Lubricant guiding shell for setting in the region of a hydrodynamic torque converter

Abstract

The invention relates to a lubricant guide housing (32) for being arranged in the region of a hydrodynamic torque converter, comprising a radially extending first section (33) which is arranged for axially opposite positioning to one end face (35) of the torque converter (9) in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing (32). The first section (33) transitions radially outwardly into an axially extending second section (34) which is configured for axially at least partially and radially outwardly surrounding the torque converter (9) starting from the first section (33) in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing (32). In order to realize a lubricant guide housing by means of which an excessive accumulation of lubricant in the region of the hydrodynamic torque converter can be reliably prevented, both the first section (33) and the second section (34) are configured to be completely annular.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lubricant guide housing disposed in a region of a hydraulic torque converter. The lubricant guide housing includes a radially extending first section configured to axially face an end face of the torque converter in a disposed state. The first section transitions radially outward into an axially extending second section, which, in the disposed state, is configured to at least partially and radially outwardly surround the torque converter from the first section in a axial direction. The invention also relates to a hybrid drive unit comprising a motor, a hydraulic torque converter coupled to the motor, and the aforementioned lubricant guide housing. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic transmissions used in motor vehicles are typically equipped with a starting device in the form of a torque converter. In these cases, the torque converter is usually connected upstream of the gear set on the drive side of the transmission. During operation, excessive lubricant buildup in the torque converter area should be avoided, as this can cause lubricant foaming due to the rotating components of the torque converter. This can lead to increased lubricant temperature, drag loss, and lubricant being transported to unwanted areas. For this reason, guide housings are sometimes installed in the torque converter area of ​​transmissions with torque converters to prevent excessive lubricant buildup.

[0003] DE 102019212670 A1 discloses a hybrid drive unit for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor and a hydraulic torque converter as modules. This module is intended for use in a motor vehicle transmission, where the hydraulic torque converter is positioned on the drive side of the gear set of the transmission. To prevent excessive lubricant buildup in the torque converter region during downhill driving or severe braking, which could lead to lubricant foaming, a lubricant guide shell is provided between the torque converter and the gear set. This lubricant guide shell is configured as a half-shell and has a first section that extends substantially radially and serves to axially shield the lower half of the torque converter relative to the gear set. A second section of the lubricant guide shell is connected radially outward to the first section, extending substantially axially and radially surrounding the lower half of the torque converter. Overall, the lubricant guide shell has an L-shaped cross-section. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention aims to provide a lubricant guide shell that, when used in the region of a hydraulic torque converter, reliably prevents excessive accumulation of lubricant in the region of the hydraulic torque converter.

[0005] The task is addressed based on a lubricant guide housing according to the invention for use in a region of a hydraulic torque converter, the lubricant guide housing comprising a first section extending radially, the first section being configured to be axially opposed to an end face of the torque converter in the configuration of the lubricant guide housing, the first section transitioning radially outward into a second section extending axially, the second section being configured in the configuration of the lubricant guide housing to at least partially and radially outwardly surround the torque converter from the first section along the axial direction. Both the first and second sections are configured to be completely encircling, and are provided with at least one through-hole through which a first side of the lubricant guide housing facing the torque converter in the lubricant guide housing configuration is connected to a second side of the lubricant guide housing facing away from the torque converter in the lubricant guide housing configuration. The at least one through-hole is used to transfer lubricant from the first side to the second side. The at least one through-hole is configured in a position in the circumferential direction that is located at the top in the lubricant guide housing configuration and is offset from the vertical axis by 0° to 30° when viewed from the second side.

[0006] According to the invention, a lubricant guide housing intended for use in a region of a hydraulic torque converter includes a radially extending first section configured to be axially opposed to one end face of the torque converter in the configuration of the lubricant guide housing. Furthermore, the first section transitions radially outward into an axially extending second section, which, in the configuration of the lubricant guide housing, is configured to at least partially and radially outwardly surround the torque converter from the first section along the axial direction.

[0007] In the context of this invention, "axial" refers to orientation along the central axis of the lubricant guide housing, which is preferably the axis of symmetry of the guide housing. "Radial" refers to orientation along the diametrical direction of the corresponding component.

[0008] The lubricant guide housing according to the invention is preferably intended for coaxial arrangement in the torque converter region, i.e., the lubricant guide housing is coaxial with the rotation axis of the torque converter in the installed state. Therefore, the central axis of the lubricant guide housing coincides with the rotation axis of the torque converter.

[0009] The present invention includes the following technical teaching: the first segment and the second segment are each configured to be completely circumferential. In other words, the first segment and the second segment extend over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, respectively.

[0010] This embodiment of the lubricant guide housing has the advantage of reliably shielding the torque converter from the axial side when positioned at the end of the torque converter. The two sections of the guide housing prevent lubricant from flowing into the torque converter region from the axial side, as the lubricant guide housing, which essentially surrounds the torque converter, shields it from the axial side. This is ensured even if a large amount of lubricant overflows towards the torque converter due to the vehicle being in a steep downhill position or due to severe deceleration, such as from strong braking. Overall, this shielding ensures that a large amount of lubricant does not accumulate in the torque converter region, which would otherwise cause lubricant foaming due to the rotational movement of the torque converter, leading to increased temperature, drag loss, and lubricant being transported to unwanted areas.

[0011] Conversely, the lubricant guide housing of DE 102019212670 A1 is constructed as a half-shell, thus only shielding the lower half of the torque converter in the vertical direction. However, if a large amount of lubricant flows into the torque converter area, for example due to the vehicle being in a steep downhill position or due to severe deceleration caused by braking, the lubricant may overflow across the half-shell into the torque converter area.

[0012] The first section of the guide housing has a disc-like shape based on its radial extension and complete circumference, while the second section resembles a hollow cylinder based on its axial extension and complete extension. Together, they give the guide housing a generally U-shaped cross-section, and the lubricant guide housing generally has a can or basin shape. It is particularly preferred that the lubricant guide housing be designed to be substantially rotationally symmetric, with the central axis of the lubricant guide housing being the axis of symmetry with respect to both the first and second sections.

[0013] In the context of this invention, "the first segment extends radially" means that the first segment extends substantially radially, i.e., the first segment of the lubricant guide shell has a significantly greater extension in the radial direction than in the axial direction. Here, the first segment may extend purely in the radial direction, at least in a portion of the segment. Alternatively or additionally, the first segment may also extend obliquely in both the radial and axial directions, at least in a portion of the segment, wherein the radial extension of the oblique segment is greater than its axial extension.

[0014] Conversely, the second segment extends axially, which in the sense of the invention means that the second segment extends substantially axially. Therefore, the second segment has a significantly greater extension in the axial direction than in the radial direction. In particular, the second segment may extend purely axially at least in a portion of the segment; alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the second segment may extend obliquely at least in a portion of the segment by extending in both the radial and axial directions. However, in the case mentioned last, the extension in the axial direction is always greater than the extension in the radial direction.

[0015] In the configuration of the lubricant guide housing, the second section at least partially and radially outwardly surrounds the torque converter along the axial direction. This should be understood in the context of the invention as the second section extending around the torque converter and axially extending at least a portion of the torque converter in the configuration of the lubricant guide housing. Particularly preferred is that the second section has such axial extension that, in the configuration of the lubricant guide housing, it extends axially from the first section to the axial side of the torque converter opposite to the first section.

[0016] The transition from the first section to the second section of the lubricant guide housing can be abrupt in the sense of the invention, such that the change from the radial extension of the first section to the axial extension of the second section occurs within a narrow region. However, it is particularly preferred that the transition from the first section to the second section is achieved over a larger area, such that the radial extension of the first section gradually transitions to the axial extension of the second section. This transition can be designed, in particular, according to the shape of the region of the torque converter of the hydraulic torque converter that is surrounded in its installed state by the lubricant guide housing according to the invention. Therefore, the transition can be designed, in particular, to be continuous.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second section has a radially outwardly projecting flange on at least a portion of its circumference at its end opposite to the first section. Therefore, the second section transitions into the radially outwardly projecting flange at at least a portion of its end that does not transition into the first section; this flange can also be designed to be completely circumferential. This allows for a targeted increase in radial extension in this region of the lubricant guide housing, thereby reducing the radial clearance between the lubricant guide housing and the surrounding housing, particularly the transmission housing, in the installed state. This further improves the shielding of the associated torque converter.

[0018] In an extended embodiment described above, the flange is provided with a seal on at least a portion of its circumference on its radially outer side. This seal is intended to establish contact with the radially surrounding housing when the lubricant guide housing is in its installed state. Thus, a seal can be advantageously formed in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing through contact between the seal and the radially surrounding housing. Particularly preferred is that the flange has a seal on a portion of its length, which, in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing, forms the lower portion of the surrounding flange in the vertical direction. The seal is, in particular, sprayed onto the surrounding flange. Preferably, the seal is made of an elastomeric material, which may in particular be rubber or silicone.

[0019] According to the present invention, at least one through-hole is provided through which a first side of the lubricant guide housing, facing the torque converter axially in its installed state, is connected to a second side of the lubricant guide housing, facing away from the torque converter axially in its installed state. The through-hole is used to transfer lubricant from the first side to the second side. An advantage of this embodiment of the lubricant guide housing is that, therefore, in the installed state, lubricant can be selectively delivered from the side of the lubricant guide housing facing the torque converter to the other side. This ensures that lubricant can be discharged from the region of the hydraulic torque converter towards the lubricant reservoir of the transmission without any problems.

[0020] In an extended embodiment described above, the at least one through-hole is at least partially radially constructed in the transition section between the first and second sections. Accordingly, in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing, the at least one through-hole is located axially in a region near the end face of the hydraulic torque converter, allowing lubricant to pass from this region through the through-hole to the other side of the lubricant guide housing. On the other hand, the at least one through-hole is also designed to be radially far to the outside. Here, the at least one through-hole can extend radially into the second section.

[0021] As an alternative to or supplement to the above-described extended scheme, the at least one through-hole is configured in a position in the circumferential direction that is located at the top in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing and offset from the vertical axis by 0° to 30° when viewed from the second side. This region in the circumferential direction has proven particularly advantageous for arranging the through-hole to guide lubricant from the torque converter side to the other axial side of the guide housing in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, a axially projecting enclosure is constructed on the second side, the enclosure surrounding the at least one through-hole on the second side and defining a flow path on the second side. The flow path on the second side connects the opening of the through-hole to a region of the lubricant guide housing located vertically at the lower part in the lubricant guide housing's configuration. This allows for the guidance of the lubricant flowing through the opening on the second side, thereby reliably guiding the lubricant in the lubricant guide housing's configuration to the vertically lower region and thus to the lubricant reservoir. Preferably, the enclosure is constructed at least substantially on the first section on the second side.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the second section has at least one through-hole on its radially outer side. This advantageously provides at least one region of the lubricant guide housing through which components can pass beside the lubricant guide housing in its installed state. Particularly preferred are the first and second through-holes provided here, wherein the first through-hole is configured for the passage of a lubricant supply pipe in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing, and the second through-hole is for the passage of electrical wires in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing. The supply pipe is in particular a conduit for delivering lubricant to the motor region to cool the motor. The electrical wires are also particularly distributed to the motor, which is preferably arranged axially adjacent to the hydraulic torque converter and connected by wires to a corresponding power connector on the side of the lubricant guide housing opposite to the torque converter in its installed state.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, an axially projecting baffle is provided on the side of the lubricant guide housing that is axially opposite to the torque converter in the lubricant guide housing configuration. This baffle, in the lubricant guide housing configuration, serves to at least partially surround at least one rotatable component disposed therein. This also prevents excessive lubricant buildup in this area and thus reduces lubricant foaming through this component. The rotatable component is preferably at least one spur gear in a spur gear stage through which drive motion is transmitted to the lubricant pump.

[0025] In an extended embodiment of the invention, the first section has a through-hole at its end opposite to the second section, the through-hole being configured to center the lubricant guide housing in its installed state. This through-hole is preferably coaxial with the central axis of the lubricant guide housing, which, in its installed state, is fitted onto the centering section via the through-hole. This centering section is, in particular, formed by a section of the transmission housing. At least one shaft, such as a transmission shaft, can pass through the through-hole.

[0026] The lubricant guide housing according to the invention is particularly designed as a plastic component. The lubricant guide housing is preferably manufactured by injection molding. The advantage of designing it as a plastic component is that it allows for a low weight of the lubricant guide housing. Furthermore, the lubricant guide housing can be positioned as an insulator, spaced a small distance from electrical components such as motors. Additionally, this allows for the seamless achievement of a small wall thickness, and the plastic's relaxation properties allow it to adapt to its environment.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of holes are constructed in the first section. At least one of these holes may be provided for securing the lubricant guide shell according to the invention to the section of the component, particularly the housing, by a corresponding fastening device, so as to shield adjacent hydraulic torque converters. Here, this section may in particular be a centering plate of the transmission housing. The fastening device may be, for example, a screw. Preferably, at least three holes are provided here for receiving the fastening device. Here, the fastening device may be placed in a corresponding sleeve in a corresponding hole, especially if the lubricant guide shell is designed in principle as a plastic component. When the guide shell is designed as a plastic component, these sleeves may be installed individually or encapsulated in plastic.

[0028] At least one additional hole can be used as a release portion for a screw head disposed in a centering plate. A seal can be provided at the opening of at least one selected hole, with its sealing lip extending radially inward into the respective hole. These seals ensure a seal between the hole and the screw head disposed in the hole, thereby limiting undesirable lubricant flow away from the respective screw.

[0029] The seals are preferably designed as rubber or silicone seals. Alternatively or supplementarily, for ease of installation, the sealing lip of the seal may be designed as grooved to reduce installation force and compensate for radial and axial misalignment caused by tolerances. The seals may be designed as part of a guide housing of a plastic component (two-component injection molding) or may be vulcanized or sprayed. It is also conceivable that adjacent components may be completely encapsulated in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a hybrid drive unit for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic torque converter coupled to the electric motor, and a lubricant guide housing according to one or more of the above-described embodiments. The lubricant guide housing is axially opposed to one end face of the hydraulic torque converter in a first surrounding section and at least partially and radially outwardly surrounds the torque converter in a second surrounding section extending axially from the first section. This reliably shields the hydraulic torque converter, preventing excessive lubricant buildup in the torque converter region. In this respect, even in a downhill position or during severe braking of a motor vehicle equipped with the module according to the invention, lubricant will not overflow into the torque converter region.

[0031] In the extended embodiment of the aforementioned hybrid drive unit, the motor is axially positioned on the side of the torque converter opposite to the lubricant guide housing. If the lubricant guide housing according to the invention is provided with at least a first through-hole and a second through-hole, one through-hole intended for the passage of a lubricant supply pipe and the other for the passage of a wire, then the lubricant supply pipe is preferably used to supply lubricant to the motor for cooling the motor. The wire passing through the through-hole is specifically intended for establishing a conductive connection between the motor and the connector.

[0032] The hybrid drive unit can be formed from a multi-stage transmission. Alternatively, the hybrid drive unit can be constructed as a separate module located between the internal combustion engine and the transmission. In this transmission, particularly a motor vehicle transmission, the torque converter is preferably configured as a starting device connected upstream of the gear set of the motor vehicle transmission. The motor vehicle can be driven by an electric motor. Furthermore, the electric motor can absorb the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle in generator mode and transfer it to an electrical energy storage device.

[0033] This invention is not limited to the combination of features in the given independent or dependent claims. Features described in the claims, the preferred embodiments described below, or disclosed directly in the drawings may also be combined with each other. The use of reference numerals to the drawings in the claims should not limit the scope of protection of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are explained below. The drawings are as follows:

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a transmission according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 This illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 A separate perspective view of the lubricant guide housing of the transmission module in the middle;

[0037] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A top view of the lubricant guide housing;

[0038] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 and 3 A cross-sectional view of the lubricant guide housing;

[0039] Figure 5 Show Figures 2 to 4 Another top view of the lubricant guide housing, without showing the seals; and

[0040] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the transmission. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a transmission 1 is shown, which is a motor vehicle transmission and constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The transmission 1 includes a module 2 and a gear set 3, which are disposed between a drive shaft 4 and a driven shaft 5 and housed within a housing 6 of the transmission 1. The housing 6 may be composed of multiple housing components, with the module 2 housed in one housing component and the downstream gear set 3 housed in another housing component. Within the housing 6, the module 2 and the downstream gear set 3 are spatially separated from each other by an intermediate plate 7 formed by the housing 6. Alternatively, the housing 6 may be integral, thus eliminating the need for separate modules.

[0042] Module 2 is designed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and includes a motor 8 and a hydraulic torque converter 9, which is axially positioned within the transmission 1 between the motor 8 and the downstream gear set 3. The motor 8 includes a stator 10 and a rotor 11 and can operate as both a motor and a generator.

[0043] The hydraulic torque converter 9 includes a turbine 12, a pump impeller 13, and a guide wheel 14, each equipped with blades in a manner known to those skilled in the art and defining an annular space 15 between them. The guide wheel 14 is connected to an intermediate plate 7 via a central free wheel 16, while the pump impeller 13 is permanently and non-rotatably connected to the input shaft 17 of the downstream gear set 3. The turbine 12 is also permanently and non-rotatably connected to the rotor 11 of the motor 8 via a central shaft 18, which is non-rotatably connected to the drive shaft 4 via a switching element 19 and to the input shaft 17 via a switching element 20. Switching elements 19 and 20 are force-locking switching elements. Since the turbine 12 and pump impeller 13 are also non-rotatably connected to each other based on the non-rotatable connection between shaft 18 and input shaft 17 when the switching element 20 is operated, the switching element 20 functions as a torque converter lock-up clutch.

[0044] Furthermore, shaft 18 supports a spur gear 21 of spur gear stage 22 in a section extending beyond turbine 12 toward gear set 3. This spur gear 21 permanently meshes with an intermediate gear 23 within spur gear stage 22, which is rotatably supported on intermediate plate 7. Intermediate gear 23 also permanently meshes with another spur gear 24 of spur gear stage 22, which is non-rotatably mounted on pump drive shaft 25 of lubricant pump 26 of transmission 1. In this respect, lubricant pump 26 can be driven via shaft 18 through the intermediate spur gear stage 22. Lubricant pump 26 is located in lubricant tank 27 of housing 6 and is immersed therein in lubricant to draw in lubricant during operation and deliver it to corresponding areas of transmission 1 for lubrication and / or cooling of components located therein. Lubricant is also delivered to the annular space 15 of torque converter 9 and to cooling device 28 of motor 8, which cools motor 8 by means of lubricant flowing from there.

[0045] exist Figure 1 The minimum and maximum lubricant levels are indicated by lines 29 or 30 when the vehicle with transmission 1 is in static driving condition. As can be seen here, even at the maximum lubricant level (line 30), the rotating components of the torque converter 9 and motor 8 on the module 2 side are not immersed in lubricant. However, due to severe deceleration of the vehicle, such as during strong braking, lubricant may flow into the module 2 area, for example... Figure 1 As shown in line 31. The inflow of lubricant into the module 2 area and the resulting excessive accumulation of lubricant in this area may cause lubricant foaming and thus higher heat input, as the hydraulic torque converter 9 will operate with its rotating wheels 12 and 13 and the rotor 11 of the motor 8 will also operate in this lubricant accumulation.

[0046] To prevent this, module 2 is equipped with a lubricant guide shell 32, which is implemented according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and is described later. Figures 2 to 5 The image is shown in a further separate view. The lubricant guide housing 32 is positioned in the end region of the downstream gear set 3 of module 2 and is fixed to the intermediate plate 7. The lubricant guide housing 32 includes a first section 33 and a second section 34, wherein the first section 33 extends radially and is positioned axially between the torque converter 9 and the intermediate plate 7, thereby axially opposite one end face 35 of the torque converter 9.

[0047] The second section 34 of the lubricant guide housing 32 is connected radially outward to the first section 33. Here, the second section 34 extends axially from the first section 33 toward the torque converter 9 and radially surrounds / encloses the torque converter. Here, the second section 34 completely covers the torque converter 9 axially. As in... Figure 1 China and in Figures 2 to 5 As can be seen in further detail, the two sections 33 and 34 are configured to be circumferential, meaning they extend along the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. Thus, the lubricant guide housing 32 according to the invention prevents lubricant from overflowing into and thus accumulating in the module 2 region even in the event of excessive lubricant inflow into the module 2 region—as shown by line 31. This is because the two sections 33 and 34 of the lubricant guide housing 32 shield the torque converter 9 and further shield the motor 8.

[0048] As in Figures 2 to 5 As can be seen from the images, the first section 33 of the lubricant guide shell 32 is defined radially inward by a through hole 36. Through this through hole, the lubricant guide shell 32, in its installed state, is positioned within one of the intermediate plates 7 (in...). Figure 1 Centering is performed on the section (not further shown in the image). The central axis 53 of this lubricant guide housing 32 (especially in...) Figure 4 (See in the image) It is coaxial with torque converter 9.

[0049] Furthermore, the second segment 34 has a flange 37 at the end opposite to the first segment 33, the flange being particularly... Figure 5 Visible and designed to be at least substantially completely circumferential. The seal 38 is positioned on one half of the flange 37, which is located vertically at the lower part in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing 32. Figure 1 It is shown in and also in Figure 3 As shown in the text, Figure 5 The lubricant guide housing 32 without the seal 38 is shown. Here, contact is established with the surrounding housing 6 in the region radially outward and vertically lower in the area where the seal 38 is located, in order to generally prevent lubricant from flowing into the region of module 2 from beside the lubricant guide housing 32. The seal 38 is here made of rubber or elastomeric material.

[0050] The second section 34 is interrupted radially outward in two regions on portions of its outer circumference to define through-sections 39 and 40. When viewed from the torque converter 9, through-section 40 forms an angle of approximately 90° with the vertical axis 41, while through-section 39 lies in an angular range of approximately 270° to approximately 300° relative to the vertical axis 41 in the same viewing direction. Through-section 39 is intended here for the passage of electrical wires through which the motor 8 connects to a corresponding connector located on the side of the gear set 3. Through-section 40, on the other hand, is intended for (in...) Figure 1 (Not further shown) Through which a supply pipe passes, through which lubricant can be delivered to the cooling device 28.

[0051] Especially Figure 3 and5 As can be seen from the diagram, a through-hole 42 is designed in the transition section from the first section 33 to the second section 34, through which the first axial side 43 and the second axial side 44 are connected to each other. These two axial sides 43 and 44 can... Figure 4 As seen in the image, the first axial side 43 faces the torque converter 9 in the installed state of the lubricant guide housing 32, while the second axial side 44 forms the side of the lubricant guide housing 32 facing away from the torque converter 9. The through-hole 42 serves as a scraper edge through which lubricant can flow from the first side 43 to the second side 44, allowing the lubricant to return to the axial gap between the first section 33 and the intermediate plate 7 and subsequently flow back to the lubricant reservoir 27. When looking at the second axial side 44 and therefore at the intermediate plate 7, the through-hole 42 forms an angle of approximately 0° to 30° with the vertical axis 41 in the circumferential direction.

[0052] The lubricant guide housing 32 is provided with a surrounding plate 45 on the second side 44, which surrounds the opening 46 of the through-part 42 on the second side 44 and defines the flow path 47 from there. The lubricant that has reached the second axial side 44 via the through-part 42 is guided vertically downward through the flow path 47 so that it can further reach the area of ​​the lubricant tank 27 from there.

[0053] Axially projecting partitions 48 are also provided on the second axial side 44, which are arranged partially around the region in which the intermediate gear 23 is disposed and the meshing of the intermediate gear 23 with the spur gear 24 is achieved. These partitions 48 are intended here to prevent the accumulation of lubricant in the region of the spur gear stage 22 by at least partially shielding the region.

[0054] In this example, the lubricant guide housing 32 is primarily designed as a plastic component by manufacturing sections 33 and 34 using a plastic injection molding method.

[0055] The lubricant guide housing 32 is secured to the intermediate plate 7 by fastening devices in the form of screws (not shown further at present), which are placed in holes 54 in the first section 33. These holes 54 are all substantially of one diameter, and steel sleeves are preferably inserted into these holes through which the screws pass.

[0056] The lubricant guide housing 32 has additional holes 50 designed to provide space for screw heads disposed in components adjacent to the lubricant guide housing 32. To prevent lubricant from passing through the lubricant guide housing 32 via the holes 50, a seal 51 is provided for each hole 50, which abuts against the corresponding screw head of the screw disposed therein and thus seals the corresponding hole 50. The seals 51 are all designed to be slotted for ease of installation. Furthermore, the seals 51 are partially interrupted in areas where they protrude from the first section 33.

[0057] Figure 6 Another illustration shows a transmission 1 having module 2 and a lubricant guide housing 32 according to the invention. In this illustration, the transmission 1 is shown in a position where the vehicle is in a steep downhill position. This could also lead to excessive lubricant buildup in the area of ​​module 2, as shown by line 52. The lubricant guide housing 32 here effectively shields the hydraulic torque converter 9 and the motor 8.

[0058] The lubricant guide housing design according to the invention reliably prevents excessive accumulation of lubricant in the hydraulic torque converter region.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 1. Transmission

[0061] 2 modules

[0062] 3 gear sets

[0063] 4 drive shafts

[0064] 5 driven shafts

[0065] 6 shells

[0066] 7. Intermediate Plate

[0067] 8 motors

[0068] 9. Hydraulic torque converter

[0069] 10 stators

[0070] 11 rotors

[0071] 12 turbo

[0072] 13 pump impellers

[0073] 14 guide wheels

[0074] 15. Circular Space

[0075] 16 Freewheel

[0076] 17 input axes

[0077] 18-axis

[0078] 19 switching elements

[0079] 20 switching elements

[0080] 21 spur gears

[0081] 22 spur gear stage

[0082] 23 intermediate gears

[0083] 24 spur gears

[0084] 25 pump drive shaft

[0085] 26 Lubricant Pump

[0086] 27 Lubricant Tank

[0087] 28 Cooling device

[0088] Line 29

[0089] 30 lines

[0090] Line 31

[0091] 32 Lubricant Guide Housing

[0092] 33 First Section

[0093] 34 Second Section

[0094] 35 end face

[0095] 36 through holes

[0096] 37 flange

[0097] 38 seals

[0098] 39 connecting sections

[0099] 40 connecting sections

[0100] 41 Vertical axis

[0101] 42 penetration part

[0102] 43 First side

[0103] 44 Second side

[0104] 45 panel

[0105] 46 mouths

[0106] 47 Flow Path

[0107] 48 spacers

[0108] 50 holes

[0109] 51 Seals

[0110] Line 52

[0111] 53 central axis

[0112] 54 holes

Claims

1. A lubricant guide housing (32) disposed in a region of a hydraulic torque converter (9), the lubricant guide housing comprising a radially extending first section (33) configured to be axially opposed to an end face (35) of the torque converter (9) in a disposed state, the first section (33) transitioning radially outward into an axially extending second section (34) configured in the disposed state of the lubricant guide housing (32) to at least partially and radially outwardly surround the torque converter (9) axially from the first section (33), characterized in that, Both the first section (33) and the second section (34) are constructed to be completely encircling and are provided with at least one through-hole (42) through which the first side (43) of the lubricant guide shell (32) facing the torque converter (9) axially in the configuration state of the lubricant guide shell (32) is connected to the second side (44) of the lubricant guide shell (32) facing away from the torque converter (9) axially in the configuration state of the lubricant guide shell (32). The at least one through-hole (42) is used to transfer lubricant from the first side (43) to the second side (44). The at least one through-hole (42) is constructed in the circumferential direction at a position that is located at the top in the configuration state of the lubricant guide shell (32) and offset from the vertical axis (41) by 0° to 30° when looking at the second side.

2. The lubricant guide shell (32) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second section (34) has a radially outwardly projecting flange (37) on its circumference at least in a portion of the end opposite to the first section (33).

3. The lubricant guide shell (32) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flange (37) is equipped with a first seal (38) on its radially outer side at least in a portion of its circumference, the first seal being configured to establish contact with the radially surrounding housing (6) in the configured state of the lubricant guide housing (32).

4. The lubricant guide shell (32) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one through portion (42) is at least partially constructed radially in the transition from the first section (33) to the second section (34).

5. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An axially projecting enclosure (45) is constructed on the second side (44), the enclosure surrounding the at least one through-hole (42) on the second side (44) and defining a flow path (47) on the second side (44).

6. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second section (34) has at least one through portion (39, 40) on the radially outer side.

7. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A partition (48) is provided on the second side (44) of the lubricant guide housing (32) facing away from the torque converter (9) in the lubricant guide housing configuration, the partition being used in the lubricant guide housing (32) configuration to at least partially surround at least one rotatable component disposed there.

8. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first section (33) has a through hole (36) at the end opposite to the second section (34), which is configured to center the lubricant guide shell (32) in its set state.

9. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The lubricant guide shell is designed as a plastic component.

10. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Multiple holes (50) are constructed in the first section (33).

11. The lubricant guide housing (32) according to claim 10, characterized in that, A second seal (51) is provided on the opening of the hole (50), and the sealing lip of the second seal extends radially inward into the corresponding hole.

12. A hybrid drive unit (1, 2) for a motor vehicle, the hybrid drive unit comprising an electric motor (8), a hydraulic torque converter (9) connected to the electric motor (8), and a lubricant guide housing (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The lubricant guide housing (32) is axially opposed to one end face (35) of the hydraulic torque converter (9) by a first section (33) and axially surrounds the torque converter (9) at least partially and radially outward from the first section (33) by a second section (34).

13. The hybrid drive unit (1, 2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The motor (8) is arranged axially on the side of the torque converter (9) away from the lubricant guide housing (32).

14. The hybrid drive unit according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The hybrid drive unit is formed by a multi-stage transmission (1) or by a module (2) disposed between the internal combustion engine and the transmission (1).

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