Equipment supply devices, equipment and motorized vehicles for the device

Abstract

The supply of fluid to at least two consumers is particularly advantageous. [Solution] The device has a first flow passage 6, a first consumer 3 supplied with fluid, a pump 7 for transporting fluid from a reservoir 2 through the first flow passage 6, a throttle valve 9 arranged in the first flow passage 6, a second flow passage 11 connected to the first flow passage 6 at a first connection point V1, a second consumer 4 arranged in the second flow passage 11, a valve element 12 movable between a closed position and an open position, and a control line connected to the first flow passage 6 at a second connection point V2.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply device for a device, particularly for a vehicle with a prime mover. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device having at least one such supply device, particularly for a vehicle with a prime mover. The present invention also relates to a vehicle with a prime mover having at least one such device.

Background Art

[0002] A hydraulic device for controlling a tapered pulley transmission having a variably adjustable transmission ratio in a vehicle with a prime mover can be seen from Patent Document 1 as a known one. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a valve having a self-lock.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007]

[0004] The problem of the present invention is to create a supply device for a device, particularly for a vehicle with a prime mover, a device having at least one such supply device, and a vehicle with a prime mover having at least one such device, so that fluid can be supplied particularly advantageously to at least two consumers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The problem is solved by the present invention with a supply device having the features of claim 1, a device having the features of claim 8, and a motorized vehicle having the features of claim 10. The advantageous configurations of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a device, and more particularly to a supply device for a device of a motorized vehicle. The present invention is not limited to motorized vehicles, but will be described in particular in reference to motorized vehicles below. Thus, for example, a motorized vehicle configured as, for example, an automobile, and more particularly as a private automobile, is equipped with a device and, by extension, a supply device in its fully manufactured state. The device may be a powertrain or a component of a powertrain. For example, the device may be a drive engine, particularly an internal combustion engine, or the device may be, for example, a transmission having at least two switchable, and therefore disengaged, gears whose gear ratios may differ from each other.

[0007] The supply device comprises a first flow passage through which a fluid can flow. The fluid may be a component of the supply device. Preferably, the fluid is a liquid. The fluid may be, for example, a fuel, particularly a liquid fuel. Alternatively, the fluid may be a lubricant, such as an oil. The first flow passage is formed, for example, by a first guide element through which the fluid can flow, and the first guide element may be a first solid. The supply device comprises at least one first consumption unit located in the first flow passage, which can be supplied with the fluid flowing through the first flow passage via the first flow passage. Thus, for example, the first consumption unit can be operated by the fluid flowing through the first flow passage. Alternatively, or in addition to this, it is conceivable that the first consumption unit may be lubricated and / or cooled by the fluid flowing through the first flow passage. The first consumption unit is also called, or is, the first mechanical element.

[0008] The supply device includes a pump located in a first flow passage, which can be used to transport fluid from a reservoir, such as a tank or oil pan, through the first flow passage. Preferably, the pump is electrically operable or electrically driven. For example, an electric motor capable of driving the pump, or an electric motor for driving the pump, is provided. By driving the pump, the fluid is transported by the pump, and in this case, it is transported particularly through the first flow passage. In addition, the supply device includes a throttle valve, also called a first throttle valve. The first throttle valve is located in the first flow passage upstream of the first consumption unit and downstream of the pump. The throttle valve has a flow cross-section through which fluid can flow, also called a first flow cross-section. Preferably, the first flow cross-section is constant or fixed and therefore invariant. However, it is also conceivable that the first throttle valve is an adjustable throttle valve, and its first flow cross-section can be changed, i.e., adjustable.

[0009] Furthermore, the supply device includes a second flow passage through which fluid can flow, the second flow passage communicating with the first flow passage at the first connection point, and therefore branching off from the first flow passage at the first connection point. The first connection point is located in the first flow passage, or in relation to the first flow passage, upstream of the first throttle valve and downstream of the pump, so that, for example, at the first connection point, at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the first flow passage can branch off from the first flow passage and be introduced into the second flow passage, for example, the fluid introduced into the second flow passage can flow through the second flow passage. For example, the second flow passage is formed by a second guide element through which fluid can flow, the second guide element is preferably a second solid object.

[0010] The supply device also comprises at least one second consumption unit located in the second flow passage, to which the fluid flowing through the second flow passage can be supplied via the second flow passage. Thus, for example, the second consumption unit can be operated or controlled using the fluid flowing through the second flow passage, and / or the second consumption unit can be lubricated and / or cooled by the fluid flowing through the second flow passage. The second consumption unit is also called a second mechanical element, or is a second mechanical element. For example, one of the mechanical elements or one of the consumption units may be a clutch or switching element of the transmission described above, or a wheelset including at least one gear or gear pair, or at least two gears, or an electromachine capable of driving a motorized vehicle particularly purely electrically. The switching element is, for example, switchable, in particular movable, between at least one coupled state and at least one uncoupled state. In the connected state, for example, two components are connected to each other using a switching element to transmit torque, and are particularly connected to each other in a way that prevents relative rotation. In the disconnected state, for example, the components are disconnected from each other so that no torque is transmitted between them. In particular, since the components are rotatable relative to each other in the disconnected state, for example, in the disconnected state, relative rotation between the components is possible by a switching element.

[0011] The supply device further includes a valve element located downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the second consumption section in the second flow passage, which is also called the first valve element. The valve element is movable, in particular translationally, between a closed position, also called the first closed position, and an open position, also called the first open position. In the first closed position, the fluid cannot flow through the second flow passage because the second flow passage is hydrodynamically closed by the first valve element. However, in the first open position, the first valve element opens the second flow passage, so in the first open position, the fluid can flow through the second flow passage, and in particular, in the first open position, the pump can transport the fluid through the second flow passage and therefore can transport it toward the second consumption section via the second flow passage. In this case, it is considered that the first flow passage is open in both the first open position and the first closed position, and therefore fluid can flow through it. Preferably, the pump can transport fluid through the first flow passage in both the first closed position and the first open position, and the first flow passage can supply fluid to the first consumption unit in both the closed position and the open position.

[0012] Furthermore, the supply device includes a control conduit, which communicates with the first flow passage at a second connection point. Since the second connection point is located upstream of the first throttle valve and downstream of the first connection point in the first flow passage, the first valve element is supplied with fluid from the first flow passage via the control conduit, particularly when a pump transports liquid from the reservoir through the first flow passage, and the fluid has a pressure at the second connection point, also known as the first pressure. Since the control conduit communicates with the first flow passage at the second connection point, it is possible to receive fluid having the first pressure in the control conduit. Therefore, fluid having the first pressure, i.e., the first pressure, can be applied to the valve element via the control conduit, thereby allowing the valve element (the first valve element) to move from a closed position to an open position. In the first open position of the first valve element, the pump can simultaneously draw fluid from the reservoir through the first and second flow passages. Therefore, when the first valve element is in the first open position, the pump can simultaneously supply fluid to the consumption section through these flow passages.

[0013] The supply device according to the present invention enables particularly easy and on-demand fluid supply to consumption parts without requiring an excessive number of components that increase cost, weight, and structural space, such as valves. In particular, the supply device makes it possible to selectively supply fluid to only the first consumption part or to both consumption parts simultaneously, particularly in the following embodiments: In the first operating state of the pump, the pump transports, for example, a first volumetric flow rate of fluid through the first flow passage, so that a fluid having a first volumetric flow rate flows through the first flow passage. A first current is supplied to the pump, for example, a pump configured particularly as an electrically operated pump, so that the pump transports a fluid having a first volumetric flow rate, and therefore the pump is operated by the first current. The first volumetric flow rate is greater than 0, but the first volumetric flow rate, or the pressure of the fluid at the second connection point resulting from the first connection point, is not large enough to move the first valve element from the closed position to the open position, so in the first operating state, the valve element is in the first closed position, particularly automatically. For example, a mechanical spring element is assigned to the first valve element, which can be actuated (tensioned) by the movement of the first valve element from a first closed position to a first open position, or is actuated (tensioned) in such a way that it provides a spring force acting at least indirectly, and especially directly, on the first valve element, so that the first valve element is movable from a first open position to a first closed position by the spring force. For example, the spring element also provides a spring force or another spring force in the first closed position, thereby holding the first valve element in the first closed position. In this case, the first volumetric flow rate or the resulting first pressure is not sufficient to move the first valve element from the first closed position to the first open position against the spring force provided by the spring element.

[0014] By increasing the volumetric flow rate of the fluid, the fluid pressure generated at the first throttle valve, and therefore the first fluid pressure generated at the second connection point, increases, so that, for example, the first fluid pressure generated at the second connection point corresponds at least substantially to the fluid pressure generated at the first throttle valve. Thus, for example, it is possible to operate the pump in a second operating state. In the second operating state of the pump, a second volumetric flow rate of fluid, particularly larger than the first volumetric flow rate, is delivered by the pump. The second volumetric flow rate generates a second fluid pressure at the second connection point that is greater than the first pressure, so that a fluid having the second pressure, or a second pressure, is applied to the first valve element via the control line. Preferably, the second volumetric flow rate and the resulting second pressure are large enough to move the valve element from the first closed position to the first open position, particularly against the spring force provided by the spring element, so that the valve element opens the second flow passage. Therefore, preferably, in the second operating state, the valve element is configured to be in the first open position, so that in the second operating state, the fluid is simultaneously transported by the pump through the first and second flow passages. Thus, in the second operating state, fluid is supplied to both consumption units simultaneously. In contrast, in the first operating state, with respect to the flow passages, the fluid is configured to be transported by the pump only through the first flow passage, so that in the first operating state, with respect to the consumption units, fluid is supplied only to the first consumption unit. The second operating state or second volumetric flow rate can be caused or realized, for example, by supplying the pump with a second current greater than the first current, and therefore the pump is operated with the second current. For example, with respect to the consumption units, the volumetric flow rate is reduced in order to supply fluid only to the first consumption unit. In other words, for example, the operating states can be alternated or switched from the second operating state to the first operating state. Thus, the operating states can be easily alternated or switched as needed, so that fluid can be supplied to the consumption units as needed. In particular, it can be seen that the second consumption unit can be connected and disconnected as needed.Herein, the following points are particularly understood: In the first operating state, no fluid is supplied to the second consumption unit; therefore, in the first operating state, the second consumption unit is disconnected. By setting or activating the second operating state, that is, by switching from the first operating state to the second operating state, the second consumption unit is connected; therefore, in the second operating state, fluid is supplied to both the first and second consumption units. Thus, the supply device according to the present invention enables easy and efficient distribution of fluid, particularly in hydrodynamic circuits. At this time, it is possible to supply fluid to the consumption unit as needed, and it is not necessary to actively operate or manipulate components such as valves. The first valve element can be opened and closed independently, for example, simply by adjusting or changing the volumetric flow rate of the fluid transported by the pump. In other words, it is possible to move the first valve element between a first open position and a first closed position by changing the volumetric flow rate of the fluid, without the need to actively or electrically operate the first valve element. As described above, it is possible to adjust or change the volumetric flow rate of the fluid by a pump, for example, by changing the current supplied to the pump to operate the pump using electric current. Overall, it can be seen that the supply device enables the supply of fluid to a second consumption unit depending on the situation and therefore as needed. In other words, because it is possible to supply fluid to a second consumption unit as needed, the present invention is particularly advantageous for transmission devices or transmission device components, cooling circuits, etc.

[0015] In order to supply fluid to a second consumption section particularly easily and as needed, in one embodiment of the present invention, a second throttle valve is located in the second flow passage upstream of the second consumption section and downstream of the first valve element. The second throttle valve has a second flow cross-section through which fluid can flow. Preferably, the second flow cross-section is constant or fixed and therefore not adjustable. However, it is conceivable that the second flow cross-section is electrically adjustable. Alternatively, or in addition to this, it is conceivable that the first flow cross-section and the first throttle valve are electrically adjustable, for example. However, preferably, both throttle valves are configured as fixed, i.e., as non-adjustable throttle valves, which makes it possible to supply fluid to the consumption section advantageous, particularly in terms of cost, structural space and weight.

[0016] Another embodiment is characterized by a third flow passage through which fluid can flow. The third flow passage is formed by a third guide element, which is, for example, a third solid object. The third flow passage communicates with the first and / or second flow passages at a third connection point. The third flow passage communicates with the second flow passage at a fourth connection point. The third connection point is located downstream of the pump and, for example, upstream of the first connection point, in or with respect to the first flow passage. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the third connection point is located upstream of the valve element and preferably downstream of the pump, in or with respect to the second flow passage. The fourth connection point is located downstream of the first valve element and, for example, upstream of the second consumption unit, in or with respect to the second flow passage. The third flow passage enables a particularly advantageous and, as needed, supply of fluid, particularly to the second consumption unit.

[0017] At this time, it was found that if the fourth connection point is located in the second flow passage, or with respect to the second flow passage, upstream of the second throttle valve, it is advantageous for realizing the supply of fluid to the second consumption unit, especially as needed.

[0018] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a second valve element is positioned in the third flow passage downstream of a third connection point and upstream of a fourth connection point, the second valve element being particularly translationally movable between a second closed position and a second open position. In the second closed position, the third flow passage is hydrodynamically closed by the second valve element, so that fluid cannot flow through the third flow passage. However, in the second open position, the third flow passage is hydrodynamically opened by the second valve element, so that fluid can flow through the third flow passage. In particular, in the second open position, the fluid can be transported from the reservoir through the third flow passage by a pump. The third flow passage and the second valve element positioned therein allow the second consumption unit to be connected and disconnected as needed without requiring any actively actuated elements. This makes it possible to keep the cost, required structural space, and weight of the supply device particularly low.

[0019] Another embodiment is characterized by the supply device having a return line. Fluid from the second flow passage can be applied to the second valve element via the return line from a return point located downstream of the first valve element and upstream of the second consumption section, particularly upstream of the second throttle valve, in the second flow passage, thereby allowing the second valve element to move from a second closed position to a second open position.

[0020] For example, the first valve element has a first release pressure, and the first valve element opens at or above this first release pressure, and therefore moves from the first closed position to the first open position. Therefore, if the fluid pressure at the second connection point is greater than or equal to the first release pressure, the first valve element, which is initially in the first closed position, moves from the first closed position to the first open position. If the fluid pressure at the second connection point is lower than the first release pressure, the first valve element remains in the first closed position. For example, the second valve element has a second release pressure, and the second valve element opens at or above this second release pressure, and therefore moves from the second closed position to the second open position. For example, if the fluid pressure at the return point is greater than or equal to the second release pressure, the second valve element, which is initially in the second closed position, moves from the second closed position to the second open position. However, if, for example, the fluid pressure at the return point is lower than the second open pressure, the second valve element will remain in the second closed position. The fluid pressure at the return point depends, for example, on the volumetric flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second flow passage or at the return point, which is generated by the pump.

[0021] For example, a mechanical spring element is specifically assigned to the second valve element, which can be actuated (tensioned) by the movement of the second valve element from a second closed position to a second open position, or is actuated (tensioned) in such a way that it provides a second spring force acting at least indirectly, and especially directly, on the second valve element. Thus, the second valve element is movable from a second open position to a second closed position by the second spring force, and can be maintained in the second closed position in particular. If the fluid pressure at the return point is greater than or equal to the opening pressure, the second opening force arising from the fluid pressure at the return point and acting on the valve element will be greater than the second spring force, and therefore the second valve element will move from a second closed position to a second open position.

[0022] At least a portion of the fluid from the third flow passage can be applied to the second valve element via a return pipe, thereby maintaining it in the open position, which enables or achieves self-locking of the second valve element. For example, since the return pipe communicates with the third and second flow passages at the return point, when the second valve element is still in the second closed position, for example, fluid from the second flow passage can be applied to the second valve element from the return point via the return pipe, thereby allowing the second valve element to move from the second closed position to the second open position. While the second valve element is in the second open position, at least a portion of the fluid from the third flow passage can be applied to the second valve element, thereby maintaining it in the second open position. In other words, the return pipe allows at least a portion of the fluid from the third flow passage to be returned to the second valve element, thereby allowing or enabling the second valve element to be maintained in the second open position by self-locking. The self-locking of the second valve element prevents, for example, when the second valve element fluctuates or vibrates, causing the first valve element to reach its first closed position, at least temporarily, from moving unintentionally from the second open position to the second closed position due to the second spring force, thereby preventing an interruption in the fluid supply to the second consumption unit. The second valve element can be maintained in the second open position even during such vibration or fluctuation of the first valve element by return or self-locking, and therefore, even if the first valve element moves to its first closed position at least temporarily due to vibration or fluctuation of the first valve element, the second valve element continues to receive fluid transported by the pump through the third flow passage and thus the open second valve element. This makes it easy to ensure a particularly advantageous and reliable fluid supply to the second consumption unit.

[0023] At this time, it has been found to be particularly advantageous if the return pipeline is connected to the second flow passage and the third flow passage at the fourth connection point. In other words, preferably, the above-mentioned return point is the fourth connection point. Thereby, since return and self-locking can be realized particularly easily, it is possible to ensure a reliable supply of fluid as required to the second consumption part. Therefore, the fourth connection point may be the same as the return point.

[0024] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a supply device for a device, particularly for a device of a vehicle with a prime mover. The device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes at least one supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention. The advantages and advantageous configurations of the first aspect of the present invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous configurations of the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0025] It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the device is a transmission or an electromechanical device. Therefore, advantageously, the device is configured to be a component or part of a transmission, or the device is configured to be a component or part of an electromechanical device, and thus it is particularly advantageous to ensure the supply of fluid as required.

[0026] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle with a prime mover configured as a vehicle, preferably an automobile, particularly a passenger vehicle, equipped with the device according to the second aspect of the present invention. The advantages and advantageous configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous configurations of the third aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0027] Further details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing a supply device according to the present invention for a device of a vehicle with a prime mover.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0029] Figure 1 schematically shows a supply device 1, particularly for a motorized vehicle. This means that the device is equipped with the supply device 1 in its fully manufactured state. Preferably, a motorized vehicle, configured as an automobile, particularly a private automobile, is equipped with the device and, by extension, the supply device 1, in its fully manufactured state. The device may be, for example, a powertrain transmission or electromechanism of the motorized vehicle. Here, the motorized vehicle is driven using the electromechanism, particularly purely electrically. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the motorized vehicle may be driven via a transmission. Preferably, the powertrain is an electrical powertrain, and the motorized vehicle is driven using the electrical powertrain, particularly purely electrically. The powertrain may include a transmission and / or electromechanism. Preferably, the electromechanism is a high-voltage component, and its voltage, particularly the operating voltage or rated voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and very preferably several hundred volts. This makes it possible to achieve particularly large electrical output (power) for the purely electric drive of motorized vehicles.

[0030] The supply device 1 includes a reservoir 2, which is capable of or contains a fluid. The fluid is preferably a liquid. The fluid may be a fuel, particularly a liquid fuel. The fluid may also be a lubricant, particularly an oil, so that, for example, the supply device 1 and at least each of the parts of the device can be lubricated and / or cooled using the lubricant. The supply device 1 includes a first consumption unit 3 and a second consumption unit 4. Since the consumption units 3 and 4 are also components of the device, they may be, for example, the aforementioned parts of the device. At least one of the consumption units 3 and 4 may be a lubrication point to which fluid can be supplied, so that the device should be lubricated and / or cooled using the fluid. At least one of the consumption units 3 and 4 may be a switching element or coupling unit (clutch) that can be operated using the fluid.

[0031] The supply device 1 includes a first flow passage 6 through which fluid can flow, indicated by the dashed arrow 5 in Figure 1, and a first consumption unit 3 is located in this first flow passage. This allows fluid to be supplied to the first consumption unit 3 via the first flow passage 6. The supply device 1 also includes a pump 7 located in the first flow passage 6. The fluid is transported from the reservoir 2 using the pump 7, and in doing so, can be transported through the first flow passage 6 (dashed arrow 5). In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the pump 7 is an electrically driven pump. This means that the pump 7 includes an electric motor and a transport element, which is driveable using the electric motor, as indicated by the bidirectional arrow in Figure 1, and is thus movable, particularly rotatable, relative to the pump housing of the pump 7. By driving the transport element, the fluid is transported from the reservoir 2 using the transport element and therefore using the pump 7, and in doing so, is transported particularly through the first flow passage 6. Electrical energy or current is supplied to the electric motor to drive the transport element. This should be understood in particular as current being supplied to pump 7. Pump 7 is capable of transporting fluid at various volumetric flow rates. By changing the electric motor or the current driving pump 7, it is possible to change the volumetric flow rate of fluid transported by pump 7. It can be seen that pump 7 is located in the first flow passage 6.

[0032] The supply device 1 also includes a first throttle valve 9, which is located upstream of the consumption unit 3 and downstream of the pump 7 in the first flow passage 6, and the pump is located downstream of the consumption unit 3. As will be described in more detail below, fluid can be supplied to the consumption units 3 and 4 from the reservoir 2 using the pump 7. After fluid is supplied to the consumption units 3 and 4 from the reservoir 2, the fluid can flow from the consumption units 3 and 4 to another reservoir or back to the reservoir 2, and therefore the circulation section through which the fluid can flow is closed.

[0033] The supply device 1 also includes a second flow passage 11 through which fluid can flow, as indicated by the solid arrow 10 in Figure 1. The second flow passage 11 communicates with the first flow passage 6 at the first connection point V1. Here, the connection point V1 is located downstream of the pump and upstream of the throttle valve 9 in relation to the first flow passage 6, that is, with respect to the flow passage 6 or the fluid flowing through the flow passage 6. Therefore, at the connection point V1, at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the first flow passage 6 can be branched off from the first flow passage 6 and introduced into the second flow passage 11. Based on this, for example, fluid can flow through the second flow passage 11. In other words, the flow passage 11 branches off from the flow passage 6 at the connection point V1. Therefore, the flow passage 11 is connected in parallel with, for example, a portion of the flow passage 6 in terms of fluid mechanics, and a portion of the flow passage 6 extends, for example, from the connection point V1 to the consumption unit 3. Figure 1 shows that since the second consumption unit 4, which is a component of the supply device 1 and in this case a component of the device, is located in the second flow passage 11, the fluid flowing through the second flow passage 11 can be supplied to the second consumption unit 4 via the second flow passage 11.

[0034] The supply device 1 further includes a first valve element 12, which is located in the second flow passage 11 downstream of the first connection point V1 and upstream of the second consumption unit 4. The valve element 12 is movable between a first closed position and a first open position as shown in Figure 1. In the first closed position, the flow passage 11 is fluidically closed by the valve element 12. However, in the first open position, the valve element 12 opens the flow passage 11. The supply device 1 also includes a control pipeline 13, which communicates with the first flow passage 6 at a second connection point V2. The second connection point V2 is located in the flow passage 6, that is, with respect to the flow passage 6, or with respect to the fluid flowing through the flow passage 6, upstream of the throttle valve 9 and downstream of the connection point V1. The first valve element 12 can be supplied with fluid from the first flow passage 6 via the control conduit 13, thereby enabling it to move from a first closed position to a first open position. In the first open position, the pump 7 can simultaneously transport fluid from the reservoir 2 through the first flow passage 6 and the second flow passage 11. Figure 1 shows that the valve element 12 is specifically assigned a first mechanical spring element 14. When the valve element 12 moves from the first closed position to the first open position, the spring element 14 is activated (tensioned), thereby providing a first spring force. The first spring force acts on the first valve element 12 at least indirectly, and especially directly, in the first open position, so that the first valve element 12 can move from the first open position to the first closed position by the first spring force. Preferably, the spring element 14 provides its first spring force even in the first closed position, so that the valve element 12 is held in the first closed position by the first spring force. Depending on the volumetric flow rate through which the fluid is transported using the pump 7 through the first flow passage 6, the fluid has a pressure at the connection point V2, also called the first pressure, and this pressure is variable or changes with the change in the volumetric flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow passage 6. The valve element 12 can be loaded via the control line 13 by the fluid having the first pressure, i.e., by the first pressure.At this time, the first valve element 12 has a first opening pressure, and the valve element 12 opens when the pressure is equal to or greater than the first opening pressure, that is, it moves from the first closed position to the first open position. Therefore, if the first pressure of the fluid is equal to or greater than the first opening pressure, the valve element 12, which is initially in the first closed position, moves from the first closed position to the first open position. If the first pressure is lower than the first opening pressure, the valve element 12 remains in the first closed position.

[0035] The supply device 1 also includes a second throttle valve 15, which is located in the flow passage 11 upstream of the consumption unit 4 and downstream of the valve element 12. Preferably, the throttle valves 9 and 15 are not adjustable, that is, each of their flow sections through which the fluid can flow is fixed, i.e., they are fixed throttle valves that are not adjustable. However, it is also conceivable that the throttle valves 9 and / or 15 are adjustable throttle valves, and their flow sections through which the fluid can flow are adjustable, i.e., electrically variable or changeable.

[0036] The supply device 1 includes a third flow passage 17 through which fluid can flow, indicated by the dotted arrow 16 in Figure 1. The third flow passage 17 communicates with the first flow passage 6 at a third connection point V3. In addition, the flow passage 17 communicates with the second flow passage 11 at a fourth connection point V4. The third connection point V3 is located downstream of the pump 7 and, in this case preferably, upstream of connection point V1 in the flow passage 6. Alternatively, or in addition to this, connection point V3 may be located in the second flow passage 11, in this case upstream of the valve element 12 and, preferably, downstream of the pump 7. The fourth connection point V4 is located downstream of the valve element 12 and upstream of the consumption unit 4, particularly upstream of the throttle valve 15, in the second flow passage 11, that is, with respect to the second flow passage 11 or with respect to the fluid flowing through the second flow passage 11. Therefore, at connection point V3, for example, at least a portion of the fluid flowing through flow passage 6 can be branched off from flow passage 6 and introduced into flow passage 17, and subsequently flow particularly through flow passage 17. At connection point V4, for example, the fluid flowing through flow passage 17 can flow out of flow passage 17 and into flow passage 11, and as a result can flow through a second portion of flow passage 11, which extends, for example, from connection point V4 to consumption unit 4. Therefore, the fluid flowing through flow passage 17 can flow, for example, from connection point V4 to consumption unit 4 via the second portion of flow passage 11.

[0037] In the third flow passage 17, a second valve element 18 is positioned downstream of the third connection point V3 and upstream of the fourth connection point V4, and the second valve element is movable between a second closed position and a second open position as shown in Figure 1. In the second closed position, the third flow passage 17 is fluidically closed by the valve element 18. However, in the second open position, the third flow passage 17 is opened by the valve element 18.

[0038] A first pressure of fluid present at connection point V2 generates a first opening force, which acts on the valve element 12 and particularly resists the first spring force. When the first pressure of fluid present at connection point V2 is greater than or equal to the first opening pressure, the first opening force is greater than the first spring force, so the valve element 12, initially in the first closed position, opens against the first spring force and therefore moves from the first closed position to the first open position. When the first pressure is lower than the first opening pressure, or when the first pressure falls below the first opening pressure, the first opening force is less than the first spring force, or the first opening force falls below the first spring force, so the valve element 12, initially in the first open position, moves to the first closed position due to the first spring force. The same applies to the valve element 18.

[0039] A second mechanical spring element 19 is assigned to the valve element 18. As the valve element 18 moves from a second closed position to a second open position, the second spring element 19 is actuated (tensioned), thereby providing a second spring force. Preferably, the spring element 19 also provides a second spring force in the second closed position, so that the second spring force can or is held in the second closed position. The second valve element 18 is capable of moving from the second open position to the second closed position by the second spring force. At this time, the second valve element 18 has a second opening pressure, and the second valve element 18 opens above this second opening pressure, particularly against the second spring force, and therefore moves from the second closed position to the second open position. This will be explained in more detail below. In the second open position, fluid flows from reservoir 2 through the third flow passage 17 by pump 7. For example, when both valve elements 12 and 18 are in the open position, the fluid flows through the first flow passage 6, the second flow passage 11, and the third flow passage 17 by pump 7, for example simultaneously, so that fluid is supplied to the consumption unit 3 via flow passage 6 and to the consumption unit 4 via flow passages 11 and 17. At this time, flow passage 17 is connected in parallel to the third portion of flow passage 11, for example, and the third portion extends from connection point V1 to connection point V4.

[0040] Here, the supply device 1 is equipped with a return pipeline 20, which communicates with the flow passages 11 and 17 at connection point V4. Therefore, connection point V4 is a return point, and at this return point, the return pipeline 20 communicates with the flow passages 11 and 17. In particular, when valve element 12 is open and valve element 18 is closed, the fluid has, for example, a second pressure at connection point V4. It is also conceivable that the fluid has a second pressure at connection point V4 when valve elements 12 and 18 are open simultaneously. In particular, when valve element 18 is initially closed, that is, initially in the second closed position, the valve element 18 can receive fluid from the second flow passage 11 via the return pipeline 20 from the return point (V4), so the valve element 18 can be loaded by a fluid with a second pressure via the return pipeline 20, i.e., by a second pressure. The second pressure depends on the volumetric flow rate of the fluid flowing at the return point (connection point V4), for example, through the flow passages 11 and / or 17, which is generated by, for example, the pump 7.

[0041] The second valve element 18 has a second opening pressure, and the second valve element 18 is movable from a second closed position to a second open position, or moves, when the second opening pressure is greater than or equal to the second opening pressure. Since the second pressure is less than the second opening pressure, if the second opening force generated by the second pressure, which acts at least indirectly, and especially directly, on the valve element, such as against a spring force, is less than the second spring force, then the valve element 18 is closed and remains closed, and therefore in its second closed position. In other words, the volumetric flow rate of the fluid at the return point is small as the pressure at the return point, i.e., the second pressure of the fluid, is lower than the second opening pressure, and therefore the valve element 18 remains in its second closed position. However, if the second fluid pressure is greater than or equal to the first opening pressure, and therefore the second opening force generated by the second pressure is greater than the second spring force, the valve element 18, which is initially in the second closed position, will open and thus move from the second closed position to the first open position. As a result, the flow passage 17 is opened by the valve element 18, allowing the fluid to flow through the flow passage 17. In particular, when the valve element 18 is in the second open position, at least a portion of the fluid from the third flow passage 17 can be applied to the second valve element 18 via the return pipe 20, thereby holding it in the second open position. Therefore, the fluid can be returned from the flow passage 17 to the valve element 18 via the return pipe 20, and thus self-locking of the valve element 18 is possible or has been achieved. This is advantageous in particular for the following reasons:

[0042] For example, since valve elements 12 and 18 are initially in their open position, fluid is supplied to both consumption units 3 and 4 simultaneously. Then, for example, if such fluctuations or vibrations of valve element 12 occur due to pressure fluctuations (pressure pulsations) in the flow passage, valve element 12, which is initially open and therefore initially in the first open position, is closed at least temporarily and / or repeatedly by the first spring force in particular, and therefore moved to the first closed position, and the resulting undesirable movement of valve element 19, which is initially in the second open position, to the second closed position can be avoided by self-locking. For example, if the valve element 12 moves to the first closed position due to its vibration, and therefore can no longer supply fluid to the consumption unit 4 through the valve element 12, then fluid from the flow passage 17 is further applied to the valve element 18 via the return pipe 20, and thus the valve element 18 is subsequently held in the second open position. As a result, when the valve element 12 is at least temporarily in the first closed position, it is possible to continue supplying fluid to the consumption unit 4 through the valve element 18 and the third flow passage 17. This ensures a reliable and timely supply of fluid to the consumption unit 4.

[0043] The following describes the possible operation of the supply device 1: For example, the electric pump 7 transports fluid from the reservoir 2 to the consumption unit 3 via the first throttle valve 9. For example, as the current driving the pump 7 increases, and therefore the volumetric flow rate of the fluid produced by the pump 7 increases, the fluid pressure in the throttle valve 9 increases, and therefore the first fluid pressure at connection point V2 increases, which activates, i.e., opens, the valve element 12, which is initially closed. As a result, the fluid flows through the flow passage 11 to the second throttle valve 15, and the fluid flows simultaneously to the consumption unit 4 and the consumption unit 3 in accordance with the hydrodynamic splitting caused by the throttle valves 9 and 15. At this time, the fluid pressure in the throttle valve 15 in the flow passage 11, or before the throttle valve 15, acts downstream of connection point V4 or activates valve element 18. In other words, the pressure generated at the second throttle valve 15, and therefore the second pressure of the fluid, rises to a level greater than or equal to the second opening pressure, and thus the valve element 18, which is initially closed, opens. The valve element 18 remains open due to the self-locking described above, and therefore due to the hydrodynamic return generated by the return pipeline 20, when volumetric flow is acting, i.e., when pressure is generated at the second throttle valve 15 or before the second throttle valve 15, particularly downstream of connection point V4. For example, when the current driving the pump 7 is reduced, and the volumetric flow rate of the fluid generated by the pump 7 is reduced, the pressure at the throttle valve 9, or before the throttle valve 9, and therefore the first pressure, decreases in particular so that the first valve element 12 closes and is therefore closed by the first spring force. This is especially true when the volumetric flow rate of the fluid generated by the pump 7 decreases so much that the first pressure decreases so much that it becomes less than the first opening pressure.

[0044] Preferably, the first opening pressure is set to be greater than the second opening pressure. Also preferably, the second opening pressure is selected so that a counter pressure can be generated by the second throttle valve 15 when the volumetric flow rate is small or moderate. This enables efficient operation of the pump 7. In other words, preferably, the second opening pressure is selected so that the second opening pressure can be generated or brought about by the second throttle valve 15 when the volumetric flow rate of the fluid produced by the pump 7 is small or moderate.

[0045] Preferably, each throttle valve 9 or 15 has its own counter pressure. In other words, preferably, throttle valve 9 has a first counter pressure and throttle valve 15 has a second counter pressure. In this case, each counter pressure is, for example, opposed to the fluid flowing through each flow passage 6 or 11. In this case, preferably, the second counter pressure of the second throttle valve 15 is set to be smaller than the first counter pressure of the first throttle valve 9, especially when the volumetric flow rate of the fluid passing through each throttle valve 15 or 9 is the same or identical. This can be achieved, in particular, by making the second flow cross-section through which fluid can pass in throttle valve 15 larger than the first flow cross-section through which fluid can pass in throttle valve 9. In particular, each flow cross-section of throttle valve 9 or 15 through which fluid can pass can be understood as the smallest or minimum flow cross-section of each throttle valve 9 or 15 through which fluid can pass.

[0046] The structural setting of the second opening pressure makes it possible to define the minimum volumetric flow rate of fluid in the pump 7 required for the second valve element 18 to close again. In other words, the structural setting of the second opening pressure of the second valve element 18 makes it possible to define the minimum required volumetric flow rate of fluid, also called the closing volumetric flow rate, that should be generated or set by the pump 7, and the valve element 18 closes at or above this closing volumetric flow rate. For example, in order to close the second valve element 18, which is initially open, the pump 7 is driven or controlled, for example, so that the volumetric flow rate of fluid is at least temporarily less than or equal to the closing volumetric flow rate. In other words, for example, the pump 7 is driven, in particular, controlled so that the pressure is at least temporarily less than the second opening pressure, thereby closing the initially open valve element 18 by a second spring force. Preferably, when the valve element 12 is open, the pump 7 is set to work in cooperation with each flow cross section, also called the throttling cross section of the throttling valve 9 or 15, to generate a volumetric flow rate so that the initially closed second valve element 18 is opened. Therefore, as a whole, the consumption unit 4 can be connected and disconnected as needed, and thus, for example, in the first operating state of the pump 7, or depending on the first operating state of the pump 7, fluid is supplied by the pump 7 only to consumption unit 3 of consumption units 3 and 4. This is because, in the first operating state, valve element 12 and preferably valve element 18 are closed in particular simultaneously. In the second operating state of the pump, or depending on the second operating state of the pump 7, fluid is supplied by the pump 7 to both consumption units 3 and 4 simultaneously. This is because, for example, in the second operating state, valve elements 12 and 18 are open simultaneously. It is conceivable that the valve elements 12 and 18 can be alternated or switched between open and closed positions, and therefore between operating states, simply by changing the volumetric flow rate of the fluid without actively or electrically operating the valve elements 12 and 18. As described above, it is possible to change the fluid connection points by the pump 7, in particular by changing the current that drives the pump 7.Naturally, it is conceivable that the pump 7 is mechanically operable, for example, so that the spring element can be mechanically driven. Generally speaking, it is possible to change the volumetric flow rate of the fluid by the pump 7, in particular, by changing the speed at which the spring element moves and / or the rotational speed at which the spring element rotates. Furthermore, the present invention may also encompass the following embodiments: 1. A first flow passage (6) through which fluid can flow, -At least one first consumption unit (3) located in the first flow passage (6) and supplied with a fluid that can flow through the first flow passage (6) via the first flow passage (6); -A pump (7) located in the first flow passage (6) capable of transporting the fluid from the reservoir (2) through the first flow passage (6); -The first flow passage (6) has a throttle valve (9) positioned upstream of the first consumption unit (3) and downstream of the pump (7), -The first flow passage (6) has a second flow passage (11) through which fluid can flow, which is in communication with the first flow passage (6) at a first connection point (V1) located upstream of the throttle valve (9) and downstream of the pump (7), - A second flow passage (11) through which a fluid flowing through the second flow passage (11) is supplied, and a valve element (12) located in the second flow passage (11) downstream of the first connection point (V1) and upstream of the second consumption element (4) is located in the second flow passage (11), and the valve element (12) is movable between a closed position that can close the second flow passage (11) and an open position that opens the second flow passage (11), - A control conduit (13) that communicates with the first flow passage (6) at a second connection point (V2) located upstream of the throttle valve (9) and downstream of the first connection point (V1), wherein the valve element (12) can be supplied with fluid from the first flow passage (6) via the control conduit, and thereby can be moved from the closed position to an open position where the fluid from the reservoir (2) can be simultaneously transported by the pump (7) through the first flow passage (6) and the second flow passage (11), and the control conduit and A supply device (1) for the apparatus having the following features. 2. The supply device (1) according to 1. above, characterized in that a second throttle valve (15) is arranged in the second flow passage (11) upstream of the second consumption unit (4) and downstream of the valve element (12). 3. A supply device (1) according to 1. or 2. above, characterized in that a third flow passage (17) through which a fluid can flow, the third flow passage (17) communicates with the first flow passage (6) and / or the second flow passage (11) at a third connection point (V3) located downstream of the pump (7) in the first flow passage and / or upstream of the valve element (12) in the second flow passage (11), and the second flow passage (11) communicates with the second flow passage (11) at a fourth connection point (V4) located downstream of the valve element (12) and upstream of the second consumption unit (4) in the second flow passage (11). 4. The supply device (1) according to 2. and 3. above, characterized in that the fourth connection point (V4) is located upstream of the second throttle valve (15) in the second flow passage (11). 5. The supply device (1) according to 3. or 4. above, characterized in that a second valve element (18) is positioned downstream of the third connection point (V3) and upstream of the fourth connection point (V4) in the third flow passage (17), the second valve element is movable between a second closed position that closes the third flow passage (17) and a second open position that opens the third flow passage (17), and in the second open position, the fluid from the reservoir (2) can be transported through the third flow passage (17) by the pump (7). 6. A return pipeline (20), through which the second valve element (18) is located -The fluid from the second flow passage (11) can be applied from the return point (V4) located downstream of the first valve element (12) and upstream of the second consumption unit (4) in the second flow passage (11), thereby allowing movement from the second closed position to the second open position. -It is possible to apply at least a portion of the fluid from the third flow passage (17), thereby maintaining it in the second open position. The supply device (1) described in 5. above, characterized in that a return pipeline is provided. 7. The supply device (1) according to 6. above, characterized in that the return pipeline (20) is in communication with the second flow passage (11) and the third flow passage (17) at the fourth connection point (V4) which serves as a return point. 8. An apparatus having at least one supply device (1) as described in any one of items 1 to 7 above. 9. The apparatus described in 8. above, characterized in that the apparatus is a power transmission device or an electrical machine. 10. A motorized vehicle having at least one of the devices described in 8. or 9. above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1 Feeding device 2 Reservoirs 3. The first consumer section 4. Second Consumer Section 5 Arrows 6. First flow passage 7 Pumps 8 Arrows 9. First throttle valve 10 Arrows 11. Second flow passage 12 First valve element 13 Control pipeline 14. First spring element 15. Second throttle valve 16 Arrows 17 Third Flow Passage 18. Second valve element 19. Second spring element 20 Return pipeline V1 First connection point V2 Second connection point V3 Third connection point V4 4th Connection User

Claims

1. - A first flow passage (6) through which fluid can flow, - At least one first consumption unit (3) located in the first flow passage (6) and supplied with a fluid that can flow through the first flow passage (6) via the first flow passage (6); - A pump (7) located in the first flow passage (6) capable of transporting the fluid from the reservoir (2) through the first flow passage (6); - The first flow passage (6) has a throttle valve (9) positioned upstream of the first consumption unit (3) and downstream of the pump (7), - A second flow passage (11) through which fluid can flow is connected to the first flow passage (6) at a first connection point (V1) located upstream of the throttle valve (9) and downstream of the pump (7), - A second flow passage (11) through which a fluid flowing through the second flow passage (11) is supplied, and a valve element (12) located in the second flow passage (11) downstream of the first connection point (V1) and upstream of the second consumption element (4) is located in the second flow passage (11), and the valve element (12) is movable between a closed position that can close the second flow passage (11) and an open position that opens the second flow passage (11), - A control conduit (13) that communicates with the first flow passage (6) at a second connection point (V2) located upstream of the throttle valve (9) and downstream of the first connection point (V1), wherein the valve element (12) can be supplied with fluid from the first flow passage (6) via the control conduit, and thereby can be moved from the closed position to an open position where the fluid from the reservoir (2) can be simultaneously transported by the pump (7) through the first flow passage (6) and the second flow passage (11), and the control conduit and It has, A third flow passage (17) through which fluid can flow is provided, and the third flow passage (17) communicates with the first flow passage (6) and / or the second flow passage (11) at a third connection point (V3) located downstream of the pump (7) in the first flow passage and / or upstream of the valve element (12) in the second flow passage (11), and communicates with the second flow passage (11) at a fourth connection point (V4) located downstream of the valve element (12) and upstream of the second consumption unit (4) in the second flow passage (11). A supply device (1) for the apparatus.

2. The supply device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a second throttle valve (15) is arranged in the second flow passage (11) upstream of the second consumption unit (4) and downstream of the valve element (12).

3. The supply device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fourth connection point (V4) is located upstream of the second throttle valve (15) in the second flow passage (11).

4. The supply device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second valve element (18) is positioned downstream of a third connection point (V3) and upstream of a fourth connection point (V4) in the third flow passage (17), and the second valve element is movable between a second closed position that closes the third flow passage (17) and a second open position that opens the third flow passage (17), and in the second open position, the fluid from the reservoir (2) can be transported through the third flow passage (17) by the pump (7).

5. A return pipe (20), through which the second valve element (18) - Fluid from the second flow passage (11) can be applied from the return point (V4) located downstream of the first valve element (12) and upstream of the second consumption unit (4) in the second flow passage (11), thereby enabling movement from the second closed position to the second open position. - It can be applied by at least a portion of the fluid from the third flow passage (17), thereby maintaining the second open position. The supply device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a return pipeline is provided.

6. The supply device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the return pipeline (20) is in communication with the second flow passage (11) and the third flow passage (17) at the fourth connection point (V4) which serves as a return point.

7. An apparatus having at least one supply device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, characterized in that the apparatus is a power transmission device or an electrical machine.

9. A motorized vehicle having at least one device according to claim 7 or 8.

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