TRANSMISSION UNIT FOR AN ELECTRICALLY PROPOSED VEHICLE, DRIVE UNIT FOR AN ELECTRICALLY PROPOSED VEHICLE AND VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission device for an electrically driven vehicle, a drive device for an electrically driven vehicle and a vehicle.

[0002] Document DE 10 2015 217 875 A1 discloses a drive system with an electric motor and a transmission for a motor vehicle. The transmission has a transmission output shaft and a transmission housing, as well as a parking lock.

[0003] The document DE 10 2017 124499 A1 shows a transmission device for an electrically driven vehicle with a transmission element and a parking lock, which are arranged in a transmission housing.

[0004] The subsequently published document EP 3 670 973 A1 shows a transmission device with a transmission element, a parking lock, a connecting device and a pressure compensation device as well as a transmission housing.

[0005] Integrating a parking lock into a transmission housing saves installation space, which is particularly limited when using the transmission device in a vehicle's electric drive system. However, this presents particular challenges due to the presence of lubricants and higher temperatures inside the transmission housing. In particular, a parking lock actuator can react sensitively to the lubricant, even leading to functional failure.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a space-saving and robustly operable possibility for arranging a parking lock in a transmission housing.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a transmission device for an electrically driven vehicle according to claim 1.

[0008] The invention is based on the finding that malfunctions of the parking lock actuator are frequently due to the ingress of lubricants into the parking lock actuator. This ingress is caused by a pressure difference between the interior of the parking lock actuator and its surroundings. The pressure compensation device provided in the transmission device according to the invention achieves pressure equalization between the interior of the parking lock actuator and the exterior of the transmission housing, thereby preventing penetration of the lubricant. This advantageously enables more robust operation of the transmission device. Because the pressure compensation device runs through the first plug connector of the first connection device, no additional installation space is required for the passage of the pressure compensation device.Typically, the transmission housing has a transmission housing opening through which the first connection device passes. In a preferred embodiment, the first connector of the first connection device is arranged in the transmission housing opening and / or is attached to the transmission housing. The parking lock can be configured to be electrically supplied and / or controlled via the first connection device.

[0009] In the transmission device according to the invention, it is preferred if the pressure compensation device has a fluid guide element, in particular a hose or a pipe, which connects the first connector to the interior of the parking lock actuator. The fluid guide element is preferably made of a plastic, in particular PTFE.

[0010] It can advantageously be provided that the fluid guide element is guided together with the cable arrangement from the parking lock actuator to the first connector.

[0011] This allows the installation space provided in the transmission housing to be optimally utilized by the first connection device and the fluid guide element. For example, it is possible for the fluid guide element to be routed parallel to individual cables of the cable arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, it is further provided that the cable arrangement and the fluid guide element are jointly sheathed.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the first connector has a connector housing,

[0013] Contact elements and through-openings formed in the connector housing, each of which is designed to receive one of the contact elements, wherein the fluid-conducting element is inserted into one of the through-openings. In this way, the gas-permeable connection in the region of the first connector can be realized with little effort, for example, in a commercially available connector, a through-opening is not provided with a contact element and instead accommodates the fluid-conducting element. Typically, a contact element is arranged in each of the through-openings.

[0014] It can also be provided that the second connector has a connector housing, contact elements, and through-openings formed in the connector housing, each of which is designed to accommodate one of the contact elements, wherein the fluid-conducting element is inserted into one of the through-openings. It can be provided that a contact element is arranged in each of the through-openings.

[0015] On the parking lock actuator side, in particular on a parking lock actuator housing, a connector identical to the second connector of the connecting device can be provided, through which the pressure compensation device extends into the interior of the parking lock actuator. This parking lock actuator-side connector can also have a connector housing, contact elements, and through-openings formed in the connector housing, each of which is designed to receive one of the contact elements. A through-opening provides a clearance to the interior of the parking lock actuator housing as part of the pressure compensation device.

[0016] In a further development of the transmission device according to the invention, it can be provided that it further comprises a second connection device with a cable arrangement and a plug connector arranged at one end of this cable arrangement, or first plug connector, through which an electrical plug connection with the first plug connector of the first connection device is formed or can be formed, wherein the pressure compensation device has a fluid conducting element, in particular a hose or a pipe, wherein one end of the fluid conducting element extends into the plug connector of the second connection device. This fluid conducting element can also be understood or referred to as a second fluid conducting element. The fluid conducting element of the first connection device can then also be understood or referred to as a first fluid conducting element.

[0017] With regard to the plug connector of the second connection device, it can be provided that it has a plug connector housing, contact elements, and through-openings formed in the plug connector housing, each of which is designed to receive one of the contact elements. The second fluid-conducting element is inserted into one of the through-openings. It can be provided that a contact element is arranged in each of the through-openings.

[0018] With regard to the second connection device, it can be provided that it has a second connector at the other end of the cable arrangement.

[0019] Furthermore, it is expedient for the pressure compensation device to have a pressure compensation adapter at the other end of the fluid guide element. The pressure compensation adapter serves, in particular, to terminate the pressure compensation device outside the transmission housing.

[0020] The pressure equalization adapter can, for example, have a membrane and / or a fastening means for attaching the pressure equalization adapter. The pressure equalization adapter can further comprise a protective device, for example, a protective cap, for protecting the membrane. Typically, the protective cap provides protection against water and / or foreign matter, particularly in terms of a corresponding IP protection class.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, it is further provided that the pressure compensation adapter and the second connector of the second connection device are designed as separate components. Thus, the pressure compensation adapter can be mounted outside the housing at a suitable location, separate from the second connector.

[0022] As already indicated at the beginning, it is further preferred in the transmission device according to the invention if a lubricant bath is provided in the transmission housing for lubricating the transmission element, and the parking lock is at least partially located in the lubricant bath. Due to the pressure equalization realized according to the invention, it is then advantageously also possible to arrange the parking lock in the lubricant bath, thereby opening up previously unused arrangement positions for the parking lock in the transmission housing.

[0023] The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a drive device for an electrically driven vehicle, comprising an electric machine, a transmission device according to the invention and a shaft transmitting a rotational movement of the electric machine to the transmission device.

[0024] In this case, it can be provided that the gear housing is part of a housing enclosing the electric motor, the gear unit, and the shaft. Preferably, the pressure compensation adapter is attached to the housing, in particular to a bearing plate, by the fastening means.

[0025] The drive device may further comprise an inverter, wherein the second connector of the second connection device may be electrically connected to the inverter. The inverter is typically configured to convert a direct current into an alternating current that supplies the electric machine.

[0026] The object underlying the invention is finally also achieved by a vehicle comprising a drive device according to the invention designed to drive the vehicle.

[0027] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings, the present invention being defined by the claims. These are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the drive device according to the invention with an embodiment of the transmission device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the interior of the transmission device; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the first connection device of the transmission device; Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the first connection device in the region of its first plug connector; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the second connection device of the transmission device; and Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive device 1 with an embodiment of a transmission device 2.

[0029] In addition, the drive device 1 comprises an electric machine 3, a shaft 4 (see Fig. 2 ), which transmits a rotary motion of the electric machine 3 to the transmission device 2, and an inverter 5, which is configured to convert a direct voltage into an alternating voltage supplying the electric machine 3. A housing 6 of the drive device 1 comprises a gear housing 7 of the transmission device 2 belonging to the transmission device 2 and a machine housing 8, which also houses the inverter 5. Alternatively, the inverter 5 can also be arranged in a separate housing, which is attached to a housing enclosing the transmission device 2 and the electric machine 3.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the interior of the transmission device 2.

[0031] The transmission device 1 comprises a transmission element 9, which is coupled to further transmission elements 10 in order to transmit a rotary movement provided by the shaft 4, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the transmission element 9. Furthermore, a parking lock gear 11 of a parking lock 12 is attached to the transmission element 9, by which the transmission element 9 can be blocked. For this purpose, the parking lock 12 further has a parking lock pawl 13, which can be brought into engagement with the parking lock gear 11 by means of a parking lock actuator 14 of the parking lock 12.

[0032] The transmission elements 9, 10 and the parking lock 12 are enclosed by the transmission housing 7. For the lubrication of the transmission elements 9, 10, the transmission device 1 has a lubricant bath, the normal operating level of which is indicated by a dashed line A in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the parking lock 12 is partially immersed in the lubricant bath.

[0033] In addition, the transmission device 2 comprises a first connecting device 15, which has a cable arrangement 16 extending in the transmission housing 7, which has a - a Fig. 2 concealed - first connector 17 (see Fig. 3 ) and a second connector 18 and serves for the electrical supply and control of the parking lock actuator 14. The connectors 17, 18 are attached to opposite ends of the cable arrangement 16, wherein the second connector 18 is connected to a - in Fig. 1 The second connector 18 is connected to the connector of the parking lock actuator 14. The first connector 17 allows contact to be made with the cable arrangement 16 from the outside of the transmission housing 7.

[0034] In addition, the transmission device 2 comprises a second connection device 20, which has a cable arrangement 21 extending outside the transmission housing 7, a first connector 22 and a second connector 23 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 ). The first connector 22 of the second connection device forms a plug connection with the first connector 17 of the first connection device 20. The second connector 23 forms a Fig. 1 concealed connector of the inverter 5 forms another plug connection so that the inverter 5 can electrically supply and control the parking lock actuator 14 via the connection device 15, 20.

[0035] Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 show the first connection device 15, wherein Fig. 3 is a perspective view and Fig. 4 a detailed view in the area of ​​the first connector 17.

[0036] As from Fig. 4 As can be seen, the cable arrangement 16 has a plurality of individual cables 24. The first connector 17 comprises a connector housing 25 in which a plurality of through-openings 26 are formed. Some of the through-openings 26 each accommodate a contact element (concealed in the figures), which is electrically connected to one of the individual cables 24 within the connector housing 25. If the number of through-openings 26 exceeds the number of individual cables 24 increased by one - as in the present exemplary embodiment - some of the through-openings 26 can be sealed gas-tight. The second connector 18 is constructed analogously, so that the individual cables 27 there are electrically connected to corresponding contact elements, which are also accommodated in corresponding through-openings of a connector housing 28 of the second connector 18.

[0037] Because of the inside of the gearbox housing 7 (see Fig. 2 ) there is a risk that this lubricant will be lost due to a problem in the parking lock actuator 14 (see Fig. 2 ) and can cause malfunctions or even damage, a pressure compensation device is provided which forms a gas-permeable connection between the interior of the parking lock actuator 14 and the exterior of the transmission housing 7.

[0038] For this purpose, the pressure compensation device initially comprises a first fluid guide element 27, which connects the first plug connector 17 of the first connection device 15 in a gas-permeable manner to the second plug connector 18 of the first connection device 15. In the present exemplary embodiment, the fluid guide element 27 is formed, for example, by a tube made of PTFE. For this purpose, one end of the first fluid guide element 27 opens into a through-opening 26 that is neither occupied nor closed by an individual cable 27. The other end of the first fluid guide element 27 opens into a through-opening of the plug connector housing 28 of the second plug connector 18, which is also neither occupied nor closed by a contact element. The first fluid guide element 27 is guided together with the individual cables 24 of the cable arrangement 16 within a sheath 29 of the cable arrangement 16, which additionally has fastening elements 30 (see Fig. 3 ) for fastening the first connecting device 15 in the gear housing 7.

[0039] To form the gas-permeable connection through the pressure compensation device, the plug connector of the parking lock actuator 14 (see Fig. 2 ) is connected to the interior of the parking lock actuator 14 in a gas-permeable manner. For this purpose, the plug connector of the parking lock actuator 14, which is designed essentially analogously to the first plug connector 17 of the first connecting device 15, is designed to be gas-permeable to the interior of the parking lock actuator, so that the plug connector of the parking lock actuator 14 forms a parking lock actuator-side end of the pressure compensation device. For this purpose, the plug connector of the parking lock actuator 14, analogous to the first plug connector 17 of the first connecting device 15, can also have through-openings, one of which is gas-permeable.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the second connecting device 20 of the transmission device 2.

[0041] The cable arrangement 21 of the second connection device 20 has a plurality of individual cables, similar to the cable arrangement 16 of the first connection device 15. The first connector 22, similar to the first connector 17 of the first connection device 15, comprises a connector housing 31 in which a plurality of through-openings are formed. Some of the through-openings each accommodate a contact element that is electrically connected to one of the individual cables within the connector housing 31. If the number of through-openings exceeds the number of individual cables increased by one—as in the present exemplary embodiment—some of the through-openings are sealed gas-tight.

[0042] The pressure compensation device has a second fluid guide element 32. One end of the second fluid guide element 32 opens into a through-opening of the connector housing 31, which is neither occupied by a contact element nor sealed gas-tight. The second fluid guide element 32, together with the individual cables of the cable arrangement 21, is guided within a sheath 33 of the cable arrangement 21, which additionally has a fastening element 34 for fastening the second connection device 20 to the transmission housing 7. Shortly before the second connector 23, the second fluid guide element 32 branches off from the cable arrangement 21.

[0043] The pressure compensation device has a pressure compensation adapter 35 at the other end of the second fluid guide element 32, wherein the pressure compensation adapter 35 and the second connector 23 are clearly formed as separate components. The pressure compensation adapter 35 has a membrane 36, which prevents the penetration of dirt and the like into the pressure compensation device. Furthermore, the pressure compensation adapter 35 comprises a fastening means 37. By means of this, the pressure compensation adapter 35, as can be seen from Fig. 1 visible, attached to the gear housing 7 in the area of ​​the inverter 5.

[0044] The second connector 23 of the second connection device is connected to the connector of the inverter 5 in order to electrically supply and control the parking lock actuator 14 from the inverter 5.

[0045] Fig. 6is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle 38. This includes the drive device 1 configured to drive the vehicle 38.

Claims

1. Transmission device (2) for an electrically driveable vehicle (38), comprising - a transmission element (9), - a parking lock (12), by means of which the transmission element (9) can be blocked and which has a parking lock actuator (14), and - a transmission housing (7), which encloses the transmission element (9) and the parking lock (12), characterized by - a first connection apparatus (15) with a cable arrangement (16) extending in the transmission housing (7) and a first plug connector (17) by means of which a first end of the cable arrangement (16) can be contacted from the exterior of the transmission housing (7), wherein a second end of the cable arrangement (16) is electrically connected to the parking lock actuator (14), and - a pressure equalization apparatus, which runs through the first plug connector (17) of the first connection apparatus (15) and forms a gas-permeable connection between the interior of the parking lock actuator (14) and the exterior of the transmission housing (7), wherein the second end of the cable arrangement (16) is electrically connected to the parking lock actuator (14) by a second plug connector (18) of the first connection apparatus (15) and the pressure equalization apparatus extends into the second plug connector (18).

2. Transmission device according to Claim 1, wherein the pressure equalization apparatus has a fluid guiding element (27) which connects the first plug connector (17) to the interior of the parking lock actuator (14).

3. Transmission device according to Claim 2, wherein the fluid guiding element (27) is guided together with the cable arrangement (16) from the parking lock actuator (14) to the first plug connector (17).

4. Transmission device according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the first plug connector (17) has a plug connector housing (25), contact elements, and through openings which are formed in the plug connector housing and which are each designed to receive one of the contact elements, wherein the fluid guiding element (27) is inserted into one of the through openings.

5. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second connection apparatus (20) with a cable arrangement (21) and a first plug connector (22) which is arranged at one end of this cable arrangement (21) and by means of which an electrical plug connection is formed or can be formed with the first plug connector (17) of the first connection apparatus (15), wherein the pressure equalization apparatus has a fluid guiding element (32), wherein one end of the fluid guiding element (32) extends into the first plug connector (22) of the second connection apparatus (20).

6. Transmission device according to Claim 5, wherein the second connection apparatus (20) has a second plug connector (23) at the other end of the cable arrangement (16).

7. Transmission device according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the pressure equalization apparatus has a pressure equalization adapter (35) at the other end of the fluid guiding element (32).

8. Transmission device according to Claim 6 and 7, wherein the pressure equalization adapter (35) and the second plug connector (23) of the second connection apparatus (20) are designed as separate components.

9. Transmission device according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the pressure equalization adapter (35) has a membrane (36) and / or a fastening means (37) for fastening the pressure equalization adapter (35).

10. Drive device (1) for an electrically driveable vehicle (38), comprising - an electric machine (3), - a transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, and - a shaft (4) transmitting a rotational motion of the electric machine (3) to the transmission device (2).

11. Drive device according to Claim 10, wherein the transmission housing (7) is part of a housing (6) enclosing the electric machine (3), the transmission device (2), and the shaft (4).

12. Drive device according to Claim 11, if dependent on Claim 9, wherein the pressure equalization adapter (35) is fastened to the housing (6) by the fastening means (37).

13. Drive device according to one of Claims 10 to 12, if dependent on Claim 6, further comprising an inverter (5), wherein the second plug connector (23) of the second connection apparatus (20) is electrically connected to the inverter (5).

14. Vehicle (38), comprising a drive device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 13, which is configured to drive the vehicle (38).