lamella carrier 10 can engage in the first receptacles 29 of the first outer lamella carrier 3. The proportion of the first and second coupling elements 27, 28 that engages in the first and second receptacles 29, 30 determines how closely the first outer lamella carrier 3 and the second outer lamella carrier 10 are pushed together. This results in a telescopic coupling of the two outer lamella carriers 3, 10, allowing them to move axially relative to each other.The coupling device 26, however, clearly prevents the two outer lamella carriers 3, 10 from being rotated relative to each other in the circumferential direction. This prevents a "crosstalk" of force input into the first or the second partial coupling 2, 9 to the other partial coupling 2, 9.

[0031] The degree of engagement of the coupling elements 27, 28 in the receptacles 29, 30 is thus determined by whether the double coupling 1 is in the open position or whether one of the two partial couplings 2, 9 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the respective outer lamella carrier 3, 10 is moved away from the corresponding other partial coupling 2, 9 by the force applied to the corresponding lamella pack 8, 15, resulting in telescopic movement of the first outer lamella carrier 3 and the second outer lamella carrier 10. Reference symbol list 1 dual clutch 2 first partial coupling 3 first outer lamella carrier 4 first inner slat carrier 5 first actuating element 6 first outer lamella 7 first inner lamella 8 first slat package 9 second partial coupling 10 second outer lamella carrier 11 second inner lamella carrier 12 second actuating element 13 second outer lamella 14 second inner lamella 15 second slat package 16 first hub 17 first output wave 18 second hub 19 second output wave 20 first reset element 21 second reset element 22 Central release bearings 23 Actuating device 24 pressure chamber 25 Fluid channel 26 Coupling device 27 first coupling element 28 second coupling element 29 first recording 30 second recording 31 tooth 32 gear teeth

Claims

[1] Dual clutch (1) comprising a first partial clutch (2) with a first outer plate carrier (3), a first inner plate carrier (4) and a first plate pack (8) formed from the first outer plates (6) associated with the first outer plate carrier (3) and the first inner plates (7) associated with the first inner plate carrier (4), which can be actuated by means of a first actuating element (5), a second partial clutch (9) with a second outer plate carrier (10), a second inner plate carrier (11) and a second plate pack (15) formed from the second outer plates (13) associated with the second outer plate carrier (10) and the second inner plates (14) associated with the second inner plate carrier (11), which can be actuated by means of a second actuating element (12), wherein the first and the second partial clutch (2, 9) are axially adjacent,wherein the first inner plate carrier (4) is coupled to a first output shaft (17) and the second inner plate carrier (11) to a second output shaft (19) and the first and second actuating elements (5, 12) are arranged between the first and second partial clutches (2, 9), wherein the first actuating element (5) is coupled to the first or the second output shaft (17, 19) and the second actuating element (12) is coupled to the first or the second output shaft (17, 19), wherein the first actuating element (5) is hydraulically actuated by means of a central release bearing (22) and the second actuating element (12) is hydraulically actuated, or that the first actuating element (5) is hydraulically actuated and the second actuating element (12) is actuated by means of a central release bearing (22). [2] Dual clutch according to claim 1, characterized by, that the second output shaft (19) is designed as a hollow shaft, and that the first actuating element (5) and the second actuating element (12) are coupled to the second output shaft (19) or to a second hub (18) associated with the second output shaft (19). [3] Dual clutch according to claim 2, characterized by , that in the second output shaft (19) or the second hub (18) associated with the second output shaft (19) a fluid channel (25) is provided which is connected to the central release bearing(s) (22) and / or one or two pressure chambers (4) provided for hydraulic actuation. [4] Dual clutch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a first restoring element (20) is arranged between the first inner lamella carrier (4) and the first actuating element (5) and a second restoring element (21) is arranged between the second inner lamella carrier (11) and the second actuating element (12), wherein the first restoring element (20) generates a restoring force when the first actuating element (5) is actuated and the second restoring element (21) generates a restoring force when the second actuating element (12) is actuated. [5] Dual clutch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first outer lamella carrier (3) and the second outer lamella carrier (10) are coupled in such a way that a relative movement in the circumferential direction is blocked and the first outer lamella carrier (3) is movable in the axial direction relative to the second outer lamella carrier (10). [6] Dual clutch according to claim 5, characterized by, that at least one coupling device (26) is provided, which has at least one coupling element (27, 28) and at least one receptacle (29, 30) corresponding to the at least one coupling element (27, 28), wherein the at least one coupling element (27, 28) is assigned to the first outer lamella carrier (3) and the at least one receptacle (29, 30) is assigned to the second outer lamella carrier (10) or that the at least one coupling element (27, 28) is assigned to the second outer lamella carrier (10) and the at least one receptacle (29, 30) is assigned to the first outer lamella carrier (3). [7] Dual clutch according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the coupling device (26) is designed separately from the first and second outer lamella carrier (3, 10) or that at least one coupling device (26) is designed as a single unit with the first and / or the second outer lamella carrier (3, 10). [8] Dual clutch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first outer lamella carrier (3) and the second outer lamella carrier (10) are rotated relative to each other by a tooth width of a tooth (31) of a toothing (32) of the first or the second outer lamella carrier (3, 10). [9] Dual clutch according to claim 8, characterized by , that the at least one receptacle (29, 30) is designed as part of the internal toothing of the first or the second outer lamella carrier (3, 10) and that the coupling element (27, 28) corresponding to the at least one receptacle (29, 30) engages in the receptacle (29, 30) in the axial direction.

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