Drive assembly with exhaust device

Abstract

A drive assembly (1) with a continuous oil chamber, which has at least two venting devices (3a, 3b), wherein one of the venting devices (3, 3b) is always located above the current oil level (6) in the oil chamber depending on the tilting state of the drive assembly (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a drive assembly having a continuous oil chamber, which has at least two venting devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] In transmissions operated at high rotational speeds, it is particularly important to note that a considerable amount of air enters the oil required for lubricating the transmission components, thus forming oil froth. This state is extremely undesirable, since the oil-air mixture cannot ensure sufficient lubrication of the transmission components. Therefore, venting systems are used in order to separate the air from the oil froth, which is then fed to the transmission components to be lubricated.

[0003] Therefore, a venting system for oil in a transmission is known from DE 10 2017 114 889 A1. In the venting system, a defoaming chamber is provided with different meshes, so that the oil froth is guided through the defoaming chamber in a forced flow.

[0004] A drive assembly having a continuous oil chamber with at least two venting devices is known from DE 10 2021 207 712 A1. The venting devices are arranged in the oil chamber such that one of the venting devices is located above the current oil level in the oil chamber depending on the inclination state of the drive assembly.

[0005] Depending on the driving or operating state, but also by design, for example individual oil tanks, spaces are formed in the system which contain a high oil level. If a venting device happens to be installed there for position or functional reasons when the assembly is designed, this can cause oil to be drained.

[0006] Here, the purpose of the venting system is not to separate the air from the oil-air mixture, but to equalize the pressure in the transmission and the transmission system. Here, neither oil nor surface froth, i.e. oil-air mixture, should be drained above the oil level.

[0007] In addition, the venting devices do not allow water or dust to enter, which is often a problem caused by the requirements of vehicle manufacturers on the water fording capability of the vehicle.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a drive assembly which prevents oil from being drained from the venting devices without expenditure. SUMMARY

[0009] The object is achieved by a drive assembly having a continuous oil chamber, which has at least two venting devices, wherein one of the venting devices is always located above the current oil level in the oil chamber depending on the inclination state of the drive assembly.

[0010] A drive assembly is understood to be a transmission, a transmission component, a transfer case of an electric machine, a differential, etc.

[0011] In terms of structural expenditure, the use of two exhaust devices is optimal, however it is also possible to install more than the two exhaust devices.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, a hose piece is connected to each exhaust device, respectively, which are connected to an exhaust hose, which is important in the case of a required increase in the wading level.

[0013] The hose is flexible over at least a part of its length.

[0014] The first exhaust device is installed at the highest position of the drive assembly in the normal position of the drive assembly.

[0015] The horizontal state of the vehicle and the thereby defined installation position of the drive assembly is designated as normal position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 The drive assembly is shown in the horizontal driving position,

[0017] Figure 2 The drive assembly is shown in the inclined position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The differential 2a is chosen as an example of a drive assembly 1, which is exemplarily provided with a side driven shaft 2b.

[0019] In the Figure 1 The differential 2a is shown in the horizontal installation state and driving state. The differential is covered in operation by an oil layer that is flung out of the rotatable components. At the side driven shaft 2b there is only a small amount of oil above the shaft, because the shaft is designed to be smooth and is not able to carry a very large amount of oil. There is a common oil chamber.

[0020] Thereby, a high oil level occurs at the first exhaust device 3a and a very low oil level occurs at the second exhaust device 3b.

[0021] By using the second exhaust device 3b, a pressure equalization occurs at the position with the lowest oil level.

[0022] A hose piece is connected to each of the first exhaust device 3a and the second exhaust device 3b, a first hose piece 4a and a second hose piece 4b. The two hose pieces are joined into an exhaust hose 4 at a connection point 4c.

[0023] The connection point 4c is located at a height h above the first exhaust device 3a, the inner highest oil level 6.

[0024] By means of the height h, there is sufficient spacing in order to prevent the oil discharged into the first hose piece 4a from filling the entire exhaust area. The exhaust via the second hose piece 4b into the exhaust hose 4.

[0025] Figure 2 A differential 2a is shown, in which the axle-side shaft (Achsseitenwelle) 2b is in an inclined position relative to the horizontal. By means of the inclined position, oil flows from the upper region of the drive assembly 1 into the axle-side shaft 2b. By this means, the first exhaust 3a is raised significantly above the oil level. The second exhaust 3b, in turn, is below the oil level. By this means, the exhaust of the drive assembly 1 takes place via the first exhaust 3a, wherein the spacing h between the oil level and the connection point 4c of the exhaust hose 4 is greater than the spacing in the horizontal running.

[0026] The exhaust hose 4 and its two hose pieces 4a and 4b are made of flexible material.

[0027] The exhaust does not require a non-return valve.

[0028] One alternative embodiment can dispense with the hose pieces 4a and 4b and the exhaust hose 4.

[0029] This embodiment can be used when the oil level cannot reach the first exhaust 3a under any driving conditions. The spacing h is then not defined by the spacing of the connection point 4a of the exhaust hose 4 to the oil level, but by the spacing of the first exhaust 3a to the oil level 6. By this means, the oil level also refers to the level of the oil foam.

[0030] In this embodiment, the position of the second exhaust 3b relative to the first exhaust 3a is more critical than in the embodiment with the exhaust hose 4, the second exhaust 3b being installed at a position which is most suitable for establishing a pressure balance under certain driving conditions, for example for effectively returning oil from the installation site during braking.

[0031] List of reference signs

[0032] 1 drive assembly

[0033] 2a differential

[0034] 2b axle-side shaft

[0035] 3a exhaust above

[0036] 3b exhaust below

[0037] 4 hose

[0038] 4a connection point

[0039] 6 oil level

Claims

1. A drive assembly (1) having a continuous oil chamber, which oil chamber has at least two venting devices (3a, 3b), wherein one of the venting devices (3, 3b) is always located above the current oil level (6) in the oil chamber depending on the tilting state of the drive assembly (1), characterized in that The first exhaust device (3a) is mounted in the normal position of the drive assembly (1) at a position of the drive assembly which is oil-free under certain driving conditions.

2. Drive assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A hose piece (4a, 4b) is connected to each exhaust device (3a, 3b), respectively, which hose pieces are connected to form an exhaust hose (4).

3. Drive assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The exhaust hose (4) is flexible over at least a part of its length.

4. Drive assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first exhaust device (3a) is mounted in the normal position of the drive assembly (1) at the highest position of the drive assembly.

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