Hybrid Module Rotary Feedthrough for Clutch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid modules for vehicle drive trains with dual clutches and disconnect clutches require high pressing forces for torque transmission, necessitating robust actuating and support bearings, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rotary feedthroughs for actuating and cooling oil to transmit high actuating forces without additional support from bearings, with integral oil cooling and centrifugal oil compensation chambers to manage centrifugal forces, allowing for closed-loop force transmission and reduced structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high pressing forces are used for torque transmission, then torque transmission capability is improved, but bearing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating force transmission path with the torque transmission path by integrating the clutch actuation mechanism into the torque transmission components. The actuating force is transmitted through the clutch plates and pressure plates that are already part of the torque transmission system, eliminating the need for separate support bearings for actuation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diaphragm spring as an intermediary element that converts the actuating force from the clutch slave cylinder into pressing force on the clutch plates. This diaphragm spring serves as a force amplifier and translator, allowing the actuating force to be effectively transmitted through the existing torque transmission components without requiring additional support structures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional clutch slave cylinder actuation is used, then actuation simplicity is maintained, but support bearing loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm spring acts as an intermediary between the clutch slave cylinder and the clutch plates, translating the linear actuating force into radial pressing force. This intermediary mechanism allows the simple slave cylinder actuation to effectively generate high pressing forces without overloading the support bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force transmission parameter by using the diaphragm spring's elastic deformation characteristics. The spring converts small linear displacements from the slave cylinder into large radial pressing forces, effectively amplifying the actuating force while maintaining actuation simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If actuating forces are transmitted through support bearings, then actuation is achieved, but bearing wear and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation force transmission function with the torque transmission function by using the same clutch plates and pressure plates for both purposes. This eliminates the need for separate bearing support for actuation forces, reducing bearing load and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the actuation force transmission path from the bearing support system and integrates it into the clutch plate assembly. By taking out the actuation function from the bearing-dependent path and embedding it in the clutch mechanism itself, the bearing reliability is improved as it no longer needs to support actuation forces.
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 efficient transmission of high actuating forces while minimizing the need for support bearings, optimizing installation space and reducing production costs through closed-loop force management and integral oil cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary feedthrough (10, 52) which is configured on the one hand for conveying actuating oil, which is designed for actuating the disconnect clutch (9)
Implementation Method 2
for conveying cooling oil, which is designed for cooling the disconnect clutch (9) and/or the dual clutch (2)
Implementation Method 3
with integral oil cooling and centrifugal oil compensation chambers to manage centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid module for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a dual clutch which has a first sub-clutch and a second sub-clutch for selectively transmitting torque from a first drive unit to a drive shaft. The hybrid module further includes a disconnect clutch for coupling a second drive unit and for transmitting torque from the second drive unit to the drive shaft. At least one rotary feedthrough is provided which is configured on one hand for conveying actuating oil, which is designed for actuation of the disconnect clutch, or on the other hand for conveying cooling oil, which is designed for cooling the disconnect clutch and/or the dual clutch.