Drive system, machine system with the drive system and method for operating the machine system

Abstract

Drive system for driving a and / or by a coupled machine (70), which - an output (51, 52) for driving from and / or through the coupled machine (70); - a first machine unit with at least one electric machine (10) for driving from and / or through the output (51, 52); and - a second machine unit with at least one electric machine (20) for driving from and / or through the output (51, 52); wherein a) the first machine unit comprises a transmission gear (11) which is designed to be driven by the electric machine (10) of the first machine unit and / or to drive this electric machine (10), and the drive system comprises a first switching device (12) which is designed such that - in a first operating state of the first switching device (12), the transmission gear (11) of the first machine unit and the output (51, 52) are operatively connected to transmit torque; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device (12), this operative connection between the transmission gear (11) of the first machine unit and the output (51, 52) is interrupted; and / or b) the drive system has a first switching device (14) which is designed in such a way that - in a first operating state of the first switching device (14), the electric machine (10; 20) of one of the first or second machine units and a power supply and / or energy storage device (80) are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device (14), this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device (80) is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine (10; 20) of one of the first or second machine units is effected.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive system for driving a coupled machine and / or for driving by a coupled machine, a machine system with the drive system and the coupled machine and a method for operating the machine system.

[0002] So-called multi-motor drives are known from in-house practice, in which several electric motors jointly drive an output to drive a connected work machine. In this way, small electric motors can also drive work machines with high drive power.

[0003] According to DE 10 2010 043 511 A1, a known snow groomer with an internal combustion engine and with at least one generator which is connected via power electronics to at least one electric motor for a rotary functional drive of the snow groomer is further developed in that two generators connected in parallel are provided between the internal combustion engine and the power electronics.

[0004] DE 10 2016 220 602 A1 relates to an MCU that determines whether a dual three-phase inverter and / or a battery is malfunctioning or faulty, or the battery is fully charged, and switches a control to be performed in the inverter between an all-phase shutdown and a three-phase short circuit based on a motor rotation speed of a dual three-phase motor when the MCU determines that the inverter and / or the battery is malfunctioning or the battery is fully charged.

[0005] JP 2019 - 51 746 A relates to a power system comprising: a motor that converts input energy into power; an induction generator connected to the motor; an induction motor that drives a mechanical load; an inverter that is an electrical energy conversion device that supplies and receives alternating current power to / from both the induction generator and the induction motor;and a control device that causes the induction generator to generate power and causes the induction motor to output power while controlling the electric power conversion device in a certain mode to maintain a relationship ωme < ωi < ωge between an electric angular velocity ωme of a rotor in the induction motor, an electric angular velocity ωge of a rotor in the induction generator, and an angular velocity ωi of an AC voltage on the output side of the electric power conversion device.;

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the drive from a machine and / or by a machine.

[0007] This object is achieved by a drive system having the features of claim 1. Claims 12 and 14, respectively, protect a machine system with a drive system described herein, and a method for operating a machine system described herein. The subclaims relate to advantageous developments.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a drive system has an output, in particular a collective output, in one embodiment a collective transmission, which in at least one operating state drives a coupled machine which (at least then or in this operating state) functions or is operated as a (coupled) working machine, and / or in at least one operating state is driven by this and / or another coupled machine which (at least then or in this operating state) functions or is operated as a (coupled) prime mover, or is configured or used to do so. In the first case, the output represents an output of the drive system (to the coupled machine), in the latter case an output of the coupled (prime) machine (to the drive system); therefore, for the sake of greater compactness, it is uniformly referred to as the output.

[0009] In one embodiment, the output comprises at least one collecting gear and / or at least one (output) shaft, in particular coupled thereto. This can improve the design and / or operation, in particular the installation space and / or efficiency, of the drive system.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive system comprises a first machine unit with at least one (first) electrical machine and a second machine unit with at least one (second) electrical machine.

[0011] In one embodiment, the (first) electric machine of the first machine unit drives the output when this first electric machine is in a motor operating state, or is used or configured to do so. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the (second) electric machine of the second machine unit drives the output when this second electric machine is in a motor operating state, or is used or configured to do so. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the (first) electric machine of the first machine unit is driven by the or by the output when this first electric machine is in a generator operating state, or is used or configured to do so. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the (second) electric machine of the second machine unit is driven by the or by the output when this second electric machine is in a generator operating state, or is used or configured to do so.driven by the output or is used or configured for this purpose.

[0012] In a further development, the drive system has one or preferably several further machine units, each with at least one (further) electrical machine.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the case of one or more of the further machine units, at least one further electrical machine in each case drives the output in a motor operating state of the respective further electrical machine or is used for this purpose or is configured for this purpose.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, in the case of the or one or more of the further machine units, at least one further electrical machine is driven in a generator operating state of the respective further electrical machine by or through the output or is used for this purpose or is configured for this purpose.

[0015] This makes it possible to advantageously realize or implement large drive powers or electrical powers with relatively small electrical machines in one design.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first and second electrical machines and / or the first and at least one further electrical machine and / or the second and at least one further electrical machine have the same rated power. As a result, in one embodiment, these electrical machines can advantageously be used alternately during partial load operation, thus conserving energy.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first and second electrical machines and / or the first and at least one further electrical machine and / or the second and at least one further electrical machine each have different rated powers. This allows for the targeted use of particularly suitable electrical machines in partial load operation in one embodiment, thereby improving efficiency.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the first machine unit has a (first) transmission gear, which is at least temporarily driven by the (first, in particular motor-driven) electrical machine of the first machine unit and / or at least temporarily drives the (first, in particular generator-driven) electrical machine of the first machine unit or is used or configured to do so, and the drive system has a first, in one embodiment mechanical, switching device, which is configured such that - in a first operating state of the first switching device, the transmission gear of the first machine unit and the output are operatively connected to transmit torque; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device, this operative connection between the transmission gear of the first machine unit and the output is interrupted.

[0019] In a further development of this first aspect, the second machine unit has a (second) transmission gear, which is at least temporarily driven by the (second, in particular motor-driven) electrical machine of the second machine unit and / or at least temporarily drives the (second, in particular generator-driven) electrical machine of the second machine unit or is used or configured to do so, and the drive system has a second, in one embodiment mechanical, switching device, which is configured such that - in a first operating state of the second switching device, the transmission gear of the second machine unit and the output are operatively connected to transmit torque; and - in a second operating state of the second switching device, this operative connection between the transmission gear of the second machine unit and the output is interrupted.

[0020] In one embodiment, the or one or more of the further machine unit(s) each has a (further) transmission gear, which is at least temporarily driven by the (further, in particular motor-driven) electrical machine of the (respective) further machine unit and / or at least temporarily drives the (further, in particular generator-driven) electrical machine of the (respective) further machine unit or is used or set up to do so, and the drive system (has) one or preferably several further, in one embodiment mechanical, switching device(s) which is / are set up in such a way that - in a first operating state of the (respective) further switching device, the transmission gear of the or one of the further machine units and the output are operatively connected in a torque-transmitting manner; and - in a second operating state of this further switching device, this operative connection between the transmission gear of this further machine unit and the output is interrupted.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of several further machine units is thus bijectively assigned one of the further switching devices, by means of which, in a first operating state of the respective further switching device, the transmission gear of the associated further machine unit(s) and the output are operatively connected in a torque-transmitting manner, and in a second operating state of this further switching device, this operative connection between the transmission gear of this associated further machine unit(s) and the output is interrupted.

[0022] In one embodiment, this advantageously allows (gearbox) elements of the machine unit(s), in a further development those which have higher speeds during operation, to be temporarily decoupled when not needed, in the event of a defect or the like, thereby reducing friction losses through or on these elements or their bearings and thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency, of the drive system. Preferably, faster and / or more compact electrical machines can be used in this way, reducing the structure, in particular the installation space, while still keeping friction losses low. Additionally or alternatively, this can increase safety in one embodiment by interrupting the operative connection between these elements and the output in the event of a malfunction.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the drive system comprises, in addition to or alternatively to the aforementioned first aspect of the switching device(s), a first, in particular electrical, switching device which is designed in such a way that i) - in a first operating state of the first switching device, the electric machine of the first machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device, this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine of the first machine unit is effected, in particular; or ii) - in a first operating state of the first switching device, the electric machine of the second machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device, this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine of the second machine unit is effected, in particular.

[0024] In a further development of this second aspect, the drive system has a second, in particular electrical, switching device which is designed in such a way that in the above case i) - in a first operating state of the second switching device, the electric machine of the second machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the second switching device, this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine of the second machine unit is effected, in particular; or in the above case ii) - in a first operating state of the second switching device, the electric machine of the first machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the second switching device, this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine of the first machine unit is effected, in particular.

[0025] In one embodiment, the drive system has one or preferably several further, in particular electrical, switching device(s) which is / are designed in such a way that - in a first operating state of the (respective) further switching device, the electric machine of the or one of the further machine units and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of this further switching device, this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine of the further machine unit is effected, in particular.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of a plurality of further machine units is thus bijectively assigned one of the further switching devices, by means of which, in a first operating state of the respective further switching device, the electrical machine of the assigned further machine unit(s) and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected and, in a second operating state of this further switching device, this connection to the power supply and / or energy storage device is severed and an active short circuit of this electrical machine is effected, in particular, by the further machine unit.

[0027] Idle-rotating electrical machines can induce a voltage at their terminals. This voltage induction can be advantageously avoided or reduced in one embodiment using a so-called active short circuit (AKS). The power loss of an idle-rotated electrical machine is advantageously low. Therefore, according to the second aspect, in one embodiment, electrical machines can advantageously be "switched off" or "rotated" when not needed with low losses, thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency, of the drive system. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, safety can be increased by inducing an active short circuit in the event of a fault.

[0028] The first and second aspects can each be implemented independently; they, particularly advantageous further developments, are therefore partially explained separately here. Likewise, the first and second aspects can also be combined in one embodiment, so the explanations apply equally to this combination(s).

[0029] In one embodiment, the first and second aspects are combined with each other, in a further development in that I) one or more of the machine units mentioned here (each) have a transmission gear and the drive system (each) have a switching device, wherein in a first operating state of this switching device, this transmission gear and the output are operatively connected in a torque-transmitting manner and in a second operating state of this switching device, this operative connection is interrupted,and additionally, the electrical machine of this or one or more of these machine units and a power supply and / or energy storage device (each) are electrically connected in a first operating state of a switching device, and in a second operating state of this switching device, this switching device disconnects this connection and causes an active short circuit of this electrical machine; and / or II) one or more of the machine units mentioned here (each) have a transmission gear and the drive system (each) have a switching device, wherein in a first operating state of this switching device, this transmission gear and the output are operatively connected in a torque-transmitting manner, and in a second operating state of this switching device, this operative connection is interrupted,and additionally one or more other of the machine units mentioned here (each) does not have a transmission gear and / or a switching device for interrupting an operative connection of a transmission gear of this machine unit and the output, wherein the electrical machine of this or one or more of these other machine units and a power supply and / or energy storage device (each) are electrically connected by a switching device in a first operating state of this switching device and in a second operating state of this switching device this switching device separates this connection and causes an active short circuit of this electrical machine.

[0030] In other words, in one embodiment, one or more machine units can be provided which have only a transmission gear and a switching device for interrupting the operative connection between the transmission gear and the output, without the drive system having (a) switching device(s) for causing an active short circuit of the electrical machine of these machine units.Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, (a) switching device(s) for causing an active short circuit of an electrical machine of one or more machine units can be provided, without these machine units having a switching device for interrupting the operative connection between a transmission gear and the output, wherein one or more of these machine units each have a transmission gear operatively connected to the output in a torque-transmitting manner and / or one or more of these machine units do not have such a transmission gear operatively connected to the output in a torque-transmitting manner. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, one or more machine units can be provided, each having a transmission gear and a switching device for interrupting the operative connection between this transmission gear and the output, wherein the drive system has one or morehas a plurality of switching devices for effecting an active short circuit of the electrical machine of this machine unit(s).

[0031] By providing or setting up both a switching device and a switching mechanism for one or more machine units in one embodiment, the switching device can advantageously interrupt the operative connection between the transmission gear and the output, or the switching mechanism can cause the active short-circuit of the electrical machine, in particular selectively and / or in the event of a malfunction of the switching device. In one embodiment, this can increase safety, or provide a redundant option for “switching off” the electrical machine. By providing or setting up only one switching mechanism and no switching mechanism for interrupting an operative connection between a transmission gear, if present, and the output, for one or more machine units in one embodiment, the switching device can advantageously interrupt the operative connection between the transmission gear and the output, or the switching mechanism can cause the active short-circuit of the electrical machine, in particular selectively and / or in the event of a malfunction of the switching device.In one embodiment, the design complexity can be advantageously reduced and / or the drive system can be made more compact. By providing or installing only one switching device for interrupting an operative connection between the transmission gear and the output, but no switching device, for one or more machine units in one embodiment, the electrical engineering complexity can be advantageously reduced and / or the drive system can be controlled more simply.

[0032] In one embodiment, the drive system is designed such that in at least one operating state, preferably a full-load operating state, of the drive system - the first switching device has its first operating state and / or - the first switching device has its first operating state in further training in addition - the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s) each have their first operating state and / or - the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s) has or have.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a method for operating a machine system described here in an operating state of the drive system, in particular in a full-load operating state, which is referred to as the engine operating state without restriction of generality, - the first switching device has its first operating state and / or - the first switching device has its first operating state, in a further development additionally - the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s) each have their first operating state and / or - the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s) respectively, wherein In this operating state of the drive system, the electric machine of the first machine unit and the electric machine of the second machine unit and, if applicable, the electric machine of the further machine unit (jointly) drive the output.

[0034] In one embodiment, in order to switch from this one engine operating state to another engine operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which one or more of the machine units continue to drive the output, at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state.

[0035] In a further development, in order to switch from this one or this other engine operating state to an additional engine operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which one or more of the machine units drive the output, at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a method for operating a machine system described here in an operating state of the drive system, in particular in a full-load operating state, which is referred to as a generator operating state without restriction of generality, - the first switching device has its first operating state and / or - the first switching device has its first operating state, in a further development additionally - the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s) each have their first operating state and / or - the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s) respectively, wherein In this operating state of the drive system, the electric machine of the first machine unit and the electric machine of the second machine unit and, if applicable, the electric machine of the further machine unit are (jointly) driven by the output.

[0037] In one embodiment, in order to switch from this one generator operating state to another generator operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which one or more of the machine units are driven by the output, at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state.

[0038] In a further development, in order to switch from this one or this other generator operating state to an additional generator operating state in which one or more of the machine units are driven by the output, at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state.

[0039] In one embodiment, this advantageously makes it possible to realize, as needed or temporarily, a high drive power for driving the coupled machine or to convert a high drive power of the coupled machine into electrical power, in each case advantageously with compact(er) electrical machines.

[0040] In one embodiment, one or more of the following operating states, in particular partial load operating states, of the drive system are carried out or the drive system is set up for this purpose, without this list being understood as exhaustive: - The electric machine of the first machine unit drives the output, the electric machine of the second machine unit does not drive the output. In one embodiment, the electric machine of the first machine unit and the electric machine of the further machine unit jointly drive the output, and the electric machine of the second machine unit does not drive the output. For this purpose, the first switching device (if present) has its first operating state, and the at least one further switching device (if present) also has its first operating state.The first or second switching device (if present) electrically connects the electrical machine of the first machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device; the further switching device (if present) electrically connects the electrical machine of the further machine unit (if present) and a power supply and / or energy storage device. The second switching device (if present) has its second operating state, and / or the first or second switching device (if present) causes an active short circuit of the electrical machine of the second machine unit. - The electric machine of the first machine unit does not drive the output, the electric machine of the second machine unit drives the output. In one embodiment, the electric machine of the second machine unit and the electric machine of the further machine unit jointly drive the output, and the electric machine of the first machine unit does not drive the output. For this purpose, the second switching device (if present) has its first operating state, and the at least one further switching device (if present) also has its first operating state.The first or second switching device (if present) electrically connects the electrical machine of the second machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device. The further switching device (if present) electrically connects the electrical machine of the further machine unit (if present) and a power supply and / or energy storage device. The first switching device (if present) has its second operating state and / or the first or second switching device (if present) causes an active short circuit of the electrical machine of the first machine unit. - The electric machine of the first machine unit is driven by the output; in one embodiment, the electric machine of the first machine unit and the electric machine of the further machine unit are driven jointly by the output. For this purpose, the first switching device (if present) has its first operating state, and the at least one further switching device (if present) also has its first operating state. The electric machine of the first machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected by the first or second switching device (if present), and the further switching device (if present) electrically connects the electric machine of the further machine unit (if present) and a power supply and / or energy storage device.The second switching device (if present) has its second operating state and / or the first or second switching device (if present) disconnects an electrical connection of the electrical machine of the second machine unit to a power supply and / or energy storage device and causes an active short circuit of the electrical machine of the second machine unit. - The electric machine of the second machine unit is driven by the output; in one embodiment, the electric machine of the second machine unit and the electric machine of the further machine unit are driven jointly by the output. For this purpose, the second switching device (if present) has its first operating state, and the at least one further switching device (if present) also has its first operating state. The electric machine of the second machine unit and a power supply and / or energy storage device are electrically connected by the first or second switching device (if present), and the further switching device (if present) electrically connects the electric machine of the further machine unit (if present) and a power supply and / or energy storage device.The first switching device (if present) has its second operating state and / or the first or second switching device (if present) disconnects an electrical connection of the electrical machine of the first machine unit with a power supply and / or energy storage device and causes an active short circuit of the electrical machine of the first machine unit.

[0041] By combining the aforementioned operating states, in one embodiment, particularly suitable machine units or electrical machines can be used temporarily, depending on the situation, in particular as required, and other machine units or electrical machines can be temporarily unused, and in one embodiment, friction losses through or on, in particular, faster-running (gearbox) elements or their bearings can be reduced and / or, in the event of a malfunction, active connections to these elements can be interrupted and / or electrical machines can be actively short-circuited, thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency and / or the safety, of the drive system.

[0042] As mentioned elsewhere, in addition to the three machine units listed above (without limitation of generality, “first”, “second”, “further”), the drive system may also comprise one or more further machine units and corresponding switching devices and / or switching devices, whereby in one embodiment even more operating states can advantageously be realized and the operation can thus be (further) improved.

[0043] In one embodiment, one or more of the switching devices mentioned here, in particular the first and / or the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s), (each) have at least one freewheel.

[0044] In one embodiment, this advantageously allows switching between the first and second operating states of the (respective) switching device either automatically or by appropriate control of the associated electrical machines, thereby reducing installation space and / or complexity in one embodiment.

[0045] In one embodiment, one or more of the switching devices mentioned here, in particular the first and / or the second and / or the or one or more of the further switching device(s), (each) have at least one selectively or actively switchable clutch, in one embodiment by at least one, in particular hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electrical, preferably electromotive and / or electromagnetic, actuator, preferably a positive and / or frictional clutch.

[0046] In one embodiment, this advantageously allows switching between the first and second operating states of the (respective) switching device in a targeted and / or desired manner, in one embodiment by appropriately switching the clutches, and thereby improving operation in one embodiment.

[0047] In a further development, the or at least one of the selectively or actively switchable clutch(es) each has at least two coupling elements, in one embodiment, toothings, in particular gears, which can be brought into and out of engagement with one another. In one embodiment, the transmission gear and the output are operatively connected by the engaged coupling elements or toothings or in a torque-transmitting manner, and this operative connection between the transmission gear and the output is interrupted when the coupling elements or toothings are (are) disengaged. In one embodiment, this allows for reliable engagement.

[0048] In a further development, the or at least one of the selectively or actively switchable clutches each has at least two friction elements that can be brought into and out of contact with one another. In one embodiment, the transmission gear and the output are operatively connected in a torque-transmitting manner by the contacting friction elements, and this operative connection between the transmission gear and the output is interrupted when the friction elements are (have been) separated from one another. In one embodiment, this allows for smooth engagement and / or a compact installation space.

[0049] In one embodiment, the drive system has a controller which controls one or more of the electrical machines mentioned here and / or switches one or more of the selectively switchable clutches mentioned here and / or switches one or more of the switching devices mentioned here (into their first and / or second operating state) or is set up or used to do so, in one embodiment (in each case) on the basis of a state of the drive system and / or the coupled machine which is detected, preferably by sensors.Accordingly, in one embodiment, on the basis of a state of the drive system and / or the coupled machine, which is preferably detected by a sensor, one or more of the electrical machines mentioned here are controlled and / or one or more of the selectively switchable clutches mentioned here are switched and / or one or more of the switching devices mentioned here are switched (into their first and / or second operating state), in particular in order to operate the drive system in a predetermined operating state selected in one embodiment.

[0050] In one embodiment, this advantageously allows the drive system to be operated in a specific and / or desired manner, in one embodiment by appropriately switching the clutches or switching devices and / or controlling the electrical machines, in a predetermined operating state selected in one embodiment, and thereby the operation of the machine system can be improved in one embodiment.

[0051] In one embodiment, one or more of the transmission gears mentioned here (each) comprise one or more spur gears, in particular spur gear stages. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the output comprises one or more spur gears, in particular spur gear stages.

[0052] This allows advantageous gear ratios to be achieved in one design and / or the construction effort to be reduced.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, one or more of the transmission gears mentioned here (each) comprise one or more planetary gears, in particular one or more single-stage and / or one or more multi-stage planetary gears. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the output comprises one or more planetary gears, in particular one or more single-stage and / or one or more multi-stage planetary gears.

[0054] This allows the installation space to be reduced in one design.

[0055] In one embodiment, one or more of the transmission gears mentioned here (each) reduce or convert an electric machine-side input speed to or into a lower output speed on the output side, or are configured or used to do so. In one embodiment, one or more of the transmission gears mentioned here (each) have a reduction gear.

[0056] As a result, in one embodiment, advantageously faster and thus more compact electrical machines can be used and the structure, in particular installation space, can be reduced, while friction losses can still be kept low by temporarily decoupling elements of the machine unit(s) which have correspondingly high speeds during operation when not required, thereby reducing friction losses by or on faster-running elements or their bearings, and thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency, of the drive system.

[0057] In one embodiment, one or more of the transmission gears mentioned here (each) increase or convert an electrical machine-side input speed to or into a larger output speed on the output side or are designed or used for this purpose.

[0058] In one embodiment, this also allows faster-running coupled machines and / or output drives to be operated at higher speeds.

[0059] In one embodiment, one or more of the switching devices in their second operating state short-circuit connection terminals of the corresponding or assigned electrical machine in order to thereby cause an active short circuit of this electrical machine, or are designed to do so.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the switching devices comprise power electronics, in one embodiment, the power electronics of a frequency converter. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the switching devices are integrated into power electronics, in one embodiment, the power electronics of a frequency converter.

[0061] In this way, an active short circuit can be effected in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular safely, reliably, with low losses and / or simply in one embodiment.

[0062] In one embodiment, one or more of the switching devices can also be designed as external or separate devices, in particular in addition to power electronics and / or frequency converters for the corresponding electrical machine.

[0063] This can increase safety in one design and / or simplify retrofitting and / or maintenance.

[0064] In one embodiment, at least one of the switching devices in its second operating state causes an active short circuit of an electrical machine of a machine unit if the transmission gear of this machine unit malfunctions and / or if the switching device for interrupting the operative connection between this transmission gear and the output malfunctions, or is configured to do so.

[0065] This can advantageously increase safety in one design.

[0066] The present invention is particularly suitable for heavy-duty applications. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the drive system, particularly in terms of design and / or control technology, is configured for at least temporary operation of the coupled machine with a drive power of at least 0.5 megawatts (MW), preferably at least 1 MW. Particularly advantageous applications include mills, in particular cement mills, wind turbines, and PTI-PTO (PowerTaking-PowerTakeOff) applications, without the present invention being limited thereto.

[0067] In one embodiment, during operation of the machine system, at least one of the switching devices has its first operating state, and at the same time, at least one other of the switching devices initially has its second operating state and then its first operating state. In other words, this closes at least one other switching device when one switching device is already closed, so that the machine unit assigned to this at least one other switching device can successively (co-)drive the output or be (co-)driven by it. In one embodiment, this advantageously allows additional machine units to be temporarily coupled as needed, thus providing the required drive power or converting electrical power when needed, and reducing friction losses beforehand, thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency, of the drive system.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, during operation of the drive or machine system, at least one of the switching devices has its second operating state, and at least one other of the switching devices initially has its first operating state and then its second operating state. In other words, this opens at least one other switching device when one switching device is already open, so that the machine unit assigned to this at least one other switching device is also successively decoupled. In one embodiment, this advantageously allows machine units that are no longer required to be temporarily decoupled as needed, thus making the required drive power available or converting electrical power as needed, and subsequently reducing friction losses, thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency, of the drive system.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, during operation of the machine system, at least one of the switching devices has its first operating state, and at least one other of the switching devices initially has its second operating state and subsequently its first operating state. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, during operation of the drive or machine system, at least one of the switching devices has its second operating state, and at least one other of the switching devices initially has its first operating state and subsequently its second operating state. As described above, this allows the drive system in one embodiment to be advantageously adapted to an operating state of the coupled machine and / or the drive system.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, during operation of the machine system at least one of the switching devices has its first operating state and in this case at least one of the switching devices initially has its second operating state and subsequently its first operating state. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, during operation of the drive or machine system at least one of the switching devices has its second operating state and in this case at least one of the switching devices initially has its first operating state and subsequently its second operating state. As a result, in one embodiment machine units can advantageously be switched on or off as required and thus, on the one hand, the required drive power can be made available or electrical power can be converted and, on the other hand, losses can be reduced beforehand or afterwards, thus improving the operation, in particular the efficiency, of the drive system.Additionally or alternatively, this can advantageously increase safety in one embodiment.

[0071] In one embodiment, a method for operating a machine system described herein comprises - in an engine operating state of the drive system, in particular in a full-load operating state, the first switching device and / or the first switching mechanism has its first operating state, in particular the second and / or the further switching device and / or the second and / or the further switching mechanism has its first operating state, and the electric machine of the first machine unit and the electric machine of the second machine unit, in particular the electric machine of the first machine unit and the electric machine of the second machine unit and the electric machine of the further machine unit, jointly drive the output; and / or - in a generator operating state of the drive system, in particular in a full-load operating state, the first switching device and / or the first switching device has its first operating state, in particular the second and / or the further switching device and / or the second and / or the further switching device has its first operating state, and the electrical machine of the first machine unit and the electrical machine of the second machine unit, in particular the electrical machine of the first machine unit and the electrical machine of the second machine unit and the electrical machine of the further machine unit, are driven jointly by the output.

[0072] In a further development of this embodiment, the method comprises - for switching from one engine operating state to another engine operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which at least one of the machine units continues to drive the output, at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state; and / or - for switching from one generator operating state to another generator operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which at least one of the machine units is still driven by the output, at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state.

[0073] In one embodiment of this training, the procedure includes - for switching from one or the other engine operating state to an additional engine operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which at least one of the machine units drives the output, at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state; and / or - for switching from one or the other generator operating state to an additional generator operating state of the drive system, in particular a partial load operating state in which at least one of the machine units is driven by the output, at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state.

[0074] In one embodiment, one of the aforementioned methods comprises controlling at least one of the electrical machines and / or switching at least one of the selectively switchable clutches and / or at least one of the switching devices on the basis of a state of the drive system and / or of the coupled machine detected, in particular by sensors.

[0075] In one embodiment, one or more, in particular all, steps of the method are carried out completely or partially automatically, in particular by the controller.

[0076] Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments. The following shows, partly schematically: Fig. 1: a machine system with a drive system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2: the machine system with the drive system in axial view and according to the section line II-II in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3: a method for operating the machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Fig. 1, Fig. 2 show a machine system with a drive system according to an embodiment of the present invention in plan view ( Fig. 1) or axial view ( Fig. 2).

[0078] The machine system comprises a coupled machine 70 and the drive system.

[0079] The coupled machine 70 can be a work machine or a prime mover in one embodiment, or can be operated or function alternately as a work machine and temporarily as a prime mover in one embodiment. The invention will be explained below, particularly using the example of a coupled work machine, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The drive system comprises an output with a (collecting) gear 51 and an output shaft 52 for driving the coupled machine 70. In modifications not shown, the output may also have a multi-stage transmission.

[0081] The drive system comprises, by way of example, four machine units, each with an electric machine 10, 20, 30 or 40 and a transmission gear 11, 21, 31 driven by or driving these (the fourth transmission gear is shown in the views of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 concealed) and four switching devices 12, 22, 32 and 42 respectively.

[0082] On the output side, the switching devices are coupled to the gear 51 via pinions 13, 23, 33, and 43, respectively. In one embodiment, the pinions are permanently engaged with the gear 51, and the switching devices 12, 22, 32, 42 each have, and in particular can consist of, at least one freewheel or at least one selectively switchable clutch. In a modification, the pinions 13, 23, 33, 43 can be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the gear 51 by the correspondingly (assigned) switching devices. Likewise, mixed forms are also possible, in which the switching devices 12, 22, 32, 42 are designed differently, for example, two switching devices have freewheels and two selectively switchable clutches, or the like.

[0083] In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, a switching device 14, 24, 34 or 44 is provided for each of the electrical machines 10, 20, 30 or 40, by means of which, in a first operating state of the corresponding switching device, the associated electrical machine and a power supply and / or energy storage device 80 are or will be electrically connected (ie 80-14-10; 80-24-20; 80-34-40; 80-44-40) and, in a second operating state of the corresponding switching device, this connection to the power supply and / or energy storage device 80 is severed and an active short circuit of the associated electrical machine is or will be effected.

[0084] A controller 60 receives information about the state of the machine system in one embodiment of the drive system from one or more sensors, of which a sensor 61 is indicated by way of example. Based on this sensor-detected state, the controller 60 controls the electric machines 10, 20, 30, 40 and, if applicable, the selectively switchable clutches or the displacement of the pinions 13, 23, 33, or 43 into or out of engagement with the gear 51, which in Fig. 1 is indicated by dash-dotted lines. In addition, the control 60 controls the switching devices, which in Fig. 1 is also indicated by dash-dotted lines.

[0085] Fig. 3 shows a method for operating the machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention, initially focusing on the first aspect and a motorized operation or a working machine 70.

[0086] In a step S10, the electrical machines 10 and 40 are, if necessary, further energized and the switching devices 12, 42 are brought into their first operating state or held there, so that by means of these switching devices 12, 42 the transmission gear 11 coupled to the electrical machine 10 and the transmission gear 12 coupled to the electrical machine 40, in the views of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 concealed transmission gears are operatively connected to the (gear 51 of the) output(s) in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0087] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S20 (S20: "Y"), for example a drive power requirement that exceeds a first limit value, or the like, the electric machine 20 is, if necessary, still energized and the switching devices 22 are brought into their first operating state or held there, so that by means of this switching device 22 the transmission gear 21 coupled to the electric machine 20 is operatively connected to the (gearwheel 51 of the) output(s) in a torque-transmitting manner (step S30).

[0088] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S40 (S40: "Y"), for example a drive power requirement that also exceeds a higher second limit value, or the like, the electric machine 30 is also energized, if necessary, and the switching device 32 is brought into its first operating state or held there, so that by means of this switching device 32 the transmission gear 31 coupled to the electric machine 30 is operatively connected to the (gearwheel 51 of the) output(s) in a torque-transmitting manner (step S50).

[0089] Thus, all four switching devices are in their first operating state and the gear wheel 51 or the coupled machine 70 are driven jointly by the four energized electrical machines 10, 20, 30, 40.

[0090] The process then returns to step S10.

[0091] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S40 (S40: "N"), for example a drive power requirement that exceeds the first but not the higher second limit value, the electric machine 30 is not, or possibly no longer, energized and the switching device 32 is brought into its second operating state or held there, so that the above-mentioned operative connection between the transmission gear 31 and the (gearwheel 51 of the) output(s) is interrupted by this switching device 32 (step S60).

[0092] Thus, all switching devices except the third switching device 32 are in their first operating state and the gear wheel 51 or the coupled machine 70 are (only) driven jointly by the three electrical machines 10, 20, 40.

[0093] The process then returns to step S10.

[0094] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S20 (S20: "N"), for example a drive power requirement that does not exceed the first limit value, the electrical machine 20 is not, or possibly no longer, energized and the switching device 22 is brought into its second operating state or held there, so that the above-mentioned operative connection between the transmission gear 21 and the (gearwheel 51 of the) output(s) is interrupted by this switching device 22 (step S70).

[0095] Thus, all switching devices except the second and third switching devices 22, 32 are in their first operating state and the gear wheel 51 or the coupled machine 70 are (only) driven jointly by the two electric machines 10, 40.

[0096] The process then returns to step S10.

[0097] The above embodiment serves to illustrate a successive coupling or uncoupling of the second machine unit 20, 21 and further machine unit 30, 31 to realize a full-load operating state (cf. Fig. 3: S50), a first partial load operating state (cf. Fig. 3: S30) and a second partial load operating state (cf. Fig. 3: S70) using a simple example. Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the preceding description, it should be noted that numerous modifications are possible.

[0098] Thus, in particular, analogous to the above and following explanations, the coupled machine 70 can also be a prime mover or can be operated or function alternately temporarily as a working machine and temporarily as a prime mover. Even then, one or more of the electrical machines or machine units can be successively coupled or uncoupled and / or connected to the power supply or actively short-circuited in the manner described above and below.

[0099] In addition or alternatively to the decoupling by means of the switching devices described above by way of example, the controller 60 can analogously actively short-circuit one or more of the electrical machines by means of the switching device(s) assigned to the respective electrical machine by switching the corresponding switching device(s) from their first to their second operating state. Conversely, in addition or alternatively to coupling by means of the switching devices, the controller 60 can analogously (re)electrically connect one or more of the electrical machines to the energy supply and / or energy storage device 80 by means of the switching device(s) assigned to the respective electrical machine by switching the corresponding switching device(s) from their second to their first operating state.

[0100] For example, in the modification described below, the switching devices 12, 22, 32, 42 can all remain in their first operating state or can be omitted and, in step S10, the electrical machines 10 and 40 can continue to be energized via the corresponding switching devices 14, 44 in their first operating state.

[0101] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S20 (S20: “Y”), for example a drive power requirement that exceeds a first limit value, or the like, the electric machine 20 is also energized via the switching device 24 assigned to it, if necessary, and for this purpose the switching devices 24 are brought into their first operating state or held there (step S30).

[0102] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S40 (S40: “Y”), for example a drive power requirement that also exceeds a higher second limit value, or the like, the electric machine 30 is also energized via the switching device 34 assigned to it, if necessary, and for this purpose the switching device 34 is brought into its first operating state or held there (step S50).

[0103] Thus, all four switching devices are in their first operating state and the gear wheel 51 or the coupled machine 70 are driven jointly by the four energized electrical machines 10, 20, 30, 40.

[0104] The process then returns to step S10.

[0105] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S40 (S40: "N"), for example a drive power requirement that exceeds the first but not the higher second limit value, the electric machine 30 is not, or possibly no longer, energized, and for this purpose the switching device 34 is brought into its second operating state or held there, so that the electric machine 30 is or will be actively short-circuited by this switching device 34 (step S60). If it continues to be connected to the output in a torque-transmitting manner, for example because the switching device 32 is not present or is in its first operating state, it is advantageously coupled with low losses. Examples of this are shown in Fig. 1 Connection terminals 30A of the electrical machine 30 are indicated, which are short-circuited by the switching device 34 in order to thereby cause an active short circuit of this electrical machine.

[0106] Thus, all switching devices except the third switching device 34 are in their first operating state and the gear wheel 51 or the coupled machine 70 are (only) driven jointly by the three electrical machines 10, 20, 40.

[0107] The process then returns to step S10.

[0108] If a corresponding state of the machine or drive system is determined in step S20 (S20: "N"), for example, a drive power requirement that also does not exceed the first limit value, the electric machine 20 is not energized, or possibly no longer energized, and for this purpose, the switching device 24 is brought into its second operating state or held there, so that the electric machine 20 is actively short-circuited by this switching device 24 (step S70). If it continues to be connected to the output in a torque-transmitting manner, for example, because the switching device 22 is not present or is in its first operating state, it is advantageously coupled with low losses.

[0109] Thus, all switching devices except the second and third switching devices 24, 34 are in their first operating state and the gear wheel 51 or the coupled machine 70 are (only) driven jointly by the two electrical machines 10, 40.

[0110] The process then returns to step S10.

[0111] Just as one or more, in particular all, switching devices can be omitted for the modification in which (only) the switching devices are switched, one or more, in particular all, switching devices can be omitted for the variant explained at the beginning in which (only) the switching devices are switched. In particular, therefore, in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 one or more of the elements 12, 22, 32 and / or 42 and / or one or more of the elements 14, 24, 34 and / or 44 are omitted.

[0112] In a variation, the two aspects explained above can also be combined.

[0113] For one or more of the machine units, both a switching device and a switching mechanism can be provided and used, in particular by actively short-circuiting the corresponding electrical machine via the switching mechanism in addition to an interruption, particularly an attempted interruption, of the torque-transmitting active connection of the transmission gear. In this way, safety can be increased in one embodiment.

[0114] Additionally or alternatively, only one switching device can be provided and used for one or more of the machine units and only one switching device for one or more other machine units, so that the electrical machines, especially when not needed, are either actively short-circuited by corresponding switching devices or the torque-transmitting active connection of the associated transmission gear is interrupted by the corresponding switching device. In this way, for example, electrical machines of different designs and / or uses can advantageously be "switched off" differently.

[0115] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guide for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. Various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims and equivalent combinations of features. List of reference symbols 10; 20; 30; 40 Electric machine 30A connection terminals 11; 21; 31 transmission gear 12; 22; 32; 42 switching device 13; 23; 33; 43 pinions 14; 24; 34; 44 switching device 51 gear 52 Output shaft 60 Control 61 Sensor 70 coupled machines 80 Energy supply and / or energy storage device

Claims

[1] Drive system for driving a and / or by a coupled machine (70), which - an output (51, 52) for driving from and / or through the coupled machine (70); - a first machine unit with at least one electric machine (10) for driving from and / or through the output (51, 52); and - a second machine unit with at least one electric machine (20) for driving from and / or through the output (51, 52); wherein a) the first machine unit comprises a transmission gear (11) which is designed to be driven by the electric machine (10) of the first machine unit and / or to drive this electric machine (10), and the drive system comprises a first switching device (12) which is designed such that - in a first operating state of the first switching device (12), the transmission gear (11) of the first machine unit and the output (51, 52) are operatively connected to transmit torque; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device (12), this operative connection between the transmission gear (11) of the first machine unit and the output (51, 52) is interrupted; and / or b) the drive system has a first switching device (14) which is designed in such a way that - in a first operating state of the first switching device (14), the electric machine (10; 20) of one of the first or second machine units and a power supply and / or energy storage device (80) are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the first switching device (14), this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device (80) is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine (10; 20) of one of the first or second machine units is effected. [2] Drive system according to claim 1, characterized by , that a) the second machine unit comprises a transmission gear (21) which is designed to be driven by the electric machine (20) of the second machine unit and / or to drive this electric machine (20), and the drive system - a second switching device (22) which is arranged in such a way that - in a first operating state of the second switching device (22), the transmission gear (21) of the second machine unit and the output (51, 52) are operatively connected to transmit torque; and - in a second operating state of the second switching device (22), this operative connection between the transmission gear (21) of the second machine unit and the output (51, 52) is interrupted; and / or b) the drive system has a second switching device (24) which is arranged in such a way that - in a first operating state of the second switching device (24), the electrical machine (20; 10) of the other of the first or second machine units and a power supply and / or energy storage device (80) are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the second switching device (24), this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device (80) is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine (20; 10) of this other one of the first or second machine units is effected. [3] Drive system according to claim 2, characterized by a) at least one further machine unit with at least one electrical machine (30; 40) for driving from and / or through the output, wherein this further machine unit has a transmission gear (31) which is designed to be driven by the electrical machine of this further machine unit and / or to drive this electrical machine, and the drive system has a further switching device (32; 42) which is designed in such a way that - in a first operating state of this further switching device (32; 42), the transmission gear (31) of this further machine unit and the output (51, 52) are operatively connected in a torque-transmitting manner; and - in a second operating state of this further switching device (32; 42), this operative connection between the transmission gear (31) of this further machine unit and the output (51, 52) is interrupted; and / or b) at least one further switching device (34; 44) which is arranged in such a way that - in a first operating state of this further switching device (34; 44), the electric machine (30; 40) of this or another further machine unit of the drive system, which has this electric machine (30; 40) for driving from and / or through the output (51, 52), and a power supply and / or energy storage device (80) are electrically connected; and - in a second operating state of the further switching device (34; 44) this connection to the energy supply and / or energy storage device (80) is separated and an active short circuit of this electrical machine (30; 40) of this further machine unit is effected. [4] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is set up in such a way that A) - In at least one operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (12) has its first operating state and the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and - in at least one other operating state of the drive system - the first switching device (12) has its second operating state and the first switching device (14) has its first operating state or - the first switching device (12) has its first operating state and the first switching device (14) has its second operating state or - the first switching device (12) has its second operating state and the first switching device (14) has its second operating state; and / or B) - in at least one operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (12) has its first operating state and the second switching device (22) has its first operating state and - in at least one other operating state of the drive system - the first switching device (12) has its second operating state and the second switching device (22) has its first operating state or - the first switching device (12) has its first operating state and the second switching device (22) has its second operating state or - the first switching device (12) has its second operating state and the second switching device (22) has its second operating state; and / or C) - in at least one operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and the second switching device (24) has its first operating state and - in at least one other operating state of the drive system - the first switching device (14) has its second operating state and the second switching device (24) has its first operating state or - the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and the second switching device (24) has its second operating state or - the first switching device (14) has its second operating state and the second switching device (24) has its second operating state; and / or D) - in at least one operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (12) has its first operating state and the second switching device (22) has its first operating state and the further switching device (32; 42) has its first or second operating state and - in at least one other operating state of the drive system - the first switching device (12) has its second operating state and the second switching device (22) has its first operating state and the further switching device (32; 42) has its first or second operating state or - the first switching device (12) has its first operating state and the second switching device (22) has its second operating state and the further switching device (32; 42) has its first or second operating state or - the first switching device (12) has its second operating state and the second switching device (22) has its second and the further switching device (32; 42) has its first or second operating state; and / or E) - in at least one operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and the second switching device (24) has its first operating state and the further switching device (34; 44) has its first or second operating state and - in at least one other operating state of the drive system - the first switching device (14) has its second operating state and the second switching device (24) has its first operating state and the further switching device (34; 44) has its first or second operating state or - the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and the second switching device (24) has its second operating state and the further switching device (34; 44) has its first or second operating state or - the first switching device (14) has its second operating state and the second switching device (24) has its second operating state and the further switching device (34; 44) has its first or second operating state. [5] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the switching devices (12; 22; 32; 42) has at least one freewheel; and / or that at least one of the switching devices (12; 22; 32; 42) has at least one selectively switchable clutch. [6] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the transmission gears (11; 21; 31) and / or the output (51, 52) has at least one spur gear and / or at least one planetary gear and / or is configured such that an input speed of the coupled electrical machine (10; 20; 30; 40) is converted into a smaller or larger output speed on the output side. [7] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the switching devices (14; 24; 34; 44) is designed to short-circuit connection terminals (30A) of the electrical machine in its second operating state in order to thereby bring about an active short-circuit of this electrical machine. [8] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - at least one of the switching devices (14; 24; 34; 44) has or is integrated into power electronics; and / or - at least one of the switching devices (14; 24; 34; 44) is designed to cause an active short circuit of an electrical machine (10; 20; 30; 40) of a machine unit in its second operating state if the transmission gear (11; 21; 31) of this machine unit malfunctions and / or if the switching device (12; 22; 32; 42) for interrupting the operative connection between this transmission gear (11; 21; 31) and the output (51, 52) malfunctions. [9] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a controller (60) for controlling at least one of the electrical machines (10; 20; 30; 40) and / or switching at least one of the selectively switchable clutches and / or at least one of the switching devices (14; 24; 34; 44). [10] Drive system according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the controller (60) is configured to control or switch on the basis of a detected state of the drive system and / or the coupled machine (70). [11] Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed to operate with a drive power of the coupled machine (70) of at least 0.5 MW. [12] Machine system with a coupled machine (70) and a drive system according to one of the preceding claims for driving the and / or by the coupled machine (70). [13] Machine system according to the preceding claim with the coupled machine (70) and the drive system for driving the and / or by the coupled machine (70) with a drive power of at least 0.5 MW. [14] A method for operating a machine system according to the preceding claim, wherein - in a motor operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (12) and / or the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and the electric machine (10) of the first machine unit and the electric machine (20) of the second machine unit jointly drive the output (51, 52); and / or - in a generator operating state of the drive system, the first switching device (12) and / or the first switching device (14) has its first operating state and the electrical machine (10) of the first machine unit and the electrical machine (20) of the second machine unit are driven jointly by the output (51, 52). [15] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein - for switching from one engine operating state to another engine operating state of the drive system, at least one of the switching devices (12; 22; 32; 42) is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one of the switching devices (14; 24; 34; 44) is transferred from its first to its second operating state; and / or - for switching from one generator operating state to another generator operating state of the drive system, at least one of the switching devices (12; 22; 32; 42) is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one of the switching devices (14; 24; 34; 44) is transferred from its first to its second operating state. [16] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein - for switching from one or the other engine operating state to an additional engine operating state of the drive system, at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state; and / or - in order to switch from one or the other generator operating state to an additional generator operating state of the drive system, at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state and / or at least one other of the switching devices is transferred from its first to its second operating state. [17] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat on the basis of a detected state of the drive system and / or the coupled machine (70), at least one of the electrical machines (10; 20; 30; 40) is controlled and / or at least one of the selectively switchable clutches and / or at least one of the switching devices is switched.

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