Drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for an automobile, and motor vehicle, in particular automobile

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a drive machine (2) by means of which a vehicle wheel (4) of the motor vehicle can be driven; a clutch (5) which can be switched between a coupling state for torque-transmittingly coupling the drive machine (2) to the vehicle wheel (4) and a decoupling state for decoupling the drive machine (2) from the vehicle wheel (4); an actuation element (7); and an actuator (8) by means of which the actuation element (7) can be moved relative to a housing (6) of the drive device (1) from a decoupling position (E) effecting the decoupling state of the clutch (5) into a coupling position (K), whereby the clutch (5) can be switched from the decoupling state to the coupling state. By means of the actuator (8), the actuation element (7) can be moved relative to the housing (6) from the coupling position (K) of the actuation element (7), which coupling position effects the coupling state of the clutch (5), into the decoupling position (E) of the actuation element (7), whereby the clutch (5) can be switched from the coupling state to the decoupling state.

Description

[0001] Drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle, in particular motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one such drive device.

[0003] DE 19923 316 A1 discloses a drive system for a motor vehicle, comprising a starter and generator unit arranged in a drive train with a drive shaft. The starter and generator unit comprises an electric machine operable as an electric motor with a starter function or as an electric generator, and a planetary gear.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a drive device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with at least one such drive device, so that a particularly high level of safety can be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a drive device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a drive device for a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, has the drive device in a completely manufactured state and can be driven by means of the drive device. For this purpose, the drive device has at least one drive machine, by means of which at least one vehicle wheel, also simply referred to as a wheel or drive wheel, of the motor vehicle can be driven. In principle, it would be conceivable for the drive machine to be designed as an internal combustion engine. Very preferably, however, it is provided that the drive machine is designed as an electric machine, by means of which the vehicle wheel and thus the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically.Preferably, the electric machine is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 V, in particular greater than 60 V, and very preferably several hundred V. For example, in its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has at least or exactly two vehicle axles arranged consecutively and thus one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, simply also referred to as axles, namely a first vehicle axle and a second vehicle axle. The respective vehicle axle has at least or exactly two vehicle wheels, wherein the aforementioned drive wheel of one of the wheels is one of the vehicle axles. When reference is made above and below to the vehicle wheel, this means the drive wheel, unless otherwise stated.In particular, the respective vehicle wheels and the respective vehicle axles are arranged on opposite sides of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The vehicle wheels of the motor vehicle are ground contact elements by means of which the motor vehicle can be or is supported downwards on a ground in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. If the motor vehicle is driven along the ground while being supported downwards on the ground in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, the ground contact elements roll, in particular directly, on the ground.

[0007] It is conceivable that the vehicle wheel, thus the drive wheel drivable by means of the drive motor, is a component of the drive device according to the invention. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, for example, the vehicle axle having the drive wheel is a component of the drive device according to the invention. The drive motor has, for example, an output shaft, via which the drive motor can provide torques, also referred to as drive torques, for driving the vehicle wheel. In particular when the drive motor is designed as the aforementioned electric machine, the drive motor, thus the electric machine, has a stator and a rotor, which can be driven by means of the stator and is therefore rotatable relative to the stator, in particular about a machine axis of rotation. The rotor has, for example, a rotor shaft, which is in particular the aforementioned output shaft.Thus, the electric machine can provide the respective torque for driving the vehicle wheel, for example, via its rotor, in particular via the rotor shaft. The drive device has at least one clutch, which can be switched between a coupling state for torque-transmitting coupling of the drive motor, in particular the output shaft and / or the rotor, to the vehicle wheel and a decoupling state for decoupling the drive motor, in particular the rotor and / or the output shaft, from the vehicle wheel.In other words, in the coupling state of the clutch, the drive machine, in particular the output shaft and / or the rotor, is to be coupled or is coupled to the vehicle wheel in a torque-transmitting manner by means of the clutch, so that in the coupling state of the clutch the vehicle wheel can be driven via the clutch by the drive machine, in particular by the rotor and / or the output shaft, in particular in that in the coupling state of the clutch the respective torque can be transmitted from the drive machine, in particular from the rotor and / or the output shaft, to the vehicle wheel via the clutch.In other words, a torque flow is thus closed, via which and along which the respective torque from the drive motor, in particular from the rotor and / or the output shaft, can be transmitted via the clutch to the vehicle wheel in order to thereby drive the vehicle wheel, whereby the vehicle wheel can be driven by the drive motor, in particular by the respective torque. In the uncoupled state, the vehicle wheel is decoupled from the drive motor, in particular from the rotor and / or from the output shaft, so that in the uncoupled state of the clutch, the vehicle wheel cannot be driven by the drive motor, in particular from the rotor and / or from the output shaft, via the clutch.In relation to the torque flow, the clutch interrupts the torque flow in the uncoupled state, so that the respective torque cannot be transmitted from the drive motor, in particular from the rotor and / or the output shaft, to the vehicle wheel via the clutch. Thus, in the uncoupled state, the vehicle wheel can be rotated without any torque being transmitted from the vehicle wheel to the drive motor, in particular the rotor and / or the output shaft, or vice versa.

[0008] The drive device further comprises an actuating element, which is also referred to as the first actuating element. When reference is made above and below to the actuating element, this refers to the first actuating element unless otherwise stated. The drive device further comprises an actuator, by means of which the actuating element can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to a housing of the drive device from a decoupling position of the actuating element, which effects the decoupling state of the clutch, into a coupling position of the actuating element, whereby the clutch can be switched from the decoupling state to the coupling state.Furthermore, by means of the actuator, the actuating element can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the housing from the coupling position of the actuating element, which brings about the coupling state of the clutch, into the decoupling position of the actuating element, whereby the clutch can be switched from the coupling state to the decoupling state. Thus, the clutch can be switched between the coupling state and the decoupling state via the first actuating element by means of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is an electrically operated actuator, so that by means of the actuator and using electrical energy with which the actuator is or can be supplied, the actuating element can be moved between the coupling position and the decoupling position, and thus the clutch can be switched between the coupling state and the decoupling state via the actuating element. For example, the clutch and / or the actuator is arranged in the housing.Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the housing, in particular an inner circumferential surface of the housing, delimits a receiving space, in particular directly, wherein the coupling and / or the actuator is arranged in the receiving space and thus in the housing. For example, it is conceivable that the coupling is arranged in the receiving space and in the housing, wherein, for example, the actuator is arranged outside the receiving space and in particular outside the housing, wherein, for example, it is conceivable that the actuator is arranged on an outer side of the housing facing away from the receiving space and, for example, facing an area surrounding the housing. Preferably, the actuating element is arranged outside the receiving space and in particular outside the housing, wherein, for example, the actuating element is arranged on said outer side of the housing.In particular, when the actuating element is pivotable between the coupling position and the decoupling position and relative to the housing, the actuating element is designed, for example, as a rocker or the actuating element is also referred to as a rocker.

[0009] Since in the decoupling state of the clutch the vehicle wheel is decoupled from the drive machine so that no torque can be transmitted between the vehicle wheel and the drive machine, in particular the rotor and / or the output shaft, the vehicle wheel is decoupled from the drive machine in the decoupling state, so that the clutch is also referred to as a decoupling unit.

[0010] In order to be able to realize a particularly high level of security in a particularly simple manner, according to the invention a second actuating element is provided in addition to the actuator and in addition to the first actuating element, which is preferably arranged outside the receiving space and / or preferably outside the housing and in this case, for example, on the aforementioned outer side of the housing.As a result of an accident-related force being applied to the motor vehicle and thus to the second actuating element, the second actuating element can be moved relative to the housing and relative to the first actuating element into a particularly straight movement direction from an initial position of the second actuating element, also referred to as the rest position, with the direction of movement running along a straight line. As a result, the first actuating element can be moved from the coupled position into the uncoupled position relative to the housing while the second actuating element slides directly off the first actuating element. In other words, when a force is applied due to an accident, the second actuating element is moved relative to the first actuating element and in particular relative to the housing in the movement direction from the initial position, for example, into an actuated position.During this movement of the second actuating element from the initial position, in particular into the actuating position, in the direction of movement and relative to the first actuating element, the second actuating element slides directly against the first actuating element, thereby moving the first actuating element from the coupled position to the uncoupled position and thus switching the clutch from the coupled state to the uncoupled state. This decouples the vehicle wheel from the drive engine in a particularly simple and effective manner, thus avoiding undesirable effects that could potentially occur if the vehicle wheel were coupled to the drive engine in the subsequent course of an accident involving the motor vehicle that caused the application of force.In particular, it is provided that the second actuating element is movable relative to the housing and relative to the first actuating element in the direction of movement from the starting position as a result of the accident-related force application, whereby the first actuating element can be moved from the coupled position to the uncoupled position while the second actuating element slides directly off the first actuating element, without operating the actuator, i.e., while operation of the actuator and thus movement of the first actuating element from the coupled position to the uncoupled position caused by the actuator is avoided. The invention thus makes it possible to open the clutch via the actuating element particularly quickly, i.e., in a particularly short time, and thus to switch from the coupled state to the uncoupled state without operating the actuator. As a result, the vehicle wheel can be uncoupled from the drive engine without operating the actuator.The invention thus enables, for example, decoupling of the vehicle wheel from the drive motor in a maximum of 30 milliseconds (ms), in particular a maximum of 20 ms, and most particularly a maximum of 5 ms, wherein, for example, switching the clutch from the coupled state to the uncoupled state by means of the actuator takes 80 to 100 ms. Furthermore, the invention enables decoupling of the vehicle wheel from the drive motor, thus switching the clutch from the coupled state to the uncoupled state, if, for example, a power supply and power supply to the actuator have failed. In other words, the invention can decouple the vehicle wheel from the drive motor, in particular even if the actuator is no longer supplied with power and can therefore no longer be operated. This ensures a particularly high level of safety.In this case, for example, the coupling has a spring which can be overridden by the movement of the first from the coupling position to the uncoupling position, which movement is effected or can be effected by means of the second actuating element, and thus allows uncoupling.

[0011] If the accident-related force application results, for example, from a frontal impact of the motor vehicle, also known as a frontal crash or head-on crash, the accident-related force application acts in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, in particular from the rear to the front. Due to this accident-related force application, the second actuating element can be moved, i.e., displaced, particularly quickly in the direction of movement from the starting position, whereby the clutch can be opened particularly quickly, i.e., in a particularly short time. Thus, the second actuating element is preferably designed to be displaced from the starting position to the direction of movement when the accident-related force application acts in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, in particular from the rear to the front.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the accident-related force application results from a side impact of the motor vehicle, also known as a side crash. In the case of a side impact or as a result of a side impact, for example, the accident-related force application acts in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, in particular from the outside to the inside, so that the second actuating element is preferably alternatively or additionally designed to be displaced from the initial position into the direction of movement during or as a result of the accident-related force application acting in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, in particular from the outside to the inside. This allows for a particularly high level of safety to be achieved.In addition, the clutch can be switched from the coupled state to the uncoupled state particularly easily without any additional actuator, so that the vehicle wheel can be uncoupled in a particularly simple manner and thus a particularly high level of safety can be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0012] In order to be able to realize a particularly simple construction of the drive device and thus a particularly high level of safety in a particularly simple manner, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that the second actuating element can be moved in the direction of movement exclusively in a translational manner from the starting position, so that the second actuating element can only be moved from the starting position by displacing the second actuating element in the direction of movement.

[0013] In order to be able to move the first actuating element particularly advantageously from the coupling position into the uncoupling position by means of the second actuating element, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the second actuating element is designed as a wedge, which tapers in the direction of movement, at least in a length region which slides directly in the first actuating element during the accident-related movement of the second actuating element in the direction of movement and relative to the housing.

[0014] In order to achieve a particularly high level of safety in a particularly simple manner, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the second actuating element can be moved from its initial position in the direction of movement solely due to the acceleration of the second actuating element in the direction of movement caused by the accident-related force. Thus, no additional components are required to move the second actuating element in the direction of movement, so that the number of parts, costs, weight, and installation space requirements of the drive device can be kept to a particularly low level.

[0015] In order to achieve a particularly space- and weight-efficient design of the second actuating element itself and to be able to move the second actuating element particularly quickly, i.e. in a short time, from the starting position into the direction of movement, so that the vehicle wheel can be decoupled, i.e. uncoupled, from the drive motor particularly quickly, i.e. in a particularly short time, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the drive device has at least or exactly one spring element assigned to the second actuating element, which is tensioned in the starting position of the second actuating element and thereby provides a spring force acting in the direction of movement and at least indirectly, in particular directly, from the spring element to the second actuating element. The spring element is preferably designed as a mechanical spring and thus as a solid body.More particularly, the spring element is designed as a compression spring, and for example, the spring element is designed as a helical spring. The drive device preferably has a locking element. The locking element locks the second actuating element in the initial position against the spring force, and the locking element allows, in particular solely as a result of the accident-related force, a movement of the second actuating element in the direction of movement from the initial position, which can be effected by means of the spring force.For this purpose, for example, the locking element, in particular solely and exclusively, can be moved by the accident-related force application relative to the spring element from a securing position locking the second actuating element in the starting position against the spring force into a release position, in which the locking element permits the movement of the second actuating element in the direction of movement from the starting position, which can be effected by means of the spring force. Alternatively or additionally, the locking element secures the spring element against a relaxation of the spring element in the direction of movement, and the locking element permits, in particular solely and exclusively, as a result of the accident-related force application, the relaxation of the spring element in the direction of movement, which, due to its relaxation in the direction of movement, moves the second actuating element in the direction of movement from the starting position relative to the housing.For this purpose, it is provided, for example, that the locking element, in particular solely and exclusively, can be moved by the accident-induced application of force relative to the spring element from a locked position securing the spring element against relaxation of the spring element in the direction of movement into a released position, in which the locking element allows the relaxation of the spring element in the direction of movement, which, due to its relaxation in the direction of movement, moves the second actuating element in the direction of movement from the starting position relative to the housing. The locked position can be the secured position or a position different from the secured position. The released position can be the released position or a further position different from the released position. For example, the locking element secures the second actuating element or the spring element in a form-fitting manner.Furthermore, it is conceivable for the locking element to provide a magnetic force, i.e., a magnetic field, whereby the locking element secures the second actuating element or the spring element by means of the magnetic field, i.e., by means of the magnetic force. For this purpose, the locking element is or comprises, for example, a magnet which provides the magnetic field, i.e., the magnetic force, and the magnet is preferably a permanent magnet. This embodiment enables, for example, the second actuating element to be moved in the direction of movement from the starting position relative to the housing both when the accident-related force application coincides with the direction of movement or runs parallel to the direction of movement, and when the accident-related force application runs obliquely or perpendicular to the direction of movement. This allows a particularly high level of safety to be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0016] It has proven particularly advantageous if the locking element allows the movement of the second actuating element in the direction of movement from the starting position by means of the spring force solely due to the application of force caused by the accident and / or allows the relaxation of the spring element in the direction of movement.

[0017] It has also proven particularly advantageous for achieving a particularly high level of safety in a particularly simple manner if the locking element can be moved from the securing position and / or the blocking position into the release position and / or the release position solely as a result of an acceleration of the locking element relative to the spring element resulting from the application of force caused by the accident.

[0018] In order to be able to disengage the clutch particularly safely during or as a result of the application of force in an accident, and thus to decouple the vehicle wheel from the drive engine particularly safely, a further embodiment of the invention provides at least one guide element along which the second actuating element can be moved, in particular displaced, in the direction of movement from the starting position, while the second actuating element slides directly along the guide element. The guide element is preferably designed as a solid body.

[0019] In order to ensure a particularly simple, space-saving, lightweight, and cost-effective design of the drive device, so that a particularly high level of safety can be achieved in a particularly simple manner, a further embodiment of the invention provides for the guide element to be a wall region of the housing. Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the first actuating element can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the coupling position and the decoupling position. This allows a particularly simple, space-saving design of the drive device to be realized, so that a particularly high level of safety can be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle and preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, which has at least or precisely one drive device according to the first aspect of the invention and can be driven by the drive device. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0021] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic side view of a first

[0023] Embodiment of a drive device for a motor vehicle; and

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a partial schematic side view of a second

[0025] Design of the drive device.

[0026] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a detail in a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a drive device 1 of a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle. The motor vehicle is designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, and can be driven by means of the drive device 1. The motor vehicle has at least or exactly two vehicle axles arranged consecutively and thus one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, which are also simply referred to as axles. The respective vehicle axle has at least or exactly two vehicle wheels, which are also simply referred to as wheels. The drive device 1 has a drive machine 2, which is shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1 and is designed, for example, as an electric machine. The drive machine 2 has an output shaft 3, via which the drive machine 2 can provide torque.By means of the torques and thus by means of the drive motor 2, for example, at least one or exactly one of the vehicle wheels can be driven, or at least one of the vehicle axles. The at least one vehicle wheel that can be driven by the drive motor 2 via the output shaft 3 is also referred to as the drive wheel and is shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1 and designated by 4.

[0028] The drive device 1 also has a clutch 5, shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1, which can be switched between a coupled state and a decoupling state. In the coupled state, the vehicle wheel 4 is connected to the output shaft 3 via the clutch 5 in a torque-transmitting manner, so that in the coupled state, the respective torque can be transmitted from the output shaft 3 to the vehicle wheel 4 via the clutch 5. As a result, the vehicle wheel 4 can be driven by the drive motor 2, i.e., by the output shaft 3, via the clutch 5. In the decoupling state, the vehicle wheel 4 is decoupled from the output shaft 3 and thus from the drive motor 2, so that in the decoupling state of the clutch 5, no torque can be transmitted via the clutch 5 between the vehicle wheel 4 and the output shaft 3, i.e., the drive motor 2.

[0029] The drive device 1 also has a housing 6, which is shown particularly schematically in Fig. 1. The drive device 1 also has an actuating element 7, which is arranged in particular outside the clutch 5 and very particularly outside the housing 6. Furthermore, the drive device 1 comprises an actuator 8, which is provided in particular in addition to the drive motor 2. The actuating element 7 and the actuator 8 are arranged outside the clutch 5 and, for example, outside the housing 6, which is, for example, a housing of the clutch 5. The actuating element 7 is designed as a rocker and can be pivoted about a pivot axis S relative to the housing 6 between a decoupling position E, which effects the decoupling state, and a coupling position K, which effects the coupling state. This means that the coupling state of the clutch 5 is set, i.e., activated, by and in the coupling position K of the actuating element 7.In addition, the decoupling state of the clutch 5 is set, i.e. activated, in and by the decoupling position E. By means of the actuator 8, the actuating element 7, which is also referred to as the first actuating element, can be pivoted relative to the housing 6 from the decoupling position E of the actuating element 7, which effects the decoupling state of the clutch 5, into the coupling position K of the actuating element 7, whereby the clutch 5 can be switched from the decoupling state to the coupling state. In addition, by means of the actuator 8, the actuating element 7 can be pivoted relative to the housing 6 from the coupling position K of the actuating element 7, which effects the coupling state of the clutch 5, into the decoupling position E of the actuating element 7, whereby the clutch 5 can be switched from the coupling state to the uncoupled state.The pivotability of the first actuating element 7 between the uncoupling position E and the coupling position K is illustrated by a double arrow 16.

[0030] In order to be able to open the clutch 5 in a particularly simple and quick manner, i.e. to switch from the coupled state to the final coupled state and thus to decouple the vehicle wheel 4 particularly quickly, i.e. in a particularly short time and in a particularly simple manner, from the drive motor 2, i.e. from the output shaft 3, the drive device 1 has a second actuating element 9 provided in addition to the actuator 8 and in addition to the first actuating element 7, which second actuating element 9 can be moved as a result of an accident-related force being applied to the drive device 1 relative to the housing 6 and relative to the first actuating element 7 in a direction of movement illustrated by an arrow 10 from an initial position A, in particular into an actuating position not shown in the figure.whereby, with the second actuating element 9 sliding directly on the first actuating element 7, the first actuating element 7 can be pivoted from the coupling position K into the decoupling position E about the pivot axis S and the coupling 5 can thereby be switched from the coupling state to the decoupling state.

[0031] In Fig. 1, an arrow 11 illustrates the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle, which, when traveling forward, travels in the forward direction, also referred to as the direction of travel, and in particular travels forwards. From Fig. 1, it can be seen that the direction of movement illustrated by the arrow 10 runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the arrow 10 illustrates an acceleration of the second actuating element 9, wherein the acceleration illustrated by the arrow 10 acts in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from rear to front and results, for example, from the accident-related force applied in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in particular from rear to front, which results, for example, from a frontal impact of the motor vehicle.In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, it is provided that the second actuating element 9 can be moved exclusively translationally in the direction of movement from the starting position into the actuating position, so that the actuating element 9 can only be moved from the starting position by displacing the actuating element 9 in the direction of movement. Furthermore, it is provided in the first embodiment that the second actuating element 9 can be moved, in particular displaced, in the direction of movement from the starting position into the actuating position solely due to the acceleration of the second actuating element 9 in the direction of movement resulting from the accident-induced force applied in the direction of movement.

[0032] The drive device 1 has a guide element 17, particularly designed as a solid body, along which the second actuating element 9 can be guided and moved, in particular displaced, in the direction of movement from the starting position into the actuating position, while the second actuating element 9 slides directly along the guide element 17. In the first embodiment, the guide element 17 is a wall region W of the housing 6, thereby enabling a particularly cost-, weight-, and space-efficient design of the drive device 1.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a detail in a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the drive device 1. In the second embodiment, the drive device 1 has a spring element 12 which is assigned to the second actuating element 9 and is shown particularly schematically in Fig. 2, which is tensioned in the initial position of the second actuating element 9 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and designated by A and thereby provides a spring force acting in the direction of movement, illustrated by an arrow 13, which is also referred to as spring preload.The drive device 1 has a locking element 14 which locks the second actuating element in the starting position A against the spring force and, as a result of the accident-related force being applied, allows a movement of the second actuating element 9 in the direction of movement from the starting position A, which can be effected by means of the spring force, so that in the second embodiment the locking element secures the spring element 12, with the mediation of the second actuating element 9, against a relaxation of the spring element 12 in the direction of movement and, as a result of the accident-related force being applied, allows the relaxation of the spring element 12 in the direction of movement, which, as a result of its relaxation in the direction of movement, moves the second actuating element 9 in the direction of movement from the starting position A relative to the housing 6. For example, by a double arrow 15 in Fig.2 illustrates that the locking element 14 is movable, in particular displaceable, in particular in an element direction running obliquely or perpendicular to the direction of movement between a securing position S and a release position relative to the housing 6 and relative to the spring element 12 and also relative to the actuating element 9. For example, the locking element 14 is movable, in particular solely and exclusively, by the application of force caused by an accident relative to the spring element 12 and relative to the housing 6 from the securing position S, which locks the second actuating element 9 against the spring force in the starting position A, into the release position, in which the locking element 14 permits the movement of the second actuating element 9, movable by means of the spring force, in the direction of movement from the starting position A and thus the relaxation of the spring element 12.For example, the locking element 14 is designed as a magnetic release or is a component of a magnetic release. The magnetic release comprises, for example, at least one magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, which, for example, provides a magnetic field and thus a magnetic thrust force, and by means of the magnetic field, the locking element 14 is secured in the securing position S. If, for example, a force acting as a result of the accident-related force and acting, for example, on the locking element 14 initially located in the securing position S, which force comprises, for example, the spring force, exceeds the magnetic force or a force resulting from the magnetic force, the locking element 14 is or will be movable or moved from the securing position S into the release position, whereby the locking element 14 permits the movement of the actuating element 9 in the direction of movement from the starting position A.

[0034] In particular, in the second embodiment, the mass and thus the weight of the actuating element 9 itself can be kept particularly low.

[0035] In the first embodiment and in the second embodiment, the second actuating element 9 is designed as a wedge, at least in a length region L of the second actuating element 9, which tapers in the direction of movement and thus widens in an extension direction opposite the direction of movement. As a result, the first actuating element 7, which is designed as a rocker in the present case, can be moved quickly and safely from the coupling position K to the decoupling position E when the second actuating element 9 is moved in the direction of movement relative to the housing 6 from the starting position to the actuating position due to an accident and slides directly off the actuating element 7 in such a way that the length region L slides directly off the actuating element 7. As a result, the vehicle wheel 4 can be quickly and safely uncoupled, i.e. decoupled, from the drive motor 2.

[0036] List of reference symbols

[0037] 1 Drive device 2 Drive machine

[0038] 3 Output shaft 4 Vehicle wheel

[0039] 5 Coupling 6 Housing

[0040] 7 first actuating element 8 actuator

[0041] 9 second actuating element 10 arrow

[0042] 11 Arrow 12 Spring element 13 Arrow 14 Locking element 15 Double arrow 16 Double arrow A Starting position

[0043] E Decoupling position K Coupling position L Length range S Securing position W Wall range

Claims

Patent claims 1. Drive device (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one drive motor (2) by means of which at least one vehicle wheel (4) of the motor vehicle can be driven, with at least one clutch (5) which can be switched between a coupling state for torque-transmitting coupling of the drive motor (2) to the vehicle wheel (4) and a decoupling state for decoupling the drive motor (2) from the vehicle wheel (4), with an actuating element (7), and with an actuator (8) by means of which: - the actuating element (7) is movable relative to a housing (6) of the drive device (1) from a decoupling position (E) of the actuating element (7) causing the decoupling state of the clutch (5) into a coupling position (K) of the actuating element (7), whereby the clutch (5) can be switched from the decoupling state to the coupling state; and - the actuating element (7) is movable relative to the housing (6) from the coupling position (K) of the actuating element (7), which brings about the coupling state of the clutch (5), into the decoupling position (E) of the actuating element (7), whereby the clutch (5) can be switched from the coupling state to the decoupling state; characterized by a second actuating element (9) provided in addition to the actuator (8) and the actuating element (7), which, as a result of an accident-induced force being applied, is movable relative to the housing (6) and relative to the first actuating element (7) in a direction of movement (10) from an initial position (A), whereby the first actuating element (7) can be moved from the coupling position (K) into the decoupling position (E) with the second actuating element (9) sliding directly off the first actuating element (7).

2. Drive device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second actuating element (9) can be moved in the direction of movement (10) exclusively in a translational manner from the starting position (A).

3. Drive device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second actuating element (9) is designed as a wedge, which tapers in the direction of movement (10), at least in a length region (L) which slides directly on the first actuating element (7) during the accident-related movement of the second actuating element (9) in the direction of movement (10) and relative to the housing (6).

4. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuating element (9) is movable in the direction of movement (10) from the starting position (A) solely due to an acceleration of the second actuating element (9) acting in the direction of movement (10) from the accident-related force application.

5. Drive device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: - at least one spring element (12) which is tensioned in the initial position (A) and thereby provides a spring force (13) acting in the direction of movement (10) and at least indirectly on the second actuating element (9); and - a locking element (14) which: o locks the second actuating element (9) in the starting position (A) against the spring force (13) and, as a result of the application of force due to the accident, allows a movement of the second actuating element (9) in the direction of movement (10) from the starting position (A) which can be effected by means of the spring force (13); and / or o secures the spring element (12) against the spring force (13) against a relaxation of the spring element (12) in the direction of movement (10) and, as a result of the application of force due to the accident, allows the relaxation of the spring element (12) in the direction of movement (10), which, as a result of its relaxation in the direction of movement (10), moves the second actuating element (9) in the direction of movement (10) from the starting position (A) relative to the housing (6).

6. Drive device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking element (14) permits the movement of the second actuating element (9) in the direction of movement (10) and / or the relaxation of the spring element (12) effected by means of the spring force (12) solely due to the application of force caused by the accident.

7. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one guide element (17), along which the second actuating element (9) can be moved in the direction of movement (10) from the starting position (A) while the second actuating element (9) slides directly on the guide element (17).

8. Drive device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide element (17) is a wall region (W) of the housing (6).

9. Drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first actuating element (7) is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) between the coupling position (K) and the decoupling position (E).

10. Motor vehicle with at least one drive device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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