DE10236806A1 - friction clutch - Google Patents

Abstract

A friction clutch comprises at least one pressure plate (16, 30) coupled to a housing arrangement (18) for common rotation about an axis of rotation (A), a force application arrangement (20, 36) which is supported with respect to the pressure plate (16, 30) and the housing arrangement (18) ), a bearing arrangement (40) for supporting a reaction force generated in an actuator system (28) when an actuation process is carried out on the housing arrangement (18), the bearing arrangement (40) being supported against movement in both axial directions with respect to the housing arrangement (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a friction clutch comprising one with a housing arrangement pressure plate coupled for joint rotation about an axis of rotation as well as one regarding the pressure plate and the housing arrangement supporting Force application.

With such friction clutches will be when performing generated by operations personnel or reaction forces then when there is no internal support takes place in the friction clutch itself, on the bearings one Drive shaft, so for example, crankshaft bearings transmitted. During this with conventional Couplings, in which energy storage devices as force application arrangements are used and the actuation processes leading to such forces are disengagement processes, only comparatively short loads on the crankshaft bearings are generated in clutches by generating an engagement force indented be kept practically above that Such forces are present throughout the operating period. This leads to a almost continuous axial load on the crankshaft bearings, for which these are generally not designed.

It can therefore be provided the reaction force generated when performing operations is supported in the clutch itself. For this purpose a bearing arrangement can be provided which produces a rotational decoupling a support in terms of a housing arrangement generated.

It is the task of the present Invention to provide a friction clutch in which at generation an internal power support precise Location assignment of the different system components guaranteed is.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a friction clutch comprising at least one with a housing arrangement pressure plate coupled for joint rotation about an axis of rotation, one regarding the pressure plate and the housing arrangement supporting Force application arrangement, a bearing arrangement for supporting a in an actuator system when performing an actuation process generated reaction force on the housing assembly, the bearing assembly in terms of the housing arrangement is supported against movement in both axial directions.

By supporting the bearing arrangement in both axial directions it is guaranteed that not only in the direction in which a force between the bearing arrangement and the housing arrangement when performing generated by actuation processes a defined end position is generated, but also in the other Direction, which is particularly the case when carrying out assembly operations Achieving a precise, backlash-free mounting position is advantageous.

For example, in the friction clutch according to the invention be provided that the housing arrangement together with a holding element a recess for receiving a supporting the bearing arrangement in an axial direction Securing element forms. In order to achieve the principles of the invention preferably to have few components available, can then be further provided that the holding element, the bearing arrangement in the other axial direction. Alternatively, you can it can further be provided that a support section on the housing arrangement for support the bearing arrangement is formed in the other axial direction is.

An alternative is very easy way of establishing the storage arrangements to be produced in both axial directions can be provided that the bearing arrangement by a plurality of pin-like support members on the housing arrangement is supported in both axial directions.

According to another alternative Embodiment can be provided that on a bearing component the bearing arrangement is formed with a thread on the housing arrangement trained thread is engaged.

See another alternative embodiment before that on the housing assembly a supporting the bearing arrangement in a first axial direction the first holding element is fixed and the bearing arrangement supporting second support element in a second axial direction is set. Here is a very easy to manufacture coupling can be obtained again by at least one of the holding elements has a thread with a thread on the housing arrangement is engaged. It is also possible for one of the holding elements by locking engagement on the housing arrangement is held. In this case it can be provided, for example, that one holding element has holding tongues, which the other Reach behind the holding element.

The bearing arrangement can comprise, for example, a plain bearing arrangement, a first plain bearing element being axially supported on a first holding element and a second plain bearing element being axially supported on a second holding element. At least one of these slide bearing elements can simultaneously have a radial bearing area for radial centering. The plain bearing can run dry or wet, and a seal can be provided. In the plain bearing arrangement, a sealing arrangement can preferably be provided for the substantially lubricant-tight encapsulation of the bearing arrangement order. Lubricants can then be fed into the area of the frictionally sliding surfaces, for example via a component to be stored, so that very low-friction storage can be achieved and at the same time a seal can be achieved at least to the extent that only slight leakage losses are present are.

In a further alternative embodiment The invention can provide that on the bearing arrangement a securing element is provided that the housing arrangement is supported on a first axial side of the securing element and that one with the housing arrangement axially coupled holding element on a second axial side of the Securing element supported axially is. The holding element can be riveted to the housing arrangement, welding, Soldering, gluing, Deform, be firmly connected by press fitting or the like.

In a further alternative embodiment it can be provided that the bearing arrangement on an insert element is supported in both axial directions and that the insert element on the housing arrangement is firmly attached or attachable. The insert element an axial stop for support of the bearing arrangement in a first axial direction and can be a securing element for supporting the bearing arrangement have in the second axial direction.

The friction clutch according to the invention can, for example as a double clutch with a first clutch area and a second Coupling area, each comprising a pressure plate and a Power application arrangement. In this case, everyone can the clutch areas an actuation system be provided by a type of coupling according to the invention to a housing arrangement then for an internal force feedback in the clutch. Of course, it should be noted that the friction clutch according to the invention also a conventional single disc clutch or multi-plate clutch, for which only a single actuator system is required.

The present invention is described below Reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments described in detail. It shows:

1 a partial longitudinal sectional view of a friction clutch according to the invention;

2 a detailed view of a bearing arrangement on a housing in 1 illustrated friction clutch;

3 one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

4 one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

5 one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

6 one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

7 one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

8th one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

9 one of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling;

10 one of the 2 corresponding view of a further alternative embodiment of the coupling;

11 a variation of the 10 shown embodiment;

12 a variation of the 10 shown embodiment;

13 a variation of the 10 shown embodiment;

14 another of the 2 corresponding view of an alternative embodiment;

15 a further detailed view of the coupling of a bearing arrangement, which is designed here as a plain bearing arrangement;

16 a variation of the 15 shown embodiment.

In 1 a friction clutch constructed as a double clutch is generally designated by 10. The friction clutch 10 includes two coupling areas 12 . 14 , The first clutch area 12 has a pressure plate 16 on that in a housing arrangement 18 rotatably, but to a certain extent is held movable in the direction of an axis of rotation A. Through a force application arrangement 20 that are in their radially outer area on the housing arrangement 18 supports, the pressure plate 16 towards an intermediate plate 22 to be pressed so that the friction linings of a clutch disc 24 between the pressure plate 16 and the intermediate plate 22 be pinched. The power application arrangement 20 can comprise a plurality of lever elements, which are distributed in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation and extend essentially radially, which can be coupled to one another and which in the radially inner region via an actuating bearing 26 can be acted upon by an actuating mechanism generally designated 28. It goes without saying that as a force application arrangement 20 also an energy accumulator, for example diaphragm spring, can be used, which, in the case of a pressed Coupling also inside via the bearing 26 can be applied, such as on the pressure plate 16 to lever elements to be moved to achieve an engagement state.

The clutch area 14 includes a clutch disc 30 which by two housing-like or shell-like structure and coupled by coupling elements, not shown, power transmission elements 32 . 34 and by another force application arrangement 36 , which is located on the outside of the housing arrangement 18 supports, towards the intermediate plate 22 too biased. The friction linings of a clutch disc can then 39 between the pressure plate 30 and the intermediate plate 22 be clamped. The second clutch area 14 or the force application arrangement 36 an actuating mechanism can be assigned to the same in a corresponding manner. Also the power application arrangement 36 can comprise a plurality of lever elements which follow one another in the circumferential direction and, if appropriate, are coupled to one another and which then transmit an engagement force when the actuating mechanism is excited accordingly. In principle, however, it is also conceivable here to use an energy accumulator that prestresses in the direction of engagement.

The Indian 1 actuator mechanism shown 28 is in the area of a first actuator component 38 about the warehouse already mentioned 26 on the power application assembly 28 supported. About a storage arrangement explained in more detail below 40 is a second actuator component 42 regarding the housing arrangement 18 supported. The two actuator components 38 . 42 are displaceable with respect to one another in the direction of the axis of rotation A when an actuation process is carried out, for example by virtue of the fact that they are in thread-like or ramp-like engagement and, in the case of relative rotation with respect to one another, also shift axially with respect to one another. In principle, however, the actuator component could also 42 form a slave cylinder in which the actuator component 38 is displaceable as slave piston. A wide variety of actuator mechanisms can be used here.

In the 1 shown storage arrangement 40 is in 2 presented in more detail. You can see in the 2 the housing arrangement 18 , which in its radially inner end region has a substantially axially extending, preferably ring-like, approach 44 forms. At its axially free end region, this has an inward-reaching projection region 46 on. A ring-like holding element formed from sheet material 48 is in the approach 44 inserted and is with the housing arrangement 18 by welding, pressing or in any other way firmly connected. An axial end area 50 of use 48 lies at an axial distance from the inward-reaching projection area 46 so that here is a space 52 is formed. The holding element forms in the other axial end region 48 a radially inward support projection area 54 , When merging the in the 1 shown system is the actuation mechanism 28 with the roller bearing already supported on it 56 the storage arrangement 40 axially in the approach 44 or use 48 introduced the same. An outer bearing ring 58 comes to rest on the projection area 54 so the whole camp 56 which with its inner bearing ring 60 on the actuator mechanism 28 is worn and also, for example, spherical or needle-like rolling elements 62 may have, comes to rest in a defined axial position. Then you can go into the space 52 a circlip 64 be used, which then the camp 56 fixed in the other axial direction.

In this way it becomes the essential part of the storage arrangement 40 forming camp 56 on the housing arrangement 18 fixed in both axial directions, so that from the beginning a defined positioning of the actuator mechanism 28 which the camp 56 carries, regarding the housing arrangement 18 and thus with regard to the entire friction clutch 10 is provided.

It goes without saying that, as does the approach 44 and the projection area 46 , also the insert 48 does not have to be completely continuous, but, for example, in the area of the projection area 54 can have individual circumferential segments or approach with individual circumferential segments 44 can be used during the projection area 54 is then formed continuously like a ring. This also applies to the embodiments described below, in which a corresponding insert part is present.

In 3 a modification is shown in which there is no such insert. Rather, the approach 44 the housing arrangement 18 a step-like lead 66 formed which is the stop for the outer bearing ring 58 forms. On the other side is the circlip 64 for axially fixed fixation of the bearing 56 intended. This step-like projection 66 can be obtained, for example, by embossing or by machining.

It can also be seen that the approach 44 to enable the step-like projection to be formed 66 no longer has an inward-reaching projection area, but rather that a separate plug-on element 68 is provided, which is outside on the approach 44 is plugged on and thus welded, jammed or fixed to it in some other way and a radially inward projection area 70 has, which together with the axial end region 72 of the approach 44 the recess 52 forms for the circlip.

At the in 4 illustrated embodiment is again an insert 48 present, which is now a plurality of opposite to the projection area 54 tongues reaching radially outwards 74 has, in their area by spot welding the definition of the insert 48 on the housing arrangement 18 can be done. Otherwise this embodiment essentially corresponds to that in FIG 2 shown embodiment.

In the 5 The embodiment shown essentially corresponds to that in FIG 4 shown. However, one can see that the insert part 48 in its in use 44 inserted area is slightly skimmed to provide a resilient fit for the outer ring 58 of the camp 56 provided.

In 6 An embodiment is shown in which in the substantially axially extending approach 44 the housing arrangement 18 Passage openings are provided, into which respective fastening pins 76 are used. These can be done by thread engagement, by pressing, welding or the like at the base 44 be kept. In the outer bearing ring 58 is a preferably continuous groove in the circumferential direction 78 provided in which the pins 76 engage essentially axially without play and thus for fixing the bearing 56 regarding the housing arrangement 18 to care.

At the in 7 The embodiment shown is the essentially axially extending extension of the housing arrangement 18 with an internal thread 80 Mistake. In a corresponding way is on the outer bearing ring 58 an external thread 82 provided so that the camp 56 defined by thread engagement on the housing arrangement 18 is held. Here, for example, by the end of the external thread 80 the axial positioning of the bearing 56 be given. It is also possible to use the warehouse 56 after screwing in by gluing or in any other way firmly at the base 44 to secure.

In 8th An embodiment is shown in which a holding element, for example in the form of an annular disk, is shown 84 on the housing arrangement 18 is fixed for example by welding and with its radially inner region radially inward over the inner peripheral surface of the extension 44 attacks. Thus, for the outer bearing ring 58 provided a stop in an axial direction. The approach 44 is here with an external thread 86 educated. Another sleeve-like holding element 88 has an internal thread in an axially extending region 90 and forms with a radially inward flange-like approach 92 one the camp 56 area supporting in the other axial direction.

In 9 is that already in 8th recognizable holding element 84 z .B. by welding to the housing arrangement 18 established. It is another ring-like holding element 94 provided that with a radially inward approach 96 the warehouse 56 axially and with tongue-like sections 98 openings 100 . 102 in the housing arrangement 18 and in the holding element 84 penetrates and thus the holding element 84 engages behind. These tongues 98 can after passing axially through the openings 100 . 102 can be bent radially inwards or radially outwards, or can snap into the in 9 shown position.

At the in 10 The embodiment shown is on the outer peripheral region of the bearing 56 , ie a bearing outer ring of the same, a retaining ring in a circumferential groove 64 used. On this circlip 64 is an axially free end of the approach 44 the housing arrangement 18 on. A retaining ring 120 with an approximately L-shaped cross-section is outside on the approach 44 pushed and lies with its radially inward leg on the other axial side of the locking ring 64 on. The retaining ring 120 can with the housing arrangement 18 be firmly connected by pressing, welding, soldering, gluing or the like. Since the housing arrangement also in this embodiment 18 with the axial approach 44 on the camp 56 a comparatively large area is obtained here.

At the in 1 1 modification extends through the holding element 120 with tongue sections 122 openings 124 in the housing arrangement 18 , these tongue sections 122 on the other axial side of the housing arrangement 18 , that of the circlip 64 distal axial side, then bent over to achieve an axially solid cohesion.

In 12 An embodiment is shown in which the housing arrangement 18 not with the axial approach 44 , but with an inner end face, the width of which essentially corresponds to the material thickness of the housing arrangement 18 corresponds in this area, in stock 56 rests. Otherwise, the embodiment shown here corresponds to that in 1 1 shown.

At the in 13 The embodiment shown is the annular holding element 120 with the housing arrangement 18 in the radially inner area of the same by several rivet bolts 126 firmly connected. The housing arrangement is also located here 18 again with an inner face at the warehouse 56 on.

In 14 an embodiment is shown, in which in the axial approach 44 the housing arrangement 18 an insert element 130 is used. This has, for example, an annular projection at one axial end 132 on which has an axial stop for the bearing 56 forms. On the other axial side is in the insert element 130 an annular groove 134 formed in which a locking ring 136 is used. So this is also the camp 56 regarding the insert element 130 held axially. The insert element 130 in turn is with the housing arrangement 18 firmly connected, for example by welding, gluing or by pres spassung. A major advantage of this embodiment is that different bearing sizes with the same type of housing arrangement 18 can be used, then only correspondingly shaped insert elements for diameter adjustment 130 must be selected. These insert elements 130 are preferably constructed of thermally insulating material to transfer heat between the housing arrangement 18 and the camp 56 as far as possible.

In 15 An embodiment is shown, in which the bearing arrangement 40 includes a plain bearing generally designated 104. This has a first ring-like slide bearing element 106 on that on an axial side of a flange-like projection 108 of the actuator part 42 is provided. A second slide bearing element formed with an L-shaped cross section 110 lies with its radially extending L-Ab section on the other axial side of the approach 108 and lies with its essentially axially extending L-leg on an outer peripheral surface of this approach 108 on. In the approach 44 the housing arrangement 18 is an insert again 48 used, with its radially inward projection area 54 specifies the axial fixation in a first direction, the first plain bearing element 106 at the projection area 54 is supported. The second plain bearing element 1 10 is over a support ring 112 on a locking ring 64 supported in an approach 44 provided inner circumferential groove is used.

In this embodiment too, there is a defined axial positioning of the bearing arrangement 40 and thus also the actuator part 42 regarding the housing arrangement 18 intended. Due to the fact that the insert part 48 for example, again by welding to the housing arrangement 18 is firmly connected, there are defined system areas in which using the bearing elements 106 . 110 Sliding friction is generated.

The 16 shows a variant of the embodiment described above, in which the bearing arrangement 40 is lubricated. You can see that on the inner circumferential area of the insert 48 , ie radially inside the plain bearing element 106 , as well as on the radially inner area of the support ring 112 , ie radially inside the plain bearing element 110 , each a ring-like sealing element 140 or 142 is provided. These sealing elements 140 . 142 are with respective sealing lip areas on the radially outward and between the plain bearing elements 106 . 1 10 lying flange-like projection 108 on. Using these two sealing elements 140 . 142 and in cooperation with the insert 48 , the plain bearing element 110 and the approach 44 the housing arrangement 18 is thus an essentially lubricant-tight encapsulation of the slide bearing arrangement 104 receive. In this encapsulated area there can be two in the actuator part 42 running lubricant channels 144 . 146 Lubricants are introduced or withdrawn from this area, so that, for example, by connection to the lubricant circuit of a transmission also in the area of the bearing arrangement 40 lubricant circulation can be obtained. A very low-friction plain bearing is thus obtained, in which overheating is also avoided at the same time due to the cooling effect of the circulating lubricant, for example gear oil. can be. It goes without saying that the channels 144 . 146 can be open in other areas of the encapsulated space, for example areas that are not directly through a plain bearing element 106 . 110 are covered, such as the one between the sealing element 142 and the radially inner region of the slide bearing element 1 10 lying room area.

To those in the 15 and 16 Embodiments shown should be mentioned that the there with the reference numerals 106 and 1 10 designated plain bearing elements to achieve defined friction conditions, for example on the actuator part 42 , namely the flange-like projection 108 the same, can be held in a rotationally fixed manner, for example by gluing, riveting or the like, in order then to have a sliding movement in contact with the insert part 48 or the support ring 112 to accomplish. Also the reverse arrangement, in which the plain bearing elements 106 . 110 on the components 48 or 112 are held and thus on the flange-like projection 108 rubbing smoothly is possible.

It should be noted that, of course, that for the power application arrangement 36 Storage area to be provided can be designed as described above. It is also a matter of course that the configuration of the bearing area according to the invention can be used if the friction clutch is not designed as a double clutch but as a single clutch.

Claims (17)

Friction clutch, comprising at least one with a housing arrangement ( 18 ) pressure plate coupled for joint rotation about an axis of rotation (A) ( 16 . 30 ), one regarding the pressure plate ( 16 . 30 ) and the housing arrangement ( 18 ) supporting force application arrangement ( 20 . 36 ), a storage arrangement ( 40 ) to support one in an actuator system ( 28 ) reaction force generated on the housing arrangement when an actuation process is carried out ( 18 ), the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) regarding the housing arrangement ( 18 ) is supported against movement in both axial directions. Friction clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing arrangement (18) together with a holding element ( 48 ; 68 ) a recess ( 52 ) to accommodate the storage arrangement ( 40 ) securing element supporting in an axial direction ( 64 ) forms. Friction clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding element ( 48 ) the storage arrangement ( 40 ) in the other axial direction. Friction clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) a support section ( 66 ) to support the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) is formed in the other axial direction. Friction clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) by a plurality of pin-like support members ( 76 ) on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) is supported in both axial directions. Friction clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that on a bearing component ( 58 ) the storage arrangement ( 40 ) a thread ( 82 ) is formed, which with a on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) trained thread ( 80 ) is engaged. Friction clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) the storage arrangement ( 40 ) supporting element in a first axial direction ( 84 ; 48 ) and the storage arrangement ( 40 ) second holding element supporting in a second axial direction ( 88 ; 94 ; 112 ) is set. Friction clutch according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one ( 88 ) the holding elements ( 84 . 88 ) a thread ( 86 ) which has a thread ( 90 ) on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) is engaged. Friction clutch according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that one ( 94 ) the holding elements ( 84 . 94 ) by locking engagement on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) is held. Friction clutch according to claim 9, characterized in that the one holding element ( 94 ) Retaining tongues ( 98 ) which the other holding element ( 84 ) reach behind. 1 1. Friction clutch according to claim 7, characterized in that the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) a plain bearing arrangement ( 104 ), a first slide bearing element ( 106 ) axially on the first holding element ( 48 ) is supported and a second plain bearing element ( 110 ) axially on the second holding element ( 112 ) is supported. Friction clutch according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the slide bearing elements ( 106 . 110 ) has a radial bearing area. Friction clutch according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a sealing arrangement ( 140 . 142 ) for the essentially lubricant-tight encapsulation of the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) is provided. Friction clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that on the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) a securing element ( 64 ) it is provided that the housing arrangement ( 18 ) on a first axial side of the securing element ( 64 ) is axially supported and that one with the housing arrangement ( 18 ) axially fixed holding element ( 120 ) on a second axial side of the securing element ( 64 ) is axially supported. Friction clutch according to claim 14, characterized in that the holding element ( 120 ) is firmly connected to the housing arrangement by riveting, welding, soldering, gluing, deforming or by press fitting. Friction clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) on an insert element ( 130 ) is supported in both axial directions and that the insert element ( 130 ) on the housing arrangement ( 18 ) is firmly attached or attachable. Friction clutch according to claim 16, characterized in that the insert element has an axial stop ( 132 ) to support the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) in a first axial direction and a securing element ( 136 ) to support the bearing arrangement ( 40 ) in the second axial direction. Friction clutch according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the friction clutch ( 10 ) a double clutch with a first clutch area ( 12 ) and a second clutch area ( 14 ), each comprising a pressure plate ( 16 . 30 ) and a force application arrangement ( 20 . 36 ), is.