Transmission Devices for Automobiles

Abstract

To cope with an increase or a rise in an oil level of an oil sump in a transmission device for a motor vehicle.SOLUTION: A transmission device 1 for a motor vehicle has: a gear space 2; at least one gear wheel 12 received in the gear space 2; and an oil reservoir 3 for supplying oil 13 for lubricating the gear wheel 12. The oil 13 is conveyable from the oil reservoir 3 into the gear space 2. An oil sump 22 for catching the oil 13 is arranged in the gear space 2. A partition is arranged between the oil reservoir 3 and the oil sump 22. An oil return device 5 is provided that includes a wiper unit 6 for wiping the oil 13 from the gear wheel 12 and an outlet unit 7 for discharging the wiped oil 13 into the oil reservoir 3. The wiper unit 6 and the outlet unit 7 are arranged on different sides of the partition and are connected through a fluid connection 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission device for a motor vehicle having at least one gear space and having at least one gear wheel received in said gear space, wherein at least one oil sump is used to store oil for lubricating the gear wheel, the oil being transportable from the oil sump into the gear space. [Background technology]

[0002] In such transmission devices, an oil sump is often provided in the gear space to collect and store the oil dripping into the gear space. In most cases, the oil sump and the oil sump are a common reservoir. The oil captured in the oil sump is then available again for the oil sump, from which it can be transported again to the gear space. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, for constructional reasons of the transmission and also from the point of view of lubrication, it may be advantageous to separate the oil sump from the oil reservoir by a partition. Such a transmission device may therefore lead to an undesirably high oil level in the oil sump, which would result in splash losses and a reduced fill in the oil reservoir.

[0004] The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide an improved transmission device compared to conventional transmission devices, preferably creating the possibility to accommodate an increase in the oil level in the oil sump in a simple manner and at the same time with as little installation space and weight as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by a transmission device having the features of claim 1. An oil return device according to the invention is the subject of claim 10. Preferred further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the invention are disclosed from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0006] A transmission device according to the invention is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular configured as a differential transmission. The transmission device comprises at least one gear space and at least one gear wheel accommodated in the gear space. The transmission device comprises at least one oil sump for supplying oil to lubricate the gear wheel. The oil can be transported (during operation) from the oil sump into the gear space. At least one oil sump for capturing and recovering (dripping) oil is arranged in the gear space (in particular at least below the gear wheel). At least one partition is arranged between the oil sump and the oil sump (in particular at least a part of the gear space). The partition serves in particular to separate the oil sump from the oil sump. The transmission device comprises at least one oil return device with at least one wiper unit for wiping oil from the gear wheel. The oil return device comprises at least one outlet unit for discharging the wiped oil into the oil sump. The wiper unit and the outlet unit are arranged on different, in particular (axially) opposite, sides of the partition. The wiper unit and the outlet unit are connected to each other by at least one fluid connection. In particular, oil can be returned from the oil sump to the oil reservoir by overcoming the partition.

[0007] The transmission device according to the invention offers many advantages. A major advantage is provided by the oil return device, which, despite the partition, can passively return oil from the oil sump to the oil reservoir, for example without a pump or the like. Such an oil return device can be implemented with low effort and at the same time in a space-saving and low-weight manner. With the invention, a too high oil level in the oil sump caused by the partition can be prevented simply and economically by utilizing the rotation of the gear wheel.

[0008] Preferably, the wiper unit comprises at least one wiper edge facing the gear wheel. In particular, the wiper edge is arranged on the radial exterior (which may also be called the front side) of the gear wheel. In particular, the wiper edge is arranged on the keying side of the gear wheel. In particular, the wiper edge is arranged radially on the front side of the gear wheel (preferably only). The wiper edge may abut against the gear wheel during contact (in particular at least during wiping). However, it is also possible and advantageous that the wiper edge (with the target clearance) is arranged at a distance from the gear wheel. At least a large part of the wiper unit, in particular the wiper edge, is arranged in the same axial position as the gear wheel.

[0009] In particular, the wiper edge is moved parallel to the rotation axis of the gear wheel and / or at an angle (not parallel) to the helical keying. In particular, the wiper edge moves horizontally. This offers many advantages for the wiping process, especially in the case of helical keying. However, the wiper edge may not be arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the gear wheel and / or at an angle (not parallel) to the linear keying.

[0010] In an advantageous configuration, the wiper edge and the outlet unit are arranged below the axis of rotation of the gear wheel, in particular the outlet unit is below the wiper edge, in particular the outlet unit is arranged axially adjacent to the gear wheel.

[0011] The wiper unit may comprise a wall through which wiped oil is directed from the wiper edge to the fluid connection. The wiper unit may also comprise at least one collection section in which the wiped oil is collected before flowing to the fluid connection.

[0012] In a particularly preferred and advantageous configuration, the oil return device comprises at least one collection funnel that opens towards the top. The collection funnel is used in particular to collect oil drips in the gear space (below). As a result, splash losses and a reduction in the filling of the oil sump can be more reliably avoided.

[0013] The collection funnel preferably comprises at least one funnel opening. In particular, the funnel opening is arranged at a position higher than at least the wiper unit and preferably the wiper edge. In particular, the funnel opening is arranged at the top of the wiper unit. In particular, the funnel opening is located higher than the rotation axis of the gear wheel. In particular, the funnel opening is located lower than the radial upper end of the gear wheel.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the recovery funnel is (fluidically) connected to a fluid connection. In particular, the oil captured in the recovery funnel can be returned to the oil sump via the fluid connection, in particular via the outlet unit. This allows for a particularly uncomplicated, compact and yet effective recovery.

[0015] It is preferred and advantageous that the collection funnel has at least one access opening on the side facing the gear wheel. Preferably, the oil wiped off by the wiper unit can pass through the access opening to the fluid connection. In particular, the access opening is arranged above the wiper edge.

[0016] It is also preferred and advantageous that the collection funnel is formed with a curvature on the side facing the gear wheel. Preferably, the curvature has a radius corresponding to the radius of the gear wheel. In particular, the curvature continues radially outwards of the gear wheel with a gap. In particular, the curvature is provided on the side on which the access opening is also arranged.

[0017] In all embodiments, it is particularly preferred and advantageous that the wiper unit and the outlet unit and the fluid connection, and preferably also the collection funnel, are integrally connected to one another. Particularly preferred, the entire oil return device is integrally formed. For example, the oil return device is provided by a plastic component. The transmission device can comprise mounting means that allow the oil return device to be fixed to the bulkhead and / or the transmission housing.

[0018] The oil return device according to the invention is useful for use in the transmission device described above. Preferably, the oil return device is configured as previously described for the transmission device. Such an oil return device also particularly advantageously solves the problems previously addressed.

[0019] In particular, the transmission device comprises a plurality of gear wheels, at least a portion of which are respectively associated with at least one oil return device. The transmission device may comprise at least one transmission housing in which components of the transmission device are enclosed. The bulkhead may be formed or fixed to the gear wheel box.

[0020] In particular, the oil can be actively transported from the oil sump to the gear space, preferably by means of a transport device. In particular, the oil is transported into the gear space so that it is ready to lubricate the gear wheel there. For example, the oil can be transported onto the gear wheel and / or into the oil sump. In particular, when used as intended, in the operating position, the oil from the oil sump cannot be drained into the oil sump due to the partition. In particular, the oil in the fluid connection flows against the transport direction of the transport device.

[0021] The oil return device is formed in particular passively. It serves in particular to return oil from the gear space to the oil sump. In particular, the oil return device is used to return at least a portion of the oil that is conveyed by the rotation of the working base of the gear wheel from the oil sump through the teeth or tooth gaps. In particular, the oil in the fluid connection flows passively due to the gravity of the wiped off oil and / or the hydraulic pressure.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the terms "high" and "low" in particular relate the vehicle vertical axis, i.e. the Z-axis of the vehicle coordinate system, to the intended operating position of the transmission device in the motor vehicle. In the context of the present invention, oil is understood to refer to any type of liquid lubricant suitable for the transmission device.

[0023] In particular, the oil return device is arranged to be higher than the working oil level in the oil sump and / or oil sump. In particular, the rotation axis of the gear wheel is arranged to be higher than the oil level in the oil sump and / or oil sump. The oil sump and the oil sump are arranged in particular below the rotation axis of the gear wheel. The oil sump is in particular located above the oil pan. In particular, a lower radial end of the gear wheel is arranged below the oil level in the oil sump. In particular, the gear wheel is arranged to be partially immersed in oil in the sump.

[0024] With respect to the working direction of rotation of the gear wheel (especially in case of driving forwards), the wiper unit is preferably downstream of the oil sump and upstream of the radial upper end of the gear wheel. In particular, the fluid connection connects two areas separated by a partition. In particular, the fluid connection penetrates and / or bypasses the partition. In particular, the wiper unit and the outlet unit are arranged on opposite axial sides of the partition.

[0025] In particular, the fluid connection and the collecting funnel are arranged radially further outward than the gear wheel. In particular, the outlet unit is arranged axially adjacent to the gear wheel. In particular, the outlet unit is arranged radially further inward than the wiper edge and / or the radial exterior of the gear wheel. In particular, the outlet unit is arranged at least partially lower than the wiper edge and / or the fluid connection. The fluid connection extends in particular from the radial exterior of the gear wheel on a side surface axially adjacent to the gear wheel, thereby being radially further inward than the radial exterior of the gear wheel.

[0026] In particular, the recovery funnel is arranged on the (axial) side of the partition on which the wiper unit is also arranged. In particular, at least a major part of the recovery funnel is arranged in the same axial position as the gear wheel. The recovery funnel is in particular arranged at least partially radially adjacent to the gear wheel.

[0027] Further advantages and features of the present invention are apparent from the following exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] The drawings show:

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section and a partially transparent side view of a transmission device according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially transparent perspective view of the transmission device of FIG. 1 from obliquely above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] 1 shows a transmission device 1 according to the invention, which is configured as a differential transmission 10 for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The transmission device 1 comprises a number of gear wheels 12, only one of which is shown here. For ease of reference, the transmission housing and other components of the transmission device 1 are not shown here.

[0031] The gear wheel 12 is received in the gear space 2 and has teeth 42 configured as a helical gear. In operation, the gear wheel 12 rotates about the axis of rotation 32.

[0032] An oil sump 3 is provided for supplying oil 13 to lubricate the gear wheel 12. The oil sump 3 is located above an oil pan 33. Below the gear wheel 12 in the gear space 2 an oil sump 22 is formed which can capture the oil 13 dripping from the gear wheel 12.

[0033] During operation, oil 13 is sucked from the oil sump 3 by a conveying device 23, such as an oil pump, and actively conveyed into the gear space 2, for example to the gear wheel 12, to the oil sump 22 or to another lubrication location. This oil 13 essentially (again) flows into the oil sump 22 after lubrication.

[0034] The bulkhead 4 is arranged between the oil sump 3 and the oil sump 22. As a result, the oil 13 located in the oil sump 22 is separated from the oil sump 3 and cannot flow itself back into the oil sump 3 under operating conditions. Due to the bulkhead 4, an undesirably high oil level can occur in the oil sump 22. This increases splash losses and reduces the aspirable amount of oil in the oil sump 3.

[0035] The transmission device 1 therefore comprises an oil return device 5 which returns the oil 13 from the oil sump 22 to the oil sump 3. The function of the oil return device 5 is explained in more detail below with reference to figures 1 and 2. For better visibility of the oil return device 5, the bulkhead 4 is not shown in figure 2 and the gear wheel 12 is shown partially transparent. The direction of rotation of the gear wheel 12 when moving forward is indicated diagrammatically by a block arrow. In addition, the oil 13 is not shown.

[0036] The oil return device 5 comprises a wiper unit 6 for removing the oil 13 from the gear wheel 12, an outlet unit 7 for discharging the wiped oil 13 into the oil sump 3, and also a fluid connection 8. The fluid connection 8 connects the wiper unit 6 to the outlet unit 7, by means of which the partition 4 can be overcome. The wiper unit 6 and the outlet unit 7 are arranged at a lower position (below) than the rotation axis 32.

[0037] The oil return device 5 is integrally formed and is constructed, for example, as a plastic part.

[0038] To remove the oil 13, the wiper unit 6 is equipped with a wiper edge 16. Rotation of the gear wheel 12 during operation wipes the oil 13 from the oil sump 22 through the gaps or teeth 42, which are then wiped off from the wiper edge 16.

[0039] The wiped off oil 13 then passes through and / or through the partition 4 and is discharged to the other axial side of the partition 4 via the fluid connection 8. Here, the oil 13 passes through the outlet unit 7 and drips from there into the oil sump 3. The oil 13 can then be sucked up again and transported back to the gear space 2.

[0040] The oil return device 5 is equipped with a recovery funnel 9 which opens upwards. The recovery funnel 9 has a funnel opening 19 which is arranged at a higher position than the wiper unit 6. As a result, oil 13 dripping into the gear space 12 from the gear wheel 12 or other areas can be directly recovered.

[0041] The recovery funnel 9 is also connected to the fluid connection 8 so that the recovered oil 13 is likewise returned to the oil sump 3 via the fluid connection 8 and the outlet unit 7 .

[0042] The collecting funnel 9 has an access opening 29 on the side facing the gear wheel 12. The oil 13 wiped off by the wiper unit 6 reaches the fluid connection 8 via this access opening 29. In addition, the side with the access opening 29 is formed with a curvature. The radius of the curvature corresponds to the radius of the gear wheel 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Transmission Device 2 Gear Space 3 Oil Sump 4 Bulkhead 5 Oil return device 6 Wiper unit 7 Exit Unit 8 Fluid Connections 9 Collection funnel 10 Differential Transmission 12 Gear Wheel 13. Oil 16 Wiper Edge 19 Funnel opening 22 Oil sump 23 Transport Device 29 Access opening 32 Rotation axis 33 Oil pan 42 Teeth

Claims

1. A transmission device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one gear space (2), at least one gear wheel (12) received in said gear space (2), and at least one oil sump (3) for supplying oil (13) for lubricating said gear wheel (12), said oil (13) being transportable from said oil sump (3) into said gear space (2), at least one oil sump (22) for capturing said oil (13) is arranged in said gear space (2), at least one partition wall (4) is arranged between said oil sump (3) and said oil sump (22) for separating said oil sump (22) from said oil sump (3), at least one oil return device (5) having at least one wiper unit (6) for wiping the oil (13) from the gear wheel (12) and at least one outlet unit (7) for discharging the wiped oil (13) into the oil sump (3), and the wiper unit (6) and the outlet unit (7) are arranged on different sides of the partition (4) and are connected by at least one fluid connection (8), said oil return device (5) comprising at least one collecting funnel (9) opening upwards to capture oil (13) dripping into said gear space (2); A transmission device (1), characterized in that the recovery funnel (9) is connected to the fluid connection (8) such that the oil (13) captured in the recovery funnel (9) can also be returned into the oil reservoir (3) via the fluid connection (8).

2. 2. The transmission device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wiper unit (6) comprises at least one wiper edge (16) facing the gear wheel (12).

3. 3. The transmission device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the wiper edge (16) and the outlet unit (7) are arranged lower than the axis of rotation (32) of the gear wheel (12).

4. 2. The transmission device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the collection funnel (9) comprises a funnel opening (19) which is arranged at a higher position than the wiper unit (6).

5. 2. The transmission device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the recovery funnel (9) is provided on its side facing the gear wheel (12) with at least one access opening (29) through which the oil (13) wiped off by the wiper unit (6) can reach the fluid connection (8).

6. 2. A transmission device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the collection funnel (9) is formed with a curvature on the side facing the gear wheel (12), said curvature having a radius corresponding to the radius of the gear wheel (12).

7. 2. The transmission device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least the wiper unit (6), the outlet unit (7) and the fluid connection (8) are integrally connected to one another.

8. An oil return device (5) for a transmission device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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