Multi-disc system with improved cooling

The multi-disc system addresses cooling challenges in wet multi-disc systems by integrating heat conductive plates and a cooling fluid within the multi-disc system, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing drag torque without altering the friction plates' design.

WO2025072996A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-10MIBA FRICTEC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/AT2024/060392
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-04
Filing Date
2024-10-03
Publication Date
2025-04-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Wet multi-disc systems, such as those used in brakes and clutches, face significant challenges in maintaining cooling performance due to high temperatures generated by friction, leading to thermal damage and reduced system lifetime. Existing solutions, like grooved friction plates, increase dragging torque and complexity, raising costs.

Method used

A multi-disc system incorporating a first and second friction disc, with at least one pair of separator discs and heat conductive plates placed between them, utilizes a cooling fluid for enhanced heat transfer, thereby improving cooling performance without modifying the friction plates' design.

Benefits of technology

This configuration achieves efficient cooling of the multi-disc system by leveraging heat transfer between the heat conductive plates and the cooling fluid, reducing drag torque, and maintaining the performance of the friction plates without complex design modifications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-disc system (1) comprising a first friction disc (3a) and a second friction disc (3b) placed one next to the other, at least one pair of separator discs (4) comprising a first separator disc (4a) and a second separator disc (4b) placed in between the first friction disc (3a) and the second friction disc (3b), wherein the at least one pair of separator discs (4) further comprises at least one heat conductive plate (7) placed in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) so that one surface of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate (7) and one surface of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate (7), and wherein the multi-disc system (1) comprises a cooling fluid. Said multi-disc system (1) having an efficient cooling of the complete multi-disc system (1).
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Description

[0001] MULTI-DISC SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED COOLING

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a multi-disc system for encapsulated cooling fluid environment that exhibits improved cooling performance. It also relates to a machinery, equipment or vehicle comprising said multi-disc system.

[0004] Background

[0005] Generally, wet multi-disc systems like for example brakes and clutches have friction discs and separator discs normally alternately arranged between the drum and the hub of a clutch or a brake.

[0006] The use of wet multi-disc systems in an encapsulated environment, for example in clutch or brake systems, in demanding situations can cause considerable damage to the friction lining of the friction plates affecting the overall performance of the multi-disc system, for example it lowers the lifetime of the multi-disc system. This is a big problem in this type of multi-discsystems.

[0007] One of the causes of this problem is the high temperature which is generated by the friction and then accumulated on the elements of the multi-disc system, especially on the friction plates. Therefore, it is still a challenge to reduce the temperature on the friction plates of the multi-disc system to avoid the thermal damage of the friction lining.

[0008] A technique generally used to decrease the heat accumulated in the multi-disc system is to provide the friction plates with grooves on their friction surfaces / friction lining to enhance oil draining performance thereby to improve the cooling performance.

[0009] This technique, however, poses a problem in that the contact (internal pressure) with a mating surface increases with a resultant increased dragging torque. To solve the above-mentioned problem complex designs of friction plates are developed as for example, US10094428B2 discloses a friction plate having a specific type of groove design on the friction surface of said friction plate. This causes higher costs in the design and the construction of friction plates as these friction plates should have improved cooling performance and low dragging torque creation.

[0010] Therefore, there is still a need for a multi-disc system with improved cooling performance in which the design and performance of the friction plates is not affected; and that is less complex to produce and design.

[0011] The present inventors have surprisingly found that with using a multi-disc system according to the present invention an improved cooling performance in wet-multi-disc system can be achieved without the need to modify the normal design of the friction plates and thus not affecting the performance of the friction plates.

[0012] Summary of the invention In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a multi-disc system comprising: a) a first friction disc and a second friction disc placed one next to the other, b) at least one pair of separator discs comprising a first separator disc and a second separator disc placed in between the first friction disc and the second friction disc, so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the first friction disc and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the second friction disc, wherein the at least one pair of separator discs further comprises at least one heat conductive plate placed in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate, wherein the multi-disc system also comprises a cooling fluid.

[0013] Unexpectedly, the multi-disc system of the invention provides a more efficient cooling of the complete multi-disc system due to the heat-transfer between the at least one heat conductive plate (7) and the cooling fluid.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that the cooling performance in the multi-disc system can be improved without the need to modify the normal design of the friction plates and thus not affecting the performance of the friction plates; for example without modifying the friction surface of the friction plates. Additionally, the drag torque is decreased due to the less demand of cooling (and lubrication fluid) on the friction surface of the friction discs.

[0015] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate placed in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc: a) has smooth surfaces without grooves or protrusions, or b) comprises grooves and / or protrusions on at least one of the surfaces of the heat conductive plate.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the first separator disc and / or the second separator disc comprises grooves on one of the surfaces of the first separator disc and / or on one of the surfaces of the second separator disc.

[0017] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the grooves of the at least one heat conductive plate and / or the grooves of the first separator disc and / or the second separator disc have a waffle pattern, a sunburst pattern, a square pattern, a rectangle pattern, a zig-zag pattern, a canal pattern or combinations thereof.

[0018] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the protrusions comprised on the surface of the at least one heat conductive plate have a cylinder shape, a rectangle shape or a shape accommodation to guide the cooling fluid to flow from one side of the heat conductive plate to other side of the heat conductive plate. According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate further comprises: a) an inner diameter wall that prevents the cooling fluid to flow to the center of the at least one heat conductive plate, b) an outer diameter wall comprising at least one opening that allows the cooling fluid to flow in and / or out of the space created by the grooves and / or by the protrusions on the least one heat conductive plate.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate is an open structure having a labyrinth-like shape that forms an internal pathway to be followed by the cooling fluid when said open structure is placed in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc.

[0020] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate comprises a material with a thermal conductivity in the range of from 15 to 430 W / m*K.

[0021] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate is made of copper, silver, aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, comprising in at least one section of said multi-disc system: a) a pair of separator discs wherein one of the separator discs comprises grooves on one surface of the separator disc, or b) a pair of separator discs wherein both of the separator discs comprise grooves on one surface of both of the separator discs, or c) a pair of separator discs wherein none of the separator discs comprises grooves on the surfaces of the separator discs, or d) combinations thereof.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the at least one pair of separator discs are made of a metal or a polymer material or a carbon-based composite material.

[0024] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the first friction disc and / or the second friction disc comprises a fiber composite, a sintered friction material, a ceramic friction material, a carbon-based friction material, a molybdenum friction material, a steel friction part or a combination thereof.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system, wherein the cooling fluid is a mineral-based cooling fluid, a synthetic-based cooling fluid, a glycol-based cooling fluid or water.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a process for producing the multi-disc system according to the invention, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first friction disc and a second friction disc having surfaces, b) providing at least one pair of separator discs comprising a first separator disc and a second separator disc having surfaces, c) providing at least one heat conductive plate having surfaces, d) placing the at least one pair of separator discs in between the first friction disc and the second friction disc, so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the first friction disc and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the second friction disc, e) placing the at least one heat conductive plate in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate.

[0027] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising the multi-disc system according to the invention, preferably a passenger vehicle, an autonomous vehicle, a car, a truck, a lorry, an agriculture vehicle, a mining vehicle, a construction vehicle, an electrical-powered vehicle, a ship, a motorcycle, a train, a high-speed train or a tramway.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle power train, a stationary equipment, a turbine, an Eolic equipment comprising the multi-disc system according to the invention.

[0029] According to a specific embodiment, the multi-disc system according to the invention is part of a multi-lamella brake.

[0030] According to a specific embodiment, the multi-disc system according to the invention is encapsulated in a housing. According to this embodiment the multi-disc system can be partially encapsulated in a housing or entirely encapsulated in a housing. According to this embodiment the multi-disc system can be part of a multi-lamella brake.

[0031] According to a specific embodiment, the multi-disc system encapsulated in a housing can be arranged in a wheel hub. According to this embodiment the multi-disc system can be part of a multi-lamella brake being arranged in a wheel hub.

[0032] In a further embodiment variant, the multi-disc system encapsulated in a housing and arranged in a wheel hub can be arranged so that each wheel has its own multi-disc system housing in the wheel hub. According to this embodiment the multi-disc system can be part of a multi-lamella brake being arranged in a wheel hub. The braking force distribution can thus be better divided between the individual wheels. In addition, smaller multi-disc systems can be used. In the following part, specific embodiments of the invention will be described with the use of exemplary and schematic Figures. These specific embodiments are not limiting the claims but are only intended for further understanding of these embodiments. Therefore, different combinations of the different embodiments according to the invention are possible.

[0033] Figure 1 is a partial view illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is an example of a heat conductive plate (7) having an inner diameter wall (wl), an outer diameter wall (w2) and two openings (12a, 12b).

[0035] Figure 3 is an example of a heat conductive plate (7) being an open structure (7s) having a labyrinth-like shape.

[0036] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-disc system (1) comprising: a) a first friction disc (3 a) and a second friction disc (3b) placed one next to the other, b) at least one pair of separator discs (4) comprising a first separator disc (4a) and a second separator disc (4b) placed in between the first friction disc (3 a) and the second friction disc (3b), so that one surface (6a) of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface (5b) of the first friction disc (3a) and one surface (6b) of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface (5a) of the second friction disc (3b), wherein the at least one pair of separator discs (4) further comprises at least one heat conductive plate (7) placed in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) so that one surface (6b) of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface (9a) of the at least one heat conductive plate (7) and one surface (6a) of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface (9b) of the at least one heat conductive plate (7), wherein the multi-disc system also comprises a cooling fluid.

[0037] Unexpectedly, the multi-disc system of the invention provides a more efficient cooling of the complete multi-disc system due to the heat-transfer between the at least one heat conductive plate (7) and the cooling fluid.

[0038] Another advantage of the present invention is that the cooling performance in the multi-disc system can be improved without the need to modify the normal design of the friction plates and thus not affecting the performance of the friction plates; for example without modifying the friction surface of the friction plates. Additionally, the drag torque is decreased due to the less demand of cooling (and lubrication fluid) on the friction surface of the friction discs.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the at least one pair of separator discs (4) comprised in the multi-disc system comprises a first separator disc (4a) and a second separator disc (4b) placed in between the first friction disc (3a) and the second friction disc (3b). The first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) are placed so that one surface (6a) of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface (5b) of the first friction disc (3 a) and one surface (6b) of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface (5a) of the second friction disc (3b).

[0040] According to this embodiment, the at least one pair of separator discs (4) further comprises at least one heat conductive plate (7) placed in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) so that one surface (6b) of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface (9a) of the at least one heat conductive plate (7) and one surface (6a) of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface (9b) of the at least one heat conductive plate (7).

[0041] According to a specific embodiment, the at least one heat conductive plate (7) placed in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b): a) may have smooth surfaces (9a, 9b) without grooves or protrusions or b) may comprise grooves (8a) and / or protrusions (8b) on at least one of the surfaces (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7).

[0042] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first separator disc (4a) and / or the second separator disc (4b) comprise grooves (10) on one of the surfaces (6a, 6b), so that a cooling fluid can pass through the grooves (10).

[0043] The presence of the grooves (10) on one of the surfaces (6a, 6b) of the first separator disc (4a) and / or the second separator disc (4b) allows the circulation of a cooling fluid through the grooves and therefore improves the heat transfer between the separator discs (4a, 4b) and the cooling fluid resulting in a faster cooling of the complete multi-disc system.

[0044] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b), both, comprise grooves (10) on the surface (6a, 6b) so that a cooling fluid can pass through the groves (10) and therefore improves the heat transfer between the separator discs (4a, 4b) and the cooling fluid resulting in a faster cooling of the complete multi-disc system.

[0045] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, different combinations of surfaces (6a, 6b) of the separator discs (4a, 4b) facing surfaces (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7) may be possible, for example

[0046] I. at least a grooved surface (6a, 6b) facing a non-grooved surface (9a, 9b),

[0047] II. at least a non-grooved surface (6a, 6b) facing a grooved surface (9a, 9b),

[0048] III. at least a grooved surface (6a, 6b) facing a grooved surface (9a, 9b),

[0049] IV. at least a non-grooved surface (6a, 6b) facing a non-grooved surface (9a, 9b),

[0050] It has to be understood that the term “grooved surface” means a surface comprising grooves (8a, 10) or a surface comprising protrusions (8b).

[0051] In the examples I. to III as shown above, having grooves (8a, 10) or protrusions (8b) for allowing the cooling fluid to flow between the facing surfaces (6a, 6b) of the separator discs (4a, 4b), and the facing surfaces (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7) provides a great advantage in the cooling speed as the presence of these grooves (8a, 10) or protrusions (8b) helps to enhance the heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the heat conductive plate (7) and / or between the cooling fluid and the separator discs (4a, 4b). This, due to the higher contact surface between the cooling fluid and the discs (4a, 4b) and / or the plate (7). Additionally, the presence of the heat conductive plate (7) provides a great advantage in the cooling speed as it helps to enhance the heat transfer between the separator discs (4a, 4b) and the heat conductive plate (7). This, due to the heat transfer surface and the thermal conductivity properties of the heat conductive plate (7).

[0052] In the example IV: the heat conductive plate (7) helps to enhance the heat transfer between the separator discs (4a, 4b) and the heat conductive plate (7). This, due to the heat transfer surface and the thermal conductivity properties of the heat conductive plate (7). Also, as a physical-based improved heat capacity enables faster heat dissipation and lower surface temperature with comparable energy input.

[0053] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the grooves (8a) comprised on at least one of the surfaces (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7) may have different groove patterns, for example a waffle pattern, a sunburst pattern, a square pattern, a rectangle pattern, a zig-zag pattern, a canal pattern or combinations thereof.

[0054] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the grooves (8a) may cover most of the surface (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7) or only some sections of the surface (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7).

[0055] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions (8b) comprised on at least one of the surfaces (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7) may have different shapes, for example a cylinder shape, a rectangle shape, a shape accommodation to guide the cooling fluid to flow from one side of the heat conductive plate (7) to other side of the heat conductive plate (7).

[0056] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions (8b) comprised on the surface (9a, 9b) of the heat conductive plate (7), may cover most of the surface (9a, 9b) or only some sections of the surface (9a, 9b).

[0057] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one heat conductive plate (7) further comprises: a) an inner diameter wall (wl) that prevents the cooling fluid to flow to the center of the plate, b) an outer diameter wall (w2) comprising at least one opening (12a, 12b) that allows the cooling fluid to flow in and / or out of the space created by the grooves (8) and / or by the protrusions (8b) on the least one heat conductive plate (7).

[0058] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the heat conductive plate (7) can also be an open structure (7s) having a labyrinth-like shape formed by the protrusions (8b). Said open structure (7s) having a labyrinth-like shape forms an internal pathway, to be followed by the cooling fluid, when this open structure (7 s) is placed in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b). According to this embodiment the open structure (7s) having a labyrinth-like shape can be composed of a sole piece or be composed of separate pieces that are generally held together by the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) when placed in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b). In this embodiment the surfaces (9a, 9b) of the open structure (7s) are the surfaces of each side of the structure (7s) which are in contact with the surfaces (6b, 6a) of the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b). According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one heat conductive plate (7, 7s) may comprise a material with a thermal conductivity in the range of from 15 to 430 W / m*K.

[0059] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one heat conductive plate (7, 7s) comprises or is made of copper, silver, aluminum or aluminum alloy or mixtures thereof.

[0060] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the multi-disc system may comprise more than one pair of separator discs (4) comprising a first separator disc (4a) and a second separator disc (4b), therefore, different combinations may be possible, for example, the multi disc-system (1) may comprise in at least one section of said multi-disc system (1): a) a pair of separator discs (4) wherein one of the separator discs (4a, 4b) comprises grooves (10) on one surface (6a, 6b); or b) a pair of separator discs (4) wherein both of the separator discs (4a, 4b) comprise grooves (10) on one surface (6a, 6b); or c) a pair of separator discs (4) wherein none of the separator discs (4a, 4b) comprises grooves (10) on the surfaces (6a, 6b); d) or combinations thereof.

[0061] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the least one pair of separator discs (4a, 4b) may be made of a metal or a polymer material or a carbon-based composite material.

[0062] Examples of metals are steel, steel alloy, titanium, aluminum, aluminum allow, or other metal alloy. Examples of polymer materials are engineering polymer materials that withstand temperatures in the range of from 150°C to 450°C. Preferably in the range of from 150°C to 250°C.

[0063] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the grooves (10) comprised on the surface (6a, 6b) of the separator discs (4a, 4b) may have different groove patterns, for example a waffle pattern, a sunburst pattern, a square pattern, a rectangle pattern, a zig-zag pattern, a canal pattern or combinations thereof.

[0064] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the grooves (10) comprised on the surface (6a, 6b) of the separator discs (4a, 4b) may cover all the surface (6a, 6b) of the separator discs (4a, 4b) or only some sections of the surfaces (6a, 6b) of the separator discs (4a, 4b).

[0065] The term separator discs (4a, 4b) refers to the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) according to the invention. As generally known by the person skilled in the art a separator disc is generally placed next to a friction disc in multi-disc systems.

[0066] According to the present invention, the first friction disc (3 a) and the second friction disc (3b) may be any friction disc that is normally used in multi-disc systems, generally known by the person skilled in the art. According to the present invention, the first friction disc (3 a) and the second friction disc (3b) may be any friction disc having friction surfaces or friction lining as it is normally understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0067] According to a specific embodiment, of the present invention, the first friction disc (3 a) and / or the second friction disc (3b) may comprise a fiber composite, a sintered friction material, a ceramic friction material, a carbon-based friction material, a molybdenum friction material, a steel friction part or a combination thereof.

[0068] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first friction disc (3 a) and / or the second friction disc (3b) further comprises grooves (1 la) or protrusions (11b) on at least one of the surfaces (5a, 5b) facing one of the surfaces (6a, 6b) of the first separator disc (4a) or of the second separator disc (4b).

[0069] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid can be any type of liquid that is capable of dissipating heat. The cooling fluid can also be a lubricating fluid which is capable of dissipating heat. Examples of cooling fluid are mineral-based cooling fluid, synthetic -based cooling fluid, glycol-based cooling fluid or water.

[0070] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, as the multi-disc system according to the invention may comprise more than one pair of separator discs (4) comprising a first separator disc (4a) and a second separator disc (4b), different combinations of the different embodiments according to the invention are possible.

[0071] An advantage of having different combinations as mentioned above is that an improved cooling of the multi-disc system can be achieved with smaller dimensions compared to the dimension of a current multi-disc system. Therefore, the power density in terms of design space can be increased.

[0072] According to a specific embodiment, the multi-disc system according to the present invention is part of a multi-lamella brake.

[0073] According to a specific embodiment, the multi-disc system according to the invention is encapsulated in a housing. According to this embodiment the multi-disc system can be partially encapsulated in a housing or entirely encapsulated in a housing. In this specific embodiment as the multi-disc system is encapsulated in a housing, high energy is created within the housing during the use of the multi-disc system. The multi-disc system according to the invention is then very advantageous as the presence of the heat conductive plate (7, 7s) provides a great advantage in the cooling speed as it helps to enhance the heat transfer between the separator discs (4a, 4b) and the heat conductive plate (7, 7s) and between the heat conductive plate (7, 7s) and the cooling fluid. This, due to the heat transfer surface and the thermal conductivity properties of the heat conductive plate (7, 7s).

[0074] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for producing the multi-disc system according to the invention, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a first friction disc (3 a) and a second friction disc (3b) having surfaces (5a, 5b), b) providing at least one pair of separator discs (4) comprising a first separator disc (4a) and a second separator disc (4b) having surfaces (6a, 6b), c) providing at least one heat conductive plate (7, 7s) having surfaces (9a, 9b), ci) placing the at least one pair of separator discs (4) in between the first friction disc (3a) and the second friction disc (3b), so that one surface (6a) of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface (5b) of the first friction disc (3 a) and one surface (6b) of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface (5a) of the second friction disc (3b), e) placing the at least one heat conductive plate (7, 7s) in between the first separator disc (4a) and the second separator disc (4b) so that one surface (6b) of the first separator disc (4a) faces one surface (9a) of the at least one heat conductive plate (7) and one surface (6a) of the second separator disc (4b) faces one surface (9b) of the at least one heat conductive plate (7).

[0075] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising the multi-disc system (1) according to the present invention. Examples of vehicles are a passenger vehicle, an autonomous vehicle, a car, a truck, a lorry, an agriculture vehicle, a mining vehicle, a construction vehicle, an electrical-powered vehicle, a ship, a motorcycle, a train, a highspeed train and a tramway.

[0076] According to a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle power train, a stationary equipment, a turbine or an Eolic equipment comprising the multi-disc system (1) according to the present invention.

[0077] According to the present invention the term disc can generally be understood as disc or plate or lamella.

[0078] List of reference numbers

[0079] (1) Multi-disc system.

[0080] (3a) First friction disc.

[0081] (3b) Second friction disc.

[0082] (4) Pair of separator discs.

[0083] (4a) First separator disc.

[0084] (4b) Second separator disc.

[0085] (5b) Surface of first friction disc or second friction disc (3a, 3b)

[0086] (5a) Surface of first friction disc or second friction disc (3a, 3b)

[0087] (6a) Surface of the first separator disc or second separator disc (4a, 4b)

[0088] (6b) Surface of the first separator disc or second separator disc (4a, 4b)

[0089] (7, 7s) Heat conductive plate

[0090] (9a) Surface of the heat conductive plate (7, 7s)

[0091] (9b) Surface of the heat conductive plate (7, 7s)

[0092] (8b) Protrusion

[0093] (12a) Opening

[0094] (12b) Opening

[0095] (w 1 ) Inner diameter wall

[0096] (w2) Outer diameter wall

Claims

C l a i m s1. A multi-disc system comprising: a) a first friction disc and a second friction disc placed one next to the other, b) at least one pair of separator discs comprising a first separator disc and a second separator disc placed in between the first friction disc and the second friction disc, so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the first friction disc and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the second friction disc, wherein the at least one pair of separator discs further comprises at least one heat conductive plate placed in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate, wherein the multi-disc system also comprises a cooling fluid.

2. The multi-disc system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate placed in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc: a) has smooth surfaces without grooves or protrusions, or b) comprises grooves and / or protrusions on at least one of the surfaces of the at least one heat conductive plate.

3. The multi-disc system according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first separator disc and / or the second separator disc comprises grooves on one of the surfaces of the first separator disc and / or on one of the surfaces of the second separator disc.

4. The multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 2 to 3, wherein the grooves have a waffle pattern, a sunburst pattern, a square pattern, a rectangle pattern, a zig-zag pattern, a canal pattern or combinations thereof.

5. The multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protrusions comprised on the surface of the heat conductive plate have a cylinder shape, a rectangle shape or a shape accommodation to guide the cooling fluid to flow from one side of the heat conductive plate to other side of the heat conductive plate.

6. The multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate further comprises: a) an inner diameter wall that prevents the cooling fluid to flow to the center of the at least one heat conductive plate,b) an outer diameter wall comprising at least one opening that allows the cooling fluid to flow in and / or out of the space created by the grooves and / or by the protrusions on the at least one heat conductive plate.

7. The multi-disc system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate is an open structure having a labyrinth-like shape that forms an internal pathway to be followed by the cooling fluid when said open structure is placed in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc.

8. The multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one heat conductive plate comprises a material with a thermal conductivity in the range of from 15 to 430 W / m*K.

9. The multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 1 to 8 wherein the at least one heat conductive plate is made of copper, silver, aluminum or aluminum alloy.

10. The multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, comprising in at least one section of said multi-disc system: a) a pair of separator discs wherein one of the separator discs comprises grooves on the surface of the separator disc, or b) a pair of separator discs wherein both of the separator discs comprise grooves on the surface of both of the separator disc, or c) a pair of separator discs wherein none of the separator discs comprises grooves on the surfaces of the separator discs, or d) combinations thereof.

11. The multi-disc system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, being part of a multi-lamella brake.

12. The multi-disc system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said multi-disc system is encapsulated in a housing.

13. A process for producing the multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first friction disc and a second friction disc having surfaces, b) providing at least one pair of separator discs comprising a first separator disc and a second separator disc having surfaces, c) providing at least one heat conductive plate having surfaces, d) placing the at least one pair of separator discs in between the first friction disc and the second friction disc, so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface of the first friction disc and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the second friction disc, e) placing the at least one heat conductive plate in between the first separator disc and the second separator disc so that one surface of the first separator disc faces one surface ofthe at least one heat conductive plate and one surface of the second separator disc faces one surface of the at least one heat conductive plate.

14. A vehicle comprising the multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, preferably a passenger vehicle, an autonomous vehicle, a car, a truck, a lorry, an agriculture vehicle, a mining vehicle, a construction vehicle, an electrical-powered vehicle, a ship, a motorcycle, a train, a high-speed train or a tramway.

15. A vehicle power train, a stationary equipment, a turbine, an Eolic equipment comprising the multi-disc system according to anyone of claims 1 to 12.

Citation Information

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