Method for operating a supply system and supply system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a supply system and to a supply system, in which method components of a drive system are supplied with lubricant and / or coolant, an electrically driven delivery pump being operated during normal operation of the drive system, and whereby the delivery pump is operated during normal operation of the drive system. Lubricant and / or coolant is delivered to the component in the supply system by an electrically driven delivery pump. During a special operation in which the electrically driven delivery pump is switched off during operation of the drive system, at least some of the components are supplied with lubricant and / or coolant in the supply system only by means of the mechanically driven delivery pump, the mechanically driven delivery pump is driven for its operation by an output of a drive train of a motor vehicle comprising a drive system. In this case, the mechanically driven delivery pump delivers only a minimum amount, which corresponds to the minimum demand required for supplying at least some of the components, during its operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a supply system in which lubricant and / or coolant is supplied to components of a drive system, wherein an electrically driven delivery pump operates during normal operation of the drive system, and thereby lubricant and / or coolant is delivered to the components in the supply system via the electrically driven delivery pump, and wherein, during a special operating period in which the electrically driven delivery pump is shut off during drive system operation, at least some components are supplied with lubricant and / or coolant solely via a mechanically driven delivery pump in the supply system. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a supply system in which components of the drive system can be supplied with lubricant and / or coolant. Background Technology

[0002] In drive systems, lubricants and / or coolants are typically supplied separately to components in the supply system to achieve lubrication and / or cooling in each component, and / or to operate each component. In most cases, the supply system is designed as a hydraulic system, in which the supply is performed by a hydraulic fluid, typically oil. Throughout the operation of the respective drive system, the possibility of adequate supply to each component is always ensured. Supply systems increasingly incorporate electrically driven delivery pumps, but in some cases, mechanically driven delivery pumps are also provided in addition to electrically driven ones, so that power can still be supplied to at least some components in the supply system in the event of a failure or similar malfunction.

[0003] EP 2 855 928 B1 discloses a supply system for a drive system, in the form of a transmission device for wind power equipment. In this supply system, lubricant can be supplied to components in the form of bearings and gears, wherein, for supply, in addition to an electrically driven delivery pump, a mechanically driven delivery pump is also provided. Within the scope of the method, the supply system of EP 2 855 928 B1 can be operated such that during normal operation of the transmission device, electrical energy is supplied to the electrically driven delivery pump, and thereby the lubricant is delivered to the bearings and gears via both delivery pumps. Furthermore, in special operations (where the operation of the electrically driven delivery pump stops during the active operation of the transmission device due to a lack of electrical energy supply), only a portion of the components, namely the bearings of the transmission device, is supplied with lubricant solely via the mechanically driven delivery pump. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the objective of this invention is now to minimize losses in the supply system of the drive system, and to avoid damage to the components of the drive system due to a lack of supply.

[0005] From a methodological perspective, this task is solved by starting with the preamble of claim 1 and combining it with its characteristic portion. Furthermore, from an apparatus perspective, it is solved by starting with the preamble of claim 7 and combining it with its characteristic portion. The subsequent dependent claims reflect advantageous improvements of the invention.

[0006] According to claim 1, in the method for operating the supply system, components of the drive system are supplied with lubricant and / or coolant. Here, an electrically driven delivery pump operates during normal operation of the drive system, thereby delivering lubricant and / or coolant to the components in the supply system via the electrically driven delivery pump. During a special operating period in which the electrically driven delivery pump is shut off while the drive system is running, lubricant and / or coolant is supplied to at least some of the components in the supply system only via a mechanically driven delivery pump.

[0007] Therefore, during normal operation of the drive system, the supply system operates such that it supplies components via an electrically driven delivery pump, which is powered for this purpose within the supply system, thereby delivering lubricant and / or coolant to the components. When the electrically driven delivery pump is not operating during the active operation of the drive system, and thus also does not deliver lubricant and / or coolant, a special operation occurs during the operation of the supply system. Alternatively, during this special operation, only the mechanically driven delivery pump operates, thereby delivering lubricant and / or coolant and performing the supply of the delivered lubricant and / or coolant to at least a portion of the components.

[0008] Therefore, according to the present invention, if the electrically driven delivery pump is not operated during the continuous operation of the drive system, then a special operation always occurs. Here, the special operation can be a targeted operating state (in which the power supply to the electrically driven delivery pump is intentionally interrupted) or an operating state caused by a fault condition, such as a failure of the electrically driven delivery pump or its power supply.

[0009] According to claim 1, the present invention now includes the following technical teaching: a mechanically driven delivery pump is driven by a driven device of a motor vehicle drive system including a drive system. Here, the mechanically driven delivery pump delivers only a minimum amount during its operation, which corresponds to the minimum requirement required to supply at least a portion of the components. In other words, the drive of the mechanically driven delivery pump is achieved by a driven device, and the motor vehicle drive system including the drive system has a driven device. During its operation, the mechanically driven delivery pump provides only a minimum amount of lubricant and / or coolant, which corresponds to the minimum required lubricant and / or coolant requirement when supplying at least a portion of the components.

[0010] The operation of the supply system according to the invention has the advantage that, on the one hand, if supply is not possible or feasible by an electrically driven delivery pump during the operation of the drive system, there is still a supply to at least some of the components by means of a mechanically driven delivery pump. Thus, in the supply system, damage or even destruction due to lack of supply can be prevented, at least in some components. Since the mechanically driven delivery pump delivers only a minimum amount during its operation, losses are also minimized, due to the otherwise excessively high content of lubricant and / or coolant in the supply system, and particularly due to the splashing of rotating, submerged components. Therefore, overall, efficient operation of the supply system can be achieved on the one hand, and a minimum supply is continuously ensured, at least in some components.

[0011] Therefore, the drive system whose components can be supplied is at least part of the drive system of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive system here may specifically be a motor vehicle transmission, a motor vehicle drive axle, and particularly an electrically driven motor vehicle drive axle, etc. Here, the mechanically driven delivery pump is driven by the driven device of the motor vehicle drive system for its operation, and for this purpose, the mechanically driven delivery pump is coupled to the driven device of the drive system during its operation. Here, the driven device is preferably a component that is always coupled to at least one drive wheel of the motor vehicle drive system, such as a transmission output shaft.

[0012] If a mechanically driven delivery pump is driven by a driven device, then the mechanically driven delivery pump provides only a minimum amount of lubricant and / or coolant. This minimum amount is selected such that it corresponds to the minimum requirement required to supply at least some of the components without damaging or destroying any of the components. In this respect, the mechanically driven delivery pump is designed only to provide the minimum amount.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, a mechanically driven delivery pump operates in conjunction with an electrically driven delivery pump during normal operation. Advantageously, during normal operation, this allows for the joint supply of components via both delivery pumps. For this purpose, the mechanically driven delivery pump is particularly continuously coupled to the driven device in a driving manner.

[0014] According to this alternative feasible design, the mechanically driven delivery pump is disengaged from the driven device and thus shut off during normal operation. This reduces losses in the supply system during normal operation by stopping the drive of the mechanically driven delivery pump. In an improved version of this feasible design, the disengagement of the mechanically driven delivery pump depends on the pressure in the supply system and / or is actuated by an actuator. Therefore, a pressure-controlled clutch or an actuator-controlled clutch can be provided, where the actuator can also rely on pressure to operate the clutch. The pressure in the supply system is particularly present on the pressure side of the electrically driven delivery pump.

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention involves supplying only a subset of components during specific operating periods, components that must be continuously supplied during the operation of the drive system. Therefore, during specific operating periods, the supply is limited to the components that must be supplied. Consequently, the minimum quantity to be delivered can be kept very small, while still preventing damage to the components of the drive system.

[0016] In an improved embodiment of the invention, during normal operation, the electrically driven delivery pump performs delivery as required. This also improves efficiency during normal operation by ensuring that the electrically driven delivery pump only meets the actual demand for lubricant and / or coolant.

[0017] According to claim 7, in the supply system, components of the drive system can be supplied with lubricant and / or coolant. Furthermore, an electrically driven delivery pump and a mechanically driven delivery pump are provided, wherein during normal operation of the drive system, the electrically driven delivery pump delivers lubricant and / or coolant to the components in the supply system. Additionally, during special operation, the mechanically driven delivery pump supplies lubricant and / or coolant to at least a portion of the components, and during special operation, the electrically driven delivery pump is shut off during operation of the drive system.

[0018] In the supply system, components of the drive system are supplied with lubricant and / or coolant, wherein the components to be supplied are those to be lubricated and / or cooled and / or both lubricated and cooled. In principle, the corresponding components may be present as support devices, such as sliding or rolling bearings, transmission stages (where gear meshing can be lubricated), rotors or stators of motors, etc. The lubricant and / or coolant to be supplied is in particular a liquid, and is especially preferably oil.

[0019] Within the scope of this invention, "electrically driven delivery pump" can be understood as a delivery pump that is driven by the transfer of electrical energy. Conversely, "mechanically driven delivery pump" is a delivery pump that is driven by the transfer of mechanical energy.

[0020] According to claim 7, the present invention includes the following technical teaching: a mechanically driven delivery pump is driven by a driven device of a motor vehicle drive system including a drive system. Furthermore, the mechanically driven delivery pump delivers only a minimum amount during its operation, which corresponds to the minimum requirement for supplying at least a portion of the components. In other words, the drive of the mechanically driven delivery pump is achieved by a driven device, which is provided by the motor vehicle drive system including the drive system. Moreover, the mechanically driven delivery pump is designed such that it delivers only a minimum amount during operation, which corresponds to the minimum requirement for supplying lubricant and / or coolant to at least a portion of the components.

[0021] Advantageously, in the supply system designed according to the invention, a minimum supply of at least some components can be achieved by means of a mechanically driven pump providing the corresponding supply when the electrically driven delivery pump stops operating and during the active operation of the drive system. Thus, when the mechanically driven delivery pump in the supply system is not operating, at least in some components, no damage or failure occurs due to a lack of supply. Because the mechanically driven delivery pump only meets the minimum requirements during its operation, losses due to otherwise excessive amounts of lubricant and / or coolant, and especially to splashing from rotating, submerged components, are also minimized. Therefore, a supply system can be provided overall that operates efficiently and, within the supply system, at least in some components, always ensures a minimum required supply.

[0022] In an improved embodiment of the invention, a clutch is arranged between the mechanically driven delivery pump and the driven device, allowing the mechanically driven delivery pump to disengage from the driven device. In this case, the mechanically driven delivery pump is not continuously coupled to the driven device in a transmission manner, but rather the transmission coupling is performed through the intermediate clutch. Therefore, during normal operation, the mechanically driven delivery pump can also be selectively disengaged and thus stopped, thereby reducing losses and improving efficiency. Preferably, the clutch is controlled according to the pressure present in the supply system and / or can be operated by an actuator.

[0023] Alternatively, a mechanically driven delivery pump can also be continuously coupled to the driven device of the drive system. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The advantageous embodiments described below are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle is shown, which includes a supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle is shown, which has a supply system according to a second feasible design according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] from Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 1 is obtained, which may be a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. Motor vehicle 1 includes a motor vehicle drive system 2, wherein an engine 3 is coupled or can be coupled on the driven side to the drive wheels 6 and 7 of the motor vehicle drive axle 8 via a transmission 4 and a differential 5. The engine 3 may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

[0028] The drive system 9, which forms part of the motor vehicle drive system 2, is equipped with a supply system 10, in which components 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the drive system 9 can be supplied with lubricant in the form of oil. Currently, the supply system 10 is designed according to a first embodiment of the invention. Here, component 11 is a bearing of the drive system 4, component 12 is a gear set of the drive system 4, component 13 is a bearing of the differential 5, and component 14 is a gear set of the differential 5.

[0029] The supply system 10 has an electrically driven transfer pump 15 and a mechanically driven transfer pump 16, wherein the electrically driven transfer pump 15 is equipped with a motor 17 that drives the electrically driven transfer pump 15 when powered. In its operation, the electrically driven transfer pump 15 draws oil from a storage tank (not shown further at present) of the supply system 10 and then delivers the oil to components 11 to 14, wherein the required delivery is performed by adjusting the motor 17 and, consequently, the electrically driven transfer pump 15.

[0030] A mechanically driven delivery pump 16 is connected in a transmission manner between the transmission 4 and the differential 5, and is therefore continuously coupled to the driven device 18 of the vehicle drive system 2. Here, the driven device 18 exists in a form where it is continuously coupled to the drive wheels 6 and 7 via the differential 5. The mechanically driven delivery pump 16 is driven by a driving torque acting between the transmission 4 and the differential 5, wherein, when driven, the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 draws oil from the reservoir of the supply system 10 and delivers it to some of the components 11 to 14 (in the form of components 11 and 14). Here, the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 is designed to deliver a minimum amount, that is, it just meets the minimum oil requirement needed to supply the two components 11 and 14.

[0031] During normal operation of the vehicle drive system 2 and consequently the drive system 9, that is, during normal driving of the vehicle 1, the electrically driven delivery pump 15 of the supply system 10 is driven by the motor 17, and simultaneously the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 is driven due to its connection between the transmission 4 and the differential 5. Thus, both delivery pumps 15 and 16 jointly deliver oil to components 11 and 14, while components 12 and 13 are supplied only by the electrically driven delivery pump 15. Here, the electrically driven delivery pump 15 performs a supply that meets demand, taking into account the minimum demand already provided by the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 for components 11 and 14.

[0032] However, special operations of the vehicle drive system 2 and consequently drive system 9 can also occur instead of normal operation. This is the case when the vehicle 1 is moving, but the ignition is turned off or the power in the vehicle drive system 2 is intentionally reduced. Here, the former may occur, for example, when the vehicle 1 is being towed or dragged, while the power reduction may occur especially when a malfunction is present.

[0033] During special operation, the electrically driven delivery pump 15 is stopped, while the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 is driven due to its continuous coupling with the driven device 18, and thus also delivers oil to components 11 and 14. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 is in motion, at least the necessary supply to components 11 and 14 is ensured, and thus damage or breakage is also prevented.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of motor vehicle 19 is shown, which substantially corresponds to... Figure 1 The variant scheme. And based on Figure 1 The only difference in the variant is that, in the supply system 20, the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 is no longer continuously connected between the transmission 4 and the differential 5, but is only connected between the transmission and the differential through the closed intermediate clutch 21.

[0035] Here, clutch 21 is engaged only during specific operating periods of the vehicle drive system 2 of the vehicle 19, allowing the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 to supply oil to components 11 and 14. Conversely, if the vehicle drive system 2 is in its normal operating state, clutch 21 disengages the mechanically driven delivery pump 16 from the driven device 18, thereby stopping the delivery via the delivery pump 16. In this case, the supply to components 11 to 14 occurs solely via the electrically driven delivery pump 15.

[0036] The clutch 21 can be controlled here by an actuator (not shown further at present) or by relying on the pressure provided by an electrically driven delivery pump 15 in the supply system 20. Otherwise, the vehicle 19 and, in particular, the supply system 20 correspond to... Figure 1The variant scheme is described herewith reference to the description.

[0037] By means of a variant of the drive system according to the invention, losses can be kept as small as possible on the one hand, and damage to the components of the drive system due to lack of supply can be avoided in other situations on the other hand.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1 motor vehicle

[0040] 2. Motor vehicle drive system

[0041] 3 engines

[0042] 4. Transmission device

[0043] 5 differentials

[0044] 6 drive wheels

[0045] 7 drive wheels

[0046] 8 Motor vehicle drive axles

[0047] 9 drive system

[0048] 10 Supply System

[0049] 11 parts

[0050] 12 parts

[0051] 13 parts

[0052] 14 parts

[0053] 15 electrically driven transfer pumps

[0054] 16 mechanically driven transfer pumps

[0055] 17 motors

[0056] 18 Driven Devices

[0057] 19 motor vehicles

[0058] 20 Supply Systems

[0059] 21 Clutch

Claims

1. A method for operating a supply system (10; 20), wherein, Lubricant and / or coolant are supplied to components (11, 12, 13, 14) of the drive system (9), wherein an electrically driven delivery pump (15) operates during normal operation of the drive system (9), and thereby lubricant and / or coolant are delivered to the components (11, 12, 13, 14) in the supply system (10; 20) via the electrically driven delivery pump (15), and wherein, during a special operating period in which the electrically driven delivery pump (15) is shut off during operation of the drive system (9), only [the following occurs] in the supply system (10; 20]. A mechanically driven delivery pump (16) supplies lubricant and / or coolant to at least some of the components (11, 14) of the components (11, 12, 13, 14), characterized in that the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) is driven for its operation by a driven device (18) of a motor vehicle drive system (2) including the drive system (9), and the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) delivers only a minimum amount equivalent to the minimum demand required to supply at least some of the components (11, 14) of the components (11, 12, 13, 14) during its operation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During normal operation, the electrically driven delivery pump (15) causes the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) to operate.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During normal operation, the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) is disengaged from the driven device (18) and thereby shut off the mechanically driven delivery pump.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The disengagement of the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) is performed by relying on the pressure in the supply system (10; 20) and / or by an actuator.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During the special operation, only the parts (11, 14) of the components (11, 12, 13, 14) that must be continuously supplied during the operation of the drive system (9) are supplied.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During normal operation, the electrically driven delivery pump (15) performs the required delivery.

7. A supply system (10; 20) in which components (11, 12, 13, 14) of a drive system (9) can be supplied with lubricant and / or coolant, wherein, The system is equipped with an electrically driven delivery pump (15) and a mechanically driven delivery pump (16), wherein the electrically driven delivery pump (15) delivers lubricant and / or coolant to the components (11, 12, 13, 14) in the supply system (10; 20) during normal operation of the drive system (9), and wherein the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) supplies lubricant and / or coolant to at least some of the components (11, 14) during a special operation in which the electrically driven delivery pump (15) is shut off during operation of the drive system (9), characterized in that the drive of the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) is achieved by a driven device (18) of a motor vehicle drive system (2) including the drive system (9), and the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) delivers only a minimum amount equivalent to the minimum demand required to supply at least some of the components (11, 14) during its drive.

8. The supply system (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A clutch (21) is arranged between the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) and the driven device (18), and the mechanically driven delivery pump (16) can be disengaged from the driven device (18) by the clutch.

9. The supply system (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clutch (21) depends on the pressure present in the supply system (20) being controlled and / or being manipulated by an actuator.

10. The supply system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mechanically driven delivery pump (16) is continuously coupled to the driven device (18).

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