Vehicle and suspension arm assemblies

Abstract

A vehicle (8) comprises a vehicle body (81), a ground-engaging wheel (7), a suspension arm (1), and an electric motor / generator (2) having a mechanical power transmission system, wherein the wheel (7) is mounted on the vehicle body (81) by means of the suspension arm, and the electric motor / generator (2) is connected to the wheel (7) by means of the mechanical power transmission system, so that the rotation of the wheel (7) around the wheel axis (B) can be driven by the electric motor (2), or the rotation of the wheel can drive the generator (2), wherein the electric motor / generator (2) is mounted on the suspension arm (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicles, and in particular to a vehicle having an independent electric drive system suitable for a low-floor commercial vehicle capable of autonomous operation, and a suspension arm assembly suitable for use in such a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] It is known to use one or more electric motors to propel vehicles, including commercial light and heavy trucks. In current electric vehicles, the electric motors are mounted on the axle beam or integrated into the wheel hub. This means that the electric motor or motors must be mounted below the vehicle's floor, which, due to the vehicle's limited height, limits the cubic capacity of the vehicle's cargo compartment.

[0003] The present invention may help increase the volume of the cargo receiving compartment of an electric-drive commercial truck. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed technology allows the space around the wheels to mount the electric motor on a suspension arm. This suspension arm houses the mechanical drive that connects the electric motor to the axle hub, allowing each wheel to be driven independently by the electric drive. The electric motor can also function as a generator to regenerate energy. Mounting the electric motor on the suspension arm allows for an extremely low floor height, which can be used to provide increased load capacity, reduce drag, or a combination of both.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the disclosed technology, we provide a vehicle comprising a body, ground-engaging wheels, a suspension arm, and an electric motor / generator having a drivetrain, wherein the wheels are mounted on the body by means of the suspension arm, and the electric motor / generator is connected to the wheels by means of the drivetrain, so that rotation of the wheels about the wheel axis can be driven by the electric motor, or rotation of the wheels can drive the generator, wherein the electric motor / generator is mounted on the suspension arm.

[0006] By virtue of the present invention, wheel motor / generator mounting may not significantly restrict floor height.

[0007] In one embodiment, the suspension arm has a first portion pivotally connected to the vehicle body and a second portion connected to the vehicle body via a spring.

[0008] The spring may be an air spring.

[0009] In one embodiment, the motor / generator is mounted on the suspension arm between the first and second portions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the motor / generator is mounted on a third portion of the suspension arm that is offset relative to a line between the first and second portions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the vehicle is further provided with a wheel hub assembly by means of which the wheel is mounted on the suspension arm 1. The wheel hub assembly is mounted on the same side of the suspension arm as the motor / generator. The motor / generator is advantageously positioned so that it is elevated above the wheel axis. The motor / generator may be mounted above the wheel hub assembly. In one embodiment, the motor / generator is mounted directly above the centerline of the wheel.

[0012] The hub assembly may include at least one epicyclic gear train.

[0013] The power transmission system may include a gear train, a belt, a chain, a drive shaft with bevel gears, or a combination of one or more of the gear train, a belt, a chain, and a drive shaft with bevel gears.

[0014] The drivetrain may be mounted on and or integrated with the suspension arm.

[0015] The drivetrain can be connected to the brake disc, wheel hub or adapter plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a pair of ground-engaging wheels and a pair of suspension arms, the wheels being mounted to a vehicle body via the pair of suspension arms, each suspension arm having a wheel mounted thereon, each suspension arm having an electric motor / generator mounted thereon, and each suspension arm further being provided with a mechanical drivetrain, the electric motor / generator being connected to the wheel mounted thereon by means of the mechanical drivetrain, such that rotation of the wheel can be driven by the electric motor, or rotation of the wheel can drive the generator. In this case, each suspension arm can have a first portion pivotally connected to the vehicle body and a second portion connected to the vehicle body via a spring, with each suspension arm being unconnected to the other, such that each suspension arm can pivot independently of the other suspension arm relative to the vehicle body. Alternatively, the pair of suspension arms can be connected to each other via an axle beam that is longitudinally and vertically offset relative to the wheel axis of each wheel. This longitudinal and vertical offset allows the axle beam to move at extremely low floor heights.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pair of suspension arms may be used as a single pair or in a multi-axis configuration.

[0018] In one embodiment, the or each electric motor is operable to drive the vehicle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the motor / generator is operable to convert kinetic energy derived from the rotation of one or more wheels into electrical energy. In this case, the vehicle may be provided with an electrical energy storage device, such as a battery, connected to the motor / generator so that the electrical energy generated by the motor / generator can be stored in the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy generated by the motor / generator can be used to power onboard equipment, including, but not limited to, a transport refrigeration unit.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the disclosed technology, we provide a vehicle comprising a trailer and a trailer or semi-trailer having all the features of the vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the trailer / semi-trailer is connected to the trailer so that it can be towed by the trailer, and the trailer is provided with a drive device operable to drive the trailer, the electric motor or each electric motor of the trailer being operable to assist the drive device of the trailer in driving the vehicle, or being operated to drive the vehicle instead of the drive device without using the drive device of the trailer.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the disclosed technology, we provide a vehicle suspension arm assembly, which includes a suspension arm having a first part and a second part, the arm being pivotally connected to the vehicle body by means of the first part, and a spring being mounted on the second part, the assembly also including a motor / generator, a hub assembly and a driveline, the hub assembly having a wheel mounting member on which a wheel can be mounted, the driveline connecting the motor / generator to the hub assembly so that rotation of the wheel mounting member about the wheel axis can be driven by the motor, or rotation of the wheel mounting member can drive the generator, wherein the motor / generator, hub assembly and driveline are mounted on the suspension arm, and the motor / generator and hub assembly are on the same side of the suspension arm.

[0022] By mounting the motor / generator and the wheel hub assembly on the same side of the suspension arm, the suspension arm may be arranged so that the suspension arm lies in a generally vertical plane with the motor / generator above the wheel hub assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment, the hub assembly is mounted on a middle portion of the suspension arm, the middle portion being between the first and second portions of the suspension arm. In this case, the middle portion may be offset relative to a line connecting the first and second portions.

[0024] The wheel hub assembly may include at least one epicyclic gear train connected between the wheel mount and the mechanical drivetrain to transmit drive torque between the mechanical drivetrain and the wheel mount. The epicyclic gear train may include a sun gear connected to the mechanical drivetrain such that the mechanical drivetrain drives rotation of the sun gear or is driven by rotation of the sun gear. The epicyclic gear train may include planetary gears meshing with the sun gear and supported by a planet carrier connected to the wheel mount such that rotation of the wheel mount is driven by rotation of the planet carrier or drives rotation of the planet carrier.

[0025] The motor / generator may be mounted on the suspension arm between the first and second sections. The motor / generator may be mounted on a third section of the suspension arm that is offset from a line between the first and second sections. The third section may be connected to the middle section via a driveline support section of the suspension arm, the driveline being mounted on the driveline support section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other characteristics will become apparent from the following description of illustrative embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension arm assembly for use in a vehicle according to the disclosed technology,

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An alternative perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly is shown,

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another alternative perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly is shown,

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the suspension arm is shown,

[0031] Figure 5 is an end view of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly suitable for use in a vehicle according to the disclosed technology,

[0032] Figure 6 is a perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology showing one embodiment of a powertrain system,

[0033] Figure 7 is a perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology showing an alternative embodiment of a powertrain system,

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology showing another embodiment of a powertrain system,

[0035] Figure 9 is a perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology showing another embodiment of a powertrain system,

[0036] Figure 10 is a cutaway perspective view of parts of an alternative embodiment of a suspension arm assembly suitable for use in a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed technology,

[0037] Figure 11 is a cutaway perspective view of parts of another alternative embodiment of a suspension arm assembly suitable for use in a vehicle according to the disclosed technology,

[0038] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cutaway perspective view of a hub assembly of an embodiment of the suspension arm assembly is shown,

[0039] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 An alternative cutaway perspective view of a hub assembly of an embodiment of the suspension arm assembly is shown,

[0040] Figure 14A is a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the disclosed technology, the vehicle being a rigid body heavy goods vehicle and having a single pair of wheels mounted on the vehicle using a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology,

[0041] Figure 14B is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a vehicle according to the disclosed technology, the vehicle being a rigid body heavy goods vehicle and having a single pair of wheels mounted on the vehicle using a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology,

[0042] Figure 15 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a vehicle according to the disclosed technology, the vehicle being a rigid body heavy goods vehicle and having two pairs of wheels mounted on the vehicle using suspension arm assemblies according to the disclosed technology,

[0043] Figure 16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a vehicle according to the disclosed technology, the vehicle being an articulated heavy goods vehicle semi-trailer and having three pairs of wheels mounted on the semi-trailer using a suspension arm assembly according to the disclosed technology,

[0044] Figure 17 yes Figures 14A to 16 An end view of the vehicle is shown,

[0045] Figure 18 yes Figures 14A to 16 An end view of the vehicle is shown, illustrating how the vehicle may be loaded with a pallet,

[0046] Figure 19A is a perspective view of a pair of suspension arm assemblies suitable for use in a vehicle according to the disclosed technology, wherein a brake cylinder is mounted on the front portion of the suspension arm,

[0047] Figure 19B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a pair of suspension arm assemblies suitable for use in a vehicle according to the disclosed technology, wherein a brake cylinder is mounted at the rear of the suspension arm,

[0048] FIG20A is Figure 14A A side view of a wheel arch portion of a vehicle shown with the spring of the suspension arm assembly extended,

[0049] FIG20B is Figure 14A A side view of a wheel arch portion of a vehicle is shown with the spring of the suspension arm assembly compressed.

[0050] Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a pair of suspension arm assemblies suitable for use in a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed technology,

[0051] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An alternative perspective view of the pair of suspension arm assemblies is shown.

[0052] FIG23A is Figure 14B A side view of a wheel arch portion of the vehicle shown with the spring of the suspension arm assembly extended, and

[0053] FIG23B is Figure 14B A side view of the wheel arch portion of a vehicle is shown with the spring of the suspension arm assembly compressed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The following description may use terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "lateral," "front-to-back," "upper-lower," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front," and "rear." These terms generally refer to views and directions as shown in the accompanying drawings and are associated with normal use of the present invention. These terms are used for the convenience of the reader only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 , shows the overall layout of an embodiment of a suspension arm assembly suitable for use in a vehicle according to the first and second aspects of the present invention. The suspension arm assembly includes a suspension arm 1, on which an electric motor / generator 2 is mounted. In this embodiment, the electric motor / generator is mounted on the suspension arm 1 via a gearbox 21. However, the provision of such a gearbox is not essential. The electric motor / generator 2 is a conventional electric motor / generator and has a rotor (not shown) that rotates about a motor axis A.

[0056] The suspension arm assembly is further provided with a wheel hub assembly 3 which is rotatable relative to the suspension arm 1 about a wheel axis B and by means of which a ground-engaging wheel can be mounted on the suspension arm 1. In this embodiment, the wheel axis B is substantially parallel to the motor axis A. The wheel hub assembly 3 is described in more detail below.

[0057] The suspension arm assembly is also provided with a drivetrain by which the motor / generator 2 is connected to the wheel hub assembly 3, such that, when used as a motor, operation of the motor / generator 2 drives rotation of the wheel hub assembly 3, and thereby drives rotation of the wheel mounted on the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axis B, and enables the motor / generator 2 to function as a generator to convert kinetic energy from the rotating wheel into electrical energy. In this embodiment, the drivetrain is configured so that the wheel axis B is substantially parallel to the motor axis A. Various configurations of mechanical drivetrains may be used, as will be described in more detail below.

[0058] The motor / generator 2 and the wheel hub assembly 3 are mounted on the same side of the suspension arm 1. Therefore, if it is considered that the wheel hub assembly 3 is located between two parallel imaginary planes, with the suspension arm 1 located in one of these planes, the motor / generator 2 also extends from the suspension arm 1 into the space between the two imaginary planes.

[0059] The suspension arm 1 has a first portion 1 a provided with a bushing 11 by means of which the suspension arm 1 can be pivotally mounted on the vehicle body so that the suspension arm 1 can rotate relative to the vehicle body about a pivot axis C which is approximately parallel to the wheel axis B.

[0060] Suspension arm 1 has a second portion 1b on which a spring 4 is mounted. Spring 4 is configured to be connected to the vehicle body such that the second portion of suspension arm 1 is connected to the vehicle body via spring 4, and spring 4 extends and compresses when the suspension arm pivots about bushing 11. In one embodiment, spring 4 is an air spring. It could also be a helical compression spring, or any other suitable type of suspension spring.

[0061] In this example, the air spring has a piston 41 on which are mounted brackets 42 and 43, which are rigidly mounted on the second part 1b of the suspension arm 1 via a spring shaft 43. The spring shaft 43 has a longitudinal axis D which is substantially parallel to the pivot axis C.

[0062] In this embodiment, the spring 4 is mounted on the same side of the suspension arm 1 as the motor / generator 2 and the wheel hub assembly 3. Therefore, the spring 4 is also located in the space between the above-mentioned imaginary planes.

[0063] In this embodiment, the hub assembly 3 is mounted on the middle portion 1 c of the suspension arm 1 between the first portion 1 a and the second portion 1 b.

[0064] The first portion 1a, second portion 1b, and intermediate portion 1c of the suspension arm may be linear such that the pivot axis C, spring axle axis D, and wheel axis B are all arranged along substantially straight lines. However, this is not the case in this embodiment, and the first portion 1a of the suspension arm 1 is curved such that the wheel axis B is offset from the line connecting the pivot axis C and the spring axle axis D.

[0065] While the motor / generator 2 could be mounted on either the first portion 1a or the second portion 1b of the suspension arm 1, along which the drivetrain extends to the intermediate portion 1c, in this embodiment, the motor / generator 2 is mounted on a third portion 1d of the suspension arm 1c, located between the first and second portions 1a, 1b, but offset from the line connecting the first and second portions 1a, 1b. The third portion 1d of the suspension arm 1 is connected to the intermediate portion 1c via a drivetrain support portion 1e, along which the drivetrain extends to connect the motor / generator 2 to the wheel hub assembly 3.

[0066] Although not required, in this embodiment, in order to enhance the stability of the suspension arm 1, the suspension arm 1 further includes a support column 1f extending from the second portion 1b to the third portion 1d. The powertrain support portion 1e, the support column 1f, and the second portion 1b of the suspension arm 1 thus form a triangle, with the motor axis A, the wheel axis B, and the spring shaft axis D at the three corners of the triangle.

[0067] Although not required, in this embodiment, the suspension arm assembly is also provided with a damper 6 having a first end pivotally connected to the suspension arm 1 and a second end pivotally connected to the vehicle body in use. In this embodiment, the first end of the damper 6 is pivotally connected to the motor / generator 2, but it will be appreciated that it may be connected to any other convenient point on the suspension arm 1.

[0068] The damper 6 is configured to damp vibrations of the suspension arm 1 when the vehicle is in use, as is conventional in air suspension systems, and may comprise a hydraulic piston and cylinder, or any other conventional form of suspension damper.

[0069] In use, the connection points between the vehicle body and the first portion 1a of the suspension arm 1 and the spring 4 are arranged so that the wheel hub moves substantially vertically when the spring 4 is extended or compressed. In other words, the orientation of the air spring 4, together with the damper 6 connected between the vehicle body and the suspension arm 1, is such that the spring 41 provides vertical control of the suspension arm 1.

[0070] In this embodiment, in use, the suspension arm 1 is Figure 4The arrangement shown is such that the first portion 1a is the lowermost portion, and the middle portion 1c and the second portion 1b are horizontally and vertically displaced relative to the first portion 1a. Thus, the wheel axis B is located between the pivot axis C and the spring axle axis D both vertically and horizontally, with the wheel axis B and the spring axle axis D being higher than the pivot axis C.

[0071] The suspension arm 1 is also arranged so that the drivetrain support portion 1e extends upward from the middle portion 1c, such that the motor axis A is above the wheel axis B. While the motor axis A could be directly above the wheel axis B, in this embodiment, the motor / generator 2 is slightly closer to the pivot axis C in the horizontal direction than the wheel axis B, but above the top of the wheel 7 mounted on the wheel hub assembly 3. It should be understood that the suspension arm 1 can be configured so that the motor / generator 2 is positioned so that the motor axis A is located anywhere within a semicircular arc extending from and above the wheel axis B. For example, the suspension arm 1 can be configured so that the wheel axis B is closer to the pivot axis C than the motor axis A. Furthermore, the suspension arm 1 can be configured so that the motor axis A is below the top of the wheel mounted on the wheel hub assembly 3.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 5 , which shows a side view of a wheel hub assembly 3, which includes a hub drive gear 9, to which the suspension arm end of a brake disc unit 31 is secured by means of bolts 34. The wheel end of the brake disc unit 31 is provided with a wheel mounting member, which in this embodiment is an annular wheel mounting plate 35 from which a plurality of wheel mounting studs 33 extend. The wheel 7 can be secured to the wheel hub assembly 3 by means of the wheel mounting studs 33, as is conventional in the art.

[0073] The hub drive gear 9 and brake disc unit 31 are mounted on a shaft end 32 extending from the middle portion 1 c of the suspension arm 1 and are rotatable about the shaft end 32. The longitudinal axis of the shaft end 32 extends along the wheel axis B, and the shaft end 32 can be integral with or fixed to the middle portion 1 c of the suspension arm 1, for example, by welding. The hub drive gear 9 is connected to the motor / generator 2 by means of a power transmission system.

[0074] A conventional bearing assembly (not shown) may be provided to minimize wear and frictional energy losses as the hub drive gear 9 and brake disc unit 31 rotate about the shaft end 32 .

[0075] The brake disc unit 31 is provided with a brake disc 36 which is located between the wheel end and the suspension arm end of the unit 31 and which extends radially outwards from the wheel axis B.

[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As best shown in FIG, in this embodiment, the suspension arm assembly further comprises a brake cylinder 5 mounted on a bracket 51 that is attached to the suspension arm 1. The brake cylinder 5 is mounted above the wheel hub assembly 3 and is connected to a brake caliper 54 mounted on the suspension arm 1 via a connecting rod 52. The brake cylinder 5 has a longitudinal axis and operates to generate a force parallel to this axis. The connecting rod 52 pivots at a pivot bracket 53 mounted on the suspension arm 1. In this way, the force output from the remotely mounted brake cylinder is transmitted to the brake caliper 54, causing the brake caliper 54 to clamp around the brake disc 36 and brake the wheel 7 as is conventional in the prior art. In this embodiment, the brake cylinder is arranged so that the brake cylinder axis is generally horizontal during use. However, it will be understood that the brake cylinder 5 could equally well be mounted on the suspension arm 1 with its axis oriented generally vertically.

[0077] In this embodiment, the brake cylinder 5 is mounted on the driveline portion 1 e of the suspension arm 1 .

[0078] Advantageously, the drivetrain is a mechanical drivetrain and Figures 6 to 9 , various embodiments of possible mechanical driveline configurations for transmitting power between the motor / generator 2 and the wheel hub assembly 3 are shown. In all cases, the driveline is mounted on the suspension arm 1, and in this embodiment, on the driveline support portion 1e of the suspension arm 1, as described above.

[0079] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the motor / generator 2 is connected to the hub drive gear 9 of the hub assembly 3 via a series of intermeshing gears 91a, 91b, which are mounted on gear shaft ends arranged along the powertrain support portion 1e of the suspension arm 1, and the gears 91a, 91b can rotate about their respective shaft ends.

[0080] The rotor of the motor / generator 2 drives or is driven by a drive shaft 97 to which a motor drive gear 92 is mounted. The motor drive gear 92 meshes with a first intermediate gear 91a, which in turn meshes with a second intermediate gear 91b, which in turn meshes with the hub drive gear 9. Therefore, when the motor / generator 2 operates as a motor, rotation of the rotor rotates the motor drive gear 92, the two intermediate gears 91a, 91b, the hub drive gear 9, and thus the wheels 7. Consequently, when the motor / generator 2 operates as a generator, the wheels 7 rotate the hub drive gear 9, the intermediate gears 91a, 91b, the motor drive gear 92, and the rotor of the motor / generator 2.

[0081] Although in this embodiment, two intermediate gears 91a, 91b are provided, it will be understood that there may be more or less than two.

[0082] exist Figure 7 In the alternative embodiment shown, a bevel gear arrangement is used. In this embodiment, the motor drive gear 104 and the hub drive gear 106 are bevel gears. The rotor of the motor / generator 2 is connected to the motor drive bevel gear 104, which is driven by the hub drive bevel gear 10 through the pinion bevel gears 101, 105 and the drive shaft 102, as shown. Figure 7 The transmission shaft 102 is supported by a shaft bearing 103 which is mounted on the driveline portion 1 e of the suspension arm 1 .

[0083] exist Figure 8 In another alternative embodiment shown, a belt drive arrangement is used. In this embodiment, the motor drive gear is replaced by a motor drive pulley 112, and the hub drive gear is replaced by a hub drive pulley 111. The rotor of the motor / generator 2 is connected to the motor drive pulley 112 via a belt 113, which drives or is driven by the hub drive pulley 111.

[0084] exist Figure 9 In another alternative embodiment shown, a chain drive is used. In this embodiment, the motor drive gear is replaced by a motor drive sprocket 122, and the hub drive gear is replaced by a hub drive sprocket. The rotor of the motor / generator 2 is connected to the motor drive sprocket 122, which drives or is driven by the brake disc drive sprocket 121 via a chain 123.

[0085] In all of the above embodiments, the entire driveline can be housed within a cavity in the suspension arm 1 , which is sealed and covered by a suspension driveline cover 14 .

[0086] It will be appreciated that the ratio of torque produced by the motor / generator 2 to the torque applied to the wheels 7 can be adjusted by selecting the size ratios of the various gears / drive pulleys or sprockets.

[0087] Ideally, the motor / generator 2 is selected to produce a relatively low torque when operating as a motor, and the size ratio of the gears / drive pulleys / sprockets is selected so as to increase the torque applied to the wheels 7. In other words, the size ratio of the gears / drive pulleys / sprockets is selected so that the rotational speed of the wheels 7 is significantly lower than the rotational speed of the rotor of the motor / generator 2.

[0088] Figure 10An alternative embodiment of a suspension arm assembly is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the wheel hub assembly includes an epicyclic gear train 140 to further increase the torque increase / speed reduction from the motor / generator 2 to the wheels 7. The epicyclic gear train 140 is connected between the wheels and the drivetrain to transmit drive torque between the drivetrain and the wheels. Due to this arrangement, a relatively high-speed / low-torque motor / generator 2 can be used and sufficient torque can be generated at the wheels 7 to drive even heavy trucks.

[0089] An epicyclic gear train (or planetary gear train) comprises at least two gears mounted so that the two gears mesh and the center of one gear revolves around the center of the other gear. A planet carrier connects the centers of the two gears and rotates to carry one gear (called the planet gears) around the other gear (called the sun gear). More than one planet gear may be provided. It also includes an outer ring gear having radially inward-facing teeth that mesh with the teeth of one or more planet gears. The outer ring gear may be fixed and the sun gear may be driven so that rotation of the sun gear causes the planet carrier to rotate. Alternatively, the planet carrier may be fixed and the sun gear may be driven to rotate the ring gear.

[0090] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the hub assembly is provided with an epicyclic gear train 140 in which an outer ring gear 141 is stationary and causes a planet carrier 144 to rotate when a sun gear 142 is driven. In this embodiment, the sun gear 142 is connected to a mechanical drivetrain such that the mechanical drivetrain drives or is driven by the rotation of the sun gear, and the planet carrier 144 is connected to the wheel mounting plate 35 via planet carrier mounting bolts 147 such that the rotation of a wheel mounted on the wheel mounting plate 35 is driven by or drives the rotation of the planet carrier 144.

[0091] In this embodiment, the power transmission system and Figure 6 The drivetrain shown is similar in that the motor / generator 2 is connected to the hub drive gear 9 of the hub assembly 3 via a series of intermeshing gears 91a, 91b, which are arranged along the drivetrain support portion 1e of the suspension arm 1. The rotor of the motor / generator 2 drives or is driven by the motor drive shaft 97, on which the motor drive gear 92 is mounted. The motor drive gear 92 meshes with the first intermediate gear 91a, which in turn meshes with the second intermediate gear 91b.

[0092] However, in this embodiment, the second intermediate gear 91b meshes with a compound gear assembly comprising a compound hub gear 95, a hub gear shaft 96, and a hub pinion 94. The compound hub gear 95 is mounted on one end of the hub gear shaft 96, and the hub pinion 94 is mounted on the other end of the hub gear shaft 96. The hub gear shaft 96 extends through a hole provided in the drivetrain support portion 1e of the suspension arm and is supported by a bearing assembly 136 that allows the hub gear shaft 96 to rotate relative to the suspension arm 1. The compound hub gear 95 is arranged on the same side of the suspension arm 1 as the intermediate gears 91a and 91b and meshes with the second intermediate gear 91b. The hub pinion 94 is located on the other side of the suspension arm 1 and meshes with the hub drive gear 9.

[0093] In this embodiment, the hub drive gear 9 is mounted on one end of a hub drive shaft 150, rather than on a shaft end fixed to the suspension arm 1, and the hub drive shaft extends along the interior of the tubular shaft end 32 so that the hub drive shaft 150 can rotate within the shaft end 32 about the wheel axis B. The shaft end 32 is mounted on the middle portion 1 c of the suspension arm 1 via the hub drive gear housing 98.

[0094] The sun gear 142 of the epicyclic gear train 140 is mounted on the opposite end of the hub drive shaft 150, and thus the rotation of the sun gear 142 is driven by the rotation of the hub drive gear 9. The sun gear 142 meshes with planetary gears 143 (in this embodiment, there are five planetary gears 143) mounted on a planetary gear carrier 144. The planetary gears 143 mesh with an outer ring gear 141 fixed to the shaft end 32 to prevent the ring gear 141 from rotating.

[0095] The planet gear carrier 144 is secured to the brake disc unit 31 via the wheel studs 33 and the planet gear carrier mounting bolts 147, and the brake disc unit 31 is mounted about the shaft end 32 via a conventional bearing assembly 137 that is configured to minimize wear and frictional energy losses as the brake disc unit 31 rotates about the shaft end 32. It will be understood that rotation of the sun gear 143 will drive or be driven by rotation of the planet gear carrier 144, which in turn transfers rotation to or from the wheel 7 about the shaft end 32 via the wheel studs 33.

[0096] exist Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 In another alternative embodiment shown, the hub assembly 3 is provided with two epicyclic gear trains, namely a first epicyclic gear assembly 130 and a second epicyclic gear assembly 140. This can further increase the torque applied to the wheels 7 and can allow the use of a specific high-speed / low-torque motor / generator 2 to drive heavy goods vehicles.

[0097] In this embodiment, there is no compound gear assembly. Instead, there are three intermediate gears 91a, 91b, and 91c, with the third intermediate gear 91c meshing with the hub drive gear 9. The hub drive gear 9 is mounted on a hub gear shaft 96, which extends through a hole provided in the middle portion 1c of the suspension arm 1. The hub gear shaft 96 is supported by a bearing assembly 136, which allows the hub gear shaft 96 to rotate relative to the suspension arm 1. The hub drive gear 9 is mounted on one end of the hub gear shaft 96, and the sun gear 132 of the first epicyclic gear assembly 130 is mounted on the other end of the hub gear shaft 96. Therefore, the rotation of the sun gear 132 of the first epicyclic gear assembly 130 is driven by the rotation of the hub drive gear 9.

[0098] The sun gear 132 meshes with planetary gears 133 (in this embodiment, there are five planetary gears 133) mounted on a planetary carrier 134. The planetary gears 133 mesh with an outer ring gear 131, which is fixed to a hub drive gear housing 98 mounted on the middle portion 1c of the suspension arm 1, to prevent rotation of the ring gear 131.

[0099] The planet carrier 134 is fixed to one end of a hub drive shaft 150 which also extends along the interior of the tubular shaft end 32 so that rotation of the planet carrier 134 drives the hub drive shaft 150 to rotate within the shaft end 32 about the wheel axis B. The shaft end 32 is mounted on the middle portion 1 c of the suspension arm 1 via the hub drive gear housing 98 .

[0100] The second epicyclic gear train 140 is arranged relative to the above Figure 10 The epicyclic gear trains 140 described are configured in exactly the same manner, with the sun gear 142 of the second epicyclic gear train 140 mounted on the other end of the hub drive shaft 150 so that rotation of the hub drive shaft 150 drives rotation of the sun gear 142, planetary gear carrier 144 and wheel mount 35 as described above.

[0101] Typically, a vehicle is provided with one or more pairs of ground-engaging wheels, the one or more pairs of ground-engaging wheels being located on opposite sides of the vehicle. Figure 18 An example of such a vehicle 8 is shown in FIG. The vehicle 8 may be, for example, a commercial vehicle 8 and has a body 81 comprising a chassis 81a on which is mounted a structure 81b forming a compartment in which cargo can be placed for transport. The suspension arm 1 and the spring 4 are advantageously fixed to the vehicle chassis 81a.

[0102] The suspension arm 1 is intended to function as a trailer arm suspension, and therefore a first portion 1 a of the suspension arm 1 is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis 81 a at a point further towards the front of the vehicle than the wheel axis B.

[0103] In Figures 14 to Figure 18 In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 8 is an articulated heavy goods vehicle or a semi-trailer of a rigid vehicle. Figure 14A and Figure 14B A rigid body vehicle is shown having a pair of wheels connected to the body 81 by means of suspension arms 1 as described above.

[0104] The vehicle 8 may have more than one pair of wheels, and Figure 15 A rigid body vehicle 8 is shown having two adjacent pairs of wheels 7, and Figure 16 A semi-trailer is shown with three pairs of wheels adjacent to each other. The vehicle 8 may also be a trailer having multiple pairs of wheels positioned towards the front and rear thereof. In the case where the vehicle is a semi-trailer 8, it includes a device (e.g., a kingpin 83) by means of which the trailer can be connected to the tow vehicle so that the tow vehicle can tow the trailer, e.g. Figure 16 As shown, and as is well known in the art.

[0105] In the case where the vehicle is provided with a plurality of pairs of wheels 7 arranged in longitudinal rows, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, each wheel 7 in each pair may be mounted on a suspension arm 1 as described above so that each wheel 7 can be driven by an independent motor 2. However, this need not be the case and some wheels may not be driven wheels.

[0106] As described above, each wheel 7 of a pair of wheels 7 is mounted to the vehicle body using a suspension arm 1 by securing the wheel to the hub assembly 3 so that the wheel rotates together with the hub assembly 3 about the wheel axis B. The suspension arms 1 may be unconnected and thus used independently on each wheel 7 of the pair, or both suspension arms 1 may be connected as shown. Figure 19A and Figure 19B The axle beam 13 is shown connected to the axle beam 13. In this embodiment, the axle beam 13 is fixed to the first part 1a of the suspension arm 1 at a position adjacent to the bushing 11 by which the suspension arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis. Therefore, each end of the axle beam 13 is lower than the wheel axis B.

[0107] The arrangement of the suspension arm 1 and associated parts relative to the vehicle 8 is shown in more detail in Figures 20A and 20B, and these figures illustrate how the suspension arm 1 can be pivoted relative to the vehicle body 81 about the pivot axis C to facilitate generally vertical movement of the wheel 7 relative to the vehicle body 81. Figure 20A shows the position of the suspension arm 1 when the spring 4 is extended and the wheel 7 is in a lowered position relative to the vehicle body 81, while Figure 20B shows the position of the suspension arm 1 when the spring 4 is compressed and the wheel 7 is in a raised position relative to the vehicle body 81.

[0108] Instead of being directly connected to the vehicle body 81 via the bushing 11 as described above, the first portion 1a of the suspension arm 1 may be pivotally connected to the vehicle body 81 via a torque rod. In this case, the torque rod has a first end pivotally connected to the first portion 1a of the suspension arm 1 and a second end pivotally connected to the vehicle body 81. This arrangement can be applied to any configuration of the suspension arm 1 described above.

[0109] In the case where two opposing suspension arms 1 are connected by means of the axle beam 13 as described above, the torque rod can be as follows Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown it is connected to the axle beam 13. In this embodiment the axle beam 13 joins the first parts 1a of the two suspension arms 1 and is connected to the vehicle body 81 by means of two lower torque rods 16.

[0110] In this embodiment, the lower torque rod 16 is arranged in a V-shaped configuration with a first end pivotally connected to a central portion of the axle beam 13 and a second end connected to the vehicle body 81 at or near two opposing sides of the vehicle body 81. In this embodiment, the first end of the torque rod 16 is fixed to a plate 17 that is mounted on the axle beam 13 and that lies in a generally horizontal plane when the suspension arm 1 is mounted on the vehicle.

[0111] The damper 6 can be installed with Figures 1 to 2 0, but in the same position as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the embodiment shown, it is mounted on the second portion 1 b of the suspension arm 1 , adjacent to the spring 4 .

[0112] In this embodiment, each suspension arm 1 is provided with an upper torque rod 15 having a first end pivotally connected to the suspension arm 1 and a second end pivotally connected to the vehicle body 81 at a point higher from the ground than the connection with the lower torque rod 16. In this embodiment, the upper torque rods 15 are each pivotally connected to a support column 1f of the suspension arm 1.

[0113] The pivotal connections between the torque rods 15, 16 and the suspension arm 1 and the vehicle body 81 are configured so that the torque rods 15, 16 can pivot in a generally vertical plane. In this embodiment, each of these pivotal connections is provided by means of a pin 201 that extends generally horizontally through a bushing at the respective end of the torque rods 15, 16. However, it will be appreciated that the torque rod pins could be vertical, with vertical movement of the suspension arm 1 being accommodated by deformation of the rubber bushing between the pins and the torque rods.

[0114] The arrangement of this embodiment of the suspension arm 1 and associated parts relative to the vehicle 8 is shown in more detail in Figures 23A and 23B, and these figures show how the suspension arm 1 can be moved relative to the body 81 to facilitate generally vertical movement of the wheel 7 relative to the body 81.

[0115] The torque rods 15, 16 are arranged so that when they are connected to the vehicle body 81 they extend generally horizontally when the spring 4 is extended, as shown in Figure 23A. When the spring 4 is compressed they remain generally parallel to each other but are tilted so that their first ends are higher than their second ends, as shown in Figure 23B.

[0116] It will be understood that when the suspension arm 1 is as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 2 When directly pivotally connected to the vehicle body 81 as described above, the wheel hub assembly 3 moves along an arc, thereby displacing horizontally (albeit by a relatively small amount) as well as vertically. In contrast, by using the torque rods 15, 16, the horizontal displacement of the wheel hub unit 3 can be reduced or eliminated.

[0117] Figure 21 to Figure 2 The embodiment shown in FIG3B is a non-reactive suspension system in which breaking and acceleration loads result in pivoting of the upper and lower torque rods 15, 16 relative to the vehicle body 81, rather than vertical movement of the vehicle body 81. The lower torque rod is arranged in a V-shape to prevent lateral displacement of the suspension arm 1 due to lateral forces along the wheel axis B caused by cornering or hitting a curb.

[0118] Although not required, in this embodiment, the suspension arm 1 is provided with an anti-roll bar 18, which is fixed to the axle beam 13 via two anti-roll bar bearings 20, which allow the anti-roll bar 18 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The anti-roll bar 18 extends generally parallel to the axle beam 13, and each end is pivotally connected to the vehicle body 81 by means of a stabilizer bar link 19.

[0119] The rollover bar 18 is of conventional configuration and is designed to provide an axle beam with the desired rollover stiffness for any given application. As the axle beam 13 moves vertically, the stabilizer link 19 allows the end of the rollover bar to move horizontally while the rollover bar 18 prevents the axle beam from rotating relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0120] By arranging the suspension arms 1 as described above, the motor / generator 2 does not occupy the space between the paired wheels 7. The motor / generator 2 occupies the space above the wheels 7 and can therefore be housed in the wheel arch portion of the vehicle body 81. This means that the floor 82 of the structure 81b can be lowered very close to the ground, in front of and behind the paired wheels 7 (e.g., Figure 14A 、 Figure 14B 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown) and between the wheels 7 (as Figure 17 and Figure 18 ), there is only a relatively small area above the wheel 7, in which the floor 82 is raised to form the wheel arch 82a.

[0121] By lowering the floor 82 of the structure 81b and minimising the space occupied by the wheel arches across the width of the vehicle, it is possible to accommodate two levels of pallets 86 within the structure without increasing the overall height of the vehicle, e.g. Figure 18 In this embodiment, there is a generally horizontal deck 87 that divides the interior of the structure into an upper volume in which a layer of two pallets wide pallets 86 are arranged on the floor 82 of the structure 81b, and a lower volume in which a layer of three pallets wide pallets 86 are arranged on the deck 87.

[0122] Where an axle beam 13 is provided, it is advantageously offset vertically and horizontally relative to the wheel axis B to allow the axle beam 13 to move under a very low floor 82, such as Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown.

[0123] The present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiments, and is set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a body, a ground-engaging wheel, a suspension arm, and an electric motor / generator having a drivetrain, the wheel being mounted on the body by means of the suspension arm, the electric motor / generator being connected to the wheel by means of the drivetrain so that, when used as a motor, operation of the electric motor / generator drives rotation of a wheel hub assembly and enables the electric motor / generator to function as a generator to convert kinetic energy from a rotating wheel into electrical energy, the electric motor / generator rotating about a motor axis, the vehicle further comprising a wheel hub assembly, the wheel being mounted on the suspension arm by means of the wheel hub assembly, the wheel hub assembly and the electric motor / generator being mounted on the suspension arm and both being located on the same side relative to the suspension arm so that the wheel hub assembly is located between two parallel imaginary planes, wherein the suspension arm is located in one of these planes, and the electric motor / generator also extends from the suspension arm into the space between the two imaginary planes, the motor axis being located anywhere within a semicircular arc extending from and above the wheel axis, wherein The electric motor / generator is not positioned in the space between the pair of wheels.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The suspension arm has a first portion pivotally connected to the vehicle body and a second portion connected to the vehicle body via a spring.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The motor / generator is mounted on the suspension arm between the first portion and the second portion.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The motor / generator is mounted on a third portion of the suspension arm, the third portion being offset relative to a line between the first portion and the second portion.

5. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein The electric motor / generator is mounted directly over the centerline of the wheel.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The hub assembly includes at least one epicyclic gear train.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The power transmission system includes a combination of one or more of a gear train, a belt, and a chain.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The powertrain is mounted on and or integrated with the suspension arm.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The drivetrain is connected to a brake disc, a wheel hub or an adapter plate.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The vehicle includes a pair of ground-engaging wheels and a pair of suspension arms, the wheels being mounted on the vehicle body by means of the pair of suspension arms, a wheel being mounted on each suspension arm, a motor / generator being mounted on each suspension arm, the drivetrain being provided on each suspension arm, the motor / generator being connected to the wheels mounted on the suspension arms by means of the drivetrain, so that the rotation of the wheels can be driven by the motor / generator, or the rotation of the wheels can drive the motor / generator.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: Each suspension arm has a first portion pivotally connected to the vehicle body and a second portion connected to the vehicle body via a spring, and each suspension arm is unconnected to the other such that each suspension arm can pivot relative to the vehicle body independently of the other suspension arm.

12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The pair of suspension arms are connected to each other by an axle beam that is longitudinally and vertically offset relative to the wheel axis of each wheel.

13. A vehicle comprising a tow vehicle and a trailer, the trailer having all the features of a vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein The trailer is connected to the tow vehicle so that it can be towed by the tow vehicle, and the trailer is provided with a drive device that can be operated to drive the trailer, and the electric motor / generator of the trailer can be operated to assist the drive device of the trailer in driving the vehicle including the tow vehicle and the trailer, or be operated to drive the vehicle including the tow vehicle and the trailer in place of the drive device without using the drive device of the trailer.

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