dual clutch

Abstract

Dual clutch (100) comprising: - an input element (110) for connection to a drive unit; - a first output element (115) for connection to a first gearbox input; - a second output element (120) for connection to a second gearbox input; - wherein the input element (110) and the two output elements (115, 120) are arranged to be rotatable about a common axis of rotation (105); - a first coupling (125) for controlling a torque connection between the input side and the first output element (115); - a second coupling (130) for controlling a torque connection between the input side and the second output element (120); - wherein the first (125) and the second coupling (130) are radially offset from each other; - wherein the first clutch (125) comprises a first clutch pack (135) and a clutch basket (155) which engages with the first clutch pack (135) on a radial side in a torque-locking manner; - and the second clutch (130) comprises a second clutch pack (140) and a clutch basket (165) which engages with the second clutch pack (140) on a radial side in a torque-locking manner; - wherein the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) and the coupling basket (165) of the second coupling (130) each comprise an engagement section (155.1, 165.1) extending in an axial direction and a support section (155.2, 165.2) extending radially inwards thereto; - wherein the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) is torque-locked to the input element (110); - and the support section (165.2) of the coupling basket (165) of the second coupling (130) is torque-locked to the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125), - wherein the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) comprises an axial recess (155.3) through which an elastic element (190) extends, bearing at one axial end on the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) and at the other axial end on an actuating element (210) for actuating the second coupling (130).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dual clutch. In particular, the invention relates to a radially offset dual clutch for use in a drive train of a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle comprises a drivetrain with a drive engine, a dual clutch, a dual transmission, and a drive wheel. The dual clutch comprises two independently controllable clutches, each capable of transmitting or disconnecting torque supplied by the drive engine to an input shaft of the transmission.

[0003] The two clutches of the dual clutch can be arranged radially offset from each other. A first clutch comprises a first friction pack, and a second clutch a second friction pack, with the inner diameter of the radially outer friction pack being larger than the outer diameter of the radially inner friction pack. Each friction pack comprises first and second friction elements, arranged axially alternately. The first friction elements engage radially outside, and the second friction elements radially inside (or vice versa), engaging with torque in a clutch basket associated with the respective clutch. Various combinations are possible for positioning and mounting the four clutch baskets in a way that is as compact, low-backlash, efficient in terms of force flow, and cost-effective as possible.

[0004] EP1404985 B1 proposes to partially integrate the radially outer coupling baskets of both radially offset couplings.

[0005] Further prior art reference is made to DE 10 2014 212 830 A1, DE 10 2013 012 815 A1 and EP 2 703 675 A1, which each disclose a double clutch.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved dual-clutch transmission. This objective is achieved by means of the subject matter of the independent claim. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0007] A dual clutch, particularly for use in a motor vehicle drivetrain, comprises an input element for connection to a drive unit; a first output element for connection to a first transmission input; a second output element for connection to a second transmission input; wherein the input element and the two output elements are rotatably arranged about a common axis of rotation; a first clutch for controlling a torque transmission between the input side and the first output element; a second clutch for controlling a torque transmission between the input side and the second output element; wherein the first and the second clutches are radially offset from each other; the first clutch comprises a first clutch pack and a clutch basket which engages with the first clutch pack on a radial side in a torque-transmitting manner;and the second clutch comprises a second clutch pack and a clutch basket which engages with the second clutch pack in a torque-locking manner on a radial side. The clutch basket of the first clutch and the clutch basket of the second clutch each comprise an axially extending engagement section and a radially inwardly extending support section adjoining it; wherein the support section of the clutch basket of the first clutch is torque-locked to the input element; and the support section of the clutch basket of the second clutch is torque-locked to the support section of the clutch basket of the first clutch.

[0008] For attaching the support section of the coupling basket of the first coupling to the support section of the coupling basket of the second coupling, various advantageous variants are provided: In one variant, the installation takes place in a radial area that lies radially within the engagement section of the clutch basket of the second clutch.

[0009] In a second variant, the installation takes place in a radial area, which lies radially at the level of an engagement section between another clutch basket of the first clutch and the first clutch pack.

[0010] In a third variant, the installation takes place in a radial area that lies radially at the level of an engagement section between the clutch basket of the first clutch and the first clutch pack.

[0011] In a fourth variant, the installation takes place in a radial area that lies radially within an engagement section between the first clutch pack and another clutch basket of the first clutch.

[0012] The support section of the coupling basket of the first coupling can have a further section extending in the axial direction, wherein a cylindrical sealing contact surface is formed on this section, which is designed for the attachment of a sealing element in order to limit a hydraulic pressure chamber of an actuating device for the first coupling.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the support section of the clutch basket of the first clutch comprises an axial recess through which an elastic element extends, bearing at one axial end against the support section of the clutch basket of the first clutch and at the other axial end against an actuating element for actuating the second clutch.

[0014] The support section of the second coupling basket can be attached to the coupling basket of the first coupling by means of a rivet, a weld, a riveting, a toothing or a screw connection.

[0015] The coupling basket of one of the couplings can be constructed from several individual parts. In particular, the support section and the engagement section can be constructed separately and joined together, for example, by material bonding, such as welding, or by positive locking, such as using a toothed connection. Furthermore, the joining methods of the aforementioned embodiment are also applicable here.

[0016] In one embodiment, the input element and the two output elements are supported against each other by radial bearings. In particular, the input element and the two output elements can be arranged concentrically and supported against each other by radial bearings, such as needle roller bearings. The input element is typically located radially outside, the first output element inside, and the second output element in between.

[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which: Fig. 1 a double clutch in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a double clutch in a second embodiment; and Fig. 3 a double clutch in a third embodiment represents.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a dual clutch 100 for use in conjunction with a dual-clutch transmission, particularly in a powertrain, for example, of a motor vehicle. An input element 110 for connection to a drive unit, a first output element 115 for connection to a first transmission input, and a second output element 120 for connection to a second transmission input are rotatably arranged about a pivot axis 105. Each of the elements 110, 115, and 120 can comprise a flange, a shaft, or another torque-transmitting component. The elements 110, 115, and 120 can be arranged concentrically with each other. In one embodiment, the elements 110, 115, and 120 are designed as shafts or hollow shafts. The input element 110 is preferably located on the outside, the second output element 120 is located inside the input element 110, and the first output element 115 is located inside the second output element 120.Other arrangements are also possible. Preferably, the input element 110 and the output elements 115 and 120 are supported relative to each other by means of radial bearings. Plain or rolling bearings, for example needle bearings, can be used for this purpose.

[0019] A first clutch 125 is configured to control a torque flow between the input element 110 and the first output element 115. A second clutch 130 is configured to control a torque flow between the input element 110 and the second output element 120.

[0020] The first clutch 125 is associated with a first clutch assembly 135, and the second clutch 130 with a second clutch assembly 140. Each clutch assembly 135, 140 preferably comprises several first friction elements 145 and second friction elements 150, which are arranged alternately in an axial direction. The first friction elements 145 are configured to be torque-locked and axially displaceable with the input element 110, and the second friction elements 150 are configured to be torque-locked and axially displaceable with the first output element 115 or the second output element 120 of the first clutch 125 or the second clutch 130, respectively. If one of the coupling packages 135, 140 is axially compressed, the friction elements 145, 150 come into frictional engagement and a torque can be transmitted between the input element 110 and the associated output element 115, 120.If the axial compression of the clutch pack 135, 140 decreases, the associated clutch 125, 130 is opened and the torque connection between the input element 110 and the associated output element 115, 120 is reduced.

[0021] To establish a torque-locking and axially displaceable engagement with the friction elements 145 or 150 and to transmit the torque in the direction of the input element 110 or one of the output elements 115, 120, coupling baskets are typically used. The first coupling 125 comprises a radially outer coupling basket 155 and a radially inner coupling basket 160, and the second coupling 130 comprises a radially outer coupling basket 165 and a radially inner coupling basket 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner coupling baskets 160 and 170 lead to the output elements 115 and 120, respectively. The outer coupling baskets 155 and 165 lead to the input element 110. However, this assignment is purely exemplary; in other embodiments, the assignment between the coupling baskets 155 to 170 and the elements 110 to 120 of the dual coupling 100 can also be chosen differently.In particular, the input element 110 can also be directed to a radially inner coupling basket 160, 170.

[0022] Each clutch basket 155 to 170 typically comprises an axial section for engagement with friction elements 145, 150 and a radial section. For ease of reference, an axial section is designated by the reference numeral of the associated clutch basket 155 to 170 with a suffix 1, and a radial section by a suffix 2. The axial section is referred to as the engagement section and the radial section as the support section. For example, the support section 170.2 of the inner clutch basket 170 of the second clutch 130 extends in the illustration of Fig. 1 from the radially inner side of the second coupling pack 140 radially inwards to the second output element 120.

[0023] It is proposed that the support section 155.2 of the outer coupling basket 155 of the first coupling 125 be rigidly connected to the input element 110. This connection can be made, for example, by riveting, welding, crimping, interlocking, or bolting. The outer coupling basket 165 of the second coupling 130 is a component that can be manufactured independently of the outer coupling basket 155 of the first coupling 125. Support sections 165.2 of the outer coupling basket 165 of the second coupling 130 and 155.2 of the outer coupling basket 155 of the first coupling 125 are preferably connected to each other at a certain radial distance outside the input element 110. This connection can also be made, for example, by riveting, welding, crimping, interlocking, or bolting. Other connection methods are also possible.For the position of the outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 relative to the outer clutch basket 155 of the first clutch 125, different variants are possible, which are described in more detail above. They differ primarily in the radial position of a connection point between the outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 and the outer clutch basket 155 of the first clutch 125.

[0024] Preferably, the outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 is as shown in the illustration of Fig. 1 with a C-shaped cross-section. In other words, a projection 165.3 of the support section 165.2 of the outer coupling basket 165 of the second coupling 130 extends radially within the engagement section 165.1 in an axial direction. Preferably, a hollow cylindrical sealing surface 165.4 facing the axis of rotation 105 is provided on this projection 165.3, against which a radial contact element 175 can abut to seal a hydraulic pressure chamber 180. A piston 185 is connected to the contact element 175 and is axially displaceable, so that when the pressure in the hydraulic pressure chamber 180 increases, the piston 185 is displaced axially. The piston 185 acts on an axial side of the second coupling assembly 140 to compress it. An elastic element 190 can be provided to load the piston 185 in the opposite axial direction and to return the piston 185 axially when the pressure drops in the hydraulic pressure chamber 180.The hydraulic pressure chamber 180, the piston 185 and optionally the elastic element 190 form an actuating device 195 for actuating the second clutch 130. A corresponding actuating device 195 can also be provided for the first clutch 125.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a dual clutch 100 after the one in Fig. 1. Another embodiment of the type shown. For the sake of clarity, not all of the embodiments shown are depicted. Fig. 1. Numbered elements with reference symbols.

[0026] Unlike the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 extends radially inwards from the extension 165.3 with a radial extension 165.5 and is sealed against a radially outer surface of the inlet element 110. The hydraulic pressure chamber 180 is limited between the radial extension 165.5 and the piston 185. Unlike the one shown in Figure 1, the outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 extends radially inwards from the extension 165.5 and the piston 185. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outer clutch basket 155 of the first clutch 125 does not limit the pressure chamber 180.

[0027] The outer clutch basket 155 of the first clutch 125 has an axial recess 155.3 through which an elastic element 205 extends. The elastic element 205 rests at one end against the radially outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 and at the other end against a further piston 210 of an actuating device 215 associated with the first clutch 125. The piston 210 axially delimits a hydraulic pressure chamber 220. If the pressure in the pressure chamber 220 increases, the piston 210 is axially displaced so that it acts on the first clutch assembly 135 and compresses it axially, thus closing the first clutch 125.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a dual clutch 100 of the type used by the Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 in a third embodiment. The illustrated embodiment is derived from the aforementioned embodiments and not every illustrated element is provided with a reference numeral.

[0029] In contrast to the aforementioned embodiments, here the outer coupling basket 165 of the second coupling 130 extends radially outwards instead of inwards following the axial engagement section 165.1. In this area, the support sections 165.2 and 155.2 can be connected to each other. In a preferred embodiment, in Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the radially outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 has a Z-shaped cross-section. The radially outermost, axially extending section of the outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 can extend into or through a recess 155.3 in the support section 155.2 of the outer clutch basket 155 of the first clutch 125, thus enabling a positive-locking force transmission. This section can also serve as a bearing surface for a disc spring on the other side of the support section 155.2, which assumes the function of the elastic element 205 by biasing the piston 210 of the actuating device 215 in the direction of the pressure chamber 220. In another embodiment, the elastic element 205, designed as a disc spring, can also be held on the support section 155.2 of the radially outer clutch basket 155 of the first clutch 125.The combination with the Z-shaped outer clutch basket 165 of the second clutch 130 is therefore not mandatory, but the two features can also be implemented independently of each other. Reference symbol list 100 dual clutch 105 axis of rotation 110 Entrance element 115 first starting element 120 second output element 125 first clutch 130 second clutch 135 first clutch package 140 second clutch pack 145 first friction element 150 second friction element 155 outer clutch basket of the first clutch 160 inner clutch basket of the first clutch 165 outer clutch basket of the second clutch 170 inner clutch basket of the second clutch 155.1 Engagement section of the outer clutch basket of the first clutch 155.2 Support section of the outer coupling basket of the first coupling 155.3 Recess 160.1 Engagement section of the inner clutch basket of the first clutch 160.2 Support section of the inner coupling basket of the first coupling 165.1 Engagement section of the outer clutch basket of the second clutch 165.2 Support section of the outer coupling basket of the second coupling 165.3 Extension of the support section of the outer coupling basket of the second coupling 165.4 Sealing surface 165.5 radial extension 170.1 Engagement section of the inner clutch basket of the second clutch 170.2 Support section of the inner coupling basket of the second coupling 175 Plant element 180 hydraulic pressure chamber 185 pistons 190 elastic element 195 Actuating device 205 elastic element 210 pistons 215 Actuating device 220 hydraulic pressure chamber

Claims

[1] Dual clutch comprising: - an input element (110) for connection to a drive unit; - a first output element (115) for connection to a first gearbox input; - a second output element (120) for connection to a second gearbox input; - wherein the input element (110) and the two output elements (115, 120) are arranged to be rotatable about a common axis of rotation (105); - a first coupling (125) for controlling a torque connection between the input side and the first output element (115); - a second coupling (130) for controlling a torque connection between the input side and the second output element (120); - wherein the first (125) and the second coupling (130) are radially offset from each other; - wherein the first clutch (125) comprises a first clutch pack (135) and a clutch basket (155) which engages with the first clutch pack (135) on a radial side in a torque-locking manner; - and the second clutch (130) comprises a second clutch pack (140) and a clutch basket (165) which engages with the second clutch pack (140) on a radial side in a torque-locking manner; - wherein the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) and the coupling basket (165) of the second coupling (130) each comprise an engagement section (155.1, 165.1) extending in an axial direction and a support section (155.2, 165.2) extending radially inwards thereto; - wherein the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) is torque-locked to the input element (110); - and the support section (165.2) of the coupling basket (165) of the second coupling (130) is torque-locked to the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125), - wherein the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) comprises an axial recess (155.3) through which an elastic element (190) extends, bearing at one axial end on the support section (155.2) of the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) and at the other axial end on an actuating element (210) for actuating the second coupling (130). [2] Double clutch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (165.2) of the clutch basket (165) of the second clutch (130) is attached in a radial area on the clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125) which lies radially within the engagement section (165.1) of the clutch basket (165) of the second clutch (130). [3] Double clutch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (165.2) of the clutch basket (165) of the second clutch (130) is attached in a radial area on the clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125), which is located radially at the level of an engagement section (155.1) between a further clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125) and the first clutch pack (135). [4] Double clutch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (165.2) of the clutch basket (165) of the second clutch (130) is attached in a radial area on the clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125), which is radially at the level of an engagement section (155.1) between the clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125) and the first clutch pack (135). [5] Double clutch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (165.2) of the clutch basket (165) of the second clutch (130) is attached in a radial area on the clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125), which lies radially within an engagement section (160.1) between the first clutch pack (135) and a further clutch basket (160) of the first clutch (125). [6] Double clutch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support section (155.2) of the clutch basket (155) of the first clutch (125) has a further section (165.4) extending in the axial direction and a cylindrical sealing contact surface is formed on this section (165.4) which is designed to accommodate a sealing element (175) in order to limit a hydraulic pressure chamber (180) of an actuating device (195) for the first clutch (125). [7] Double coupling (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support section (165.2) of the second coupling basket (165) is attached to the coupling basket (155) of the first coupling (125) by means of a rivet, a weld, a riveting, a toothing or a screw connection. [8] Double clutch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clutch basket (155, 160, 165, 170) of one of the clutches (125, 130) is constructed from several individual parts. [9] Double clutch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input element (110) and the two output elements (115, 120) are supported against each other by means of radial bearings.

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