CN115405639A - Wet clutch mechanism and vehicle including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A wet clutch mechanism for a torque transmission system includes at least one multi-disc type clutch controlled to selectively couple a drive shaft to a driven shaft. The clutch includes a torque input disc carrier for supporting a multi-disc assembly of the clutch, a pilot bearing configured to support the torque input disc carrier and to carry radial forces of the wet clutch mechanism, a torque output hub rotationally fixed relative to the drive shaft and connected to the driven shaft, an actuation piston configured to actuate the multi-disc assembly of the clutch, and a fluid pilot ring. The fluid routing ring is attached to the torque input disc carrier and centered by the routing bearing, and is configured to receive fluid flowing into the wet clutch mechanism and route a portion of the fluid to the routing bearing, the torque output hub, and the multi-disc assembly such that the fluid cools and lubricates components of the wet clutch mechanism therethrough. The present application also relates to a vehicle comprising the aforementioned wet clutch mechanism.

Description

Wet clutch mechanism and vehicle including the same

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present application relate generally to a wet clutch mechanism and a vehicle including the same.

Background

The trend of designing and manufacturing fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles has been greatly increasing, which is inevitable due to environmental concerns and increased fuel costs. The forefront of this trend is the development of Electric vehicles, such as pure Electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV), range extended Electric Vehicles (EV), fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), etc., which combine a relatively efficient internal combustion engine and an Electric motor. In the prior art, there are wet clutch mechanisms for torque transmitting systems that have various components that need to be lubricated and cooled, for which the lubrication and cooling solutions for the different components would be complex and would be costly.

Thus, there is a need to provide improvements in the lubrication and cooling design of wet clutch mechanisms for torque transmitting systems, at least with high efficiency, low cost, and simple structure.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects and advantages of the present application will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the application.

In one exemplary aspect, a wet clutch mechanism for a torque transmitting system is provided that includes at least one multi-plate type clutch controlled to selectively couple a drive shaft to a driven shaft. The clutch includes a torque input disc carrier for supporting a multi-disc assembly of the clutch, a pilot bearing configured to support the torque input disc carrier and to carry radial forces of the wet clutch mechanism, a torque output hub rotationally fixed relative to the drive shaft and connected to the driven shaft, an actuation piston configured to actuate the multi-disc assembly of the clutch, and a fluid pilot ring. The fluid directing ring is attached to the torque input disc carrier and centered by the directing bearing, configured to receive fluid flowing into the wet clutch mechanism and direct a portion of the fluid to the directing bearing, the torque output hub, and the multi-disc assembly such that the fluid cools and lubricates components of the wet clutch mechanism flowing therethrough.

In some embodiments, the fluid directing ring includes a disc portion having an outer peripheral portion that is permanently affixed to the torque input disc carrier via pre-load of a spring assembly that cooperates with the actuator piston such that the fluid directing ring is axially positioned between the torque input disc carrier and the actuator piston.

In some embodiments, the fluid directing ring includes a fluid directing portion that engages an actuation system cooperating with the wet clutch mechanism such that the fluid is directed through the fluid directing portion.

In some embodiments, the fluid directing portion includes a hollow portion that forms a fluid directing channel such that the fluid flows to the directing bearing and torque output hub via the fluid directing channel.

In some embodiments, a free end of the fluid guide extends to and engages the actuation system with a mating clearance to allow a portion of the fluid to flow through the mating clearance toward at least the actuation piston and the resilient component engaged therewith.

In some embodiments, the disc portion of the fluid guide ring includes a stop portion extending radially from the fluid guide portion, the stop portion having a shape that matches a shape of an outer contour of an end portion of the torque input disc holder that fits the guide bearing, the stop portion substantially axially overlying the end portion of the torque input disc holder such that there is no radial gap therebetween into which the fluid may flow.

In some embodiments, the torque output hub includes at least one fluid directing groove circumferentially distributed about an outer surface of the torque output hub to form a fluid channel to receive and transmit fluid directed by the fluid directing ring into the wet clutch mechanism.

In some embodiments, the torque output hub includes a cylindrical portion and a flange portion extending radially from the cylindrical portion, the fluid guide slot being formed in the cylindrical portion and extending to the flange portion to enable the received fluid to flow along the cylindrical portion via the flange portion at least to the multi-disk assembly.

In some embodiments, the torque output hub and its fluid directing groove are integrally formed via machining.

In some embodiments, a second clutch of a multi-plate type controlled to selectively couple a drive shaft to a second driven shaft, the second clutch and the first clutch being disposed one above the other in a radial direction with respect to the drive shaft, the second clutch comprising: a torque input disc carrier rotationally coupled with the torque input disc carrier of the first clutch to form a common cylindrical bearing portion.

In another exemplary aspect, an actuation system is provided for cooperating with the aforementioned wet clutch. The actuation system includes an axially extending bearing configured to cooperate with the aforementioned fluid guide ring of the wet clutch mechanism to allow a mating clearance such that a portion of the fluid flowing into the wet clutch mechanism is able to flow via the mating clearance to at least the actuation piston of the wet clutch mechanism and the elastomeric component mated thereto, and to allow another portion of the fluid to flow via the fluid guide ring to the guide bearing and the torque output hub of the wet clutch mechanism to be further able to flow to the multi-disc assembly.

In another exemplary aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes the aforementioned wet clutch mechanism.

In yet another exemplary aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes the aforementioned actuation system.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become better understood with reference to the following description. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present application, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional schematic view of a wet clutch mechanism for a torque transmitting system and an actuation system cooperating therewith, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a fluid routing ring of a wet clutch mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 3A and 3B are schematic views of a torque output hub of a wet clutch mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the application, not limitation of the application. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used in this specification, the terms "first," "second," and the like may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The terms "forward/forward", "rear/rear" are directions with respect to the axial orientation of the drive shaft X, and the terms "inner/inner", "outer/outer" are directions with respect to the drive shaft X and oriented along a radial direction orthogonal to said axial direction.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a wet clutch mechanism 1 for a torque transmitting system and an associated actuation system 100 of the present application. In the embodiment shown, the wet clutch mechanism is a dual wet clutch 1, which is located within the torque transmission chain of the vehicle, for transmitting torque via an actuation system 100 equipped with two driven torque output shafts A1, A2, wherein the actuation system may be a CSC ("Concentric Slave Cylinder"). The actuation system 100 comprises a housing on which an axially extending bearing 110 is formed or integrated, which axially extending bearing 110 comprises a free end facing towards the wet clutch mechanism, in particular the torque output hub of the wet clutch mechanism.

As shown in fig. 1, the dual wet clutch 1 includes a first clutch E1 and a second clutch E2, each of a multi-disc type, which are controlled to selectively couple the rotary electric machine and the internal combustion engine to a first transmission shaft A1 and a second transmission shaft A2, the first and second clutches E1, E2 being arranged radially adjacent to each other about a rotation axis X. When the first clutch E1 is engaged, the first drive shaft A1 is driven to rotate, and when the second clutch E2 is engaged, the second drive shaft A2 is driven to rotate.

With continued reference to fig. 1, the dual wet clutch 1 includes at least one torque input element 2 about its rotational axis X, the at least one torque input element 2 being rotationally coupled to a drive shaft (not shown) and located forward of the dual wet clutch 1. The torque input element 2 includes a torque input hub 4, the torque input hub 4 being rotationally coupled to an output of a damping device (not shown). The torque input element 2 further comprises a torque input web 3, which torque input web 3 is rotationally coupled to a torque input disc carrier 10' of the second clutch E2, which torque input disc carrier 10' is designed to receive a multi-disc assembly 40' of the second clutch E2. The first clutch E1 is located radially below the second clutch E2, and the first clutch E1 also includes a torque input disc carrier 10 to support the multi-disc assembly 40 of the first clutch E1, wherein the torque input disc carrier 10 of the first clutch is coupled with the torque input disc carrier 10' of the second clutch, and both share a cylindrical support portion 11. The dual wet clutch 1 further comprises torque output hubs 20, 20 'corresponding to the first and second clutches E1, E2, respectively, which torque output hubs 20, 20' are rotationally fixed relative to the drive shaft X and connected to the first and second transmission shafts A1, A2, respectively.

With continued reference to fig. 1, the dual wet clutch 1 further comprises a pilot bearing 30, the pilot bearing 30 cooperating with the cylindrical support portion 11 of the torque input disc carrier to carry radial forces, e.g. of the first and second clutches E1, E2, the pilot bearing 30 also carrying axial forces. The guide bearing 30 may be a ball bearing or a needle bearing, which can guide the first and second clutches E1, E2 to rotate relative to the actuating system 100.

The dual wet clutch 1 is hydraulically controlled by means of a pressurized fluid, usually oil. The first and second clutches E1, E2, and more specifically, the multi-plate assemblies 40, 40' of the first and second clutches E1, E2 are actuated by first and second actuating pistons 50, 50' and cooperating resilient assemblies 70, 70', respectively.

Referring also to fig. 2, the dual wet clutch 1 further includes a fluid guide ring 60 attached to the torque input disc carrier 10 of the first clutch E1, specifically, the cylindrical bearing portion 11 common to the torque input disc carrier 10' of the second clutch E2, and centered by the guide bearing 30.

The fluid directing ring 60 comprises a disc portion 61, the outer peripheral portion 62 of which is constantly attached to the torque input disc carrier 10, in particular the cylindrical bearing portion 11 of the torque input disc carrier, via the pretension of the spring assembly 70 cooperating with the actuation piston 50 of said first clutch E1, such that the fluid directing ring 60 can be axially positioned between the cylindrical bearing portion 11 of the torque input disc carrier and the actuation piston 50. The fluid guide ring can be tightly attached to the cylindrical support portion 11 of the torque input disc carrier even under high speed operation conditions.

The fluid guide ring 60 further includes a fluid guide 64, the fluid guide 64 being, for example, axially engaged with the actuation system 100 cooperating with the wet clutch mechanism 1, configured to receive fluid flowing through the actuation system 100, specifically, through the axially extending support portion 110 of the housing of the actuation system, and into the dual wet clutch mechanism 1, and to cause the fluid F to be guided through the fluid guide 64. Wherein the fluid is typically oil. The fluid guide 64 comprises a hollow portion 65, which hollow portion 65 extends, for example, substantially axially to the actuation system 100, in particular, to the free end of the axially extending support portion 110, and cooperates therewith, leaving a cooperation gap 5 therebetween, so as to allow a portion of said fluid F to flow centrifugally via the cooperation gap 5 at least towards the actuation piston 50, 50 'and the resilient element 70, 70' cooperating therewith. The hollow portion 65 forms a fluid directing passage 66 such that a portion, optionally a majority, of the fluid F may flow through the fluid directing passage 66 to the pilot bearing 30 and the torque output hub 20, and in particular such that the fluid F may continue to flow through the pilot bearing 30, the gap between the pilot bearing 30 and the torque output hub 20 via the fluid directing passage 66 and then may flow under centrifugal action to at least the multiple disk assemblies 40, 40' such that the components through which the fluid F flows are cooled and lubricated.

The disc portion 61 of the fluid guide ring comprises a stop 63 extending radially from the fluid guide 64, the shape of the stop 63 matching the shape of the outer contour of the free end of the cylindrical support portion 11 fitted to the torque input disc carrier, such that the stop 63 is applied at least substantially axially to the free end of the cylindrical support portion 11 such that there is no radial gap between them into which the fluid F can flow, thereby allowing the fluid F to flow as much as possible to the components that need to be cooled and lubricated, such as the guide bearing 30, the torque output hub 20, the multi-disc assembly 40, 40', etc.

Referring to fig. 3A and 3B, the torque output hub 20 includes a cylindrical portion 22 and a flange portion 23 extending radially from the cylindrical portion, and further includes at least one fluid guiding groove 21, wherein the at least one fluid guiding groove 21 is circumferentially distributed on an outer surface of the torque output hub 20, and in particular, may be formed in the cylindrical portion 22 and extend to the flange portion 23 to form a fluid passage to receive and transmit the fluid F guided by the fluid guiding ring 60, such that the fluid F can flow along the cylindrical portion 22 to at least the multi-disk assemblies 40, 40' via the flange portion 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, four fluid guide grooves 21 may be equally arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the output hub 20, and the cross-sectional shape of the fluid guide grooves 21 may be square, trapezoidal, V-shaped, circular, or the like.

The torque output hub 20 and its fluid guide channels 21 may be integrally formed via machining.

Due to the fluid guiding grooves 21, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the torque output hub 20 can be significantly increased, and thus the efficiency of cooling and lubrication by the fluid can be significantly improved.

By the configuration of the fluid guide ring as described above to receive the fluid flowing into the wet clutch mechanism and to direct a large part of the fluid to the guide bearing, the torque output hub, and the multi-disc assembly in the wet clutch mechanism, at the same time, a part of the fluid can flow to at least the actuating piston of the wet clutch mechanism and the elastic assembly engaged therewith via the engagement gap between the fluid guide ring and the actuating system, whereby the fluid flowing to the wet clutch mechanism can be efficiently utilized so that the fluid can efficiently cool and lubricate the member through which it flows.

This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the application is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims (12)

1. A wet clutch mechanism (1) for a torque transmitting system, comprising:

at least one first clutch (E1) of the multiple-disc type, said first clutch (E1) being controlled to selectively couple the driving shaft (X) to the first driven shaft (A1), said first clutch (E1) comprising:

a torque input disc carrier (10) for supporting a multi-disc assembly (40) of the first clutch (E1);

a pilot bearing (30) configured to support the torque input disc carrier (10) and to carry radial forces of the wet clutch mechanism (E1);

a torque output hub (20) rotationally fixed with respect to the drive shaft (X) and connected to the first driven shaft (A1);

an actuation piston (50) configured to actuate a multi-plate assembly (40) of the first clutch; and

a fluid directing ring (60) attached to the torque input disc carrier (10) and centered by the directing bearing (30), configured to receive fluid (F) flowing into the wet clutch mechanism (1) and direct a portion of the fluid toward the directing bearing (30) and torque output hub (20) and via centrifugal action to be able to flow at least to the multi-disc assembly (40) such that the fluid (F) cools and lubricates components of the wet clutch mechanism (1) therethrough.

2. The wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the fluid guiding ring (60) comprises a disc portion (61) having an outer peripheral portion (62) permanently affixed to the torque input disc carrier (10) via the pre-load of a resilient assembly (70) cooperating with the actuation piston (50) such that the fluid guiding ring (60) is axially positioned between the torque input disc carrier (10) and the actuation piston (50).

3. The wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the fluid guide ring (60) comprises a fluid guide (64), the fluid guide (64) being engaged with an actuation system (100) cooperating with the wet clutch mechanism (1) such that the fluid (F) is guided via the fluid guide (64).

4. A wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that:

the fluid guide (64) includes a hollow (65), the hollow (65) forming a fluid guide channel (66) such that the fluid (F) flows to the guide bearing (30) and the torque output hub (20) via the fluid guide channel (66).

5. A wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that:

the free end of the fluid guide (64) extends to the actuating system (100) and cooperates therewith leaving a cooperating gap (5) to allow a portion of the fluid (F) to flow at least towards the actuating piston (50) and the resilient member (70) cooperating therewith via the cooperating gap (5).

6. A wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that:

the disc portion (61) of the fluid guide ring includes a stopper portion (63) extending radially from the fluid guide portion (64), the stopper portion (63) having a shape matching the outer contour of the end portion of the torque input disc holder (10) fitted to the guide bearing (30), the stopper portion (63) being fitted at least substantially axially to the end portion of the torque input disc holder (10) so that there is no radial gap therebetween into which the fluid (F) can flow.

7. The wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the torque output hub (20) includes at least one fluid directing groove (21) circumferentially distributed about an outer surface of the torque output hub (20) to form a fluid passage to receive and transmit fluid (F) directed by the fluid directing ring (60) into the wet clutch mechanism.

8. The wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that:

the torque output hub (20) comprises a cylindrical portion (22) and a flange portion (23) extending radially from the cylindrical portion, the fluid guiding groove (21) being formed in the cylindrical portion (22) and extending to the flange portion (23) such that the received fluid (F) is able to flow along the cylindrical portion (22) via the flange portion (23) at least towards the multi-disc assembly (40).

9. The wet clutch mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that:

the torque output hub (20) and the fluid guide groove (21) thereof are integrally formed by machining.

10. Wet clutch mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a second clutch (E2) of the multiple-disc type, said second clutch (E2) being controlled to selectively couple a driving shaft (X) to a second driven shaft (A2), said second clutch (E2) and said first clutch (E1) being radially disposed one above the other with respect to said driving shaft (X), said second clutch (E2) comprising: a torque input disc carrier (10') rotationally coupled with the torque input disc carrier (10) of the first clutch so as to form a common cylindrical bearing portion (11).

11. An actuation system (100) cooperating with a wet clutch mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to allow the first clutch (E1) and/or the second clutch (E2) to be set in an engaged position and a disengaged position, the actuation system (100) comprising:

an axially extending support (110) configured to cooperate with a fluid guiding ring (60) of the wet clutch mechanism (1) to allow a fitting gap (5) to be left such that a portion of the fluid (F) flowing into the wet clutch mechanism (1) is flowable via the fitting gap (5) to at least an actuating piston (50, 50 ') of the wet clutch mechanism (1) and a resilient assembly (70, 70') cooperating therewith, and to allow another portion of the fluid (F) to flow via the fluid guiding ring (60) to a guiding bearing (30) and a torque output hub (20) of the wet clutch mechanism (1).

12. A vehicle comprising a wet clutch mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or an actuation system as claimed in claim 11.

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