WO2024109981A1

WO2024109981A1 - Adjustment device for a clutch, and clutch comprising such an adjustment device

Info

Publication number: WO2024109981A1
Application number: PCT/DE2023/100809
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerd Ahnert; Vladimir MERK
Original assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
Priority date: 2022-11-23
Filing date: 2023-11-03
Publication date: 2024-05-30
Also published as: DE102022130963A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment device (1) for a clutch (2) with an actuation direction (3) and to a clutch (2) comprising the adjustment device (1). The invention additionally relates to a pushing element (4) for the adjustment device (1), said pushing element having at least two drive ramps (6) and an adjustment ramp element (7) in a transverse direction (5) relative to the actuation direction (3), wherein one of the two drive cramps (6) has a stepped support surface and the other drive ramp of the two drive ramps (6) has a support surface with a flat design. The invention additionally relates to a drive element (8) which has at least two first counter ramps (9) in a transverse direction (5) relative to the actuation direction (3). One of the two first counter ramps (9) has a stepped support surface, and the other counter ramp of the two first counter ramps (9) has a respective support surface with a flat design.

Description

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

The invention relates to an adjusting 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 also relates to a clutch with such an adjusting 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. The invention also relates to a pusher and a drive element of an adjusting device.

From DE 10 2021 122 730.5 an adjustment device for a clutch with an actuating device is known, comprising a pusher movable in an actuating direction for disengaging the clutch, wherein the pusher has a drive ramp and an adjustment ramp (hereinafter also referred to as adjustment ramp element) in a transverse direction to the actuating direction, a drive element movable in the actuating 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 actuating direction, an adjustment element 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 actuating direction. The adjustment element and the drive element are connected to one another in the transverse direction and the drive element is movably mounted on the adjustment element in the actuation direction, wherein the drive ramp and the counter contour are designed to be self-locking to the drive ramp and the adjustment ramp 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, and wherein the adjustment element is fixed in the actuation direction. With such an adjustment device, the pusher must be fixed to the housing in relation to the circumferential direction so that the adjustment device can function. This fixation can be done, for example, on fixing bolts that are attached to the housing.

From DE 102022 115 740.7 an adjustment device is known which is designed similarly to DE 10 2021 122 730.5, whereby the first ramp ring corresponds to the pusher, the second ramp ring to the drive element and the sleeve element to the adjustment element. The first ramp ring and the second ramp ring contact each other via ramps which lie against each other with contact surfaces of the ramps. These contact surfaces are stepped so that improved self-locking is achieved. The special shape of the steps described there is intended to achieve a safe and precise positioning of the ramps in relation to each other.

If a ramp ring has, for example, three individual ramps (with or without teeth or a stepped design) that are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction, the kinematics of the adjustment device lead to self-centering of the ramp rings. This also applies to certain geometric deviations of the components. This generally ensures that the contact surfaces of the ramps or ramp rings are evenly loaded.

If a ramp ring has more than three individual ramps, the position of the ramp rings relative to each other is kinematically overdetermined. Only with components without geometric deviations can the function be unproblematic. If there are geometric deviations in the components (e.g. with regard to the position of the individual ramps relative to each other), a certain uneven load on the contact surfaces of the ramps will occur.

In particular, geometric deviations in the ramps or stepped ramps can cause the ramp rings to become misaligned. This can lead to adverse loads, increased wear and/or malfunctions in the adjustment device. There is a constant need to make clutches and adjustment devices simpler and more robust. The object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems cited with reference to the prior art and to propose an adjustment device that is designed to be functionally reliable and that reacts independently and largely continuously or with small increments to the state of wear of a clutch. "Unwanted adjustment", e.g. when torsional vibrations occur, must be prevented. In particular, an adjustment device must be proposed that enables low-wear and functionally reliable operation given the production-related, realistically expected geometric deviations of the increments/toothing on the ramps.

An adjustment device with the features of claim 1, a pusher according to the features of claim 6, a drive element according to the features of claim 7 and a coupling with the features of claim 8 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 pusher movable in the actuating direction (opposite a housing of the adjustment device) for disengaging the clutch, the pusher having at least two drive ramps and one adjustment ramp element in a transverse direction to the actuating direction,

• a drive element movable in the actuation direction (relative to the housing) for actuating the adjustment device with at least two first counter ramps, each first counter ramp having a counter contour to the respective drive ramp and resting with the counter contour on the respective drive ramp in the actuation direction, • an adjustment element movable in the transverse direction (relative to the housing) with a second counter ramp, wherein the second counter ramp has a counter contour to the adjustment ramp element and can be placed with the counter contour on the adjustment ramp element of the actuating 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. The drive ramps and the first counter ramps are designed to be self-locking and the adjustment ramp element and the second counter ramp are designed to slide against one another in the transverse direction when there is a contact force in the actuation direction. One of the two drive ramps and one of the two first counter ramps each have a stepped contact surface that abut against one another, with at least one of the contact surfaces of the other of the two drive ramps and the other of the two first counter ramps that abut against one another being flat.

The adjustment device proposed here essentially corresponds in particular to the adjustment device according to the aforementioned DE 10 2021 122 730.5, whereby the adjustment ramp described there corresponds to the adjustment ramp element mentioned here. Furthermore, the adjustment device proposed here essentially corresponds in particular to the adjustment device according to the aforementioned DE 102022 115 740.7, whereby the first ramp ring corresponds to the pusher mentioned here, the second ramp ring to the drive element and the sleeve element to the adjustment element. The first ramp ring and the second ramp ring of the

DE 10 2022 115 740.7 contact each other via ramps that lie against each other with contact surfaces of the ramps. These contact surfaces are designed in steps so that improved self-locking is achieved.

In contrast, it is proposed here to only provide the necessary number of ramps with steps or teeth on the pusher (first ramp ring) and the drive element (second ramp ring). This special form of ramps or contact surfaces (i.e. with steps or teeth) is intended to prevent unintentional adjustment (i.e. adjustment even without wear occurring). Due to the reduced number of stepped ramps, the ramp rings (or the pusher and the drive element) can be aligned or self-centered without any problems. If geometric deviations occur on the components actually used, these can be compensated for more easily (e.g. by elastic compliance of the components) than if steps or gears were provided on all ramps.

A conventional clutch has at least two pressure plates (e.g. but also a pressure plate, a counter plate, and a clutch disc arranged so that they 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 when the clutch is closed is determined by the thickness of the friction elements. If the friction elements wear, the distance between the pressure plates when the clutch is closed decreases. As a result, an actuating element of the clutch, which is for example a release lever or a diaphragm spring tongue, covers 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 covers this further distance. To prevent the actuating device from having to cover this distance and instead being able to always cover 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, the drive element moves the pusher in the actuation direction via the first counter ramp, which rests on the drive ramp, which then disengages the clutch on the output side, for example via 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 being on the drive ramp and would subsequently move in the transverse direction. When the pusher is actuated and moves, 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 pressed back until the friction elements of the clutch are in contact with one another again. The adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element and the second counter ramp also come into contact with one another 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, as 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 along the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element in the transverse direction. As 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 along 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 during later assembly with an actuating device. The adjustment device can also be combined with a variety 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 selected to be large enough 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 an actuating element of the clutch. Such an 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. A sliding of the counter ramps on the inclined plane formed between the ramp and the counter ramp is therefore 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 ramp over a corresponding path in the transverse direction. Path in the transverse direction can be safely supported on the counter ramp. It can also be provided that only one of the surfaces sliding against each other has a gradient and the other is designed to run parallel to the transverse direction. The decisive factor 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 so that an actuating device acts on it. For example, the drive element has an actuating bearing that is provided for receiving the actuating device. For example, such an actuating device is a push rod that acts on the drive element and is mechanically coupled to a clutch pedal or an automated device for actuating the clutch.

In particular, at least one drive ramp of the pusher and the counter contour on the first counter ramp are designed in steps. The steps ensure that the contact surfaces, via which the drive ramp and the first counter ramp rest against each other, have good self-locking properties. The steps in particular prevent the drive element from turning backwards relative to the pusher.

In particular, the adjusting element and the drive element are positively connected to one another in the transverse direction, e.g. by a projection on the drive element which engages in a recess on the adjusting element.

In particular, the other of the two drive ramps and the other of the two first counter ramps each have a flat contact surface which abuts against one another.

In particular, the actuation 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 coaxial (in particular in 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.

The pusher is in contact with the actuating element (e.g. with the tips of the actuating levers) particularly due to its function in the adjustment device. Such actuating levers are mounted on the housing with swivel joints, for example. A moment for supporting the rotation of the pusher can be achieved in particular via the centering bolts mentioned at the beginning and their fixation on the housing.

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, preferably with the exception of the drive ramps and/or the first counter ramps. In particular, at least some of the drive ramps and/or some of the first counter ramps are stepped and the other part is flat. It is precisely as a result of the different design of certain ramps that a uniform support of the drive element or the adjustment element on the pusher is achieved around the circumference.

In particular, the adjusting device comprises a housing, wherein the adjusting element is movable on the housing in the transverse direction and in the The adjustment device is then mounted in a fixed manner in the direction of actuation. The adjustment device is then self-contained and functions independently. It can be used as a single component with a large number of couplings of different designs. Alternatively, the adjustment device can be attached to a fixed component of a coupling and in particular can be designed to be integrated with the coupling. In any case, the position of the adjustment element is fixed in the direction of actuation 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 along the circumferential direction and the drive element has a plurality of first counter ramps along the circumferential direction. At least two, preferably exactly three, drive ramps and two, preferably exactly three, first counter ramps have stepped contact surfaces.

In particular, the stepped contact surfaces and the flat contact surfaces of the drive ramps and/or the first counter ramps are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction. In particular, the same number of stepped and flat drive ramps (in particular exactly three in each case) are provided. In particular, the same number of stepped and flat first counter ramps (in particular exactly three in each case) are provided.

A pusher for the described adjustment device is also proposed. The pusher is designed coaxially and has at least two drive ramps and an adjustment ramp element in a transverse direction to the actuation direction, wherein one of the two drive ramps has a stepped contact surface and the other of the two drive ramps has a flat contact surface.

In particular, the pusher is designed as a disc element with a rotation axis. The pusher can be moved in the adjustment device along the actuation 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 in particular 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. Between the drive ramps and the adjustment ramp elements, the pusher is designed in a disc shape. In particular, six drive ramps (three with a stepped contact surface and three with a flat contact surface) and three adjustment ramp elements are provided.

A drive element for the described adjustment device is also proposed, wherein the drive element is designed coaxially. The drive element has at least two first counter ramps in a transverse direction to the actuation direction, wherein one of the two first counter ramps has a stepped contact surface and the other of the two first counter ramps has a flat contact surface.

In particular, the drive element is designed as a disc element with a rotation axis. The drive element can be displaced in the adjustment device along the actuation direction.

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 even intervals. In particular, the first counter ramps are arranged in a radial direction on an outer edge of the drive element. In particular, a plurality of projections that engage in recesses in the adjustment element are arranged in the radial direction on an inner edge of the drive element. Between the first counter ramps and the projections, the drive element is designed in a disc shape. In particular, six first counter ramps (three with a stepped contact surface and three with a flat contact surface) and three projections are provided. 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 one partial clutch has the described adjustment device.

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 pusher, the drive element and the clutch and vice versa.

The use of indefinite articles (“a”, “an”, “an” and “another”), in particular in the patent claims and the description reflecting them, is as such and not as a number. Terms or components introduced accordingly are 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: the coupling according to Fig. 1 in a side view in section;

Fig. 3: a part of a known adjustment device in a perspective view;

Fig. 4: a part of an adjustment device in a perspective view;

Fig. 5: the part Fig. 4 in a plan view; Fig. 6: a schematic side view of the adjusting device according to Fig. 3; and

Fig. 7: a schematic side view of the adjusting device according to Fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 1 shows a clutch 2 known from DE 10 2021 122 730.5 with an adjusting device 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows the clutch 2 according to Fig. 2 in a side view in section. Figs. 1 and 2 are described together below.

With regard to the basic function of a clutch 2 and the adjusting device 1, reference is made to DE 10 2021 122 730.5.

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 adjustment ramp (hereinafter also referred to as adjustment ramp element 7) in a transverse direction 5 to the actuating direction 3. The adjusting device 1 further comprises a drive element 8 which is movable in the actuating direction 3 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 is aligned with the counter contour on the drive ramp 6 in the Actuation direction 3. Furthermore, the adjustment device 1 has an adjustment element 10 which is movable in the transverse direction 5 and has a second counter ramp 11, wherein the second counter ramp 11 has a counter contour to the adjustment ramp or to the adjustment ramp element 7 and can be applied with the counter contour to the adjustment ramp 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 self-locking and the adjustment ramp 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 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, such as a clutch pedal, also covers this further distance. In order to prevent the actuating device from having to travel this distance and instead to always be able to travel the same distance, an adjusting device 1 is arranged between the clutch 2 and the actuating device.

When the drive element 8 is actuated on the input side in the actuation direction

3, for example via a clutch pedal, shifts the force exerted by the 25 of the actuating device, the drive element 8 actuated via the first counter ramp 9, which rests on the drive ramp 6, pushes the pusher 4 in the actuation direction 3, which then disengages the clutch 2 on the output side, here via the first actuating 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 slipping off the drive ramp 6 and subsequently moving in the transverse direction 5. 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, during the actuation and the associated movement of the pusher 4.

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 one another again. In the process, the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element 7 and the second counter ramp 11 come into contact with one another again. As soon as wear occurs on the clutch 2, a force results between the 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 via projections 26 and recesses 27 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 have the same gradient (e.g. with the same gradient of the drive ramp 6 and the adjustment ramp or the adjustment ramp element 7 or with the same ratio of the gradients of the ramp systems). The drive element 8 thus always remains in the same position in the actuation direction 3 when the clutch 3 is closed and does not pass on an extended path resulting from wear to an actuation device.

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.

In an adjustment device 1, the pusher 4 is to be fixed to the housing 12 relative to the circumferential direction (the transverse direction 5) so that the function of the adjustment device 1 is possible. This fixing is carried out here on fixing bolts 23 which are attached to the housing 12. Areas 24 for contact with the fixing bolts 23 are formed on the pusher 4 to be fixed.

Fig. 3 shows part of a known adjustment device 1 in a perspective view. The adjustment device 1 comprises the pusher 4, which is movable in an actuation direction 3, for disengaging the clutch 2 or the first partial clutch 17, wherein the pusher 4 has a drive ramp 6 and an adjustment ramp element 7 in a transverse direction 5 to the actuation direction 3. The adjustment device 1 also has a drive element 8, which is movable in the actuation direction 3, 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. Furthermore, the adjustment device 1 has an adjustment element 10 which is movable in the transverse direction 5 and has 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 via projections 26 and recesses 27, 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 pusher 4 and the drive element 8 contact each other via ramps 6, 9, which lie against each other with contact surfaces of the ramps 6, 9. These contact surfaces are designed in steps so that an improved self-locking is achieved.

If the pusher 4 and the drive element 8 have, for example, three individual ramps 6, 9 (with or without teeth or stepped design) that are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction, the kinematics of the adjustment device 1 lead to self-centering of the pusher 4 and the drive element 8. This also applies to certain geometric deviations of the components. This generally ensures that the contact surfaces of the ramps 6, 9 or the pusher 4 and the drive element 8 are evenly loaded.

The illustrated components, pusher 4 and drive element 8, each have six individual ramps 6, 9, so that the position of pusher 4 and drive element 8 relative to each other is kinematically overdetermined. Only with components without geometric deviations can they function without problems. If there are geometric deviations in the components (e.g. with regard to the position of the individual ramps 6, 9 relative to each other), a certain uneven load on the contact surfaces of the ramps 6, 9 will occur.

In particular, geometric deviations of the ramps 6, 9 or the stepped ramps 6, 9 can, for example, result in a misalignment of the pusher 4 or drive element 8. This may lead to adverse loads, increased wear and/or malfunctions of the adjustment device 1. Fig. 4 shows a part of an adjusting device 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 5 shows the part of Fig. 4 in a plan view. Figs. 4 and 5 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 3.

The pusher 4 has a plurality of drive ramps 6 along the circumferential direction and the drive element 8 has a plurality of first counter ramps 9 along the circumferential direction. Exactly three drive ramps 6 and exactly three first counter ramps 9 have stepped contact surfaces and contact each other. Exactly three drive ramps 6 and exactly three first counter ramps 9 have flat contact surfaces and contact each other.

The stepped contact surfaces and the flat contact surfaces of the drive ramps 6 and the first counter ramps 9 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction.

The pusher 4 is coaxial and has six drive ramps 6 and three adjustment ramp elements 7 in a transverse direction 5 to the actuation direction 3, wherein three of the six drive ramps 6 have a stepped contact surface and the other three of the six drive ramps 6 each have a flat contact surface.

The drive ramps 6 are arranged in a radial direction 14 on an outer edge of the pusher 4. The adjustment ramp elements 7 are arranged in the radial direction 14 on an inner edge of the pusher 4. Between the drive ramps 6 and the adjustment ramp elements 7, the pusher 4 is disk-shaped.

The drive element 8 is coaxial. The drive element 8 has six first counter ramps 9 in a transverse direction 5 to the actuation direction 3, wherein three of the six first counter ramps 9 have a stepped contact surface and the other three of the six first counter ramps 9 each have a flat contact surface. The first counter ramps 9 are arranged in a radial direction 14 on an outer edge of the drive element 8. Three projections 26, which engage in recesses 27 of the adjustment element 10, are arranged in the radial direction 14 on an inner edge of the drive element 8. Between the first counter ramps 9 and the projections 26, the drive element 8 is disk-shaped.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the adjusting device 1 according to Fig. 3. Fig. 7 shows a schematic side view of the adjusting device 1 according to Figs. 4 and 5. Figs. 6 and 7 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 5.

Shown are the drive element 8 and the pusher 4 with the corresponding ramps 6, 9 that contact each other. The pusher 4 is fixed to the housing 12 opposite the transverse direction 5. The drive element 8 is arranged to be movable in the transverse direction 5 relative to the pusher 4, or is driven in the transverse direction 5 via the adjustment element 10 when it is worn.

The drive ramps 6 and the first counter ramps 9 contact each other in Fig. 6 with stepped contact surfaces. The pusher 4 is fixed to the housing 12 opposite the transverse direction 5. The drive element 8 is arranged to be movable in the transverse direction 5 opposite the pusher 4, or is driven in the transverse direction 5 via the adjustment element 10 when it wears. If there are geometric deviations in the stepped ramps 6, 9, the pusher 4 or drive element 8 can become misaligned. This can lead to disadvantageous loads, increased wear and/or malfunctions of the adjustment device 1.

The drive ramps 6 and the first counter ramps contact each other in Fig. 7 with stepped and flat contact surfaces. The stepped contact surfaces and the flat contact surfaces of the drive ramps 6 and the first counter ramps 9 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction. Due to the reduced number of stepped ramps 6, 9, alignment or self-centering of the pusher 4 and the drive element 8 is possible. possible without any problems. If geometric deviations occur in the components actually used, these can be compensated for more easily (e.g. by elastic compliance of the components) than if 6 or 9 steps or gears were provided on all ramps.

The adjustment device 1 proposed here essentially corresponds to the adjustment device 1 according to the DE 102022 115 740.7 mentioned at the beginning, wherein in the present case a part of the drive ramps 6 or the first counter ramps 9 is stepped and another part is flat.

List of reference symbols

Adjustment device clutch Actuation direction Pusher Transverse direction Drive ramp Adjustment ramp element Drive element First counter ramp Adjustment element Second counter ramp Housing First actuating element Radial direction Input shaft Output shaft First partial clutch Second partial clutch Second actuating element Pressure plate Counter plate Clutch disc Fixing bolt Area

Actuation force projection recess

Claims

Patent claims Adjustment device (1) for a clutch (2) with an actuating direction (3), at least comprising

• a pusher (4) movable in the actuating direction (3) for disengaging the clutch (2), wherein the pusher (4) has at least two drive ramps (6) and an adjustment ramp element (7) in a transverse direction (5) to the actuating direction (3),

• a drive element (8) movable in the actuation direction (3) for actuating the adjustment device (1) with at least two first counter ramps (9), wherein each first counter ramp (9) has a counter contour to the respective drive ramp (6) and rests with the counter contour on the respective drive ramp (6) in the actuation direction (3),

• an adjustment element (10) which is movable in the transverse direction (5) and has a second counter ramp (11), the second counter ramp (11) having a counter contour to the adjustment ramp element (7) and being able to 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) being connected to one another in the transverse direction (5) and the drive element (8) being movably mounted on the adjustment element (10) in the actuation direction (3); the drive ramps (6) and the first counter ramps (9) being designed to be self-locking and the adjustment ramp element (7) and the second counter ramp (11) being designed to slide against one another in the transverse direction (5) when there is a contact force in the actuation direction (3); wherein one of the two drive ramps (6) and one of the two first counter ramps (9) each have a stepped contact surface which abut against one another, wherein at least one of the contact surfaces of the other of the two drive ramps (6) and the other of the two first counter ramps (9) which abut against one another is flat.

2. Adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the other of the two drive ramps (6) and the other of the two first counter ramps (9) each have a flat contact surface which abuts against one another.

3. 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.

4. Adjustment device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the pusher (4) has a plurality of drive ramps (6) along the circumferential direction and the drive element (8) has a plurality of first counter ramps (9) along the circumferential direction; wherein at least two drive ramps (6) and two first counter ramps (9) each have stepped contact surfaces.

5. Adjusting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 and 4, wherein the stepped contact surfaces and the flat contact surfaces of the drive ramps (6) or the first counter ramps (9) are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction.

6. Pusher (4) for an 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) is coaxial, wherein the pusher (4) has at least two drive ramps (6) and an adjustment ramp element (7) in a transverse direction (5) to the actuating direction (3), wherein one of the two drive ramps (6) has a stepped contact surface and the other of the two drive ramps (6) has a flat contact surface.

7. Drive element (8) for an adjusting 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, the drive element (8) being coaxial, the drive element (8) having at least two first counter ramps (9) in a transverse direction (5) to the actuation direction (3), one of the two first counter ramps (9) having a stepped contact surface and the other of the two first counter ramps (9) having a flat contact surface. Clutch (2) for optionally connecting or disconnecting an input shaft (15) and at least one output shaft (16) with an adjusting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Clutch (2) according to claim 8, the clutch (2) having a plurality of partial clutches (17, 18) for a plurality of output shafts (16), at least one partial clutch (17, 18) having an adjusting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.