Electric drive system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric drive device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (18) with a vehicle axle (12) having two vehicle wheels (14, 16), an electric machine (20) having a rotor (24) by means of which at least one of the vehicle wheels (14, 16) can be driven, a transmission device (32) arranged in the housing (18) by means of which the at least one vehicle wheel (14, 16) can be driven by the rotor (24), and a circuit (42) through which a lubricant flows, comprising a first receiving area (44) in which the lubricant can be received by forming a first lubricant sump and at least a partial area (T) of the transmission device (32) to be lubricated and cooled by means of the lubricant is arranged, and a second receiving area (46) that is at least partially separated from the first receiving area (44).in which the lubricant can be received by forming a second lubricant sump.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a car. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a car, with such an electric drive device.

[0002] In WO 2024 / 142 457 A1, a drive device with a motor and with a motor shaft rotating about a motor axis is disclosed; in which a gearbox is arranged axially to the side of the motor and which provides a housing with a motor chamber that houses the motor, and a gearbox chamber that houses the gearbox, and a flow channel through which a fluid flows.

[0003] US patent 2018 / 0 294 693 A1 discloses a device for thermal management of a drivetrain with a main housing containing an electric motor and its cooling circuit, as well as a reduction gearbox with a lubrication circuit. The main housing includes an oil pan located in its lower part and a partition that divides it into two sections. These sections contain, on the one hand, the motor and its cooling circuit, and on the other hand, the reduction gearbox and its lubrication circuit. An oil channel runs through the partition in the oil pan to connect the two sections.

[0004] DE 11 2021 008 049 T5 discloses an electric drive arrangement for a vehicle as known, comprising a housing and an electric machine which has a stator connected to the housing and a rotor which has a rotor shaft rotatably mounted in the housing.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric drive device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with such an electric drive device, in such a way as to ensure particularly advantageous lubrication and cooling of the electric drive device.

[0006] This problem is solved by an electric drive device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, has the electric drive device in its fully manufactured state and can be driven electrically, in particular purely or at least partially, by means of the electric drive device. In particular, the motor vehicle, in its fully manufactured state, has at least or exactly two vehicle axles, also referred to simply as axles, namely a first vehicle axle and a second vehicle axle. Each vehicle axle has, for example, at least or exactly two respective vehicle wheels, also referred to simply as wheels.The wheels of each axle are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle in the transverse direction. The wheels are ground contact elements that allow the vehicle to be supported or stabilized against the ground in its vertical direction. When the vehicle is driven along the ground while supported by these ground contact elements, the elements roll along the ground, particularly directly.

[0008] The electric drive unit has a housing. Furthermore, the electric drive unit has at least one or exactly one of the aforementioned vehicle axles. When the vehicle axle or the at least one vehicle axle is mentioned below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the vehicle axle of the electric drive unit. When the vehicle wheels are mentioned below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle of the electric drive unit. The electric drive unit is also referred to as the drive unit, drive system, or electric drive system.

[0009] The electric drive system comprises at least one electric machine, which is also referred to as the first electric machine. When the electric machine is mentioned below, it refers to the first electric machine unless otherwise specified. The electric machine comprises a rotor, which is also referred to as the first rotor. When the rotor is mentioned below, it refers to the first rotor unless otherwise specified. For example, the electric machine also comprises a stator, which is also referred to as the first stator. When the stator is mentioned below, it refers to the first stator unless otherwise specified. For example, the rotor can be driven by means of the stator and is thus rotatable about a machine axis of rotation, also referred to as the first machine axis of rotation, relative to the stator.When the machine's axis of rotation is mentioned below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the first axis of rotation. At least one of the vehicle's wheels can be driven by means of the rotor. One of the vehicle's wheels is also referred to as the first vehicle wheel, and the other is also referred to as the second vehicle wheel. For example, the at least one vehicle wheel that can be driven by means of the rotor is the first vehicle wheel. For example, the electric machine can drive the first vehicle wheel via its rotor, in particular bypassing the second vehicle wheel. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rotor, and thus the electric machine, can also drive the second vehicle wheel. When the vehicle wheel or the at least one vehicle wheel is mentioned below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the vehicle wheel that can be driven by means of the rotor.In particular, the electric machine can provide drive torques via its rotor, by means of which at least one vehicle wheel can be driven. The drive torques that can be provided by the rotor, and thus by the electric machine via the rotor, are also referred to as first drive torques. When the drive torques or the respective drive torque are mentioned below, these refer to the first drive torques, or the respective first drive torque, unless otherwise specified.

[0010] The electric drive unit includes a gearbox located within the housing. The gearbox allows at least one vehicle wheel to be driven by the rotor. For example, the second vehicle wheel can also be driven by the rotor via the gearbox.

[0011] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the electric drive system includes a second electric machine in addition to the first, which, for example, has a second rotor. The second electric machine has, for example, a second stator. For instance, the second rotor can be driven by means of the second stator and thus rotated about a second axis of rotation relative to the second stator. It is conceivable that the axes of rotation of the machines are parallel to each other and, in particular, spaced apart. It is also conceivable that the rotors, and thus the electric machines, are arranged coaxially so that the axes of rotation of the machines coincide. For example, the first vehicle wheel can be driven by the first rotor, bypassing the second vehicle wheel and the second rotor.For example, the second vehicle wheel can be driven by the second rotor, bypassing the first vehicle wheel and the first rotor. For example, the second vehicle wheel can be driven by the second rotor, and thus by the second electric machine, via the transmission mechanism.

[0012] The electric drive unit also includes a circuit, also referred to as a lubrication circuit or lubricant circuit, through which a preferably liquid lubricant flows for lubricating and cooling at least the transmission unit. Preferably, the drive unit contains the lubricant. In particular, the lubricant can be an oil, in which case the circuit is also referred to as an oil circuit.

[0013] The circuit has a first receiving area, located in particular within the housing, in which the lubricant is received or collected, forming a first lubricant sump. Furthermore, at least one sub-section of the gear assembly, immersed in the first lubricant sump, is arranged in the first receiving area, in particular such that the sub-section of the gear assembly immerses or is capable of immersing itself in the first lubricant sump. The sub-section of the gear assembly is or comprises, for example, at least or exactly one gear, which is rotatable about a gear axis relative to the housing, and which is thus capable of immersing or is immersed in the first lubricant sump and, in particular, splashes in the first lubricant sump when the gear rotates about the gear axis relative to the housing.This causes the gear, for example, to fling or churn the lubricant, thereby cooling and lubricating the transmission. The first lubricant sump is also simply referred to as the oil sump, gear set sump, or gear set oil sump. In particular, it is conceivable that this section of the transmission comprises at least or exactly one gear set of the transmission, or is at least or exactly one gear set of the transmission.

[0014] For example, the first electric machine is designed as an axial flux machine. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second electric machine is also designed as an axial flux machine. Each axial flux machine is also referred to as an axial flux motor (AFM).

[0015] The circuit also includes a second receiving area, which is at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half, separated from the first receiving area. In this second receiving area, the lubricant is received or absorbed, forming a second lubricant sump. This second lubricant sump is also referred to as a reservoir, oil reservoir, main sump, or main oil sump.

[0016] In particular, the first recording area can be located within the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the second recording area can also be located within the housing. Thus, for example, the recording areas are at least partially separated from each other by wall sections of the housing.

[0017] The electric drive unit also includes a pump integrated into the circuit, which is also known as a lubricant pump. The pump circulates the lubricant through the circuit. Particularly when the lubricant is oil, the pump is also referred to as an oil pump.

[0018] The pump is fluidically connected to the second receiving area on its suction side via, at least or exactly, a suction port located on the pump's suction side. The pump's suction port is also referred to as the first suction port. Whenever the term "suction port" is used before and after, it refers, unless otherwise specified, to the first suction port of the pump. In particular, it is intended that the pump, especially entirely, is located within the second receiving area. It is conceivable, however, that the pump could be located entirely outside the first receiving area.

[0019] The pump is fluidically connected to the second receiving area via its suction side, through the suction port located on the suction side, and is designed to draw lubricant from the second sump through the suction port and convey it through the circuit. In particular, the pump has a pressure side, from which it can draw lubricant from the second sump and convey it towards itself. The pump can transfer the drawn-in lubricant from the suction side to the pressure side and convey it away from itself on the pressure side or via the pressure side. It is particularly conceivable that the pump's suction port, especially its entirety, is located within the second receiving area. For example, the pump's suction port, especially its entirety, is located outside the first receiving area.

[0020] The electric drive unit has at least one overflow opening, which is formed and thus arranged in the housing, in particular in a wall of the housing. For example, said wall of the housing is one of the aforementioned wall regions or is formed by one of the wall regions, or the said wall forms one of the wall regions. The overflow opening is permeable to the lubricant, so that the lubricant can be returned from the drive unit to the second receiving area via the overflow opening, in particular bypassing the first sump.This means that the lubricant flowing from the transmission device, in particular from the sub-area of ​​the transmission device, after the lubricant has lubricated and cooled the transmission device, in particular the sub-area of ​​the transmission device, can flow through the overflow opening and thus be guided via the overflow opening, in particular back, into the second receiving area.

[0021] The electric drive unit also includes at least one overflow pipe, in addition to the overflow opening, through which the lubricant can flow. The overflow pipe is also referred to as a tube or overflow tube. The overflow pipe is also called the first overflow pipe. When the overflow pipe is mentioned before and below, unless otherwise specified, this refers to the first overflow pipe. It is conceivable that the overflow pipe is designed separately from the housing. For example, the overflow pipe is arranged within the housing. In particular, the overflow pipe is connected to the housing, especially in such a way that relative movement between the overflow pipe and the housing is prevented. For example, the overflow pipe penetrates the wall and / or one of the wall sections.The characteristic that the overflow pipe is permeable to lubricant means that the overflow pipe has a channel through which the lubricant can flow, also referred to as the first channel. When the channel is mentioned before and below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the first channel. The channel is permeable to lubricant. For example, the channel is bounded, in particular directly, by the overflow pipe, specifically by an inner circumferential surface of the overflow pipe. The overflow pipe, and thus the channel, for example, has a first opening and a second opening through which the lubricant can flow. The overflow pipe, that is, the channel, is fluidically connected to the first receiving area via the first opening. Thus, the overflow pipe, and thus the channel, opens directly into the first receiving area via the first opening. The overflow pipe, and thus the channel, is fluidically connected to the second receiving area via the second opening, so that the overflow pipe, and thus the channel, opens directly into the second receiving area via the second opening.

[0022] In particular, the first opening is located, and especially is located entirely, within the first recording area. For example, the second opening is located, and especially is located entirely, within the second recording area.

[0023] The second opening, in the installed position of the electric drive unit (which assumes its installed position when the vehicle containing the electric drive unit is fully assembled), is located below the overflow opening in the vehicle's vertical direction. In other words, the second, main sump-side opening of the overflow pipe, also referred to as the transfer tube or oil transfer tube, is geodesically located below the overflow opening in the installed position of the drive unit (also referred to as the installed state). More specifically, in the installed position of the electric drive unit and in a state where the vehicle is supported downwards by its ground contact elements against a horizontal plane, the second opening is geodesically located, that is, vertically located below the overflow opening.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the invention, the second opening in the installation position of the electric drive device in the vehicle's vertical direction is arranged above the suction opening of the pump and / or above a further suction opening of a filter device arranged on the suction side of the pump and thus upstream of the pump for filtering the lubricant drawn in by the pump and flowing towards the suction opening of the pump.The invention ensures that a sufficiently large quantity of lubricant is present in the second receiving area, both when the motor vehicle is traveling straight ahead in or on a horizontal plane, as well as when the motor vehicle is traveling downhill, uphill, or cornering at high speed, so that the pump can always advantageously draw in the lubricant via its intake opening and, if necessary, via the filter device and the further intake opening, and subsequently pump it through the circuit.

[0025] To achieve particularly advantageous lubrication and cooling of the electric drive unit, one embodiment of the invention provides that at least a portion of the electric machine is also arranged in the circuit and is thereby cooled and / or lubricated by the lubricant supplied by the pump. Compared to conventional solutions, the invention allows for the provision of only one forced cooling device for cooling the electric machine, wherein the forced cooling device is formed by the circuit and the pump arranged therein. At least the portion of the transmission unit, also referred to simply as the transmission, and thus, for example, transmission components of the transmission unit such as bearings and gears, can be passively lubricated and / or cooled by immersion lubrication, specifically by the fact that this portion is immersed, or can be immersed, in the first lubricant sump.Thus, the invention provides a very cost-effective and low-effort cooling and lubrication concept for cooling and lubricating the drive unit.

[0026] A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the electric machine is arranged axially, that is, parallel to the vehicle axle. This allows for particularly advantageous cooling and lubrication.

[0027] By using the overflow opening and overflow pipe, a particularly advantageous circulation system can be created, since, for example, the overflow pipe allows at least the relevant section of the transmission assembly, and thus, for instance, the gears of the transmission assembly, to be supplied with a quantity of lubricant limited by the diameter and length of the overflow pipe (i.e., the channel). The lubricant, which is stirred up or flung up by the splashing of this section in the first lubricant sump, can then flow back through the overflow opening into the second receiving area, also known as the reservoir, and collect there, particularly forming the second lubricant sump.The invention ensures, in particular, that the pump's intake opening, especially when viewed vertically, lies below the level of the lubricant sump in the second intake area, even when the machine's axis of rotation is arranged behind the vehicle's longitudinal direction and especially in the forward direction of travel, during downhill driving or heavy braking, particularly in recuperation mode of the electric machine, and when the machine's axis of rotation is arranged in front of the vehicle's axis during uphill driving, when high torque requirements are present.The invention is particularly advantageous for electric drive units in which, in the installed position of the respective drive unit, the rotor or a rotor shaft of the rotor is arranged geodetically or in the vertical direction of the vehicle above the vehicle axis. To ensure particularly advantageous cooling and lubrication of the drive unit, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the second opening, in the installed position of the electric drive unit, is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the intake opening of the pump and / or behind the further intake opening of the filter unit.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the overflow pipe, and thus the channel from the first opening to the second opening, has a kinked or bent profile. This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to ensure that a sufficiently large quantity of lubricant is present or remains in the second receiving area, so that the pump can advantageously draw in and pump the lubricant.

[0029] For example, the overflow pipe is designed with a cranked shape when viewed from the first opening to the second opening, giving the overflow pipe a kinked or bent shape.

[0030] According to the invention, in addition to the overflow opening and the overflow pipe, a second overflow pipe through which the lubricant can flow is provided. The feature that the second overflow pipe is through which the lubricant can flow means that the second overflow pipe has a second channel, which is bounded, in particular directly, by the second overflow pipe, specifically by a second inner circumferential surface of the second overflow pipe. The preceding and following descriptions of the first overflow pipe can readily be transferred to the second overflow pipe and vice versa. The second overflow pipe, and thus the second channel, has a third opening through which the second overflow pipe, and thus the second channel, is fluidically connected to the first receiving area. Thus, for example, the second overflow pipe, and thus the second channel, opens into the first receiving area via the third opening, in particular directly.The second overflow pipe and the second channel also have a fourth opening, through which the second overflow pipe, and thus the second channel, are fluidically connected to the second receiving area. Thus, for example, the second overflow pipe, and therefore the second channel, open directly into the second receiving area via the fourth opening. Specifically, the third opening is permeable to lubricant. Most importantly, the fourth opening is permeable to lubricant. By using the additional second overflow pipe, it can be ensured that the pump can efficiently draw in and subsequently deliver lubricant, even when driving downhill, uphill, or around curves.

[0031] In order to achieve particularly advantageous cooling and lubrication of the drive unit, it has proven especially advantageous if the first overflow pipe, viewed from the first opening to the second opening, has a kinked or bent first course and the second overflow pipe, viewed from the third opening to the fourth opening, has a kinked or bent second course, such that, in the installation position of the electrical drive units in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the first opening is arranged to the right of the second opening, the second opening to the left of the fourth opening and the third opening to the left of the fourth opening.Thus, for example, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction, the first overflow pipe is bent to the left, i.e., to the left in the vehicle's transverse direction, and the second overflow pipe is bent to the right, i.e., to the right in the vehicle's transverse direction. This ensures, for example, that the pump's intake opening and / or the other intake opening remain safely below the aforementioned level, even when cornering, especially at high speed.

[0032] A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the subsection of the transmission assembly has at least one or more gear ratio stages. Preferably, the respective gear ratio stage is designed as a spur gear stage. This allows pre-lubrication and cooling of the transmission assembly to be achieved by means of the aforementioned immersion lubrication, in particular by the subsection, especially the aforementioned gear, splashing into the second lubricant sump.

[0033] In order to achieve advantageous cooling and lubrication, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the first overflow pipe has the first profile and the second overflow pipe has the second profile such that, in the installation position of the electric drive unit in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, the second opening is arranged to the left of the intake opening of the pump and / or to the left of the further intake opening of the filter unit, and that the fourth opening is arranged to the right of the intake opening of the pump and / or to the right of the further intake opening of the filter unit.

[0034] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous for achieving particularly advantageous cooling and lubrication if the fourth opening in the installation position of the electric drive unit is arranged below the overflow opening in the vehicle's vertical direction, wherein the fourth opening in the installation position of the electric drive unit is arranged above the pump's intake opening and / or above the further intake opening of the filter unit.

[0035] It is conceivable that the second electric machine is assigned a second transmission device and / or a second sub-section of the transmission device, so that the second vehicle wheel can be driven by the second rotor via the second transmission device and / or the second sub-section, in particular bypassing the first rotor and thus bypassing the first vehicle wheel.It is preferably provided that a further lubricant sump and / or further receiving area associated with the second transmission unit and / or the second sub-area is fluidically connected to the first receiving area and / or the first lubricant sump. A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, and also simply referred to as a vehicle, which has an electric drive unit according to the first aspect of the invention and can be driven electrically by means of the electric drive unit, in particular purely electrically. 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.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments 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. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an electric drive system for a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 another schematic representation of the electric drive device; Fig. 3 a schematic and cutaway side view of a first embodiment of the electric drive device; Fig. 4 a schematic and cutaway top view of the first embodiment; Fig. 5. Partially, a further schematic and cutaway side view of the first embodiment; Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment along a Fig. 5 shown section line BB; Fig. 7. A further schematic and cutaway side view of the first embodiment; Fig. 8. Partially, another schematic sectional view along the section line BB; Fig. 9. Partially a schematic and cutaway side view of a second embodiment of the electric drive device; Fig. 10. Partially a schematic sectional view of the second embodiment along a [unclear] in Fig. Section line CC shown in 9; and Fig. 11 a schematic and cutaway top view of the second embodiment.

[0037] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0038] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 each show a schematic representation of an electric drive unit 10 of a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, which is preferably designed as a car, in particular as a passenger car. The electric drive unit 10 is also referred to as a drive unit, drive system, or electric drive system. The motor vehicle has exactly two axles, namely a first axle and a second axle. The axles are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and thus one behind the other. Each axle has exactly two wheels. The wheels of the motor vehicle are ground contact elements by means of which the motor vehicle can be supported or is supported downwards against a ground in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. The first axle is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown particularly schematically and labelled 12. The vehicle wheels of axle 12 are labelled 14 and 16. It can be seen that the respective vehicle wheels of the respective vehicle axle are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle in the transverse direction. This is evident from Fig. It is also stated that the vehicle axle 12, and thus the vehicle wheels 14 and 16, are components of the electric drive direction 10, which therefore includes the vehicle axle 12 and thus the vehicle wheels 14 and 16. The drive direction 10 also has a housing 18.

[0039] The electric drive direction 10 comprises a first electric machine 20, which has a first stator 22 and a first rotor 24. The rotor 24 can be driven by means of the stator 22 and is thereby rotatable about a first machine axis of rotation relative to the stator 22 and relative to the housing 18. Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 show a first embodiment of the drive direction 10, show Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 A second embodiment of the drive direction 10. In the first embodiment, and also in the present embodiment, the drive direction 10 has a second electric machine 26 in addition to the electric machine 20. The second electric machine 26 has a second stator 28 and a second rotor 30. The rotor 30 can be driven by means of the stator 28 and is thereby rotatable about a second machine axis of rotation relative to the stator 28 and relative to the housing 18. The electric machines 20 and 26 are arranged coaxially to each other, so that the machine axes of rotation coincide. Furthermore, the respective electric machines 20 and 26 are arranged axially parallel to, and thus parallel to, the vehicle axis 12. This means, in particular, that the respective machine axis of rotation runs parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle.Furthermore, it is provided that the respective electrical machine 20, 26, is designed as an axial flux machine.

[0040] By means of the electric machine 20, that is, by means of the rotor 24, the vehicle wheel 14 can be driven by bypassing the electric machine 26 and bypassing the vehicle wheel 16.

[0041] The vehicle wheel 16 can be driven by means of the electric machine 26 and thus by means of the rotor 30, bypassing the electric machine 20 and the vehicle wheel 14. The electric machine 20 can provide first drive torques via its rotor 24, whereby the vehicle wheel 14 can be driven by means of each first drive torque, bypassing the vehicle wheel 16 and the electric machine 26. The electric machine 26 can provide second drive torques via its rotor 30, whereby the vehicle wheel 16 can be driven by means of each second drive torque, bypassing the vehicle wheel 14 and the electric machine 20.

[0042] The drive unit 10 also includes a transmission unit 32 arranged in the housing 18. The vehicle wheel 14 can be driven by the rotor 24 via the transmission unit 32, in particular bypassing the vehicle wheel 16 and the electric machine 26. The vehicle wheel 16 can also be driven by the rotor 30 via the transmission unit 32, in particular bypassing the vehicle wheel 14 and the electric machine 20. For this purpose, for example, a first subsection 34 of the transmission unit 32, also referred to as the first transmission section, is assigned to the vehicle wheel 14 and the electric machine 20. A second subsection 36 of the transmission unit 32, also referred to as the second transmission section, is assigned to the vehicle wheel 16 and the electric machine 26. The transmission unit 32 is also simply referred to as the transmission.The vehicle wheel 14 can be driven by the rotor 24 via section 34, in particular bypassing the vehicle wheel 16 and the electric machine 26. The vehicle wheel 16 can be driven by the rotor 30 via section 36, in particular bypassing the vehicle wheel 14 and the electric machine 20. Section 34 comprises first transmission components of the transmission, and section 36 comprises second transmission components of the transmission. It can be seen that the first transmission components have first gears 38a-d designed as first spur gears. The second transmission components have second gears 40a-d designed as second spur gears. It can be seen that the first gears 38a-d form first spur gear stages, and the second gears 40a-d form second spur gear stages of the transmission.

[0043] Out of Fig. Figure 2 shows that the electric drive unit 10 has a circuit 42 through which a lubricant, particularly a liquid such as oil, can flow. Thus, the circuit 42 is also referred to as an oil circuit. The lubricant can be used to lubricate and cool the transmission unit 32. Furthermore, at least the respective parts of the electric machines 20 and 26 can be cooled and / or lubricated by means of the lubricant.

[0044] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows that the circuit 42 has a first receiving area 40 arranged in the housing 18, in which the lubricant is received or collected, forming a first lubricant sump. Furthermore, at least a partial area TB of the gear unit 32 is arranged in the receiving area 44. Partial area TB comprises at least a first part of the first gear unit and at least a second part of the second gear unit. In this case, the first part of the first gear unit is or includes at least the gear 38d, and the second part of the second gear unit is or includes at least the gear 40d.

[0045] From a synthesis of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows that the housing 18 also contains a second receiving area 46, which is at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly, separated from the first receiving area 44. The lubricant is received or stored in this second receiving area, forming a second lubricant sump. The second receiving area 46 is also referred to as the reservoir or oil reservoir. The second lubricant sump is also referred to as the main sump. The first lubricant sump is also referred to as the wheelset sump.

[0046] Out of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 it is apparent that the receiving area 44 has a first part T1 and a second part T2, which are locally at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, separated from each other and are fluidically connected to each other, for example, in particular via at least or exactly one overflow opening.

[0047] Out of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the receiving areas 44 and 46 are locally separated from each other by wall sections of the housing 18, wherein the wall sections are formed by respective walls of the housing 18 designed as solid bodies. For example, parts T1 and T2 of the receiving area 44 are locally at least partially delimited from each other by a further wall section of the housing 18, wherein the further wall section is formed, for example, by another wall of the housing 18 designed as a solid body or by one of the aforementioned walls of the housing 18. The aforementioned overflow opening is in Fig. 1 schematically represented and designated by 49, wherein, for example, the overflow opening 49 is designed as a through-opening in the further wall area and penetrates the further wall area, in particular such that the overflow opening 49 opens at one end into part T1 and at the other end into part T2, in particular directly. One of the aforementioned walls of the housing 18 is in Fig. 3 labeled W1. In Fig. Figure 3 shows, for example, part T1 of the receiving area 44. The preceding and following descriptions of part T1 can readily be applied to part T2 and vice versa. It can be seen that the first part of the first gear section is arranged in the first part T1 of the receiving area 44, and the second part of the second gear section is arranged in the second part T2 of the receiving area 44. In this case, the first part of the first gear section, in particular the gear 38d, is immersible in the first lubricant sump in the first part T1 of the receiving area 44, and the second part of the second gear section, in particular the gear 40d, is immersible in the first lubricant sump in the second part T2 of the receiving area 44. The following results from this: the gear 38d is rotatable about a first gear axis of rotation relative to the housing 18.Gear 40d is rotatable about a second gear axis relative to housing 18. In this case, the gear axes coincide. When gears 38d and 40d rotate about their respective gear axes relative to housing 18, they splash in the first lubricant sump located in the receiving area 44. This causes gears 38d and 40d to fling the lubricant, thus supplying the respective gear section of the transmission with lubricant. This cools and lubricates the respective gear section.

[0048] Out of Fig. Figure 2 shows that a pump 48, also referred to as an oil pump, is arranged in the circuit 42, which has a suction side S and a pressure side D. The lubricant can be conveyed by means of the pump 48 and, in particular, conveyed through the circuit 42. Fig. Figure 5 shows that the pump 48, in particular, has a first suction opening 50, which is arranged on the suction side S of the pump 48. The pump 48 is fluidically connected on its suction side S via the first suction opening 50 arranged on the suction side S, in particular bypassing the first receiving area 44, to the second receiving area 46, wherein the pump 48 is designed to draw the lubricant from the second lubricant sump on the suction side S via the suction opening 50, in particular bypassing the first lubricant sump, and to pump it through the circuit.The feature that the pump 48 is fluidically connected to the second lubricant sump via its intake port 50, bypassing the first lubricant sump, and that the pump 48 can draw lubricant from the second lubricant sump via its intake port 50, bypassing the first lubricant sump, means that when the pump 48 draws lubricant from the second lubricant sump via its intake port 50, the lubricant does not flow from or through the first lubricant sump to the intake port 50 and into the pump 48 via this port. The intake port 50 is, for example, formed in a pump housing 52 of the pump 48.For example, the pump 48 has a conveying element 54, which is movably, in particular rotatably, arranged in the pump housing 52 and is designed in particular as a conveying impeller. By means of this conveying element 54, moving it relative to the pump housing 52, in particular rotating it, the lubricant can be drawn from the second lubricant sump, in particular bypassing the first lubricant sump, and thereby conveyed to the suction opening 50 and through the suction opening 50. For example, the pump 48 is designed as an electrically operated pump, i.e., as an electric pump.

[0049] In both the first and second embodiments, a filter device 56 is associated with the pump 48 for filtering the lubricant. In this embodiment, the pump 48 can draw the lubricant from the second lubricant sump via the filter device 56, bypassing the first lubricant sump, and thus convey it to itself. With respect to the flow of lubricant from the second lubricant sump to the intake opening 50, bypassing the first lubricant sump, the filter device 56 is arranged upstream of the pump 48, specifically upstream of the intake opening 50 and, in particular, downstream of the second lubricant sump. The filter device 56 has a second intake opening 58 through which the lubricant drawn from the second lubricant sump by the pump 48 can be introduced into the filter device 56.For example, the further intake opening 58 is formed in a filter housing 60 of the filter assembly 56. The filter assembly 56 has at least one filter element 62, which is arranged in the filter housing 60. The lubricant flowing from the second lubricant sump to the intake opening 50 is filtered by means of the filter element 62, such that, with respect to the aforementioned flow, the filter element 62 is arranged upstream of the intake opening 50 and downstream of the intake opening 58. The lubricant can flow through the filter element 62 and is filtered by the filter element 62 as it passes through it.

[0050] The housing 18 and thus the drive unit 10 has at least one of Fig. Three recognizable overflow openings 64 are located in the housing 18, through which the lubricant can be returned from the gear unit 32 to the second receiving area 46. It is evident that the overflow opening 64 is formed in the wall W1 and completely penetrates the wall W1, opening one end into the receiving area 46 and the other end, for example, into the receiving area 44, but particularly into part T1. For example, each part T1, T2 is assigned a respective overflow opening, whereby the overflow opening assigned to part T1 can be the overflow opening 64. The rotation of the gear 38d about the gear axis of rotation of the gear 38d is in Fig. 3 is illustrated by an arrow 66. Furthermore, additional arrows 68 illustrate a flow of the lubricant flung by means of the gear 38d and in particular a flow of the lubricant from the gear unit 32 back to and into the second receiving area 46.

[0051] Out of Fig. 2. It is evident that at least the respective stator 22, 28 is arranged in the circuit 42 and can thus be supplied with the lubricant, so that at least the respective stator 22, 28 can be cooled and / or lubricated by means of the lubricant. A flow of the lubricant, which is conveyed by the pump 48 and thereby conveyed through the circuit 42, towards the respective stator 22, 28 is shown in Fig. Figure 3 is illustrated by an arrow 70. An arrow 72 illustrates the flow of lubricant from the respective stator 22, 28 back to and into the receiving area 46. It can be seen that the lubricant delivered by the pump 48 flows to the respective stator 22, 28, bypassing the receiving area 44 and, in this case, also the receiving area 46. The lubricant then flows from the respective stator 22, 28 back into the receiving area 46, bypassing the receiving area 44. From there, the lubricant can be delivered again to the stators 22, 28 by the pump 48. In the circuit 42, for example, a cooler 75 is arranged downstream of the pump 48 and upstream of the respective stator 22, 28 to cool the lubricant.The cooler 75, for example, is designed to allow flow of a lubricant and a different, additional fluid through it, so that the lubricant can be cooled by the additional fluid via the cooler 75. For example, the additional fluid is or comprises, in particular at least or exclusively, water, so that the cooler 75 can, for example, be designed as an oil-water heat exchanger.

[0052] Looks especially good Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, because the pump 48 and the stators 22, 28 are arranged in the circuit 42, and because the lubricant can be actively pumped through the circuit 42 by the pump 48, the stators 22, 28 can be actively supplied with the lubricant. In contrast, the gear sections of the transmission, also referred to as gear sets or forming or comprising gear sets of the transmission, are purely passive and are supplied with the lubricant by so-called splash lubrication. As described above, splash lubrication is achieved by the gears 38d and 40d, when they rotate about their axes of rotation relative to the housing 18, splashing the lubricant and thereby supplying the gear sections with the lubricant.After the lubricant has lubricated and cooled the gear areas, it can flow away from the gear areas and back through the respective overflow opening 64 to and into the receiving area 46. Fig. 2 fluidic connections and lubricant flows between the receiving areas 44 and 46 are illustrated by dashed arrows.

[0053] To achieve particularly advantageous lubrication and cooling of the drive unit 10, a first overflow pipe 74 is provided in addition to the overflow opening 64 and through which the lubricant can flow. This first overflow pipe has a first opening 76 and a second opening 78. The first opening 76 connects the overflow pipe 74 fluidically to the receiving area 44 and thus to part T1, bypassing the receiving area 46. The second opening 78 also connects the overflow pipe 74 fluidically to the receiving area 46, again bypassing the receiving area 44. Furthermore, a second overflow pipe 80 is provided in addition to the overflow opening 64 and the overflow pipe 74. This second overflow pipe has a third opening 82 and a fourth opening 84. The openings 76, 78, 82, and 84 are all permeable to the lubricant. The overflow pipe 80 is also permeable to the lubricant.The overflow pipe 80 is fluidically connected to the receiving area 44, particularly to part T2, via the opening 82, bypassing the receiving area 46. The overflow pipe 80 is fluidically connected to the receiving area 46 via the opening 84, bypassing the receiving area 44.

[0054] Openings 78 and 84 are located in the installation position of the electric drive unit 10, the installation position of which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle is located in the upward direction of the motor vehicle below the overflow opening 64, in particular below the overflow openings. The upward direction of the motor vehicle is in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this with a double arrow 86. For example, the vehicle's vertical direction coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle, via its ground contact elements, stands on a horizontal plane in the vehicle's vertical direction, i.e., is supported on the horizontal plane.

[0055] Furthermore, it is provided that the openings 78 and 84 are arranged above the intake opening 50 of the pump 48 in the vehicle's vertical direction when the electric drive unit 10 is installed. This is well from Fig. 3 recognizable. From Fig. 3 It is also particularly evident that the openings 78 and 84 are arranged in the installation position of the electric drive unit 10 in the upward direction of the motor vehicle above the further intake opening 58 of the filter unit 56.

[0056] Openings 78 and 84 are arranged in the installed position of the electric drive unit 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in front of the first intake opening 50 of the pump 48 and behind the further intake opening 58 of the filter unit 56. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle runs perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle and is in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 4 illustrated by a double arrow 88. The vehicle's vertical direction runs perpendicular to the image plane. Fig. 4.

[0057] Looks especially good Fig. 4. It is evident that, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction, the first overflow pipe 74, viewed from the first opening 76 to the second opening 78, has a curved first section, and that the second overflow pipe 80, viewed from the third opening 82 to the fourth opening 84, has a curved second section. The curved sections are designed such that, in the installed position of the electric drive unit 10 in the transverse direction of the vehicle and viewed in the aforementioned plane, the first opening 76 is located to the right of the second opening 78, the second opening 78 to the left of the fourth opening 84, the fourth opening 84 to the right of the second opening 78, and the third opening 82 to the left of the fourth opening 84.Furthermore, in the installation position of the electric drive unit 10 in the transverse direction of the vehicle and viewed in the plane, the second opening 78 is arranged to the left of the intake openings 50 and 58, and the fourth opening 84 is arranged to the right of the intake openings 50 and 58.

[0058] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of the first embodiment in a schematic and cutaway side view. Fig. 5 shows a section line BB, where Fig. 6, the first embodiment is shown in part in a schematic sectional view along the section line BB.

[0059] Fig. Figure 3 shows the drive unit 10 in a normal position. The drive unit 10 is in the normal position when the motor vehicle is driven straight ahead along a horizontal plane and, during this time, is supported downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle by the ground contact elements on the horizontal plane and rolls along the plane via the ground contact elements, in particular directly.

[0060] Fig. Figure 7 shows the drive unit 10 during braking of the vehicle and during downhill travel. It can be seen that the respective openings 78 and 84 are located above a level P1 formed by the second lubricant sump, so that no lubricant can flow from the receiving area 46 into the receiving area 44. This ensures that a sufficiently large quantity of lubricant is present in the receiving area 46 so that the pump 48 can draw in and deliver the lubricant via the suction openings 50 and 58, and in particular to the stators 22 and 28. The gear components can continue to be supplied with lubricant by the described immersion lubrication and thus be adequately cooled and lubricated.

[0061] Fig. Figure 8 shows the drive unit 10 during cornering. Here too, it can be ensured that the pump 48 can draw in the lubricant and deliver it to the stators 22 and 28.

[0062] In the first embodiment, for example, openings 76 and 78 or 82 and 84, viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, are arranged at the same height. In the embodiment described in Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 11, for example, the respective overflow pipe 74, 80 extends upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction from the respective opening 76, 82 to the respective other opening 78, 84, which looks particularly good Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is recognizable. Especially good from Fig. 10 and Fig.Figure 11 shows that the overflow pipes 74 and 80 are arranged in a pivoted position. In the first embodiment, the overflow pipes 74 and 80 are arranged offset from each other, as can be seen in the figure, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0063] It is evident that circuit 42 is used to supply the electric machines 20 and 26, in particular the stators 22 and 28, with lubricant, thereby cooling and / or lubricating them. The gear sections, and thus the wheelsets, can also be supplied with lubricant, thereby cooling and lubricating them. The electric machines 20 and 26 are supplied with lubricant by means of pump 48. Preferably, a closed stator cooling system is provided for each stator 22 and 28. This means that the lubricant, acting as a cooling fluid, is conveyed via closed channels to the stators 22 and 28, through them, and then back via closed channels to the main sump, i.e., to the receiving area 46. The wheelsets and gear bearings of the transmission are lubricated and cooled by means of the aforementioned immersion lubrication.For this purpose, the gears 38d and 40d, designed as output gears, are each partially located below a level formed by the lubricant received in the receiving area 44. The rotation of each gear 38d and 40d distributes the lubricant in the receiving area 44, which is designed or functions as a wheelset chamber. In the normal position, at least some of the lubricant flung off the gears 38d and 40d can flow back into the main sump or the receiving area 46 via the overflow opening 64, also referred to as the return opening. As soon as the level of the first lubricant sump in the receiving area 44, designed as a wheelset chamber, is lower than the level P1 of the second lubricant sump in the receiving area 46, lubricant flows from the main sump into the first lubricant sump, also referred to as the wheelset sump, via the overflow pipes 74 and 80.In the operation of the drive unit 10, a continuous exchange of lubricant takes place between the receiving areas 44 and 46. A quantity of lubricant pumped by the pump 48 for cooling and lubricating the electric motors 20 and 26 passes through the filter unit 56 and the cooler 74. Thus, the lubricant supplied to the gear sections is also filtered and cooled in a bypass flow.

[0064] To ensure particularly effective cooling and lubrication of the electric motors 20 and 26, the intake opening 58 of the filter assembly 56 is located below the level P1 of the main sump in all operating situations. In the normal position and during uphill travel, this is ensured by the main sump being fluidically, i.e., hydraulically, connected to the wheelset sump in the receiving area 44 via the overflow pipes 74 and 80 (also referred to as transfer tubes or oil transfer tubes), thus establishing a sufficiently high level P1 in the main sump or receiving area 46. During braking maneuvers, downhill travel, or cornering, the main sump-side openings 78 and 84 of the overflow pipes 74 and 80 protrude above the level P1 of the main sump in the receiving area 46.The hydraulic connection between the main sump and the wheelset sump, i.e. between the receiving areas 44 and 46, is thereby interrupted, and the level P1 of the main sump in receiving area 46 does not decrease further.

[0065] Preferably, the two oil transfer tubes project into the receiving area 46 or into the main sump, wherein the main sump-side openings 78 and 84 of the overflow tubes 74 and 80, simply referred to as tubes or pipes, are located behind the intake opening 58 of the filter device 56 when viewed in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the tubes project into the main sump or into the receiving area 46, wherein the main sump-side openings 78 and 84 of the tubes are preferably located above the intake opening 58 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.Preferably, the tubes in the main sump, i.e., in the receiving area 46, are bent, angled, or cranked such that the overflow pipe 80 extending from the left part T2 on the vehicle side terminates in the main sump, i.e., in the receiving area 46, to the right and above the intake opening 58, and that the overflow pipe 74 extending from the right part T2 on the vehicle side terminates in the main sump, i.e., in the receiving area 46, to the left and above the intake opening 58. The oil transfer tubes can be pivoted or cranked so that the main sump-side openings 78 and 84 of the tubes are positioned approximately the same distance from the intake opening 58 of the filter assembly 56 in the main sump, i.e., in the receiving area 46. The respective inner diameter of each tube is, for example, proportional to the lubricant requirement of the transmission assembly 32 and is preferably in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm inclusive.

Claims

[1] Electric drive unit (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a case (18); - at least one vehicle axle (12) which has two vehicle wheels (14, 16); - at least one electric machine (20) which has a rotor (24) by means of which at least one of the vehicle wheels (14, 16) can be driven; - a transmission device (32) arranged in the housing (18), via which the at least one vehicle wheel (14, 16) can be driven by the rotor (24); - a circuit (42) through which a lubricant flows, which has: ◯ a first receiving area (44) in which the lubricant can be received by forming a first lubricant sump and at least a partial area (T) of the transmission device (32) to be lubricated and cooled by means of the lubricant is arranged; and ◯ a second receiving area (46) that is at least partially separated locally from the first receiving area (44), in which the lubricant can be received by forming a second lubricant sump; - a pump (48) arranged in the circuit (42), which is fluidically connected on its suction side (S) via a suction opening (50) arranged on the suction side (50) of the pump (48) to the second receiving area (46) and is designed to draw the lubricant from the second lubricant sump (46) on the suction side (S) via the suction opening (50) and to convey it through the circuit (42); - at least one overflow opening (64) formed in the housing (18), through which the lubricant can be returned from the transmission device (32) to the second receiving area (46); - at least one overflow pipe (74) provided in addition to the overflow opening (64) and through which the lubricant can flow, which has a first opening (76) via which the overflow pipe (74) is fluidically connected to the first receiving area (44), and a second opening (78) via which the overflow pipe (74) is fluidically connected to the second receiving area (46), wherein the second opening (78) is arranged below the overflow opening (64) in the installation position of the electric drive unit (10) in the vehicle's upward direction, and wherein the second opening (78) is located in the vehicle's upward direction in the installation position of the electric drive unit (10): ◯ is located above the suction opening (50) of the pump (48); and / or ◯ above a further intake opening (58) of a filter device (56) arranged on the suction side (S) of the pump (48) and thus upstream of the pump (48) for filtering the lubricant drawn in by the pump (48) and flowing towards the intake opening (50) of the pump (48); and - a second overflow pipe (80) provided in addition to the overflow opening (64) and in addition to the overflow pipe (74) as the first overflow pipe and through which the lubricant flows, which has a third opening (82) via which the second overflow pipe (80) is fluidically connected to the first receiving area (44), and a fourth opening (84) via which the second overflow pipe (80) is fluidically connected to the second receiving area (46). [2] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least part of the electric machine (20) is arranged in the circuit (42) and is thereby cooled and / or lubricated by means of the lubricant. [3] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the electric machine (20) is arranged parallel to the vehicle axis (12). [4] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second opening (78) in the installation position of the electric drive unit (10) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle: - is located in front of the suction opening (50) of the pump; and / or - is located behind the further intake opening (58) of the filter device (56). [5] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the overflow pipe (74) has a kinked or bent course when viewed from the first opening (76) to the second opening (78). [6] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first overflow pipe (74) has a kinked or bent first course when viewed from the first opening (76) to the second opening (78) and the second overflow pipe (80) has a kinked or bent second course when viewed from the third opening (82) to the fourth opening (84), such that in the installed position of the electric drive unit (10) in the transverse direction of the vehicle: - the first opening (76) is arranged to the right of the second opening (78); and - the second opening (78) is arranged to the left of the fourth opening (84); and - the third opening (82) is located to the left of the fourth opening (84). [7] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first overflow pipe (74) from the first opening (76) towards the second opening (78) has the kinked or bent first course and the second overflow pipe (80) from the third opening (82) towards the fourth opening (84) has the kinked or bent second course, such that in the installed position of the electric drive unit (10) in the transverse direction of the vehicle: - the second opening (76) is located to the left of the intake opening (50) of the pump (48) and / or to the left of the further intake opening (58) of the filter assembly (56); and - the fourth opening (84) is located to the right of the intake opening (50) of the pump (48) and / or to the right of the further intake opening (58) of the filter device (56). [8] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fourth opening (84) in the installation position of the electric drive unit (10) is arranged in the vehicle upward direction below the overflow opening (64), wherein the fourth opening (84) in the installation position of the electric drive unit (10) in the vehicle upward direction: - is located above the suction opening (50) of the pump (48); and / or - is located above the further intake opening (58) of the filter device (56). [9] Motor vehicle, with an electric drive device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

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