Coupling assembly and transmission device with coupling assembly of this type

Abstract

A coupling assembly comprising: a feedthrough element (16, 42) insertable into an opening in a housing so as to form a fluid connection between an exterior and an interior of the housing; the invention relates to a fluid-conducting element (17, 40) having a cup-shaped chamber (41) into which a feed-through element (16, 42) can be inserted, the feed-through element (16, 42) having a first row of radially projecting projections (33), which are distributed in the circumferential direction, in the vicinity of the end thereof facing the fluid-conducting element (17, 40) for centering the feed-through element (16, 42) in the fluid-conducting element (17, 40). The invention further relates to a transmission device (1) having a coupling arrangement of this type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device comprising: a feed-through element which can be inserted into an opening of a housing in order to form a fluid connection between the exterior and the interior of the housing, and a fluid guiding element having a cup-shaped recess into which the feed-through element can be inserted.

[0002] Such a coupling device can be used in a transmission device for an electrically driven vehicle. The transmission device may include a parking lock ratchet, a parking lock with a parking lock actuator for locking the parking lock ratchet, a transmission housing accommodating the parking lock ratchet and the parking lock, and a pressure equalization device, by which the interior of the parking lock actuator is fluidically connected to the exterior of the transmission housing. Background Art

[0003] By integrating the parking lock in the transmission housing, scarce installation space can be saved, in particular when the transmission is used in an electric drive of a vehicle. However, this poses special challenges due to the presence of lubricants and the higher temperatures inside the transmission housing. It is important that the transmission fluid present in the transmission housing does not enter the parking lock actuator, for example due to pressure differences between the interior of the parking lock actuator and the exterior of the transmission housing.

[0004] DE 10 2018 133 266 A1 describes a transmission device having a pressure equalization device.

[0005] A coupling device forming part of a pressure equalization device must meet high requirements with regard to tightness. The coupling device must be easy to install and must ensure a reliable seal. The fluid guiding element has a recess into which the feed-through element can be inserted or plugged. During insertion into the fluid guiding element, the feed-through element must be self-centering in order to avoid tilting movements that could lead to a loss of tightness. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coupling device which is easy to install and ensures a reliable seal.

[0007] To achieve this object in a coupling device of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided that the feedthrough element has, near its end facing the fluid-conducting element, a first row of radially projecting projections distributed in the circumferential direction in order to center the feedthrough element in the fluid-conducting element.

[0008] Therefore, the coupling device comprises a feed-through element, which is inserted into an opening of a housing, in particular an opening of a transmission housing. The feed-through element comprises a first row of radially protruding protrusions, which are distributed in the circumferential direction and are located in a recess of the fluid guiding element in the installed state. The first row of protrusions prevents the feed-through element from "tilting". Without this first row of protrusions, the feed-through element could tilt slightly. The first row of protrusions aligns the feed-through element so that it is precisely centered when inserted. At the same time, this ensures a reliable and trouble-free seal. The first row of protrusions ensures a reliable seal, thereby preventing fluid, in particular lubricant, located in the transmission housing from entering the parking lock actuator.

[0009] In a preferred variant of the invention, the cup-shaped recess of the fluid guiding element has radially inward centering ribs distributed on its inner circumference. Preferably, there are three such centering ribs. The centering ribs are protrusions that support and center the outer end portion of the feed-through element in the fluid guiding element. In addition, the fluid guiding element has a sealing element, which is formed as an O-ring and ensures the seal between the fluid guiding element and the feed-through element. Due to the centering ribs, the feed-through element does not tilt, and the sealing effect is therefore permanently ensured. Therefore, these centering ribs have the effect that the feed-through element is precisely inserted axially and does not tilt, or only tilts slightly but does not cause a loss of sealing. The centering ribs enable the feed-through element and the fluid guiding element to permanently maintain their position relative to each other.

[0010] Preferably, the coupling device comprises a fastening element for connecting the feed-through element and the fluid guiding element to one another, wherein the fastening element comprises a deformable clip which passes through an opening of the cup-shaped recess and can be inserted into the recess of the feed-through element.

[0011] In this case, it is also preferred that the first row of protrusions is arranged upstream of the fastening element, as seen in the axial direction along which the feed-through element can be inserted into the fluid guiding element, and that the radially inward centering ribs distributed on the inner circumference of the cup-shaped recess are arranged downstream of the fastening element, as seen in the axial direction along which the feed-through element can be inserted into the fluid guiding element. Preferably, the centering ribs can be arranged at the distal end of the cup-shaped recess.

[0012] In the coupling device according to the present invention, preferably, the first row of protrusions of the feed-through element has three protrusions distributed in the circumferential direction. The three protrusions prevent the feed-through element from tilting and ensure reliable sealing of the feed-through element relative to the fluid guiding element.

[0013] Preferably, the feed-through element has two additional rows of axially spaced radially projecting protrusions distributed in the circumferential direction for centering the feed-through element in the opening of the housing.

[0014] With regard to the second and third rows of protrusions, it can be provided that, in the coupling device according to the invention, they each have four protrusions distributed in the circumferential direction. If there are four protrusions each, a reliable centering of the feed-through element is ensured when inserted into the fluid guiding element.

[0015] It can also be provided that the protrusions of the first and / or second and / or third rows extend in the axial direction of the feed-through element and are substantially cuboid. When the feed-through element is inserted into the fluid guiding element or the transmission housing, the cuboid protrusions guide and center the feed-through element.

[0016] In order to simplify the production of the fluid connection by inserting the feed-through element into the fluid-conducting element, it can also be provided that the projections of the first and / or second and / or third row have oblique side surfaces which taper radially outwards.

[0017] A particularly reliable sealing of the coupling device according to the invention is achieved when corresponding O-rings are present, one axially upstream of the two rows of projections and one axially downstream thereof.

[0018] In the coupling device according to the invention, it is preferred that the feed-through element and the fluid guiding element can be plugged together and separated manually.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the coupling device has a pipe or hose line which is connected to the fluid guiding element and at the end of which a further fluid guiding element is preferably arranged.By integrating a plurality of fluid guiding elements, the number of required installation processes is reduced.

[0020] The coupling device according to the invention can have a membrane which is fluidically connected to the feed-through element and which is preferably provided with a protective cap. The membrane allows pressure differences existing on both sides of the membrane to equalize.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a transmission device for an electrically driven vehicle, comprising a parking lock ratchet, a parking lock having a parking lock actuator for locking the parking lock ratchet, a transmission housing accommodating the parking lock ratchet and the parking lock, and a pressure equalization device, through which the internal fluid of the parking lock actuator is connected to the outside of the transmission housing, wherein the pressure equalization device has a connecting device of the type described, a feed-through element of the connecting device passes through the transmission housing, and a fluid guiding element of the connecting device is connected to the inside of the parking lock actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below based on exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a transmission device according to the invention is shown, which has an open transmission housing;

[0024] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a parking lock actuator and a pressure equalization device;

[0025] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a feed-through element,

[0026] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a feed-through element,

[0027] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device with a feed-through element and a fluid guiding element,

[0028] Figure 6 Shown along Figure 5 The line VI-VI intercepts Figure 5 A view of the coupling device,

[0029] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 5 The line VII-VII intercepts Figure 5 A view of the coupling device, and

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention is shown, which has a drive device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a transmission device with an open transmission housing is shown.

[0032] The transmission device 1 comprises a transmission element 2, which is coupled to another transmission element 3 in order to convert a torque transmitted from a shaft, which is connected to the transmission element 2 so as to rotate together therewith and which is concealed by a bearing 4. Also fastened to the transmission element 2 is a parking lock ratchet 5 of a parking lock 6, by which the transmission element 2 can be locked. For this purpose, the parking lock 6 also has a parking lock pawl 7, which can be engaged with the parking lock ratchet 5 by a parking lock actuator 8 of the parking lock 6. For this purpose, the parking lock ratchet 5 has a corresponding recess on its outer circumference.

[0033] The transmission elements 2, 3 and the parking lock 6 are accommodated in a transmission housing 9. For lubrication of the transmission elements 2, 3, the transmission device 1 has a lubricant sump, which is normally filled at a level of Figure 1 In the figure, it is indicated by a dot-dash line A. It can be seen that the parking lock 6 is partially located in the lubricant pool.

[0034] For the sake of completeness, Figure 1Also shown is a connection device, which comprises a cable device 11 extending in the transmission housing 9, a first plug connector 12 and a second plug connector 13. The plug connectors 12, 13 are attached to opposite ends of the cable device 11, wherein the second plug connector 13 is connected to the parking lock actuator 8. The parking lock actuator 8 can be powered and activated from the outside via the connection device.

[0035] The transmission device 1 includes a pressure equalization device 14 (at Figure 1 The interior of the parking lock actuator 8 is connected in a gas-permeable manner to the outside of the transmission housing 9 via the pressure equalization device 14. The pressure equalization device 14 passes through a transmission housing opening 15. The transmission housing opening 15 is formed separately from another transmission housing opening for the passage of the first plug connector 12.

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the parking lock actuator 8 and the pressure equalization device 14. Furthermore, a connecting device and a part of a transmission housing 9 shown in dashed lines, which has a transmission housing opening 15 for the pressure equalization device 14, are shown.

[0037] The pressure equalization device 14 comprises a feed-through element 16 passing through the transmission housing opening 15 and a tubular fluid guiding element 17 which is connected at a first (lower) end to the interior of the parking lock actuator 8 and at a second (upper) end to the feed-through element 16 .

[0038] At a first lower end of the fluid guiding element 17, the pressure equalizing device 14 has a first coupling 18 which is connected in a locking manner to the pressure equalizing device 14 at the lower end of the fluid guiding element 17. Figure 2 The pressure equalization device 14 has a second coupling 20 which is connected to the feed-through element 16 at a second upper end of the fluid guiding element 17 .

[0039] The couplings 18, 20 of the pressure equalization device 14 are each designed as cup-shaped couplings, wherein the couplings on the feed-through element 16 and the parking lock actuator housing 19 each have a locking ring 22 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0040] The fluid guiding element 17 is designed as a dimensionally stable tube which is wound around the connecting device and is fastened to the cable device 11 by means of fastening means 23 arranged on the fluid guiding element 17. Also visible are fastening means 24 of the connecting device which are attached to the cable device 11 and by means of which the connecting device is fastened in the transmission housing 9.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4Each shows a feed-through element 16, wherein Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view, Figure 4 It is a perspective view.

[0042] The feed-through element 16 has an elongated body 25. An inner cylindrical gap 27 that tapers conically toward the outer end of the body 25 extends along the longitudinal axis 26 of the body 25. The cylindrical gap 27 forms a feed-through opening. Figure 3 and Figure 4 At the lower free end of the body 25 in the transmission housing, the conical locking ring 22 is arranged outside. The radially outward ring 29 of the body 25 rests on the transmission housing 9 from the outside and forms a stop when the feed-through element 16 is inserted into the transmission housing opening 15.

[0043] The feed-through element 16 has, near its (lower) end, a first row of protrusions 33. The first row comprises three protrusions 33 distributed equidistantly around the circumference.

[0044] In addition, the feed-through element 16 includes two rows of axially spaced protruding protrusions 28 distributed in the circumferential direction. These two rows of protrusions 28 are referred to as the second row and the third row. Each protrusion 28 is approximately a cuboid, and its long side extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feed-through element 16. The protrusion 28 has an inclined outwardly tapering side surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the feed-through element 16 has four protrusions 28 distributed in the circumferential direction. In this exemplary embodiment, the protrusions 28 of the upper row are in the same circumferential position as the protrusions 28 of the lower row. However, other exemplary embodiments are also conceivable, in which the protrusions of different rows are offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 28 guide the feed-through element 16 when the feed-through element 16 is inserted into the transmission housing opening 15, and form an interference fit. In this way, the accurate installation of the feed-through element 16 is facilitated.

[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, the protrusions 28 of the second and third rows are offset in the circumferential direction relative to the protrusions 33 of the first row. However, a design is also conceivable in which all protrusions are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction. In the installed state, the free end of the feed-through element 16 including the first row of protrusions 33 is located in the cup-shaped coupling 20 of the fluid guiding element 17. The protrusions 33 center the feed-through element 16 in the coupling 20 during its insertion. The free end 21 of the feed-through element 16 is so long that it is held in the coupling 20 of the fluid guiding element 17 in a form-fitting engagement.

[0046] Furthermore, the feed-through element 16 comprises a membrane 30 at its opposite end, which membrane 30 in the mounted state is located outside the transmission housing 9. At the free end of the feed-through element 16 or of the body 25 a gas-permeable protective cap 31 is located.

[0047] Two O-rings 32 are arranged coaxially around the body 25 between the second and third rows of protrusions 28 and seal the feed-through element 16 relative to the transmission housing opening 15 .

[0048] In another exemplary embodiment, the feed-through element 16 can be screwed into the housing opening 15. In another exemplary embodiment, the feed-through element 16 and the first plug connector 12 are guided through the same through hole of the transmission device. For this purpose, the flange portion of the first plug connector can be correspondingly enlarged to allow the feed-through element 16 to pass through.

[0049] Figures 5 to 7 In each case a sectional view is shown which shows an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device having a feed-through element 42 and a fluid guiding element 40 . Figure 5 shows a cross section along the longitudinal direction, Figure 6 Shown along Figure 5 The section of line VI-VI, Figure 7 Shown along Figure 5 Section along line VII-VII.

[0050] exist Figure 5 The fluid guiding element 40 and the feed-through element 42 are schematically shown in FIG. 1 and are slightly simplified; specifically, the three rows of radially protruding protrusions of the feed-through element 42 are not shown in FIG. Figure 5 Shown in.

[0051] The fluid guiding element 40 has a cup-shaped recess 41 into which the feed-through element 42 is inserted. Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure, at the bottom of the recess 41 there is an O-ring 43, the outer side of which abuts against the fluid guiding element 40, and the inner side of which abuts against the outer free end 44 of the feed-through element 42, thereby sealing the gap. The axial through hole 45 in the feed-through element 42 forms a fluid connection between the outside and the inside of the housing together with the axial through hole 46 in the fluid guiding element 40, so that pressure equalization can be achieved.

[0052] The coupling device comprises a fastening element for connecting the feedthrough element 42 and the fluid guiding element 40 to each other, wherein the fastening element comprises a deformable clip 10 which passes through a lateral opening of a cup-shaped recess 41 of the fluid guiding element 40 and is inserted into a lateral recess of the feedthrough element 42. The clip 10 prevents the feedthrough element 42 from being pulled out of the fluid guiding element 40. The fastening element is deformable to clamp / loosen and therefore cannot provide sufficient centering of the feedthrough element 42 by itself.

[0053] The first row of projections 33 is arranged upstream of the fastening element, i.e. above it, as seen in the axial direction in which the feed-through element 42 can be inserted into the fluid guiding element 40. Radially inwardly facing centering ribs 47 distributed on the inner circumference of the cup-shaped recess 41 are arranged downstream of the fastening element, at the distal end 48 of the cup-shaped recess 41, as seen in the axial direction in which the feed-through element 42 can be inserted into the fluid guiding element 40.

[0054] Figure 6 The sectional plane of the illustrated view lies in the region of the projections 33. There, the feedthrough element 42 has three projections 33 protruding radially outwards, which are supported on the inner side of the fluid guiding element 40. These projections 33 guide and center the feedthrough element 42 during its insertion into the fluid guiding element 40.

[0055] Figure 7 The cross-sectional plane of the view shown is located in the region of the lower free end 44 of the feed-through element 42 and in the vicinity of the distal end 48 of the cup-shaped recess 41 of the fluid guiding element 40. It will be seen that the fluid guiding element 40 has three distributed and radially inwardly directed centering ribs 47 on its inner circumference, which bear on the outer side of the free end 44 of the feed-through element 42. These centering ribs 47 limit the gap that exists between the feed-through element 42 and the fluid guiding element 40. Since the feed-through element 42 is supported at its lower free end 44 by the centering ribs 47, tilting is prevented.

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 34 having a drive device 35 .

[0057] The drive device 35 configured to drive the vehicle 34 includes a motor 36, a transmission device 1, and a shaft configured to transmit the torque of the motor 36 to the transmission device 1. The transmission housing 9 is a part of a housing 37 that accommodates the motor 36, the shaft, and the transmission device 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the drive device 35 has an inverter 38, which is configured to convert a DC voltage into an AC voltage for supplying the motor 36. The inverter 38 is connected to the first plug connector 12 of the connection device via a cable 39 (see Figure 1 ) in order to electrically supply and activate the parking lock actuator 8.

[0059] Reference numerals list

[0060] 1 Transmission equipment

[0061] 2 Transmission elements

[0062] 3 Transmission elements

[0063] 4 Bearings

[0064] 5 Parking lock ratchet

[0065] 6 Parking lock

[0066] 7 Parking lock pawl

[0067] 8 Parking lock actuator

[0068] 9 Transmission housing

[0069] 10. Clip

[0070] 11 Cable Installation

[0071] 12 Plug connector

[0072] 13 Plug connector

[0073] 14. Pressure equalization equipment

[0074] 15 Transmission housing opening

[0075] 16 Feedthrough Components

[0076] 17 Fluid guiding elements

[0077] 18 Connector

[0078] 19 Parking lock actuator housing

[0079] 20 Connector

[0080] 21 end

[0081] 22 Locking ring

[0082] 23 Fastening device

[0083] 24 Fastening device

[0084] 25 Main Body

[0085] 26 Longitudinal axis

[0086] 27 Gap

[0087] 28 protrusion

[0088] 29 rings

[0089] 30 membrane

[0090] 31 Protective cap

[0091] 32 O-ring

[0092] 33 Protrusion

[0093] 34 Vehicles

[0094] 35 Drive device

[0095] 36 Motor

[0096] 37 Housing

[0097] 38 Inverter

[0098] 39 Cables

[0099] 40 Fluid guiding elements

[0100] 41 recess

[0101] 42 Feedthrough Components

[0102] 43 O-ring

[0103] 44 Free end

[0104] 45 Through Hole

[0105] 46 Through Holes

[0106] 47 pairs of midribs

[0107] 48 Far End

Claims

1. A connecting device, comprising: a feed-through element (16, 42) which can be inserted into an opening of the housing in order to form a fluid connection between the exterior and the interior of the housing, a fluid-conducting element (17, 40) having a cup-shaped recess (41), into which the feed-through element (16, 42) can be inserted, The invention is characterized in that the feed-through element (16, 42) has a first row of radially protruding protrusions (33) distributed in the circumferential direction near its end facing the fluid guiding element (17, 40) so that the feed-through element (16, 42) is centered in the fluid guiding element (17, 40).

2. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein: The cup-shaped recess (41) of the fluid guiding element (17, 40) has radially inwardly directed centering ribs (47) distributed over its inner circumference.

3. The coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a fastening element for connecting the feed-through element (16, 42) and the fluid guiding element (17, 40) to each other, wherein: The fastening element comprises a deformable clip (10) which passes through the opening of the cup-shaped recess (41) and can be inserted into the recess of the feed-through element (16, 42).

4. The coupling device according to claim 3, wherein: The first row of protrusions (33) is arranged upstream of the fastening element, as viewed in the axial direction along which the feed-through element (16, 42) can be inserted into the fluid guiding element (17, 40), and the radially inward centering ribs (47) distributed on the inner circumference of the cup-shaped recess (41) are arranged downstream of the fastening element, in particular at the distal end (48) of the cup-shaped recess (41), as viewed in the axial direction along which the feed-through element (16, 42) can be inserted into the fluid guiding element (17, 40).

5. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first row of protrusions (33) of the feed-through element (16, 42) has three protrusions (33) distributed in the circumferential direction.

6. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The feed-through element (16, 42) has two additional rows of axially spaced radially projecting protrusions (28) distributed in the circumferential direction for centering the feed-through element (16, 42) in the opening of the housing.

7. The coupling device according to claim 6, wherein: The second and third rows of protrusions (28) each have four protrusions (28) distributed in the circumferential direction.

8. The coupling device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: Respective O-rings (32) are arranged axially upstream and downstream of the two rows of protrusions (28).

9. A coupling device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The protrusions (28, 33) of the first row and / or the second row and / or the third row extend in the axial direction of the feed-through element (16, 42) and are substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

10. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The protrusions (28, 33) of the first row and / or the second row and / or the third row have inclined radially outwardly tapering side surfaces.

11. A transmission device (1) for an electric drive vehicle, comprising: - parking lock ratchet (5), - a parking lock (6) with a parking lock actuator (8) for locking the parking lock ratchet (5), - a transmission housing (9), in which the parking lock ratchet (5) and the parking lock (6) are accommodated, - a pressure equalization device (14), by means of which the interior of the parking lock actuator (8) is fluidically connected to the exterior of the transmission housing (9), wherein the pressure equalization device (14) has a coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the feed-through element (16, 42) of the coupling device passing through the transmission housing (9) and the fluid guiding element (17, 40) of the coupling device being connected to the interior of the parking lock actuator (8).

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