Torque coupling device with a fluid guide element

Abstract

The invention relates to a torque coupling device (10) for torque transmission in a drive train of a vehicle, comprising a drive-side connected housing (18) rotatable about an axis of rotation and radially connected within it and thus torque-transmitting at least one output-side output component (22), wherein the housing (18) has at least one through-opening (32) between an environment (34) and an interior (36) of the housing (18) and at least one fluid guiding element (38) with fluid guiding medium (40) for fluid steering of the fluid arriving from the environment (34) to the interior (36) via the through-opening (32) is arranged, which is rotationally fixed to the housing (18) and is separate from the housing (18).

Description

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

[0002] German patent DE 10 2021 134 205 A1 describes a differential gear with a differential lock, comprising a housing connected on the drive side and rotatable about a pivot axis, and on the output side, a first output component connectable to a first output shaft and a second output component connectable to a second output shaft. Lubricant is supplied to the differential gear via a channel structure in a connecting component between the differential gear and a planetary gear set.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve the fluid supply to the interior of the torque coupling device. The torque coupling device should then operate more reliably.

[0004] At least one of these tasks is solved by a torque coupling device with the features according to claim 1. This allows the interior of the housing to be adequately and precisely supplied with fluid.

[0005] The torque coupling device can be an electronic differential lock, a differential gear with an electronic differential lock, a torque vectoring module, and / or a disconnect clutch. The torque coupling device can transmit drive power received from a drive element, for example, an electric motor, via the housing to the output-side output component, for example, to at least one wheel of the vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or a truck.

[0007] The housing can radially span the output component at least partially, and in particular completely, axially. The housing can radially span the output component at least partially. The housing can be constructed from a single component or from multiple parts.

[0008] The fluid can be a lubricating fluid and / or a cooling fluid. The fluid is liquid or pasty. The fluid can be a lubricating oil or a lubricating grease.

[0009] The fluid supply can be a spray supply, in particular spray lubrication.

[0010] The fluid guide element can be made of plastic. The fluid guide element can be connected exclusively to the housing. Of the torque-transmitting components of the torque coupling device, the fluid guide element can be in contact with the housing exclusively. The fluid guide element can be rigidly connected to the housing. The fluid guide element can be connected to the housing by positive locking, force locking, and / or material bonding. The fluid guide element can be made of a material different from that of the housing.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the fluid guiding element has an annular section that is arranged outside the housing. The annular section can be interrupted or closed around its circumference. The annular section can abut an axial side of the housing. This allows the fluid guiding element to be secured against the housing in a first axial direction.

[0012] The ring-shaped section can be centered on a radial surface of the housing with either an outer or an inner circumference.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid guide element comprises at least one axial projection extending axially from the annular section. Viewed axially from above, the axial projection can have a circular, circular-segment, rectangular, or oval cross-section. The axial projection can be fitted into the through-opening. The axial projection can be fitted into the through-opening such that, apart from a fluid passage opening, no further opening or gap remains between the housing and the axial projection. The fluid passage opening can be formed by an opening in the axial projection that is completely separated from the housing. The fluid passage opening can be formed between a boundary of the through-opening of the housing and the axial projection.

[0014] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the axial projection extends through the through-opening. The through-opening can be arranged to overlap axially with the output component, at least in sections. The through-opening can be arranged radially outside the output component. Viewed axially from above, the through-opening can have a circular, circular-segment, rectangular, or oval cross-section. The through-opening can extend radially, axially, or at an angle to the radial and / or radial direction.

[0015] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the axial projection is adjacent to distribution means for distributing the fluid flowing along the axial projection and entering the interior space. The distribution means can be integrally formed with the fluid guide element. The distribution means can be integrally formed with the axial projection. The distribution means can be provided on a distribution element separate from the fluid guide element. The distribution element can be arranged axially adjacent to the axial projection.

[0016] The distribution means can be centrifugal devices for distributing the fluid. The distribution means can have at least one wing-shaped section.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the axial projection has a guide surface for the fluid on its inner circumference. The guide surface can encompass at least a portion of the radial inner surface of the axial projection. The guide surface can extend axially across the through-hole.

[0018] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the axial projection has axial locking means for axially securing the fluid guide element to the housing in at least one axial direction. The axial locking means can be arranged radially opposite the guide surface. The axial locking means can be arranged axially offset or at least partially axially overlapping the guide surface.

[0019] The axial locking means can have at least one detent section that engages in an axial undercut in the housing. The detent section can extend radially away from the axial projection, in particular radially outwards.

[0020] The axial securing means can secure the fluid guiding element in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.

[0021] In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the axial projection has at least one radial projection extending axially adjacent to the circumferential surface and directed radially inwards. The radial projection can have a centrifugal effect for directing the fluid away from the guiding surface. The radial projection can be edge-shaped. The radial projection can form a centrifugal edge. The radial projection can direct the fluid selectively to areas within the interior. The radial projection can create an oil mist within the interior. The radial projection can convey the fluid radially inwards from the fluid guiding element against the centrifugal force.

[0022] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the fluid guides have at least one radially inwardly directed radial projection. This allows the fluid entering from the environment to be captured by centrifugal force during a rotational movement of the housing with the fluid guide element and directed to the through-opening. During a rotational movement of the housing and thus of the fluid guide element, the fluid can completely wet the fluid guides circumferentially.

[0023] The radial projection can extend radially inwards or radially obliquely inwards from an axial section of the fluid guide element. The radial projection can be interrupted at least once around its circumference or be annular. The radial projection can be located, in particular completely, outside the housing. The radial projection can be located on the annular section. The radial projection can be annular in shape.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the torque coupling device is a differential gear comprising a differential housing forming the housing and, within and thus connected to it in a torque-transmitting manner, a first output gear forming the output component, which is connectable to a first output shaft, and a second output gear rotatable relative to the first output gear and connectable to a second output shaft. The torque coupling device can include a coupling device that connects the differential housing to the output component, in particular the first output gear, in a rotationally fixed manner depending on an actuation state and acts as a differential lock. The coupling device can be a friction clutch. The friction clutch can have at least one friction plate which can be frictionally connected to a counter plate depending on the actuation state.The friction clutch can have a lamellar package with several friction plates.

[0025] The actuation state of the coupling device can be changed by an actuating device. The actuating device can comprise an axially displaceable pressure pin extending through the differential housing, which preferably applies a contact force to the clutch pack via an end plate, depending on the actuation state. The pressure pin can be actuated by a pressure ring, which is axially displaceable by an actuator via an actuating bearing. A return spring between the differential housing and the pressure ring can exert a return force on the pressure ring to open the coupling device. The axial projection can be arranged to overlap the pressure pin axially, at least partially. The pressure pin can be arranged radially within the axial projection.

[0026] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description of the figures and the illustrations. Character description

[0027] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the illustrations. These show, in detail: Fig. 1: A section of a cross-section of a torque coupling device in a special embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2: A section of a spatial view of the fluid guide element from Fig. 1. Fig. 3: Another section of a spatial view of the fluid guide element from Fig. 1. Fig. 4: A further section of a spatial view of a fluid guiding element of a torque coupling device in a further special embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5: A section of a cross-section of a torque coupling device in a further special embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a cross-section of a torque coupling device in a specific embodiment of the invention. The torque coupling device 10 is arranged for torque transmission in a vehicle's drivetrain and is designed as a differential gear 12 with a differential lock 14. The differential gear 12 is a bevel gear differential 16. The torque coupling device 10 comprises a drive-side housing 18, rotatable about an axis of rotation, which is designed as a differential housing 20 and radially connected within it, and thus transmitting torque, to an output-side output component 22, here a first output gear 24, which can be connected to a first output shaft, and a second output gear 26, which is also connected to the differential housing 20 in a torque-transmitting manner and rotatable relative to the first output gear 24, and which can be connected to a second output shaft.

[0029] The connection between the differential housing 20 and the first and second output gears 24, 26 is made via compensating bevel gears 28, which are mounted on a differential bolt 30.

[0030] In the differential housing 20, at least one through-opening 32 is provided between an environment 34 and an interior 36 of the differential housing 20. The through-opening 32 is arranged to completely overlap axially with the differential pin 30 and, in particular, to overlap axially at least partially with the compensating bevel gears 28 and the first and second output gears 24, 26.

[0031] A fluid guiding element 38 is rotationally fixed to the differential housing 20 and is designed separately from the differential housing 20. The fluid guiding element 38 is preferably made of plastic and comprises fluid guiding medium 40 for guiding the fluid arriving from the environment 34 of the differential housing 20 via the through-opening 32 to the interior 36.

[0032] The fluid guide element 38 comprises an annular section 42, which is arranged outside the housing 18. The annular section 42 rests against an axial side 44 of the housing 18. This secures the fluid guide element 38 in a first axial direction 46 relative to the housing 18.

[0033] The fluid guide elements 40 have an annular radial projection 48 directed radially inwards. The radial projection 48 extends radially obliquely inwards from an axial section 50 of the fluid guide element 38. This allows the fluid entering from the environment 34 to be captured by centrifugal force during a rotational movement of the differential housing 20 with the fluid guide element 38 and directed to the through-opening 32.

[0034] The fluid guide element 38 comprises at least one axial projection 52 extending axially from the annular section 42, which fully engages the through-opening 32 and extends through it. The axial projection 52 has a guide surface 56 for the fluid on its inner circumference 54. A fluid through-opening 57 is formed between the guide surface 56 and the edge of the through-opening 32 of the differential housing 20.

[0035] The differential lock 14 comprises a coupling device 58 with a friction clutch 60, which connects the differential housing 20 to the first output gear 24 in a rotationally fixed manner depending on an actuation state. The friction clutch 60 comprises a multi-plate pack 62 with at least one friction plate 64, which is in particular rotationally fixed to the first output gear 24, and a counter plate 66 and an end plate 68, which are rotationally fixed to the housing 18.

[0036] The actuation state of the coupling device 58 can be changed by an actuating device 70. The actuating device 70 comprises an axially displaceable pressure pin 72 extending through the differential housing 20, which, depending on the actuation state, applies a contact force to the clutch pack 62 via the end plate 68. The pressure pin 72 can be actuated by a pressure ring 74, which is axially displaceable via an actuating bearing 76 by an actuator (not shown here). A return spring 78 between the differential housing 20 and the pressure ring 74 exerts a return force on the pressure ring 74 to open the coupling device 58.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of a spatial view of the fluid guide element. Fig. 1. The fluid guide element 38 comprises the annular section 42 with the fluid guide medium 40 and several axial projections 52 on its circumference, each of which has guide surfaces 56 for the fluid on its inner circumference 54. Adjacent to the guide surface 56 on its circumference, the axial projection 52 comprises radial projections 80 extending axially on both sides and directed radially inwards, which extend edge-like alongside the guide surface 56. The radial projections 80 can have a centrifugal effect to guide the fluid from the guide surface 56 into the interior of the housing.

[0038] The axial projection 52 terminates at its end with axial locking means 82 for axially securing the fluid guide element 38 in at least one axial direction, in particular in a second axial direction 84 opposite to the first axial direction, on the housing. The axial locking means 82 are arranged radially opposite the guide surface 56 and comprise a detent section 86 that extends radially outwards from the axial projection 52.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows another section of a spatial view of the fluid guide element. Fig. 1. The fluid guide element 38 can have axial pins 88 on the annular section 42, offset circumferentially from the axial projections 52, which can engage axially in corresponding openings in the housing. The axial pins 88 extend from the annular section 42 in the same axial direction as the axial projections 52.

[0040] The axial pins 88 allow the fluid guide element 38 to be radially secured to the housing.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further section of a spatial view of a fluid guide element of a torque coupling device in another specific embodiment of the invention. The axial pin 88 on the fluid guide element 38 can also have a fluid passage opening as a central bore 90 in the axial pin 88, which is thus hollow. This allows the fluid to be guided from the surroundings of the housing into the interior, either exclusively or additionally via an axial projection.

[0042] Fig.Figure 5 shows a section of a cross-section of a torque coupling device in a further specific embodiment of the invention. Distribution means 92 for distributing the fluid flowing along the axial projection 52, here the guide surface 56, and reaching the interior space 36, are adjacent to the axial projection 52. The distribution means 92 are arranged on a distribution element 94, which is separate from the fluid guide element 38. The distribution element 94 is arranged axially adjacent to the axial projection 52. The distribution means 92, for example with wing-shaped areas, form centrifugal elements for distributing the fluid in the interior space 36. Reference symbol list 10 Torque coupling device 12 Differential gears 14 Differential lock 16 bevel gear differential 18 cases 20 Differential housings 22 Drive component 24 first output gear 26 second output gear 28 Compensating bevel gear 30 differential bolts 32 Passage opening 34 surroundings 36 Interior 38 Fluid guide element 40 Fluid Conductives 42 ring-shaped section 44 axial side 46 first axial direction 48 radial lead 50 Axial section 52 Axial projection 54 inner circumference 56 guide surface 57 Fluid passage opening 58 Coupling device 60 Friction clutch 62 slat package 64 friction plates 66 Counter blade 68 End lamella 70 Actuating device 72 printing pens 74 Pressure ring 76 Actuating bearings 78 Return spring 80 radial lead 82 Axial locking devices 84 second axial direction 86 Rest area 88 Axial pin 90 Central bore 92 distribution materials 94 distribution element 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 10 2021 134 205 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Torque coupling device (10) for torque transmission in a drive train of a vehicle, comprising a drive-side connected housing (18) rotatable about an axis of rotation and radially within it and thus torque-transmitting connected at least one output-side output component (22), characterized by , that the housing (18) has at least one through-opening (32) between an environment (34) and an interior (36) of the housing (18) and at least one fluid guiding element (38) with fluid guiding medium (40) is arranged, which is connected to the housing (18) at least in a rotationally fixed manner and is designed separately from the housing (18) for guiding the fluid arriving from the environment (34) to the interior space (36) via the through-opening (32). [2] Torque coupling device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the fluid guiding element (38) has an annular section (42) which is arranged outside of the housing (18). [3] Torque coupling device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that the fluid guiding element (38) comprises at least one axial projection (52) extending axially from the annular section (42). [4] Torque coupling device (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the axial projection (52) extends through the through-opening (32). [5] Torque coupling device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the axial projection (52) is adjacent to the distribution means (92) for the distribution of the fluid flowing along the axial projection (52) and arriving in the interior space (36) within the interior space (36). [6] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the axial projection (52) has a guide surface (56) for the fluid on an inner circumference (54). [7] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the axial projection (52) has axial locking means (82) for axially securing the fluid guiding element (38) in at least one axial direction on the housing (18). [8] Torque coupling device (10) according to claims 3 to 7, characterized by , that the axial projection (52) has at least one radial projection (80) extending axially adjacent to the guide surface (56) on its circumferential side and directed radially inwards. [9] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fluid conductors (40) have at least one radially inward directed radial projection (48). [10] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the torque coupling device (10) is a differential gear (12) comprising a differential housing (20) forming the housing (18) and within it and thus connected in a torque-transmitting manner a first output gear (24) forming the output component (22), which can be connected to a first output shaft and a second output gear (26) rotatable relative to the first output gear (24), which can be connected to a second output shaft.

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