Actuator for a drive train device of a motor vehicle, and drive train device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator (1) for a drive train device (20) of a motor vehicle, having: - an actuator housing (2); - an output device (3) which is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) of the actuator (1) and rotatable relative to the actuator housing (2); - a sealing device (4) for sealing the output device (3) at an opening (23) of a housing (21) of a drive train device (20), - wherein the sealing device (4) has a sealing disc (5) which is arranged fixedly on the output device (3) so as to rotate with it, in order to throw dirt from the sealing disc (5) by way of movement of the output device (3). The invention further relates to a drive train device (20) for a motor vehicle, having: a housing (21) for delimiting a housing interior (I) with respect to a housing exterior (A), wherein the housing (21) has a receptacle (22) for an actuator (1), and wherein the receptacle (22) extends in the direction of the housing interior (I) in order to form installation space for the actuator (1) in the interior of the drive train device (20).

Description

[0001] Actuator for a drive train device of a motor vehicle and drive train device for a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an actuator for a drive train device of a motor vehicle and a drive train device for a motor vehicle.

[0003] As is well known, in motor vehicle drivetrain devices, such as an electric axle, an actuator for operating, for example, an electronic limited-slip differential is placed safely above the fluid surface or fluid level of oil or lubricating oil for the respective drivetrain device. Alternatively, the actuator can also be placed outside the housing of a drivetrain device.

[0004] However, the aforementioned designs increase the installation space of a drive train device within a vehicle, which may require further design measures on a vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an actuator for a drive train device of a motor vehicle and a drive train device for a motor vehicle, which can be produced cost-effectively and in a material-saving manner and / or which ensures a space-saving design of an actuator and / or a drive train device.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention comprises an actuator for a drivetrain device of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain device can be, for example, an axle differential or a transmission or an axle drive device, such as an electric axle or an electric drive axle.

[0008] The actuator comprises an actuator housing, an output device which is rotatable about a rotational axis of the actuator and rotatable relative to the actuator housing, and a sealing device for sealing the output device to an opening in a housing of a drive train device. The sealing device further comprises a sealing disc which is arranged rotationally fixed on the output device. Thus, movement of the output device can cause dirt or dirt particles to be thrown off the sealing disc. This design makes it possible to save installation space because the actuator can be arranged below an oil surface or below a fluid level. The fluid level can be generated, for example, by oil that is filled inside the housing of a drive train device or in the housing interior of a drive train device.

[0009] Furthermore, the sealing disc can be arranged on the output device in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0010] The sealing disc can also be L-shaped in half section relative to the actuator's rotational axis, or have an L-shape such that one leg of the L-shape is oriented toward an electric drive of the actuator and / or toward the actuator housing. In other words, one leg of the L-shape can be arranged, aligned, or oriented at a right angle or nearly at a right angle to the rotational axis. Another leg of the L-shape can be aligned in the same direction relative to the rotational axis.

[0011] In addition, the sealing disc can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the rotation axis. This makes the sealing device easy to manufacture.

[0012] It is also possible for the output device to comprise an output shaft which is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing.

[0013] The sealing disc and the output shaft can form a press fit. Alternatively, the sealing disc and the output shaft can form a shaft-hub connection, whereby the shaft-hub connection can be designed as a splined shaft connection. Both designs allow a rotationally fixed connection between the sealing disc and the output shaft. It is also possible for the sealing disc and the output shaft to be welded together.

[0014] Furthermore, the output shaft can have a first shoulder on which the sealing disc is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, the sealing disc can be clamped against a first shoulder of the output shaft in such a way that the sealing disc is arranged on the output shaft in a force-fitting manner.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that the output device comprises a gear, such as a planetary gear, in order to connect an output shaft of an electric drive of the actuator to an output shaft of the output device.

[0016] It is also possible for the output device to include an output shaft and / or a clamping and sealing sleeve. The clamping and sealing sleeve can be clamped against the sealing disc. This allows the clamping and sealing sleeve to be arranged on the output shaft in a force-fitting manner.

[0017] Furthermore, the output shaft can have a second shoulder against which or in the direction of which the clamping and sealing sleeve of the output shaft is clamped, so that the clamping and sealing sleeve is arranged on the output shaft in a force-fitting and rotationally fixed manner.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the clamping and sealing sleeve and the output shaft can form a press fit.

[0019] Furthermore, the sealing device can have a first seal, such as a radial shaft seal. The first seal can have a sealing lip that is arranged on a clamping and sealing sleeve of the sealing device. In addition, the first seal can have a dust lip that can be arranged on a clamping and sealing sleeve of the sealing device or on a clamping unit of the output device for clamping the sealing disc via the clamping and sealing sleeve against a first shoulder of the output shaft. The second seal can also be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a housing of a drive train device or on a receptacle of a housing of a drive train device. The first seal can be installed and / or aligned and / or oriented in such a way that the ingress of oil into the actuator can be prevented.

[0020] The first seal can be arranged below the sealing disc. This allows the sealing disc to keep dirt or dirt particles away from the first seal. Furthermore, the sealing device can have a clamping unit with which a force can be transmitted to a clamping and sealing sleeve of the sealing device. The force to be transmitted can be generated, for example, by a screw nut.

[0021] Furthermore, the actuator can be provided with an electric drive, with which the output device can be rotated relative to the actuator housing and / or to a housing of a drive train device. In this case, the electric drive can have an output shaft. The output shaft can be operatively connected to the output device, so that the rotational power of the electric drive can be transmitted to the output device or to its output shaft. The electric drive can include an electrical connection, so that the actuator can be supplied with electrical energy.

[0022] In addition, the output device can comprise an output shaft that is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing. The output device can also have an output, such as a gear, which can be arranged at a cantilevered end of the output device or at a cantilevered end of the output shaft of the output device.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention includes a drivetrain device, such as an axle differential or a transmission or an axle drive device, such as an e-axle or an electric axle or an electric drive axle, for a motor vehicle.

[0024] It is expressly pointed out that the features of the actuator as mentioned under the first aspect can be used individually or in combination with one another in the drive train device.

[0025] In other words, the features relating to the actuator mentioned above under the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with further features here under the second aspect of the invention.

[0026] A drivetrain device for a motor vehicle comprises a housing for separating a housing interior from a housing exterior. The housing or the housing interior can be filled with a fluid, such as oil, up to a fluid level or until a fluid level is established within the housing interior. At least one vehicle wheel can be arranged on the drivetrain device.

[0027] In this description, the term "housing interior" can be understood to refer to the interior of a housing or the housing interior. Furthermore, the term "housing exterior" can be understood to refer to the exterior of a housing or the housing exterior. The term "housing exterior" can also be interpreted to refer to the space outside the housing.

[0028] Furthermore, the housing has a receptacle for an actuator, wherein the receptacle extends toward the housing interior or the housing interior to form installation space for the actuator inside the drivetrain device. In other words, the receptacle can dent the housing and / or the receptacle can spring back into the housing in such a way that the volume of the housing is reduced and the amount of oil or fluid filled into the housing interior or the housing interior can be reduced compared to a housing without a receptacle. This ensures a space-saving design of an actuator and / or a drivetrain device with an actuator.

[0029] Furthermore, the mount can be geometrically designed for an actuator and / or adapted to an actuator such that an actuator housing can be placed in the mount up to at least 25% or at least 50% of its height. The height of the actuator housing can extend along a rotational axis of the actuator. The higher the percentage, the more installation space can be saved for the actuator.

[0030] In addition, the drive train device may comprise an actuator according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0031] The housing may also have an opening for an output device of the actuator or for its output shaft.

[0032] In addition, a fluid can be filled into the housing interior, forming a fluid level within the housing. The opening can be located below the fluid level. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the sealing disc of the actuator's sealing device can exceed the outer diameter of the opening in the housing of the drivetrain device. This can prevent contamination by dirt particles.

[0033] The sealing disc and the opening can also be geometrically aligned and / or arranged in such a way that the sealing disc and the housing form a labyrinth seal. This can increase the sealing performance.

[0034] In addition, it can be provided that the sealing disc is L-shaped in half section to the axis of rotation of the actuator or has an L-shape.

[0035] Furthermore, the sealing disc and the opening can be geometrically aligned and / or arranged in such a way that one leg of the L-shape at least partially encompasses the edge of the opening. This allows the aforementioned labyrinth seal to be formed. Such a design increases the sealing performance of the arrangement.

[0036] Furthermore, it is possible for the output device to be mounted in the housing so that the output shaft of the output device can rotate relative to the housing in order to reduce dirt or dirt particles in the area of ​​the opening by moving the output shaft and / or to throw dirt or dirt particles off the sealing disc by moving the output shaft.

[0037] Additionally, a second seal, such as an O-ring, can be arranged between the mount or between the housing and the actuator. This prevents oil from escaping from the housing. The actuator can also be statically sealed from below within the housing, and an electrical connection can also be designed to be fluid-tight.

[0038] Furthermore, the mount can be rotationally symmetrical, making it easy to manufacture.

[0039] In addition, the drivetrain device can comprise an actuatable assembly, such as a clutch, which can be actuated by the actuator. The actuatable assembly can be operatively connected to the actuator, for example, via the output device or its output shaft and / or via an output, such as a gear, which can be arranged at the cantilevered end of the output device or at the cantilevered end of the output shaft.

[0040] In the following, the inventive concept presented above is expressed again and additionally in other words.

[0041] This idea concerns - in simplified terms - an actuator for a drive train device of a motor vehicle whose sealing device has a centrifugal disc or a sealing disc for dirt reduction.

[0042] Furthermore, the idea relates to a drive train device for a motor vehicle with a housing and with a receptacle for an actuator, which extends in the direction of the housing interior of the housing in order to form installation space for the actuator in the interior of the drive train device.

[0043] In order to save as much installation space as possible, it is possible to arrange an actuator below an oil surface or below a fluid level, which is generated by, for example, oil that is filled inside the housing of the drive train device or in the housing interior or in the housing interior.

[0044] However, the oil in a drivetrain device or axle differential, for example, is dirty or contaminated with dirt particles. These cause a leakage problem in the actuator and its first seal, e.g., a radial shaft seal.

[0045] To reduce the ingress of dirt onto the sealing surface of the first seal, a flinger or sealing disc can be mounted or arranged above the first seal. This can be directly connected to an output shaft, for example, and thus rotates with every movement of the actuator.

[0046] When the actuator is stationary, dirt particles settle on the centrifugal disc / sealing disc. However, these cannot settle on the sealing surface or on the first seal.

[0047] An additional dirt labyrinth can prevent dirt particles from penetrating the first seal, especially when the actuator is at a standstill. As a result, dirt particles accumulate on the centrifugal disc / sealing disc (e.g., when a vehicle is parked). When the actuator is activated, the dirt particles are ejected radially outward.

[0048] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows schematically:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a drive train device for a motor vehicle.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a drivetrain device 20 for a motor vehicle. The drivetrain device 20 can be an axle differential, a transmission, or an axle drive device, such as an electric axle.

[0051] According to Figure 1, the drive train device 20 has a housing 21 for delimiting a housing interior I from a housing exterior A. The housing

[0052] 21 or the housing interior I is filled with oil, up to a fluid level 25. One or more vehicle wheels can be arranged on the drive train device 20.

[0053] In addition, the housing 21 has a receptacle 22 for an actuator 1, wherein the receptacle 22 extends in the direction of the housing interior I in order to form installation space for the actuator 1 inside the drive train device 20. In other words, the receptacle 22 dents the housing 21 in such a way or the receptacle springs

[0054] 22 back into the housing 21 in such a way that the volume of the housing 21 is reduced and the amount of oil filled into the housing interior I is reduced compared to a housing without receptacle 22. Thus, a space-saving design of an actuator 1 and / or a drive train device 20 with actuator 1 can be ensured.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the receptacle 22 is geometrically designed for an actuator 1 and adapted to an actuator 1 such that an actuator housing 2 of the actuator 1 can be placed in the receptacle 22 to at least 50% of its height Y. The height Y of the actuator housing 2 extends along a rotational axis D of the actuator 1. Furthermore, the drive train device 20 - as already indicated - comprises an actuator 1, which will be described in more detail below, wherein the housing 21 has an opening 23 for an output device 3 of the actuator 1 or for its output shaft 6.

[0056] As already explained, a fluid is filled into the housing interior I and forms a fluid level 25 within the housing 21. The opening 23 is arranged below the fluid level 25.

[0057] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that a second seal 24, such as an O-ring, is arranged between the receptacle 22 or between the housing 21 and the actuator 1. This prevents oil from escaping from the housing 21. The actuator 1 is thus statically sealed from below in the housing 21, and an electrical connection (not shown) can also be implemented in a fluid-tight manner.

[0058] Returning to actuator 1, the actuator 1 for the drivetrain device 20 of a motor vehicle comprises an actuator housing 2, an output device 3, which is rotatable about a rotational axis D of the actuator 1 and rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2, and a sealing device 4 for sealing the output device 3 at the opening 23 of the housing 21 of the drivetrain device 20.

[0059] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the sealing device 4 has a sealing disc 5, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the output device 3 in order to expel dirt or dirt particles from the sealing disc 5 upon movement of the output device 3. The sealing disc 5 is arranged in a materially bonded manner on the output device 3. In other words, the sealing disc 5 and an output shaft 6 of the output device 3 are welded together.

[0060] Figure 1 also shows that the sealing disc 5 is L-shaped in half section to the rotational axis D of the actuator 1, or has an L-shape, such that one leg of the L-shape is oriented in the direction of an electric drive 13 of the actuator 1 and in the direction of the actuator housing 2. In other words, one leg of the L-shape is aligned or oriented at a nearly right angle to the rotational axis D. Another leg of the L-shape is oriented in the same way to the rotational axis D. The sealing disc 5 is rotationally symmetrical to the rotational axis D. In addition, the outer diameter of the sealing disc 5 projects beyond the outer diameter of the opening 23 of the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0061] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the sealing disc 5 and the opening 23 are geometrically aligned with one another and arranged so that the sealing disc 5 and the housing 21 form a labyrinth seal. In other words, Figure 1 shows that, on the one hand, the sealing disc 5 - as already mentioned - is L-shaped or has an L-shape in half section to the axis of rotation D. On the other hand, Figure 1 shows that the sealing disc 5 and the opening 23 are geometrically aligned and / or arranged so that one leg of the L-shape at least partially encompasses the edge of the opening 23. In this way, the aforementioned labyrinth seal can be formed.

[0062] As already mentioned, the output device 3 has an output shaft 6 which is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2.

[0063] The output shaft 6 has a first shoulder 7, on which the sealing disc 5 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. The sealing disc 5 is clamped against the first shoulder 7 in such a way that the sealing disc 5 is arranged force-fittingly on the output shaft 6.

[0064] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the output device 3 comprises a clamping and sealing sleeve 8 (not hatched) that is clamped against the sealing disc 5. Thus, the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 is also arranged in a force-fitting manner on the output shaft 6.

[0065] In addition, according to Figure 1, the output shaft 6 has a second shoulder 9 against which the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 is clamped, so that the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 is arranged on the output shaft 6 in a force-locking and rotationally fixed manner. Alternatively, the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 and the output shaft 6 can form a press fit.

[0066] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the sealing device 4 comprises a first seal 10, such as a radial shaft seal. The first seal 10 is installed and / or aligned in such a way that the ingress of oil into the actuator 1 can be prevented.

[0067] The first seal 10 has a sealing lip 11 arranged on the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 (not hatched). The first seal 10 also has a dust lip 12 arranged on a clamping unit 15 of the output device 3 for clamping the sealing disc 5 via the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 against the first shoulder 7 of the output shaft 6. In simplified form, the clamping unit 15 can transmit a force to the clamping and sealing sleeve 8 of the sealing device 4.

[0068] In addition, the first seal 10 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the housing 21 of the drive train device 20 or on the receptacle 22 of the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0069] Furthermore, the first seal 10 is arranged below the sealing disc 5. Thus, the sealing disc 5 can keep dirt or dirt particles away from the first seal.

[0070] Furthermore, the output device 3 is mounted in the housing 21 so that the output shaft 6 of the output device 3 is rotatable relative to the housing 21 in order to reduce dirt or dirt particles in the area of ​​the opening 23 by moving the output shaft 6 and / or to throw dirt or dirt particles off the sealing disc 5 by moving the output shaft 6.

[0071] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the actuator 1 has an electric drive 13, with which the output device 3 is rotatable relative to the actuator housing 2 and also to the housing 21 of the drive train device 20.

[0072] The electric drive 13 has an output shaft 14, which is operatively connected to the output device 3 or to the output shaft 6 of the output device 3, so that the rotational power of the electric drive 13 can be transmitted to the output device 3 or to the output shaft 6. The electric drive 13 includes an electrical connection (not shown) so that the actuator 1 can be supplied with electrical energy.

[0073] List of reference symbols

[0074] 1 actor

[0075] Actuator housing

[0076] Output device

[0077] Sealing device

[0078] 5 Sealing washer

[0079] Output shaft

[0080] 7 first paragraph

[0081] 8 clamping and sealing sleeve

[0082] 9 second paragraph

[0083] 10 first seal

[0084] 11 Sealing lip

[0085] 12 Dust lip

[0086] 13 electric drive

[0087] 14 Output shaft

[0088] 15 clamping unit

[0089] 20 Drivetrain device

[0090] 21 housings

[0091] 22 recording

[0092] 23 Opening

[0093] 24 second seal

[0094] 25 fluid levels

[0095] D axis of rotation

[0096] Y Height of the actuator housing

[0097] Housing interior

[0098] A Housing exterior

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Actuator (1 ) for a drive train device (20) of a motor vehicle comprising: - an actuator housing (2), - an output device (3) which is rotatable about a rotational axis (D) of the actuator (1) and rotatable relative to the actuator housing (2), - a sealing device (4) for sealing the output device (3) at an opening (23) of a housing (21) of a drive train device (20), characterized in that the sealing device (4) has a sealing disc (5) which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the output device (3) in order to throw dirt from the sealing disc (5) by movement of the output device (3).

2. Actuator according to claim 1, - wherein the sealing disc (5) is arranged on the output device (3) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, and / or - wherein the sealing disc (5) is rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation (D).

3. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the output device (3) comprises an output shaft (6) which is designed to be rotatable relative to the actuator housing (2), and - wherein the output shaft (6) has a first shoulder (7) on which the sealing disc (5) is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner.

4. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the output device (3) comprises an output shaft (6) and / or a clamping and sealing sleeve (8), - wherein the output shaft (6) has a second shoulder (9) against which the clamping and sealing sleeve (8) of the output shaft (6) is clamped, so that the clamping and sealing sleeve (8) is arranged on the output shaft (6) in a force-fitting and rotationally fixed manner.

5. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the sealing device (4) has a first seal (10), - wherein the first seal (10) has a sealing lip (11) which is arranged on a clamping and sealing sleeve (8) of the sealing device (4), and - wherein the first seal (10) has a dust lip (12) which can be arranged on a clamping and sealing sleeve (8) of the sealing device (4) or on a clamping unit (15) of the output device (3) for clamping the sealing disc (5) via the clamping and sealing sleeve (8) against a first shoulder (7) of the output shaft (6).

6. Drive train device (20) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a housing (21) for delimiting a housing interior (I) from a housing exterior (A), characterized in that - the housing (21 ) has a receptacle (22) for an actuator (1 ), - wherein the receptacle (22) extends in the direction of the housing interior (I) in order to form installation space for the actuator (1) in the interior of the drive train device (20).

7. Drive train device according to claim 6, - wherein the receptacle (22) is geometrically designed for an actuator (1) and / or adapted to an actuator (1) in such a way that an actuator housing (2) of the actuator (1) can be placed in the receptacle (22) to at least 25% of its height (Y), and wherein the height (Y) of the actuator housing (2) extends along a rotation axis (D) of the actuator (1).

8. Drive train device according to claim 6 or 7, - wherein the drive train device (20) comprises an actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the housing (21) has an opening (23) for an output device (3) of the actuator (1) or for its output shaft (6), - wherein a fluid is filled into the housing interior (I) and forms a fluid level (25) within the housing (21), and - wherein the opening (23) is arranged below the fluid level (27).

9. Drive train device according to claim 8, - wherein the outer diameter of the sealing disc (5) of the sealing device (4) of the actuator (1) projects beyond the outer diameter of the opening (23) of the housing (21) of the drive train device (20).

10. Drive train device according to claim 8 or 9, - wherein the sealing disc (5) and the opening (23) are geometrically aligned with one another and / or arranged on one another in such a way that the sealing disc (5) and the housing (21) form a labyrinth seal, and / or - wherein the sealing disc (5) is L-shaped in half section to the axis of rotation (D) of the actuator (1) or has an L-shape, wherein the sealing disc (5) and the opening (23) are geometrically aligned and / or arranged with respect to one another such that one leg of the L-shape at least partially encompasses the edge of the opening (23).

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