Drive device for a vehicle that can be driven at least intermittently by muscle power

Abstract

A drive device (1) for a vehicle that can be driven at least intermittently by muscle power is provided with: a housing (4); a bottom bracket shaft (2) for receiving muscle power; an output shaft (3) for outputting a driving force for a drive wheel of the vehicle; a drive motor (5) for providing a driving force; a planetary transmission (6), wherein the drive motor (5) is coupled to an input element of the planetary transmission (6); and a traction means transmission (7) which has a first traction means wheel (71) and a second traction means wheel (72), which are coupled to one another for force transmission. The first traction means wheel (71) is coupled to an output element of the planetary transmission (6), wherein the second traction means wheel (72) can be coupled to the output shaft (3). The bottom bracket shaft (2) can be coupled to the output shaft (3) via a shiftable transmission (8).

Description

[0001] Drive device for a vehicle that can be driven at least temporarily by muscle power

[0002] The present invention relates to a drive device for a vehicle that can be driven at least temporarily by muscle power, wherein the drive device provides an auxiliary drive force. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle with such a drive device, which is configured, for example, as a pedelec or e-bike.

[0003] The prior art according to DE 10 2012 103 355 A1 discloses a drive device for a vehicle configured as an electric bicycle. The drive device has an electric motor that can transmit a drive force to an output element of the drive device via a flexible traction means. A planetary gear is provided in the power transmission path between the electric motor and the output shaft of the drive device.

[0004] Based on the prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a drive device for a vehicle that can be driven at least temporarily by muscle power, which provides improved functionality and more reliable operation. This object is achieved by a drive device having the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, a drive device for a vehicle that can be driven at least temporarily by muscle power is provided. The drive device has a housing, a pedal crankshaft for absorbing muscle power, an output shaft for outputting a drive force for a drive wheel of the vehicle, a drive motor for providing a drive force, a planetary gear, wherein the drive motor is coupled to an input element of the planetary gear, and a traction drive. The traction drive has a first traction drive wheel and a second traction drive wheel, which are coupled to one another for power transmission. The first traction drive wheel is coupled to an output element of the planetary gear. The second traction drive wheel can be coupled to the output shaft, wherein the pedal crankshaft can be coupled to the output shaft via a switchable gear.

[0006] The traction mechanism of the drive device can use a link chain as the traction mechanism. In this case, the first traction mechanism wheel and the second traction mechanism wheel are designed as sprockets. The traction mechanism can use a belt as the traction mechanism. In this case, the first traction mechanism wheel and the second traction mechanism wheel are designed as belt wheels. The traction mechanism of the drive device can use a lateral spur drive with an intermediate gear as the traction mechanism. In this case, the first traction mechanism wheel and the second traction mechanism wheel are designed as spur gears.

[0007] The switchable transmission can have at least two gear ratios. The transmission between the pedal crankshaft and the output shaft is provided with at least two gear ratios. The transmission can have more than two gear ratios. Furthermore, the transmission can be designed as a continuously variable transmission. The transmission can have one or more planetary gears. The transmission can have shifting elements with which at least two gear ratios can be formed. The transmission can be arranged coaxially around the pedal crankshaft or the output shaft.

[0008] The drive motor of the drive device can be designed as an electric motor. The electric motor can provide a drive force that can be used to support the muscle power applied to the pedal crankshaft. The output shaft can be connected to the drive wheel of the vehicle for power transmission. For this purpose, the output shaft can have an output wheel, which can be designed as a sprocket or pulley. A traction device can be provided between the output wheel and the drive wheel for power transmission. The traction device can accordingly be a link chain or a belt.

[0009] The drive device can be mounted on the vehicle. In particular, the drive device can be mounted on a vehicle configured as a bicycle. In this case, the drive device can be mounted in the area of ​​the bicycle in which a bottom bracket can be positioned. In one embodiment, the planetary gear can comprise a sun gear, at least one planet gear rotatably supported on a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The sun gear can mesh with the at least one planet gear.

[0010] Furthermore, the at least one planetary gear can be in engagement with the ring gear. In the present embodiment, the input element can be the sun gear. In this embodiment, an output shaft of the drive motor is coupled to the sun gear of the planetary gear set. The drive motor can have a motor shaft that can serve as the output shaft of the drive motor. In this case, the motor shaft can be connected to the sun gear. Furthermore, the sun gear can be coupled to the motor shaft of the drive motor. The sun gear can be coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft. Toothing of the sun gear can be provided on an outer circumference of the motor shaft. In the present embodiment, the drive force of the drive motor is introduced into the planetary gear set via the sun gear.

[0011] In alternative embodiments, the drive force of the drive motor can be introduced into the planetary gear via the planet carrier. In an additional alternative, the drive force of the drive motor can be introduced into the planetary gear via the ring gear.

[0012] In further alternative embodiments, at least one additional planetary gear can be provided in addition to the planetary gear. The at least one planetary gear can be connected in series with the planetary gear with respect to the power flow. Thus, with the interconnected planetary gears, a high transmission ratio can be achieved, with which the speed at the output of the planetary gear can be significantly slowed relative to the speed at the input of the planetary gear, while the torque at the output can be significantly increased relative to the input torque.

[0013] The planet gears of the planetary gear system can be made of a metal material. The planet gears of the planetary gear system can alternatively be made of a plastic material. Likewise, at least one of the first traction gear and the second traction gear can be made of a metal material. Alternatively, at least one of the first traction gear and the second traction gear can be made of a plastic material. The ring gear can be made of a metal material. Alternatively, the ring gear can be made of a plastic material. The ring gear can be molded onto a housing element and, in particular, formed integrally with the housing element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the planetary carrier can be coupled to the first traction gear. In this case, the planetary carrier can serve as the output element of the planetary gear.

[0015] In one embodiment, the planet carrier is coupled to the first traction gear via a drive profile. Alternatively, the planet carrier and the first traction gear can be rigidly connected to one another. Furthermore, the planet carrier and the first traction gear can be formed as a single piece.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first traction mechanism wheel can be supported on a bearing journal that is attached to an inner wall of the housing. The bearing journal can be formed integrally on an element of the housing that forms the inner wall. The bearing journal can be detachably attached to the housing. The bearing journal can be designed coaxially with the planetary gear. The bearing journal can be designed to rotatably support the first traction mechanism wheel via a bearing. In the above-mentioned cases, the bearing journal can be hollow, at least in sections.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the planet carrier can be coupled to the first traction-mechanism gear via a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement can be a separate element provided between the planet carrier and the traction-mechanism gear. The coupling arrangement can have a toothing that engages with a corresponding toothing of the traction-mechanism gear.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the ring gear can be held stationary relative to the housing. In this case, rotation of the ring gear is not permitted during operation of the planetary gear. With this design, a predetermined gear ratio can be provided by the planetary gear. The gear ratio can be formed between the sun gear and the planet carrier.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the second traction mechanism wheel can be configured concentrically with respect to the output shaft and mounted on an outer circumference of the output shaft. The second traction mechanism wheel can have a larger circumference than the first traction mechanism wheel. The second traction mechanism wheel can be mounted on the output shaft via a bearing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the second traction mechanism wheel can be coupled to the output shaft via a freewheel. In this case, during relative rotation between the second traction mechanism wheel and the drive device, it can be provided that a force from the traction mechanism wheel to the output shaft can only be transmitted in one direction of rotation. In particular, it can be provided that a force from the second traction mechanism wheel to the output shaft can only be transmitted in a direction of rotation that is associated with a forward direction of the vehicle when the drive device is mounted on the vehicle. The freewheel between the second traction mechanism wheel and the output shaft can be integrated with a bearing.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the pedal crank shaft can extend axially through the output shaft, wherein the pedal crank shaft is radially mounted in the output shaft on the output shaft side. The output shaft, together with the pedal crank shaft, can in turn be radially mounted in the housing. The pedal crank shaft can be designed as a solid shaft element. The output shaft can be designed as a hollow shaft. A radial distance can be provided between the pedal crank shaft and the output shaft, in which one or more bearings are provided. The pedal crank shaft can rotate relative to the output shaft at least in predetermined operating states of the drive device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the housing can be designed with separating elements to form separate housing sections. The separate housing sections can be designed to selectively accommodate components of the drive device. The housing can have partition walls as separating elements. At least some of the partition walls can be formed integrally with the housing. The separate housing sections can form spaces that are fluidically separated from one another. The housing sections can be adapted to the components to be accommodated by the respective housing sections. The housing sections can have openings for venting, which enables pressure equalization.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the pedal crankshaft, the output shaft, the traction mechanism, and the planetary gear can be housed in a first housing section. The drive motor can be housed in a second housing section. In addition to the aforementioned housing sections, further housing sections can be provided. In particular, an additional housing section can be provided in which electrical or electronic components associated with the operation of the drive motor can be housed.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a lubricant for lubricating the components of the drive device provided in the first housing section can be provided in a first housing section. The lubricant provided in the first housing section can be selected such that it is suitable for lubricating the traction mechanism and for lubricating the planetary gear. The lubricant that can be provided in the first housing section can comprise a lubricating oil. Alternatively, the lubricant provided in the first housing section can comprise a lubricating grease. The switchable transmission can be located at the lower region of the first housing section, so that the switchable transmission is arranged in an oil sump.The lubricant provided in the first housing section can be selected such that, in addition to the lubrication of the traction mechanism and the planetary gear, it is suitable for the lubrication of the switchable transmission.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first housing section can be provided with a removable cover to allow access to at least elements of the traction drive. The bearing pin can be attached to an inner side of the housing cover. In this embodiment, the housing cover can be screwed to elements of the housing. The housing cover can be provided with a sealing element to seal the first housing section. The bearing pin can be made of the same material as the housing cover. The bearing pin can be made of a different material than that of the housing cover. The bearing pin can be molded integrally onto the housing cover. The bearing pin can be screwed to the housing cover.

[0026] According to one embodiment, an adjustable tensioning device for the traction means can be provided on the inside of the housing cover. The tensioning device can be adjustable from the outside of the housing cover. The tensioning device for the traction means can have a tensioning roller. Alternatively, the tensioning device for the traction means can have a sliding piece. The tensioning device can have a mechanism for applying an element of the tensioning device to the traction means. The tensioning device can have an eccentric mechanism with which the adjustable application of the element of the tensioning device to the traction means is enabled. The tensioning device can be confirmed by an adjusting element. The adjusting element can be designed as an adjusting element that can be actuated from the outside of the housing cover. The adjusting element can be designed as a rotatable adjusting element.

[0027] According to one aspect, a vehicle is provided with at least one drive wheel and a drive device for applying a drive force to the drive wheel with one or more of the aforementioned features. The vehicle can be designed as a pedelec or e-bike. The vehicle can have the structure of a bicycle. The drive device can be provided in the area in which a bottom bracket is arranged. The vehicle can have an electrical energy storage device with which the drive device can be supplied with electrical energy. The vehicle can have a control device that controls the operation of the drive device. The drive wheel can be coupled to the drive device via a traction drive. The traction drive can be designed as a chain drive. Alternatively, the traction drive can be designed as a belt drive.The drive wheel can be a rear wheel of the bicycle-shaped vehicle. Alternatively, the traction drive can be designed as a lateral spur gear with an intermediate gear. Alternatively, the vehicle can be designed as a multi-track vehicle with at least one drive wheel.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a drive device in one embodiment in a sectional view; and

[0029] Figure 2 shows the drive device in an embodiment to explain a housing structure.

[0030] Embodiments of the drive device are described below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows the drive device in a sectional view in one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the drive device 1 has a housing 4 which is designed to accommodate the components of the drive device 1. The housing 4 of the drive device 1 is provided with suitable fastening means in order to mount the drive device 1 on a vehicle (not shown). In this context, the drive device 1 is used on a vehicle designed as a pedelec or e-bike, which basically has the structure of a bicycle. The drive device 1 is attached in the area of ​​the vehicle where a bottom bracket is usually provided.

[0031] The drive device 1 has a pedal crankshaft 2, which extends axially out of the housing 4 on both sides. On the pedal crankshaft 2 shown in Figure 1, pedal cranks (not shown) with pedals are provided at the opposite ends, via which muscle power can be introduced into the drive device 1.

[0032] The drive device 1 further comprises an output shaft 3, which in the present embodiment is coaxial with the pedal crankshaft 2. The output shaft 3 is designed as a hollow shaft through which the pedal crankshaft 2 extends. Between the output shaft 3 and the pedal crankshaft 2, a radial distance is provided in which bearings 22, 23 are provided, which are supported on the inner circumference of the output shaft 3 and on the outer circumference of the pedal crankshaft 2. Axially spaced from the bearings 22, 23, with which the pedal crankshaft 2 is supported relative to the output shaft 3, a further bearing 21 is provided, which is supported on the outer circumference of the pedal crankshaft and on the inner circumference of a bearing seat provided in the housing 4. Sealing elements 24 are provided axially outside the bearings 21, 22 and 23, which are intended to seal the pedal crankshaft 2 on its outer circumference.

[0033] The output shaft 3 protrudes with one end section from the housing 4. A drive wheel of the drive device can be attached to the section of the output shaft 3 protruding from the housing 4. The drive wheel is attached to the output shaft 3 such that rotation of the output shaft 3 is transmitted to the drive wheel. The drive wheel can be designed as a gear ring for driving a link chain. In alternative embodiments, the drive wheel can be provided as a pulley for driving a belt drive. The drive wheel, which can be attached to the output shaft 3, is used to transmit the rotation of the output shaft to a drive wheel of the vehicle on which the drive device 1 is mounted.

[0034] The output shaft 3 extends axially into the housing 4. On an outer circumference of the drive shaft 3, a bearing 32 is provided for supporting the output shaft relative to the housing 4. For this purpose, the bearing 32 is inserted with its outer circumference into an opening in the housing 4. A sealing element 33 is provided axially outside of the bearing 32 to seal the gap between the housing 4 and the output shaft 3. Thus, the output shaft is supported relative to the pedal crank shaft by the bearings 22, 23 and relative to the housing 4 by the bearing 32. In other words, the pedal crank shaft is radially supported in the output shaft 3 by the bearings 22, 23 on the output shaft side, and the output shaft 3, together with the pedal crank shaft 2, is in turn supported relative to the housing 4 by the bearing 32.

[0035] The drive device comprises a traction mechanism 7, which has a first traction mechanism wheel 71, a second traction mechanism wheel 72, and a traction mechanism 73. A freewheel 31 is provided axially within the bearing 32 on the outer circumference of the output shaft. The freewheel 31 is coupled to a second traction mechanism wheel 72. For this purpose, the second traction mechanism wheel 72 is mounted on the freewheel 31.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the traction mechanism 7 is designed as a chain drive. For this purpose, the first traction mechanism wheel 71 and the second traction mechanism wheel 72 are designed as sprockets, around which a chain as the traction mechanism 73 wraps. In an alternative embodiment, the traction mechanism 7 is designed as a belt drive with first and second traction mechanism wheels 71, 72 designed as pulleys and a belt as the traction mechanism 73. In an alternative embodiment, the traction mechanism 7 is designed as a lateral spur drive with first and second traction mechanism wheels 71, 72 designed as running gear discs and an intermediate wheel as the traction mechanism 73.

[0037] The first traction mechanism wheel 71 is rotatably mounted axially parallel to the second traction mechanism wheel 72. For this purpose, the first traction mechanism wheel 71 has a bearing 74 on its inner circumference, which is attached to a bearing journal 41, as can be seen in Figure 1. The bearing 74 can be designed as two deep groove ball bearings arranged axially next to one another. An effective diameter of the first traction mechanism wheel 71 is smaller than an effective diameter of the second traction mechanism wheel 72. By the traction mechanism 73 wrapping around the first traction mechanism wheel 71 and the second traction mechanism wheel 72, a rotation of the first traction mechanism wheel 71 is transmitted to the second traction mechanism wheel 72. Due to the arrangement with the above-mentioned effective diameters, a corresponding transmission ratio is provided in the traction mechanism transmission 7.

[0038] The drive device has a drive motor 5, which is arranged axially parallel to the pedal crankshaft 2 or the output shaft 3. The drive motor 5 has a rotor shaft 53, which is provided concentrically to a rotor of the drive motor 5. A stator 51 is attached to the housing radially outside the rotor. When energy is applied to the stator 51, the rotor 52 rotates so that the motor shaft 53, which is connected to the rotor 52, can rotate. For this purpose, corresponding bearings 54, 55 are provided on the outer circumference of the motor shaft 53, which are inserted at their outer circumference into bearing seats of the housing 4. A sealing element 56 is provided on the side of the bearing 55 axially facing the rotor 52 of the drive motor 5.

[0039] The drive device 1 further comprises a planetary gear 6, which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, is designed concentrically with respect to the motor shaft 53 of the drive motor 5. The planetary gear 6 has a sun gear 61 provided in the center of the planetary gear 6. The sun gear 61 is rotationally coupled to the motor shaft 53 of the motor 5. Radially outside the sun gear 61, the planetary gear 6 has a number of planet gears 62. The planet gears 62 are rotatably supported on a planet carrier 63, which in turn is rotatably mounted relative to the rotational axis of the sun gear 61. Outside the planet gears 62, the planetary gear 6 has a ring gear 64 having internal teeth. In the planetary gear 6, the sun gear 61 engages with its teeth into the teeth of the planet gears 62. The toothing of the planetary gears also engages with the toothing of the ring gear 64.In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the ring gear 64 is mounted on the housing in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0040] The carrier 63 of the planetary gear 6 is mounted on the housing 4 via one or more bearings 66, so that it rotates when the sun gear 61 rotates. Due to the predetermined number of teeth of the elements of the planetary gear 6 and the ring gear 64 fixedly mounted on the housing 4, a predetermined gear ratio results in the planetary gear 6 between the sun gear 61 and the planet carrier 63. In particular, the rotation of the sun gear 61 is transmitted to the planet carrier 63 as a slowed-down rotation due to the predetermined gear ratio.

[0041] The planet carrier 63 is connected to the first traction mechanism wheel 71 via a coupling arrangement 65. For this purpose, the coupling arrangement 65 has elements that allow torque transmission between the planet carrier 63 and the first traction mechanism wheel 71.

[0042] When the motor shaft 53 rotates, the sun gear 61 connected to the motor shaft 53 is driven. The rotation of the sun gear 61 rotates the planet gears 62, causing the planet carrier 63 to rotate due to the ring gear 64 fixedly mounted on the housing 4. The rotating planet carrier 63 transmits its rotation via the coupling arrangement 65 to the first traction gear 71. The rotation of the first traction gear 71 rotates the second traction gear 72 via the traction gear 73. When the second traction gear 72 rotates, which is assigned a forward direction with respect to the vehicle on which the drive device 1 is mounted, the freewheel 31, which is provided between the second traction gear 72 and the output shaft 3, transmits its rotation to the output shaft 3 and thus to the output element for driving the drive wheel of the vehicle.In this way, the drive motor 5, the planetary gear 6, and the traction drive 7 provide an auxiliary drive force for the output shaft 3. At the same time, it is possible to rotate the output shaft 3 in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation associated with the forward direction of the vehicle, since the freewheel 31 is provided between the second traction gear 72 and the output shaft 3.

[0043] In the area of ​​the housing 4 that is located radially around the pedal crankshaft 2, a switchable transmission 8 is provided. The switchable transmission 8 of the embodiment of Figure 1 has a number of planetary gear sets that can be coupled to one another by switching elements not explained in more detail. The switchable transmission 8 is connected on the input side to the pedal crankshaft 2 and thus receives the rotation of the pedal crankshaft 2. On the output side, the switchable transmission 8 is connected to the output shaft 3, so that the rotation of the pedal crankshaft 2 can be transmitted to the output shaft 3 via the switchable transmission 8. In an alternative embodiment, the switchable transmission 8 is designed as a continuously variable transmission. In one embodiment, the switching elements of the switchable transmission 8 are controlled at least partially automatically by a control device.In one embodiment, the switching elements of the switchable transmission 8 are controlled by an operating element that is provided on the vehicle and can be operated by the driver of the vehicle.

[0044] With the above-described design of the drive device 1, it is possible to introduce a drive force in the form of muscle power into the drive device 1 via the pedal crankshaft 2. The muscle power introduced into the pedal crankshaft 2 is transferred to the output shaft 3 via the switchable transmission 8. With the switchable transmission 8, the gear ratio between the pedal crankshaft 2 and the output shaft 3 can be adjusted depending on the situation. In situations in which it is necessary to apply an assist drive force to the output shaft 3, the drive motor 5 is controlled accordingly, so that the assist drive force can be applied to the output shaft 3 via the planetary gear 6 and the traction drive 7.On the basis of a sensor system provided on the vehicle, the operation of the drive motor 5 can be controlled in such a way that the operating mode of an e-bike or pedelec is achieved, taking into account a torque introduced into the pedal crankshaft 2 or other input variables.

[0045] The internal structure of the housing 4 of the drive device 1 is explained below. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 4 has an outer shell in which the components of the drive device 1 are housed, while the pedal crankshaft 2 protrudes from the housing 4 on both sides and the output shaft 3 on one side. In the area radially located around the pedal crankshaft 2, as described above, the switchable transmission 8 with its elements is provided. An oil chamber 43 is provided within the housing 4, in which lubricating oil is housed that is suitable for lubricating the elements of the switchable transmission 8. The oil chamber 43 thus extends radially around the pedal crankshaft 2 and, as shown in Figure 2, has an area in which the traction mechanism 7 is provided.As shown in Figure 2, the area in which the traction mechanism 7 is provided is located on the right-hand side of the housing 4 and extends at least between the outer circumferences of the first traction mechanism wheel 71 and the second traction mechanism wheel 72. Thus, the lubricating oil provided in the oil chamber 43, on the one hand, supplies the switchable transmission 8 with lubricating oil and, on the other hand, lubricates the traction mechanism 7 with the same lubricating oil. Furthermore, the planetary gear 6 is also located in the same oil chamber 43, thus enabling efficient lubrication of the components of the drive device 41 located in the oil chamber 43 with the same lubricating oil. When flowable lubricating oil is used in the oil chamber, an oil sump forms at the lower section of the oil chamber. The components of the switchable transmission 8 and the second traction mechanism wheel 72 with the section of the traction mechanism 73 that wraps around it are immersed in this oil sump.This directly lubricates the aforementioned elements. During operation of the drive device 1, the traction mechanism 73 rotates and thus transports the lubricating oil to the area where the first traction mechanism wheel 71 is located. The planetary gear 6 is also located in this area, and lubricating oil thus also reaches the elements of the planetary gear 6 that are to be lubricated.

[0046] Due to their design, the elements of the drive motor 5 are not lubricated with the lubricating oil provided in the oil chamber 43. Rather, it must be ensured that the chamber in which the drive motor 5 is provided is separated from the oil chamber 43. For this purpose, corresponding separating elements 47 are provided within the housing 4, which form a dry chamber 44 in which the components of the drive motor 5 are housed. On the left side of the drive motor 5 in Figure 2, a further section is provided, which is also designed as a dry chamber 44. Electronic or electrical components that are sensitive to moisture and are used to operate the drive device 1 can be housed in this additional dry chamber.

[0047] Thus, the drive device 1 has, on the one hand, a drive train in which the drive motor 5 initially drives a planetary gear 6, which in turn drives a traction mechanism 7, with which the output shaft 3 of the drive device 1 can be driven. In the present drive device 1, the output shaft 3 is driven by muscle power introduced into the pedal crankshaft 2 via the switchable gear 8. By combining the drive forces from the drive motor 5 and the pedal crankshaft 2, a combined drive force is provided at the output shaft 3, which can be used to drive the vehicle.

[0048] The components that require lubrication with lubricating oil are housed in a single chamber within the housing 4. This chamber includes the planetary gear 6, the traction mechanism 7, and the selectable gear 8. Those elements of the drive mechanism 1 that are to be housed separately from the oil chamber 43 are housed in a dry chamber 44, 45, which is separate from the oil chamber 43. For this purpose, corresponding separating elements 47 are provided in the housing 4, which separate the oil chamber 43 from the dry chamber 44, 45.

[0049] In order to enable the axially offset arrangement of the drive motor 5 and planetary gear 6 with respect to the output shaft 3 and pedal crankshaft 2, the oil chamber 43 has a space section arranged concentrically around the pedal crankshaft 2 and a radial oil chamber section 46 extending radially from the concentric space section, in which the traction mechanism 7 is accommodated.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the dry chamber 44, 45 is further subdivided. A first dry chamber 44 houses electrical or electronic components used to operate the drive device 1. A second dry chamber 45 houses the drive motor 5. The oil chamber 43, 46 and the dry chambers 44, 45 have corresponding venting arrangements that enable pressure equalization relative to the surroundings.

[0051] In one embodiment, the drive device 1 is used on a pedelec or e-bike. For this purpose, the drive device 1 is mounted on the vehicle, and the output shaft 3 is connected to the drive wheel via a chain drive. In this case, the vehicle configured as a pedelec or e-bike has an electrical energy storage device in the form of a rechargeable battery, a control device for controlling the drive device 1, suitable sensors for detecting an operating state of the vehicle, and operating elements via which the driver of the vehicle can control the drive device 1.

[0052] Reference symbol

[0053] 1 drive device

[0054] 2 crank shaft

[0055] 21 camps

[0056] 22 warehouses

[0057] 23 camps

[0058] 24 Sealing element

[0059] 3 Output shaft

[0060] 31 Freewheel

[0061] 32 warehouses

[0062] 33 Sealing element

[0063] 4 housings

[0064] 41 bearing journals

[0065] 42 Housing cover

[0066] 43 Oil room

[0067] 44 Drying room

[0068] 45 Drying room

[0069] 46 Oil room section

[0070] 47 Separator

[0071] 5 Drive motor

[0072] 51 Stator

[0073] 52 Rotor

[0074] 53 Motor shaft

[0075] 54 warehouses

[0076] 55 warehouses

[0077] 56 Sealing element

[0078] 6 planetary gears

[0079] 61 Sun wheel

[0080] 62 Planetary gear

[0081] 63 planet carrier

[0082] 64 ring gear

[0083] 65 Coupling arrangement

[0084] 66 bearing 7 traction mechanism (chain drive)

[0085] 71 first traction wheel (chain wheel)

[0086] 72 second traction wheel (chain wheel)

[0087] 73 Traction device (chain)

[0088] 74 warehouses

[0089] 8 shiftable gearbox

Claims

Patent claims 1. Drive device (1) for a vehicle that can be driven at least temporarily by muscle power, with a housing (4), a pedal crankshaft (2) for absorbing muscle power, an output shaft (3) for outputting a drive force for a drive wheel of the vehicle, a drive motor (5) for providing a drive force, with a planetary gear (6), wherein the drive motor (5) is coupled to an input element of the planetary gear (6), with a traction mechanism transmission (7) having a first traction mechanism wheel (71) and a second traction mechanism wheel (72) that are coupled to one another for power transmission, wherein the first traction mechanism wheel (71) is coupled to an output element of the planetary gear (6), wherein the second traction mechanism wheel (72) can be coupled to the output shaft (3), and wherein the pedal crankshaft (2) can be coupled to the output shaft (3) via a switchable transmission (8).

2. Drive device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the planetary gear (6) has a sun gear (61), at least one planet gear (62) rotatably supported on a planet carrier (63) and a ring gear (64), wherein the sun gear (61) is in engagement with the at least one planet gear (62) and the at least one planet gear (62) is in engagement with the ring gear (64), wherein the input element is the sun gear (61).

3. Drive device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the planet carrier (63) is coupled to the first traction means wheel (71).

4. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first traction wheel (71) is supported on a bearing pin (41) which is attached to an inner wall of the housing (4).

5. Drive device (1) according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the planet carrier (63) is coupled to the first traction wheel (71) via a coupling arrangement (65) 6. Drive device (1) according to one of claims 2-5, characterized in that the ring gear (64) is held stationary relative to the housing (4).

7. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second traction means wheel (72) is formed concentrically with respect to the output shaft (3) and is mounted on an outer circumference of the output shaft (3).

8. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second traction wheel (72) can be coupled to the output shaft (3) via a freewheel (31).

9. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedal crankshaft (2) extends axially through the output shaft (3), wherein the output shaft (3) is mounted on the pedal crankshaft (2) and in the housing (4).

10. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (4) is designed with separating elements (47) for forming separate housing sections for selectively receiving components of the drive device (1).

11. Drive device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the pedal crankshaft (2), the output shaft (3), the traction mechanism transmission (7) and the planetary gear transmission (6) are accommodated in a first housing section (43), and the drive motor (5) is accommodated in a second housing section (45).

12. Drive device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that a lubricant for lubricating the components of the drive device (1) provided in the first housing section (43) is provided.

13. Drive device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first housing section (43) is provided with a removable housing cover (42) for allowing access to at least elements of the traction mechanism (7), wherein the bearing pin (41) is attached to an inner side of the housing cover (42).

14. Drive device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that an adjustable tensioning device for the traction means (73) is provided on the inside of the housing cover (42), wherein the tensioning device is adjustable from the outside of the housing cover (42).

15. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction mechanism (7) is designed as a chain drive and the first traction mechanism wheel (71) and the second traction mechanism wheel (72) are designed as chain wheels.

16. Drive device (1) according to one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the traction mechanism (7) is designed as a side spur drive with intermediate gear and the first traction mechanism wheel (71) and the second traction mechanism wheel (72) are designed as spur gears.

17. Vehicle with at least one drive wheel and a drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for applying a driving force to the drive wheel.

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