Clutch assembly, and drive assembly having such a clutch assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a clutch assembly (10), in particular for a drive assembly, comprising a first shaft (12) having a first gear wheel (14), which is coupled to the first shaft (12) for conjoint rotation; a second shaft (16) having a second gear wheel (18), which is coupled to the second shaft (16) for conjoint rotation, said first shaft (12) and second shaft (16) being positioned along an axis of rotation (20); and a coupling element (22), which is coupled to the first gear wheel (14) for conjoint rotation and is designed to be at least partly hydraulically movable between a coupling position and a decoupling position along the axis of rotation (20). In the coupling position, the first gear wheel (14) and the second gear wheel (18) are coupled together for conjoint rotation by means of the coupling element (22), and in the decoupling position, the first gear wheel (14) and the second gear wheel (18) are decoupled from each other. The invention also relates to a drive assembly having at least one such clutch assembly (10).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Coupling arrangement and a drive arrangement with such a coupling arrangement

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The invention relates to a coupling arrangement, in particular for a drive arrangement, with features of claim 1 and a drive arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, with features of the dependent claim.

[0006] In coupling arrangements, a coupling element is typically used to connect two gears and thus enable torque transmission. Moving the coupling element allows the two gears to be engaged and disengaged. This movement of the coupling element is usually achieved using an electric actuator.

[0007] The disadvantage is that the actuator must be electrically driven. This requires an electric motor, which entails additional installation space, additional costs, and additional weight.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] According to the invention, a coupling arrangement is proposed, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a first shaft with a first gear. The first gear is rotationally fixed to the first shaft, in particular arranged on the first shaft. The coupling arrangement comprises a second shaft with a second gear. The second gear is rotationally fixed to the second shaft, in particular arranged on the second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft are arranged along an axis of rotation. In particular, the axis of rotation extends along the central longitudinal axes of the first shaft and the second shaft. The coupling arrangement comprises a coupling element. The coupling element is rotationally fixed to the first gear. The coupling element is designed to be at least partially hydraulically movable along the axis of rotation between a coupled position and a disengaged position.In the coupled position, the first and second gears are rotationally fixed to each other by means of the coupling element. In the uncoupled position, the first and second gears are decoupled from each other. The coupling arrangement can be configured as a coupling arrangement for a drive arrangement or form part of a drive arrangement.

[0010] The first shaft can be configured as a drive shaft and the second shaft as an output shaft. In other words, in the coupled position, torque can be transmitted from the first shaft to the second shaft. It is also conceivable that the second shaft can be configured as a drive shaft and the first as an output shaft. In this case, torque can be transmitted from the second shaft to the first shaft in the coupled position.

[0011] This allows torque transmission from the first gear to the second gear (or vice versa) to occur or be interrupted (disconnect function). This enables at least a partial hydraulic drive for the movement of the coupling element, thus facilitating hydraulic coupling (transmission of torque) or decoupling (interruption of torque transmission) between the first and second gears (or vice versa). This saves space, weight, and / or costs associated with a separate, e.g., electric, drive.

[0012] According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement can include a hydraulic cylinder for at least partially hydraulically moving the coupling element. The hydraulic cylinder can be designed as a linear motor. The hydraulic cylinder particularly comprises a cylinder and a piston that projects from the cylinder. In particular, by pressurizing the cylinder with hydraulic fluid, the piston can be moved back and forth.

[0013] This allows at least partial hydraulic movement of the coupling element to be implemented using simple means.

[0014] According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the hydraulic cylinder can be designed as a single-acting cylinder with a spring. In a single-acting cylinder, the piston can only be acted upon by hydraulic fluid from one side. Therefore, a force can only be exerted in a first direction by means of the hydraulic fluid. A force can be exerted in a second direction, opposite to the first, by means of the spring.

[0015] This allows the hydraulic cylinder to be implemented using simple means.

[0016] According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the hydraulic cylinder can be designed as a double-acting cylinder. In a double-acting cylinder, the piston can be acted upon by hydraulic fluid from two (opposite) sides. This allows a force to be exerted in a first direction by means of the hydraulic fluid (acting the piston from a first side). Likewise, a force can be exerted in a second direction opposite to the first (acting the piston from a second side) by means of the hydraulic fluid. It is also conceivable that the double-acting cylinder could incorporate a spring (analogous to a single-acting cylinder).

[0017] This allows the hydraulic cylinder to be implemented using simple means.

[0018] According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement can comprise a pivoting rod with a first end and a second end. The first end of the pivoting rod can be pivotally coupled to a stationary joint. The second end of the pivoting rod can be pivotally coupled to the hydraulic cylinder (or its piston). The pivoting rod can be coupled to the coupling element in such a way that by pivoting the pivoting rod about the stationary joint using the hydraulic cylinder, the coupling element can be moved between the coupled position and the uncoupled position. The hydraulic cylinder can be oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0019] This allows for the at least partially hydraulic movement of the coupling element using simple means. In particular, the pivot rod creates a lever effect, enabling the force generated by the hydraulic cylinder to be dimensioned to a small size.

[0020] According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the coupling element can be designed as a shift sleeve. The coupling arrangement can include a shift fork coupled to the shift sleeve. The shift fork can have an elongated hole oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The pivot rod can have a bolt rigidly connected to it. The bolt can engage (project into) the elongated hole at least partially and be movably positioned within it.

[0021] This allows for a simple coupling between the coupling element and the hydraulic cylinder. In particular, a pivoting movement of the pivot rod can be converted into a linear movement of the coupling element along the axis of rotation.

[0022] According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement can have a connecting rod with a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting rod can be pivotally coupled to the second end of the connecting rod. The second end of the connecting rod can be pivotally coupled to the hydraulic cylinder (or its piston). In particular, the second end of the connecting rod can be pivotally coupled to the hydraulic cylinder (or its piston) by means of the connecting rod.

[0023] This allows for a simple coupling between the swivel rod and the hydraulic cylinder. In particular, any length difference between the other end of the swivel rod and the hydraulic cylinder (or its piston) resulting from the swiveling of the rod can be compensated for. According to a further development of the coupling arrangement, the coupling element can be designed as a switching sleeve. The coupling arrangement can include a switching fork coupled to the switching sleeve. The switching fork can be rigidly connected to the hydraulic cylinder (or its piston). The hydraulic cylinder can be arranged parallel to the axis of rotation. The switching fork can be connected to the hydraulic cylinder (or its piston), for example, by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, the switching fork can have an extension that is screwed to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder.The hydraulic cylinder can have a diameter of 35 millimeters. The hydraulic cylinder can be configured to generate a force in the range of 200 to 300 newtons at an operating pressure of 3 bar.

[0024] This allows for hydraulic movement of the coupling element using simple means.

[0025] According to the invention, a drive arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, with at least one coupling arrangement as described above is proposed.

[0026] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the coupling arrangement. The measures described in connection with the coupling arrangement and / or those explained below can be used for further development of the drive arrangement.

[0027] The drive arrangement can, for example, be designed as an e-axle or form part of an e-axle.

[0028] According to a further development of the drive arrangement, the drive arrangement can include a cooling and / or lubrication circuit with a cooling and / or lubricating fluid. The drive arrangement can be configured such that the cooling and / or lubricating fluid can be used for the hydraulic movement of the coupling element (or the piston of the hydraulic cylinder). In particular, the cooling and / or lubricating fluid can serve as the hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic cylinder. For this purpose, the cooling and / or lubricating circuit can be fluidically connected or coupled to the coupling arrangement, especially to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0029] In this context, a fluidic connection or coupling means that a fluid (cooling and / or lubricating fluid or hydraulic fluid) can flow between two fluidically coupled elements or between two elements in fluidic connection.

[0030] This allows the same fluid to be used for cooling and / or lubricating the drive assembly, as well as for at least partially hydraulically moving the coupling element (or the piston of the hydraulic cylinder). Additional reservoirs for storing a separate fluid for the hydraulic movement of the coupling element (or the piston of the hydraulic cylinder) are therefore unnecessary.

[0031] One embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a coupling arrangement according to a first embodiment and

[0033] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the coupling arrangement according to a second embodiment.

[0034] The coupling arrangement is designated by reference numeral 10 in Figures 1 and 2. The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a first shaft 12 with a first gear 14, wherein the first gear 14 is rotationally fixed to the first shaft 12, in particular arranged on the first shaft 12. The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a second shaft 16 with a second gear 18. The second gear 18 is rotationally fixed to the second shaft 16, in particular arranged on the second shaft 16. The first shaft 12 and the second shaft 16 are arranged along an axis of rotation 20. The first shaft 12 and the second shaft 16 are each rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 20. The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a coupling element 22. The coupling element 22 is rotationally fixed to the first gear 14. The coupling element 22 is designed to be at least partially hydraulically movable along the axis of rotation 20 between a coupling position and a decoupling position.In the coupled position, the first gear 14 and the second gear 18 are rotatably coupled to each other by means of the coupling element 22. In the uncoupled position, the first gear 14 and the second gear 18 are decoupled from each other, i.e., not coupled to each other.

[0035] The coupling arrangement 10 can include a hydraulic cylinder 24 for hydraulically moving the coupling element 22. The hydraulic cylinder 24 can comprise a cylinder 21 and a piston 23, wherein the piston 23 is pressurized with hydraulic fluid within the cylinder 21 and can thus be moved linearly.

[0036] The coupling assembly 10 can be configured for and / or be part of a drive assembly. The drive assembly can be configured for a vehicle. The drive assembly can include a cooling and / or lubrication circuit with a cooling and / or lubricating fluid. The cooling and / or lubricating fluid from the cooling and / or lubrication circuit of the drive assembly can be used to hydraulically move the coupling element 22 (or the piston 23 of the hydraulic cylinder 24). In particular, the cooling and / or lubricating fluid from the cooling and / or lubrication circuit can serve as the hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic cylinder 24.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the coupling arrangement 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0038] The hydraulic cylinder 24 is designed as a single-acting cylinder 26 with a spring 28. Therefore, only one side of the piston 23 is actuated with hydraulic fluid to effect an upward movement of the piston 23 in Figure 1. The spring 28 enables a downward movement of the piston 23 in Figure 1. The single-acting cylinder 26 thus has only one inlet / outlet 25 for hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic cylinder 24 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20.

[0039] The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a pivot rod 32 with a first end 34 and a second end 36. The first end 34 of the pivot rod 32 is pivotably coupled to a stationary joint 38. The second end 36 of the pivot rod 32 is pivotably coupled to the hydraulic cylinder 24 (or its piston 23). The pivot rod 32 is coupled to the coupling element 22 such that by pivoting the pivot rod 32 about the stationary joint 38 by means of the hydraulic cylinder 24 (or its piston 23), the coupling element 22 can be moved between the coupled position and the uncoupled position.

[0040] The coupling element 22 is designed as a switching sleeve 40. The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a switching fork 42 coupled to the switching sleeve 40. The switching fork 42 has an elongated hole 44 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20. The pivot rod 32 has a bolt 46 fixedly connected to it. The bolt 46 engages at least partially in the elongated hole 44. The bolt 46 is designed to be movable within (and along) the elongated hole 44. This allows a pivoting movement of the pivot rod 32 to be converted into a linear movement of the coupling element 22 along the axis of rotation 20.

[0041] The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a connecting rod 48 with a first end 50 and a second end 52. The first end 50 of the connecting rod 48 is pivotably coupled to the second end 36 of the pivot rod 32. The second end 52 of the connecting rod 48 is pivotably coupled to the hydraulic cylinder 24 (or its piston 23).

[0042] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the coupling arrangement 10 according to a second embodiment.

[0043] The hydraulic cylinder 24 is designed as a double-acting cylinder 30. Therefore, the piston 23 can be actuated from two sides by hydraulic fluid. Thus, the piston 23 in Figure 2 can be moved to the left and right by applying hydraulic fluid. The double-acting cylinder 30 therefore has two inlets / outlets 25 for hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic cylinder 24 also has a spring 28. The spring 28 reduces the force required by the hydraulic fluid to move the piston 23 to the right in Figure 2. The hydraulic cylinder 24 is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation 20.

[0044] The coupling element 22 is designed as a switching sleeve 40. The coupling arrangement 10 comprises a switching fork 42 coupled to the switching sleeve 40. The switching fork 42 is rigidly connected to the hydraulic cylinder 24 (or its piston 23). The switching fork 42 can be connected to the hydraulic cylinder 24 (or its piston 23) by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, the switching fork 42 has an extension 27 which is screwed to the piston 23 of the hydraulic cylinder 24 by means of a screw 29.

Claims

Claims 1. Coupling arrangement (10), in particular for a drive arrangement, comprising: a first shaft (12) with a first gear (14), wherein the first gear (14) is rotationally fixed to the first shaft (12), in particular arranged on the first shaft (12); a second shaft (16) with a second gear (18), wherein the second gear (18) is rotationally fixed to the second shaft (16), in particular arranged on the second shaft (16), wherein the first shaft (12) and the second shaft (16) are arranged along a rotational axis (20); a coupling element (22), wherein the coupling element (22) is rotationally fixed to the first gear (14), wherein the coupling element (22) is designed to be at least partially hydraulically movable along the rotational axis (20) between a coupled position and a disengaged position, wherein in the coupled position the first gear (14) and the second gear (18) are coupled together in a rotationally fixed manner by means of the coupling element (22),wherein in the decoupling position the first gear (14) and the second gear (18) are decoupled from each other.

2. Coupling arrangement (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling arrangement (10) comprises a hydraulic cylinder (24) for at least partially hydraulically moving the coupling element (22).

3. Coupling arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder (24) is designed as a single-acting cylinder (26) with a spring (28).

4. Coupling arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder (24) is designed as a double-acting cylinder (30) is.

5. Coupling arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the coupling arrangement (10) comprises a pivot rod (32) with a first end (34) and a second end (36), wherein the first end (34) of the pivot rod (32) is pivotably coupled to a fixed joint (38), wherein the second end (36) of the pivot rod (32) is pivotably coupled to the hydraulic cylinder (24), wherein the pivot rod (32) is coupled to the coupling element (22) in such a way that by pivoting the pivot rod (32) about the fixed joint (38) by means of the hydraulic cylinder (24) the coupling element (22) can be moved between the coupled position and the uncoupled position.

6. Coupling arrangement (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling element (22) is designed as a switching sleeve (40), wherein the coupling arrangement (10) comprises a switching fork (42) coupled to the switching sleeve (40), wherein the switching fork (42) has an elongated hole (44) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (20), wherein the pivot rod (32) has a bolt (46) fixedly connected to the pivot rod (32), wherein the bolt (46) engages at least partially in the elongated hole (44) and is designed to be movable within the elongated hole (44).

7. Coupling arrangement (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the coupling arrangement (10) has a connecting rod (48) with a first end (50) and a second end (52), wherein the first end (50) of the connecting rod (48) is pivotably coupled to the second end (36) of the pivot rod (32), wherein the second end (52) of the connecting rod (48) is pivotably coupled to the hydraulic cylinder (24).

8. Coupling arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the coupling element (22) is designed as a shift sleeve (40), wherein the coupling arrangement (10) comprises a shift fork (42) coupled to the shift sleeve (40), wherein the shift fork (42) is fixed is connected to the hydraulic cylinder (24).

9. Drive arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, comprising at least one coupling arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Drive arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive arrangement comprises a cooling and / or lubrication circuit with a cooling and / or lubricating fluid, wherein the drive arrangement is configured such that the cooling and / or lubricating fluid is used for hydraulic movement of the coupling element (22).

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