Drive Module for a Motor Vehicle

Abstract

A drive module (1, 1a) includes an axle casing (2) and a shaft (3) rotatably mounted in an interior space (11) of the axle casing (2). Two bearing units (6, 6a) lie opposite each other and are secured in the axle casing (2) in an axial direction. Each bearing unit (6, 6a) includes an inner bearing ring (7, 7a) fixedly connected to the shaft (3), an outer bearing ring (8, 8a) fixedly connected to the axle casing (2), and rolling elements (9, 9a) arranged between the inner bearing ring (7, 7a) and the outer bearing ring (8, 8a). A lubricating fluid is present at least in the interior space (11). The lubricating fluid forming a fluid reservoir at a bottom of the interior space (11). The axle casing (2) includes a fluid opening extending, in each case, from the interior space (11) to a respective bearing unit (6, 6a) for conducting the lubricating fluid to the rolling elements (9, 9a). At least one conduction device is fluidically connected to the fluid reservoir and is configured for conducting the lubricating fluid the interior space (11) to the respective fluid opening.

Claims

1-15: (canceled)

16. A drive module (1, 1a), comprising: an axle casing (2); a shaft (3) rotatably mounted in an interior space (11) of the axle casing (2); and two bearing units (6, 6a) disposed opposite each other and secured in an axial direction in the axle casing (2), each of the two bearing units (6, 6a) comprising an inner bearing ring (7, 7a) fixedly connected to the shaft (3), an outer bearing ring (8, 8a) fixedly connected to the axle casing (2), and rolling elements (9, 9a) arranged between the inner bearing ring (7, 7a) and the outer bearing ring (8, 8a), wherein a lubricating fluid is present at least in the interior space (11), the lubricating fluid forming a fluid reservoir at a bottom of the interior space (11), wherein the axle casing (2) comprises at least one fluid opening that extends, in each case, from the interior space (11) to a respective one of the two bearing units (6, 6a) for conducting the lubricating fluid to the rolling elements (9, 9a), and wherein at least one conduction device is fluidically connected to the fluid reservoir and is configured for conducting the lubricating fluid from the interior space (11) to a respective one of the at least one fluid opening.

17. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 16, further comprising a drive shaft (20) arranged in the axle casing (2) underneath the shaft (3) and disposed transversely to the shaft (3), wherein the drive shaft (20) is arranged between the two bearing units (6, 6a) in the interior space (11) of the axle casing (2), and wherein the at least one conduction device is formed as at least one mechanical turbulizer (10, 10a) co-rotationally mounted on the drive shaft (20) and configured for at least partially plunging into the fluid reservoir during rotation of the drive shaft (20).

18. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 17, wherein the at least one mechanical turbulizer (10, 10a) is fastened on the drive shaft (20) by a clamp or by a bolt.

19. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 17, wherein the at least one mechanical turbulizer (10, 10a) is integrally arranged on the drive shaft (20).

20. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 17, wherein the at least one mechanical turbulizer (10, 10a) comprises a plurality of mechanical turbulizers (10, 10a) differently designed and/or distributed over a circumference of the drive shaft (20).

21. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 17, wherein a plurality of fluid openings in the axle casing (2) are arranged facing from a respective one of the two bearing units (6, 6a), in each case, toward the interior space (11) in order to establish a fluidic connection between the two bearing units (6, 6a) and the fluid reservoir.

22. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 21, wherein the plurality of fluid openings in the axle casing (2) are arranged underneath the shaft (2).

23. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 22, wherein at least some of the plurality of fluid openings are disposed in the axle casing (2) to align with the rolling elements (9, 9a) in order to guide the lubricating fluid to the rolling elements (9, 9a).

24. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 21, characterized in that the plurality of fluid openings in the axle casing (2) are formed as bores.

25. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 24, wherein at least some of the plurality of fluid openings are disposed in the axle casing (2) to align with the rolling elements (9, 9a) in order to guide the lubricating fluid to the rolling elements (9, 9a).

26. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 17, wherein the shaft (3) comprises at least one fluid-conducting channels extending in the axial direction to a respective one of the at least one fluid opening.

27. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 26, wherein the at least one fluid-conducting channel are grooves on the shaft (3).

28. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 27, wherein the at least one fluid-conducting channel are distributed over a circumference of the shaft (3).

29. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 16, further comprising a lubricating fluid pump, wherein the at least one fluid opening is formed by a fluid channel, at least some of which are disposed in the axle casing (2), and an external line (15) for conducting the lubricating fluid from the fluid reservoir via the lubricating fluid pump to the bearing units (6, 6a).

30. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 16, wherein the two bearing units (6, 6a) each comprise at least one bypass channel forming a fluidic connection from the respective one of the two bearing units (6, 6a) to the interior space (11).

31. The drive module (1, 1a) of claim 30, wherein the at least one bypass channel is arranged, in each case, opposite the respective fluid openings in the axial direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Further example properties and advantages of the present invention are obvious from the following description with reference to the attached figures, wherein schematically:

[0044] FIG. 1: shows a drive module for a vehicle;

[0045] FIG. 2: shows a drive module according to a first example embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 3: shows a turbulizer;

[0047] FIG. 4: shows one further example embodiment of a turbulizer; and

[0048] FIG. 5: shows a drive module according to a second example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the drawings. Each embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be combined with another embodiment to yield still another embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] FIG. 1 schematically shows a sectioning of a drive module 1, 1a along an axial axis A. The drive module 1, 1a has an axle casing 2 in which a shaft 3 is rotatably mounted, the shaft 3 having a flange 5 at the end. A cooling and lubricating fluid circulates in the axle casing 2 and, at the bottom, which faces the roadway, forms an oil sump 12 (FIG. 2), which has an oil level 21.

[0051] Furthermore, a shield plate 4 is provided, as well as sealing lips 13 for sealing.

[0052] A bearing unit 6, 6a is also provided. The bearing unit 6, 6a includes an inner bearing ring 7, 7a, which is connected to the shaft 3, and an outer bearing ring 8, 8a which is fixed to the axle casing 2. Rolling elements 9, 9a are arranged between the inner bearing ring 7, 7a and the outer bearing ring 8, 8a. In particular, the bearing units 6, 6a are tapered roller bearings.

[0053] The bearing units 6, 6a are used essentially to guide the rotational motion and to support the weight of the motor vehicle.

[0054] Furthermore, such bearing units 6, 6a must effectuate the transmission of the drive torque via the shaft 3 which is connected to a hub, in order to set the hub into rotation.

[0055] In particular, the bearing units 6, 6a can be braced in the axle casing 2.

[0056] Furthermore, the drive module 1 includes a drive shaft 20, which is arranged in an interior space 11 in the axle casing 2 underneath in the direction of gravity and transversely to the shaft 3.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows the drive module 1 in a first example embodiment.

[0058] The drive module 1 includes the bearing units 6, 6a having the inner bearing ring 7, 7a and an outer bearing ring 8, 8a and the rolling elements 9, 9a.

[0059] Furthermore, the axle casing 2 has the interior space 11 which is partially filled with oil for lubricating the surrounding components. The oil has an oil level 21 and thus forms an oil sump 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the drive module 1 includes a drive shaft 20 which is arranged in the interior space 11 in the axle casing 2 underneath in the direction of gravity and transversely to the shaft 3. The drive shaft 20 is arranged between the two bearing units 6, 6a such that the drive shaft 20 plunges above or at least only partially in the oil sump 12.

[0061] Furthermore, the drive module 1 has a turbulizer 10. The turbulizer 10 is arranged on the drive shaft 20 such that the turbulizer 10 churns in the oil during rotation. As a result, the oil is swirled and sprays onto the shaft 3 and onto the side walls of the interior space 11.

[0062] Furthermore, fluid bores 14, 14a are provided as fluid openings which form a connection from the interior space 11 to the bearing units 6, 6a. In particular, the fluid bores 14, 14a are fluidically connected to the rolling elements 9, 9a; for example, this can be effectuated via a corresponding opening in the respective bearing units 6a, 6, for example, directly ahead of or at the rolling elements 9, 9a.

[0063] The fluid bore 14a can, for example, also taper, such that the fluid bore 14a has a large opening to the interior space 11, in order to practically collect upwardly spraying oil. Due to the rotation, the oil is subsequently transported to the rolling elements 9a and lubricates these. As a result, continuous lubrication of the bearing unit 6a is effectuated.

[0064] Furthermore, the upwardly spraying oil can also run along the shaft 3 and flow into the fluid bore 14 in order to lubricate the rolling elements 9. The shaft 3 can include fluid-conducting channels (not shown), for example, in an axial direction A. Grooves or other elements which are suitable for conducting oil can also be used, however. This ensures that the upwardly spraying oil does not immediately drip off the shaft 3 in the direction of gravity, but rather is conducted to the fluid bore 14 by the fluid-conducting channels due to the rotation.

[0065] The fluid-conducting channels (not shown) can be introduced over the circumference of the shaft 3.

[0066] Furthermore, a combination of a tapering fluid bore 14a and the fluid-conducting channels formed as grooves can also be present in order to effectuate a lubrication of the bearing units 6, 6a.

[0067] Due to such a mechanical turbulizer 10 and the fluid-conducting channels, simple lubrication of the bearing units 6, 6a can be effectuated.

[0068] The turbulizer 10 can be formed as a simple welded-on protrusion.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows such a mechanical turbulizer 10 in detail, the mechanical turbulizer 10 being formed as a protrusion and being welded on the drive shaft 20.

[0070] FIG. 4 shows one further example embodiment of a turbulizer 10a.

[0071] The turbulizer 10a is designed as a rotating spinner having one prong 22 as a churning element. The spinner can be fastened on the drive shaft 20 via a spring force due to a clamping effect.

[0072] The spinner or the protrusion can also be fastened on the drive shaft 20 by a bolt connection.

[0073] The spinner or the protrusion can be, for example, cast.

[0074] Furthermore, multiple turbulizers 10, 10a can be arranged on the drive shaft 20 or variously designed turbulizers 10, 10a can be present, which effectuate a uniform turbulence and/or increased turbulence also at the sides of the interior space 11.

[0075] FIG. 5 shows the further example embodiment of a drive module 1a according to the invention.

[0076] The drive module 1a includes the bearing units 6, 6a having the inner bearing ring 7, 7a and an outer bearing ring 8, 8a and the rolling elements 9, 9a.

[0077] Furthermore, the axle casing 2 has the interior space 11 which is partially filled with oil for lubricating the surrounding components. The oil has an oil level 21 and thus forms an oil sump 12.

[0078] The drive module 1a also has an external oil pump 15.

[0079] The external oil pump 15 can be connected to the oil sump 12 via a first bore 16 in the axle casing 2. The oil can be conducted above the bearing units 6, 6a through external lines 17 counter to the direction of gravity by the oil pump 15. There, the oil can be distributed onto the two bearing units 6, 6a through second bores 18 in the axle casing 2. The second bores 18 can be introduced above the respective bearing units 6, 6a. By the second bores 18, the oil can be conducted to the rolling elements 9, 9a through respective openings in the bearing unit 6a, 6. As a result, an adjustable amount of oil can be supplied to the bearing units 6, 6a as lubricant.

[0080] Furthermore, a bypass channel 19, 19a can be provided for each of the bearing units 6, 6a, each bypass channel 19, 19a forming a fluidic connection from the bearing units 6, 6a to the interior space 11.

[0081] The bypass channel 19, 19a is arranged at the bottom of the bearing unit 6, 6a, respectively, and is used to return excess amounts of supplied oil into the interior space 11.

[0082] In this way, oil in the bearing unit 6, 6a can be prevented from overheating. The particular bypass channel 19, 19a can also be formed, for example, as a simple bore.

[0083] Furthermore, the particular bypass channel 19, 19a can be arranged axially on the end opposite the respective fluid openings. This means, the lubricating fluid, in particular the oil, passes through the rolling elements 9, 9a in an axial direction A and only then flows back into the oil sump 12.

[0084] As a result, the bearing units 6, 6a can be sufficiently oiled during their entire period of operation and thus have a longer service life. Due to the two example embodiments, the problem of an oil level 21 being too low to lubricate the bearing units 6, 6a can be overcome.

[0085] Modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments illustrated or described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. In the claims, reference characters corresponding to elements recited in the detailed description and the drawings may be recited. Such reference characters are enclosed within parentheses and are provided as an aid for reference to example embodiments described in the detailed description and the drawings. Such reference characters are provided for convenience only and have no effect on the scope of the claims. In particular, such reference characters are not intended to limit the claims to the particular example embodiments described in the detailed description and the drawings.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0086] 1, 1a drive module [0087] 2 axle casing [0088] 3 shaft [0089] 4 shield plate [0090] 5 flange [0091] 6, 6a bearing unit [0092] 7,7a inner bearing ring [0093] 8, 8a outer bearing ring [0094] 9, 9a rolling element [0095] 10, 10a turbulizer [0096] 11 interior space [0097] 12 oil sump [0098] 13 sealing lips [0099] 14, 14a fluid bore [0100] 15 oil pump [0101] 16 first bore [0102] 17 lines [0103] 18 second bore [0104] 19, 19a bypass channel [0105] 20 drive shaft [0106] 21 oil level [0107] 22 prong