Electric drive system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric drive unit (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor (14), a transmission unit (22) through which the motor vehicle can be driven by means of the electric motor (14), and a cooling and / or lubrication circuit (28) through which a cooling and / or lubricating medium flows, in which the electric motor (14) and the transmission unit (22), which are to be cooled and / or lubricated by means of the cooling and / or lubricating medium, and a valve assembly (30) are arranged, through which the transmission unit (22) can be supplied with the cooling and / or lubricating medium. The valve assembly (30) is designed as a double-ball valve assembly, which has a valve housing (36) with a receiving channel (38), the longitudinal axis (40) of which, in the installed position of the electric drive unit (10), runs obliquely to a plane (42) spanned by the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a car. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a car, with such an electric drive device.

[0002] DE 10 2012 214 495 B3 discloses a device for ensuring an oil supply to a secondary circuit of a transmission of a hybrid drive train, comprising an electrically operated auxiliary oil pump as known, which includes a bypass valve connected between the outlet of the auxiliary oil pump and the secondary circuit of the transmission's hydraulic circuit. The bypass valve opens at a predetermined opening pressure and closes at a predetermined closing pressure below the minimum system pressure.

[0003] CN 1 17 759 701 A discloses a reduction gear device for an aircraft turboprop engine, in which a forward oil return port is connected to the interior of a reduction gear housing and an integrated oil return cavity, and a reverse oil return port is connected to the interior of the reduction gear housing. A first and a second closure structure are provided.

[0004] DE 10 2021 131 521 A1 discloses a supply device for providing at least one component of a vehicle with a lubricant and / or coolant for cooling and / or lubricating the component, wherein the supply device has a reservoir for receiving the lubricant and / or coolant and a pump for conveying the lubricant and / or coolant from the reservoir to the component.

[0005] EP 4 152 575 A1 discloses an electric drive comprising an electric machine and a gearbox, which are housed in a common system casing. The electric machine is associated with a cooling system and at least one valve.

[0006] DE 10 2018 002 042 A1 describes a hydraulic system for a motor vehicle transmission as known.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric drive device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with such an electric drive device, in such a way that a particularly advantageous cooling and / or lubrication of the electric drive device can be achieved.

[0008] This problem is solved by an electric drive device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor car, in particular as a passenger car, has the electric drive device in its fully manufactured state and can be driven electrically, in particular purely or at least partially, by means of the electric drive device. In particular, the motor vehicle in its fully manufactured state has at least or exactly two vehicle axles, also referred to simply as axles, namely a first vehicle axle and a second vehicle axle. Each vehicle axle has, for example, at least or exactly two respective vehicle wheels, also referred to simply as wheels.The wheels of each axle are located on opposite sides of the vehicle in the transverse direction. The wheels are ground contact elements, allowing the vehicle to be supported or stabilized against the ground in its vertical direction. The axles are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction, one behind the other. When the vehicle is driven along the ground while supported by these ground contact elements, the elements roll along the ground, particularly directly.

[0010] The electric drive system comprises at least one electric machine, which is also referred to as the first electric machine. When the electric machine is mentioned below, it refers to the first electric machine unless otherwise specified. The motor vehicle can be driven by means of the electric machine, in particular electrically and especially purely electrically, in particular such that at least or exactly one of the vehicle wheels can be driven by means of the electric machine, or at least or exactly one of the vehicle axles. The at least one vehicle wheel that can be driven by means of the electric machine is also referred to as the drive wheel. When the vehicle wheel is mentioned before and below, it refers to the drive wheel, i.e., the at least one vehicle wheel, unless otherwise specified.For example, the electric machine has a stator and a rotor, which can be driven by means of the stator and is therefore rotatable about a machine axis of rotation relative to the stator. For example, the electric machine can provide drive torques via its rotor to drive the vehicle wheel. In particular, the vehicle wheel is rotatable about a wheel axis of rotation relative to the stator. It is conceivable that the electric drive unit has a housing. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the electric drive unit has at least or exactly one of the vehicle axles. When the vehicle axle or at least one vehicle axle is mentioned below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the vehicle axle of the electric drive unit. When the vehicle wheels are mentioned below, the drive wheel of one of the vehicle wheels is meant.The electric drive unit is also referred to as a drive system or electric drive system. In particular, the vehicle wheel is rotatable about its axis of rotation relative to the housing. Specifically, the rotor is rotatable about its axis of rotation relative to the housing.

[0011] The electric drive unit has at least one transmission unit, which is, for example, arranged in the housing. The vehicle can be driven via the transmission unit by means of the electric machine, that is, by means of the rotor. In particular, at least the drive wheel can be driven via the transmission unit by means of the electric machine, that is, by means of the rotor. The drive wheel is thus, for example, one of the first wheels of the vehicle axle. The electric machine is also referred to as the first electric machine. The rotor is also referred to as the first rotor. The stator is also referred to as the first stator. The respective drive torque is also referred to as the respective first drive torque. When the electric machine is mentioned below, unless otherwise specified, this refers to the first electric machine.When the term "rotor" is used below, it refers to the first rotor unless otherwise specified. Similarly, when the term "stator" is used below, it refers to the first stator unless otherwise specified. Similarly, when the term "drive torque" is used below, it refers to the respective first drive torque unless otherwise specified. In principle, it is conceivable that both wheels of the vehicle axle could be driven via the transmission unit by means of the electric machine, i.e., by means of the rotor. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first wheel of the vehicle could be driven via the transmission unit by means of the electric machine, bypassing the second wheel of the vehicle axle. The transmission unit is also referred to as the first transmission unit.When the term "transmission device" is used before and after, it refers, unless otherwise specified, to the first transmission device. It is conceivable that a second electric machine with a second stator and a second rotor, as well as a second transmission device, are provided, wherein, for example, the second vehicle wheel can be driven by the second electric machine, bypassing the first vehicle wheel, by means of the second rotor, the first and second vehicle wheels being the same vehicle axle. For example, the second electric machine can provide second drive torques for driving the second vehicle wheel via its second rotor.Thus, for example, the respective first drive torque can be transmitted from the first rotor via the first transmission device, bypassing the second transmission device and the second vehicle wheel, to the first vehicle wheel, so that the respective first drive torque does not flow or travel from the first rotor to the first vehicle wheel via the second transmission device and via the second vehicle wheel.Furthermore, the respective second drive torque can, for example, be transmitted from the second rotor to the second vehicle wheel via the second transmission unit, bypassing the first transmission unit and the first vehicle wheel. This means that the respective second drive torque does not flow from the second rotor to the second vehicle wheel via the first transmission unit. By using the two transmission units and the two electric machines, a so-called dual drive can be implemented, which allows the vehicle wheels to be driven advantageously. The transmission units are then, for example, part of a complete transmission system, also simply referred to as a gearbox. The aforementioned machine axis of rotation is also called the first machine axis of rotation.When the machine axis of rotation is mentioned before and below, this refers, unless otherwise specified, to the first machine axis of rotation. For example, the second rotor can be driven by the second stator and is therefore rotatable about a second machine axis of rotation relative to the second stator. It is conceivable that the machine axes of rotation coincide, or that the machine axes of rotation run parallel to each other and are spaced apart.

[0012] The electric drive unit also includes a cooling and / or lubrication circuit, which is also simply referred to as a circuit or circuit. The cooling and / or lubrication circuit is permeated by a cooling and / or lubricating medium, which is also simply referred to as a fluid. For example, the fluid is a liquid. In particular, the fluid is an oil. Preferably, the electric drive unit includes the fluid, which is thus preferably a component of the electric drive unit. Both the electric motor and the transmission unit are arranged in the circuit, so that both the electric motor and the transmission unit can be supplied with the fluid. It is conceivable that, for example, a second transmission unit is also arranged in the circuit, so that preferably the second transmission unit can also be supplied with the fluid.The preceding and following explanations regarding the first electric machine can readily be applied to the second electric machine and vice versa. The preceding and following explanations regarding the first gearbox can readily be applied to the second gearbox and vice versa. Since the electric machine and the gearbox are arranged in the same circuit, they must be cooled and / or lubricated by the fluid.

[0013] The circuit also includes a valve assembly, which is also referred to as the first valve assembly. Whenever the valve assembly is mentioned before and after, it refers to the first valve assembly unless otherwise specified. The transmission unit can be supplied with fluid via the valve assembly. It is conceivable that a second valve assembly is provided in the circuit in addition to the first, through which the second transmission unit can be supplied with fluid. For example, the first transmission unit can be supplied with fluid via the first valve assembly, bypassing both the second valve assembly and the second transmission unit, so that, for instance, the fluid bypasses the second valve assembly and the second transmission unit on its way to the first transmission unit.For example, the second transmission unit can be supplied with fluid via the second valve unit, bypassing the first valve unit and the first transmission unit, so that, for example, the fluid bypasses the first valve unit and the first transmission unit on its way to the second transmission unit.

[0014] Preferably, the electric machine is designed as an axial flux machine. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second electric machine is also designed as an axial flux machine. Each axial flux machine is also referred to as an axial flux motor (AFM).

[0015] For example, a pump, also referred to as a cooling and / or lubricant pump, is arranged in the circuit, and in particular, precisely. The pump circulates the fluid through the circuit. Specifically, the pump can deliver the fluid to the electric motor and the transmission unit. Especially when the fluid is oil, the pump is also referred to as an oil pump. Preferably, the pump is an electric pump, i.e., an electrically operated pump. To achieve particularly advantageous cooling and / or lubrication of the electric drive unit, the invention provides that the valve assembly is designed as a double ball valve assembly.The double-ball valve assembly comprises a valve housing with a receiving channel, the longitudinal axis of which, in the installed position of the electric drive unit (which assumes its installed position in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle containing the electric drive unit), runs obliquely to a plane spanned by the longitudinal and transverse directions of the motor vehicle, also referred to as the xy-plane, which is also called the first plane. When the plane is mentioned before and below, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the first plane, i.e., the xy-plane.Since the longitudinal axis of the receiving channel runs obliquely to the xy-plane when the electric drive unit is installed, the longitudinal axis, for example, runs obliquely to both the xy-plane and the horizontal plane when the electric drive unit is installed and when the vehicle is standing on a horizontal plane (also referred to as a second plane). The receiving channel is also called a spherical channel. For example, the receiving channel is designed as a so-called valve cylinder whose cylinder axis coincides with the longitudinal axis. The term "valve cylinder" refers specifically to the receiving channel being cylindrical, particularly on its inner circumference, and thus having the form of a right circular cylinder whose cylinder axis coincides with the longitudinal axis, with the right circular cylinder being rotationally symmetrical about the cylinder axis.In particular, the receiving channel is limited by a circumferential surface of the valve housing, especially directly, so that the receiving channel is arranged in the valve housing, i.e. in an interior of the valve housing.

[0016] The double-ball valve assembly has a supply, also referred to as a supply device, which is fluidically connected to the receiving channel and through which the fluid flows. This means, in particular, that the supply has at least one or exactly one or more channels or bores, also referred to as inlet channels, wherein the respective supply channel opens into the receiving channel and is thereby fluidically connected to it. The valve assembly also has a discharge, also referred to as a discharge device, which is fluidically connected to the receiving channel. The discharge has, for example, at least one or exactly one or more discharge channels, also referred to as outlet channels, wherein the respective discharge channel opens onto or branches off from the discharge channel internally and is thereby fluidically connected to it.

[0017] The valve assembly (double ball valve assembly) also comprises two balls arranged in the receiving channel and thus in the valve housing, which are separate from the valve housing and separate from each other. These balls are movable, specifically and therefore exclusively, by gravity along their longitudinal axis and relative to the valve housing between a first position and a second position, meaning they are, in particular, rollable. This means that the balls can roll back and forth along their longitudinal axis relative to the valve housing between the first and second positions, specifically by gravity. In particular, when each ball rolls back and forth along its longitudinal axis relative to the valve housing between the positions, it rolls, in particular directly, against the aforementioned inner circumferential surface.

[0018] In the first position, the discharge is fluidically connected to the intake channel and, via the intake channel, fluidically connected to the supply, thus allowing the transmission device to be supplied with fluid via the discharge, the intake channel, and the supply. In the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the valve assembly to the transmission device, the supply is arranged upstream of the intake channel and upstream of the discharge, the intake channel is arranged downstream of the supply and upstream of the discharge, the discharge is arranged downstream of the intake channel and downstream of the supply, and the transmission device is arranged downstream of the discharge, downstream of the intake channel, and downstream of the supply.In particular, in the first position, at least one or exactly one discharge channel is fluidically connected to the supply channel of the supply or fluidically to the, in particular all, supply channels of the supply or fluidically to at least one or exactly one of the supply channels of the supply, each via the receiving channel.

[0019] In the second position, the discharge is fluidically separated from the supply by means of the balls, thus preventing the supply of fluid to the transmission device via the discharge, the receiving channel, and the supply by means of the balls. In particular, it is conceivable that in the second position, at least one or exactly one discharge channel, or in particular all of the discharge channels, are fluidically separated by means of the balls from at least one or exactly one supply channel, and in particular from the supply channel or channels, so that in the second position, the supply of fluid to the transmission device via the valve device is prevented, i.e., avoided.

[0020] The feature that the balls can move back and forth along their longitudinal axis and relative to the valve housing between positions solely due to gravity means, in particular, that the force of gravity acting on the balls is sufficient on its own to move them back and forth along their longitudinal axis and relative to the housing between the positions. This means that actively driving the balls to move them back and forth between the positions is neither necessary nor intended and is therefore omitted. This allows for a particularly simple, cost-effective, and lightweight method of supplying the transmission mechanism with fluid in a highly efficient, reliable, and advantageous manner.In particular, the invention enables an advantageous and sufficient supply of fluid to the electric machine during driving maneuvers such as downhill driving or braking, in which rotational movements of the vehicle or its body around the vehicle's transverse direction occur, also referred to as pitching or vehicle pitching, especially during recuperation operation of the electric machine. This is because, for example, during these driving maneuvers the balls, especially purely, are moved from the first position to the second position due to gravity, thus preventing the supply of fluid to the transmission device. This ensures an increased and therefore sufficient supply of a sufficient quantity of fluid to the electric machine.This applies in particular if the electric machine or its axis of rotation is located behind the wheel axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Furthermore, for example during driving maneuvers such as uphill driving and strong accelerations of the vehicle, such as those occurring when starting off, as well as when high torque requirements are involved, where the vehicle or its body rotates laterally, a reliable supply of fluid to the electric machine and thus advantageous cooling and / or lubrication of the electric machine can be ensured, since during these driving maneuvers, for example, the balls, especially due to gravity, are moved from the first position to the second position and thus a supply of fluid to the transmission device is prevented, thereby ensuring an increased and thus sufficient supply of fluid to the electric machine.The latter applies particularly when the electric motor, or its axis of rotation, is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the wheel axis of rotation. The invention is particularly advantageous when the electric drive unit has a reservoir from which the pump can draw the fluid, and when, for example, a receiving area in which the fluid is collected, forming a sump (also referred to as an oil sump), is locally and thus spatially separated from the reservoir. This prevents the fluid from accumulating excessively in the receiving area and thus being lacking in the reservoir, which could result in the pump's intake port, which draws the fluid through its intake port, being located above a fluid level (also referred to as the surface level) in the reservoir.In other words, the invention ensures that the pump's intake port is always below the level of the fluid that can be absorbed or is absorbed in the reservoir, so that a reliable supply of fluid to the electric machine can be guaranteed even during the aforementioned driving maneuvers.

[0021] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In high-performance electric drive systems, a virtually continuous supply of fluid to the electric motor is desirable during operation. During sustained vehicle operation at large angles of inclination around the transverse and / or longitudinal direction, for example, off-road driving, the fluid used for cooling and / or lubrication can, especially if no countermeasures are taken, migrate so far into an interior space of the drive unit that, for example, the intake area of ​​the pump, which draws in the fluid and thus conveys it to itself, runs dry, thereby interrupting the fluid supply to the electric motor. The aforementioned problems and disadvantages can now be avoided by the invention.Due to the inclined course of the longitudinal axis of the receiving channel, the balls, especially the clean ones, are actuated by gravity and thus caused to roll back and forth between the positions, thereby enabling an advantageous, particularly space-saving, weight-saving and cost-effective supply of fluid to both the electric machine and the transmission device.

[0022] In summary, the inclined longitudinal axis allows the fluid supply to the transmission unit to be selectively enabled or disabled, primarily due to gravity. This means that, for example, during uphill driving and strong acceleration, or during downhill driving and strong braking, the fluid supply to the transmission unit is interrupted, primarily due to gravity. This interruption of the fluid supply to the transmission unit, primarily due to gravity, ensures a reliable and efficient fluid supply to the electric motor, thus guaranteeing reliable and efficient cooling and / or lubrication of the electric motor at all times.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the balls assume their first position solely by gravity and thus independently, simply because the vehicle, in the installed position of the electric drive unit, is standing on the horizontal plane, which is formed, for example, by the aforementioned floor. This ensures an advantageous supply of fluid to the electric motor and the transmission unit.

[0024] In order to ensure a particularly simple supply of fluid to the electric machine, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the spheres move from the first position to the second position along the longitudinal axis purely by gravity and thus independently, by means of a rotation of the vehicle forwards about the transverse direction of the vehicle, with reference to the installation position of the electric machine and with reference to the state in which the motor vehicle is on the horizontal plane, the front of which lowers downwards as a result of the rotation in the vertical direction.

[0025] In order to ensure a particularly advantageous and reliable supply of fluid to the electric machine, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the spheres move from the first position to the second position along the longitudinal axis purely by gravity and thus independently, by rotating the vehicle about the transverse direction to the rear in relation to the installation position of the electric drive device and starting from a state in which the vehicle is on the horizontal plane, the rear of which lowers downwards as a result of the rotation in the vertical direction.

[0026] Another embodiment is characterized in that the electric drive train has the aforementioned vehicle axle, which has the aforementioned vehicle wheels rotatable about the respective wheel axis. In this embodiment, at least one vehicle wheel can be driven by the electric motor via the transmission device.

[0027] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous supply of fluid to the electric machine, it has proven especially advantageous if the electric machine or its axis of rotation is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the axis of rotation of at least one vehicle wheel, wherein, viewed in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle, also referred to as the xz-plane, the longitudinal axis of the receiving channel runs from the bottom rear to the top front of the vehicle.

[0028] Another embodiment, designed to achieve a particularly advantageous supply of fluid to the electric machine, is characterized by the fact that the electric machine or its axis of rotation is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the axis of rotation of at least one vehicle wheel, wherein, viewed in the xy-plane, the longitudinal axis of the receiving channel runs from the rear top to the front bottom in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0029] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the receiving channel forms an angle with the xy-plane, which lies in the range of 30 degrees to 40 degrees inclusive. This ensures, for example, that the balls are moved back and forth between the positions, particularly by gravity, so that the balls assume the first position when a supply of fluid to both the electric motor and the transmission unit is advantageous and desired, and so that the balls assume the second position when an interruption of the fluid supply to the transmission unit is advantageous and desired, thus ensuring a reliable fluid supply to the electric motor.

[0030] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the balls are made of a metallic material, especially steel. This ensures spontaneous and reliable operation of the valve assembly, as it guarantees, in particular, that the balls are made of a material with a higher density than the fluid.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor car, in particular as a passenger car, and also simply referred to as a vehicle, which has an electric drive device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0032] Preferably, the electric machine is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating and / or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and most preferably several hundred volts.

[0033] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0034] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the electric drive device; Fig. 3 a schematic and cutaway side view of the electric drive unit in a first position of the electric drive unit, which assumes its first position when the motor vehicle is on a horizontal plane; Fig. 4 a schematic and cutaway side view of the electric drive unit in a second position of the electric drive unit, which assumes the second position, for example, when the motor vehicle is traveling downhill; Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view of a valve assembly of the drive unit in the first position; and Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of the valve assembly in the second position.

[0035] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an electric drive unit 10 of a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, which is preferably designed as a car, in particular as a passenger car. The electric drive unit 10 is also referred to as a drive unit, drive system, or electric drive system. The motor vehicle has exactly two axles, namely a first axle and a second axle. The axles are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and thus one behind the other. Each axle has exactly two wheels. The wheels of the motor vehicle are ground contact elements by means of which the motor vehicle can be supported or is supported downwards against a ground in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle.The respective wheels of each vehicle axle are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle in the transverse direction. The drive unit 10 has at least one or exactly one of the vehicle axles, such that the at least one or exactly one vehicle axle is a component of the drive unit 10. The at least one or exactly one vehicle axle of the drive unit 10 is also referred to as the first vehicle axle. When the term "vehicle axle" is used before and below, it refers to the first vehicle axle unless otherwise specified. When the term "vehicle wheels" is used below, it refers to the vehicle wheels of the vehicle axle unless otherwise specified.

[0037] Out of Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the drive unit 10 has a housing 12. The electric drive unit 10 also has a partially in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 recognizable and in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a particularly schematic representation of the first electrical machine 14, which has a first stator 16 and a first rotor. The first rotor can be driven by means of the first stator 16 and is thereby rotatable about a first machine axis of rotation relative to the stator 16 and relative to the housing 12. Fig. Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the drive device 10. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the electric drive unit 10. In both the first and second embodiments, the drive unit 10 includes a second electric machine 18 in addition to the first electric machine 14. The second electric machine 18 has a second stator 20 and a second rotor, which can be driven by means of the second stator 20 and is thus rotatable about a second machine axis of rotation relative to the stator 20 and relative to the housing 12. For example, the electric machines 14 and 18 are arranged coaxially to each other, so that their axes of rotation coincide. Furthermore, each electric machine 14, 18 is arranged axially parallel to the vehicle axis. This means, in particular, that the respective machine axis of rotation runs parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle.Furthermore, it is provided that the respective electrical machine 14, 18 is designed as an axial flux machine.

[0038] One of the vehicle wheels on the vehicle axle is also called the first vehicle wheel, and the other of the vehicle wheels on the vehicle axle is also called the second vehicle wheel.

[0039] The drive unit 10 has a first transmission unit 22, which is assigned to the electric machine 14 and the first vehicle wheel. The drive unit 10 also has a second transmission unit 24, which is assigned to the second vehicle wheel and the second electric machine 18. The transmission units 22 and 24 form, for example, a transmission of the drive unit 10, which may also be referred to as the complete transmission 26. For example, the transmission unit 22 is a first gear set. For example, the transmission unit 24 is a second gear set. By means of the electric machine 14, that is, by means of the first rotor, the first vehicle wheel can be driven via the first transmission unit 22, bypassing the electric machine 18, the second vehicle wheel, and the second transmission unit 24.The second vehicle wheel can be driven by means of the electric machine 18 and thus by means of the second rotor via the second transmission unit 24, bypassing the first electric machine 14, the first vehicle wheel, and the first transmission unit 22. The first electric machine 14 can provide initial drive torques via its first rotor, whereby the respective initial drive torque can be transmitted from the first rotor to the first vehicle wheel via the transmission unit 22, bypassing the transmission unit 24, the electric machine 18, and the second vehicle wheel, in order to drive the first vehicle wheel. The second electric machine 18 can provide secondary drive torques via its second rotor.The respective second drive torque can be transmitted from the second rotor to the second vehicle wheel via the second gear unit 24, bypassing the electric machine 14, the transmission unit 22, and the first vehicle wheel, thereby driving the second vehicle wheel. By driving the respective vehicle wheel, it can be rotated about its respective wheel axis relative to the housing 12 and relative to the stators 16 and 20. Furthermore, by driving the respective vehicle wheel, the entire vehicle can be driven.

[0040] The gear units 22 and 24 are arranged in the housing 12. For example, the first gear unit 22 comprises first gear components, and the gear unit 24 comprises, for example, second gear components. The first gear components have, for example, first gears, which are configured, for example, as first spur gears. The second gear components have, for example, second gears, which are configured, for example, as second spur gears. For example, the first gears form first spur gear stages, and the second gears form, for example, second spur gear stages. The preceding and following descriptions of the gear unit 22 and thus of the first gear components can readily be applied to the second gear unit 24 and the second gear components, and vice versa.

[0041] The drive unit 10 has a circuit 28 through which a cooling and lubricating medium can flow and is therefore also referred to as a circuit or cooling and / or lubrication circuit. The cooling and / or lubricating medium is also referred to as a fluid and is preferably a liquid, in particular an oil. It can be seen that the electric machines 14 and 18 and the gear units 22 and 24 are arranged in the circuit 28, in this case such that at least or exclusively the stators 16 and 20 of the electric machines 14 and 18 are arranged in the circuit 28. Thus, the gear units 22 and 24 and the stators 16 and 20 can be supplied with the fluid, whereby the gear units 22 and 24 and the stators 16 and 20 can be cooled and / or lubricated by means of the fluid.

[0042] The drive unit 10 has a valve assembly 30, which in the first embodiment is a common valve assembly for the transmission units 22 and 24. In the first embodiment, the transmission units 22 and 24 can be supplied with fluid via the valve assembly 30, bypassing the electric machines 14 and 18.

[0043] In the second embodiment, the drive unit 10 comprises the valve unit 30 and a second valve unit 32, wherein the valve unit 30 is assigned to the transmission unit 22 and the valve unit 32 to the transmission unit 24. In the second embodiment, the transmission unit 22 can be supplied with fluid via the valve unit 30, bypassing the valve unit 32, the transmission unit 24, and the electric machines 14 and 18. Similarly, the transmission unit 24 can be supplied with fluid via the valve unit 32, bypassing the valve unit 30, the transmission unit 22, and the electric machine 14. The preceding and following descriptions of the transmission unit 22 are readily transferable to the transmission unit 24, and vice versa.The preceding and following statements regarding valve assembly 30 can readily be applied to valve assembly 32 and vice versa.

[0044] A pump 34 is also arranged in the circuit 28, by means of which the fluid can be conveyed to the gear units 22 and 24 and to the electric machines 14 and 18, i.e., to the stators 16 and 20. In the first embodiment, the fluid flows from the pump 34 to the respective gear unit 22, 24 via the valve assembly 30. In the second embodiment, the fluid conveyed by the pump 34 flows from the pump 34 to the gear unit 22 via the valve assembly 30, bypassing the gear unit 24 and the valve assembly 32. Conversely, from the pump 34 to the gear unit 24, the fluid conveyed by the pump 34 flows from the pump 34 to the gear unit 24 via the valve assembly 32, bypassing the valve assembly 30 and the gear unit 22.

[0045] Out of Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 clearly shows that the respective valve assembly 30, 32 is designed as a double-ball valve assembly. The respective valve assembly 30, 32 has a valve housing 36 with a receiving channel 38, the longitudinal axis 40 of which, in the installed position of the electric drive unit 10, runs obliquely to a plane 42, also referred to as the xy-plane, which is defined by the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The drive unit 10 assumes its installed position in the fully assembled state of the vehicle, as shown in the figures. The valve assembly 30, 32 has a fluid-flow inlet 44, which is fluidically connected to the receiving channel 38.In the embodiment shown in the figures, the supply 44, in particular at least or exactly, has a supply channel 46, also referred to as an inlet channel, which is fluidically connected to the receiving channel 38 at at least or exactly two supply points Z. The respective valve assembly 30, 32 also has a discharge 48 fluidically connected to the receiving channel 38. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the discharge 48, in particular at least or exactly, has a discharge channel 50 through which the fluid can flow, which in this case is fluidically connected to the receiving channel 38 at exactly one discharge point A. It can be seen that the supply points Z are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 40, with the discharge point A being arranged between the supply points Z along the longitudinal axis 40.

[0046] The respective valve assembly 30, 32 also has, in particular, two balls 52a,b arranged in the receiving channel 38, which are positioned along the longitudinal axis 40 and relative to the valve housing 36 by gravity alone between a first position S1 ( Fig. 5) and a second position S2 ( Fig. 6) are movable. In the first position S1, the discharge 48 is fluidically connected to the receiving channel 38 and, via the receiving channel 38, fluidically connected to the supply 44, whereby the respective gear unit 22, 24 can be supplied with fluid via the discharge 48, the receiving channel 38 and the supply 44. In the second position S2, the discharge 48 is fluidically separated from the supply 44 by means of the balls 52a,b, thereby preventing the respective gear unit 22, 24 from being supplied with fluid via the discharge 48, the receiving channel 38 and the supply 44 by means of the balls 52a,b. It can be seen that the spheres 52a,b are in direct contact with each other in both the first position S1 and the second position S2, so that, viewed along the longitudinal axis 40, a space ZW, also simply called an interspace, is arranged between the spheres 52a,b.

[0047] For example, when the fluid is pumped by the pump 34, a first pressure, in particular of the fluid, exists in the supply 44. It is conceivable that in the second position S2, the first pressure also exists, in particular, in the receiving channel 38, since, for example, in the second position S2, the receiving channel 38, that is, at least part of the receiving channel 38, is fluidically connected to the supply 44. It is conceivable that in the first position S1, the first pressure also exists, in particular, in the receiving channel 38, since, for example, in the first position S1, the receiving channel 38 is connected to the supply 44. For example, in the first position S1 and in the second position S2, a second pressure exists in the discharge 48. It is conceivable that in the first position S1, the second pressure is lower than the first pressure.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 5 shows arrows illustrating a flow of fluid, which flows in particular from the pump 34 towards the respective gearbox 22, 24.

[0049] In Fig. In section 5, α is an angle also referred to as the angle of inclination, wherein the longitudinal axis 40 forms the angle α with the plane 42. Preferably, the angle α lies in a range from 30 degrees inclusive to 40 degrees inclusive. In particular, it is conceivable that when the motor vehicle is standing on a horizontal plane, for example formed by the aforementioned ground, the plane 42 coincides with the horizontal plane or runs parallel to the horizontal plane. Fig. 5. A first position of the drive unit 10. The drive unit 10 assumes its first position when the motor vehicle comprising the drive unit 10 is on the aforementioned horizontal plane, in particular when stationary. Thus, for example, Fig. 5 a state in which the motor vehicle is on the horizontal plane, in particular stationary.

[0050] Fig. Figure 6 shows a second position of the drive unit 10, which, for example, assumes its second position when the vehicle is traveling downhill. When traveling downhill, the vehicle, for example, travels downhill along a level surface. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an arrow 54 representing the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle, which, in particular when traveling downhill, moves forward in the forward direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0051] Recognizable from Fig. 5 is that the spheres 52a,b assume the first position S1 purely due to gravity and thus independently because the motor vehicle having the drive unit 10 is on a horizontal plane, in particular because it is stationary. From Fig. Figure 6 is recognizable and an arrow 56 illustrates that the spheres 52a,b move from the first position S1 to the second position S2 along the longitudinal axis 40 solely due to gravity and thus independently, by virtue of the installation position of the electric drive unit 10 and starting from the aforementioned state in which the motor vehicle is on the horizontal plane, in particular stationary, a rotation of the motor vehicle forwards about the transverse direction of the vehicle occurs, the front of which lowers vertically as a result of the rotation. The first pressure is also referred to as the inlet pressure.

[0052] It is evident that the valve assembly 30, 32 has a switching function, also referred to as a changeover function, since the valve assembly 30, 32 can be switched between, in particular at least or exactly, two switching states, namely a first switching state and a second switching state. The valve assembly 30, 32 assumes the first switching state when and in particular always when the balls 52a,b are in the first position S1, so that the first switching state corresponds to the first position S1. The valve assembly 30, 32 assumes the second switching state when and in particular always when the balls 52a,b are in the second position S2, so that the second switching state corresponds to the second position S2.A particular advantage of the valve assembly 30, 32 is that its switching function is not influenced by the inlet pressure or by variations in the inlet pressure, since the inlet pressure acts on both sides of the spheres 52a,b, which serve as switching elements, when viewed along the longitudinal axis 40, thus canceling out any force acting on the spheres 52a,b. For example, the receiving channel 38 is a sphere channel, or the receiving channel 38 is referred to as a sphere channel. It can be seen that the supply channel 46, also referred to as the inlet channel, branches and divides, ending at the supply points Z and opening into the receiving channel 38 at the supply points Z, with each supply point Z being located at one end of the receiving channel 38. The ends of the receiving channel 38 are opposite each other along the longitudinal axis 40.The two spheres 52a,b arranged in the receiving channel 38 always move, due to gravity, to the lower end of the receiving channel 38, the ends of which are also referred to as channel ends. The discharge 48, in particular the discharge channel 50, also referred to as the outlet channel, and especially the discharge point A, is arranged such that in the first position S1, the discharge point A is not covered by either of the spheres 52a,b, so that the fluid can flow via the supply 44 into the receiving channel 38 and from there to the discharge point A and via this into the discharge 48, and thus be supplied to the transmission device 22, 24.For example, if the vehicle is driven downhill along a level surface, or if the vehicle is braked sharply and thus decelerated along a level surface, and if, for example, a longitudinal inclination angle between the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the ground exceeds a limit that can be defined and thus shaped by the design of the angle α, then the two balls 52a,b move from position S1 to position S2 solely due to gravity and thus independently. The discharge opening A of the outlet 48, in this case the discharge channel 50, is now located in the space ZW, thereby fluidically separating the discharge opening A, and thus the outlet 48, from the supply 44 and preventing the supply of fluid to the transmission device 22, 24.

[0053] It is conceivable that the supply channel 46 and / or the discharge channel 50 has an inner diameter which, for example, lies in a range from 4 mm inclusive to 8 mm inclusive, particularly depending on whether one or two double ball valves are used in the supply lines of an oil system for supplying the transmission device 22, 24 with the fluid. The discharge opening A is preferably positioned along the longitudinal axis 40 such that, in the second position S2, viewed along the longitudinal axis 40, the discharge opening A is located in or opens into the space ZW.The discharge opening A of the discharge 48, in particular of the discharge channel 50, which is also referred to as the connection opening, should, especially when viewed vertically in the vehicle, intersect the receiving channel 38 in its upper half, in particular its upper third, so as not to impede the movement of the balls 52a,b along the longitudinal axis 40. Preferably, the receiving channel 38 has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the receiving channel 38 has an inner diameter in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm, depending in particular on whether one or two double ball valves are used in the supply lines.

[0054] The angle α, also referred to as the inclination angle, depends, for example, on a vehicle longitudinal inclination angle that is critical for guiding the fluid in the transmission and preferably lies in a range of 30 degrees to 40 degrees inclusive. Depending on whether uphill or downhill driving is a critical case in the respective vehicle, the receiving channel 38 is inclined upwards or downwards in its normal position, i.e., in the aforementioned state. In the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 6, the longitudinal axis 40 runs in a plane spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's vertical direction, also referred to as the xz-plane, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from the rear bottom to the front top.

[0055] To advantageously minimize leakage currents in the respective valve assembly 30, 32, it is preferably provided that the gap between the respective ball 52a,b and the valve housing 36, in particular an inner wall of the valve housing 36 directly bordering the receiving channel 38, is as small as possible, especially such that the gap is in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.05 mm. Preferably, the respective ball 52a,b is made of steel. The valve housing 36 can, for example, be made of a metallic material, in particular steel or a light metal, or the valve housing 36 is made of plastic. The valve housing 36, also referred to as the valve body, can be directly integrated into the housing 12.In particular, the required or provided channels are mechanically machined, especially when the housing 12 or the valve housing 36 is made of a metallic material, in particular to achieve an advantageous surface quality, for example, at least in the receiving channel 38.

[0056] In Fig. 3 and Fig. At least one of the first gears is recognizable in 4 and is labelled 58.

[0057] Out of Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that each gear unit 22, 24 is assigned a respective first receiving area 60 of the circuit 28, wherein the fluid is received or collected in the respective first receiving area 60, forming a respective first sump. At least a first sub-section of the gear unit 22 is arranged in the receiving area 60 assigned to the gear unit 22, 24, wherein the first sub-section includes, for example, at least the gear 58. At least a second sub-section of the gear unit 24 is arranged in the receiving area 60 assigned to the gear unit 24, wherein, for example, the second sub-section includes at least one of the second gears. The first receiving areas 60 are arranged in the housing 12.The housing 12 also includes a second receiving area 62, which is at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than halfway or completely, separated from the respective first receiving area 60. The fluid is received or collected in this second receiving area, forming a second sump. The second receiving area 62 is also referred to as the reservoir or oil reservoir. The first sump is also referred to as the first fluid sump or first lubricant sump. The second sump is also referred to as the second fluid sump or second lubricant sump or main sump. The respective first sump is also referred to as the respective wheelset sump.

[0058] It is conceivable that the intake areas 60 are locally, at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, separated from each other and are fluidically connected to each other, for example, in particular via at least or exactly one overflow opening.

[0059] Out of Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the respective receiving area 60 and the receiving area 62 are spatially separated from each other by wall regions of the housing 12, wherein the wall regions are formed by respective walls of the housing 12 designed as solid bodies. For example, the receiving areas 60 are spatially separated at least partially from each other by a further wall region of the housing 12, wherein the further wall region is formed, for example, by another wall of the housing 12 designed as a solid body or by one of the aforementioned walls of the housing 12.The aforementioned overflow opening between the receiving areas 60 is, for example, designed as a through-opening in the further wall area and penetrates, for example, the further wall area, in particular such that the overflow opening opens at one end into one of the receiving areas 60 and at the other end into the other receiving areas 60, in particular directly in each case. One of the aforementioned walls of the housing 12 is in . Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, designated W1. In particular, the aforementioned first pressure can be moved by means of the pump 34, and especially by the pump 34 conveying the fluid.

[0060] In Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows one of the receiving areas 60, whereby the preceding and following descriptions of the first receiving area 60 can readily be applied to the other receiving area 60 and vice versa. In this case, the gear 58 is immersed or can be immersed in the first sump of fluid formed or formable in one of the receiving areas 60, from which the following can result: The gear 58 is rotatable about a first gear axis of rotation relative to the housing 12. When the gear 58 rotates about its gear axis of rotation relative to the housing 12, the gear 58 splashes in the first sump received in one of the receiving areas 60. This causes the gear 58 to fling the fluid, so that the respective section of the respective gear assembly 22, 24 is supplied with the fluid. This cools and / or lubricates the respective gear assembly 22, 24.

[0061] Out of Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that pump 34 has a suction side SA and a pressure side DS. Pump 34 can be used to pump the lubricant, and in particular to pump it through circuit 28. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the pump 34, in particular, has a first suction opening 64, which is arranged on the suction side SA of the pump 34. The pump 34 is fluidically connected to the second receiving area 62 on its suction side SA via the first suction opening 64 arranged on the suction side SA, in particular bypassing the receiving areas 60, wherein the pump 34 is designed to draw the fluid from the second sump on the suction side SA via the suction opening 64, in particular bypassing the respective first sump, and to convey it through the circuit 28.The characteristic that the pump 34 is fluidically connected to the second sump via its intake port 64, bypassing the first sump, and that the pump 34 can draw fluid from the second sump via its intake port 64, bypassing the respective first sump, means that when the pump 34 draws fluid from the second sump via its intake port 64, the fluid does not flow through the respective first sump on its way to or from the second sump and enter the pump 34 via the intake port 64. The intake port 64 is, for example, formed in a pump housing 66 of the pump 34.For example, the pump 34 has a conveying element 68, which is movable, in particular rotatable, and arranged in the pump housing 66, and which is designed in particular as an impeller. By means of this conveying element 68, moving it relative to the pump housing 66, in particular rotating it, the fluid can be drawn from the second sump, in particular bypassing the respective first sump, and thereby conveyed to the intake opening 64 and through the intake opening 64. For example, the pump 34 is designed as an electrically operated pump, i.e., as an electric pump. A filter device 70 is associated with the pump 34, by means of which the fluid flowing in particular towards the pump 34 can be filtered.In this arrangement, the pump 34 can draw the fluid from the second sump via the filter assembly 70, bypassing the respective first sump, and thus convey it towards itself. With respect to the fluid flow from the second sump to the intake opening 64, bypassing the respective first sump, the filter assembly 70 is arranged upstream of the pump 34, specifically upstream of the intake opening 64 and, in particular, downstream of the second sump. The filter assembly 70 has a second intake opening 72 through which the fluid drawn from the second sump by the pump 34 can be introduced into the filter assembly 70. For example, the second intake opening 72 is formed in a filter housing 74 of the filter assembly 70. The filter assembly 70 has at least one filter element 76, which is arranged in the filter housing 74.The fluid flowing from the second sump to the intake opening 64 is filtered by means of the filter element 76, such that, with respect to the aforementioned flow, the filter element 76 is arranged upstream of the intake opening 64 and downstream of the intake opening 72. The fluid flowing through the filter element 76 is to be filtered by the filter element 76 as it passes through it.

[0062] The housing 12 and thus the drive unit 10 have at least one Fig. 3 and Fig. The housing 12 features four recognizable overflow openings 78, through which the fluid from the respective gear unit 22, 24 can be returned to the second receiving area 62. It is evident that the overflow opening 78 is formed in the wall W1 and completely penetrates the wall W1, opening at one end into the receiving area 62 and at the other end, for example, directly into the respective receiving areas 60 in which the respective gear unit 22, 24 is located. Thus, for example, each receiving area 60 is assigned a respective overflow opening 78. The rotation of the gear 58 about its axis of rotation is Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is illustrated by an arrow 80. Furthermore, additional arrows 82 illustrate a flow of the fluid flung by means of the gear 58 during its rotation, and in particular a flow of the fluid from the respective gear unit 22, 24 back to and into the second receiving area 62 and thereby through the overflow opening 78. Fig. 3 and Fig.Figure 4, indicated by arrow 84, illustrates the flow of fluid pumped by pump 34 through circuit 28 towards the respective stator 16, 20. Arrow 86 illustrates the flow of fluid from the respective stator 16, 20 back to and into the receiving areas 62. It can be seen that the fluid pumped by pump 34 flows to the respective stator 16, 20, bypassing the receiving areas 60 and, in this case, also the receiving area 62. The fluid, also referred to as lubricant, flows from the respective stator 16, 20 back into the receiving area 62, bypassing the respective receiving area 60. From there, the fluid can be pumped back to the stators 16 and 20 by pump 34. In circuit 28, for example, a cooler 88 is arranged downstream of the pump 34 and upstream of the respective stator 16, 20 to cool the fluid.The cooler 88, for example, is permeable to the fluid and to a different, additional liquid, so that the fluid can be cooled via the cooler 88 by means of the additional liquid. For example, the additional liquid is or comprises, in particular at least or exclusively, water, so that, for example, the cooler 88 can be designed as an oil-water heat exchanger.

Claims

[1] Electric drive device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electric machine (14), a transmission device (22) through which the motor vehicle can be driven by means of the electric machine (14), and a cooling and / or lubrication circuit (28) through which a cooling and / or lubricating medium flows, in which the electric machine (14) and the transmission device (22), which are to be cooled and / or lubricated by means of the cooling and / or lubricating medium, and a valve device (30) are arranged, through which the transmission device (22) can be supplied with the cooling and / or lubricating medium, wherein the valve device (30) is designed as a double ball valve device which has: - a valve housing (36) with a receiving channel (38) whose longitudinal axis (40) in the installation position of the electric drive device (10) runs obliquely to a plane (42) spanned by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the vehicle; - a supply (44) fluidically connected to the receiving channel (38) and through which the cooling and / or lubricant can flow; - a drainage channel (48) fluidically connected to the intake channel (38), and - two spheres (52a, b) arranged in the receiving channel (38), which are movable along the longitudinal axis (40) and relative to the valve housing (36) due to gravity between: in a first position (S1) in which the discharge (48) is fluidically connected to the receiving channel (38) and, via the receiving channel (38), fluidically connected to the supply (44), whereby the transmission device (22) can be supplied with the coolant and / or lubricant via the discharge (48), the receiving channel (38) and the supply (44); and o a second position (S2) in which the discharge (48) is fluidically separated from the supply (44) by means of the balls (52a, b), thereby preventing the supply of the transmission device (22) via the discharge (48), the receiving channel (38) and the supply (44) with the cooling and / or lubricant by means of the balls (52a, b). [2] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the spheres (52a, b) assume the first position (S1) purely due to gravity and thus independently because the motor vehicle is on a horizontal plane in the installed position of the electric drive device (10). [3] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the spheres (52a, b) move from the first position (S1) to the second position (S2) along the longitudinal axis (40) purely due to gravity and thus independently, by virtue of the fact that, with reference to the installation position of the electric drive device (10) and starting from a state in which the motor vehicle is on the horizontal plane, a rotation of the motor vehicle takes place forward about the transverse direction of the vehicle, the front of which lowers downwards as a result of the rotation in the vertical direction. [4] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the spheres (52a, b) move from the first position (S1) to the second position (S2) along the longitudinal axis (40) purely due to gravity and thus independently, by virtue of the fact that, with reference to the installation position of the electric drive device (10) and starting from a state in which the motor vehicle is on the horizontal plane, a rotation of the motor vehicle to the rear about the transverse direction of the vehicle takes place, the rear of which lowers downwards as a result of the rotation in the vertical direction. [5] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: - the electric powertrain (10) has a vehicle axle which has two vehicle wheels rotatable about a respective wheel axis; - at least one of the vehicle wheels can be driven by the electric machine (14) via the transmission device (22). [6] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that: - the electric machine (14) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the wheel axis of at least one vehicle wheel; and - viewed in a plane spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's vertical direction, the longitudinal axis runs from the rear bottom to the front top in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. [7] Electric drive device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that: - the electric machine (14) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the wheel axis of rotation of at least one vehicle wheel; and - viewed in a plane spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's vertical direction, the longitudinal axis runs from the rear top to the front bottom in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. [8] Electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the longitudinal axis (40) forms an angle with the plane spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's transverse direction, which lies in a range from 30 degrees inclusive to 40 degrees inclusive. [9] Electric drive device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spheres (52a, 52b) are made of a metallic material. [10] Motor vehicle, with an electric drive device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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