DE102022209059A1 - Drive system for a vehicle and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive system (1,1a) for a vehicle, the drive system (1,1a) having a housing that is divided at least once in an axial direction (A) into a first housing part (2) and an adjacent second housing part (3), and wherein a first low fluid reservoir (8) is provided for receiving a fluid, and wherein a wheel set (9) with a plurality of rotating components is provided, and wherein at least one first high fluid reservoir (10) is provided for receiving the fluid, wherein a second low fluid reservoir ( 14) is provided for receiving the fluid, wherein the second low-fluid reservoir (14) is arranged on the bottom side in the direction of gravity (S) in the second housing part (3), and at least a first rotating component of the wheel set (9) has a catch geometry at the radial end, and is designed to immerse the capture geometry in the fluid of the second low-fluid reservoir (14) and thus dynamically skim fluid from the second low-fluid reservoir (14) when the first rotating component rotates, and wherein a fluid guiding geometry (17) is radially spaced from the second housing part (3). ) is arranged, wherein the fluid guiding geometry (17) extends to the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) and is fluidly connected at the end to the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10).The invention further relates to a method.

Description

The invention relates to a drive system for a vehicle, the drive system having a housing that is divided at least once in an axial direction into a first housing part and an adjacent second housing part, a rotor and a stator being arranged in the first housing part, and a first low-fluid reservoir for receiving a fluid is provided, which in the installed position is arranged in a direction of gravity below the rotor, and wherein a wheel set with a plurality of rotating components is provided, the wheel set being arranged in the second housing part, and at least one first high-fluid reservoir being provided for receiving the fluid, and wherein the at least one first high fluid reservoir is arranged in the axial direction in the second housing part at least next to the wheelset, and which, if necessary, extends into the wheelset in such a way that no rotating component is immersed in the fluid.

In prior art drive systems with a transmission housing divided in this way, a common oil sump with a low point in the center of the transmission and of sufficient size is provided. However, if the motor vehicle does not have sufficient installation space, such a common oil sump cannot be implemented.

Drive systems with, for example, oil-cooled clutch devices require an additional oil volume for cooling and heat storage of the frictional power compared to transmissions with dry clutches. With similar installation space conditions, this would lead to an increase in the oil level. The churning losses that occur are undesirable and must be avoided. In addition, there is the problem that an additional oil volume flow for clutch cooling is tapped at the suction point of the oil pump in the oil sump, which can lead to insufficient oil being available at the suction point to feed the oil circuits, especially when driving uphill and downhill and with a correspondingly inclined gearbox housing.

Furthermore, newer rotor and stator powered electrical machines need improved oil cooling.

It is desirable to also provide an increased oil reservoir for these and other drive systems.

The DE 10 2015 223566 A1 discloses a motor vehicle transmission with a divided transmission housing, which has a first housing part for accommodating an oil-cooled clutch device and an adjacent second housing part for accommodating an oil-lubricated gear set, wherein a first oil sump assigned to the first housing part is arranged at a lower height level than one assigned to the second housing part second oil sump, both of which are separated from one another by an intermediate partition structure and are coupled to one another via oil line means, with an additional oil volume as part of the oil line means being arranged at least partially above the oil sumps within the gearbox housing, an oil pump-operated oil return line being provided for filling the additional upper oil volume .

The US 10760674 B2 discloses a power transmission device comprising: a housing having a first oil reservoir configured to store oil at a bottom thereof; a rotating body rotatably housed in the housing and having a second oil reservoir configured as a cylindrical rotating body for transmitting power and configured to store oil therein; and an introducing portion configured to introduce oil from the first oil reservoir into the second oil reservoir, the rotating body being a ring gear having inner peripheral teeth, the power transmission device further comprising: a plurality of small-diameter gears meshed with the ring gear ; and a plurality of large-diameter gears rotating coaxially with the plurality of small-diameter gears, the introducing portion introducing the oil sprayed by the plurality of large-diameter gears from the first oil reservoir into the second oil reservoir.

The US 5505112A shows a transmission unit which has at least two areas in which different oil levels can be dynamically adjusted.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to further improve a drive system in such a way that sufficient oil is available for the drive system in an existing or even reduced installation space. Furthermore, it is a task to specify a method for operating such a drive system.

This task is solved by a drive system with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 15.

The subclaims list further advantageous measures that are suitable for each other which can be combined to achieve further benefits.

The object is achieved by a drive system for a vehicle, the drive system having a housing that is divided at least once in an axial direction into a first housing part and an adjacent second housing part, a rotor and a stator being arranged in the first housing part, and a first low-fluid reservoir is provided for receiving a fluid, which in the installed position is arranged in a direction of gravity below the rotor, and wherein a wheelset with a plurality of rotating components is provided, wherein the wheelset is arranged in the second housing part, and at least one first high fluid reservoir is provided for receiving the fluid is, and wherein the at least one first high fluid reservoir is arranged in the axial direction in the second housing part at least next to the wheelset, and if necessary extends into the wheelset in such a way that no rotating component is immersed in the fluid,
wherein a second low-fluid reservoir is provided for receiving the fluid, wherein the high-fluid reservoir is designed to receive a larger volume of fluid than a respective low-fluid reservoir, wherein the at least one high-fluid reservoir has a larger extent than a respective low-fluid reservoir, especially in a radial direction , and wherein the first low-fluid reservoir and the second low-fluid reservoir are fluidly connected to one another and wherein the second low-fluid reservoir is arranged on the bottom side in the direction of gravity in the second housing part below the wheelset, and wherein at least a first rotating component of the wheelset has a catch geometry at the radial end and is designed to do so , with the capture geometry to immerse in the fluid of the second low-fluid reservoir and thus to dynamically skim fluid from the second low-fluid reservoir when the first rotating component rotates, and wherein a fluid-guiding geometry is arranged radially spaced from the second housing part, the fluid-guiding geometry extending up to the at least one first high-fluid reservoir extends and is fluidly connected at the end to the at least one first high-fluid reservoir, so that the fluid skimmed off by the capture geometry and then flowed radially outwards due to the rotation of the capture geometry can be guided along the fluid guiding geometry and into which at least one first high-fluid reservoir can flow.

Rotating components can be, for example, drive/transmission elements/gear stages.

By integrating various fluid reservoirs, a volume of greater than, for example, 5l can be integrated into the existing installation space without causing permanent splashing of the rotating drive/transmission elements. In particular, the first and second low-fluid reservoirs are arranged at approximately the same radial height.

Through the drive system according to the invention, fluid, in particular oil, can now be skimmed from both low-fluid reservoirs through the fluidic connection, in particular a hole in the housing, during operation. In particular, the same level of fluid in the low-fluid reservoirs can be established during operation. This also allows the first low fluid reservoir to be skimmed off.

As a result of the rotation of the rotating component, the fluid, in particular oil, is thrown outwards by the resulting centrifugal force, caught by the fluid guiding geometry and guided along it. Depending on the fill level of the low-fluid reservoir, more or less fluid can be taken along by the capture geometry and flowed outwards.

Through the drive system according to the invention, fluid can dynamically adjust to a specific fluid level, here oil level, during operation by using a fluid guiding geometry, which can in particular be designed as a fully integrated housing component, and the catch geometry on the corresponding rotating component in the low fluid reservoir. The setting is effected by the corresponding levy. By connecting the low-fluid reservoirs, the fluid can also be skimmed from the first low-fluid reservoir.

The fluidic connection between the first and second low-fluid reservoirs can be realized through channels in the housing, for example through bores. This makes it possible to easily adjust the level of the two low-fluid reservoirs.

With such an arrangement of the fluid reservoirs, the installation space in the direction of the road can be reduced and thus increased ground clearance can be achieved.

In a further embodiment, the fluid guiding geometry extends from an upper side opposite the bottom to the at least one first high fluid reservoir. As a result, the fluid that flows out due to the rotation and the resulting centrifugal force can flow into the fluid guiding geometry in a simplified manner or flow between the fluid guiding geometry and the top housing wall of the second housing part. The fluid guiding geometry can be designed as a scraper rib and can be spaced radially be formed by the top housing wall of the second housing part.

In a further embodiment, the fluid guiding geometry is fluidly connected to the at least one first high fluid reservoir by an outlet element which is curved at the end. In particular, the curved outlet element is designed such that the fluid flows centrally into the first high-fluid reservoir. The outlet element, which is curved at the end, represents the end part of the fluid guiding geometry. This arrangement allows, for example, the oil to flow into the first high-fluid reservoir from above, so that it is ensured that no oil flows back, for example.

This makes it possible to easily flow into the at least one first high fluid reservoir.

In a further embodiment, the at least one first high-fluid reservoir is arranged pointing towards the first housing part, and wherein the at least one first high-fluid reservoir and the second low-fluid reservoir are arranged axially adjacent to one another, with at least one first housing rib being provided, which is between the at least one first high-fluid reservoir and the second low fluid reservoir is arranged for separation. This is preferably, but not necessarily, a fluid-tight separation.

Furthermore, the at least one first high fluid reservoir can also have such a housing rib towards the rotor side.

By, for example, a fluidic coupling of different high-fluid reservoirs and the at least two low-fluid reservoirs, splashing of the components of the wheel set and in the first housing part can be minimized.

In a further embodiment, at least a first high-fluid reservoir in the direction of travel and a second, in particular opposite, high-fluid reservoir against the direction of travel are each arranged axially adjacent to the wheelset and the first housing part and, if necessary, extend into the wheelset in such a way that no rotating component gets into the fluid immerses.

The positioning of the fluid reservoirs in the direction of travel and against the direction of travel creates an approximately constant fluid level when driving uphill and downhill. In particular, the at least one first high fluid reservoir in the direction of travel and the second high fluid reservoir counter to the direction of travel are also arranged axially adjacent to the first housing part. In this case, the at least one first high-fluid reservoir and the second high-fluid reservoir are, in a further embodiment, fluidly connected to one another for the exchange of fluid.

For this purpose, channels can be arranged in the second housing part in order to bring about the fluidic connection between the at least one first high-fluid reservoir and the second high-fluid reservoir. In particular, these can simply be designed as a hole.

This means that the two high fluid reservoirs are arranged in and against the direction of travel. This ensures a sufficient supply of fluid to various fluid circuits, in particular to an oil sump, when driving uphill and downhill. This eliminates, for example, the risk that if there is an oil sump with a suction point (outlet point) which is connected to an oil pump for oil production, the suction point is no longer surrounded by oil (fluid). This means that there is a sufficiently high oil level in the oil sump to counteract the effects of cavitation.

In a further embodiment, a third high-fluid reservoir is provided axially adjacent to the wheel set and pointing towards a wheel, the first high-fluid reservoir and the second high-fluid reservoir and the third high-fluid reservoir being fluidly connected to one another. The third high fluid reservoir produces a further increase in the total amount of fluid. The positioning of the third fluid reservoir on the wheel side as a separate installation space also creates the possibility of outgassing for highly foamed fluid, in this case oil. The first, the second and the third high fluid reservoir can be connected to one another via channels in the housing, for example bores, so that the same level is achieved during operation.

In a further embodiment, a housing web, which is also designed, for example, as a housing rib, is provided between the third high-fluid reservoir and the wheel set for fluidic separation of the second low-fluid reservoir and the third high-fluid reservoir. In particular, this can be screwed, so that simple assembly of the rotating components in the wheelset is possible. This means that the different fluid spaces are not separated in a fluid-tight manner by the housing web, so that fluid can flow back in the static case, but a specific fluid level is established in dynamic operation.

In a further development, further high-fluid reservoirs are provided, which are arranged in the second housing part in such a way that no rotating components are immersed in the fluid. The individual fluid reservoirs can be used using housing ribs be separated from each other. This allows the oil reservoir in the vehicle to be further increased.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment, further low-fluid reservoirs can be provided, which are arranged in the second housing part. The oil volume, for example, can be further increased; the individual high and low fluid reservoirs can be separated from one another by means of housing ribs. Furthermore, a further component can also be provided for immersion in, for example, the other or the same low-fluid reservoir, for example if the originally immersed one no longer has the rotation speed (in a predetermined operating mode) or no longer rotates in a predetermined operating mode.

In a further embodiment, a fluid sump is provided which, in the installed position in the direction of gravity, is arranged at least partially below the at least one first high-fluid reservoir and in particular also at least partially below the wheel set, and wherein the at least one first high-fluid reservoir is fluidly connected to the fluid sump for outlet of the Fluids into the fluid sump. Through the first high-fluid reservoir, the further high-fluid reservoirs as well as the low-fluid reservoirs are connected to the fluid sump through the skimming. Through these connections there is enough fluid to supply the cooling sump with sufficient fluid.

In a further embodiment, the fluid sump has a suction channel for a pump. Through this, fluid is removed for cooling and lubricating the rotor/gear, for example. The suction channel is preferably arranged centrally in the bottom of the fluid sump.

Through the connection to the first high-fluid reservoir and thus to all other high-fluid reservoirs as well as the low-fluid reservoirs, sufficient fluid, here oil, can be fed into the fluid sump at any time in order to counteract the influences of cavitation. This means that there is a sufficiently high oil level to counteract the effects of cavitation.
In a further embodiment, only that rotating component is immersed in the second low-fluid reservoir, which is the longest when viewed in the radial direction and which has a minimum rotation speed. This ensures immersion. If several rotating components are immersed, too much energy is consumed. The minimum rotation speed ensures that the fluid flows out towards the top wall of the housing, that is, between the fluid guide geometry and the top wall of the housing, an inflow of the fluid absorbed by the catch geometry is ensured and splashing of the components of the wheelset can be avoided/minimized by skimming off the oil, for example.

In particular, the second low-fluid reservoir is designed in such a way that only a (single) rotating component accomplishes immersion.

Two components can also be designed with a catch geometry and immersed in the cooling fluid if, for example, the first component has no or too low a rotation speed in an operating mode, for example if the first component only has a high rotation speed at the beginning.

In a further embodiment, the at least one rotating component designed for immersion is designed as a gear stage. For example, the catch geometry can be designed as the teeth of a gear.

• - Bereitstellen eines zweiten Niedrigfluidreservoirs zur Aufnahme von Fluid, wobei das Hochfluidreservoir zur Aufnahme eines größeren Volumen an Fluids als ein jeweiliges Niedrigfluidreservoir ausgebildet ist, wobei das zumindest eine Hochfluidreservoir dazu vor allem in radialer Richtung zumindest teilweise eine größere Erstreckung als ein jeweiliges Niedrigfluidreservoir aufweist, wobei das zweite Niedrigfluidreservoir bodenseitig in Schwerkraftrichtung im zweiten Gehäuseteil unterhalb des Radsatzes angeordnet ist,
• - Verbinden des ersten Niedrigfluidreservoirs und des zweiten Niedrigfluidreservoirs fluidisch,
• - Bereitstellen zumindest eines ersten rotierenden Bauteils, welches radial endseitig eine Fanggeometrie aufweist,
• - Eintauchen der Fanggeometrie in das Fluid des zweiten Niedrigfluidreservoirs,
• - dynamisches Abschöpfen von Fluid aus dem zweitem Niedrigfluidreservoir bei Rotation des ersten rotierenden Bauteils,
• - Bereitstellen einer Fluidleitgeometrie, welche radial beabstandet zu dem zweiten Gehäuseteil angeordnet ist, wobei sich die Fluidleitgeometrie bis zu dem zumindest einen ersten Hochfluidreservoir erstreckt und endseitig mit dem zumindest einen ersten Hochfluidreservoir fluidisch verbunden ist,
• - Leiten des durch die Fanggeometrie abgeschöpften und anschließend durch die Rotation der Fanggeometrie radial nach außen abgeströmten Fluids entlang der Fluidleitgeometrie und Einströmen des Fluids in das zumindest eine erste Hochfluidreservoir.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for operating a drive system for a vehicle, the drive system having a housing that is divided at least once in an axial direction into a first housing part and an adjacent second housing part, a rotor and a stator being arranged in the first housing part, and wherein a first low-fluid reservoir is provided for receiving a fluid, which in the installed position is arranged in a direction of gravity below the rotor, and wherein a gear set with a plurality of rotating components is provided, wherein the gear set is arranged in the second housing part, and wherein at least one first high-fluid reservoir is provided for receiving the fluid, and wherein the at least one first high fluid reservoir is arranged in the axial direction in the second housing part at least next to the wheelset, and if necessary extends into the wheelset in such a way that no rotating component is immersed in the fluid, comprising the steps:

• - Providing a second low-fluid reservoir for receiving fluid, the high-fluid reservoir being designed to receive a larger volume of fluid than a respective low-fluid reservoir, the at least one high-fluid reservoir having a larger extent than a respective low-fluid reservoir, especially in the radial direction, at least in part, wherein the second low-fluid reservoir is arranged on the bottom side in the direction of gravity in the second housing part below the wheelset,
• - connecting the first low-fluid reservoir and the second low-fluid reservoir fluidly,
• - Providing at least one first rotating component which has a catch geometry at the radial end,
• - immersing the capture geometry in the fluid of the second low-fluid reservoir,
• - dynamic skimming of fluid from the second low-fluid reservoir when the first rotating component rotates,
• - Providing a fluid guiding geometry which is arranged radially at a distance from the second housing part, the fluid guiding geometry extending up to the at least one first high fluid reservoir and being fluidly connected at the end to the at least one first high fluid reservoir,
• - Conducting the fluid skimmed off by the capture geometry and then flowing radially outwards due to the rotation of the capture geometry along the fluid guiding geometry and flowing the fluid into the at least one first high fluid reservoir.

The advantages of the drive system can also be transferred to the process. Furthermore, the method is designed in particular to be carried out on the drive system according to the invention.

Furthermore, all advantageous configurations of the drive system according to the invention can therefore be transferred to the method.

• 1: ein Antriebssystem des Stands der Technik schematisch,
• 2: ein erfindungsgemäßes Antriebssystem,
• 3: das erfindungsgemäße Antriebssystem im Betrieb (schematisch),
• 4: ein erfindungsgemäßes Antriebssystem in einer zweiten Ausgestaltung.

Further properties and advantages of the present invention emerge from the following description with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 : a drive system of the prior art schematically,
• 2 : a drive system according to the invention,
• 3 : the drive system according to the invention in operation (schematic),
• 4 : a drive system according to the invention in a second embodiment.

1 shows a drive system 100 of the prior art schematically. This comprises a housing 101 in which an electric motor with a rotatably mounted rotor 104 and a stator 105 are arranged around a shaft 106 and the shaft 102 interacts with two wheels 103. Furthermore, the drive system 100 includes a wheelset 102, which includes, for example, transmission components. In particular, the gear set 102 may include a multi-stage transmission with multiple planetary gear sets. Furthermore, several switching elements, clutches, etc. can also be accommodated.

Both such an electric motor and the wheelset must be cooled or lubricated and must therefore be supplied with the necessary cooling and lubricating fluid, in particular oil. As requirements increase, additional oil volumes are necessary for cooling and heat storage of the friction power. However, the installation space is limited due to the necessary ground clearance/limit contour (limit contour 107). However, if the installation space remains unchanged, the higher oil volume required leads to an increase in the oil level. The resulting churning losses due to the immersion of the rotating components in particular in oil are undesirable and must be avoided.

2 shows a drive system 1 according to the invention for a vehicle. This has a housing which is divided in an axial direction A into a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 3.

At least one shaft 4 extends in the axial direction A and is operatively connected to a wheel 5 at each end.
An electric motor with a rotor 6 and a stator 7 is arranged in the first housing part 2 so that it can rotate around the shaft 4.

An oil guide is provided to cool the stator 6 and possibly the rotor 7. The oil flowing through the stator 6 and possibly the rotor 7 is collected in an oil pan, here the first low-fluid reservoir 8, which is arranged in the installed position in the direction of gravity S below the rotor 7. Due to the required ground clearance, this can only be designed as a low fluid reservoir 8 to hold a smaller amount of oil. The first low-fluid reservoir 8 is arranged in particular below the rotor 7 as an oil pan.

A wheel set 9 is arranged in the second housing part 3. This can be designed as a transmission with different planetary gear sets/rotating drive/transmission elements, which extend at different lengths in a radial direction R and/or are arranged at different positions.

Furthermore, the second housing part 3 has a first high-fluid reservoir 10 in the direction of travel and a second high-fluid reservoir 11 (the first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 are in position 2 only indicated) arranged axially adjacent to the wheelset 9 against the direction of travel. The positioning of the high fluid reservoirs 10,11 in the direction of travel and against Direction of travel creates an approximately constant oil level when driving uphill and downhill. This means that the two high fluid reservoirs 10, 11 are arranged in and against the direction of travel and separately from the wheelset 9. This ensures a sufficient supply of oil to various oil circuits when driving uphill and downhill. Alternatively, the first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 can also extend into the wheelset 9, in such a way that no rotating component of the wheelset 9 splashes in it.

A high-fluid reservoir is generally designed to hold more volume of oil than a low-fluid reservoir, for example through a higher radial extent.
The first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 are limited by a first housing rib 12. A second housing rib 13 can be provided for limitation, which at the same time causes the housing to be subdivided.

In particular, the first housing rib 12 and the second housing rib 13 can be arranged/attached to the housing in a fluid-tight manner.

In this case, the at least one first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 are, in a further embodiment, fluidly connected to one another for the exchange of the oil. This can be achieved by drilling holes in the housing.

Furthermore, a second low-fluid reservoir 14 is provided, which is arranged axially adjacent to the first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11, pointing in the wheel direction. The second low-fluid reservoir 14 is arranged at the bottom of the wheelset 9.

The two low-fluid reservoirs (the first low-fluid reservoir 8 and the second low-fluid reservoir 14) are connected to one another for fluid exchange. Fluid may flow from the first low fluid reservoir 8 to the second low fluid reservoir 14. This can be achieved, for example, via holes in the housing.

The fluid exchange can, for example, result in the same level with the same radial arrangement in height.

Furthermore, the radial height of the second low-fluid reservoir 14 is such that only a first rotating component, for example a gear stage, is immersed in it. The first rotating component has a catch geometry at the end, which causes the oil to be entrained when it is immersed in the oil. This means that the first rotating component with the catch geometry is immersed in the oil of the second low-fluid reservoir 14 and thus dynamically takes (skims) oil from the second low-fluid reservoir 14 during rotation, ie during operation of the first rotating component.
In the case of a gear stage as a rotating component, the catch geometry can be designed, for example, as teeth on a gear.

Furthermore, a fluid guiding geometry 17 ( 3 ) is provided, which is radially spaced from a housing top wall 18 ( 3 ) of the second housing part 3 is attached to the second housing part 3. The fluid guiding geometry 17 ( 3 ) can be designed, for example, as a scraper rib. The fluid guiding geometry 17 ( 3 ) is arranged above the first component in such a way that the rotation of the first component is not impaired. The fluid guiding geometry 17 ( 3 ) is on a top side 20 ( 3 ) of the housing to form an oil channel arranged radially spaced from the housing top wall 18.

Due to the rotation, the capture geometry dips into the second low-fluid reservoir 14 and thereby takes oil with it from the second low-fluid reservoir 14, ie the oil level of the second low-fluid reservoir 14 is thereby reduced. Due to the rotation and the resulting centrifugal force, the skimmed oil is at least partially between the fluid guide geometry 17 ( 3 ) and the housing top wall 18 ( 3 ) flowed out/stripped off as an oil channel. This means that the rotation causes the oil to move outwards, between the fluid guiding geometry 17 ( 3 ) and the housing top wall 18 ( 3 ), is thrown. From there, the oil flows along the fluid guiding geometry 17, which functions as an oil guiding geometry. This can be done according to the housing top wall 18 ( 3 ) be arcuate.

The fluid guiding geometry 17 ( 3 ) has an outlet element 21 ( 3 ), which is bent towards the first high-fluid reservoir 10, for the oil to flow into the first high-fluid reservoir 10. Furthermore, the outlet element 21 ( 3 ) can also be curved pointing towards the second high fluid reservoir 11 and, for example, be designed as a channel. The curved outlet element 21 ( 3 ) designed in such a way that the oil flows into the center of the first high fluid reservoir 10. This can prevent back splashing, for example.

In particular, at the start of rotation, the excessively high oil level in the second low-fluid reservoir 14 is determined based on the fluid guide geometry 17 ( 3 ) dynamically reduced, whereby the oil level in the low-fluid reservoirs 8.14 drops and increases in the existing high-fluid reservoirs 10.11.

Furthermore, a third high fluid reservoir 15 is provided, which is arranged axially next to the wheelset 9 in the wheel direction. A housing web 16 can be provided, which separates the third high-fluid reservoir 15 from the second low-fluid reservoir 14. For better assembly of the rotating components in the wheelset 9, it can be arranged subsequently, for example screwed to the housing. This means that there is no fluid-tight connection between the third high-fluid reservoir 15 and the second low-fluid reservoir 14, which means that oil can flow back in the static case, but a specific oil level is established in the dynamic case. The wheel-side positioning of the third high-fluid reservoir 15 (oil reservoir) produces an increase in the total amount of oil available. The separate installation space also creates the possibility of outgassing for heavily foamed oil.

The third high-fluid reservoir 15 is fluidly connected to the first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11, for example through channels, in particular bores, in the housing.

The excessively high oil level, for example, particularly in the static case, is skimmed off by the beginning rotation of the rotating components of the wheel set 9 based on the catch geometry of the first component in the second low-fluid reservoir 14, to the fluid guide geometry 17 ( 3 ) delivered and passed into the first high fluid reservoir 10, whereby the oil level in the low fluid reservoirs 8,14 drops and rises in the existing high fluid reservoirs 10,11,15.

Furthermore, an oil sump 22 is provided, which in the installed position in the direction of gravity S is arranged at least partially below the wheelset 9 and at least partially below the first high fluid reservoir 10. The first high-fluid reservoir 10 is fluidly connected to the oil sump 22, for the purpose of discharging oil into the oil sump 22. The second high-fluid reservoir 11 can also be connected to the oil sump 22 instead or in addition, optionally the third high-fluid reservoir 15. By connecting the first High-fluid reservoirs 10, the second high-fluid reservoir 11 and the third high-fluid reservoir 15 are therefore all connected to the oil sump 22.

The low-fluid reservoirs 8, 14 are also indirectly connected to the oil sump 22 through the fluid guiding geometry 17. Through these connections there is enough oil to supply the oil sump 22 with sufficient oil. The oil sump 22 has a suction channel (not shown) for a pump (not shown), which supplies the oil circuits of the electric motor and the wheelset 9 with sufficient oil for cooling and lubrication. The intake channel is preferably arranged centrally in the bottom of the oil sump 22.

By connecting the high-fluid reservoirs 10, 11, 15 to each other as well as the dynamic skimming of the oil from the low-fluid reservoirs 8, 14 using the capture geometry and the fluid guiding geometry 17 and the dynamic filling of the skimmed oil into the high-fluid reservoirs 10, 11, 15, enough oil can be produced at any time be directed into the oil sump 22 in order to counteract the effects of cavitation. This means that there is always a sufficiently high oil level to counteract the effects of cavitation.

By coupling and arranging the various high-fluid reservoirs 10, 11, 15 for high oil levels and the low-fluid reservoirs 8, 14 for a low oil level, splashing of the (rotating) components can be minimized and the effects of cavitation in the oil sump 22 can be avoided.

Furthermore, by integrating various oil reservoirs, a volume of greater than 5 liters can be integrated into the existing installation space without causing permanent splashing of the rotating drive/transmission elements.

3 shows schematically the drive system 1 in operation.

3 shows the second housing part 3, in which the wheelset 9 ( 1 ) is accommodated. Furthermore, at least one rotating component is present in the wheelset 9, the radial dimensions of which can be immersed in the oil of the second low-fluid reservoir 14. This is preferably the component with the longest radial dimensions. This has a catch geometry at the end, with which the oil can be skimmed from the second low-fluid reservoir 14 during rotation (arrow 23). Furthermore, the fluid guide geometry 17, which is designed in an arc shape, is arranged on the top of the second housing part 3 at a radial distance (distance 19) from the housing top inner wall 18.

The rotation creates a centrifugal force through which the oil is thrown outwards and is thus introduced at least partially between the housing top inner wall 18 and the fluid guide geometry 17 to form an oil channel. Due to the curved shape of the fluid guiding geometry 17, the oil flows along it again in the direction of gravity S due to gravity.

The fluid guiding geometry 17 extends here to the first high-fluid reservoir 10 (alternatively second high-fluid reservoir 11) and has an outlet element 21, which causes the oil flowing along the fluid guiding geometry 17 to be released centrally into the first high-fluid reservoir 10. As a result, the oil is dynamically skimmed from the low-fluid reservoir 14 and into the high-fluid reservoirs 10, 11, 15 coupled by a connection. Depending on the level in the second low-fluid reservoir 14, more or less oil can be taken away per rotation (dynamic skimming).

The excessively high oil level in the second low-fluid reservoir 14, especially in the static case, is conveyed by the beginning rotation of the wheel sets 9 using a catch geometry arranged on the immersing component, released to the fluid guide geometry 17 and directed into the high-fluid reservoir 10, whereby the oil level in the low-fluid reservoirs 14, 8 decreases dynamically and increases in the high fluid reservoirs 10,11,15.

By subsequently draining the oil from the high fluid reservoirs 10, 11, 15 into the oil sump 22, there is always a sufficiently high oil level in the oil sump 22 to counteract the effects of cavitation.

4 shows a further embodiment of a drive system 1a. This has the housing, which is divided in the axial direction A into the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3. The wheelset 9 is arranged in the second housing part 3.

Furthermore, the second housing part 3 has the first high-fluid reservoir 10 in the direction of travel and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 (the first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 are in position 4 only indicated) against the direction of travel, which are arranged axially adjacent to the wheelset 9.

The first high-fluid reservoir 10 and the second high-fluid reservoir 11 are limited by a first housing rib 12. A second housing rib 13 can be provided for limitation, which at the same time causes the housing to be subdivided.

Furthermore, the third high fluid reservoir 15 is provided, which is arranged axially next to the wheelset 9 in the wheel direction. Furthermore, the second low-fluid reservoir 14 is provided. The second low-fluid reservoir 14 is arranged at the bottom of the wheelset 9.

In addition, a further fourth high fluid reservoir 24 and a further third low fluid reservoir 25 can be arranged at the bottom of the wheelset 9. These can have separating devices 26, for example housing ribs. All high-fluid reservoirs 10, 11, 15, 24 and all low-fluid reservoirs 8, 14, 25 are fluidly connected to one another. The fourth high-fluid reservoir 24 is arranged in such a way that no rotating component is immersed in it, i.e. the components only have a small radial extent. Furthermore, the immersing component with the catch geometry can immerse in one of the two low-fluid reservoirs 14, 25, for example the component that has a sufficiently high rotation speed. Additional high/low fluid reservoirs can also be provided.

Reference symbol list

100

Drive system

101

Housing

102

Wheelset

103

wheel

104

rotor

105

stator

106

Wave

107

Border contour

1.1a

Drive system

2

first housing part

3

second housing part

4

Wave

5

wheel

6

stator

7

rotor

8th

first low fluid reservoir

9

Wheelset

10

first high fluid reservoir

11

second high fluid reservoir

12

first housing rib

13

second housing rib

14

second low fluid reservoir

15

third high fluid reservoir

16

Housing bridge

17

Fluid conduction geometry

18

Housing top inner wall

19

radially spaced

20

Top

21

outlet element

22

Oil sump

23

Arrow

24

fourth high fluid reservoir

25

third low fluid reservoir

26

Separators

S

Gravity direction

A/R

Axial/Radial Direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102015223566 A1 [0006]
• US 10760674 B2 [0007]
• US 5505112 A [0008]

Claims (15)

Drive system (1,1a) for a vehicle, the drive system (1,1a) having a housing that is divided at least once in an axial direction (A) into a first housing part (2) and an adjacent second housing part (3), wherein in A rotor (7) and a stator (6) are arranged in the first housing part (2), and a first low-fluid reservoir (8) is provided for receiving a fluid, which in the installed position is arranged in a direction of gravity (S) below the rotor (7). is, and wherein a wheelset (9) with a plurality of rotating components is provided, wherein the wheelset (9) is arranged in the second housing part (3), and wherein at least a first high fluid reservoir (10) is provided for receiving the fluid, and wherein the at least a first high fluid reservoir (10) is arranged in the axial direction (A) in the second housing part (3) at least next to the wheelset (9), and if necessary extends into the wheelset (9) in such a way that no rotating component is immersed in the fluid, characterized in that a second low-fluid reservoir (14) is provided to hold the fluid, the high-fluid reservoir (10) being designed to hold a larger volume of fluid than a respective low-fluid reservoir (8, 14), the at least one high-fluid reservoir (10) for this purpose, especially in a radial direction (R), at least partially having a greater extent than a respective low-fluid reservoir (8, 14), and wherein the first low-fluid reservoir (8) and the second low-fluid reservoir (14) are fluidly connected to one another and wherein the second low-fluid reservoir (14) is arranged on the bottom side in the direction of gravity (S) in the second housing part (3) below the wheelset (9), and at least a first rotating component of the wheelset (9) has a catch geometry at the radial end and is designed to have the catch geometry to immerse in the fluid of the second low-fluid reservoir (14) and thus dynamically skim fluid from the second low-fluid reservoir (14) when the first rotating component rotates, and wherein a fluid guiding geometry (17) is arranged radially spaced from the second housing part (3), wherein the Fluid guiding geometry (17) extends up to the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) and is fluidly connected at the end to the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10), so that the fluid skimmed off by the capture geometry and then flowed radially outwards due to the rotation of the capture geometry the fluid guiding geometry (17) can be conducted and into which at least a first high fluid reservoir (10) can flow. Drive system (1.1 a). Claim 1 , characterized in that the fluid guiding geometry (17) extends from an upper side opposite the bottom to the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10). Drive system (1.1 a). Claim 2 , characterized in that the fluid guiding geometry (17) is fluidly connected to the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10) by an outlet element (21) which is curved at the end. Drive system (1.1a). Claim 3 , characterized in that the curved outlet element (17) is designed such that the fluid flows centrally into the first high-fluid reservoir (10). Drive system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) is arranged pointing towards the first housing part (2), the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) and the second low-fluid reservoir (14 ) are arranged axially adjacent to one another and at least one first housing rib (12) is provided, which is arranged between the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10) and the second low fluid reservoir (14) for separation. Drive system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) in the direction of travel and a second high-fluid reservoir (11) against the direction of travel are each axially adjacent to the wheel set (9) and the first housing part ( 2) are arranged and, if necessary, extend into the wheelset (9) in such a way that no rotating component is immersed in the fluid. Drive system (1.1a). Claim 6 , characterized in that the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) and the second high-fluid reservoir (11) are fluidly connected to one another for the exchange of fluid. Drive system (1.1 a). Claim 7 , characterized in that channels are arranged in the second housing part (3) in order to bring about the fluidic connection between the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) and the second high-fluid reservoir (11). Drive system (1,1a) according to one of the preceding Claims 6 until 8th , characterized in that a third high-fluid reservoir (15) is provided axially adjacent to the wheel set (9) and pointing towards a wheel, the first high-fluid reservoir (10) and the second high-fluid reservoir (11) and the third high-fluid reservoir (15) being fluidly connected to one another are connected. Drive system (1.1a). Claim 9 , characterized in that a housing web (16) is provided between the third high-fluid reservoir (15) and the wheel set (9) for fluidic separation of the second low-fluid reservoir (14) and the third high-fluid reservoir (15). Drive system (1,1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further high fluid reservoirs (24) are provided, which are arranged in the second housing part (3) in such a way that no rotating components of the wheel set (9) are immersed in the fluid and/ or further low-fluid reservoirs (25) are provided, which are arranged in the second housing part (3). Drive system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fluid sump is provided which, in the installed position in the direction of gravity (S), is arranged at least partially below the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10), and wherein the at least one first high-fluid reservoir (10) is fluidly connected to the fluid sump for discharging the fluid into the fluid sump. Drive system (1,1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only that rotating component is immersed in the second low-fluid reservoir (14), which is the longest when viewed in a radial direction (R), so that immersion is guaranteed and which has a minimum rotation speed. Drive system (1,1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rotating component designed for immersion is designed as a gear stage. Method for operating a drive system (1,1a) for a vehicle, the drive system (1,1a) having a housing that is divided at least once in an axial direction (A) into a first housing part (2) and an adjacent second housing part (3), wherein a rotor (7) and a stator (6) are arranged in the first housing part (2), and a first low-fluid reservoir (8) is provided for receiving a fluid which, in the installed position, in a direction of gravity (S) below the rotor (7 ) is arranged, and wherein a wheelset (9) with a plurality of rotating components is provided, wherein the wheelset (9) is arranged in the second housing part (3), and at least a first high fluid reservoir (10) is provided for receiving the fluid, and wherein the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10) is arranged in the axial direction (A) in the second housing part (3) at least next to the wheelset (9), and if necessary extends into the wheelset (9) in such a way that no rotating component gets into the fluid immersed, comprising the steps: - Providing a second low-fluid reservoir (14) for holding fluid, the high-fluid reservoir (10) being designed to hold a larger volume of fluid than a respective low-fluid reservoir (8, 14), the at least one high-fluid reservoir (10) being used primarily in a radial direction (R) at least partially has a larger extent than a respective low-fluid reservoir (8, 14), the second low-fluid reservoir (14) being arranged on the bottom side in the direction of gravity (S) in the second housing part (3) below the wheelset (9), - connecting the first low-fluid reservoir (8) and the second low-fluid reservoir (14) fluidly, - Providing at least one first rotating component which has a catch geometry at the radial end, - Immersing the capture geometry in the fluid of the second low-fluid reservoir (14). - dynamic skimming of fluid from the second low-fluid reservoir (14) when the first rotating component rotates, - Providing a fluid guiding geometry (17) which is arranged at a radial distance from the second housing part (3), the fluid guiding geometry (17) extending up to the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10) and at the end with the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10). is fluidly connected, - Conducting the fluid skimmed off by the capture geometry and then flowing radially outwards due to the rotation of the capture geometry along the fluid guiding geometry (17) and flowing the fluid into the at least one first high fluid reservoir (10).

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