POWERTRAIN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a drive train according to the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Drive trains for motor vehicles comprising a drive unit, a steering gear, a steering shaft, and a first and a second cardan shaft are known in the art. The corresponding drive unit has an electric motor, a transmission unit, and a pulse-controlled inverter, with the electric motor and the pulse-controlled inverter being arranged on two opposite sides of the transmission unit. A drive shaft of the electric motor and a transmission shaft of the transmission unit run essentially horizontally and essentially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle. For reasons of driving dynamics, the steering gear is arranged in front of the drive unit in the direction of travel (forward direction of travel). This means that, viewed from front to rear of the motor vehicle, the steering gear is arranged first, followed by the drive unit.The steering gear is functionally and effectively connected to a steering wheel of the motor vehicle via the steering shaft. Therefore, the steering shaft is arranged laterally next to the drive unit. The transmission unit further comprises a differential, wherein the differential is effectively connected to a first front wheel of the motor vehicle via the first drive shaft. Furthermore, the differential is effectively connected to a second front wheel of the motor vehicle via the second drive shaft.

[0003] US 2019 / 0222095 A1 shows a modular drive system. For this purpose, a first electric machine is coupled to a differential via a first transmission. The first electric machine can be coupled to a second electric machine to form a dual drive unit. The operation of the first electric machine is controlled by a first pulse-controlled inverter. The first pulse-controlled inverter is aligned with a first motor axis and arranged on the side of the first transmission opposite the first electric machine. The operation of the second electric machine is controlled by a second pulse-controlled inverter. The second pulse-controlled inverter is aligned with a second motor axis and arranged on the side of a second transmission assigned to the second electric machine, opposite the second electric machine. The transmission unit thus comprises the first transmission, the second transmission, and possibly the differential.The first and second electric motors are arranged on two opposite sides of the transmission unit. The coolant inlets and outlets of the two electric motors are interconnectable, in particular by means of coolant channels formed in the transmission unit.

[0004] EP 3 357 727 A1 discloses a drive train for a motor vehicle with a drive unit. The drive unit comprises: a pulse-controlled inverter configured to convert externally supplied direct current into alternating current; an electric machine configured to convert the power from the pulse-controlled inverter into mechanical rotation of a drive shaft of the electric machine; and a transmission unit. The electric machine, the transmission unit, and the pulse-controlled inverter are each arranged in a separate sub-housing, namely an electric machine sub-housing, a transmission sub-housing, and a pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing. The electric machine, the transmission unit, and the pulse-controlled inverter are detachably connected to the transmission unit in an axial direction along a transmission shaft of the transmission unit, wherein the transmission unit is positioned between the electric machine and the pulse-controlled inverter.A partition plate is provided in the gearbox housing to divide the interior of the gearbox housing into a gearbox cavity and a dry cavity. The dry cavity serves to insert the electrical connecting cables of the electric motor and the pulse-controlled inverter. The dry cavity has several contacts for docking the electrical connecting cables of the electric motor and the pulse-controlled inverter.

[0005] US 9,692,277 B2 discloses another drive train with a drive unit. The drive unit comprises an electric motor, a pulse-controlled inverter, and a transmission unit. The drive unit has a multi-part drive unit housing. The drive unit is primarily used on the rear axle of a motor vehicle. Use on a front axle is also conceivable. The electric motor, the transmission unit, and the pulse-controlled inverter are arranged next to one another in this order in the axial direction of a transmission shaft. The drive unit is mounted on a subframe structure of a chassis with a pair of brackets at two points. Each of these brackets forms a fastening point. Each bracket has a rubber bushing (or synthetic bushing) and can be fastened to the subframe structure with a screw.A thermal management system controls the temperature of the electric motor, pulse-controlled inverter, and transmission unit. A coolant inlet and outlet are located on opposite ends of the drive unit.

[0006] For example, WO 2016 / 184607 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a drive train, wherein the drive train comprises a drive unit, a steering gear, a steering shaft, and a first and a second propeller shaft. The drive unit is designed as an electric machine, and the electric machine has a drive shaft, and the transmission unit has a transmission shaft. The drive shaft and the transmission shaft extend substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, with the steering gear being arranged in front of the drive unit in the direction of travel. The transmission unit has a differential, wherein the first and second propeller shafts are each operatively connectable to a respective wheel of the motor vehicle.

[0007] Finally, WO 2019 / 062864 A1 discloses a drive train for a motor vehicle, wherein the drive unit comprises an electric motor and the transmission unit has a differential. The drive torque is transmitted to the respective front wheels of the motor vehicle via a first and second drive shaft of the differential.

[0008] With conventional drivetrains, problems arise when integrating the drive unit into the motor vehicle. The available installation space in the vehicle is not used optimally, the latter particularly depending on whether the drive unit is installed in a left-hand drive or a right-hand drive vehicle. This results in unused areas in the installation space when using conventional drivetrains. In some cases, drivetrain components adjacent to the drive unit must then be offset, which negatively impacts the efficiency of the drivetrain and thus the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the conventional drivetrains can only be used in different vehicle variants (left-hand drive / right-hand drive) with appropriate design adaptations, which increases the development, manufacturing, and assembly costs of the drivetrains.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the drive train for a motor vehicle in such a way that the development effort, the manufacturing effort and / or the assembly effort or the associated costs are reduced and / or that the available installation space can be used as optimally as possible, in particular taking into account the arrangement of an electric machine and / or its power.

[0010] This problem underlying the invention is now solved for a motor vehicle with the features of patent claim 1.

[0011] The basic principle of the invention essentially lies in the fact that the differential is arranged essentially centrally on a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle running centrally, wherein a length of the first propeller shaft essentially corresponds to a length of the second propeller shaft. The drive unit is further designed such that the drive unit can be arranged in both a right-hand drive vehicle and a left-hand drive vehicle, wherein the arrangement of the drive unit in the right-hand drive vehicle is rotated by 180° to a vertical axis compared to the arrangement of the drive unit in the left-hand drive vehicle. If the drive unit is arranged in the right-hand drive vehicle, the steering shaft is arranged to the right of the drive unit with respect to the direction of travel.If, on the other hand, the drive unit is located in a left-hand drive vehicle, the steering shaft is positioned to the left of the drive unit in relation to the direction of travel. The vertical axis runs exactly centrally in the vehicle and intersects the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which runs exactly centrally.

[0012] The essentially central arrangement of the differential enables the design of drive shafts of essentially equal length. The term "essentially central" in relation to the differential means that the differential can be arranged up to ± 50 mm off-center relative to the center of a transverse axis of the vehicle or up to ± 50 mm off-center relative to a precisely central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The term "essentially" in relation to the drive shafts means that the length of the first drive shaft deviates from the length of the second drive shaft only by unavoidable manufacturing tolerances, or that the length of the first drive shaft deviates from the length of the second drive shaft by less than 52 mm. The essentially equal-length drive shafts also lead to increased efficiency or improved efficiency of the drivetrain.

[0013] Because the corresponding drive unit can be used in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, particularly high volumes of this drive unit can be produced for both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles. This leads to cost reductions in both the development and production of the drive unit, as well as in the procurement of its components. The use of the drive unit in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles is made possible in particular by the electric motor's ability to deliver equally good power in both directions of rotation of the drive shaft.

[0014] The electric motor is preferably arranged on a side of the transmission unit facing away from the steering shaft in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles.

[0015] In order to provide high drive power, the electric motor has a relatively large extension in the axial direction of the drive shaft. Furthermore, the diameter of the electric motor is also relatively large. Relative here means in relation to the size of the pulse-controlled inverter. Due to the arrangement of the electric motor on a side of the transmission unit facing away from the steering shaft, the steering shaft can be guided past the drive unit particularly close to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle running centrally in the vehicle, without the drive unit being touched by the steering shaft. The steering shaft can thus be aligned in particular to the center of a vehicle seat, namely in particular to the center of a left vehicle seat in a left-hand drive vehicle and in particular to the center of a right vehicle seat in a right-hand drive vehicle.The connection between the steering shaft and the steering gear can also be designed particularly close to the vehicle's central longitudinal axis. This has a positive impact on possible steering gear designs and thus on the vehicle's steering behavior.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the drive train, the drive unit has a drive unit housing, wherein a plurality of A-side fastening points are formed on the drive unit housing on a first, A-side of the drive unit housing. Furthermore, a plurality of B-side fastening points are formed on the drive unit housing on a second, B-side of the drive unit housing, opposite the A-side. The drive unit housing can be fastened to a front unit console by means of at least two of the A-side fastening points and to a rear unit console by means of at least two of the B-side fastening points. Alternatively, the drive unit housing can be fastened to the front unit console by means of at least two of the B-side fastening points and to the rear unit console by means of at least two of the A-side fastening points.The front unit console and the rear unit console are formed on a body of the motor vehicle.

[0017] The A-side and B-side attachment points enable a secure connection between the drive unit and the body in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles. Each of the attachment points has, for example, an internal thread, so that the drive unit can be connected to the front unit console and the rear unit console using a screw. The internal threads of the attachment points preferably run horizontally. Other connection techniques between the drive unit and the two unit consoles are conceivable. Furthermore, each attachment point has a transmission surface, whereby a force and / or a moment can be transmitted between the drive unit and the two unit consoles via these transmission surfaces.The front unit console is located in front of the drive unit in the direction of travel and the rear unit console is located behind the drive unit in the direction of travel.

[0018] Preferably, an arrangement of the A-side fastening points relative to one another corresponds to an arrangement of the B-side fastening points relative to one another, wherein in particular the arrangement of the A-side fastening points is mirrored to the arrangement of the B-side fastening points on a vertical plane running centrally in a transverse direction through the drive unit housing.

[0019] One of the A-side attachment points and one of the B-side attachment points are preferably located in a line running longitudinally of the vehicle. Even if the front unit console and the rear unit console are designed differently, which makes sense given the loads on the front unit console and the rear unit console, the drive unit can be connected to the two respective unit consoles using the A-side attachment points and the B-side attachment points in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the drive train, five A-side attachment points and five B-side attachment points are present or formed.

[0021] This allows the forces and / or moments acting between the drive unit and the two standard brackets to be distributed particularly effectively across the various attachment points, yet with reasonable design effort. Spaced connections between the two standard brackets and the drive unit are particularly useful for absorbing these moments.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the drive train, a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet are each arranged on the A side of the drive unit housing. Furthermore, a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet are each arranged on the B side of the drive unit housing. A cooling fluid can be supplied to the drive unit housing via one of the coolant inlets, and a cooling fluid can be discharged from the drive unit housing via one of the coolant outlets. Either the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet on the A side, or the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet on the B side, are each closed by a plug and thus rendered inoperative.

[0023] The pipes or hoses for supplying and discharging the cooling fluid are arranged in front of the drive unit in the direction of travel. Alternatively, an arrangement of the pipes or hoses for supplying and discharging the cooling fluid is also conceivable behind the drive unit in the direction of travel. Because there is a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on both sides of the drive unit housing, pipes or hoses can be connected to the drive unit in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles. The two unused openings, namely the unused coolant inlet and the unused coolant outlet, are each sealed using a screw plug, for example. This further increases the flexibility of the drive unit's possible applications.The cooling fluid circuit, including any pipes and / or hoses, can be used in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles without any changes to the drive unit.

[0024] Preferably, the coolant inlet on the A-side and the coolant inlet on the B-side and / or the coolant outlet on the A-side and the coolant outlet on the B-side are connected to each other by a through bore. This bore runs in the direction of travel.

[0025] This makes it particularly easy to manufacture the two coolant outlets and / or the two coolant inlets. This has a very positive effect on the manufacturing costs of the drive unit.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the drive train, an input gear and an output gear are arranged or formed on the transmission shaft. A drive gear is arranged or formed on the drive shaft. The differential further comprises a differential gear. The drive gear and the input gear mesh with each other. The output gear and the differential gear also mesh with each other. In particular, the drive gear, the input gear, the output gear, and / or the differential gear have helical gearing.

[0027] The gears are designed as spur gears and arranged in a helical gear train. Such spur gear trains are robust and cost-effective to manufacture. The helical gearing allows for low noise levels throughout the entire gear unit and a high load-bearing capacity of the individual gears.

[0028] At least one oil tank is advantageously arranged in the drive unit housing. At least one oil sump region is also formed in the drive unit housing, with the differential gear being arranged in a splashing manner in the oil sump region. Adjacent to the oil tank are a first and a second oil catcher, with a left-hand drive guide region being formed on the first oil catcher and a right-hand drive guide region being formed on the second oil catcher. Oil thrown up from the oil sump region by the differential gear by means of the left-hand drive guide region can be fed to the oil tank in a first direction of rotation of the differential gear, and oil thrown up from the oil sump region by the differential gear by means of the right-hand drive guide region can be fed to the oil tank in a second direction of rotation of the differential gear, opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0029] When the motor vehicle moves forward, the differential gear in a right-hand drive vehicle rotates in the opposite direction to that in a left-hand drive vehicle. As described above, in both cases, oil is supplied to the oil tank from the oil sump area. The left-hand drive guide area is arranged such that when the left-hand drive vehicle moves forward, oil thrown up from the oil sump area by the differential gear can be supplied to the oil tank via the left-hand drive guide area. The right-hand drive guide area is arranged such that when the right-hand drive vehicle moves forward, oil thrown up from the oil sump area by the differential gear can be supplied to the oil tank via the right-hand drive guide area.

[0030] Preferably, an oil tank area is formed in the oil tank, with the drive gear arranged in a splash-like manner within the oil tank area. Several contacts are arranged in the drive unit housing, whereby electrical energy can be transferred between the pulse-controlled inverter and the electric motor via the contacts. The contacts can be cooled by the oil propelled upwards from the oil tank area by the drive gear.

[0031] Due to the high electrical energy transferred through the contacts, heat is generated in the contacts. This leads to an increase in the temperature of the contacts. The ejected oil dissipates heat from the contacts, keeping the temperature increase within an acceptable range, ensuring the function of the contacts. The oil tank can also be used to lubricate bearings, creating synergistic effects.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the drive train, the transmission shaft is mounted in the drive unit housing by means of at least two bearings, wherein the bearings of the transmission shaft in both directions of rotation of the transmission shaft have such an arrangement and / or dimensioning that the function of the two bearings is ensured for a service life predetermined in the design of the bearings for forward travel of the motor vehicle.

[0033] The transmission unit can therefore be used universally in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, without the need for premature maintenance. Preferably, the transmission shaft is mounted on identical bearings on both sides.

[0034] The drive unit housing is preferably designed in multiple parts and comprises an electric machine sub-housing, a transmission sub-housing, and a pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing. The electric machine is arranged in the electric machine sub-housing, the transmission unit in the transmission sub-housing, and the pulse-controlled inverter in the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing. A bevel is formed on the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing, with an axis of the steering shaft being arranged in a region adjacent to the bevel, in particular substantially parallel to the bevel.

[0035] The bevel is advantageously formed on an end face of the pulse inverter housing facing away from the gear unit.

[0036] Preferably, the bevel has an angle to a plane running perpendicular to the gear shaft, wherein the distance of the end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing facing away from the gear unit to the gear unit sub-housing is greater in an upper region of the end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing facing away from the gear unit than in the lower region of the end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing facing away from the gear unit.

[0037] This allows for optimal use of the available installation space in the vehicle. Only a small gap is created between the steering shaft and the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing, ensuring that the steering shaft does not touch the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing. Larger unused areas are eliminated. The design of such an asymmetrical pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing is made possible by the appropriate arrangement of the pulse-controlled inverter components within the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing. In contrast to the arrangement of the components of the electric motor, the arrangement of the pulse-controlled inverter components allows for a certain degree of flexibility.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the drive train, the first propeller shaft and the second propeller shaft are each arranged at a deflection angle relative to a horizontal plane. The deflection angles of the first propeller shaft and the second propeller shaft have substantially identical values, with the deflection angles of the first propeller shaft and the second propeller shaft being, in particular, less than 7.5°. The term "substantially" here means that the deflection angles differ from one another only due to unavoidable manufacturing tolerances, or that the deflection angles differ from one another by only less than 2°. Such small deflection angles can minimize friction losses in the drive train, leading to an increase in drive train efficiency.

[0039] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the motor vehicle or drive train. Reference is made to the claims subordinate to claim 1. A preferred embodiment of the drive train for a motor vehicle will now be explained and described in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the drive train in a right-hand drive vehicle in a rear view (or from the back) in section, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of the drive train in a left-hand drive vehicle in a rear view (or from the back) in section, Fig. 3 is a schematic 3D representation of the embodiment of the drive train in a right-hand drive vehicle in a front view (or from the front), Fig. 4 is a schematic 3D representation of a drive unit of the drive train in a left-hand drive vehicle in a front view (or from the front), but without showing the steering shaft, Fig. 5 is a schematic 3D representation of the embodiment of the drive train in a left-hand drive vehicle in a front view (or from the front), Fig. 6 is a schematic 3D representation of the embodiment of the drive train in a left-hand drive vehicle in a rear view (or from the back), Fig.Fig. 7 is a schematic 3D representation of the drive unit of the drive train in a side view in section, and Fig. 8 is a schematic 3D representation of a transmission unit of the drive train in a side view, but without a transmission housing.

[0040] In the Fig.1 and the Fig. 2 Each of the drawings shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a drive train 1 in a rear sectional view. The drive train 1 is intended for use in a motor vehicle.

[0041] In Fig. 3 The drive train 1 is shown in a schematic 3D representation in a front view.

[0042] In the Fig.1 bis Fig. 3 The same reference symbols are used for the same components.

[0043] The drive train 1 has a drive unit 2, a steering gear 3, a steering shaft 4, a first propeller shaft 5, and a second propeller shaft 6. The drive unit 2 has an electric machine 7, a transmission unit 8, and a pulse-controlled inverter 9. The electric machine 7 and the pulse-controlled inverter 9 are arranged on two opposite sides of the transmission unit 8. The transmission unit 8 is thus arranged between the pulse-controlled inverter 9 and the electric machine 7. The electric machine 7 has a drive shaft 10, and the transmission unit 8 has a transmission shaft 11. It is conceivable for the transmission unit 8 to have additional transmission shafts to form further transmission stages. The drive shaft 10 and the transmission shaft 11 run essentially horizontally and essentially perpendicular to a direction of travel 12 of the motor vehicle. The drive shaft 10 and the transmission shaft 11 are thus arranged in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle.The term "substantially" here means that the deviation from this transverse direction does not exceed the manufacturing tolerances.

[0044] The steering gear 3 is arranged in front of the drive unit 2 in the direction of travel 12 (forward direction of travel of the vehicle). In this way, understeering behavior can be achieved even in a rear-heavy motor vehicle. Such rear-heavy behavior is caused, for example, by a vehicle battery, which is designed to be correspondingly large and heavy to supply the electric motor 7. The rear-heavy behavior can also be caused by another electric motor arranged on a rear axle of the motor vehicle. The steering gear 3 can be functionally connected to a steering wheel of the motor vehicle by means of the steering shaft 4. The steering wheel, the steering shaft 4 and the steering gear 3 enable the motor vehicle to corner. The steering shaft 4 is arranged partly laterally next to the drive unit 2.The steering shaft 4 is thus arranged laterally next to an end face of the drive unit 2, which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The transmission unit 8 further comprises a differential 13, wherein the differential 13 is connectable to a first front wheel of the motor vehicle by means of the first propeller shaft 5, and wherein the differential 13 is effectively connectable to a second front wheel of the motor vehicle by means of the second propeller shaft 6. The steering gear 3 is thus arranged in particular in the direction of travel 12 (forward direction of travel of the vehicle) in front of the first propeller shaft 5 and in front of the second propeller shaft 6, as can be seen from the figures, taking into account the arrow "12" for the forward direction of travel.

[0045] The differential 13 is arranged substantially centrally on a longitudinal axis 14 of the motor vehicle, which extends centrally within the motor vehicle, with a length of the first propeller shaft 5 substantially corresponding to a length of the second propeller shaft 6. The drive unit 2 is arranged and / or configured such that the drive unit 2 can be arranged in both a right-hand drive vehicle and a left-hand drive vehicle.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows the drive unit 2 in the right-hand drive vehicle, Fig 2 in the left-hand drive vehicle. The arrangement of the drive unit 2 in the right-hand drive vehicle is rotated by 180° to a vertical axis 15 or around a vertical axis 15 compared to the arrangement of the drive unit in the left-hand drive vehicle. If the drive unit 2 is arranged in the right-hand drive vehicle, the steering shaft 4 is arranged to the right of the drive unit 2 with respect to the direction of travel 12 or, as viewed in the direction of travel 12. If, alternatively, the drive unit 2 is arranged in the left-hand drive vehicle, the steering shaft 4 is arranged to the left of the drive unit 2 with respect to the direction of travel 12 or, as viewed in the direction of travel 12.

[0047] In both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, the electric motor 7 is located on a side of the transmission unit 8 facing away from the steering shaft 4. The steering shaft 4 thus runs a short distance apart from the pulse-controlled inverter 9. The steering shaft 4 is designed as a single-piece or multi-piece unit. The steering shaft 4 optionally has a universal joint.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a schematic, light 3D representation of the drive unit 2 of the drive train 1 in a left-hand drive vehicle in a front view. Fig. 5 The drive train 1 in a left-hand drive vehicle is shown in a schematic 3D representation in a front view. Fig. 6 shows a schematic 3D representation of the drive train 1 in a left-hand drive vehicle in a rear view. For identical components, Fig. 4 bis 6 The same reference numerals are used as for the previous figures. Fig. 4 bis 6 In particular, the mechanical connection of the drive unit 2 is evident.

[0049] The drive unit 2 has a drive unit housing 16. On the drive unit housing 16, a plurality of A-side fastening points 18 are formed on a first, A-side 17 of the drive unit housing 16. On the drive unit housing 16, a plurality of B-side fastening points 20 are formed on a second, B-side 19 of the drive unit housing 16, opposite the A-side 17. The drive unit housing 16 is fastened by means of at least two of the A-side fastening points 18 to a front unit console 21 and by means of at least two of the B-side fastening points 20 to a rear unit console 22. This situation is shown in the Fig. 5 and 6 shown.

[0050] In the right-hand drive vehicle, the drive unit housing 16 is attached to the front unit console 21 by means of at least two of the B-side attachment points 20 and to the rear unit console 22 by means of at least two of the A-side attachment points 18. The front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22 are formed on the body 23 of the motor vehicle or connected to the chassis.

[0051] The relative arrangement of the A-side attachment points 18 corresponds to the relative arrangement of the B-side attachment points 20, with the respective arrangement being mirrored on a vertical plane running centrally in a transverse direction through the drive unit housing 16. The A-side attachment points 18 and the B-side attachment points 20 thus have an identical "pattern." Due to this identical "pattern," the front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22 can be used universally in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles without requiring any structural modifications to the front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22.

[0052] The front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22 each have a vertically aligned plate. Horizontal holes are drilled into the front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22, by means of which the front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22 are fastened to the drive unit housing 16. Appropriate screws or bolts are used for this purpose. Other fastening methods between the front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22 and the drive unit housing 16 are conceivable.

[0053] There are a total of five A-side attachment points 18 and five B-side attachment points 20. The connection between the drive unit housing 16 and the front unit console 21 is implemented using all five attachment points on the A-side 17 or the B-side 19. The connection between the drive unit housing 2 and the rear unit console 22 is implemented using three of the five attachment points on the A-side 17 or the B-side 19. This takes into account the different load situations on the front unit console 21 and the rear unit console 22. The five attachment points are divided into three upper and two lower attachment points, with the rear unit console 22 being connected to the drive unit housing 16 using the two lower attachment points and a central upper attachment point.

[0054] A coolant inlet 24 and a coolant outlet 25 are arranged on the A-side 17 of the drive unit housing 2, and a coolant inlet 26 and a coolant outlet 27 are arranged on the B-side 19 of the drive unit housing 2. A cooling fluid can be supplied to the drive unit housing 2 via one of the coolant inlets 24 or 26. A cooling fluid can be discharged from the drive unit housing 2 via one of the coolant outlets 25 or 27. Either the coolant inlet 24 and the coolant outlet 25 of the A-side 17, or the coolant inlet 26 and the coolant outlet 27 of the B-side 19, are each closed by a plug and thus rendered inoperative. This allows the use of the same connecting lines and / or connecting hoses arranged in the motor vehicle, by means of which the drive unit 2 can be integrated into a cooling fluid circuit.Such connecting lines and / or connecting hoses are sealingly connected to the coolant inlet 24 or 26 and the coolant outlet 25 or 27.

[0055] Fig. 7 shows a schematic 3D representation of the drive unit 2 of the drive train 1 in a side view in section. For identical components, Fig. 7 the same reference numerals are used as for the previous figures.

[0056] The coolant outlet 25 of the A-side 17 and the coolant outlet 27 of the B-side 19 are connected to each other by means of a through-bore 28, which extends in the direction of travel 12. It is conceivable that the coolant inlet 24 of the A-side 17 and the coolant inlet 26 of the B-side 19 are also connected to each other by a comparable through-bore.

[0057] In Fig.8 The transmission unit 8 of the drive train 1 is shown in a schematic 3D representation in a side view. Parts of the drive unit housing 16 have been omitted in order to make the components within the drive unit housing 16 visible. For identical components, Fig. 8 the same reference numerals are used as for the previous figures.

[0058] An input gear 29 and an output gear 30 are arranged or formed on the transmission shaft 11. A drive gear 31 is formed or arranged on the drive shaft 10. The differential 13 has a differential gear 32. The drive gear 31 and the input gear 29 are in mesh with one another, and the output gear 30 and the differential gear 32 are in mesh with one another. The drive gear 31, the input gear 29, the output gear 30, and / or the differential gear 32 have, in particular, helical gearing. It would also be conceivable to use straight gearing for at least two of the meshing gears. The drive gear 31, the input gear 29, the output gear 30, and the differential gear 32 form a spur gear transmission with two gear stages.By means of the differential 13, a torque can be transmitted between the differential gear 32 and both cardan shafts, namely the first cardan shaft 5 and the second cardan shaft 6.

[0059] At least one oil tank 33 is arranged in the drive unit housing 16. At least one oil sump area 34 is formed in the drive unit housing 16, with the differential gear 32 being arranged in a splashing manner in the oil sump area 34. The transmission unit 8 is filled with oil, which, due to gravity, at least partially collects in the oil sump area 34, or at least partially repeatedly flows back into the oil sump area 34 during operation of the transmission unit 8. Adjacent to the oil tank 33 are a first oil catcher 35 and a second oil catcher 36, with a left-hand drive guide area 37 being formed on the first oil catcher 35 and a right-hand drive guide area 38 being formed on the second oil catcher 36. By means of the left-hand drive guide region 37, oil thrown up from the oil sump region 34 by the differential gear 32 can be fed to the oil tank 33 in a first direction of rotation of the differential gear 32.The first direction of rotation of the differential gear 32 occurs when the motor vehicle designed as a left-hand drive vehicle is driving forward.

[0060] By means of the right-hand drive guide area 38, oil thrown up from the oil sump area 34 by the differential gear 32 can be fed to the oil tank 33 in a second direction of rotation of the differential gear 32, opposite to the first direction of rotation. The second direction of rotation of the differential gear 32 occurs when the motor vehicle designed as a right-hand drive vehicle is traveling forward. The oil tank is thus filled with oil both when used in a left-hand drive vehicle and in a right-hand drive vehicle when the motor vehicle is traveling. The left-hand drive guide area 37 and the right-hand drive guide area 38 each have a scraper edge, from which the oil drips or flows from the left-hand drive guide area 37 or the right-hand drive guide area 38 into the oil tank 33 arranged below.

[0061] An oil tank region 39 is formed in the oil tank 33, with the drive gear 31 being arranged in a splashing manner in the oil tank region 39. A plurality of contacts 40 are arranged in the drive unit housing 16, with electrical energy being able to be transmitted between the pulse-controlled inverter 9 and the electric machine 7 by means of the contacts 40. The electrical energy is transmittable in both directions, so that energy for driving the motor vehicle can be provided by the electric machine 7, with kinetic energy of the motor vehicle also being recuperated by the electric machine 7 and passed on via the pulse-controlled inverter 9, for example, to a battery of the motor vehicle. The contacts 40 can be cooled by means of the oil thrown up from the oil tank region 39 by the drive gear 31. This ensures that the contacts do not exceed a maximum permissible temperature when the motor vehicle is in operation.The oil tank area 39 is adapted to the shape and size of the drive gear 31, so that it is ensured that during operation of the motor vehicle the drive gear 31 is always immersed far enough into the oil accumulating in the oil tank area 39.

[0062] The transmission shaft 11 is mounted in the drive unit housing 16 by means of at least two bearings 41. The bearings 41 of the transmission shaft 11 are arranged and / or dimensioned in both directions of rotation of the transmission shaft 11 such that the function of the two bearings 41 is ensured for a service life predetermined in the design of the bearings 41 for forward travel of the motor vehicle. In contrast to a right-hand drive vehicle, the direction of rotation of the transmission shaft 11 in a left-hand drive vehicle is opposite when the motor vehicle is traveling forward. Therefore, due to the desired flexibility, it is not sufficient to design one of the two bearings 41 solely for reversing the motor vehicle. The resulting additional costs due to partially "oversized" bearings 41 are offset by the selection of uniform components and the associated reduction in procurement costs.In addition to the bearing 41, all other components of the transmission unit 8, such as the gears, are designed for a service life predetermined in the design of these components for forward travel of the motor vehicle for both directions of rotation of the transmission shaft 11.

[0063] The drive unit housing 16 is constructed in several parts and comprises an electric machine sub-housing 42, a transmission sub-housing 43, and a pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing 44. The electric machine 7 is arranged in the electric machine sub-housing 42, the transmission unit 8 in the transmission sub-housing 43, and the pulse-controlled inverter 9 in the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing 44. Likewise, the differential 13 is arranged in the transmission sub-housing 43. A bevel 45 is formed on the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing 44, with an axis of the steering shaft 4 being arranged essentially parallel to the bevel 45 in an area adjacent to the bevel 45. Minor differences in parallelism are tolerable. It is important that the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing 44 and the steering shaft 4 do not touch one another and that as little installation space as possible is lost both in the pulse-controlled inverter sub-housing 44 and in the entire motor vehicle.The bevel 45 is formed on an end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing 44 facing away from the gear unit 8.

[0064] The bevel 45 has an angle to a plane running perpendicular to the gear shaft 11, wherein the distance of the end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing 44 facing away from the gear unit 8 to the gear sub-housing 43 is greater in an upper region of the end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing 44 facing away from the gear unit 8 than in the lower region of the end face of the pulse inverter sub-housing 44 facing away from the gear unit 8. This takes into account the fact that the steering shaft 4 runs obliquely downwards from a steering wheel arranged above the steering gear 3 towards a vehicle center.

[0065] The first propeller shaft 5 and the second propeller shaft 6 are each arranged at an angle of deflection 46 to a horizontal plane. The deflection angles 46 of the first propeller shaft 5 and the second propeller shaft 6 have identical values. The deflection angles 46 of the first propeller shaft 5 and the second propeller shaft 6 are, in particular, less than 7.5°. Due to these small deflection angles 46, the drive train 1 is highly efficient and results in good driving dynamics of the motor vehicle.

[0066] The drive train 1 can be used in a purely electrically driven motor vehicle, wherein only the described electric machine 7 and no further drive is present, wherein only the first propeller shaft 5 and the second propeller shaft 6 and thus a front axle of the motor vehicle can be driven.

[0067] Furthermore, the use of additional electric motors or combustion engines to create a hybrid vehicle is conceivable.

[0068] The drive train 1 could also be used in an all-wheel drive vehicle. In this case, at least one clutch would be arranged in the drive train, with the at least one clutch being able to decouple the first propeller shaft 5 and the second propeller shaft 6 individually or jointly from the electric motor 7. List of reference symbols

[0069] 1 Drivetrain 2 Drive unit 3 Steering gear 4 Steering shaft 5 First drive shaft 6 Second drive shaft 7 Electric motor 8 Gear unit 9 Pulse inverter 10 Drive shaft 11 Gear shaft 12 Direction of travel 13 Differential 14 Longitudinal axis 15 Vertical axis 16 Drive unit housing 17 A-side 18 A-side attachment points 19 B-side 20 B-side attachment points 21 Front unit console 22 Rear unit console 23 Body 24 A-side coolant inlet 25 A-side coolant outlet 26 B-side coolant inlet 27 B-side coolant outlet 28 Through hole 29 Input gear 30 Output gear 31Drive gear 32Differential gear 33Oil tank 34Oil sump area 35First oil catcher 36Second oil catcher 37Left-hand drive guide area 38Right-hand drive guide area 39Oil tank area 40Contacts 41Bearing 42Electric machine housing 43Gearbox housing 44Pulse inverter housing 45Bevel 46Diffraction angle

Claims

1. Motor vehicle comprising a drive train (1), the drive train (1) having at least one drive unit (2), at least one steering gear (3), at least one steering shaft (4) and at least one first and one second universal-joint shaft (5, 6), the drive unit (2) having an electric machine (7), a transmission unit (8) and a pulse inverter (9), the electric machine (7) and the pulse inverter (9) being arranged on two opposite sides of the transmission unit (8), the electric machine (7) having a drive shaft (10) and the transmission unit (8) having at least one transmission shaft (11), the drive shaft (10) and the transmission shaft (11) running substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicularly to a direction of travel (12) of the motor vehicle, the steering gear (3) being arranged upstream of the drive unit (2) in the direction of travel (12), the steering gear (3) being functionally operatively connectable to a steering wheel of the motor vehicle by means of the steering shaft (4), the steering shaft (4) being arranged laterally next to the drive unit (2), the transmission unit (8) further having a differential (13), the differential (13) being operatively connectable to a first front wheel of the motor vehicle by means of the first universal-joint shaft (5), and the differential (13) being operatively connectable to a second front wheel of the motor vehicle by means of the second universal-joint shaft (6), characterized in that the differential (13) is arranged substantially centrally on a longitudinal axis (14) of the motor vehicle running centrally in the motor vehicle, a length of the first universal-joint shaft (5) substantially corresponding to a length of the second universal-joint shaft (6), the drive unit (2) being designed such that the drive unit (2) can be arranged both in a right-hand drive vehicle and in a left-hand drive vehicle, the arrangement of the drive unit (2) in the right-hand drive vehicle being rotated by 180° to a vertical axis (15) compared to the arrangement of the drive unit (2) in the left-hand drive vehicle, the steering shaft (4) being arranged to the right of the drive unit (2) in relation to the direction of travel (12) when the drive unit (2) is arranged in the right-hand drive vehicle, and the steering shaft (4) being arranged to the left of the drive unit (2) in relation to the direction of travel (12) when the drive unit (2) is arranged in the left-hand drive vehicle.

2. Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electric machine (7) is arranged on a side of the transmission unit (8) facing away from the steering shaft (4) both in an arrangement in a right-hand drive vehicle and in an arrangement in a left-hand drive vehicle.

3. Motor vehicle according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (2) has a drive unit housing (16), a plurality of A-side fastening points (18) being formed on the drive unit housing (16) on a first, A side (17) of the drive unit housing (16), a plurality of B-side fastening points (20) being formed on the drive unit housing (16) on a second, B side (19) of the drive unit housing (16) opposite the A side (17), the drive unit housing (16) being fixable to a front-side front unit console (21) by means of at least two of the A-side fastening points (18) and to a rear-side rear unit console (22) by means of at least two of the B-side fastening points (20), or the drive unit housing (16) being fixable to a front-side front unit console (21) by means of at least two of the B-side fastening points (20) and to the rear-side rear unit console (22) by means of at least two of the A-side fastening points (18), and the front unit console (21) and the rear unit console (22) being formed on a chassis (23) of the motor vehicle or being connected to the body (23).

4. Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that an arrangement of the A-side fastening points (18) relative to one another corresponds to an arrangement of the B-side fastening points (20) relative to one another, in particular the arrangement of the A-side fastening points (18) relative to the B-side fastening points (20) being mirrored on a vertical plane running centrally in a transverse direction through the drive unit housing (16).

5. Motor vehicle according to either of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized in that five A-side fastening points (18) and five B-side fastening points (20) are present and / or formed.

6. Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coolant inlet (24) and a coolant outlet (25) are arranged on the A side (17) and a coolant inlet (26) and a coolant outlet (27) are arranged on the B side (19) of the drive unit housing (16), a cooling fluid being suppliable to the drive unit housing (16) by means of one of the coolant inlets (24, 26), a cooling fluid being dischargeable from the drive unit housing (16) by means of one of the coolant outlets (25, 27), either the coolant inlet (24) and the coolant outlet (24) of the A side (17) or the coolant inlet (25) and the coolant outlet (25) of the B side (19) being closed in each case by means of a plug and thus rendered inoperative.

7. Motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the coolant inlet (24) of the A side (17) and the coolant inlet (24) of the B side (19) and / or the coolant outlet (25) of the A side (17) and the coolant outlet (27) of the B side (19) are connected to one another by means of a through bore (28), said bore (28) running in the direction of travel (12).

8. Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an input gear (29) and an output gear (30) are arranged or formed on the transmission shaft (11), a drive gear (31) being formed or arranged on the drive shaft (10), the differential (13) having a differential gear (32), the drive gear (31) and the input gear (29) being in engagement with one another, the output gear (30) and the differential gear (32) being in engagement with one another, in particular the drive gear (31), the input gear (29), the output gear (30) and / or the differential gear (32) having helical teeth.

9. Motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one oil tank (33) is arranged in the drive unit housing (16), at least one oil sump region (34) being formed in the drive unit housing (16), the differential gear (32) being arranged in a splashing manner in the oil sump region (34), a first oil catcher (35) and a second oil catcher (36) being arranged adjacent to the oil tank (33), a left-hand drive guide region (37) being formed on the first oil catcher (35) and a right-hand drive guide region (38) being formed on the second oil catcher (36), oil thrown up by the differential gear (32) from the oil sump region (34) being suppliable by means of the left-hand drive guide region (37) to the oil tank (33) in a first direction of rotation of the differential gear (32), and oil thrown up by the differential gear (32) from the oil sump region (34) being suppliable by means of the right-hand drive guide region (38) to the oil tank (33) in a second direction of rotation of the differential gear (32) opposite to the first direction of rotation.

10. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that an oil tank region (39) is arranged and / or formed in the oil tank (33), the drive gear (31) being arranged in a splashing manner in the oil tank region (39), a plurality of contacts (40) being arranged in the drive unit housing (16), electrical energy being transmittable between the pulse inverter (9) and the electric machine (7) by means of the contacts (40), and the contacts (40) being able to be cooled by means of the oil thrown up from the oil tank region (39) by the drive gear (31).

11. Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission shaft (11) is mounted in the drive unit housing (16) by means of at least two bearings (41), the bearings (41) of the transmission shaft (11) having, in both directions of rotation of the transmission shaft (11), such an arrangement and / or dimensions that the function of the two bearings (41) is ensured for a service life predetermined in the design of the bearings (41) for forward travel of the motor vehicle.

12. Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the drive unit housing (16) is designed in a plurality of parts and has an electric machine sub-housing (42), a transmission sub-housing (43) and a pulse inverter sub-housing (44), the electric machine (7) being arranged in the electric machine sub-housing (42), the transmission unit (8) in the transmission sub-housing (43) and the pulse inverter (9) in the pulse inverter sub-housing (44), a bevel (45) being formed on the pulse inverter sub-housing (44), an axis of the steering shaft (4) being arranged in a region adjacent to the bevel (45), in particular substantially parallel to the bevel (45).

13. Motor vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that the bevel (45) is formed on a front side of the pulse inverter sub-housing (44) facing away from the transmission unit (8).

14. Motor vehicle according to either of the preceding claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the bevel (45) has an angle to a plane running perpendicularly to the gear shaft (11), the distance of the front side of the pulse inverter sub-housing (44) facing away from the gear unit (8) to the gear sub-housing (43) being greater in an upper region of the front side of the pulse inverter sub-housing (44) facing away from the gear unit (8) than in the lower region of the front side of the pulse inverter sub-housing (44) facing away from the gear unit (8).

15. Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first universal-joint shaft (5) and the second universal-joint shaft (6) are each arranged at a bending angle (46) to a horizontal plane, the bending angles (46) of the first universal-joint shaft (5) and the second universal-joint shaft (6) having substantially equal values, in particular the bending angles (46) of the first universal-joint shaft (5) and the second universal-joint shaft (6) being less than 7.5°.