Friction Coupling Actuating Device with Groove Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction clutches are limited in their ability to be actuated by both tensile and compressive forces, which restricts their operational flexibility and efficiency in drive train applications.
Innovation Solution
A friction clutch design that incorporates a counter-pressure plate, friction linings, and an actuating device capable of transmitting forces bidirectionally through a grooved bearing system, allowing for both tensile and compressive force transmission using a lever system with convex contact surfaces and a bayonet connection for play-free power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a friction clutch is actuated by a unidirectional actuating device, then the structure is simple, but the clutch can only be actuated in one direction (either tensile or compressive force)
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating bearing is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits both tensile and compressive forces bidirectionally, supports the actuating lever axially, and enables rotational decoupling between the rotating clutch and non-rotating bearing carrier. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components, achieving bidirectional actuation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating bearing serves as an intermediary element between the actuating lever and the bearing carrier. It mediates the force transmission by converting the actuating forces into bidirectional axial forces on the lever elements, enabling the clutch to be actuated in both directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If lever elements are mounted in a bearing with play, then assembly is easier, but power transmission has gaps and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lever elements are given a convex (spheroidal) shape at their contact surfaces, while the bearing provides corresponding concave contact surfaces. This curved geometry ensures continuous contact between the lever elements and bearing throughout the actuation range, eliminating play and ensuring efficient power transmission while maintaining ease of assembly through form-fit connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuating bearing transmits forces in only one axial direction, then the bearing design is simpler, but the clutch cannot be actuated by both tensile and compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating bearing is designed as a universal bearing capable of transmitting forces in both axial directions (tensile and compressive). By incorporating this multi-functional bearing, the system achieves bidirectional force transmission without requiring separate bearings for each direction, thus managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
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
Enables bidirectional force transmission without play, enhancing the operational flexibility and efficiency of the friction clutch by allowing actuation over part of the actuation path via tensile forces and part via compressive forces, improving the clutch's ability to engage and disengage frictionally.
Implementation Method 1
friction linings arranged between the counter-pressure plate and the pressure plate... frictional engagement with the friction linings is established
Implementation Method 2
an actuating bearing located between the bearing carrier and the lever elements... transmitting forces bidirectionally through a grooved bearing system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a friction coupling (1) having a counter-pressure plate (8), a pressure plate (5) that is rotationally fixed with respect thereto, and axially of a lever system (3, 3a), can be biased against the same, friction linings of a coupling disk (7) that is connected to a transmission input shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, said friction linings being arranged between the counter-pressure plate and the pressure plate, and an actuating device displacing the pressure plate along an actuating path on lever elements (9, 9a) arranged radially inside on the lever system and distributed around the periphery, and having a bearing carrier (18) displaced by way of a drive (25) and arranged coaxially around the transmission input shaft, and an actuating bearing (15) arranged between bearing support (18) and lever elements. In order to be able to actuate the friction coupling in both directions, the actuating device has an actuating bearing configured as a groove bearing for transmitting tensile and pressure forces onto the lever elements, and the lever elements are applied to a bearing ring of the groove bearing in both directions along the actuating path substantially free of play.