Manipulation drive system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a maneuvering drive system for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle without its own drive, preferably for a trailer, comprising at least two drive units, in particular exactly two drive units, designed to be attached to the vehicle for driving the wheels of the vehicle, each drive unit comprising a carrier; a drive element which is rotatably held on the carrier body about an axis of rotation and is designed and arranged such that it can abut a wheel of the vehicle to drive the vehicle; an electric drive motor mounted to the carrier and defining a motor axis; a transmission designed and arranged in such a way that a rotational movement of a motor shaft of the electric drive motor is converted into a rotational movement of the drive element, the drive motor being arranged outside the drive element and the motor axis of the drive motor extending parallel to the rotational axis of the drive element, and wherein at least a part of the transmission is designed and arranged in such a way that the rotational movement of the motor shaft is converted into a rotational movement of the drive element. Planetary gears, in particular of a transmission, are arranged radially and axially within the drive element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maneuvering drive system for a vehicle, which is particularly used for a vehicle without its own drive device, preferably for a trailer, the maneuvering drive system comprising at least two drive units, in particular comprising exactly two drive units, which are designed to be attached to the vehicle to drive the wheels of the vehicle, each drive unit comprising a carrier, a drive element, an electric drive motor and a transmission device, the drive element being rotatably held on the carrier around a rotation axis and being designed and arranged so that the drive element can be adjacent to the wheel of the vehicle to drive the vehicle, the electric drive motor being mounted to the carrier and defining the motor axis, and the transmission device being designed and arranged so that the rotational movement of the motor shaft of the electric drive motor is converted into the rotational movement of the drive element.

[0002] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a vehicle without its own drive. Background Art

[0003] Vehicles without their own propulsion can be, for example, trailers, such as motorhomes, boat trailers, horse trailers, etc. For vehicles of this type, it is difficult to manually move them when they are not connected to a towing vehicle, such as a passenger car. For example, in the case where a motorhome trailer has been disconnected from the vehicle transporting it in place at a camping area, it is very difficult to manually move it to the final parking position.

[0004] In order to facilitate maneuvering in the disconnected state, maneuvering drive systems have been developed that can be installed on vehicles without their own drive. Such maneuvering drive systems usually include at least two drive units, by means of which the wheels of the vehicle to be moved can be set in rotation. The drive units are mounted on the outside of the vehicle, usually in an area just in front of or behind the wheels driven by the drive units. Each drive unit includes a rotatable drive element on its front side, such as a friction wheel or a roller, which can be in frictional contact with the wheel of the vehicle, so that the rotation of the drive element causes the wheel of the vehicle to rotate. Each drive element is assigned an electric drive motor, which is connected to the drive element and can rotate the drive element.

[0005] Such a drive unit is installed in the region of each of the two wheels if in the case of a single-axle vehicle, or in the region of each wheel of at least one axle if in the case of a two-axle or multi-axle vehicle, so that the user can easily move the vehicle using the drive unit. However, this is sometimes considered to be a disadvantage, and existing drive units require too much space and are too heavy, which makes it difficult to install the drive unit on the vehicle. In addition, sometimes the vehicle does not provide a lot of space near the wheels, which also makes it difficult to use such a maneuvering drive system. Summary of the invention

[0006] Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative steering drive system which, in particular, avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and has a space-saving design.

[0007] This object is achieved by the steering drive system mentioned at the beginning of the article, in which the drive motor is arranged outside the drive element and the motor axis of the drive motor extends parallel to the rotation axis of the drive element, wherein, in particular, at least a part of the transmission device is arranged radially and axially inside the drive element, preferably, the planetary gears of the transmission device are arranged radially and axially inside the drive element.

[0008] The present invention is based on the consideration that a drive unit is provided in which the motor axis of the drive motor does not extend perpendicularly to the rotation axis of the drive element, but extends parallel to the rotation axis of the drive element. Preferably, the motor axis of the drive motor is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the drive element. In other words, it is not necessary to provide a gear arrangement between the drive motor and the drive element, in which the motor shaft (drive motor) has a gear arrangement with a different direction than the output shaft (drive element). Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a device including a bevel gear or a worm gear, which allows the drive unit to have a very space-saving design. Since the drive motor extends parallel to the rotation axis of the drive element and, in particular, the drive motor is spaced apart from the drive element, a gear arrangement including a spur gear arrangement or a traction drive, such as a gear belt drive or a chain drive, can be provided. In addition, by arranging a part of the transmission inside the drive element, the space inside the drive element, which can be formed as a tubular member, can be used in an effective manner. This leads to a space-saving design.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission comprises a planetary gear with at least one gear stage, in particular with exactly two gear stages, wherein each gear stage comprises a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears rotatably held at a planetary gear carrier, and a hollow gear, in which the planetary gears engage with the sun gear and the hollow gear of the corresponding gear stage. Such a planetary gear allows a high transmission ratio to be achieved. Such a high ratio between the rotational speed of the motor shaft of the drive motor and the drive element is required because electric motors generally have a higher rotational speed but a lower torque, while the drive element requires a lower rotational speed but a higher torque. Preferably, the planetary gear comprises or is connected to an input shaft, which is coupled to the electric drive motor. The transmission ratio can be at least 10:1, in particular at least 15:1, preferably at least 20:1, and / or a maximum of 50:1, in particular a maximum of 40:1, preferably a maximum of 30:1. With such a transmission ratio, the low momentum and high rotational speed of the motor shaft of the electric drive motor can be converted into a low rotational speed and a high torque of the drive element.

[0010] Preferably, the planetary gears are arranged axially and radially inside the drive element. This design greatly reduces the required space. The sun gear and the planetary carrier and the hollow gear can be arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the drive element.

[0011] In particular, the sun gear of the first gear stage can be coupled to an input shaft which is rotatably held at the carrier in a rotationally fixed manner, and the hollow gear of the last gear stage of the planetary gears can be coupled to a drive element in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular the hollow gear of the second gear stage can be coupled to the drive element in a rotationally fixed manner. In other words, the sun gear of the first gear stage can be driven by an electric drive motor, wherein the hollow gear of the last gear stage can serve as an output of the planetary gears which is connected to the drive element in a rotationally fixed manner. The input shaft and the sun gear of the first gear stage can be formed in an integral design.

[0012] The planet carrier of at least one gear stage, in particular each gear stage, can be connected to the carrier in a rotationally fixed manner. In this way, the sun gear and the hollow gear can rotate relative to the rotation axis of the drive element, while the planet gears do not rotate about the sun gear because the planet carrier is connected to the carrier in a rotationally fixed manner. The planet gears thus rotate about a fixed rotation axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis of the other components and is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the other components. The drive element can thus rotate relative to the planet carrier of at least one gear stage, in particular each gear stage.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the planetary gear comprises a plurality of gear stages, and the hollow gear of a gear stage is coupled to the sun gear of the next gear stage in a rotationally fixed manner. In other words, a desired high transmission ratio can be achieved by providing a plurality of gear stages. Such a high transmission ratio can be achieved because the hollow gear of each gear stage is coupled to the sun gear of the next gear stage in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0014] Preferably, the planetary gear comprises a gearbox, in particular a gearbox in the shape of a cylinder with a circular cross section, which is arranged axially and radially inside the drive element and which is connected to the carrier in a rotationally fixed manner. Such a housing allows preassembly of the planetary gear before installation in the drive element. This makes assembly of the drive unit simple and safe. The planetary gear can be formed as an assembled unit.

[0015] In particular, the planet carrier is fixed to the gearbox in a rotationally fixed manner. In this way, the planet carrier can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner on the carrier, in fact indirectly via the gearbox. In particular, the planet carrier can have radially extending holes opening outwards, which in particular have a thread, and the gearbox can have corresponding through holes, so that bolts or screws can be inserted into the holes and extend through the through holes formed in the gearbox. In this way, a rotationally fixed connection between the respective planet carrier and the gearbox can be achieved.

[0016] Furthermore, the transmission device may include a gear arrangement, by which the rotational movement of the motor shaft of the drive motor is converted into the rotational movement of an input shaft, which is arranged concentrically with the rotation axis of the drive element. The input shaft may be an input shaft of a planetary gear. In this way, the rotation of the motor shaft can be converted into a rotation of the input shaft, so that the difference between the motor axis of the electric drive motor and the rotation axis of the drive element can be eliminated.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the gear arrangement may comprise a spur gear arrangement with a plurality of gears meshing with one another. In other words, a plurality of gears may be arranged between the motor shaft and an input shaft arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation of the drive element. Preferably, a total of three gears may be provided, one of which is connected to the motor shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and a further (driven) gear is connected to the input shaft of the planetary gear in a rotationally fixed manner. In this case, an intermediate gear is arranged between the two aforementioned gears in order to transmit the rotation of the motor shaft to the input shaft.

[0018] Alternatively, the gear arrangement can comprise a traction drive, in particular a gear belt drive or a chain drive. Such a gear belt drive or chain drive allows to eliminate the difference between the motor axis of the electric drive motor and the axis of rotation of the drive element in a very efficient, space- and weight-saving manner.

[0019] To avoid unintentional movement of the drive element, the drive unit may further comprise a brake mechanism designed and arranged to selectively block movement of the drive element. This embodiment is based on the consideration of ensuring that the drive element and thus the vehicle to which the steering drive system is attached does not move unintentionally.

[0020] The brake mechanism can be arranged axially and radially inside the drive element.Such an embodiment results in a very space-saving and weight-saving design of the drive unit.

[0021] Preferably, the brake mechanism is formed as an electromagnetic brake, or the brake mechanism comprises an electromagnetic brake.The brake mechanism may be formed such that the brake is closed when an electric current or a tension is applied.

[0022] The brake mechanism can be formed as a friction brake. In particular, the brake mechanism can include a movable friction plate, which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner to a carrier, and a friction disc, which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner to an input shaft, in particular to an input shaft of a planetary gear, or the friction disc is formed as an integral design with the input shaft, wherein the friction plate is movable between a release position, in which the friction plate is not in contact with the friction disc, so that the input shaft can rotate, and a blocking position, in which the friction plate presses against the friction disc, in particular the friction plate presses the friction disc against a resistance plate connected to the carrier in a rotationally fixed manner, thereby preventing a rotational movement of the input shaft and thus of the drive element. In other words, the brake mechanism includes at least two elements, namely a movable friction plate, which is held in a rotationally fixed manner on the carrier and therefore cannot rotate about the axis of rotation of the drive element, and a friction disc, which always rotates in the same manner as the input shaft. If the friction plate is in its release position, it is not in contact with the friction disc. In this position, the input shaft can rotate freely, so that the drive element can rotate. In the blocking position of the friction plate, the friction plate presses against the friction disk, in particular against the resisting plate, so that a rotation of the input shaft and thus of the drive element is safely prevented by the friction between the components.

[0023] Preferably, the friction plate is biased towards its blocking position, in particular by a spring element. Such an embodiment ensures that, in particular in the case of an electromagnetic interruption, a movement of the input shaft and therefore of the drive element is safely avoided when no current or tension is applied. An actuating device, in particular in the form of a coil arrangement, may be provided to move the friction plate towards its release position. Thus, the friction plate can only be moved towards its release position when a current or tension is applied to the coil arrangement. Preferably, the movable friction plate is made of a ferromagnetic material. The resistance plate may be connected to the coil arrangement in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular by means of connecting bolts extending axially and engaging through the movable friction disc.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the carrier comprises a C-shaped portion, wherein the drive element is rotatably held between the legs of the C-shaped portion. In this way, a robust and stable design of the carrier and the drive unit can be achieved. Preferably, the circumferential surface of the drive element protrudes from the C-shaped legs. In particular, when the drive unit is mounted to a vehicle, the circumferential surface of the drive element protrudes from the C-shaped legs in the direction towards the wheels of the vehicle. In this way, the drive element can also drive wheels that are longer than the length of the drive element.

[0025] When mounted to a vehicle, the C-shaped legs of the C-shaped portion of the carrier can point towards the wheels of the vehicle to be driven. The carrier can comprise a substantially rectangular frame, which is formed from a rod material and carries the different components. The frame can form an inner space in which a plurality of components, such as an electric drive motor, are arranged. Thus, the transmission can be formed outside the frame. The upper side of the inner space can be covered by a cover element. A portion of the rectangular frame can form a central leg having a C-shaped cross section.

[0026] The electric drive motor can be a brushless motor and / or can have an outer rotor. Brushless motors are characterized by a high power-to-weight ratio and low maintenance. Motors with brushes are susceptible to damage due to wear of the brushes. In addition, brushless motors do not require a tolerance gap between the brushes and are therefore inherently more power efficient. An outer rotor enables a high power-to-weight ratio.

[0027] The steering drive system (in particular, each drive unit) may also include a battery, which is particularly designed to be rechargeable and is used to supply electrical energy to the drive unit. Preferably, the battery is designed to supply a voltage greater than 12V for the operation of the drive motor, in particular a voltage of 24V, 36V or 48V. In this way, the output power of the motor can be increased and / or the drive unit can be designed in a very space-saving manner. The power loss in the cable can be reduced by this voltage higher than the standard voltage of 12V. It has been proven that it is particularly advantageous if the voltage provided by the battery and used for the operation of the drive motor is 36V. On the one hand, such a voltage will not be dangerous to the human body when a person accidentally touches a non-isolated component. On the other hand, this voltage is three times the operating voltage of an ordinary drive unit, which can significantly reduce power loss. In addition, electronic components such as cables, switches, connectors, etc. can adapt to lower current specifications, which is also an economic advantage. In addition, a voltage of 36V can be easily achieved by combining a standard DC battery that provides a 12V voltage. In general, the 36V voltage is best utilized, especially in terms of safety, economy and efficiency issues.

[0028] Each drive unit may comprise a control device, in particular a control device with a communication module, which is fixed to or integrated into the drive unit. Preferably, the control device is directly connected to the battery. The control device serves to regulate the rotation of the drive motor. The communication module may be arranged so that it can communicate with a remote control unit connected by a cable or by a wireless connection. The control device may be arranged directly adjacent to the battery, so that the cables between the battery and the control device are short, which keeps the power losses in these cables low. A rotor information detection device which detects the current position or rotational speed of the drive motor may be connected to the control device. An electric drive motor without a rotor information detection device, such as a Hall sensor, may also be provided.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the polarity control unit can be integrated into the control device, wherein the polarity control unit is designed to adjust the rotation direction and speed of the drive motor by changing the polarity. Preferably, the control device and the battery are integrated in a common housing. Thus, the control device, in particular including the polarity control unit, and the battery can form an integrated unit in the drive unit, wherein they can be arranged in a common housing.

[0030] The steering drive system can be arranged so that one remote control unit can communicate with multiple drive units simultaneously. In other words, each control device can communicate directly with the remote control unit. Thus, a direct communication path can be established between one remote control unit and all control devices (in particular two drive units). This arrangement results in only low delays in communication.

[0031] Alternatively, the control device of one drive unit may be formed as a master control device capable of communicating with a remote control device, and the control device of another drive unit may be formed as a slave control device, so that the slave control device can communicate with the master control device in order to obtain instructions from the master control device. In other words, the control device of one drive unit acts as a master control device, and the control devices of the other drive units act as slave devices. Therefore, the communication signal from the remote control unit is first sent to the master control device, and is sent from the master control device to one or more slave devices. This design may allow the use of a Bluetooth connection between the remote control unit and the master control device. The steering drive system may include a remote control unit capable of communicating with one or more control devices of the drive unit.

[0032] Furthermore, a transverse feed device can be assigned to each drive unit, wherein the transverse feed device can bring the drive unit into friction and driving contact between its drive element and the wheel of the vehicle to be driven, in particular by a guided linear or pivoting movement. By means of such a transverse feed device, the maneuvering drive system can be permanently kept at the vehicle to be driven. Thus, the drive element is in contact with the corresponding wheel of the vehicle to be driven only when the vehicle is to be moved. If the vehicle to be driven, for example a trailer, is connected to a passenger car and moves, the drive element can be disengaged from the wheel of the vehicle.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the infeed device can include a spindle drive having a spindle and a spindle nut, by means of which a drive unit can be brought into friction and drive contact between the drive element and the wheel of the vehicle to be driven. In other words, the spindle can be rotated in order to bring the drive unit connected to the spindle nut into or out of friction and drive contact.

[0034] Preferably, the infeed device comprises an infeed motor, by means of which the infeed movement can be performed in a motorized manner. For controlling the infeed device, the infeed motor can be connected to a control device associated with the respective drive unit. The infeed motor can be powered by a battery. Thus, the infeed motor can be operated at a voltage greater than 12 V, in particular at a voltage of 24, 36 or 48 V.

[0035] In order to protect the infeed motor from external influences, in particular from dirt and dust, the infeed device can comprise a weatherproof and / or waterproof infeed housing at least surrounding the infeed motor.

[0036] Alternatively, the infeed device comprises an actuating device for manually actuating the movement of the drive unit. In particular, the actuating device can comprise an engagement profile in order to engage a corresponding tool for rotating the spindle. The engagement profile can be directly connected to the spindle or formed with the spindle in an integral design. An intermediate gear can also be provided, which can be formed as a bevel gear, in order to facilitate access to the engagement profile for the operator for rotating the spindle.

[0037] The above object is also solved by a vehicle, in particular a vehicle without its own drive, comprising a steering drive system as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments of the steering drive system according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention including a steering drive system;

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a drive unit of a steering drive system;

[0041] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Another perspective view of the drive unit;

[0042] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a drive unit;

[0043] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a drive element of a drive unit and components arranged in the drive element;

[0044] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An exploded view of the drive element and components arranged in the drive element is shown;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a side view of the brake mechanism of the drive unit with the friction plate in a blocking position;

[0046] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the brake mechanism shown with the friction plate in a blocking position;

[0047] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the brake mechanism with the friction plate in a released position;

[0048] Fig.10 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the brake mechanism with the friction plate in a released position;

[0049] Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a planetary gear of a drive unit is shown;

[0050] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 Another partial cross-sectional perspective view of the planetary gear shown;

[0051] Fig.13 Shows Fig.11 and Fig.12 An exploded view of the planetary gears shown;

[0052] Fig.14 A perspective view showing the planetary gears and output shaft;

[0053] Fig.15 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the bottom of the drive unit;

[0054] Fig.16 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a drive unit;

[0055] Fig.17 Shows Fig.16 Another perspective view of the drive unit; and

[0056] Fig.18 A schematic diagram of a method for operating a steering drive system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 A vehicle is shown, here a caravan trailer 1, which does not have its own drive. The caravan trailer 1 is a single-axle trailer, so it has a total of two wheels. Figure 1 As shown, a caravan trailer 1 comprises a manoeuvring drive system 2 according to the invention. The manoeuvring drive system 2 comprises exactly two drive units 3 which are attached to the caravan trailer 1 to drive the wheels of the trailer 1 .

[0058] Specifically, each drive unit 3 comprises a carrier 4, which can be particularly Figure 4 The carrier 4 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 5 which is formed from a rod material and carries the different components. Furthermore, the carrier 4 comprises a C-shaped portion 6 which is arranged towards the wheels of the caravan trailer 1 when the drive unit 3 is mounted to the vehicle. Here, the central leg of the C-shaped portion 6 is formed by a segment of the rectangular frame 5.

[0059] Each drive unit 3 further comprises a drive element 7 in the form of a roller. The drive element 7 has grooves 8 on its circumferential surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive element 7 so as to enhance the grip of the drive element 7 on the vehicle wheel when the drive element 7 is in contact with the vehicle wheel.

[0060] The drive element 7 is rotatably held at the carrier 4 about the rotation axis X, specifically, between C-shaped legs 9 of the carrier 4 . An outer peripheral surface of the drive element 7 protrudes from the C-shaped legs 9 .

[0061] Furthermore, each drive unit 3 comprises an electric drive motor 10 which is a brushless motor and has an outer rotor. The drive motor 10 is mounted from the inside to the carrier 4, in particular to a portion of the substantially rectangular frame 5, by means of a plurality of mounting screws 11. The drive motor 10 defines a motor axis Y which is spaced apart from and extends parallel to the rotation axis X of the drive element 7.

[0062] Each drive unit 3 also includes a transmission device, which is designed and arranged so that the rotational movement of the motor shaft 12 of the electric drive motor 10 is converted into the rotational movement of the drive element 7. For this purpose, the transmission device includes a gear device 13. The gear device 13 includes a spur gear device 14, which has a total of three gears 15, 16, 17 that mesh with each other. The spur gear device 14 is arranged outside the rectangular frame 15. For this purpose, the motor shaft 12 of the drive motor 10 is engaged through an opening formed in the rectangular frame 5. The shaft 12 is connected to a first gear 15 with a relatively small number of teeth in a rotationally fixed manner. The first gear 15 is engaged with an intermediate gear 16, which is rotatably held at the carrier 4, for example, by corresponding bearings, in particular, the intermediate gear 16 is rotatably held at the carrier 4 by roller bearings. The intermediate gear 16 meshes with a drive gear 17. The drive gear 17 is rotatably held at the carrier 4, wherein the rotation axis of the drive gear 17 extends coaxially with the rotation axis X of the drive element 7. The drive gear 17 is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner to an input shaft 18, which is arranged concentrically with the rotation axis X of the drive element 7. In this way, a rotational movement of the motor shaft 12 is converted into a rotational movement of the input shaft 18. The drive gear 17 has a relatively high number of teeth, so that the rotational speed of the input shaft 18 is reduced compared to the rotational speed of the motor shaft 12. In order to protect the spur gear 14 from external influences, in particular from dirt and dust, a spur gear housing 19 is provided, which is preferably mounted to the carrier 4, in particular by means of a plurality of screws.

[0063] The input shaft 18 is supported via roller bearings (not shown) on the carrier 4, in particular on the C-leg 9 of the carrier 4. In order to transmit the rotational movement to the drive element 7, the input shaft 18 extends radially and axially inside the drive element 7.

[0064] The transmission also comprises a planetary gear 20 having exactly two gear stages. The planetary gear 20 comprises a gearbox 21 in the shape of a cylinder with a circular cross section. The gearbox 21 is arranged axially and radially inside the drive element 7.

[0065] As in Figures 11 to 13 As can be seen in particular in the figure, each gear stage includes a sun gear 22, 23, a plurality of planetary gears 24, 25 and a hollow gear 28, 29, and a plurality of planetary gears 24, 25 are rotatably held on corresponding planetary gear carriers 26, 27. The sun gears 22, 23, the planetary gear carriers 26, 27 and the hollow gears 28, 29 are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis X of the drive element 7.

[0066] The first planetary gear carrier 26 is formed as a disk, which is flush with the planetary gearbox 21 at one axial end. The first planetary gear carrier 26 is connected to the gearbox 21 in a rotationally fixed manner. Specifically, the planetary gear carrier 26 has a radially extending hole with a thread 30 opened outward, and the gearbox 21 has a corresponding through hole 31, so that a fixing screw 32 can be screwed into the thread 30 and extend through the through hole 31, thereby realizing a rotationally fixed connection between the planetary gear carrier 26 and the gearbox 21.

[0067] Furthermore, the first planetary gear carrier 26 has a central opening through which the input shaft 18 extends. The first sun gear 22 is formed in one piece with the input shaft 18 .

[0068] The first planet carrier 26 further comprises a fixing bore 33 which extends axially and into which corresponding fixing bolts 34 , for example in the form of screws, extend in order to connect the first planet carrier 26 and thus the gearbox 21 to the carrier body 4 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0069] The first hollow gear 28 is freely rotatable relative to the gearbox 21 and thus relative to the carrier 4. The first hollow gear 28 is connected to the intermediate disk 35 in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular, the first hollow gear 28 is connected to the intermediate disk 35 by a plurality of screws extending axially through the intermediate disk 35 and the first hollow gear 28. The intermediate disk 35 is connected to the second sun gear 23 in a rotationally fixed manner via an intermediate shaft 36. For this purpose, the intermediate shaft 36 is supported by roller bearings 37 in the second planet gear carrier 27. Similar to the first planet gear carrier 26 described above, the second planet gear carrier 27, which carries a total of three planet gears 25, is held at the gearbox 21 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0070] The second hollow gear 29 is connected to the second intermediate disk 38 in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a plurality of screws extending in the axial direction. The second intermediate disk 38 is rotatably supported in an end plate 39, one end of which is flush with the gearbox 21 and, similar to the planetary carrier 26, 27 described, is connected to the gearbox 21 via roller bearings 40. The second intermediate disk 38 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to an output shaft 41, which extends axially beyond the drive element 7 and is supported in the C-shaped leg 9 of the carrier 4. This support is achieved by means of a roller bearing 42 mounted in the C-shaped leg 9.

[0071] The output shaft 41 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a coupling element 43 which has a plurality of projections 44 on its outer circumferential surface which extend in the longitudinal direction of the drive element 7 and engage in corresponding drive grooves 45 formed in the inner circumferential surface of the drive element 7 .

[0072] Different rotationally fixed connections can be realized in a known manner, for example by a form-fit connection, in particular by a sliding key connection. The coupling element 43 has an opening with a square cross section, and the output shaft 41 has a cross section with a corresponding square cross section, thereby realizing a form-fit connection.

[0073] At one end (at Figure 5 ), the drive element 7 is rotatably held at the C-shaped leg 9 of the carrier 4 via an input shaft 18, and the input shaft 18 is rotatably held by a roller bearing. Figure 5 On the left side of the base member 46, a base member 46 is provided, which is formed as a steering member with an L-shaped cross section and is mounted to the C-shaped leg 9 of the carrier body 4 by a plurality of screws. A roller bearing 47 is provided between the base member 46 and an intermediate member 48, which supports the drive member 7. The base member 46 has a central through-opening 49 through which the input shaft 18 extends without contacting the base member 46, i.e., there is a radial gap between the base member 46 and the input shaft 18. Therefore, the input shaft 18 can rotate relative to the base member 46.

[0074] Each drive unit 3 further comprises a brake mechanism 50, which is designed and arranged to selectively block the movement of the drive element 7. The brake mechanism 50 is arranged axially and radially inside the drive element 7, specifically, the brake mechanism 50 is arranged axially between the base element 46 and the planetary gear 20. Here, the brake mechanism 50 is formed as an electromagnetic brake.

[0075] In detail, the brake mechanism 50 comprises a movable friction plate 51 which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner to the carrier 4. In particular, corresponding fixing bolts 34, in particular in the form of screws, extend through the base element 46 and through corresponding openings formed in the movable friction plate 51. In this way, a rotationally fixed connection between the movable friction plate 51 and the resulting carrier 4 is achieved.

[0076] The brake mechanism 50 also includes a friction disk 52, which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner to the input shaft 18. For this purpose, a form-fit connection is provided between the friction disk 52 and the input shaft 18. The brake mechanism 50 also includes a resistance plate 53, which is also connected to the carrier 4 in a rotationally fixed manner by means of the fixing bolts 34 and which is axially positioned, in particular, by means of a planar contact with the first planet carrier 26 of the planetary gear 20.

[0077] The movable friction plate 51 can be Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The release position shown is the same as Figure 7 and Figure 8When the friction plate 51 is in the release position, the friction plate 51 is not in contact with the friction disc 52, so that the input shaft 18 can rotate. When the friction plate 51 is in its blocking position, the friction plate 51 presses against the friction disc 52, which in turn presses the friction disc 52 against the resisting plate 53, thereby preventing the rotational movement of the input shaft 18 and thus the rotational movement of the drive element 7.

[0078] The brake mechanism 50 also includes an actuating device in the form of a coil device 54 to move the friction plate 51 to its release position. The friction plate 51 is biased toward its blocking position by a plurality of spring elements 55 spaced apart on the circumference. In this way, the rotational movement of the drive element 7 can be selectively blocked and released.

[0079] Furthermore, each drive unit 3 comprises a control device 56, which is also arranged inside the rectangular frame 5 of the carrier 4. Each control device 56 is connected to a battery (not shown in the figure as a separate component) which can provide electrical energy with a voltage of 36V for the drive motor.

[0080] Here, for example, Fig.18 As shown, the steering drive system is arranged so that one remote control unit 57 can communicate with two drive units 3 at the same time. Thus, a direct communication path can be established between one remote control unit 57 and the control devices 56 of the two drive units 3.

[0081] Furthermore, each drive unit is assigned a transverse feed device 58. In this case, the transverse feed device 58 can cause the drive unit 3 to form a friction and driving contact between the drive element 7 of the drive unit 3 and the wheel of the vehicle 1 to be driven by means of a guided linear movement.

[0082] Especially in Fig.15 As can be seen in the figure, the infeed device 58 comprises a spindle drive device 59 having a spindle 60 and a spindle nut 61, by which the drive unit 3 can be brought into frictional drive contact. The spindle nut 61 is connected to the drive unit 3. Here, the infeed device 58 comprises an actuating device, which is used to manually actuate the movement of the drive unit 3. The actuating device comprises a first engagement profile 62 having a hexagonal shape and a second engagement profile 63 having a square cross section. An intermediate gear 64 (here formed as a bevel gear) is provided to facilitate the operator to approach the engagement profiles 62, 63 to rotate the spindle. The first engagement profile 62 and the second engagement profile 63 are formed at an engagement shaft 65 extending parallel to the rotation axis X of the drive unit 3. The engagement shaft 65 is held at two holding profiles 66, which have an elliptical hole 67 so as to guide the movement of the drive unit 3 relative to the holding profile 66. In addition, the holding profile 66 is connected to a base profile 68, which connects the two drive units.

[0083] Fig.16 and Fig.17 The embodiment of the drive unit shown is similar to Figures 1 to 15 The embodiment of differs only in that no manual actuation of the movement of the drive unit is provided, but the infeed device 58 comprises an infeed motor 69 which is connected to the spindle in order to move the drive unit 3 relative to the base profile 68. Each infeed motor 69 is connected to a respective control device, such as Fig.18 As shown by the dotted line in .

[0084] By means of a planetary gear 20 arranged inside the drive element 7 which allows a high transmission ratio and a braking mechanism which is simultaneously arranged inside the drive element 7, a very space-saving and weight-saving design of the drive unit 3 can be achieved, which design is particularly suitable for situations involving a drive motor 10 whose motor axis Y is arranged parallel to the rotation axis X of the drive element 7.

[0085] Reference numerals list

[0086] 1 RV trailer

[0087] 2. Manipulation drive system

[0088] 3 Drivers

[0089] 4 Carrier

[0090] 5 Rectangular Frame

[0091] 6 C-shaped part

[0092] 7. Driving components

[0093] 8 Grooves

[0094] 9 C-Shaped Legs

[0095] 10. Drive Motor

[0096] 11 Mounting screws

[0097] 12 Axis

[0098] 13 Gear

[0099] 14 Spur gears

[0100] 15 First Gear

[0101] 16 Intermediate gear

[0102] 17 Drive gear

[0103] 18 Input shaft

[0104] 19 Spur gear housing

[0105] 20 Planetary gear

[0106] 21 Gear Box

[0107] 22 First sun gear

[0108] 23 Second sun gear

[0109] 24 First planetary gear

[0110] 25 Second planetary gear

[0111] 26 First planetary gear carrier

[0112] 27 Second planetary gear carrier

[0113] 28 First hollow gear

[0114] 29 Second hollow gear

[0115] 30 Thread

[0116] 31 Through Holes

[0117] 32 Fixing screw

[0118] 33 Fixing holes

[0119] 34 Fixing bolt

[0120] 35 First intermediate disc

[0121] 36 Intermediate shaft

[0122] 37 Roller bearing

[0123] 38 Second intermediate disc

[0124] 39 End plate

[0125] 40 Roller bearing

[0126] 41 Output shaft

[0127] 42 Roller bearings

[0128] 43 Connecting elements

[0129] 44 protrusion

[0130] 45 drive groove

[0131] 46 Base element

[0132] 47 Roller bearing

[0133] 48 Intermediate Components

[0134] 49 Through opening

[0135] 50 Braking mechanism

[0136] 51 Movable friction plate

[0137] 52 Friction disc

[0138] 53 Resistance Board

[0139] 54 Coil device

[0140] 55 Spring element

[0141] 56 Control Device

[0142] 57 Remote Control Unit

[0143] 58 Transverse feed device

[0144] 59 Spindle drive

[0145] 60 Spindle

[0146] 61 Spindle nut

[0147] 62 First joint profile

[0148] 63 Second joint profile

[0149] 64 Intermediate gear

[0150] 65 Joint shaft

[0151] 66 Keep the outline

[0152] 67 Oval Profile

[0153] 68 Base profile

[0154] 69 Horizontal feed motor

[0155] X rotation axis

[0156] Y Motor axis

Claims

1. A maneuvering drive system (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle without its own drive, preferably for a trailer, the maneuvering drive system comprising at least two drive units (3), in particular comprising exactly two drive units (3), the drive units being designed to be attached to the vehicle to drive the wheels of the vehicle, each drive unit (3) comprising - a carrier (4); a drive element (7) which is held rotatably about an axis of rotation (X) on the carrier (4) and which is designed and arranged such that it can come into contact with a wheel of a vehicle in order to drive the vehicle, - an electric drive motor (10), mounted to the carrier (4) and defining a motor axis (Y), a transmission device which is designed and arranged to convert the rotational movement of the motor shaft (12) of the electric drive motor (10) into the rotational movement of the drive element (7), The drive motor (10) is arranged outside the drive element (7), and the motor axis (Y) of the drive motor (10) extends parallel to the rotation axis (X) of the drive element (7), and at least a part of the transmission device is arranged radially and axially inside the drive element (7), in particular, the planetary gear (20) of the transmission device is arranged radially and axially inside the drive element (7).

2. The control drive system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission comprises a planetary gear (20) having at least one gear stage, in particular having exactly two gear stages, wherein each gear stage comprises a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears (20) rotatably held on a planetary gear (20) carrier, and a hollow gear, wherein the planetary gears (20) are engaged with the sun gear and the hollow gear of the corresponding gear stage.

3. The control drive system (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The planetary gears (20) are arranged axially and radially inside the drive element (7), and / or the sun gear and the planet carrier as well as the hollow gear are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis (X) of the drive element (7), and / or the sun gear (22) of the first gear stage is connected to the input shaft (18) in a rotationally fixed manner, the input shaft (18) is rotatably held on the carrier (4), and the hollow gear (29) of the last gear stage of the planetary gears (20) is connected to the drive element (7) in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular the hollow gear (29) of the second gear stage is connected to the drive element (7) in a rotationally fixed manner.

4. The steering drive system (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The planet carrier (26, 27) of each gear stage is connected to the carrier (4) in a rotationally fixed manner.

5. The steering drive system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The planetary gear comprises a plurality of gear stages, and the hollow gear (29) of a gear stage is coupled to the sun gear (23) of the next gear stage in a rotationally fixed manner.

6. The steering drive system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The planetary gear (20) comprises a gearbox (21), in particular a gearbox (21) in the shape of a cylinder with a circular cross section, which is arranged axially and radially inside the drive element (7) and which is connected to the carrier (4) in a rotationally fixed manner.

7. The steering drive system (2) according to claims 4 and 6, characterized in that The planetary gear (20) carrier is fixed to the gearbox (21) in a rotationally fixed manner.

8. A steering drive system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The transmission comprises a gear arrangement (13), by means of which the rotational movement of a motor shaft (12) of a drive motor (10) is converted into a rotational movement of a drive shaft (18) arranged concentrically with the rotation axis (X) of the drive element (7), wherein, in particular, the gear arrangement (13) comprises a spur gear arrangement (14) having a plurality of gears (15, 16, 17) meshing with one another, and / or wherein, in particular, the gear arrangement (13) comprises a traction drive, in particular a gear belt drive or a chain drive.

9. A steering drive system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The steering drive system further comprises a braking mechanism (47) which is designed and arranged to selectively block the movement of the drive element (7), wherein, in particular, the braking mechanism (47) is arranged axially and radially inside the drive element (7), and / or wherein, in particular, the braking mechanism (47) is formed as an electromagnetic brake or comprises an electromagnetic brake.

10. The steering drive system (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that The brake mechanism (47) comprises a movable friction plate (48) and a friction disc (49), wherein the movable friction plate (48) is mounted to the carrier (4) in a rotationally fixed manner, and the friction disc (49) is mounted to the input shaft (18) in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular to the input shaft (18) of the planetary gear (20), or the friction disc (49) and the input shaft (18) are formed as an integral design, wherein the friction plate (48) is movable between a release position and a blocking position, in which the friction plate (48) is not in contact with the friction disc (49), so that the input shaft (18) can rotate, and in which the friction plate (48) is movable between a release position and a blocking position. In the blocking position, the friction plate (48) presses against the friction disk (49), in particular, the friction plate (48) presses the friction disk (49) against a resistance plate (50), which is connected to the carrier (40) in a rotationally fixed manner, thereby preventing a rotational movement of the input shaft (18) and thus a rotational movement of the drive element (7), wherein, in particular, the friction plate (48) is biased towards its blocking position, in particular by a spring element (52), and / or wherein, in particular, an actuating device, preferably in the form of a coil device (51), is provided to move the friction plate (48) towards its release position.

11. The steering drive system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier (4) comprises a C-shaped portion (6), wherein the drive element (7) is rotatably held between the C-shaped legs (9) and / or the outer peripheral surface of the drive element (7) protrudes from the C-shaped legs (9), and / or the electric drive motor (10) is a brushless motor and / or has an outer rotor, and / or the drive motor (10) does not have a rotor information detection device such as a Hall sensor, and / or each drive unit (3) comprises a control device (53) particularly having a communication module, wherein the control device (53) is fixed to the drive unit (3) or integrated into the drive unit (3). ), wherein, in particular, the control device (53) is directly connected to the battery, and / or wherein, in particular, the control device (53) of one drive unit (3) is formed as a master control device (53) capable of communicating with a remote control unit (57), while the control devices (53) of the other drive units (3) are formed as slave control devices (53), so that the slave control devices can communicate with the master control device (53) in order to obtain instructions from the master control device, and / or wherein, in particular, each control device (53) can communicate directly with the remote control unit (57).

12. The steering drive system (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that The electric drive motor (10) is a brushless motor with an outer rotor, wherein the brushless motor preferably has no rotor information detection device such as a Hall sensor.

13. The steering drive system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A transverse feed device (54) is assigned to each drive unit (3), wherein the transverse feed device (54) enables the drive unit (3) to establish a friction and driving contact between its drive element (7) and the wheel of the vehicle to be driven, in particular by means of a guided linear or pivoting movement.

14. The steering drive system (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that The transverse feed device (54) comprises a spindle drive (55) with a shaft joint (56), by means of which the drive unit (3) can establish a friction and driving contact between the drive element (7) and the wheel of the vehicle (1) to be driven, wherein, in particular, the transverse feed device (54) comprises a transverse feed motor (64), by means of which the transverse feed movement can be carried out in a motorized manner, and / or wherein, in particular, the transverse feed device (54) is connected to a control device associated with the respective drive unit (3) (53), in particular the transverse feed motor (64) is connected to a control device (53) associated with the corresponding drive unit (3), and / or wherein, in particular, the transverse feed device (54) comprises a weatherproof and / or waterproof transverse feed housing, which at least surrounds the transverse feed motor (64), and / or wherein, in particular, the transverse feed device (54) comprises an actuating device for manually actuating the movement of the drive unit (3), wherein the actuating device in particular comprises an engagement profile (57, 58) so as to engage the corresponding tool to move the spindle.

15. A vehicle, in particular a vehicle without its own drive, comprising a maneuvering drive system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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