Independent drive module

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides an independent drive module, comprising: a wheel hub motor for providing driving force for the wheels of a vehicle; a support arm having a first end connected to a vehicle body and a second end connected to the wheel hub motor to support the wheel hub motor; a shock absorber module, comprising a first end connected to the wheel hub motor and a second end connected to the vehicle body, and used to absorb vibration between the wheel hub motor and the vehicle body and rotate the wheel hub motor when the vehicle turns to achieve shock absorption and steering; and a steering motor connected to the second end of the shock absorber module to transmit the rotational force used for steering to the shock absorber module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an independent drive module and, more particularly, to a technology of an independent drive module respectively mounted on vehicle wheels to independently operate driving and steering of the wheels. Background Art

[0002] An electric vehicle (EV) refers to an environmentally friendly vehicle with no tail gas emissions. The electric vehicle is essentially provided with a high-voltage battery that provides energy for propulsion, an inverter that converts the direct current (DC) power output from the high-voltage battery into alternating current (AC) power, a drive motor that generates a rotational force to drive the vehicle by receiving the AC power from the inverter, and so on. The rotational force of the motor is decelerated by a reducer and then transmitted to the wheels through a drive shaft, thereby driving the electric vehicle.

[0003] Recently, in-wheel motor vehicles have become prominent, in which a motor is directly arranged in the rim of each wheel to which a tire is mounted, so that the motor can directly transmit power to the wheel because intermediate components of the powertrain, such as a speed reducer or a differential gear, can be omitted to reduce the weight of the vehicle and reduce energy loss during power transmission.

[0004] In addition, the in-wheel motor may include an independent steering device and an independent drive module mounted on each wheel of the vehicle.

[0005] In prior art independent drive modules, the steering arrangement adds to the suspension arrangement thereby increasing weight and cost, which is problematic.

[0006] The foregoing content is only intended to help understand the background technology of the present invention, and is not intended to mean that the present invention belongs to the scope of the relevant technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the inventive subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the inventive subject matter.

[0008] In one general aspect, the independent drive module includes: a wheel hub motor for providing driving force for the wheels of a vehicle; a support arm having a first end connected to a vehicle body and a second end connected to the wheel hub motor to support the wheel hub motor; a shock absorber module including a first end connected to the wheel hub motor and a second end connected to the vehicle body, and used to absorb vibration between the wheel hub motor and the vehicle body and rotate the wheel hub motor when the vehicle turns to achieve shock absorption and steering; and a steering motor connected to the second end of the shock absorber module to transmit the rotational force used for steering to the shock absorber module.

[0009] The shock absorber module may include a cylinder extending in an axial direction and containing a fluid therein, and a rod inserted into the cylinder and adapted to slide in the axial direction.

[0010] The rod includes a protrusion protruding outward from an outer surface, and the cylinder may include a groove recessed at a position corresponding to the protrusion.

[0011] The damper module may further include a fixing portion provided at an outer portion of the cylinder and extending in the axial direction. The cylinder may include a groove recessed at a position corresponding to the fixing portion so that the fixing portion is inserted into the groove.

[0012] The damper module may include a connection portion connected and coupled to the steering motor to be rotatable in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the damper module, so that the connection portion transmits the rotational force of the steering motor to the wheel hub motor, thereby rotating the wheel hub motor.

[0013] The support arm may include an upper arm and a lower arm spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction and connecting the vehicle body and the wheel hub motor to each other. The upper arm may include a through hole. The damper module may be connected to the bottom of the wheel hub motor while extending through the through hole.

[0014] The damper module may include a connection portion extending through the upper arm and coupled to the wheel hub motor to be rotatable in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the damper module.

[0015] The damper module may be connected to the wheel hub motor such that a central axis of the damper module is inclined relative to an upper and lower radial axis of the wheel hub motor.

[0016] The first end of the support arm may be coupled to the vehicle body to be rotatable in an up and down direction, and the second end of the support arm may be coupled to the wheel hub motor to be rotatable in any direction.

[0017] The wheel hub motor may be used for slewing and steering about a virtual steering axis extending through the second end of the support arm and a connection portion connecting the shock absorber module with the steering motor.

[0018] The damper module may include a connection portion including an end connected to the wheel hub motor by a rigid joint.

[0019] The shock absorber module may include an elastic member surrounding an outer portion of the shock absorber module. The elastic member may be compressed or stretched as the length of the shock absorber module changes, thereby absorbing impact applied to the vehicle body.

[0020] The damper module may be configured to be displaced in an axial direction of the damper module, while the damper module may be prevented from rotating about the axial direction.

[0021] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 An independent driving module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view;

[0025] Figure 3 The operation of the steering motor of the independent drive module according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 shows a change in camber angle depending on the length of a shock absorber module of an independent drive module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 6 A first embodiment of a shock absorber module of an independent drive module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 BB cross-sectional view;

[0030] Figure 8 A second embodiment of a shock absorber module of an independent drive module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0031] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 CC cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The specific structure and function description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are only for the illustrative purpose of the embodiments of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and important features of the present invention, the present invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are only for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, specific examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below, as embodiments of the present invention may be variously modified in many different forms. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with its exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0034] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0035] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly coupled or connected to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element therebetween. In contrast, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other expressions explaining the relationship between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent to," etc., should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the invention, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will refer to the same or similar parts.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an independent driving module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view, Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows the operation of the steering motor of the independent drive module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a change in the camber angle depending on the length of the shock absorber module of the independent drive module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 A second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Will refer to Figures 1 to 5 An exemplary embodiment of a stand-alone drive module according to the present invention is described.

[0040] The independent driving module according to the present invention is a module that connects each wheel of a vehicle to the vehicle and is used to control the driving and steering of the wheel.

[0041] The independent driving module according to the present invention includes: a hub motor 100, which provides driving force to the wheels of the vehicle; a support arm 200, which has a first end connected to the vehicle body 500 and a second end connected to the hub motor 100, so as to support the hub motor 100; a shock absorber module 300, which has a first end connected to the hub motor 100 and a second end connected to the vehicle body 500, and is used to absorb vibration between the hub motor 100 and the vehicle body 500 and rotate the hub motor 100 when the vehicle turns, so as to achieve shock absorption and steering; and a steering motor 400, which is connected to the second end of the shock absorber module 300 to transmit the rotational force used for steering to the shock absorber module 300.

[0042] The wheel hub motor 100 may be disposed inside a wheel to control rotation of the wheel to drive the vehicle, connected to a high-voltage battery provided in the vehicle, and operated using power supplied by the battery.

[0043] The support arm 200 may extend in a direction from the vehicle body 500 to the hub motor 100 to connect the hub motor 100 to the vehicle body 500. In this regard, a first end of the support arm 200 is connected to the vehicle body 500, and a second end of the support arm 200 is connected to the hub motor 100.

[0044] The first end of the shock absorber module 300 is connected to the rotor shaft of the steering motor 400, and the second end of the shock absorber module 300 is connected to the wheel hub motor 100. The shock absorber module 300 can rotate in response to the driving of the steering motor 400 to transmit the rotational force to the wheel hub motor 100, so that the wheel hub motor 100 revolves around the support arm 200.

[0045] In addition, the shock absorber module 300 may be variable in length to shrink or stretch in length. In this way, the shock absorber module 300 may absorb the shock or vibration transmitted to the vehicle body through the wheel hub motor 100, thereby improving the quietness of the vehicle.

[0046] Therefore, the shock absorber installed separately on the independent drive module of the related art can be removed, and the steering module and the shock absorber can be manufactured in an integrated manner, thereby reducing costs. In addition, the use range of the vehicle cabin space can be further increased.

[0047] In addition, since the shock absorber and the steering module are integrated with each other, the weight of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0048] The shock absorber module 300 may include a cylinder 310 extending in an axial direction and containing a fluid therein, and a rod 320 inserted into the cylinder 310 and adapted to slide in the axial direction.

[0049] Since the cylinder 310 has a hollow structure extending in the axial direction, its first end is closed and the internal space is filled with fluid, and the rod 320 is configured to be inserted into the cylinder 310, when the fluid is compressed or expanded, the shock absorber module 300 can stretch or contract in the axial direction.

[0050] In this way, the shock absorber module 300 may absorb shock or vibration transmitted from the road through the wheel and the hub motor 100 .

[0051] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the length of the shock absorber module 300 is adjustable so that the toe-in camber angle can be set on the vehicle.

[0052] Figure 6 A first embodiment of a shock absorber module of an independent drive module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 7 for Figure 6 BB cross-sectional view.

[0053] In addition, regarding Figure 6 and 7 , the rod 320 may have a protrusion 321 protruding from the outer surface, and the cylinder 310 may have a first groove 311 recessed to correspond to the protrusion 321 .

[0054] When the rotor shaft of the steering motor 400 rotates, the damper module 300 may be rotated to make the wheel hub motor 100 turn, thereby steering the wheel.

[0055] Here, the rod 320 or the cylinder 310 may rotate around the rotor shaft of the steering motor 400, so that the rotational force is not transmitted to the hub motor 100. In order to prevent this problem, a plurality of protrusions 321 are provided on the outer surface of the rod 320 so that the protrusions 321 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The first groove 311 is recessed in the cylinder 310 at a position corresponding to the protrusion 321 so that the protrusion 321 can be inserted into the first groove 311 so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0056] The first groove 311 may be provided at an entrance portion through which the rod 320 is inserted into the cylinder 310 , or may be provided at an inner side surface of the cylinder 310 such that the protrusion 321 may be inserted into the first groove 311 .

[0057] According to this configuration, when the steering motor 400 operates, the protrusion 321 may be inserted into the first groove 311 and prevent at least one of the cylinder 310 and the rod 320 from rotating relative to the other in the direction in which the steering motor 400 rotates.

[0058] Figure 8 A second embodiment of a shock absorber module of an independent drive module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Fig. 9 for Figure 8 CC cross-sectional view.

[0059] In addition, regarding Figure 8 and 9 The damper module 300 may further include a fixing portion 300 disposed at an outer portion of the cylinder 310 and extending in the axial direction. The cylinder 310 may have a second groove 312 recessed at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 330 so that the fixing portion 330 may be inserted into the second groove 312.

[0060] When the rotor shaft of the steering motor 400 rotates, the damper module 300 may rotate to turn the wheel hub motor 100, thereby turning the wheel.

[0061] To prevent this, a plurality of fixing portions 330 may be provided at an outer portion of the cylinder 310 to extend in the axial direction of the rod, the fixing portions 330 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the cylinder 310 may have a recessed second groove 312 so that the fixing portions 330 may be inserted into the second groove 312 to be movable in the axial direction.

[0062] According to this configuration, when the steering motor 400 operates, the fixing portion 330 may be inserted into the second groove 312 to prevent at least one of the cylinder 310 and the rod 320 from rotating relative to the other in the direction in which the steering motor 400 rotates.

[0063] The damper module 300 may include a first connection portion 340 connected and coupled to the steering motor 400 to be rotatable in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the damper module 300. The first connection portion 340 may transmit the rotational force of the steering motor 400 to the hub motor 100, thereby rotating the hub motor 100.

[0064] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the first end of the shock absorber module 300 can be connected to the steering motor 400. The steering motor 400 and the shock absorber module 300 can be connected by a first connection part 340 rotatable in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shock absorber module 300 to transmit the rotational force of the steering motor 400 to the hub motor 100.

[0065] The first connection portion 340 may be a universal joint.

[0066] Therefore, the damper module 300 may be rotated by rotating the steering motor 400 coupled to the vehicle body 500 , and the wheel may be steered by turning the hub motor 100 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0067] The support arm 200 may include an upper arm 210 and a lower arm 220 spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction and connecting the vehicle body 500 and the wheel hub motor 100. The upper arm 210 may have a through hole 211 that allows the shock absorber module 300 to extend therethrough, so that the shock absorber module 300 may be connected to the bottom of the wheel hub motor 100 while extending through the through hole 211.

[0068] The support arm 200 and the upper arm 210 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured in the shape of a double fork arm consisting of the upper arm 210 and the lower arm 220 .

[0069] Therefore, a negative camber angle can be set, and a low floor with a reduced vehicle height can be realized.

[0070] When a negative camber angle is set, the vehicle's cornering performance can be improved.

[0071] In addition, the upper arm 210 may have a through hole 211 that allows the shock absorber module 300 to extend therethrough, and the shock absorber may be connected to the bottom of the hub motor 100 by extending through the upper arm 210 .

[0072] Therefore, the damper module 300 may be tilted around the upper and lower diameters of the hub motor 100 to be connected to the hub motor 100 .

[0073] Therefore, the performance of the damper module 300 in absorbing shock and vibration generated from the road and transmitted to the wheel and the in-wheel motor 100 may be improved.

[0074] The damper module 300 may have a second connection portion 350 extending through the upper arm 210 and connected and coupled to the hub motor 100 to be rotatable in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0075] The second connection portion 350 may be provided to be rotatable in a direction intersecting the axial direction to couple the second end of the damper module 300 to the hub motor 100 by preventing interference with the upper arm 210 .

[0076] Therefore, the damper module 300 can rotate along with the rotation of the steering motor 400 by preventing interference with the upper arm 210 , and turn the in-wheel motor 100 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0077] The damper module 300 may be connected to the wheel hub motor 100 with its central axis tilted relative to the upper and lower radial axes of the wheel hub motor 100 .

[0078] The shock absorber module 300 may be connected to the wheel hub motor 100 while being tilted with respect to the upper and lower radial axes of the wheel hub motor 100. Therefore, the shock absorber module 300 may absorb shocks and vibrations occurring in various directions through the wheel.

[0079] A first end of the support arm 200 may be coupled to the vehicle body 500 to be rotatable in an up and down direction, and a second end of the support arm 200 may be coupled to the hub motor 100 to be rotatable in any direction.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the support arm 200 may be coupled to the vehicle body 500 to be rotatable in the up-and-down directions of the vehicle.

[0081] Therefore, when the vehicle is traveling on a rough road, the wheels can move in the up and down directions, thereby improving the quietness of the vehicle.

[0082] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown, the shock absorber module 300 may include a third connecting portion 360 , a second end of which is connected to the hub motor 100 via a rigid joint.

[0083] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the support arm 200 may be provided as a single support arm, and the damper module 300 may be connected to the hub motor 100 at a position above the support arm to enable the hub motor 100 to rotate.

[0084] Here, unlike the first embodiment, the damper module 300 is not required to prevent interference with the upper arm 210. Therefore, the third connection portion 360 may be coupled to the hub motor 100 through a component such as a rigid joint.

[0085] Therefore, the structure of the vehicle can be simpler, the weight of the vehicle can be further reduced, and the range of use of the cabin can be further increased.

[0086] In addition, the hub motor 100 may rotate and steer around a virtual steering axis Sa extending through the second end of the support arm 200 coupled to the hub motor 100 and the first connection portion 340 connecting the damper module 300 and the steering motor 400 .

[0087] That is, because the wheel hub motor 100 and the support arm 200 are connected by a ball joint, and the top end of the shock absorber module 300 is connected to the steering motor 400 by a universal joint, the virtual steering axis Sa is drawn between the rotation centers of the ball joint and the universal joint. Therefore, the steering motor 400 rotates around the virtual steering axis Sa.

[0088] The shock absorber module 300 includes an elastic member 370 surrounding an outer portion of the shock absorber module 300. The elastic member 370 may be compressed or stretched as the length of the shock absorber module 300 changes, thereby absorbing impact applied to the vehicle body 500.

[0089] The shock absorber module 300 can absorb shock and vibration using the fluid contained in the cylinder 310. In addition, the shock absorber module 300 includes an elastic member 370 having a spring shape surrounding the cylinder 310 and the rod 320, and based on the compression and extension of the spring, can absorb shock and vibration generated from the road surface and transmitted to the vehicle body 500 through the wheel and the hub motor 100.

[0090] Therefore, the shock and vibration generated from the road surface and transmitted to the vehicle body 500 through the wheel and the in-wheel motor 100 can be doubly absorbed.

[0091] The damper module 300 may be allowed to be displaced in the axial direction, but may be prevented from rotating about the axial direction.

[0092] The damper module 300 may have any other configuration movable in the axial direction in which the damper module 300 is prevented from rotating about the axial direction, except for the configuration consisting of the protrusion 321 and the first groove 311 or the configuration consisting of the fixing portion 330 and the second groove 312. In addition, according to any other configuration, the damper module 300 may be movable in the axial direction while being prevented from rotating about the axial direction.

[0093] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed.

Claims

1. An independent drive module, comprising: In-wheel motors, used to provide driving force for the wheels of the vehicle; A support arm, comprising a first end connected to the vehicle body and a second end connected to the wheel hub motor, so as to support the wheel hub motor; a shock absorber module, comprising a first end connected to the wheel hub motor and a second end connected to the vehicle body, wherein the shock absorber module is used to absorb vibration between the wheel hub motor and the vehicle body and to rotate the wheel hub motor when the vehicle turns, so as to achieve shock absorption and steering; as well as a steering motor connected to the second end of the shock absorber module to transmit a rotational force for steering to the shock absorber module, Wherein, the shock absorber module comprises: a cylinder extending in an axial direction and containing a fluid; and a rod inserted into the cylinder and adapted to slide in the axial direction, The rod includes a protrusion protruding outward from an outer surface, and the cylinder includes a groove recessed at a position corresponding to the protrusion.

2. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The damper module further includes a fixing portion disposed at an outer portion of the cylinder and extending in the axial direction, and Wherein, the cylinder includes a groove recessed at a position corresponding to the fixing portion, so that the fixing portion is inserted into the groove.

3. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The damper module includes a connection portion connected and coupled to the steering motor to be rotatable in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the damper module, so that the connection portion transmits a rotational force of the steering motor to the wheel hub motor, thereby rotating the wheel hub motor.

4. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The support arm includes an upper arm and a lower arm that are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction and connect the vehicle body and the wheel hub motor to each other, Wherein, the upper arm includes a through hole, and Wherein, the shock absorber module is connected to the bottom of the wheel hub motor while extending through the through hole.

5. The independent driving module according to claim 4, wherein: The damper module includes a connection portion extending through the upper arm and coupled to the wheel hub motor to be rotatable in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the damper module.

6. The independent driving module according to claim 4, wherein: The damper module is connected to the wheel hub motor such that a central axis of the damper module is inclined relative to an upper and lower radial axis of the wheel hub motor.

7. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The first end of the support arm is coupled to the vehicle body to be rotatable in an up and down direction, and the second end of the support arm is coupled to the wheel hub motor to be rotatable in any direction.

8. The independent driving module according to claim 7, wherein: The wheel hub motor is used for rotating and steering around a virtual steering axis, and the virtual steering axis extends through the second end of the support arm and the connecting portion connecting the shock absorber module and the steering motor.

9. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The damper module comprises a connection portion including an end connected to the wheel hub motor by a rigid joint.

10. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The shock absorber module includes an elastic member surrounding an outer portion of the shock absorber module, and The elastic member is compressed or stretched as the length of the shock absorber module changes, thereby absorbing the impact applied to the vehicle body.

11. The independent driving module according to claim 1, wherein: The damper module is configured to be displaced in an axial direction of the damper module while preventing the damper module from rotating about the axial direction.

12. An independent drive module, comprising: In-wheel motors, used to provide driving force for the wheels of the vehicle; A support arm, comprising a first end connected to the vehicle body and a second end connected to the wheel hub motor, so as to support the wheel hub motor; a shock absorber module, comprising a first end connected to the wheel hub motor and a second end connected to the vehicle body, wherein the shock absorber module is used to absorb vibration between the wheel hub motor and the vehicle body and to rotate the wheel hub motor when the vehicle turns, so as to achieve shock absorption and steering; as well as a steering motor connected to the second end of the shock absorber module to transmit a rotational force for steering to the shock absorber module, Wherein, the shock absorber module comprises: a cylinder extending in an axial direction and containing a fluid; and a rod inserted into the cylinder and adapted to slide in the axial direction, The shock absorber module further comprises a fixing portion, which is arranged at an outer portion of the cylinder and extends along the axial direction, and Wherein, the cylinder includes a groove recessed at a position corresponding to the fixing portion, so that the fixing portion is inserted into the groove.

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