Torque transmission device for a motor vehicle, clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle and electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a torque transmission device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a friction device (2) for transmitting torques, - a piston device (3) for closing and opening the friction device (2), - wherein the piston device (3) has a first and a second piston part (4, 5), - wherein the friction device (2) in interaction with the piston device (3) forms a pressure chamber (D), so that the piston device (3) can be moved in the axial direction (A) due to a pressurised fluid in the pressure chamber (D), and - wherein the torque transmission device (1) has an adjusting device (8) with which the piston device (3) can be extended in the axial direction (A) in accordance with wear of the friction device (2). The invention further relates to a clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle with a torque transmission device (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to an electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a torque transmission device for a motor vehicle and a clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is well known that multi-disk brakes, such as those used as vehicle / wheel brakes, require more discs than clutch applications. This is due to the higher torques compared to clutch applications.

[0003] Due to the increased number of plates, the additional actuation travel required for the actuation system or torque transmission device to close the torque transmission device also increases when wear occurs. This insight is applied to the design of a torque transmission device, so that safety-relevant aspects, such as a correct actuation time or a consistent actuation travel, can be met even when the device is worn.

[0004] Furthermore, a friction clutch with a wear adjustment device is known, for example, from EP 3 271 600 B1. With the aid of such a wear adjustment device, the actuation time or the actuation travel in the wear state can be kept virtually constant over the service life of a clutch. The friction clutch presented in EP 3 271 600 B1 is a single-disk dry clutch or a dual clutch that serves to interrupt the flow of torque from a motor vehicle engine to at least one transmission input shaft of a motor vehicle transmission.

[0005] Against this background, it is the object of the invention to provide a torque transmission device for a motor vehicle, a clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle and an electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle, which can be produced cost-effectively and in a material-saving manner and / or which is equipped with a compensation for wear that occurs in order to keep changes in the actuation path and / or the actuation time to a minimum in the event of wear.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention comprises a torque transmission device for a motor vehicle. The torque transmission device can be designed, for example, as a wet-running torque transmission device. That is, the torque transmission device can be fluid-cooled or oil-cooled.

[0008] The torque transmission device has a friction device for transmitting torques and a piston device, such as an annular piston or a central releaser, for closing and opening the friction device.

[0009] The piston device has a first and a second piston part, which can be aligned coaxially. The two piston parts can be movable relative to one another. The second piston part can bear sealingly against the friction device or its first plate carrier in order to form a pressure chamber between the piston device and the friction device. Furthermore, the second piston part can have a guide which engages in a guide of the friction device or in a guide of the first plate carrier. As a result, the piston device can be arranged on the friction device or its first plate carrier in a manner that prevents rotation.

[0010] In addition, the friction device, in interaction with the piston device, forms a pressure chamber, so that the piston device can be moved in the axial direction due to a pressurized fluid in the pressure chamber.

[0011] In addition, the torque transmission device has an adjustment device with which the piston device can be extended in the axial direction in accordance with the wear of the friction device. This allows the operating conditions for the torque transmission device to be kept approximately constant even in the event of wear. Consequently, it is possible to keep the actuation time and / or actuation travel of the torque transmission device virtually constant over its service life, ensuring the safety of the torque transmission device.

[0012] Furthermore, the adjustment device can be formed between the first and second piston parts of the piston device. Thus, the piston device can be adapted to wear or a changed actuation time or a changed actuation travel of the friction device.

[0013] In addition, the adjustment device can have an energy storage device that applies a force to the first piston part and the second piston part in the circumferential and / or tangential direction. The energy storage device can be designed as a spring, a compression spring, or a tension spring. Using the energy storage device, the actuation travel can be adjusted according to the wear occurring, for example, by rotating the two piston parts against each other in opposite directions using the energy storage device.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjustment device can have a first guide geometry and a second guide geometry. The first and second guide geometries can be geometrically complementary. The first and / or second guide geometries can also be designed in the form of a ramp or a curve, such as a parabola, or even in a stepped shape. This allows the adjustment device to change its extension or length in the axial direction.

[0015] Furthermore, it is possible for the first piston part to have at least one contact section which forms and / or has the first guide geometry.

[0016] The second piston part may have at least one contact section which forms and / or has the second guide geometry.

[0017] In addition, the first and second piston parts and / or at least the at least one contact section can be in contact or touching contact with each other with their guide geometries.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that each piston part, viewed in the axial direction, has a first and second axial end. The first axial ends of the two piston parts can be opposite one another in contact and / or abut one another in contact.

[0019] Furthermore, the first axial ends may have at least one contact portion of the first and / or second piston part with a guide geometry.

[0020] Furthermore, the second axial ends can have a first distance from one another in the axial direction. In addition, the two piston parts or their contact sections can be designed such that after a relative rotation of one piston part with respect to the other piston part, the second axial ends have a second distance from one another in the axial direction. In this case, the second distance can be greater than the first distance. Consequently, the two piston parts or their contact sections can be designed such that a relative rotation of one piston part with respect to the other piston part increases the distance between the second axial ends in the axial direction. In other words, a relative rotation of the piston parts can lead to the piston device being lengthened in the axial direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the piston device can have a return spring, a first stop part on the friction device, and a pressure pot. The return spring can generate a greater force in the axial direction than an energy storage device of the adjustment device. This prevents undesired relative rotation in the circumferential direction and / or in the tangential direction between the first and second piston parts of the piston device.

[0022] The pressure pot can be arranged between the friction device and the first piston part of the piston device, so that a contact force of the piston device can be transferred to the friction device with the aid of the pressure pot.

[0023] The return spring can be clamped between the first stop part, which can be fixed to the friction device, and the pressure pot in order to return the piston device to an initial position in which the friction device can be opened after a pressure drop in the pressure chamber.

[0024] The pressure pot can be designed to move and / or carry a sensor plate of a wear detection device of the torque transmission device in the axial direction, whereby the wear detection device can be moved by the piston device by the wear of the friction device.

[0025] Furthermore, the pressure pot can be configured similarly to an annular disc with a receptacle in the axial direction to accommodate the first and second piston parts. The receptacle can have a bottom and side walls. The receptacle can also be configured as a pocket for receiving the two piston parts. The pocket can be configured to accommodate at least one piston part in the axial direction.

[0026] In addition, the pressure pot can have a first leg which is arranged further outward in the radial direction than the receptacle and / or with the aid of which a leg of a wear detection device of the torque transmission device can be moved.

[0027] In addition, the pressure pot may have a second leg which is arranged further inwards in the radial direction than the receptacle.

[0028] The legs of the pressure pot can be oriented in the same direction or aligned in the same direction. The legs of the pressure pot and a base of the holder can also be oriented in the same direction or aligned in the same direction. This simplifies production, for example, in a deep-drawing process.

[0029] Furthermore, the torque transmission device may comprise a wear detection device for detecting the wear of the friction device.

[0030] The wear detection device can be designed to enable the adjustment device to adjust the detected wear in the axial direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the wear detection device can comprise a first and a second adjusting ring, which can be aligned coaxially. The two adjusting rings can be movable relative to each other. The second adjusting ring can be formed by a first disk carrier of the friction device.

[0032] In addition, the wear detection device can include an energy storage device that applies a force to the first adjustment ring and the second adjustment ring in the circumferential and / or tangential directions. The energy storage device can be configured as a spring, a compression spring, or a tension spring. Using the energy storage device, the wear occurring on the friction device can be detected and / or the piston device can be adjusted.

[0033] Furthermore, the wear detection system can have a first guide geometry and a second guide geometry, wherein the first and second guide geometries can be geometrically complementary. The first and / or second guide geometry can also be configured in the form of a ramp or a curve, such as a parabola, or in a stepped shape.

[0034] In addition, it is conceivable that the first adjusting ring has at least one contact section which forms and / or has the first guide geometry.

[0035] It can also be provided that the second adjusting ring has at least one contact section which forms and / or has the second guide geometry.

[0036] The first and second adjusting rings can be in contact or touching relation to each other.

[0037] Furthermore, it is conceivable that each adjusting ring, viewed in the axial direction, has a first and second axial end. The first axial ends of the two adjusting rings can be opposite each other in contact and / or abut each other in contact.

[0038] In addition, the first axial ends may have at least one contact portion of the first and / or second adjusting ring with a guide geometry.

[0039] It is also possible for the second axial ends to have a first distance from each other in the axial direction.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that the two adjusting rings or their contact sections are designed such that after a relative rotation of one adjusting ring with respect to the other adjusting ring, the second axial ends have a second distance from one another in the axial direction.

[0041] The second distance can be greater than the first distance. Consequently, the two adjusting rings or their contact sections can be configured such that relative rotation of one adjusting ring relative to the other adjusting ring increases the distance between the second axial ends in the axial direction. In other words, relative rotation of the adjusting rings can lead to an extension of the wear detection in the axial direction. The extension can correspond to the detected wear.

[0042] In addition, the wear detection device can comprise a preload spring, a second stop part on the friction device and a sensor plate.

[0043] The preload spring can be clamped between the second stop part, which can be fixed to the friction device, and the sensor plate. The preload spring can also generate a greater force in the axial direction than an energy storage device for the wear detection, thus preventing undesired relative rotation in the circumferential direction and / or in the tangential direction between a first and a second adjustment ring of the wear detection.

[0044] The sensor plate can be L-shaped in half section. Furthermore, the sensor plate can have a leg against which a first leg of a pressure pot of the piston device can be abutted.

[0045] As a result, the adjustment device of the piston assembly or its piston parts can provide the possibility of readjusting itself to compensate for the detected wear.

[0046] The functioning of the torque transmission device is explained below for an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] As already mentioned, the wear detection preload spring can generate a greater force in the axial direction than the wear detection energy storage. This prevents relative rotation in the circumferential and / or tangential directions between a first and a second adjusting ring.

[0048] In addition, the return spring of the adjusting device can generate a greater force in the axial direction than the energy storage of the adjusting device, so that a relative rotation in the circumferential direction and / or in the tangential direction between the first and second piston parts can be prevented.

[0049] In the open state of the friction device or torque transmission device, in which no torque can be transmitted, the first leg of the pressure pot and the leg of the wear detection device can be axially spaced and not touching. In the case of a new torque transmission device, the two legs do not touch each other even in the closed state of the torque transmission device or friction device, in which torque can be transmitted.

[0050] When the friction device begins to wear, the piston device or its pressure pot moves further in the axial direction by the amount of wear on the friction device in order to achieve the same effect as that achieved with a new torque transmission device.

[0051] In this case and when the torque transmission device is closed or in its closed state, the first leg of the pressure pot and the leg of the wear detection device can touch in the axial direction.

[0052] If, in the closed state, the wear of the friction device and the travel of the piston device for closing the torque transmission device exceed the axial distance between the first leg of the pressure pot and the leg of the wear detection device, the first leg of the pressure pot will move the leg of the wear detection device along with it in the axial direction when the torque transmission device is closed. Consequently, the sensor plate can be moved or shifted in the axial direction by the amount of wear of the friction device.

[0053] As a result, the wear detection preload spring can no longer act on the wear detection energy storage device, enabling relative rotation in the circumferential direction and / or in the tangential direction between a first and a second wear detection adjustment ring. The relative rotation, caused by the energy storage device, between the first and second adjustment rings can continue until the first adjustment ring again contacts or strikes the sensor plate and / or the axial force of the wear detection preload spring exceeds the axial force of the wear detection energy storage device.

[0054] Because the wear detection can be extended in the axial direction using the guide geometries, the position of the first adjustment ring and thus of the stop formed by it for the pressure pot or its first leg can also change in the axial direction. Consequently, when the torque transmission device is open, the pressure pot can be reset counter to the axial direction by a factor equal to the wear of the friction device.

[0055] Consequently, the return spring can generate a lower force in the axial direction than the energy storage device of the adjustment device. Thus, a relative rotation, generated by the adjustment device, in the circumferential direction and / or in the tangential direction between the first and second piston parts of the piston device can be enabled with the help of the energy storage device and the guide geometries. The relative rotation, caused by the energy storage device, between the first and second piston parts can continue until the first piston part again contacts or strikes the pressure pot and the axial force of the return spring exceeds the axial force of the energy storage device.

[0056] Furthermore, the friction device can comprise a first disk carrier and first disks, which can be arranged on the disk carrier in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner. The first disk carrier can be a housing or be designed as a housing. The first disks can be designed as steel disks.

[0057] In addition, the friction device can comprise a second disk carrier and second disks, which can be arranged on the disk carrier in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner. The second disks can be designed as friction disks. The second disk carrier can also have a hub for a shaft. The hub can have a profile for a frictional and / or positive connection.

[0058] It is also possible for the first and second lamella carriers to be arranged coaxially.

[0059] The first and second lamellae can also be arranged alternately in the axial direction.

[0060] The piston device can be designed to reduce and increase the distance between the first and second lamellae in the axial direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the friction device can comprise a pressure plate for generating counterpressure for the piston device and / or an adjusting disc for adjusting an axial tolerance of the friction device. The pressure plate and / or the adjusting disc can be attached to the friction device or to its first plate carrier and / or fixed in the axial direction.

[0062] A second aspect of the present invention comprises a clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle.

[0063] It is expressly pointed out that the features of the torque transmission device as mentioned under the first aspect can be used individually or in combination with one another in the clutch or brake device.

[0064] In other words, the features relating to the torque transmission device mentioned above under the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with further features here under the second aspect of the invention.

[0065] A clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle has a torque transmission device according to the first aspect, as well as a shaft which can be arranged on the friction device or its second disk carrier.

[0066] A third aspect of the present invention includes an electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle.

[0067] It is expressly pointed out that the features of the torque transmission device as mentioned under the first aspect can be used individually or in combination with one another in the electric drive axle.

[0068] The features of the clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle, as mentioned under the second aspect, can also be used individually or in combination with one another in the electric drive axle.

[0069] An electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle comprises an electric drive, such as an electric motor or an electric machine, and a torque transmission device according to the first aspect.

[0070] Alternatively, an electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle comprises an electric drive, such as an electric motor or an electric machine, and a clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle according to the second aspect.

[0071] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a torque transmission device; Fig. 2 a spatial view of an adjusting device of the torque transmission device in a first state; Fig. 3 a partially shown side view of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a spatial view of an adjusting device of the torque transmission device in a second state; Fig. 5 a partially shown side view of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a partially illustrated side view of a wear detection device of the torque transmission device in a first state; Fig. 7 is a partially illustrated side view of a wear detection device of the torque transmission device in a second state; Fig. 8 is a force-displacement diagram of a torque transmission device from the prior art; and Fig. 9 a force-displacement diagram of the torque transmission device from Fig. 1.

[0072] In the following description, the same reference symbols are used for the same items.

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a torque transmission device 1 for a motor vehicle.

[0074] Shown in more detail Fig. 1 a torque transmission device 1 which has a friction device 2 for transmitting torques.

[0075] Furthermore, the torque transmission device 1 has a piston device 3, such as an annular piston, for closing and opening the friction device 2.

[0076] The piston device 2 has a first and a second piston part 4, 5, which are coaxially aligned. The second piston part 5 bears sealingly against the friction device 2 or its first plate carrier 32 to form a pressure chamber D between the piston device 3 and the friction device 2.

[0077] As can also be seen, the second piston part 5 has a guide 6, which engages in a guide 7 of the friction device 2 or in a guide 6 of the first plate carrier 32. As a result, the piston device 2 is arranged in a rotationally secure manner on the friction device 2 or on its first plate carrier 32.

[0078] As already indicated, the friction device 2 in interaction with the piston device 3 forms a pressure chamber D, so that the piston device 3 can be moved in the axial direction A due to a pressurized fluid in the pressure chamber D.

[0079] In addition, the torque transmission device 1 has an adjusting device 8 with which the piston device 3 can be extended in the axial direction A in accordance with wear of the friction device 2.

[0080] Strictly speaking, the adjustment device 8 is formed between the first and second piston parts 4, 5 of the piston device 3. The adjustment device 8 has an energy storage device 9 that applies a force to the first piston part 4 and the second piston part 5 in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T. The energy storage device 9 is designed as a spring or as a compression or tension spring.

[0081] According to Fig. 1, the adjusting device 8 has a first guide geometry 10 and a second guide geometry 11, which are geometrically complementary.

[0082] The first and second guide geometries 10, 11 are designed in the form of a ramp. However, a curved configuration, such as a parabola, or a stepped configuration is also conceivable.

[0083] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows the piston device 3 including the adjusting device 8. Specifically, Fig. 2 a spatial view of the adjusting device 8 of the torque transmission device 1 in a first state, wherein Fig. 3 a partially shown side view of Fig. 2 shows.

[0084] The first piston part 4, which in comparison to Fig. 1 is shown in simplified form, several contact sections 12 which form and / or have the first guide geometry 10.

[0085] Also, according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the second piston part 5 has a plurality of contact sections 13, which form and / or comprise the second guide geometry 11. The first and second piston parts 4, 5, or at least the contact sections 12, 13, with their guide geometries 10, 11, are in contact or in contact with one another.

[0086] In other words, each piston part 4, 5, viewed in the axial direction A, has a first and a second axial end. The first axial ends of the two piston parts 4, 5 are located opposite one another in contact. Furthermore, the first axial ends have the contact sections 12, 13 of the first and second piston parts 4, 5, respectively, with a guide geometry 10, 11.

[0087] According to Fig. 3 the second axial ends have a first distance X from each other in the axial direction A.

[0088] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a spatial view of the adjusting device 8 of the torque transmission device 1 in a second state and a partially shown side view of Fig. 4.

[0089] To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the explanations on the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, which are applicable here analogously. The differences to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are explained below.

[0090] This shows the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 compared to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, that the two piston parts 4, 5 or their contact sections 12, 13 are designed such that after a relative rotation of one piston part 5 with respect to the other piston part 4, the second axial ends have a second distance Y from one another in the axial direction A.

[0091] Here, the second distance Y is Fig. 5 greater than the first distance X from Fig. 3. Consequently, the two piston parts 4, 5 or their contact sections 12, 13 are designed such that a relative rotation of one piston part 5 relative to the other piston part 4 increases the distance between the second axial ends in the axial direction A. In other words, a relative rotation of the piston parts 4, 5 results in the piston device 3 being extended in the axial direction A.

[0092] Out of Fig. 1 also shows that the piston device 3 has a return spring 14, a first stop part 15 on the friction device 2 and a pressure pot 16.

[0093] The return spring 14 generates a greater force in the axial direction A than the energy storage device 9 of the adjustment device 8, so that an undesired relative rotation in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T between the first and second piston parts 4, 5 of the piston device 3 can be prevented.

[0094] In addition, Fig. 1, that the return spring 14 is clamped between the first stop part 15, which is fixed to the friction device 2, and the pressure pot 16 in order to return the piston device 3 to an initial position in which the friction device 2 is open after a pressure drop in the pressure chamber D.

[0095] The pressure pot 16 is arranged between the friction device 2 and the first piston part 4 of the piston device 3, so that with the help of the pressure pot 16 a contact force of the piston device 3 can be transferred to the friction device 2.

[0096] Furthermore, the pressure pot 16 is designed to move and / or carry a sensor plate 30 of a wear detection device 20 of the torque transmission device 1 in the axial direction A, whereby the wear detection device 20 can be moved by the piston device 3 by the wear of the friction device 2.

[0097] According to Fig. 1, the pressure pot 16 is designed similarly to an annular disc with a receptacle 17 in the axial direction A in order to accommodate the first and second piston parts 4, 5 in the receptacle 17. As can be seen, the receptacle 17 has a bottom and side walls.

[0098] Furthermore, the pressure pot 16 has a first leg 18 which is arranged further outwards in the radial direction R than the receptacle 17 and with the aid of which a leg 31 of a wear detection device 20 of the torque transmission device 1 can be moved.

[0099] The pressure pot 16 also has a second leg 19 which is arranged further inward in the radial direction R than the receptacle 17.

[0100] Accordingly Fig. 1, the legs 18, 19 are equally oriented or aligned. Furthermore, the legs 18, 19 and a base of the receptacle 17 are equally oriented or aligned.

[0101] As already indicated, the torque transmission device 1 has a wear detection device 20 for detecting the wear of the friction device 2.

[0102] The wear detection device 20 is designed to enable the adjustment device 8 to adjust the detected wear in the axial direction A.

[0103] Furthermore, Fig. 1, the wear detection device 20 has a first and a second adjusting ring 21, 22, which are aligned coaxially. The second adjusting ring 22 is formed by the first disk carrier 32 of the friction device 2.

[0104] Furthermore, the wear detection device 20 has an energy storage device 23, which applies a force to the first adjusting ring 21 and the second adjusting ring 22 in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T. The energy storage device 23 is designed as a spring or as a compression or tension spring.

[0105] Fig. 6 shows a partially illustrated side view of the wear detection 20 in a first state, whereas Fig. 7 shows a partially illustrated side view of the wear detection 20 in a second state.

[0106] This shows that Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows that the wear detection device 20 has a first guide geometry 24 and a second guide geometry 25, which are geometrically complementary. Here, the first and second guide geometries 24, 25 are designed in the form of a ramp. However, it is also possible for them to be designed in the form of a curve, such as a parabola, or in a stepped shape.

[0107] In addition, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the first adjusting ring 21 has a plurality of contact sections 26, which form and / or comprise the first guide geometry 24. The second adjusting ring 22 also has a plurality of contact sections 27, which form and / or comprise the second guide geometry 25.

[0108] The first and second adjusting rings 21, 22 are in contact or touching contact with each other.

[0109] In addition, each adjusting ring 21, 22, viewed in the axial direction A, has a first and a second axial end, wherein the first axial ends of the two adjusting rings 21, 22 are opposite one another in contact and / or abut one another in contact.

[0110] The first axial ends also have the contact sections 26, 27 of the first and second adjusting rings 21, 22 with a guide geometry 24, 25.

[0111] According to Fig. 6 the second axial ends have a first distance X from each other in the axial direction A.

[0112] According to Fig. 7, the two adjusting rings 21, 22 or their contact sections 26, 27 are designed such that after a relative rotation of one adjusting ring 22 with respect to the other adjusting ring 21, the second axial ends have a second distance Y from one another in the axial direction A.

[0113] Here, the second distance Y is Fig. 7 greater than the first distance X from Fig. 6. Consequently, the two adjusting rings 21, 22 or their contact sections 26, 27 are designed such that a relative rotation of one adjusting ring 22 relative to the other adjusting ring 21 increases the distance between the second axial ends in the axial direction A. In other words, a relative rotation of the adjusting rings 21, 22 results in the wear detection device 20 being extended in the axial direction A.

[0114] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows that the wear detection 20 comprises a preload spring 28, a second stop part 29 on the friction device 2 and a sensor plate 30.

[0115] The preload spring 28 is clamped between the second stop part 29, which is fixed to the friction device 2, and the sensor plate 30.

[0116] The preload spring 28 generates a greater force in the axial direction A than the energy storage device 23 of the wear detection device 20, so that an undesired relative rotation in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T between a first and a second adjusting ring 21, 22 of the wear detection device 20 can be prevented.

[0117] According to Fig. 1, the sensor plate 30 is L-shaped in half section and has a leg 31 against which the first leg 18 of the pressure pot 16 can strike.

[0118] As a result, the adjustment device 8 of the piston device 3 or its piston parts 4, 5 provides the possibility of readjusting itself to compensate for the detected wear.

[0119] As already mentioned, the preload spring 28 of the wear detection device 20 generates a greater force in the axial direction A than the energy storage device 23 of the wear detection device 20, whereby a relative rotation in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T between a first and a second adjusting ring 21, 22 can be prevented.

[0120] Furthermore, the return spring 14 of the adjusting device 8 generates a greater force in the axial direction A than the energy storage device 9 of the adjusting device 8, so that a relative rotation in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T between the first and second piston parts 4, 5 can be prevented.

[0121] When opened - see Fig. 1 - the first leg 18 of the pressure pot 16 and the leg 31 of the wear detection device 20 are spaced apart in the axial direction A and do not touch each other. In the case of a new torque transmission device 1, both legs 18, 31 do not touch each other even when the torque transmission device 1 is closed.

[0122] Only when wear of the friction device 2 begins does the piston device 3 or its pressure pot 16 have to be moved further in the axial direction A by the amount of wear of the friction device 2 in order to achieve the same braking effect as is achieved with a new torque transmission device 1.

[0123] In this case and when closing the torque transmission device 1 or in its closed state, the first leg 18 of the pressure pot 16 and the leg 31 of the wear detection 20 can touch in the axial direction A.

[0124] If, in the closed state, the wear of the friction device 2 and the travel of the piston device 3 for completely closing the torque transmission device 1 exceeds the Fig. 1 shown distance in axial direction A between the first leg 18 of the pressure pot 16 and the leg 31 of the wear detection 20, then upon closing the first leg 18 of the pressure pot takes the leg 31 of the wear detection 20 with it in axial direction A. Consequently, the sensor plate 30 moves to the left by the wear of the friction device 2 or in axial direction A by the wear of the friction device 2.

[0125] As a result, the preload spring 28 of the wear detection device 20 no longer acts on the energy storage device 23 of the wear detection device 20, thereby enabling a relative rotation in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T between the first and second adjusting rings 21, 22. The relative rotation, caused by the energy storage device 23, between the first and second adjusting rings 21, 22 continues until the first adjusting ring 21 again contacts or strikes the sensor plate 31 and the axial force of the preload spring 28 exceeds the axial force of the energy storage device 23.

[0126] Because the wear detection 20 has been extended in the axial direction A with the aid of the guide geometries 24, 25, the position of the first adjusting ring 21 and thus of the stop formed by it for the pressure pot 16 or its first leg 18 also changes in the axial direction A. As a result, in the open state of the torque transmission device 1, the pressure pot 16 is in comparison to Fig. 1 to compensate for the wear of the friction device 3 less in the opposite direction to the axial direction A.

[0127] As a result, the return spring 14 generates a lower force in the axial direction A than the energy accumulator 9 of the adjustment device 8. Thus, a relative rotation, generated by the adjustment device 8, in the circumferential direction U and / or in the tangential direction T between the first and second piston parts 4, 5 of the piston device 3 is possible with the aid of the energy accumulator 9 and the guide geometries 10, 11. The relative rotation, caused by the energy accumulator 9, between the first and second piston parts 4, 5 continues until the first piston part 4 again contacts or strikes the pressure pot 16 and the axial force of the return spring 14 exceeds the axial force of the energy accumulator 9.

[0128] In addition, Fig. 1 that the friction device 2 comprises a first disk carrier 32 and first disks 33, which are arranged on the disk carrier 32 in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner. The first disk carrier 32 has a housing or is designed as a housing, with the first disks 33 being designed as steel disks.

[0129] Furthermore, the friction device 2 has a second disk carrier 34 and second disks 35, which are arranged on the disk carrier 34 in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner and which are designed as friction disks.

[0130] In addition, the second disk carrier 34 has a hub 36 for a shaft, which has a profile for frictional and / or positive connection.

[0131] Also goes out Fig. 1 that the first and second plate carriers 32, 34 are arranged coaxially, with the first and second plates 33, 35 being arranged alternately in the axial direction A. As already mentioned, the piston device 3 is designed to reduce and increase the distance between the first and second plates 33, 35 in the axial direction A.

[0132] Furthermore, Fig. 1, that the friction device 5 comprises a pressure plate 37 for generating counterpressure for the piston device 3 and an adjusting disc 38 for adjusting an axial tolerance of the friction device 2. The pressure plate 37 and the adjusting disc 38 are attached to the friction device 5 or to its first plate carrier 32 and fixed in the axial direction A.

[0133] Furthermore, it should be noted that the presented torque transmission device 1 can be part of a braking device for a motor vehicle, in which case a shaft (not shown) can be present which is arranged on the friction device 2 or its second disk carrier 35.

[0134] Fig. 8 shows a force-displacement diagram of a torque transmission device from the prior art and Fig. 9 a force-displacement diagram of the torque transmission device 1 from Fig. 1.

[0135] In this case, Fig. 8 shows a characteristic curve of a torque transmission device in the new state (P1N; P2N) and in the worn state (P1W; P2W).

[0136] The characteristic curve is divided into two ranges. In the first range (up to P1N or P1W), the clearance is bridged, with a slight increase in force. In the second range (from P1N to P2N or from P1W to P2W), where the torque builds up, the force increases sharply, with only a short actuation distance being covered. Wear extends the first range from P1N to P1W. This results in a longer actuation time and a greater actuation travel.

[0137] According to Fig. 9, the adjustment device 8 reduces the extension of the characteristic curve or the first area of the characteristic curve to a minimum when wear occurs.

[0138] This is because, as illustrated, the adjustment device 8 resets the beginning of the second range, or P1W, toward P1N when the friction device 2 becomes worn. Thus, even in a worn condition, the actuation time or actuation travel can be maintained at a similar level to the new condition of the torque transmission device 1, thereby increasing the reliability of the torque transmission device 1. List of reference symbols 1 torque transmission device 2 friction device 3 Piston device 4 first piston part 5 second piston part 6 Guide 7 Leadership 8 Adjustment device 9 Energy storage 10 first guide geometry 11 second guide geometry 12 Contact section 13 Contact section 14 Return spring 15 first stop part 16 pressure cooker 17 recording 18 first leg 19 second leg 20 Wear detection 21 first adjustment ring 22 second adjustment ring 23 energy storage 24 first guide geometry 25 second guide geometry 26 Contact section 27 Contact section 28 Preload spring 29 second stop part 30 sensor plate 31 legs 32 first slat carrier 33 first slats 34 second slat carrier 35 second slats 36 Hub 37 Pressure plate 38 Adjusting disc D pressure chamber A axial direction R radial direction X first distance Y second distance QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 3 271 600 B1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Torque transmission device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a friction device (2) for transmitting torques, - a piston device (3) for closing and opening the friction device (2), - wherein the piston device (3) has a first and a second piston part (4, 5), - wherein the friction device (2) in interaction with the piston device (3) forms a pressure chamber (D), so that the piston device (3) can be moved in the axial direction (A) due to a pressurised fluid in the pressure chamber (D), characterized by that the torque transmission device (1) has an adjusting device (8) with which the piston device (3) can be extended in the axial direction (A) in accordance with wear of the friction device (2). [2] Torque transmission device according to claim 1, - wherein the adjusting device (8) is formed between the first and second piston parts (4, 5) of the piston device (3), and / or - wherein the adjusting device (8) has an energy store (9) which applies a force to the first piston part (4) and the second piston part (5) in the circumferential direction (U) and / or in the tangential direction (T). [3] Torque transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the adjusting device (8) has a first guide geometry (10) and a second guide geometry (11), - wherein the first and second guide geometries (10, 11) are geometrically complementary, and - wherein the first and / or second guide geometry (10, 11) is designed in the form of a ramp or in the form of a curve or in a step-like manner. [4] Torque transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein each piston part (4, 5), viewed in the axial direction (A), has a first and second axial end, - wherein the first axial ends of the two piston parts (4, 5) are opposite one another in contact and / or abut one another in contact, - wherein the first axial ends have at least one contact section (12, 13) of the first and / or second piston part (4, 5) with a guide geometry (10, 11), - wherein the second axial ends have a first distance (X) from each other in the axial direction (A), and - wherein the two piston parts (4, 5) or their contact sections (12, 13) are designed such that after a relative rotation of one piston part (4; 5) with respect to the other piston part (5; 4), the second axial ends have a second distance (Y) from one another in the axial direction (A). [5] Torque transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the piston device (3) has a return spring (14), a first stop part (15) on the friction device (2) and a pressure pot (16), - wherein the return spring (14) is clamped between the first stop part (15) and the pressure pot (16) in order to return the piston device (3) to an initial position after a pressure drop in the pressure chamber (D), and / or - wherein the torque transmission device (1) further comprises a wear detection device (20) for detecting the wear of the friction device (2), and - wherein the wear detection device (20) is designed to enable the adjusting device (8) to adjust the detected wear in the axial direction (A). [6] Torque transmission device according to claim 5, - wherein the wear detection device (20) has a first and a second adjusting ring (21, 22), and - wherein the wear detection device (20) has an energy storage device (23) which applies a force to the first adjusting ring (21) and the second adjusting ring (22) in the circumferential direction (U) and / or in the tangential direction (T), and / or - wherein the wear detection device (20) comprises a preload spring (28), a second stop part (29) on the friction device (2) and a sensor plate (30), - wherein the preload spring (28) is clamped between the second stop part (29) and the sensor plate (30). [7] Torque transmission device according to claim 5 or 6, - wherein the wear detection device (20) has a first guide geometry (24) and a second guide geometry (25), - wherein the first and second guide geometries (24, 25) are geometrically complementary, and - wherein the first and / or second guide geometry (24, 25) is designed in the form of a ramp or in the form of a curve or in a step-like manner. [8] Torque transmission device according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 6, - wherein each adjusting ring (21, 22), viewed in the axial direction (A), has a first and second axial end, - wherein the first axial ends of the two adjusting rings (21, 22) are opposite one another in contact and / or abut one another in contact, - wherein the first axial ends have at least one contact section (26, 27) of the first and / or second adjusting ring (21, 22) with a guide geometry (24, 25), - wherein the second axial ends have a first distance (X) from each other in the axial direction (A), and - wherein the two adjusting rings (21, 22) or their contact sections (26, 27) are designed such that after a relative rotation of one adjusting ring (21; 22) with respect to the other adjusting ring (22; 21), the second axial ends have a second distance (Y) from one another in the axial direction (A). [9] Coupling or braking device for a motor vehicle comprising: - a torque transmission device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and - a shaft which is arranged on the friction device (2). [10] Electric drive axle for an electric motor vehicle comprising: - an electric drive, and - a torque transmission device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, or - a clutch or brake device for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim.

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