Clutch device for a drive train, drive train with a clutch device, use of a ramp release device in a clutch device and / or in a drive train

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for a drive train, comprising a disconnecting clutch (2) configured to be connected on one side to a first shaft (16) and on the opposite side to a second shaft (3), a housing (4), a release bearing (5) wherein the release bearing (5) is connected to the disconnecting clutch (2), a ramp release device (6) comprising a first ramp release element (7), at least one ramp release rolling element (8), a movable second ramp release element (9) wherein the movable second ramp release element (9) is connected to the release bearing (5) for opening and closing the disconnecting clutch (2); characterized in that the first ramp release element (7) is arranged on the housing (4), and wherein the first ramp release element (7) is configured to accommodate an outer ring (27) of a central bearing (26) for the second shaft (3).The invention further relates to a drive train with such a coupling device and the use of a ramp release device in such a coupling device and / or such a drive train.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device for a drive train, comprising a disconnecting coupling configured to be connected on one side to a first shaft and on the opposite side to a second shaft, a housing, a release bearing wherein the release bearing is connected to the disconnecting coupling, a ramp release device comprising a first ramp release element, at least one ramp release rolling element, a movable second ramp release element wherein the movable second ramp release element is connected to the release bearing for opening and closing the disconnecting coupling; a drive train with such a coupling device, and the use of a ramp release device in such a coupling device and / or such a drive train.

[0002] Clutches for drive trains are generally known from the prior art. Ramp release devices are used to open or close a clutch. These ramp release devices are complex to install in clutch assemblies and also require space.

[0003] A synchronizing device with a ramp is known from US patent 2004 / 0198548 A1.

[0004] A gearbox with a clutch is known from US 2017 / 0059004 A1.

[0005] In this context, it has become apparent that there is a need to provide a coupling device for a drive train, in particular a need to provide an improved coupling device for a drive train.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate, or at least partially eliminate, the disadvantages described above in coupling devices for a drive train. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved coupling device for a drive train.

[0007] This problem is solved in a coupling device of the generic type according to the invention in that the first ramp release element is arranged on the housing, and wherein the first ramp release element is configured to arrange an outer ring of a central bearing for the second shaft. In particular, the problem is solved by a coupling device with the features of independent claim 1.

[0008] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a drive train having the features of independent claim 9 and by the use of a ramp release device having the features of independent claim 10.

[0009] Features disclosed in connection with the coupling device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the drive train according to the invention, the use according to the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, mutual reference is always made or can be made.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a coupling device for a drive train is provided, comprising a disconnecting clutch configured to be connected on one side to a first shaft and on the opposite side to a second shaft, a housing, a release bearing, wherein the release bearing is connected to the disconnecting clutch, a ramp release device comprising a first ramp release element, at least one ramp release rolling element, a movable second ramp release element, wherein the movable second ramp release element is connected to the release bearing for opening and closing the disconnecting clutch; characterized in that the first ramp release element is arranged on the housing, and wherein the first ramp release element is configured to accommodate an outer ring of a central bearing for the second shaft.

[0011] In this context, the term "drivetrain" refers to an assembly designed to transmit the power of an engine to the wheels. The drivetrain may include an internal combustion engine. It may include an electric motor. It may also include a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor may preferably be coupled to the second shaft via a gear. The electric motor may preferably drive the second shaft.

[0012] The term disconnect clutch, as used here, refers in particular to a clutch designed to connect a first shaft to a second shaft. The disconnect clutch preferably connects a flywheel to a clutch disc. The flywheel can, in particular, be a primary disc of a dual-mass flywheel. The disconnect clutch can comprise a multi-plate clutch. The disconnect clutch can be opened by a release bearing. The disconnect clutch can be closed by a disc spring in its normal state. Alternatively, the disconnect clutch can be open in its normal state. The disconnect clutch can be opened or closed by a pressure pot connected to a release bearing. The disconnect clutch can decouple an internal combustion engine in electric mode of a hybrid drive.

[0013] The first shaft can, for example, be a crankshaft. The second shaft can, for example, be an input shaft for a gearbox. The disconnect coupling can be connected directly or indirectly to the first shaft. The disconnect coupling can be connected directly or indirectly to the second shaft. The disconnect coupling can, for example, be connected to the first shaft via a connecting flange. The disconnect coupling can, for example, be connected to the second shaft via a connecting flange. Furthermore, other components such as dampers can be arranged between the disconnect coupling and the first and / or second shaft.

[0014] In this context, the term housing refers to a structural component for at least partially enclosing at least the disconnect clutch and the ramp release device.

[0015] In this context, the term release bearing refers to a bearing designed to open or close a disconnect clutch by means of an axial stroke. The release bearing may comprise an inner and an outer ring. It may also include rolling elements. The release bearing may be connected to the disconnect clutch, either directly or indirectly. It may also be connected to the disconnect clutch via a pressure cup. The term pressure cup refers to a circumferential structural component that may be in contact with the release bearing on one side and with a spring on the other. The pressure cup may also be in contact with the disconnect clutch. Depending on whether the release bearing is extended or retracted, the disconnect clutch may be open or closed.

[0016] The term ramp release device refers in particular to a device that is set up to axially displace a release bearing so that a disconnect clutch is actuated.

[0017] In this context, the term "first ramp release element" refers to a machine element that is permanently connected to the housing.

[0018] The term "second ramp release element" refers to a movable machine element designed to convert a rotary motion into an axial motion. The ramp release device may additionally include ramp rollers between the first and second ramp release elements. The first ramp release element may have a ramp that forces the ramp rollers into a translational or axial movement when the second ramp release element rotates. The first and second ramp release elements may be connected to each other by springs. The second ramp release element may be set into rotary motion by a lever or a gear. The first ramp release element may be connected to the housing or a housing cover via an interface, such as a screw connection, riveting, or welding.

[0019] In this context, the term "central bearing" refers specifically to a rolling bearing. The central bearing can be directly or indirectly connected to the second shaft. For example, the central bearing may be connected to a flange for mounting the second shaft.

[0020] The invention is based on the understanding that there is limited installation space in clutch devices. Furthermore, assembly is complex and prone to errors due to the many individual parts. The invention proposes increasing the functional density of the ramp release device by designing the first ramp release element in such a way that it can be used to support or accommodate an outer ring of the central bearing. In other words, the first ramp release element has a bearing seat for the outer ring of the central bearing. This simplifies assembly. Furthermore, the installation space can be made more compact and utilized more effectively. For example, several components such as the central bearing, ramp release device, and release bearing can be provided as a pre-assembled unit.

[0021] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the first ramp release element can comprise at least one ramp for converting a rotary motion into an axial motion.

[0023] The ramp can, for example, be located on an end face. The ramp can have a geometric change in the axial direction that varies around its circumference. In this way, an axial stroke can be easily provided by a relative movement of a movable second ramp release element.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the first ramp release element can be configured to be made of the same material as an outer ring of a central bearing for the second shaft.

[0025] Using identical materials allows for tighter tolerances. Furthermore, temperature changes have less of an impact on the assembly.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the first ramp release element can have at least one raceway on a radially inwardly directed surface, which is configured to guide rolling elements of a central bearing for the second shaft.

[0027] In other words, the first ramp release element also functions as an outer ring for the central bearing.

[0028] This allows for functional integration and simplifies assembly.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the first ramp release element can be configured to close an opening in the clutch housing.

[0030] The first ramp release element can be designed in such a way that it takes on the function of a housing cover. The opening can correspond to the mounting opening for the clutch device.

[0031] This allows for functional integration and simplifies assembly.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the radial extension length of the first ramp release element can be greater than the radial extension length of the second ramp release element and a drive pinion for the second release element.

[0033] The drive pinion can be driven by an electric motor or an actuator.

[0034] In combination with the locking function of the clutch housing, the entire assembly can be easily installed or removed. This has a positive effect on assembly and maintenance. The first ramp release element can be connected to the housing via an interface, such as a screw connection, riveting, or welding.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the disconnect coupling can be a multi-plate coupling.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, an outer ring of the release bearing and the second ramp release element can be integrally formed in one piece.

[0037] In this way, the number of parts can be advantageously reduced.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a drive train with a coupling device described in more detail above.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a ramp release device in a clutch device and / or a drive train as described above.

[0040] The invention is explained below with the aid of a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a coupling device according to the invention of a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a further coupling device according to the invention of a first embodiment, Fig. 3 a further coupling device according to the invention of a first embodiment, and Fig. 4 a further coupling device according to the invention of a first embodiment.

[0041] Identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Features of the individual embodiments can be interchanged, complement each other, or replace each other.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a coupling device 1 for a drivetrain. In this case, the drivetrain comprises a hybrid drive. The coupling device 1 includes a housing 4. Inside the housing 4, a first shaft 16, here the crankshaft, is arranged. The first shaft 16 is connected to the primary disc 15 of a dual-mass flywheel. The primary disc 15 is connected to an output flange 18 via a damping spring 17. The output flange 18 carries a portion of the disconnect clutch 2 at one end. The disconnect clutch 2 is pressed against the disconnect clutch 2 by a pressure cup 19, which is preloaded by a retaining spring 24, so that the disconnect clutch 2 is normally closed. The disconnect clutch 2, or further plates of the disconnect clutch 2, are supported by the flange 14. The flange 14 also serves to mount the second shaft, for example, an input shaft for a transmission.The flange 14 has teeth on its outer circumference that engage with corresponding teeth on a gear that can be driven by an axially parallel electric motor. Thus, a hybrid drive is present for the drivetrain. The clutch device 1 also has a ramp release device 6. The ramp release device 6 has a first ramp release element 7, which is arranged on the housing 4. Furthermore, the ramp release device 6 has several ramp rollers 8 and a second, movably mounted ramp release element 9. The first ramp release element 7 has ramps. The second ramp release element 9 is driven by a drive pinion 25, so that the release bearing 5 can be displaced axially. The release bearing 5 has an inner ring 21 that displaces the pressure cup 19 axially against the disc spring 24. This opens the disconnect coupling 2.In the present case, the first ramp release element 7 is designed elongated like a hub and serves as a bearing point for the outer ring 27 of the central bearing 26. The central bearing 26 serves to support the flange 14 for the arrangement of the second shaft 3.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows, in contrast to Fig. 1. A different dimensioning of the first ramp release element 7 and the second ramp release element 9. These now allow a smaller inner ring 21 of the release bearing 5. This can have a positive effect on costs.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows, in contrast to Fig. 1, that in the first ramp release element 7 on the underside raceways 10, 11 for the outer ring 27 of the central bearing 26 are integrated.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows, in contrast to Fig. 1, that the first ramp release element 7 is designed as a housing cover and extends radially beyond the flange 14 and the drive pinion 25. Reference symbol list 1 coupling device 2 Disconnect coupling 3 second wave 4 cases 5 Release bearings 6 Ramp release device 7 first ramp release element 8 ramp rollers 9 second ramp release element 10, 11 Outer Ring Track 12, 13 rolling elements 14 Flange for arranging the second shaft 15 Primary disc dual-mass flywheel 16 first shaft (crankshaft) 17 Damping spring 18 Output flange 19 Pressure pot 20 housing covers 21 Inner ring release bearing 22 rolling elements 23 Outer ring release bearing 24 Belleville washers 25 drive pinions 26 Central warehouses 27 Outer ring central bearing 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] US 2004 / 0198548 A1

[0003] US 2017 / 0059004 A1

[0004]

Claims

Clutch device (1) for a drive train, in particular for a drive train with a hybrid drive, comprising a disconnect clutch (2) configured to be connected on one side to a first shaft (16) and on the opposite side to a second shaft (3), a housing (4), a release bearing (5) wherein the release bearing (5) is connected to the disconnect clutch (2), a ramp release device (6) comprising a first ramp release element (7), at least one ramp release rolling element (8), a movable second ramp release element (9) wherein the movable second ramp release element (9) is connected to the release bearing (5) for opening and closing the disconnect clutch (2); characterized in that the first ramp release element (7) is arranged on the housing (4), and wherein the first ramp release element (7) is configured to accommodate an outer ring (27) of a central bearing (26) for the second shaft (3). Clutch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first ramp release element (7) comprises at least one ramp for converting a rotary movement into an axial movement. Coupling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first ramp release element (7) is arranged to be made of the same material as the outer ring (27) of the central bearing (26) for the second shaft (3). Coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first ramp release element (7) has at least one raceway (10, 11) on a radially inwardly directed surface, which is configured to guide rolling elements (12, 13) of a central bearing (26) for the second shaft (3). Clutch device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first ramp release element (7) is configured to close an opening of the clutch housing (4). Clutch device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a radial extension length of the first ramp release element (7) is greater than a radial extension length of the second ramp release element (9) and a drive pinion (25) for the second release element (9). Coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disconnecting coupling (2) is a multi-plate coupling. Clutch device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer ring (23) of the release bearing (5) and the second ramp release element (9) are integrally formed in one piece. Drive train with a coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 . Use of a ramp release device (6) in a clutch device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or in a drive train according to claim 9 .

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