WO2024109978A1

WO2024109978A1 - Adjustment device for a clutch, and clutch having an adjustment device of this type

Info

Publication number: WO2024109978A1
Application number: PCT/DE2023/100765
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerd Ahnert
Original assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
Priority date: 2022-11-24
Filing date: 2023-10-16
Publication date: 2024-05-30
Also published as: DE102022131093A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment device (1) for a clutch (2), having an actuation direction (3), and to a clutch (2) comprising the adjustment device (1).

Description

Adjustment device for a clutch and clutch with such an adjustment device

The invention relates to an adjustment device for compensating for wear on a clutch, so that the clutch can always be actuated by an actuating device via the same actuating path. The invention further relates to a clutch with such an adjustment device, in particular a dry friction clutch, with the aid of which a torque flow can be established or interrupted in a drive train of a motor vehicle.

From DE 10 2022 106 680.0 an adjusting device for a clutch with an actuating direction is known, comprising a (first ramp ring; hereinafter referred to as pusher) movable in an actuating direction for disengaging the clutch, a second ramp ring (hereinafter referred to as drive element) and a sleeve element (hereinafter referred to as adjusting element).

In such an adjustment device, for example, the pusher has a drive ramp and an adjustment ramp (hereinafter also referred to as adjustment ramp element) in a transverse direction to the actuation direction, a second ramp ring (hereinafter referred to as drive element) that is movable in the actuation direction for actuating the adjustment device with a first counter ramp, wherein the first counter ramp has a counter contour to the drive ramp and rests with the counter contour on the drive ramp in the actuation direction, an adjustment element that is movable in the transverse direction with a second counter ramp, wherein the second counter ramp has a counter contour to the adjustment ramp and can be placed with the counter contour on the adjustment ramp in the actuation direction. The adjustment element and the drive element are connected to one another in the transverse direction and the drive element is mounted on the adjustment element so that it can move in the actuation direction, wherein the drive ramp and the counter contour to the drive ramp are designed to be self-locking and the adjustment ramp and the counter contour are designed to a contact force in the actuating direction to slide against each other in the transverse direction, and wherein the adjusting element is fixed in the actuating direction.

In DE 10 2022 106 680.0, the second ramp ring or the drive element is displaced along the actuation direction via a friction disk by an actuating device. The actuating device comprises, for example, a release bearing, by means of which a clutch pedal and the clutch are decoupled from one another in the transverse direction, the release bearing contacting the friction disk and displacing it along the actuation direction. The pusher is connected to the clutch or a pressure plate of the clutch via an actuating element (lever element) pivotably arranged on a housing of the clutch. The lever element is preloaded via a spring, the spring contacting the friction disk.

One function of this spring (also known as a preload spring) is to apply a certain force to the actuating parts of the respective partial clutch, even without the effect of a force from the actuating bearings. In this way, play and contact elasticity of the actuating parts can be eliminated or reduced. It also ensures that the actuating parts (especially the actuating elements) remain in a defined starting position without an actuating force. If the actuating bearings then move back a further distance, the bearings are prevented from lifting off the lever tips or ends of the actuating elements, thus reducing wear on the components, among other things.

In the solutions proposed so far for an adjustment device, the preload spring acts directly on the friction disc and thus only indirectly on the lever elements of the corresponding partial clutch.

In particular, the position of the respective ends of the actuating elements of each clutch or partial clutch along the actuating direction can be set or adjusted, e.g. during assembly.

An adjustment of the corresponding positions could be made after the finished/complete Assembly of the clutch including the adjustment device. Due to the parts of the adjustment device, the positions cannot be determined directly on the individual actuating elements or lever elements. One solution would be to adjust the position of the actuating elements before assembling the complete adjustment device. In this situation, however, no preload would act on the actuating elements during adjustment, since these preload springs are only mounted at the end of the assembly sequence above the friction disk of the adjustment mechanism and thus act indirectly on the actuating elements.

There is a constant need to make clutches and adjustment devices simpler and more convenient to use, while keeping installation and maintenance costs low.

It is the object of the invention to at least partially solve the problems cited with reference to the prior art and to show measures that enable a simple and comfortable coupling to be operated with little assembly and maintenance effort.

An adjusting device with the features of claim 1 and a coupling with the features of claim 6 contribute to solving this problem. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful way and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and/or details from the figures, whereby further embodiments of the invention are shown.

An adjustment device for a clutch with one actuation direction is proposed. The adjustment device comprises

• a housing for the adjustment device,

• a pusher movable relative to the housing in the actuation direction for disengaging the clutch, the pusher having a drive ramp and an adjustment ramp element in a transverse direction to the actuation direction, • a drive element that is movable relative to the housing in the actuation direction for actuating the adjustment device with a first counter ramp, wherein the first counter ramp has a counter contour to the drive ramp and rests with the counter contour on the drive ramp in the actuation direction,

• an adjusting element which is movable in the transverse direction relative to the housing and has a second counter ramp, wherein the second counter ramp has a counter contour to the adjusting ramp element and can be placed with the counter contour on the adjusting ramp element in the actuation direction, and

• a first actuating element pivotably mounted on the housing for actuating the clutch, wherein a first end of the first actuating element contacts the pusher and can be displaced in the actuating direction by the pusher.

The adjustment element and the drive element are connected to one another in (or opposite) the transverse direction and the drive element is movably mounted on (or opposite) the adjustment element in the actuation direction. The drive ramp and the counter contour to the drive ramp are self-locking and the adjustment ramp element and the counter contour are designed to slide against one another in the transverse direction when there is a contact force in the actuation direction. The adjustment element is arranged on the housing in a fixed position at least relative to the actuation direction. The first actuation element is preloaded relative to the actuation direction by a first spring (preload spring), with the first spring acting directly on the first actuation element.

By directly applying pressure to the first actuating element by the first spring, it is possible to ensure that the force of the first spring acts on the actuating element in the actuating direction during the adjustment process (i.e. the adjustment of the first position along the actuating direction of the first end of the first actuating element). This allows the play and elasticity of the adjustment device or the clutch or partial clutch to be precisely adjusted. With this arrangement of the first spring, the position of the first end of the first actuating element can be adjusted without restriction, as with conventional double clutches (which do not have an adjustment device). The necessary preload of the friction disc can be generated independently of this by a separate device or preferably by the friction disc itself. At the same time, by fixing the friction disc under preload (opposite the direction of actuation), the function of transport/loss protection of the components on the fully assembled adjustment device or clutch can be fulfilled.

In particular, the adjusting device additionally has a friction disc, via which the drive element can be actuated by an actuating device of the clutch, wherein the friction disc is mounted on the housing in a fixed position relative to the transverse direction and displaceable in the actuating direction.

The actuating device comprises, for example, a release bearing, by means of which a clutch pedal and the clutch are decoupled from one another in the transverse direction, wherein the release bearing contacts the friction disc and displaces it along the actuating direction.

The adjustment device proposed here corresponds in terms of functionality in particular to the adjustment device according to the above-mentioned

DE 10 2022 106 680.0. Compared to the known adjustment device, a special arrangement of the first springs (the preload springs) is proposed here.

A conventional clutch has at least two pressure plates (e.g. a pressure plate, a counter plate, and a clutch disc that can be clamped between them), one of which (e.g. pressure plate and counter plate) is connected to an input shaft and one (e.g. the clutch disc) to an output shaft, and which are in frictional connection with one another via friction elements when the clutch is closed. The distance between the pressure plates is determined by the thickness of the friction elements when the clutch is closed. If the friction elements wear out, the distance between the pressure plates decreases when the clutch is closed. Clutch. As a result, an actuating element of the clutch, such as a release lever or a diaphragm spring tongue, travels a further distance between the open and closed clutch as wear increases. If no adjustment device is provided on the clutch, an upstream actuating device, such as a clutch pedal, also travels this further distance. To prevent the actuating device from having to travel this distance and instead to always be able to travel the same distance, an adjustment device is arranged between the clutch and the actuating device.

When the drive element is actuated on the input side in the actuation direction, for example via a clutch pedal and the friction disc, the drive element, which rests on the drive ramp, moves the pusher in the actuation direction via the first counter ramp, which then disengages the clutch on the output side, for example on a release lever or a plate spring tongue. Because the first counter ramp rests on the drive ramp in a self-locking manner, the transmission of such a movement or an associated force between the first counter ramp and the drive ramp in the actuation direction is possible without the first counter ramp slipping off the drive ramp and subsequently moving in the transverse direction. When the pusher is actuated and moves as a result, the adjustment ramp moves away from the second counter ramp, which is fixed in the actuation direction and therefore immobile.

If the actuation is released, the clutch closes again, for example by means of a spring element, and the pusher is pushed back until the friction elements of the clutch are in contact with each other again. In the process, the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element and the second counter ramp come into contact with each other again. As soon as wear occurs on the clutch, a force results between the second counter ramp and the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element in the actuation direction, since the clutch pushes the pusher back a further distance than before, but the second counter ramp is immobile in the actuation direction. This force causes the second counter ramp to slide on the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element and in the transverse direction. Since the adjustment element is connected to the drive element in the transverse direction, the drive element is adjusted in the transverse direction by the sliding, so that the first counter ramp also slides down the drive ramp. As a result, the distance between the pusher and the drive element changes to the same extent as the distance between the pusher and the adjustment element, namely until there is no longer any force between the pusher and the adjustment element. The axial length in the actuation direction of the pusher and the adjustment element and the axial length of the pusher and the drive element always have the same, fixed difference when the gradient corresponds to one another (e.g. when the drive ramp and the adjustment ramp or adjustment ramp element have the same gradient or when the gradient ratio of the ramp systems is the same). The drive element therefore always remains in the same position in the actuation direction when the clutch is closed and does not pass on an extended path resulting from wear to an actuation device.

In particular, the adjustment device is self-contained and independent of an actuating device. The adjustment device can then, for example, be installed directly on the clutch and does not require any further adjustment when later mounted with an actuating device. The adjustment device can also be combined with a large number of different actuating devices. Another advantage is that the adjustment device is completely self-actuating and does not require any maintenance. There is also no need for a wear indicator, which would be provided to indicate that maintenance is required. Ultimately, the proposed adjustment device has a small number of components, so that a correspondingly small number of manufacturing tolerances interact. The respective tolerances can therefore be chosen to be correspondingly large, so that the adjustment device can be manufactured inexpensively. In summary, a simple and comfortable clutch with low assembly and maintenance costs has been created.

Disengaging the clutch by the pusher means that the pusher adjusts a first actuating element of the clutch. Such a first The actuating element is, for example, a release lever or a diaphragm spring tongue and acts directly or indirectly on at least one pressure plate of the clutch so that the pressure plates are moved away from each other and the force-locking contact between the friction elements of the pressure plates is eliminated. The clutch is opened, for example, to change a gear in a downstream transmission or during purely electric driving of a downstream hybrid transmission.

If the handle has ramps in the transverse direction, this means that the slope of the ramps extends in the transverse direction. The slope of the counter ramps also extends in the transverse direction. If the counter ramps slide down the inclined plane formed between the ramp and the counter ramp, this is accompanied by a movement of the counter ramps in the transverse direction. At the same time, each ramp preferably has a longer slope than the associated counter ramp, so that the counter ramp can rest securely on the ramp over a corresponding path in the transverse direction. Depending on the available installation space, the respective counter ramp or one of the counter ramps can also have a longer slope than the associated ramp, so that the ramp can rest securely on the counter ramp over a corresponding path in the transverse direction. It can also be provided that only one of the surfaces sliding against each other has a slope and the other is designed to run parallel to the transverse direction if necessary. A stepped design of the ramps is also possible. What is crucial is that the respective ramp system ensures that when one component is displaced relative to the other component along the transverse direction, a relative displacement of one component relative to the other component occurs along the actuation direction and vice versa.

The drive element is provided in particular for actuating the adjustment device. This means that the drive element is provided for an actuating device to act on it. For example, the actuating device has a release bearing or actuating bearing that is provided for contacting the friction disk. For example, such a Actuating device: a push rod which acts on the drive element via the release bearing and the friction disc and is mechanically coupled to a clutch pedal or an automated device for clutch actuation.

In particular, the first actuating element has a first adjustment device, by means of which a first position of the first end can be adjusted along the actuating direction. In particular, the first actuating element is pivotally mounted on the housing and arranged or fastened to the displaceable pressure plate (the pressure plate) of the clutch (or the partial clutch). By displacing the first end of the first actuating element along the actuating direction, the pressure plate in particular is displaced and the clutch or a first partial clutch is thus actuated or disengaged. The first adjustment device in particular includes the fact that the position of the first end can be adjusted along the actuating direction.

Such adjustment devices (e.g. comprising a nut which cooperates with a thread on the first actuating element and thus causes a pivoting of the first end) are generally known.

In particular, the actuating direction is an axial direction and the transverse direction is a circumferential direction of a cylindrical coordinate system, wherein the pusher, the drive element and the adjusting element are formed coaxially (in particular to the axial direction).

In this way, a compact adjustment device is created that can be easily arranged on a coupling that is also usually coaxially constructed. The drive ramp and the adjustment ramp as well as the counter ramps then each have a gradient along a trajectory that follows the circumferential direction. The drive element and the adjustment element can be connected, for example, via a toothing or axially interlocking projections. In particular, the adjusting device has a plurality of first actuating elements which are arranged distributed along the circumferential direction, preferably exactly three.

In particular, several ramp elements distributed around the circumference are provided as a drive ramp and/or as an adjustment ramp element. The counter ramps are then also divided into several parts. In particular, all ramp elements of a ramp are designed the same. This advantageously achieves uniform support of the drive element or the adjustment element as well as the pusher over the circumference.

In particular, the adjustment device has a housing, wherein the adjustment element is mounted on the housing, possibly via a support element, so that it can move in the transverse direction and is fixed in the actuation direction. The adjustment device is then self-contained and can function independently. It can be used as a single component with a large number of couplings of different designs. Alternatively, the adjustment device can be fixed to a fixed component of a coupling and in particular be designed to be integrated with the coupling. In any case, the position of the adjustment element is fixed in the actuation direction in order to serve as a counter bearing for a force between the adjustment ramp and the second counter ramp in this direction.

In particular, the pusher has a plurality of drive ramps and adjustment ramp elements along the transverse direction (here, circumferential direction), which are each arranged distributed at equal intervals. In particular, the drive ramps are arranged in a radial direction on an outer edge of the pusher. In particular, the adjustment ramp elements are arranged in the radial direction on an inner edge of the pusher.

In particular, the drive element has a plurality of first counter ramps along the transverse direction (here circumferential direction), which are arranged in particular at uniform intervals. In particular, the first counter ramps are in a radial direction on an outer edge of the drive element. In particular, the drive element has a plurality of projections in the radial direction on an inner edge of the drive element, which interact with the adjustment element, so that the adjustment element and the drive element are coupled to one another with respect to the transverse direction but are decoupled from one another in the actuation direction.

In particular, the adjusting element has a plurality of second counter ramps along the transverse direction (here, circumferential direction), which are arranged in particular at equal intervals and interact with the adjusting ramp elements. In particular, the adjusting element has a plurality of recesses or other shaped elements that interact with the projections of the drive element and interact with the drive element, so that the adjusting element and the drive element are coupled to one another in relation to the transverse direction but are decoupled from one another in the actuation direction.

A clutch for selectively connecting or separating an input shaft and at least one output shaft is further proposed, wherein the clutch has the described adjustment device.

The adjustment device and the clutch can be integrated as a single unit and share a common housing. This reduces the number of components, so that fewer component tolerances interact. Alternatively, the adjustment device can be provided as a separate component and arranged on a clutch mount.

In particular, the clutch has a plurality of partial clutches for a plurality of output shafts, wherein at least a first partial clutch has the described adjustment device and a second partial clutch can be actuated via at least one second actuating element which is pivotally mounted on the housing. In particular, the second actuating element has a second adjustment device by means of which a second position of a second end of the second actuating element, by means of which the second partial clutch can be actuated, can be adjusted along the actuating direction.

In particular, the second actuating element is pivotally mounted on the housing and arranged or fastened to the displaceable pressure plate (the pressure plate) of the second partial clutch. By displacing the second end of the second actuating element along the actuation direction, the pressure plate in particular is displaced and the second partial clutch is thus actuated or disengaged. The second adjustment device in particular includes the fact that the position of the second end along the actuation direction can be adjusted.

Such adjustment devices (e.g. comprising a nut which cooperates with a thread on the second actuating element and thus causes a pivoting of the second end) are generally known.

In particular, the clutch has a plurality of second actuating elements which are arranged distributed along the circumferential direction, preferably exactly three.

For example, such a clutch is provided for an agricultural machine or construction machine, with a first output shaft serving to drive the machine and being, for example, the input shaft of a drive gear, and a second shaft being a power take-off shaft for a secondary application such as driving a cable winch or a lifting device. In one embodiment, only the first partial clutch for the first output shaft is designed or equipped with an adjustment device, since this is subject to greater wear due to more frequent use, particularly under load. In such an embodiment, in which the adjustment device is designed coaxially in a cylindrical coordinate system, the pusher, the adjustment element and/or the drive element can have recesses distributed around the circumference for the passage of elements of the second partial clutch in order to create a particularly compact clutch. The statements regarding the adjustment device apply in particular equally to the clutch and vice versa.

The use of indefinite articles ("a", "an", "an" and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reflecting them, is to be understood as such and not as a number. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as being present at least once and, in particular, can also be present multiple times.

As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, sizes or processes, and in particular do not necessarily specify a dependency and/or sequence of these objects, sizes or processes. If a dependency and/or sequence is required, this is explicitly stated here or it is obvious to the person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described design. If a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components can apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments given. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the size relationships shown are only schematic. They show:

Fig. 1: a known clutch with an adjusting device in a perspective view;

Fig. 2: a clutch with adjustment device in a perspective view, wherein the adjustment device is not yet mounted; Fig. 3: the coupling according to Fig. 2 with a mounted support element;

Fig. 4: the coupling according to Fig. 3 in a side view in section;

Fig. 5: the clutch according to Fig. 2 to 4 in a perspective view, with additional mounted components of the adjustment device;

Fig. 6: the clutch according to Fig. 5 in perspective view, with additionally mounted friction disc; and

Fig. 7: the coupling according to Fig. 6 in a side view in section.

Fig. 1 shows a clutch 2 known from DE 10 2022 106 680.0 with an adjusting device 1 in a perspective view.

With regard to the basic function of a clutch 2 and the adjusting device 1, reference is made to DE 10 2022 106 680.0.

The clutch 2 is suitable for optionally connecting or separating an input shaft 15 and at least one output shaft 16, wherein the clutch 2 has the adjustment device 1. The adjustment device 1 and the clutch 2 are integrated as a unit and share a common housing 12. The clutch 2 has a first partial clutch 17 and a second partial clutch 18 (only indicated). Each partial clutch 17, 18 is assigned to an output shaft 16, wherein only the first partial clutch 17 has the adjustment device 1. The first actuating elements 13 are assigned to the first partial clutch 17. The second actuating elements 19 are assigned to the second partial clutch 18.

The adjusting device 1 comprises a pusher 4 which is movable in an actuating direction 3 for disengaging the clutch 2 or the first partial clutch 17, wherein the pusher 4 has a drive ramp 6 and an adjusting ramp element 7 in a transverse direction 5 to the actuating direction 3. The adjusting device 1 also has a the actuation direction 3 movable drive element 8 for actuating the adjustment device 1 with a first counter ramp 9, wherein the first counter ramp 9 has a counter contour to the drive ramp 6 and rests with the counter contour on the drive ramp 6 in the actuation direction 3. The adjustment device 1 also has an adjustment element 10 movable in the transverse direction 5 with a second counter ramp 11, wherein the second counter ramp 11 has a counter contour to the adjustment ramp element 7 and can be placed with the counter contour on the adjustment ramp element 7 in the actuation direction 3. The adjustment element 10 and the drive element 8 are connected to one another in the transverse direction 5 and the drive element 8 is movably mounted on the adjustment element 10 in the actuation direction 3, wherein the drive ramp 6 and the counter contour to the drive ramp 6 are designed to be self-locking and the adjustment ramp element 7 and the counter contour are designed to slide against one another in the transverse direction 5 when there is a contact force in the actuation direction 3, and wherein the adjustment element 10 is fixed in the actuation direction 3. The radial direction 25 extends transversely to the transverse direction 5 (circumferential direction) and transversely to the actuation direction 3.

The clutch 2 has a pressure plate 20, a counter plate 21 and a clutch disk 22 arranged so as to be clamped between them, of which the pressure plate 20, the counter plate 21 is connected to the input shaft 15 and the clutch disk 22 is connected to the output shaft 16, and which are in frictional connection with one another via friction elements when the clutch 2 is closed. The distance between the pressure plates (pressure plate 20, counter plate 21, clutch disk 22) is determined by the thickness of the friction elements when the clutch 2 is closed. If the friction elements wear, the distance between the pressure plates decreases when the clutch 2 is closed. As a result, a first actuating element 13 of the clutch 2, which is shown here as a release lever, covers a further distance between the open and closed clutch 2 as wear increases. If no adjustment device 1 is provided on the clutch 2, an upstream actuating device 28, such as a clutch pedal, also covers this further distance. In order to prevent the actuating device 28 from having to travel this distance and To ensure that the clutch 2 can always travel the same distance, an adjusting device 1 is arranged between the clutch 2 and the actuating device 28.

The clutch 2 or the adjusting device 1 is actuated via the actuating device 28, which acts on a friction disk 27 of the adjusting device 1. The friction disk 27 is arranged on the housing 12 in a rotationally fixed manner but can be displaced along the actuating direction 3. For this purpose, the friction disk 27 has areas 24 that interact with fixing bolts 23.

Round bolts (see Fig. 6) or sheet metal parts (see Fig. 1) can be used as fixing bolts 23 for this function.

When the friction disk 27 or the drive element 8 is actuated on the input side in the actuation direction 3, for example via a clutch pedal, the friction disk 27 moves the drive element 8 and the drive element 8 via the first counter ramp 9, which rests on the drive ramp 6, the pusher 4 in the actuation direction 3, which then disengages the clutch 2 or the first partial clutch 17 on the output side, here via the first actuation element 13. Because the first counter ramp 9 rests on the drive ramp 6 in a self-locking manner, the transmission of such a movement or an associated force between the first counter ramp 9 and the drive ramp 6 in the actuation direction 3 is possible without the first counter ramp 9 sliding off the drive ramp 6 and subsequently moving in the transverse direction 5. During actuation and the associated movement of the pusher 4, the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element 7 moves away from the second counter ramp 11, which is fixed in the actuation direction 3 and is therefore immobile.

If the actuation is released, the clutch 2 closes again, for example by means of a spring element, and the pusher 4 is pushed back until the friction elements of the clutch 2 are in contact with each other again. In the process, the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element 7 and the second counter ramp 11 come into contact with each other again. As soon as wear occurs on the clutch 2, a force results between second counter ramp 11 and the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element 7 in the actuation direction 3, since the clutch 2 pushes the pusher 4 back a further distance than before, but the second counter ramp 11 is immobile in the actuation direction 3. This force causes the second counter ramp 11 to slide along the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element 7 and the transverse direction 5. Since the adjustment element 10 is connected to the drive element 8 in the transverse direction 5, the sliding causes the drive element 8 to be adjusted in the transverse direction 5, so that the first counter ramp 9 also slides along the drive ramp 6. As a result, the distance between the pusher 4 and the drive element 8 changes to the same extent as the distance between the pusher 4 and the adjustment element 10, namely until there is no longer any force between the pusher 4 and the adjustment element 10. The axial length in the actuation direction 3 of the pusher 4 and the adjustment element 10 and the axial length of the pusher 4 and the drive element 8 always have the same, fixed difference when the gradient corresponds to one another (e.g. when the drive ramp 6 and the adjustment ramp or adjustment ramp element 7 have the same gradient or when the gradients of the ramp systems are the same ratio). The drive element 8 therefore always remains in the same position in the actuation direction 3 when the clutch 2 is closed and does not pass on an extended path resulting from wear to an actuation device 28.

Disengagement of the clutch 2 by the pusher 4 is understood to mean that the pusher 4 adjusts a first actuating element 13 of the clutch 2. The first actuating element 13 is a release lever and acts directly on the pressure plate 20 of the clutch 2, so that the pressure plate 20 is removed from the counter plate 21 and the clutch disc 22 and the force-fitting contact between the friction elements of the pressure plates is canceled.

The first actuating element 13 is preloaded via a first spring 14, wherein the first spring 14 contacts the friction disc 27. One function of this first spring 14 is to apply a certain force to the actuating parts of the first partial clutch 17, even without the effect of a force from the actuating bearings or the actuating device 28. In this way, play and contact elasticity of the actuating parts can be eliminated or reduced. Furthermore, the actuating parts (especially the first actuating elements 13) remain in a defined starting position or first position 30 without an actuating force. If the actuating bearings then move back a further distance, the bearings are prevented from lifting off the lever tips or first ends 26 of the first actuating elements 13, thus reducing wear on the components, among other things.

In the known adjustment device 1, the first spring 14 acts directly on the friction disk 27 and thus only indirectly on the first actuating elements 13 of the first partial clutch 17. A precise adjustment of the first positions 30 of the first ends 26 via the first adjustment device 29 is therefore not possible.

In addition to the first actuating elements 13 for the first partial clutch 17, second actuating elements 19 are also provided for the second partial clutch 18, wherein these second actuating elements 19 are prestressed via second springs 34.

Fig. 2 shows a clutch 2 with an adjusting device 1 in a perspective view, whereby the adjusting device 1 is not yet mounted. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 1.

In contrast to Fig. 1, the first actuating elements 13 are each directly actuated by a first spring 14.

Fig. 3 shows the coupling 2 according to Fig. 2 with a mounted support element 35. Fig. 4 shows the coupling 2 according to Fig. 3 in a side view in section. Figs. 3 and 4 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 and 2. The support element 35 is arranged or fastened to the housing 12 of the adjustment device 1 and serves to support or fasten the adjustment element 10 with respect to the actuating direction 3.

Already in the state of the clutch 2 shown in Fig. 2 or in the state shown in Fig. 3 and 4 (i.e. with support element 35), the positions 30, 32 of the actuating elements 13, 19 can be adjusted.

The first actuating element 13 has a first adjustment device 29, by means of which a first position 30 of the first end 26 can be adjusted along the actuating direction 3. The first actuating element 13 is pivotally mounted on the housing 12 and is arranged or fastened to the displaceable pressure plate (the pressure plate 20) of the clutch 2 (or the first partial clutch 17). By displacing the first end 26 of the first actuating element 13 along the actuating direction 3, the pressure plate is displaced and the clutch 2 or a first partial clutch 17 is thus actuated or disengaged.

The second actuating element 19 has a second adjustment device 31, by means of which a second position 32 of a second end 33 of the second actuating element 19, by means of which the second partial clutch 18 can be actuated, can be adjusted along the actuating direction 3. The second actuating element 19 is pivotally mounted on the housing 12 and is arranged or fastened to the displaceable pressure plate (the pressure plate 20) of the second partial clutch 18. By displacing the second end 33 of the second actuating element 19 along the actuating direction 3, the pressure plate is displaced and the second partial clutch 19 is thus actuated or disengaged.

The adjustment devices 29, 31 each comprise a nut which cooperates with a thread on the respective actuating element 13, 19 and thus causes a pivoting of the respective end 26, 33.

Fig. 5 shows the clutch 2 according to Fig. 2 to 4 in a perspective view, with additional mounted components of the adjustment device 1. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 1 to 4. In the clutch 2 according to Fig. 5, compared to the clutch 2 according to Fig. 3 and 4, the pusher 4, the drive element 8 and the adjusting element 10 are additionally mounted.

Fig. 6 shows the clutch 2 according to Fig. 5 in a perspective view, with an additionally mounted friction disk 27. Fig. 7 shows the clutch 2 according to Fig. 6 in a side view in section. Figs. 6 and 7 are described together below.

In the clutch 2 according to Fig. 6 and 7, the friction disk 27 and the fixing bolts 23 are additionally mounted compared to the clutch 2 according to Fig. 5. The pusher 4 and the friction disk 27 are supported via areas 24 on the fixing bolts 23 opposite the transverse direction 5 and are centered by them.

The adjusting device 1 proposed here essentially corresponds to the adjusting device 1 according to the DE 10 2022 106 680.0 mentioned at the beginning, wherein there the described first springs 14 act directly on the friction disk 27 and thus only indirectly on the first actuating elements 13, whereas in the adjusting device 1 described here the first springs 14 act directly on the first actuating elements 13.

List of reference symbols

Adjustment device clutch actuation direction handle

Transverse direction Drive ramp Adjustment ramp element Drive element First counter ramp Adjustment element Second counter ramp Housing First actuating element First spring

Input shaft Output shaft First partial clutch Second partial clutch Second actuating element Pressure plate Counter plate Clutch disc Fixing bolt

Area radial direction first end friction disc actuating device first adjustment device first position second adjustment device second position second end second spring support element

Claims

Patent claims Adjustment device (1) for a clutch

(2) with an actuating direction (3), comprising

• a housing (12) of the adjusting device (1 ),

• a relative to the housing (12) in the actuation direction

(3) movable pusher (4) for disengaging the clutch (2), whereby the pusher

(4) in a transverse direction

(5) to the actuation direction (3) a drive ramp

(6) and an adjustment ramp element

(7)

• a drive element movable relative to the housing (12) in the actuating direction (3)

(8) for actuating the adjusting device (1 ) with a first counter ramp (9), wherein the first counter ramp

(9) has a counter contour to the drive ramp (6) and rests with the counter contour on the drive ramp (6) in the actuation direction (3),

• an adjusting element movable in the transverse direction (5) relative to the housing (12)

(10) with a second counter ramp (11 ), wherein the second counter ramp

(11 ) has a counter contour to the adjustment ramp element (7) and can be applied with the counter contour to the adjustment ramp element (7) in the actuation direction (3),

• a first actuating element (13) pivotably arranged on the housing (12) for actuating the clutch (2), wherein a first end (26) of the first actuating element (13) contacts the pusher (4) and can be displaced by the pusher (4) in the actuating direction (3); wherein the adjusting element (10) and the drive element (8) are connected to one another in the transverse direction (5) and the drive element (8) is movably mounted on the adjusting element (10) in the actuating direction (3); wherein the drive ramp (6) and the counter contour to the drive ramp (6) are self-locking and the adjusting ramp element (7) and the counter contour are designed to slide against one another in the transverse direction (5) when there is a contact force in the actuating direction (3); wherein the adjusting element (10) at least with respect to the actuation direction (3) fixed to the housing

(12) is arranged; wherein the first actuating element

(13) by a first spring

(14) is prestressed relative to the actuating direction (3), wherein the first spring (14) acts directly on the first actuating element (13).

2. Adjusting device (1) according to claim 1, additionally comprising a friction disk (27) via which the drive element (8) can be actuated by an actuating device (28) of the clutch (2), wherein the friction disk (27) is mounted on the housing (12) in a stationary manner relative to the transverse direction (5) and displaceable in the actuating direction (3).

3. Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuating element (13) has a first adjustment device (29) by means of which a first position (30) of the first end (26) can be adjusted along the actuating direction (3).

4. Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating direction (3) is an axial direction and the transverse direction (5) is a circumferential direction of a cylindrical coordinate system, wherein the pusher (4), the drive element (8) and the adjustment element (10) are formed coaxially.

5. Adjusting device (1) according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of first actuating elements (13) which are arranged distributed along the circumferential direction.

6. Coupling (2) for optional connection or separation of an input shaft

(15) and at least one output shaft (16) with an adjusting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Clutch (2) according to claim 6, wherein the clutch (2) has a plurality of partial clutches (17, 18) for a plurality of output shafts (16), wherein at least a first partial clutch (17) has an adjusting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second partial clutch (18) can be actuated via at least one second actuating element (19) which is pivotally mounted on the housing (12).

8. Coupling (2) according to claim 7, wherein the second actuating element (19) has a second adjustment device (31) by means of which a second position (32) of a second end (33) of the second actuating element (19), by means of which the second partial clutch (18) can be actuated, can be adjusted along the actuating direction (3).