Hybrid module having a "normally closed" k0 separating clutch with an energy accumulator in the disengagement unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid module (1), which has a (K0) separating clutch comprising friction elements (3), for coupling and decoupling a first torque transmission part (4), which can be driven by an internal combustion engine, to / from a transmission input part (5), the transmission input part (5) being connected to a second torque transmission part (6), which can be driven by an electric motor. A spring (7) for the (K0) separating clutch (2) is provided such that the (K0) separating clutch (2) is forced into a torque-transferring position in a normal state, and an actuating mechanism (8) is provided in order to interrupt the transfer of a torque by the (K0) separating clutch (2) in an actuated state. The second torque transmission part (6) or the transmission input part (5) is equipped with at least one passage (11) for axially feeding through a pressing element (9), the pressing element (9) keeping the friction elements (3) in frictional contact with one another in the normal state, and the spring (7) and the actuating mechanism (8) are provided on the same axial side of the passage (11).

Description

[0001] Hybrid module with "normally closed" KO disconnect clutch with energy storage on the side of a release unit

[0002] The invention relates to a hybrid module, in particular a P2 hybrid module, with a (KO) disconnect clutch comprising friction elements, for coupling and discoupling a first torque transmission component driven or powered by an internal combustion engine from a transmission input component, wherein the transmission input component is (permanently) connected to a second torque transmission component driven or powered by an electric motor, wherein a spring / energy storage device for the (KO) disconnect clutch is arranged such that the (KO) disconnect clutch is forced into a torque-transmitting position in the normal state / unactuated state / “normally closed” state, wherein an actuating mechanism / disengagement mechanism is provided to interrupt torque transmission of the (KO) disconnect clutch in the event of actuation.wherein at least one pressure element is provided in the second torque transmission part or the transmission input part, wherein the pressure element holds the friction elements in force-fit contact with each other in the normal state.

[0003] The applicant is very active in the field of hybrid modules, in particular P2 hybrid modules. She has also made another invention relating to such a hybrid module, comprising a damper input component designed for attachment to a crankshaft movable by an internal combustion engine, which is connected to a torsional vibration damper, such as a coil / bow spring damper / dual-mass flywheel, and to a (KO) disconnect clutch downstream of the torsional vibration damper in the torque direction from an internal combustion engine / motor to a transmission, the output part of which is connected to a drive hub, for example a rotor carrier-like one, designed for attachment to a rotor and in particular a flywheel / flywheel of a (KI) starting clutch.What was special about this invention was that the damper inlet component has several first ventilation holes for receiving crankshaft screws, which are provided for fixing the damper inlet component in the output hub, with the second through holes being arranged at a location offset axially to the first through holes, thus enabling access to the crankshaft screws.

[0004] WO 2018 / 224 082 A1 also addresses this area of ​​the invention. There, a central release bearing with a (CSC) housing is presented for a similarly constructed hybrid module. In this case, a piston is arranged to be axially displaceable in the axial direction, dependent on hydraulic pressure, in order to move a release bearing and thereby open or close a clutch. At least one magnet is attached to the piston, which can be used for position determination via a sensor connected to an electrical conductor. A particular feature highlighted there is that the sensor is arranged radially inside the annular piston.

[0005] P2 hybrid modules are a well-known concept. These are configurations in a motor vehicle powertrain that combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor as drive components. A key feature of a P2 configuration is the presence of a disconnect clutch between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. This clutch, commonly referred to as a (knock-out) disconnect clutch, is typically a friction clutch, which can be either dry or wet. P2 hybrid modules often utilize 48 V electric motors arranged parallel to the engine shaft in combination with a manual transmission. This typically requires a sealed unit, including a torsional damper, the (knock-out) disconnect clutch, and a gear train for the electric motor. The module is partially filled with oil and therefore requires a seal. The interface at the crankshaft is often predetermined.The module is usually mounted to the internal combustion engine in the same way as a clutch. Likewise, the transmission mounting should often be transferable without modification.

[0006] It should be noted that PO stands for the connection of the electric motor to the internal combustion engine, usually via a belt-driven starter generator. In P1, the electric motor is mounted axially at the engine output, while in P2 it is mounted at the transmission input. P3 stands for the electric motor at the transmission output, and another variant is P2.5, a position reserved for dual-clutch transmissions. Most often, the internal combustion engine is bolted to a crankshaft with a damper input of the P2 module. It is desirable for this interface to be located outside the wet chamber and to resemble a crankshaft interface of a dual-mass flywheel (DMF). To allow for the installation of the crankshaft bolts, some prior art designs have through-holes on the output hub of the hybrid module that are aligned with the hole pattern of the crankshaft interface.

[0007] However, since a splined connection is usually also used between the flywheel of an (KI) starting clutch and the output hub, numerous disadvantages arise. After the hybrid module is installed, the (K1) starting clutch is connected to the output hub of the module / hybrid module via a splined connection. A snap ring is currently used for this purpose. The (K1) starting clutch is secured axially towards the transmission by this snap ring. Towards the internal combustion engine, the (KI) starting clutch is also usually supported by the output hub, with an additional radial pilot bearing providing further support.

[0008] A coupling device for a hybrid module with an integrated lamellar receptacle is also known from DE 10 2017 130 421 A1. The individual parts and their operating principle disclosed therein are to be considered integrated for the present invention.

[0009] From DE 10 2019 100 970 A1, a wet double coupling for an electric axle and an electric axle with that wet double coupling are also known. In this case, one of the two double couplings is a "normally open" coupling and the other is a "normally closed" coupling. The "normally closed" coupling is arranged radially further inwards than the "normally open" coupling.

[0010] Clutch systems for hybrid modules are also known from US 2018 / 0231067 A1. This patent describes a so-called "triple clutch." However, the K0 disconnect clutch used there is also a "normally open" clutch. Often, parallel-axis electric motors are used in P2 hybrid modules, where it is desirable that the K0 disconnect clutch is closed in the normal (unactuated) state. The torque is transmitted from the combustion engine to a transmission during traction operation. Of course, torque flow in the other direction is possible during deceleration. However, the normal state is traction operation, which will be discussed below.

[0011] However, in driving conditions where only the electric machine / electric motor is to transmit torque to the gearbox, it is desirable that the (K0-)disconnect clutch / clutch is opened by an actuating mechanism / a release mechanism / an actuator.

[0012] However, existing solutions have numerous disadvantages, particularly regarding installation space, design freedom, tolerance and wear compensation. This is where the invention comes in.

[0013] The aim is to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages known from the state of the art.

[0014] In a generic hybrid module, this is solved according to the invention by arranging the spring and the actuating mechanism on the same axial side of a through-pass.

[0015] By relocating the energy storage device to the side of the release unit, greater design flexibility is achieved. Furthermore, more usable installation space is made available. This allows for the generation of a permanent preload on the release bearing of the actuating mechanism. This leads to improved tolerance and wear compensation. In (knock-out) disconnect clutches, multiple friction elements are frequently used, such as discs in multi-disc clutches or plates in multi-plate clutches. These are examples of friction clutches that can be designed to run wet or dry. In the present invention, the (knock-out) disconnect clutch is preferably designed as a wet clutch. Generally, the plate pack and the energy storage device are thus located on opposite sides of the torque-transmitting wall arranged between them.The use of such hybrid modules, especially as components of e-axles, is intended.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0017] It is therefore advantageous if the second torque transmission component is an integral / mono-material / permanently joined / one-piece section of the transmission input part. This allows the number of components to be reduced. Such a combined component then forms a torque-transmitting wall, from which, viewed from the same axial side, the spring and the actuating mechanism are arranged. In this area of ​​the torque-transmitting wall, it is advantageous to provide a through-hole / recess / cutout through which the pressure element for the friction elements fully passes.

[0018] One could also say that the spring and the actuating mechanism are arranged on the same axial side, that is, the side facing the gearbox, of the second torque transmission part and / or the gearbox input part. This makes particularly good use of the radial and / or axial installation space.

[0019] If the actuation mechanism is designed as an actuator-operated ramp release or as a hydraulic release, such as a CSC / Concentric Slave Cylinder, it can be built particularly compactly and / or electrical and / or hydraulic actuation can be used.

[0020] If a support for the spring is provided between the second torque transmission part or the transmission input part and (on the other hand) the actuating mechanism, against which the spring is supported in the normal state to keep the friction elements in contact with each other, then permanently precise operation of the clutch can be achieved.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment is also characterized in that the support is designed as a support. This facilitates sequential assembly.

[0022] It has proven effective if the support is designed as a separate component from an axially movable pressure element that normally holds the (KO) disconnect clutch in place (i.e., in the unactuated state), or as a component integrally connected to it. This increases design freedom.

[0023] It has proven advantageous if the support is designed as an inserted support, a clipped sheet metal ring, or a riveted sheet metal ring.

[0024] An advantageous embodiment is also characterized in that the transmission input part is connected to a pressure plate of another clutch or an input component of another clutch or a converter / torque converter.

[0025] If the spring is designed as a disc spring with disc spring tongues distributed around its circumference, and these tongues are designed to sequentially contact the actuating mechanism during actuation, the spring stiffness can be effectively adjusted. This allows the preload on a release bearing to be (permanently) limited. It is particularly advantageous if the force limit of the disc springs is located above the contact point. An arrangement of at least two disc spring tongues is advantageous, although the arrangement of a greater number of disc spring tongues is also conceivable.

[0026] Alternatively, the spring could also have a disc spring that is connected (directly or indirectly) to at least one preload spring. These two variants can also be combined in one embodiment. The two springs are preferably designed as one thicker and one thinner spring, with the thinner spring preferably being the preload spring. The preload spring advantageously acts on the release bearing even when the clutch is engaged. This slight preload on the release bearing results in a beneficial improvement in its service life.

[0027] In any case, it is intended that the disc spring tongues of the spring containing the preload spring both act on the release bearing of the actuating mechanism.

[0028] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0029] Different versions are shown.

[0030] They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a section of a hybrid module design, generally depicted in longitudinal section.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows an enlargement of area II from Fig. 1 to better understand the enclosed coupling unit.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a modification of the coupling unit of Figs. 1 and 2 when a clipped sheet metal ring with an inserted support ring is implemented.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment which differs in this detail from the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2 on the one hand and Fig. 3 on the other, namely in the realization of a clipped sheet metal ring with integrated support,

[0035] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment combining a riveted sheet metal ring with an inserted sheet metal ring. Figs. 6 and 7 show coupling details with different disc spring design variants, wherein in Fig. 6 the positioning of individual disc spring tongues is realized and in the embodiment according to Fig. 7 the use of two springs with different force levels is realized.

[0036] The figures are purely schematic and serve only to illustrate the invention. Features of the individual embodiments can be interchanged or complementary. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a hybrid module 1 according to the invention. It is part of a P2 hybrid module. It has a (knock-out) disconnect clutch 2. The disconnect clutch 2 has a plurality of friction elements 3. The friction elements 3 are either friction linings or steel plates. They are preferably connected to a first torque transmission part 4, driven by an internal combustion engine, from a transmission input part 5. The connection is such that axial displacement is ensured. However, a torque-transmitting connection must always be present.

[0038] The transmission input part 5 transitions into a second torque transmission part 6.

[0039] The second torque transmission part 6 can be designed so that an electrically driven gear engages / can engage there to transmit torque, or allows access to an endless traction element to transmit torque from an electric machine not shown.

[0040] In the present case, the transmission input part 5 and the second torque transmission part 6 are one and the same component made of the same material. The hybrid module 1 also has a spring 7, which is designed to hold the disconnect clutch 2 in a normally closed, i.e., torque-transmitting, configuration. There is also an actuating mechanism 8 with a pressure element 9. The transmission input part 5, or more precisely the wall 10 formed by the two components, has a passage through which the pressure element 9 projects. In Fig. 2, the contact of the spring 7 with a support 12 is indicated in a particular embodiment. The spring 7 has a force edge 13 that abuts a lug / projection 14 of the transmission input part 5 or the second torque transmission part 6.Disc spring tongues 15 rest against a release bearing 16 of the actuating mechanism 8.

[0041] In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the support ring 9 has a clipped sheet metal ring 17 which positions the support ring 12.

[0042] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the clipped sheet metal ring 17 itself can form the support ring 12. The support ring 12 is then an integral part of the clipped sheet metal ring 17 and provides a support 18 for the spring 7. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, however, a riveted sheet metal ring 19 with an inserted sheet metal ring 20 forming the support ring 12 is used.

[0043] Figures 6 and 7 show embodiments of disc spring designs with the effect of a permanent limited preload on the release bearing 16. The spring 7 in the embodiment of Figure 6 is a disc spring 21 with disc spring tongues 15 of different axial positions alternating around its circumference. In the embodiment according to Figure 7, a preload spring 22 is applied to a disc spring 21, wherein the disc spring tongues 15 are alternately positioned by the disc spring 21 and the preload spring 22.

[0044] List of reference signs

[0045] Hybrid module

[0046] (KO-)T disconnect clutch

[0047] Friction element, first torque transmission part, gearbox input part, second torque transmission part, spring / energy storage device, actuation mechanism

[0048] pressure element

[0049] wall

[0050] passage

[0051] Support ring

[0052] Kraftrand

[0053] Hub / Protrusion

[0054] disc spring tongue

[0055] Release bearing clipped sheet metal ring support riveted sheet metal ring inserted sheet metal ring

[0056] Disc spring preload spring

Claims

Patent claims 1. Hybrid module (1) with a (knock-out) disconnect clutch comprising friction elements (3), for coupling and discoupling a first torque transmission part (4) driven by an internal combustion engine from a transmission input part (5), wherein the transmission input part (5) is connected to a second torque transmission part (6) driven by an electric motor, wherein a spring (7) for the (knock-out) disconnect clutch (2) is arranged such that the (knock-out) disconnect clutch (2) is forced into a torque-transmitting position in the normal state, wherein an actuating mechanism (8) is provided to interrupt torque transmission of the (knock-out) disconnect clutch (2) in the case of actuation, wherein at least one through-hole (11) for axially guiding a pressure element (9) is provided in the second torque transmission part (6) or the transmission input part (5), wherein the pressure element (9) holds the friction elements (3) in force-fit contact with each other in the normal state, thereby characterizedthat the spring (7) and the actuating mechanism (8) are arranged on the same axial side of the through-hole (11).

2. Hybrid module (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second torque transmission part (6) is an integral section of the transmission input part (5).

3. Hybrid module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the spring (7) and the actuating mechanism (8) are arranged on the same axial side of the second torque transmission part (6) and / or the transmission input part (5).

4. Hybrid module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (8) is designed as an actuator-actuated ramp release or as a hydraulic release.

5. Hybrid module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a support (18) for the spring (7) is provided between the second torque- transmission part (6) or the transmission input part (5) and the actuating mechanism (8) is present, on which the spring (7) is supported in the normal state to keep the friction elements (3) in contact with each other.

6. Hybrid module (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support (18) is designed as a support (12).

7. Hybrid module (1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support ring (12) is designed as a component separate from an axially movable pressure element (9) which normally holds the (KO) disconnect coupling (2) or as a component integrally connected with it.

8. Hybrid module (1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the support ring (12) is designed as an inserted support ring or clipped sheet metal ring (17) or riveted sheet metal ring (19).

9. Hybrid module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spring (7) is designed as a disc spring with disc spring tongues (15) distributed over the circumference, wherein the disc spring tongues (15) are designed to come into contact with the actuating mechanism (8) sequentially when actuated.

10. Hybrid module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring (7) has a disc spring (21 ) which is connected to at least one axially adjacent preload spring (22).

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