Powertrain device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

comprising a powertrain device (20) for a motor vehicle: - a housing (21) for separating a housing interior (I) from a housing exterior (A) and a sealing device with a sealing bell (5) with a second opening (8), wherein - the housing (21) has a receptacle (22) for an actuator (1), - wherein the receptacle (22) extends towards the interior of the housing (I) to form installation space for the actuator (1) inside the drive train device (20), - wherein the outer diameter of the second opening (8) of the sealing bell (5) of the sealing device (4) of the actuator (1) exceeds the outer diameter of the receptacle (22), - wherein the sealing bell (5) has a first opening (6) through which the output device (3) or an output shaft (9) of the output device (3) is passed, - wherein the sealing bell (5) with its first opening (6) is arranged on the output device (3) or on an output shaft (9) of the output device (3), - wherein a fluid is filled into the housing interior (I) and forms a fluid level (27) inside the housing (21), and - wherein the first opening (6) is located above the fluid level (27).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drive train device for a motor vehicle.

[0002] As is well known, in powertrain components for a motor vehicle, such as an e-axle, an actuator for operating, for example, an electronic locking differential, is safely positioned above the fluid surface of the oil or lubricating oil of the powertrain component. Alternatively, the actuator can also be positioned outside the housing of the powertrain component.

[0003] For example, the state of the art refers to DE 10 2017 216 174 A1, DE 10 2009 014 595 A1, DE 10 2012 213 153 A1 and DE 10 2022 208 483 A1.

[0004] However, the aforementioned designs increase the installation space of a powertrain component within a vehicle, which may necessitate further design modifications to the vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a drive train device for a motor vehicle which can be manufactured cost-effectively and with minimal material usage, and which ensures a space-saving design of an actuator and / or a drive train device.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an actuator for a drivetrain device of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain device of a motor vehicle may, for example, be an axle differential, a transmission, or an axle drive device, such as an e-axle.

[0008] The actuator comprises an actuator housing, an output device which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to the actuator housing, and a sealing device for sealing the output device to an opening of a housing of a drive train device.

[0009] Furthermore, the sealing device includes a sealing bell that is fixed to the output device. The sealing bell can be designed like a diving bell, open at the bottom. The diving or sealing bell can enclose a large part of the actuator and provide a static seal.

[0010] In this process, a fluid such as air, which has a lower density than oil or a coolant / lubricant, may be present in the sealing bell. When the sealing bell is lowered into oil, an air bubble may form inside it. This air bubble can be compressed by the oil pressure until the oil pressure and the air pressure inside the sealing bell are equal. In this way, the oil can be prevented from penetrating the actuator housing or the actuator itself. Temperature fluctuations inside the actuator, as well as pressure fluctuations in the surrounding environment or in the outer housing of a drivetrain device, can cause the interface between the fluid / oil and air within the actuator's sealing bell to shift.Furthermore, it can be stated that if the sealing bell is pulled sufficiently deep downwards around the actuator, the height of the separating layer can never reach the height of a second seal of the sealing device on the output shaft, thus ensuring that the actuator is always dry inside.

[0011] Furthermore, the sealing bell can be attached to the output device by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit connection. Thus, the sealing bell can easily create a sealed space with the output device.

[0012] The sealing bell can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation.

[0013] Furthermore, the sealing bell can be cup-shaped in cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation, or it can have a cup shape. This makes the sealing bell simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] The sealing bell may have a first opening through which the output device or an output shaft of the output device is passed.

[0015] Furthermore, the sealing bell with its first opening can be arranged, e.g., in a rotationally fixed manner, on the output device or on an output shaft of the output device.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing device may include a primary seal, such as an O-ring. This primary seal may be located inside the sealing bell and / or in the area of ​​the first opening of the sealing bell. This serves as an additional precautionary measure to prevent oil from penetrating the interior of the sealing bell at the interface between the output device or the output shaft of the output device.

[0017] Furthermore, the sealing bell can have a second opening through which a housing for a drive train device can be guided, so that the sealing bell can accommodate the housing and / or the actuator inside it.

[0018] Furthermore, the actuator can have an overall height. This overall height can extend from a free-hanging end of the output device or from a free-hanging end of the output shaft of the output device to the opposite end of the actuator housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the edge of the sealing bell can protrude in the area of ​​the second opening in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible that the output device includes an output shaft that is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing.

[0021] The sealing bell and the output shaft can also be materially bonded together.

[0022] Furthermore, the sealing device can include a second seal, such as a radial shaft seal. The second seal can be in contact with the output device or its output shaft via a sealing lip. The second seal can be fixed to a housing of a drive train device or to a receptacle of a drive train device housing in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0023] Furthermore, the actuator may have an electric drive with which the output device is rotatable relative to the actuator housing and / or to a housing of a drive train device.

[0024] The electric drive can be operatively connected to an output shaft of the output device, so that the rotational power of the electric drive can be transmitted to the output device. The electric drive can also include an electrical connection, allowing the actuator to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0025] Furthermore, the output device can include an output shaft that is designed to rotate relative to the actuator housing. The output device can also have an output, such as a gear, which can be located at a cantilevered end of the output device or at a cantilevered end of the output shaft of the output device.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention comprises a drive train device, such as an axle differential or transmission, or an axle drive device, such as an e-axle, for a motor vehicle.

[0027] It is expressly pointed out that the characteristics of the actuator, as mentioned under the first aspect, can be used individually or in combination in the drive train device.

[0028] In other words, the features relating to the actuator mentioned above under the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with further features under the second aspect of the invention.

[0029] A drivetrain device, such as an axle differential or transmission, or an axle drive device, such as an e-axle or electric axle or electric drive axle, for a motor vehicle comprises a housing to separate an interior space from an exterior space. The housing or the interior space may be filled with a fluid, such as oil, up to a certain fluid level or until a certain fluid level is established within the housing or the interior space. At least one vehicle wheel may be arranged on the drivetrain device.

[0030] Furthermore, the housing features a recess for an actuator, which extends towards the interior of the housing to create installation space for the actuator within the drivetrain assembly. In other words, the recess can indent the housing or protrude into it in such a way that the housing volume is reduced, and the amount of oil or fluid contained within the housing can also be reduced compared to a housing without a recess. This ensures a space-saving design for the actuator and / or drivetrain assembly.

[0031] In this description, the term "housing interior" can refer to the inside of a housing or the housing interior. Similarly, the term "housing exterior" can refer to the outside of a housing or the housing exterior. It can also be interpreted as referring to the space outside the housing.

[0032] Furthermore, the mounting can be geometrically designed and / or adapted to an actuator in such a way that the actuator housing has a certain height. The actuator housing can be positioned within the mounting to at least 25% or at least 50% of its height. Additionally, the height of the actuator housing can extend along the actuator's axis of rotation. The higher the percentage, the more installation space can be saved for the actuator.

[0033] Furthermore, the drive train device can include an actuator according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0034] The housing may also have an opening for an output device of the actuator or for its output shaft.

[0035] Furthermore, a third seal, such as an O-ring, can be positioned between the mounting point or between the housing and the actuator. This prevents oil from leaking out of the housing.

[0036] The actuator can also be statically sealed from below in the housing, and the electrical connection can also be pressure-tight, so that the overpressure created by the liquid column inside the actuator housing cannot escape to the environment or the outer housing space A.

[0037] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the second opening of the sealing bell of the actuator's sealing device can exceed the outer diameter of the receptacle.

[0038] The recording can also be rotationally symmetrical.

[0039] Furthermore, the drive train device can include an actuable assembly, such as a clutch, which can be actuated by the actuator. The actuated assembly can be operatively connected to the actuator, for example, via the output device or its output shaft and / or via an output, such as a gear, which can be arranged at the cantilevered end of the output device or at the cantilevered end of the output shaft.

[0040] Furthermore, the sealing bell can have a first opening through which the output device or an output shaft of the output device can pass. The sealing bell with its first opening can be arranged, e.g., in a rotationally fixed manner, on the output device or on an output shaft of the output device.

[0041] Furthermore, a fluid, such as oil, can be filled into the housing interior, forming a fluid level within the housing. The first opening can be positioned above this fluid level, thus preventing oil from entering the sealing bell. Additionally, the first seal can further prevent fluid or oil from entering at the connection point between the first opening and the output shaft.

[0042] Furthermore, the sealing bell can have a height that is aligned with the axis of rotation. A fluid can be filled into the housing interior, forming a fluid level within the housing. The height of the sealing bell can be at least 25% or at least 50% of the height of the fluid level inside the housing. To determine the height of the fluid level, the sealing bell can be immersed in the fluid and / or in the housing interior, or it may not be.

[0043] The height of the fluid level can also extend from the surface of the fluid level to the bottom of the housing.

[0044] The invention concept presented above is expressed again and in addition in other words below.

[0045] This concept – simplified – involves a downward-facing sealing bell, modeled after a diving bell, which can enclose a large part of an actuator. The diving bell or sealing bell can statically seal the actuator and can be connected to an output shaft of the actuator's output device.

[0046] Although the sealing bell rotates with the output shaft when the output shaft is actuated, the slight shear effect in the oil that may be filled inside a housing of a drive train device is not disruptive as an additional frictional torque and / or drag torque to be overcome compared to the operating torques.

[0047] When the actuator with sealing bell is arranged in the oil inside a housing of a drive train device, the actuator can be statically sealed (e.g. from below) in the housing of a drive train device (also referred to as an oil pan).

[0048] Furthermore, the electrical connection of the actuator can be designed to be pressure-tight, so that the overpressure created by the liquid column inside the actuator housing cannot escape to the surroundings.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be noted that temperature fluctuations inside the actuator, as well as pressure fluctuations in the surrounding environment, can also cause the oil-air interface within the actuator's sealing bell to fluctuate. This can occur, for example, if the sealing bell extends sufficiently far down around the actuator. In this case, the height of the interface may not reach the height of the dynamic seal on the output shaft, resulting in the actuator remaining dry inside.

[0050] Furthermore, the element to be actuated or an actuable assembly can be arranged above the oil level, below the oil level, or partially immersed.

[0051] The actuator can also be partially or completely submerged; this may affect the actuator's internal pressure, but the basic function remains intact.

[0052] In short, due to space constraints, it is desirable to position the actuator in the oil sump. To extend the actuator's service life, contamination of the actuator by "dirty" oil should be avoided.

[0053] For this purpose, a sealing bell connected in a rotationally fixed manner to an output device of the actuator or a rotationally fixed manner to an output shaft of an output device of the actuator can be used to shield the actuator.

[0054] The sealing bell can enclose the actuator circumferentially and / or from above. In the bottom area of ​​the oil sump, the sealing bell can be open.

[0055] The sealing bell can contain a fluid with a lower density than oil, such as air.

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These schematically show: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a powertrain device for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment; and Fig. 2 A schematic sectional view of a drive train device for a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0057] In the following description, the same reference symbols are used for the same objects.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a drive train device 20 for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0059] Specifically described, it shows Fig. 1. A drivetrain device 20 for a motor vehicle. The drivetrain device 20 can be an axle differential, a transmission, or an axle drive device, such as an e-axle.

[0060] According to Fig. 1 The drive train device 20 has a housing 21 to separate a housing interior I from a housing exterior A. The housing 21 or the housing interior I is filled with oil up to the fluid level 27.

[0061] Furthermore, the housing 21 has a receptacle 22 for an actuator 1, the receptacle 22 extending towards the housing interior I to create installation space for the actuator 1 inside the drive train device 20. In other words, the receptacle 22 dents the housing 21 or springs back into the housing 21 in such a way that the volume of the housing 21 is reduced and the amount of oil filled into the housing interior I is also reduced compared to a housing without a receptacle 22.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the receptacle 22 is geometrically designed and adapted to an actuator 1 such that an actuator housing 2 of the actuator 1 has a height X. The actuator housing 2 is positioned in the receptacle 22 to at least 50% of its height X. The height X of the actuator housing 2 extends along the axis of rotation D of the actuator 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the drive train device 20 comprises - as already indicated - an actuator 1, which is described in more detail below, wherein the housing 21 has an opening 23 for an output device 3 of the actuator 1 or for its output shaft 9.

[0064] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 1 shows that a third seal 24, such as an O-ring, is arranged between the receptacle 22 or between the housing 21 and the actuator 1. This prevents oil from escaping from the housing 21. The actuator 1 is also statically sealed from below within the housing 21, and the electrical connection 28 is pressure-tight, so that the overpressure created by the liquid column inside the actuator housing 2 of the actuator 1 cannot escape to the surroundings or the outer housing space A.

[0065] Returning to the actuator 1. The actuator 1 has an actuator housing 2, an output device 3 which is rotatable about a rotational axis D and relative to the actuator housing 2, and a sealing device 4 for sealing the output device 3 at the opening 23 of the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0066] As already mentioned, the output device 3 has an output shaft 9 which is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2.

[0067] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. 1 shows that the sealing device 4 has a second seal 10, such as a radial shaft seal.

[0068] The second seal 10 is in contact with the output device 3 or its output shaft 9 with a sealing lip and is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0069] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1, that the actuator 1 has an electric drive 11 with which the output device 3 is rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2 and also to the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0070] The electric drive 11 is operatively connected to the output shaft 9 of the output device 3, so that the rotational power of the electric drive 11 can be transmitted to the output device 3. The electric drive 11 includes an electrical connection 28, so that the actuator 1 can be supplied with electrical energy.

[0071] Furthermore, the output device 3 has an output 12, such as a gear, which is arranged at a cantilevered end of the output device 3 or at a cantilevered end of the output shaft 9.

[0072] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1, that the drive train device 20 comprises an actuable assembly 25, such as a clutch, which can be actuated by the actuator 1.

[0073] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a drive train device 20 for a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0074] A more detailed illustration shows Fig. 2 a drivetrain device 20 for a motor vehicle. The drivetrain device 20 can be an axle differential or a transmission or an axle drive device, such as an e-axle.

[0075] According to Fig. 2 The drive train device 20 is a housing 21 for separating a housing interior I from a housing exterior A. The housing 21 is filled with oil up to the fluid level 27.

[0076] The housing 21 has a receptacle 22 for an actuator 1, the receptacle 22 extending towards the housing interior I to create installation space for the actuator 1 inside the drive train device 20. In other words, the receptacle 22 indents the housing 21 or springs back into the housing 21 in such a way that the volume of the housing 21 is reduced and the amount of oil filled into the housing interior I is also reduced compared to a housing without a receptacle 22.

[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the receptacle 22 is geometrically designed for and / or adapted to an actuator 1 such that an actuator housing 2 of the actuator 1 has a height X. The actuator housing 2 is positioned in the receptacle 22 to at least 50% of its height X. The height X of the actuator housing 2 extends along the axis of rotation D of the actuator 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the drive train device 20 comprises - as already indicated - an actuator 1, which is described in more detail below, wherein the housing 21 has an opening 23 for an output device 3 of the actuator 1 or for its output shaft 9.

[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a third seal 24, such as an O-ring, is arranged between the receptacle 22 or between the housing 21 and the actuator 1. This prevents oil from leaking out of the housing 21.

[0080] Returning to the actuator 1. The actuator 1 has an actuator housing 2, an output device 3 which is rotatable about a rotational axis D and relative to the actuator housing 2, and a sealing device 4 for sealing the output device 3 at the opening 23 of the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0081] The sealing device 4 has a sealing bell 5 which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the output device 3.

[0082] Strictly speaking, the sealing bell 5 is materially bonded to the output device 3 and is rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation D.

[0083] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2, that the sealing bell 5 is pot-shaped in section perpendicular to the axis of rotation D or has a pot shape.

[0084] The sealing bell 5 has a first opening 6 through which the output device 3 or an output shaft 9 of the output device 3 is passed.

[0085] The sealing bell 5 is arranged with its first opening 6 in a rotationally fixed manner on the output device 3 or on its output shaft 9.

[0086] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the sealing device 4 has a first seal 7, such as an O-ring, wherein the first seal 7 is arranged inside the sealing bell 5 and in the area of ​​the first opening 6. The first seal 7 helps to protect the connection point between the first opening 6 and the output shaft 9.

[0087] Furthermore, it should be noted that a fluid, such as oil, is filled into the housing interior I and that the fluid forms a fluid level 27 within the housing 21. The first opening 6 of the sealing bell 5 is located above the fluid level 27. This prevents oil from entering the sealing bell 5. Additionally, the first seal 7 further prevents fluid or oil from entering at the connection point between the first opening 6 and the output shaft 9.

[0088] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2, that the sealing bell 5 has a second opening 8 through which the receptacle 22 of the housing 21 of the drive train device 20 can be guided, so that the sealing bell 5 receives the receptacle 22 of the housing 21 or also the actuator 1 inside it.

[0089] The sealing bell 5 has a height H that is aligned with the axis of rotation D. A fluid is filled into the housing interior I, forming a fluid level 27 within the housing 21. The height H of the sealing bell 5 corresponds to at least 50% of the height of the fluid level 27 in the housing interior I of the housing 21. Furthermore, the height of the fluid level 27 extends from the surface of the fluid level 27 to a housing base of the housing 21.

[0090] According to Fig. 2 The edge of the sealing bell 5 projects forward in the area of ​​the second opening 8 in the direction of the axis of rotation D. The outer diameter of the second opening 8 projects beyond the outer diameter of the receptacle 22, which is rotationally symmetrical.

[0091] As already mentioned several times, the output device 3 has an output shaft 9 which is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2. The sealing bell 5 and the output shaft 6 are bonded together.

[0092] The sealing bell 5 is, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows a model based on a diving bell that is open at the bottom. The diving or sealing bell 5 encloses a large part of the actuator 1 and provides a static seal.

[0093] Here, the sealing bell 5 contains a fluid with a lower density than the oil, such as air. As the sealing bell 5 is lowered into the oil, the air bubble inside is compressed by the oil pressure until the oil pressure and the air pressure in the sealing bell 5 are equal. This equilibrium of forces is in Fig. 2 is shown as the separating layer 26. Due to temperature fluctuations inside the actuator 1 and also due to pressure fluctuations in the environment or in the outer housing space A, the separating layer 26 between the fluid / oil and air in the actuator 1 within the sealing bell 5 can fluctuate. Furthermore, it should be noted that if the sealing bell 5 extends sufficiently far down around the actuator 1, the height of the separating layer 26 can never reach the height of a second seal 10 of the sealing device 4 on the output shaft 9, and thus the inside of the actuator 1 is always dry.

[0094] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. 2 shows that the sealing device 4 has a second seal 10, such as a radial shaft seal.

[0095] The second seal 10 is in contact with the output device 3 or its output shaft 9 with a sealing lip and is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the housing 21 of the drive train device 20 or on the receptacle 22.

[0096] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2, that the actuator 1 has an electric drive 11 with which the output device 3 is rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2 and also to the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0097] The electric drive 11 is operatively connected to the output shaft 9 of the output device 3, so that the rotational power of the electric drive 11 can be transmitted to the output device 3. The electric drive 11 includes an electrical connection 28, so that the actuator 1 can be supplied with electrical energy.

[0098] Furthermore, the output device 3 has an output 12, such as a gear, which is arranged at the cantilevered end of the output device 3 or at the cantilevered end of the output shaft 9.

[0099] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2, that the drive train device 20 comprises an actuable assembly 25, such as a clutch, which can be actuated by the actuator 1. Reference symbol list 1 actuator 2 actuator housings 3 Output device 4 Sealing device 5 Sealing bell 6 first opening 7 first seal 8 second opening 9 Output shaft 10 second seal 11 electric drive 12 Drive 20 Powertrain device 21 cases 22nd recording 23 Opening 24 third seal 25 actuated assembly 26 Separation layer 27 Fluid Levels 28 electrical connection D axis of rotation I Housing interior A housing exterior H Height of the sealing bell X Height of the actuator housing

Claims

[1] comprising a powertrain assembly (20) for a motor vehicle: - a housing (21) for separating a housing interior (I) from a housing exterior (A) and a sealing device with a sealing bell (5) with a second opening (8), wherein - the housing (21) has a receptacle (22) for an actuator (1), - wherein the receptacle (22) extends towards the interior of the housing (I) to form installation space for the actuator (1) inside the drive train device (20), - wherein the outer diameter of the second opening (8) of the sealing bell (5) of the sealing device (4) of the actuator (1) exceeds the outer diameter of the receptacle (22), - wherein the sealing bell (5) has a first opening (6) through which the output device (3) or an output shaft (9) of the output device (3) is passed, - wherein the sealing bell (5) with its first opening (6) is arranged on the output device (3) or on an output shaft (9) of the output device (3), - wherein a fluid is filled into the housing interior (I) and forms a fluid level (27) inside the housing (21), and - wherein the first opening (6) is located above the fluid level (27). [2] comprising a powertrain assembly (20) for a motor vehicle: - a housing (21) for separating a housing interior (I) from a housing exterior (A) and a sealing bell, where - the housing (21) has a receptacle (22) for an actuator (1), - wherein the receptacle (22) extends towards the interior of the housing (I) to form installation space for the actuator (1) inside the drive train device (20), - wherein the sealing bell (5) has a height (H) which is aligned in the same orientation as the axis of rotation (D), - wherein a fluid is filled into the housing interior (I) and forms a fluid level (27) inside the housing (21), - wherein the height (H) of the sealing bell (5) corresponds to at least 25% or at least 50% of the height of the fluid level (27) in the housing interior (I), and - wherein the height of the fluid level (27) extends from the surface of the fluid level (27) towards a housing base of the housing (21). [3] Drive train device according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the receptacle (22) is geometrically designed for an actuator (1) and / or adapted to an actuator (1) such that an actuator housing (2) of the actuator (1) has a height (X), - wherein the actuator housing (2) can be placed in the receptacle (22) to at least 25% or at least 50% of its height (X), and - wherein the height (X) of the actuator housing (2) extends along the axis of rotation (D) of the actuator (1). [4] Powertrain device according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the drive train device (20) comprises an actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and - wherein the housing (21) has an opening (23) for an output device (3) of the actuator (1) or for its output shaft (9).

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