Gearbox cover for a gearbox housing

The gearbox cover with a protected microporous membrane and drainage channels addresses pressure equalization issues in gearbox housings, ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance by preventing dust and water ingress, achieving IP68 protection.

DE102024211757A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-11BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
Filing Date
2024-12-10
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing gearbox housings in motor vehicles face challenges with pressure equalization, leading to potential leaks and damage due to temperature changes, with vent pipes allowing dust and water ingress, while diaphragms provide better protection but are not commonly used for gearbox housings.

Method used

A gearbox cover with a die-cast cover plate featuring a microporous membrane protected by a protective cap, ensuring pressure equalization without allowing liquids or particles to enter the gearbox housing, and incorporating drainage channels to prevent moisture accumulation.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides reliable and safe pressure equalization, achieving IP68 protection and easy maintenance, while preventing dust and water ingress, ensuring the gearbox's correct functioning and simplifying leak testing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a gearbox cover (38) for a gearbox housing (40), comprising a cover plate (56) for closing a space (42) of the gearbox housing (40), wherein the cover plate (56) has an inner side facing the space (42) and an outer side (62) facing away from the space (42), wherein a blind-hole-like receptacle (60) is provided in the outer side (62), wherein a pressure equalization opening (66) is provided in the bottom (63) of the receptacle (60) which completely penetrates the cover plate (56) towards the inner side, wherein the pressure equalization opening (66) is covered with a diaphragm (68) arranged in the receptacle (60), and wherein a protective cap (70) is fixed in the receptacle (60) in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a gearbox cover for a gearbox housing, comprising a cover plate for closing a compartment of the gearbox housing. The invention further relates to a gearbox housing and a gearbox unit, as well as a gearbox actuator, each of which comprises such a gearbox cover.

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, electric motors are used in a variety of ways to drive different actuators. For example, such electric motor drives are used for transmission actuators. In this case, a transmission unit is coupled to the electric motor. The electric motor and the transmission unit are generally designed as two separate systems, each with its own independent housing (motor housing, transmission housing). When assembled, the housings are coupled to each other in such a way that the electric motor is connected to the transmission unit's gearbox.

[0003] Such motor and gearbox housings must be designed and constructed for relatively wide temperature ranges to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the gearbox actuator. Temperature changes or varying operating conditions can lead to variations in the (air) volume enclosed within the housings, potentially resulting in excessive overpressure or underpressure. This could impair the seals or other internal components, leading to unwanted (housing) leaks or damage.

[0004] Therefore, such housings are generally equipped with so-called pressure equalization elements (venting elements). For this purpose, a housing opening equipped with the pressure equalization element is incorporated into the respective housing, and such a housing opening is subsequently also referred to as a pressure equalization opening.

[0005] In this and the following, a "pressure equalization element" refers specifically to a component that enables pressure equalization between the interior of a housing and the external environment. A pressure equalization element allows gases to pass through in order to compensate for pressure differences caused by temperature changes or operating conditions. This allows the housing to "breathe," which is why such pressure equalization elements are also called breathing elements.

[0006] Since the engine housing and the transmission housing each enclose their own installation space (or air volume), a dedicated pressure equalization element is provided for each. These pressure equalization elements can be designed differently. For example, the engine housing has a pressure equalization element designed as a diaphragm. Due to greater mechanical and chemical stresses, transmission housings often use more robust vent pipes instead of diaphragms as pressure equalization elements.

[0007] In this and the following, a pressure equalization element designed as a "membrane" (or "breather membrane") refers specifically to a microporous or semipermeable material or filter element that enables pressure equalization within the housing. The membrane allows gases to pass through in order to equalize pressure differences. The membrane essentially covers the pressure equalization opening completely, thus preventing the ingress of liquids or particles into the housing.

[0008] In this and the following, a "breather tube" refers specifically to a pipe- or hose-like component that equalizes pressure within the housing. The breather tube allows the exchange of air or gases between the engine's interior and the surrounding environment to compensate for pressure differences caused by temperature changes or operating conditions. Unlike a diaphragm, the pressure equalization opening is not covered. The ingress of liquids or particles into the housing is minimized by, for example, a U-shaped or labyrinthine bend or shape of the breather tube.

[0009] The motor housing is therefore essentially completely sealed, and no dust and / or water can penetrate the motor housing during operation of the drive. However, water and dust can penetrate the gearbox housing because the vent pipe does not contain a filter element.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable gearbox cover for a gearbox housing. In particular, it aims to enable reliable and operationally safe pressure equalization in a gearbox housing without allowing liquids or particles to penetrate the gearbox housing. The invention further aims to provide a particularly suitable gearbox housing, a particularly suitable gearbox unit, and a particularly suitable gearbox actuator.

[0011] With regard to the gearbox cover, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, with regard to the gearbox housing by the features of claim 8, with regard to the gearbox unit by the features of claim 9, and with regard to the gearbox actuator by the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The advantages and embodiments mentioned with regard to the gearbox cover are also transferable, mutatis mutandis, to the gearbox housing and / or the gearbox unit and / or the gearbox actuator, and vice versa.

[0012] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following as meaning that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be both common and alternative to each other.

[0013] The gearbox cover according to the invention is designed, suitable, and configured for a gearbox housing, in particular for a gearbox housing of a gearbox actuator. The gearbox cover has a cover plate (cover body) for closing a space within the gearbox housing. In other words, in the assembled state, the gearbox cover is joined to the gearbox housing in such a way that a substantially enclosed space, in particular for accommodating a gearbox, is formed.

[0014] The cover plate, manufactured for example as a die-cast part, particularly as an aluminum die-cast part, has an inner surface facing the installation space and an outer surface facing away from the installation space when installed. A blind-hole-like recess is incorporated into the outer surface. In other words, an approximately cylindrical recess or depression is formed in the outer surface, which does not completely penetrate the cover plate. The recess thus has a base and a surrounding side wall (inner wall).

[0015] The following information pertains to spatial directions, particularly with regard to the mounting. "Axial" or "axial direction" refers specifically to a direction parallel (coaxial) to a central axis, i.e., perpendicular to the end faces of the mounting or perpendicular to the outer and inner surfaces. In the installed state, the axial direction is, for example, perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Similarly, "radial" or "radial direction" refers specifically to a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the central axis along a radius of the mounting. "Tangential" or "tangential direction" refers specifically to a direction along the circumference of the mounting (circumferential direction, azimuthal direction), i.e., a direction perpendicular to both the axial and radial directions.

[0016] The receiver is thus inserted into the cover plate or the outside along the axial direction, with its side wall running along the tangential direction.

[0017] A pressure equalization opening is incorporated into the base of the housing, which completely penetrates the cover plate on the inside. This pressure equalization opening is aligned coaxially along the axial direction of the housing, with the hole-like opening connecting the installation space to the outside or the surrounding area of ​​the gearbox housing when assembled.

[0018] The pressure equalization opening is covered by a membrane arranged in the receptacle, which serves as the pressure equalization element. The membrane, which is particularly microporous or semipermeable, covers the pressure equalization opening substantially completely, thus preventing the ingress of liquids or particles into the installation space. In particular, the membrane is oleophobic, i.e., oil-repellent, so that, for example, the ingress of gear oil into the gearbox housing is prevented. Preferably, the membrane is approximately circular and fits radially into the receptacle in a form-fitting manner, so that it is essentially stationary with respect to the pressure equalization opening.

[0019] According to the invention, a protective cap, for example a plug-like one, is fixed in the receptacle by means of a form-fit and / or force-fit connection to protect the diaphragm. The diaphragm is thus provided with a protective cap that shields it from dirt and particles from the outside and prevents damage to the diaphragm. This results in a particularly suitable gearbox cover.

[0020] The (circular) cylindrical receptacle, for example, has a protective cap on an end face opposite the base and facing the environment, to cover the receptacle or the membrane. The protective cap is preferably designed as a cost-effective plastic component, for example, as an injection-molded part. The protective cap and the base also allow for an axial positive and / or force-fit connection to hold the membrane.

[0021] The term "positive locking" or "positive locking connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and in the following to mean, in particular, that the cohesion of the interconnected parts in at least one direction is achieved either through a direct interlocking of the contours of the parts themselves or through an indirect interlocking via an additional connecting element. The "blocking" of mutual movement in this direction is thus due to the form.

[0022] In the following, a "force-fit" or "force-fit connection" between at least two connected parts is understood to mean, in particular, that the connected parts are prevented from sliding against each other due to a frictional force acting between them. If a "connecting force" that generates this frictional force is absent (this means the force that presses the parts against each other, for example, a screw force or the force of gravity itself), the force-fit connection cannot be maintained and can therefore be broken.

[0023] According to the invention, it is thus possible to use a diaphragm as a pressure equalization element in a gearbox housing. The diaphragm is protected from the increased mechanical stresses of the gearbox-side installation situation by the protective cap, making it possible to use a pressure equalization element that not only minimizes, but preferably completely prevents, the ingress of moisture and particles into the gearbox housing. Preferably, the arrangement according to the invention achieves IP68 protection in accordance with the IEC 60529 standard. This ensures reliable and safe pressure equalization. In particular, this also enables a particularly cost-effective gearbox cover for a gearbox actuator, since the pressure equalization element for the motor housing and the gearbox housing can be designed as identical parts (diaphragm).

[0024] Unlike a vent pipe, the diaphragm ensures that no water or dust can enter the gearbox housing. This guarantees the correct functioning of the gearbox during pressure equalization.

[0025] Due to the resulting robust system, a particularly simple leak test for the housing cover can be performed. Compared to the pressure required for mounting the vent pipe, the diaphragm is easy to install in its receptacle, as it is secured by the protective cap. For service, maintenance, or repair work, the diaphragm can be easily replaced by removing the protective cap, without having to detach the gearbox cover from the gearbox housing.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the protective cap is fixed in the receptacle in a non-destructive manner. This makes it possible to remove the protective cap from the receptacle without damage. The receptacle, in particular, has a fastening contour for the positive and / or non-positive attachment or retention of the protective cap. When attached, the protective cap conceals the receptacle from the outside. The fastening of the protective cap by means of the fastening contours is preferably designed such that, when attached, the protective cap presses axially onto the membrane to hold it securely in a desired installation position.

[0027] The fastening contour is in particular incorporated into the side wall (inner wall, inner lining) of the receptacle, with the corresponding counter contour being arranged in particular on an outer wall or outer surface of the protective cap.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cap is screwed into the receptacle. Thus, in the assembled state, the protective cap is screwed to the cover plate or the receptacle. In other words, the receptacle and the protective cap are designed for a threaded connection. For this purpose, the receptacle is preferably designed as a threaded bore. In other words, an internal thread is provided in the side wall of the receptacle, and the protective cap is provided, at least partially, with a corresponding external thread.

[0029] This allows for a particularly simple and stable rotary fastening of the protective cap. In particular, the membrane is pressed axially against the base by the threaded connection of the protective cap, whereby this axial pressing or clamping force can be used, for example, as a sealing force (sealing pressure) to seal the pressure equalization opening.

[0030] An additional aspect of the invention provides that two radial, in particular channel-like, recesses are formed in the circumferential side wall of the receptacle. The first and second recesses are arranged diametrically opposite each other, with each recess forming a clear gap or space between the receptacle and the protective cap. Preferably, the recesses are oriented in the installed state in line with the direction of gravity, with the first recess being located above the second recess. The recesses are essentially designed as water channels (drainage channels) and are such that the channels formed by the clear gaps allow water to pass through. This allows water and moisture to be drained from the receptacle or from the membrane, preventing water from accumulating near the membrane area.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the first (upper) recess extends from an inlet-like recess located at an opening edge of the receptacle, in particular in a straight line to the base. The course of the first recess is essentially parallel to the axial direction. The second (lower) recess extends, in particular, from the base across the side wall to the outer surface of the cover plate. This creates a drainage channel from the receptacle to the outer surface of the cover plate. Advantageously, the course of the second recess has an angle of inclination relative to the course of the first recess. Due to this inclination, the second recess is radially inclined to the axial direction.

[0032] This results in a structurally simple and reliable drainage system for water and moisture.

[0033] The gearbox housing according to the invention is designed, suitable, and configured for a gearbox actuator. The gearbox housing comprises, for example, a cup-shaped housing part and a housing cover as described above. In the assembled state, the housing cover is attached to the end face of the housing part, creating a space between them for accommodating a gearbox. The use of a housing cover according to the invention results in a particularly suitable gearbox housing, enabling pressure equalization within the installation space without the risk of moisture or particles ingress. This results in a particularly suitable gearbox housing.

[0034] The gear unit according to the invention is designed, suitable, and configured for use with a gear actuator. The gear unit comprises a gear housing as described above and a gear unit arranged therein within the installation space. This results in a particularly suitable gear unit.

[0035] The transmission actuator according to the invention is intended for, suitable for, and configured for use in a motor vehicle. The transmission actuator comprises an electric motor drive and a transmission unit as described above. The electric motor drive is coupled to the transmission of the transmission unit. In particular, the transmission housing of the transmission unit is attached to the end face of a motor housing of the electric motor drive in such a way that a drive shaft (motor shaft) of the drive engages at least partially within the installation space of the transmission housing. This results in a particularly suitable transmission actuator.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in perspective view a gear actuator with a gear cover, Fig. 2 in sectional view the electromechanical drive according to line II-II in Fig. 1, Fig. 3. A partial perspective view of the gearbox cover, Fig. 4 in sectional view the recording according to line IV-IV in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 in sectional view the recording according to line VV in Fig. 1.

[0037] Corresponding parts and sizes are always marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0038] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a transmission actuator 2 for a motor vehicle. The transmission actuator 2 has an electric motor drive 4 and a transmission unit 6 coupled to it in terms of drive technology.

[0039] The electric motor drive 4 has a drive or motor housing 8. The motor housing 8, designed as an H-shaped housing, is divided into two housing sections by an integrated intermediate wall 10. The first housing section is designed as a motor mounting space for accommodating an electric motor 12, while the second housing section is designed as an electronics compartment 14 for accommodating (motor) electronics 16 that control the electric motor 12. The motor mounting space is located on the side of the intermediate wall 10 facing the gearbox 6, and the electronics compartment 14 is located on the side of the intermediate wall 10 facing away from the gearbox 6.

[0040] The electronics compartment 14 is closed at the front by a housing cover 18. The motor housing 8 has a connection section 20 in the area of ​​the electronics compartment 14 for electrically connecting the electronics 16 to the vehicle's electrical system.

[0041] The motor compartment is closed at its end face by a housing part 22 of the transmission unit 6. Preferably, the housing part 22 is screwed to the motor housing 8 by means of fastening screws 24. The motor housing 8 is thus closed at its opposite end faces by the housing cover 18 on one side and by the housing part 22 on the other. In particular, the motor housing 8 is essentially sealed in a pressure-tight and fluid-tight manner, wherein the motor housing 8 has at least one pressure equalization opening (not shown) with a pressure equalization element, in particular a diaphragm, for pressure equalization of the motor compartment and / or the electronics compartment.

[0042] The electric motor 12, which is particularly brushless, has a housing-mounted stator 26 with a rotating field winding 28 and a rotor 30. The rotor 30 is rigidly connected to a drive or motor shaft 32. The motor shaft 32 is rotatably mounted in the motor housing 8 via two bearings 34 and 36. The B-side bearing 34 is seated in a bearing seat integrally formed on the housing intermediate wall 10, with the housing part 22 being designed as an A-side bearing plate (center plate) for supporting the bearing 36.

[0043] The housing part 22 forms a mechanical interface between the electric motor drive 4 and the gearbox unit 6. The housing part 22, together with a gearbox cover 38, forms a gearbox housing 40 of the gearbox unit 6. The gearbox part 22 has an approximately cup-shaped recess on its end face facing away from the electric motor 12, which, together with the gearbox cover 38, forms a space 42 for receiving a gearbox 44.

[0044] As seen particularly in the sectional view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the motor shaft 32 engages at least partially in the installation space 42 at its shaft end. The gearbox 44 has a gear wheel 46 that is rigidly connected to the motor shaft 32 and is in meshing engagement with a gear wheel 48. The gear wheel 48 is rigidly connected to a transmission shaft 50, which is rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing 40 by means of two bearings 52 and 54, and which projects out of the gearbox housing 40 on the output side. The motor shaft 32 and the transmission shaft 50 run parallel to each other and are offset from one another. The bearing 52 is seated in a bearing seat in the housing part 22, while the bearing 54 is located in a bearing seat in the gearbox cover 38.

[0045] The gearbox cover 38, for example, which is manufactured as a die-cast part, in particular as an aluminum die-cast part, has a cover plate 56 for closing the installation space 42. In the assembled state, the gearbox cover 38 or the cover plate 56 is joined to the housing part 22 in such a way that the installation space 42 is essentially sealed against pressure and / or fluid. For pressure equalization of the installation space 42, the gearbox cover 38 has a pressure equalization device 58, which is described below with reference to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 is explained in more detail.

[0046] The pressure equalization device 58 has a Fig. Figure 3 shows a recess 60, which is formed as a blind-hole-like depression in an outer surface 62 of the cover plate 56. The recess 60 has a (receiving) base 63 and a circumferential side wall (inner wall) 64. In this embodiment, an internal thread (not shown) is provided in the side wall 64.

[0047] The following information pertains to spatial directions, particularly with regard to the mounting 60. "Axial" or "axial direction A" refers here and in the following to a direction parallel (coaxial) to a central axis, i.e., perpendicular to the end faces of the mounting 60 or perpendicular to the ground 63. In the installed state, the axial direction A is oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity g. Similarly, "radial" or "radial direction R" refers here and in the following to a direction oriented perpendicular (transverse) to the central axis along a radius of the mounting 60. "Tangential" or "tangential direction T" refers here and in the following to a direction along the circumference of the mounting 60 or side wall 64 (circumferential direction, azimuthal direction), i.e., a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A and the radial direction R.In the installed state of the gear actuator 2, the direction of gravity g is thus oriented radially to the mounting 60.

[0048] A pressure equalization opening 66, which completely penetrates the cover plate 56, is provided in the base 63 of the receptacle 60. The hole-like pressure equalization opening 66 is aligned coaxially along the axial direction A to the receptacle 60 and, in the assembled state, connects the installation space 42 with the outer surface 62 or with the surroundings of the gearbox housing 40.

[0049] A diaphragm 68 is inserted into the receptacle 60 as a pressure equalization element. Preferably, a similar diaphragm is used as a pressure equalization element in the motor housing 8.

[0050] The membrane 68, which is particularly microporous or semipermeable, rests on the base 63 and essentially completely covers the pressure equalization opening 66, thus preventing the ingress of liquids or particles into the installation space 42. Preferably, the membrane 68 is approximately circular and fits radially into the receptacle 60 in a form-fitting manner, so that it is essentially stationary with respect to the pressure equalization opening 66 in the radial direction R.

[0051] To protect the membrane 68, a protective cap 70, for example a plug-like one, is fixed in the receptacle 60 by means of a form-fit and / or force-fit connection. The protective cap 70 is preferably designed as a cost-effective plastic component, for example as an injection-molded part. The protective cap 70 is designed and configured to protect the membrane 68 from dirt and particles from the outside and to prevent damage to the membrane 68.

[0052] The protective cap 70 has an approximately T-shaped cross-section. The vertical leg of the T engages in the receptacle 60 as a plug shaft, while the horizontal leg of the T rests axially on a frontal opening edge of the receptacle 60 as a plug head.

[0053] In the assembled state of the protective cap 70, an axial form-fit and / or force-fit connection to the retention of the membrane 68 is achieved. The protective cap 70 is fixed or can be fixed in the receptacle 60 in a non-destructive manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective cap 70 is screwed into the receptacle 60. For this purpose, the vertical T-leg of the protective cap 70 is provided with an external thread 72, which is designed to be complementary to the internal thread of the side wall 64. A tool receptacle 74, for example for an Allen wrench, is provided in the horizontal T-leg of the protective cap 70 for screwing in the protective cap 70. Through the threaded connection, the membrane 68 is pressed axially by the protective cap 70 against the base 63, whereby this axial pressing or clamping force acts as a sealing force (sealing pressure) to seal the pressure equalization opening 66.

[0054] As especially in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, two radial, in particular channel-like, recesses 76, 78 are provided in the side wall 64 of the receptacle 60. The recesses 76, 78 are arranged diametrically opposite each other, with each recess 76, 78 forming a clear radial gap or space between the receptacle 60 and the protective cap 70 ( Fig. 5).

[0055] The recesses 76 and 78 are arranged in the installed state, aligned one above the other along the direction of gravity g, with recess 76 being located above recess 78. The recesses 76 and 78 are essentially designed as water channels (drainage channels) and are such that the channels formed by the clear gaps allow water to pass through. This allows water and moisture to be drained from the receptacle 60 and from the membrane 68, respectively, so that water does not accumulate near the membrane area.

[0056] The recess 76 extends axially in a straight line from an inlet-like recess 80 located at an opening edge of the receptacle 60 to the base 63. The recess 78 extends from the base 63 across the side wall 64 to the outer surface 62 of the cover plate 56. The recess 78 thus extends from the receptacle 60 outwards across the cover plate 56. This creates a drainage pathway from the receptacle 60 to the outer surface 62 of the cover plate 56.

[0057] As particularly evident in the presentation of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the course of the recess 78 has an angle of inclination W relative to the course of the recess 76 or to the axial direction A. In the embodiment shown, the angle of inclination W is dimensioned, for example, between 15° and 30°, in particular between 18° and 25°.

[0058] The claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. Reference symbol list 2 Gear actuator 4 electric motor drive 6 Gear unit 8 Motor housings 10 Housing partition 12 Electric motor 14 Electronics compartment 16 Electronics 18 Case covers 20 Connection section 22 Housing part 24 fastening screws 26 Stator 28 Rotating field winding 30 Rotor 32 Motor shaft 34 warehouses 36 warehouses 38 Gearbox cover 40 Gearbox housings 42 Construction space 44 gearboxes 46 Gear wheel 48 Gear wheel 50 Gear shaft 52 warehouses 54 warehouses 56 Cover plate 58 Pressure equalization device 60 recordings 62 Outside 63 Floor 64 side wall 66 Pressure equalization opening 68 Membran 70 Protective cap 72 external threads 74 Tool holder 76 In-depth study 78 In-depth study 80 recess A Axial direction R Radial direction T Tangential direction g Direction of gravity W angle of inclination

Claims

[1] Gearbox cover (38) for a gearbox housing (40), comprising a cover plate (56) for closing a space (42) of the gearbox housing (40), - wherein the cover plate (56) has an inner side facing the installation space (42) and an outer side (62) facing away from the installation space (42), - wherein a blind-shaped recess (60) is provided in the outer surface (62), - wherein a pressure equalization opening (66) is provided in the base (63) of the receptacle (60) which completely penetrates the cover plate (56) towards the inside, - wherein the pressure equalization opening (66) is covered by a membrane (68) arranged in the receptacle (60), and - wherein a protective cap (70) is fixed in the receptacle (60) in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. [2] Gearbox cover (38) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the protective cap (70) is fixed in the receptacle (60) in a way that can be removed without damage. [3] Gearbox cover (38) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the protective cap (70) is screw-fixed in the receptacle (60). [4] Gearbox cover (38) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a first channel-like recess (76) and a diametrically opposite second channel-like recess (78) are provided in the circumferential side wall (64) of the receptacle (60), which have a clear distance to the protective cap (70). [5] Gearbox cover (38) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the first depression (76) extends from a marginal recess (80) of the receptacle (60) to the bottom (63). [6] Gearbox cover (38) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the second depression (78) extends from the bottom (63) over the side wall (64) to the outside (62) of the cover plate (56). [7] Gearbox cover (38) according to claim 6, characterized by, that the course of the second depression (78) has an angle of inclination (W) to the course of the first depression (76). [8] Gearbox housing (40) for a gearbox actuator (2), comprising a housing part (22) and a housing cover (38) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a space formed between them (42) for a gearbox (44). [9] Gear unit (6) for a gear actuator (2), comprising a gear housing (40) according to claim 8 and a gear unit (44) arranged therein. [10] Gear actuator (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor drive (4) and a gear unit (6) according to claim 9.