Cooling current connection for disconnect coupling piston

Abstract

A coupling assembly includes a shaft (102), a compensating dam (110) sealed against the shaft (102), a sealing disc (112) axially spaced from the compensating dam (110) and sealed against the shaft (102), and a piston (108). The piston (108) is sealed against the shaft (102) and is arranged axially between the compensating dam (110) and the sealing disc (112). The piston (108) encloses an opening (140) extending axially through it. A pressure chamber (132) is partially bounded by the piston (108) and the sealing disc (112). A compensating chamber (120) is partially bounded by the piston (108) and the compensating dam (110). The pressure chamber (132) is in fluid communication with the compensating chamber (120) via the opening (140).

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over the non-preliminary US application No. 18 / 139,408 filed on April 26, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a disconnect coupling piston and in particular to a disconnect coupling piston with a cooling flow connection. background

[0003] Disconnect couplings are well known. In some arrangements, a disconnect coupling assembly may include a shaft that defines a section of a pressure chamber and a section of a compensation chamber. In such arrangements, the shaft may include a first axial channel designed to supply an oil flow to the pressure chamber and a second axial channel designed to introduce an oil cooling flow into the compensation chamber. Furthermore, the first and second axial channels may be sealed from each other. It is desirable to have alternative configurations and designs to reduce the complexity of the disconnect coupling assembly while still meeting the requirements for durability and performance. Brief description

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a coupling assembly comprising a shaft and a compensating dam sealed against the shaft. The coupling assembly further includes a sealing disc spaced axially from the compensating dam and sealed against the shaft. The coupling assembly also includes a piston sealed against the shaft and arranged axially between the compensating dam and the sealing disc. The piston encloses an opening extending axially therein. A pressure chamber is partially bounded by the piston and the sealing disc, and a compensating chamber is partially bounded by the piston and the compensating dam. The pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the compensating chamber via the opening.

[0005] In some embodiments, the piston can be sealed against the compensating dam and the sealing disc. In other embodiments, the compensating dam can be attached to the shaft, and the piston can be axially displaceable on the shaft. In other embodiments, the pressure chamber can be sealed off from the compensating chamber, except for the opening. In other embodiments, the compensating dam can include a further opening that extends axially through it. This further opening can be arranged radially within the opening.

[0006] In embodiments, the coupling assembly can further include an elastic element arranged axially between the hydraulic piston and the compensating dam, which pushes the hydraulic piston away from the compensating dam. The opening can be located radially outside the elastic element. In embodiments, the piston can be sealed against the sealing disc by a composite seal. The opening can be located radially closer to the composite seal than to the elastic element.

[0007] In some embodiments, the shaft can include an axial channel in direct fluid communication with the pressure chamber. Alternatively, the axial channel can be in indirect fluid communication with the compensation chamber via the pressure chamber. The coupling assembly can further include a flow path designed to supply fluid to the pressure chamber. This flow path can extend through the axial channel and may include a first section partially bounded by the piston and the sealing disc. The flow path can also be designed to supply fluid to the compensation chamber. It can extend through the opening and may include a second section partially bounded by the piston and the compensation dam.

[0008] In embodiments, the coupling assembly can further include a reinforcing disc attached to the shaft. The compensating dam can be arranged axially between the reinforcing disc and the piston. The coupling assembly can further include a coupling disc carrier attached to the reinforcing disc and arranged axially between the reinforcing disc and the compensating dam. The coupling assembly can further include a plurality of coupling discs supported by the coupling disc carrier. The piston can be axially displaceable on the shaft to clamp the plurality of coupling discs against the reinforcing disc for closing the coupling assembly. The compensating dam can include a further opening extending axially through it, and the coupling disc carrier can include a cooling flow opening extending radially through it.The additional opening can be arranged radially within the opening and the cooling flow opening. The cooling flow opening can be arranged to allow the cooling of the multiple clutch discs by a fluid. The shaft can include an axial channel in direct fluid communication with the pressure chamber. The clutch assembly can further include a flow path designed to supply fluid to the pressure chamber. The flow path can extend through the axial channel and can include a first section partially bounded by the piston and the sealing disc. The flow path can further include a section designed to supply fluid to the compensating chamber. The flow path can extend through the opening and can include a second section partially bounded by the piston and the compensating dam. The flow path can further include a section designed to supply fluid for cooling the multiple clutch discs.The flow path can extend through the wider opening and the cooling flow opening, and may include a third section partially bounded by the compensating dam and the reinforcing disc. The axial channel can be in indirect fluid communication with the compensating chamber via the pressure chamber.

[0009] Embodiments according to the present disclosure offer various advantages, including cost reductions by creating a flow path that engages with the disconnecting coupling assembly and cools the coupling discs, thus eliminating the need for a plurality of channels within the shaft designed either to engage with the disconnecting coupling assembly or to cool the coupling discs. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of a disconnect coupling assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an enlarged area of ​​the in Fig. 1 shown disconnect coupling assembly. Detailed description

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It should be clear that identical reference numbers appearing in different drawing views denote identical or functionally similar design elements. Likewise, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of certain components. Therefore, certain design and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the person skilled in the art to apply the embodiments in various ways.As experts will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to create embodiments not expressly illustrated or described. The illustrated combinations of features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features, consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, may be desirable for specific applications or implementations.

[0011] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain aspects and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings generally ascribed to them by a person skilled in the art in the field to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the application or testing of the disclosure, the following are examples of such methods, devices, and materials.

[0012] With reference to Fig.Figure 1-2 illustrates a disconnect coupling assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The disconnect coupling assembly 100 is rotatable about a central axis A. Terms such as "axial", "radial", "circumferential", "outward", etc., as used herein, shall refer to the central axis A.

[0013] The disconnect clutch assembly 100 includes the following: a shaft 102, a reinforcing disc 104, clutch discs 106, a piston 108, a compensating dam 110, and a sealing disc 112. The reinforcing disc 104 is attached to the shaft 102, for example, by notches. The compensating dam 110 is attached to the shaft 102, for example, by notches, and is arranged axially between the reinforcing disc 104 and the piston 108. The compensating dam 110 is sealed against the shaft 102, for example, at the notch. The compensating dam 110 includes a first opening 114 to allow a cooling flow through the compensating dam 110 to cool the clutch discs 106. The first opening 114 can be arranged radially closer to the shaft 102 than to an outer diameter of the compensating dam 110. The first opening 114 can include a subsidence on at least one side of the compensating dam 110.

[0014] The piston 108 is sealed against the shaft 102, e.g., by a seal 116, and can be axially displaced on the shaft 102 to clamp the clutch discs 106 against the reinforcing disc 104 to close the disconnecting clutch assembly 100. The piston 108 and the compensating dam 110 are sealed together by a composite seal 118. The disconnecting clutch assembly 100 includes a compensating chamber 120, which is partially bounded by the piston 108 and the compensating dam 110. The compensating chamber 120 is further defined by, or bounded between, the shaft 102, the compensating dam 110, the composite seal 118, the piston 108, and the seal 116. "Partially bounded" means that a section of the said chamber, flow path, or other structure is bounded or formed by the said element.

[0015] The disconnect clutch assembly 100 also includes a clutch disc carrier 122, which is arranged axially between the reinforcing disc 104 and the compensating dam 110 and is fastened to the reinforcing disc 104, for example, by a rivet connection. The clutch disc carrier 122 includes a cooling flow opening 124 to allow a radially flowing cooling oil flow for cooling the plurality of clutch discs 106, as further described below.

[0016] The disconnect clutch assembly 100 includes an elastic element 126, which is arranged axially between the piston 108 and the compensating dam 110 and pushes the piston 108 away from the compensating dam 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elastic element 126 includes coil springs arranged around a circumference that is radially located within the clutch discs 106. Although coil springs are shown, other elastic elements are possible. For example, the elastic element 126 can include a disc spring or a rubber disc.

[0017] The sealing disc 112 is sealed against the shaft 102 by a seal 128. The sealing disc 112 is sealed against the piston 108 by a composite seal 130. The disconnecting clutch assembly 100 encloses a pressure chamber 132, which is partially delimited by the sealing disc 112 and the piston 108. The pressure chamber 132 is further defined by, or bounded between, the shaft 102, the seal 116, the piston 108, the composite seal 130, the sealing disc 112, and the seal 128. The hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber 132 is increased to move the piston 108 toward the clutch discs 106, thereby pressing the clutch discs 106 against the reinforcing disc 104 to engage (or close) the disconnecting clutch assembly 100.

[0018] The shaft 102 includes a first end 134 located next to a motor (not shown) and a second end 136 located next to a gearbox (not shown). The shaft 102 can include an axial channel 138 in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 132, which adjusts the pressure in the pressure chamber 132. For example, the shaft 102 can include a radial channel (not shown) extending radially through an outer diameter of the axial channel 138 and through an outer diameter of the shaft 102. The radial channel can be arranged axially between the piston 108 and the sealing disc 112 such that the axial channel 138 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 132 via the radial channel. The axial channel 138 can extend axially from the second end 136 to the first end 134. For example, the axial channel 138 can extend axially through the second end 136.This means that the axial channel 138 can be open at the second end 136. In such an example, the axial channel 138 must be sealed to guide fluid for actuating the piston 108, e.g., to prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 136 of the shaft 102.

[0019] The piston 108 encloses a second opening 140 for introducing a fluid into the compensation chamber 120. That is, the second opening 140 extends axially through the piston 108 from the pressure chamber 132 to the compensation chamber 120. In other words, the pressure chamber 132 and the compensation chamber 120 can be fluid-connected via the second opening 140. The pressure chamber 132 and the compensation chamber 120 can be sealed off from each other, except for the second opening 140.

[0020] The second opening 140 can be designed to introduce fluid into the compensating chamber 120 to hydraulically balance the piston 108 and provide cooling flow for the clutch discs 106. Hydraulic balancing of the piston 108 means that the compensating chamber 120 and a pressure chamber 132, located on opposite sides of the piston 108, are both filled with fluid, e.g., oil, so that all dynamic pressure effects from the rotation of the piston 108, the compensating dam 110, the shaft 102, etc., are compensated, thereby improving the controllability of the piston 108 during clutch engagement events.

[0021] The second opening 140 is arranged radially between the seal 116 and the composite seal 118. The second opening 140 is arranged radially outside the elastic element 126. In particular, the second opening 140 is arranged closer to the composite seal 118 than to the elastic element 126. The second opening 140 can, for example, have a diameter of 1 millimeter (mm). The second opening 140 can include a recess on at least one side of the piston 108.

[0022] The disconnect coupling assembly 100 encloses a flow path 142. The flow path 142 extends through the axial channel 138 into the pressure chamber 132, e.g., via the radial channel. The flow path 142 is partially limited by the piston 108 and the sealing disc 112. Pressurized fluid can be supplied to the flow path 142, which extends into the pressure chamber 132, from the shaft 102. That is, the axial channel 138 is in direct fluid communication with the pressure chamber 132. The piston 108 engages or engages the disconnect coupling assembly 100 in response to the pressurization of a medium (e.g., a fluid such as oil) in the pressure chamber 132, e.g., by axially displacing the piston 108 relative to the coupling discs 106.

[0023] Furthermore, the flow path 142 includes the second opening 140, i.e., it runs through it into the compensation chamber 120. The flow path 142 is partially limited by the piston 108 and the compensating dam 110. The pressurized fluid can be supplied from the pressure chamber 132 to the compensation chamber 120 by passing through the second opening 140, for example, to hydraulically balance the piston 108. That is, the axial channel 138 is in indirect fluid communication with the compensation chamber 120 via the pressure chamber 132.

[0024] Furthermore, the flow path 142 extends from the compensation chamber 120 through the first opening 114. The flow path 142 is also partially limited by the compensating dam 110 and the reinforcing disc 104. The flow path 142 passes through the cooling flow opening 124 and is used, for example, to cool the clutch discs 106 by passing between them. This means that the pressurized fluid can be supplied to the clutch discs 106 by passing through the first opening 114 and then through the cooling flow opening 124 from the compensation chamber 120. The fluid is returned to the shaft 102 by passing between the clutch discs 106.

[0025] The pressure chamber 132 is in fluid communication with the compensation chambers 120 and the clutch discs 106 via the flow path 142. This means that the flow path 142 provides fluid for engaging the disconnecting clutch assembly 100, filling the compensation chamber 120, and cooling the clutch discs 106. By providing a fluid connection between the pressure chamber 132, the compensation chamber 120, and the clutch discs 106, the complexity of the disconnecting clutch assembly 100 can be reduced, as two channels arranged in the shaft 102 are no longer required, one supplying fluid for engaging the disconnecting clutch assembly 100 and the other supplying fluid for filling the compensation chamber 120 and cooling the clutch discs 106.

[0026] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the description are descriptive and not limiting, and it is understood that various modifications can be made without deviating from the fundamental idea and scope of protection of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosure that may not be expressly described or illustrated.While various embodiments could have been described as advantageous or preferred over other embodiments or implementations according to the prior art with respect to one or more desired properties, those skilled in the art recognize that a compromise may be made with regard to one or more features or properties in order to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle costs, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, ease of maintenance, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc.If embodiments are described as less desirable than other embodiments or realizations in the prior art with respect to one or more properties, these embodiments are therefore not outside the scope of protection of the disclosure and may be desirable in certain applications. List of reference symbols 100 Disconnect coupling assembly 102nd wave 104 Reinforcing disc 106 clutch discs 108 pistons 110 Compensation Dam 112 Sealing washer 114 Opening 116 Seal 118 Composite seal 120 Compensation Chamber 122 Clutch disc carrier 124 Cooling air opening 126 elastic element 128 Seal 130 composite seal 132 Pressure chamber 134 End 136 End 138 axial channel 140 Opening 142 Flow path A central axis 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 18 / 139,408

[0001]

Claims

[1] Coupling assembly comprising: a wave (102); a compensating dam (110) sealed against the wave (102); a sealing disc (112) which is axially spaced from the compensating dam (110) and sealed against the shaft (102); and a piston (108) which is sealed against the shaft (102) and arranged axially between the compensating dam (110) and the sealing disc (112), wherein the piston (108) encloses an opening (140) which extends axially therethrough it; wherein a pressure chamber (132) is partially limited by the piston (108) and the sealing disc (112) and a compensation chamber (120) is partially limited by the piston (108) and the compensation dam (110); wherein the pressure chamber (132) is in fluid communication with the compensation chamber (120) via the opening (140). [2] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the piston (108) is sealed against the compensating dam (110) and the sealing disc (112). [3] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the compensating dam (110) is attached to the shaft (102) and the piston (108) is axially displaceable on the shaft (102). [4] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pressure chamber (132) is sealed from the compensation chamber (120) except for the opening (140). [5] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic element (126) arranged axially between the piston (108) and the compensating dam (110) and pushing the piston (108) away from the compensating dam (110), wherein the opening (140) is arranged radially outside the elastic element (126). [6] Coupling assembly according to claim 5, wherein the piston (108) is sealed against the sealing disc (112) via a composite seal (130), wherein the opening (140) is arranged radially closer to the composite seal (130) than to the elastic element (126). [7] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the compensating dam (110) includes a further opening (114) which extends axially therein, wherein the further opening (114) is arranged radially within the opening (140). [8] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft (102) includes an axial channel (138) in direct fluid communication with the pressure chamber (132). [9] Coupling assembly according to claim 8, wherein the axial channel (138) is in indirect fluid communication with the compensation chamber (120) via the pressure chamber (132). [10] Coupling assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a flow path (142) designed to supply fluid to the pressure chamber (132), wherein the flow path (142) extends through the axial channel (138) and includes a first section that is partially bounded by the piston (108) and the sealing disc (112). [11] Coupling assembly according to claim 10, wherein the flow path (142) is further designed to supply fluid to the compensation chamber (120), wherein the flow path (142) passes through the opening (140) and includes a second section which is partially limited by the piston (108) and the compensation dam (110). [12] Coupling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a reinforcing disk (104) attached to the shaft (102), wherein the compensating dam (110) is arranged axially between the reinforcing disk (104) and the piston (108); a clutch disc carrier (122) which is attached to the reinforcing disc (104) and is arranged axially between the reinforcing disc (104) and the compensating dam (110); and a plurality of clutch discs (106) supported by the clutch disc carrier (122), wherein the piston (108) is axially displaceable on the shaft (102) to clamp the plurality of clutch discs (106) against the reinforcing disc (104) to close the clutch assembly. [13] Coupling assembly according to claim 12, wherein the compensating dam (110) includes a further opening (114) extending axially therein, and the coupling disc carrier (122) includes a cooling flow opening (124) extending radially therein. [14] Coupling assembly according to claim 13, wherein the further opening (114) is arranged radially inside the opening (140) and the cooling flow opening (124). [15] Clutch assembly according to claim 13, wherein the cooling flow opening (124) is arranged to allow the cooling of the plurality of clutch discs (106) by a fluid. [16] Coupling assembly according to claim 13, wherein the shaft (102) includes an axial channel (138) in direct fluid communication with the pressure chamber (132). [17] Coupling assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a flow path (142) designed to supply fluid to the pressure chamber (132), wherein the flow path (142) extends through the axial channel (138) and includes a first section that is partially bounded by the piston (108) and the sealing disc (112). [18] Coupling assembly according to claim 17, wherein the flow path (142) is further designed to supply fluid to the compensation chamber (120), wherein the flow path (142) passes through the opening (140) and includes a second section which is partially limited by the piston (108) and the compensation dam (110). [19] Coupling assembly according to claim 18, wherein the flow path (142) is further designed to provide fluid for cooling the plurality of coupling discs (106), wherein the flow path (142) passes through the further opening (114) and the cooling flow opening (124) and includes a third section which is partially bounded by the compensating dam (110) and the reinforcing disc (104). [20] Coupling assembly according to claim 16, wherein the axial channel (138) is in indirect fluid communication with the compensation chamber (120) via the pressure chamber (132).

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