FR3078374A1 - DISC RACK FOR A CLUTCH MECHANISM - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a disk carrier (106, 206, 110, 210) comprising a plurality of lubrication apertures (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) distributed circumferentially about the axis of rotation (R) of said door -discs (106, 206, 110, 210) and axially along a plurality of lubrication splines (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) according to a predefined lubrication arrangement for improving the fluid flow of a hydraulic fluid around said disk carrier (106, 206, 110, 210). In particular, an area of the lubrication apertures (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the disk carrier (106, 206, 110, 210) has a variation in the axial direction of a circular contour (8a, 8b , 8c, 8d) to another directly adjacent, so that for each lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b, 9c), one of the lubrication apertures (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) has a an area greater than that of the other lubrication apertures (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of said lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b, 9c). The invention also relates to a wet clutch mechanism (10) comprising such a disk carrier (106, 206, 110, 210).

Description

"Disc carrier for a clutch mechanism"

Technical area

The context of the present invention is that of wet clutch mechanisms intended to equip a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a disc holder constituting such a wet clutch mechanism, as well as a wet clutch mechanism comprising at least one such disc holder.

State of the art

There is known a wet clutch module fitted to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which comprises a wet clutch mechanism and an actuation system of the wet clutch mechanism. The wet clutch mechanism comprises at least one wet clutch making it possible to selectively couple or decouple a first shaft, said motor, to a second shaft, said transmission. The actuation system controls the clutch mechanism. To this end, the actuation system comprises at least one actuator making it possible to generate a force for selectively configuring the wet clutch in a clutched or disengaged configuration. The force generated at the level of the actuator is transmitted to the wet clutch via a force transmission member which, under the effect of the actuator, displaces first friction elements with respect to second friction elements of the wet clutch in order to configure it in one or other of the configurations mentioned.

In known manner, the first friction elements of the wet clutch are rotatably coupled to an input disc holder. The input disc holder is rotatably coupled to the drive shaft to transmit engine torque to the drive shaft. To this end, the second friction elements of the wet clutch are rotatably coupled to the drive shaft via an output disc holder. The friction clutch of the wet clutch is coupled in rotation by splines carried by the two disc carriers.

The wet clutch module is equipped with a hydraulic circuit inside which a hydraulic fluid circulates to cool and / or lubricate the wet clutch and / or facilitate

-2Γ establishment of a friction coupling between the first friction elements and the second friction elements of the wet clutch.

In known wet clutch modules, the distribution of hydraulic fluid along the friction elements of the wet clutch is not optimal. In fact, the known clutch modules aim to facilitate a radial migration of the hydraulic fluid from the axis of rotation of the clutch module, under the effect of a centrifugal force; and the problem of precise - and possibly differential - lubrication of each friction element of said wet clutches is not addressed.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new disc holder for wet clutch mechanisms in order to at least in large part respond to the above problems and also to lead to other advantages.

Another object of the invention is to improve the lubrication of the friction elements of wet clutches.

The present invention also aims to provide a wet clutch mechanism for reducing consumption and polluting emissions.

Statement of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the abovementioned objectives is achieved with a disc holder for a wet clutch mechanism, said disc holder comprising:

- a flange of radial elongation relative to an axis of rotation of the disc holder;

an axial elongation surface located at a radial end of the flange, said elongation surface having a peripheral grooved surface relative to the axis of rotation, said peripheral grooved surface comprising, alternately, male axial elongation grooves and female splines of axial extension situated radially outside said male splines relative to the axis of rotation;

- A plurality of lubrication openings distributed along the grooved peripheral surface, said lubrication openings being distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation according to several circular contours, said circular contours being distributed axially over the axial elongation range;

the lubrication openings are formed on at least part of the grooves, called lubrication grooves, each lubrication groove comprising at least one lubrication opening. It is understood here that the lubrication grooves form a subset of the grooves formed on the axial elongation surface of the disc holder in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

In the context of the present description, the male splines of axial elongation are also called male type fluting, and the female splines of axial elongation, are also called female type fluting.

According to the present invention, for each lubrication groove, an area of a first lubrication opening located on a first circular outline is greater than an area of a second group of at least one lubrication opening located on a second circular outline , said first and second circular contours being axially distributed along said lubrication groove.

In the context of the present invention, the term “contour” means a line limiting the disc holder, for example the axial elongation range or internally the radial elongation flange. More particularly this description refers to circular contours defined by lubrication openings located on the same plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the disc holder and located in particular on the peripheral surface of the disc holder.

The disc holder according to the first aspect of the invention may advantageously comprise at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements can be taken alone or in combination:

- The disc holder advantageously comprises a number of circular contours equal to the number of friction elements of the clutch with which said disc holder is likely to collaborate. By way of nonlimiting example, the disc holder according to the first aspect of the invention comprises between three and six circular contours distributed axially along the lubrication grooves;

- For each lubrication groove, the second group comprises at least two, and preferably three, lubrication openings located along the same second circular contour;

each lubrication groove comprises a third group of lubrication openings situated on a third circular contour, said third group comprising at least two lubrication openings, said first, second and third circular contours being axially distributed along said lubrication groove ;

- The disc holder comprises a first series of lubrication grooves in which the second group is located in an axially intermediate position between the first lubrication opening and the third group;

- The disc holder comprises a second series of lubrication grooves in which the third group is located in an axially intermediate position between the first lubrication opening and the second group;

- For each pair of lubrication grooves directly successive from each other, a first lubrication groove is according to the first series, and a second lubrication groove is according to the second series;

- the lubrication openings of the same group among the first, second and / or third group all have the same area; in particular, the lubrication openings of the third group all have the same area;

- the area of the lubrication openings in the third group is equal to the area of the lubrication openings in the second group;

the lubrication openings of the third group are distributed axially around the third circular contour;

- the lubrication openings of the third group are distributed symmetrically on either side of the third circular contour;

- in a direction along the third circular contour, the lubrication openings of the third group are distant from one another;

lubrication openings are formed on at least one groove of male type lubrication; lubrication openings are formed sure at least a groove of female type lubrication; lubrication openings are formed in party on the fluting of

lubrication of the male type and partly on the lubrication splines of the female type;

- the lubrication openings are formed mainly, or even only on the lubrication grooves of the male type, in a variant, the lubrication openings are formed mainly, or even only on the lubrication grooves of the female type, by mainly is meant at least for half, or at least three-quarters;

- the lubrication openings have a polygonal shape of order η, n being an integer greater than or equal to three, or an oblong shape;

- The lubrication openings are distributed axially and circumferentially according to four distinct circular contours on the lubrication grooves.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a wet clutch mechanism is proposed comprising:

- at least one clutch intended to allow selective establishment of a mechanical coupling between a drive shaft and a gearbox shaft, said at least one clutch comprising first friction discs coupled to the drive shaft and second friction discs coupled to the gearbox shaft;

- a first disc holder according to collaborating with the first friction discs of the at least one clutch;

- a second disc holder collaborating with the second friction discs of the at least one clutch.

According to the invention according to its second aspect, at least one of the disc carriers of the wet clutch mechanism conforms to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

The clutch mechanism according to the second aspect of the invention may advantageously include at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements can be taken alone or in combination:

- A first distribution of the lubrication openings on the grooved peripheral surface of the first disc holder is identical to a first distribution of the lubrication openings on the grooved peripheral surface of the second disc holder; and or

- A second distribution of the lubrication openings on the grooved peripheral surface of the first disc holder is different from a second distribution of the lubrication openings on the grooved peripheral surface of the second disc holder.

Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

Description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which :

- FIGURE 1 illustrates an axial sectional view of a first embodiment of the wet clutch module according to the second aspect of the invention;

- FIGURE 2 illustrates a view in axial section of a second embodiment of the wet clutch module according to the second aspect of the invention;

- FIGURE 3 illustrates an axial sectional view of a third embodiment of the wet clutch module according to the second aspect of the invention;

- FIGURE 4 illustrates a front view of a first alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention and constituting any of the clutch modules illustrated in the preceding FIGURES;

FIGURE 5 illustrates a side view of the disc holder illustrated in FIGURE 4,

- FIGURE 6 illustrates a perspective view of the disc holder illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5;

- FIGURE 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention;

- FIGURE 8 illustrates a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention;

- FIGURE 9 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention;

- FIGURE 10 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention;

- FIGURE 11 illustrates a partial front sectional view of a sixth alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention;

- FIGURE 12 illustrates a partial front sectional view of a seventh alternative embodiment of a disc holder according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Of course, the characteristics, the variants and the various embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another, according to various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive of each other. One can in particular imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from in the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with one another if nothing is technically opposed to this combination.

In the FIGURES, the elements common to several figures keep the same reference.

In the following paragraphs, the disc holder in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is indifferently designated by the terms first disc holder or second disc holder, or input disc holder or output disc holder according to the context envisaged. In all cases, the disc holders described below conform to the first aspect of the invention or to any of its improvements, unless otherwise stated.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following description and in the claims, the following terms will be used without limitation and in order to facilitate understanding:

- "axial" in a direction determined by the main axis R of rotation of the clutch module and / or of the disc holder according to the invention, the adjectives "front" AV and "rear" AR relating to this orientation axial. In particular, "the rear" designates the part situated to the right of the figures in profile and perspective view, on the side of the transmission; and "the front" designates the left-hand side of the figures in profile and perspective, on the engine side; and

- "radial" in a direction orthogonal to the axial orientation, the adjectives "interior" or "internal" and "exterior" or "external" referring to this radial orientation. In particular, "the interior" designates a proximal part of the R axis, that is to say located close to the R axis; and "the exterior" designates a distal part of the R axis, that is to say located at a distance from the R axis.

With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, are illustrated examples of embodiment of a wet clutch module 1 in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. The wet clutch module 1 includes a wet clutch mechanism 10 and an actuation system 300 of the wet clutch mechanism 10 configured to drive the wet clutch mechanism 10.

According to a first variant embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the wet clutch mechanism 10 is for example of the type with a simple wet clutch. In this case, the wet clutch mechanism 10 includes a single wet clutch 100, hereinafter referred to as the first wet clutch 100.

-9According to a second embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the wet clutch mechanism 10 is for example still of the type with double wet clutches. In this case, the wet clutch mechanism 10 comprises two wet clutches 100, 200, hereinafter referred to as first wet clutch 100 and second wet clutch 200.

In a wet double clutch mechanism 10, each first and second wet clutch 100, 200 is coupled in rotation to a drive shaft not shown in the FIGURES; and the first wet clutch 100, respectively the second wet clutch 200, is also intended to be able to be coupled in rotation to a first drive shaft not shown in the FIGURES, respectively a second drive shaft.

Depending on the space available and / or the vehicles concerned, the architectures of such wet double clutch mechanisms may vary. In the hope, according to a first type of architecture, the double wet clutch mechanism 10 is for example in a so-called axial configuration, the first wet clutch 100 and the second wet clutch 200 being substantially or exactly coaxial, as illustrated in the FIGURE 2.

According to a second type of architecture, the wet double clutch mechanism 10 is for example in a so-called radial configuration, the first wet clutch 100 being located radially outside the second wet clutch 200, as illustrated in FIGURE 3.

According to the invention according to its second aspect, the first wet clutch 100 and / or the second wet clutch 200 are capable of being of any geometry, the invention not being limited to one or the other. of their geometries. To this end, the first 100 and the second 200 wet clutches are shown schematically in FIGURES 1 to 3.

The following description refers more particularly to FIGURE 3 which describes the context of the present invention for a wet double clutch mechanism 10 in a radial architecture, the transposition of the various technical elements described below to a double clutch mechanism wet 10 of another architecture being trivial for those skilled in the art.

In general, the wet clutch module 1 comprising such a wet double clutch mechanism 10 is designed to be able to couple an input shaft in rotation to

-10a first drive shaft or alternatively to a second drive shaft respectively through the first wet clutch 100 or the second wet clutch 200.

The first clutch 100 and the second clutch 200 are advantageously of the multi-disc type. Each multi-disc clutch comprises, on the one hand, a plurality of first friction elements, such as for example flanges, connected in rotation with the input shaft and, on the other hand, a plurality of second elements friction, such as for example friction discs, integrally connected in rotation to at least one of the drive shafts.

Alternatively, the plurality of first friction elements can optionally be formed by friction discs linked in rotation with the input shaft, and the plurality of second friction elements can be formed by flanges which are rotationally connected with the minus one of the drive shafts, not shown in FIGURES 1 to 3.

The first drive shaft is coupled in rotation to the input shaft and driven by it in rotation when the first clutch 100 is configured in a so-called engaged position for which the plurality of first friction elements is coupled in rotation to the plurality second friction elements. Alternatively, the first drive shaft is decoupled in rotation from the input shaft when the first clutch 100 is configured in a so-called disengaged position for which the plurality of first friction elements is decoupled in rotation to the plurality of second clutch elements. friction.

Similarly, the second transmission shaft is coupled in rotation to the input shaft and driven by it in rotation when the second clutch 200 is configured in a engaged position for which the plurality of first friction elements is coupled in rotation to the plurality of second friction elements. Alternatively, the second transmission shaft is decoupled in rotation from the input shaft when the second clutch 200 is configured in a so-called disengaged position for which the plurality of first friction elements is decoupled in rotation to the plurality of second friction elements. friction.

The first clutch 100 and the second clutch 200 are arranged to alternately transmit a so-called input power - that is to say a torque and a rotational speed - from the input shaft, to one of the two drive shafts, depending on the

-11 respective configuration of each clutch 100 and 200 and by means of an entry sail not shown in FIGURES 1 to 3.

The clutches 100 and 200 are arranged so as not to be simultaneously in the same clutch configuration. In contrast, the first and second clutches 100, 200 can simultaneously be configured in their disengaged position.

The entry veil is linked in rotation to the first clutch 100 by means of a first entry disc holder 106, the first entry disc holder 106 being linked in rotation to the entry disc, preferably by cooperation of shapes, for example by grooves. The first input disc holder 106 is advantageously coupled in rotation with the first friction elements of the first clutch 100.

Likewise, the entry web is linked in rotation to the second clutch 200 by means of a second entry disc holder 206, the second entry disc holder 206 being linked in rotation to the entry disc , preferably by cooperation of shapes, for example by grooves. The second input disc holder 206 is advantageously coupled in rotation with the first friction elements of the second clutch 200.

The first and second clutches 100 and 200 are controlled by an actuation system 300, which is arranged to be able to configure them selectively in any configuration between the clutch configuration and the disengaged configuration described above.

In particular, the actuation system 300 includes:

- A first actuator 301 arranged to be able to configure the first clutch 100 in a configuration between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration;

- A second actuator 302 arranged to be able to configure the second clutch 200 in a configuration between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration;

- an actuator housing 303 in which are housed at least part of the first and second actuators 301, 302.

Preferably, the first and second actuators 301, 302 are respectively of the type of a hydraulic cylinder. The first and second actuators 301, 302 can

Each of which includes an annular piston, each annular piston being coaxial with an axis of rotation R of the wet clutch mechanism 10 and developing an axial movement to configure the corresponding clutch.

The first actuator 301 is linked to the first clutch 100 by means of a first force transmission member 105. The first force transmission member 105 is arranged to transmit an axial force to the first clutch 100 via its upper elongation, said upper elongation extending axially forwards AV in order to be able to spread or press the first friction elements against the second friction elements on the one hand, and against an external reaction means of the inlet web on the other hand. When the first friction elements are separated from the second friction elements, then the first clutch 100 is configured in its disengaged configuration. On the other hand, when the first friction elements are pressed against the second friction elements, then the first clutch 100 is configured in its engaged configuration.

The first clutch 100 is intended to be coupled in rotation to the first drive shaft via a first output disc holder 110 forming an output element of said first clutch 100. More particularly, the first output disc holder 110 is coupled in rotation to the second friction elements on the one hand, and on the other hand to a first outlet hub. The first output disc holder 110 constitutes for example an internal disc holder 110 of the first clutch 100.

The first outlet disc holder 110 is linked to the first outlet hub, preferably fixed together by welding or by riveting.

Similarly, the second clutch 200 of the double clutch mechanism 10 is similar in design to that of the first clutch 100.

The second actuator is linked to the second clutch 200 via a second force transmission member 205. The second force transmission member 205 is arranged to transmit an axial force to the second clutch 200. When the first friction elements are separated from the second friction elements, then the second clutch 200 is configured in its disengaged configuration. On the other hand, when the first friction elements are pressed against the second friction elements, then the second clutch 200 is configured in its engaged configuration.

The second clutch 200 is intended to be coupled in rotation to the second transmission shaft by means of a second output disc carrier 210 forming an output element of said second clutch 200. More particularly, the second output disc carrier 210 is coupled in rotation to the second friction elements on the one hand, and on the other hand to a second outlet hub. The second output disc holder 210 constitutes for example an external disc holder 210 of the second clutch 200.

The wet clutch module 1 is equipped with a hydraulic circuit 400 inside which a hydraulic fluid circulates to cool and / or lubricate the clutches 100, 200 and / or to drive the actuators 301, 302. More particularly, the hydraulic circuit 400 includes a circuit, called high pressure, configured to supply the actuators 301, 302 of the actuation system with hydraulic fluid so as to be able to generate an axial force on the corresponding clutches 100, 200, thus allowing them to be controlled selectively in the either of the configurations described above. In addition, the hydraulic circuit 400 also includes a circuit, called a low pressure circuit, making it possible to lubricate and / or cool and / or facilitate the establishment of a friction coupling between the friction elements of the clutches 100, 200 during the operation of the module d wet clutch 1.

Preferably, the hydraulic fluid is a pressurized fluid, such as for example oil.

The wet clutch mechanism 10 of the clutch module 1 comprises at least one of the disc carriers illustrated 106, 110, 206, 210 in the following FIGURES. In the case where the wet clutch mechanism 10 of the clutch module 1 is of the type of a wet double clutch mechanism comprising two clutches 100, 200, then the disc carriers 106, 110, 206, 210 constituting the mechanism with double clutches 10 may be identical or, alternatively, different, at least with regard to the distribution of lubrication openings on an outer casing of said disc carriers 106, 110, 206, 210, as will be described in reference to the different FIGURES which follow.

In FIGURES 1 to 3, the wet clutch module 1 is represented according to an orthonormal reference mark Oxyz, in which:

- the axis of rotation R is parallel to the axis Ox of said reference Oxyz;

- A radial plane is parallel to the Oyz plane, and a radial elongation of any element of the wet clutch module 1 is at least partly oriented along the axis Oz;

- An axial plane is parallel to the Oxy plane, and an axial elongation of any element of the wet clutch module 1 is at least partly oriented along the axis Ox.

The disc holder according to the first aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGURES 4 and following, independently of its use and of its integration into a clutch module 1 according to the second aspect of the invention. In other words, each disc holder illustrated in FIGURES 4 and following can either be an input disc holder 106, 206 or an output disc holder 110, 210 intended to be used in a clutch module 1 in collaboration with the clutch mechanism 10. Similarly, the disc holder illustrated 106, 110, 206, 210, illustrated in FIGURES 4 and following is indifferently a first disc holder 106, 110 intended to be constitutive of the first clutch 100 of a wet double clutch module 1 or else a second disc holder 206, 210 intended to constitute the second clutch 200 of said wet double clutch module 1. More generally, the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 illustrated in FIGURES 4 and following participates in any of the clutch mechanisms shown in FIGURES 1 to 3.

Initially, the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 will be described below in its characteristics common to all of FIGURES 4 and following. In a second step, the specific features of each illustrated embodiment will be described with reference to the corresponding FIGURES.

With reference to FIGURES 4 and following, the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 comprises a flange of radial elongation 2 relative to the axis of rotation R of the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210. The flange radial elongation 2 mainly extends along a plane which is parallel to the Oyz plane.

The radial elongation flange 2 of the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 is delimited radially by an inner circular contour located at a distance from the axis of rotation R, and by a circular peripheral edge located at a radial end 4 of the radial extension flange 2 of said disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210.

-15The radial elongation flange 2 of the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 also includes a plurality of mouths angularly regularly distributed around the axis of rotation R, said mouths preferably being all located on the same circular contour. In addition, each mouth preferably has an oblong shape, the direction of elongation of which is radial with respect to said axis of rotation R.

The disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 also comprises an axial elongation surface 3 situated at the level of the radial end 4 of the radial elongation flange 2. In other words, the radial elongation flange 2 is delimited radially to the outside by its radial end 4 which is provided with the axial elongation range 3. The axial elongation range 3 extends parallel to the axis Ox from the radial elongation flange 4. The radial elongation flange 2 and the axial elongation surface 3 are thus arranged orthogonally to one another.

The axial elongation surface 3 has a peripheral surface 5 which is grooved relative to the axis of rotation R.

The fluted peripheral surface 5 comprises alternately male splines 6a of axial elongation and female splines 6b of axial elongation, the splines 6a, 6b being angularly regularly distributed around the axis of rotation R along the surface peripheral 5. In other words, the peripheral surface 5 comprises alternating bumps and hollows, respectively forming the male splines 6a and the female splines 6b. The male grooves 6a in the form of bumps extend radially outwards with respect to an average circular peripheral contour of the peripheral surface 5; and the female grooves 6b in the form of a hollow extend radially inwards relative to said average circular peripheral contour of the peripheral surface 5.

It follows that by observing the peripheral surface 5 inside a plane parallel to the Oyz plane and by circulating from an angular sector to another successive angular sector around the axis of rotation R, an alternation is observed. of hollows and bumps configurating the male splines 6a and the female splines 6b. In other words, the female splines 6b form a protuberance from the axis of rotation R while the male splines 6a form a hollowed-out cavity towards the axis of rotation R.

The male grooves 6a and the female grooves 6b are elongated along a respective axis parallel to each other and parallel to the axis Ox.

The female splines 6b are located radially outside the male splines 6a with respect to the axis of rotation R. In other words, each female spline 6b is interposed between two male splines 6a and each male spline 6a is interposed between two splines females 6b.

Along the peripheral surface 5, the male grooves 6a and the female grooves 6b all have the same dimension, so that an angular sector formed by two lateral edges of axial extension of a male groove 6a is equal to another angular sector formed by two lateral edges of axial extension of a female groove 6b.

The peripheral surface 5 is provided with a plurality of lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d which are provided to allow passage of the hydraulic fluid through the axial elongation surface 3. The lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are thus formed through the axial elongation surface 3 to allow circulation of the hydraulic fluid from an internal face of the peripheral surface 5 to an external face of said peripheral surface 5. It follows that the openings lubrication 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d allow a centrifugal flow of the hydraulic fluid from the axis of rotation R towards the outside of the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210, in particular when said disc holder 106, 110 , 206, 210 is rotated and / or assembled on a clutch module 1.

The lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation R according to several circular contours 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. In other words, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are distributed along a plurality of circular contours 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d formed on the peripheral surface 5, each circular contour 8 , 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d extending around the axis of rotation R along a circumference of the axial elongation surface 3. As a result, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are all located in a radial plane parallel to the Oyz plane. The circular contours 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are in particular illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 and 10.

The circular contours 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d thus form generatrices along which the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are distributed around the axis of rotation R and on the axial elongation span 3 Along an axial direction, the successive circular contours 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are preferably regularly spaced from one another. According to another embodiment, the spacings between two circular contours 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d successive can be distinct from each other.

According to a first embodiment which will be detailed later, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d do not equip all the splines 6a, 6b. More particularly, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d equip only part of the grooves 6a, 6b of the disc holder 103, 203, 110, 210, these parts of the grooves 6a, 6b on which the openings are located. Lubrication 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are called lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. Thus, each lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d comprises at least one lubrication opening 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d in order to allow fluid communication between an inner face of the lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and an outer face of said lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. In other words, we call lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d each groove 6a, 6b, indifferently comprising a lubrication opening 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d or a plurality of lubrication opening 7, 7a , 7b, 7c, 7d.

According to a second variant embodiment which will be described later, the lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d form all of the grooves 6a, 6b of the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210.

The disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 is advantageously made of metal, such as for example aluminum, steel or any metal alloy.

The disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 is advantageously manufactured by sheet metal shaping methods, such as for example by pressing, by stamping, by pressing, or by molding.

In the following paragraphs, the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention will now be described through several embodiments and with regard only to the distribution and the shapes of the lubrication openings 7 , 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

The structural and / or functional characteristics of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 described above apply to each of the embodiments described below, unless otherwise stipulated.

According to an alternative embodiment of the disc holder according to the first aspect of the invention as illustrated in FIGURES 4 to 6, said disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 comprises at least three circular contours 8a, 8b, 8c , and preferably exactly three contours

-18 circulars 8a, 8b, 8c. Each lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 is equipped with a single first lubrication opening 7a situated on a first circular contour 8a, with at least two second lubrication openings 7b located on a second circular outline 8b, distinct from the first circular outline 8a, and at least two third lubrication openings 7c located on a third circular outline 8c, distinct from the first circular outline 8a and the second circular outline 8b.

The first circular outline 8a, the second circular outline 8b and the third circular outline 8c are successively distributed axially along the lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation R.

The first circular outline 8a is axially located near one end of the axial elongation range 3, said end being located opposite the radial elongation flange 2 along said axial elongation range 3. The third circular outline 8c is located on the side of the radial elongation flange 2, and the second circular outline 8b is located in an axially intermediate position between the first circular outline 8a and the third circular outline 8c.

The lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c are thus distributed circumferentially along the circular contours 8a, 8b, 8c and axially along an axial direction of the lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, 9c. The manner in which the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c are distributed along the circular contours 8a, 8b, 8c and along the lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, 9c form lubrication arrangements.

In addition, an area of the first lubrication opening 7a is greater than an area of the second lubrication openings 7b taken collectively, said area of the second lubrication openings 7b taken collectively being itself greater than an area of the third lubrication openings 7c taken collectively.

It will be noted, more particularly, that the area of the first lubrication opening 7a is greater than the area of any one of the second lubrication openings 7b, the area of each second lubrication opening 7b also being greater than 1 area of each third lubrication opening 7c.

In the example illustrated, each lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, provided with lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c thus comprises six lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c, one of which

- 19 single first lubrication opening 7a located on the first circular outline 8a, including two or three second lubrication openings 7b located on the second circular outline 8b and including two or three third lubrication openings 7c located on the third circular outline 8c. Other distributions and numbers of lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c are also possible.

On a first lubrication groove 9a, the two second lubrication openings 7b located on the second circular outline 8b are interposed axially between the first lubrication opening 7a located on the first circular outline 8a and the three third lubrication openings 7c located on the third circular outline 8c. Other distributions and numbers of lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c are also possible.

On a second lubrication groove 9b, the three second lubrication openings 7b located on the second circular outline 8b are interposed axially between the first lubrication opening 7a located on the first circular outline 8a and the two second lubrication openings 7c located on the third circular outline 8c. Other distributions and numbers of lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c are also possible.

On two successive lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, taken one after the other by angular rotation around the axis of rotation R, the number and distribution of the lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c according to the first contour circular 8a, the second circular outline 8b and the third circular outline 8c are distinct from each other of the successive lubrication grooves 9a, 9b as illustrated in FIGURE 5. In this FIGURE 5, two lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b directly adjacent to each other by angular rotation about the axis of rotation R are respectively of the type of the first lubrication groove 9a for one of them and of the type of the second groove of lubrication 9b for the second of them. More particularly, the two lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b directly adjacent to one another by angular rotation around the axis of rotation R are formed by:

- The first lubrication groove 9a comprising a first lubrication opening 7a located on the first circular outline 8a, then two second lubrication openings 7b located on the second circular outline 8b, then three

-20th lubrication openings 7c located on the third circular outline 8c; and

- The second lubrication groove 9b comprising a first lubrication opening 7a located on the first circular outline 8a, three second lubrication openings 7b located on the second circular outline 8b, two third lubrication openings 7c located on the third circular outline 8c.

The first lubrication opening (s) 7a as well as the third lubrication opening (s) 7c are distributed symmetrically on either side of the second lubrication opening (s) 7b, along the lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b. According to another variant embodiment not shown in FIGURE 5, this distribution can be asymmetrical.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 4 to 6, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c are formed only on the lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b of the male groove type 6a. In the illustrated embodiment, all the male splines 6a of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 are lubrication splines 9, 9a, 9b, 9c as described above.

Optionally, according to another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 7, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c can be formed only on the lubrication splines 9, 9a, 9b of the female spline type 6b of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210.

Optionally, according to another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 8, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c can be formed according to any combination of all the grooves 6, 6a, 6b, male and female of the disc holder 106 , 206, 110, 210.

In the example illustrated in FIGURES 4 to 6, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c have a rectangular shape. According to other alternative embodiments, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c can have a polygonal shape of order η, n being an integer greater than or equal to three, or a circular or elliptical or oblong shape.

Thus, by way of illustrative example of the plurality of shapes that the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c can take, FIGURE 9 illustrates the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c which all have a polygonal shape. of order 3, that is to say triangular. In the example illustrated in FIGURE 9, the distribution of the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c along the circular contours 8a, 8b, 8c has been simplified for clarity, but this particular form of lubrication opening 7, 7a, 7b, 7c is of course compatible with any of the variant embodiments described above or below.

FIGURE 10 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The illustrated disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 thus comprises four circular contours 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and along which the lubrication openings 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are distributed in accordance with the invention.

The first circular outline 8a, the second circular outline 8b, the third circular outline 8c and the fourth circular outline 8d are successively distributed axially along the lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation R.

The first circular outline 8a is axially located near one end of the axial elongation range 3, said end being located opposite the radial elongation flange 2 along said axial elongation range 3. The fourth circular contour 8d is located on the side of the radial elongation flange 2, and the second 8b and third 8c circular contours are located in an axially intermediate position between the first circular contour 8a and the fourth circular contour 8d.

In the example illustrated in FIGURE 10, the distribution of the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d along the circular contours 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d has been simplified for clarity, but the number and the distribution of the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d along each circular contour 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d is of course compatible with any of the variant embodiments described above or below.

FIGURES 11 and 12 illustrate two other alternative embodiments of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 compatible with any of the alternative embodiments described above. Furthermore, the variant embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 11 is also compatible with the variant embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 12.

In each of the variant embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d have a lubrication axis A1, A2 inclined with respect to a straight line D perpendicular to the peripheral surface 5, the peripheral surface 5 being considered at the level of said corresponding lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, an angle of inclination α, β between said perpendicular line D and said lubrication axis A1, A2 being non-zero. In other words, the lubrication axis A1, A2 of the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d is no longer perpendicular to the peripheral surface 5 taken at the level of said lubrication opening 7, 7a , 7b, 7c, 7d but it has a non-zero angle of inclination α, β relative to the straight line D, in at least one of the two planes illustrated respectively in FIGURES 11 and 12.

In FIGURE 11, the tilt axis A1 is tilted in the axial plane Oxz in order to form a first tilt angle a which is not zero relative to the line D. In other words, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are axially inclined towards the front AV or towards the rear AR of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210. More particularly in FIGURE 11, the lubrication axis A1 is inclined in a axial plane orthogonal to the flange 2 of the disc carrier 106, 110, 206, 210 along the first inclination angle a, taken between the perpendicular line D and said lubrication axis A1. In this alternative embodiment, a second inclination angle β can take any value. In particular, when a value of the first angle of inclination with respect to the line D is not zero, a value of the second angle of inclination β with respect to said line D can be zero or non-zero.

In FIGURE 12, the tilt axis A2 is inclined in the radial plane Oyz in order to form a second tilt angle β which is not zero with respect to the line D. In other words, the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are radially inclined relative to a diameter of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 passing through a center of said lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. More particularly in FIGURE 12, the lubrication axis A2 is inclined in a radial plane parallel to the flange 2 of the disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210 according to the second angle of inclination β, taken between the perpendicular line D and said lubrication axis A2. In this alternative embodiment, the first angle of inclination a can take any value. In particular, when a value of the second angle

-23 of inclination β with respect to the line D is not zero, a value of the first angle of inclination a with respect to said line D can be zero or non-zero.

In each of the variant embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are inclined simultaneously according to the two angles of inclination a and β, the value of the first angle of inclination a can be indifferently equal or different from the value of the second angle of inclination.

By way of nonlimiting example, the first inclination angle a and / or the second inclination angle β is less than or equal to 60 °, for example between 1 ° and 45 °.

These different embodiments can be taken alone or in combination with each other in order to provide at least one disc holder 106, 110, 206, 210, either first disc holder 106, 110 or second disc holder 206, 210 either input disk carriers 106, 206 or output disk carriers 110, 210, which is arranged to guarantee a homogeneous distribution of the hydraulic fluid inside a wet clutch module 1 in accordance with the second aspect of the 'invention..

In summary, the invention relates in particular to a disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 comprising a plurality of lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation R of said disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 and axially along a plurality of lubrication grooves 9, 9a, 9b, 9c according to a predefined lubrication arrangement making it possible to improve the fluid circulation of a hydraulic fluid around said disc holder 106 , 206, 110, 210. In particular, an area of the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of the disc holder 106, 206, 110, 210 have a variation in the axial direction, of a circular contour 8a , 8b, 8c, 8d to another directly adjacent, so that, for each lubrication groove 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, one of the lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d has an area greater than those of the other lubrication openings 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of said groove lubrication 9, 9a, 9b, 9c.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

-24autres. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.

Claims (15)

1. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) for a wet clutch mechanism (10), said disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) comprising: - a radial elongation flange (2) relative to an axis of rotation (R) of the disc carrier (106, 110, 206,210); - an axial elongation surface (3) located at a radial end (4) of the flange, said elongation surface (2) having a peripheral surface (5) grooved relative to the axis of rotation (R), said fluted peripheral surface (5) comprising, alternately, male axial extension grooves (6a) and female axial extension grooves (6b) located radially outside said male grooves (6a) relative to the axis of rotation (R); - a plurality of lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) distributed along the grooved peripheral surface (5), said lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) being distributed circumferentially around of the axis of rotation (R) according to several circular contours (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), said circular contours (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) being distributed axially over the axial elongation span ( 3); the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) are formed on at least part of the grooves (6a, 6b), called lubrication grooves (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), each lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b) comprising at least one lubrication opening (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), characterized in that, for each lubrication groove (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), an area of a first lubrication opening (7a) located on a first circular contour (8a) is greater than an area of a second group of at least one lubrication opening (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) located on a second circular contour (8b), said first and second circular contours (8a, 8b) being axially distributed along said lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d). 2. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, in which, for each lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), the second group comprises at least two, and preferably three , lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) located along the same second circular outline (8b). 3. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, in which each lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) comprises a third group of lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) located on a third circular contour (8c), said third group comprising at least two lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), said first, second and third circular contours (8, 8a , 8b, 8c, 8d) being axially distributed along said lubrication groove (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d). 4. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, in which the disc holder (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) comprises a first series of lubrication grooves (9, 9a, 9b , 9c, 9d) in which the second group is located in an axially intermediate position between the first lubrication opening (7a) and the third group, and / or said disc holder (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) comprises a second series of lubrication grooves (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) in which the third group is located in an axially intermediate position between the first lubrication opening (7a) and the second group. 5. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, in which, for each pair of lubrication grooves (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) directly successive of one another, a first lubrication groove (9a) is in the first series, and a second lubrication groove (9b) is in the second series. 6. Disc holders (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lubrication openings of the same group among the first, second and / or third group all have the same area. 7. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, in which the area of the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the third group is equal to the area of the openings. lubrication (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the second group. 8. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the third group are distributed axially around the third circular outline (8c). 9. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, in which the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the third group are distributed symmetrically on either side of the third. circular outline (8c). 10. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in a direction along the third circular contour (8c), the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the third group are distant from each other. 11. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) are formed mainly on the lubrication grooves (9 , 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) of the male type (6a). 12. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) have a polygonal shape of order η, n being an integer greater than or equal to three, or an oblong shape. 13. Disc holder (106, 110, 206, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) are distributed axially and circumferentially according to four distinct circular contours. (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) on the lubrication splines (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d). 14. Wet clutch mechanism (10) comprising: - At least one clutch (100, 200) intended to allow to selectively establish a mechanical coupling between a drive shaft and a gearbox shaft, said at least one clutch (100, 200) comprising first friction discs coupled to the motor shaft and second friction discs coupled to the gearbox shaft; - A first disc holder (106, 110) collaborating with the first friction discs of the at least one clutch (100); - a second disc holder (206, 210) collaborating with the second friction discs of the at least one clutch (200); characterized in that at least one of the disc holders is according to any one of the preceding claims. 15. Wet clutch mechanism (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a first distribution of the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) on the grooved peripheral surface (5) of the first disc holder (106, 110) is identical to a first distribution of the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) on the 5 fluted peripheral surface (5) of the second disc holder (206, 210); and or a second distribution of the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) on the grooved peripheral surface (5) of the first disc holder (106, 110) is different from a second distribution of the lubrication openings (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) on the grooved peripheral surface (5) of the second disc holder (206, 210).