Multiple Clutch Common Outer Carrier Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple clutch systems for motor vehicles, particularly hybrid drives, are complex and costly due to increased construction and assembly efforts, as well as suboptimal cooling oil systems, leading to high production costs.
Innovation Solution
Designing a multiple clutch system with a common outer disk carrier for all separating clutches, shared dimensions for outer and inner disks, and separate cooling oil supplies for each clutch, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing the complexity of cooling oil ducts and allowing for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate outer disk carriers are used for each separating clutch, then each clutch can be independently designed and assembled, but the construction complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer disk carriers of the first, second, and third separating clutches into a single common outer disk carrier. This consolidation reduces the total number of components, simplifies assembly procedures, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the functional independence of each clutch through internal separation mechanisms within the common carrier structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The common outer disk carrier is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the outer disk carrier for the first separating clutch, the second separating clutch, and the third separating clutch (K0 clutch). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate outer disk carriers for each clutch, reducing part variety and assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If complex cooling oil ducts are implemented to supply cooling oil to all clutches, then all clutches can be cooled effectively, but the production costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling oil supply systems for the first, second, and third separating clutches into a single common cooling oil supply line. This unified cooling system distributes cooling oil to all clutches through a centralized approach, reducing the number of separate ducts and connections required while ensuring adequate cooling for each clutch unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If differently designed and dimensioned friction disks are produced for each clutch, then each clutch can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs friction disks with uniform design and dimensions across the first, second, and third separating clutches. This standardization allows for simplified manufacturing processes, reduced tooling requirements, and lower production costs. The functional differentiation between clutches is achieved through the clutch control mechanism rather than through varied disk dimensions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multiple clutch (1) for a motor vehicle, particularly for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first, one second and one third separating clutch (K1, K2, KO), the first separating clutch (K1) being provided for coupling a first transmission input shaft (2) to a drive (4 or 5) or uncoupling same therefrom, the second separating clutch (K2) being provided for coupling a second transmission input shaft (3) to a drive (4 or 5) or uncoupling same therefrom, where the first and second separating clutches (K1, K2) are embodied as multiple-plate clutches and comprise an inner plate carrier (6, 7) and an outer plate carrier (8a, 8b), and the third separating clutch (KO) being provided for coupling the outer plate carrier (8a, 8b) of the first and second separating clutches (K1, K2) to a drive (4 or 5) or uncoupling same therefrom, the third separating clutch (KO) being embodied as a multiple-plate clutch, the outer plate carrier (8a, 8b, 8c) of the first, the second and the third separating clutches (K1, K2, KO) being embodied as a common outer plate carrier (8) for receiving, supporting and/or guiding the outer plates (10, 11, 12) of the first, second and third separating clutches (K1, K2, KO), and the actuating piston of the middle separating clutch (K1) has a double bearing.