Hybrid module with mounting holes enabling attachment to a flywheel, kit with a hybrid module and flywheel attached via flywheel bolts, and drivetrain with these elements

Offset receiving holes in the output hub of P2 hybrid modules facilitate assembly and disassembly, addressing the challenges of splined connections by enabling bolted connections and reducing noise and backlash, ensuring efficient operation.

DE102023132418B4Active Publication Date: 2026-04-23SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
Filing Date
2023-11-21
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing P2 hybrid modules face difficulties in assembly and disassembly due to splined connections, which are noisy and prone to backlash, making installation and removal challenging.

Method used

The use of offset receiving holes in the output hub for flywheel bolts, allowing the starting clutch to be bolted instead of using splined connections, with the holes arranged radially and circumferentially to facilitate assembly and disassembly, and incorporating a sliding seal to prevent contamination and noise.

Benefits of technology

This design simplifies assembly and disassembly, reduces noise, and prevents backlash, ensuring efficient operation by eliminating the need for snap rings and reducing transmission rattling.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Hybrid module (1) with a damper inlet component (3) provided for attachment to a crankshaft (2) movable by an internal combustion engine, which is connected to a torsional vibration damper (4) and to a (K0) disconnect coupling (5) downstream of the torsional vibration damper (4) in the torque direction from an internal combustion engine to a transmission, the output part of which is connected to an output hub (6) provided for attachment to a rotor, wherein the damper inlet component (3) has several first through holes (7) for receiving crankshaft bolts (8) which are provided for fixing the damper inlet component (3) to a component fixed to the crankshaft, wherein several second through holes (9) are provided in the output hub (6), wherein the second through holes (10) are offset in the axial direction (22) to the first through holes (7),are arranged at a location enabling access to the crankshaft bolts (8), characterized in that several receiving holes (10) for receiving flywheel bolts (11) are provided in the output hub (6), which are provided for rotationally fixing the output hub (6) to a transmission input component (12).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hybrid module, in particular a P2 hybrid module, with a damper input component designed for attachment to a crankshaft movable by an internal combustion engine, which is connected to a torsional vibration damper, such as a coil spring damper or a dual-mass flywheel, and to a (K0) disconnect clutch downstream of the torsional vibration damper in the torque direction from an internal combustion engine to a transmission, the output part of which is connected to a drive hub, for example rotor carrier-like, designed for attachment to a rotor and in particular a flywheel of a (K1) starting clutch.wherein the damper inlet component has several first through holes for receiving crankshaft bolts, which are provided for fixing the damper inlet component in the output hub, wherein the second through holes are arranged at a location offset axially to the first through holes, enabling access to the crankshaft bolts.

[0002] WO 2018 / 224 082 A1 also addresses this area of ​​the invention. There, a central release bearing with a (CSC) housing is presented for a similarly constructed hybrid module. In this case, a piston is arranged to be axially displaceable in the axial direction, dependent on hydraulic pressure, in order to move a release bearing and thereby open or close a clutch. At least one magnet is attached to the piston, which can be used for position determination via a sensor connected to an electrical conductor. A particular feature highlighted there is that the sensor is arranged radially inside the annular piston.

[0003] P2 hybrid modules are a well-known concept. These are configurations in a motor vehicle powertrain that combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor as drive components. A key feature of a P2 configuration is the presence of a disconnect clutch between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. This clutch, commonly referred to as a (K0) disconnect clutch, is typically a friction clutch, which can be either dry or wet. P2 hybrid modules often utilize 48 V electric motors arranged parallel to the engine shaft in combination with a manual transmission. This typically requires a sealed unit, including a torsional damper, the (K0) disconnect clutch, and a gear drive for the electric motor. The module is partially filled with oil and therefore requires a seal. The interface at the crankshaft is often predetermined.The module is usually mounted to the internal combustion engine in the same way as a clutch. Likewise, the transmission mounting should often be transferable without modification.

[0004] The internal combustion engine is usually bolted to a crankshaft with a damper inlet of the P2 module. It is desirable for this interface to be located outside the wet chamber and to resemble a crankshaft interface of a dual-mass flywheel (DMF). To allow for the installation of the crankshaft bolts, some prior art embodiments have through-holes on the output hub of the hybrid module that are aligned with the hole pattern of the crankshaft interface.

[0005] However, since a splined connection is typically used between the flywheel of a (K1) starting clutch and the output hub, numerous disadvantages arise. After the hybrid module is installed, the (K1) starting clutch is connected to the module's / hybrid module's output hub via a splined connection. A snap ring is currently used for this purpose. This snap ring secures the (K1) starting clutch axially towards the transmission. Towards the internal combustion engine, the (K1) starting clutch is also usually supported by the output hub, with an additional radial pilot bearing providing further support.

[0006] Reference is made to DE 10 2019 116 039 A1 as a further example of the state of the art.

[0007] However, such solutions are difficult to install and almost impossible to dismantle. Furthermore, the conventionally used, backlash-prone splined connections cause noise problems.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve assembly, to enable or at least improve disassembly, and to bring about a reduction in noise.

[0009] In a hybrid module of this type, the invention solves this problem by providing several receiving holes in the output hub for flywheel bolts. These bolts are used to fix / fasten the output hub to a transmission input component, such as the (K1) starting clutch, in particular the first / a flywheel. It should be noted that the output hub can be designed not only as a single piece but also as a multi-piece design. A two-piece design is particularly advantageous. This two-piece design is especially beneficial when a radially inner part must meet different requirements with respect to material properties, heat treatment processes, or strength compared to a radially outer part. Such a multi-piece, adapted design is particularly advantageous when high strength values ​​are required, such as those starting from strength class 10.The two or more parts can then be joined by form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit connections; riveting methods are particularly suitable. Form-fit connections offer advantages especially with certain high-carbon steels.

[0010] Instead of the splined connection for transmitting the drive torque from the P2 hybrid module to the (K1) starting clutch, the (K1) starting clutch is now bolted to the output hub. This is essentially analogous to the crankshaft bolting to the damper input component found in the crankshaft area. However, the flywheel-side bolting is offset radially and circumferentially. The arrangement of both bolting connections is chosen so that they do not overlap axially. They are therefore free of overlap.

[0011] This facilitates both assembly and disassembly. If the through-holes of the output hub are aligned with the flywheel of the (K1) starting clutch, the hybrid module can be delivered with the flywheel already attached and bolted to the internal combustion engine. This significantly simplifies assembly. Flywheel installation is also more controlled. Because backlash-free connections of the (K1) starting clutch are now possible, rattling noises (NVH) are avoided. The (K1) starting clutch can now be removed differently than in the prior art, as the previously inaccessible snap ring is no longer required. The hybrid module can now be removed because the crankshaft bolts are no longer obstructed by the (K1) starting clutch. Backlash-prone splines, or at least the associated noise problems such as transmission rattle, are eliminated.Therefore, when considering the rotational position of the damper input component relative to the flywheel, there is at least one position in which the crankshaft bolts can be reached through the through-holes of the output hub. Ultimately, the core issue is the interface of the hybrid module, namely the one at the flywheel of the (K1) starting clutch on the P2 hybrid module in a so-called "off-axis arrangement".

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0013] It is therefore advantageous if the receiving holes are designed as blind holes. This reduces the weakening of the component caused by the receiving holes compared to through holes.

[0014] For quick installation, the mounting holes can also be cleverly prepared. It is advantageous if the mounting holes are equipped with internal threaded sections. The flywheel bolts can then be inserted quickly, and the otherwise tedious insertion of threaded bushings is avoided.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the receiving holes are arranged radially and / or circumferentially offset from the first through holes and / or from the second through holes. It is particularly advantageous if there is a radial and / or circumferential offset between the first and second through holes. It has proven beneficial if the first and second through holes are arranged in the same hole pattern, but differ from the hole pattern in which the receiving holes are arranged. In this way, the installation space is used efficiently.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment is further characterized by the presence of a sliding seal between the output hub and the damper input component, which is used to seal a (K0) disconnect coupling containing the disconnect coupling. This allows the wet chamber containing the (K0) disconnect coupling to be efficiently separated from other components. This ensures the continued, fault-free operation of the (K1) starting clutch, as contamination by hydraulic fluids is prevented.

[0017] If the receiving holes are arranged radially further outwards than the second through holes, the torque can also be transmitted to the (K1) starting clutch with a better effective radius, which has advantages in a lighter / weight-optimized design of the hybrid module.

[0018] If the second set of through holes has a larger diameter than the first set, this improves ease of assembly. Access to the crankshaft bolts becomes easier.

[0019] The invention ultimately also relates to a kit with a hybrid module according to the invention, wherein a flywheel of the (K1) starting clutch fixed to the output hub via the flywheel screws is geometrically designed in such a way that the accessibility of the crankshaft screws in the drive train is ensured in the ready-to-operate state, for example / namely via third through holes arranged accordingly in the flywheel or via a radially recessed / limited dimensioning of the flywheel.

[0020] The invention also relates to a drive train for a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, for example a truck, with a hybrid module according to the invention in a P2 arrangement, comprising the (K0) disconnect clutch between the internal combustion engine and a rotor of an electric machine fixed to the rotor carrier, wherein the torsional vibration damper is connected on one side to a crankshaft via the crankshaft bolts and on the other side to the electric machine / E-machine via the (K0) disconnect clutch, and a (K1) starting clutch which is connected via the flywheel bolt to the output hub providing a transmission-side output of the hybrid module.

[0021] Preferably, a gear train for connecting the electric machine may be present / included, and further preferably, seals for creating a wet space enclosing / enclosing the disconnect coupling may be present.

[0022] Advantageous embodiments may be designed to include a wet room sealing unit and a rolling bearing used for further wet room sealing between the output hub and a housing, and / or, on the other hand, the rolling bearing may be designed as a double-row ball bearing, for example in the type of a pilot bearing.

[0023] This type of design is particularly suitable for light motor vehicles, especially those intended for use in inner-city areas and regions with insufficient charging infrastructure.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section, in part, through a first embodiment of a hybrid module according to the invention, Fig. 2 an enlargement of the connection area of ​​the hybrid module from Fig. 1 to a crankshaft (not shown) and a flywheel (not shown) of a (K1) starting clutch, and Fig. 3 a frontal view along the longitudinal axis of the three hole patterns respectively containing first through holes, second through holes and receiving holes.

[0025] The figures are purely schematic and serve only to illustrate the invention. The same elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

[0026] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a hybrid module 1 according to the invention. It is arranged / designed in a P2 configuration, namely as a P2 hybrid module. It has a damper inlet component 3 provided for attachment to a crankshaft 2 movable by an internal combustion engine. It has a torsional vibration damper 4. The torsional vibration damper 4 can be designed as a dual-mass flywheel with energy storage devices such as coil, arc, or linear springs. A (K0) disconnect clutch 5 is arranged downstream of the torsional vibration damper. In the closed state, the (K0) disconnect clutch 5 transmits the torque from an internal combustion engine (not shown) via the crankshaft 2, the damper inlet 3, and the torsional vibration damper 4 to the output hub 6, which in this embodiment is a single piece.

[0027] The damper inlet component has a number of through holes 7. These are designed to receive crankshaft bolts 8. The output hub 6 has secondary through holes 9. These provide access for the crankshaft bolts 8. They are offset radially and circumferentially from the first through holes 7. There are also receiving holes 10, which in this embodiment are blind holes, but could theoretically also be through holes. Flywheel bolts 11 are inserted into these receiving holes 10, which are used to fasten the (K1) starting clutch 1 or a flywheel 12.

[0028] The flywheel 12 then serves as a transmission input component. The flywheel 12 is part of a (K1) starting clutch 13, which is not shown further.

[0029] The output hub 6 also includes a section designed as a rotor carrier 14. This can also be a separate component in one variant. Furthermore, there is a release mechanism 15 for actuating the (K0) disconnect clutch 5.

[0030] A grinding seal 16 is used to seal a wet room 17. A wet room sealing unit 18 is also used for this purpose. Finally, a rolling bearing 19, designed as a double-row ball bearing, is located axially between them.

[0031] One housing of the hybrid module 1 is marked with reference numeral 24. For better understanding regarding the axial and radial directions, these two directions are referenced with reference numerals 22 and 23.

[0032] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the connection area to upstream and downstream parts of the damper inlet component 3 and the output hub 6 in the torque flow. A centering recess 20 for the torsional vibration damper 4 on the crankshaft 2 is located in the center of the damper inlet component. The first through-holes 7 define a first hole pattern, which, due to its radial positioning and circumferential orientation, corresponds to the hole pattern of the second through-holes 9. However, the second through-holes 9 have a larger diameter than the first through-holes 7. Advantageously, they are 40, 55, or 67.8% larger. There is a centering shoulder 21, which is designed circumferentially and is intended for centering the (K1) starting clutch 13. Furthermore, due to the mounting holes 10, there is another hole pattern, which, however, is radially further out and circumferentially offset from the other two hole patterns.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view looking towards the internal combustion engine. The offset of the receiving holes 10 relative to the first through holes 7 and the second through holes 9 is clearly visible. Reference symbol list 1 hybrid module 2 Crankshaft 3 Damper inlet component 4 torsional vibration dampers 5 (K0-) Disconnect coupling 6 Output hub 7 first through hole 8 Crankshaft bolt 9 second through hole 10 Intake hole 11 Flywheel screw 12 Flywheel / Transmission input component 13 (K1-) Starting clutch 14 rotor carriers 15 Release mechanism / CSC 16 Slip ring / sliding seal 17 Wet room 18 Wet room sealing unit 19 rolling bearings 20 Centering recess 21 Centering heel 22 Axial direction 23 Radial direction 24 cases

Claims

[1] Hybrid module (1) with a damper inlet component (3) provided for attachment to a crankshaft (2) movable by an internal combustion engine, which is connected to a torsional vibration damper (4) and to a (K0) disconnect coupling (5) downstream of the torsional vibration damper (4) in the torque direction from an internal combustion engine to a transmission, the output part of which is connected to an output hub (6) provided for attachment to a rotor, wherein the damper inlet component (3) has several first through holes (7) for receiving crankshaft bolts (8) which are provided for fixing the damper inlet component (3) to a component fixed to the crankshaft, wherein several second through holes (9) are provided in the output hub (6), wherein the second through holes (10) are offset in the axial direction (22) to the first through holes (7),are arranged at a location that allows access to the crankshaft bolts (8), characterized by , that several receiving holes (10) for receiving flywheel screws (11) are provided in the output hub (6), which are intended to fix the output hub (6) to a transmission input component (12). [2] Hybrid module (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receiving holes (10) are designed as blind holes. [3] Hybrid module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the receiving holes (10) are provided with internal thread sections. [4] Hybrid module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the receiving holes (10) are arranged radially and / or circumferentially offset from the first through holes (7) and from the second through holes (9). [5] Hybrid module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the first through holes (7) and the second through holes (9) are arranged in the same hole pattern, which differs from the hole pattern in which the receiving holes (10) are arranged. [6] Hybrid module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that a sliding seal (16) is provided between the output hub (6) and the damping input component (3), which is used to seal a (K0) disconnect coupling (5) containing the disconnect coupling. [7] Kit with a hybrid module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flywheel (12) of the (K1) starting clutch (13) fixed to the output hub (6) via the flywheel screws (11) is geometrically designed such that the accessibility of the crankshaft screws (8) in the drive train remains ensured in the ready-to-use state. [8] Powertrain for a motor vehicle, comprising a hybrid module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in a P2 arrangement, comprising the (K0) disconnect clutch (5) between the internal combustion engine and a rotor of an electric machine fixed to the rotor carrier, wherein the torsional vibration damper (4) is connected on one side to a crankshaft (2) via the crankshaft bolts (8) and on the other side to the electric machine via the (K0) disconnect clutch (5), and a (K1) starting clutch (13) which is connected via the flywheel bolts (11) to the output hub (6) providing a transmission-side output of the hybrid module (1). [9] Powertrain according to claim 8, characterized by , that between the output hub (6) and a housing (24) a wet room sealing unit (18) and a rolling bearing (19) are inserted for further wet room sealing. [10] Powertrain according to claim 9, characterized by, that the rolling bearing (19) is designed as a double-row ball bearing.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Torque transmission device and hybrid powertrain device

    DE102019116039A1

  • Central clutch operator having a sensor radially on the inside

    WO2018224082A1