Cooling and lubrication system for an electric drive system of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling and lubrication device (10) for an electric drive unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a filter unit (12), wherein the filter unit (12) has a filter housing (14) which defines a receiving chamber (16) designed for at least temporarily receiving a cooling and lubricating agent for cooling and lubricating the drive unit, which has an intake chamber (22) as a first sub-chamber of the receiving chamber (16) and a second sub-chamber (24). The filter unit (12) includes a filter element (28) through which the cooling and lubricating agent can flow and which is arranged in the receiving chamber (16) between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber (24) and is designed for filtering the cooling and lubricating agent, through which the cooling and lubricating agent can be introduced from the second sub-chamber (24) into the first sub-chamber while filtering the cooling and lubricating agent.The filter housing (14) includes a transfer nozzle (34) through which the cooling and lubricating medium can be introduced from a sump (32) into the second sub-chamber (24) bypassing the filter element (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling and lubricating device for an electric drive system of a motor vehicle, in particular a car. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a car, with such a cooling and lubricating device.

[0002] DE 100 086 92 A1 is an oil pan for engines or gearboxes with integrated suction oil filter and with integrated pressure oil filter as known,

[0003] US 2003 / 0 006 085 A1 discloses a filter device which can be operated in such a way that both return filtration and inlet filtration can be effected.

[0004] DE 10 2020 130 326 B4 discloses a hydraulic system for an electrically operated drive train of a motor vehicle, comprising a hydraulic reservoir for storing a hydraulic fluid and a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a cooling and lubricating device for an electric drive device of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle, so that a particularly advantageous conveyance of a coolant and lubricant can be realized.

[0006] This object is achieved by a cooling and lubricating device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a cooling and lubricating device for an electric drive device of a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, in its fully manufactured state has the electric drive device and thus the cooling and lubricating device, which is, for example, a component of the electric drive device. By means of the electric drive device, the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. The cooling and lubricating device has a filter unit which has a filter housing. The filter housing delimits a receiving space, in particular directly, in which a cooling and lubricating agent, also simply referred to as a fluid and preferably in the form of a liquid, can be at least temporarily accommodated for cooling and lubricating the drive device.For example, the receiving space is delimited, in particular directly, by an inner circumferential surface of the housing. For example, the cooling and lubricating device has a circuit through which the fluid (coolant and lubricant) can flow, which is also simply referred to as a circuit. In this case, for example, the filter unit and thus the filter housing are arranged in the circuit. The coolant and lubricant can therefore flow through the filter unit, in particular the filter housing and very preferably the receiving space. The coolant and lubricant is very preferably an oil. As will be explained in more detail below, the coolant and lubricant (fluid) can be filtered on its way through the filter housing and thus through the receiving space, whereby, for example, any particles contained in the fluid can be filtered out of the fluid.

[0008] The receiving space has an intake space, which is a first part, thus a first sub-space, of the receiving space. Furthermore, the receiving space has a second sub-space, which is thus a second part of the receiving space. The filter housing is preferably designed as a solid body and thus preferably inherently rigid, thus dimensionally stable. The filter unit has at least or exactly one filter element through which the preferably liquid coolant and lubricant can flow and which is arranged in the receiving space between the first sub-space and the second sub-space, by means of which the coolant and lubricant can be filtered. In particular, the coolant and lubricant is or is to be filtered on its way through the filter element. The coolant and lubricant can be introduced and thus transferred from the second sub-space into the first sub-space via the filter element, while filtering the coolant and / or lubricant.This means that the fluid flows through the filter element on its way from the second sub-chamber to the first sub-chamber and is thus filtered by the filter element. In other words, the coolant and lubricant from the second sub-chamber can flow through the filter element and thus flow into the first sub-chamber. The fluid flowing through the filter element can be filtered by the filter element, so that, for example, the aforementioned particles possibly contained in the fluid can be filtered out of the fluid by the filter element.

[0009] The filter housing has a transfer nozzle extending through the filter element and through the first sub-chamber, in particular opening directly into the second sub-chamber, and through which the coolant and lubricant can flow from a sump that is different from the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, via which the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle can be introduced from the sump that is different from the sub-chambers into the second sub-chamber, bypassing the filter element. With regard to the filter element, the feature that the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle can be introduced into the second sub-chamber by means of the transfer nozzle, bypassing the filter element, is to be understood that the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle can be introduced into the second sub-chamber by means of the transfer nozzle, without the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle being filtered by the filter element on its way to the second sub-chamber.For this purpose, the filter element, for example, has a through-opening that is completely surrounded by the filter element in its circumferential direction, with the through-opening being completely free of the filter element. The transfer nozzle extends through the through-opening and thus through the filter element, so that when the fluid flows through the transfer nozzle and thus through the filter element, it is not filtered by the filter element but flows into the second sub-chamber without being filtered by the filter element.Since the transfer nozzle, which is preferably sealed to the fluid, extends through the first sub-chamber, the fluid flowing out of the transfer nozzle flows, in particular directly, into the second sub-chamber and can, for example, in particular only then, flow from the second sub-chamber via the filter element into the first sub-chamber and is filtered on its way from the second sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber by means of the filter element. The transfer nozzle has, for example, in particular precisely, an outlet opening through which the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle can flow, via which the transfer nozzle opens, in particular directly, into the second sub-chamber, in particular such that the outlet opening is arranged, in particular entirely, in the second sub-chamber.In particular, it is provided that the transfer nozzle, which is preferably designed as a solid body, ends at the outlet opening in the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle and preferably in the second sub-chamber. Thus, in particular, the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle cannot flow from the transfer nozzle directly into the first sub-chamber, but only via the second sub-chamber and the filter element into the first sub-chamber, i.e. only flow via the filter element into the second sub-chamber once it has flowed out of the transfer nozzle and into the second sub-chamber. The said sump is to be understood in particular as an area different from the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, in which the fluid can be absorbed at least temporarily.In particular, it is provided that the sump, i.e. the said area, is an area different from the receiving space and provided in addition to the receiving space.

[0010] The filter housing has, in particular precisely, a suction connection through which the coolant and lubricant can be sucked in from the suction chamber by means of a pump. Preferably, the pump is part of the cooling and lubricating device. For example, the pump is arranged in the circuit. Very preferably, the pump is an electric pump, and therefore an electrically operated pump. By means of the pump, the fluid can be sucked in from the suction chamber and thus conveyed towards it, and by means of the pump, the fluid can be conveyed away from it, wherein very particularly by means of the pump the fluid can be conveyed through the circuit. In other words, the pump can, for example, in particular by operating the pump and during its operation, suck in the fluid from the suction chamber on its or via its suction side and thus convey it towards itself.The fluid pumped by the pump can flow through the pump and be pumped away from the pump via or on the pressure side of the pump.

[0011] The transfer nozzle is provided on a housing part of the filter housing which, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device, at least partially and preferably directly delimits the receiving space upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. The housing part is preferably designed as a single piece, i.e. made from a single piece, so that the housing part is preferably designed as a single-piece, i.e. made from a single piece and thus integrally manufactured body, i.e. a monoblock. The cooling and lubricating device assumes its installed position when the motor vehicle having the lubricating and cooling device is fully manufactured. The feature that the transfer nozzle is provided on the housing part is to be understood in particular as meaning that the housing part has or forms the transfer nozzle.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention provides that the sump is arranged above the receiving space and above the housing part in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. Thus, for example, it is provided that the housing part at least partially and preferably directly delimits the sump downwards in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. In the cooling and lubricating device according to the invention, the fluid can be conveyed particularly advantageously, in particular by means of the pump, without excessive expansion or foaming of the fluid occurring, i.e. without an excessively high gas content of the fluid occurring.In other words, an excessive gas content, in particular an excessive air content, and thus an excessive amount of gas, in particular air, in the fluid can be avoided, so that excessive foaming or frothing of the fluid can be avoided. The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In conventional solutions with an oil pan and an oil filter with an intake opening arranged underneath, additional vertical installation space is always required due to an intake gap that must be maintained between the filter and lower shell and the oil pan floor. The use of a separate oil pan cover and a filter module requires at least two assembly operations in one manufacturing process and, if necessary, separate screw fastening solutions for each.When there is a high cooling and lubrication requirement in the electric drive device, a large volume and / or mass flow of the fluid, for example in the form of oil, must usually be pumped by the pump, which can be designed as an oil pump, for example. The amount of fluid contained in the drive device should be as small as possible for reasons of cost, space, and weight. This relationship usually leads to the amount of fluid in the electric drive device being circulated several times per minute when the volume flow requirement is high. And the fluid cannot degas sufficiently due to the short residence time in the sump, which can be designed as an oil sump, for example. As a result, a high gas content, in particular air content, develops in the fluid, leading to undesirable foaming or frothing of the fluid.The high gas content in the fluid or of the fluid means that the fluid can dissipate less heat relative to its pumped volume than with a lower gas content. The aforementioned problems and disadvantages can now be avoided by the invention. Because the receiving space has the first sub-space and the second sub-space, between which the filter element is arranged, so that the receiving space is divided at least into the first sub-space and the second sub-space, for example by means of the filter element, the filter unit is designed as a multi-chamber filter, since, for example, the first sub-space is a first chamber and the second sub-space is a second chamber of the filter unit. This makes it possible to achieve a longer residence time of the fluid in the sump compared to conventional solutions. The fluid can therefore advantageously outgas in the sump, so that an excessively high gas content, in particular air content, of the fluid can be avoided.Furthermore, in order to realize a particularly cost-effective and weight-effective construction of the filter unit, a functional integration can be provided, which includes the functions of an oil pan and an oil filter being or being combined in one component or assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the pump is the only pump capable of sucking the fluid out of the receiving chamber and thus discharging it. This allows for a particularly lightweight, cost-effective, and space-saving design.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a lower shell of the filter housing, which delimits the receiving space downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device is installed, and which is preferably designed as a solid body and most preferably inherently rigid, forms a lubricant pan for the cooling and lubricating device. This allows the aforementioned functional integration to be achieved, whereby the number of parts, weight, costs, and installation space requirements of the filter unit can be kept particularly low, and the fluid can be conveyed particularly advantageously.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the transfer nozzle has an inlet opening through which the coolant and / or lubricant can be introduced from the sump into the transfer nozzle. In this case, it is provided, for example, that the transfer nozzle, which preferably ends at its outlet opening, begins at the inlet opening in the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle. In other words, it is provided, for example, that the transfer nozzle ends or begins at the inlet opening, viewed in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle. Thus, it is provided, for example, that the transfer nozzle opens into the sump via the inlet opening, in particular directly. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the transfer nozzle opens into the second subchamber via its outlet opening, in particular directly.In this way, the fluid can be led particularly advantageously from or out of the sump via the transfer nozzle into the second sub-chamber, so that excessive foaming or foaming of the fluid can be advantageously avoided.

[0016] According to the invention, a cover element is provided on the housing part, which is arranged above the inlet opening and at a distance from the inlet opening in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, and which is designed, for example, as a cover plate or is also referred to as a cover plate. The distance thus runs in the vertical direction of the vehicle, wherein the distance is greater than zero. By means of the cover element, the inlet opening is covered, i.e. overlapped, at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device in the vertical direction of the vehicle.However, since the cover element is arranged at the aforementioned distance from the inlet opening, the fluid from the sump can flow around the cover element or between the cover element and a wall region of the transfer nozzle and / or the housing part that at least partially and preferably directly borders the inlet opening, thus flowing through the inlet opening and into the transfer nozzle via the inlet opening, and subsequently flowing through the transfer nozzle. This allows the fluid to be guided particularly advantageously without excessive foaming or foaming of the fluid occurring.

[0017] A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that a peripheral edge of the cover element is conical. For example, the peripheral edge and the aforementioned wall region delimit a gap through which the fluid can flow, in particular directly, so that, for example, the fluid from the sump can flow through the gap and flow via the gap to the inlet opening, so that, for example, the inlet opening can be supplied with the fluid from the sump via the gap.

[0018] It is particularly preferably provided that the peripheral edge is conical in such a way that, for example, the cover element tapers downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device is in the installed position. In particular, it is conceivable for the cover element to have a cross-section, in particular in a cross-sectional plane, wherein the cross-sectional plane preferably runs parallel to the vertical direction of the motor vehicle with reference to the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device. In this case, it is preferably provided that the cross-section is conical, in particular such that the cross-section tapers downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device is in the installed position. In particular, for example, the cross-section is at least partially formed or delimited by the peripheral edge.Due to the conical design of the circumferential edge or the cross section, the fluid can be guided particularly advantageously, in particular from the sump to the inlet opening, without excessive expansion or foaming of the fluid occurring.

[0019] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet opening is arranged in a funnel-shaped depression in the housing part, wherein the funnel-shaped depression of the housing part preferably tapers downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device is installed. This allows the fluid to be introduced into the transfer nozzle particularly advantageously, in particular without excessive expansion or foaming of the fluid. Thus, the fluid can be guided or conveyed particularly advantageously.

[0020] A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the filter housing, in particular precisely, has a return connection which is provided in addition to the transfer nozzle and in addition to the suction connection and opens into a third sub-chamber of the receiving chamber, through which the coolant and / or lubricant can flow. The third sub-chamber of the receiving chamber is a third part of the receiving chamber provided in addition to the first sub-chamber and in addition to the second sub-chamber, wherein the third sub-chamber is provided in addition to the sump and is an additional region different from the sump. In particular, the return connection opens into the third sub-chamber, bypassing the first sub-chamber and bypassing the second sub-chamber.The return connection extends, for example, through the sump, so that by means of the return connection the fluid can be introduced directly into the third sub-chamber, bypassing the first sub-chamber and bypassing the second sub-chamber. This means that the fluid flowing through the return connection and flowing out of the return connection does not flow into the first sub-chamber, nor into the second sub-chamber, nor into the sump, but into the third sub-chamber and can, for example, flow from the third sub-chamber via the filter element into the first sub-chamber, in particular bypassing the second sub-chamber. After cooling and lubricating at least a sub-region of the drive device, the coolant and / or lubricant can be introduced into the third sub-chamber via the return connection, bypassing the first sub-chamber and bypassing the second sub-chamber.With regard to the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, the feature that the fluid flowing through the return connection can be introduced or is introduced into the third sub-chamber via the return connection, bypassing the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, is to be understood as meaning that the fluid flowing through the return connection and flowing out of the return connection does not flow directly into the sump, nor directly into the first sub-chamber, nor directly into the second sub-chamber, but rather flows directly into the third sub-chamber. Thus, the fluid bypasses the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber on its way through the return connection and can, for example, only flow from the second sub-chamber via the filter element into the first sub-chamber after it has flowed out of the return connection.The filter element is arranged between the third sub-chamber and the first sub-chamber, so that the coolant and / or lubricant can be introduced, i.e., transferred, from the third sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber via the filter element, while filtering the coolant and / or lubricant. In other words, the fluid can flow from the third sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber via the filter element, whereby the fluid is filtered or is filtered by the filter element on its way from the third sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber.

[0021] Thus, for example, a first sub-region of the filter element is arranged between the first sub-space and the second sub-space, so that the fluid can be introduced from the second sub-space into the first sub-space via the first sub-region of the filter element. For example, a second sub-region of the filter element, which is directly adjacent to the first sub-region of the filter element, is arranged between the third sub-space and the first sub-space, so that the fluid can be introduced, i.e., transferred, from the third sub-space into the first sub-space via the second sub-region of the filter element.In principle, it would be conceivable for the subregions of the filter element to be formed separately from one another and, for example, to be connected to one another at least indirectly, in particular directly, so that, for example, the first subregion is formed by a first filter device of the filter element and the second subregion is formed by a second filter device of the filter element, in particular such that the filter devices are formed separately from one another. However, it has proven particularly advantageous if the subregions of the filter element are formed integrally with one another, thus being formed from a single piece.This is to be understood in particular that the sub-regions of the filter element are not formed separately from one another and connected to one another, but the sub-regions of the filter element are preferably formed integrally with one another, that is to say formed from a single piece and thus formed by a one-piece body, thus formed from a single piece and thus manufactured integrally, also referred to as a monoblock or formed as a monoblock.

[0022] For example, the filter element, or the respective section of the filter element, is a filter fleece. The filter element has pores through which the fluid can flow, each having a specific pore size. If the fluid contains particles larger than the pores, these particles will adhere to the filter element as the fluid flows through it and are thus filtered out of the fluid.

[0023] In order to guide and thus convey the fluid particularly advantageously, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the filter housing is designed to be closed, with recesses for the transfer connection, the suction connection, the return connection, and at least one vent opening of the filter housing arranged in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle above the receiving space in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device and formed, for example, in the housing part. This advantageously prevents excessive foaming or foaming of the fluid.

[0024] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if at least one partition wall of the filter housing, particularly designed as a solid body and preferably inherently rigid, is arranged between the second subchamber and the third subchamber, particularly viewed along a direction that runs perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device. The third subchamber and the second subchamber are separated from each other by the partition wall.The partition wall prevents the fluid flowing into the third sub-chamber from flowing from the third sub-chamber into the second sub-chamber and causes the fluid flowing into the third sub-chamber to flow from the third sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber and thus flow through the filter element. The fluid bypasses the second sub-chamber on its way from the third sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber via the filter element, thus not flowing through the second sub-chamber on its way from the third sub-chamber into the first sub-chamber. This prevents excessive foaming or frothing of the fluid, allowing the fluid to be conveyed advantageously.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle and preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, which has an electric drive device and can be driven, in particular purely electrically, by means of the electric drive device. The electric drive device and thus the motor vehicle have a cooling and lubricating device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0026] Because the lower shell of the filter housing preferably also serves as the oil pan, and, for example, the oil enters the filter housing from above, the filter element is arranged entirely between the first subchamber and the second subchamber, and in particular below the sump, so that the filter element can be arranged above the sump in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This avoids an excessive overall height of the filter unit, which runs vertically in the vehicle's installed position of the cooling and lubricating system.

[0027] For example, the lower shell, together with a housing of the electric drive device, seals the electric drive device from the environment. For example, the lower shell is attached to a housing of the electric drive device, in particular in such a way that the lower shell, which is formed separately from the housing, is screwed to the housing, in particular from bottom to top in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic sectional view of a filter unit of a cooling and lubricating device for an electric drive device of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 shows a partial schematic plan view of the filter unit; and Fig. 3 shows a further schematic top view of the filter unit.

[0030] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic sectional view of a cooling and lubricating device 10 for an electric drive device of a motor vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, in its fully manufactured state, has the electric drive device and the cooling and lubricating device 10 and can be driven, in particular purely electrically, by means of the electric drive device. The motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car. The cooling and lubricating device 10 has a filter unit 12 which has a filter housing 14. The filter housing 14 delimits a receiving space 16, in particular directly. For example, the receiving space 16 is delimited, in particular directly, by an inner peripheral surface 18 of the filter housing 14.A preferably liquid coolant and / or lubricant, also simply referred to as a fluid, for cooling and lubricating the drive device can be at least temporarily accommodated in the receiving space 16. The coolant and / or lubricant (fluid) is preferably a component of the cooling and lubricating device 10. Most preferably, the coolant and / or lubricant (fluid) is an oil. A fluid level that forms or is formed in the cooling and lubricating device 10, also referred to as the oil level, is designated by 20. For example, the level 20 forms when the motor vehicle having the cooling and lubricating device 10 is on a horizontal plane.

[0032] The receiving space 16 has an intake space 22, which is a first part, thus a first sub-space of the receiving space 16. Thus, the intake space 22 is a first chamber of the filter unit 12. The receiving space 16 also has a second sub-space 24, which is a second part, thus a second chamber of the receiving space 16 and thus of the filter unit 12. Fig. 1 shows that in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10, the intake chamber 22 is arranged in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle above the second sub-chamber 24. The installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 is shown in Fig. 1, wherein the cooling and lubricating device 10 assumes its installation position in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle having the cooling and lubricating device 10. In Fig. 1, the vertical direction of the motor vehicle is illustrated by a double arrow 26.

[0033] The filter unit 12 has at least or exactly one filter element 28 through which the fluid (coolant and / or lubricant) can flow and which is arranged in the receiving space 16 between the intake space 22 (first sub-space) and the second sub-space 24. The filter element 28 is designed, for example, as a filter fleece. The fluid can flow through the filter element 28, and the filter element 28 can filter the fluid flowing through the filter element 28. It can be seen that, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10, the filter element 28 is arranged in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle between the first sub-space (intake space 22) and the second sub-space 24, so that the receiving space 16 is divided by the filter element 28 into the intake space 22 and the second sub-space 24 arranged below it.As illustrated by an arrow 30, the fluid from the second sub-chamber 24 can be introduced, i.e. transferred, into the intake chamber 22 via the filter element 28 while filtering the fluid.

[0034] The filter housing 14 has a transfer nozzle 34 extending through the filter element 28 through the intake chamber 22, opening directly into the second sub-chamber 24 and through which the fluid can flow from a sump 32 which is different from the intake chamber 22 and the second sub-chamber 24 and is additionally provided. Fig. 1, the fluid flowing from the sump 32 to the transfer nozzle 34, flowing into the transfer nozzle 34 and flowing through the transfer nozzle 34 is illustrated by arrows 36. Via the transfer nozzle 34, the fluid from the sump 32, which is different from the suction chamber 22 and the sub-chamber 24 and is additionally provided thereto, can be introduced into the second sub-chamber 24 by bypassing the filter element 28. The filter housing 14 has, in particular, a suction connection 38, which is provided in addition to the transfer nozzle 34 and is also referred to or designed as a suction nozzle, via which by means of a Fig. 1, the fluid can be sucked from the intake chamber 22 by the pump 40 of the cooling and lubricating device 10, which is particularly schematically illustrated. For example, the cooling and lubricating device 10 comprises the pump 40.

[0035] The filter housing 14 has, in particular, two housing parts, namely a first housing part 42 and a second housing part 44. Preferably, the housing parts 42 and 44 are formed separately from one another. The housing parts 42 and 44 can be connected to one another at least indirectly, in particular directly. Fig. 1, the housing part 42 is arranged in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle above the housing part 44, so that in this case the housing part 42 is an upper part and the housing part 44 is a lower part. Fig. 1, the upper part is an upper shell of the filter housing 14, and the lower part is a lower shell of the filter housing 14. In this case, the transfer nozzle 34 is provided on the housing part 42, which, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or, in this case, completely, and, in this case, directly, bounds the receiving space 16 upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device 10 is in the installed position. The housing part 42 thus forms a first part of the inner circumferential surface 18, wherein the receiving space 16 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, bounded upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle by the first part of the inner circumferential surface 18.The housing part 44 forms a second part of the inner circumferential surface 18, wherein the receiving space 16 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, and in this case directly, delimited downwards by the second part of the inner circumferential surface 18 in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in the downward direction. Thus, for example, the receiving space 16 is arranged or provided between the housing parts 42 and 44, in particular only in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. It can be seen that the fluid from the sump 32 can be introduced or is introduced into the second sub-space 24 via the transfer nozzle 34, without the fluid being filtered by the filter element 28 on its way through the transfer nozzle 34. As can be seen from . Fig. 1 is also that the sump 32, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, is arranged above the receiving space 16 and above the housing part 42, so that, for example, the housing part 42 delimits the sump 32 downwards in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely, and for example directly. In particular, the level 20 is a level of the sump 32, also referred to as the oil sump.

[0036] In Fig. 1 shows a section of a housing of the electric drive device, designated 46, wherein the housing 46 is formed separately from the filter housing 14. Thus, the respective housing part 42, 44 is formed separately from the housing 46. It can be seen that the housing part 44 is connected, in particular directly, to the housing 46, in particular by screwing. For this purpose, the housing part 44 has a flange 48, also referred to as a joining flange or oil pan flange, via which the housing part 44 is connected, in particular screwed, to the housing 46, in particular such that the flange 48 is screwed directly to the housing 46. In Fig. 1 schematically shows screw elements 50, by means of which the flange 48 and thus the housing part 44 are screwed, in particular directly, against the housing 46 and thereby fastened to the housing 46. It can be seen that the housing part 44, which is designed as a lower shell and delimits the receiving space 16 downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device 10 is installed, is designed as a lubricant pan, also referred to as an oil pan, for the cooling and lubricating device 10, in particular for the electric drive device.

[0037] The transfer nozzle 34 has an inlet opening 52, also referred to as an intake opening, through which the fluid from the sump 32 can be introduced into the transfer nozzle 34. The transfer nozzle 34 begins in the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle 34, the flow direction of which is illustrated by the arrows 36, and ends at an outlet opening 54 of the transfer nozzle 34 in the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the transfer nozzle 34. It can be seen that the outlet opening 54 is arranged in the second subchamber 24. The inlet opening 52 is delimited, for example, along its circumferential direction completely circumferentially by a wall region W of the transfer nozzle 34 or of the housing part 42, in particular directly and / or completely circumferentially.Furthermore, a cover element 56 is provided on the housing part 42, which is also referred to as a cover plate and is designed as a cover plate, and is arranged above the inlet opening 52 in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle and at a distance from the inlet opening 52 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. The cover element 56 covers, i.e. overlaps, the inlet opening 52 in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely. The cover element 56 has a circumferential edge 58, which in this case is conical, in this case such that the circumferential edge 58 tapers downwards in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.In this case, the cover element 56, viewed in a cross-sectional plane, has a conical cross-section which, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10, tapers downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle and thus in the direction of the inlet opening 52. The aforementioned cross-sectional plane coincides with the image plane of FIG. Fig. 1 and runs parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In particular, the said cross-section is formed or delimited by the circumferential edge 58. Between the circumferential edge 58 and the wall region W there is a gap S which is delimited on the one hand directly by the circumferential edge 58 and on the other hand directly by the wall region W and through which gap S the fluid can flow, as illustrated by the arrows 36. The inlet opening 52 can thus be supplied with the fluid from the sump 32 via the gap S, wherein the fluid from the sump 32 can flow between the wall region W and the circumferential edge 58 and thus flow to the inlet opening 52 and flow into the inlet opening 52 and can flow through the inlet opening 52. As a result, the fluid from the sump 32 can flow through the transfer nozzle 34 and be introduced into the second subchamber 24 by means of the transfer nozzle 34.

[0038] The inlet opening 52 is arranged in a funnel-shaped depression 60 of the housing part 42 or is designed as the funnel-shaped depression 60, wherein the funnel-shaped depression 60 tapers downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10.

[0039] The filter housing 14 has a return connection 62 provided in addition to the transfer nozzle 34 and in addition to the suction connection 38, which opens, in particular directly, into a third subchamber 64 of the receiving chamber 16. The third subchamber 64 is a third part of the receiving chamber 16. Via the return connection 62 through which the fluid can flow, the fluid flowing through the return connection 62 can be introduced directly into the third subchamber 64 after cooling and lubricating at least a subregion of the drive device, bypassing the first subchamber (intake chamber 22) and bypassing the second subchamber 24. The aforementioned subregion of the drive device comprises, for example, a stator of an electric machine of the drive device. By means of the electric machine, the motor vehicle can be driven, for example, in particular purely electrically.The electric machine comprises, for example, a stator and a rotor, which can be driven by the stator and thus rotated relative to the stator about a machine rotation axis. Via the rotor, the electric machine can provide drive torque for, in particular, purely electric propulsion of the motor vehicle.

[0040] The filter element 28 is also arranged between the third sub-chamber 64 and the first sub-chamber (intake chamber 22), so that the fluid and filtering of the fluid from the third sub-chamber 64 can be introduced into the intake chamber 22 via the filter element 28. With the exception of the transfer connection 34, the suction connection 38, the return connection 62 and at least or in this case exactly one vent opening 66 arranged in the housing part 42 in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle above the receiving chamber 16, by means of which the receiving chamber 16 and thus the fluid arranged in the receiving chamber 16 can be vented, the filter housing 14 is designed to be closed.

[0041] Furthermore, it is provided that, viewed along a viewing direction, a partition 68 of the filter housing 14, in particular of the housing part 44, is arranged between the second sub-chamber 24 and the third sub-chamber 64, wherein the third sub-chamber 64 and the second sub-chamber 24 are separated from one another by the partition 68. In the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10, the viewing direction runs perpendicular to the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. An arrow 70 illustrates the fluid that flows through the return connection 62, flows out of the return connection 62 and thereby flows directly into the third sub-chamber 64, flows from the sub-chamber 64 via the filter element 28 into the intake chamber 22 and is sucked in by the pump 40 via the suction connection 38.It can be seen that the fluid flowing through the return connection 62 flows through the suction chamber 22 and the third sub-chamber 64 and the filter element 28 on its way from the return connection 62 to the suction connection 38 and, for example, bypasses the second sub-chamber 24.

[0042] For example, the housing parts 42 and 44, which are formed separately from one another, are welded to one another, in particular directly, forming at least or exactly one weld seam SN and are thereby, in particular directly, connected to one another.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover element 56 is connected to the housing part 42 via retaining webs 72, also referred to simply as webs. It is conceivable that the retaining webs 72 are formed integrally with the cover element 56 and / or integrally with the housing part 42.

[0044] Looks particularly good Fig. 2 shows the flange 48 and the filter element 28, which is designed as a filter fleece, as well as the transfer nozzle 34 and the partition wall 68. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is also that the housing part 42 has a second partition 74, which is spaced apart from the partition 68 along the viewing direction. The partitions 68 and 74 are, for example, so-called separating webs.

[0045] Out of Fig. 1 that the return connection 62 ends in the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the return connection 62 at an end edge K, which projects downwards beyond the housing part 42 or a wall region of the housing part 42, in particular directly adjoining the return connection 62, in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, so that a projection of the return connection 62 relative to the wall region of the housing part 42 is created, also referred to as a connection projection. The end edge K is thus an overflow edge which has a siphon effect.

[0046] It can also be seen that the housing part 44 forms a base B, by which the receiving space 16 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, and for example directly, delimited downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device 10 is in the installed position. The base B extends in a plane of extension which, for example, runs perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle when the cooling and lubricating device 10 is in the installed position. If, for example, the motor vehicle is on a horizontal plane or on a horizontally running ground, the plane of extension or the ground B runs at least substantially parallel to the ground, or the smallest angle between the ground B and the ground, i.e. the smallest angle between the plane of extension and the ground, is at most 15 degrees, in particular at most 10 degrees, and very preferably at most 5 degrees.

[0047] The cover element 56 or its cross section is, for example, trapezoidal in shape, particularly when viewed in the cross-sectional plane, and, in particular together with the holding webs 72, has the task of preventing excessive formation of a suction vortex of the fluid on its way to and through the transfer nozzle 34 and thus preventing excessive entry of gas, particularly air, into the fluid.

[0048] Out of Fig. 3, it can be seen that, for example, exactly three retaining webs 72 are provided. For example, the retaining webs 72 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the inlet opening 52 and the cover element 56 and, for example, evenly distributed, wherein the circumferential direction of the inlet opening 52 and the cover element 56 extends around the vertical direction of the motor vehicle in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10. Fig.1 is also that the level 20 exceeds the housing part 42, which is designed as an upper shell in this case. Furthermore, the housing part 42, which is designed as an upper shell in this case, has a funnel shape, which is understood in particular to be the funnel-shaped depression 60.

[0049] The filter element 28 is held on the filter housing 14 in a non-destructively detachable manner, for example, by screwing the filter element 28 to the filter housing 14. It is conceivable that the housing part 44 is formed from a metallic material, in order to thereby be able to design the filter housing 14, for example, as a closed metallic housing, in particular for current dissipation.

[0050] It is possible, for example, that only one assembly step for attaching the pre-assembled filter unit 12 is required in a manufacturing process. The level 20 forming in the sump 32 is located, for example, in all driving conditions of the motor vehicle in the vertical direction of the vehicle above the inlet opening 52 functioning as the intake opening. It is conceivable that the housing part 42 and / or 44 is formed from a plastic. In the present case, it can be seen that the inlet opening 52 is formed in the housing part 42. By means of the cover element 56, an advantageous intake behavior can be realized by making it more difficult for air to access the inlet opening 52. The number of retaining webs 72 is preferably at least or exactly three.

[0051] The retaining webs 72 are oriented radially outward from the cover element 56 and are at least substantially flat in their vertical and radial extent. With respect to the radial extent of the cover element 56, the retaining webs 72 project beyond the inlet opening 52 into the outer surfaces of the housing part 42 and thereby form a flow resistance for the fluid flowing or circulating around the inlet opening 52 at least substantially in a circular manner. A fluid flow forming as a concentric vortex in the sump 32 and / or in the receiving chamber 16 is thus calmed in a region close to the inlet opening 52. Undesired air ingress into the receiving chamber 16 is thus prevented.The housing part 42, which is designed as an upper shell in the present case, is funnel-shaped toward the inlet opening 52 so that any backflowing fluid can converge in the area of ​​the inlet opening 52 and flow in through an exposed intake cross-section beneath its cover element 56. Fluid-conducting contours in the area of ​​the cover element 56 and the inlet opening 52 are designed to be aerodynamically favorable. This is achieved, for example, by forming transition radii and a trapezoidal design of the cover element 56, in particular the cross-section of the cover element 56. A side of the cover element 56 facing the sump 32 has a larger surface area than a side of the cover element 56 facing the intake chamber 22 and thus facing downwards in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device 10.

Claims

[1] Cooling and lubricating device (10) for an electric drive device of a motor vehicle, with a filter unit (12), wherein: - the filter unit (12) has a filter housing (14) which delimits a receiving space (16) designed to at least temporarily receive a coolant and lubricant for cooling and lubricating the drive device, which has an intake space (22) as a first sub-space of the receiving space (16) and a second sub-space (24); - the filter unit (12) has at least one filter element (28) through which the coolant and lubricant can flow and which is arranged in the receiving space (16) between the first sub-space and the second sub-space (24) and is designed to filter the coolant and lubricant, via which filter element the coolant and lubricant can be introduced from the second sub-space (24) into the first sub-space while filtering the coolant and lubricant; - the filter housing (14) has a transfer nozzle (34) extending through the filter element (28) and through the first sub-chamber, opening into the second sub-chamber (24) and through which the coolant and lubricant from a sump (32) different from the sub-chambers (24) can flow, via which the coolant and lubricant from the sump (32) different from the sub-chambers (24) can be introduced into the second sub-chamber (24) bypassing the filter element (28); - the filter housing (14) has a suction connection (38) via which the coolant and lubricant can be sucked out of the suction chamber (22) by means of a pump (40); - the transfer nozzle (34) is provided on a housing part (42) of the filter housing (14) which at least partially delimits the receiving space (16) in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device (10) in the vertical direction (26) of the vehicle; and - the sump (32) is arranged in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device (10) in the vehicle vertical direction (26) substantially above the receiving space (16) and above the housing part (42), wherein - the transfer nozzle (34) has an inlet opening (52) through which the coolant and lubricant can be introduced from the sump (32) into the transfer nozzle (34), and - a cover element (56) is provided on the housing part (42) which is arranged above the inlet opening (52) and at a distance from the inlet opening (52) in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device (10) in the vehicle's vertical direction (26), by means of which the inlet opening (52) is at least partially covered upwards in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device (10) in the vehicle's vertical direction (26). [2] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a lower shell (44) of the filter housing (14) which delimits the receiving space (16) downwards in the vehicle vertical direction (26) in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device (10) forms a lubricant pan of the cooling and lubricating device (10). [3] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a peripheral edge (58) of the cover element (56) is conical. [4] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover element 56 is connected to the housing part (42) via at least one holding web (72) which is oriented radially outwards from the cover element (56) and is at least substantially flat in its vertical and radial extent. [5] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the inlet opening (52) is arranged in a funnel-shaped depression (60) of the housing part (42). [6] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the filter housing (14) has a return connection (62) which is provided in addition to the transfer nozzle (34) and in addition to the suction connection (38) and opens into a third sub-chamber (64) of the receiving chamber (16) and through which the coolant and lubricant can flow, via which the coolant and lubricant can be introduced into the third sub-chamber (64) after cooling and lubricating at least a sub-region of the drive device, bypassing the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber (24), wherein the filter element (28) is arranged between the third sub-chamber (64) and the first sub-chamber, so that the coolant and lubricant can be introduced into the first sub-chamber via the filter element (28) while filtering the coolant and lubricant from the third sub-chamber (64). [7] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the filter housing (14) is designed to be closed with the exception of the transfer connection (34), the suction connection (38), the return connection (62) and at least or exactly one vent opening of the filter housing (14) arranged above the receiving space (16) in the installed position of the cooling and lubricating device (10) in the vehicle vertical direction (26). [8] Cooling and lubricating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that between the second sub-chamber (24) and the third sub-chamber (64) at least one partition wall (68) of the filter housing (14) is arranged, by the partition wall (68) of which the third sub-chamber (64) and the second sub-chamber (24) are separated from one another.

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