Ventilation structure, transmission device and vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a ventilation structure, a transmission device, and a vehicle. The ventilation structure includes: a housing (1) located at the top of an oil chamber containing oil; the housing (1) has a first cavity (9) and a second cavity (10) arranged adjacent to each other; a first vent (12) and a second vent (11) are also provided on the housing (1); the inlet end of the first vent (12) communicates with the first cavity (9); the outlet end of the first vent (12) extends toward the oil chamber and communicates with it; the inlet end of the second vent (11) communicates with the second cavity (10); the outlet end of the second vent (11) extends toward the oil chamber and communicates with it; the first cavity (9) and the second cavity (10) are connected; and an external vent (4) connected to a vent plug is also provided on the side wall of the housing (1), and the external vent (4) communicates with the second cavity (10). This application solves the problem of easy oil leakage in the ventilation structure of the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transmission component design technology, and more specifically, to a ventilation structure, transmission device, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Transmission systems are widely used in various fields, playing a crucial role in the performance of automobiles. A transmission system contains lubricating oil and related gears. Because the lubricating oil inside the transmission system is not completely filled, but rather contains cavities, the oil temperature rises during operation. This heats the air inside these cavities, but the internal space of the transmission system remains constant. If the expanding gas cannot be expelled in time, the internal pressure will increase. Increased internal pressure can cause the oil seals to fail, resulting in oil leakage from the transmission system.

[0003] The venting structure on the transmission housing must ensure normal ventilation while preventing lubricating oil leakage. Most current venting structures use a labyrinthine housing with an external vent plug for both ventilation and oil spill prevention. This structure is simple and generally performs well under normal operating conditions. However, sometimes structural defects can lead to lubricating oil leakage from the vent plug, resulting in a decreased user experience. Oil leakage is a common fault in transmission components. While vent plug leakage is usually minimal and doesn't affect operation, it leaves oil stains on the component surface. These stains attract dust, making the appearance unsightly and noticeable. This negatively impacts brand image and easily spreads among users and maintenance personnel, becoming a widely criticized issue.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a ventilation structure, transmission device, and vehicle to solve the problem of easy oil leakage in the ventilation structure of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a venting structure is provided, comprising: a housing located at the top of an oil cavity containing oil, the housing having a first cavity and a second cavity disposed adjacent to each other, a first vent and a second vent further disposed on the housing, the inlet end of the first vent communicating with the first cavity, the outlet end of the first vent extending toward the oil cavity and communicating with the oil cavity, the inlet end of the second vent communicating with the second cavity, the outlet end of the second vent extending toward the oil cavity and communicating with the oil cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity communicating with each other, and an external vent connected to a vent plug on the side wall of the housing, the external vent communicating with the second cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, both the first cavity and the second cavity are hollow structures with openings at the bottom. The ventilation structure also includes a bottom plate, which is located at the bottom of the shell and detachably connected to the shell. When the bottom plate is connected to the shell, it will have two closed positions with the openings closed.

[0008] Furthermore, the first cavity and the second cavity share a partition sidewall, and a connecting hole is provided on the partition sidewall, through which the first cavity communicates with the second cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the height of the inlet end of the first vent is a first distance from the bottom plate, and the height of the central axis of the connecting hole is a second distance from the bottom plate, with the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0010] Furthermore, the height of the inlet end of the second vent is a third distance from the bottom plate, and the third distance is set to be greater than the second distance.

[0011] Furthermore, the height of the inlet connecting the external vent to the second cavity from the bottom plate is the fourth distance, which is greater than the third distance.

[0012] Furthermore, a threaded hole is provided at the bottom of the partition sidewall, and the partition sidewall is detachably connected to the base plate through the threaded hole.

[0013] Furthermore, a sealing part is provided on the base plate, and when the base plate is connected to the shell, the sealing part can cover at least part of the first ventilator.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a transmission device is provided, including an oil pan and a venting structure, wherein the oil pan forms an oil cavity and the oil pan is connected to the venting structure, and the venting structure is the venting structure described above.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a transmission device, wherein the ventilation structure is the transmission device described above.

[0016] By applying the technical solution of this invention, a first cavity and a second cavity are provided within the housing, and a first vent and a second vent are provided on the housing, such that the first vent is connected to the first cavity, and the second cavity is connected to the second vent, thus establishing a sequential relationship between the first cavity, the second cavity, and the second vent. This allows the subsequent stage to continue operating normally even if the preceding stage fails, significantly increasing design redundancy and reducing the risk of lubricating oil leakage from the vent plug. The greatly reduced probability of lubricating oil entering the vent plug also significantly lowers the probability of vent plug failure, reducing the risk of the vent plug failing to open. This indirectly protects the oil seals of other parts of the transmission device, reducing the possibility of oil seal failure. The technical solution of this application effectively solves the problem of easy oil leakage in the existing vent structure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the ventilation structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the ventilation structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the ventilation structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the ventilation structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the ventilation structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the ventilation structure according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0026] 1. Shell; 2. Base plate; 3. Partition sidewall; 4. External vent; 5. Connecting hole; 6. Contact plane; 7. Sealing part; 8. Threaded hole; 9. First cavity; 10. Second cavity; 11. Second vent; 12. First vent. Detailed Implementation

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0031] In automobiles, the transmission is the core component of the drive system. Its main function is to transmit the power output from the engine and electric motor to the half-shafts and drive the wheels after changing speed and torque. Common transmission devices include gearboxes, drive axles, and reducers.

[0032] The general structure of an automotive transmission consists of a housing and the gear transmission mechanism within the housing's mounting cavity, along with valve bodies, oil seals, and other related structures. During vehicle operation, the meshing friction of the gears, the rolling and sliding friction of the bearing washers, and the slippage of the clutches and other components within the transmission cause the lubricating oil temperature to rise; under certain operating conditions, the lubricating oil temperature can reach over 100°C. This increased lubricating oil temperature leads to increased air pressure inside the transmission. If the transmission is completely sealed, this can easily cause oil seal failure, resulting in oil leakage. To avoid such problems, a venting structure must be designed on the transmission housing, along with a vent plug to balance the internal and external pressures of the transmission and prevent external impurities from entering and causing abnormal wear.

[0033] Breath plugs are generally divided into normally open and normally closed types. Normally open breath plugs can keep the inside of the transmission device constantly connected to the atmosphere. Normally closed breath plugs are closed most of the time, only opening when the opening pressure is reached, and closing immediately when the pressure inside and outside the transmission device is balanced.

[0034] Combination Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a ventilation structure is provided according to a specific embodiment of this application.

[0035] The ventilation structure includes: a housing 1, which is located at the top of an oil chamber containing oil. The housing 1 has a first cavity 9 and a second cavity 10 arranged adjacent to each other. The housing 1 is also provided with a first ventilation channel 12 and a second ventilation channel 11. The inlet end of the first ventilation channel 12 is connected to the first cavity 9, and the outlet end of the first ventilation channel 12 extends toward the oil chamber and is connected to the oil chamber. The inlet end of the second ventilation channel 11 is connected to the second cavity 10, and the outlet end of the second ventilation channel 11 extends toward the oil chamber and is connected to the oil chamber. The first cavity 9 and the second cavity 10 are connected. An external ventilation channel 4 connected to a vent plug is also provided on the side wall of the housing 1. The external ventilation channel 4 is connected to the second cavity 10.

[0036] By applying the technical solution of this invention, a first cavity and a second cavity are provided within the housing, and a first vent and a second vent are provided on the housing, such that the first vent is connected to the first cavity, and the second cavity is connected to the second vent, thus establishing a sequential relationship between the first cavity, the second cavity, and the second vent. This allows the subsequent stage to continue operating normally even if the preceding stage fails, significantly improving design redundancy and reducing the risk of lubricating oil leakage from the vent plug. The greatly reduced probability of lubricating oil entering the vent plug also significantly reduces the probability of vent plug failure, lowering the risk of the vent plug failing to open. This indirectly protects the oil seals of other parts of the transmission device, reducing the possibility of oil seal failure. The technical solution of this application effectively solves the problem of easy oil leakage in the venting structure of the prior art. For example, lubricating oil entering a normally closed vent plug may prevent the vent plug from opening under the specified pressure. If the vent plug opening pressure is too high, the internal pressure of the transmission device will exceed the design value. When the vent plug opens, the excessive pressure difference between the inside and outside of the transmission device will cause the gas flow rate to be too fast, carrying out a large amount of lubricating oil and causing the vent plug to spray oil. This resulted in a large area of ​​oil stains on site, which not only affected the appearance but also greatly increased the risk of product failure due to excessive lubricant leakage.

[0037] Furthermore, both the first cavity 9 and the second cavity 10 are hollow structures with openings at the bottom. The ventilation structure also includes a bottom plate 2, which is located at the bottom of the housing 1 and is detachably connected to the housing 1. When the bottom plate 2 is connected to the housing 1, the bottom plate 2 will have two closed positions with the openings closed.

[0038] In other words, the ventilation structure comprises two parts: a shell 1 and a base plate 2. This ventilation structure includes two cavities (i.e., the first cavity 9 and the second cavity 10), separated by a partition sidewall 3. These two cavities are interconnected. Each cavity has an independent channel connecting to the inner cavity of the transmission device (i.e., the oil cavity). This ventilation structure requires the base plate 2 to cover the upper part of the ventilation structure to form two relatively independent cavities. The upper cavity of the ventilation structure (in this application, the upper cavity is the second cavity 10, and the lower cavity is the first cavity 9) has a vent connected to a vent plug. The forming methods of the two cavities include, but are not limited to, machining and casting; the partition between the two cavities is generally cast. The two cavities have a hierarchical relationship; even when the lower-level cavity is filled with oil, the upper-level cavity can still maintain its ventilation function. Each cavity has an independent channel connecting to the inner cavity of the transmission device, and this channel is located in the area where the transmission device has less oil during operation.

[0039] Furthermore, the first cavity 9 and the second cavity 10 share a partition sidewall 3, and the partition sidewall 3 is provided with a connecting hole 5, through which the first cavity 9 communicates with the second cavity 10. The connecting hole 5 on the partition sidewall 3 is responsible for connecting the two cavities, and the forming method of this opening includes, but is not limited to, casting and machining, preferably machining. The partition sidewall 3 not only divides the cavities, but also prevents the oil from continuing to rise; the connecting hole 5 on the partition sidewall 3 is also used for oil return and ventilation.

[0040] The connection between the base plate 2 and the housing 1 is a bolt connection, and the contact surface 6 between the housing 1 and the base plate 2 includes, but is not limited to, the machined surface and the blank surface. It is recommended that the parts in contact with the housing and the base plate 2 generally be shot blasted to create small gaps on the mating surfaces to better balance the pressure inside and outside the ventilation chamber.

[0041] The venting structure has upper and lower cavities, each with a separate channel communicating with the inner cavity of the transmission device (i.e., the oil cavity). This channel is formed, but is not limited to, machining, and allows excess oil to flow out. Each channel can be divided into two parts (in this embodiment, due to space limitations, it is considered one part): a connecting part (responsible for connecting the oil outlet, venting part, and the upper or lower cavity of the venting structure), and an oil outlet / venting part. These two parts intersect. The opening direction of the oil outlet / venting part should be selected where there is less oil. Generally, the direction of this oil outlet / venting part is not perpendicular to the X / Y / Z plane, is parallel to the space, and is arranged in a location with less lubricating oil to reduce the risk of oil inflow.

[0042] Furthermore, the height of the inlet end of the first vent 12 from the base plate 2 is a first distance, and the height of the central axis of the connecting hole 5 from the base plate 2 is a second distance, which is greater than the first distance. The inlet end of the first vent 12 is the end that communicates with the first cavity 9.

[0043] Furthermore, the height of the inlet end of the second ventilation duct 11 from the base plate 2 is the third distance, which is set to be greater than the second distance.

[0044] like Figures 4 to 7 Schematic diagrams of the ventilation structure from four different perspectives are shown, wherein, as Figure 6 The (bottom view) shows the ventilated structure in normal use, with the entire cover secured above the transmission device, and the oil chamber of the transmission device located at the bottom of the cover. For example... Figure 7 The posture shown is the reversed state when the ventilation structure is in normal use.

[0045] Furthermore, the height of the inlet of the external ventilation duct 4, which connects to the second cavity 10, from the bottom plate 2 is the fourth distance, which is set to be greater than the third distance.

[0046] Furthermore, a threaded hole 8 is provided at the bottom of the partition sidewall 3, and the partition sidewall 3 is detachably connected to the base plate 2 through the threaded hole 8. The threaded hole 8 on the partition is used to fix the base plate 2. Another function of the partition is to prevent the lubricating oil in the lower cavity from entering the upper cavity as much as possible, and to reduce the risk of oil leakage from the vent plug by allowing the lubricating oil to splash and move only inside the lower cavity.

[0047] Furthermore, a sealing part 7 is provided on the base plate 2. When the base plate 2 is connected to the housing 1, the sealing part 7 can cover at least part of the first vent 12. If necessary, the base plate 2 can be further equipped with a sealing part 7 to cover the opening of the cavity channel, thereby reducing the probability of oil flowing into the channel and into the venting structure. The base plate 2 can be made with corresponding features to cover any one or both vent holes of the upper and lower cavities, thereby reducing the probability of oil entering the venting structure.

[0048] This invention provides a ventilation structure for a transmission device, the specific principle of which is as follows:

[0049] (1) When the transmission device is running, the oil is agitated and splashes everywhere by the moving parts. In order to ensure the ventilation function and reduce the amount of oil entering the ventilation structure, the second ventilation channel 11 and the first ventilation channel 12 of the ventilation structure are both opened in the part with less lubricating oil during operation, so as to reduce the possibility of lubricating oil entering the interior of the ventilation structure. In addition, the opening direction of the vent hole is a spatial hole and is not the same as the tangential direction of the transmission component. This structure is also to reduce the probability of oil entering the ventilation structure.

[0050] (2) If the amount of lubricating oil entering the lower cavity of the ventilation structure through the first vent 12 is small, the oil can flow out through the vent hole of the lower cavity due to gravity. This ensures ventilation while preventing oil from overflowing through the ventilation structure. If a large amount of oil enters the first cavity 9, and the transmission device is bumpy, the oil will splash up. In this case, the partition structure can prevent most of the oil from entering the second cavity 10 of the ventilation structure. Furthermore, since the first cavity 9 is mostly occupied by oil, ventilation can only be achieved through the ventilation structure of the second cavity 10.

[0051] (3) If the oil enters the upper cavity from the second vent 11 of the upper cavity, the oil will enter the first cavity 9 through the connecting hole 5 on the partition due to gravity, and flow into the large cavity of the transmission structure through the first vent 12 of the lower cavity.

[0052] (4) If the amount of oil entering the first cavity 9 increases further, it will enter the upper cavity through the connecting hole 5 on the partition side wall 3. Since the vent of the first cavity 9 is located in the upper part, the venting structure can still continue to function at this time. If the oil level rises further to the position of the second vent 11, the oil will flow out into the large cavity of the transmission device through the second vent 11. If the oil in the second cavity 10 fills the upper cavity vent, the venting structure will fail.

[0053] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a transmission device is provided, including an oil pan and a venting structure. The oil pan forms an oil cavity, and the oil pan is connected to the venting structure, which is the venting structure of the above specific embodiment.

[0054] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a transmission device, wherein the ventilation structure is the transmission device of the above specific embodiment.

[0055] From the above description, it can be seen that the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects: A novel venting structure is proposed, whose design concept for preventing oil leakage is completely different from previous solutions. Current solutions mainly increase the difficulty of oil leakage by setting a labyrinth structure on the housing. This application, however, addresses these issues by: 1. Reducing the risk of leakage by decreasing the possibility of oil flowing into the venting structure; 2. Designing two sets of venting and oil return paths, which are in a pre-stage and post-stage relationship, allowing the post-stage to continue operating even if the pre-stage fails; 3. Dividing the venting structure into two relatively independent chambers (i.e., the first chamber and the second chamber) by a partition side plate, which is significantly different from the previous single-chamber design. The main advantage of this application compared to the original solution is that it can significantly reduce the risk of lubricating oil overflowing from the venting structure, and the structure is simple with minimal cost increase.

[0056] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0057] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ventilation structure, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) is located at the top of the oil cavity containing oil. The housing (1) has a first cavity (9) and a second cavity (10) arranged adjacent to each other. The housing (1) is also provided with a first vent (12) and a second vent (11). The inlet end of the first vent (12) is connected to the first cavity (9). The outlet end of the first vent (12) extends toward the oil cavity and is connected to the oil cavity. The inlet end of the second vent (11) is connected to the second cavity (10). The outlet end of the second vent (11) extends toward the oil cavity and is connected to the oil cavity. The first cavity (9) and the second cavity (10) are connected. The side wall of the housing (1) is also provided with an external vent (4) connected to the vent plug. The external vent (4) is connected to the second cavity (10). The first cavity (9) and the second cavity (10) are both hollow structures with openings at the bottom. The ventilation structure also includes a bottom plate (2), which is located at the bottom of the housing (1) and is detachably connected to the housing (1). When the bottom plate (2) is connected to the housing (1), the bottom plate (2) will have two closed positions where the openings are closed. The first cavity (9) and the second cavity (10) share a partition sidewall (3), and the partition sidewall (3) is provided with a connecting hole (5). The first cavity (9) communicates with the second cavity (10) through the connecting hole (5). The distance between the inlet end of the first ventilation duct (12) and the base plate (2) is a first distance, and the distance between the central axis of the connecting hole (5) and the base plate (2) is a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; The inlet end of the second ventilation duct (11) is at a height of a third distance from the bottom plate (2), and the third distance is set to be greater than the second distance; The distance between the inlet of the external ventilation duct (4) and the second cavity (10) and the bottom plate (2) is a fourth distance, which is greater than the third distance.

2. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the partition sidewall (3) is provided with a threaded hole (8), and the partition sidewall (3) is detachably connected to the base plate (2) through the threaded hole (8).

3. The ventilation structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom plate (2) is provided with a sealing part (7). When the bottom plate (2) is connected to the housing (1), the sealing part (7) can cover at least part of the first ventilation channel (12).

4. A transmission device, comprising an oil pan and a venting structure, characterized in that, The oil pan forms the oil cavity, and the oil pan is connected to the venting structure, wherein the venting structure is the venting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A vehicle, comprising a transmission device, characterized in that, The ventilation structure is the transmission device described in claim 4.

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