Electrical propulsion device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a utility vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical propulsion device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: an electrical machine (12) by means of which the motor vehicle can be electrically propelled; a transmission (22) via which the motor vehicle can be electrically propelled by means of the electrical machine (12), which electrical machine has a cooling jacket (16) through which coolant can flow for cooling at least a portion of the electrical machine (12); and a housing (24) in which the electrical machine (12) and the transmission (22) are arranged, wherein the housing (24) has at least one housing element (26) which is formed in one piece and comprises at least one first receiving region (28) in which transmission components (30) of the transmission (22) are arranged. The housing element (26) has at least one second receiving region (36) in which the electrical machine (12) is at least partially arranged.

Description

[0001] Electric drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0003] DE 102019217 872 A1 discloses a modular axle drive for vehicles, comprising an electric machine with a machine housing extending in the axial direction, which has at least one machine coolant channel extending along a portion of the machine housing.

[0004] Also provided is a transmission having a transmission housing having at least one transmission coolant passage extending along a portion of the transmission housing.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric drive device for a motor vehicle so that particularly advantageous cooling can be realized in a particularly cost-, weight- and space-efficient manner.

[0006] This object is achieved by an electric drive device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0007] The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, which can be designed, for example, as a commercial vehicle. In particular, the commercial vehicle can be a truck. Of course, it is conceivable that the motor vehicle can alternatively be designed as a passenger car. In particular, the motor vehicle is designed, for example, as a motor vehicle. In its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has the electric drive device by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. For example, in its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has at least or exactly two vehicle axles arranged consecutively and thus one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, which axles are also simply referred to as axles.The respective vehicle axle has, for example, at least or exactly two vehicle wheels arranged on opposite sides of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, which wheels are also simply referred to as wheels. The vehicle wheels of the motor vehicle are ground contact elements by which the motor vehicle can be or is supported downwards on a ground in the vertical direction of the vehicle. If the motor vehicle is driven along the ground while being supported downwards on the ground in the vertical direction of the vehicle via the ground contact elements, the vehicle wheels roll, in particular directly, on the ground.For example, the electric drive device is assigned to at least or exactly one of the vehicle axles, wherein, for example, the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned can be driven electrically, in particular purely electrically, by means of the drive device.

[0008] The electric drive device has at least one electric machine by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. This means, for example, that the electric machine can electrically, in particular purely electrically, drive the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned. For this purpose, the electric machine has, for example, a stator and a rotor, which can be driven by means of the stator and is therefore rotatable about a machine axis of rotation relative to the stator. Via its rotor, the electric machine can provide drive torques for driving the motor vehicle, that is to say in particular for driving the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned.The electrical machine is very preferably a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and very preferably amounts to several hundred volts. The motor vehicle can, for example, have an electrical energy storage device by means of or in which electrical energy is to be stored or is stored, in particular electrochemically. Very particularly, the electrical energy storage device can be a battery, in particular a high-voltage battery (HV battery), wherein the electrical energy storage device is preferably a secondary battery. The electrical energy storage device is preferably a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and very preferably amounts to several hundred volts.The electric machine can, for example, be supplied with the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device, which allows the electric machine to be operated in motor mode and thus as an electric motor. The electric motor can be used to drive the motor vehicle, in particular the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned, electrically, in particular purely electrically.

[0009] The electric drive device also has a transmission via which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven by means of the electric machine. The electric machine, in particular the stator, has a cooling jacket through which a coolant can flow for cooling at least a partial region of the electric machine, in particular the stator. The coolant is preferably a component of the electric drive device, so that the coolant preferably belongs to the electric drive device. The coolant is, for example, a liquid, so that the coolant is also referred to as a cooling liquid. Very preferably, the coolant can at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half, comprise water or be formed by water, so that the coolant is also referred to, for example, as cooling water. In the following, the cooling jacket, for example, is also referred to as a water jacket.By means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket, at least the partial area of ​​the electrical machine, in particular the stator, can be cooled, in particular by heat transfer from the partial area to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket.

[0010] The electric drive device also has a housing in which the electric machine and the transmission are arranged. In other words, both the electric machine (also referred to as an electric motor or electric motor or electric machine) and the transmission are integrated into the housing, i.e., into the same housing, so that the housing is also referred to, for example, as a transmission-machine housing or transmission-axle housing.

[0011] For example, the transmission, in particular from the rotor to the respective vehicle wheel of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned, has a gear ratio that is in particular different from one, via which the electric machine, in particular the rotor, can drive the respective vehicle wheel of the vehicle axle to which the electric drive device is assigned.

[0012] In order to be able to achieve particularly advantageous cooling of the electric drive device in a particularly space-saving, cost-effective and weight-saving manner, the invention provides that the housing has at least one housing element formed in one piece. The feature that the housing element is formed in one piece is to be understood as meaning that the housing element is formed in one piece. This means that the housing element is formed from a single piece, so that the housing element itself, i.e. considered on its own, is designed as a monoblock or is formed by a monoblock, and is therefore designed as an integrally and thus integrally produced body or is formed by an integrally and thus integrally formed body.In other words, the one-piece or single-part housing element is not in itself, that is to say considered on its own, composed of multiple, separately formed and interconnected parts, but rather the housing element is made from a single piece and is therefore manufactured integrally. The housing element has at least one first receiving area in which gear components of the transmission are arranged. For example, the aforementioned gear ratio of the transmission is formed by means of the transmission components. The one-piece, i.e. single-part, housing element also has at least one second receiving area in which the electrical machine is arranged at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely.In particular, the feature that the housing element has the respective receiving area is to be understood as meaning that the respective receiving area is formed or delimited, in particular directly, by the housing element. In particular, for example, the respective receiving area is formed or delimited, in particular directly, by a respective surface or lateral surface of the housing element.

[0013] The one-piece, thus integral, housing element also has at least one housing wall arranged between the receiving areas and thereby separating the receiving areas from one another, via which a lubricant received or receivable in the first receiving area and preferably different from the coolant for lubricating the transmission component is to be cooled by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket of the electric machine.In other words, since the electric machine and thus the cooling jacket through which the coolant flows are arranged in the second receiving area, and since the housing wall is arranged between the receiving areas, heat exchange can take place via the housing wall between the lubricant received or to be received in the first receiving area and the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket, in particular such that heat can be transferred from the lubricant to the coolant via the housing wall. This advantageously cools the lubricant, so that the transmission components can subsequently be particularly advantageously lubricated and cooled by means of the lubricant.The invention thus makes it possible to cool the lubricant within the housing element, and thus within the housing, using the coolant for cooling the electric machine, so that the lubricant can be cooled in a particularly space-saving, cost-effective, and weight-efficient manner. In particular, the invention eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger arranged outside the housing element, in particular outside the housing, for cooling the lubricant, as well as separate lines, thus achieving high robustness and safety, as well as low weight and cost.

[0014] Since the electric machine is arranged with its cooling jacket in the second receiving area, the housing wall can be cooled, for example, by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket, in particular by allowing heat transfer from the housing wall to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket. Thus, the housing wall is a cooled housing wall, also referred to as a housing wall, through which the lubricant held or capable of being held in the first receiving area can be cooled. Thus, in contrast to conventional solutions, the use of an additional, separate heat exchanger can be dispensed with.

[0015] The invention is based in particular on the following considerations and findings: In conventional solutions, the lubricant is cooled by means of an additional, separate heat exchanger, through which, for example, the lubricant can flow and around which another temperature control medium, e.g., a liquid or air, can flow, so that heat can be transferred from the lubricant flowing through the heat exchanger to the temperature control medium via the heat exchanger. Such an additional and external heat exchanger, i.e., one arranged outside the housing, requires additional, external piping. The invention now makes it possible to avoid both the use of such a separate, external heat exchanger and such additional, external piping.This allows the number of parts and thus the cost, weight, and space requirements of the drive system to be kept to a minimum. At the same time, the lubricant can be effectively and efficiently cooled via the coolant through the housing wall.

[0016] The lubricant is preferably a liquid, in particular an oil, which is also referred to as gear oil. The lubricant is most preferably a component of the electric drive device, which thus preferably comprises the lubricant.

[0017] For example, it can be provided that the housing wall directly borders the cooling jacket through which the coolant can flow, so that a particularly advantageous heat exchange can take place between the housing wall and the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket. In particular, a surface, in particular a second surface, of the housing wall can directly border the cooling jacket. This is understood in particular to mean that the coolant can directly contact the housing wall, in particular the surface of the housing wall directly bordering the cooling jacket, on its way through the cooling jacket.

[0018] For example, a first surface of the housing wall faces the first receiving area, wherein, for example, the first receiving area is directly delimited or formed by the first surface. As a result, for example, the lubricant received or receivable in the first receiving area can directly contact the first surface. This can result in a particularly advantageous heat exchange between the housing wall and the lubricant. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the housing wall to have a second surface facing the second receiving area and, in particular, facing away from the first surface. For example, the cooling jacket can be directly delimited by the second surface, so that, for example, the coolant can directly contact the second surface on its way through the cooling jacket.This ensures an advantageous heat exchange between the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket and the housing wall, so that the lubricant can be cooled particularly effectively and efficiently via the housing wall using the coolant.

[0019] In order to be able to cool the lubricant via the housing wall particularly effectively and efficiently using the coolant, one embodiment of the invention provides that the housing wall is arranged in the radial direction of the electric machine between the receiving areas arranged next to one another in the radial direction of the electric machine, so that the receiving areas are separated from one another in the radial direction of the electric machine by the housing wall. For example, at least one of the transmission components is rotatable about a transmission component axis of rotation relative to the housing element, wherein it is preferably provided that the transmission component axis of rotation runs parallel to the axial direction of the electric machine. Thus, it can be provided that during operation of the electric drive device, the at least one transmission component rotates about the transmission component axis of rotation relative to the housing element.As a result, for example, the at least one transmission component can advantageously spin the lubricant received in the first receiving area in the first receiving area and, for example, spin it away from itself and, for example, spin it against the housing wall, in particular against the first surface of the housing wall, so that the lubricant can be cooled particularly advantageously by means of the coolant via the housing wall.

[0020] A further embodiment is characterized in that the housing wall, in particular the first surface of the housing wall, directly delimits at least the first receiving area. This allows for a particularly advantageous heat exchange between the housing wall and the lubricant, in particular such that heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant to the housing wall.

[0021] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission components have at least two gears, namely a first gear and a second gear meshing with the first gear. The respective gear is rotatable about a respective gear axis of rotation relative to the housing element, so that, for example, one of the gear axes of rotation is the aforementioned transmission component axis of rotation. Thus, it is provided that, for example, during the aforementioned operation of the electric drive device, the gears rotate about the gear axes of rotation relative to the housing element. For example, the gear axes of rotation run parallel to one another, wherein the gear axes of rotation are, for example, spaced from one another. In particular, it is conceivable for the respective gear axis of rotation to run parallel to the axial direction of the electric machine.As a result, during operation of the electric drive device, the gears can particularly advantageously project the lubricant held in the first receiving area and, for example, project it away from themselves and thus particularly advantageously project it against the housing wall, so that the lubricant can be particularly effectively and efficiently cooled by the coolant via the housing wall. In particular, it is conceivable that the aforementioned gear ratio of the transmission is formed by means of the gears.

[0022] In order to be able to cool the lubricant particularly effectively and efficiently via the housing wall, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the coolant is a liquid.

[0023] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one guide element for, in particular, targeted guiding of the lubricant is arranged in the first receiving area, also referred to as the first receiving space. It is conceivable that the guide element is arranged on the housing wall, in particular on the first surface, wherein it is conceivable that the guide element is formed integrally with the housing wall. Thus, it is preferably provided that the housing wall and the guide element are formed from a single piece, i.e. in particular by the aforementioned monoblock. By means of the guide element, for example, the lubricant can be guided in a particularly targeted and required manner, so that heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant to the housing wall while the lubricant flows along the guide element.For example, the guide element is designed as a housing shell, in particular a second one, by means of which the lubricant can be advantageously guided, in particular along the cooled housing wall. It is conceivable for the guide element to be formed separately from the housing element and to be held at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the housing element, in particular the housing wall. This ensures particularly advantageous conduction and thus guidance of the lubricant.

[0024] A further embodiment is characterized in that cooling fins, also simply referred to as fins, are provided in the first receiving area on the housing wall. Each cooling fin protrudes from the housing wall, for example in the radial direction of the electrical machine. The cooling fins can create a particularly large surface area over which heat can be transferred from the lubricant to the cooling fins and from the cooling fins to the housing wall. This allows the lubricant to be cooled particularly effectively and efficiently. It is conceivable for the cooling fins to be formed separately from the housing wall and, in particular, directly, to be attached to the housing wall. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the cooling fins to be formed integrally with the housing wall and thus integrally with one another and thus formed by the aforementioned monoblock.This ensures particularly advantageous heat transfer from the lubricant to the cooling fins and from the cooling fins to the housing wall and from the housing wall to the coolant.

[0025] In order to be able to cool the lubricant via the housing wall particularly effectively and efficiently, a further embodiment of the invention provides that at least one line element is arranged in the first receiving area, which line element is preferably inherently rigid and thus dimensionally stable and preferably designed as a solid body. In particular, the line element is designed, for example, as a tube, which is also referred to as an oil pipe. The line element has a channel through which the lubricant can flow, in particular from the first receiving area, and has at least one outlet opening directed towards or onto the housing wall, in particular towards or onto the first surface, and through which the lubricant can flow, by means of which outlet opening the lubricant can be sprayed from the channel against the housing wall, in particular against the first surface.In particular, the lubricant can be sprayed through the outlet opening in such a way that the lubricant flowing through the outlet opening forms a lubricant jet, also referred to as an oil jet or a stream, which is sprayed, in particular directly, against the housing wall, in particular against the first surface. This allows the lubricant to be cooled particularly effectively.

[0026] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one cooling channel, also referred to as the first cooling channel, runs in a meandering shape within a wall of the housing element that directly delimits the first receiving area. The coolant or a further, additional coolant can flow through the first cooling channel. The wall can be the housing wall. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the wall is an additional wall area of ​​the housing element, for example one that adjoins the housing wall. In particular, it is conceivable that the first receiving area is directly delimited downwards by the wall in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the electric drive device is in the installed position of the electric drive device. The electric drive device assumes its installed position when the motor vehicle having the electric drive device is completely manufactured.Heat can be transferred particularly advantageously via the wall from the lubricant received or to be received in the first receiving area to the coolant flowing through the first cooling channel or to other coolants, so that the lubricant can be cooled effectively and efficiently.

[0027] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if at least one cooling element formed separately from the housing element is arranged in the first receiving area, said element having at least one cooling channel running in a meandering manner in the first receiving area and also referred to as a second cooling channel, through which the coolant or the additional coolant can flow. Via the preferably dimensionally stable, i.e., rigid, and preferably solid-state cooling element, heat can be transferred from the lubricant arranged or arrangeable in the first receiving area to the coolant or additional coolants flowing through the second cooling channel and thus the cooling element, so that the lubricant can be cooled effectively and efficiently.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] The drawing shows:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic and sectional front view of an electric drive device for a motor vehicle;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a further schematic and sectional front view of the electric drive device during operation of the electric drive device;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a partial schematic perspective view of a one-piece housing element of the electric drive device; Fig. 4 shows a partial further schematic perspective view of the housing element;

[0033] Fig. 5 shows a further schematic perspective view of the housing element; and

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a further schematic perspective view of the housing element.

[0035] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a detail of a schematic and sectional front view of an electric drive device 10 for a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, which is preferably designed as a motor vehicle. In its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has the electric drive device 10 and can be driven by means of the electric drive device 10, in particular purely electrically. For this purpose, the electric drive device 10 has an electric machine 12 which has a stator and a rotor. The rotor can be driven by means of the stator and can therefore be rotated about a machine axis of rotation 14 relative to the stator. Via its rotor, the electric machine 12 can provide drive torques by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically.The electric machine 12, whose axial direction coincides with the machine rotation axis 14, is preferably a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and very preferably amounts to several hundred volts. The electric machine 12, in particular the stator, has a cooling jacket 16, shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1, through which a preferably liquid coolant can flow. The coolant preferably belongs to the electric drive device 10, which thus preferably comprises the coolant. By means of the coolant, at least a portion of the electric machine 12, in particular the stator, can be cooled via the cooling jacket 16. For example, the cooling jacket 16 is arranged in a cooling circuit through which the coolant can flow, which can be a component of the electric drive device 10.

[0037] For example, a pump, in particular an electrically operated pump, is arranged in the cooling circuit, by means of which the coolant can be pumped through the cooling circuit. Thus, for example, the pump can pump the coolant through the cooling jacket 16. An inlet 18 through which the coolant can flow is shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1. The coolant flowing through the inlet 18 can be fed to the cooling jacket 16 via the inlet 18 and, in particular, introduced into the cooling jacket 16, so that the inlet 18 is arranged in the cooling circuit. Also shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1 is a return 20 through which the coolant can flow and which is arranged in the cooling circuit. The coolant can be discharged from the cooling jacket 16 via the return 20.In particular, the coolant is preferably formed at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half, from water, which is also referred to as cooling water. The coolant is therefore also referred to as cooling water. On its way through the cooling jacket 16, heat can be transferred at least from the partial region of the electric machine 12 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, as a result of which at least the partial region of the electric machine 12 is cooled. By means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, the electric machine 12 can be cooled, for example, at least in one operating mode of the electric drive device 10. It is conceivable that in at least a second operating mode of the electric drive device 10, at least the partial region of the electric machine 12 can be heated by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16.For this purpose, for example, heat is transferred from the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 to the sub-region. The coolant can thus be used as a temperature control medium for temperature control, i.e. cooling and / or heating, of the sub-region. If, for example, the coolant has a lower temperature on its way through the cooling jacket 16 than the sub-region, heat is transferred from the sub-region to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, thereby cooling the sub-region. If, for example, the coolant has a higher temperature on its way through the cooling jacket 16 than the sub-region, heat is transferred from the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 to the sub-region, thereby heating the sub-region. As a result, for example, the electrical machine 12 can be operated in a particularly advantageous temperature range, thus ensuring effective and efficient operation of the electrical machine 12.

[0038] The electric drive device 10 also has a transmission 22, via which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically, by means of the electric machine 12. The electric drive device 10 also has a housing 24 in which the electric machine 12 and the transmission 22 are arranged.

[0039] In order to be able to realize particularly advantageous cooling of the electric drive device 10 in a particularly space-saving, weight-saving, and cost-effective manner, the housing 24 has at least one housing element 26 formed in one piece and clearly visible, for example, in Figs. 3 and 4. The housing element 26 has a first receiving area 28 in which gear components 30 of the gear 22 are arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the gear components 30 comprise two gears 32 and 34, wherein the gear 32 is also referred to as the first gear and the gear 34 is also referred to as the second gear. The gears 32 and 34 are in engagement with one another.

[0040] The housing element 26 also has a second receiving area 36 in which the electric machine 12 is at least partially arranged. In particular, the cooling jacket 16 is at least partially arranged in the second receiving area 36.The one-piece, i.e. single-part, housing element 26 also has at least one housing wall 38 arranged between the receiving areas 28 and 36 and thereby separating the receiving areas 28 and 36 from one another, via which housing wall 38 a preferably liquid lubricant 40 held in the first receiving area 28 for lubricating and preferably also for cooling the transmission components 30 is to be cooled by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, in such a way that heat can be transferred from the lubricant 40 held in the receiving area 28 to the one-piece housing wall 38, wherein the heat transferred to the housing wall 38 from the lubricant 40 can be transferred from the housing wall 38 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving regions 28 and 36 are arranged next to one another in the radial direction of the electrical machine 12, the radial direction of which runs perpendicular to the axial direction of the electrical machine 12 and thus perpendicular to the machine's axis of rotation 14, with the housing wall 38 being arranged between the receiving regions 28 and 36 in the radial direction of the electrical machine 12. As a result, the receiving regions 28 and 36 are separated from one another by the housing wall 38 in the radial direction of the electrical machine 12. The respective gear 32, 34 is rotatable about a respective gear axis of rotation 42, 44 relative to the housing wall 38, which is illustrated in Fig. 1 by arrows 46 and 48. In particular, the arrow 46 illustrates a first direction of rotation in which the gear 32 is rotatable about the gear axis of rotation 42 relative to the housing wall 38 or rotates during operation of the electrical drive device 10.Furthermore, the arrow 48 illustrates a second direction of rotation in which the gear 34 rotates relative to the housing wall 38 during operation of the electric drive device 10, or in which the gear 34 is rotatable relative to the housing wall 38 about the gear axis of rotation 44. From the arrows 46 and 48, it can be seen in particular that the directions of rotation of the gears 32 and 34 are opposite, i.e., opposite to one another.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, it is provided that the housing wall 38 directly delimits at least the first receiving area 28. For this purpose, the housing wall 38 has a first surface 50 facing the receiving area 28, which in the present case is convexly curved when viewed towards the receiving area 28. For example, the housing wall 38 has a second surface 52. The first surface 50 faces away from or away from the electric machine 12 in the radial direction of the electric machine 12. The second surface 52 of the housing wall 38 faces away from the surface 52 in the radial direction of the electric machine 12 and in particular faces the electric machine 12. It is conceivable that the housing wall 38, in particular the second surface 52, directly delimits the cooling jacket 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figuresIn the embodiment shown, it is also provided that the second surface 52 is curved away from the second receiving area 36 and is thus concavely curved.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows the electric drive device 10 in the aforementioned operation, in which the gear 32 rotates in the direction of rotation illustrated by arrow 46 about the gear axis of rotation 42 relative to the housing wall 38. In addition, the gear 34 rotates in the direction of rotation illustrated by arrow 48 about the gear axis of rotation 44 relative to the housing wall 38 during the aforementioned operation. It can be seen that the lubricant 40 received in the receiving area 28 forms a sump 54, which is also referred to as an oil sump or lubricant sump. During operation, at least the gear 32 splashes in the sump 54, as a result of which the gear 32 conveys at least part of the lubricant 40 out of the sump 54, in particular by levering it up or throwing it up and, for example, throwing it off itself. This is illustrated in Fig. 2 by an arrow 56. It can also be seen from Fig. 2 that the lubricant 40 shown in Fig.2, the part of the lubricant 40 designated by T, part T of which is conveyed from the sump 54 by means of the gear 32 during operation of the electric drive device 10, is conveyed, in particular thrown, against the housing wall 38, in particular against the surface 50, and, as illustrated in Fig. 2 by an arrow 58, then flows along the housing wall 38, in particular along the surface 50, and flows back into the sump 54. The lubricant 40 flowing along the surface 50 directly touches the housing wall 38, in particular the surface 50, so that heat can be transferred from the lubricant 40 flowing along the surface 50 to the housing wall 38 in a particularly advantageous manner.The heat can advantageously be transferred from the housing wall 38 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16 during operation, whereby the lubricant 40 is effectively and efficiently cooled, in particular within the housing element 26 and without the need for an external heat exchanger and external lines for cooling the lubricant 40.

[0044] 3 and 4 show a section of the one-piece and thus single-part housing element 26 in a respective schematic perspective view. In Fig. 3 and 4, surfaces of the one-piece and thus single-part housing wall 38 are designated F1 and F2, wherein the surfaces F1 and F2 are formed by the surface 50 and / or are parts of the surface 50. Via the surfaces F1 and F2 of the housing wall 38, heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant 40 received in the receiving area 28 to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16, in particular during the aforementioned operation of the electric drive device 10, so that the lubricant 40 can be cooled particularly effectively and efficiently. Thus, the surfaces F1 and F2 are surfaces for cooling the lubricant, which is preferably in the form of oil.

[0045] From Fig. 5 it can be seen that in the first receiving area 28 at least one line element can be arranged, which is preferably designed as a solid body and very preferably inherently rigid, i.e. dimensionally stable, and is also referred to as a pipe, oil pipe, or lubricant pipe. The line element can have a channel through which the lubricant 40 from the first receiving area 28 can flow, also referred to as a lubricant channel or oil channel, with at least one outlet opening directed towards the housing wall 38, in particular towards the surface 50, and through which the lubricant can flow, by means of which the lubricant can be sprayed from the channel of the line element against the housing wall 38, in particular against the surface 50, in particular to form at least one jet 60, shown schematically in Fig. 5, also referred to as a lubricant jet or oil jet.In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, for example, the channel has a plurality of outlet openings through which the lubricant 40 can flow, through which the lubricant can be sprayed against the housing wall 38, in particular against the surface 50, forming respective jets 60 formed by the lubricant 40. In other words, the lubricant flowing through the channel and thus the respective outlet opening forms the respective jet 60, which, because the respective outlet opening is directed against the surface 50, is sprayed against the surface 50, in particular directly. As a result, the lubricant 40 can be effectively and efficiently cooled via the housing wall 38.

[0046] From Fig. 6, it is particularly clearly visible that cooling fins 62 can be arranged in the first receiving area 28 on the housing wall 38, in particular on the surface 50, which cooling fins are preferably formed integrally with the housing wall 38 and can thus be formed by the integral housing wall 38. The cooling fins 62 provide a particularly large surface area, via which heat can be transferred particularly advantageously from the lubricant 40 to the housing wall 38 and via this to the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket 16.

[0047] For example, the housing element 26 is produced by casting, thus being designed as a cast component. In particular, the housing element 26 is formed from a metallic material, in particular from aluminum or steel. It is conceivable that at least one cooling channel 66 runs in a spiral and / or meandering shape within a wall 64 of the housing element 26 that directly delimits the first receiving area. This means that the cooling channel 66 runs, for example, in a spiral shape at least in a first length region and / or in a meandering shape at least in a second length region. The coolant or a further, additional coolant can flow through the cooling channel 66, so that the lubricant 40 in the receiving area 28 can be cooled by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling channel 66 or by further coolant. For example, the cooling channel 66 is cast into the wall 64. In the embodiment shown in Fig.In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the receiving area 28 is delimited downwards, in particular directly, by the wall 64 in the installed position of the electric drive device 10 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, wherein the electric drive device 10 assumes its installed position in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle having the drive device 10. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the cooling channel 66 to be formed by a cooling element formed separately from the housing element 26, which is preferably inherently rigid and very preferably designed as a solid body and is, for example, a cooling coil. The cooling element is arranged, for example, in the receiving area 28 and, in particular, in the sump 54, so that the lubricant 40 can be effectively and efficiently cooled via the cooling element by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling element or by means of another coolant. In Fig.In Fig. 6, a respective arrow 68 illustrates that the coolant or additional coolant can be supplied to the respective cooling channel 66 and thus, for example, to the cooling element. Furthermore, in Fig. 6, a respective arrow 70 illustrates that the coolant or additional coolant can be or is discharged from the respective cooling channel 66 and, for example, from the respective cooling element, in particular after the coolant or additional coolant has flowed through the cooling channel 66 and thus cooled the lubricant 40 forming the sump 54.

[0048] List of reference symbols

[0049] 10 electric drive device

[0050] 12 electric machine

[0051] 14 Machine rotation axis

[0052] 16 Cooling jacket

[0053] 18 Inlet

[0054] 20 Return

[0055] 22 gearboxes

[0056] 24 housings

[0057] 26 Housing element

[0058] 28 first recording area

[0059] 30 transmission components

[0060] 32 gear

[0061] 34 gear

[0062] 36 second recording area

[0063] 38 Housing wall

[0064] 40 lubricants

[0065] 42 Gear rotation axis

[0066] 44 Gear rotation axis

[0067] 46 Arrow

[0068] 48 Arrow

[0069] 50 surface

[0070] 52 Surface

[0071] 54 Swamp

[0072] 56 Arrow

[0073] 58 Arrow

[0074] 60 beam

[0075] 62 cooling fins

[0076] 64 wall

[0077] 66 cooling channel

[0078] 68 Arrow

[0079] 70 Arrow

[0080] F1 area

[0081] F2 area

[0082] T Part

Claims

Patent claims 1. An electric drive device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric machine (12) by means of which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven, a transmission (22) via which the motor vehicle can be electrically driven by means of the electric machine (12), which has a cooling jacket (16) through which a coolant can flow for cooling at least a partial area of ​​the electric machine (12), and a housing (24) in which the electric machine (12) and the transmission (22) are arranged, characterized in that the housing (24) has at least one integrally formed housing element (26) which has: - at least one first receiving area (28) in which transmission components (30) of the transmission (22) are arranged; - at least one second receiving area (36) in which the electrical machine (12) is at least partially arranged; and - at least one housing wall (38) arranged between the receiving areas (28, 36) and thereby separating the receiving areas (28, 36) from one another, via which a lubricant (40) received or receivable in the first receiving area (28) for lubricating the transmission components (30) is to be cooled by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling jacket (16) of the electrical machine (12).

2. Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing wall (38) is arranged in the radial direction of the electric machine (12) between the receiving areas (28, 36) arranged next to one another in the radial direction of the electrical machine (12), so that the receiving areas (28, 36) are separated from one another in the radial direction of the electrical machine (12) by means of the housing wall (38).

3. Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing wall (38) directly delimits at least the first receiving area (28).

4. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear components (30) have at least two gears (32, 34), namely a first gear (32) and a second gear (34) meshing with the first gear (32).

5. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coolant is a liquid.

6. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide element for guiding the lubricant (40) is arranged in the first receiving area (28).

7. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that cooling fins (62) are provided in the first receiving area (28) on the housing wall (38).

8. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one line element is arranged in the first receiving area (28), which line element has a channel through which the lubricant (40) can flow, with at least one outlet opening directed towards the housing wall (38) and through which the lubricant can flow, by means of which outlet opening the lubricant (40) is to be sprayed from the channel against the housing wall (38).

9. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within a wall (64) of the housing element (26) directly delimiting the first receiving area (28) at least one cooling channel (66) runs in a spiral and / or meandering manner, through which the coolant or a further coolant can flow.

10. Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first receiving area (28) at least one cooling element formed separately from the housing element (26) is arranged, which has at least one cooling channel (66) running spirally and / or meanderingly in the first receiving area (28), through which the coolant or another coolant can flow.

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