Electric drive unit for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle

Abstract

Electric drive device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric machine (12) by means of which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven, a transmission (22) by means of which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven by means of the electric machine (12), which has a cooling jacket (16) through which a coolant flows for cooling at least a partial area of ​​the electric machine (12), and a housing (24) in which the electric machine (12) and the transmission (22) are arranged, characterized in that the housing (24) has at least one integrally formed housing element (26) which has: - at least one first receiving area (28) in which transmission components (30) of the transmission (22) are arranged; - at least a second receiving area (36) in which the electrical machine (12) is at least partially arranged; and - at least one housing wall (38) arranged between the receiving areas (28, 36) and thereby separating the receiving areas (28, 36) from each other, through which a lubricant (40) received or received in the first receiving area (28) is to be cooled for lubricating the transmission components (30) by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket (16) of the electric machine (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The category described in the preamble of the two-part patent claim is based on the publication DE 10 2019 217 872 A1

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2019 217 872 A1 discloses a modular axle drive for vehicles, comprising an electric machine with an axially extending machine housing that has at least one machine coolant channel extending along a section of the machine housing. Also included is a gearbox with a gearbox housing that has at least one gearbox coolant channel extending along a section of the gearbox housing.

[0004] CN 1 12 594 357 A describes an integrated electric oil-cooled drive system comprising a motor, a motor controller, a heat exchanger, an electronic oil pump, a filter, and a reduction gear. The drive system is characterized in that the motor controller is arranged between the motor and the reduction gear, the heat exchanger is arranged between the reduction gear and the motor controller, and the electronic oil pump and the filter are each arranged on opposite sides of the oil return line.

[0005] US 2009 / 0102298A1 relates to a fluid-cooled electric drive system. A spiral cooling channel, which may have a rectangular shape, is integrated into the housing of the electric drive system. This cooling channel is arranged along the axis between the inner and outer surfaces of the housing.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an electric drive device for a motor vehicle in such a way that particularly advantageous cooling can be achieved in a particularly cost-effective, weight-saving and space-saving manner.

[0007] This problem is solved by an electric drive device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0008] The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, which may, for example, be a commercial vehicle. In particular, the commercial vehicle may be a truck. Of course, it is also conceivable that the motor vehicle may alternatively be a passenger car. In particular, the motor vehicle is, for example, a car. In its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has the electric drive device by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. For example, in its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has at least or exactly two axles arranged consecutively and thus one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, which may also simply be referred to as axles.Each vehicle axle has, for example, at least or exactly two vehicle wheels arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle in the transverse direction of the vehicle. These wheels are also simply referred to as wheels. The vehicle wheels are ground contact elements by which the vehicle can be supported or is supported downwards against the ground in the vertical direction. When the vehicle is driven along the ground while supported downwards in the vertical direction by the ground contact elements, the vehicle wheels roll along the ground, in particular directly. For example, the electric drive unit is assigned to at least or exactly one of the vehicle axles, wherein For example, the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive unit is assigned can be driven electrically, in particular purely electrically, by means of the drive unit.

[0009] The electric drive system comprises at least one electric machine by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. This means, for example, that the electric machine can electrically, and in particular purely electrically, drive the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive system is assigned. For this purpose, the electric machine has, for example, a stator and a rotor, which can be driven by means of the stator and is thus rotatable about a machine axis of rotation relative to the stator. Via its rotor, the electric machine can provide drive torques for driving the motor vehicle, that is, in particular for driving the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive system is assigned.The electric machine is most preferably a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and most preferably several hundred volts. The motor vehicle may, for example, have an electrical energy storage device by means of or in which electrical energy, in particular electrochemically, is to be stored or stored. In particular, the electrical energy storage device may be a battery, in particular a high-voltage battery (HV battery), wherein the electrical energy storage device is preferably a secondary battery. Preferably, the electrical energy storage device is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and most preferably several hundred volts.The electric machine can, for example, be supplied with the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device, thus enabling the electric machine to be operated in motor mode and therefore as an electric motor. The electric motor can then be used to electrically, and in particular purely electrically, drive the motor vehicle, especially the wheels of the axle to which the electric drive unit is assigned.

[0010] The electric drive unit also includes a transmission through which the vehicle can be electrically driven by means of the electric motor. The electric motor, in particular the stator, has a cooling jacket through which a coolant flows to cool at least a portion of the electric motor, especially the stator. Preferably, the coolant is an integral part of the electric drive unit, so that the coolant preferably belongs to the electric drive unit. The coolant is, for example, a liquid, so that the coolant is also referred to as cooling fluid. Most preferably, the coolant can at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half, comprise water or be formed from water, so that the coolant is, for example, also referred to as cooling water. Consequently, the cooling jacket is also referred to, for example, as a water jacket.By means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket, at least the part of the electric machine, in particular the stator, can be cooled, especially by means of heat transfer from the part to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket.

[0011] The electric drive unit also has a housing in which the electric motor and the gearbox are arranged. In other words, both the electric motor (also called an electric motor or electric machine) and the gearbox are integrated into the housing, i.e., the same housing, so that the housing is also referred to, for example, as a gearbox-machine housing or gearbox-axle housing.

[0012] For example, the transmission, in particular from the rotor to the respective vehicle wheel of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned, has a transmission ratio that is particularly different from one, via which the electric machine, in particular the rotor, can drive the respective vehicle wheel of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned.

[0013] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous cooling of the electric drive unit in a space-saving, cost-effective and weight-efficient manner, the invention provides that the housing is at least one piece thick. The housing element is a single, integral component. The characteristic that the housing element is formed in one piece means that it is manufactured as a single unit. This means that the housing element is formed from a single piece, so that the housing element itself, considered on its own, is a monoblock or is formed by a monoblock; thus, it is an integral and therefore one-piece manufactured body, or is formed by an integral and therefore one-piece manufactured body. Put another way, the one-piece or one-piece formed housing element, considered on its own, is not composed of several separately manufactured and interconnected parts, but rather the housing element is manufactured from a single piece and is therefore integral.The housing element has at least one first receiving area in which transmission components of the gearbox are arranged. For example, the aforementioned gear ratio of the gearbox is formed by means of the transmission components. The housing element, which is formed in one piece, also has at least one second receiving area in which the electric machine is arranged at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than halfway or completely. In particular, the feature that the housing element has the respective receiving area means that the respective receiving area is formed or delimited, in particular directly, by the housing element. In particular, for example, the respective receiving area is formed or delimited, in particular directly, by a respective surface or circumferential surface of the housing element.

[0014] The housing element, which is formed in one piece, also has at least one housing wall arranged between the receiving areas, thereby separating them from one another. A lubricant, preferably different from the coolant, which is received or can be received in the first receiving area, is cooled via this housing wall for the purpose of lubricating the transmission component by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket of the electric machine. In other words, since the electric machine and thus the cooling jacket through which the coolant flows are arranged in the second receiving area, and since the housing wall is arranged between the receiving areas, a lubricant can be cooled via the housing wall. The housing wall facilitates heat exchange between the lubricant received or absorbed in the first receiving area and the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket, in particular such that heat can be transferred from the lubricant to the coolant via the housing wall. This advantageously cools the lubricant, allowing the transmission components to be lubricated and cooled particularly effectively by means of the lubricant. The invention thus makes it possible to cool the lubricant within the housing element, and therefore within the housing itself, by means of the coolant for cooling the electric motor, enabling the lubricant to be cooled in a particularly space-saving, cost-effective, and lightweight manner.In particular, the invention makes it possible to avoid a separate heat exchanger for cooling the lubricant, located outside the housing element, and separate lines, thus achieving high robustness and safety as well as low weight and low costs.

[0015] Since the electric machine with its cooling jacket is located in the second receiving area, the housing wall can be cooled, for example, by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket, particularly through heat transfer from the housing wall to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket. Thus, the housing wall is a cooled housing wall, also referred to as the housing wall, which cools the lubricant received or to be received in the first receiving area. Therefore, compared to conventional solutions, the use of an additional, separate heat exchanger can be dispensed with.

[0016] The invention is based in particular on the following considerations and insights: In conventional solutions, the lubricant is cooled by means of an additional, separate heat exchanger, which, for example, is permeable to the lubricant and permeable to a further temperature control medium, for example, a liquid or air, so that heat transfer can occur from the lubricant flowing through the heat exchanger to the temperature control medium. Such an additional and external heat exchanger, i.e., arranged outside the housing, requires a Additional external piping is required, but the invention eliminates both the need for such a separate external heat exchanger and the need for such additional external piping. This allows the number of parts, and therefore the cost, weight, and installation space required for the drive unit, to be kept to a particularly low level. At the same time, the lubricant can be effectively and efficiently cooled by the coolant via the housing wall.

[0017] Preferably, the lubricant is a liquid, in particular an oil, which is also referred to as gear oil. Most preferably, the lubricant is a component of the electric drive unit, which thus preferably includes the lubricant.

[0018] For example, the housing wall may directly define the cooling jacket through which the coolant flows, thus enabling a particularly advantageous heat exchange between the housing wall and the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket. In particular, a surface, especially a second surface, of the housing wall may directly define the cooling jacket. This means, in particular, that the coolant, as it passes through the cooling jacket, may directly contact the housing wall, especially the surface of the housing wall that directly defines the cooling jacket.

[0019] For example, a first surface of the housing wall faces the first receiving area, with the first receiving area being directly bounded or formed by the first surface. This allows, for example, the lubricant received or to be received in the first receiving area to directly contact the first surface. This enables a particularly advantageous heat exchange between the housing wall and the lubricant. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the housing wall has a second surface facing the second receiving area and, in particular, facing away from the first surface. For example, the cooling jacket can be directly bounded by the second surface, so that, for example, the coolant can directly contact the second surface as it passes through the cooling jacket. This enables an advantageous heat exchange between the cooling jacket and the cooling jacket. This ensures that the lubricant can be cooled particularly effectively and efficiently via the coolant flowing through the housing wall and the housing wall.

[0020] To enable particularly effective and efficient cooling of the lubricant via the housing wall by means of the coolant, one embodiment of the invention provides that the housing wall is arranged radially in the direction of the electric machine between the receiving areas arranged adjacent to one another in the radial direction of the electric machine, such that the receiving areas are separated from each other by the housing wall in the radial direction of the electric machine. For example, at least one of the transmission components is rotatable about a transmission component axis of rotation relative to the housing element, preferably with the transmission component axis of rotation running parallel to the axial direction of the electric machine. Thus, it can be provided that during operation of the electric drive device, the at least one transmission component rotates about the transmission component axis of rotation relative to the housing element.This allows, for example, at least one transmission component to advantageously fling the lubricant absorbed in the first receiving area into the first receiving area and fling it away from itself, for example against the housing wall, in particular against the first surface of the housing wall, so that the lubricant can be particularly advantageously cooled by means of the coolant via the housing wall.

[0021] Another embodiment is characterized in that the housing wall, in particular the first surface of the housing wall, directly delimits at least the first receiving area. This allows for a particularly advantageous heat exchange between the housing wall and the lubricant, especially such that heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant to the housing wall.

[0022] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission components have at least two gears, namely a first gear and a second gear meshing with the first gear. The respective gear The gears are rotatable about their respective axes of rotation relative to the housing element, such that, for example, one of the gear axes of rotation is the aforementioned axis of rotation of the transmission component. Thus, it is intended that, for example, during the aforementioned operation of the electric drive unit, the gears rotate about their axes of rotation relative to the housing element. For example, the gear axes of rotation run parallel to each other, while the gear axes of rotation are spaced apart. In particular, it is conceivable that the respective gear axis of rotation runs parallel to the axial direction of the electric machine.This allows the gears, during operation of the electric drive unit, to particularly advantageously fling the lubricant absorbed in the first receiving area and, for example, fling it away from themselves and thus particularly advantageously fling it against the housing wall, so that the lubricant can be cooled particularly effectively and efficiently by the coolant via the housing wall. In particular, it is conceivable that the aforementioned gear ratio of the transmission is formed by means of the gears.

[0023] In order to cool the lubricant particularly effectively and efficiently via the housing wall, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the coolant is a liquid.

[0024] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one guiding element for directing the lubricant, in particular in a targeted manner, is arranged in the first receiving area, also referred to as the first receiving space. It is conceivable that the guiding element is arranged on the housing wall, in particular on the first surface, and that the guiding element is formed integrally with the housing wall. Thus, it is preferably provided that the housing wall and the guiding element are formed from a single piece, that is, in particular by the aforementioned monoblock. By means of the guiding element, the lubricant can, for example, be guided in a particularly targeted and demand-oriented manner, so that heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant to the housing wall while the lubricant flows along the guiding element.For example, the guide element is designed as a, in particular a second, housing shell, by means of which the lubricant is directed, in particular along the cooled area.

[0025] The guide element can be advantageously guided along the housing wall. It is conceivable that the guide element is designed separately from the housing element and is held at least indirectly, and in particular directly, on the housing element, especially the housing wall. This ensures particularly advantageous guidance and thus the flow of the lubricant.

[0026] Another embodiment is characterized by the provision of cooling fins, also simply referred to as fins, in the first receiving area on the housing wall. Each cooling fin projects from the housing wall, for example, in the radial direction of the electric machine. The cooling fins provide a particularly large surface area over which heat can be transferred from the lubricant to the cooling fins and from the cooling fins to the housing wall. This allows for particularly effective and efficient cooling of the lubricant. It is conceivable that the cooling fins are formed separately from the housing wall and, in particular, attached directly to the housing wall. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cooling fins are formed integrally with the housing wall and thus as a single unit, forming the aforementioned monoblock.This ensures a particularly advantageous heat transfer from the lubricant to the cooling fins, from the cooling fins to the housing wall, and from the housing wall to the coolant.

[0027] To enable particularly effective and efficient cooling of the lubricant via the housing wall, a further embodiment of the invention provides that at least one conduit element is arranged in the first receiving area. This conduit element is preferably rigid and thus dimensionally stable, and preferably designed as a solid. In particular, the conduit element is, for example, designed as a tube, which is also referred to as an oil tube. The conduit element has a channel through which the lubricant, particularly from the first receiving area, can flow, and has at least one outlet opening directed towards or onto the housing wall, particularly towards or onto the first surface, through which the lubricant can flow. The outlet opening allows the lubricant to be sprayed from the channel onto the housing wall, particularly onto the first surface. In particular, the lubricant can be sprayed out via the outlet opening in such a way that... The lubricant flowing through the outlet opening forms a lubricant jet, also known as an oil jet or spray, which is sprayed, particularly directly, against the housing wall, especially against the first surface. This allows the lubricant to be cooled particularly well.

[0028] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one cooling channel, also referred to as the first cooling channel, meanders within a wall of the housing element that directly delimits the first receiving area. The first cooling channel is permeable to the coolant or a further, additional coolant. The wall can be the housing wall. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the wall is an additional wall section of the housing element, for example, adjoining the housing wall. In particular, it is conceivable that the first receiving area, in the installation position of the electric drive unit in the vehicle's vertical direction, is directly delimited downwards by the wall. The electric drive unit assumes its installation position in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle containing the electric drive unit.Heat can be transferred particularly advantageously via the wall from the lubricant absorbed or absorbed in the first receiving area to the coolant flowing through the first cooling channel or other coolants, so that the lubricant can be cooled effectively and efficiently.

[0029] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if at least one cooling element, separate from the housing element, is arranged in the first receiving area. This cooling element has at least one meandering cooling channel, also referred to as the second cooling channel, through which the coolant or further coolant can flow. Heat can be transferred via the preferably dimensionally stable, i.e., rigid, cooling element, preferably designed as a solid, from the lubricant arranged or arrangable in the first receiving area to the coolant or further coolant flowing through the second cooling channel and thus the cooling element, so that the lubricant can be cooled effectively and efficiently.

[0030] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1. Partially a schematic and cutaway front view of an electric drive unit for a motor vehicle; Fig. 2. A further schematic and cutaway front view of the electric drive unit during operation of the electric drive unit; Fig. 3. Partially a schematic perspective view of a one-piece formed housing element of the electric drive device; Fig. 4. A further schematic perspective view of the housing element (in part); Fig. 5. A further schematic perspective view of the housing element (in part); and Fig. 6. A further schematic perspective view of the housing element is shown in part.

[0032] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic, cutaway front view of an electric drive unit 10 for a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, which is preferably designed as a car. In its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has the electric drive unit 10 and can be driven electrically by means of the electric drive unit 10, in particular purely electrically. For this purpose, the electric drive unit 10 has an electric machine 12, which has a stator and a rotor. The rotor can be driven by means of the stator and is thus rotatable about a machine axis of rotation 14 relative to the stator. The electric machine 12 can provide drive torques via its rotor, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven electrically, in particular purely electrically.Preferably, the electric machine 12, whose axial direction coincides with the machine's axis of rotation 14, is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or rated voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and most preferably several hundred volts. The electric machine 12, in particular the stator, has a [missing information]. Fig. Figure 1 shows a cooling jacket 16, which is shown particularly schematically and through which a preferably liquid coolant can flow. Preferably, the coolant belongs to the electric drive unit 10, which thus preferably includes the coolant. By means of the coolant, at least a partial area of ​​the electric machine 12, in particular the stator, can be cooled via the cooling jacket 16. For example, the cooling jacket 16 is arranged in a cooling circuit through which the coolant can flow, and which can be part of the electric drive unit 10. For example, a pump, in particular an electrically operated pump, is arranged in the cooling circuit, by means of which the coolant can be conveyed through the cooling circuit. Thus, for example, the pump can convey the coolant through the cooling jacket 16. Fig. Figure 1 shows a particularly schematic representation of an inlet 18 through which the coolant can flow. The coolant flowing through the inlet 18 can be supplied to the cooling jacket 16 via the inlet 18 and, in particular, introduced into the cooling jacket 16, so that the inlet 18 is arranged in the cooling circuit. Figure 1 also shows a particularly schematic representation of the coolant flowing through the inlet 18. Fig. 1. A return line 20, through which the coolant can flow and which is arranged in the cooling circuit. The coolant can be discharged from the cooling jacket 16 via the return line 20. In particular, the coolant is preferably at least partially, and especially at least partially,

[0034] The coolant consists predominantly, and thus at least more than half, of water, which is also referred to as cooling water. Therefore, the coolant is also called cooling water. As it passes through the cooling jacket 16, heat can transfer from at least that section of the electric machine 12 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, thereby cooling at least that section of the electric machine 12. The electric machine 12 can be cooled by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, for example, in at least one operating mode of the electric drive unit 10. It is conceivable that in at least a second operating mode of the electric drive unit 10, at least that section of the electric machine 12 can be heated by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16. For this to occur, for example, heat is transferred from the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 to that section.The coolant can thus be used as a temperature control medium to regulate the temperature, i.e., to cool and / or heat, of the sub-area. For example, if the coolant has a lower temperature than the sub-area as it passes through the cooling jacket 16, heat is transferred from the sub-area to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, thereby cooling the sub-area. Conversely, if the coolant has a higher temperature than the sub-area as it passes through the cooling jacket 16, heat is transferred from the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 to the sub-area, thereby heating the sub-area. This allows, for example, the electric machine 12 to be operated within a particularly advantageous temperature range, thus ensuring effective and efficient operation of the electric machine 12.

[0035] The electric drive unit 10 also has a gearbox 22, via which the motor vehicle can be driven electrically by means of the electric machine 12, in particular purely.

[0036] The electric drive unit 10 also has a housing 24 in which the electric machine 12 and the gearbox 22 are arranged.

[0037] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous cooling of the electric drive unit 10 in a particularly space-saving, weight-saving and cost-effective manner, the the housing 24 at least one that is formed in one piece and, for example, well made Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The housing element 26 is recognizable. The housing element 26 has a first receiving area 28 in which gear components 30 of the gearbox 22 are arranged. In the case of the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the transmission components 30 comprise two gears 32 and 34, wherein gear 32 is also referred to as the first gear and gear 34 as the second gear. Gears 32 and 34 are meshed with each other.

[0038] The housing element 26 also has a second receiving area 36 in which the electric machine 12 is at least partially arranged. In particular, the cooling jacket 16 is at least partially arranged in the second receiving area 36.The housing element 26, which is formed in one piece, also has at least one housing wall 38 arranged between the receiving areas 28 and 36, thereby separating the receiving areas 28 and 36 from each other, through which a lubricant 40, preferably liquid, which is received in the first receiving area 28, is to be cooled for lubricating and preferably also for cooling the transmission components 30 by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, such that heat can be transferred from the lubricant 40 received in the receiving area 28 to the housing wall 38 formed in one piece, wherein the heat transferred to the housing wall 38 from the lubricant 40 can be transferred from the housing wall 38 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16.

[0039] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the receiving areas 28 and 36 are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the electric machine 12, whose radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the electric machine 12 and thus perpendicular to the machine's axis of rotation 14, with the housing wall 38 being arranged between the receiving areas 28 and 36 in the radial direction of the electric machine 12. This separates the receiving areas 28 and 36 from each other in the radial direction of the electric machine 12 by means of the housing wall 38.

[0040] The respective gear 32, 34 is rotatable about a respective gear axis 42, 44 relative to the housing wall 38, which in Fig. Figure 1 is illustrated by arrows 46 and 48. In particular, arrow 46 illustrates a first direction of rotation in which the gear 32 can be rotated about the gear axis 42 relative to the housing wall 38, or rotates during operation of the electric drive unit 10. Furthermore, arrow 48 illustrates a second direction of rotation in which the gear 34 rotates relative to the housing wall 38 during operation of the electric drive unit 10, or in which the gear 34 can be rotated about the gear axis 44 relative to the housing wall 38. Arrows 46 and 48 clearly show that the directions of rotation of the gears 32 and 34 are opposite, i.e., opposite to each other.

[0041] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the housing wall 38 is designed to directly define at least the first receiving area 28. For this purpose, the housing wall 38 has a first surface 50 facing the receiving area 28, which in this case is convexly curved towards the receiving area 28. For example, the housing wall 38 has a second surface 52. The first surface 50 faces away from the electric machine 12 in the radial direction. The second surface 52 of the housing wall 38 faces away from the electric machine 12 in the radial direction and, in particular, towards the electric machine 12. It is conceivable that the housing wall 38, and especially the second surface 52, directly defines the cooling jacket 16. In the embodiment shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, it is also provided that the second surface 52 is curved away from the second receiving area 36 and is thus concave.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows the electric drive unit 10 in the aforementioned operation, in which the gear 32 rotates in the direction of rotation illustrated by arrow 46 about the gear axis of rotation 42 relative to the housing wall 38. Furthermore, in the aforementioned operation, the gear 34 rotates in the direction of rotation illustrated by arrow 48 about the gear axis of rotation 44 relative to the housing wall 38. It can be seen that the lubricant 40 received in the receiving area 28 forms a sump 54, which is also referred to as an oil sump or lubricant sump.

[0043] During operation, at least the gear 32 splashes in the sump 54, whereby the gear 32 pumps at least some of the lubricant 40 out of the sump 54, in particular levering or flinging it up and, for example, flinging it off itself. This is in Fig. 2 illustrated by an arrow 56. Recognizable from Fig. 2 is also that the in Fig. 2. The portion of the lubricant 40 designated by T, the portion T of which is conveyed from the sump 54 by means of the gear 32 during the operation of the electric drive device 10, is conveyed, in particular flung, against the housing wall 38, in particular against the surface 50, and, as in Fig. As illustrated by arrow 58 in Figure 2, the lubricant 40 flows along the housing wall 38, particularly along the surface 50, and back into the sump 54. The lubricant 40 flowing along the surface 50 directly contacts the housing wall 38, particularly the surface 50, so that heat can be transferred from the lubricant 40 flowing along the surface 50 to the housing wall 38, which is particularly advantageous. The heat can be advantageously transferred from the housing wall 38 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 during operation, thereby effectively and efficiently cooling the lubricant 40, particularly within the housing element 26 and without the need for an external heat exchanger and external lines for cooling the lubricant 40.

[0044] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the one-piece, and therefore single-unit, housing element 26 in a partial, schematic perspective view. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Surfaces of the one-piece housing wall 38 are designated F1 and F2, wherein surfaces F1 and F2 are formed by the surface 50 and / or are parts of the surface 50. Heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant 40 received in the receiving area 28 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 via surfaces F1 and F2 of the housing wall 38, especially during the aforementioned operation of the electric drive unit 10, so that the lubricant 40 can be cooled particularly effectively and efficiently. Thus, surfaces F1 and F2 are surfaces for cooling the lubricant, which is preferably oil.

[0045] Out of Fig. 5 it is apparent that in the first receiving area 28 at least one preferably designed as a solid and most preferably inherently rigid, which The term "conducting element" refers to a dimensionally stable, conduit element, which can also be referred to as a tube, oil tube, or lubricant tube. The conduit element can have a channel, also referred to as a lubricant channel or oil channel, through which the lubricant 40 from the first receiving area 28 can flow. This channel has at least one outlet opening directed towards the housing wall 38, in particular towards the surface 50, through which the lubricant can flow. The outlet opening allows the lubricant to be sprayed from the channel of the conduit element against the housing wall 38, in particular against the surface 50, especially by forming at least one... Fig. 5 schematically represented jet, also referred to as lubricant jet or oil jet 60. In the case of the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, for example, the channel has several outlet openings through which the lubricant 40 can flow, and through which the lubricant can be sprayed against the housing wall 38, in particular against the surface 50, forming jets 60. In other words, the lubricant flowing through the channel and thus through the respective outlet opening forms the respective jet 60, which, because the respective outlet opening is directed towards the surface 50, is sprayed against the surface 50, in particular directly. This allows the lubricant 40 to be cooled effectively and efficiently via the housing wall 38.

[0046] Out of Fig. Figure 6 clearly shows that cooling fins 62 can be arranged in the first receiving area 28 on the housing wall 38, particularly on the surface 50. These cooling fins are preferably formed integrally with the housing wall 38 and thus constituted by the integral housing wall 38. The cooling fins 62 provide a particularly large surface area over which heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant 40 to the housing wall 38 and from there to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16.

[0047] For example, the housing element 26 is manufactured by casting, and thus is designed as a cast component. In particular, the housing element 26 is made of a metallic material, especially aluminum or steel. It is conceivable that at least one cooling channel 66 is spirally and / or meanderingly shaped within a wall 64 of the housing element 26 that directly delimits the first receiving area. The cooling channel 66 runs in a spiral shape, for example, at least in a first longitudinal section and / or at least in a meandering shape in a second longitudinal section. The cooling channel 66 is permeable to the coolant or to a further, additional coolant, so that the lubricant 40 in the receiving area 28 can be cooled by the coolant or additional coolant flowing through the cooling channel 66. For example, the cooling channel 66 is cast into the wall 64. In the case of the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the receiving area 28, in the installation position of the electric drive unit 10, is bounded downwards, in particular directly, by the wall 64 in the vehicle's vertical direction, wherein the electric drive unit 10 assumes its installation position in the fully assembled state of the motor vehicle containing the drive unit 10. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cooling channel 66 is formed separately from the housing element 26, preferably as a rigid cooling element, and most preferably as a solid body, which is, for example, a cooling coil. The cooling element is arranged, for example, in the receiving area 28, and in particular in the sump 54, so that the lubricant 40 can be cooled effectively and efficiently via the cooling element by means of the coolant or further coolant flowing through the cooling element. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that the coolant or further coolants can be supplied to the respective cooling channel 66 and thus, for example, to the cooling element. Furthermore, Figure 6 illustrates that... Fig. 6 a respective arrow 70 indicates that the coolant or further coolant can be or is being discharged from the respective cooling channel 66 and, for example, from the respective cooling element, in particular after the coolant or further coolant has flowed through the cooling channel 66 and thus cooled the lubricant 40 forming the sump 54. Reference symbol list 10 electric drive unit 12 electric machine 14 Machine rotary axis 16 Cooling jacket 18 Inflow 20 return 22 gearboxes 24 cases 26 Housing element 28 first recording area 30 transmission components 32 gear 34 gear 36 second recording area 38 Housing wall 40 lubricants 42 Gear axis 44 Gear axis 46 Arrow 48 Arrow 50 surface 52 surface 54 Swamp 56 Arrow 58 Arrow 60 beam 62 cooling fins 64 wall 66 Cooling channel 68 Arrow 70 Arrow F1 area F2 area T part

Claims

[1] Electric drive device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric machine (12) by means of which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven, a transmission (22) by means of which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven by means of the electric machine (12), which has a cooling jacket (16) through which a coolant can flow for cooling at least a part of the electric machine (12), and a housing (24) in which the electric machine (12) and the transmission (22) are arranged, characterized by , that the housing (24) has at least one one-piece formed housing element (26) which has: - at least one first receiving area (28) in which transmission components (30) of the transmission (22) are arranged; - at least a second receiving area (36) in which the electrical machine (12) is at least partially arranged; and - at least one housing wall (38) arranged between the receiving areas (28, 36) and thereby separating the receiving areas (28, 36) from each other, through which a lubricant (40) received or received in the first receiving area (28) is to be cooled for lubricating the transmission components (30) by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket (16) of the electric machine (12). [2] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the housing wall (38) is arranged in the radial direction of the electric machine (12) between the receiving areas (28, 36) arranged next to each other in the radial direction of the electric machine (12), so that the receiving areas (28, 36) are separated from each other by means of the housing wall (38) in the radial direction of the electric machine (12). [3] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the housing wall (38) directly limits at least the first recording area (28). [4] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transmission components (30) have at least two gears (32, 34), namely a first gear (32) and a second gear (34) engaging with the first gear (32). [5] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coolant is a liquid. [6] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the first receiving area (28) at least one guiding element for guiding the lubricant (40) is arranged. [7] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that cooling fins (62) are provided in the first receiving area (28) on the housing wall (38). [8] Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the first receiving area (28) at least one conduit element is arranged which has a channel through which the lubricant (40) can flow and has at least one outlet opening directed towards the housing wall (38) through which the lubricant can flow, by means of which the lubricant (40) is to be sprayed from the channel against the housing wall (38). [9] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that within a wall (64) of the housing element (26) directly limiting the first receiving area (28) at least one cooling channel (66) runs in a spiral and / or meandering shape, which can be permeated by the coolant or a further coolant. [10] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in the first receiving area (28) at least one cooling element is arranged separately from the housing element (26), which has at least one cooling channel (66) running spirally and / or meanderingly in the first receiving area (28), which can be permeated by the coolant or a further coolant.

Images