Motor vehicle transmission for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered

The motor vehicle transmission system with two planetary gear sets and switching elements addresses the need for a compact design that integrates multiple gear ratios and efficiently couples with electric motors, improving performance and power transfer.

DE102024200955B4Active Publication Date: 2026-02-12ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024200955
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-02
Publication Date
2026-02-12
Estimated Expiration
2044-02-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motor vehicle transmissions for electric and hybrid vehicles lack a compact design that efficiently integrates multiple gear ratios and effectively couples with electric motors, limiting their performance and versatility.

Method used

A motor vehicle transmission system comprising two planetary gear sets, a drive shaft, and multiple switching elements that allow for different gear ratios and efficient coupling with electric motors, featuring a compact design and integrated differential gear set for power distribution.

Benefits of technology

The system enables a compact transmission with selectable gear ratios, enhancing performance and integration with electric motors, allowing for efficient power transfer to the drive wheels.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Motor vehicle transmission (3) for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising a drive shaft (6), an output shaft (7), a first planetary gear set (P1), and a second planetary gear set (P2), wherein the first planetary gear set (P1) and the second planetary gear set (P2) each have a first element (E11, E12), a second element (E21, E22), and a third element (E31, E32) in the form of a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear, respectively, wherein the drive shaft (6) is provided for coupling with at least one drive motor and is rotationally fixed to the first element (E11) of the first planetary gear set (P1), wherein the second element (E21) of the first planetary gear set (P1) and the third element (E32) of the second planetary gear set (P2) are rotationally fixed to each other, wherein at least a first switching element (C) is functionallya second switching element (D) and a third switching element (A) are provided, and wherein in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided first switching element (C) the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2) is fixed, characterized in that , - that the output shaft (7) is non-rotatably connected to the second element (E21) of the first planetary gear set (P1) and the third element (E32) of the second planetary gear set (P2), - that in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided second switching element (D) the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2) is locked, - that in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided third switching element (A) the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1) is rotationally fixed to the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2), - and that, at least functionally, a fourth switching element (B) is provided, in the actuated state of which the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1) is connected to the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2) in a rotationally fixed manner.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle transmission for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising a drive shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set, wherein the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set each have a first element, a second element, and a third element in the form of a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear, respectively, wherein the drive shaft is provided for coupling with at least one drive motor and is rotationally fixed to the first element of the first planetary gear set, wherein the second element of the first planetary gear set and the third element of the second planetary gear set are rotationally fixed to each other, wherein at least functionally a first switching element, a second switching element, and a third switching element are provided, and wherein in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided,The first switching element is fixed to the first element of the second planetary gear set. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drive unit for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, an electrically driven motor vehicle drive axle for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, and a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0002] In electric and hybrid vehicles, a transmission is sometimes integrated into the drivetrain between at least one electric motor and the drive wheels to translate the electric motor's motion, particularly to slower speeds, to the drive wheels. Besides single-gear transmissions, transmissions with two or more gears are also sometimes used.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2019 202 994 A1 discloses a motor vehicle drive axle for an electric vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle drive axle comprises a drive unit consisting of an electric motor and a motor vehicle transmission. In addition to a drive shaft and an output shaft, the motor vehicle transmission includes two planetary gear sets, each consisting of a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. Within the drive unit, a non-rotatable connection to the upstream electric motor is established at the drive shaft, while the output shaft is connected to a differential gear set, which serves to distribute power to the output shafts of the motor vehicle drive axle. Furthermore, the motor vehicle transmission has a switching device which, in one variant of DE 10 2019 202 994 A1, performs the functions of three switching elements.A coupling element of the switching device can assume different switching states and thereby realize different power flow paths from the drive shaft via the planetary gear sets to the output shaft.

[0004] Document DE 10 2014 213 012 A1 discloses a multi-speed transmission for rail vehicles, comprising at least one transmission input, at least one transmission output, at least one planetary gear set, at least one switching element, and a housing. A planetary gear set comprises a sun gear, at least one planet carrier with planet gears, and a ring gear. A drive element introduces rotary motion into the multi-speed transmission, and at least two different gear ratios between the transmission input and the transmission output can be achieved by actuating the at least one switching element.

[0005] Starting from the prior art described above, the object of the present invention is to realize a suitable alternative for a motor vehicle transmission.

[0006] This problem is solved starting from the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The subsequent dependent claims each describe advantageous embodiments of the invention. A drive unit comprising a motor vehicle transmission according to the invention is further the subject of claims 11 to 13. Claim 14 relates to an electrically driven motor vehicle drive axle for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically driven, while claim 15 relates to a hybrid or electric vehicle. Finally, claim 16 relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission according to the invention.

[0007] According to the invention, a motor vehicle transmission comprises a drive shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set. The first and second planetary gear sets each have a first element, a second element, and a third element in the form of a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear, respectively. The drive shaft is designed for coupling to at least one drive motor and is rotationally fixed to the first element of the first planetary gear set. Furthermore, the second element of the first planetary gear set and the third element of the second planetary gear set are rotationally fixed to each other. At least functionally, a first switching element, a second switching element, and a third switching element are also provided, wherein, in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided first switching element, the first element of the second planetary gear set is locked.

[0008] In the context of the invention, a "shaft," such as the respective drive shaft or output shaft, is understood to be a rotatable component through which power flow between components of the motor vehicle transmission can be achieved. The shaft can connect the components axially or radially, or both. It can also act as an intermediate piece, connecting a component, for example, purely radially. Furthermore, depending on its shape and connection to the components, or the possibility of connecting to them, the shaft can be designed as a solid shaft, a hollow shaft, or partially as a solid and partially as a hollow shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the shaft can be constructed in one piece or in multiple parts.

[0009] In the context of the invention, "axial" refers to an orientation in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the vehicle transmission, parallel to which the rotational axes of the transmission shafts and the planetary gear set elements are also oriented. "Radial" refers to an orientation in the diameter direction of a respective transmission component, in particular a respective shaft or planetary gear set element.

[0010] The motor vehicle transmission according to the invention has a drive shaft which, in the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention, is designed to establish a drive-side coupling to at least one drive motor, wherein the drive shaft preferably serves for coupling with exactly one drive motor. For this purpose, the drive shaft is in particular equipped with a connection point at which a coupling of the drive shaft with the at least one drive motor can be formed. The connection of the at least one drive motor to the connection point of the drive shaft is, in particular, permanently established in the installed state of the motor vehicle transmission, preferably when the drive motor is designed as an electric motor. Alternatively, however, an intermediate starting element, such as a hydrodynamic torque converter, a starting clutch, etc., can also be used., is provided by which the drive shaft can be coupled to the upstream drive motor at its connection point. This is particularly the case when the drive motor is designed as an internal combustion engine.

[0011] The coupling between the at least one drive motor and the drive shaft is preferably configured such that, in the installed state of the vehicle transmission and with the coupling established, a fixed speed ratio always prevails between the rotational speed of the vehicle transmission's drive shaft and the rotational speed of the drive motor. Within the scope of the invention, at least one further transmission stage, such as a spur gear stage and / or a planetary gear stage, may optionally be provided between the drive shaft and the drive motor, through which a pre-transduction of the rotary motion of the drive motor to the drive shaft can be achieved. Preferably, however, the drive shaft serves as a rotationally fixed connection to the at least one drive motor.

[0012] The motor vehicle transmission is in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle transmission designed to be connected to the drive shaft by at least one drive motor in the form of at least one electric motor. As described above, a rotor of the electric motor can be coupled to the drive shaft of the transmission via at least one intermediate transmission stage. However, it is particularly preferred that, in the installed state of the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention, a rotor of the electric motor is fixed to the drive shaft.

[0013] In the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention, the output shaft is specifically designed to provide an output-side coupling between the motor vehicle transmission and components which, in the installed state of the motor vehicle transmission, follow the motor vehicle transmission in the direction of power flow to the drive wheels of the respective motor vehicle. Accordingly, the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention is, in particular, a drive transmission via which a coupling of the at least one drive motor connected to the drive shaft can be established with the drive wheels of the respective motor vehicle in order to translate a drive motion generated by the at least one drive motor with different gear ratios to the drive wheels.

[0014] The first and second planetary gear sets each consist of a first element, a second element, and a third element, wherein one of these elements is configured as a sun gear, one as a planet carrier, and one as a ring gear. Preferably, each planetary gear set is configured as a negative planetary gear set, in which the respective planet carrier rotatably guides at least one planet gear, with the at least one planet gear meshing with both the respective sun gear and the respective ring gear.In a configuration of the individual planetary gear set as a negative planetary gear set, the first element of each planetary gear set is the sun gear, the second element is the planet carrier, and the third element is the ring gear. In particular, several planet gears are rotatably mounted within the planet carrier.

[0015] Alternatively, one or both planetary gear sets could also be designed as plus planetary gear sets. In this case, at least one pair of planetary gears is rotatably mounted in the respective planet carrier, with one planetary gear meshing with the respective sun gear and the other with the respective ring gear. Furthermore, the planetary gears of the at least one planetary gear pair mesh with each other. In contrast to a minus planetary gear set design, the first element of each planetary gear set is preferably the respective sun gear, the second element is the respective ring gear, and the third element is the respective planet carrier. Compared to a minus planetary gear set design, the fixed gear ratio of each planetary gear set is also increased by one.As described above, the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set are preferably each a negative planetary gear set.

[0016] In the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention, the input shaft and the output shaft are arranged, in particular, coaxially to each other, with the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set also preferably being positioned coaxially to the input shaft and the output shaft. This allows for a particularly compact design of the motor vehicle transmission in the radial direction.

[0017] The invention now comprises the technical teaching that the output shaft is rotationally fixed to the second element of the first planetary gear set and the third element of the second planetary gear set. In the actuated state of the at least functionally provided second switching element, the second element of the second planetary gear set is fixed, whereas in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided third switching element, the third element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to the second element of the second planetary gear set. Furthermore, at least functionally, a fourth switching element is provided, in the actuated state of which the third element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to the first element of the second planetary gear set.

[0018] In the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention, the first element of the first planetary gear set and the drive shaft are permanently and rotationally fixed to one another, so that the first element of the first planetary gear set and the drive shaft always rotate together. Furthermore, the second element of the first planetary gear set and the third element of the second planetary gear set are permanently and rotationally fixed to one another and are also permanently and rotationally fixed to the output shaft, whereby the output shaft, the second element of the first planetary gear set, and the third element of the second planetary gear set always rotate together.

[0019] In the context of the invention, a permanent "rotationally rigid" connection of transmission components means that these components are permanently and rigidly connected to one another and thus always maintain the same rotational speed. The rotationally rigidly connected components can be separate components that are attached to one another, for example, via an intermediate shaft. Alternatively, the rotationally rigidly connected components can also be manufactured as a single unit and thus exist together as one component, which is particularly the case when these components are arranged in close proximity to one another.

[0020] The motor vehicle transmission according to the invention has, at least functionally, a first switching element, a second switching element, a third switching element, and a fourth switching element to represent different couplings of the drive shaft with the output shaft and thus to switch different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft. Particularly preferred for representing the different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft are exactly four switching elements in the form of the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element. That a respective switching element is provided "at least functionally" means, within the meaning of the invention, that the respective function of the respective switching element is represented in the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention.The individual switching element can either exist physically as a separate switching element, or its function can be represented by another component, such as a switching device. A single component representing the function can then combine the functions of two or more switching elements within one device.

[0021] Representing the actuated state of the first switching element results in the first element of the second planetary gear set being locked and consequently prevented from rotating. Conversely, realizing the actuated state of the second switching element results in the second element of the second planetary gear set being locked and thus stationary when the second switching element is actuated. Realizing the actuated state of the third switching element connects the third element of the first planetary gear set and the second element of the second planetary gear set in a rotationally fixed manner, whereupon the third element of the first planetary gear set and the second element of the second planetary gear set rotate together when the third switching element is actuated.The third element of the first planetary gear set can also be connected to the first element of the second planetary gear set in a rotationally fixed manner, for which the actuated state of the fourth switching element must be shown.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, fixing a component of the motor vehicle transmission via an at least functionally provided switching element, or a rotationally fixed connection between components of the motor vehicle transmission via an at least functionally provided switching element, means that the component in question is not permanently fixed, nor are the components permanently rotationally fixed to one another. Rather, fixing or a rotationally fixed connection is only achieved by establishing an actuated state of the at least functionally provided, intermediate switching element. An actuated state of the at least functionally provided switching element, as defined in the invention, means that the switching element is in a closed state, and consequently, the rotational movements of the components directly connected to it are synchronized.If at least the function of a positive-locking switching element is depicted, the components directly and rotationally fixedly connected to each other will operate at the same speed, whereas in the case of depicting at least the function of a friction-locking switching element, speed differences between the components may exist even after the actuated state of the same is shown. This intended or unintended state is nevertheless referred to within the scope of the invention as a rotationally fixed connection of the respective components via the at least functionally provided switching element.

[0023] A fixed state of a component of the motor vehicle transmission is realized in the sense of the invention in particular by a rotationally fixed connection with a permanently stationary component, which may be a housing of the motor vehicle transmission, a part of the housing or a component permanently connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0024] The inventive design of a motor vehicle transmission has the advantage that a compact motor vehicle transmission can be realized. Furthermore, in this motor vehicle transmission, gear ratios can be selected between the input shaft and the output shaft, which are suitable for integrating a drive motor, particularly one designed as an electric motor.

[0025] A first gear can be engaged between the input shaft and the output shaft by simultaneously acting the states of the second and fourth switching elements. A second gear is achieved between the input shaft and the output shaft by simultaneously acting the states of the first and fourth switching elements. Furthermore, a third gear can be engaged between the input shaft and the output shaft by simultaneously acting the states of the first and third switching elements. This allows for a suitable shifting sequence whereby, in each successive shift, only the switching state of two of the functionally provided switching elements needs to be changed.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first switching element and the second switching element are formed by a common switching device which includes a coupling element. This coupling element can be switched to a first switching state and a second switching state, wherein in the first switching state the coupling element functionally represents the actuated state of the first switching element and locks the first element of the second planetary gear set. In its second switching state, the coupling element functionally represents the actuated state of the second switching element and locks the second element of the second planetary gear set. In this case, the function of the first switching element and the second switching element is thus jointly represented by a single switching device, which enables a particularly compact arrangement.Furthermore, this allows for the provision of an actuating mechanism for the switching elements, enabling the coupling element to be switched between its different switching states. Preferably, in addition to the two switching states, the coupling element can also be moved into a neutral state, in which neither an actuated state of the first switching element nor an actuated state of the second switching element is represented by the switching device.

[0027] In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the coupling element is guided in both switching states and during axial displacement between the two switching states by a first toothed section, which is fixed and thus axially displaceable. In its first switching state, the coupling element, with the tooth meshing with the first toothed section, additionally engages a second toothed section, which is rotationally fixed to the first element of the second planetary gear set. In the second switching state, with the tooth meshing with the first toothed section, the coupling element additionally engages a third toothed section, which is rotationally fixed to the second element of the second planetary gear set.The coupling element of the switching device is particularly preferably designed as a sliding sleeve, with the toothing preferably being configured as claw teeth, so that the switching device replicates the function of unsynchronized claw switching elements. Within the scope of the invention, however, the first switching element and the second switching element could also be configured as individual switching elements, wherein the first switching element and the second switching element could each be configured as a positive-locking switching element, such as a claw switching element or locking synchronization, or as a friction-locking switching element, for example as a lamellar switching element.

[0028] Alternatively, but preferably in addition to the aforementioned embodiment and its further development, the third switching element and the fourth switching element are formed by a common switching device which includes a coupling element. The coupling element of this switching device can be switched into a first switching state and a second switching state, wherein in the first switching state the coupling element functionally represents the actuated state of the third switching element and thereby connects the third element of the first planetary gear set to the second element of the second planetary gear set in a rotationally fixed manner. In its second switching state, the coupling element functionally represents the actuated state of the fourth switching element and thereby connects the third element of the first planetary gear set to the first element of the second planetary gear set in a rotationally fixed manner.Advantageously, this allows the switching device to represent the function of the third and fourth switching elements, thus requiring only one actuator and a compact arrangement. In particular, in addition to the two switching states, the coupling element can also be moved into a neutral state in which neither an actuated state of the third switching element nor an actuated state of the fourth switching element is represented by the switching device.

[0029] Preferably, the coupling element is guided in both switching states and during axial displacement between the two switching states by a first toothed section, which is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable. This first toothed section is rotationally fixed to the third element of the first planetary gear set. When the coupling element is in its first switching state, it engages a second toothed section while the first toothed section is engaged. This second toothed section is rotationally fixed to the second element of the second planetary gear set. In the second switching state, the coupling element engages a third toothed section while the first toothed section is engaged. This third toothed section is rotationally fixed to the first element of the second planetary gear set.Particularly preferred is the coupling element of the switching device designed as a sliding sleeve, with the toothing being specifically designed as claw teeth, so that the switching device replicates the function of unsynchronized claw switching elements. Alternatively, the third and fourth switching elements can also be designed as individual switching elements. In this case, the third and fourth switching elements can each be designed as a positive-locking switching element, such as a claw switching element or locking synchronization, or as a friction-locking switching element, for example, as a lamellar switching element.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the two switching devices described above are implemented together in the vehicle transmission according to the invention, so that the functions of the first, second, third, and fourth switching elements can be represented by the switching devices via the associated coupling elements. This allows for a particularly compact design of the vehicle transmission. Within the scope of the invention, each "switching state" or "neutral state" of the respective coupling element can be assigned a discrete axial position of the respective coupling element, wherein the respective "switching state" or "neutral state" is preferably defined by an axial adjustment range within which the coupling element must be positioned to realize the respective switching state or neutral state.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the planetary gear sets are arranged axially in a sequence of first planetary gear set and second planetary gear set at a connection point of the drive shaft, where the drive shaft is coupled to the at least one drive motor. This allows for a suitable design of the motor vehicle transmission according to the invention.

[0032] In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the at least functionally provided first switching element and / or the at least functionally provided second switching element and / or the at least functionally provided third switching element and / or the at least functionally provided fourth switching element are each arranged axially on a side of the second planetary gear set facing away from the first planetary gear set. Preferably, all four at least functionally provided switching elements are placed on this side of the second planetary gear set, with the switching devices constituting the functions of the switching elements being particularly preferably located on the side of the second planetary gear set facing away from the first planetary gear set.In this case, the switching device forming the functions of the third switching element and the fourth switching element is provided in particular axially between the second planetary gear set and the switching device forming the functions of the first switching element and the second switching element.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the output shaft is coupled to an input element of a differential gear set, which in turn couples the output shaft to two output shafts. This effectively couples the output shaft to the two output shafts via the differential gear set. Advantageously, this allows the distribution of a drive torque generated at the output shaft to the two output shafts, while also enabling speed compensation between the output shafts via the differential gear set. The differential gear set functions particularly as a transverse differential and is preferably designed as a bevel gear differential. The transverse differential thus formed preferably distributes the drive motion transmitted to the output shaft of the vehicle transmission to the output shafts, which are preferably assigned to a vehicle drive axle.The differential gear set can also function as a longitudinal differential, allowing the distribution of drive power to multiple drive axles. As an alternative to a bevel gear differential, the differential gear set, according to the invention, can also be designed as a planetary gear differential, a spur gear differential, etc.

[0034] The input element to which the output shaft is coupled is preferably a differential carrier of the differential gear set. When the differential gear set is used as a transverse differential and the vehicle transmission is installed transversely to one direction of travel of the associated vehicle, the output shaft is preferably connected to the input element in a rotationally fixed manner. This is also particularly the case when the differential gear set functions as a longitudinal differential and the vehicle transmission is oriented in the direction of travel of the vehicle. However, when the vehicle transmission is installed in the direction of travel and the differential gear set is used as a transverse differential, the output shaft is coupled to the input element via a bevel gear.Such a bevel gear is also preferably used when the differential gear set is a longitudinal differential and the vehicle transmission is oriented transversely to the direction of travel.

[0035] In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the differential gear set is located axially between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set, with the differential gear set being positioned radially inside the planetary gear sets. This allows, particularly when using the vehicle transmission according to the invention in a vehicle drive axle, an advantageous positioning of the differential gear set near the center between the axle's drive wheels. Alternatively, the differential gear set can also be arranged axially on a side of the first planetary gear set facing away from the second planetary gear set, or axially on a side of the second planetary gear set facing away from the first planetary gear set, but preferably always provided radially inside the two planetary gear sets.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned further development, the output shafts are each coupled to the differential gear set via an intermediate transmission stage. Advantageously, the overall gear ratio achievable via the vehicle transmission can be changed via the additional transmission stage thus provided. The transmission stages can preferably each be designed as planetary gear sets.

[0037] The invention further relates to a drive unit comprising an electric machine and a motor vehicle transmission according to one or more of the variants described above. A rotor of the electric machine is coupled to the drive shaft of the motor vehicle transmission. Within the scope of the invention, the electric machine can be operated, in particular, as a generator and as an electric motor. This allows for the creation of a drive unit suitable for use in a motor vehicle, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0038] In this drive unit according to the invention, the first planetary gear set or the second planetary gear set, or both the first and the second planetary gear set, can be arranged axially at least overlapping and radially inside the electric machine. This allows for a compact design of the drive unit. "Axially at least overlapping" means that at least a part of the first planetary gear set and / or the second planetary gear set lies axially in a plane with at least a part of the electric machine.

[0039] The rotor of the electric motor can be fixedly connected to the drive shaft of the vehicle transmission, in which case the electric motor is arranged coaxially to the drive shaft. This ensures that the drive shaft and the rotor of the electric motor rotate at the same speed during operation. Alternatively, the rotor of the electric motor can be fixedly connected to an intermediate shaft of the vehicle transmission, which is coupled to the drive shaft via at least one transmission stage. In this case, the electric motor may be offset from the drive shaft. Depending on the design of the at least one transmission stage, a coaxial arrangement of the electric motor to the drive shaft is also possible.

[0040] A drive unit designed according to one of the aforementioned variants is, in particular, part of an electrically driven vehicle drive axle, which is intended for use in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle transmission has a differential gear set that is coupled to the output shaft and, in turn, couples the output shaft to output shafts. Each of the output shafts is assigned to a drive wheel of the vehicle drive axle.

[0041] The aforementioned motor vehicle drive axle is provided within the scope of the invention for a hybrid or electric vehicle, which may be a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. A commercial vehicle may be a van with at least partial electric drive or a light to medium-weight bus or truck.

[0042] An advantageous embodiment of the invention, which is explained below, is illustrated in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 an exemplary switching diagram of a motor vehicle transmission of the drive unit Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 A schematic view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a drive unit 1, which is designed according to one embodiment of the invention. This drive unit 1 comprises an electric machine 2 and a motor vehicle transmission 3, which is designed according to one embodiment of the invention. The electric machine 2 is formed by a stator 4 and a rotor 5 in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and the electric machine 2 can be operated both as a generator and as an electric motor.

[0044] The motor vehicle transmission 3 has, in addition to a drive shaft 6 and an output shaft 7, two planetary gear sets P1 and P2, each consisting of a first element E11 or E12, a second element E21 or E22, and a third element E31 or E32. The first element E11 or E12 of each planetary gear set P1 or P2 is a sun gear, while the second element E21 or E22 is a planet carrier. The third element E31 or E32 of each planetary gear set P1 or P2 is a ring gear.

[0045] In each planet carrier of the respective planet gear set P1 or P2, at least one planet gear is rotatably mounted, which meshes with both the respective sun gear and the respective ring gear of the respective planet gear set P1 or P2. In this respect, the planet gear sets P1 and P2 are designed as negative planet sets. However, within the scope of the invention, an embodiment of one or both planet gear sets P1 and P2 as a positive planet set is also possible. In this embodiment, compared to the respective negative planet set, the respective second element E21 or E22 is formed by the respective ring gear, and the respective third element E31 or E32 is formed by the respective planet carrier. Furthermore, the gear ratio in the positive planet set is increased by one compared to the negative planet set.In a plus planetary gear set, at least one pair of planet gears is rotatably mounted in the respective planet carrier, with one planet gear meshing with the respective sun gear and the other with the respective ring gear. Furthermore, the planet gears of the at least one planet gear pair mesh with each other.

[0046] In the present case, the first element E11 of the first planetary gear set P1 is non-rotatably connected to the drive shaft 6, which is also non-rotatably connected to the rotor 5 of the electric machine 2 at a connection point 8. Therefore, the first element E11 of the first planetary gear set P1 and the rotor 5 are also non-rotatably connected to each other via the drive shaft 6, ensuring that the first element E11 and the rotor 5 always rotate at the same speed. According to the invention, the drive shaft 6 can be integrally formed with the rotor 5 of the electric machine 2 and / or with the first element E11 of the first planetary gear set P1.

[0047] The second element E21 of the first planetary gear set P1 is permanently and rotationally fixedly connected to the third element E32 of the second planetary gear set P2. This rotationally fixed connection is established via the output shaft 7, which for this purpose is rotationally fixed to both the second element E21 of the first planetary gear set P1 and the third element E32 of the second planetary gear set P2. The output shaft 7 could be formed integrally with the second element E21 of the first planetary gear set P1 and / or integrally with the third element E32 of the second planetary gear set P2.

[0048] Furthermore, the third element E31 of the first planetary gear set P1 is non-rotatably connected to a shaft 9, which could optionally be formed integrally with the third element E31 of the first planetary gear set P1. The first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2 is non-rotatably connected to a shaft 10, whereby a single-piece design of the shaft 10 and the first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2 would also be conceivable. Additionally, a shaft 11 is provided, which is permanently non-rotatably connected to the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2 and can be formed in one or more parts. In this case, at least parts of the shaft 11 can also be formed integrally with the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2.

[0049] The output shaft 7 is permanently and rotationally fixedly connected to an input element 12 of a differential gear set 13, in addition to the second element E21 of the first planetary gear set P1 and the third element E32 of the second planetary gear set P2. This differential gear set 13 is specifically designed as a bevel gear differential and, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, distributes a drive torque introduced into the input element 12 via the output shaft 7 to two output shafts 14 and 15, each of which is coupled to the differential gear set 13 via an intermediate transmission stage 16 or 17, respectively.

[0050] The differential gear set 13 enables speed differences between the output shafts 14 and 15 in a manner known in principle to those skilled in the art. The transmission stages 16 and 17 – shown here only schematically – are preferably designed as planetary gear sets.

[0051] The motor vehicle transmission 3 also has two switching devices 18 and 19. Switching device 18 includes a coupling element 20 in the form of a sliding sleeve, which is guided rotationally fixed and axially displaceable on a toothed section 21. This toothed section is formed on the shaft 9 and is thus rotationally fixed to the third element E31 of the first planetary gear set P1. Axially, displacements of the coupling element 20 on the toothed section 21 can be effected by an actuator (not shown here), which is preferably designed as an electromechanical actuator.

[0052] The coupling element 20 can be axially moved by the actuator under constant guidance at the toothing 21 into two different switching states, with each switching state involving a tooth engagement of the coupling element 20 in a corresponding toothing 22 or 23. The toothing 22 is located on the shaft 11 and is thus rotationally fixed to the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2, while the toothing 23 is rotationally fixed to the first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2 and is therefore located on the shaft 10.

[0053] The switching device 18 represents the function of two switching elements A and B, whose respective actuated states are represented by the switching device 18 in one of the switching states of the coupling element 20. Thus, an actuated state of switching element A is realized in a first switching state of the coupling element 20, in which the coupling element 20, with existing tooth engagement with the toothing 21, additionally engages the toothing 22. This results in a rotationally fixed connection of shaft 11 with shaft 9 and thus also of the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2 with the third element E31 of the first planetary gear set P1.

[0054] From the first switching state, the coupling element 20 can be transferred to a neutral state via the actuator, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the coupling element 20 in a neutral state where it is only engaged with the tooth 21. In this neutral state, the third element E31 of the first planetary gear set P1 is not coupled via the coupling element 20. In addition to transitioning the coupling element 20 to the first switching state, it can also be moved from the neutral state to a second switching state. In this second state, the coupling element 20 engages not only with the tooth 21 but also with the tooth 23. This connects the shafts 9 and 10 to each other in a rotationally fixed manner, resulting in a rotationally fixed connection between the third element E31 of the first planetary gear set P1 and the first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2. The second switching state represents an actuated state of the switching element B.

[0055] The switching device 19 also has a coupling element 24 in the form of a sliding sleeve, wherein the coupling element 24 is guided rotationally fixed and axially displaceable on a toothed section 25, which is formed on a permanently fixed component 26. The fixed component 26 is preferably a transmission housing of the motor vehicle transmission 3, a part of such a transmission housing, or a component non-rotatably connected thereto. Consequently, the toothed section 25 is also permanently fixed.

[0056] From a in Fig. In the neutral state shown in Figure 1, in which the coupling element 24 does not engage, the coupling element 24 can be axially switched to a first switching state via an associated actuator (not shown here). In this first switching state, the coupling element 24, with tooth engagement 25, engages with a tooth 27, which, like the tooth 23, is also formed on the shaft 10 and is accordingly rotationally fixed to the first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2. This results in the shaft 10, and thus also the first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2, being locked in the first switching state of the coupling element 24, so that the first element E12 of the second planetary gear set P2 and the shaft 10 are prevented from rotating in the first switching state of the coupling element 24. In this first switching state, an actuated state of a switching element C is represented.

[0057] On the other hand, the coupling element 24 can also be axially switched from the neutral state to a second switching state via the associated actuator. In this second switching state, the coupling element 24 engages with the toothing 25 and additionally engages with a toothing 28. This toothing 28 is formed on the shaft 11 and is thus rotationally fixed to the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2. In this second switching state of the coupling element 24, a rotationally fixed connection is established between the shaft 11 and thus also between the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2 and the fixed component 26. This prevents the shaft 11 and the second element E22 of the second planetary gear set P2 from rotating in the second switching state of the coupling element 24. This represents an actuated state of a switching element D. In this respect, the switching device 19 implements the functions of the two switching elements C and D.

[0058] In this case, the electric machine 2 is positioned coaxially with the motor vehicle transmission 3, in which the drive shaft 6, the planetary gear sets P1 and P2, the output shaft 7, the shafts 9, 10 and 11, the output shafts 14 and 15, and the differential gear set 13 are also arranged coaxially. Following the connection of the drive shaft 6 to the rotor 5 of the electric machine 2 at its connection point 8, the two planetary gear sets P1 and P2 are arranged axially in the sequence first planetary gear set P1 and second planetary gear set P2. The two switching devices 18 and 19 are provided axially on a side of the second planetary gear set P2 facing away from the first planetary gear set P1, with the switching device 18 being located axially between the second planetary gear set P2 and the switching device 19. The differential gear set 13 is also positioned axially between the first planetary gear set P1 and the second planetary gear set P2 and radially inside them.Furthermore, the first planetary gear set P1 is axially overlapping and radially inside the electric machine 2 and is thus nested with the electric machine 2.

[0059] While the output shafts 14 and 15 are each designed at least essentially as solid shafts, the input shaft 6, the output shaft 7 and the shafts 9, 10 and 11 are each designed as hollow shafts.

[0060] Out of Fig. 2 shows an exemplary shift diagram of the motor vehicle transmission 3 Fig. 1. As can be seen from the exemplary shift diagram, a total of three different gear ratios in the form of gears G1, G2, and G3 can be engaged between the input shaft 6 and the output shaft 7 in the motor vehicle transmission 3. In the columns of the shift diagram, an X indicates which of the shift elements A, B, C, and D formed by the shift devices 18 and 19 represents an actuated state in the respective gear.

[0061] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, a first gear G1 is engaged between the drive shaft 6 and the output shaft 7 by displaying the actuated state of switching element B at the switching device 18 and simultaneously the actuated state of switching element D at the switching device 19. To engage a second gear G2, the actuated state of switching element B must still be displayed at the switching device 18, while the actuated state of switching element C must be displayed simultaneously at the switching device 19. Finally, a third gear G3 is engaged between the drive shaft 6 and the output shaft 7 by displaying the actuated state of switching element A at the switching device 18 and simultaneously leaving the switching device 19 in the switching state representing the actuated state of switching element C.

[0062] Finally, it also shows Fig.Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an electric vehicle 29, which may be, in particular, an electric commercial vehicle, such as a van. In addition to a steerable, non-driven vehicle axle 30, the electric vehicle 29 also has a vehicle drive axle 31 with drive wheels 32 and 33. The drive unit 1 is also part of the vehicle drive axle 31. The drive wheel 32 is connected to the output shaft 14 of the drive unit 1, while the drive wheel 33 is connected to the output shaft 15 of the drive unit 1.

[0063] While vehicle axle 30 is a front axle of the electric vehicle 29, the vehicle drive axle 31 is a rear axle of the electric vehicle 29. However, alternatively or additionally to the vehicle drive axle 31, vehicle axle 30 could also be designed as a driven axle with a possibly analogous drive unit design.

[0064] Using the embodiments according to the invention, a compact motor vehicle transmission can be realized which is suitable for the integration of an electric motor. Reference sign 1 drive unit 2 Electric machine 3 Motor vehicle transmissions 4 Stator 5 Rotor 6 Drive shaft 7 Output wave 8 Junction 9th wave 10 wave 11th wave 12 Input element 13 Differential gear set 14 Output shaft 15 Output shaft 16 translation level 17th translation level 18 Switching device 19 Switching device 20 coupling element 21 Gearing 22 gearing 23 Gearing 24 coupling element 25 gear teeth 26 fixed building element 27 Gearing 28 gear teeth 29 electric vehicles 30 vehicle axle 31 Motor vehicle drive axle 32 drive wheel 33 Drive wheel P1 First planetary gear set P2 Second planetary gear set E11 First element first planetary gear set E21 Second element first planetary gear set E31 Third element first planetary gear set E12 First element second planetary gear set E22 Second element second planetary gear set E32 Third element second planetary gear set A switching element B Switching element C switching element D Switching element G1 gear G2 gear G3 gear

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle transmission (3) for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising a drive shaft (6), an output shaft (7), a first planetary gear set (P1) and a second planetary gear set (P2), wherein the first planetary gear set (P1) and the second planetary gear set (P2) each have a first element (E11, E12), a second element (E21, E22) and a third element (E31, E32) in the form of a sun gear, a planet carrier and a ring gear respectively, wherein the drive shaft (6) is provided for coupling with at least one drive motor and is non-rotatably connected to the first element (E11) of the first planetary gear set (P1), wherein the second element (E21) of the first planetary gear set (P1) and the third element (E32) of the second planetary gear set (P2) are non-rotatably connected to each other, wherein at least functionally a first switching element (C),a second switching element (D) and a third switching element (A) are provided, and wherein in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided first switching element (C) the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2) is fixed, , characterized by , - that the output shaft (7) is non-rotatably connected to the second element (E21) of the first planetary gear set (P1) and the third element (E32) of the second planetary gear set (P2), - that in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided second switching element (D) the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2) is locked, - that in the actuated state of the at least functionally provided third switching element (A) the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1) is rotationally fixed to the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2), - and that, at least functionally, a fourth switching element (B) is provided, in the actuated state of which the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1) is connected to the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2) in a rotationally fixed manner. [2] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first switching element (C) and the second switching element (D) are formed by a common switching device (19) which has a coupling element (24), wherein the coupling element (24) can be converted into a first switching state and into a second switching state, wherein in the first switching state the coupling element (24) functionally represents the actuated state of the first switching element (C) and locks the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2), and wherein in the second switching state the coupling element (24) functionally represents the actuated state of the second switching element (D) and locks the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2). [3] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the coupling element (24) is guided in both switching states and during axial displacement between the two switching states on a first toothing (25) which is fixed in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner, wherein in the first switching state, the coupling element (24) engages with the first toothing (25) additionally in a second toothing (27) which is rotationally fixed to the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2), and wherein in the second switching state, the coupling element (24) engages with the first toothing (25) additionally in a third toothing (28) which is rotationally fixed to the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2). [4] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the third switching element (A) and the fourth switching element (B) are formed by a common switching device (18) which has a coupling element (20), wherein the coupling element (20) can be converted into a first switching state and into a second switching state, wherein in the first switching state the coupling element (20) functionally represents the actuated state of the third switching element (A) and connects the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1) rotationally fixed to the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2), and wherein in the second switching state the coupling element (20) functionally represents the actuated state of the fourth switching element (B) and connects the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1) rotationally fixed to the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2). [5] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the coupling element (20) is guided in both switching states and during axial displacement between the two switching states on a first toothing (21) which is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable, and which is rotationally fixed to the third element (E31) of the first planetary gear set (P1), wherein in the first switching state, with existing tooth engagement with the first toothing (21), the coupling element (20) additionally engages a second toothing (22) which is rotationally fixed to the second element (E22) of the second planetary gear set (P2), and wherein in the second switching state, with existing tooth engagement with the first toothing (21), the coupling element (20) additionally engages a third toothing (23) which is rotationally fixed to the first element (E12) of the second planetary gear set (P2). [6] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the planetary gear sets (P1, P2) are arranged axially in a sequence first planetary gear set (P1) and second planetary gear set (P2) on a connection point (8) at which the coupling of the drive shaft (6) with the at least one drive machine is to be established. [7] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the at least functionally provided first switching element (C) and / or the at least functionally provided second switching element (D) and / or the at least functionally provided third switching element (A) and / or the at least functionally provided fourth switching element (B) are each arranged axially on a side of the second planetary gear set (P2) facing away from the first planetary gear set (P1). [8] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the output shaft (7) is coupled to an input element (12) of a differential gear set (13), which couples the output shaft (7) to two output shafts (14, 15). [9] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the differential gear set (13) is located axially between the first planet gear set (P1) and the second planet gear set (P2) and is positioned radially inside the planet gear sets (P1, P2). [10] Motor vehicle transmission (3) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the output shafts (14, 15) are each coupled to the differential gear set (13) via an intermediate transmission stage (16, 17). [11] Drive unit (1) for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising an electric machine (2) and a motor vehicle transmission (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein a rotor (5) of the electric machine (2) is coupled to the drive shaft (6) of the motor vehicle transmission (3). [12] Drive unit (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the first planetary gear set (P1) and / or the second planetary gear set (P2) is arranged axially at least overlapping with and radially inside the electric machine (2). [13] Drive unit (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the rotor (5) is arranged coaxially to the drive shaft (6) and is connected to the drive shaft (6) in a rotationally fixed manner. [14] Electrically driven motor vehicle drive axle (31) for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically driven, comprising a drive unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13. [15] Hybrid or electric vehicle (29) comprising a drive unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 or a motor vehicle drive axle (31) according to claim 14. [16] Method for operating a motor vehicle transmission (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, - wherein a first gear (G1) is engaged between the drive shaft (6) and the output shaft (7) by representing simultaneously actuated states of the second switching element (D) and the fourth switching element (B), - wherein a second gear (G2) is engaged between the drive shaft (6) and the output shaft (7) by representing simultaneously actuated states of the first switching element (C) and the fourth switching element (B), - and wherein a third gear (G3) is engaged between the drive shaft (6) and the output shaft (7) by representing simultaneously actuated states of the first switching element (C) and the third switching element (A).

Citation Information

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