Exhaust equipment

Abstract

An exhaust device for a drive assembly in a motor vehicle has an inlet line (2) and a membrane exhaust (4) with an exhaust membrane (7), the exhaust device being configured for fluidically connecting an interior of the drive assembly to the environment, the exhaust membrane being arranged downstream of the inlet line and upstream of the exhaust side (6) in a planned throughflow direction from the drive assembly to the environment, the inlet line having an aerosol trap (3) with a labyrinth for depositing a liquid on at least one wall of the labyrinth, the aerosol trap being configured as a separate component relative to the inlet line and relative to the membrane exhaust. At least two impact walls (12) are provided in the labyrinth region, each impact wall having a passage opening (15), a labyrinth recess (14) being provided in the peripheral wall (5) directly downstream of the at least one impact wall in the planned throughflow direction, the labyrinth recess extending laterally through the peripheral wall as a labyrinth opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhaust device that connects the inner chamber of the device to the environment surrounding the device, and generates aerosols in the inner chamber during the planned operation of the device. Background Technology

[0002] Here, the present invention starts from EP1329598B1, and in particular, the structural space requirements of current exhaust systems are reduced compared to exhaust systems known from the prior art. Diaphragm exhaust elements are generally known, wherein a diaphragm is provided in the exhaust system, by which gas exchange and thus exhaust functionality are achieved between the device to be exhausted and the environment surrounding the device. DE102015002320A1 relates to an exhaust system for a transmission housing and has a diaphragm element. The path from the inner chamber of the transmission housing to the inlet of the diaphragm can be partially understood as an internal chimney-like labyrinth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The invention is explained below in the context of a motor vehicle transmission, but this should not be construed as limiting the invention to this application. In motor vehicles, a general objective is to achieve high power density, particularly in the drive system. Based on this general requirement, the available structural space for components is "small." Furthermore, motor vehicles are subject to various requirements and environmental conditions, thus the requirements for the functionality or functional safety of components in motor vehicle construction are "high." In a motor vehicle transmission, the components housed within the transmission chamber are oil-lubricated, generating heat during operation due to unavoidable wear, and producing so-called aerosols—mixtures comprising air and finely atomized oil droplets—due to oil lubrication. This heating, in particular, necessitates gas exchange between the transmission chamber and the surrounding environment; for exhaust purposes, the oil needs to be separated from the aerosols and retained within the transmission chamber.

[0004] Exhaust equipment known from existing technology either has excessively large structural space requirements or insufficient oil separation capabilities, i.e., the ability to separate droplets from aerosols.

[0005] The purpose of the proposed invention is to provide an exhaust device with a compact structure and high functionality, suitable for use in motor vehicles.

[0006] The objective is achieved by an exhaust system for a drive assembly in a motor vehicle, the exhaust system having an inlet line, a diaphragm exhaust valve, and an exhaust side, the diaphragm exhaust valve having an exhaust diaphragm, the exhaust system being configured to guide the flow of the drive assembly's interior chamber to the environment surrounding the drive assembly, the exhaust diaphragm being positioned downstream of the inlet line and upstream of the exhaust side in a planned flow direction from the drive assembly to the environment surrounding the drive assembly, the inlet line having an aerosol trap having a labyrinth for depositing liquid on at least one wall of the labyrinth, and the aerosol trap being positioned relative to the inlet line. The aerosol trap and the diaphragm exhaust are configured as separate components; the aerosol trap has an entry area and a labyrinth area, and the labyrinth area is located downstream of the entry area in a planned flow direction; the aerosol trap has a peripheral wall that surrounds at least one flow area that guides the entry area to the labyrinth area; at least two collision walls are provided in the labyrinth area, each collision wall having a through opening, and a labyrinth recess is provided directly in the peripheral wall downstream of at least one collision wall in the planned flow direction, the labyrinth recess extending laterally through the peripheral wall as a labyrinth opening.

[0007] In the context of this invention, an exhaust device can be understood as one particularly configured to achieve pressure balance between the interior of a drive assembly—preferably a motor vehicle transmission—and the environment surrounding the drive assembly. Various exhaust devices are known from the prior art; this invention relates to an exhaust device with an exhaust diaphragm. Furthermore, such an exhaust device has an inlet line, configured as a line, or preferably as part of a line, for guiding the interior of the drive assembly to the exhaust device. Preferably, the inlet line is configured as a housing channel, and more preferably as a rigid pipe or flexible hose or the like, or at least partially includes such a rigid pipe or flexible hose.

[0008] The exhaust device is preferably configured as a so-called diaphragm exhauster with an exhaust diaphragm. In particular, this exhaust diaphragm is sensitive to the wetting of specific liquids, especially lubricants. Preferably, referring to the planned flow direction from the inner chamber of the drive assembly to the environment surrounding the drive assembly in the exhaust device, the diaphragm exhauster has an exhaust labyrinth in the housing section upstream of the exhaust diaphragm. Preferably, the exhaust labyrinth is configured to separate liquid from the gas, containing the liquid in the form of droplets, so-called aerosols. Different structural forms for such exhaust labyrinths are known from the prior art, especially so-called chimney labyrinths. Downstream of the exhaust diaphragm, the diaphragm exhauster, and thus the exhaust device, has an exhaust side. Preferably, the exhaust side has a cover, especially a cover for the exhaust diaphragm, and especially for the targeted exhaust of gas passing through the exhaust diaphragm. In other words, the exhaust system is configured to connect the interior of the drive assembly—in particular from the interior of the drive assembly—to the environment surrounding the drive assembly in a flow-directing manner, particularly by means of a diaphragm exhaust device, to prevent or reduce the entry of contaminants, particularly water, into the interior of the drive assembly, and to prevent or reduce the discharge of liquids, particularly lubricants, from the interior into the environment.

[0009] It is recommended, particularly to improve the separation of liquid from the aerosol flowing through the inlet line to the exhaust diaphragm, that an aerosol trap, especially an additional aerosol trap, be provided, having a labyrinthine region for depositing liquid on at least one wall of the labyrinthine region. Furthermore, this aerosol trap is configured as a separate component relative to the inlet line and relative to the diaphragm exhaust system. In particular, such a structure allows the aerosol trap to be added to existing exhaust systems that have not previously possessed such an additional aerosol trap. Preferably, the outer diameter of the aerosol trap is smaller than the outer diameter of the exhaust diaphragm, or smaller than the maximum size of the exhaust diaphragm. Especially through such a compact structure, small structural space requirements and high functionality can be achieved for the aerosol trap and thus for the exhaust system.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol trap has an entry area through which aerosols flow from an inlet line into the aerosol trap during its planned operation. Preferably, the entry area is configured for the aerosols to enter the aerosol trap from the inlet line in a planned flow direction. More preferably, the aerosol trap has a labyrinth area located downstream of the entry area in the planned flow direction. More preferably, the aerosol trap has a peripheral wall, preferably surrounding at least one flow area, and more preferably, the flow area is configured to guide the aerosols from the entry area to the labyrinth area. Preferably, at least one or more recesses are provided in the peripheral wall within the entry area. More preferably, the aerosol trap is single-piece constructed as a plastic component and has at least plastic as a component, or is made of plastic. Preferably, the aerosol trap is thus configured such that the aerosol enters from the inlet line, flows through the flow area in the planned flow direction, and is guided from the flow area into the labyrinth region, where liquid, and especially lubricant, preferably oil, separates from the aerosol and preferably deposits on at least one wall of the labyrinth region. After exiting the aerosol, i.e., after continuing to flow in the planned flow direction to the diaphragm exhauster, the liquid fraction in the aerosol is reduced, or the liquid originally contained in the aerosol is completely separated in the aerosol trap, such that less liquid reaches the diaphragm exhauster and thus improves the functionality of the diaphragm exhauster.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the maze region has at least two collision walls. In the sense of the invention, a collision wall can be understood as a wall segment or wall within the aerosol trap that prevents straight flow through the aerosol trap. More preferably, such a collision wall can be understood as a wall for depositing liquid from aerosols flowing through the aerosol trap. Preferably, the aerosol trap is configured as at least substantially cylindrical members extending along a column axis. Preferably, the aerosol flows through the aerosol trap substantially along the column axis during planned operation, and more preferably, the collision wall can be understood as a wall segment that deflects or reverses the aerosol flow.

[0012] Different constructions for such labyrinthine regions are known from the prior art. Preferably, at least one collision wall is configured as a spiral or helical wall, and more preferably as a flat wall that extends completely or partially into the flow region, thus forming the labyrinthine region. In the labyrinthine region, the liquid is separated during the planned operation of the aerosol trap, particularly in such a way that aerosols accumulate on one or more collision walls as they are deflected from a straight flow along the axis of the column. More preferably, labyrinthine recesses are directly provided in the peripheral walls downstream of at least one of the collision walls in the planned flow direction, and preferably downstream of a plurality of collision walls, and more preferably downstream of all collision walls. Studies have shown that a particularly high degree of separation of liquid from aerosols can be achieved by this construction.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the maze region has straight or flat collision walls. Preferably, such a maze region has two or more collision walls, and more preferably, at least two of the collision walls are spaced apart from each other and arranged parallel to each other in the planned flow direction through the aerosol trap. In particular, this arrangement of the aerosol trap allows for a simple construction of the aerosol trap.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the maze region has straight or flat collision walls. Preferably, such a maze region has two or more collision walls, and more preferably, at least two of the collision walls are spaced apart from each other and inclined to each other in the planned flow direction. In particular, this arrangement of the collision walls results in a strong deflection of the aerosol flow within the aerosol trap, and thus a high degree of liquid separation from the aerosol; in other words, at a high degree of separation, “numerous” liquids are deposited on the walls of the aerosol trap.

[0015] Each of the aforementioned collision walls, and preferably at least one of the flat collision walls, has at least one through-hole. Preferably, such a through-hole can be understood as a recess in the collision wall, allowing for a flow guide connection from one side of the collision wall to the other in the planned flow direction. Preferably, in particular, such a through-hole allows the flow of aerosols through the collision wall, thereby reducing flow resistance in the aerosol trap, and on the other hand, in particular, allows liquid trapped in the aerosol trap to flow back into the inner chamber of the drive unit.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol trap is configured as a substantially elongated member. Preferably, the aerosol trap has at least partially a flowable cross-sectional area with a maximum extension dimension L in the flow passage region. Figuratively speaking, the aerosol trap can, preferably at least in the flow passage region, be configured as a cylindrical tube. In such an embodiment (a cylindrical tube in the flow passage region), the flowable cross-sectional area in the flow passage region is a circular surface, and thus the maximum extension dimension L is equal to the diameter of this circular surface.

[0017] More preferably, the labyrinth region is spaced 1.5L or more from the entry region into the aerosol trap in the planned flow direction. In particular, such a configuration allows for a "slender" and "elongated" construction of the aerosol trap, and in particular leads to the calming of the aerosol flow in the flow region, and thus results in a good degree of separation in the labyrinth region. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The individual features and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Different features of the embodiments shown may also be combined to form new embodiments, as further shown below:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the drive components with exhaust equipment is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 Showing a partial perspective view of a drive assembly with a diaphragm exhaust system that constitutes a motor vehicle transmission;

[0021] Figure 3 A partially transparent perspective view showing a first embodiment of an aerosol trap;

[0022] Figure 4 A partially transparent perspective view showing a second embodiment of the aerosol trap;

[0023] Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of an aerosol trap. Detailed Implementation

[0024] exist Figure 1The diagram illustrates a drive assembly 1 configured as a motor vehicle transmission and having an exhaust system. The exhaust system has an inlet line 2 in which an aerosol trap 3 is disposed. During planned operation, aerosol flows from the interior of the drive assembly 1 through the inlet line 2 into the aerosol trap 3 in a planned flow direction 8, where liquid separates from the aerosol and is guided back into the drive assembly 1. After the aerosol trap 3, the aerosol, at least substantially dehydrated, flows through the so-called chimney-like labyrinth 4a of the diaphragm exhaust system 4, and then exits through the exhaust diaphragm 7 and exhaust zone 6 into the environment surrounding the drive assembly. In particular, the proposed invention allows the aerosol trap 3, based on its "elongated" construction, to be attached to the existing inlet line 2, as is always the case with diaphragm exhaust systems 4. Due to the multiple guidance by different mazes (aerosol trap 3, chimney-type maze 4a), the separation degree in aerosols is improved, and the exhaust diaphragm 7 is loaded with less liquid from the drive assembly 1, thus improving the lifespan and functionality of the exhaust diaphragm in particular.

[0025] exist Figure 2 The figure depicts a perspective view of a portion of a drive assembly 1 with a diaphragm exhauster 4. The diaphragm exhauster 4 has an exhaust zone 6 for the planned release of "purified" aerosols, i.e., essentially air, into the environment surrounding the drive assembly 1. An aerosol trap 3 is also shown in the figure. Figure 2 It is not visible in the diagram because the aerosol trap is completely integrated into the channel that guides the diaphragm exhaust 4 to the inner chamber of the drive assembly 1. This undescribed channel can therefore be understood in the sense of the invention as an inlet line from the inner chamber of the drive assembly 1 to the diaphragm exhaust 4.

[0026] exist Figure 3 The first aerosol trap 3a, i.e., an aerosol trap having collision walls 12 oriented parallel to each other, is depicted in a partially transparent perspective view. During planned operation, aerosol can enter the aerosol trap 3a from the inner chamber of the drive assembly via an entry region 13 having a recess 9 in a planned flow direction 8. The aerosol flows into the entry region 13 from the inlet line 2 (not depicted) and is guided from the entry region through a flow region 5 to a labyrinth region 10, which is configured as a cylindrical tube. In this embodiment of the aerosol trap, the labyrinth region 10 has a plurality of collision walls 12, each parallel to the other. Most of these collision walls 12 are directly adjacent to the labyrinth recesses 14.

[0027] exist Figure 4The second aerosol trap 3b, i.e., an aerosol trap having collision walls 12 oriented at inclinations to each other, is depicted in a partially transparent perspective view. In planned operation, aerosol can enter the aerosol trap 3b from the inner chamber of the drive assembly via an entry region 13 having a recess 9 in a planned flow direction 8. The aerosol flows into the entry region 13 from the inlet line 2 (not depicted) and is guided from the entry region through a flow region 5 to a labyrinth region 10, which is configured as a cylindrical tube. In this embodiment of the aerosol trap 3b, the labyrinth region 10 has a plurality of collision walls 12, each oriented at inclinations to the other. Most of these collision walls 12 are directly adjacent to the labyrinth recesses 14.

[0028] exist Figure 5 The diagram describes a cross-sectional view of a first aerosol trap 3a. This first aerosol trap 3a is capable of aerosol flow in the planned flow direction 8. In the entry region 13, the first aerosol trap 3a has a row of recesses 9. The flow region 14 is configured as a cylindrical tubular section with a peripheral wall 5. The flow region 11 is immediately adjacent to the labyrinth region 10 in the planned flow direction 8. A row of collision walls 12 is provided in the labyrinth region 10. Each collision wall 12 has a row of through openings 15. Through these through openings, a first side of the collision wall is connected to a second side of the collision wall 12 in a flow-guided manner. Most of the collision walls are directly adjacent to the labyrinth recesses 14.

[0029] The aerosol trap 3a extends along the axis 16 of the column as a substantially cylindrical tubular component. In the flow passage region 11, the cross-sectional area through which the aerosol can flow (orthogonal to the column axis) has a maximum extension dimension L, which is equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube. The distance between the entry region 13 and the labyrinth region 10 is 1.5 times or greater than L, giving the aerosol trap an elongated, "slender" structure.

[0030] Especially under operating conditions, where the atmospheric pressure in the environment surrounding the drive assembly is greater than the pressure in the drive assembly, the exhaust system also allows flow through the exhaust system in the opposite direction to the planned flow direction 8, especially for pressure balance.

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 1 driver components

[0033] 2 entrance lines

[0034] 3 Aerosol traps

[0035] 3a Aerosol trap with parallel collision walls

[0036] 3b features an aerosol trap with an inclined collision wall.

[0037] 4 Diaphragm Exhaust

[0038] 4a Chimney Maze

[0039] 5-week wall

[0040] 6-row air supply side

[0041] 7. Exhaust diaphragm

[0042] 8. According to the planned flow direction

[0043] 9. In the recess of entering area 13

[0044] 10 Maze Area

[0045] 11. Flow Zone

[0046] 12 Collision Walls

[0047] 13 Enter the area

[0048] 14 Labyrinth Recesses

[0049] 15. Through opening

[0050] 16. Column axis

Claims

1. An exhaust device for a drive assembly in a motor vehicle, the exhaust device having an inlet line (2) and a diaphragm exhauster (4) and an exhaust side (6), the diaphragm exhauster having an exhaust diaphragm (7), the exhaust device being configured to connect the interior of a drive assembly (1) to the environment surrounding the drive assembly in a flow direction (8) from the drive assembly (1) to the environment surrounding the drive assembly, the exhaust diaphragm (7) being disposed downstream of the inlet line (2) and upstream of the exhaust side (6), characterized in that, The inlet line (2) has an aerosol trap (3) with a labyrinth for depositing liquid on at least one wall of the labyrinth, and the aerosol trap is a separate component relative to the inlet line (2) and relative to the diaphragm exhauster (4). The aerosol trap has an entry area (13) and a maze area (10), and the maze area (10) is located downstream of the entry area (13) in the planned flow direction (8); The aerosol trap has a peripheral wall (5) that surrounds at least one flow passage (11) that connects the entry area (13) to the maze area (10). At least two collision walls (12) are provided in the maze area (10), each collision wall (12) having a through opening (15), and a maze recess (14) is provided directly downstream of at least one collision wall (12) in the planned flow direction (8), the maze recess extending laterally through the peripheral wall (5) as a maze opening; The aerosol trap is constructed as a single piece of plastic and is configured as at least substantially cylindrical components extending along a column axis. During planned operation, the aerosol flows through the aerosol trap substantially along the column axis, and the collision walls cause the aerosol flow to deflect or change direction.

2. The exhaust device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one or more recesses (9) are provided in the peripheral wall (5) of the access area (13).

3. The exhaust device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The maze region (10) has two or more collision walls (12), and at least two of these collision walls (12) are spaced apart and parallel to each other in the planned flow direction (8).

4. The exhaust device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The maze area (10) has two or more collision walls (12), and at least two of these collision walls (12) are spaced apart and inclined to each other in the planned flow direction (8).

5. The exhaust device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The flow passage region (11) has at least partially a cross-sectional area capable of being flowed through, with a maximum extension dimension L, and the maze region is spaced at least 1.5L apart from the entry region (13) in the planned flow direction.

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