FR3093777A1 - Clutch module allowing the axial locking of a force transmission member relative to a disc carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

Clutch module allowing the axial locking of a force transmission member relative to a disc carrier A force transmission member (300) of a clutch module extends around an axis of rotation and comprises: a sidewall (301) of radial extension relative to the axis of rotation, a plurality of fingers (302, 302 ') formed respectively projecting from the sidewall (301) and comprising at least one portion of axial extension ( 3022), at least one of the plurality of fingers (302, 302 ') forming a retaining finger (302') comprising a tooth (3023) projecting tangentially from the axially extending portion (3022) of the retaining finger (302 '), the transmission member being characterized in that the portion of axial extension (3022) of the retaining finger (302') comprises a recess (306) tangentially opposite to the tooth (3023). Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Clutch module allowing the axial blocking of a force transmission member relative to a disc carrier

The field of the present invention is that of clutch modules, in particular for motor vehicles. The present invention relates to a clutch module comprising at least one force transmission member and a disc carrier.

In the state of the art, clutch modules comprising a clutch mechanism and an actuation system are known, the clutch mechanism comprising an input disc carrier and at least one clutch. The input disc carrier is rotationally coupled to a first shaft, called the motor shaft, to provide motor torque to the clutch.

The clutch is configured to selectively mechanically couple or decouple the motor shaft to a second shaft, called the driveshaft. The actuation system makes it possible to control the clutch mechanism to position it in one or other of these positions. To this end, the actuation system is arranged to generate an axial force making it possible to position the clutch in an engaged configuration or in a disengaged configuration. This axial force is transmitted to the clutch via a force transmission device. This force transmission member moves first friction elements of the clutch relative to second friction elements, in order to configure the clutch in one or the other of the engaged configuration or the disengaged configuration.

In known manner, the first friction elements of the clutch are rotationally coupled to the input disc carrier in order to transmit a torque from the drive shaft to these first friction elements. The second friction elements of the clutch are coupled in rotation to the transmission shaft via an output disc carrier, this output disc carrier being rotationally cut to the transmission shaft. Thus, when the first friction elements of the clutch are brought into contact with its second friction elements, the transmission shaft is coupled in rotation to the motor shaft under the effect of the force generated by the system of actuation.

Document EP2469114 discloses a device for stopping the force transmission member on the disc carrier in translation. This stop device is made up of a snap-fastening means arranged in an opening of the disc carrier and in which a finger of the force transmission member is housed. This device is to the dimensions of the opening of the disc holder and it is configured to receive, with an interference fit, the finger of the force transmission member.

This translation stop device allows the force transmission member to be held on the disc carrier, while allowing a translational movement of this force transmission member relative to the disc carrier.

However, the stopping device must adapt to the dimensions of the opening of the disc holder as well as to those of the finger of the force transmission member. Thus, the manufacturing tolerances of the stop device are limited. It is advisable to design a device for axial locking of the force transmission member with respect to the disc carrier which simplifies the chain of ribs of the clutch module, thus facilitating the manufacture of this locking device as well as its implementation. on the clutch module.

• un flanc d’extension radiale par rapport à l’axe de rotation ;
• une pluralité de doigts formés respectivement en saillie du flanc et comprenant au moins une portion d’extension axiale s’étendant selon l’axe de rotation,
• au moins un doigt de la pluralité de doigts formant un doigt de retenue comprenant une dent s’étendant tangentiellement en saillie de la portion d’extension axiale du doigt de retenue.

The subject of the invention is thus a force transmission member of a clutch module, the force transmission member extending around an axis of rotation and comprising:

• a flank extending radially relative to the axis of rotation;
• a plurality of fingers formed respectively projecting from the flank and comprising at least one portion of axial extension extending along the axis of rotation,
• at least one finger of the plurality of fingers forming a retaining finger comprising a tangentially extending tooth protruding from the axial extension portion of the retaining finger.

According to the invention, the axial extension portion of the retaining finger comprises a clearance tangentially opposite the tooth.

According to a feature of the invention, the clearance of the retaining finger is formed by removing material.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the clearance of the retaining finger is delimited axially by a first wall and configured so as to form an axial abutment face which is offset axially with respect to the free end of this retaining finger.

It is understood from the above that the axial extension portion of the retaining finger comprises two lateral edges in tangential opposition, with the tooth which extends projecting from a first lateral edge and the recess which is formed on the side of the second side edge so as to form slots on each side edge.

Advantageously, several fingers of the plurality of fingers form retaining fingers comprising an axial extension portion provided with a tooth and with a clearance tangentially opposite the tooth.

The tooth and the clearance are arranged so as to form crenellations on each of the side edges of the retaining finger, so as to form a hook allowing the insertion of the force transmission member into a disc holder of the module. clutch and also allowing the blocking of this member in the disc carrier after rotation of the force transmission member, in a bayonet-type assembly.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the tooth and the clearance are positioned on the retaining finger and are dimensioned in such a way as to extend into a specific opening of a disc carrier of the clutch module.

The disc carrier includes a plurality of apertures, configured to cooperate with the plurality of fingers of the force transmission member. The fingers of the force transmission member are respectively housed in one of the openings so as to pass through the disc carrier and bear against at least one disc of the clutch module.

The retaining finger, including the tooth and the clearance, is housed in a specific disc holder opening in that it has a smaller tangential dimension than other neighboring openings formed in the disc holder.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the tooth of the retaining finger comprises a bearing face which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation, facing the side of the force transmission member, said bearing face support being configured to be supported against an internal face of a disc carrier of the clutch module.

According to features of the invention, the first wall participating in axially delimiting the clearance and the bearing surface of the tooth extend parallel to each other. The retaining finger is configured so as to present an axial offset between the two surfaces respectively defining the first wall and the bearing face of the tooth, the first wall being arranged closer to the side of the force transmission member. In other words, the bearing surface of the tooth is offset axially with respect to the first wall delimiting the clearance. The axial offset between the bearing face and the first wall may in particular have an axial dimension equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the disc carrier. In this way, it can be ensured that during an assembly step, the first wall of the recess bears against the outer face of the disc carrier and that during another assembly step, the bearing face of the tooth is facing the internal face of this disc carrier.

When the force transmission member and the disc carrier are in an assembled position, this bearing face is opposite the internal face of the disc carrier. During operation of the clutch module, this support face of the force transmission member is capable of being in contact with the internal face of the disc carrier in a sequenced manner, so as to form an axial stop for movement of the force transmission member.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the clearance is delimited by two walls, among which a first wall is configured to be brought into abutment against an external face of the disc carrier of the clutch module during an intermediate step of the method assembly of the assembly and a second wall participates in defining the width of the retaining finger at the level of the tooth.

In other words, the clearance is delimited by the two walls, extending substantially perpendicular to each other. The first wall extends tangentially to the side of the force transmission member and axially delimits the clearance, and the second wall extends axially, that is to say parallel to the axis of rotation of the member. of force transmission, and delimits the clearance tangentially.

The first wall extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation, facing away from the flank, so as to be able to be brought into abutment against the outer face of the disc holder. More particularly, this first wall is capable of being brought into abutment against the outer face of the disc holder during assembly of the force transmission member with the disc holder, when the tooth is inserted into the opening corresponding.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the slots formed on each of the side edges of the retaining finger are dimensioned so that the tangential dimension of the axial extension portion, in a first section carrying neither the tooth nor the clearance, is substantially equal to the tangential dimension of the retaining finger in a second section carrying both the tooth and the clearance, that is to say the dimension between the second wall tangentially delimiting the clearance, and the wall delimiting the end free tangential of the tooth.

• un flasque d’extension radiale par rapport à l’axe de rotation du porte-disques ;
• une pluralité d’ouvertures ménagées sur tout ou partie de la circonférence du flasque ;
• une première ouverture étant au moins en partie délimitée par un premier secteur angulaire du porte-disques et une deuxième ouverture étant au moins en partie délimitée par un deuxième secteur angulaire distinct du premier secteur angulaire.

The invention also relates to a disc carrier of a clutch module, the disc carrier extending around an axis of rotation and comprising:

• a flange extending radially relative to the axis of rotation of the disc carrier;
• a plurality of openings made over all or part of the circumference of the flange;
• a first opening being at least partly delimited by a first angular sector of the disc carrier and a second opening being at least partly delimited by a second angular sector distinct from the first angular sector.

According to the invention, the opening angle of the first angular sector is less than the opening angle of the second angular sector.

The disc carrier of the clutch module is configured to carry a plurality of discs as well as at least one force transmission member as described above.

The disc carrier includes a plurality of apertures, configured to cooperate with a plurality of fingers emerging from the force transmission member.

The openings of the disk carrier, provided on its circumference, are of two types. The openings of the first type of openings, or first openings, are inscribed in a first angular sector as previously defined and the openings of the second type of openings, or second openings, are inscribed in a second angular sector as previously defined.

The first angular sector as well as the second angular sector are delimited by two half-lines emerging from the axis of rotation of the disc carrier. Each of these angular sectors is characterized by an opening angle defining the spacing between the two half-lines and therefore the size of the opening made in the angular sector concerned.

The spacing between the two half-lines of the first angular sector is less than the spacing between the two half-lines of the second angular sector. In other words, the first opening partly delimited by the first angular sector has a tangential dimension smaller than the corresponding tangential dimension of the second opening partly delimited by the second angular sector.

The tangential dimension is understood to be the extent of the opening from edge to edge along the periphery of the disc carrier.

According to another characteristic of the invention, a plurality of first openings are distributed over the circumference of the disk carrier and are arranged substantially at 90° or 120° from each other, around the axis of rotation of the disk carrier. .

An internal face of the disc carrier can be identified as the face facing the discs, said internal face being configured to cooperate with a tooth of a force transmission member of the clutch module when this force transmission member is assembled on the disc rack.

In contrast, the disk carrier has an outer face facing away from the disks and configured to cooperate, during a step in the assembly of the force transmission member on the disk carrier, with a wall axially delimiting a release of a finger from the force transmission member.

Another subject of the invention is a clutch module comprising a plurality of discs, at least one disc carrier as described above carrying the plurality of discs, at least one force transmission member as described above, with the fingers of the force transmission member which respectively extend into an opening of the disc carrier so as to be able to exert a force on at least one disc of the plurality of discs.

According to the invention, at least one retaining finger is housed in a first opening of the disc carrier, that is to say a specific opening in that it has a smaller tangential dimension than other neighboring openings formed in the disc holder.

The first opening of the disc holder and the retaining finger of the force transmission member are configured to allow the translation of the force transmission member relative to the disc holder, while constituting end stop means stroke to hold the fingers of the force transmission member in position in the openings of the disc carrier. This avoids any separation of the force transmission member from the clutch module, which makes it possible, in addition to the reliable operation of the clutch module, to deliver a unitary sub-assembly as original equipment or aftermarket.

It is noteworthy that this dual function is obtained without an added part to be fixed in one of the openings or on one of the fingers.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the tangential dimension of the axial extension portion, in a first section carrying neither the tooth nor the clearance, is substantially equal to the tangential dimension of the first opening of the disc carrier. In this way, when the retaining finger is housed in the opening, the first section cooperating with the opening, the tooth extends facing a surface of the internal face of the disc holder arranged between the first opening and a second neighboring opening.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the tangential dimension between the wall tangentially delimiting the clearance, i.e. the second wall of the clearance, and the wall delimiting the tangential end of the tooth, i.e. i.e. the free end face, is equal to the tangential dimension of the first opening of the disc carrier.

• en position d’assemblage, aligner les doigts de l’organe de transmission de force face aux ouvertures correspondantes du porte-disques ;
• déplacer linéairement, le long de l’axe de rotation, l’organe de transmission de force dans le porte-disques de manière à mettre en appui l’organe de transmission de force contre la face externe du flasque du porte-disques, au niveau de la paroi délimitant axialement le dégagement du doigt de retenue ;
• pivoter l’organe de transmission de force par rapport au porte-disques autour de l’axe de rotation, dans un sens d’extension de la dent du doigt de retenue de l’organe de transmission de force, de manière à glisser ladite dent en regard du flasque du porte-disques.

The invention also relates to a method for mounting the clutch module as described above, between an assembly position and an assembled position and comprising the following steps:

• in the assembly position, align the fingers of the force transmission member facing the corresponding openings of the disc carrier;
• move linearly, along the axis of rotation, the force transmission member in the disc carrier so as to press the force transmission member against the outer face of the flange of the disc carrier, at the level of the wall axially delimiting the clearance of the retaining finger;
• pivoting the force transmission member relative to the disc carrier around the axis of rotation, in a direction of extension of the tooth of the retaining finger of the force transmission member, so as to slide said tooth next to the disc holder flange.

The disc carrier includes a cylindrical bearing extending from the outer periphery of the flange. The cylindrical bearing surface includes grooves which cooperate with grooves formed on the discs.

The clutch module may be a wet clutch mechanism.

The clutch module can be a double wet clutch mechanism, of radial or axial architecture.

According to another aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a disc carrier comprising a flange extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the disc carrier and a plurality of openings made over all or part of the circumference of the flange, this disc carrier being configured so that at least one opening differs from the shape of the other openings by having an "L" shape, with two communicating portions of different tangential dimension for one and the other.

The L-shaped apertures may have a larger radial dimension than most other apertures, so as to extend substantially to the periphery of the disc carrier.

Each L-shaped opening may be formed of two communicating portions arranged radially one above the other, the outer portion closest to the periphery of the disc carrier having a greater tangential dimension than the inner portion.

At least one opening directly adjacent to the L-shaped opening may have an increased radial dimension relative to that of the rest of the openings.

The disc carrier may comprise two L-shaped openings arranged facing each other, on either side of a plane of symmetry passing through the axis of rotation.

According to this other aspect of the invention, it is then possible to provide a clutch module comprising a plurality of discs, at least one disc carrier as described accordingly and a force transmission body carrying a plurality of fingers among which at at least one finger has a tooth forming a hook to cooperate with an internal face of the disc holder in the vicinity of the opening having an L shape.

The tooth may comprise a bearing wall, facing the radial extension side of the force transmission member which, once the force transmission member is assembled on the disc carrier, forms abutment against the internal face of the disc carrier to participate in defining a tilting axis.

Preferably, the force transmission member may comprise two fingers each comprising a tooth forming a hook arranged opposite one another, on either side of a plane of symmetry passing through the axis of rotation .

Two fingers may respectively comprise a tooth extending tangentially projecting from this finger so that the teeth are positioned opposite one another.

According to this other aspect of the invention, it is then possible to provide a method of mounting the clutch module during which the introduction of the toothed fingers of the force transmission member into the corresponding openings of the disc carrier is carried out by an initial displacement of the transmission member with respect to the disc carriers according to a translation of an axis inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the clutch module and then by a tilting of the force transmission member.

The tilting of the force transmission member can thus take place around an axis defined by at least one point of contact between the tooth of a finger of the force transmission member and the internal face of the disc carrier. in the vicinity of the L-shaped opening. The tilting axis is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the clutch module.

The initial displacement of the force transmission member may be such that the plane defined by the side of the transmission member is inclined relative to the plane defined by the flange of the disc carrier, by an angle α of a value substantially equal to 15°.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent through the description which follows on the one hand, and from several embodiments given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings on the other hand, on which :

the illustrates a partial section, in perspective, of a clutch module according to the invention, showing in particular a force transmission member and a disc carrier;

the illustrates a front view representation of the clutch module of Figure 1;

the schematically represents a front view of the disc carrier fitted to the clutch module of FIG. 1;

the illustrates a representation in perspective of the force transmission member of the clutch module of FIG. 1, making visible a plurality of fingers;

the illustrates an enlargement of Figure 4, making it easier to see one of the fingers forming the retaining finger of the force transmission member;

the illustrates a representation of a first step of a method of mounting the force transmission member on the disc carrier, to form the clutch module of Figure 1;

the schematically illustrates a detail of Figure 6, in which the retaining finger visible in Figure 5 and the disc carrier and an opening configured to cooperate with the retaining finger are made more particularly visible;

the illustrates a representation of a second step of the method for mounting the force transmission member on the disc carrier;

the schematically illustrates a detail of Figure 8, in which the retaining finger and the disc carrier and an opening configured to cooperate with the retaining finger are more particularly made visible;

the illustrates a representation of a third step of the method of mounting the force transmission member on the disc carrier;

the schematically illustrates a detail of Figure 10, in which the retaining finger and the disc holder and an opening configured to cooperate with the retaining finger are made more particularly visible;

the illustrates a representation of the force transmission member on the disc carrier, in the assembled position;

the schematically illustrates a detail of Figure 12, in which the retaining finger and the disc holder and an opening configured to cooperate with the retaining finger are more particularly made visible;

the illustrates a front view representation of a clutch module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

the illustrates a schematic front view representation of a disc carrier of the clutch module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

the illustrates a representation in perspective of a force transmission member of the clutch module according to the second embodiment of the invention;

the illustrates an enlargement of FIG. 15, making a finger of the force transmission member more visible;

the illustrates a representation in perspective of the force transmission member mounted on the disc carrier according to the second embodiment of the invention;

the illustrates a representation of the first step of mounting the force transmission member on the disc carrier, according to the second embodiment of the invention;

the illustrates a representation of the force transmission member on the disc carrier in the assembled position.

The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other, in various combinations, insofar as they are not mutually exclusive or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined 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 to the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this composition from a technical point of view.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

FIG. 1 represents a clutch module 100 seen in section making it possible to make visible the internal arrangement of the clutch module 100. This clutch module 100 is rotatable around an axis of rotation 110.

As shown in Figure 1, the clutch module 100 is for example a dual clutch mechanism comprising a first disc carrier 201 and a second disc carrier 202. The first disc carrier 201 and the second disc carrier 202 each carry a set of discs 120. These friction discs 120 are arranged coaxially to the first disc carrier 201 and to the second disc carrier 202. The discs 120 comprise on their outer peripheries grooves which cooperate with grooves formed on a surface cylinder of the disc carrier.

The clutch module 100 comprises a first force transmission member 303 as well as a second force transmission member 304. The first force transmission member 303 is associated with the first disc carrier 201 and the second force 304 is associated with the second disc carrier 202.

The first disc carrier 201 and/or the second disc carrier 202 comprise a flange 203 of radial extension with respect to the axis of rotation 110 of the clutch module 100. An outer face 2030 of the disc carrier can be distinguished as the face of the flange facing away from the discs and opposite which the force transmission member is positioned. The disc carrier thus has an internal face 2031 facing the discs and the interior of the clutch module 100. The flange 203 comprises a plurality of openings 204 made over at least part of their circumference, in particular its outer circumference.

The first force transmission member 303 and the second force transmission member 304 make it possible to exert pressure on the discs 120 respectively of the first disc carrier 201 and of the second disc carrier 202. This first force transmission member 303 and this second force transmission member 304 each comprises a flank 301 extending radially relative to the axis of rotation 110 of the clutch module 100. Each flank 301 carries a plurality of fingers 302 which extend mainly axially, along the axis of rotation 110 of the clutch module 100. This plurality of fingers 302 extends over all or part of the outer circumference of each flank 301.

The first force transmission member 303 and the second force transmission member 304 are coaxial with the first disc carrier 201 and the second disc carrier 202. At least one finger 302 of the first force transmission member 303 and of the second member force transmission 304 cooperates with at least one opening 204 formed in the flange 203 of the first disc carrier 201 and in the flange 203 of the second disc carrier 202. In other words, at least one finger of the member of force transmission extends through an opening in the disc carrier.

As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of fingers 302 of the first force transmission member 303 and of the second force transmission member 304 cooperates with a plurality of openings 204 of the flanges 203 of the first disc carrier 201 and of the second disk carrier 202. In other words, at least one finger of the force transmission member extends through an opening made in the disk carrier.

The invention applies to a double-clutch mechanism as shown in this figure 1 or to a single-clutch mechanism. Thus, in the remainder of the description, it will be understood that the disc carrier 200 relates to any one of the first disc carrier 201 or of the second disc carrier 202. The same applies to the transmission member of force 300 which relates respectively to the first force transmission member 303 or to the second force transmission member 304, in the case of a double clutch mechanism.

FIG. 2 more particularly illustrates a characteristic of the invention according to which one or more of the plurality of fingers have a specific shape, in particular with the combination of a tooth and an undercut as will be described below in greater detail. details, these specific fingers forming retaining fingers intended to cooperate with first openings 2041 formed in the disc carrier, specific in that they extend over a different angular portion from the neighboring openings 2042.

The aim is in particular to form in this way a device for axial locking of the force transmission member 300 with respect to the disc carrier 200. Such locking takes place along the axis of rotation 110 of the clutch module 100, to prevent the force transmission member 300 from coming out of the disc holder 200. Taken in another frame of reference, the axial locking device blocks a translation in a direction opposite to the direction used by the force transmission member 300 to press disc assembly 120.

These characteristics of the clutch module, according to a first embodiment of the invention, will be more particularly described with reference to Figures 3 to 13.

Figure 3 schematically shows a disc carrier 200, front view. The disc holder 200 extends around the axis of rotation 110 and comprises a flange 203. This flange 203 is of radial extension with respect to the axis of rotation 110 of the disc holder 200. A cylindrical seat arranged to to receive the discs 120 is formed on the outer periphery of the flange 203. The cylindrical bearing surface extends axially along the axis of rotation 110. FIG. the opposite of 120 discs.

The disc carrier 200 includes a plurality of openings 204 formed in the flange 203, on its circumference. Two types of openings 204 are made visible. The opening of the first type 2041 is delimited, at least in part, by a first angular sector 2050. The opening of the second type 2042 is delimited, at least in part, by a second angular sector 2051 distinct from the first angular sector 2050.

The first angular sector 2050 is characterized by a first angle 2052. The second angular sector 2051 is characterized by a second angle 2053. The first angle 2052 is less than the second angle 2053.

In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the disc carrier 200 comprises three openings of the first type 2041, otherwise called first opening, distributed angularly at 120° around the axis 110.

The first angular sector 2050 and the second angular sector 2051 are delimited by two half-lines emerging from the axis of rotation 110 of the disk carrier 200 and extending over the flange 203 of said disk carrier 200. The first opening 2041 and the second opening 2042 are inscribed respectively in the first angular sector 2050 and in the second angular sector 2051. Also, each of the first opening 2041 and the second opening 2042 are in contact with the half-lines delimiting the corresponding angular sector.

Thus, the first opening 2041 has a width less than that of the second opening 2042. The width being measured between the two half-lines of each angular sector.

FIG. 4 represents a force transmission member 300 according to the first embodiment of the invention. This force transmission member 300 of the clutch module has an annular shape, with an outer circumference 3001 and an inner circumference 3002. As shown, this force transmission member 300 comprises, on its outer circumference 3001 fingers 302. Each finger 302 comprises two portions: a first portion 3021, or radial extension portion, extending in the radial extension of the side of the force transmission member 300 and a second portion 3022, or axial extension portion, extending axially, substantially perpendicular to the first portion 3021.

At least one finger 302 of the force transmission member 300 is specific and forms a retaining finger 302'. This retaining finger 302' includes a tooth 3023 formed by a lateral, or tangential, projection of the second portion 3022 of the retaining finger. More particularly, tooth 3023 forms a tangential extension of the free end of this second portion 3022.

Advantageously, three fingers each form a retaining finger 302' which includes a tooth 3023, these three retaining fingers 302' being equidistant from each other. In the case where several retaining fingers 302′ are arranged on the force transmission member 300, it should be noted that the teeth of these retaining fingers are each arranged on the same side of the corresponding retaining finger, so as to be each on a leading edge if a given direction of rotation is considered, here anti-clockwise in the case illustrated. As will be described below, this allows each of the retaining fingers to have the same cooperating effect with its corresponding opening when bayoneted.

The force transmission member 300 also includes actuating lugs 305 arranged on its inner circumference 3002. These actuating lugs 305 extend axially and are intended to cooperate with an elastic return member of the clutch module.

Figure 5 is an enlargement of Figure 4, making it easier to see a retaining finger 302' comprising a tooth 3023.

The retaining finger 302', comprising a tooth 3023 extending tangentially projecting from the second portion 3022, or axial extension portion, comprises a clearance 306 tangentially opposite the tooth 3023. This clearance 306 and this tooth 3023 are positioned such that the retaining finger 302' can extend into the first opening of the disc carrier.

As illustrated, the retaining finger has two lateral edges 3025, 3026, able to delimit the axial extension portion 3022 tangentially. 3026 generates a slotted shape on the axial extension portion of the retaining finger.

A first section 30221 of the axial extension portion 3022 carrying neither the tooth nor the clearance can be distinguished from a second section 30222 of the axial extension portion which on the contrary carries the tooth and the clearance. The first section 30221 is thus arranged directly in the extension of the radial extension portion 3021 of the retaining finger 302'.

The slots formed on each of the side edges of the retaining finger are dimensioned so that the tangential dimension of the axial extension portion 3022 in the first section is substantially equal to the tangential dimension of the retaining finger in the second section 30222, this last dimension corresponding to the dimension between the second wall tangentially delimiting the clearance and a free end face 3029 of the tooth tangentially delimiting this tooth. This characteristic makes it possible to cause the second section and then the first section to cooperate successively, as the assembly process which will be described below, with a first opening of the disc carrier.

As illustrated, the tooth 3023 has said free end face 3029 and a bearing face 3028 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 110. This bearing face 3028 is configured to form an axial abutment of the tooth of retained against an internal face of the disc carrier of the clutch module when the module is assembled.

The clearance 306 of the retaining finger is here formed by a removal of material, carried out by a material cutting operation without this operating mode being limiting of the invention. The removal of material forming the release of material could for example be obtained during the original manufacturing operation, for example by die-cutting. Alternatively, the removal of material forming the release of material could for example be obtained by an additive manufacturing operation, or 3D printing. The disc carrier 200 is for example made by stamping a sheet of steel.

The undercut 306 is configured so as to form an axial abutment face which is offset axially with respect to the free end 3020 of this retaining finger 302', axially delimiting the retaining finger. More particularly, clearance 306 is delimited axially by a first wall 3061, configured to be brought into abutment against an outer face of the disc carrier of the clutch module during an intermediate step of the method of mounting the clutch module, as will be described below. The clearance 306 is also delimited, tangentially this time, by a second wall 3062. This second wall 3062 makes it possible to dimension the retaining finger 302' tangentially at the level of its free end part and of the tooth 3023 so as to allow the positioning of the retaining finger 302' comprising the tooth 3023 in the corresponding first opening in a first step of the assembly method.

As illustrated, the first wall 3061 participating in axially delimiting the undercut 306 and the bearing face 3028 of the tooth extend parallel to each other. The bearing surface 3028 of the tooth is offset axially with respect to the first wall 3061 delimiting the clearance. The axial offset between the support face and the first wall is here equivalent to the thickness of the disc carrier.

Figures 6 to 13 more particularly show the method of mounting the force transmission member 300 on the disc carrier 200 of the clutch module 100.

In a first step, corresponding to Figures 6 and 7, the force transmission member is placed in a pre-assembly position. The fingers 302 of the force transmission member 300 are aligned facing the corresponding openings 2041, 2042 of the disc carrier 200.

As can be seen in the figures, the force transmission member and the disc carrier are configured so that each retaining finger is aligned facing an opening of the first type 2041. At the same time, the fingers not presenting of teeth are respectively arranged facing an opening of the second type 2042.

It should be noted that the difference in tangential dimension between the retaining fingers and the fingers not carrying teeth makes it possible to ensure foolproofing during the first stages of assembly, a finger not carrying teeth being unable to penetrate into an opening of the first type.

It should also be noted that the openings of the second type 2042 have a tangential dimension greater than the corresponding tangential dimension of the fingers not having teeth. In this way, once inserted into the opening of the second type associated with it, the finger having no tooth does not oppose the rotation of the force transmission member around the axis of rotation.

FIGS. 8 and 9 represent a second step of the method, during which the force transmission member is moved linearly, along the axis of rotation 110, in the direction of the disc carrier 200 until the force transmission member 300 against the outer face of the disc carrier 200. It is visible in these figures that, during this second step, the fingers not having any teeth penetrate freely into the opening of the corresponding second type 2042 while the first wall 3061 axially delimiting the clearance of the retaining finger comes into abutment against the outer face 2030 of the disc carrier 200.

In the position obtained here, due to the axial offset between the first wall 3061 axially delimiting the clearance 306 of the retaining finger and the bearing face 3028 of the tooth 3023, the tooth 3023 is entirely arranged on the internal side of the disc carrier , with the support face 3028 which faces the internal face of the disc carrier.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a third step during which the force transmission member 300 is pivoted relative to the disc carrier 200 around the axis of rotation 110, so as to disengage the contact between the outer face 2030 of the disc carrier and the first wall 3061 of the release of the retaining finger. The operator thus slides the force transmission member along the disc carrier, in rotation, to a final position. In this final position, the first lateral edge 3025, from which the tooth protrudes, comes into contact with an edge delimiting the corresponding opening, and the outer face of the disc carrier no longer obstructs the advance of the first wall 3061 axially delimiting the clearance. As illustrated in these figures, the pivoting in this third step takes place in a direction of extension of the tooth of the retaining finger 302′ of the force transmission member 300, or in other words in a direction going from clearance 306 to tooth 3023, here counterclockwise.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the assembled position of the force transmission member 300 on the disc carrier 200. In this position, the force transmission member 300 is movable in axial translation, that is to say along the axis of rotation, relative to the disc carrier 200. The member is thus movable between a first extreme position in which the free end of the retaining finger 302' is in contact with the discs of the clutch module and a second extreme position in which the bearing face of the tooth 3023 of this retaining finger 302' is in contact with the internal face of the disc carrier.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 more particularly illustrates a characteristic of this second embodiment of the invention according to which one or more fingers among the plurality of fingers have a specific shape, in particular with a tooth as will be described below in more detail, these specific fingers being intended to cooperate with openings made in the disc carrier, specific in that they have a different shape and in that they extend closer to the periphery of the disc carrier than the other openings.

FIG. 15 more particularly illustrates a disk carrier 200 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

The disc carrier 200 extends around the axis of rotation 110 and includes a flange 203. This flange 203 extends radially relative to the axis of rotation 110 of the disc carrier 200. The flange 203 also comprises a cylindrical bearing extending from its outer periphery and the cylindrical bearing includes splines which cooperate with splines formed on the discs 120.

The disc carrier 200 includes a plurality of openings 204 formed in the flange 203, on its circumference. Three types of openings 204 are made visible. The opening of the first type 2041 differs in particular from the other two types of openings in that it has an angled shape, of the "L" shape type, instead of the shape substantially rectangular from the other openings. Furthermore, the opening of the second type 2042 has a tangential dimension greater than that of the opening of the third type 2043.

Another difference is visible in Figures 14 and 15 and relates to the radial dimension of the openings. According to this second embodiment, the openings of the first type have a larger radial dimension than that of the majority of the openings of the second type, so as to extend to the outer periphery of the disc carrier.

The opening of the first type 2041 is configured to allow the insertion of the force transmission member in the disc carrier 200 and to subsequently allow the locking in translation of this force transmission member relative to the carrier. discs 200. For this, the opening of the first L-shaped type is composed of two communicating portions 206, 208, arranged radially one above the other. The outer portion 206, that is to say the portion closest to the periphery 209 of the disc carrier, has a greater tangential dimension than the inner portion 208, so as to form an obstruction portion 210.

This obstruction portion 210 is intended to form a stop against the withdrawal of a corresponding finger from the force transmission member once this finger has been inserted into the first opening.

It can be noted that it is the presence of the first of the communicating portions of the opening of the first type, namely the outer portion 206, which increases the radial dimension of this opening compared to the other openings of the disc carrier. This configuration is to be considered with the type of mounting of the force transmission member, with tilting as will be described below. For issues of assembly play, provision may be made for some of the second or third type openings, in particular those directly adjacent to the first type openings, to have a radial dimension which is also increased relative to that of the rest of the openings.

Advantageously, the disk carrier is composed of two openings of the first type 2041 arranged facing each other, on either side of a plane of symmetry passing through the axis of rotation, and if necessary on either side of a second or second type opening. By arranged facing each other, it is understood that the two openings of the first type 2041 are arranged so that their respective obstruction portion are turned towards each other, as illustrated in the figures , or are in opposition to each other.

The second type opening 2042 makes it possible to accommodate the fingers of the force transmission member of the clutch module. More specifically, the fingers housed in this second opening 2042 do not have any teeth.

The third type opening 2043 is configured to receive a centering pin 3024 of the force transmission member, also not provided with a tooth. Thus, the positioning and centering of the force transmission member on the disc carrier 200 are ensured.

Figure 16 shows the force transmission member 300 of the clutch module, intended to cooperate with the disc carrier described with reference to the previous figure.

This force transmission member 300 has a flank 301 of annular shape, with an outer circumference 3001 and an inner circumference 3002. As shown, this force transmission member 300 comprises on its outer circumference 3001 fingers 302. These fingers 302 comprise two portions: a first portion 3021 extends in the radial extension of the side of the force transmission member 300 and a second portion 3022 of finger 302 extends axially, substantially perpendicular to the first portion 3021.

At least one finger 302 of the force transmission member 300 comprises a tooth 3023 extending tangentially projecting from the second portion 3022 of the finger 302. As shown in this figure 15, and in particular in a complementary manner to what has described previously on the plurality of openings of the first type of the disc carrier, two fingers 302 respectively comprise a tooth 3023, the teeth being positioned opposite one another.

In the example illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the force transmission member 300 comprises in particular two fingers 302 each comprising a tooth forming a hook arranged opposite one another, on either side of a plane of symmetry passing through the axis of rotation. The plane of symmetry passes through a so-called centering finger 3024.

The rest of the fingers formed on the force transmission member do not have teeth and are able to be inserted into the openings of the second or third type. In addition to what has been described previously, some of these fingers have a tangential dimension smaller than that of the others so as to form centering fingers 3024 capable of cooperating with the third type openings.

The force transmission member 300 also includes actuating lugs 305 arranged on its inner circumference 3002. These actuating lugs 305 extend axially and are intended to cooperate with an elastic return member of the clutch module.

FIG. 17 is an enlargement of FIG. 16, making the finger 302 comprising a tooth 3023 better visible. The finger 302 and its tooth 3023 are configured to be introduced into the opening of the first type of the force transmission member. More particularly, the finger and its tooth 3023 are introduced into the opening of the first type at the level of the external portion of greatest tangential dimension, so that the tooth does not form an obstacle to the insertion of the finger. The tooth 3023 comprises a support wall 3000 which, once the force transmission member 300 is assembled on the disc carrier, forms abutment against the internal face of the disc carrier.

FIG. 18 illustrates the cooperation of a plurality of fingers of the force transmission member 300 placed in position in the openings 204 of the disc carrier 200, and more particularly the cooperation of the fingers carrying the teeth 3023 with the openings of the first type 2041.

It is thus made visible that the finger equipped with the tooth 3023 and which is inserted into the first opening 2041 is held in position inside the disc holder by means of the obstruction portion 210. More particularly, the cooperation of the obstruction portion 210 with the tooth 3023 of the finger 302 of the force transmission member 300 allows the axial locking of the force transmission member 300 on the disc carrier 200.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate the method of mounting the force transmission member 300 on the disc carrier 200 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Firstly, the fingers 302 of the force transmission member 300 comprising a tooth 3023 are introduced into the corresponding openings of the first type 2041. In addition, the centering finger 3024 is introduced into the corresponding third type opening 2043.

In this second embodiment, the introduction of the teeth into the corresponding openings is particular in that the force transmission member is inserted into the disc holder according to a translation with an axis inclined with respect to the axis of rotation . In other words, the plane defined by the side of the transmission member is inclined with respect to the plane defined by the flange of the disk carrier, by an angle α of a value substantially equal to 15°.

As described previously, in this first inclined insertion step, the fingers equipped with teeth are inserted into their respective openings before the other fingers, by causing the teeth to pass through the external portions of the openings of the first type. The angle of inclination is such that once the fingers fitted with teeth have been inserted into the housing, the teeth are housed behind the obstruction portion and can thus create a point of contact allowing the tilting of the transmission member of strength.

In the example illustrated, the fingers equipped with teeth are two in number so that the points of contact of each tooth with its associated obstruction portion form a tilting axis of the force transmission member. The tilting axis is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the clutch module.

Then, the force transmission member 300 is tilted, so that the fingers 302 having no teeth are introduced into the second openings 2042, the force transmission member taking an assembled position as illustrated on Figure 19.

The tilting is thus done with the teeth which are arranged in the internal portion of the openings of the first type, so that each of the fingers can enter the opening which corresponds to it at the end of the tilting.

Once the module is assembled, with the fingers placed in position in the openings, it is understood that the fingers equipped with teeth are arranged at the level of the internal portion of the openings of the first type and that the force transmission member 300 is free from translate relative to the disc carrier 200 along the axis of rotation 110 while being blocked axially by the abutment of the obstruction portions 210 against the teeth.

It is understood on reading the foregoing that the present invention proposes a clutch module allowing the axial locking of the force transmission member with respect to the disc carrier which is simple to manufacture and assemble.

The invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here, and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technical combination operating such means. In particular, the shape of the tooth of the finger as well as of the obstruction portion of the second embodiment can be modified without harming the invention, insofar as these components, ultimately, fulfill the same functions as those described in this document.

Claims (11)

Force transmission member (300) of a clutch module (100), the force transmission member (300) extending around an axis of rotation (110) and comprising:
- a flank (301) extending radially relative to the axis of rotation (110),
- a plurality of fingers (302, 302') formed respectively projecting from the flank (301) and comprising at least one axial extension portion (3022) extending along the axis of rotation (110),
- at least one finger of the plurality of fingers (302, 302') forming a retaining finger (302') comprising a tooth (3023) extending tangentially projecting from the axial extension portion (3022) of the restraint (302'),
characterized in that the axial extension portion (3022) of the retaining finger (302') comprises an undercut (306) tangentially opposite the tooth (3023). Force transmission member (300) according to the preceding claim, in which the recess (306) of the retaining finger (302') is delimited axially by a first wall (3061) and configured so as to form an axial abutment face which is axially offset with respect to the free end (3020) of this retaining finger (302'). Force transmission member (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tooth (3023) of the retaining finger (302') comprises a bearing face (3028) which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation (110), facing the side of the force transmission member, said bearing face being configured to bear against an internal face (2031) of a disc holder (200) of the module of clutch (100). Force transmission member (300) according to the preceding claim, in which the bearing face (3028) of the tooth (3023) is offset axially with respect to the first wall (3061) delimiting the clearance (306). Force transmission member (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the axial extension portion (3022) of the retaining finger (302') comprises two lateral edges (3025, 3026) in tangential opposition, with the tooth which protrudes from a first side edge and the recess which is formed on the side of the second side edge so as to form slots on each side edge, and wherein the slots formed on each of the side edges of the finger retainer are dimensioned so that the tangential dimension of the axial extension portion (3022), in a first section (30221) carrying neither the tooth nor the clearance, is substantially equal to the tangential dimension of the retaining finger in a second section (30222) bearing both the tooth and the undercut. Disc carrier (200) of a clutch module (100), the disc carrier (200) extending around an axis of rotation (110) and comprising:
- a flange (203) of radial extension with respect to the axis of rotation (110) of the disc carrier (200);
- a plurality of openings (204) made over all or part of the circumference of the flange (203);
- a first opening (2041) being at least partly delimited by a first angular sector (2050) of the disc carrier (200) and a second opening (2042) being at least partly delimited by a second distinct angular sector (2051) the first angular sector (2050);
characterized in that the opening angle (2052) of the first angular sector (2050) is less than the opening angle (2053) of the second angular sector (2051). Disc holder (200) according to the preceding claim, in which a plurality of first openings (2041) are distributed over the circumference of the disc holder (200) and are arranged substantially at 90° or at 120° from each other, around of the axis of rotation (110) of the disc carrier (200). Clutch module (100) comprising a plurality of discs (120), at least one disc carrier (200) according to any one of claims 6 or 7 carrying the plurality of discs (120), at least one transmission member force (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, with the fingers (302, 302') of the force transmission member (300) which respectively extend into an opening (204) of the carrier discs (200) so as to be able to exert a force on at least one disc of the plurality of discs, at least one retaining finger (302') being housed in a first opening (2041) of the disc carrier. Clutch module (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the tangential dimension of the axial extension portion (3022), in a first section (30221) bearing neither the tooth nor the clearance, is substantially equal to the dimension tangential to the first opening (2041) of the disc carrier. A clutch module (100) according to any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the tangential dimension between the second wall (3062) tangentially bounding the clearance and the free end face (3029) bounding the tangential end of the tooth is equal to the tangential dimension of the first opening (2041) of the disc holder. Method of mounting the clutch module (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, between an assembly position and an assembled position and comprising the following steps:
- in the assembly position, align the fingers (302, 302') of the force transmission member (300) facing the corresponding openings (204) of the disc carrier (200);
- moving linearly, along the axis of rotation (110), the force transmission member (300) in the disc carrier (200) so as to bear the force transmission member (300) against the outer face of the flange of the disc carrier (200), at the level of the wall axially delimiting the clearance of the retaining finger;
- pivoting the force transmission member (300) relative to the disc carrier (200) around the axis of rotation (110), in a direction of extension of the tooth (3023) of the retaining finger (302 ') of the force transmission member (300), so as to slide said tooth facing the inner face of the flange of the disc carrier.