Electric axle drive system and automatic vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric axle drive (10) for an automotive vehicle axle (16) having two vehicle wheels (12, 14), the electric axle drive comprising an electric machine (18) having a stator (20) and a rotor (22), and further comprising, as a drive section (34), a planetary gear set (26) having a ring gear (30), a planet carrier (32) and a sun gear (28) through which a drive torque that can be provided by the rotor (22) can be introduced into the planetary gear set (26), a first output shaft (36) capable of driving a first wheel vehicle of the vehicle wheels (12, 14) is connected to transmit torque to the ring gear (30) as a first output section (38) of the planetary gear set (26). A second output shaft (40) capable of driving a second vehicle wheel (14) is connected to transmit torque to the planet carrier (32) as a second output (42) of the planetary gear set (26), and the output (38, 42) of the planetary gear set is capable of dissipating output torque resulting from the drive torque from the planetary gear set (26) to drive the vehicle wheels (12, 14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric axle drive device for a motor vehicle, particularly for an axle of a motor vehicle, according to the general term of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having at least one such electric axle drive device.

Background Art

[0002] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2019 205 750 discloses a known gear unit including an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set connected to the first planetary gear set. A drive train for an electric vehicle is known from US Patent No. 5,845,732. Also, International Publication No. 2020 / 216504 discloses a gear unit.

[0003] Furthermore, German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2011 102 749 shows a transmission configuration having an electric machine and a transmission having two planetary gears. Such a transmission configuration is also known from US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0 152 947.

[0004] Furthermore, German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2017 128 448 discloses a differential device for a motor vehicle having a drive element and two output elements, the drive element being connected to the first output element via a first power splitter and to the second output element via a second power splitter, and a speed difference between the two power splitters being possible.

[0005] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2012 110 269 shows a drive train of an electric motor vehicle having an electric machine and a gear unit having two transmission output shafts assigned to a vehicle axle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2019 205 750 Specification [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,845,732 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 216504 [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2011 102 749 Specification [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0 152 947 [Patent Document 6] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2017 128 448 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric axle drive system for an automatic vehicle and an automatic vehicle having at least one such electric axle drive system, and to enable a particularly advantageous drive system for an automatic vehicle to be realized in a particularly space-saving and lightweight manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This objective is achieved by an electric axle drive system having the features of claim 1 and an automatic vehicle having the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments having useful further embodiments of the present invention are described in the remaining claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an electric axle drive for an axle of an automatic vehicle, particularly an automobile, which has at least or just two vehicle wheels, also called a vehicle axle. This means that an automatic vehicle, preferably designed as an automobile, particularly a commercial vehicle, has, in a fully manufactured state, the axle and the vehicle wheels on the axle, as well as an electric axle drive, also called an electric drive unit, electric drive device, or electric drive system. The vehicle wheels on the axle may be driven electrically, particularly purely electrically, by the electric axle drive, thereby the entire automatic vehicle may be driven electrically, particularly purely electrically. Vehicle wheels that can be driven by an electric drive system, also simply called wheels, are also called driven vehicle wheels, drivable vehicle wheels, driven wheels, or drivable wheels. Unless otherwise specified, when the term “vehicle wheel” is used below, it refers to a drivable vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheels are the grounding elements of the automatic vehicle, and the automatic vehicle may be supported or fixed on the ground via the grounding elements in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When an automatic vehicle is driven along the ground, for example by an electric axle drive system, the vehicle wheels roll particularly directly on the ground while the vehicle is supported upward on the ground via ground contact elements (vehicle wheels). Vehicle wheels are also called first wheels or first vehicle wheels, and axles are also called first axles or first vehicle axles. For example, in a fully manufactured state, an automatic vehicle has at least or just two axles, namely a first axle and at least one further axle, arranged in series and therefore front to back relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thereafter, the further axle has at least or just two further vehicle wheels, which are, for example, further ground contact elements. Vehicle wheels are preferably arranged on the axles, and therefore on both sides of the automatic vehicle, in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, other vehicle wheels are also preferably arranged on the axles, and therefore on both sides of the automatic vehicle, in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0010] The electric axle drive system has at least one electric machine, also called a first electric machine, electric motor, or first electric motor. The first electric machine has a stator, also called a first stator. Furthermore, the electric machine has a rotor, also called a first rotor. In particular, the rotor may be driven by the stator and therefore may rotate about the mechanical axis of rotation of the electric machine relative to the stator. In particular, the electric machine may drive vehicle wheels by providing driving torque through its rotor. The electric axle drive system also has, in particular, just one planetary gear set, the planetary gear set having, in particular just one ring gear, in particular just one planetary carrier, and in particular just one sun gear, which is the sole drive unit of the planetary gear set. In other words, the sun gear, also simply called the sun, is the drive unit of the planetary gear set, in particular the sole drive unit, thereby allowing the driving torque that may be provided by the rotor to drive vehicle wheels to be introduced into the planetary gear set via the drive unit, i.e., via the sun gear of the planetary gear set. In particular, the planetary gear set is designed as a simple planetary gear set. The planetary carrier is also called a spider. For example, the planetary gear set has planetary gears rotatably mounted on the planetary carrier. Each planetary gear meshes with a sun gear, especially a ring gear, thereby preferably the sun gear does not mesh with the ring gear, and the planetary gears are designed as stepless planetary gears. The planetary gears form a set of planetary gears. As will be described in more detail below, vehicle wheels can be driven via the planetary gear set by a rotor, and therefore by an electromechanical, in particular by their respective drive torques.

[0011] Here, in order to realize a vehicle wheel, and therefore a particularly advantageous drive unit of an automatic vehicle, in a particularly lightweight and space-saving manner, the electric axle drive unit has a first output shaft which serves as the starting point or means by which a first vehicle wheel among the vehicle wheels can be driven. For example, a vehicle wheel is a component of the axle drive unit. For example, the first output shaft can be connected to or is connected to the first vehicle wheel in such a way that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. In particular, for example, the first output shaft is permanently connected to the first vehicle wheel in such a way that it transmits torque. The first output shaft which serves as the starting point from which the first vehicle wheel can be driven is permanently connected in such a way that it transmits torque to a ring gear which is the first output part of a planetary gear set belonging to or associated with the first output shaft. The electric axle drive unit also includes a second output shaft which serves as the starting point from which a second vehicle wheel can be driven. For this purpose, for example, the second output shaft is permanently connected to the second vehicle wheel in such a way that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. Furthermore, a second output shaft may be connected to a second vehicle wheel in such a manner that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. Thus, a first output shaft may be connected to a first vehicle wheel in such a manner that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. Furthermore, a first output shaft may be connected to a first vehicle wheel in such a manner that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. A second output shaft, which is the starting point from which the second vehicle wheel can be driven, is connected to a planetary carrier of a planetary gear set in such a manner that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. The planetary carrier is designed as a second output section of a planetary gear set, thereby the second output section belongs to a second output shaft, and therefore belongs to or is associated with a second output shaft. In other words, a first output section is assigned to a first output shaft, thereby the first output section belongs to a first output shaft. A second output section is assigned to a second output shaft, thereby the second output section belongs to a second output shaft. Each output torque resulting from the drive torque for driving the vehicle wheels can be transmitted from the planetary gear set via the output section of the planetary gear set.In particular, a planetary gear set may have just two output units, namely a first output unit in the form of a ring gear and a second output unit in the form of a planetary carrier. In particular, thereafter, each output torque resulting from each drive torque introduced into the planetary gear set via its drive unit can be discharged, i.e., transmitted from the planetary gear set via the output drive unit of the planetary gear set, i.e., provided by the planetary gear set. In particular, a planetary gear set may have just one drive unit, namely the aforementioned drive unit in the form of a sun gear, thereafter, for example, the drive torque can be introduced, for example, via the drive unit of the planetary gear set, and specifically only to the planetary gear set.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in particular, just one output shaft is connected to the output section of a planetary gear set belonging to one output shaft, in particular permanently, via an intermediate element, so as to achieve reversal of the rotation direction of one output shaft with respect to the output section of a planetary gear set belonging to one output shaft. This should be understood in particular as follows: When an electric machine provides its respective driving torque through its rotor, and the driving torque is introduced to the planetary gear set through a drive unit, the planetary gear set, in particular its output section, is driven. The drive unit is driven by the rotor, and the drive unit drives the output section. The drive unit, i.e., the sun gear, and the output section, i.e., the ring gear and planetary carrier, are the transmission elements of the planetary gear set. Each transmission element can rotate around the axis of rotation of its respective planetary gear set relative to the housing, in particular when the planetary gear set is driven, when each transmission element is not connected to the housing of the electric axle drive unit in such a way that it has torsional rigidity. For example, so as to be positioned within the housing. Preferably, the transmission elements are arranged coaxially with each other, and the rotation axes of the planetary gear set coincide. Here, if the planetary gear set, and therefore the output units, are driven in particular via a drive unit, the output units rotate, particularly with respect to the housing, around the rotation axis of the planetary gear set, especially together or simultaneously and / or at the same angular velocity and / or rotational speed. Thus, the output units rotate in opposite directions to each other. This means, for example, that the first output unit rotates in a first rotational direction around the rotation axis of the planetary gear set with respect to the housing, and the second output unit rotates in a second rotational direction around the planetary gear set with respect to the housing, where the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction. For example, if the first output unit and the first output shaft rotate in the same direction, and the second output unit and the second output shaft rotate in the same direction, then the coaxially arranged output shafts would rotate in opposite directions to each other, and as a result, for example, the vehicle wheels would also rotate in opposite directions to each other. However, this can be avoided by using intermediate elements so that one output shaft and the output units belonging to the other output shaft rotate in opposite directions.As a result, the output shafts rotate in the same direction, i.e., in the same rotational direction, particularly when the planetary gear set is driven, about a common output shaft rotation axis to the housing of the electric axle drive unit. Therefore, preferably, the electric axle drive unit is designed such that when the planetary gear set, and thus the output parts, are driven via the drive unit, the output parts rotate in opposite directions to each other, while the output shafts rotate in the same direction to each other, in that an intermediate element can be used to reverse the rotational direction of one output shaft relative to the output parts of the planetary gear set belonging to one output shaft, i.e., to bring about the aforementioned reversal of the rotational direction of one output shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, a planetary gear set, also called a planetary gear and designed as a planetary gear, also called a planetary set, functions as a differential gear, and therefore a differential, also called an axle differential. Thus, a planetary gear set designed as or functioning as a differential has a function already well known from the general prior art, in that each driving torque provided by an electromechanical device through its rotor is transmitted by the planetary gear set to the drive, and therefore to the output shaft, also called a sidewall and designed as a sidewall, in particular so that each driving torque results in each output torque, and is in particular divided or separated. Furthermore, the planetary gear set allows the vehicle wheels to rotate at different speeds from each other, in particular so that the vehicle wheels on the outside of a curve rotate at a faster speed than the vehicle wheels on the inside of a curve, in particular when an automatic vehicle is cornering, in particular while the vehicle wheels can be driven by the rotor via the planetary gear set, or are driven, i.e., connected to the rotor to transmit torque.

[0014] In the context of this disclosure, the feature that two components are connected to each other in such a way that they have torsional rigidity should be understood to mean that the components, connected to each other in such a way that they have torsional rigidity, are coaxially positioned with respect to each other and, in particular when the components are driven, rotate together or simultaneously about a common component rotation axis with respect to the housing at the same angular velocity. The feature that two components are connected to each other in such a way that torque can be transmitted between them means that the components are coupled to each other in such a way that torque can be transmitted between them, and thereby, when the components are connected to each other in such a way that they have torsional rigidity, the components are also coupled to each other in such a way that they transmit torque. The feature that two components are permanently connected to each other in such a way that they transmit torque means that there is no switching element that can switch between a coupled state in which the components are coupled to each other in such a way that torque cannot be transmitted between them, but the components are always or permanently connected to each other in such a way that torque can be transmitted, i.e., torque can be transmitted between the components. This means, for example, that one component can be driven by the other component, and vice versa. In particular, the feature that components or structural elements are permanently connected to each other so as torsional rigidity means that there is no switching element that can switch between a coupled state in which components or structural elements are connected to each other so as torsional rigidity and a separated state in which components or structural elements are separated from each other and can rotate relative to each other, but rather that components or structural elements are always or permanently connected or coupled to each other. The feature that two components can be connected or coupled to each other so as torsional rigidity or to transmit torque means in particular that a switching element that can switch between at least one coupled state and at least one separated state is assigned to the components. In the coupled state, the components are connected to each other by the switching element so as torsional rigidity or to transmit torque. In the separated state, the components are separated from each other, and as a result, in the separated state, the components can rotate relative to each other, in particular about the axis of rotation of the components, or torque cannot be transmitted between the components.

[0015] The present invention is based particularly on the following findings and considerations. In the case of an electric drive unit, it is advantageous when the speed of the rotor, and therefore the electromachine, is reduced to a wheel speed lower than, for example, the speed at which each output shaft and / or each vehicle wheel rotates. Typically, gear unit stages are used for this purpose, particularly in the form of planetary sets and / or gear stages, particularly spur gear stages. Differentials designed, for example as inclined differentials, are usually used to achieve speed compensation between vehicle wheels, i.e., to allow different speeds between different vehicle wheels, and thereby the differentials are usually used in addition to gear stages. Herein, the present invention makes it possible, particularly by using intermediate elements, to use a planetary gear set both as a differential that enables or achieves speed compensation between vehicle wheels, and as a gear stage or gear unit, thereby, for example, the rotational speed of a drive unit that rotates particularly at a rotational speed around the rotation axis of the planetary gear set and / or relative to the housing, can be changed to a wheel speed different from, and particularly lower than, the rotational speed at which each output section, and therefore particularly each output shaft, and therefore, for example each vehicle wheel, rotates, and is particularly reduced, when the planetary gear set is driven. Therefore, it is preferable that each gear ratio is provided from the drive unit to the respective output section of the planetary gear set. This means that the use of additional differentials can be avoided, and as a result, the number of parts, weight, cost, and installation space requirements of the electric axle drive can be kept at a particularly low level. In particular, the rotor is made to be permanently connected to the drive unit in such a way that it has torsional rigidity. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the planetary gear set has a first gear ratio when viewed from the drive unit toward the first output section and a second gear ratio when viewed from the drive unit toward the second output section, and it is preferable that the first and second gear ratios are the same. Furthermore, a third gear ratio is provided in particular, for example, in the section moving toward the other output shaft via an intermediate element from the output section belonging to one output shaft, and the third gear ratio is preferably 1.In particular, the electric axle drive system is designed such that when the drive unit rotates at its respective drive speed, particularly around the axis of rotation of the planetary gear set and / or relative to the housing, the output shaft rotates, particularly together or simultaneously, at the same output shaft speed, particularly in the same direction, particularly relative to the housing and / or relative to one of the common output shaft rotation axes of the output shafts.

[0016] The rotor of an electric machine is connected to a drive unit, for example, in a manner that provides particularly torsional rigidity to transmit torque, especially permanently. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rotor may be connected to the drive unit in a manner that provides particularly torsional rigidity to transmit torque. This means that an electric machine, also called an electric motor, is connected, or may be connected, via a drive unit, i.e., via a sun gear, to a planetary gear set, also known simply as a planetary set. Planetary carriers and ring gears, also simply called carriers, are used, in particular, as the output section of the planetary gear set simultaneously.

[0017] Therefore, for example, while one output shaft and the output part belonging to that output shaft rotate in opposite directions, for example, the other output shaft and the output part belonging to the other output shaft rotate in the same direction, thereby preferably so that the direction of rotation of the other output shaft does not reverse with respect to the output part of the planetary gear set belonging to the other output shaft. For example, a second output part may be connected in particular permanently to a second output shaft in particular to transmit torque, thereby so that the second output part may be connected in particular permanently to a second vehicle wheel via the second output shaft in particular to transmit torque. Furthermore, a first output part may be connected in particular permanently to a first output shaft in particular to transmit torque, thereby so that the first output part may be coupled in particular permanently to a first vehicle wheel, similar to the first output shaft, in order to transmit torque. The output parts are also called output sides, thereby so that an intermediate element, and therefore a reversal of the direction of rotation that is moved or movable by the intermediate element, is assigned to one of the output sides. As a result, the two output parts drive each other in the same direction of rotation. In other words, the output unit also drives the output shaft, and therefore especially the vehicle wheels, so that the output shaft, and therefore especially the vehicle wheels, rotate toward each other in the same direction, especially together or simultaneously.

[0018] Preferably, the overall gear ratio viewed from the drive unit through the first output unit to the first output shaft, particularly to the first vehicle wheel, and the second overall gear ratio viewed from the drive unit through the second output unit to the second output shaft, particularly to the second vehicle wheel, are matched, particularly identical, and when the drive unit rotates or is driven at their respective speeds, also called the drive speeds, the output shafts, particularly the vehicle wheels, rotate at the same speed, also called the output speeds, and particularly in the same direction, preferably, each output speed is smaller than the drive speed.

[0019] By using a planetary gear set as both a differential and a gear unit, particularly for reduction, particularly powerful and advantageous reduction can be achieved in a space-saving, lightweight, and cost-effective manner, thus eliminating the need for additional gear stages between each vehicle wheel and each output shaft, for example. In particular, a 5:10 gear ratio can be achieved, for example, by using only one planetary gear set. The present invention is particularly advantageous as a lateral drive unit, i.e., a lateral installation, such that when the automatic vehicle is fully assembled, the rotation axis of the planetary gear set and / or the rotation axis of the machine extend laterally to the vehicle, i.e., parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle. Particularly preferably, the rotation axis of the machine is aligned with the rotation axis of the planetary gear set so that the electromachine can be positioned coaxially with the planetary gear set. Furthermore, the present invention allows the lateral forces of the gear wheels, particularly the drive wheels, to cancel each other out, resulting in particularly advantageous bearings and a compact design. Furthermore, the present invention enables precise adjustment of individual gear ratios for vehicle wheels, thereby achieving optimized load distribution compared to conventional solutions, particularly with respect to longitudinal differentials having different numbers of axles between the front and rear axles of an automatic vehicle.

[0020] As a result, in order to realize a drive unit that is particularly advantageous in terms of being lightweight, space-saving and cost-effective, the present invention further allows the second rotor of the second electromachine to be connected to an intermediate element by a switching element to transmit torque, particularly torsionally rigid, bypassing the drive unit of the planetary gear set. And when the second rotor provides each second drive element, the drive unit is not positioned in the torque flow between the second rotor and the intermediate gear with respect to the torque flow in which each second drive torque can be transmitted from the second rotor to the intermediate element, or at least not in the torque flow. This connection of the second rotor to the intermediate element by the switching element, which transmits torque and is particularly torsionally rigid, enables, for example, the realization of the torque distribution function described above, and thus reverse rotation of the output shaft.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is designed as an intermediate gear, which makes it possible to achieve a particularly lightweight and cost-effective design.

[0022] A further embodiment is characterized in that one output shaft is permanently connected in particular, preferably directly or at least via a first spur gear stage, to the output of a planetary gear set belonging to the one output shaft so as to transmit torque thereto. Thereby, preferably, the other output shaft is permanently connected in particular, preferably at least or directly via a second spur gear stage, to the output of a planetary gear set belonging to the other output shaft so as to transmit torque thereto. Thereby, in particular, the length of the axially extending electric vehicle axle drive of the planetary gear set can be kept particularly short, which enables a particularly compact design. Furthermore, here, a favorable gear ratio can be realized particularly compactly, in particular from the drive unit via the respective outputs to the respective output shafts and in particular to the respective vehicle wheels.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, in order to be able to implement the reversal of the aforementioned rotational direction in a particularly space-saving, lightweight and cost-effective manner, the first spur gear stage has, in particular permanently, a first spur gear connected to the output of the planetary gear set belonging to one of the output shafts so as to transmit torque, in particular having torsional rigidity, and an intermediate gear as a second spur gear meshing with the first spur gear. The second spur gear (intermediate gear) also meshes with the third spur gear of a third spur gear stage comprising the second spur gear (intermediate gear) and the third spur gear, and the third spur gear is connected to one of the output shafts so as to transmit torque, in particular permanently, in particular having torsional rigidity. One of the output shafts is connected, via the third spur gear stage, to the output of the planetary gear set belonging to one of the output shafts so as to transmit torque, in particular permanently. In other words, in this embodiment, one of the output shafts is connected, via the third spur gear stage, in particular permanently, so as to transmit torque, to the second spur gear stage and thus to the output belonging to one of the output shafts, and the third spur gear stage is connected, via the first spur gear stage, in particular permanently, so as to transmit torque, to the output belonging to one of the output shafts. Thereby, the rotational direction can be reversed and a particularly advantageous gear ratio can be achieved in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, in order to be able to achieve a particularly advantageous driving performance of a motor vehicle, in addition to the electric machine, a second electric machine having a second stator and a second rotor is provided. The second electric machine can provide a second driving torque via the second rotor. In particular, the second rotor can be driven by the second stator and thereby rotated about a second mechanical rotation axis with respect to the second stator. It is conceivable that the electric machines and thus the rotors are arranged coaxially with respect to one another and the rotation axes of the machines coincide.

[0025] Further embodiments are characterized in that the second rotor can be connected, or is connected, to a drive unit of the planetary gear set in such a manner that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. Thus, the second rotor can be connected, in particular permanently and in such a manner that it has particular torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque. The second drive torque provided, or may be provided, by the second rotor, and therefore the second electromachine, can be introduced into the planetary gear set via the drive unit of the planetary gear set. Thereafter, the preceding and following descriptions relating to the first electromachine and planetary gear set are readily transferable to the second electromachine and planetary gear set, and vice versa. In particular, when the second drive torque is introduced into the planetary gear set via the drive unit, the output shaft, and therefore the vehicle wheels, can be driven, in particular simultaneously, by both electromachines, and as a result, a particularly powerful drive unit can be provided, in particular space-saving manner.

[0026] For example, the first electric motor can provide a first drive torque, and the second electric motor can simultaneously provide a second drive torque. Therefore, the first and second drive torques are introduced, for example, simultaneously, via a driven planetary gear set, and as a result, the respective output torques are derived from the respective first and second drive torques. This makes it possible to generate particularly powerful drive in a space-saving manner.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the present invention, in order to realize particularly advantageous and particularly demand-oriented operating or drive units for automatic vehicles in a particularly space-saving, lightweight, and cost-saving manner, the electric axle drive is designed to operate one of the electromachines so that when an output shaft is driven by the other electromachine, the output shaft rotates in opposite directions to each other, thereby influencing the planetary gears. For example, the axle drive is designed to introduce it in particular to a planetary gear set so that when a vehicle wheel is moved by the other rotor, i.e., when an electromachine comprising the other rotor drives a vehicle wheel via the other rotor, the output shafts rotate in opposite directions to each other, and therefore, in particular, transmit the driving torque that can or is provided by one of the rotors to at least or just one of the output shafts so that the output shafts rotate in opposite directions to each other. In other words, preferably, the electric axle drive system may be operated in an operating mode in which an electric machine having the other rotor drives a planetary gear set and output shafts and vehicle wheels via a drive unit, and therefore the other rotor, thereby influencing at least one of the output shafts, particularly via the planetary gear set, in the operating mode, such that the output shafts, and therefore preferably the vehicle wheels, also rotate in opposite directions to each other. Rotating the output shafts or vehicle wheels in opposite directions to each other means, for example, that one output shaft rotates in a first output shaft rotation direction around the output shaft rotation axis, and the other output shaft rotates in a second output shaft rotation direction around the output shaft rotation axis, where the second output shaft rotation direction is opposite to the first output shaft rotation direction. As a result, a torque distribution function, i.e., torque distribution, can be achieved, the torque distribution function is also called a torque vectoring function, and torque distribution is also called torque vectoring. Thus, the operating mode is a torque distribution operating mode, which can be used, for example, for cornering or turning maneuvers of a vehicle, particularly one with a small turning circle. In particular, since a planetary gear set is designed as a planetary gear, one of the transmission elements, especially one of the output parts, may be affected by one rotor, for example, such that the output parts rotate particularly with respect to each other and / or relative to each other, thereby causing the output shafts to rotate in opposite directions to each other, especially despite the intermediate elements.This effect of one gear element is carried out, for example, such that the respective driving torque provided or that can be provided by one rotor is transmitted particularly directly to one gear element. This allows, for example, one of the transmission elements designed as one of the output sections to be accelerated or decelerated relative to at least one other transmission element of the transmission elements, particularly relative to the output section, thereby causing the output shafts to rotate in opposite directions. Embodiments of the present invention are based in particular on the following findings and considerations.

[0028] Advantageously, especially when an automated vehicle is designed as a truck, the maximum turning radius of the automated vehicle should not be exceeded. However, maintaining this is becoming increasingly difficult as the wheelbase increases, especially in semi-trailer tractors, without the use of special means such as rear-axle steering. To keep the turning radius sufficiently small, for example, the inner wheels of the vehicle can be braked, but this can only keep the turning radius small to a limited extent. Here, in order to keep the turning radius particularly small in space, the other rotor or an electric machine having the other rotor can, for example, drive an output shaft, and thus, for example, a vehicle wheel, thereby, for example, the electric machine having one rotor, and thus the other rotor, can distribute or divide the load, i.e., the distribution or division of the respective drive torques provided by the other rotor, introduced into the planetary gear set and used to drive the output shaft, with respect to the output shaft, particularly the output section, in particular so that the output shafts rotate in opposite directions to each other, or so This can be affected, for example, in a normal operating mode in which both electromachines drive the output shafts simultaneously or only one of the electromachines drives the output shafts so that the output shafts rotate in the same direction relative to each other, a reversal of the direction of rotation is achieved so that the output shafts rotate in opposite directions relative to each other, for example, in a normal operating mode in which one of the output shafts rotates in a first direction of rotation around the output shaft rotation axis, while in a different operating mode in which one of the output shafts rotates in a second direction of rotation, where, for example, the other output shaft rotates in the first direction of rotation in both the normal and the other operating mode. For example, the direction of rotation of the first output shaft may be reversed, or the direction of rotation of the second output shaft may be reversed, thereby reversing the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheels on the inside of a curve, for example, when cornering. This means in particular, for example, when cornering, the vehicle wheels on the inside of a curve may rotate backward while the vehicle wheels on the outside of the curve rotate forward, thereby keeping the turning circle particularly small.The fact that each vehicle wheel rotates backward means that each vehicle wheel rotates backward, and this backward rotation is actually intended to cause the automatic vehicle to move backward. This means that the vehicle can move backward if the vehicle wheels rotate backward, especially if they rotate simultaneously. This type of reversal or counter-rotation of the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheels, especially inside a curve, is impossible with conventional brake applications, thereby allowing the turning circle to be kept particularly small.

[0029] A further embodiment of the present invention features a switching element which is a means by which a second rotor can be connected to a drive unit of a planetary gear set so as to have torsional rigidity in order to transmit torque.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an automated vehicle, preferably designed as an automobile, and more particularly as a commercial vehicle, having at least one electric axle drive according to a first aspect of the present invention. Advantages and favorable embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention should be considered advantages and favorable embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings of preferred embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the features and combinations of features described herein, as well as the features and combinations of features described herein and / or shown only in the drawings, may be used not only in the combinations shown in each case, but also in other combinations or individually. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] The diagram is shown below. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an electric axle drive system for an automated vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the axle drive device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the speed distribution when an automated vehicle is moving in a straight line and is driven by an electric axle drive system. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of speed distribution when an automated vehicle is driven by an axle drive system and is traveling around the curved section on the left. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of speed distribution when an automated vehicle is driven by an axle drive system and is traveling around the curved section on the right. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the electric axle drive system. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the electric axle drive system. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the electric axle drive system. Identical or functionally identical elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electric axle drive unit 10 for an axle 16 of an automatic vehicle, in particular an automobile, having at least or just two vehicle wheels 12 and 14. For example, the automobile is designed as a commercial vehicle. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the axle drive unit 10. In the first embodiment, the axle drive unit 10 has in particular just one electromechanism 18 having a stator 20 and a rotor 22. The rotor 22 can be driven by the stator 20 and can therefore be rotated in particular about a first mechanical rotation axis with respect to the housing 24 of the axle drive unit 10, which is particularly schematicly shown in Figure 1. The axle drive unit 10 also has in particular just one planetary gear set 26, which is designed as a simple planetary gear set and is also called a planetary set. The planetary gear set 26 has in particular just one sun gear 28. Furthermore, the planetary gear set 26 has in particular just one ring gear 30. The planetary gear set 26 also has in particular just a planetary carrier 32, which is also called a spider. The sun gear 28, ring gear 30, and planetary carrier 32 are the transmission elements of the planetary gear set 26, thereby allowing the transmission elements to rotate relative to the housing 24 about the rotation axis of the planetary gear set. In the first embodiment, the electromachine 18 is positioned coaxially with the planetary gear set 26, such that the rotation axis of the machine coincides with the rotation axis of the planetary gear set. The sun gear 28 is the drive unit of the planetary gear set 26, and in the first embodiment, there is just one drive unit, namely a drive unit designed as the sun gear 28. The drive unit is referred to as 34. The drive torque provided or made available by the rotor 22, i.e., by the electromachine 18 via the rotor 22, is for driving the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 and can be introduced into the planetary gear set 26 via the drive unit 34. The sun gear 28 is the first gear element in the torque flow through which each drive torque is transmitted from the rotor 22 to the drive unit 34 and thus can be introduced into the planetary gear set 26, also called the planetary gear, and is therefore located upstream of all other gear elements of the planetary gear set 26.

[0034] To enable the realization of a particularly advantageous drive unit for an automated vehicle, especially in terms of space saving, light weight, and cost saving, the electric axle drive unit 10 has a first output shaft 36 which serves as the starting point or means by which a vehicle wheel 12, also called a first vehicle wheel, can be driven. The first output shaft 36 is connected to transmit torque to a ring gear 30, which is the first output section 38 of a planetary gear set 26. The output shaft 36 belongs to the output shaft 36 because the output shaft 36 can be driven by the ring gear 30, and therefore by the output section 38, in particular to be permanently connected to the output section 38 so that the ring gear 38 can transmit torque. The axle drive unit 10 has a second output shaft 40 which serves as the starting point or means by which a vehicle wheel 14, also called a second vehicle wheel, can be driven. For example, the vehicle wheel 12 may be permanently connected to the output shaft 36 in particular to have torsional rigidity so as to transmit torque. Furthermore, the vehicle wheels 14 are connected to, or may be connected to, the output shaft 40, particularly permanently and particularly torsionally, so as to transmit torque, for example. The second output shaft 40 is connected to the planetary carrier 32, particularly permanently, so as to transmit torque, so as to be driven by the planetary carrier 32. Thus, the planetary carrier 32 is the second output section 42 of the planetary gear set 26, and the planetary gear set 26 has just two output sections, namely output sections 38 and 42. The output section 42 belongs to the output shaft 40, in particular by the fact that the output shaft 40 can be driven by the output section 42, particularly permanently, so as to transmit torque. The respective output torques resulting from the respective driving torques for driving the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 can be transmitted from the planetary gear set 26 via the output drive sections 38 and 42 of the planetary gear set 26, that is, they can be transmitted out of the planetary gear set 26 (planetary gears). In other words, the planetary gear can provide output torque through its output drive unit. It can be seen that the vehicle wheel 12 can be driven by the output unit 38 via the output shaft 36, and the vehicle wheel 14 can be driven by the output unit 42 via the output shaft 40.The output shafts 36 and 40 are arranged coaxially with respect to each other and can therefore be rotated around a common output shaft rotation axis relative to the housing 24.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the output shaft 36, and therefore the output section 38, is assigned an intermediate element designed as an intermediate gear wheel 44, also simply called an intermediate gear. Thus, the output shaft 36 is connected to the output section 38 via the intermediate gear 44 to transmit torque, particularly permanently. Reversal of the rotation direction of the output shaft 36 relative to the output section 38 belonging to the output shaft 36 can be achieved by the intermediate gear 44, and when the planetary gear is driven, the output sections 38 and 42 rotate in opposite directions about the axis of rotation of the planetary gear set relative to the housing 24, thereby or during which the output shafts 36 and 40 rotate in the same direction about the axis of rotation of the output shafts relative to the housing 24, and as a result, the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 also rotate in the same direction. Consequently, the planetary gear set 26 also functions as a differential that allows for different speeds of the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, particularly when the automatic vehicle is cornering, and the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 can be driven or are driven by the electromechanical 18 via the planetary gear set 26. Furthermore, the planetary gear set 26 can be used as a gear unit or gear stage to achieve speed changes, particularly reduction, such that when the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 are driven by a rotor 22 that rotates at an input speed relative to the housing 24 about the rotation axis of the machine, the output shafts 36 and 40 rotate at their respective output speeds about the rotation axis of the output shafts relative to the housing 24, preferably the output speed is lower than the drive speed, and preferably the output shafts 36 and 40 rotate at the same output speed, particularly in the same direction, especially in the normal operating mode.

[0036] As can be seen from Figure 1, in the first embodiment, the output shaft 36 is connected to the output section 38 via a first spur gear stage 46, particularly permanently, to transmit torque. The output shaft 40 is connected to the output section 42 via a second spur gear stage 49, particularly permanently, to transmit torque. In the first embodiment, the first spur gear stage 46 comprises a first spur gear 48 connected to the output section 38, particularly permanently, and particularly torsionally rigid, to transmit torque, and an intermediate gear 44 as a second spur gear meshing with the spur gear 48. A third spur gear stage 50 is also provided, through which the output shaft 36 is connected to the output section 38, particularly permanently, to transmit torque. The third spur gear stage 50 comprises an intermediate gear 44 (a second spur gear) and a third spur gear 52 meshing with the intermediate gear 44. The third spur gear 52 is connected to the output shaft 36, particularly permanently and with particular torsional rigidity, to transmit torque. The second spur gear stage 49 has a fourth spur gear 54 connected to the output section 42, particularly permanently and with particular torsional rigidity, to transmit torque. Furthermore, the spur gear stage 49 includes a fifth spur gear 56 that meshes with the spur gear 54 and is particularly permanently connected to the output shaft 40, particularly with particular torsional rigidity, to transmit torque.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the ring gear 30, or the ring gear shaft 58 connected to the ring gear 30 in a manner particularly permanently torsionally rigid, is designed as a hollow shaft through which the planetary carrier 32, or the planetary carrier shaft 60 connected to the planetary carrier 32 in a manner particularly permanently torsionally rigid, passes. For example, thereafter, the spur gear 54 is connected to the planetary carrier shaft 60 in a manner particularly permanently torsionally rigid. Thus, viewed axially of the planetary gear set 26, the spur gear stages 49 are located on the first side of the sun gear 28, particularly the spur gear stages 46 and 50, and the electromechanism 18 is located on the second side of the sun gear 28 facing away from the first side in the axial direction of the planetary gear set 26, or the sun gear 28 is located on the second side of the spur gear stages 46 and 50 facing away from the first side in the axial direction of the planetary gear set 26. In other words, the spur gears 46 and 50 are positioned between the spur gear 49 and the sun gear 28 when viewed in the axial direction of the planetary gear set 26. As a result, the electromechanism 18 is positioned on the vehicle wheel 12 side and the spur gear 49 is positioned on the vehicle wheel 14 side.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the axle drive unit 10. In the second embodiment, the spur gears 46, 49, 50 and the electromechanism 18 are arranged on the same side of the planetary gear set 26 when viewed in the axial direction of the planetary gear set 26, the spur gear 49 is positioned between the electromechanism 18 and the spur gear 46 or 50 when viewed in the axial direction of the planetary gear set 26, and the spur gear 46 or 50 is positioned between the spur gear 49 and the planetary gear set 26.

[0039] The rotation direction of the second output unit 42 is not reversed, and as a result, the output units 38 and 42 rotate in opposite directions. However, when the planetary gears and, via them, the output shafts 36 and 40 are driven by the electromachine 18, the output shafts 36 and 40 also rotate in the same direction.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the speed distribution when the automatic vehicle is moving in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rotational speed and direction of rotation of the ring gear 30 are indicated by arrow 62. The carrier speed and direction of rotation of the planetary carrier 32 are indicated by arrow 64. The aforementioned drive speed and direction of rotation of the drive unit 34 (sun gear 28) are indicated by arrow 66. As can be seen particularly clearly from Figures 1 to 3, the planetary gear set 26 also has planetary gears 68, all of which are designed as stepless planetary gears. Each planetary gear 68 meshes with the sun gear 28 (drive unit 34). Each planetary gear 68 also meshes with the ring gear 30 (output unit 38). Each planetary gear 68 is also rotatably mounted on the planetary carrier 32 (output unit 42).

[0041] Figure 4 shows the speed distribution of the planetary gear set 26 when the automatic vehicle is driven through the left curve. For example, in the left curve, vehicle wheel 12 is the inner vehicle wheel of the curve, and vehicle wheel 14 is the outer vehicle wheel of the curve. Figure 5 also shows the speed distribution of the planetary gear set 26 when the automatic vehicle is driven through the right curve. For example, in the right curve, vehicle wheel 14 is the inner vehicle wheel of the curve, and vehicle wheel 12 is the outer vehicle wheel of the curve. The differential function of the planetary gear set 26 is particularly clear in Figures 3 to 5. In other words, it is particularly clear from Figures 3 to 5 that the planetary gears act as a differential, especially when the automatic vehicle is cornering. In particular, for example, the driving speed of the drive unit 34 (sun gear 28) is the same in the left curve shown in Figure 4 and the right curve shown in Figure 5.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the electric axle drive unit 10. In the third embodiment, the electric axle drive unit 10 has a second electric machine 70 having a second stator 72 and a second rotor 74. The second rotor 74 can be driven by the second stator 72 and therefore can rotate about a second axis of rotation of the machine relative to the stator 72. The axes of rotation of the machines may extend parallel to each other and be spaced apart from each other. For example, the axes of rotation of the machines may coincide so that the electric machines 70 and 18 can be arranged coaxially with each other. Other positions or orientations of the electric machines 18 and 70, and therefore their rotors 22 and 74, are also possible. The electromechanism 70 can provide a second drive torque via its second rotor 74, so that, for example in the normal operating mode described above, the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 are driven particularly simultaneously by both electromechanisms 18 and 70, and the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14 in particular, rotate in the same direction, i.e., the same wheel rotation direction or the same output shaft rotation direction. For example, in order to drive the planetary gears by both electromechanisms 18 and 70 and thereby drive the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, particularly in the normal operating mode, particularly to drive the automatic vehicle forward, particularly straight forward, the second rotor 74 can be provided, for example, by the second rotor 74, i.e., by the electromechanism 70 via the second rotor 72, or can be connected to the drive unit 34 (sun gear 28) in particular permanently, so that the second drive torque provided can be introduced to the planetary gear set 26 via the drive unit 34.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the electric axle drive unit 10 is designed to operate the electromechanical units 18 and 70 to transmit, for example, a driving torque provided or that can be provided by one of the rotors 22 and 74, particularly rotor 74, in particular a second driving torque, to at least one of the output shafts 36 and 40, so that when the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, are driven by the other rotor 74, 22, particularly rotor 22, the output shafts 36 and 40 rotate in opposite directions, i.e., the output shafts 36 and 40 rotate in opposite directions. In particular, the electric axle drive unit may, for example, be optionally operated in a first cornering mode or a second cornering mode, each cornering mode being a respective torque distribution mode. In the first cornering mode, for example, the driving torque provided by one of the rotors 22, 74 is transmitted to at least one of the output shafts 36, 40, such that the output shaft 36, and therefore the vehicle wheel 12, rotates in a first wheel rotation direction or a first output shaft rotation direction about the axis of rotation of the output shaft, and the output shaft 40, and therefore the vehicle wheel 14, rotates in a second wheel rotation direction or a second output shaft rotation direction, such that the second output shaft rotation direction or the second wheel rotation direction is opposite to the first output shaft rotation direction or the first wheel rotation direction. In the normal operating mode and / or when the automatic vehicle is driven forward, particularly straight forward, by at least one of the electromechanisms 18 and 70, or by both electromechanisms 18 and 70 simultaneously, the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, rotate, for example, in a first output shaft rotation direction, and therefore in a first wheel rotation direction. In the second cornering mode, for example, the driving torque that can be provided by or provided by one of the rotors 22, 74 is transmitted to at least one of the output shafts 36, 40 so that the output shaft 40, and therefore the vehicle wheel 14, rotates in the first output shaft rotation direction, and therefore in the first wheel rotation direction, not the axle rotation direction, and the output shaft 36, and therefore the vehicle wheel 12, rotates in the second output shaft rotation direction or the second wheel rotation direction.The first cornering mode is performed or set, for example, when the automatic vehicle is turning to the right, i.e., traveling through a right-hand curve, in which case vehicle wheel 12 is the outer vehicle wheel of the curve and vehicle wheel 14 is the inner vehicle wheel of the curve. The second cornering mode is performed or set, for example, when the automatic vehicle is turning well to the left, i.e., traveling through a left-hand curve, in which vehicle wheel 12 is the inner vehicle wheel of the curve and vehicle wheel 14 is the outer vehicle wheel of the curve. Thus, for example, in each cornering mode, each vehicle wheel on the inner side of the curve rotates backward, and therefore, with respect to the normal operating mode, i.e., with respect to the operating state in which the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore vehicle wheels 12 and 14, rotate simultaneously to drive the automatic vehicle forward, especially straight forward, thereby reversing the direction of rotation. To achieve a reversal of the direction of rotation, for example, the second rotor 74 may be connected to one of the drive unit 34 or the output unit, and thus connected to the drive unit 34 or the output units 38 and 42 in particular such that it has torsional rigidity to transmit torque. This means, for example, that the load point on one of the electromachines 18 and 70 may be raised, especially in the case of small wires, and that the electromachine 70 or 18 may be operated simultaneously in generator mode and thus absorb power.

[0044] Under more general conditions, alternatively or additionally, the electric axle drive unit 10 is designed to actuate one of the electric machines 18 and 70, particularly electric machine 70, and therefore one of the rotors 22 and 44, particularly rotor 74, so that the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, and therefore the output shafts 36 and 40, are driven by the other electric machine 70, 18, particularly electric machine 18, and therefore the other rotor 74, 22, particularly rotor 22, so that the output shafts 36 and 40 rotate in opposite directions, particularly around the axis of rotation of the output shafts and / or relative to the housing 24, thereby influencing the planetary gears (planetary gear set 26). In a third embodiment, rotor 74 is connected to a sun gear 28 in particular permanently and in particular torsionally rigidity to transmit torque.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the axle drive unit 10. In the fourth embodiment, a switching element S1 is provided that can be switched between at least two switching states L and N, and in particular can move relative to and / or translationally to the housing 24. In the fourth embodiment, the switching element S1 is associated with the electromachine 70, so that the preceding and following descriptions relating to the switching element S1 relating to the electromachine 70 can be readily applied to the electromachine 18, and vice versa. Thus, the switching element S1 can be alternatively assigned to the electromachine 18. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a switching element such as the switching element S1 can also be assigned to the electromachine 18.

[0046] The switching element S1 can be switched between two switching states L and N, and can be moved in particular relative to and / or translationally to the housing 24. In switching state L, the rotor 74 is connected by the switching element S1 to the sun gear 28 (drive unit 34) in such a way that it has torsional rigidity. In switching state N, the rotor 74 is disconnected from the sun gear 28, thereby allowing the switching element S1 to enable relative rotation between the rotor 74 and the sun gear 28, particularly around the axis of rotation of the planetary gear set, and in particular, torque cannot be transmitted between the sun gear 28 and the rotor 74. In this way, two-motor operation can be realized in switching state L, which can be used, for example, to represent a first modification of the normal operating mode. In the two-motor mode, the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, can be driven by both the electromechanisms 18 and 70, particularly simultaneously. In switching state N, single-motor operation is possible, for example, a second modification of the normal operating mode. In single-motor mode, the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, are driven by the electromechanism 18 alone, relative to the electromechanisms 18 and 70. It is also preferable that the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore preferably the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, rotate in the same direction in both single-motor and two-motor modes. The switching element S1 allows, in particular, the use of only one of the electromechanisms 18 and 70, specifically the electromechanism 18, to drive the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, for example, in partial-load operation. Very preferably, the switching element S1 is a positive-acting locking switching element, particularly a pawl-type switching element, thereby positively connecting the rotor 74 to the sun gear 28 such that it has torsional rigidity in the switching state L. In particular, it is preferable that, for example, the electromechanism 70 or its rotor 74 is stationary and not driven in the switching state N. The planetary gear set 26, acting as a differential, distributes torque to the left vehicle wheel 12 and the right vehicle wheel 14. The torque of a classic planetary gear set does not behave the same way, and this combination has different directions of rotation, so a reversal of the direction of rotation is used in or on the torque path, and this reversal is achieved or can be achieved by the intermediate gear 44. In this case, the reversal of the direction of rotation is performed on the planetary carrier 32, but alternatively it can be done on the ring gear 30.Both positions are possible with respect to the connection of each electromechanism 18 or 70, in particular to achieve their respective cornering modes. In other words, to realize their respective cornering modes, it is conceivable to connect the electromechanism 18 or 70 to the output unit 38 or the output unit 42. To perform a cornering mode, for example, only the rotational direction of each electromechanism 18, 70 that generates the cornering mode is adjusted. For example, the distribution of the respective drive torque to the output shafts 36 and 40, in particular torque compensation to achieve a distribution of exactly half the torque, is achieved, for example, through different gear stages between the respective output shafts 36, 40 and the planetary gear set 26, for example, by the spur gear stages 46 and 50 between the planetary gear set 26 and the output shaft 36, and by the spur gear stage 49 between the output shaft 40 and the planetary gear set 26.

[0047] Since the intermediate gear 44 is used to reverse the direction of rotation, it is suitable as an additional torque path to enable cornering mode or both cornering modes. The 50 / 50 torque distribution can be changed by intervening in only one torque path or one side of the wheel. For example, the braking torque of the intermediate gear 44 reduces the torque of this gear. The driving torque increases the wheel torque of the intermediate gear's wheel. The wheel torque can be torque-free or driven in the opposite direction by the drive unit. The wheels can be driven in different directions using this torque interface. As a result, the curvature radius of the vehicle is reduced, with the inner wheel of the curve moving backward and the outer wheel of the curve moving forward or rotating.

[0048] Finally, Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the switching element S1 can be switched to a third switching state R, and in particular can be moved. In the third switching state, the rotor 22 of the electromachine 18 is coupled to an intermediate gear 44, bypassing the torque transmission of the drive unit 34. For this purpose, the intermediate gear 44 is connected to an intermediate shaft 76 so as to have torsional rigidity, in particular permanently, and to the intermediate shaft 76 is also connected to a gear wheel 78, which is designed in particular as a spur gear, also so as torsional rigidity, in particular permanently. The gear wheel 78 meshes with a gear wheel 80, which is designed, for example, as a spur gear. In the third switching state, the rotor 22 is connected to the gear wheel 80 by the switching element S1 so as torsional rigidity, and is therefore connected to the intermediate gear 44 so as to transmit torque via the gear wheels 78 and 80 and via the intermediate shaft 76. In switching states L and N, the rotor 22 is disconnected from the gear wheel 80. In particular, in switching state R, the rotor 22, and therefore the electromachine 18, can influence the intermediate gear 44 via the gear wheels 78 and 80 and via the intermediate shaft 76, and, for example, the output unit 42, and therefore the planetary gear set 26, and when the electromachine 70 drives the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, via the rotor 74, the output shafts 36 and 40, and therefore the vehicle wheels 12 and 14, rotate in opposite directions, thereby enabling the first or second cornering mode to be performed as desired. Therefore, switching state R is provided to selectively perform each cornering mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10. Electric axle drive system 12 Vehicle wheels 14 Vehicle wheels 16 axles 18 Electrical machinery 20 stata 22 rotors 24 Housing 26 Planetary Gear Set 28 Sun Gear 30 Ring Gear 32 Planetary Carriers 34 Drive Unit 36 Output shaft 38 First Output Section 40 Output shaft 42 Second output section 44 Intermediate gear 46 Spur gear stages 48 Spur gear 49 Spur gear stage 50 spur gear stages 52 Spur gear 54 Spur gear 56 Spur gear 58 Ring gear shaft 60 Planetary Carrier Axis 62 Arrows 64 Arrows 66 Arrows 68 Planetary gear 70. Second Electrical Machine 72 Second Status 74 Second Rotor 76 Intermediate shaft 78 Gear Wheel 80 Gear Wheel L switching state N switching state R switching state S1 Switching element

Claims

1. An electric axle drive unit (10) for an axle (16) of an automatic vehicle having two vehicle wheels (12, 14), wherein the electric axle drive unit (10) has a first electric machine (18) having a first stator and a first rotor (22), a second electric machine (70) having a second stator (72) and a second rotor (74) which is a starting point from which a second drive torque can be provided, and a planetary gear set (26) having a ring gear (30), a planetary carrier (32), and a sun gear (28) as a drive unit (34), thereby through which the drive torque that can be provided by the first rotor (22) can be introduced into the planetary gear set (26) to drive the vehicle wheels (12, 14). Here, - A first output shaft (36), which is the starting point from which the first vehicle wheel among the vehicle wheels (12, 14) can be driven, is connected to the ring gear (30), which is the first output section (38) of the planetary gear set (26) associated with the first output shaft (36), to transmit torque. - A second output shaft (40), which serves as the starting point from which a second vehicle wheel (14) can be driven, is connected to the planetary carrier (32), which is the second output section (42) of the planetary gear set (26) associated with the second output shaft (40), so as to transmit torque via the output sections (38, 42), and the respective output torques generated from the respective driving torques can be discharged from the planetary gear set (26) for driving the vehicle wheels (12, 14), and, - One of the output shafts (36, 40) is connected via an intermediate element (44) to transmit torque to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the one output shaft (36, 40), thereby enabling a reversal of the rotational direction of the one output shaft (36, 40) with respect to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the one output shaft (36, 40). The first rotor (22) of the first electric machine (18) may be connected to the intermediate element (44) by a switching element (S1) to transmit torque, bypassing the drive unit (34) of the planetary gear set (26), and if the drive unit (34) is not bypassed, the second rotor (74) transmits torque via the drive unit (34) of the planetary gear set (26). Electric axle drive unit (10).

2. The intermediate element (44) is designed as an intermediate gear (44). Characterized by The electric axle drive device (10) according to claim 1.

3. - The one output shaft (36, 40) is connected via a first spur gear stage (46) to transmit torque to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the one output shaft (36, 40), - The other output shaft (40, 36) is connected via a second spur gear stage (49) to transmit torque to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the other output shaft (36, 40). Characterized by The electric axle drive device (10) according to claim 1.

4. One of the output shafts (36, 40) is connected via a first spur gear stage (46) to transmit torque to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the one of the output shafts (36, 40), where the first spur gear stage (46) is connected to the first spur gear (48) to transmit torque to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the one of the output shafts (36, 40), and the second spur gear is the first spur gear (48 A third spur gear stage (50) has a second spur gear and a third spur gear (52) that mesh with the third spur gear (52), and has an intermediate gear (44) that meshes with the third spur gear (52) and is connected to one of the output shafts (36, 40) to transmit torque, and the one of the output shafts (36, 40) is connected via the third spur gear stage (50) to transmit torque to the output section (38, 42) of the planetary gear set (26) belonging to the one of the output shafts (36, 40) Characterized by The electric axle drive device (10) according to claim 2.

5. The second rotor (74) may be connected to the drive unit (34) of the planetary gear set (26) to transmit torque, or may be connected so that the second drive torque provided by the second rotor (74) can be introduced to the planetary gear set (26) via the drive unit (34) of the planetary gear set (26). Characterized by The electric axle drive device (10) according to claim 1.

6. The electric axle drive unit (10) is designed such that when the output shafts (36, 40) are driven by the other electric machine (70, 18), it operates one of the electric machines (18, 70) so that the output shafts (36, 40) rotate in the opposite direction, thereby influencing the planetary gear set (26). Characterized by The electric axle drive device (10) according to claim 1.

7. The second rotor (74) is connected to at least one switching element (S1) which can be used to transmit torque to the drive unit (34) of the planetary gear set (26). Characterized by The electric axle drive device (10) according to claim 1.

8. An automatic vehicle having at least one electric axle drive device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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