Torque transmission device with a locking device that secures an actuating element

Abstract

Torque transmission device (10) for transmitting a torque, comprising a first component rotatable about an axis of rotation (13), a second component (14), a friction area (16) for torque transmission between the first and second components (14) by means of a frictional connection depending on an actuating position of an actuating element (18), which is movable by an actuating device (20) between a first actuating position in which the frictional connection and thus the torque transmission is established and a second actuating position in which the frictional connection and thus the torque transmission is interrupted, a locking device (50) fixing the actuating element (18) in at least one of the actuating positions, wherein the locking device (50) has a locking element (52) which, during the first or second actuating position of the actuating element (18) is in either a locked position,in which the actuating element (18) is positively locked in place via the locking element (52) and is movable to a release position in which the actuating element (18) is released, characterized in that the locking element (52) is rotatable about the axis of rotation (13) relative to the actuating element (18) for reciprocal switching between the release position and the locking position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a torque transmission device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In DE 10 2017 003 633 A1, a coupling device with a coupling and an actuating device for actuating the coupling is described, wherein the actuating device has a force-actuating section that interacts with the coupling and can be moved from an open position, in which the coupling is open, to a closed position, in which the coupling is closed, wherein a movable locking element is associated with the force-actuating section, which can be moved from a release position to a locking position, in which the force-actuating section is supported on a support device via the locking element under positive locking in the closed or open position.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve the functional reliability of the torque transmission device. The function of the torque transmission device should be maintained as far as possible in the event of a fault.

[0004] At least one of these tasks is solved by a torque transmission device with the features according to claim 1. This ensures the functional reliability of the torque transmission device even in the event of a failure of the actuating device. The movement of the locking element can be decoupled from the function of the actuating device. This provides additional safeguards for the function of the torque transmission device.

[0005] The torque transmission device can be located in a vehicle. The torque transmission device can be designed as a clutch or a brake. The clutch can transmit drive torque to propel the vehicle when a frictional connection is established. The clutch can prevent the transmission of drive torque when the frictional connection is disengaged. The brake can resist torque against a housing when a frictional connection is established. The torque transmission device can be located in a gearbox. The gearbox can be a planetary gearbox.

[0006] The torque transmission device can be designed as a normally-closed coupling. In this case, the frictional connection for torque transmission can be established by the actuating element even when no actuating force is applied.

[0007] The friction area can have a lamellar assembly. The lamellar assembly can have first lamellae interlocked with the first component and second lamellae interlocked with the second component.

[0008] The actuating device can effect hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electromagnetic actuation of the actuating element. In the locked position, the energy required to maintain the second actuating position can be reduced.

[0009] The actuating element can be designed as a pressure piston. The actuating element can act on a pressing element. The pressing element can apply an actuating force to the friction area to provide the frictional connection. The actuating force of the pressing element can act as a preload force. In the second actuating position, the actuating element can exert a counterforce on the pressing element that opposes the actuating force of the pressing element. This allows the pressing element to be force-free with respect to the friction area. The actuating element can have an actuation area that introduces the counterforce onto the pressing element.

[0010] The locking device can be designed as a detent device. The locking element can be designed as a detent disc. The locking device can be arranged radially outside the friction area.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the locking element is movable against the restoring force of at least one restoring spring element for switching between the release position and the locked position. This allows the switching between the locked position and the release position to occur quickly and even in the event of a fault.

[0012] The return spring element can be designed as a helical spring. It can be a compression spring or a tension spring. The return spring element can support the return force against a housing. It can be arranged to act tangentially and / or circumferentially.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the switching of the actuating position is effected by an actuating movement of the actuating element and the return spring element exerts a restoring force acting perpendicular to the actuating movement. The actuating movement can be axial. The restoring force can act circumferentially and / or tangentially.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the actuating element for switching the actuating position is movable perpendicular to a switching movement of the locking element for switching between the release position and the locked position. The switching movement and the actuating movement can be decoupled from each other. The switching movement can also occur even if the actuating movement is omitted. The locked position can only be reached when the first or second actuating position is engaged. In actuating positions between the first and second actuating positions, engagement of the locked position can be prevented.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the locking element for reciprocal switching between the release position and the locked position is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the actuating element. The switching movement for changing between the release position and the locked position can be a rotary movement.

[0016] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the actuating element has a recess into which a locking area of ​​the locking element engages, at least in the locked position, in a form-fitting manner, at least with respect to the axial direction. The recess can be arranged on an outer circumference of the actuating element. In the locked position, the actuating element can be axially fixed via the locking element.

[0017] In the release position, the locking area can be offset circumferentially to the recess, and in the locking position, it can be aligned circumferentially overlapping the recess.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess is formed on an axial projection connected to the actuating element. The projection can be integrally formed with the actuating element. The projection can be integrally formed with the actuating area.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum movement of the locking element in the direction of the locked and / or released position is limited by a stop device. This allows sufficient locking force to be generated in an energy-efficient manner. The movement of the locking element can be more precise.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the locking element is supported at least axially on a housing. The locking element can be supported radially outside the housing, away from the actuating element. The locking element can be supported on the housing via a housing element. The housing element can be designed as a separate component from the housing. The housing element and the housing can be formed as a single piece. The locking element and the housing element can form a subassembly. The return spring element can be assigned to the subassembly. The subassembly can also include a cover plate. The locking element can be arranged axially between the cover plate and the housing element.

[0021] The cover plate and / or the locking element can be mounted to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner. The housing element and / or the cover plate can have at least one recess, which may face the locking element. The locking element can have a recess facing the housing element and / or the cover plate. This can reduce the friction between the respective component and the locking element.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element is movable by an actuator element for switching between the locked and unlocked positions. The actuator element can be electrically, hydraulically, and / or pneumatically operated. The actuator element can be a solenoid or a servo motor. The actuator element can be independent of an actuating device that applies force to the actuating element. The actuator element can be arranged radially outside the locking element and / or the friction area. The locking element can have a coupling area on its outer circumference for connection with the actuator element.

[0023] The locking element can have a toothed connection for a positive locking connection with the actuator element, in particular with an actuator motor.

[0024] The actuator can move the locking element against the restoring force of the return spring element. The actuator can pull or push the locking element against the restoring force.

[0025] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description of the figures and the illustrations. List of characters

[0026] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the illustrations. These show, in detail: Fig. 1: A cross-section of a torque transmission device in a special embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2: A section of the torque transmission device from Fig. 1. Fig. 3: A side view of the torque transmission device made of Fig. 1 when the locking element is in a locked position.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a torque transmission device in a specific embodiment of the invention. The torque transmission device 10 is arranged for transmitting torque in a vehicle. The torque transmission device 10 is specifically designed as a coupling 12, which comprises a first component and a second component 14 rotatable about a pivot axis 13, and a friction area 16 for transmitting torque between the first and second components 14 by means of a frictional connection, depending on the actuation position of an actuating element 18. The actuating element 18 is movable by an actuating device 20 between a first actuation position, in which the frictional connection and thus the torque transmission is established, and a second actuation position, in which the frictional connection is broken and thus the torque transmission is broken.

[0028] In the first actuation position, the torque can be transmitted as drive torque for propelling the vehicle between the first and second components 14 via the friction area 16. The clutch 12 can be designed as a normally-closed clutch, which is closed in the unactuated state, with the actuating element 18 in the first actuation position. In the unactuated state, where no actuating force is applied via the actuating element 18, the clutch 12 is closed by an actuating element 22 applying an actuating force to the friction area 16. The actuating element 22 is designed as a disc spring 24, which provides the actuating force to the friction area 16 as a preload force.

[0029] The actuating element 18 is designed as a pressure piston 26 and is axially movable for switching between the first and second actuating positions. To switch from the first to the second actuating position, the actuating element 18 exerts an actuating force on the actuating element 22 as a counterforce to the preload force. This causes the actuating element 22 to be free of force relative to the friction area 16, and the second actuating position, in which the frictional connection between the first and second components 14 is interrupted, is thus established. For this purpose, the actuating element 18 has an actuating area 28 that introduces the counterforce onto the actuating element 22 and is designed as a circumferentially limited axial projection 30.

[0030] The actuating element 18 is axially movable in a piston chamber 32 against the actuating force of the actuating element 22 by means of an actuating pressure as fluid pressure. The actuating element 18 has sealing elements 34 for sealing the piston chamber 32. The piston chamber 32 is preferably delimited by a sleeve 36 which is received in a housing 38. The housing 38 is preferably formed as a single unit with the second component 14.

[0031] The first component is not shown here. The friction area 16 has a lamellar pack 39, consisting of first lamellars 40, which are toothed and connected to the first component, and second lamellars 42, which are toothed and connected to the housing 38. The first lamellars 40 are preferably designed as friction lamellars 44, which receive a friction lining on at least one side, preferably on both sides. The second lamellars 42 are preferably designed as steel lamellars 46.

[0032] The actuating element 18 has axial fingers 48 that extend radially outside the friction area 16 axially through the second lamellae 42 and circumferentially between the toothing of the second lamellae 42 and the housing 38. The actuating area 28 is designed as an axial end extension of the axial fingers 48 of the actuating element 18.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the torque transmission device. Fig. 1. The torque transmission device 10 comprises a locking device 50 which positively locks the actuating element 18 during the second actuating position via a locking element 52 when the locking element 52 is in a locked position. For this purpose, the actuating element 18 has an axial projection 30, which is integrally formed with the actuating area 28. A recess 56 is provided on a radially outer section of the axial projection 30, into which the locking element 52 positively engages in the locked position, thus axially locking the actuating element 18.

[0034] The locking element 52 is rotatable about the axis of rotation for switching between the locked position and a release position, in which the actuating element 18 is released by the locking element 52. The locking element 52 has a locking area 58 which, in the locked position, engages positively in the recess 56 with respect to the axial direction and overlaps the recess 56 circumferentially, and in the release position is offset circumferentially from the recess 56.

[0035] The actuating element 18 is in the first actuating position, as shown here, in which the clutch 12 is closed. If the actuating element 18 is moved axially to assume the second actuating position and to open the clutch 12, the recess 56 is axially aligned with the locking area 58 and the locking element 52 can assume the locking position during the second actuating position.

[0036] The locking element 52 is arranged axially between a housing element 59, which is axially supported on the housing 38, and a cover plate 60. The housing element 59 and the cover plate 60 have recesses 61 to reduce friction between the cover plate 60 and the housing element 59 and the locking element 52. The locking element 52 is rotatable relative to the cover plate 60 and the housing element 59 against the restoring force of a return spring element 62 for switching between the release position and the locked position. The return spring element 62 is designed as a helical spring 63, which is supported on one side by the housing element 59 and / or the cover plate 60 and on the other side by the locking element 52. The return force acts perpendicular to an actuating movement of the actuating element 18 for switching the actuating position.A switching movement of the locking element 52 for switching between the locking position and the release position is aligned perpendicular to the actuating movement of the actuating element 18.

[0037] When switching from the release position to the locked position, the locking element 52 is rotated against the restoring force of the return spring element 62. The switch from the locked position to the release position is effected primarily by the restoring force of the return spring element 62. If the actuating device fails while the clutch 12 is open and the locking element 52 is in the locked position, which fixes the actuating element 18 in the second actuating position, the release position can be automatically assumed via the return spring element 62, thereby releasing the actuating element 18 and closing the clutch 12 via the actuating element.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of the torque transmission device. Fig. 1. In a locked position of the locking element. The torque transmission device 10 has a cutout 64 in the housing 38 in which the cover plate and the housing element 59 are non-rotatably suspended. Furthermore, a radial section 66 of the locking element 52 is received in the cutout 64 with limited movement. This allows the switching movement to be limited by the stop device 68 formed by the cutout 64 and the radial section 66. The maximum movement of the locking element 52 in the direction of the locked and the release positions is limited by the stop device 68.

[0039] A recess 70 for connection with an actuator element (not shown) is arranged on the radial section 66. This actuator element causes the locking element 52 to deflect against the restoring force of the return spring element 62. The locking element 52 is in a locked position in which it is positively engaged in the axial direction with the recess 56 of the actuating element 18, thus axially locking the actuating element in place. Reference symbol list 10 Torque transmission device 12 Clutch 13. Axis of rotation 14 second component 16 Friction area 18 Actuating element 20 Actuating device 22. Control element 24 Belleville washers 26 pressure pistons 28 Area of ​​activity 30 axial projection 32 Piston chamber 34 Sealing element 36 Sleeve 38 cases 39 slat package 40 first lamella 42 second lamella 44 friction plates 46 steel lamellae 48 axial fingers 50 Locking device 52 Locking element 56 In-depth study 58 Restricted area 59 Housing element 60 Cover plate 61 recess 62 Return spring element 63 coil spring 64 Excerpt 66 Radial section 68 Stop device 70 recess QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102017003633 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Torque transmission device (10) for transmitting a torque, comprising a first component rotatable about an axis of rotation (13), a second component (14), a friction area (16) for torque transmission between the first and second component (14) by means of a friction-fit connection depending on an actuating position of an actuating element (18), which is movable by an actuating device (20) between a first actuating position, in which the friction-fit connection and thus the torque transmission is established, and a second actuating position, in which the friction-fit connection and thus the torque transmission is interrupted, a locking device (50) that secures the actuating element (18) in at least one of the actuating positions, characterized by , that the locking device (50) has a locking element (52) which, during the first or second actuation position of the actuating element (18), is movable between a locking position in which the actuating element (18) is positively locked via the locking element (52) and a release position in which the actuating element (18) is released. [2] Torque transmission device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking element (52) is movable against the restoring force of at least one restoring spring element (62) for switching between the release position and the locking position. [3] Torque transmission device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the switching of the actuating position is effected by an actuating movement of the actuating element (18) and the return spring element (62) exerts a return force acting perpendicular to the actuating movement. [4] Torque transmission device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (18) is movable perpendicular to a switching movement of the locking element (52) for switching between the release position and the locking position. [5] Torque transmission device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (52) is rotatable about the axis of rotation (13) relative to the actuating element (18) for reciprocal switching between the release position and the locking position. [6] Torque transmission device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (18) has a recess (56) into which a locking area (58) of the locking element (52) engages in a form-fitting manner at least in the locking position, at least with respect to the axial direction. [7] Torque transmission device (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the recess (56) is formed on an axial projection (54) which is connected to the actuating element (18). [8] Torque transmission device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a maximum movement of the locking element (52) in the direction of the locking position and / or release position is limited by a stop device (68). [9] Torque transmission device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (52) is supported at least in the axial direction on a housing (38). [10] Torque transmission device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (52) can be moved by an actuator element to switch between the locking position and the enabling position.

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