TRANSMISSION UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transmission device for a vehicle, comprising a transmission housed in a transmission housing, an actuator arranged in the transmission housing, in particular a parking lock actuator with a pawl that can be engaged in a locking toothing of a parking lock gear of the transmission. The transmission device also includes a pressure equalization device for connecting the interior of the actuator to an atmosphere prevailing outside the transmission housing.

[0002] Parking locks are used in motor vehicles with automatic transmissions. A movable locking device acts on a parking lock wheel, which is connected to a wheel of the vehicle via transmission components. The locking device is actuated by an electrically driven parking lock actuator. In the locked position, the parking lock blocks the vehicle's wheel. The parking lock actuator is located in the transmission housing, which is filled with transmission oil. In practice, it has been found that under unfavorable conditions, transmission oil can penetrate the parking lock actuator, for example, if the pressure inside the parking lock actuator is lower than the pressure inside the transmission housing. Similar problems arise with other actuators located in a transmission housing, such as a pump or an actuator of a disconnect unit.

[0003] The document WO2021105082 A1 , The two-part claim is based on which describes a transmission device for an electrically driven vehicle, electrically connected, with a pressure equalization device that runs through the connector of the connection device and forms a gas-permeable connection between the inside of the parking lock actuator and the outside of the transmission housing.

[0004] Document DE 10 2018 133 266 A1 describes a transmission device with a parking lock actuator that has a pressure equalization interface through which the interior of the parking lock actuator is connected to the atmosphere outside the transmission housing in a fluid-tight manner. This prevents the formation of a vacuum due to temperature changes and, consequently, the ingress of transmission oil into the housing of the parking lock actuator.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a transmission device that reliably enables pressure equalization between the interior of the actuator, in particular the parking lock actuator, and the atmosphere surrounding the transmission housing.

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is solved with a transmission device according to claim 1.

[0007] Specific embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention is based on the finding that actuator malfunctions, as a component of the transmission system according to the invention, are frequently due to the ingress of transmission oil into the actuator. This is caused by a pressure difference between the inside of the actuator and the outside of the transmission housing. The pressure equalization device achieves pressure equalization between the inside of the actuator and the outside of the transmission housing, thereby preventing the ingress of transmission oil. In this way, robust, trouble-free operation of the transmission system is ensured.

[0009] According to the invention, the hose of the pressure equalization device terminates in a connector. Preferably, the connector is connected to another connector that closes an opening in the gearbox housing. To prevent the hose from being pulled out of the connector axially, the hose, according to the invention, has a flange at its end that fixes the hose longitudinally in the connector.

[0010] The term "hose" used in this application is to be understood broadly and includes any flexible or rigid lines, pipes and other hollow components with two spaced-apart openings that allow pressure equalization.

[0011] Preferably, the hose has a flange that fits into a corresponding recess in the connector. This flange prevents the hose from being pulled out during assembly of the transmission unit or, for example, during maintenance work. This ensures that the hose and the connector are always firmly connected and that their relative position remains unchanged.

[0012] According to the present invention, the connector has a locking element designed as a sliding part. auf, designed for insertion into a connector housing ist and can be moved by a sliding motion between a first and a second position to secure the position of the hose in the longitudinal direction, the locking element having a slot. The slot is provided with a first width that allows the insertion of the flange when the locking element is in der The slot is located in the aforementioned first position. It is additionally provided with a second width, which is smaller than the first width, to prevent the flange from being inserted or displaced when the locking element is in the aforementioned second position.

[0013] Preferably, a cable harness is attached to the connector in which the hose is at least partially enclosed, the cable harness comprising a plurality of electrical lines which are connected via the connector inside the gearbox, preferably to the actuator or to a pump.

[0014] Preferably, the electrical cables also have a flange, so that they are also secured by the safety element.

[0015] A further development of the invention provides that the hose is surrounded by a tubular single-wire seal. The single-wire seal, which is incorporated into the connector, forms a seal between the hose and the connector. This single-wire seal seals the interface between the hose and the connector and has a larger outer diameter than the hose. When the single-wire seal is joined to the connector, its elasticity causes it to deform, potentially creating radially circumferential ribs and thus forming a seal against the surrounding environment. The single-wire seal can, for example, be made of silicone.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that the hose has a deformable clamping element made of a metal material. The clamping element serves to fix the single-wire seal in the correct axial position on the hose. The clamping element connects the single-wire seal to the hose. Preferably, the clamping element is connected to the hose and the single-wire seal by crimping. Since the single-wire seal is firmly connected to the hose in the axial direction, it cannot be pulled out.

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the single-wire seal to have one, two, or three spaced-apart sections designed as ribs with an enlarged outer diameter, which is or are positively inserted into corresponding recesses of the connector. Providing several spaced-apart sections increases the tightness of the hose to the connector.

[0018] It can also be provided that the clamping element has a first section extending longitudinally along the single-wire seal and two spaced-apart, perpendicular second sections projecting on one or both sides, which, in the clamped state, surround the hose or the single-wire seal. The clamping element has the first section extending longitudinally along the single-wire seal and the hose; perpendicular to this first section, second sections extend on one or both sides, which are bent around the hose and the single-wire seal by crimping. By deforming the clamping element, i.e., by crimping, a secure hold is created between the hose and the single-wire seal. The crimping is carried out in a manner known per se using a tool specifically designed for this purpose, for example, crimping pliers.

[0019] The transmission device according to the invention can be designed such that the single-wire seal incorporated in the connector forms a seal between the hose and the connector. This seal prevents dirt particles from entering the interior of the transmission housing from the outside. At the same time, it prevents media located inside the transmission housing, such as transmission oil or oil mist, from escaping to the outside.

[0020] An end of the clamping element pointing towards the free end of the hose preferably surrounds the end of the hose and forms at least part of the flange.

[0021] Preferably, the end of the hose forms at least part of the flange.

[0022] With regard to the single-wire seal, it is preferred that it be made of an elastic plastic material. An example of such a material is silicone. The same applies to the hose, which can also be made of a plastic material. It is preferred that both the single-wire seal and the hose consist of a flexible plastic material.

[0023] The hose of the transmission device according to the invention can have two flanges. The end with the flange is inserted into the connector. The other, opposite end of the hose can also be inserted into a connector. Preferably, the hose connects a connector mounted externally on the transmission housing to a diaphragm that is part of a pressure equalization device.

[0024] The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawings are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 a drive unit for a vehicle, which includes the transmission unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 the parking lock actuator received in a transmission housing; Fig. 3 a wiring harness with two connectors; Fig. 4 a locking element of a connector; Figs. 5A - 5C end sections of a hose according to a first embodiment; Fig. 5 a sectional view of the end section; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the end section; Figs. 7A - 7C end sections of a hose according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the end section; and Fig. 8 a perspective view of the end section.

[0025] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a drive unit 1 for a vehicle. The drive unit 1 comprises an electric machine 2, which is housed in a machine casing 3. A rotary motion of a rotor of the electric machine 2 is transmitted to a gearbox 4. The gearbox 4 is housed in a gearbox casing 5; the gearbox 4 and the gearbox casing 5 together form a transmission unit. 6, which represents the present invention.

[0026] In addition, in Fig. 1 It can be seen that an inverter 7 is arranged above the electric machine 2.

[0027] In Fig. 2 The figure shows that a parking lock actuator 27 is housed in the gearbox 5. The parking lock actuator has a pawl 28 that is pivotable about a pivot axis. When the parking lock actuator 27 is actuated, the pawl 28 pivots so that it engages with a locking tooth 29 of a parking lock wheel 30 of the gearbox 4. The parking lock wheel 30 is connected via gears and shafts (not shown) to a driven wheel of the vehicle, thus blocking its rotation. In this locked state, the vehicle cannot be moved.

[0028] The transmission device 6 according to the invention has a pressure equalization device which includes a hose 8 that is part of a cable harness 9. Fig. 1 It can be seen that the external wiring harness 9 extends between a connector 10 and another connector 11. The gearbox 4 is connected to the inverter 7 via the wiring harness 9. The hose 8 extends beyond the wiring harness 9 to a diaphragm 12.

[0029] Fig. 3 Figure 9 shows the wiring harness 9 at an enlarged scale. At one end of the wiring harness 9 is connector 10, which connects to a corresponding connector (not shown) on the outside of the gearbox housing 5. At the other end of the wiring harness 9 is connector 11, which connects to a corresponding connector on the inverter 7. The wiring harness 9 includes a number of electrical lines 18 that control the parking lock actuator 27. The hose 8 is integrated into the wiring harness 9. The hose 8 extends beyond connector 11 to the diaphragm 12, which is attached to the outside of the gearbox housing 5.

[0030] Hose 8 is connected via connector 10 to another hose located inside the gearbox housing 5. This second hose extends to the parking lock actuator. When assembled and connected, a fluid-tight connection between the housing of the parking lock actuator and the atmosphere surrounding the gearbox housing 5 is formed solely by the pressure equalization device.

[0031] The connector 10 includes a locking element 13, which is located in Fig. 4 As shown in the figure, a flange 20 is located at the end of the hose 8. According to the present invention, the locking element 13 has a slot 13a with a first width 13b, which allows the flange 20 to be inserted when the locking element 13 is in a first position. Additionally, the slot 13a has a second width 13c, which is smaller than the first width 13b, to prevent the flange 20 from being inserted or displaced when the locking element 13 is in a second position. The locking element 13 can be moved between the first and second positions by a sliding motion.

[0032] In particular, the portion of slot 13a with the first width 13b has a plurality of approximately circular recesses 14, 15, 16. An electrical conductor 18 is arranged in each of the outer recesses 14, 16. Specifically, the electrical conductor 18 comprises a cable terminal made of metal, inside which a stranded wire is located. The hose 8, which surrounds a volume 19 that allows for pressure equalization, is located in the central recess 15. It is preferred that the electrical conductors 18 also have a flange 17. Both the electrical conductors 18 and the hose 8 are axially fixed in the connector 10 by means of the locking element 13. The flange 17, 20 prevents the hose 8 or the electrical conductors 18 from being unintentionally pulled out of the cable harness 9 or the locking element 13.

[0033] The Fig. 5A bis 5D as well as Fig. 6 show an end section of hose 8, which has the flange 20. This shows Fig. 5A a top view of a clamping element, Fig. 5B is a view rotated 180° with respect to the longitudinal axis of hose 8, Fig. 5C is related to Fig. 5A View rotated by 90° and Fig. 5D is a cropped view of Fig. 5C . Fig. 6 Finally, a perspective view of the end section of hose 8, designed as flange 20, is shown.

[0034] A clamping element 23 fixes the hose 8 and the single-wire seal 22 longitudinally. The single-wire seal 22 has a sealing geometry typical of a seal, with a corresponding contour in the connector housing 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the single-wire seal 22 has three spaced-apart sections 21 with increased diameters. Between two adjacent sections 21 with increased diameters, the diameter of the single-wire seal 22 is reduced. Adjacent to the sections 21, a section with a constant diameter extends towards the free end of the hose 8, surrounding it. The single-wire seal 22 is made of an elastic plastic material.

[0035] In particular, the clamping element 23 is made of a metal material. The clamping element 23 comprises a first section extending longitudinally along the hose 8 and two spaced-apart, perpendicular sections projecting on both sides, which surround the hose 8 when crimped. The two perpendicular sections can also be arranged axially offset. Additional perpendicular sections may also be provided. The clamping element 23 is pre-bent and is inserted in this state into a tool such as crimping pliers. During the crimping process, the two sections projecting on both sides are bent around the hose 8 or the single-wire seal 22. In this crimped state, the sections projecting on both sides of the clamping element 23 firmly grip the single-wire seal 22 and the hose 8, so that the single-wire seal 22 is firmly connected to the hose 8. In the perspective view of Fig. 6 It can be seen that the hose 8 has a round or disc-shaped free end designed as a flange 20. The clamping element 23 also serves to axially position the single-wire seal 22 on the hose 8. During assembly, the clamping element 23 acts as an axial spacer between the flange 20 and the single-wire seal 22 and is axially pressed against the flange 20.

[0036] The Fig. 7A bis 7D as well as Fig. 8 Figure 8 shows an end section of hose 8, which is equipped with a clamping element according to a second variant. Only those features that differ from the one shown in the figure 8 are explained below. Fig. 5 and 6 The clamping element shown differs.

[0037] The hose 8 is provided, in accordance with the preceding embodiment, with the single-core seal 22, which has three spaced-apart sections 21 with an increased diameter. A clamping element 24, serving as a retaining means, has a first longitudinally extending section 25 and two sections 26 projecting perpendicularly to it on both sides. Unlike the first embodiment, the clamping element 24 thus comprises only one pair of perpendicularly projecting sections 26, which, in the crimped state, encompass the hose 8 and a portion of the single-core seal 22. The end 31 of the clamping element 24, pointing towards the free end of the hose 8, surrounds the flanged end 8a of the hose 8. The clamping element 24 is, in particular, cuboid in shape. The end 31 reinforces the flange 20.This is particularly advantageous if the flanged end 8a of the hose 8 is made of a deformable material, for example, a similar or the same material as the hose 8. Therefore, the end 31 prevents the hose 8 from being pulled out due to deformation of the end 8a. By pressing the single-core seal 22 against the hose 8, the vertically projecting sections 26 ensure a secure hold and protection against being pulled out.

[0038] Alternatively, the end 8a of the hose 8 does not need to be formed into the flange 20. When using the end 31 of the clamping element 24, the hose 8 can also remain straight. The function of preventing the hose from being pulled out can still be ensured by the end 31 of the clamping element 24, since the clamping element 24 is firmly crimped to the hose 8.

[0039] The actuator can also be a different type than a parking lock actuator. For example, the actuator can be a pump located in a gearbox housing or an actuator of a gearbox interruption unit. Reference symbol list

[0040] 1 Drive unit 2 Electric machine 3 Machine housing 4 Gearbox 5 Gearbox housing 6 Gearbox unit 7 Inverter 8 Hose 8a End of hose 9 Wiring harness 10 Connector 11 Connector 12 Membrane 13 Locking element 13a Slot 13 First width of slot 13 Second width of slot 14 Recess 15 Recess 16 Recess 17 Cable connection 18 Cable strand 19 Volume 20 Flange 21 Section 22 Single charger seal 23 Clamping element 24 Clamping element 25 Section 26 Section 27 Parking lock actuator 28 Locking pawl 29 Locking gear 30 Parking lock wheel 31 End

Claims

1. Transmission device (6) for a vehicle , comprising: - a gearbox (4) housed in a gearbox casing (5), - an actuator arranged in the gearbox housing (5), in particular a parking lock actuator (27) with a pawl (28) which can be brought into engagement with a locking tooth (29) of a parking lock wheel (30) of the gearbox (4), - a pressure equalisation device for connecting the interior of the actuator to the atmosphere prevailing outside the gearbox housing (5), the pressure equalisation device comprises a hose (8) extending outside the gearbox housing (5), which opens into a connector (10) arranged on the outside of the gearbox housing (5), characterised in th , a flange (20) is formed at the end (8a) of the hose (8) in such a way that the hose (8) is fixed in the longitudinal direction within the connector (10), wherein the connector (10) comprises a retaining element (13) designed as a sliding part, which is configured for insertion into a housing of the connector (10) and can be moved by a sliding motion between a first and a second position in order to secure the position of the hose (8) in the longitudinal direction, wherein the retaining element (13) has a slot (13a), wherein the slot (13a) has a first width (13b) that allows insertion of the flange (20) when the retaining element (13) is in said first position, and a second width (13c), which is smaller than the first width (13b), to prevent insertion or displacement of the flange (20) when the retaining element (13) is in said second position.

2. A transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the flange (20) is received in a corresponding recess of the connector (10).

3. A transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable harness (9) is attached to the connector (10), in which the hose (8) is at least partially accommodated, wherein the cable harness (9) comprises a plurality of electrical wires (18) which are connected via the connector (10) inside the transmission (4), preferably to the actuator.

4. Transmission device according to claim 3, wherein the electrical wires (18) also have a flange (17) such that they are secured by the retaining element (13).

5. A transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose (8) is surrounded by a tubular single-core seal (22), and wherein the single-core seal (22) received in the connector (10) forms a seal between the hose (8) and the connector (10) .

6. A transmission device according to claim 5, comprising a clamping element (23, 24), in particular made of a metallic material, wherein the single-core seal (22) is connected to the hose (8) by crimping the clamping element (23, 24).

7. A transmission device according to claim 6, wherein the clamping element (23, 24) has a first section extending in the longitudinal direction of the hose (8) and two spaced-apart, perpendicular thereto, projecting on one or both sides (25, 26), which, in the crimped state, surround the hose (8) or the individual core seal (22).

8. Transmission device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an end (31) of the clamping element (24) pointing towards the free end of the hose (8) surrounds the end (8a) of the hose (8) and at least partially forms the flange (20).

9. A transmission device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the end (8a) of the hose (8) at least partially forms the flange (20).