Oil flow arrangement for a drive unit for a vehicle, drive unit and vehicle with a drive unit

Abstract

An oil guide arrangement (10) for drawing oil from an oil sump for a drive unit of a vehicle has at least two oil inlet openings (1A, 1B) spaced apart from each other in a reference direction (R) and an oil outlet opening (2) located between the oil inlet openings (1A, 1B). Between each of the oil inlet openings (1A, 1B) and the oil outlet opening (2) an intake channel (3A, 3B) is provided, wherein a gravity-movable closure element (4A, 4B) is provided in each of the intake channels (3A, 3B).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil guide arrangement for drawing oil from an oil sump for a drive unit of a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a drive unit for a vehicle with an oil sump for receiving lubricating oil for lubricating elements of the drive unit, which includes an oil guide arrangement for drawing oil from the oil sump, and to a vehicle with such a drive unit. State of the art

[0002] Drive systems, such as those used to power vehicles, have components that require oil lubrication. Known drive systems for this purpose include an oil sump containing a design quantity of oil. In these systems, the oil stored in the sump is drawn in by a pump and delivered to the components requiring lubrication. When a vehicle with such a drive system travels on a surface inclined relative to the horizontal, the oil level in the sump will also tilt. Therefore, for the drive system to operate correctly, an inlet opening of an oil guide assembly must be located below the oil level in all operating conditions to prevent air from being drawn in.The prior art therefore proposes a design oil level that fulfills this requirement for every operating condition of the vehicle. DE 10 2020 102 340 A1 discloses a transmission filter that includes a partition with a valve. The partition defines a front and a rear opening. When a vehicle travels uphill or downhill, the valve moves in response to the weight of fluid on a higher side of the partition. The valve prevents flow from the higher of the front and rear openings, thus preventing air from entering the filter. Further devices are shown in DE 10 2016 203 365 A1, DE 2 339 730 A, FR 2 860 548 A1, CN 112 983 593 A, JP 2018-071 657 A, DE 10 2021 212 083 A1 and CN 114 645 935A.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved oil guide arrangement for drawing oil from an oil sump for a vehicle. This object is achieved with an oil guide arrangement having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Description of the invention

[0004] An oil guide arrangement for drawing oil from an oil sump for a vehicle drive system has at least two oil inlet openings spaced apart in a reference direction and an oil outlet opening located between the oil inlet openings. Between each of the oil inlet openings and the oil outlet opening, a suction channel is provided, wherein each of the suction channels contains a gravity-movable closure element such that, when gravity acts on the closure element in a direction from the oil outlet opening to the oil inlet opening, the closure element opens the corresponding suction channel, and when gravity acts on the closure element in a direction from the oil inlet opening to the oil outlet opening, the closure element closes the corresponding suction channel.The oil guide arrangement is designed in a modular construction such that the oil guide arrangement can be inserted as a module into an opening in the area of ​​the oil sump of the drive unit in the reference direction, whereby a sealing cap can be used to seal the oil sump from the environment after the oil guide arrangement has been inserted into the drive unit.

[0005] The reference direction can be a direction lying in a horizontal plane when the oil guide assembly is installed in a drive unit for a vehicle. In particular, the reference direction can be aligned with a plane that is also horizontally oriented when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontally oriented surface. In this respect, the reference direction can lie in a plane that is fixed to the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a surface inclined relative to the horizontal orientation, the reference direction will also be inclined relative to the horizontal orientation. The reference direction can be in the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, or a direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the vehicle.

[0006] The oil inlet openings can each be connected to the oil outlet opening via an intake channel. The intake channels can extend in a straight line from the oil outlet opening. However, each intake channel can have a shape that deviates from a straight line, as long as each oil inlet opening is spaced apart from the oil outlet opening in the reference direction. The intake channels can each be designed as a tubular element. The oil inlet openings can be formed by one or more openings in the respective intake channel. The oil inlet openings can each be located at an axial end of the respective intake channel. Furthermore, the oil inlet openings can each be provided as at least one radial opening in the respective intake channel. The oil outlet opening can be located at a junction of the intake channels.The oil outlet opening can be located at a radial position within the connecting section of the intake channels. The oil outlet opening can be connected to an element for draining the oil.

[0007] The closure elements can each be made of a material with a comparatively high density. In particular, each closure element can be made of a metal-based material, allowing movement of the respective closure element by gravity. Each closure element can be provided with a coating on at least part of its outer surface. The coating can be made of a plastic material. The closure elements can be movably mounted in the oil guide assembly, allowing movement of the respective closure element due to gravity. The effect of gravity on the closure element is assumed to act in the vertical direction relative to a horizontally oriented surface.It may be provided that each of the locking elements can be moved according to the above definition if at least one component of gravity acts on the locking element in the reference direction. In this respect, it may be provided that each of the locking elements is mounted in such a way that such movement of the locking element can occur under very low forces.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a closure element can be provided for each of the intake channels. This design allows for both a closed and an open position of the closure element for each intake channel. Furthermore, it is possible to provide more than two oil inlet openings spaced apart in the reference direction. In this case, an intake channel and a corresponding closure element can be provided for each oil inlet opening. The intake channels can be configured such that the corresponding oil inlet openings are spaced apart from the oil outlet opening. If more than two intake channels are provided, they can be arranged in pairs, with the corresponding oil inlet openings of each pair of intake channels being spaced apart horizontally.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a sealing seat can be provided in each of the intake channels, which interacts with the corresponding closure element so that when the closure element rests against the sealing seat, the corresponding intake channel is closed. In this case, the sealing seat can be adapted to the shape of the corresponding closure element. Furthermore, the sealing seat can be provided with a sealing element that improves the sealing effect when the closure element rests against the sealing seat. The sealing element can be made of an elastic material and, in particular, of rubber.

[0010] According to one embodiment, each of the closure elements can be positioned between the oil inlet and outlet openings with respect to the reference direction. In this case, each of the intake channels can be designed with a straight shape. Furthermore, the movement of the corresponding closure elements can be achieved by the action of gravity, taking the reference direction into account.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a stop section can be provided in each of the intake channels, relative to the reference direction, between each of the closure elements and the corresponding oil inlet opening. When gravity acts on the closure element, it comes into contact with this stop section in a direction from the oil outlet opening to the corresponding oil inlet opening. In particular, a gap can be provided between the corresponding stop section and the associated sealing seat such that the closure element can move between the stop section and the sealing seat. In this case, it can be provided that when the closure element comes into contact with the stop section, it opens the corresponding intake channel with a suitable cross-sectional area. The stop section can be located within the corresponding intake channel.The stop section can be provided with a permeability so that oil can pass through the stop section when the corresponding locking element is in contact with it.

[0012] According to one embodiment, at least one of the closure elements is designed as a sphere. In particular, each of the closure elements can be designed as a sphere. When designed as a sphere, it can be provided that the closure element can rotate freely within the corresponding intake channel. Due to the point symmetry of the sphere, the free rotation of the corresponding closure element does not impair the function of the oil guide arrangement.

[0013] According to one embodiment, at least one of the closure elements can be disc-shaped. In particular, each of the closure elements can be disc-shaped. The design of the closure element with a disc-shaped form can be adapted to the design of the sealing seat. Furthermore, in the disc-shaped design of at least one of the closure elements, a sealing element can be provided on the closure element, which, when in contact with the corresponding sealing seat, improves the sealing effect. In this case, the sealing element can, in particular, be an elastic element. The elastic element can, for example, be made of rubber.

[0014] According to one embodiment, any two of the closure elements can be coupled to each other by a coupling element. In this case, the two closure elements are kinematically coupled such that a movement of one closure element is accompanied by a movement of the other. The coupling element can be a rigid element that connects two of the closure elements. The coupling element can extend along the reference direction. The coupling element can extend through the corresponding sealing seats and be connected to each of the closure elements. With this arrangement, opening one sealing seat causes the other sealing seat to close. The two closure elements coupled by the coupling element can be arranged in an intermediate position in which both sealing seats are open.Furthermore, the coupling element can be designed in such a way that when one of the two locking elements is in contact with the corresponding stop section, the other of the two locking elements comes into contact with the corresponding sealing seat.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking elements can be moved independently of each other. In this case, no mechanical coupling is provided between the locking elements. With this design, it is possible for each of the locking elements to be arranged in contact with the stop section, so that both sealing seats are open.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic element can be provided that applies a preload force in the opening direction of the corresponding closure element to at least one of the closure elements. The elastic element can be designed as a spring element. The elastic element can be positioned between the sealing seat and the corresponding closure element. The elastic element can be designed such that the corresponding closure element cannot stick to the associated sealing seat. The elastic element can be designed such that, under predetermined conditions, the closure element is positioned in an intermediate position between the corresponding stop section and the corresponding sealing seat. The action of the elastic element can be configured so that the closure element can be moved by gravity between the corresponding stop section and the corresponding sealing seat.The elastic element is not essential for the function of the oil guide assembly and can be omitted entirely.

[0017] According to another aspect, a drive unit for a vehicle is provided with an oil sump for receiving lubricating oil for the lubrication of drive unit components. The drive unit further comprises an oil guide arrangement with one or more of the features specified above, wherein the oil outlet is connected to a pump for extracting the lubricating oil. The drive unit may include a transmission for transmitting a motive force. In this case, the oil sump may be provided for the lubrication of components of the drive unit designed as a transmission. Furthermore, the drive unit may include an internal combustion engine that has an oil sump for the lubrication of components of the drive unit designed as an internal combustion engine. Finally, the drive unit may comprise a combination of an internal combustion engine and a transmission that share a common oil sump.The drive unit can be designed to provide motive power for a vehicle to move the vehicle. The vehicle can be any vehicle capable of moving on a surface. In particular, the vehicle can be a work machine that is regularly moved on a surface whose orientation may deviate significantly from the horizontal. The oil guide assembly can be integrated into the drive unit. In particular, the oil guide assembly can be installed in the area of ​​the oil sump such that, if the vehicle with the drive unit is on a horizontal plane, the oil inlet openings are located below a design oil level within the oil sump. The drive unit can include a pump assembly that is in fluid communication with the oil outlet opening of the oil guide assembly.Therefore, it can be provided that the pumping device draws oil through the oil guide arrangement from the oil outlet opening and delivers this oil for the lubrication of elements of the drive device.

[0018] The oil guide assembly used in the drive unit is of modular design. In this case, the oil guide assembly can be inserted into the drive unit as a module. An opening is provided in the drive unit, in the area of ​​the oil sump, into which the oil guide assembly can be inserted. The oil guide assembly has a sealing cap that, after insertion into the drive unit, seals the oil sump from the environment.

[0019] According to another aspect, a vehicle is provided with a drive unit having one or more of the aforementioned features, wherein the reference direction lies in a horizontal plane when the vehicle is on a horizontal surface, wherein, with a design oil level in the oil sump, at a predetermined inclination of the vehicle relative to the horizontal plane, at least one of the oil inlet openings lies below an oil level, and wherein, when the vehicle is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the oil inlet opening that lies above the oil level is closed by the action of gravity on the sealing element. The design oil level can be selected such that the aforementioned conditions are met. An inclination of the vehicle relative to the horizontal plane can include an inclination of the vehicle relative to its longitudinal axis and an inclination of the vehicle about a transverse axis.Therefore, a vehicle may tilt due to driving on an incline or decline. Furthermore, a vehicle may tilt due to driving on a surface that slopes laterally to the left or right.

[0020] In a vehicle with a drive system featuring the oil guide arrangement described above, it is possible to prevent air from being drawn in during operation of the pump system when the vehicle is tilted relative to a horizontal plane. Simultaneously, this arrangement allows the design oil level in the oil sump to be selected to be lower than would be required with an oil guide arrangement featuring only a single oil inlet opening at the bottom of the oil sump. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows an oil guide arrangement in one embodiment in a schematic representation; Fig. Figure 2 shows a modified embodiment of an oil guide arrangement in a schematic representation; Fig. Figure 3 shows a drive unit for a vehicle in a schematic representation to which the oil guide arrangement of the embodiments can be applied; Fig. Figure 4 shows a drive unit for a vehicle in a schematic representation in a side view, to which the oil guide arrangement according to the embodiments can be applied; Fig. Figure 5 shows an oil guide arrangement according to one embodiment in a three-dimensional view; Fig. Figure 6 shows the oil guide arrangement of Fig. 5 in a sectional view; Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of a drive unit for a vehicle to illustrate the operation of the oil guide arrangement according to the embodiments; Fig. Figure 8 is a further sectional view of a drive unit to illustrate the operation of the oil guide arrangement according to the embodiments; and Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic view of a vehicle with a drive unit in which an oil guide arrangement is provided according to the embodiments. Detailed description of embodiments

[0021] In the following, embodiments of an oil guide arrangement 10 are described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 explains the relationship between the oil guide arrangement 10 and a drive unit 20 to which the oil guide arrangement 10 is applicable. Fig. Figure 3 shows a drive unit 20 in cross-section. The in Fig. The drive unit 20 shown in Figure 3 is, in this example, a drive unit for a vehicle with an oil sump 21 containing oil. Furthermore, the drive unit 20 comprises numerous elements 22, which are, in particular, rotating elements that are appropriately mounted. The elements 22 of the drive unit are lubricated by the supply of lubricating oil, which can be supplied from the oil sump 21. For this purpose, the drive unit 20 includes a pump 23. In this embodiment, the pump 23 is designed as a suction pump, which is connected on the suction side to a pump channel 9. On the output side, the pump 23 is connected to channels (not shown) for supplying the drawn-in oil to the elements 22 of the drive unit 20.

[0022] The pump channel 9 extends from the pump unit 23 to the oil sump 21 and is connected to the oil guide assembly 10. In particular, the pump channel 9 is connected to an oil outlet opening 2 of the oil guide assembly 10 in order to draw oil through the pump channel via the oil guide assembly 10 during operation of the pump unit 23 and distribute it to the elements 22 of the drive unit 20.

[0023] Fig. Figure 4 shows the drive unit 20 of Fig. 3 in a longitudinal section. The oil sump 21, in which the oil guide arrangement is provided, is evident in the lower area of ​​the drive unit 20.

[0024] The in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The drive unit 20 shown in Figure 4 is designed to operate a vehicle 30 which is in Fig. Figure 9 shows the drive unit 20, and for this purpose it is mounted on the vehicle 30. The orientation of the drive unit 20 relative to the horizontal orientation depends on the orientation of the vehicle 30 relative to the horizontal orientation. In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 depicts different situations simultaneously. On the one hand, the oil level within the oil sump 21 is horizontally aligned. This is represented by the horizontal line of the oil sump 21. The vehicle is positioned horizontally on level ground. Thus, in this first situation, the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a situation in which the vehicle 30, on which the drive unit 20 is mounted, is located on a horizontally oriented surface. In the other situations shown, the vehicle is tilted. This changes the oil level. Depending on the tilt, the oil level is shown as S1, S2, S3, or S4.

[0025] With reference to Fig. Section 1 describes the basic structure of the oil guide arrangement 10 according to one embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the oil guide arrangement 10 has a symmetrical design. In particular, the oil guide arrangement 10 has an intake channel 3A on the left side, at the end of which an oil inlet opening 1A is provided. On the right side, an intake channel 3B is provided, at the end of which an oil inlet opening 1B is provided. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the intake channels 3A and 3B extend in a straight line and are fluidically connected to each other. The oil guide arrangement 10 has an oil outlet opening 2 between the intake channels 3A and 3B. The oil outlet opening 2 is in fluid communication with the pump channel 9, so that oil drawn in by the aforementioned pump device 23 is directed through the oil outlet opening 2.

[0026] Between intake duct 3A on the left side in Fig. 1 and the intake duct 3B on the right side in Fig. 1 A valve arrangement is provided. In particular, a sealing seat 5A is provided within the left intake channel 3A, which is sealed on its radial outer side against the intake channel 3A and which has a through-opening in its radial inner region. On the right side in Fig. 1. A sealing seat 5B is provided within the intake duct 3B, which has the same design as the sealing seat 5A on the left side in Fig. 1. Between the sealing seat 5A on the left side in Fig. 1 and the oil inlet opening 1A on the left side in Fig. 1 A closing element 4A is provided. In the present embodiment, the closing element 4A is designed as a plate-shaped element and is located inside the intake duct 3A on the left side in Fig. 1 movable.

[0027] On the right side in Fig. 1 A locking element 4B is provided, which has the same structure as the locking element 4A on the left side in Fig. 1. The locking elements 4A, 4B are connected to each other via a coupling element 7. The coupling element 7 is in the embodiment of Fig. 1 is designed as a rod-shaped element and connected at its axial ends to the locking elements 4A, 4B. The coupling element 7 extends through the sealing seats 5A, 5B, so that the locking elements 4A, 4B are movable together. In particular, the locking element 4A on the left side of Fig. 1 in the direction of the sealing seat 5A on the left side, so that the locking element 4B on the right side is in Fig. 1 of the sealing seat 5B on the right side in Fig. 1 is moved away. When the sealing element 4A is placed on the sealing seat 5A, the connection between the oil inlet opening 1A and the oil outlet opening is closed. In this situation, the sealing element 4B is on the right side in Fig. 1 of the sealing seat 5B on the right side in Fig. 1 lifted off, so that the connection between the oil inlet opening 1B and the oil outlet opening 2 is established.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the direction of extension between the oil inlet opening 1A on the left side is in Fig. 1 and the oil inlet opening 1B on the right side of Fig. 1 is defined as the reference direction R. The reference direction R is relevant for the installation and operation of the oil guide arrangement 10 in the drive unit 20, as described below.

[0029] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, elastic elements 8A, 8B are provided between the respective closure elements 4A, 4B. The elastic elements 8A, 8B are each connected on one side to the sealing seat 5A, 5B and on the other side to the corresponding closure element 4A, 4B. The elastic elements 8A, 8B are each designed such that the closure elements 4A, 4B, which are coupled to the coupling element 7, are each positioned in a position raised from the sealing seat 5A, 5B, unless an external force is exerted on the closure elements 4A, 4B and the coupling element 7 in the reference direction R.

[0030] In the event that the oil guide assembly 10 is tilted so that the reference direction R deviates from the horizontal orientation, at least a component of gravity in the reference direction R is applied to the closure elements 4A, 4B and the coupling element 7. If the oil guide assembly 10 is tilted Fig. For example, if 1 is tilted to the left, gravity acts on the locking elements 4A, 4B and the coupling element 7, causing them to move together to the left. In this case, the locking element 4B on the right side of the Fig. 1 placed on the corresponding sealing seat 5B, so that the connection between the oil inlet opening 1B on the right side in Fig. 1 and the oil outlet opening 2 is closed. At the same time, the sealing element 4A on the left side is in Fig. 1 is lifted from the corresponding sealing seat 5A, so that a connection is established between the oil inlet opening 1A on the left side and the oil outlet opening 2. Similarly, in the event that the oil guide assembly 10 of Fig. When 1 is tilted to the right, the locking elements 4A, 4B and the coupling element 7 are moved to the right. In this case, the connection between the oil inlet opening 1A on the left side is in Fig. 1 and the oil outlet 2 are closed, while the connection between the oil inlet 1B on the right side and the oil outlet 2 is established.

[0031] Therefore, the in Fig. Figure 1 shows an oil guide arrangement 10 such that when the oil guide arrangement 10 is inclined relative to the horizontal orientation with respect to the reference direction R, the lower oil inlet opening 1A, 1B is connected to the lower oil outlet opening 2, while the upper inlet opening 1A, 1B is disconnected from the lower oil outlet opening 2. When the oil guide arrangement 10 is returned from the inclined position to the horizontal orientation, in which the reference direction R substantially coincides with the horizontal orientation, the elastic elements 8A, 8B cause the closure elements 4A, 4B to be lifted from their respective sealing seats 5A, 5B, so that both oil inlet openings 1A, 1B are connected to the lower oil outlet opening 2.

[0032] A modified embodiment of the oil guide arrangement of Fig. 1 is based on Fig. 2 described. In contrast to the arrangement of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The locking elements 4A and 4B are each designed as spheres. Furthermore, the design differs from that of Fig. 1. No coupling element is provided between the locking elements 4A, 4B. Therefore, the locking elements 4A, 4B can be separated according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 move independently of each other.

[0033] In the embodiment of Fig. 2. The closure elements 4A, 4B, designed as spheres, are movable along the reference direction R due to the effect of gravity. In particular, the closure elements 4A, 4B, designed as spheres, can be placed onto the corresponding sealing seat 5A, 5B by the effect of gravity to close the corresponding connection between the oil inlet opening 1A, 1B and the oil outlet opening 2. Furthermore, the closure elements 4A, 4B, designed as spheres, can be lifted from the corresponding sealing seats 5A, 5B to establish the connection between the respective oil inlet opening 1A, 1B and the oil outlet opening 2. This is similar to the embodiment described above. Fig. 1 Elastic elements 8A, 8B are provided between the closure elements 4A, 4B and the sealing seats 5A, 5B. The elastic elements 8A, 8B cause the closure elements 4A, 4B to be lifted from the corresponding sealing seat 5A, 5B without the application of an external force in the reference direction R.

[0034] Additionally, the oil guide arrangement 10 in the embodiment of Fig. 2. For each closure element 4A, 4B, a stop section 6A, 6B is provided, which is positioned opposite the sealing seat 5A, 5B within the intake channel 3A, 3B with respect to the closure element 4A, 4B. The respective stop sections 6A, 6B serve to limit the movement of the closure elements 4A, 4B in this embodiment in the direction of lifting from the corresponding sealing seat 5A, 5B. In this respect, the closure elements 4A, 4B can abut the respective stop section 6A, 6B, thereby limiting further movement. The stop sections 6A, 6B are designed to be permeable to oil, so that when the respective closure element 4A, 4B is in contact, oil can flow through the intake channel 3A, 3B and past the closure element 4A, 4B, which is designed as a ball.

[0035] The functioning of the embodiment of Fig. 2 corresponds, apart from the lack of coupling between the locking elements 4A, 4B, to the function described above in Fig. 1 embodiment shown.

[0036] The following refers to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 describes the design of the oil guide arrangement 10 according to a further embodiment. The Fig. 5 and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 is based on the principle of the oil guide arrangement 10. Fig. 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the oil guide assembly 10 has the intake channel 3A on the left side. A grid-shaped oil inlet opening 1A is provided at one end section of the intake channel 3A on the left side, through which oil can enter the intake channel 3A in a radial direction. Furthermore, the axial end of the intake channel 3A is closed with a screen or a cover 13A. The intake channel 3B on the right side also has a grid-shaped oil inlet opening 1B, through which the oil can enter the intake channel 3B in a radial direction. Furthermore, the end section of the intake channel 3B on the right side is also closed with a screen or a cover 13B, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 6 is recognizable. A sealing cap 11, which is described further below, is provided on the cover 13B on the right side of the oil guide assembly 10. An outlet housing 12 is provided between the intake channel 3A on the left side and the intake channel 3B on the right side, which is located in the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 is designed coaxially to the intake channels 3A and 3B. The intake channels 3A and 3B are connected to the outlet housing 12 at its axial ends. The outlet housing 12 has, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a design that is coaxial to the intake channels 3A and 3B. Fig. 5 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, a plurality of longitudinally extending slots are provided, which act as oil outlet openings 2. The outlet housing 12 contains the arrangement of closure elements 4A, 4B and the coupling element 7. Furthermore, the outlet housing 12 contains sealing seats 5A, 5B, with which the corresponding closure elements 4A, 4B can interact to enable or prevent the connection between the oil inlet opening 1A, 1B and the oil outlet opening 2. As shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the oil guide arrangement 10 is designed as an essentially coaxial module which has the closure cover 11 at one end.

[0037] Referring back to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The installation of the oil guide arrangement 10 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in the drive unit 20 explained. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the oil guide assembly 10 is inserted into the oil sump 21 in the axial direction relative to the assembly of the drive unit 20. For this purpose, an oil pan for receiving the oil to form the oil sump 21 has an opening into which the oil guide assembly 10 can be inserted. After the oil guide assembly 10 has been completely inserted in the embodiment of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The sealing cap 11 comes into contact with the outer wall of the oil pan and can be screwed in place. For this purpose, a sealing element is provided between the sealing cap 11 and the outer wall of the oil pan. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the pump channel 9, which is connected to the pump unit 23 on the inlet side, leads to the oil guide assembly 10 in the installed state. The pump channel 9 is in contact with the slots provided on the circumference of the outlet housing 12, which form the oil outlet opening 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, the oil guide assembly 10 can be easily installed in the drive unit 20. Furthermore, maintenance or replacement of the oil guide assembly 10 is very simple, since, with the design described above, the oil guide assembly 10 can be removed from the outside by dismantling the cover 11.

[0039] In the aforementioned embodiment, reference was made to the design of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Similarly, in the embodiments of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 the design of the Fig. 2 will be used.

[0040] The following describes the operation of the oil guide arrangement 20 based on the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 explained. The drive unit 20 is installed in the vehicle such that the reference direction R corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 30. Thus, when the vehicle 30 tilts laterally, the following results are obtained: Fig. 7 oil level S1 or S2 shown, whereas when the vehicle tilts 30° about the transverse axis as a result of driving uphill or downhill, the in Fig. The oil levels shown in section 8 result in S3 or S4. Fig. Figure 7 shows the drive unit 20 in cross-section, with the oil guide arrangement 10 shown schematically in its installed state. In this case, the reference direction R extends into the plane of the blade, as indicated by the cross. Although in Fig. 7. With the drive unit 20 horizontally oriented, the potentially resulting oil levels S1 and S2 are shown when the vehicle tilts about the reference direction R. Thus, the oil level S1 indicates that the vehicle in which the drive unit 20 is installed is tilted relative to the reference direction R. Fig. 7 tilts to the left, whereas the oil level S2 indicates that the vehicle in which the drive unit 20 is mounted is tilted with respect to Fig. 7 tilts to the right. This is evident in the representation of Fig. 7, that in this case the oil guide arrangement 20 and in particular the oil inlet openings 1A, 1B are at all times completely below the resulting oil level S1, S2.

[0041] Fig. Figure 8 shows the same drive unit in a longitudinal section, with the reference direction R extending accordingly between the left and right sections of the drive unit 20, as indicated by the arrow. Fig. Figure 8 shows the drive unit 20 in a horizontal orientation. To illustrate potential states, oil levels S3 and S4 are shown, representing states in which the vehicle 30, in which the drive unit 20 is mounted, is tilted such that the drive unit 20 is aligned with respect to Fig. 8 is tilted to the left or to the right. This results in the oil level S3 when the in Fig. The drive unit 20 shown in section 8 is tilted to the left, whereas the oil level S4 is reached when the in Fig. The drive unit 20 shown in Figure 8 is tilted to the right. It can be seen that when the oil level S3 is reached, the oil inlet opening 1B is located on the right side of the Fig. 8 is located above the oil level. Furthermore, it is shown that when the oil level S4 is present, the oil inlet opening 1A is located on the left side of the Fig.8 lies above the oil level. However, due to the inclination of the drive unit 20 installed in the vehicle 30, a component of gravity is applied to the assembly of closure elements 4A, 4B and coupling element 7 such that when the drive unit 20 is inclined to the right, the assembly of closure elements 4A, 4B and coupling element 7 shifts to the right, whereas when the drive unit 20 is inclined to the left, the assembly of closure elements 4A, 4B and coupling element 7 shifts to the left. It is evident that, due to this arrangement, the oil inlet opening 1A, 1B opposite the oil outlet opening 2 is closed by the corresponding closure element 4A, 4B that lies above the resulting oil level.Therefore, the oil guide arrangement 10, according to the embodiments described above, prevents air from being drawn in through the pump channel 9 when the vehicle 30, in which the drive unit 20 is mounted with the oil guide arrangement 10, is at a steep incline. Thus, the design oil level for the drive unit 20 can be reduced with the embodiments described above, thereby reducing churning losses and the required amount of oil.

[0042] In the embodiments described above, it was assumed that the oil guide arrangement 10 has two oil inlet openings 1A, 1B and one oil outlet opening 2. In particular, it was assumed that the oil inlet openings 1A, 1B are spaced apart in the direction of a reference direction R. In a further embodiment, the oil guide arrangement 10 has more than two oil inlet openings 1A, 1B, so that the functionality of the oil guide arrangement 10 is achieved in more than one inclination direction. Thus, in one embodiment, the oil guide arrangement 10 has four oil inlet openings, each of which is connected to an intake channel in which a sealing element is provided that can interact with a corresponding sealing seat.With such a structure, which is not shown here, it is possible to take into account the inclination of the vehicle 30, in which the drive unit 20 with the oil guide arrangement 10 is installed, both about the longitudinal axis and about the transverse axis of the vehicle 30. Reference sign 10 Oil guide arrangement 1A, 1B Oil inlet opening 2 Oil outlet openings 3A, 3B Intake duct 4A, 4B Locking element 5A, 5B Sealing seat 6A, 6B Stop section 7 coupling element 8A, 8B elastic element 9 Pump channel 11 sealing caps 12 outlet housings 13A, 13B Cover 20 Drive unit 21 Oil sump 22 elements of the drive system 23 Pumping equipment 30 vehicles R Reference direction S1-S4 Oil Level

Claims

[1] Oil guide arrangement (10) for drawing oil from an oil sump (21) for a drive unit (20) for a vehicle (30), comprising at least two oil inlet openings (1A, 1B) spaced apart from each other in a reference direction (R) and an oil outlet opening (2) located between the oil inlet openings (1A, 1B), wherein an intake channel (3A, 3B) is provided between each of the oil inlet openings (1A, 1B) and the oil outlet opening (2), wherein a closure element (4A, 4B) movable by gravity is provided in each of the intake channels (3A, 3B) such that when gravity acts on the closure element (4A, 4B) in a direction from the oil outlet opening (2) to the oil inlet opening (1A; 1B), the closure element (4A; 4B) opens the corresponding intake channel (3A; 3B). and when gravity acts on the sealing element (4A; 4B) in a direction from the oil inlet opening (1A; 1B) to the oil outlet opening (2), the sealing element (4A;4B) closes the corresponding intake channel (3A; 3B), wherein the oil guide arrangement (10) is designed in a modular fashion such that the oil guide arrangement (10) can be inserted as a module into an opening in the area of ​​the oil sump (21) of the drive unit (20) in the reference direction (R), wherein the oil sump (21) can be sealed from the environment with a sealing cover (11) after the oil guide arrangement (10) has been inserted into the drive unit (20). [2] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a sealing element (4A, 4B) is provided for each of the intake channels (3A, 3B). [3] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that in each of the intake channels (3A, 3B) a sealing seat (5A; 5B) is provided which interacts with the corresponding closing element (4A; 4B) so that when the closing element (4A; 4B) is in contact with the sealing seat (5A; 5B) the corresponding intake channel (3A; 3B) is closed. [4] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that each of the closure elements (4A; 4B) is provided with respect to the reference direction (R) between the oil inlet opening (1A; 1B) and the oil outlet opening (2). [5] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that in each of the intake channels (3A; 3B) with respect to the reference direction (R) between each of the closure elements (4A; 4B) and the corresponding oil inlet opening (1A; 1B) a stop section (6A; 6B) is provided, against which the corresponding closure element (4A; 4B) comes into contact when gravity acts on the closure element (4A; 4B) in a direction from the oil outlet opening (2) to the corresponding oil inlet opening (1A; 1B). [6] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the locking elements (4A; 4B) is designed as a sphere. [7] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the locking elements (4A; 4B) is plate-shaped. [8] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each pair of the locking elements (4A, 4B) is coupled to each other by a coupling element (7). [9] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the locking elements (4A, 4B) are movable independently of each other. [10] Oil guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one elastic element (8A; 8B) is provided which applies a preload force in the opening direction of the corresponding locking element (4A; 4B) to at least one of the locking elements (4A; 4B). [11] Drive device (20) for a vehicle (30) with an oil sump (21) for receiving lubricating oil for lubricating elements (22) of the drive device, further with an oil guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the oil outlet opening (2) is connected to a pump device (23) for extracting the lubricating oil. [12] Vehicle (30) with a drive unit (20) according to claim 11, wherein the reference direction (R) lies in a horizontal plane when the vehicle (30) is on a horizontal surface, wherein, when a design oil level is present in the oil sump (21), at a predetermined inclination of the vehicle (30) relative to the horizontal plane, at least one of the oil inlet openings (1A; 1B) lies below an oil level (S1-S4), wherein, when the vehicle (30) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the oil inlet opening (1A; 1B) that lies above the oil level (S1-S4) is closed by the action of gravity on the closure element (4A; 4B).

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