Oil pan for a drive train of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an oil pan (1) for a drive train of a motor vehicle and for pumping oil. The oil pan (1) comprises a pan base (2) partially defining a pan volume (3), wherein at least one through-opening (4) through which oil can flow is present in the pan base (2). The oil pan (1) further comprises a particle filter (5) arranged in this through-opening (4) and formed separately from the pan base (3) for filtering particles out of the oil. The particle filter (5) is designed as a basket-like insert (6) inserted into the through-opening (4), which has a cage-like filter housing (7) made of a plastic material and partially surrounding a cage interior (8). The filter housing has a plurality of housing openings (9) in which a filter element (10) made of filter material is arranged for filtering particles out of the oil.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an oil pan for a drive train of a motor vehicle, in particular a battery-electric vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to an oil pan module with such an oil pan and a drive train with such an oil pan module.

[0002] An oil pan is used to collect cooling oil from a motor vehicle's drivetrain. The oil collected in the oil pan can be cleaned, particularly freed of dirt particles, and then pumped out of the oil pan by an oil pump so that it can be made available to the drivetrain again as a coolant. To clean the collected oil of dirt particles, it is known to equip the oil pan with a particulate filter through which the oil collected in the oil pan can flow.

[0003] In conventional oil pans, a mesh screen made of metal, particularly stainless steel, is often used as a particulate filter. This screen is installed in a through-hole in the oil pan. However, such a metal screen is not only expensive to manufacture but also relatively complex to install. This is especially true for the required sealing of the screen mounted in the through-hole against the bottom of the oil pan.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved embodiment for an oil pan in which the disadvantages explained above are at least partially, ideally even completely, eliminated. In particular, an oil pan is to be created that is characterized by a particularly simple and thus cost-effectively mounted particulate filter.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0006] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore to equip an oil pan as described above with a particulate filter which is designed as a basket-like insert and can be inserted into a through-opening in the bottom of the oil pan during assembly of the oil pan. It is proposed to provide outwardly projecting, spring-elastic fastening tabs on the basket-like insert, which are supported by an opening collar surrounding the through-opening. If a pump housing is then arranged on the basket-like insert, the insert can be pressed against the bottom of the pan by the pump housing due to the spring elasticity of the fastening tabs. This prevents or at least counteracts the formation of an undesirable gap - particularly one caused by tolerances - between the pump housing and the bottom of the pan and any leakage that may accompany it.

[0007] Furthermore, the solution proposed here, according to the invention, with spring-elastic fastening tabs, allows the implementation of a simplified sealing concept, in which the sealing of the basket-like insert can be achieved without the need for comparatively complex molded seals, particularly in the form of elastomer seals. This results in significant cost savings.

[0008] In accordance with the inventive concept, an oil pan according to the invention comprises a pan base that partially defines a pan volume. The pan base has at least one through-opening through which the oil can flow. A particulate filter, separate from the pan base, is arranged in this through-opening to filter out particles from the oil. The particulate filter is designed as an insert inserted into the through-opening. The basket-like design enables the implementation of a large filtering or effective cross-section for the oil flow guided through the particulate filter, while at the same time requiring a comparatively small opening cross-section for the through-opening into which the insert is inserted. This creates an oil pan whose particulate filter requires very little installation space.Due to the comparatively large effective cross section, only a relatively low pressure loss is advantageously generated in the oil flow filtered by the particulate filter. The design of the particulate filter as a separate component from the pan base also simplifies assembly compared to conventional oil pans. For example, a pan cover to be mounted on the pan base can be welded to the pan base independently of the installation of the particulate filter and, in particular, in advance, i.e. before the particulate filter is mounted on the pan base. This simplifies the assembly of the oil pan, which in turn results in cost advantages during production. The insert comprises a cage-like filter housing made of plastic that partially surrounds the interior of the cage.The filter housing has several, i.e. at least two, housing openings through which the oil can flow, in which a filter element with a filter medium made of filter material is arranged. The cage-like design allows for a stable fixation of the filter element or its filter medium made of filter material to the filter housing. At the same time, the housing openings can be designed comparatively so that the filter element or filter medium arranged in the housing openings provides a large filter surface through which the oil to be filtered can flow. In this way, effective oil cleaning is possible with a simultaneous low pressure drop in the fluid pressure of the oil.

[0009] Furthermore, the filter housing comprises a first frame and a second frame arranged at a distance from the first frame. In this development, the first frame is connected to the first frame by means of at least two connecting elements, such that the two frames and the connecting elements delimit the housing openings of the filter housing and form said cage structure. The connecting elements can preferably each be designed as, in particular, longitudinal, connecting struts. By means of the geometry described above, the design of the particle filter as a basket-like insert, which is essential to the invention, can be realized in a simple and therefore very cost-effective manner. Particularly preferably, the filter element or the filter medium made of filter material can also be arranged in the housing opening enclosed by the second frame, whereas the filter element is not arranged in a housing opening enclosed by the first frame.

[0010] According to the invention, at least two, preferably four, resilient fastening tabs protrude outwards from the first frame, away from the cage interior. These fastening tabs can particularly preferably be formed integrally on the first frame. The respective through-opening is enclosed by an opening collar protruding from the tray floor and projecting into the tray volume. At least one of the at least two fastening tabs rests on this opening collar, so that the particulate filter is held securely in the through-opening. With the aid of said resilient fastening tabs, the particulate filter or its basket-like insert can be easily positioned precisely in the through-opening and held securely there. With the aid of said, preferably resilient fastening tabs,

[0011] According to a further advantageous development of the oil pan according to the invention, a circumferential receiving groove can be formed on an outer circumferential side of the first frame facing away from the cage interior. In this development, an annular (first) sealing element, preferably made of a plastic, is arranged, in particular injection-molded, and particularly preferably partially received in this receiving groove. The sealing element is supported on the opening collar for sealing against the pan bottom. In particular, the sealing element can also be realized by a 2K injection-molded seal. This variant can also be combined with the preferred embodiment discussed below, in which the filter housing is arranged at a distance from the pan bottom. In this case, the formation of an intermediate space in the region of the sealing element - and preferably only in this region - is eliminated.

[0012] According to a further advantageous development, an annular (second) sealing element, preferably made of a plastic, can be arranged, in particular injection-molded, on an inner circumferential side of the first frame facing the cage interior for supporting or sealing against a pump housing. Particularly preferably, the sealing element can be realized by a 2K injection-molded seal.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the oil pan according to the invention, a pan cover can be arranged on a side of the pan base facing away from the pan volume and can be connected to the pan base in a fluid-tight manner by means of a welded joint. In this embodiment, the pan base and the pan cover together define an interior space through which the oil can flow. This interior space can function as a collection space for oil from the drive train of a motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the insert, in particular the filter element, of the particulate filter projects into the interior. This means that only a small amount of installation space is required for the filter element, and the oil to be drained from the interior via the through-opening can be freed of particles - while still in the interior - before passing through the actual through-opening.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the insert can be arranged at a distance from the pan cover. Since the insert or the particulate filter can be attached to the pan base, in particular to an opening edge surrounding the through-opening, or at least held by this, there is no need for the insert to be supported on the pan cover, which is usual or even mandatory in conventional oil pans. The latter can therefore be arranged at a distance from the insert as described. This in turn simplifies the assembly of the oil pan. In particular, in contrast to conventional oil pans, the pan cover can be welded to the pan base together with the pan base to form a fluid-tight boundary of the interior before the particulate filter is arranged in the through-opening, which further simplifies the assembly of the oil pan.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the filter material of the filter element or filter medium comprises or is a fabric made of plastic, in particular polyamide. Such a fabric made of plastic as a filter material has excellent filter properties and is also significantly more cost-effective than fabric made of metal. This is particularly true when compared to a comparatively expensive fabric made of stainless steel. Furthermore, such a plastic fabric can be very easily and therefore cost-effectively attached to the filter housing of the particulate filter and thus installed, since a plastic is also used as the material for the filter housing in the oil pan according to the invention. The mesh size of the fabric can preferably be between 200 micrometers and 400 micrometers, particularly preferably approximately 300 micrometers. The term “approximately” is understood to mean a relative deviation of up to 10% from this value.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the filter housing is formed as a single piece. Therefore, it is particularly expedient for the connecting elements or connecting struts and the two frames to be integrally formed with one another. In this preferred case, the two frames and the at least two connecting elements are formed as a single piece and made of the same material. This variant is particularly easy to manufacture and thus offers significant cost advantages.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the filter housing can be arranged at a distance from the tank bottom, forming a gap-like intermediate space. Such a configuration ensures sufficient clearance for trouble-free insertion, in particular, easy insertion, of the insert into the through-opening.

[0018] Preferably, the filter housing, particularly preferably the first frame of the filter housing, can be connected to the pan bottom exclusively via a preferably annular extension or collar formed on the pan bottom and projecting into the through-opening. In this way, the particulate filter can be sealed against the pan bottom of the oil pan. The extension or collar thus assumes the function of a sealing element which prevents oil from flowing past the outside of the particulate filter through the through-opening. The provision of a separate and therefore expensive sealing element for sealing can thus be omitted. Said, preferably annular, extension or collar can be realized or manufactured by means of a mold offset, in particular if the pan bottom is or was manufactured as a plastic injection-molded component by injection molding.This variant can also be combined with the previously described preferred embodiment, in which the filter housing is arranged at a distance from the tank bottom. In this case, the formation of a gap in the area of ​​the extension or collar—and preferably only in this area—is eliminated.

[0019] The invention further relates to an oil pan module for a drive train, in particular with a transmission and / or with an electric motor, of a motor vehicle with an oil pan according to the invention as presented above. The above-explained advantages of the oil pan according to the invention are therefore transferred to the oil pan module according to the invention. The oil pan module comprises an oil pump having a pump housing for pumping the oil. The pump housing is arranged on the filter housing, in particular on its first frame, so that oil that has passed through the particulate filter can enter the oil pump, in particular into a suction side of the oil pump.

[0020] According to an advantageous development of the oil pan module according to the invention, at least one fastening tab can be clamped between the opening collar and the pump housing. Preferably, even all fastening tabs can be clamped between the opening collar and the pump housing. In this way, the particulate filter or its basket-like insert can be held permanently and stably in its position, even under the influence of external mechanical shocks and impacts.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the annular (second) sealing element can rest against the pump housing. This provides the necessary sealing between the particulate filter and the oil pump or its pump housing. This creates a fluid path through which the oil filtered by the particulate filter can leave the sump and be introduced into the oil pump on the suction side.

[0022] The invention further relates to a drive train, in particular with a single-stage transmission, particularly preferably with a single-stage transmission and / or with an electric motor for a motor vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle. The drive train according to the invention comprises a drive train device on which an oil pan module according to the invention, as presented above, is arranged. The advantages of the oil pan according to the invention explained above are therefore transferred to the oil pan module according to the invention.

[0023] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0024] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0026] They show, schematically: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of an oil pan 1 according to the invention. Fig. 2 a sectional view of the oil pan of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 the particulate filter of the oil pan of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in separate perspective view, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of the particle filter of the Fig. 4 in a state accommodated in the through-opening of the tub bottom, Fig. 5 a further development of the particle filter of the Fig. 3 with sealing elements arranged on the filter housing, Fig. 6 one with the Fig. 4 corresponding longitudinal section for the further development of the particle filter according to Fig. 5, Fig. 7 one with the Fig. 2 corresponding sectional view an example of an oil pan module according to the invention with an oil pan according to the Fig. 1 to 6 in the area of ​​the two through openings 4.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of an oil pan 1 according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the oil pan 1 of the Fig. 1. According to Fig. 1, the oil pan 1 comprises a pan bottom 2 that partially defines a pan volume 3. Two through-openings 4 through which oil can flow are present in the pan bottom 2. In variants of the example not shown, a different number of through-openings 4 can also be provided. Both through-openings 4 are each enclosed by an opening collar 14 that protrudes from the pan bottom 2 and projects into the pan volume 3. The opening collar 14 can be formed integrally on the pan bottom 3.

[0028] A particle filter 5, designed separately from the sump base 3, is arranged in each of the two through-openings 4 to filter out particles from the oil. Each of the two particle filters 5 is designed as a basket-like insert 6, which is inserted into the respective through-opening 4 and thus forms a kind of sieve for particles contained in the oil.

[0029] As the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can still be seen, on a side 25 of the tub bottom 2 facing away from the tub volume 3, a Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a pan cover 24, which is only roughly schematically indicated in each case, can be arranged, which is fluid-tightly connected to the pan base 2 by means of a welded joint. The pan base 2 and the pan cover 24 together surround an interior space 26 through which the oil can flow. The insert 6 of the respective particulate filter 5 with the filter element 10 protrudes into the interior space 26 without touching the pan cover 24. The insert 6 of the respective particulate filter 5 is thus arranged at a distance from the pan cover 24.

[0030] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the particulate filter 5 in a separate perspective view. The insert 6 accordingly comprises a cage-like filter housing 7 made of a plastic material that partially surrounds a cage interior 8. A thermoplastic material, in particular a plastic material known as "polyamide 6 (PA6)," is considered as the plastic material for the filter housing 7.

[0031] How Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the filter housing 7 has a plurality of housing openings 9 through which oil can flow, in which a filter element 10 with a filter medium 34 made of filter material is arranged. The filter material can be a woven fabric made of plastic, for example polyamide. The filter medium 34 forms a separating element between a raw side 28 and a clean side 29 of the filter element 10. With a corresponding flow of oil through the filter element 10 from the outside to the inside, i.e. into the cage interior 8, the cage interior 8 can thus form the clean side 29 of the particulate filter 5.

[0032] In the example of Fig. 3, the filter housing 7 comprises an annular first frame 11 and an annular second frame 12 arranged at a distance from the first frame 11. In the example, the first frame 11 is connected to the first frame 11 by means of four connecting elements 13, which, as shown, can each be designed as a connecting strut 15. The two frames 11, 12 and the connecting elements 13 or connecting struts 15 delimit the housing openings 9 of the filter housing 7.

[0033] In the example of Fig. 3, the first frame 11 and the second frame 12 are arranged in two planes that extend parallel and spaced from one another. The connecting elements 13 or connecting struts 15 extend, in pairs parallel to one another, perpendicular to these two planes. The first and second frames 11, 12 as well as the connecting elements 13 or connecting struts 15 function as supports for the filter medium 34 of the filter element 10. The filter medium 34 can be arranged on the inside of the cage 22 formed by the two frames 11, 12 and connecting elements 13 or connecting struts 15 and can be firmly connected to it, in particular by means of a material bond, for example by means of an adhesive or welded connection. In variants of the example, a different number of connecting elements 13 or connecting struts 15 can also be provided. Furthermore, the connecting elements 13 can also be designed differently than the connecting struts 15 shown in the example.The filter medium 34 of the filter element 10 is expediently also arranged in the housing opening 9 enclosed by the second frame 12, whereas the filter medium 34 is not arranged in the housing opening 9* enclosed by the first frame 11.

[0034] The filter housing 7 can be Fig. 3 can be seen to be formed in one piece. In this case, the connecting elements 13 or the connecting struts 15 and the two frames 11, 12 are formed integrally with one another, ie the two frames 11, 12 and the four connecting elements 13 or connecting struts 15 are formed in one piece and from the same material.

[0035] In the example scenario of Fig. 3, four fastening tabs 23 protrude outward from the first frame 11, i.e., from the cage interior 8. The four fastening tabs can be integrally formed on the first frame 11, i.e., four fastening tabs and the first frame 11 are formed in one piece and from the same material. In variants of the example, a different number of fastening tabs 23 can be provided.

[0036] As in Fig. As indicated in Figure 1, the four fastening tabs 23 of the filter housing 7 rest on the associated opening collar 14 of the tray base 2, so that the respective particle filter 5 is securely held in the respective through-opening 4. The fastening tabs 23 are designed to be spring-elastic.

[0037] The Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section of the particle filter 5 of the Fig. 3 in a through opening 4 in question (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2) recorded state in the area of ​​the first frame 11 of the filter housing 7 and in the area of ​​the opening collar 14 enclosing the through opening 4.

[0038] In the example of Fig. 4, the first frame 11 of the filter housing 7 is connected to the pan bottom 2 exclusively via an annular extension 27 or collar formed on the pan bottom 2 and projecting into the through-opening 4. The filter housing 7 is thus arranged at a distance from the pan bottom 2, forming a gap-like intermediate space 16 - with the exception of the aforementioned extension 27 or collar. The extension 27 or collar thus assumes the function of a sealing element, which prevents oil from flowing past the outside of the particulate filter 5 through the through-opening 4.

[0039] The Fig. 5 shows a further development of the particle filter 5 of the Fig. 3. In the example of Fig. 5, a circumferential receiving groove 18 is formed on an outer peripheral side 17 of the first frame 11 facing away from the cage interior 8. An annular first sealing element 19 made of a plastic material is partially received in this receiving groove 18. The first sealing element 19 can be injection-molded onto the first frame 11.

[0040] The Fig. 6 shows one with the Fig. 5 corresponding longitudinal section for the further training of Fig. 4. As shown in the longitudinal section of the Fig. 6, the sealing element 19 accommodated in the receiving groove 18 is supported on the opening collar 14 for sealing against the tub bottom 2. In this way, in a manner analogous to the Fig. 3 and Fig. The variant explained in Figure 4 prevents oil from flowing past the outside of the particulate filter 5 through the through-opening 4. The first sealing element 19 can be designed in the form of a sealing ring. For example, the first sealing element 19 can be realized by a 2-component injection-molded seal.

[0041] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, an annular second sealing element 21 made of a plastic for supporting or sealing against a pump housing 32 (in Fig. 5 is not shown, is explained below using the example of Fig. 7). Such a sealing element 21 arranged on the inner circumference can in principle also be used in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown variant of the particle filter 5 (in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 not shown). The second sealing element 21 can be injection-molded in the manner of a sealing ring from and onto the first frame 11. For example, the second sealing element 21 can be realized by a 2K injection-molded seal.

[0042] The Fig. 7 shows in a Fig. 2 corresponding sectional view an example of an oil pan module 30 according to the invention with an oil pan 1 according to the Fig. 1 to 6 in the area of ​​their two through openings 4. The oil pan module 30 comprises a Fig. 7, an oil pump 31 (not shown in detail) has a pump housing 32 for pumping the oil. In the Fig. In the assembled state of the oil pan module 30 shown in Figure 7, the pump housing 32 is arranged on the first frame 11 of the filter housing 7, so that oil passing through the particle filter 5 can enter a suction side 33 (not shown in detail) of the oil pump 31. In this state, the fastening tabs 23 (in Fig. 7 not recognizable, cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) is clamped between the opening collar 14 and the pump housing 32. In addition, the annular second sealing element 21 (in Fig. 7 not recognizable, cf. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) on the pump housing 32.

Claims

[1] Oil pan (1) for a drive train of a motor vehicle, in particular a battery-electric vehicle, and for conveying oil, - with a tank bottom (2) partially defining a tank volume (3), wherein at least one through-opening (4) through which the oil can flow is present in the tank bottom (2), - with a particle filter (5) arranged in this through opening (4) and designed separately from the tank bottom (3) for filtering out particles from the oil, - wherein the particle filter (5) is designed as a basket-like insert (6) inserted into the through-opening (4), which has a cage-like filter housing (7) made of a plastic material and partially surrounding a cage interior (8), with a plurality of housing openings (9) in which a filter element (10), preferably with a filter medium (34) made of filter material, is arranged for filtering out particles from the oil, - wherein the filter housing (7) comprises a preferably annular first frame (11) and a preferably annular second frame (12) arranged at a distance from the first frame (11), which is connected to the first frame (11) by means of at least two connecting elements (13), which are preferably designed as connecting struts (15), so that the two frames (11, 12) and the connecting elements (13) delimit the housing openings (9) of the filter housing (7), - wherein at least two, preferably four, resilient fastening tabs (23) project outwards from the first frame (11) and away from the cage interior (8), which fastening tabs are preferably formed integrally on the first frame (11), - wherein at least one through-opening (4) is enclosed by an opening collar (14) projecting from the tub bottom (2) and into the tub volume (3), on which opening collar the fastening tabs (23) rest, so that the particle filter (5) is held in the through-opening (4). [2] Oil pan according to claim 1, characterized by that on an outer circumferential side (17) of the first frame (11) facing away from the cage interior (8) a circumferential receiving groove (18) is formed, in which an annular (first) sealing element (19), preferably made of a plastic, is arranged, in particular injection-molded, which is supported on the opening collar for sealing against the trough bottom (2). [3] Oil pan according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat an annular (second) sealing element (21), preferably made of a plastic, is arranged, in particular injection-molded, on an inner circumferential side (20) of the first frame (11) facing the cage interior (8) for supporting or sealing against a pump housing (32). [4] Oil pan according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that - a pan cover (24) is arranged on a side (25) of the pan bottom (2) facing away from the pan volume (3) and is connected to the pan bottom (2) in a fluid-tight manner by means of a welded connection, so that the pan bottom (2) and the pan cover (24) together delimit an interior space (26) through which the oil can flow, - the insert (6), in particular the filter element (10), projects into the interior (26). [5] Oil pan according to claim 4, characterized by that the insert (6) is arranged at a distance from the tub lid (24). [6] Oil pan according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the filter material comprises or is a fabric made of plastic, in particular polyamide. [7] Oil pan according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter housing (7) is formed in one piece. [8] Oil pan according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter housing (7) is arranged at a distance from the tank bottom (2) to form a gap-like intermediate space (16). [9] Oil pan according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter housing (7), in particular the first frame (11) of the filter housing (7), is connected to the tank bottom (3) only via a preferably annular extension (27) formed on the tank bottom (3) and projecting into the through opening (4). [10] Oil pan module (30) for a drive train of a motor vehicle, - with an oil pan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, - with an oil pump (31) having a pump housing (32) for pumping the oil, - wherein the pump housing (32) is arranged on the filter housing (7), in particular on its first frame (11), so that oil which has passed through the particle filter (5) can enter the oil pump (31), preferably into a suction side (33) of the oil pump (31). [11] Oil pan module according to claim 10, characterized by that at least one fastening tab (13), preferably all fastening tabs (13), is / are clamped between the opening collar (14) and the pump housing (32). [12] Oil pan module according to claim 10 or 11, when referring back at least to claim 3, characterized by that the annular (second) sealing element (21) rests against the pump housing (32). [13] Drive train, in particular with a, preferably single-stage, transmission and / or with an electric motor, for a motor vehicle, in particular for a battery-electric vehicle, - with a drive train device on which an oil pan module according to one of claims 10 to 12 is arranged. *****

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