Drive train

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive train, in particular for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, having at least one transmission, having at least one power electronics, and having a housing in which a transmission chamber and a power electronics chamber are formed, the transmission being at least partially arranged in the transmission chamber, the power electronics are at least partially arranged in the power electronics chamber, and the transmission chamber and the power electronics chamber are separated from each other by means of a partition wall of the housing. The partition wall has a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel, by means of a cooling fluid flowing through the first and / or second cooling channel, both the transmission and the power electronics can be at least partially cooled, and a power electronics cooler is provided and / or present, cooling fluid may be supplied from the first cooling channel to the power electronics cooler and may be drawn from the power electronics cooler via the second cooling channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a drive train, in particular a drive train for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, comprising at least one transmission, at least one power electronic device and a housing, wherein a transmission chamber and a power electronic device chamber are constructed in the housing, wherein the transmission is at least partially arranged in the transmission chamber and the power electronic device is at least partially arranged in the power electronic device chamber, and wherein the transmission chamber and the power electronic device chamber are separated from each other by means of a partition wall of the housing. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a transmission system for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle is known, which has a transmission, an electronic device and a housing. With the help of power electronics, the electric energy supplied to the electric vehicle or drawn from such a motor can be converted, for example, in order to realize the connection of the motor with a battery. A transmission chamber and a power electronics chamber are constructed in the housing. The transmission is at least partially arranged in the transmission chamber, and the power electronics are at least partially arranged in the power electronics chamber. The transmission chamber and the power electronics chamber are separated from each other by a partition wall of the housing. Transmission oil is usually present in the transmission for cooling and / or lubricating at least part of the transmission. Transmission oil is usually collected in the transmission oil pan, and during the operation of the transmission, it is thrown up by the gears of the transmission arranged in the transmission oil pan in a splashing manner, especially to the transmission The components that should be cooled and / or lubricated. With the help of the partition wall, the power electronics chamber is separated from the transmission chamber in this way and may be sealed accordingly, so that the infiltration of the transmission oil into the power electronics chamber is avoided. The power electronics are thus protected from contact with the transmission oil, thereby ensuring the functionality of the power electronics.

[0003] A transmission system for electric vehicles is shown in US7156195B2, which has a motor, a transmission and a housing. A transmission chamber and a motor chamber are constructed in the housing. The transmission is arranged in the transmission chamber, and the motor is arranged in the motor chamber. The transmission chamber and the motor chamber are separated from each other by means of a partition wall of the housing. A cooling fluid implemented as cooling oil can be conveyed from the transmission oil pan by means of a pump through a cooler and a cooling channel constructed in the shaft of the transmission. On the one hand, the cooling fluid can be conveyed from the cooling channel in the shaft of the transmission back to the transmission oil pan of the transmission via the transmission. On the other hand, the cooling fluid can be conveyed from the cooling channel in the shaft of the transmission via the cooling channel in the shaft of the motor, via a chamber for a rotary encoder and via a channel arranged outside the housing back to the transmission oil pan.

[0004] However, with such a course of the cooling channels, the power electronics of the electric machine cannot be cooled or can only be cooled with great additional effort. In addition, a large installation space must be provided for the channels for the cooling fluid and the housing as a whole.

[0005] Another drive train for a hybrid vehicle is known from DE 102019209907 A1, which has an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, power electronics (especially an inverter) and a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit has a main pump device for a temperature control fluid, a main section with a cooler, a first parallel section with the internal combustion engine and a second parallel section with electrical drive components (such as the electric machine and / or power electronics) and an auxiliary pump device. The temperature control circuit is at least partially constructed with the aid of corresponding temperature control channels. If the temperature control circuit is used for cooling, it can also be referred to as a cooling circuit, so that the cooling fluid and the cooling channels can then be mentioned accordingly.

[0006] Here too, a relatively large installation space must be provided for the drive train, in particular for the channels of the temperature control circuit including the temperature control channels. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to design and / or improve the drive train in such a way that the problems of the prior art are avoided but at least reduced, in particular the structural space required for the drive train is minimized, wherein the transmission and the power electronics can be cooled more simply, in particular with less design effort and / or more efficiently.

[0008] The object on which the present invention is based is now primarily achieved by a drive train according to the present invention.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention firstly consists essentially in that the partition wall has a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel, wherein by means of a cooling fluid flowing through the first and / or second cooling channel, both the transmission and the power electronics can be cooled at least partially, respectively, wherein a power electronics cooler is provided and / or present, wherein the cooling fluid can be supplied to the power electronics cooler from the first cooling channel, and wherein the cooling fluid can be discharged from the power electronics cooler via the second cooling channel.

[0010] Therefore, the first cooling channel, the power electronics cooler and the second cooling channel are connected in series in terms of flow technology. Preferably, the power electronics at least partially, especially when a heat-conducting connection is formed, rests against the partition wall. Therefore, the power electronics can be cooled particularly well by means of the cooling fluid present in the first and / or second cooling channel. In addition, in such an arrangement of the first and / or second cooling channel, the power electronics cooler and the housing, only a small structural space has to be provided as a whole. The cooling of the transmission and the cooling of the power electronics can be carried out particularly simply and with little expenditure in terms of device technology and also in terms of control technology and / or regulation technology.

[0011] Preferably, the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel are arranged and / or designed substantially in space so as to extend parallel to one another. As a result, the distance between the two cooling channels can be designed to be particularly small, so that the transmission and the power electronics can be cooled uniformly over a larger area by means of the cooling fluid present in the two cooling channels. In addition, the two cooling channels can thus be designed to save space and occupy a smaller installation space. The two cooling channels are preferably oriented substantially horizontally. The partition wall is preferably oriented substantially vertically.

[0012] It is further preferred that the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel each have an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first cooling channel and the inlet of the second cooling channel are arranged adjacent to each other in the relevant first end region of the corresponding cooling channel. The outlet of the first cooling channel and the outlet of the second cooling channel are arranged adjacent to each other in the relevant second end region of the corresponding cooling channel. Therefore, the first cooling channel can be spatially viewed in the same direction as the second cooling channel through which the cooling fluid flows. The end regions of the corresponding cooling channels are preferably arranged in edge regions of the housing that are opposite to each other, so that the partition wall can be cooled over most of its width. In addition, a simple connection of the cooling channel to an external pipeline line, a hose or the like can then be envisaged.

[0013] In another embodiment of the drive train, the drive train has an electric machine. The cooling region of the electric machine is connected to the second cooling channel, in particular to the outflow of the second cooling channel. The electric machine is an electrical machine that can be operated as a motor or a generator. The electric machine has a rotor and a stator, wherein the cooling region is configured to cool the rotor and / or the stator. It is conceivable that the electric machine is also arranged in a housing, in particular in a motor chamber of the housing. In addition, a separate housing for the electric machine can be provided and / or present.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the drive train, the power electronics, at least in part, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor of the power electronics, is arranged spatially between the power electronics cooler and the first and / or second cooling channel. The power electronics, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor, can thus be cooled particularly efficiently (i.e. from two mutually opposite sides). The power electronics cooler is therefore arranged in particular so as to be spaced apart from the partition wall.

[0015] Particularly good cooling of the transmission can be achieved if the cooling surface of the partition wall delimiting the transmission chamber and arranged adjacent to the first and / or second cooling channel has ribs for cooling the transmission oil present in the transmission chamber. The heat transfer between the transmission oil and the cooling fluid can be improved by means of the ribs, since the surface for the heat transfer between the partition wall and the transmission oil is increased by means of the ribs. In addition, the cooling fluid stays longer at the cooling surface during operation of the drive train due to the ribs, thereby extending the time for heat transfer.

[0016] Preferably, the first cooling channel is fluidically connected to the power electronics cooler by means of a forward flow channel. The second cooling channel is fluidically connected to the power electronics cooler by means of a return flow channel. Preferably, the forward flow channel and / or the return flow channel are at least partially arranged adjacent to the power electronics, in particular an intermediate circuit capacitor of the power electronics, so that the power electronics can then also be cooled by the cooling fluid present in the forward flow channel and / or the return flow channel.

[0017] Advantageously, the forward flow channel and the return flow channel are arranged and / or designed substantially in a spatial manner so as to run parallel to one another. The forward flow channel and / or the return flow channel are preferably arranged and / or oriented substantially perpendicularly to the cooling channel.

[0018] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the drive train, the forward flow channel and the return flow channel are arranged and / or constructed on mutually opposite sides of at least part of the power electronics, in particular of the intermediate circuit capacitor of the power electronics. As a result, the cooling of the power electronics, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor, can be carried out even more efficiently (i.e. from two further mutually opposite sides). In particular, it is conceivable overall for the power electronics, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor, to flow around along an angled spiral line by means of the first cooling channel, the forward flow channel, the power electronics cooler, the return flow channel, and the second cooling channel. Such a course of the angled spiral line can be interrupted by a correspondingly more complex flow through the power electronics cooler.

[0019] It is further preferred that the first cooling channel and / or the second cooling channel and / or the power electronics cooler and / or the forward flow channel and / or the return flow channel are designed as recesses in the housing. If the housing is produced by a casting method, the recesses can be produced, for example, by means of a casting core. It is also conceivable that the recesses are introduced into the joint surfaces of the housing parts and the corresponding channels are then produced when the housing parts are assembled to form the housing.

[0020] The first cooling channel, the second cooling channel, the power electronics cooler, in particular the forward flow channel, in particular the return flow channel, in particular the cooling region of the electric machine are preferably parts of a cooling circuit through which the cooling fluid can be conveyed by means of a pump. Such a cooling circuit may have further elements (for example a compensating tank). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] There are now many feasible solutions for designing and improving the drive train according to the present invention in an advantageous manner and method. For this purpose, reference may first be made to the embodiment according to the present invention. Now, a preferred design solution of the drive train according to the present invention is explained and described in more detail below based on the drawings and the related description. Among them:

[0022] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a drive train is shown schematically in a three-dimensional representation in a section through a first cooling channel.

[0023] Figure 2 The schematic diagram in a side view in a section through the first and second cooling channels is shown. Figure 1 The transmission system in

[0024] Figure 3 The schematic diagram in top view shows a section through the second cooling channel. Figure 1 The transmission system in

[0025] Figure 4 A system diagram showing a second exemplary embodiment of a drive train with a flow path of a cooling fluid, and

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram shows a flow chart of a cooling fluid in a drive train according to a first or second embodiment of a drive train. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figures 1 to 3In each of the different views, a drive train 1, in particular a drive train 1 for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, is shown, which has at least one transmission 2, at least one power electronics 3 and a housing 4. A transmission chamber 5 and a power electronics chamber 6 are formed in the housing 4. The transmission 2 is at least partially arranged in the transmission chamber 5. The power electronics 3 is at least partially arranged in the power electronics chamber 6. The transmission chamber 5 and the power electronics chamber 6 are separated from each other by means of a partition wall 7 of the housing 4.

[0028] The transmission chamber 5 and the power electronics chamber 6 are arranged substantially horizontally next to each other in the housing 4, as in particular in the Figure 3 As can be seen in the top view in FIG. The transmission 2 has at least two gears for forming at least one transmission stage of the transmission 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only a portion of the transmission 2 , namely the corresponding bearings of the transmission 2 , is shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the associated shafts and the gearwheels arranged and / or formed thereon are omitted.

[0029] The partition wall 7 has a first cooling channel 8.1 and a second cooling channel 8.2. With the aid of a cooling fluid 9 flowing through the first and / or second cooling channels 8.1, 8.2, both the transmission 2 and the power electronics 3 can be cooled at least partially. A power electronics cooler 10 is provided and / or present. The cooling fluid 9 can be supplied from the first cooling channel 8.1 to the power electronics cooler 10. The cooling fluid 9 can be led out of the power electronics cooler 10 via the second cooling channel 8.2. The flow direction of the cooling fluid 9 is symbolically indicated by arrows, wherein in particular Figure 4 and Figure 5 Compared with the first embodiment, the entire flow direction is shown in Figure 4 In the second embodiment, the two cooling channels 8.1, 8.2 are vertically interchanged. Figures 1 to 3 , the second cooling channel 8.2 is located above the first cooling channel 8.1. Figure 4 , the first cooling channel 8.1 is located above the second cooling channel 8.2. When the cooling channels 8.1, 8.2 and the power electronics cooler 10 flow through, during operation of the drive train 1, heat is transferred from the transmission 2 and the power electronics 3 to the cooling fluid 9, which is then led out of the drive train 1 at an increased temperature. Preferably, the cooling fluid 9 is guided in a circuit and, after cooling, is supplied again to the drive train 1, in particular to the first cooling channel 8.1.

[0030] The first cooling channel 8.1 and the second cooling channel 8.2 are arranged and / or constructed in a manner that they extend parallel to each other in space. The first cooling channel 8.1 and / or the second cooling channel 8.2 are oriented substantially horizontally. Alternatively, an inclined or even vertical orientation is also conceivable. Preferably, a vertical plane penetrates the first cooling channel 8.1 and the second cooling channel 8.2. The partition wall 7 is arranged substantially vertically accordingly. The partition wall can also be oriented inclined or even horizontally. The partition wall can also have a more complex shape with different inclined, vertical and / or horizontal areas. The partition wall 7 is formed by a narrow, inner area of ​​the housing 4, which limits the transmission chamber 5 on one side and limits the power electronics chamber 6 on the opposite side. In the area of ​​the cooling channels 8.1, 8.2, the partition wall 7 as a whole (including the cooling channels 8.1, 8.2) is thicker than next to the cooling channels 8.1, 8.2, wherein the thickness can be measured along the shortest connecting line between the transmission chamber 5 and the power electronics chamber 6 through the partition wall 7.

[0031] The first cooling channel 8.1 and the second cooling channel 8.2 have an inlet 8.1.E, 8.2.E and an outlet 8.1.A, 8.2.A, respectively. The inlet 8.1.E of the first cooling channel 8.1 and the inlet 8.2.E of the second cooling channel 8.2 are arranged adjacently in the associated first end region 11.1 of the respective cooling channel 8.1, 8.2. The outlet 8.1.A of the first cooling channel 8.1 and the outlet 8.2.A of the second cooling channel 8.2 are arranged adjacently in the associated second end region 11.2 of the respective cooling channel 8.1, 8.2. The two end regions 11.1, 11.2 are arranged adjacently to the outer wall of the housing 4, respectively. The two end regions 11.1, 11.2 are arranged on the sides of the housing 4 that are opposite to each other. Therefore, the partition wall 7 can be substantially completely traversed by the cooling fluid 9 along its width in the horizontal direction.

[0032] The transmission system 1 has Figure 5 1 . The motor 12 is shown symbolically in FIG. The cooling zone 13 of the motor 12 is connected to the second cooling channel 8.2, in particular to the outlet 8.2.A of the second cooling channel 8.2. The motor 12 can be arranged in the housing 4 or in a separate housing. The motor 12 has a rotor and a stator. In principle, different types of motors are conceivable. Preferably, the motor 12 is operated with an alternating current in motor operation, or the motor provides such an alternating current in generator operation. This alternating current can be converted into a direct current by means of the power electronics 3 for exchange with a battery of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

[0033] The power electronic device 3 is at least partially arranged spatially between the power electronic device cooler 10 and the first and / or second cooling channels 8.1, 8.2. In particular, the intermediate circuit capacitor 14 of the power electronic device 3 is arranged spatially between the power electronic device cooler 10 and the first and / or second cooling channels 8.1, 8.2. The power electronic device 3, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor 14, generates a lot of heat during its operation and must be cooled accordingly. This is achieved in particular by cooling on both sides. By means of the intermediate circuit capacitor 14, a plurality of power grids are coupled to each other in energy at a common DC voltage level.

[0034] The cooling surface 15 of the partition wall 7, which delimits the transmission chamber 5 and is arranged adjacent to the first and / or second cooling channels 8.1, 8.2, has ribs 16 for cooling the transmission oil present in the transmission chamber 5. The ribs 16 extend from the partition wall 7 into the transmission chamber 5 in an essentially horizontal direction. The ribs 16 extend parallel to one another. The ribs 16 are at an angle to a vertical plane extending perpendicularly to the partition wall 7. Other arrangements and / or designs of the ribs are conceivable.

[0035] The first cooling channel 8.1 is connected to the power electronics cooler 10 in terms of flow technology by means of a forward flow channel 17. The second cooling channel 8.2 is connected to the power electronics cooler 10 in terms of flow technology by means of a return flow channel 18. The cooling fluid 9 can be supplied to the forward flow channel 17 via the outflow 8.1.A of the first cooling channel 8.1 and can be supplied to the power electronics cooler 10 via the outflow of the forward flow channel 17 via the inflow of the power electronics cooler. Furthermore, the cooling fluid 9 can be drawn out of the power electronics cooler 10 via the outflow of the power electronics cooler 10 and can be supplied to the return flow channel 18. The cooling fluid 9 can be supplied to the second cooling channel 8.2 via the outflow of the return flow channel 18 via the inflow 8.2.E of the second cooling channel.

[0036] The forward flow channel 17 and the return flow channel 18 are arranged and / or constructed substantially in a spatial manner so as to extend parallel to one another. The forward flow channel 17 and the return flow channel 18 are arranged and / or constructed substantially horizontally, possibly slightly inclined to a horizontal plane.

[0037] The forward flow channel 17 and the return flow channel 18 are arranged and / or constructed on mutually opposite sides of at least a part of the power electronic device 3, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor 14 of the power electronic device 3. Thus, a part of the power electronic device 3, in particular the intermediate circuit capacitor 14, can flow around on four, in particular vertically oriented sides. The two cooling channels 8.1, 8.2 are arranged adjacent to the first side. The forward flow channel 17 is arranged adjacent to the second side. The power electronic device cooler 10 is arranged adjacent to the third side. The return flow channel 18 is arranged adjacent to the fourth side.

[0038] The first cooling channel 8.1 and / or the second cooling channel 8.2 and / or the power electronics cooler 10 and / or the forward flow channel 17 and / or the return flow channel 18 are designed as recesses in the housing 4. Alternatively, the channels 8.1, 8.2, 17, 18 can be designed in particular by means of pipelines and / or hoses. However, the drive train 1 can be designed in a particularly space-saving manner with the channels 8.1, 8.2, 17, 18 designed as recesses in the housing 4.

[0039] Preferably, at least one insert is arranged in a recess of the housing 4 provided for forming the power electronics cooler 10. The insert then enables a complex (e.g., meandering) flow through the power electronics cooler 10. As a result, the heat transfer to the cooling fluid 9 present in the power electronics cooler 10 can be improved. Such an insert then has corresponding walls and / or webs for forming flow channels in the power electronics cooler 10.

[0040] List of reference numerals:

[0041] 1. Drivetrain

[0042] 2 Transmission

[0043] 3 Power Electronics Devices

[0044] 4 Shell

[0045] 5 Transmission room

[0046] 6 Power Electronics Equipment Room

[0047] 7 Partition wall

[0048] 8.1 First Cooling Channel

[0049] 8.1.E Inlet of the first cooling channel 8.1

[0050] 8.1.A Outlet of the first cooling channel 8.1

[0051] 8.2 Second Cooling Channel

[0052] 8.2.E Inlet of the second cooling channel 8.2

[0053] 8.2.A Outlet of the second cooling channel 8.2

[0054] 9 Cooling fluid

[0055] 10Power Electronic Equipment Coolers

[0056] 11.1 First end region of the respective cooling channel 8.1, 8.2

[0057] 11.2 Second end region of the respective cooling channel 8.1, 8.2

[0058] 12 Motor

[0059] 13 Cooling area of ​​motor 12

[0060] 14 Intermediate circuit capacitor of power electronics 3

[0061] 15 Cooling surface of partition wall 7

[0062] 16 ribs

[0063] 17 Front Flow Channel

[0064] 18 Reflux Channel

Claims

1. A drive train (1), in particular for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, comprising at least one transmission (2), at least one power electronics device (3) and a housing (4), wherein: A transmission chamber (5) and a power electronics chamber (6) are constructed in the housing (4), wherein the transmission (2) is at least partially arranged in the transmission chamber (5), and the power electronics chamber (3) is at least partially arranged in the power electronics chamber (6), and wherein the transmission chamber (5) and the power electronics chamber (6) are separated from each other by means of a partition wall (7) of the housing (4), characterized in that the partition wall (7) has a first cooling channel (8.1) and a second cooling channel (8.2), wherein the transmission chamber (5) and the power electronics chamber (6) are separated from each other by means of a partition wall (7) of the housing (4). A cooling fluid (9) flowing through a first and / or second cooling channel (8.1, 8.2) can respectively at least partially cool both the transmission (2) and the power electronics (3), wherein a power electronics cooler (10) is provided and / or present, wherein the cooling fluid (9) can be supplied from the first cooling channel (8.1) to the power electronics cooler (10), and wherein the cooling fluid (9) can be discharged from the power electronics cooler (10) via the second cooling channel (8.2).

2. The transmission system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first cooling channel (8.1) and the second cooling channel (8.2) are substantially spatially arranged and / or constructed in such a way that they extend parallel to one another.

3. A drive train (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first cooling channel (8.1) and the second cooling channel (8.2) respectively have an inlet (8.1.E, 8.2.E) and an outlet (8.1.A, 8.2.A), wherein the inlet (8.1.E) of the first cooling channel (8.1) and the inlet (8.2.E) of the second cooling channel (8.2) are arranged adjacently in a related first end region (11.1) of the corresponding cooling channel (8.1, 8.2), wherein the outlet (8.1.A) of the first cooling channel (8.1) and the outlet (8.2.A) of the second cooling channel (8.2) are arranged adjacently in a related second end region (11.2) of the corresponding cooling channel (8.1, 8.2).

4. A drive train (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The drive train (1) has an electric machine (12), wherein a cooling region (13) of the electric machine (12) is connected to the second cooling channel (8.2), in particular to an outflow opening (8.2.A) of the second cooling channel (8.2).

5. A drive train (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The power electronics device (3) is at least partially, in particular an intermediate circuit capacitor (14) of the power electronics device (3), arranged spatially between the power electronics device cooler (10) and the first and / or second cooling channel (8.1, 8.2).

6. A drive train (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A cooling surface (15) of the partition wall (7) which delimits the transmission chamber (5) and is arranged adjacent to the first and / or second cooling channel (8.1, 8.2) has ribs (16) for cooling the transmission oil present in the transmission chamber (5).

7. A drive train (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first cooling channel (8.1) is fluidically connected to the power electronics cooler (10) by means of a forward flow channel (17), wherein the second cooling channel (8.2) is fluidically connected to the power electronics cooler (10) by means of a return flow channel (18).

8. The transmission system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The forward flow channel (17) and the return flow channel (18) are arranged and / or designed substantially in a spatial manner so as to run parallel to one another.

9. The transmission system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The forward flow channel (17) and the return flow channel (18) are arranged and / or formed on mutually opposite sides of at least part of the power electronic device (3), in particular an intermediate circuit capacitor (14) of the power electronic device (3).

10. A drive train (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first cooling channel (8.1) and / or the second cooling channel (8.2) and / or the power electronics cooler (10) and / or the forward flow channel (17) and / or the return flow channel (18) are designed as recesses in the housing (4).

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