Wedge pack coupling for a vehicle drive, coupling wedge pack for a wedge pack coupling, vehicle drive with at least one wedge pack coupling and vehicle with a vehicle drive with at least one wedge pack coupling

Abstract

Wedge pack coupling (10) for a vehicle drive, with: a first coupling part (12) having a plurality of first coupling arms (22), wherein the first coupling arms (22) extend at least section by section in a radial direction, a second coupling part (14) having a plurality of second coupling arms (24), wherein the second coupling arms extend at least partially in a radial direction, wherein the first coupling arms (22) and the second coupling arms (24) are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, a plurality of separate coupling wedge packs (30), wherein at least one coupling wedge pack (30) extends between a first coupling arm (22) and a second coupling arm (24), and a plurality of fastening devices (34), wherein at least one fastening device (34) fastens at least one coupling wedge assembly (30) to a first coupling arm (22) or a second coupling arm (24) and preloads the at least one coupling wedge assembly (30) at least in the radial direction, characterized in that each coupling wedge pack (30) has a first connecting element (32a) and a second connecting element (32b).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wedge-pack coupling for a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle drive system with such a wedge-pack coupling. The wedge-pack coupling according to the invention can be used in particular in the drive system of a rail vehicle.

[0002] Such couplings are known from the prior art and are disclosed, for example, in the documents DE 20 2011 105 999 U1 and EP 2 758 684 B1.

[0003] Utility model DE 20 2011 105 999 U1 discloses an undivided coupling ring for connecting two coupling parts. The undivided coupling ring is screwed as a whole onto interlocking star arm portions of the coupling parts. The coupling ring has several wedge-shaped metallic fastening elements with a bore through which the coupling ring is connected to the star arm portions of the two coupling parts. The wedge-shaped fastening elements have an axially extending profile that engages a profile at the radial ends of the star arm portions. The disclosure of patent EP 2 758 684 B1 essentially corresponds to the disclosure of utility model DE 20 2011 105 999 U1.

[0004] The utility model DE 20 2015 008 453 U1 discloses a coupling ring for couplings consisting of two separate semicircular coupling parts.

[0005] Furthermore, patent application DE 10 2010 005 255 A1 discloses an elastic coupling in which a spring unit is vulcanized onto each of the two wedge surfaces of a wedge-shaped support. The unit consisting of the wedge-shaped support and the spring unit can be connected to another wedge-shaped support.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wedge pack coupling which has an increased power density and can accommodate large deflection angles and large axial deflections.

[0007] This object is achieved with a wedge pack clutch having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved with a clutch wedge pack for a wedge pack clutch having the features of claim 13 and with a vehicle drive having at least one wedge pack clutch having the features of claim 14 and with a vehicle having a vehicle drive and at least one wedge pack clutch having the features of claim 15.

[0008] Further embodiments emerge from the appended dependent claims.

[0009] The wedge pack clutch according to the invention for a vehicle drive comprises a first clutch part having a plurality of first clutch arms, wherein the first clutch arms extend at least partially in the radial direction, a second clutch part having a plurality of second clutch arms, wherein the second clutch arms extend at least partially in the radial direction, wherein the first clutch arms and the second clutch arms are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, a plurality of separate clutch wedge packs, wherein at least one clutch wedge pack extends between a first clutch arm and a second clutch arm, and a plurality of fastening devices, wherein at least one fastening device fastens at least one clutch wedge pack to a first clutch arm or a second clutch arm and pretensions the at least one clutch wedge pack at least in the radial direction.

[0010] The clutch wedge packs of the wedge pack clutch according to the invention form separate units that are not interconnected. At least one clutch wedge pack extends circumferentially between a first clutch arm and a second clutch arm to couple the two clutch arms together in a force-transmitting manner. The clutch arms extend circumferentially between two adjacent clutch wedge packs. In other words, at least one clutch wedge pack extends between a first clutch arm and a second clutch arm.Due to this design and / or arrangement of the clutch wedge packs and the clutch arms, the fastening points between the clutch arms and the fastening devices used to fasten the clutch wedge packs to the clutch arms are located in a radially outer region of the wedge pack clutch, relative to the radial extent of the wedge pack clutch. As a result, almost exclusively preload forces act at the fastening point. Bending loads no longer act at the fastening point. The wedge pack clutch according to the invention has an increased power density, which leads to an extended service life and increased torque transmission capacity of the wedge pack clutch.

[0011] Due to the radially outer fastening points, it is also possible to design the first coupling arms and the second coupling arms with a significantly smaller extension in the circumferential direction. This allows the coupling wedge packs to take up more space, particularly in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the wedge pack coupling according to the invention can also accommodate relatively large deflection angles and relatively large axial deflections.

[0012] Each fastening device can be assigned to a first coupling arm or a second coupling arm. Each coupling arm can be assigned two coupling wedge packs, which are attached to this coupling arm via the fastening device assigned to the respective first coupling arm or second coupling arm.

[0013] Each fastening device can have at least one fastening element. The at least one fastening element can be arranged on a radial end face of a first clutch arm or a second clutch arm. The at least one fastening element can act on at least one clutch wedge pack to preload this clutch wedge pack. The at least one fastening element can be rectangular in cross-section. The at least one fastening element can be cuboid-shaped. The at least one fastening element can bear at least partially against the radial end face of a first clutch arm or a second clutch arm. The at least one fastening element can protrude in the circumferential direction beyond the radial end face of a first clutch arm or a second clutch arm with at least a predetermined section.With this section, the fastening element can engage a clutch wedge pack to radially preload this clutch wedge pack and hold it to the respective clutch arm. Each fastening device can form a separate unit that is independent of the clutch wedge packs before being connected to the clutch arms. In particular, the at least one fastening element represents a separate component that is independent of the clutch wedge packs before being connected to the clutch arms.

[0014] Each fastening device can have at least one fastening means. The fastening means can be bolts or screws, for example. In particular, the fastening means can be cap screws. The at least one fastening means can extend radially through the at least one fastening element into a first coupling arm or a second coupling arm. The at least one fastening element can have at least one opening through which the at least one fastening means can extend. The at least one opening of the fastening element can be stepped in order to form a contact surface for the at least one fastening means.

[0015] Each first clutch arm and each second clutch arm can have at least one opening that extends radially into the respective clutch arm with a predetermined radial extent. The at least one fastening means can be screwed into the at least one opening. The at least one opening can end radially before the radially inner end of the clutch wedge packs. The radial extent of an opening in a first clutch arm can differ from the radial extent of an opening in a second clutch arm. For example, the openings in the second clutch arms can have a greater radial extent than the openings in the first clutch arms.

[0016] A clutch wedge pack can be supported on a side surface of a first clutch arm and a side surface of a second clutch arm. A clutch wedge pack can be connected to a side surface of a first clutch arm and a side surface of a second clutch arm. The side surfaces of a clutch wedge pack can be connected to the side surfaces of a first clutch arm and a second clutch arm. The side surfaces of a clutch wedge pack can partially bear against the side surfaces of a first clutch arm and a second clutch arm. The clutch wedge packs can extend in the radial direction over a predetermined distance along the side surfaces of the clutch arms. The clutch wedge packs can protrude with a section in the radial direction beyond the radial end surface of a first clutch arm or a second clutch arm.In other words, the clutch wedge packs can extend with one section along the side surfaces of the clutch arms and with another section protrude beyond the radial end surface of a clutch arm.

[0017] Each clutch wedge pack can form a separate unit that is independent of the fastening devices and the clutch arms before being connected to the clutch arms. According to the invention, each clutch wedge pack has a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element can be connected to one another via at least one elastic body. The connecting elements can be made of a metal. The elastic body can be made of an elastic material. This elastic material can be, for example, an elastomer, rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, or silicone. The elastic body can be firmly bonded to the connecting elements. For example, the elastic body can be vulcanized to the connecting elements.

[0018] The first connecting element and the second connecting element of a clutch wedge pack can each have a recess. The at least one fastening element of the fastening device can be partially received in the recess. Two clutch wedge packs assigned to the same clutch arm can, together with the radial end surface of the clutch arm, form a receptacle for the at least one fastening element. The recesses of the connecting elements of the clutch wedge packs assigned to the same clutch arm can be open toward this clutch arm in order to form a receptacle for the fastening element.

[0019] The at least one elastic body of a clutch wedge pack can have at least one recess. The at least one recess can divide the elastic body into two sections. When the clutch wedge packs are mounted on the clutch arms, the at least one recess can extend transversely to the axis of the wedge pack clutch. The recess can form two essentially parallel sections in the elastic body. This allows the wedge pack clutch to accommodate larger deflection angles.

[0020] The elastic body can have at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element can be embedded in the elastic body. The at least one reinforcing element can extend substantially in the radial direction. The at least one reinforcing element can be curved. The at least one reinforcing element can have at least one curvature. The at least one reinforcing element can be curved. The at least one reinforcing element can be lens-shaped. The cross-section of the at least one reinforcing element can increase in the radial direction of the wedge pack coupling. The at least one reinforcing element can be curved in the axial direction and / or radial direction. Multiple reinforcing elements can also be provided. In this case, reinforcing elements with different shapes or cross-sections can be arranged alternately.It is also conceivable to design the surfaces of the connecting elements that are connected to the elastic body to be curved or arched.

[0021] The first connecting element and the second connecting element of a clutch wedge pack can each have at least one connecting device. The connecting devices of the first connecting element and the second connecting element can serve to connect the clutch wedge pack to a side surface of a first clutch arm or a side surface of a second clutch arm. The connecting devices of the clutch wedge packs can be formed on the side surfaces of the clutch wedge packs or the side surfaces of the connecting elements. These side surfaces can face away from the elastic body of the clutch wedge packs. The side surfaces of the clutch wedge packs extend in the axial direction and in the radial direction when the clutch wedge packs are mounted on the clutch arms. The connecting devices can have connecting projections or connecting recesses. The connecting projections can be web-shaped.The connecting recesses can, for example, be groove-shaped. The connecting projections or connecting recesses can extend essentially in the radial direction.

[0022] The side surfaces of the first clutch arms and the second clutch arms can have connecting devices that serve for connection to at least one clutch wedge pack. The side surfaces of the first clutch arms and the second clutch arms, which extend in the radial and axial directions, can be provided with such connecting devices. The connecting devices on the side surfaces of the clutch arms can be designed to correspond to the connecting devices on the connecting elements of the clutch wedge packs. The connecting devices on the side surfaces of the clutch arms can cooperate with the connecting devices on the clutch wedge packs to hold the clutch wedge packs on the clutch arms. The connecting devices can secure the clutch wedge packs to the clutch arms, in particular in the axial direction.The connecting devices on the clutch wedge packs can be designed, for example, in the form of connecting projections. In this case, the connecting devices on the side surfaces of the clutch arms can be designed, for example, in a groove-shaped manner. The groove-shaped connecting devices can extend in the radial direction. The connecting devices can be open at their radially outer end to allow the connecting projections on the clutch wedge packs to be inserted into the groove-shaped connecting devices on the side surfaces of the clutch arms.

[0023] The connecting devices of the clutch wedge packs can be engaged with the connecting devices on the side surfaces of the clutch arms. The clutch wedge packs can then be displaced radially inward along the clutch arms. The radially inward displacement of the clutch wedge packs along the clutch arms can be achieved, for example, by means of the fastening devices. The fastening devices can be attached to at least one clutch wedge pack with their fastening element and preload this clutch wedge pack in the radial direction. For this purpose, the at least one fastening element can cooperate with a fastening means that extends radially through the fastening element into the respective clutch arm. The fastening devices hold the clutch wedge packs in their predetermined position on the clutch arms.

[0024] The present invention further relates to a clutch wedge pack for a wedge-pack clutch having the features described above. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle drive with at least one wedge-pack clutch of the type described above. The present invention is also directed to a vehicle with a vehicle drive or a wedge-pack clutch of the type described above. The wedge-pack clutch according to the invention can be used in particular in a rail vehicle drive. The wedge-pack clutch can be connected to an output shaft and a further clutch device. This further clutch device can be, for example, a curved-tooth clutch.

[0025] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. They depict: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wedge pack coupling according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a side view of the wedge pack coupling according to the embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a sectional view along the section line III-III in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of detail IV in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a clutch wedge pack; and Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 more views of a clutch wedge package.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a wedge-shaped clutch 10. The wedge-shaped clutch 10 has a first clutch part 12 and a second clutch part 14. The first clutch part 12 has a central hub-shaped section 16 on which a circumferential projection 18 with a spur gear 20 is formed. The spur gear 20 can be used for connection to an output shaft of a rail vehicle drive (not shown). Starting from the section 16, a plurality of (first) clutch arms 22 extend radially outward. According to this embodiment, the first clutch part 12 has seven (first) clutch arms 22. The (second) clutch arms 24 of the second clutch part 14 are arranged between the (first) clutch arms 22 of the first clutch part 12. Seven (second) clutch arms 24 are formed on the second clutch part 14.The second coupling part 14 has a tubular section 26, from which the coupling arms 24 extend, initially in sections in the axial direction and then in the radial direction. A toothing 28 is formed on the axial end surface of the tubular section 26, which faces away from the (second) coupling arms 24. The toothing 28 can serve for connection to another coupling device in a rail vehicle drive (not shown). Such a coupling device can be, for example, a curved-tooth coupling.

[0027] The wedge pack clutch 10 has several separate clutch wedge packs 30. Each clutch wedge pack 30 forms an independent unit. The clutch wedge packs 30 are arranged between the clutch arms 22 and 24, which each connect a clutch arm 22 of the first clutch part 12 with a clutch arm 24 of the second clutch part 14. The clutch wedge packs 30 are each connected to a side surface of one of the clutch arms 22, 24. For reasons of clarity, Fig. 1, only some of the clutch wedge packs are provided with the reference numeral 30. The clutch wedge packs 30 have connecting elements 32, via which they are connected to the clutch arms 22, 24.

[0028] The wedge pack clutch 10 has a plurality of fastening devices 34. Each fastening device 34 is assigned to a clutch arm 22, 24. The fastening devices 34 serve to fasten the clutch wedge packs 30 to the clutch arms 22, 24. The fastening devices 34 are arranged on the radial end surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24 of the first clutch part 12 and the second clutch part 14. The fastening devices 34 have a fastening element 36 that engages with two adjacent clutch wedge packs 30. The fastening element 36 holds the clutch wedge packs 30 to the clutch arms 22, 24. The fastening elements 36 protrude circumferentially beyond the radial end surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24 with two sections.With these two protruding portions, the fastening elements 34 engage the clutch wedge packs 30 to hold the clutch wedge packs in their predetermined position and preload them in the radial direction. The fastening devices 36 comprise fastening means 38, via which the fastening devices 36 are connected to one of the clutch arms 22 or 24. According to this embodiment, the fastening means 38 are designed in the form of screws. The fastening means 38 extend in the radial direction through the fastening elements 36 into the clutch arms 22, 24. The fastening means 38 thus extend in the radial direction into the clutch arms 22, 24.

[0029] The fastening elements 36 engage the connecting elements 32 of the clutch wedge packs 30. For this purpose, recesses are formed on the connecting elements 32 of the clutch wedge packs 30, which will be discussed in detail later in this description. The fastening devices 34 pre-tension the clutch wedge packs 30 in the radial direction. According to this embodiment, the fastening elements 36 are cuboid-shaped and have two openings through which the fastening means 38 extend. The fastening elements 36 are essentially flush with the connecting elements 32 of the clutch wedge packs 30 and protrude beyond the sides of the surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24 in order to be able to hold the clutch wedge packs 30 to the clutch arms 22, 24.

[0030] The fastening point between the fastening element 36 and the respective coupling arm 22 or 24 is located within the radial extension of the coupling wedge packs 30. Starting from the center of the wedge pack coupling 10, the connection point between the fastening elements 36 and the coupling arms 22, 24 is located at a radial end region of the coupling wedge packs 30. The coupling wedge packs 30 extend a predetermined distance in the radial direction along the coupling arms 22, 24. The coupling wedge packs 30 and their connecting elements 32 protrude a predetermined distance in the radial direction beyond the radial end surface of the coupling arms 22, 24. Two connecting elements 32 of each of two coupling wedge packs 30 connected to a coupling arm 22, 24, together with the radial end surface of the coupling arms 22, 24, form a receptacle for a fastening element 34.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the wedge-pack coupling 10. The wedge-pack coupling 10 comprises the first coupling part 12 and the second coupling part 14. The coupling parts 12 and 14 are connected via coupling wedge packs 30. The coupling wedge packs 30 are held on the coupling parts 12 and 14 by the fastening devices 34. The fastening devices 34 have a fastening element 36 and two fastening means 38, which extend in the radial direction through the fastening elements 36 into the respective coupling parts 12 or 14.

[0032] In Fig. 2 also shows the tubular section 26 of the second coupling part 14. Toothing 28, which protrudes in the axial direction, is formed on the axial end face or end surface of the second coupling part 14. A spur toothing 20, which protrudes in the axial direction, is formed on the first coupling part 12. The toothings 20 and 28 serve to couple the wedge-pack clutch 10 to other components of a vehicle drive.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view along the section line III-III in Fig. 2. The coupling arms 22 of the first coupling part and the coupling arms 24 of the second coupling part 14 (see Fig. 1) extend radially outwards. In the circumferential direction, the coupling arms 22, 24 are arranged alternately. The coupling arms 24 of the second coupling part 14 (see Fig. 1) extend first in the axial direction between the coupling arms 22 of the first coupling part 12 and then in the radial direction outwards (see Fig. 1).

[0034] The clutch wedge packs 30 are arranged between the clutch arms 22 and 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 are supported on a side surface of a clutch arm 22 and on a side surface of a clutch arm 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 are connected to the side surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 extend a predetermined radial distance along the side surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 protrude radially beyond the radial end surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24. The radial end surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24 lie on a radius around the center axis M of the wedge pack clutch 10. This radius also runs through the clutch wedge packs 30.

[0035] Two adjacent clutch wedge packs 30, together with the radial end face of the clutch arms 22, 24, form a receptacle for one of the fastening devices 34. Before being connected to the clutch arms 22, 24, each fastening device 34 represents a separate unit from the clutch wedge packs 30. The fastening devices 34 each have a fastening element 36 and the fastening means 38. According to this embodiment, the fastening means 38 are designed in the form of screws. The fastening elements 36 bear against the radial end face of the clutch arms 22, 24 and the clutch wedge packs 30 assigned to the respective clutch arm 22 or 24. The fastening element 36 is essentially flush with the clutch wedge packs 30 in the radial direction.

[0036] The fastening means 38 extend through the fastening elements 34 into the coupling arms 22, 24. For this purpose, openings are formed in both the fastening elements 34 and the coupling arms 22, 24, which will be discussed in detail later in the description. The openings in the coupling arms 22, 24 extend a predetermined distance in the radial direction into the coupling arms 22, 24. The openings in the fastening elements 36 are stepped, forming contact surfaces for the heads of the fastening means 38 or the screws 38. The fastening devices 34 preload the coupling wedge packs 30 in the radial direction. The fastening point between the fastening elements 36 and the coupling arms 22, 24 for fastening the coupling wedge packs 30 to the coupling arms 22, 24 is located in a radially outer end region of the coupling wedge packs 30.The clutch wedge packs 30 extend along the side surfaces of the clutch arms 22, 24 and are connected to these side surfaces. The clutch wedge packs 30 are fastened to the clutch arms 22, 24 via separate fastening devices 34, which are separate from the clutch wedge packs 30, and are preloaded in the radial direction.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of section IV in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4 shows a clutch arm 22 arranged between two clutch arms 24. Clutch wedge packs 30 extend between clutch arms 22, 24. Clutch wedge packs 30 have a first connecting element 32a and a second connecting element 32b. Clutch wedge packs 30 can be connected to clutch arms 22, 24 via connecting elements 32a, 32b. Connecting elements 32a and 32b are wedge-shaped. Clutch wedge packs 30 further have an elastic body 40 extending between clutch wedge packs 32a and 32b. Elastic body 40 can be made of an elastic material such as an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, or silicone. The elastic body 40 comprises a reinforcing element 42. The reinforcing element 42 may be a plate-shaped element extending in the radial direction.However, the reinforcing element 42 can also have a thickness that varies in the radial direction or be curved. Furthermore, the reinforcing element 40 can have curved side surfaces (not shown) that face the coupling arms 22, 24. Multiple reinforcing elements 42 can also be provided in an elastic body 40. The reinforcing element 42 can be made of sheet metal, for example.

[0038] The elastic body 40 connects the connecting elements 32a and 32b. The connecting elements 32a, 32b have a recess 32c and 32d at their radially outer ends. The recesses 32c and 32d are formed in the shape of a step. When attached to the coupling arms 22 and 24, the recesses 32c, 32d of the connecting elements 32a and 32b are each open in the direction of the coupling arm 22, 24 to which a connection is to be established via the respective connecting element 32a or 32b. In other words, the recesses 32c, 32d face the coupling arm 22 or 24 to which the respective connecting element 32a or 32b is to be connected with the corresponding recess 32c, 32d. The recesses 32c and 32b of the connecting elements 32a and 32b of the coupling wedge packs 30, together with the radial end surfaces 22c and 24c of the coupling arms 22, 24, form a receptacle for the fastening devices 34.The fastening elements 36 of the fastening devices 34 are received in the receptacle formed in this way.

[0039] The fastening elements 36 have a stepped opening 44. The opening 44 has two sections with differing diameters. At the transition from the section with a larger diameter to the section with a smaller diameter, a contact surface is formed on which the head of the fastening means or the screw 38 can be supported. The fastening means 38 or the screws 38 extend through the fastening elements 36 into the coupling arms 22, 24. Openings 22d and 24d are formed in the coupling arms 22, 24, which extend from the radial end surface 22c, 24c in the radial direction into the coupling arms 22, 24. Each arm has two openings 22c and 24c arranged one behind the other in the axial direction (see Fig. 1). The openings 22c and 24d end radially in front of the radially inner end of the clutch wedge packs 30.

[0040] The fastening devices 34 serve to fasten the clutch wedge packs 30 to the clutch arms 22, 24 and to preload the clutch wedge packs 30 in the radial direction. The fastening elements 36 engage the bottom surface of the recesses 32c, 32d of the connecting elements 32a and 32b and, in cooperation with the screws 38, press the clutch wedge packs 30 radially inward. As a result, the clutch wedge packs 30 are preloaded in the radial direction via the fastening elements 36 and the screws 38.

[0041] The fastening point between the fastening elements 36 and the coupling arms 22, 24 is located on the radial end surfaces 22c and 24c of the coupling arms 22, 24. The fastening point is thus located relatively far from the center of the coupling parts 12, 14 in the radial direction (see Fig. 1). The attachment point between the fastening devices 34 on the clutch arms 22, 24 and the clutch wedge packs 30 lies within the radial extension of the clutch wedge packs 30. The attachment point is located at a radially outer end portion of the radial extension of the clutch wedge packs 30. In other words, the clutch wedge packs 30, when attached to the clutch arms 22, 24, have a radially inner end 30a and a radially outer end 30b. The attachment point between the fastening devices 34 and the clutch arms 22, 24 is located between the radially inner end 30a and the radially outer end 30b of the clutch wedge packs 30.

[0042] The clutch arms 22 and 24 are connected to each other via clutch wedge packs 30. The clutch wedge packs 30 extend in the circumferential direction between two adjacent clutch arms 22 and 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 are arranged between two mutually facing side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the clutch arms 22, 24. The side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the clutch arms 22, 24 extend in the axial direction and in the radial direction. The clutch wedge packs 30 are connected to the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the clutch arms 22, 24. For this purpose, connecting devices (not shown) are formed on the side surfaces 32e and 32f of the connecting elements 32a and 32b of the clutch wedge packs 30. The clutch wedge packs 30 rest with their side surfaces 32e and 32f against the radially and axially extending side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the clutch arms 22, 24.When attached to the coupling arms 22, 24, the side surfaces 32e and 32f of the clutch wedge packs 30 also extend in the radial direction and in the axial direction. A clutch wedge pack 30 extends, for example, between a side surface 24b of the coupling arm 24 and a side surface 22a of the coupling arm 22. Furthermore, a clutch wedge pack 30 extends between a side surface 22b of a coupling arm 22 and a side surface 24a of a coupling arm 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 are connected to the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the coupling arms 22, 24 via connecting devices (not shown).

[0043] The clutch wedge packs 30 extend along a predetermined radial section of the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a and 24b of the clutch arms 22 and 24 up to the radial end surface 22c, 24c of the clutch arms 22, 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 protrude with their section having the recesses 32c and 32d in the radial direction beyond the radial end surfaces 22c, 24c of the clutch arms 22, 24.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a clutch wedge pack 30. The clutch wedge pack 30 has connecting elements 32a and 32b, which are connected to one another via an elastic body 40. The elastic body 40 has a reinforcing element 42. The elastic body 40 has a first section 40a extending between the connecting element 32a and the reinforcing element 42, and a second section 40b extending between the connecting element 32b and the reinforcing element 42. The connecting elements 32a and 32b are wedge-shaped.

[0045] The recesses 32c and 32d are formed on the sides of the connecting elements 32a and 32b facing away from the elastic body 40. When mounted on the coupling arms 22, 24, the coupling wedge packs 30 project radially beyond the radial end surfaces 22c, 24c of the coupling arms 22, 24 with the recesses 32c and 32d (see Fig. 4). Adjoining the recesses 32c, 32d is a side surface section 32e and 32f, on which connecting devices for connecting the clutch wedge packs 30 to the clutch arms 22, 24 are formed. According to this embodiment, the connecting devices have the form of a connecting projection 46, 48. The connecting projection 46, 48 is web-shaped. The connecting projections 46 and 48 serve to establish a connection between the clutch wedge pack 30 and the clutch arms 22 and 24 (see Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). When mounted on the clutch arms 22, 24, the clutch wedge packs 30 rest with the side surface portions 32e and 32f against the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the clutch arms 22, 24. The clutch wedge packs 30 are connected to the clutch arms 22 and 24 by the connecting projections 46 and 48.

[0046] Connecting devices (not shown) are provided on the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the coupling arms 22, 24, which correspond to the connecting projections 46 and 48 on the coupling wedge packs 30. The connecting devices on the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the coupling arms 22, 24 can, for example, be groove-shaped. The coupling wedge packs 30 can thus be connected to the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the coupling arms 22, 24 via a tongue and groove connection. The coupling wedge packs 30 can be inserted with the connecting projections 46, 48 into the groove-shaped connecting devices on the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the coupling arms 22, 24. Via the fastening devices 34, ie via the fastening elements 36 and the fastening means 38, the coupling wedge packs 30 are displaced into their predetermined position on the coupling arms 22, 24 and are radially preloaded.For this purpose, the groove-shaped connecting devices (not shown) on the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the coupling arms 22, 24 are open at their radially outer end to allow insertion of the coupling wedge packs 30.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 shows a front view of a clutch wedge pack 30. The clutch wedge pack 30 has two connecting elements 32a, 32b and the elastic body 40 connecting the connecting elements 32a, 32b. The elastic body 40 has the reinforcing element 42, which divides the elastic body into two sections 40a and 40b.

[0048] The connecting elements 32a and 32b have the recesses 32c and 32d. The recesses 32c and 32b have two surfaces 50 and 52 extending substantially at right angles to each other. In the assembled state of the coupling wedge packs 30 on the coupling arms 22, 24 (see Fig. 1, 3 to 5), surface 52 extends substantially radially. Surface 50 extends substantially perpendicular to the corresponding surface 32b or 32f. Connecting projections 46 and 48 are formed on surfaces 32e, 32f.

[0049] Fig.Figure 7 shows a side view of a clutch wedge pack 30, showing the connecting element 32b. The connecting element 32b has recesses 32d, which are adjoined by the side surface portion 32f. The web-shaped connecting projection 48 is formed on the side surface portion 32f. With the recess 32d, the connecting element 32b, in the assembled state, projects radially beyond the radial end surfaces 22c and 24c of the clutch arms 22, 24. With the side surface section 32f, the clutch wedge package 30 rests in the assembled state on a side surface 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of a clutch arm 22, 24 such that the connecting projection 48 engages with the groove-shaped connecting device on one of the side surfaces 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of a clutch arm 22, 24.

[0050] Since the fastening point between the coupling arms 22 and 24 and the fastening devices 34 for fastening the coupling wedge packs 30 is located in the radially outer end region of the coupling wedge packs 30, this fastening point is only subjected to preload forces, but, unlike in the prior art, is no longer subject to bending loads. For this reason, the coupling arms 22 and 24 can be designed to be relatively slim or narrow in the circumferential direction of the wedge pack coupling 10. This allows the elastic body 40 of the coupling wedge packs 30 to be enlarged in the circumferential direction. The openings 22c and 24c in the coupling arms 22, 24 extend in the radial direction by a predetermined distance into the coupling arms 22 and 24. The openings 22c and 24c thus end before an area that is critical for the strength of the wedge pack coupling 10. The wedge pack coupling 10 according to the invention has an increased power density.The increased power density leads to an extended service life and increased torque absorption capacity. Furthermore, the wedge-pack coupling according to the invention can accommodate relatively large deflection angles and relatively large axial deflections.

Claims

[1] Wedge pack coupling (10) for a vehicle drive, comprising: a first coupling part (12) having a plurality of first coupling arms (22), wherein the first coupling arms (22) extend at least partially in the radial direction, a second coupling part (14) having a plurality of second coupling arms (24), wherein the second coupling arms extend at least partially in the radial direction, wherein the first coupling arms (22) and the second coupling arms (24) are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, a plurality of separate clutch wedge packs (30), wherein at least one clutch wedge pack (30) extends between a first clutch arm (22) and a second clutch arm (24), and a plurality of fastening devices (34), wherein at least one fastening device (34) fastens at least one clutch wedge pack (30) to a first clutch arm (22) or a second clutch arm (24) and prestresses the at least one clutch wedge pack (30) at least in the radial direction, characterized by that each clutch wedge pack (30) has a first connecting element (32a) and a second connecting element (32b). [2] Wedge pack clutch (10) according to claim 1, wherein each fastening device (34) has at least one fastening element (36) which is arranged on a radial end surface (22c, 24c) of a first clutch arm (22) or a second clutch arm (24) and engages this clutch wedge pack (30) for pretensioning at least one clutch wedge pack (30). [3] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to claim 2, wherein each fastening device (34) has at least one fastening means (36), wherein the at least one fastening means (36) extends in the radial direction through the at least one fastening element (36) into a first coupling arm (22) or into a second coupling arm (24). [4] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each first coupling arm (22) and each second coupling arm (24) has at least one opening (44) extending radially into the respective coupling arm (22, 24) by a predetermined distance. [5] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a coupling wedge pack (30) is connected to a side surface (22a, 22b) of a first coupling arm (22) and a side surface (24a, 24b) of a second coupling arm (24). [6] Wedge pack clutch (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clutch wedge packs (30) extend in the radial direction over a predetermined distance along the side surfaces (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) of the first clutch arms (22) and second clutch arms (22). [7] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (32a) and the second connecting element (32b) are connected to one another via at least one elastic body (40). [8] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to claim 7, wherein the first connecting element (32a) and the second connecting element (32b) of a clutch wedge pack (30) each have at least one connecting device (46, 48) which serves to connect the clutch wedge pack (30) to a side surface (22a, 22b) of a first clutch arm (22) or a side surface (24a, 24b) of a second clutch arm (24). [9] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first connecting element (32a) and the second connecting element (32b) of a coupling wedge pack (30) each have a recess (32a, 32b) in which the at least one fastening element (36) of the fastening device can be received at least in sections. [10] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one elastic body (40) has at least one recess. [11] Wedge pack clutch (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each clutch wedge pack (30) has at least one reinforcing element (42). [12] Wedge pack coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side surfaces (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) of the first coupling arms (22) and the second coupling arms (24) have connecting devices which serve for connection to at least one coupling wedge pack (30). [13] Clutch wedge pack (30) for a wedge pack clutch (10), wherein the clutch wedge pack (30) has a first connecting element (32a) and a second connecting element (32b) which are connected to one another via at least one elastic body (40); wherein the first connecting element (32a) and the second connecting element (32b) of a clutch wedge pack (30) each have at least one connecting device (46, 48) which serves to connect the clutch wedge pack (30) to a side surface (22a, 22b) of a first clutch arm (22) or a side surface (24a, 24b) of a second clutch arm (24); wherein the first connecting element (32a) and the second connecting element (32b) of a clutch wedge pack (30) each have a recess (32a, 32b) in which the at least one fastening element (36) of the fastening device can be received at least in sections; wherein the at least one elastic body (40) has at least one recess; and wherein each clutch wedge pack (30) has at least one reinforcing element (42). [14] Vehicle drive with at least one wedge pack clutch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12. [15] Vehicle with a vehicle drive according to claim 14 or at least one wedge pack clutch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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