Multi-Disc Clutch Plate Pack With Spring-Positioned Intermediate Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-plate clutches face challenges in efficiently transmitting high torques while maintaining easy assembly and avoiding unnecessary frictional engagement, as existing solutions require precise matching of spring elements and can interfere with other components during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A disk pack design for a multi-plate clutch featuring a pressure plate with an actuating element and a series-connected spring element that automatically positions intermediate plates at a defined axial distance, allowing for increased friction contact without interfering with other components, enabling efficient torque transmission and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If intermediate plates are connected to an axially fixed component via spring elements, then the clutch can transmit high torques through increased friction contact points, but the spring elements interfere with other components during assembly and require precise matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the intermediate plates dynamically movable relative to the pressure plate through spring elements, allowing automatic axial positioning. The intermediate plates can move axially to engage/disengage friction contacts while being restrained radially, enabling high torque transmission without fixed connections that would complicate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements act as intermediary components between the pressure plate and intermediate plates, providing automatic positioning and frictional coupling. This intermediary mechanism allows the intermediate plates to be held at defined axial distances without requiring precise matching or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If intermediate plates are connected in parallel to the pressure plate via spring elements, then automatic positioning is achieved, but the connection must protrude far in the radial direction causing interference with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from parallel connection (radial protrusion) to series connection (axial arrangement). The spring elements are arranged axially between the pressure plate and intermediate plates, eliminating the need for radial protrusion and interference with other components while maintaining automatic positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plates are made dynamically movable relative to the pressure plate through the spring elements, allowing automatic axial positioning. The plates can move axially to engage/disengage friction contacts while being restrained radially, enabling reliable positioning without excessive radial dimensions.
3Power
If multiple intermediate plates are used to increase friction contact surface, then higher torque transmission is enabled, but the assembly becomes more complex and harder to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is segmented into multiple intermediate plates that can be independently positioned and assembled. Each intermediate plate with its spring element forms a modular unit that can be assembled sequentially, simplifying the assembly process while enabling high torque transmission through cumulative friction contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for the transmission of high torques without slipping, while ensuring easy assembly and uniform wear of friction disks, thereby extending the service life and simplifying the assembly process by preventing spring elements from obstructing other components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element connected to the pressure plate and the intermediate plate for automatic positioning of the intermediate plate at a defined axial distance relative to the pressure plate
Implementation Method 2
friction disks of a clutch disk provided between the counter-plate and the intermediate plate on the one hand and between the intermediate plate and the pressure plate on the other hand are frictionally pressed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a plate pack (26) for a multi-disc clutch, in particular a wet-type plate clutch, comprising a pressure plate (24) which can be axially displaced by an actuation element for pressing a clutch disc that has multiple friction discs between the pressure plate (24) and a counter plate; an intermediate plate (12), in particular an intermediate plate designed as a disc-type plate, for pressing a friction disc of the clutch disc against a first axial face (14) oriented towards the pressure plate (24) and for pressing a friction disc of the clutch disc against a second axial face (14) oriented away from the pressure plate (24); and a spring element (22) which is connected to the pressure plate (24) and the intermediate plate (12) for automatically positioning the intermediate plate (12) at a defined axial distance to the pressure plate (24). By coupling the intermediate plate (12) to the pressure plate (24) via the spring element (22), the spring element (22) can be prevented from adversely affecting the accessibility of other components during assembly even with an increased friction contact surface such that an easily assembled friction clutch for transmitting high torques can be provided.