Clutch actuation unit and motor vehicle
The clutch actuation unit with an elastically deformable spindle nut addresses jamming issues by reducing friction through radial openings, ensuring reliable and efficient operation without computer-aided control.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Mechanical systems using lead screws and lead nuts face jamming issues due to axial stress when the lead nut contacts an end stop, leading to unwanted blockages and increased resistance, which can cause functional failures and require significant force or time to resolve.
A clutch actuation unit with a spindle nut featuring radial openings that allow elastic deformation under axial stress, reducing friction between thread flanks and preventing jamming by shifting relative to the threaded spindle, eliminating the need for computer-aided control to approach end stops.
The solution enables reliable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient operation by reducing jamming and switching time, minimizing vibrations, and potentially eliminating the need for position sensors, thereby enhancing system efficiency and longevity.
Smart Images
Figure DE2025101018_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] P P241240
[0002] - 1 -
[0003] Clutch actuation unit and motor vehicle
[0004] The present invention relates to a clutch actuation unit and a motor vehicle.
[0005] In mechanical systems that convert rotational motion into linear motion, lead screws and lead nuts are key components. Coupling units in the automotive sector, in particular, often incorporate linear systems based on lead screws and lead nuts to engage or disengage coupling elements. Such linear systems must withstand high forces while simultaneously ensuring precise functionality. A common challenge is that mechanical stresses can arise during operation, restricting freedom of movement. A particular problem occurs when external influences or the edge of the operating range cause the lead nut to jam, leading to an unwanted blockage or excessive resistance to movement.Such jamming can have serious consequences for the functionality of the affected systems, especially if it can only be resolved with considerable force and / or time. This is particularly problematic when the lead screw nut is moved during operation of the linear system until it directly or indirectly contacts an end stop. This contact can cause axial stress, which can lead to jamming of the lead screw nut on the lead screw. To counteract this challenge, innovative approaches are needed that improve the functionality of such systems without disproportionately increasing complexity or cost.
[0006] It is known from the prior art that the movement of a linear system can be executed using computer control, whereby possible end stops are often approached at a reduced speed, so that no jamming occurs at the end stop or, if jamming does occur, the necessary breakaway torque to release the jam is reduced. However, this can lead to an increased P P241240
[0007] - 2 -
[0008] This can lead to increased switching time and performance losses. Furthermore, a suitable processing unit and computing capacity are required.
[0009] Figure 1 shows a prior art spindle nut 10 in a perspective view. The spindle nut 10 is essentially rotationally symmetrical and includes an internal thread 11 for mounting on a threaded spindle (not shown). The spindle nut 10 also has a flange on which two radially opposite tabs 80, 81 are arranged as anti-rotation devices 80. The tabs 80, 81 can engage with a further element (not shown). If the spindle nut 10 is moved until it abuts an end stop (not shown), it experiences axial stress and can become jammed on the threaded spindle (not shown). This jamming is caused by the mechanical interaction of the thread flanks and the resulting frictional torques.Such a jam can only be resolved with a comparatively large breakaway torque against prevailing frictional torques.
[0010] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a clutch actuation unit and a motor vehicle equipped with it, which ensure reliable functionality of the clutch actuation unit in a simple, cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.
[0011] This problem is solved by the clutch actuation unit according to claim 1 and the motor vehicle according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the clutch actuation unit are specified in dependent claims 2 to 9.
[0012] The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, taking into account the explanations in the following description as well as features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention. P P241240
[0013] - 3 -
[0014] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms “radial”, “axial” and “circumferential direction” always refer to the longitudinal axis of the spindle nut.
[0015] The invention relates to a clutch actuation unit comprising a threaded spindle and a spindle nut arranged thereon with an internal thread compatible with the threaded spindle, such that when one of the two elements, threaded spindle and spindle nut, rotates, the other element is translationally displaceable, wherein the translationally displaceable element is mechanically coupled to an actuating element comprised by the clutch actuation unit in such a way that the actuating element can be carried along by the translationally displaceable element during a translational movement, wherein the spindle nut has a radial opening that extends over at least a section of the axial length of the spindle nut, so that the spindle nut is able to deform elastically under axially acting stress.The threaded spindle and the spindle nut can form a so-called linear system, through which a rotational movement can be converted into a linear movement.
[0016] The rotation-initiating element, consisting of a threaded spindle and spindle nut, can be coupled to a drive in a torque-transmitting manner and thus set into rotation by the drive. The drive can be an actuator motor enclosed by the clutch actuation unit, for example an electric motor, which can be a stepper motor.
[0017] A rotational movement initiated by the threaded spindle or the spindle nut causes the translationally displaceable element to be moved translationally relative to the rotating element.
[0018] The translational movement occurs in the axial direction of the spindle nut and thus also in the axial direction of the threaded spindle.
[0019] A radial opening is a recess extending from a radial inner surface to a radial outer surface of the spindle nut. The opening is located in an axial section of the spindle nut where the internal thread is also situated. The radial opening may, if necessary, at least partially interrupt the internal thread.
[0020] The spindle nut can have several radial openings as described. P P241240
[0021] - 4 -
[0022] The axially acting stress in the spindle nut and the associated elastic deformation occur when the translational movement of the translationally displaceable element is blocked during a screw movement between the spindle nut and the threaded spindle.
[0023] The elastic deformation of the spindle nut causes the thread flanks of the spindle nut and the threaded spindle to be shifted relative to each other in such a way that the friction prevailing between the thread flanks is reduced, thus preventing jamming or blockage of the spindle nut on the threaded spindle.
[0024] In the case of an opposing rotational movement and thus an opposing translational displacement and / or release of the translational blockage, the threaded nut can elastically return to its original shape.
[0025] The effect of preventing or reducing jamming of the spindle nut on the threaded spindle can be repeated upon renewed axial stress due to the elastic properties of the spindle nut.
[0026] The spindle nut can be made of materials such as steel, brass, or plastic. In the case of steel, the spindle nut might have a modulus of elasticity in the range of 180 GPa to 230 GPa, for example, 210 GPa. In the case of plastic, the spindle nut might have a modulus of elasticity in the range of 0.1 GPa to 10 N / mm². 2 e.g., exhibit 3 GPa.
[0027] The clutch actuation unit can be a so-called decoupling unit, which serves, for example, to interrupt and / or close a torque transmission path from a motor to at least one wheel.
[0028] The actuating element can also be called a shift fork.
[0029] The actuating element can serve to move a positive locking element or can itself be designed as a positive locking element for the purpose of opening and / or closing a torque transmission path.
[0030] If necessary, the positive locking element is rotatably mounted on the actuating element, for example by sliding elements.
[0031] The positive locking element can be, for example, a coupling element in the form of a gear, a jaw coupling shoe, or a jaw coupling sleeve. In the case of a gear, it can be an internal gear meshing with a correspondingly complementary external gear on an external P P241240.
[0032] - 5 -
[0033] The coupling element can be engaged to close a torque transmission path.
[0034] An axial stress in the spindle nut can be introduced by an indirect or direct contact of the translationally displaceable element with a stationary element or by a twisted alignment of the positive locking element in relation to a compatible coupling element.
[0035] Furthermore, it is not excluded that the actuating element can serve to move a frictional locking element or is itself designed as a frictional locking element for the purpose of opening and / or closing a torque transmission path.
[0036] The mechanical coupling between the actuating element and the translationally displaceable element allows the actuating element to move in the direction of the translational movement, for example, axially or parallel to it. Advantageously, the mechanical coupling exists in both axial directions, thus enabling the actuating element to move in both axial directions. It is possible, however, that a certain amount of axial play exists between the actuating element and the translationally displaceable element.
[0037] The threaded spindle and the spindle nut can form a clearance fit on their respective internal or external threads. For example, it could be a trapezoidal thread with a 7H / 7e fit, based on the core diameter of the external thread of the threaded spindle and the internal thread of the spindle nut.
[0038] It is possible that the spindle nut and the threaded spindle form a ball screw drive.
[0039] The clutch actuation unit can have at least one end stop against which the actuating element can be brought to rest, wherein the translationally displaceable element is axially movable by the threaded spindle or spindle nut during rotation of the other element until the actuating element rests against the end stop, and when the actuating element rests against the end stop and the other element continues to rotate, the spindle nut is subjected to axial tension. P P241240
[0040] - 6 -
[0041] The positioning at the end stop thus causes a blockage of the translational movement of the translationally displaceable element when a screw movement is performed between the spindle nut and the threaded spindle.
[0042] The stress introduced by the attachment to the end stop or by screwing against the end stop acts essentially axially on the spindle nut, but other stress states can also act within the spindle nut.
[0043] The end stop can, for example, be part of a housing or attached to a housing. This housing can be a coupling module housing or a separate housing containing the coupling actuation unit.
[0044] Furthermore, the end stop can be arranged axially offset from the threaded nut and threaded spindle, with the actuating element being set up for axially parallel contact with the end stop.
[0045] If necessary, at least one end stop for the respective application of a first translational direction of movement and at least one second end stop for application in a second opposite translational direction of movement are provided, wherein different sides of the actuating element are arranged for application with the respective end stop.
[0046] The present invention may make it possible to dispense with a computer-aided control for the slowed translational movement to contact the end stop, the computer-aided control also fulfilling the purpose of preventing or reducing jamming of the spindle nut on the threaded spindle under axial tension.
[0047] The present invention is not limited to dispensing with computer-aided control; instead, in addition to the invention, computer-aided control of the translational movement for contact with the end stop can also be used, whereby the translational movement can be executed more quickly by the spindle nut according to the invention. This may result in cost savings for the position sensors used by the computer-aided control, as the requirements for the position sensors are reduced. P P241240
[0048] - 7 -
[0049] A faster translational movement towards the end stop can potentially shorten the switching time of a clutch module comprising the clutch actuation unit, thereby increasing its efficiency and / or reducing unwanted vibrations and switching noise. Advantageously, the elastic deformation can be achieved by radially expanding the spindle nut, whereby the radial opening of the spindle nut can be enlarged in the circumferential direction.
[0050] Radial expansion of the spindle nut refers to an increase in the spindle nut diameter, at least in certain sections. The internal thread diameter of the spindle nut may also be increased in this process.
[0051] An axial load causes the thread flanks of the spindle nut and the threaded spindle to shift relative to each other, resulting in the spindle nut expanding radially. Part of the axial load is thus converted into a radial load and / or circumferential load.
[0052] The radial opening can widen in the circumferential direction, which may, due to its shape, enable a radial expansion of the spindle nut.
[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, the radial opening has a slot shape. For example, the radial opening can be formed by a substantially axially extending slot in the spindle nut. In an advantageous embodiment, the slot has a dimension along the circumference of the undeformed spindle nut that is no greater than 1 / 10 of the circumference of the threaded spindle.
[0054] The spindle nut may deform under axial tension in addition to radial expansion in other ways; in particular, compression of the spindle nut in the axial direction cannot be ruled out.
[0055] In one embodiment, the radial opening extends over the entire axial length of the spindle nut.
[0056] For example, the radial opening can be slot-shaped and extend essentially in the axial direction over the entire axial length of the spindle nut. Alternatively, the radial opening can be slot-shaped and spirally formed within the spindle nut. P P241240
[0057] - 8 -
[0058] The spindle nut may be designed in multiple parts and comprise at least two spindle nut elements that partially form the internal thread and at least one retaining element that holds the spindle nut elements together, wherein the spindle nut is separated into the spindle nut elements along one direction with at least one axial component and the relative positions of the spindle nut elements to each other can be changed by elastic deformation of the retaining element.
[0059] The division of the spindle nut into spindle nut elements can be formed at least partially by the radial opening of the spindle nut.
[0060] Furthermore, the splitting of the spindle nut can, for example, be axial. In other words, the cut(s) can each be made in an axial plane, i.e., a plane parallel to the axis of the spindle nut. The axial plane thus spans between an axis-parallel and a radial direction.
[0061] In one embodiment, there are two spindle nut elements that are essentially the same size, with the division running in a plane in which the axis of the spindle nut lies.
[0062] Furthermore, it is possible that the division of the spindle nut is realized along a spiral cut.
[0063] The change in position of the spindle nut elements relative to each other refers to an expansion of the spindle nut caused by increasing the distances between the spindle nut elements, with the retaining element holding the adjacent spindle nut elements together.
[0064] In one embodiment, the spindle nut comprises several, for example two, retaining elements.
[0065] The retaining element can be designed in an annular form, at least in some areas. For example, the retaining element can be an annular element arranged circumferentially around the spindle nut. Optionally, the retaining element may be located on the radial outer surface of the spindle nut elements.
[0066] Furthermore, the spindle nut elements can each have a groove or slot for receiving the retaining element, with the groove being P P241240
[0067] - 9 - is incorporated circumferentially into the radial outer surface of the individual spindle nut elements.
[0068] The ring-shaped retaining element can be radially expanded and reshaped by elastic deformation, thus ensuring the elastic behavior of the entire spindle nut.
[0069] It is possible that the ring-shaped retaining element has a radial opening, for example a slot, which enables a shape-related radial expansion of the retaining element.
[0070] The retaining element can, for example, have a round or square cross-section. The ring-shaped retaining element can be made of steel, such as spring steel, and have a modulus of elasticity between 180 GPa and 230 GPa, e.g., 206 GPa.
[0071] In one embodiment, the translationally displaceable element is the spindle nut and the rotatable element is the threaded spindle.
[0072] In this embodiment, the actuating element is mechanically coupled to the spindle nut and is carried along by the spindle nut during a translational movement.
[0073] It is possible that the spindle nut, as a translationally displaceable element, is at least partially arranged in or on a receptacle of the actuating element.
[0074] The mechanical coupling between the actuating element and the spindle nut can be realized, at least partially, by a radial overlap, which allows the actuating element to be driven translationally in a first direction. This radial overlap can be realized, for example, between a flange formed by the spindle nut and a projection formed in or on the actuating element, for example, in or on its receptacle.
[0075] Furthermore, the mechanical coupling and the movement of the actuating element in the opposite direction can be enabled by a retaining ring radially overlapping the flange of the spindle nut, the retaining ring being designed to secure the spindle nut in the receptacle. P P241240
[0076] - 10 -
[0077] Optionally, the spindle nut, as a translationally displaceable element, includes an anti-rotation device that counteracts or prevents rotation of the spindle nut relative to the actuating element. Such an anti-rotation device can, for example, be formed by at least one radially projecting tab that can be inserted into, or is inserted into, a corresponding cavity of the actuating element. In one embodiment, the spindle nut has two opposing tabs as part of the anti-rotation device. The clutch actuating unit may be provided with a guide device for the translational guidance of the actuating element. The guide device can be a so-called linear guide device.
[0078] The guide device can, for example, enable translational guidance of the actuating element that is parallel to the axis of the spindle nut. For example, the guide device can comprise a guide rod and at least one bearing device, wherein the actuating element is mounted on the guide rod by means of the bearing device and is thus movably guided along the guide rod. The guide rod can be aligned parallel to the axis of the spindle nut.
[0079] If necessary, the end stop or end stops are arranged on the guide rod or formed by the guide rod.
[0080] It is possible that the actuating element is spring-coupled to the translationally displaceable element along its translational direction of movement.
[0081] In the case of axial translational displacement, the spring action is effective at least in the axial or axis-parallel direction.
[0082] The suspension can act in both axial or axis-parallel directions or only in one direction, so that in the case of movement in the opposite direction the actuating element is mechanically coupled without springing to the translationally displaceable element.
[0083] The spring mechanism ensures that a positive locking element, arranged on or formed by the actuating element, can be closed and / or opened robustly, with minimal wear, and potentially with only minor efficiency losses. (P P241240)
[0084] - 11 - Translational displacement of the positive locking element allows it to engage with a compatible coupling element, thereby enabling targeted control of the torque transmission of a gearbox. The spring mechanism ensures that engagement between the positive locking element and the coupling element is possible even with circumferential rotation of the positive locking element and the coupling element, and particularly during rotation of at least one of the two elements. The spring mechanism compensates for positional deviations and facilitates engagement of the positive locking element and the coupling element by allowing additional axial movement of the positive locking element in the direction of translational displacement.This allows the alignment of the form-locking element to be flexibly adjusted, ensuring that the form-locking element can engage with the coupling element even with minor positional tolerances or rotational deviations. This significantly contributes to increased functional reliability and the longevity of the coupling actuation unit. The spring travel of the spring can be, for example, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, e.g., 2 mm.
[0085] The spring mechanism can help prevent or reduce jamming of the spindle nut on the threaded spindle when axially acting stress is introduced by the actuating element. Thus, the spring mechanism, together with the elastic deformability of the spindle nut, can counteract jamming. However, the spring travel can, under certain circumstances, be fully utilized, which is why the elastic deformability of the spindle nut is more effective in preventing or reducing jamming.
[0086] Furthermore, the suspension can serve to allow an end stop to be approached at a lower speed, thus subjecting the spindle nut and / or the actuating element and the end stop to a lower impulse load.
[0087] In the case of the spindle nut as a translationally displaceable element, which is at least partially arranged in a receptacle of the actuating element, the spring can, for example, be arranged between a flange of the spindle nut and a projection of the actuating element. P P241240
[0088] - 12 -
[0089] The suspension can be implemented, for example, by a wave spring, a coil spring, a disc spring or an axially resilient spring cassette comprising several coil spring cassettes arranged along a circumference.
[0090] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a clutch actuation unit according to the invention.
[0091] The motor vehicle can be at least partially electrically powered, and possibly autonomously operable.
[0092] The clutch actuation unit can be a component of a so-called e-axle. An e-axle, also known as an electric axle, is a compact drive unit used in electric and hybrid vehicles. It combines several key components of the powertrain into a single unit, including at least one electric motor for generating drive power, power electronics for controlling and regulating the electric motor, and a transmission that allows the speed and torque to be adjusted.
[0093] The clutch actuation unit allows, for example, an e-axle to be decoupled from or engaged with the wheels to increase the vehicle's range or, in the case of all-wheel drive, to activate or deactivate the e-axle for individual wheels as needed. The clutch actuation unit can, for example, form part of the e-axle's transmission. If necessary, the clutch actuation unit, as a component of the e-axle, is located directly on an axle drive.
[0094] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, and it should be noted that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not limited to the dimensions depicted. It is illustrated in
[0095] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a spindle nut according to the prior art;
[0096] Fig. 2: a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spindle nut; P P241240
[0097] - 13 -
[0098] Fig. 3: a perspective view of a second embodiment of a spindle nut;
[0099] Fig. 4: a perspective view of a clutch actuation unit;
[0100] Fig. 5: a sectional view of the clutch actuation unit along a section path AA from Figure 4;
[0101] Fig. 6: Detail B from Figure 5;
[0102] Fig. 7: a perspective view of a first embodiment of the suspension;
[0103] Fig. 8: a perspective view of a second embodiment of the suspension; and Fig. 9: a perspective view of a third embodiment of the suspension.
[0104] Figure 1 was already discussed in the explanation of the state of the art.
[0105] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a spindle nut 10 usable according to the invention in a perspective view. The spindle nut 10 is essentially rotationally symmetrical and includes an internal thread 11 for mounting on a threaded spindle (not shown). The spindle nut 10 also has a flange 13 on which two radially opposing tabs 81, 82 are arranged as anti-rotation devices 80. The tabs 81, 82 can engage with a compatible further element (not shown). In contrast to Figure 1, the spindle nut 10 shown here has a radial opening 12 that extends in a slot-like shape through the entire axial length of the spindle nut 10, allowing the spindle nut 10 to be elastically deformable and radially expanded when mounted on a threaded spindle under axially acting stress.
[0106] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a spindle nut 10 usable according to the invention in a perspective view, in which the spindle nut 10 is made of multiple parts. The basic structure of the spindle nut 10 is identical to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. However, the spindle nut 10 shown here is divided axially into two essentially equal-sized spindle nut elements 20, 21 – a first spindle nut element 20 and a second spindle nut element 21. The axial division forms the radial opening 12. The two spindle nut elements 20, 21 have two grooves 92, 95 on their radial outer surface, namely a first groove 92 extending along a circumference and a second groove 95 extending along a circumference.
[0107] - 14 - a second, axially offset groove 95 extending along a circumference. In each of the grooves 92, 95, a substantially annular retaining element 90, 93 is arranged, holding the spindle nut elements 20, 21 together by the retaining elements 90, 93. The retaining elements 90, 93 are radially slotted and can thus expand radially by elastic deformation. The first retaining element 90 has a first slot 91 and the second retaining element 93 has a second slot 94. The slots 91, 94 of the two retaining elements 90, 93 are arranged at different circumferential positions than the radial openings 12 of the spindle nut 10. While the first retaining element 90 has a round cross-section in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spindle nut 10, the second retaining element 93 has a rectangular cross-section.The elastic behavior of the retaining elements 90, 93 means that when the spindle nut 10 is arranged on a threaded spindle (not shown here) under axially acting tension, the spindle nut elements 20, 21 can move apart from each other, at least partially, and thus the spindle nut 10 can expand elastically. Figure 4 shows a clutch actuation unit 1 in a perspective view. The clutch actuation unit 1 comprises an actuator motor 70, a threaded spindle 30 driven by it as a rotatable element 3, and a spindle nut 10, designed according to Figure 2, mounted on the threaded spindle 30 as a translationally displaceable element 3. The spindle nut 10 is coupled to an actuating element 40, on which a rotatably mounted positive locking element 50 is arranged. The positive locking element 50 is here a gear 51 with internal teeth, which is supported by a total of six sliding elements 52.By means of a rotation introduced into the threaded spindle 30 by the actuator motor 70, the spindle nut 10, and thus the actuating element 40 and the gear 51, can be moved translationally along the axial direction of the spindle nut 10. This translational movement allows the positive locking element 50 to engage with a compatible coupling element (not shown here), thereby opening or closing, for example, a torque transmission path (also not shown here). Furthermore, the coupling actuating unit 1 has a guide device 60 for the guided translational movement of the actuating element 40, as well as a first end stop 62 and a second end stop 63. The translational P P241240.
[0108] - 15 -
[0109] The axial movement of the spindle nut 10 is limited in such a way that the actuating element 40 can be brought into contact with the end stops 62, 63. By contacting or being screwed against one of the end stops 62, 63, an axial tension can be generated in the spindle nut 10, which results in a radial expansion of the spindle nut 10. The two end stops 62, 63 are components of a housing of the clutch actuating unit 1 (not shown).
[0110] Figure 5 shows the clutch actuation unit 1 from Figure 4 in a sectional view along section AA. It can be seen that a drive shaft 120, encompassed by the actuator motor 70, is coupled to the threaded spindle 30 as a rotatable element 3 in a torque-transmitting manner. For clarity, only the housing of the actuator motor 70 is shown. The drive shaft 120 is rotatably mounted by a shaft bearing 121. The spindle nut 10 is arranged on the threaded spindle 30 and coupled to the actuating element 40, so that a translational displacement along an axial direction can be transmitted from the spindle nut 10, as a translationally displaceable element 2, to the actuating element 40. For this purpose, the threaded spindle is inserted into a receptacle 41 of the actuating element 40 and secured therein, whereby the axial coupling in an axial direction is realized via a spring 100.The positive locking element 50, designed as a gear 51, is rotatably mounted on the actuating element 40. The clutch actuating unit 1 also includes the guide device 60, which enables movable axial guidance of the actuating element 40 along a guide rod 61 with a guide rod bearing 64. As can be seen from Figure 5, the actuating element 40 can be brought into contact with the end stops 62, 63 by a translational movement in the area of the guide device 60. In Figure 6, detail B from the sectional view of Figure 5 is shown enlarged. The spindle nut 10 is arranged as a translationally displaceable element 2 with its internal thread 11 on the external thread 31 of the threaded spindle 30 as a rotatable element 3.The spindle nut 10 is inserted into the receptacle 41 of the actuating element 40 and axially secured in the receptacle 41 by a retaining ring 110, with a spacer ring 111 arranged between the spindle nut 10 and the retaining ring 110. The actuating element 40 and the P P241240.
[0111] - 16 -
[0112] The spindle nuts 10 are thus mechanically coupled to each other. This mechanical coupling is present on both sides, particularly in the axial direction. In the first axial direction, the mechanical coupling is achieved by the radial overlap between the flange 13 and a projection 42 of the actuating element 40, wherein a spring 100, designed as a spring cassette 105, is arranged between the flange 13 and the projection 42. In the second axial direction, the mechanical coupling is achieved by the radial overlap between the flange 13 and the safety ring 110 or the spacer ring 111.
[0113] Figure 7 shows the spring cassette 105 from Figure 6 as the first embodiment of the suspension 100 in a perspective view. The spring cassette 105 comprises a total of sixteen axially aligned spring cassette coil springs 106 arranged along a circumferential direction and positioned in parallel between a first and a second spring cassette ring 107, 108. Figure 8 shows a coil spring 104 as the second embodiment of the suspension 100 in a perspective view.
[0114] Figure 9 shows a wave spring 101 as a third embodiment of the suspension 100 in a perspective view.
[0115] P P241240
[0116] - 17 -
[0117] List of reference signs
[0118] 1 clutch actuation unit
[0119] 2. Translatably movable element
[0120] 3 Rotatable element
[0121] 10 Spindle nut
[0122] 11 internal threads
[0123] 12 radial openings
[0124] 13 Flange
[0125] 20 First spindle nut element
[0126] 21 Second spindle nut element
[0127] 30 threaded spindle
[0128] 31 external threads
[0129] 40 Actuating element
[0130] 41 recording
[0131] 42 lead
[0132] 50 Positive locking element
[0133] 51 gear
[0134] 52 sliding element
[0135] 60 Guide system
[0136] 61 Guide rod
[0137] 62 First end stop
[0138] 63 Second end stop
[0139] 64 Guide rod bearing
[0140] 70 Actuator motor
[0141] 80 Anti-rotation device
[0142] 81 First tab
[0143] 82 Second tab
[0144] 90 First retaining element
[0145] 91 First slot
[0146] 92 First Nut
[0147] 93 Second retaining element
[0148] 94 Second slot
[0149] 95 Second groove P P241240
[0150] 100 Suspension
[0151] 101 wave spring
[0152] 104 spiral spring
[0153] 105 Spring cassette 106 Spring cassette spiral spring
[0154] 107 First spring cassette ring
[0155] 108 Second spring cassette ring
[0156] 110 retaining ring
[0157] 111 Spacer ring 120 Drive shaft
[0158] 121 Shaft bearing
Claims
P P241240 - 19 - Patent claims 1. Clutch actuation unit (1) comprising a threaded spindle (30) and a spindle nut (10) arranged thereon, the spindle nut having an internal thread (11) compatible with the threaded spindle (30), such that when one of the two elements, threaded spindle (30) and spindle nut (10), rotates, the other element is translationally displaceable, wherein the translationally displaceable element (2) is mechanically coupled to an actuating element (40) encompassed by the clutch actuation unit (1) in such a way that the actuating element (40) can be carried along by the translationally displaceable element (2) during a translational movement, wherein the spindle nut (10) has a radial opening (12) extending over at least a section of the axial length of the spindle nut (10), so that the spindle nut (10) is able to deform elastically under axially acting stress.
2. Clutch actuation unit (1) at least according to claim 1, characterized in that the clutch actuation unit (1) has at least one end stop (62, 63) against which the actuating element (40) can be brought to rest, wherein the translationally displaceable element (2) is axially movable when the other element of the threaded spindle (30) or spindle nut (10) is rotated until the actuating element (40) rests against the end stop (62, 63), and when the actuating element (40) rests against the end stop (62, 63) and the other element is rotated further, the spindle nut (10) is subjected to axial tension.
3. Clutch actuation unit (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic deformation is effected by a radial expansion of the spindle nut (10), wherein the radial opening (12) of the spindle nut (10) can be enlarged in the circumferential direction. P P241240 - 20 - 4. Clutch actuation unit (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial opening (12) extends over the entire axial length of the spindle nut (10).
5. Clutch actuation unit (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle nut (10) is multi-part and comprises at least two spindle nut elements (20, 21) forming the internal thread (11) and at least one retaining element (90, 93) which holds the spindle nut elements (20, 21) together, wherein the spindle nut (10) is separated into the spindle nut elements (20, 21) along a direction with at least one axial component and the relative positions of the spindle nut elements (20, 21) to each other can be changed by elastic deformation of the retaining element (90, 93).
6. Clutch actuation unit (1 ) at least according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining element (90,93) is designed in an annular form at least in certain areas.
7. Clutch actuation unit (1) at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the translationally displaceable element (2) is the spindle nut (10) and the rotatable element (3) is the threaded spindle (30).
8. Clutch actuation unit (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clutch actuation unit (1 ) has a guide device (60) for translational guidance of the actuating element (40).
9. Clutch actuation unit (1) at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (40) is resiliently coupled to the translationally displaceable element (2) along the translational direction of movement of the translationally displaceable element (2). P P241240 - 21 - 10. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it has a clutch actuation unit (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9.