Transmission unit of a vehicle with rotary feedthrough unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission unit (100) of a vehicle, which is designed to transmit a rotary movement, wherein the transmission unit (100) has a rotary feedthrough unit (120), wherein the rotary feedthrough unit (120) has a first feedthrough element (121) and a second feedthrough element (122), wherein the second feedthrough element (122) is rotatably mounted relative to the first feedthrough element (121), wherein the first feedthrough element (121) of the rotary feedthrough unit (120) is releasably connected to a first transmission element (116) of the transmission unit (100) by means of at least one first connecting element (130) and is fixed relative to the first transmission element (116) in the axial direction, in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction, and wherein the second feedthrough element (122) of the rotary feedthrough unit (120) is releasably connected to a second transmission element (112) of the transmission unit (100) by means of at least one second connecting element (140), such that a relative movement between the second feedthrough element (122) and the second transmission element (112) is possible in the circumferential direction up to a certain angle of rotation.

Description

[0001] Gearbox unit of a vehicle with rotary union unit

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a transmission unit of a vehicle with a rotary feedthrough unit.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Regulating tire pressure while a vehicle is moving can be important, for example, in agricultural vehicles or commercial vehicles. In agriculture, for example, reducing tire pressure can reduce soil compression and thus increase yields. Increasing tire pressure, for example, can make a vehicle more energy-efficient and reduce tire wear.

[0006] To regulate air pressure, a compressed air line can be installed, for example, on the outside of a vehicle's transmission unit. However, such an external compressed air line can be susceptible to damage due to its exposed location.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] According to the invention, a transmission unit of a vehicle with a rotary feedthrough unit having the features of patent claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] The transmission unit is designed to transmit a rotational movement, for example, from a drive motor to a tire. For this purpose, the transmission unit expediently comprises a transmission mechanism or transmission unit, in particular a planetary gear transmission unit comprising a sun gear, a ring gear, and at least one planet gear.

[0010] The ring gear of the transmission unit can be coupled, in particular, to at least one tire of the vehicle. An (input) shaft of the transmission unit can be coupled, for example, to a drive unit, e.g., a hydraulic motor, electric motor, combustion engine, etc. The transmission unit can be provided, in particular, to transmit a rotational movement of the drive unit to the respective tire in order to drive the tire and set it in rotation. The vehicle is, in particular, an axle-driven vehicle.

[0011] With the aid of the rotary feedthrough unit, it is possible, in particular, to regulate the air pressure of at least one tire of the vehicle. For example, a corresponding control or regulating unit can also be provided for this purpose. In particular, the rotary feedthrough unit is provided as an assembly for the rotary feedthrough and is designed to be integrated into the transmission unit or arranged within the transmission unit or within a housing of the transmission unit. The rotary feedthrough unit is expediently provided to guide (compressed) air to one or more tires of the vehicle or to remove it from a respective tire in order to regulate the air pressure of the respective tire.

[0012] The rotary feedthrough unit comprises a first, in particular static or stationary feedthrough element and a second feedthrough element, wherein the second feedthrough element is rotatably mounted relative to the first feedthrough element. The rotary feedthrough unit is expediently provided to transmit a fluid, in particular air, between the first, static feedthrough element and the second, rotatable feedthrough element.

[0013] The first, static feedthrough element is detachably connected to a first, in particular static or stationary, gear element of the gear unit by means of at least one first connecting element and is fixed relative to the first gear element in the axial direction, in the radial direction, and in the circumferential direction. Conveniently, the first, static feedthrough element can be completely fixed and secured relative to the gear element in all three directions by means of the at least one first connecting element for safe operation of the rotary feedthrough unit.

[0014] The second, rotatable feedthrough element is detachably connected to a second, in particular rotatable, gear element of the gear unit by means of at least one second connecting element in such a way that a relative movement in the circumferential direction between the second feedthrough element and the second gear element is possible up to a certain angle of rotation. The angle of rotation can be, for example, at least 1°, furthermore in particular at least 1.5°, furthermore in particular at least 2°. The second feedthrough element is expediently connected to the second gear element by means of the at least one second connecting element with a predetermined play, so that the corresponding relative movement in the circumferential direction is enabled. This play or the enabled relative movement in the circumferential direction can in particular create a free space in order to compensate for deformations.This clearance can, in particular, prevent unwanted effects due to elastic deformation, such as jamming or damage to seals due to forced conditions. Furthermore, by means of the at least one second connecting element, the second, rotatable feedthrough element can be guided at least in the circumferential direction, i.e., in the direction of rotation along which the second feedthrough element rotates during operation. The at least one second connecting element expediently guides the rotating feedthrough element of the rotary feedthrough unit predominantly or predominantly in the circumferential direction.

[0015] The present invention provides a way of assembling the rotary feedthrough unit as a module in the gear unit in a flexible and structurally simple manner and of removing or disassembling it again therefrom. By arranging it within the gear unit, the rotary feedthrough unit can be protected from damage and external influences, for example in comparison to a rotary feedthrough unit or a compressed air line arranged on the outside of a gear unit. Since the respective fixing by the at least one first connecting element and the at least one second connecting element is each releasably effected, the rotary feedthrough unit can be sufficiently fixed and secured for safe operation and can be removed if necessary, e.g. for maintenance, repair or replacement with a new rotary feedthrough unit. Furthermore, the invention has a short design.Due to the small space requirement of the rotary union unit, the overall length of the gear unit is only slightly increased. Since the second connecting element enables a connection with a specified clearance, the rotary union unit can be conveniently decoupled from the gear unit at this connection point.

[0016] If both the static feedthrough element and the rotating feedthrough element were firmly fixed to the gear unit in all three directions (circumferential direction, radial direction, axial direction), alignment errors due to tolerances could be transferred from the gear unit to the rotating feedthrough unit. During vehicle operation, forces and loads can be generated which can result in deformations on individual parts of the gear unit. This can also lead to increased errors in the axial position of these individual parts of the gear unit relative to one another. At positions within the gear unit in the axial direction beyond the center of the main bearing, additional axial errors and centering errors can occur which can be determined using the theorem.In this case, a bearing could be added to position seals within the rotating union unit. However, this could result in over-determination of the rotating union and gear unit system, which could lead to internal forces occurring that could deform and destroy the connecting elements. A support bearing for the rotating union element relative to the stationary union element cannot be used without further ado. If the gear unit is fixed to the rotating union assembly without a bearing within the rotating union assembly, the errors in axial position and centering between the seal seat and sealing surface described above can be compensated for. However, this can lead to uneven load distribution at the seal sealing points, increasing wear and the risk of functional failure.

[0017] If, in contrast, the rotary feedthrough unit is decoupled at its connection point using the at least one second connecting element, errors in axial position and centering cannot be transmitted from the gear unit to the components of the rotary feedthrough unit. The fixing of the position of the stationary and rotating feedthrough element can therefore expediently be ensured by using a support bearing, e.g. a deep groove ball bearing. Seals can be optimally positioned relative to one another. Wear and damage can be reduced or minimized. Damage to the first and second connecting elements between the rotary feedthrough unit and the gear unit can be prevented by the decoupling and the resulting avoidance of static overdetermination.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the at least one first connecting element is designed as at least one detachable positive and / or non-positive connecting element. The first feedthrough element can thus be firmly and securely connected to the first, static transmission element in a structurally simple manner, using positive and / or non-positive locking, and can be removed again as needed with minimal effort and without damaging the rotary feedthrough unit and the transmission unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the at least one first connecting element is designed as at least one screw and / or at least one bolt. At least one corresponding bore or threaded bore is expediently provided in the first feedthrough element and in the first gear element in order to connect these feedthrough elements to one another by means of the respective screw or bolt and to fix them relative to one another.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the second feedthrough element is connected to the second gear element by means of the at least one second connecting element by means of a clearance fit. For example, the second connecting element can be a bolt and / or a screw and / or a pin and / or a stud, which is received in a bore or opening dimensioned with a corresponding clearance.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the at least one second connecting element is made of an elastically deformable material. In particular, the fixation of the second feedthrough element in the circumferential direction can be achieved by a suitable selection of the material for the second connecting element.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first transmission element is a static transmission element, in particular a planetary gear, a planetary gear carrier, or a sun gear. Depending on the design of the transmission unit and depending on which transmission element is static or fixed, the static first transmission element can be connected to the respective fixed transmission element and fixed in all three directions.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the second transmission element is a transmission element designed to rotate relative to the first transmission element, in particular a ring gear. The rotating second transmission element can thus be easily movably connected to this rotating transmission element.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the rotary feedthrough unit further comprises a fluid connection, in particular a (compressed) air connection in the first feedthrough element, which is connected to a compressed air line or a pneumatic line in the gear unit. The compressed air line can be provided, for example, as a bore or a channel. This compressed air line can expediently be provided in the first, static gear element and from there be led radially and / or axially outwards out of the gear unit in order to be connected, for example, to a tire pressure regulating device provided outside the gear unit. For example, the fluid connection in the first feedthrough element can be connected to the compressed air line by means of the at least one first connecting element or also by means of at least one third connecting element. For example, the rotary feedthrough unit can be connected to the compressed air line orThe (air) channel can be connected, for example, in a planetary bolt with a static seal when screwed on. The pneumatic line from the first gear element to the ring gear of the gear can be connected, for example, via a screw connection.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rotary feedthrough unit is designed to be connected to a tire pressure control device for regulating an air pressure of at least one tire of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling and to at least one tire of the vehicle. In particular, the first, static feedthrough element is connected to the tire pressure control device via the fluid connection. The second, rotatable feedthrough element is expediently connected to the respective tire. The tire pressure control device can have corresponding feedthrough elements for air pressure control, e.g. a fluid source or a (compressed) air source, a pump, a compressor, etc. According to one embodiment, the rotary feedthrough unit is arranged between a transmission unit and a transmission cover of the transmission unit. The transmission unit has, in particular, elements for torque transmission, in particular planetary gears, a sun gear, and a ring gear.The gear cover is provided, in particular, as part of a housing of the gear unit. The rotary feedthrough unit is provided, in particular, as a pre-assembled assembly that can be arranged between a main stage and a pre-stage of the gear unit.

[0026] The invention is suitable for use in a variety of different (commercial) vehicles in which tire pressure needs to be regulated while driving. The invention is particularly suitable for agricultural vehicles or for agricultural machines with a driven axle, e.g., harvesters, sprayers, etc., where, for example, reducing the air pressure can reduce soil compression and increase yield, and increasing the air pressure can result in energy-efficient operation and reduced tire wear. Furthermore, the invention is also suitable, for example, for commercial vehicles in road construction or for road construction machines, e.g., asphalt pavers, for example to increase traction.

[0027] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0028] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using an embodiment and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0030] Character description

[0031] Figure 1 schematically shows, in views a) and b), an embodiment of a gear unit according to the invention comprising a rotary feedthrough unit. Detailed description of the drawing

[0032] In Figure 1a and Figure 1b, an embodiment of a transmission unit according to the invention for a vehicle is shown schematically in a different sectional view and designated by 100.

[0033] The transmission unit 100 is designed, for example, as a planetary gear and has a transmission mechanism 110 for transmitting a rotational movement from a drive machine, such as a hydraulic motor, electric motor, or internal combustion engine, to a tire.

[0034] The transmission mechanism 110 may include a ring gear 112 and a shaft 113 and may be configured to transmit a rotational movement of the shaft 113 into a rotational movement of the ring gear 112. The shaft 113 may be coupled to the drive engine. The ring gear 112 may be coupled to the tire of the vehicle.

[0035] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 110 includes a plurality of planetary gears 111, a pilot stage 114, a sun gear 117, and a gear cover 115 as part of a housing. The rotational movement of the shaft 113 is transmitted to the sun gear 117 via the pilot stage 114. The rotational movement of the sun gear 117 is transmitted to the ring gear 112 via the planetary gears 111.

[0036] In the sectional view in Figure 1a, only one such planetary gear 111 is shown, but it is understood that the gear unit may have several such planetary gears 111. Figure 1b is a sectional view through the planetary gear 111 shown in Figure 1a.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1b, the planetary gear 111 is arranged on a planetary gear carrier 116. The planetary gear carrier 116 is fixed to the housing.

[0038] The transmission unit 100 further comprises a rotary feedthrough unit 120, which, for example, enables the regulation of tire air pressure. The rotary feedthrough unit 120 comprises a first, static or fixed feedthrough element 121 and a second feedthrough element 122, which is rotatably mounted relative to the first feedthrough element 121. The first, static feedthrough element 121 is detachably connected to a first transmission element of the transmission unit 100 by means of at least one first connecting element 130 and is fixed relative to this first transmission element in the axial direction, in the radial direction, and in the circumferential direction.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1b, the first feedthrough element 121 can be connected, for example, to the planetary gear carrier 116 as the first transmission element of the transmission unit 100 by means of the first connecting element 130. Although only one such first connecting element 130 is shown in Figure 1b, it is understood that the first feedthrough element 121 can be connected to the planetary gear carrier 116 at multiple positions, each by means of a respective first connecting element 130. The first connecting element 130 can, for example, be a screw that engages in threaded bores 131, 132 in the first feedthrough element 121 and in the planetary gear carrier 116 in order to fix the first feedthrough element 121 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner relative to the planetary gear carrier 116 in all three directions.

[0040] Furthermore, a compressed air line or a pneumatic line can be provided in the planetary gear carrier 116, which can be connected to a fluid connection in the first feedthrough element 121. For example, a sealed fluid connection between the pneumatic line and the fluid connection can be created by creating the mechanical connection by means of the first connecting element 130. The compressed air line can be led out of the transmission unit 100 in order to be connected to a tire pressure control device for regulating the air pressure.

[0041] The second, rotatable feedthrough element 122 is detachably connected to a second gear element 118 of the gear unit 110 by means of at least one second connecting element 140, with sufficient play to allow relative movement in the circumferential direction between the second feedthrough element 122 and the second gear element up to a specific angle of rotation of, for example, at least 1°. This play or the enabled relative movement in the circumferential direction can, in particular, create a clearance to compensate for deformations. This clearance can, in particular, prevent undesired effects due to elastic deformation, such as jamming or damage to seals due to forced conditions. As shown in Figure 1a, the second feedthrough element 122 can, for example, be connected to a type of pre-stage housing 118 as the second gear element by means of the second connecting element 140.The pre-stage housing 118 is connected to the ring gear 112 in a rotationally fixed manner and rotates accordingly together with the ring gear 112, so that the rotatable feedthrough element 122 also rotates with the ring gear 112. However, the second feedthrough element 122 can also be connected directly to the ring gear 112 of the gear unit 100. Although only one such second connecting element 140 is shown in Figure 1a, it is understood that the second feedthrough element 122 can be connected to the second gear element at multiple positions, each by means of a respective second connecting element 140. By means of these second connecting elements 140, the second, rotatable feedthrough element 122 can be guided in the circumferential direction. The second feedthrough element 122 is connected to the second gear element by means of the second connecting elements 140 by means of a clearance fit.For this purpose, the second connecting elements 140 can each be designed as axially extending bolts or pins, each of which is received in a bore 141 in the second feedthrough element 122, dimensioned with a corresponding clearance. This allows the rotary feedthrough unit 120 to be decoupled from the transmission unit 100 at the connection point to the second transmission element.

[0042] With the help of the detachable connecting elements 130, 140, the rotary feedthrough unit 120 can be flexibly and structurally simply mounted as a module in the gear unit 100 and removed from it again as needed, e.g., for maintenance or repair purposes. For example, to disassemble the rotary feedthrough unit 120, the gear cover 115 can be removed and the pre-stage 114 can be taken out. After loosening the screws or the first connecting elements 130, the rotary feedthrough unit 120 can be removed.

[0043] By arranging it within the gear unit 100, the rotary feedthrough unit 120 can be protected from damage and external influences. The rotary feedthrough unit 120 has a short design and requires little space, so the overall length of the gear unit 100, particularly on the ring gear side, is only slightly increased.

Claims

Claims 1 . A transmission unit (100) of a vehicle, which is designed to transmit a rotary movement, wherein the transmission unit (100) has a rotary feedthrough unit (120), wherein the rotary feedthrough unit (120) has a first feedthrough element (121) and a second feedthrough element (122), wherein the second feedthrough element (122) is rotatably mounted relative to the first feedthrough element (121), wherein the first feedthrough element (121) of the rotary feedthrough unit (120) is detachably connected to a first transmission element (116) of the transmission unit (100) by means of at least one first connecting element (130) and is fixed relative to the first transmission element (116) in the axial direction, in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction, and wherein the second feedthrough element (122) of the rotary feedthrough unit (120) is connected to a second transmission element (112) by means of at least one second connecting element (140),118) of the gear unit (100) is detachably connected in such a way that a relative movement in the circumferential direction between the second feedthrough element (122) and the second gear element (112, 118) is possible up to a certain angle of rotation.

2. Gear unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the determined angle of rotation is at least 1° or at least 1.5° or at least 2°.

3. Gear unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first connecting element (130) is designed as at least one releasable positive and / or non-positive connecting element.

4. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first connecting element (130) is designed as at least one screw and / or at least one bolt.

5. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second feedthrough element (122) is connected by means of the at least one second Connecting element (140) is connected to the second gear element (112, 118) by means of a clearance fit.

6. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second connecting element (140) is made of an elastically deformable material.

7. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second connecting element (140) is designed as at least one bolt and / or at least one screw and / or at least one pin and / or at least one pin.

8. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gear element is a static gear element, in particular a planetary gear (111), a planetary gear carrier (116) or a sun gear.

9. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second gear element is a gear element designed to be rotatable relative to the first gear element, in particular a ring gear (112).

10. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fluid connection in the first feedthrough element (121) which is connected to a compressed air line in the gear unit.

11. Gear unit (100) according to claim 10, wherein the compressed air line is led out of the gear unit (100) in the radial direction and / or in the axial direction.

12. Transmission unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary feedthrough unit (120) is configured to be connected to a tire pressure control device for controlling an air pressure of at least one tire of the vehicle and to at least one tire of the vehicle.

3. Gear unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary feedthrough unit (120) is arranged between a transmission unit (110) and a gear cover (115) of the gear unit (100).

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