ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC ENERGY AND HYBRID DRIVE UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric machine for generating electrical energy for a hybrid vehicle, a hybrid drive unit for a vehicle, and a method for connecting an internal combustion engine with an electric machine.

[0002] In other words, the present invention relates to a device (electric machine) and a method and in particular to a transmission or a hybrid drive unit, such as a dedicated hybrid transmission or DHT, with one or two electric machines for use in a motor vehicle.

[0003] From the unpublished German patent application with the official file number 10 2020 123 116.4, a transmission with two electric machines is known, as described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown.

[0004] As it is in Fig. 1As shown, a first electric machine 1 is directly connected as a generator to a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100 or an internal combustion power engine 100 (only indicated by reference numerals).

[0005] In this case, a second electric machine or a second electric machine 200 serves as a traction or driving machine.

[0006] A motor housing 104 or a housing 104 of the internal combustion engine 100 and a gearbox housing 2 or a housing 2 of the electric machine 1 are screwed together and form a separating plane T.

[0007] The internal combustion engine 100 or the internal combustion power engine 100 is sealed via a crankshaft seal 105 or a radial shaft seal 105.

[0008] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 1 .

[0009] A stator 26 of the first electric machine 1 is connected to the gearbox housing 2 or the housing 2 of the electric machine 1 by means of a stator support 27 via e.g. screws S.

[0010] A coolant or cooling water channel 28 or a cooling channel 28 is limited by the gearbox housing or by the housing 2 of the electric machine 1 and the stator carrier 27.

[0011] A rotor 12 of the first electric machine 1 is connected to the crankshaft 101 by a rotor carrier 13 and screws S.

[0012] A space A or a first space section A, in which the first electric machine 1 is located, is dry and separated from a wet or oily space B of the gearbox or from a second space section B by the gearbox housing 2 or by the housing 2.

[0013] From the unpublished German patent application with the official file number 10 2021 108 127.0, a transmission with two electric machines is known, as described in Fig. 3 shown.

[0014] As it is in Fig. 3 As shown, a rotor 12 of a first electric machine 1 is connected on one side via a rotor carrier 13, screws S, a so-called flexplate 102 or a flexible disk part 102 and screws S to a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100 (only indicated by reference numerals).

[0015] On one side axially opposite the connection of the rotor 12 with the crankshaft 101, the rotor carrier 13 is supported by a rolling bearing 15 or by a bearing 15.

[0016] The space A or the first space section A of the first electric machine 1 is dry and separated from a wet or oil space B of the gearbox or from a second space section B by the gearbox housing 104 or by the housing 104 of the internal combustion engine 100 and a radial shaft seal 37.

[0017] It has been found that in the previously described prior art, the space or space section A between the internal combustion engine 100 or the internal combustion power engine 100 and the gearbox or the housing 2 of the electric machine 1 is difficult to seal, and waterproof insulation of the stator 26 of the first electric machine 1 is difficult and expensive.

[0018] More precisely, in many cases it is very difficult to design the separating plane T of the motor housing 104 or the housing 104 of the internal combustion engine 100 and the gearbox housing 2 or the housing 2 of the electric machine 1 in such a way that a closed sealing surface is created.

[0019] Therefore, it cannot be prevented that, for example, moisture penetrates into room A or the first section of room A when crossing water.

[0020] While it would be possible in principle to design the stator 26 of the first electrical machine 1 in such a way that it is insulated against water in all cases and there is no risk of short circuits, this is very complex in terms of manufacturing technology.

[0021] Directly bolting the rotor 12 of the first electric machine 1 to the crankshaft 101 would eliminate the need for complete testing of the first electric machine 1 before mounting the gearbox or the electric machine 1 to the internal combustion engine 100, since the rotor 12 is part of the crankshaft 101 and is only combined with the stator 26 during assembly. However, this would necessitate adjustments to the first electric machine 1, such as setting an air gap between the stator 26 and the rotor 12, during or after mounting the gearbox / housing 2 of the electric machine 1 to the internal combustion engine 100, which is not always desirable.

[0022] A design of a known gearbox input with a toothed gearbox input shaft and the first electric machine 1 in an oil chamber would require a torsional damper upstream in a series drive due to backlash of a splined connection and would be equally costly and space-consuming.

[0023] Furthermore, an electrical machine is known from DE 10 2016 211 945 A1 which can be read according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0024] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned problems in the prior art and to create an improved electric machine for use in a motor vehicle.

[0025] The problem is solved according to the invention by an electrical machine according to claim 1.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0027] In a first aspect, an electric machine for generating electrical energy for a hybrid vehicle has a housing with an axial opening for installing a stator and a rotor assembly, and with at least one outer housing wall section that separates the electric machine from its environment. The housing can have a pot-like shape, the open side of which forms the axial opening, or whose open side is accessible in the axial direction for installing, for example, the stator and / or a rotor assembly.

[0028] Furthermore, the electric machine includes a stator assembly located inside the housing.

[0029] Furthermore, the electric machine includes a rotor device for connection with an internal combustion engine, so that rotational energy of the internal combustion engine can be converted into electrical energy by relative rotation of the rotor device to the stator device.

[0030] Furthermore, the electric machine features a sealing device that closes the axial opening of the housing and divides the interior of the housing into two compartments in the axial direction. In the first compartment, a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine can be connected to the rotor assembly, and in the second compartment, the stator assembly is located. This sealing of the axial opening of the housing allows water to enter the first compartment between an internal combustion engine and the electric machine or its housing without damaging the stator assembly or its stator. The sealing device protects the stator assembly from water and dirt. Moreover, the sealing device allows for easy and straightforward sealing of the electric machine's stator assembly.Furthermore, the sealing device allows the electric machine to be tested at the factory before assembly with an internal combustion engine. Consequently, an electric machine with a housing can be created that can be tested before assembly with an internal combustion engine and is protected against the ingress of water and / or dirt, even though the electric machine is not yet assembled with an internal combustion engine or its housing.

[0031] Furthermore, the sealing device can be arranged inside the housing and extend from at least one outer housing wall section towards the rotor assembly, for example in a radial direction. This prevents the ingress of water and dirt between the housing and the rotor assembly, since the rotor assembly, like the housing, can be designed as an impermeable component and thus seal itself.

[0032] The sealing device can be in sealing contact with at least one outer housing wall part and with the rotor device, for example with a hub unit of the rotor device.

[0033] The sealing device can be designed such that it can be clamped or spread between the at least one outer housing wall section and the rotor assembly or a hub unit of the rotor assembly. Alternatively, the sealing device can be designed such that it can be spread, clamped, or pressed into the housing or into or onto the at least one outer housing wall section. This eliminates the need for fasteners such as screws or rivets, thus saving weight and simplifying assembly. Furthermore, this design ensures that the sealing device is rotationally rigid on the at least one outer housing wall section or on the housing itself.

[0034] The sealing device can include a radial shaft seal. The smaller its diameter, the better its sealing effect and the less its influence on friction.

[0035] The radial shaft seal can be positioned on a sealing surface of a hub unit of the rotor assembly. This combination allows for optimal sealing.

[0036] Furthermore, the sealing device can include a shaped sealing element whose course is funnel-shaped.

[0037] The sealing element can be viewed radially outwards at its end, or form a receptacle for the housing at its radially outer end.

[0038] Furthermore, the sealing element can have a passage for a screw or rivet at its radially outer end, allowing a friction-fit or force-fit connection between the sealing element and the housing of the electrical machine, for example using screws. This increases the sealing effect and secures the position.

[0039] Furthermore, the sealing element can, at its radially inward end, or at its radially inner end, form a receptacle for a radial shaft seal of the sealing device and be designed such that the radial shaft seal can be clamped against a sealing surface of a hub unit of the rotor device with a preload force. The preload force ensures a secure contact of the radial shaft seal against the corresponding sealing surface, thereby increasing the performance of the seal.

[0040] The rotor assembly can also include a rotor and a rotor carrier that are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0041] The rotor, viewed in a radial direction, can be arranged on the outside of the rotor carrier, wherein a hub unit or the rotor carrier, viewed in a radial direction, can have an internal bearing receptacle for a bearing, with which forces of the rotor device can be absorbed and, together with a bearing, the rotation of the rotor device can be ensured.

[0042] Furthermore, the rotor assembly can have a bearing that is arranged at the bearing receptacle of the rotor carrier. This bearing can absorb forces from the rotor assembly and ensure its rotation.

[0043] The rotor assembly may also include a connecting part designed for connection to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.

[0044] The connecting part may have at least one internal thread on its outer side, viewed radially outwards, or on its radial outer side, for connection to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.

[0045] Furthermore, the connecting part can have at least one passage on its inner side, viewed radially inwards, or on its radial inner side, for a friction-fit and / or form-fit connection with a hub unit of the rotor device.

[0046] The connecting piece can have a shape reminiscent of a soup plate. This shape provides sufficient mechanical stability and facilitates water drainage.

[0047] Furthermore, the rotor device can have a hub unit to which a rotor carrier of the rotor device is attached in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the rotor carrier is designed for the rotationally fixed arrangement of a rotor of the rotor device.

[0048] The rotor assembly can also have a hub unit to which, in addition to or as an alternative to the rotor carrier of the rotor assembly, a connecting part of the rotor assembly is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner, the connecting part being designed for connection with a crankshaft.

[0049] Furthermore, the hub unit can have a sealing surface for a radial shaft seal of the sealing device. This increases the sealing performance of the sealing device.

[0050] The sealing surface can be arranged between a rotor carrier of the rotor assembly and a connecting part of the rotor assembly. In this way, the rotor carrier can be arranged in a second compartment and the connecting part in a first compartment, with the two compartments being sealed against each other by means of the sealing device, so that water and dirt cannot pass from one to the other.

[0051] Furthermore, the sealing surface can be formed by a shoulder of the hub unit. This ensures that the sealing surface can be manufactured easily.

[0052] Furthermore, the hub unit can have a shoulder against which the rotor carrier rests on one side and the connecting part on the other side, so that a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine can be connected to the rotor carrier via the connecting part and via the hub unit.

[0053] The shoulder can project outwards in a radial direction. This allows for the simple fabrication of a sealing surface formed on it.

[0054] The shoulder can have several through holes, for example in the axial direction, in each of which a rivet or screw is arranged that connects the hub unit and / or the rotor carrier and / or the connecting part of the rotor device to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0055] Furthermore, the hub unit can have a toothed section into which the rotor carrier engages with corresponding mating teeth. The toothed section and mating teeth can be designed to be backlash-free.

[0056] The hub unit can also have a shaft-hub connection together with the rotor carrier, which ensures a rotationally fixed connection between the hub unit and the rotor carrier.

[0057] Furthermore, the rotor carrier can be clamped against the shoulder using a shaft nut. In this case, the rotor carrier can be clamped against the shoulder via a bearing and a sleeve using a shaft nut.

[0058] This allows for improved bearing preload for operation.

[0059] Furthermore, a bearing of the rotor assembly can be secured to the rotor carrier by means of a retaining ring.

[0060] In addition, at least one outer housing wall part can be designed for the arrangement of the stator device.

[0061] The stator assembly can comprise a stator and a stator support, to which the stator is attached radially on the inside and which is arranged radially on the outside of the at least one housing wall part.

[0062] A cooling channel can be formed between the stator support and at least one housing wall part to dissipate operating heat from the stator.

[0063] The stator support can be designed similarly to a hollow cylinder.

[0064] The stator support can also have at least one shoulder with which it abuts a shoulder of at least one outer housing wall part.

[0065] The stator carrier can also have one or more grooves on its radial outer side for attaching sealing elements, so that a cooling channel can be sealed in the axial direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the stator carrier can include sealing elements that are arranged in its grooves.

[0067] The stator carrier can also have at least one passage, for example in the axial direction, which is arranged on the outside when viewed radially, in order to screw the stator carrier to the at least one outer housing wall part.

[0068] The at least one passage can be formed on a shoulder with which the stator support abuts a shoulder of the at least one outer housing wall part.

[0069] The at least one outer housing wall part can include at least one internal thread into which a screw is screwed to fasten the stator carrier to the housing.

[0070] Furthermore, the stator carrier can have a chamfer at one axial end, or at one end viewed in the axial direction, on which a seal is arranged between the stator carrier and the sealing device or its sealing element. This can increase the sealing performance.

[0071] Finally, it should be mentioned that the electric machine is designed to generate electrical energy, for example to charge a battery and / or to supply energy to an electric motor.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be noted that the axis of a through-hole or through-bore can run in the axial direction.

[0073] A second aspect of the present invention comprises a hybrid drive unit for a vehicle.

[0074] It is expressly pointed out that the characteristics of the electric machine, as mentioned under the first aspect, can be used individually or in combination in the hybrid drive unit for a vehicle.

[0075] In other words, the features relating to the electrical machine mentioned above under the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with further features under the second aspect of the invention.

[0076] A hybrid drive unit for a vehicle comprises an electric machine (as described above) and an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft and a flexible drive component. Naturally, the hybrid drive can also include a first and a second electric machine, with the first serving as a generator and the second as the vehicle's drive. In this configuration, the hybrid drive can be a so-called series drive, where one electric machine acts as a generator and the other as the vehicle's drive.

[0077] The flexible disc part is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the crankshaft and on the connecting part of the rotor assembly of the electric machine, so that the rotational energy of the internal combustion engine can be transferred via the crankshaft, the flexible disc part and the connecting part to the hub part and via the rotor carrier to the rotor in order to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0078] The flexible disc part can be attached to the crankshaft using screws.

[0079] Furthermore, the flexible disk part can have at least one passage on its outer side, viewed radially outwards, or on its radial outer side, through which a screw can be passed in order to connect the flexible disk part to the connecting part of the rotor device of the electric machine.

[0080] Furthermore, the internal combustion engine may include a housing and a radial shaft seal that seals the inside of the housing against the outside.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the axis of a through-hole or through-bore can run in the axial direction.

[0082] A third aspect of the present invention comprises a method for connecting an internal combustion engine to an electric machine.

[0083] It is expressly pointed out that the features of the hybrid drive unit for a vehicle, as mentioned under the second aspect, can be applied individually or in combination to the method of connecting an internal combustion engine with an electric machine.

[0084] In other words, the features mentioned above under the second aspect of the invention relating to the hybrid drive unit for a vehicle can also be combined with further features under the third aspect of the invention.

[0085] The method of combining an internal combustion engine with an electric machine creates a hybrid drive unit, as described in the second aspect.

[0086] The procedure may include the following steps.

[0087] One step involves aligning in an axial direction, or axially aligning a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and an electric machine on a common axis of rotation to create a hybrid drive unit, as described under the second aspect.

[0088] The housings of the electric machine and the internal combustion engine can then be connected.

[0089] The next step involves connecting the connecting part of the rotor assembly of the electric machine to the flexible disc part of the internal combustion engine using screws.

[0090] A further step, prior to connecting the connecting part to the flexible disc part, can involve aligning a passage of the flexible disc part with an internal thread of the connecting part, so that the connecting part and the flexible disc part can be screwed together using a screw that can be inserted through an opening in the axial direction or through an axial opening in the housing of the internal combustion engine. Such a step is found, for example, in the assembly or connection of torque converter automatic transmissions in the prior art.

[0091] The inventive concept described above is further expressed in other words below.

[0092] Thus, a sealing plate or sealing device is provided between a rotor of a first electric machine and an internal combustion engine or internal combustion power engine.

[0093] A rotationally fixed, backlash-free connection between the rotor of the first electric machine and a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine can be provided.

[0094] A drive plate / flywheel or a connecting part can be connected to the crankshaft with an axially flexible disc or flexplate or flexible disc part.

[0095] A drive plate / flywheel or a connecting part can be connected to the rotor of the first electric machine via a radially small hub / hub unit.

[0096] A radial shaft seal or gasket can provide a seal to a hub / hub unit with the smallest possible diameter.

[0097] A space / first space section between the combustion engine or internal combustion power unit and the transmission or electric machine that cannot be completely sealed can be separated from a sealed space / oil space / second space section.

[0098] The above design options result in various advantageous effects of the invention.

[0099] The following advantages can be achieved through the solution described above: Direct, backlash-free, rotationally fixed connection of a rotor of a first electric machine to a crankshaft; no interposed torsional damper; no special insulation required for the stator of the first electric machine; allowing water and / or other foreign substances / contaminants to enter a space between an internal combustion engine and a gearbox without contaminating or damaging the first electric machine; final testing and, if necessary, adjustment of the gearbox or electric machine, including the function of the first electric machine, during or after gearbox assembly.

[0100] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to two exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These schematically show: Figs. 1 and 2 a sectional view of a gearbox with two electric machines from the prior art, wherein Figure 2an enlarged view of a section of Figure 1 shows; Fig. 3 a sectional view of another gearbox with two electric machines from the prior art; Fig. 4 a sectional view of an electric machine for generating electrical energy for a hybrid vehicle according to a first embodiment; and Fig. 5 a sectional view of an electric machine for generating electrical energy for a hybrid vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0101] In the following description, the same reference symbols are used for the same objects.

[0102] Figures 1 to 3 The figures show sectional views of prior art designs that have already been discussed at the beginning of this description, so further explanations are omitted here.

[0103] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an electric machine 1 for generating electrical energy for a hybrid vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0104] The electric machine 1 has according to Figure 4 a housing 2 with an opening E in axial direction X or with an axial opening E for installing a stator 4 and a rotor assembly 5 and with an outer housing wall part 3 that separates the electrical machine 1 from the environment.

[0105] Furthermore, the electric machine 1 has a stator assembly 4, which is arranged inside the housing 2, and a rotor assembly 5 for connection with an internal combustion engine 100 (indicated only by reference numerals). Thus, rotational energy of the internal combustion engine 100 can be converted into electrical energy by relative rotation of the rotor assembly 5 with respect to the stator assembly 4.

[0106] How Figure 4Furthermore, it can be seen that the electric machine 1 has a sealing device 6 which closes the axial opening E of the housing 2 and divides the interior of the housing 2 in axial direction X into two space sections A, B, so that in a first space section A a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100 can be connected to the rotor device 5 and in a second space section B the stator device 4 is arranged.

[0107] Closing the axial opening E of the housing 2 allows water to penetrate, for example through an opening O, into the first space section A between an internal combustion engine 100 and the electric machine 1 or its housing 2. This is because the sealing device 6 protects a stator 26 of the stator assembly 4 from water and dirt. Furthermore, the sealing device 6 allows for easy sealing of the stator assembly 4 of the electric machine 1. The sealing device 6 also enables the electric machine 1 to be tested at the factory before assembly with an internal combustion engine 100. Therefore, a fully sealed and pre-tested electric machine 1 can be created, which can be tested before assembly with an internal combustion engine and is protected against the ingress of water and / or dirt, even though the electric machine 1 is not yet connected to an internal combustion engine 100.whose housing 104 is assembled. Therefore, sealing at the parting line T is not necessary.

[0108] As in Figure 4 As shown, the sealing device 6 is arranged inside the housing 2 and extends from the outer housing wall part 3, e.g. in radial direction Y inwards, towards the rotor device 5 or towards its hub unit 19.

[0109] The sealing device 6 is in a sealing position against the outer housing wall part 3 and against the rotor device 5, in particular against a hub unit 19 of the rotor device 5.

[0110] Furthermore, it shows Figure 4 , that the sealing device 6 has a radial shaft seal 7 which is arranged on a sealing surface 20 of a hub unit 19 of the rotor device 5.

[0111] The sealing device 6 has a shaped sealing element 8 with a funnel-shaped profile. At its end, in the radial direction Y outwards, or at its radially outer end, the sealing element 8 forms a receptacle 9 for the housing 2. The sealing element 8 also has a passage 10 at its radially outer end for a screw S or a rivet, allowing a frictional or force-fit connection between the sealing element 8 and the housing 2. In this way, the sealing device 6, or the shaped sealing element 8, is rigidly mounted on the housing 2.

[0112] Furthermore, the sealing element 8 forms a receptacle 11 for the radial shaft seal 7 of the sealing device 6 at its end in the radial direction inwards, or at its radially inner end, and is designed such that the radial shaft seal 7 is clamped against a sealing surface 20 of a hub unit 19 of the rotor device 5 with a preload force.

[0113] Furthermore, Figure 4 It can be seen that the rotor assembly 5 has a rotor 12 and a rotor carrier 13 which are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0114] The rotor 12 is arranged on the outside of the rotor carrier 13, viewed in the radial direction Y, and the rotor carrier 13 has, viewed in the radial direction Y, a bearing receptacle 14 on its inside for a bearing 15. The bearing receptacle 14 can absorb forces from the rotor assembly 5 and, together with the bearing 15, ensure the rotation of the rotor assembly 5. Furthermore, the rotor assembly 5 has – as mentioned – a bearing 15 that is arranged in the bearing receptacle 14 of the rotor carrier 13.

[0115] The rotor assembly 5 also has a connecting part 16, which is designed for connection with a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100.

[0116] The connecting part 16 has several internal threads 17 on its outer side, viewed in the radial direction Y outwards, or on its radial outer side, for connection with a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100.

[0117] Furthermore, the connecting part 16 has several passages 18 on its inner side, viewed radially inwards in direction Y, for frictional and / or form-fit connection with a hub unit 19 of the rotor assembly 5. The connecting part 16 has a shape reminiscent of a soup plate.

[0118] Furthermore, it shows Figure 4 , that the rotor device 5 comprises a hub unit 19 to which the rotor carrier 13 of the rotor device 5 is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner, which is designed for the rotationally fixed arrangement of a rotor 12 of the rotor device 5.

[0119] In addition, the connecting part 16 of the rotor device 5 is fixed to the hub unit 19 in a rotationally fixed manner and is designed for connection with a crankshaft 101.

[0120] The hub unit 19 has a sealing surface 20 for the radial shaft seal 7 of the sealing device 6, wherein the sealing surface 20 is arranged between the rotor carrier 13 and the connecting part 16.

[0121] The sealing surface 20 is formed by a shoulder 21 of the hub unit 19, against which the rotor carrier 13 abuts on one side and the connecting part 16 on the other. Thus, a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100 can be connected to the rotor carrier 13 via the connecting part 16 and the hub unit 19.

[0122] Paragraph 21 of hub unit 19 has according to Figure 4Several through-holes 22, each containing a rivet N, connect the hub unit 19 and the connecting part 16 of the rotor assembly 5 in a rotationally fixed manner. The shoulder 21 projects outwards in the radial direction Y. This allows for the simple fabrication of a sealing surface 20 formed on the shoulder.

[0123] As in Figure 4 As further shown, the hub unit 19 also has a toothed section 23 into which the rotor carrier 13 engages with corresponding mating teeth 23. The toothed section 23 and mating teeth 23 are designed to be backlash-free.

[0124] More precisely, the hub unit 19 together with the rotor carrier 13 has a shaft-hub connection which ensures a rotationally fixed connection between hub unit 19 and rotor carrier 13.

[0125] As also in Figure 4As can be seen, the rotor carrier 13 is clamped against the shoulder 21 via the bearing 15 and a sleeve using a shaft nut 24.

[0126] It also shows Figure 4 , that the outer housing wall part 3 is designed for the arrangement of the stator device 4, wherein the stator device 4 has a stator 26 and a stator support 27, to which the stator 26 is attached radially on the inside and which is arranged radially on the outside of the at least one housing wall part 3.

[0127] A cooling channel 28 is formed between the stator support 27 and the housing wall part 3 to dissipate operating heat from the stator 26.

[0128] The stator carrier 27 is designed similarly to a hollow cylinder, wherein the stator carrier 27 has a shoulder 29 with which it abuts a shoulder 30 of the outer housing wall part 3.

[0129] Furthermore, the stator carrier 27 has several grooves 31 on its radial outer side for attaching sealing elements 32, so that a cooling channel 28 can be sealed in the axial direction X. These sealing elements 32 of the stator carrier 27 are arranged in its grooves 31.

[0130] The stator carrier 27 also has several passages 33 in the axial direction X, which are arranged on the outside when viewed in the radial direction Y, in order to screw the stator carrier 27 to the outer housing wall part 3.

[0131] The shoulder of the stator carrier 27 rests against the outer housing wall part 3 with the passages 33.

[0132] The outer housing wall part 3 has several internal threads 34, into each of which a screw S is screwed to attach the stator carrier 27 to the housing 2.

[0133] Furthermore, in Figure 4It can be seen that the stator carrier 27 has a chamfer 35 at one axial end, or at one end viewed in the axial direction X, on which a seal 36 is arranged between the stator carrier 27 and the sealing device 6 or its sealing element 8. This improves the sealing.

[0134] In summary, it can be stated so far that, with the design of an electric machine 1 as described above, two space sections A, B can be sealed against each other with the sealing device 6 in such a way that dirt and water can no longer pass from space section A to space section B.

[0135] Basically, it shows Figure 4 not just an electric machine 1, but rather a hybrid drive unit for a vehicle.

[0136] This hybrid drive unit comprises the electric machine 1 as described above and an internal combustion engine 100 (indicated only by reference numerals) with a crankshaft 101 and a flexible disc part 102.

[0137] The flexible disc part 102 is according to Figure 4 arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the crankshaft 101 and on the connecting part 16 of the rotor assembly 5 of the electric machine 1, so that the rotational energy of the internal combustion engine 100 can be transmitted via the crankshaft 101, the flexible disk part 102 and the connecting part 16 to the hub part 19 and via the rotor carrier 13 to the rotor 12 in order to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0138] The flexible disc part 102 is fastened to the crankshaft 101 by means of screws S, wherein the flexible disc part 102 has several openings 103 on its outer surface, viewed radially Y outwards, through which a screw S passes. Thus, the flexible disc part 102 is connected to the connecting part 16 of the rotor assembly 5.

[0139] It also shows Figure 4 , that the internal combustion engine 100 has a housing 104 and a radial shaft seal 105, which seals the inside of the housing 104 against the outside.

[0140] By arranging the two housings 2, 104 on a separating plane T, the first spatial section A is bounded on the one hand by the housing of the electric machine 1 and on the other hand by the housing 104 of the internal combustion engine 100.

[0141] A seal between the two housings at the separating plane T can therefore either be omitted or implemented with minimal effort, since a complete seal of the second space section B, in which the stator is arranged, has already been provided by the sealing device 6.

[0142] Below is a brief description of a method for connecting an internal combustion engine 100 with an electric machine 1.

[0143] First, the crankshaft 101 of the internal combustion engine 100 and the electric machine 1 are axially aligned on a common axis of rotation, in order to then connect the housings 2, 104 of the electric machine 1 and the internal combustion engine 100. The two housings 2, 104 meet at the dividing plane T.

[0144] Then the connecting part 16 of the rotor assembly 5 of the electric machine 1 is connected to the flexible disc part 102 of the internal combustion engine 100 by means of screws.

[0145] For this purpose, before connecting the connecting part 16 to the flexible disc part 102, a passage 103 of the flexible disc part 102 is aligned with an internal thread 17 of the connecting part 16. In this way, the connecting part 16 and the flexible disc part 102 can be screwed together using a screw S, which can be inserted through an opening in the axial direction or through an axial opening (not shown) in the housing 104 of the internal combustion engine 100. A similar assembly is found in modern connections of torque converter automatic transmissions.

[0146] Figure 5shows a sectional view of an electric machine 1 for generating electrical energy for a hybrid vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0147] Identical to Figure 4 and in the first embodiment, the electric machine 1 according to Figure 5 a housing 2 with an opening E in axial direction X or with an axial opening E for installing a stator 4 and a rotor assembly 5 and with an outer housing wall part 3 that separates the electrical machine 1 from the environment.

[0148] Furthermore, the electric machine 1 has a stator assembly 4 which is arranged inside the housing 2.

[0149] Furthermore, the electric machine 1 has a rotor device 5 for connection with an internal combustion engine 100 (only indicated by reference numerals), so that rotational energy of the internal combustion engine 100 can be converted into electrical energy by relative rotation of the rotor device 5 to the stator device 4.

[0150] According to Figure 5 The electric machine 1 has a sealing device 6 that closes the axial opening E of the housing 2 and divides the interior of the housing 2 in the axial direction X into two space sections A, B, so that in the first space section A a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine 100 can be connected to the rotor device 5 and in the second space section B the stator device 4 is arranged.

[0151] Closing the axial opening E of the housing 2 allows water to penetrate the first compartment A between the internal combustion engine 100 and the electric machine 1, or rather its housing 2, 104, without damaging the stator assembly 4 or its stator 26. This is because the sealing device 6 protects the stator 26 or the stator assembly 4 from water and dirt. Furthermore, the sealing device 6 allows the stator assembly 4 of the electric machine 1 to be sealed easily. Finally, the sealing device 6 enables the electric machine 1 to be tested at the factory before assembly with an internal combustion engine 100.Therefore, an electric machine 1 with housing 2 can be created which can be tested before assembly with an internal combustion engine and which is protected against the ingress of water and / or dirt, even though the electric machine 1 is not yet assembled with an internal combustion engine 100 or its housing 104.

[0152] Regarding the further explanations, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 references were made to the principles that are applicable here by analogy.

[0153] Therefore, only the differences between the first and second embodiments will be discussed below.

[0154] First, when comparing the Figures 4 and 5It should be noted that essentially two design differences can be identified. One concerns the hub unit 19 and the other concerns the attachment of the sealing device 6 to the outer housing wall part 3.

[0155] In Figure 4 The shaped sealing element 8 has at its end, viewed radially outwards in direction Y, or at its radially outer end, a passage 10 for a screw S or a rivet in order to create a frictional or force-fit connection between the sealing element 8 and the housing 2.

[0156] This passage 10 is missing according to the second embodiment. Figure 5In the second embodiment, the sealing device 6 is therefore not secured to the housing 2 with screws, but rather clamped, pressed, or spread into the housing 2. In this way, the sealing device 6, or the shaped sealing element 8, is arranged in a rotationally rigid manner on the housing 2. Furthermore, fasteners such as screws or rivets can be omitted, thus saving weight and simplifying assembly.

[0157] In contrast, in both embodiments, the stator carrier 27 has a chamfer 35 at an axial end or at an end viewed in the axial direction, on which a seal 36 is arranged between the stator carrier 27 and the sealing device 6.

[0158] Another constructive difference between the first and second embodiments according to Figure 4 and 5 can be seen in the area of ​​hub unit 19.

[0159] Both in Figure 4 as well as in Figure 5The rotor device 5 has a hub unit 19 to which the rotor carrier 13 of the rotor device 5 is fixedly attached, which is designed for the non-rotatable arrangement of a rotor 12 of the rotor device 5.

[0160] Furthermore, a connecting part 16 of the rotor assembly 5 is fixed to the hub unit 19 in a rotationally fixed manner and is designed for connection with a crankshaft 101.

[0161] The hub unit 19 has a sealing surface 20 for a radial shaft seal 7, which is arranged between the rotor carrier 13 of the rotor assembly 5 and the connecting part 16 of the rotor assembly 5.

[0162] The sealing surface 20 is formed by a shoulder 21 of the hub unit 19, against which the rotor carrier 13 rests on one side and the connecting part 16 rests on the other side, so that a crankshaft 101 of an internal combustion engine 100 can be connected to the rotor carrier 13 via the connecting part 16 and via the hub unit 19.

[0163] While now after Figure 4 Paragraph 21 has several through holes 22, in each of which a rivet N is arranged, are in Figure 5 22 screws S are arranged in the through holes.

[0164] The screws S connect the hub unit 19, the rotor carrier 13 and the connecting part 16 of the rotor device 5 to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0165] A toothing 23 of the hub unit 19, as in Figure 4 The second embodiment is shown according to Figure 5 unavailable.

[0166] Furthermore, in Figure 5 the bearing 15 of the rotor assembly 5 is secured to the rotor carrier 13 by means of a retaining ring 25, while in Figure 4 the rotor carrier 13 is clamped against the shoulder 21 by means of a shaft nut 24.

[0167] The characters are described again below in different words.

[0168] The present invention will therefore be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing and description of embodiments.

[0169] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a gearbox with two electric machines in the prior art; Fig. 2 a schematic view of an enlarged section of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 one to Fig. 2 analogous schematic view of another gearbox with two electric machines in the prior art; Fig. 4 a schematic view of a section of a gearbox with two electric machines according to a first embodiment; and Fig. 5 a schematic view of a section of a gearbox with two electric machines according to a second embodiment.

[0170] The following is a description of a first embodiment.

[0171] Fig. 4shows a schematic view of a section of a gearbox with two electric machines according to the first embodiment.

[0172] As it is in Fig. 4 As shown, an axially flexible sheet or flexplate or flexible disc part 102 is connected to a crankshaft 101 via screws S and is part of the internal combustion engine or internal combustion power engine 100 (only indicated by reference numerals).

[0173] A stator 26 of a first electric machine 1 is connected to a gearbox housing 2 or to a housing of the electric machine 1 by means of a stator support 27 via, for example, screws S.

[0174] A coolant or cooling water channel or cooling channel 28 is limited by the gearbox housing 2 or by the housing 2 of the electric machine 1 and the stator carrier 27.

[0175] A rotor 12, or more precisely a rotor carrier 13 of the first electric machine 1, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a hub or hub unit 19 that is as small as possible via a backlash-free toothing 23.

[0176] The rotor 12 of the first electric machine 1 is mounted in the gearbox housing 2 or in the housing of the electric machine 1 via a rolling bearing or a bearing 15.

[0177] The rolling bearing / bearing 15 is secured axially on the hub / hub unit 19, for example, by means of a nut or shaft nut 24.

[0178] The hub / hub unit 19 is connected to a drive plate / flywheel or connecting part 16 via a rivet N.

[0179] Between the drive plate / flywheel or connecting part 16 and the rotor 12 there is a sealing plate or sealing element 8, which enables the separation between an unsealed or unsealable space A or a first space section A and a sealed space B or second space section B.

[0180] Inside, the sealing plate or sealing element 8 carries a radial shaft seal 7 for sealing against the hub / hub unit 19. On the outside, an O-ring or seal 36 is shown here as an example, which provides a seal to the gearbox housing or to the outer housing wall section 3 of the housing 2 of the electric machine 1. Other sealing methods are possible. Likewise, the depicted fixing of the sealing plate or sealing element 8 with screws S is only an example. Other solutions, such as pressing the sealing plate or sealing element 8 into the gearbox housing or outer housing wall section 3 of the housing 2 of the electric machine 1, are possible (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).

[0181] An opening O in the housing allows water and / or other contaminants or foreign substances to penetrate into the unsealable or sealed space A or into the first space section A without damaging or contaminating the first electrical machine 1, since the sealing plate or sealing element 8 separates the unsealable or unsealed area A or the first space section A from the sealed area B or from the second space section B.

[0182] It should be noted that even in a case where no explicit opening O is provided, no seal is required between the gearbox housing or the housing 2 of the electric machine 1 and the motor housing 104 or the housing 104 of the internal combustion engine / internal combustion power engine 100, since damage to or contamination of the first electric machine 1 by the sealing plate / sealing element 8 is prevented even if water and / or other contaminants or foreign substances penetrate through a gap between the gearbox housing 2 / housing 2 and the motor housing / housing 104 of the internal combustion engine 100 or internal combustion power engine 100 into the unsealable or unsealed space A / first space section A.

[0183] Therefore, a seal between the space A / first space section A formed by the gearbox housing 2 or housing 2, the motor housing 104 or housing 104 and the sealing plate 8 or sealing element 8 and the external environment is explicitly omitted.

[0184] The following is a description of a second embodiment.

[0185] It should be noted that the second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for the differences and changes described below.

[0186] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a section of a gearbox with two electric machines according to the second embodiment.

[0187] A drive plate / flywheel or connecting part 16, a rotor carrier 13 and a hub or hub unit 19 are connected to each other via screws S.

[0188] Combinations such as riveting the hub / hub unit 19 to the rotor carrier 13 and screwing the drive plate / flywheel or connecting part 16 only to the hub or hub unit 19 are also possible.

[0189] In both of the aforementioned embodiments, the first electric machine 1 is connected to the crankshaft 101 after the transmission or the electric machine 1 has been attached to the internal combustion engine 100 or the internal combustion power engine 100 (only indicated by reference numerals) via screws S.

[0190] The following advantages are achieved through the embodiments described above: direct, backlash-free, rotationally fixed connection of a rotor 12 of a first electric machine 1 with a crankshaft 101; no interposed torsional damper; no special insulation effort for a stator 26 of the first electric machine 1; allowing the ingress of water and / or other foreign substances / contaminants into a space or into a first space section A between an internal combustion engine 100 and a gearbox or an electric machine 1 without contaminating or damaging the first electric machine 1; final testing and, if necessary, setting up the gearbox or the electric machine 1, including the function of the first electric machine 1, during or after assembly of the gearbox / the electric machine 1

[0191] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is understood that various embodiments and modifications can be carried out without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0192] Regarding further features and advantages of the present invention, explicit reference is made to the disclosure of the drawing. Reference symbol list

[0193] 1 Electric machine 30 Offset of the outer housing wall part 2 Housing 3 outer housing wall part 31 grooves 4 Stator assembly 32 Sealing elements 5 Rotor device 33 passage 6 Sealing device 34 Internal thread of the outer housing wall part 7 Radial shaft seal 8 shaped sealing element 35 chamfer 9 Recording 36 seal 10 passage 37 radial shaft seal 11 Recording 12 rotor 100 internal combustion engine 13 Rotor carrier 101 crankshaft 14 Storage 102 flexible disc part 15 Storage 103 passage 16 Connecting part 104 Housing 17 internal thread 105 Radial shaft seal 18 passage 19 Hub unit A first section of the room (electrical machine room) 20 Sealing surface 21 Hub unit B second room section (oil room) 22 Through holes X axial direction 23 Interlocking / Counter-interlocking Y radial direction 24 shaft nut E opening 25 retaining ring N rivet 26 stator S screw 27 Stator carrier T Separation plane 28 Cooling channel O opening 29 Stator support section

Claims

1. An electric machine (1) for generating electric energy for a hybrid vehicle, having: - a housing (2) having an axial opening (E) for installing a stator (4) and a rotor device (5) and having at least one outer housing wall part (3) that delimits the electric machine (1) from the surroundings, - a stator device (4) that is arranged in the interior of the housing (2), - a rotor device (5) for connecting to an internal combustion engine (100), such that rotational energy of the internal combustion engine (100) can be converted into electric energy by means of a rotation of the rotor device (5) relative to the stator device (4), - wherein the electric machine (1) has a seal device (6), wherein the seal device (6) has a seal element (8) in the form of a sealing plate, which closes the axial opening (E) of the housing (2) and divides the interior of the housing (2) into two spatial sections (A, B) in the axial direction (X), such that a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine (100) can be connected to the rotor device (5) in a first spatial section (A) and the stator device (4) is arranged in a second spatial section (B), - wherein the at least one outer housing wall part (3) is designed for the arrangement of the stator device (4), - wherein the stator device (4) comprises a stator (26) and a stator carrier (27), to which the stator (26) is attached radially on the inside and which is arranged radially on the outside of the at least one housing wall part (3), - characterized in that the stator carrier (27) has a chamfer (35) at an axial end, on which a seal (36) is arranged between the stator carrier (27) and the seal element (8).

2. The electric machine according to claim 1, - wherein the seal device (6) is arranged inside the housing (2) and extends from the at least one outer housing wall part (3) towards the rotor device (5), and - wherein the seal device (6) bears sealingly against the at least one outer housing wall part (3) and against the rotor device (5), in particular against a hub unit (19) of the rotor device (5).

3. The electric machine according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the seal device (6) comprises a radial shaft seal (7) and a shaped seal element (8), the course of which is shaped like a funnel, and / or - wherein the seal element (8) forms a receptacle (11) for a radial shaft seal (7) of the seal device (6) at its radially inner end and is designed such that the radial shaft seal (7) can be clamped with a preload force against a seal surface (20) of a hub unit (19) of the rotor device (5).

4. The electric machine according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the rotor device (5) has a rotor (12) and a rotor carrier (13), which are non-rotatably connected to one another, - wherein the rotor device (5) has a connecting part (16) designed for connection with a crankshaft (101) of an internal combustion engine (100), and - wherein the connecting part (16) has at least one passage (18) on its radial inner side for frictional and / or form-fitting connection with a hub unit (19) of the rotor device (5).

5. The electric machine according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the rotor device (5) has a hub unit (19), to which a rotor carrier (13) of the rotor device (5) is non-rotatably fastened, which is designed for the non-rotatable arrangement of a rotor (12) of the rotor device (5), and / or to which a connecting part (16) of the rotor device (5) is non-rotatably fastened, which is designed for connection with a crankshaft (101).

6. The electric machine according to claim 5, - wherein the hub unit (19) has a seal surface (20) for a radial shaft seal (7) of the seal device (6), and wherein the seal surface (20) is arranged between a rotor carrier (13) of the rotor device (5) and a connecting part (16) of the rotor device (5), and / or - wherein the hub unit (19) has a shoulder (21), against which the rotor carrier (13) rests on one side and the connecting part (16) rests on the other side, such that a crankshaft (101) of an internal combustion engine (100) can be connected to the rotor carrier (13) via the connecting part (16) and via the hub unit (19).

7. The electric machine according to claim 5 or 6, - wherein the hub unit (19) has a toothing (23), into which the rotor carrier (13) engages with a corresponding counter-toothing (23), and wherein the toothing (23) and counter-toothing (23) are designed to be without play, and / or - wherein the hub unit (19) together with the rotor carrier (13) has a shaft-hub connection by means of which a non-rotatable connection between hub unit (19) and rotor carrier (13) is ensured,8. A hybrid drive unit for a vehicle, having: - an electric machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and - an internal combustion engine (100) having a crankshaft (101) and a flexible disk part (102), - wherein the flexible disk part (102) is arranged non-rotatably on the crankshaft (101) and non-rotatably on the connecting part (16) of the rotor device (5) of the electric machine (1), such that the rotational energy of the internal combustion engine (100) can be transmitted via the crankshaft (101), the flexible disk part (102) and the connecting part (16) to the hub part (19) and via the rotor carrier (13) to the rotor (12) in order to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.