Drive system for a muscle-powered vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive unit (7) for a muscle-powered vehicle (1) comprising an electric drive unit (28), a pedal shaft (26), and a stationary component (15). The drive unit (7) includes a first planetary gear set (12) with a first sun gear (29), a first planet carrier (30), and a first ring gear (32). The drive unit (7) further comprises a second planetary gear set (13) with a second sun gear (18), a second planet carrier (19), and a second ring gear (21), an output gear (14), and a switching device (11). The first sun gear (29) is mechanically connected to the electric drive unit (28). The first planet carrier (30) is permanently and rotationally fixed to the second ring gear (21). The first ring gear (32) is mechanically connected to the pedal shaft (26). The second planet carrier (19) is mechanically connected to the output gear (14).The second sun gear (18) can be connected to the stationary component (15) in a rotationally fixed manner via the switching device (11). The second sun gear (18) can be connected to the second ring gear (21) in a rotationally fixed manner via the switching device (11). The second sun gear (18) can be mechanically connected to the electrical drive device (28) via the switching device (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for a human-powered vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a human-powered vehicle having such a drive device.

[0002] Human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, can be equipped with an electric drive system. Such bicycles, designed as e-bikes or pedelecs, often have a mid-mounted motor located in the area of ​​the bottom bracket. The torque applied by a rider to a pedal crank, as well as the torque of the electric drive system, can be transmitted via an endlessly rotating element, such as a chain, to a rear wheel of the bicycle to propel the bicycle. Such a bicycle is known, for example, from DE 10 2016 016 003 B3.

[0003] WO 2023 / 170 394 A1 relates to an e-bike with a drive system powered by both pedals and an electric motor. At certain speeds, the drivetrain provides a continuously variable transmission controlled by the electric motor. Above higher speeds, the electric motor is switched off, and the e-bike is powered solely by the pedals.

[0004] DE 10 2014 223 334 A1 relates to a drivetrain for a bicycle comprising a rotatably mounted bottom bracket spindle that can be connected to a pedal crank. A switchable planetary gear is coupled to the bottom bracket spindle and a hub shell that is rotatably mounted around the rear wheel axle, transmitting torque. The planetary gear is arranged parallel to the bottom bracket spindle in the bottom bracket shell.

[0005] JP H 09 - 189 346 A describes a drive system for e-bikes featuring an electric motor and a planetary gear system. This system enables power transmission and control of the driving force, with the electric motor assisting pedal power and being switched off at higher speeds.

[0006] DE 31 17 415 A1 concerns an e-bike that uses a double gear instead of the usual chain transmission, working in conjunction with a double-sided sprocket on the rear wheel. The space between the pedals is used to accommodate multiple gears, a freewheel, and, if necessary, an additional electric motor.

[0007] DE 10 2009 045 447 A1 relates to a bicycle with an electric auxiliary drive, comprising an electric motor, a battery for storing electrical energy connected to the electric motor, and a crank mechanism with pedal cranks. The pedal cranks are attached to a pedal crankshaft, which is rotatable about a crank axis. A planetary gear system drives the bicycle both through the electric motor and through the rider's muscle power. The planetary gear system and the electric motor are arranged around the pedal crankshaft of the crank mechanism.

[0008] WO 2013 / 191572 A1 relates to a planetary gear for a bicycle with multiple sun gears and multiple sets of planetary gears mounted so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. One set of planetary gears is connected to the output gear. The sun gears are mounted so that they can rotate relative to each other, to the crank mechanism, and to the frame. Clutches allow the sun gears to be locked in both directions. The output gear is connected to the crank mechanism via a one-way clutch, which transfers the torque from the crank mechanism to the output gear, both when idling and when shifting to higher gears. The object of the present invention was to provide a drive device for a human-powered vehicle with a compact design and a wide gear spread. This object is achieved by the drive device for a human-powered vehicle claimed in claim 1. The human-powered vehicle can be a single-track vehicle, for example a two-wheeler. In one embodiment, the human-powered vehicle is a bicycle. The drive device has an electric drive device, which can be designed as an electric motor. The electric drive device can have one or more such electric motors. The electric motor can be, for example, a synchronous or asynchronous motor. The electric drive device can be supplied with electrical energy from a battery, for example via an inverter.The inverter and, alternatively or additionally, the battery can be attached to a frame of the human-powered vehicle, for example to a down tube of a bicycle.

[0009] The drive device has a pedal shaft for absorbing a driver's muscular power. For example, one or more cranks can be attached to the pedal shaft, on which one or more pedals can be provided for absorbing the driver's muscular power. Consequently, the drive device of the present invention can be designed to absorb both a torque provided by a driver's muscular power and a torque provided by the electric drive device. Both torques can be combined, for example summed, by the drive device. Furthermore, the drive device comprises a stationary component, which can be formed, for example, by a housing of the drive device. The housing can have one or more sections that can be detachably connected to one another.The drive device can be designed to be arranged in the region of a pedal shaft bearing, for example in the region of a meeting point of a down tube, a seat tube and a chainstay of a bicycle frame.

[0010] In addition, the drive device has a first planetary gear set with a first sun gear, a first planet carrier with a first planet gear rotatably mounted thereon, and a first ring gear. In addition to the first planet gear, the first planetary gear set can have further first planet gears. The first planetary gear set can be designed as a minus planetary gear set so that the first planet gear can mesh with both the first sun gear and the first ring gear. In addition, the drive device comprises a second planetary gear set with a second sun gear, a second planet carrier with a second planet gear rotatably mounted thereon, and a second ring gear. In addition to the second planet gear, the second planetary gear set can have further second planet gears which can be rotatably mounted on the second planet carrier.The second planetary gear set can be designed as a minus planetary gear set, so that the second planetary gear can mesh with both the second sun gear and the second ring gear.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drive device has only the first and second planetary gear sets and no further planetary gear sets.

[0012] In addition, the drive device has an output gear, which can be designed, for example, as a chainring. The output gear of the drive device can be mechanically operatively connected to a propulsion element of the vehicle, for example a rear wheel of a bicycle, via a mechanical coupling element, for example an endless circulating element. The endless circulating element can be a chain, for example, which can provide a mechanical operative connection between the output gear and a rear wheel of a bicycle. Within the scope of the invention, the drive device can be designed such that both a torque provided by the electric drive device and a torque impressed on the pedal shaft by the muscular power of a rider can be transmitted to the propulsion element of the vehicle via the mechanical coupling element.

[0013] The vehicle and in particular the drive device can further be designed such that a torque can be transmitted from the propulsion element via the mechanical coupling element, for example the endless circulating element, to the drive device, for example the output gear of the drive device. Such a torque can be a recuperation torque, which can occur, for example, when the vehicle is traveling downhill. The drive device can be designed to utilize such a recuperation torque by means of the electric drive device to recuperate energy, for example, into the battery described above by means of the inverter described above. Accordingly, the drive device can have a recuperation device, which can be formed by the electric drive device described above and the inverter described above.The recuperation torque can be controlled as a function of the pedal holding force and, alternatively or additionally, the slip of a propulsion element, for example, the propulsion element described above and optionally another propulsion element. The control can be implemented in such a way that a high recuperation torque is set at a high pedal holding force and a lower recuperation torque at a lower pedal holding force.

[0014] The control can be achieved by gently pedaling forward or backward, or alternatively or additionally by means of a switch that can be operated by the driver. This function can also be used to adjust the driving speed by controlling the recuperation torque.

[0015] In addition, the drive device has a switching device, which can be designed as a positive and / or frictional switching device. In one embodiment, the switching device is designed as a claw switch. The switching device can have one or more switching components that can connect different components of the drive device to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The various switching components of the switching device can be combined into a single unit or arranged as individual components at various locations on the drive device. The switching device can be actuated electrically and, alternatively or additionally, mechanically automatically by a control device and, alternatively or additionally, manually by an operator.

[0016] The first sun gear is mechanically operatively connected to the electric drive device, for example permanently connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The first ring gear is mechanically operatively connected to the pedal shaft, for example permanently connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The operative connection can be provided via a crank, which can be rotationally fixedly connected to the pedal shaft. A pedal can be provided on the crank, via which a driver of the vehicle can introduce torque into the drive device. The second planet carrier is mechanically operatively connected to the output gear, for example permanently connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The first planet carrier is permanently connected to the second ring gear. The permanently rotationally fixed connection between the first planet carrier and the second ring gear can be provided via a hollow shaft, which can extend through the electric drive device.Likewise, the mechanical operative connection between the electric drive device and the first sun gear can be provided via a hollow shaft, which can also extend through the electric drive device. The two hollow shafts can be nested coaxially.

[0017] The second sun gear is rotatably connected to the stationary component via the switching device in order to provide a first gear. The second sun gear is further rotatably connected to the second ring gear via the switching device in order to provide a second gear. The second sun gear is further mechanically operatively connected to the electric drive device via the switching device, for example permanently rotatably connected, in order to provide a third gear. The three gears can provide different gear ratios between the electric drive device and the output gear. In the first gear, a torque of the electric drive device can be transmitted via the first sun gear and the first planet carrier to the second ring gear and from there to the output gear.In second gear, torque from the electric drive device can be transmitted via the first sun gear and the first planet carrier to the second planetary gear set, which can be in a single orbit in this second gear. From the second planetary gear set, which orbits in a single orbit, torque can now be transmitted to the output gear. In third gear, torque from the electric drive device can be transmitted to both the first sun gear and the second sun gear. The two torques can be combined, for example, summed, via the respective planetary gear sets and then fed to the output gear.

[0018] In addition to the torque provided by the electric drive device, a driver's torque can also be introduced into the drive mechanism via the pedal shaft. Such torque can be transmitted via the first ring gear to the first planetary carrier and from there to the second ring gear and the second planetary carrier. Such torque is then supplied from the second planetary carrier to the output gear. In this way, a drive mechanism for a human-powered vehicle with three different gears, i.e., with three different gear ratios, can be provided in a simple manner. The drive mechanism is compact and has a wide gear range.

[0019] At the same time, the drive device can be connected to a propulsion element of the vehicle via the mechanical coupling element described above, for example, the endless circulating element described above. The mechanical coupling element can have only a single gear ratio, which can be adapted to the application profile. In one embodiment, no gear shifting is required via the mechanical coupling element, and in particular no derailleur gear shifting. Instead, a positive connection can be provided between the drive device, for example, the output gear of the drive device, and the propulsion element. In one embodiment, a recuperation torque can also be transmitted from the propulsion element to the output gear of the drive device via this connection. In this way, energy can be recuperated by means of the drive device of the present invention, which has a positive effect on the range of the vehicle.The recuperation torque can be controlled according to the above. Furthermore, incorrect shifting in a derailleur, which often occurs with conventional drive systems, can be avoided. As a result, a drive system for a vehicle with particularly high reliability is provided.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electric drive device has a stator and a rotor arranged coaxially therewith and radially within it. Consequently, within the scope of this embodiment, the electric drive device can be designed as an internal rotor machine. The stator can be permanently fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to a stationary component, for example the housing described above. The rotor can be mechanically operatively connected, for example permanently connected in a rotationally fixed manner, to the first sun gear of the first planetary gear set. Furthermore, the rotor of the electric drive device can be mechanically operatively connected, for example rotationally fixed, via the switching device to the second sun gear of the second planetary gear set to provide the third gear.The rotor of the electric drive device can be connected to the first sun gear and the second sun gear via a hollow shaft that can extend through the electric drive device. The hollow shaft can be arranged coaxially with the pedal shaft of the drive device. Such a design of the electric drive device allows for a drive device with a particularly compact design, which enables easy integration of the drive device into a human-powered vehicle, especially a bicycle.

[0021] The electric drive device, the switching device and the planetary gear sets, i.e. the first and second planetary gear sets, can be arranged coaxially to the pedal shaft. In this case, the second planetary gear set, for example, is provided radially outside the switching device. In an axial direction, which can run in the direction of the pedal shaft, for example, the second planetary gear set can be arranged at approximately the same axial height as the switching device. In the axial direction, the switching device can be followed by the electric drive device, which in turn can be followed by the first planetary gear set. Accordingly, the electric drive device can be arranged in the axial direction between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set and thus between the first planetary gear set and the switching device.As described above, the permanent, rotationally fixed connection of the first planetary gear set, more precisely the first planetary carrier, to the second planetary gear set, more precisely the second ring gear, can be achieved by means of a hollow shaft, which can be arranged coaxially with the pedal shaft. The hollow shaft can, as described above, extend through the electric drive device. All these aspects of the present embodiments allow for a drive device with a particularly high degree of compactness, which enables good integration into the human-powered vehicle, for example, a bicycle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the switching device, the electric drive device, and the planetary gear sets, i.e., the first and second planetary gear sets, are arranged, for example, encased, in a common housing. In other words, the drive device can be arranged in a single housing. The housing can be designed to assume a supporting function for various components of the drive device and to protect the drive device from contamination. The housing can be the housing described above, which forms the stationary component described above. A battery, for example, the battery described above, for driving the electric drive device can be provided outside the housing. The housing can have one or more sections that, as described above, can be detachably connected to one another.

[0023] In one embodiment, the drive device further comprises a control device that can be configured, i.e. specifically prepared, for example programmed, to automatically shift the various gears, i.e. first, second, and third gear, depending on a required level of assistance. The control device can be provided in or on the housing described above and alternatively or additionally separately therefrom. The required level of assistance can be determined by the control device itself, for example based on one or more measured data. Alternatively or additionally, the required level of assistance can be supplied to the control device. The required level of assistance is a variable that describes the extent of assistance torque to be provided by the electric drive device.For example, the controller is configured to shift the electric drive device up from first to second and then to third gear, and alternatively or additionally to shift down from third to second and then to first gear. In one embodiment, the control device is further configured to recuperate energy by means of the electric drive device and, for example, the inverter described above. Through such recuperation, the vehicle can be braked by means of the drive device. At the same time, electrical energy can be fed back into the battery described above, which has a beneficial effect on the vehicle's range. The control device can be configured to control the recuperation according to the above explanations.

[0024] The present invention further relates to a human-powered vehicle with a drive device according to one of the previously described embodiments. The human-powered vehicle has a propulsion element, for example a wheel, and a mechanical coupling element for mechanically coupling the output gear of the drive device to the propulsion element. The vehicle can be designed such that, when the vehicle is traveling downhill, a recuperation torque is transmitted from the propulsion element via the endless circulating element to the output gear of the drive device in order to be able to recuperate energy with the electric drive device. In this case, only a single gear ratio and thus no gearshift, in particular no derailleur gear, can be provided between the drive device and the propulsion element. In one embodiment, the human-powered vehicle is designed as a bicycle, for example as an e-bike or pedelec.With regard to the design and advantages of the individual features, reference is made to the above explanations in connection with the drive device for the muscle-powered vehicle. Fig. 1 schematically shows a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a drive device of the muscle-powered vehicle from Fig. 1.

[0025] Fig. 1 schematically shows a human-powered vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 1 is a two-wheeled vehicle, more precisely a bicycle. The bicycle has a frame 2 on which a front fork 3 with a handlebar 4 is rotatably mounted. A front wheel 5 is rotatably attached to the front fork 3. Furthermore, a rear wheel 6 is rotatably mounted on the frame 2, which serves to propel the bicycle and thus represents a propulsion element 6. The human-powered vehicle 1 also has a drive device 7, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 1 between the rear wheel 6 and the front wheel 5. The drive device 7 is arranged in the region of a bottom bracket bearing of the frame 2, i.e., at the meeting point of a seat tube, a down tube, and a chainstay of the frame 2.The drive device 7 is described in detail below with reference to . Fig. 2 described.

[0026] The drive mechanism 7 comprises an electric drive device 28, which can be driven using energy from a battery 8 via an inverter (not shown). In the present embodiment, the battery 8 is attached to a down tube of the frame 2. Furthermore, the bicycle 1 comprises a control device 9 for operating the drive mechanism 7, which in the present embodiment is also provided on the down tube of the frame 2, for example, above the battery 8. The drive mechanism 7 is mechanically operatively connected to the rear wheel 6 via an endless circulating element 10, in this case a chain, in order to be able to transmit a torque from the drive mechanism 7 to the rear wheel 6 for propelling the bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 is designed such that a torque can also be transmitted from the rear wheel 6 to the drive mechanism 7 via the chain 10, for example when the bicycle 1 is traveling downhill.Thus, energy can be recuperated with the drive device 7, as described below.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the structure of the drive mechanism 7 of the bicycle 1. The drive mechanism 7 comprises a pedal shaft 26, to which pedals 27 are attached for absorbing the muscular power of a rider of the bicycle 1. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 7 comprises an electric drive device 28, a shifting mechanism 11, a first planetary gear set 12, and a second planetary gear set 13. In an axial direction A of the drive mechanism 7, i.e., in the direction of the pedal shaft 26, the shifting mechanism 11, the electric drive device 28, and the first planetary gear set 12 are arranged one behind the other in this order. The second planetary gear set 13 is provided radially outside the shifting mechanism 11 in a radial direction R of the drive mechanism 7 and at approximately the same axial height.

[0028] In addition, the drive device 7 comprises a driven gear 14, which in this case is designed as a chainring. The driven gear 14 is arranged radially outside the planetary gear sets 12, 13 and the electric drive device 28 and in the axial direction A between the switching device 11 and the electric drive device 28. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the planetary gear sets 12, 13, the electric drive device 28, the switching device 11, and the output gear 14 are arranged coaxially with the pedal shaft 26. Furthermore, the drive device 7 comprises a housing 15, which forms a stationary component. The planetary gear sets 12, 13, the switching device 11, and the electric drive device 28 are housed in the housing 15.

[0029] The first planetary gear set 12 is designed as a negative planetary gear set and has a first sun gear 29, a first planet carrier 30 with first planetary gears 31 rotatably mounted thereon, and a first ring gear 32. The first planetary gears 31 mesh with both the first sun gear 29 and the first ring gear 32. The first ring gear 32 is permanently connected to the pedal shaft 26 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0030] More precisely, a crank 17 is provided on the pedal shaft 26, on which a pedal 27 is rotatably mounted. In the present embodiment, the first ring gear 32 is permanently connected to the crank 17 in a rotationally fixed manner. The second planetary gear set 13 is also designed as a negative planetary gear set and has a second sun gear 18, a second planet carrier 19 with second planet gears 20 rotatably mounted thereon, and a second ring gear 21. The second planet gears 20 mesh with both the second sun gear 18 and the second ring gear 21.

[0031] The electric drive device 28 comprises a stator 22 and a rotor 23 arranged coaxially therewith and radially within. The stator 22 is permanently fixed to the housing 15 in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotor 23 provided radially within the stator 22 is mechanically operatively connected, in this case permanently rotationally connected, to the first sun gear 29 of the first planetary gear set 12. For this purpose, a first hollow shaft 24 is provided, which runs coaxially to the electric drive device 28 and the pedal shaft 26. The rotor 23 and the first sun gear 29 are permanently rotationally connected to the first hollow shaft 24. Furthermore, a second hollow shaft 25 is provided, which is arranged coaxially to the pedal shaft 26 and radially between the pedal shaft 26 and the first hollow shaft 24.The second hollow shaft 25 extends through the electric drive device 28 to permanently and non-rotatably connect the first planetary carrier 30 of the first planetary gear set 12 to the second ring gear 21 of the second planetary gear set 13. The second planetary carrier 19 is in turn mechanically operatively connected to the output gear 14, in this case permanently and non-rotatably connected.

[0032] Three different gears, i.e., three mutually different gear ratios, can be engaged between the electric drive device 28 and the output gear 14 via the shifting device 11. In the present embodiment, the shifting is performed by means of the above-described control device 9, which is designed as an electrical control device with a microcontroller. The control device 9 is configured to automatically shift the various gears of the drive device 7 via the shifting device 11. For this purpose, the control device 9 receives a required level of assistance or determines it itself and, on this basis, shifts one of the three gears of the drive device 7 via the shifting device 11.In addition, the control device 9 is configured to recuperate energy into the battery 8 via the electric drive device 28 and the inverter (not shown) described above, for example, during a downhill ride. As described above, the bicycle 1 is designed to transmit torque to the drive device 7, in this case to the output gear 14, via the endless circulating element 10. The drive device 7 is configured to convert such recuperation torque into electrical energy via the electric drive device 28, which can be supplied to the battery 8 via the inverter (not shown).

[0033] To provide a first gear of the drive device 7, the control device 9 is configured to connect the second sun gear 18 of the second planetary gear set 13 in a rotationally fixed manner to a stationary component, in this case the housing 15, by means of the switching device 11. In this first gear, the torque provided by the electric drive device 28 flows from the rotor 23 via the first sun gear 29 and the first planet carrier 30 to the second ring gear 21 and from there via the second planet carrier 19 to the output gear 14. The torque is transmitted from the output gear 14 to the rear wheel 6 by means of the endless circulating element 10 to propel the bicycle 1.

[0034] The control device 9 is further configured to engage a second gear via the shifting device 11. In the second gear, the second sun gear 18 of the second planetary gear set 13 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second hollow shaft 25 and consequently to the second ring gear 21 by means of the shifting device 11. Consequently, in this second gear, the second planetary gear set 13 is locked. The torque of the electric drive device 28 flows from the rotor 23 via the first sun gear 13 and the first planet carrier 14 to the second ring gear 21, which, due to the block orbit of the second planetary gear set 13, transmits the torque to the output gear 14. As in the first gear, the torque from the output gear 14 is now transmitted via the endless circulating element 10 to the rear wheel 6 to propel the bicycle 1.

[0035] The control device 9 is further configured to engage a third gear with the shifting device 11. In third gear, the second sun gear 18 of the second planetary gear set 13 is mechanically connected, in this case permanently and non-rotatably, to the rotor 23 of the electric drive device 28 by means of the shifting device 11. As a result, the torque of the electric drive device 28 flows from the rotor 23 to the first sun gear 29 and from there via the first planet carrier 30 to the second ring gear 21. From the second ring gear 21, it flows via the second planet carrier 19 to the output gear 14. In parallel, the torque of the rotor 23 flows to the second sun gear 18 and from there via the second planet carrier 19 to the output gear 14. As in the first and second gears, the torque is now transmitted from the output gear 14 via the endless circulating element 10 to the rear wheel 6 to propel the bicycle 1.

[0036] In all three gears, a torque can be introduced into the drive mechanism 7 by the bicycle rider via the pedal shaft 26, parallel to the torque of the electric drive device 28. This torque is transmitted in all three gears from the pedal shaft 26 via the first ring gear 32, the first planet carrier 30, and the second ring gear 21 to the second planet carrier 19, and from there to the output gear 14. The output gear 14 of the drive mechanism 7 therefore transmits both a torque provided by the electric drive device 28 and a torque introduced by the rider's muscular power via the pedal shaft 26 via the endless circulating element 10 to the rear wheel 6 to propel the bicycle. Consequently, the drive mechanism 7 of the present embodiment provides a drive mechanism with a wide gear ratio spread that is simultaneously configured to recuperate energy.The endless circulating element 10 can also provide a further transmission ratio, which can be adapted to the application profile. Reference symbol 1 bicycle 2 frames 3 front fork 4 handlebars 5 front wheel 6 rear wheel 7 Drive device 8 Battery 9 Control device 10 Endless circulation element 11 Switching device 12, 13 Planetary gear set 14 Output gear 15 housings 18, 29 Sun gear 19, 30 planet carrier 20, 31 planetary gear 21, 32 ring gear 22 Stator 23 Rotor 24, 25 hollow shaft 26 Pedal shaft 27 pedals 28 electric drive device A axial direction R Radial direction

Claims

[1] Drive device (7) for a muscle-powered vehicle (1) with an electric drive device (28), a pedal shaft (26) for absorbing a driver's muscle power, a stationary component (15), a first planetary gear set (12) with a first sun gear (29), a first planet carrier (30) with a first planet gear (31) rotatably mounted thereon and a first ring gear (32), a second planetary gear set (13) with a second sun gear (18), a second planet carrier (19) with a second planet gear (20) rotatably mounted thereon and a second ring gear (21), an output gear (14), and a switching device (11), wherein the first sun gear (29) is mechanically operatively connected to the electric drive device (28), the first planet carrier (30) is permanently connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second ring gear (21), the first ring gear (32) is mechanically operatively connected to the pedal shaft (26),the second planet carrier (19) is mechanically operatively connected to the output gear (14), the second sun gear (18) is rotatably connected to the stationary component (15) via the switching device (11) in order to provide a first gear, the second sun gear (18) is rotatably connected to the second ring gear (21) via the switching device (11) in order to provide a second gear, and the second sun gear (18) is mechanically operatively connected to the electric drive device (28) via the switching device (11) in order to provide a third gear. [2] Drive device (7) according to claim 1, characterized byin that the electric drive device (28) has a stator (22) and a rotor (23) arranged coaxially thereto and radially inside, wherein the stator (22) is permanently fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to a stationary component (15) and the rotor (23) is mechanically operatively connected to the first sun gear (29) and can be mechanically operatively connected to the second sun gear (18) via the switching device (11) to provide the third gear. [3] Drive device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electric drive device (28), the switching device (11) and the planetary gear sets (12, 13) are arranged coaxially to the pedal shaft (26). [4] Drive device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the second planetary gear set (13) is arranged radially outside the switching device (11) and substantially at the same axial height as the switching device (11), and in that the switching device (11), the electric drive device (28) and the first planetary gear set (12) are arranged one behind the other in this order in an axial direction (A) of the drive device (7). [5] Drive device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the switching device (11), the electric drive device (28) and the planetary gear sets (12, 13) are arranged in a common housing (15). [6] Drive device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive device (7) has a control device (9) which is designed to automatically switch the gears depending on a required level of assistance. [7] Drive device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive device (7) has a control device (9) which is designed to recuperate energy by means of the electric drive device (28). [8] Muscle-powered vehicle (1) with a drive device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, a propulsion element (6) and a mechanical coupling element (10) for mechanically coupling the output gear (14) of the drive device (7) to the propulsion element (6). [9] Muscle-powered vehicle (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the vehicle is designed to transmit a recuperation torque when the vehicle (1) is traveling downhill from the propulsion element (6) via the mechanical coupling element (10) to the output gear (14) of the drive device (7) in order to be able to recuperate energy with the electric drive device (28). [10] Muscle-powered vehicle (1) according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized by that the muscle-powered vehicle is designed as a bicycle (1).

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