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 housing (24) connected on the drive side and rotatable about an axis of rotation and defining a housing interior (20) against a housing environment (22) and at least one output-side output component (28) arranged in the housing interior (20) and connected to the housing (24) in a torque-transmitting manner.wherein the housing (24) has at least one through-opening (36) between the housing environment (22) and the housing interior (20) and at least one fluid guidance element (40) is arranged, which is at least rotationally fixed to the housing (24) and is separate from the housing (24), for guiding the fluid arriving from the housing environment (22) to the housing interior (20) via the through-opening (36) and in the housing interior (20) centrifugal means (56) are arranged for at least partially deflecting the fluid flowing in the axial direction (38) via the fluid guidance element (40) to the housing interior (20) in the radial direction (57).

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] Further prior art references are made to US 2018 / 0 038 475 A1, CN 218 408 400 U, DE 10 2023 102 993 A1, EP 0 343 146 A2 and US 3 429 400 A.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the fluid supply to the interior of the housing of the torque coupling device. The torque coupling device should then operate more reliably.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or a truck.

[0008] The housing can radially extend beyond the output component, at least partially, and in particular completely, axially. The housing can radially surround the output component, at least partially. The housing can be constructed from a single component or from multiple parts.

[0009] 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 grease. The fluid can be supplied to the fluid guide element by a spray system, in particular a spray lubrication system. The fluid can be used for lubrication and / or cooling within the housing interior.

[0010] The fluid guide element can be an injection-molded part. 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 locking. The fluid guide element can be made of a different material than the housing.

[0011] The fluid guide element can channel the fluid from the housing environment towards the housing interior.

[0012] The centrifugal means can be at least partially, and in particular completely, integrated with the fluid guiding element. Alternatively, the centrifugal means can be at least partially, and in particular completely, separate from the fluid guiding element. The centrifugal means can be configured to centrifuge the fluid radially inwards and / or radially outwards, preferably also axially.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid guiding element for guiding the fluid in the axial direction to the housing interior has at least one axially extending guide section. The guide section can be axially longer than, the same length as, or axially shorter than the centrifugal means. The fluid guiding element can have at least one annular section from which the guide section extends.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal means has at least one centrifugal section that extends obliquely with respect to the radial direction. This allows the fluid to be centrifugally flung radially away by the centrifugal section. The centrifugal section can be extended in the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the centrifugal section can have a vane geometry, in particular a concave or offset vane geometry. The centrifugal section can form a vortex edge.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal section is offset circumferentially from the guide section. The centrifugal section can be arranged to overlap the guide section at least partially axially. The centrifugal section can be arranged in a circumferential widening of the fluid guide element.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the centrifugal section borders the guide section in the circumferential direction. The centrifugal section can directly border the guide section in the circumferential direction. This allows the fluid passing through the guide section to be directed to the centrifugal section.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal section is formed integrally with the fluid guide element, and the centrifugal means further comprise a centrifugal element separate from the fluid guide element, with at least one additional centrifugal section adjoining the centrifugal section in the circumferential direction and extending obliquely with respect to the radial direction. The fluid guide element can engage axially into the centrifugal element. The centrifugal element can be annular in shape. The fluid guide element can engage axially in a circumferential recess in the centrifugal element.

[0018] The further spin section can be an inclined extension of the spin section.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the centrifugal element is an injection-molded part. The centrifugal element can be made of plastic.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention is advantageous in which the fluid guide element 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 formed integrally from the fluid guide element. The axial locking means can have at least one locking hook. The at least one locking hook can engage in an undercut in the housing.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid guide element comprises fluid guides which have at least one radially inward-facing radial projection in the housing environment for receiving the fluid from the housing environment. This allows the fluid entering from the housing environment to be captured by centrifugal force during a rotational movement of the housing with the fluid guide element and fed 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.

[0022] 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 of the fluid guide element.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 guide section can be arranged to overlap the pressure pin axially, at least partially. The pressure pin can be arranged radially within the guide section.

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

[0026] 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 and Fig. 3: A section of a spatial view of a fluid guiding element of a torque coupling device in each of a further specific embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4: A section of a cross-section of a torque coupling device in a further special embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5: A section of a spatial view of a fluid guiding element of a torque coupling device in a further special embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6: A section of a spatial view of a centrifugal element of a torque coupling device in a further special embodiment of the invention.

[0027] 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 an actively controllable differential lock 14. The differential gear 12 is a bevel gear differential 16.The torque coupling device 10 comprises a housing 24, designed as a differential housing 26, which is connected on the drive side and rotatable about an axis of rotation and defines an interior housing space 20 from a housing environment 22, and radially connected thereto, and thus transmitting torque, an output component 28, here a first output gear 30, which can be connected to a first output shaft, and a second output gear 32, which is connected to the differential housing 26 in a torque-transmitting manner and rotatable relative to the first output gear 30 and can be connected to a second output shaft. The connection between the differential housing 26 and the first and second output gears 30, 32 is made via compensating bevel gears which are mounted on a differential pin 34.

[0028] In the differential housing 26, at least one through-opening 36 is provided between the housing environment 22 and the housing interior 20 of the differential housing 26. The through-opening 36 is arranged to completely overlap the differential pin 34 in the axial direction 38 and, in particular, to overlap at least partially the compensating bevel gears and the first and second output gears 30, 32.

[0029] A fluid guidance element 40, separate from the housing 24, for directing the fluid arriving from the housing environment 22 to the housing interior 20 via the through-opening 36, is rotationally fixed to the differential housing 26. The fluid guidance element 40 is preferably made of plastic and comprises fluid guide medium 42 for directing the fluid arriving from the environment of the differential housing 26 via the through-opening 36 to the housing interior 20.

[0030] The fluid guide element 40 comprises an annular section 44, which is arranged in the housing environment 22. The annular section 44 rests against an axial side of the housing 24. This secures the fluid guide element 40 in a first axial direction 46 relative to the housing 24. The fluid guide elements 42 have an annular radial projection 48 extending radially inwards from the annular section 44. The radial projection 48 extends radially obliquely inwards from the annular section 44, specifically away from the housing 24. This allows the fluid entering from the housing environment 22 to be collected by centrifugal force during a rotational movement of the differential housing 26 and fed to the through-opening 36.

[0031] The fluid guide element 40 comprises, for guiding the fluid in the axial direction 38 to the housing interior 20, at least one guide section 50 extending in the axial direction 38 and projecting axially from the annular section 44, which fully engages the through-opening 36 and extends axially through the through-opening 36. The guide section 50 has a guide surface 52 for the fluid on its inner circumference. A fluid passage opening is formed between the guide surface 52 and the edge 54 of the through-opening 36 of the differential housing 26.

[0032] In the housing interior 20, centrifugal means 56 are arranged to at least partially deflect the fluid flowing axially 38 in the fluid guide element 40 to the housing interior 20 in a radial direction 57. This allows the fluid flowing axially over the guide section 50 to be centrifugally propelled radially inwards in a radial direction 57 by the centrifugal means 56.

[0033] The fluid guide element 40 comprises one-piece axial locking means 58 for axially securing the fluid guide element 40 to the housing 24 in at least one of the first axial directions 46 and a second axial direction 64 opposite to the first axial direction 46. The axial locking means 58 comprise at least one locking hook 60 which engages in an axial undercut 62 in the housing 24.

[0034] The differential lock 14 comprises a coupling device 66 with a friction clutch 68, which connects the differential housing 26 to the first output gear 30 in a rotationally fixed manner depending on an actuation state. The friction clutch 68 comprises a multi-plate pack 70 with at least one friction plate 72, which is rotationally fixed to the first output gear 30, and a counter plate 74 and an end plate 76, which are rotationally fixed to the housing 24. The actuation state of the coupling device 66 can be changed by an actuating device 78. The actuating device 78 comprises an axially displaceable pressure pin 80 extending through the differential housing 26, which, depending on the actuation state, applies a contact force to the multi-plate pack 70 via the end plate 76. The pressure pin 80 can be actuated via a pressure ring 82, which is axially displaceable via an actuating bearing 84 by an actuator not visible here.A return spring 86 between the differential housing 26 and the pressure ring 82 exerts a return force on the pressure ring 82 to open the coupling device 66.

[0035] Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a spatial view of a fluid guide element of a torque coupling device, each in a further specific embodiment of the invention. Fig. The fluid guiding element 40 comprises the annular section 44, the fluid guiding means 42, and the guide section 50 adjacent to the annular section 44, with the guide surface 52, which connects to the centrifugal means 56. The centrifugal means 56 have a centrifugal section 90 that extends obliquely with respect to the radial direction 57 and axially 38, and which is offset in the circumferential direction 92 relative to the guide section 50 and adjoins the guide section 50 in the circumferential direction 92. The fluid, which passes axially to the centrifugal section 90 via the guide section 50, is deflected radially inwards by the centrifugal section 90 when the fluid guiding element 40 rotates.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a fluid flow at the fluid guiding element. The fluid collected by the annular section 44 through the fluid guiding medium 42 is channeled as fluid flow 94 via the guide section 50 to the centrifugal section 90 and from there conveyed radially inwards and axially away from the centrifugal section 90.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of a cross-section of a torque coupling device in a further specific embodiment of the invention. The centrifugal means 56 further comprise a centrifugal element 96 that is separate from the fluid guide element 40. The centrifugal element 96 can be an injection-molded plastic part. The centrifugal element 96 comprises at least one further centrifugal section 98, which adjoins the centrifugal section 90 in the circumferential direction 92 and extends obliquely with respect to the radial direction 57, thereby increasing the centrifugal effect.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of a spatial view of a fluid guide element of a torque coupling device in a further specific embodiment of the invention. The centrifugal element 96 is designed separately from the fluid guide element 40 and has the further centrifugal section 98 as an inclined extension of the centrifugal section 90, which is formed integrally with the fluid guide element 40. The further centrifugal section 98 acts as a conveying wheel during a rotary movement in the direction of rotation 100.

[0039] The fluid guide element 40 engages axially in a circumferential recess 102 in the centrifugal element 96.

[0040] Fig.Figure 6 shows a section of a spatial view of a centrifugal element of a torque coupling device in a further specific embodiment of the invention. The centrifugal element 96 has an annular section 104 which is arranged radially, at least partially, overlapping the further centrifugal section 98. Reference symbol list 10 Torque coupling device 12 Differential gears 14 Differential lock 16 bevel gear differential 20 Housing interior 22 Housing environment 24 cases 26 Differential housings 28 Drive component 30 first output gear 32 second output gear 34 differential bolts 36 Passage opening 38 axial direction 40 Fluid guide element 42 Fluid conductors Section 44 46 first axial direction 48 radial lead 50 Guided Section 52 guide surface 54 Border 56 centrifugal agents 57 radial direction 58 Axial locking devices 60 locking hooks 62 Undercut 64 second axial direction 66 Coupling device 68 Friction clutch 70 slat package 72 friction plates 74 Counter blade 76 End lamella 78 Actuating device 80 pressure pens 82 Pressure ring 84 actuating bearings 86 Return spring 90 Spin section 92 Circumferential direction 94 Fluid flow 96 centrifugal element 98 further spin section 100 Direction of rotation 102 recess Section 104

Claims

[1] Torque coupling device (10) for torque transmission in a drive train of a vehicle, comprising a housing (24) connected on the drive side and rotatable about a rotational axis and delimiting a housing interior (20) from a housing environment (22) and at least one output-side output component (28) arranged in the housing interior (20) and connected to the housing (24) in a torque-transmitting manner, wherein The housing (24) has at least one through-opening (36) between the housing environment (22) and the housing interior (20), and at least one fluid guidance element (40), which is at least rotationally fixed to the housing (24) and separate from the housing (24), is arranged for guiding the fluid arriving from the housing environment (22) to the housing interior (20) via the through-opening (36), and centrifugal means (56) are arranged in the housing interior (20) for at least partially deflecting the fluid flowing in the axial direction (38) via the fluid guidance element (40) to the housing interior (20) in the radial direction (57), wherein the fluid guidance element (40) has at least one guide section (50) extending in the axial direction (38) to guide the fluid in the axial direction (38) to the housing interior (20), and wherein the centrifugal means (56) have at least one radial direction (57) have an inclined centrifugal section (90),wherein the centrifugal section (90) is offset in the circumferential direction (92) relative to the guide section (50). [2] Torque coupling device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the centrifugal section (90) borders the guide section (50) in the circumferential direction (92). [3] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the centrifugal section (90) is formed in one piece with the fluid guiding element (40) and the centrifugal means (56) further comprise a centrifugal element (96) formed separately from the fluid guiding element (40) and at least with a further centrifugal section (98) adjoining the centrifugal section (90) in the circumferential direction (92) and extending obliquely with respect to the radial direction (57). [4] Torque coupling device (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the centrifugal element (96) is an injection-molded part. [5] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fluid guiding element (40) has axial securing means (58) for axially securing the fluid guiding element (40) in at least one axial direction (38) to the housing (24). [6] Torque coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fluid guiding element (40) has fluid guiding means (42) which have at least one radial projection (48) directed radially inwards in the housing environment (22) for receiving the fluid from the housing environment (22). [7] 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 (26) forming the housing (24) and within it and thus connected in a torque-transmitting manner a first output gear (30) forming the output component (28), which can be connected to a first output shaft, and a second output gear (32) rotatable relative to the first output gear (30), which can be connected to a second output shaft.

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