gearbox

Abstract

This utility model relates to a gearbox (1) for an automotive transmission system, comprising a gear (2) for distributing hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) surrounding the gear (2) in a circumferential region (3), wherein the hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) has a funnel-shaped collection container (5) designed such that it collects at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid delivered along the rotational direction of the gear (2) as the gear (2) rotates, and wherein the hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) also has a distribution section (6) having a plurality of channels (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) separated from each other, and each channel (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) is connected to a storage chamber (10) of the collection container (5) through a metering opening (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) inherently passing through a wall (8) of the collection container (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a transmission for an automotive (e.g., a car, truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle) drivetrain, the transmission having gears for distributing hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic fluid distribution element surrounding the gears in a circumferential region (a limited area on the outer periphery), wherein the hydraulic fluid distribution element has a funnel-shaped collection container designed to trap at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid (used as a lubricant and coolant, such as oil) delivered along the direction of rotation of the gears as they rotate. The transmission is preferably implemented as a dedicated hybrid transmission, and therefore further preferably has a motor connected to, for example, the input shaft of a drive stage. Further preferably, the transmission can also be a direct component of an electric shaft. Background Technology

[0002] This type of transmission is well known in the prior art. For example, EP 3 534 042 A1 discloses an automotive powertrain with a transmission. In this case, a retaining container for storing lubricating oil is provided within the transmission housing. A supply path within this housing is used to supply lubricating oil. A discharge passage connected to the oil pump outlet is also connected to the retaining container. In previous transmission designs, it has been found that transmission losses occur, particularly due to the generated resistance torque, as the gears rotate through the transmission's oil pan. However, adequate lubrication / cooling of various components such as gears, bearings, and rollers is required. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a transmission that reduces efficiency losses due to coolant delivery and / or lubricant delivery, wherein a sufficiently strong hydraulic fluid supply is ensured to extend the service life of the transmission, and the components used for distributing the hydraulic fluid should be manufacturable.

[0004] According to this application, this is achieved by the following method: the hydraulic fluid distribution element further includes a distribution section having multiple channels separated from each other, and each channel is connected to the storage chamber of the collection container through an inherent metering opening through the wall of the collection container. This allows for the efficient use of a single hydraulic fluid distribution element to supply multiple components of the gearbox that require cooling and / or lubrication. Therefore, efficient lubrication / cooling is achieved using components that can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0005] Other advantageous embodiments are claimed by way of dependent claims and will be described in detail below.

[0006] Therefore, it is also advantageous if at least one metering opening is designed as a throttle valve. This ensures that hydraulic fluid is supplied to the corresponding channel and that the supply to the corresponding lubrication point is as unaffected as possible by the gear speed.

[0007] In this regard, it is more advantageous to have at least one metering opening through the bottom of the collection container on the bottom side of the storage chamber. This ensures that even when the liquid level in the collection container is at its lowest, sufficient hydraulic fluid still reaches the corresponding lubrication point.

[0008] As an alternative or supplementary solution, it is also advantageous to provide at least one metering opening through the sidewall of the collection container on the circumferential side of the storage chamber. This sidewall is preferably inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the gear, so that the hydraulic fluid delivered along the rotational direction of the gear during operation directly impacts the sidewall in the circumferential direction. This also ensures that any trapped hydraulic fluid is discharged as directly as possible through the metering opening.

[0009] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the corresponding metering opening has a circular or elliptical cross-section, or more preferably a triangular cross-section. Circular and elliptical cross-sections have proven particularly advantageous when the metering opening is located at the bottom of the collection container. Especially when the metering opening is arranged in the sidewall, the corresponding metering opening has a triangular / wedge-shaped cross-section. More preferably, the triangular shape tapers gradually towards the bottom of the collection container (radially inward relative to the gear). This achieves a precise and condition-independent supply to the channel.

[0010] It is also advantageous if each metering opening is (directly) connected to the sliding section of the corresponding channel. This allows for further guidance of the hydraulic fluid directly through gravity during operation.

[0011] If the sliding sections of multiple channels extend parallel to each other at least segment by segment, then the channels are arranged relative to each other in the most compact manner possible. In this regard, it is also advantageous if the channels have a common bottom section and are separated from each other only by partitions / intermediate webs.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if each channel communicates with an outlet and the ends of the outlets are arranged in different axial and / or circumferential positions relative to the gears. This allows for the supply of lubrication to different points in the gearbox in a manner that is as variable as possible.

[0013] Furthermore, for effective lubrication, it is advantageous to have at least three, and more preferably at least four, channels in total. Depending on the application, it is advantageous to design the hydraulic fluid distribution element as a single unit or as a multi-part component. With a multi-part implementation, manufacturing is as simple as possible, while with a single-unit implementation, the assembly process is further simplified (essentially requiring only one assembly step).

[0014] Furthermore, in preferred applications, it is advantageous if the gear corresponds to a differential unit to, during operation, transport hydraulic fluid from a collection chamber located on the bottom side of the housing (relative to the planned installation position in the gravitational field) in the circumferential direction to a hydraulic fluid distribution element located on the top side of the housing opposite to the bottom side. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which different embodiments are also shown.

[0016] The attached diagram shows: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of a gearbox according to the present application, based on a first embodiment, showing a gear and a hydraulic fluid distribution element mounted on the (outer) circumferential region of the gear, and wherein multiple channels can be seen on the side of the hydraulic fluid distribution element. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another partial perspective view of a portion of the gearbox shown, in which multiple metering openings connecting the channels to the collection container are visible. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a hydraulic fluid distribution element according to the present application according to a second embodiment, which differs from the hydraulic fluid distribution element of the first embodiment, particularly in the positioning and design of the metering opening. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The hydraulic fluid distribution element shown is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view with the section line marked IV-IV in the middle. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The top view of the hydraulic fluid distribution element shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A detailed view of the area with a metering opening of the hydraulic fluid distribution element indicated by VI, and Figure 7 This is a partial transparent perspective view of a gearbox according to the present application, which has a hydraulic fluid distribution element according to a first or second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] These illustrations are purely schematic and intended only for understanding this application. The same elements are accompanied by the same reference numerals.

[0018] Combination Figure 7 This application clarifies the preferred application areas. The gearbox 1 according to this application is preferably designed as a dedicated hybrid gearbox. Therefore, the gearbox 1 also has an electric motor 23 serving as a drive unit for the vehicle. The output of the electric motor 23 is coupled to a differential unit 18 in a common manner via a transmission stage 24. The transmission stage 24 can be implemented as a switchable gearbox or a fixed transmission stage. The gearbox 1 also has a common housing 21, which can, of course, be divided into multiple parts / half sections. The gearbox 1 also has a differential unit 18, the output of which is further rotatably coupled to the wheels of the vehicle in a common manner.

[0019] The internal space of the gearbox 1 / housing 21 is implemented in a wet-operation manner, and is therefore partially filled with hydraulic fluid / oil. Figure 7 The collection chamber 22 shown is positioned relative to the intended installation location and the acting gravitational field, facing the bottom side 19 of the housing 21. In this embodiment, the collection chamber 22 (also referred to as the oil pan) is arranged such that the gear 21 extends into / through the collection chamber 22, and during operation, the hydraulic fluid contained within the collection chamber 22 is thus carried by the gear 2. The gear 2, rotating during operation, then serves to first deliver the hydraulic fluid from the bottom side 19 of the housing 21 to the top side 20 of the housing 21, and then distribute the hydraulic fluid within the housing 21. The gear 2 is here directly designed as the input wheel of the differential unit 18.

[0020] For completeness, it should be noted that the directional descriptions used thereafter should be understood as axial, radial, and circumferential directions relative to gear 2 or the rotation axis 28 of gear 2. Thus, axial / axial direction is understood as the direction along the rotation axis 28 of gear 2, radial / radial direction is understood as the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 28 of gear 2, and circumferential direction is understood as the direction along a circumferential line extending concentrically around the rotation axis 28 of gear 2.

[0021] Finally, combining Figure 1 and Figure 2 The subject matter of the application for the gearbox 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below. In addition to the gear 2, a hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 can also be seen arranged at a certain distance from the collection chamber 22 in a specific circumferential region 3 at a distance from the gear 2.

[0022] The hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 has a funnel-shaped collection container 5. The collection container 5 is designed to open in the opposite direction to the (main) rotation direction of the gear 2 during operation, and thus open in the first circumferential direction of the gear 2, so as to trap the hydraulic fluid carried by the gear 2.

[0023] The collecting container 5 has a bottom 12 that bends / arcs outward in the same direction as the radially outer side of the gear 2. The collecting container 5 also has sidewalls 14 that are oriented / arranged substantially in the radial direction, adjacent to the circumferential end of the bottom 12. Therefore, the sidewalls 14 restrict the collecting container 5 towards the circumferential side 13. Thus, the bottom 12 and the sidewalls 14 together form the wall 8 of the collecting container 5. Furthermore, the collecting container 5 is also closed in the axial direction by additional sidewalls, referred to herein as webs 29a and 29b, i.e., axially closed on the side of the gear 2.

[0024] The collection container 5 also has a plurality of metering openings 9a to 9d passing through the collection container 5. Each metering opening 9a to 9d is connected to an inherent channel 7a to 7d of the dispensing section 6 of the hydraulic fluid dispensing element 4. Thus, the first metering opening 9a is connected to the first channel 7a, the second metering opening 9b is connected to the second channel 7b, the third metering opening 9c is connected to the third channel 7c, and the fourth metering opening 9d is connected to the fourth channel 7d.

[0025] Channels 7a to 7d extend parallel to each other, at least partially / segmentally. Furthermore, when connected to metering openings 9a to 9d, channels 7a to 7d engage with sliding sections 15a to 15d. Channels 7a to 7d extend parallel to each other, particularly in the region of their sliding sections 15a to 15d. Sliding sections 15a to 15d, as the term implies, extend radially inward relative to gear 2, i.e., toward the bottom side 19 of housing 21. Channels 7a to 7d also extend axially, at least segmentally.

[0026] Finally, each channel 7a to 7d communicates with an outlet 16a to 16d that is further coupled to a corresponding component / lubrication point of the gearbox 1. Therefore, each outlet 16a to 16d is used to lubricate / cool a specific lubrication point. Thus, the outlets 16a to 16d, i.e., their ends 17, are arranged at different positions relative to each other in both the circumferential direction (relative to the rotation axis 28) and the axial direction (relative to the rotation axis 28).

[0027] Metering openings 9a to 9d, which connect the collection container 5 / storage chamber 10 (hydraulically) formed by the collection container 5 to the respective channels 7a to 7d, are introduced into and pass through the sidewall 14 facing the circumferential side 13 of the storage chamber 10. In this embodiment, the metering openings 9a to 9d have a triangular cross-section, wherein the triangular shape is achieved in a wedge-shaped / slit-shaped / arrow-shaped manner. Each metering opening 9a to 9d is introduced such that its tip is oriented radially inward / towards the bottom side 11 of the storage chamber 10. Conversely, this means that the cross-sectional area of ​​each metering opening 9a increases with increasing (radial) height starting from the bottom 12. Therefore, the metering openings 9a to 9d act as throttle valves, such that as the hydraulic fluid level in the collection container 5 increases, a larger volumetric flow rate of hydraulic fluid also flows through each metering opening 9a to 9d.

[0028] It can also be seen that the metering openings 9a to 9d are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of gear 2. In addition, the third web 29c is axially centered between the first pair of metering openings 9a and 9b and the second pair of metering openings 9c and 9d to form an axial partition wall.

[0029] It should also be noted that for channels 7a to 7d, these channels partially (particularly the first channel 7a and the second channel 7b, and the third channel 7c and the fourth channel 7d) share a common bottom section 26, and the adjacent and parallel channels 7a to 7d are separated from each other by the intermediate web 27.

[0030] It can also be seen that the quantitative openings 9a to 9d are preferably arranged partially at different radial heights.

[0031] Finally, combining Figures 3 to 6 A second embodiment is shown, in which, for clarity, only the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 used is shown. The hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 according to the second embodiment can be easily inserted into the same gearbox 1 previously described in conjunction with the first embodiment, and thus can be used as a spare part of the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 of the first embodiment. Therefore, for brevity, only the differences between the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 of the first embodiment and the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 of the second embodiment are described.

[0032] There are even a total of five metering openings 9a to 9e, and therefore five channels 7a to 7e. The fifth channel 7e, which is connected to the storage chamber 10 through the fifth metering opening 9e, extends substantially axially.

[0033] It can be seen that the quantitative openings 9a to 9e are located in the bottom 12 (facing the bottom side 11 of the storage chamber 10), rather than in the side wall 14. Figure 6The first metering opening 9a can be seen particularly clearly. The metering openings 9a to 9e preferably all have the same shape. Each metering opening 9a to 9e has a circular or rounded cross-sectional shape; alternatively, it may also have an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be seen that the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 also has a plurality of fastening holes 25 for fastening to the corresponding housing area of ​​the gearbox 1 during operation. For ease of formation, these fastening holes 25 are preferably formed directly in the already used / formed sidewalls of the collection container 5 or the channels 7a to 7e.

[0035] For completeness, it should be noted that the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 (in respect of the first and second embodiments) may consist of multiple parts that are spatially separated from each other and pre-installed on different housing components of the housing 21 during the assembly of the gearbox 1, and are only positioned / engaged to form a common hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 after the housing 21 / gearbox 1 is fully assembled. In the first embodiment, the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 consists of, for example, two parts (the first part includes a collection container 5, a portion of a distribution section 6 having a first channel 7a and a second channel 7b, and a third channel 7c and a fourth channel 7d; the second part includes another portion of the distribution section 6, namely the second section of the third channel 7c and the fourth channel 7d). In the second embodiment, the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 consists of, for example, three parts (the first part includes a collection container 5, the second part includes a portion of the distribution section 6 having a first channel 7a and a second channel 7b, and the third part includes a portion of the distribution section 6 having a third channel 7c, a fourth channel 7d, and a fifth channel 7e). However, conversely, the hydraulic fluid distribution element 4 may also be designed as a single unit.

[0036] In other words, the following features apply: - An oil collection device is arranged above the differential wheel. - The oil collecting device is funnel-shaped or cup-shaped. - Multiple metering openings are arranged at the bottom of the oil collection device. - The number of metering openings corresponds to the number of lubrication points to be injected. - The metering opening has the shape of a throttling orifice. - The metering opening has a flange at the lower end. - An oil separator is located below the oil collecting device. - The oil separator consists of multiple channels. - Each channel is assigned a quantitative opening - An oil outlet is provided at the end of each channel. - At the oil outlet, the oil is transferred to the lubrication point, or to the oil guide hole (not shown) inside the gearbox housing, or to the drilled hole in the hollow shaft. - In one design variant, the metering opening is arranged on the wall of the oil collecting device. - In this design variant, the metering opening is elongated (slit-like) in shape. - In this design variant, the metering opening in the upper region is wider than the metering opening in the lower region. - In this design variant, the metering opening tapers downwards. In this design variant, each metering opening is connected to a separate channel. - The oil collection device and at least one oil separator are designed as independent components. - The oil collection device is installed in the first half of the gearbox housing. - At least one distributor is installed in the second half of the transmission housing. Vehicle transmissions typically have multiple gear ratio stages. Especially for front-engine, transversely mounted transmissions, the final gear ratio stage is the same as the final gear ratio of a differential transmission. This stage usually consists of a smaller drive pulley and a larger driven pulley. Figure 7 According to existing technology, this driven wheel is particularly suitable for conveying oil and then guiding it to the lubrication point.

[0037] Using a funnel-shaped or cup-shaped trapping device to trap and centrifugally separate the oil conveyed by the driven wheel has proven particularly advantageous.

[0038] When a large number of lubrication points require reliable oil supply, the challenge lies in evenly distributing the delivered oil as needed. This problem is solved by introducing multiple metering openings into the retention device. Figure 5 These metered openings throttle the outflow of oil volumetric flow rate, ensuring that even at low driven wheel speeds, the outflow volumetric flow rate is less than the amount of oil delivered by the driven wheel. Therefore, a defined oil volumetric flow rate always flows out from each metered opening through a relatively wide working area.

[0039] Advantageously, each lubrication point has a metering opening. However, it may also be necessary to redistribute the oil flow after the metering opening to lubricate multiple bearing points, such as a long gearbox shaft.

[0040] To ensure that the oil flowing from the metering opening drips in a defined manner, a flange is formed at the lower end of each metering opening. Figure 6 ).

[0041] After flowing out of the metering opening, the oil flows into the oil separator. The oil separator consists of multiple channels, each with an opening at its end from which oil can flow out. Figures 1 to 6 Then, the lubrication reaches the corresponding lubrication point directly or through the oil filling hole on the housing or gearbox shaft.

[0042] In an alternative design variant ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The metering opening is not located at the bottom of the oil collecting device, but rather precisely on the wall. The metering opening is slit-shaped, with its extension perpendicular to the bottom of the oil collecting device. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the upper end of this slit-shaped metering opening is wider than the lower end, causing it to taper gradually at the bottom.

[0043] The advantage of this design variant is that, with the increase in the delivery volume through the driven wheel and the subsequent rise in the oil level in the oil collection device, the outflow volumetric flow rate also increases, thereby meeting the increasing lubricant demand as the gearbox speed increases.

[0044] Another feature of this design variant is that the volumetric flow rate exiting the metering opening flows directly into the channel. Therefore, no loss occurs at the transfer point. The oil collecting device can also be designed as an integrated unit with the oil separator.

[0045] However, for assembly reasons, it is almost impossible to avoid dividing the oil collection device and distributor into multiple components, as the gearbox housing typically consists of two housing halves, each containing lubrication points that require oil supply. Therefore, during assembly, the oil collection device and one distributor must be installed into the first housing half, and the other distributor into the second housing half. When the two housing halves are joined together, the distributor's passage in the second housing half is located below the metering opening of the oil collection device. Thus, they form a transfer point from the oil collection device to the distributor.

[0046] List of reference numerals 1 gearbox 2 gears 3 weeks to the region 4 Hydraulic fluid distribution components 5 Collection Containers 6 allocation sections 7a First Channel 7b Second Channel 7c third channel 7d fourth channel 7e Fifth Channel 8 wall sections 9a First quantitative opening 9b Second quantitative opening 9c Third Quantitative Opening 9d fourth quantitative opening 9e Fifth Quantitative Opening 10 storage rooms 11 Storage compartment bottom side 12 bottom 13 circumferential lateral 14 sidewalls 15a First Sliding Section 15b Second Sliding Section 15c Third Sliding Section 15d fourth sliding section 16a First row exit 16b Second Row Exit 16c third row exit 16d fourth row exit 17 end 18 differential units 19 bottom side 20 top side 21 shell 22 Collection Room 23 electric motors 24 transmission stages 25 fastening holes 26 bottom section 27 Intermediate Web 28 rotating axes 29a First web plate 29b Second Web 29c Third ventral plate.

Claims

1. A gearbox (1) for an automotive transmission system, comprising a gear (2) for distributing hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) surrounding the gear (2) in a circumferential region (3), wherein, The hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) has a funnel-shaped collection container (5) designed to trap at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid delivered along the rotation direction of the gear (2) as the gear (2) rotates. The hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) also has a distribution section (6) having a plurality of separate channels (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), and each channel (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) is connected to a storage chamber (10) of the collection container (5) via a metering opening (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) inherently passing through the wall (8) of the collection container (5). The hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) also has a plurality of fastening holes (25) for fastening to a corresponding housing area of ​​the gearbox (1) during operation.

2. The gearbox (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one metering opening (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is designed as a throttle valve.

3. The gearbox (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one quantitative opening (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is introduced into the bottom side (11) of the storage chamber (10) through the bottom (12) of the collection container (5).

4. The gearbox (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one quantitative opening (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is introduced into the circumferential side (13) of the storage chamber (10) through the side wall (14) of the collection container (5).

5. The gearbox (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The corresponding quantitative openings (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) have a circular, elliptical, or triangular cross-section.

6. The gearbox (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each quantitative opening (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is connected to the sliding section (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) of the corresponding channel (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d).

7. The gearbox (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sliding segments (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) of the plurality of channels (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) extend parallel to each other at least segment by segment.

8. The gearbox (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each channel (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) is connected to an outlet (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), and the ends (17) of the outlets (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) are arranged in different axial and / or circumferential positions relative to the gear (2).

9. The gearbox (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, There are at least three channels in total (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d).

10. The gearbox (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear (2) is assigned to the differential unit (18) so that during operation, hydraulic fluid is delivered circumferentially from the storage chamber (22) located on the bottom side (19) of the housing (21) relative to the planned installation position in the gravitational field to the hydraulic fluid distribution element (4) arranged on the top side (20) of the housing (2) away from the bottom side (19).

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