DE102022212485A1 - Drivable axle with a device for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component and a second component - Google Patents

Abstract

Drivable axle for a motor vehicle, comprising two drive units that can be connected to a respective wheel hub in a driving manner, wherein a device for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component and a second component is arranged between the drive units and the associated wheel hubs, the devices each comprising - a switching element that is arranged between the first and second components in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner between two positions in which a rotary movement of the first component is either coupled or decoupled with a rotary movement of the second component, and - an actuating device, having • at least one first actuating element that can be axially displaced between a first position and a second position, and • at least one reset element for moving the switching element into the first position, wherein in the first position of the at least first actuating element the switching element is held in the first position by means of the reset element, and wherein in the second position of the at least first actuating element the switching element is held in the second position against a force exerted by the reset element, wherein the first actuating elements of the two devices are jointly actuated by a common actuating actuator. are displaceable between the respective first and second positions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such drivable axle.

Description

The invention relates to a drivable axle for a motor vehicle with two drive units, one for each wheel on the left and right side of the vehicle. A device for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component and a second component is arranged between each drive unit and the wheel hub of the respective side of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such a drivable axle.

In conventional vehicles with a combustion engine and/or electrically powered vehicles, only one drive axle is usually required for cycle operation. Vehicle architectures with multiple drive axles (4x4, 6x4/6, 8x4/6/8) have high drag torques due to unnecessary mechanically rotating parts. There is therefore a need to integrate mechanical separation points via which parts of the drive can be decoupled as required.

From the EP 1 362 406 A1 An actuator is used to operate drive components or adjustment components on vehicles. The actuator comprises an electric actuator that acts on force transmission elements, with which the adjustment movement is transmitted to the drive or adjustment component to be adjusted. A release element is provided, which interrupts the power transmission through the crane transmission elements when the electric actuator is de-energized.

The object of the present invention is to provide a drivable axle that can be decoupled depending on the driving situation, in particular to increase the efficiency of the drive. This object is achieved with a drivable axle according to claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

• - ein Schaltelement, das drehfest und axial verlagerbar zwischen einer ersten Position, in der eine Drehbewegung des ersten Bauteils mit einer Drehbewegung des zweiten Bauteils gekoppelt ist, und einer zweiten Position, in der die Drehbewegung des ersten Bauteils von der Drehbewegung des zweiten Bauteils entkoppelt ist, zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Bauteil angeordnet ist, und
• - eine Stelleinrichtung, aufweisend
  • • zumindest ein zwischen einer ersten Stellung und einer zweiten Stellung axial verlagerbares erstes Stellelement, und
  • • zumindest ein erstes Rückstellelement zum Verschieben des Schaltelements in die erste Position, wobei in der ersten Stellung des zumindest ersten Stellelements das Schaltelement mittels des zumindest ersten Rückstellelements in der ersten Position gehalten ist, und wobei in der zweiten Stellung des zumindest ersten Stellelements das Schaltelement gegen eine von dem zumindest ersten Rückstellelement ausgeübte Kraft in der zweiten Position gehalten ist,

wobei die ersten Stellelemente der beiden Vorrichtungen durch einen gemeinsamen Stellaktuator gemeinsam zwischen der jeweiligen ersten und zweiten Stellung verschieblich sind. Mit anderen Worten wird durch einen einzigen Stellaktuator die gesamte Achse vom Abtrieb entkoppelt bzw. daran angekoppelt. Der Stellaktuator bewirkt, dass eine drehmomentübertragende Verbindung zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Bauteil der ersten Vorrichtung sowie zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Bauteil der zweiten Vorrichtung gleichzeitig unterbrochen oder erzeugt werden kann, je nachdem in welcher Fahrsituation sich das Kraftfahrzeug befindet. Ein Entkoppeln der antreibbaren Achse vom Abtrieb kann sinnvoll sein, um Schleppmomente zu minimieren und so den Antrieb des Kraftfahrzeugs effizienter zu gestalten. Die beiden Vorrichtungen bilden folglich eine jeweilige Trennstelle zur Unterbrechung einer Übertragung einer Antriebsleistung auf das jeweilige Rad der Achse.A drivable axle according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a first drive unit that can be connected to a first wheel hub in a driving manner and a second drive unit that can be connected to a second wheel hub in a driving manner, wherein a first device for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component and a second component is arranged between the first drive unit and the first wheel hub, and wherein a second device for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component and a second component is arranged between the second drive unit and the second wheel hub,
the devices each comprehensive

• - a switching element which is arranged between the first and second components in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner between a first position in which a rotational movement of the first component is coupled to a rotational movement of the second component and a second position in which the rotational movement of the first component is decoupled from the rotational movement of the second component, and
• - an adjusting device, comprising
  • • at least one first actuating element axially displaceable between a first position and a second position, and
  • • at least one first reset element for moving the switching element into the first position, wherein in the first position of the at least first actuating element the switching element is held in the first position by means of the at least first reset element, and wherein in the second position of the at least first actuating element the switching element is held in the second position against a force exerted by the at least first reset element,

wherein the first actuating elements of the two devices can be moved together between the respective first and second positions by a common actuating actuator. In other words, the entire axle is decoupled from the output or coupled to it by a single actuating actuator. The actuating actuator means that a torque-transmitting connection between the first and second components of the first device and between the first and second components of the second device can be interrupted or created simultaneously, depending on the driving situation of the motor vehicle. Decoupling the drivable axle from the output can be useful in order to minimize drag torques and thus make the drive of the motor vehicle more efficient. The two devices therefore form a respective separation point for interrupting the transmission of drive power to the respective wheel of the axle.

The first or second component of the respective device can be designed, for example, as a shaft, in particular as a hollow shaft. The two components are preferably arranged coaxially to one another and in the power flow between the drive unit and the wheel hub of the respective vehicle side or axle side. The first component or the first shaft of the respective device can be connected directly to a drive shaft of the drive unit or be part of the drive shaft and rotate permanently during driving. Alternatively, a transmission stage can be arranged between the respective drive unit and the associated device. , wherein the respective gear ratio is at least indirectly connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the associated drive shaft on the input side, and wherein the respective gear ratio is at least indirectly connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component on the output side. The second component or the second shaft is to be understood as the output shaft of the device, which can transmit a drive torque of the first component at least indirectly to the wheel hub of the wheel of the respective axle of the motor vehicle. The second component only rotates during driving operation if the device is switched in such a way that a rotational movement of the first component is coupled with a rotational movement of the second component, as explained in more detail below. The second component or the second shaft of the respective device is preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the wheel hub or forms the wheel hub for the respective wheel of the drivable axle. The respective wheel hub is at least indirectly connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a wheel rim of the associated vehicle wheel.

The respective drive unit is preferably designed as an electric machine, comprising a stator arranged in a rotationally and axially fixed manner and a rotor arranged in a rotatable manner. The rotor can form a rotor shaft or be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft can form a drive shaft for driving the respective side of the vehicle or be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive shaft. The drive shafts of the two drive units are preferably arranged coaxially to one another and opposite one another. Depending on the design of the driven axle, the drive shafts can be arranged offset parallel or axially parallel to the components of the device and/or the wheel hubs of the axle. The respective electric machine is preferably connected to an accumulator that supplies the respective electric machine or both electric machines with electrical energy. Furthermore, each electric machine or both electric machines can preferably be controlled or regulated by separate or common power electronics. The drive units can alternatively also be an internal combustion engine, the first component in this case being, for example, a crankshaft or being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a crankshaft for driving purposes.

In a motor vehicle that has, for example, an all-wheel drive, it may be useful to decouple the rotary movement of an output shaft or a wheel hub, which can be connected to a wheel of the motor vehicle and can transmit a drive torque to the corresponding wheel, if, due to the driving situation, a drive of the respective wheel of an axle of the motor vehicle is not required, for example in order to reduce the drag torques and resistances of all-wheel drives.

Preferably, the second component of the respective device is spatially accommodated and rotatably mounted in sections in the first component of the same device. Alternatively, the first component of the respective device is spatially accommodated and rotatably mounted in sections in the second component of the same device. A bearing can be provided which rotatably mounts the first component relative to the second component and vice versa. In addition, the two components are centered relative to one another. A pin or a longitudinal section can be molded or formed on the front side of the first or second component, which protrudes into a central recess on the other component and is rotatably mounted therein via a bearing element.

The respective device is a so-called “normally closed” clutch, which is preloaded by the return element during normal operation and thus holds the switching element in the first position in which a rotary movement of the first component is coupled to a rotary movement of the second component. The clutch is therefore a normally closed clutch. A normally closed clutch is a clutch in which the switching element is urged or pressed by the at least first return element into the first position in which the clutch is closed when the device is in an unactuated state, e.g. in a state in which the actuating device is unactuated. The at least first return element is designed to press and preload the switching element in the direction of the first position in which the rotary movement of the first component is coupled to the rotary movement of the second component. When the respective switching element is in the first position, the at least first actuating element of the actuating device is also arranged in the first position.

If an opening of the device is required as a result of an input command, the actuating device is actuated by the actuating actuator, so that the at least first actuating element is axially displaced from the first position to the second position in such a way that the switching element moves from the first position to the second position, in which the rotary movement of the first component is decoupled from the rotary movement of the second component. A rotary movement of the first and second components of the respective device is therefore decoupled when the respective switching element is in the second position and the respective first actuating element is in the second position. The switching element is displaced by the respective actuating element into the second position against a force of the return element, wherein the at least the first return element is prestressed, in particular axially, or a prestressing force is built up.

Preferably, the respective actuating device further comprises a second reset element for moving the respective first actuating element into the first position. The second reset element is arranged between the respective first actuating element and the associated switching element and acts analogously to the respective first reset element of the same device.

The respective return element is preferably a spring-elastic return element. The respective return element can comprise one or more spring elements. If several spring elements are provided, these can be connected in series and/or in parallel.

The actuating device of the two devices can be actuated simultaneously by the actuating actuator in order to simultaneously couple or uncouple the first and second components of both devices. The first actuating elements on both sides of the vehicle or axle are operatively connected to the actuating actuator in order to actuate the switching elements simultaneously or to move the switching elements simultaneously from the first position to the second position or vice versa from the second position to the first position. In other words, the first actuating elements are mechanically coupled to one another via the actuating actuator.

Preferably, the actuating actuator is designed and arranged on the devices in such a way that when the actuating actuator is actuated, the switching element and the first actuating element of the first device are displaced in opposite directions to the switching element and the first actuating element of the second device. In this sense, the first actuating elements and correspondingly the switching elements of the drivable axis move towards or away from each other when the actuating actuator is actuated. The devices of the drivable axis are therefore preferably designed to be mirror images of each other.

Alternatively, the actuating actuator is designed and arranged on the devices in such a way that when the actuating actuator is actuated, the switching element and the first actuating element of the first device are displaced in the same direction as the switching element and the first actuating element of the second device. or are displaced in the same direction as the switching element and the first actuating element of the second device. In this sense, the first actuating elements and, accordingly, the switching elements of the drivable axis move in the same axial direction when the actuating actuator is actuated, i.e. together to the left or together to the right when viewed from above on the axis.

The actuating actuator can be designed, for example, as a screw drive, with the first actuating elements being operatively connected to a respective axially displaceable spindle rod. Depending on the design of the devices, a single spindle rod can be provided that is operatively connected to both first actuating elements and displaces them in the same axial direction. Alternatively, two counter-rotating spindle rods can be provided that displace longitudinally in opposite directions when the actuating actuator is actuated. The respective spindle rod is preferably driven by a rotationally drivable and axially fixed threaded nut.

The respective switching element preferably has a first external toothing and a first internal toothing, wherein in the first position of the switching element the first external toothing is in meshing engagement with a second internal toothing on the first component of the respective device and the first internal toothing is in meshing engagement with a second external toothing on the second component of the respective device. In the first position of the switching element, torque is transmitted between the two components of the respective device. The drive unit is therefore coupled to the wheel hub and drive power is transmitted to the respective vehicle wheel. In the second position of the switching element, the first external toothing is not in meshing engagement with the second internal toothing on the first component. In addition, the first internal toothing is also not in meshing engagement with the second external toothing on the second component of the respective device. Torque transmission is not possible in the second position of the switching element. The drive unit is thus decoupled from the wheel hub and no drive power is transmitted to the respective vehicle wheel. In other words, when the system is not actuated or de-energized, there is a positive connection in the circumferential direction between the two components of the respective device via the switching element. When the device is actuated as described above and the switching elements are in the second position, there is no tooth engagement or positive connection in the circumferential direction between the first internal toothing and the second external toothing, or between the second internal toothing and the first external toothing. The rotary movements of the first and second components are completely decoupled from one another. The toothing on the switching element and on the two components each act in the form of a plug-in toothing, with the respective switching element being axially movable relative to the two components of the same device.

In principle, the actuation of at least the first actuating element can be carried out in any way. if so, the at least first actuating element can be axially displaced from the first to the second position by the actuating actuator in order to axially displace the switching element from the first to the second position. The first actuating element can be designed in the form of a shift fork. Alternatively, a further actuating element can be provided which is operatively connected to the first actuating element. The two actuating elements can have ramp structures which slide against one another and which, when the first or second actuating element is additionally rotated, cause an axial spread to actuate the switching element. Furthermore, rolling elements which have a loss-reducing effect can be arranged between the ramp structures.

A first gear ratio is preferably arranged in the power flow between the first drive unit and the first device. The first gear ratio is preferably designed as a first planetary gear with at least one first planetary gear set, comprising a plurality of gear set elements in the form of a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier on which at least one planetary gear is rotatably mounted.

Alternatively or additionally, a second gear ratio is arranged in the power flow between the second drive unit and the second device. The second gear ratio is preferably designed as a second planetary gear with at least one second planetary gear set, comprising a plurality of gear set elements in the form of a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier on which at least one planetary gear is rotatably mounted.

By means of a planetary gear, a coaxial arrangement of the drive shaft of the drive unit with the wheel hub on the same side of the vehicle can be easily realized and drive power can be converted.

The respective planetary gear set is preferably designed as a minus planetary gear set or as a plus planetary gear set. A minus planetary gear set corresponds to a planetary gear set with a planet carrier on which first planetary gears are rotatably mounted, a sun gear and a ring gear, wherein the teeth of at least one of the planetary gears mesh with both the teeth of the sun gear and the teeth of the ring gear, whereby the ring gear and the sun gear rotate in opposite directions when the sun gear rotates with the web stationary. A plus planetary gear set differs from the minus planetary gear set in that the plus planetary gear set has first and second or inner and outer planetary gears which are rotatably mounted on the planet carrier. The teeth of the first or inner planetary gears mesh on the one hand with the teeth of the sun gear and on the other hand with the teeth of the second or outer planetary gears. The teeth of the outer planetary gears also mesh with the teeth of the ring gear. This means that when the planet carrier is stationary, the ring gear and the sun gear rotate in the same direction.

When one or more of the planetary gear sets are designed as a plus planetary gear set, the connection of the planet carrier and ring gear is swapped and the value of the stationary gear ratio is increased by 1. This is also possible in reverse if a minus planetary gear set is to be provided instead of a plus planetary gear set.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design one or more planetary gear sets as stepped planetary gear sets. Each stepped planetary gear of the respective stepped planetary gear set preferably comprises a first gear with a second gear connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner, the first gear meshing with the sun gear and the second gear meshing with the ring gear, for example, or vice versa. These two gears can be connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, for example, via an intermediate shaft or a hollow shaft. In the case of a hollow shaft, this can be rotatably mounted on a bolt of the planet carrier. The two gears of the respective stepped planetary gear preferably have different diameters and numbers of teeth in order to set a transmission ratio. Compound planetary gear sets are also conceivable.

According to one embodiment, the sun gear of the first and/or second planetary gear set is at least indirectly connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the respective drive shaft of the associated drive unit, wherein the ring gear of the same planetary gear set is fixed to a stationary component, and wherein the planet carrier of the same planetary gear set is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component of the respective device.

It should be noted that instead of one or both planetary gears, a single or multi-stage spur gear stage is also conceivable, whereby a parallel offset or axially parallel arrangement of the drive shaft of the drive unit to the wheel hub on the same side of the vehicle and a conversion of the drive power can be realized.

The term “actively connected” or “drive-effectively connected” or “active connection” refers to a non-switchable connection between two components which leads to a permanent transmission of drive power, in particular a speed and/or a torque. The connection can be made, for example, via a fixed shaft and/or gearing.

The term "at least indirectly" means that two components are (operatively) connected to one another via at least one other component that is arranged between the two components, or are directly and thus immediately connected to one another. Thus, further components that are operatively connected to the shaft or gear can be arranged between shafts or gears.

A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one, preferably two or more drivable axles according to the invention. The motor vehicle is preferably an all-wheel drive vehicle, with all axles of the vehicle being drivable axles in the sense of the invention. Accordingly, each wheel of the vehicle can be driven separately, with one or more axles being able to be decoupled from the output by the devices effectively arranged thereon depending on the driving situation, in order to reduce drag losses in particular. The motor vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile (e.g. a passenger car weighing less than 3.5 t), bus or truck (bus, truck or commercial vehicle, e.g. weighing more than 3.5 t). Depending on the design of the drive unit, the motor vehicle can be a pure combustion engine (drive is carried out by means of a combustion engine), an electric vehicle (drive unit is an electric machine) or a hybrid vehicle (drive is carried out by a combination of combustion engine and electric machine).

If the motor vehicle has only one drivable axle in the sense of the invention, at least one independent wheel drive is arranged on at least one of the other axles of the motor vehicle, which is permanently coupled to the output. The other axle in each case can also be designed as a drivable axle, which for example has only one drive unit, in particular an electric machine or an internal combustion engine, which can generate a drive power that can be transmitted to the wheels of the corresponding axle, for example via a differential, in particular if the drive units of the drivable axle according to the invention are decoupled from the output.

The above definitions as well as explanations of technical effects, advantages and advantageous embodiments of the drivable axle according to the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa.

• 1 eine stark schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer erfindungsgemäßen antreibbaren Achse,
• 2a eine schematische Längsschnittdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen antreibbaren Achse des Kraftfahrzeugs nach 1, wobei die Antriebseinheiten der antreibbaren Achse mit der dazugehörigen Radnabe der Achse antriebswirksam gekoppelt sind, und
• 2b eine schematische Längsschnittdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen antreibbaren Achse nach 1 und 2a, wobei die Antriebseinheiten der antreibbaren Achse von der dazugehörigen Radnabe der Achse entkoppelt sind.

In the following, an embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

• 1 a highly schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention with a drivable axle according to the invention,
• 2a a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the inventive drivable axle of the motor vehicle according to 1 , wherein the drive units of the drivable axle are coupled to the associated wheel hub of the axle, and
• 2 B a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the drivable axle according to the invention according to 1 and 2a , whereby the drive units of the drivable axle are decoupled from the corresponding wheel hub of the axle.

According to 1 a motor vehicle 20 according to the invention is shown with two axles 22a, 22b. The motor vehicle 20 is an all-wheel drive vehicle, each axle 22a, 22b having a wheel 15 at its end. Both axles 22a, 22b are each designed as a drivable axle 1 in the sense of the invention. The second axle 22b is a steerable axle in the present case, but this will not be discussed in more detail below. Depending on the driving situation, the first or second axle 22a, 22b can be decoupled from the drive, so that the motor vehicle 20 is driven by the axle 22a, 22b that is still coupled. Each of the two drives 1 comprises two devices 2 for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component 3 and a second component 4, which are mechanically coupled to one another and act simultaneously.

Based 2a and 2 B the first axis 22a is shown as an example. The second axis 22b can be designed identically. Decoupling and coupling of the first axis 22a is described below, and this applies analogously to the second axis 22b.

After 2a and 2 B the drivable axle 1 according to the invention comprises a first drive unit A1 that can be connected to a first wheel hub R1 in a driving manner and a second drive unit A2 that can be connected to a second wheel hub R2 in a driving manner. Between the first drive unit A1 and the first wheel hub R1, a first device 2a for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component 3 and a second component 4 is effectively arranged, wherein between the second drive unit A2 and the second wheel hub R2, a second device 2b for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component 3 and a second component 4. The respective first component 3 is in this case a sleeve-shaped component which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a planet carrier PTa, PTb. The respective second component 4 in this case forms the wheel hub R1 or R2 of the axle 1. The second component 4 of the respective device 2a, 2b is spatially accommodated in sections within the first component 3 of the same device 2a, 2b and is rotatably mounted therein.

A first gear ratio 14a in the form of a first planetary gear Pa with a first planetary gear set PSa is arranged in the power flow between the first drive unit A1 and the first device 2a. The first planetary gear set PSa has several gear set elements in the form of a first sun gear SOa, a first ring gear HOa and a first planet carrier PTa, with at least one first planet gear PRa being rotatably mounted on the first planet carrier PTa. The sun gear SOa of the first planetary gear set PSa is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive shaft 13 of the first drive unit A1. The ring gear HOa of the first planetary gear set PSa is fixed to a stationary component G, here a housing. The planet carrier PTa of the first planetary gear set PSa is, as already mentioned, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component 3 of the first device 2a.

A second gear ratio 14b in the form of a second planetary gear Pb with a second planetary gear set PSb is arranged in the power flow between the second drive unit A2 and the second device 2b. The second planetary gear set PSb has several gear set elements in the form of a second sun gear SOb, a second ring gear HOb and a second planet carrier PTb, with at least one second planet gear PRb being rotatably mounted on the second planet carrier PTb. The sun gear SOb of the second planetary gear set PSa is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive shaft 13 of the second drive unit A2. The ring gear HOb of the second planetary gear set PSa is fixed to the stationary component G. The planet carrier PTb of the second planetary gear set PSa is, as already mentioned, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component 3 of the second device 2b.

The first drive unit A1, the first wheel hub R1, the first gear stage 14a and the first device 2a are assigned to the left side of the vehicle or the left vehicle wheel 15. The second drive unit A2, the second wheel hub R2, the second gear stage 14b and the second device 2b are assigned to the right side of the vehicle or the right vehicle wheel 15.

The first device 2a comprises a switching element 5a, which is arranged between the first and second components 3, 4 in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner between a first position in which a rotational movement of the first component 3 is coupled to a rotational movement of the second component 4, and a second position in which the rotational movement of the first component 3 is decoupled from the rotational movement of the second component 4. The first device 2a also comprises an actuating device 17a, having a first actuating element 6a that is axially displaceable between a first position and a second position, and two spring-elastic return elements 8a, 16a, which preload the switching element 5a into the first position and the first actuating element 6a into the first position, respectively. In the first position of the first actuating element 6a, the switching element 5a is held in the first position by means of the return elements 8a, 16a. In the second position of the first actuating element 6a, the switching element 5a is held in the second position against a force exerted by the return elements 8a, 16a.

The second device 2b comprises a switching element 5b, which is arranged between the first and second components 3, 4 in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner between a first position in which a rotational movement of the first component 3 is coupled to a rotational movement of the second component 4, and a second position in which the rotational movement of the first component 3 is decoupled from the rotational movement of the second component 4. The second device 2b also comprises an actuating device 17b, having a first actuating element 6b that is axially displaceable between a first position and a second position, and two spring-elastic return elements 8b, 16b, which preload the switching element 5b into the first position and the first actuating element 6b into the first position, respectively. In the first position of the first actuating element 6b, the switching element 5b is held in the first position by means of the return elements 8b, 16b. In the second position of the first actuating element 6b, the switching element 5b is held in the second position against a force exerted by the return elements 8b, 16b.

The first actuating elements 6a, 6b of the two devices 2a, 2b can be moved jointly between the respective first and second positions by a common actuating actuator 18. The first actuating elements 6a, 6b are mechanically coupled to one another by the actuating actuator 18. This is shown by the dashed line 21 shown between the actuating elements 6a, 6b. The actuating elements 6a, 6b are each designed as a shift fork and are guided axially, with each first actuating element 6a, 6b being operatively connected to the axially guided switching element 5a, 5b. Each actuating element 6a, 6b comes to rest axially on a shoulder 19 of the associated switching element 5a, 5b. The respective The shift fork is designed to be moved between the first and second positions when actuated by the actuating actuator 18 in order to move the respective shift element 5a, 5b from the first to the second position against the force of the return elements 8a, 8b, 16a, 16b.

The actuating actuator 18 is set up in this case and is effectively arranged on the devices 2a, 2b such that when the actuating actuator 18 is actuated, the switching element 5a and the first actuating element 6a of the first device 2a are displaced in the same direction as the switching element 5b and the first actuating element 6b of the second device 2a. In other words, when the first actuating elements 6a, 6b are actuated by the actuating actuator 18, the switching elements 5a, 5b are displaced jointly and simultaneously either to the left or to the right. An opposite direction of displacement of the first actuating elements 6a, 6b is also conceivable and can be implemented by simply adapting the devices 2a, 2b.

After 2a and 2 B the first position of the switching element 5a of the first device 2a is on the left and the first position of the switching element 5b of the second device 2b is on the right. The same applies to the first position of the first actuating element 6a, 6b of the respective device 2a, 2b. Accordingly, the second position of the switching element 5a of the first device 2a is on the right and the second position of the switching element 5b of the second device 2b is on the left, whereby the same applies to the second position of the first actuating element 6a, 6b of the respective device 2a, 2b.

2a shows the respective switching element 5a, 5b in the first position and the respective first actuating element 6a, 6b in the first position, wherein the first and second components 3, 4 are coupled to one another in a torque-guiding manner. 2 B shows the respective switching element 5a, 5b in the second position and the respective first actuating element 6a, 6b in the second position, wherein the first and second components 3, 4 are decoupled from one another.

The switching elements 5a, 5b each have a first external toothing 11 and a first internal toothing 7, wherein in the first position of the respective switching element 5a, 5b the first external toothing 11 is in meshing engagement with a second internal toothing 10 on the first component 3 of the respective device 2a, 2b and wherein the first internal toothing 7 is in meshing engagement with a second external toothing 12 on the second component 4 of the respective device 2a, 2b. The toothings act as plug-in toothing, wherein when there is a toothing engagement in the first position of the switching elements 5a, 5b or in the first position of the first actuating elements 6a, 6b, a torque-transmitting connection or a positive connection in the circumferential direction between the components 3, 4 is present. If there is no toothing engagement, the rotary movement is decoupled, as mentioned above.

The devices 2a, 2b are normally closed clutches. This means that when the system is not actuated or de-energized, the switching elements 5a, 5b are preloaded by the return elements 8a, 8b, 16a, 16b in the first position and the first actuating elements 6a, 6b are in the first position, with a rotary movement of the first component 3 being coupled with a rotary movement of the second component 4. The first actuating elements 6a, 6b can be actuated axially by the actuating actuator 18 in such a way that they axially displace from the first position to the second position - here from left to right - and in doing so take the respective associated switching element 5a, 5b with them and move it axially from the first to the second position - also from left to right. The axial actuation of the actuating elements 6a, 6b can be carried out, for example, by a spindle - not shown here - which can be arranged coaxially to the dashed line 21. In the second position, the rotary movement of the first component 3 is then decoupled from the rotary movement of the second component 4, since the switching element 5 does not form a positive connection with either the first component 3 or the second component 4 or the wheel hub R2. In the second position of the respective first actuating element 6a, 6b or the second position of the respective switching element 5a, 5b, the switching element 5a, 5b is held in the second position against an axial spring force exerted by the first return elements 8a, 8b and the respective first actuating element 6a, 6b is held in the second position against an axial spring force exerted by the second return elements 16a, 16b.

The two components 3, 4 are re-coupled, for example, when the actuating actuator 18 is deactivated or is in a de-energized state or when the spindle of the actuating actuator 18 moves to its starting position. In this case, the preload force generated in the return elements 8a, 8b, 16a, 16b is reduced, so that the respective switching element 5a, 5b is pressed axially back into the first position. At the same time, the first actuating elements 6a, 6b are axially displaced from the second position back into the first position. The return from the second to the first position of the first actuating element 6 can thus take place solely by reducing the spring preload force or with the support of the actuating actuator 18.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the present invention and upon careful analysis of the Drawings, description and claims.

Reference symbols

1

Driven axle

2a

First device

2 B

Second device

3

First component

4

Second component

5a

Switching element of the first device

5b

Switching element of the second device

6a

First actuator of the first device

6b

First actuator of the second device

7

First internal gearing

8a

First reset element of the first device

8b

First return element of the second device

10

Second internal gearing

11

First external gearing

12

Second external gear

13

drive shaft

14a

First translation level

14b

Second translation stage

15

Wheel of the motor vehicle or vehicle wheel

16a

Second reset element of the first device

16b

Second return element of the second device

17a

First adjustment device

17b

Second adjusting device

18

Actuator

19

Shoulder of the switching element

20

Motor vehicle

21

Dashed line

22a

First axis

22b

Second axis

A1

First drive unit

A2

Second drive unit

G

Fixed component

HOa

Ring gear of the first planetary gear set

HOb

Ring gear of the second planetary gear set

Pa

First planetary gear

Pb

Second planetary gear

PSa

First planetary gear set of the first planetary gear

PSb

Second planetary gear set of the second planetary gear

R1

First wheel hub

R2

Second wheel hub

SOa

Sun gear of the first planetary gear set

SOb

Sun gear of the second planetary gear set

PTa

Planet carrier of the first planetary gear set

PTb

Planet carrier of the second planetary gear set

Pre

Planetary gear of the first planetary gear set

PRb

Planetary gear of the second planetary gear set

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1362406 A1 [0003]

Claims (12)

Drivable axle (1) for a motor vehicle (20), comprising a first drive unit (A1) that can be connected to a first wheel hub (R1) in a driving manner and a second drive unit (A2) that can be connected to a second wheel hub (R2), wherein a first device (2a) for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component (3) and a second component (4) is arranged between the first drive unit (A1) and the first wheel hub (R1), and wherein a second device (2b) for decoupling and coupling a rotary movement of a first component (3) and a second component (4) is arranged between the second drive unit (A2) and the second wheel hub (R2), the devices (2a, 2b) each comprising - a switching element (5a, 5b) that is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable between a first position in which a rotary movement of the first component (3) is coupled to a rotary movement of the second component (4) is, and a second position in which the rotary movement of the first component (3) is decoupled from the rotary movement of the second component (4), is arranged between the first and second components (3, 4), and - an adjusting device (17a, 17b) comprising • at least one first adjusting element (6a, 6b) which is axially displaceable between a first position and a second position, and • at least one first return element (8a, 8b) for moving the switching element (5a, 5b) into the first position, wherein in the first position of the at least first adjusting element (6a, 6b) the switching element (5a, 5b) is held in the first position by means of the at least first return element (8a, 8b), and wherein in the second position of the at least first adjusting element (6a, 6b) the switching element (5a, 5b) is held in the second position against a force exerted by the at least first return element (8a, 8b), wherein the first adjusting elements (6a, 6b) of the two devices (2a, 2b) can be moved jointly between the respective first and second positions by a common actuator (18). Driven axle (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the at least first return element (8a, 8b) is a spring-elastic return element. Driven axle (1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 , wherein the respective switching element (5a, 5b) has a first external toothing (11) and a first internal toothing (7), wherein in the first position of the switching element (5a, 5b) the first external toothing (11) is in tooth engagement with a second internal toothing (10) on the first component (3) of the respective device (2a, 2b) and the first internal toothing (7) is in tooth engagement with a second external toothing (12) on the second component (4) of the respective device (2a, 2b). Drivable axle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective adjusting device (17a, 17b) further comprises a second return element (16a, 16b) for displacing the respective first adjusting element (6a, 6b) into the first position. Drivable axle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first transmission stage (14a) is arranged in the power flow between the first drive unit (A1) and the first device (2a). Driven axle (1) according to Claim 5 , wherein the first transmission stage is designed as a first planetary gear (Pa) with at least one first planetary gear set (PSa), comprising a plurality of gear set elements in the form of a sun gear (SOa), a ring gear (HOa) and a planet carrier (PTa), on which at least one planet gear (PRa) is rotatably mounted. Drivable axle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second transmission stage (14b) is arranged in the power flow between the second drive unit (A2) and the second device (2b). Driven axle (1) according to Claim 7 , wherein the second transmission stage is designed as a second planetary gear (Pb) with at least one second planetary gear set (PSb), comprising a plurality of gear set elements in the form of a sun gear (SOb), a ring gear (HOb) and a planet carrier (PTb), on which at least one planet gear (PRb) is rotatably mounted. Driven axle (1) according to Claim 6 or Claim 8 , wherein the sun gear (SOa, SOb) is at least indirectly connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive shaft (13) of the drive unit (A1, A2), wherein the ring gear (HOa, HOb) is fixed to a stationary component (G), and wherein the planet carrier (PTa, PTb) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component (3) of the respective device (2a, 2b). Drivable axle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component (4) of the respective device (2a, 2b) is spatially received and rotatably mounted in sections in the first component (3) of the same device (2a, 2b), or vice versa. Drivable axle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating actuator (18) is arranged and mounted on the devices (2a, 2b) such that upon actuation of the Actuating actuator (18) the switching element (5a) and the first actuating element (6a) of the first device (2a) are displaced in opposite directions or in the same direction to the switching element (5b) and the first actuating element (6b) of the second device (2a). Motor vehicle (20) comprising at least one drivable axle (1) according to one of the preceding claims.