Universal driving device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a universal drive device comprising: a ring gear; a sun gear having a variable inter-axis distance with respect to a rotation axis of the ring gear; a gear train including a series of gears configured to connect the sun gear with the ring gear; a link mechanism configured to accommodate a change in an inter-axis distance between the sun gear and the ring gear and to be rotatably connected with each other to continuously maintain a power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear; a planet carrier configured to support a rotation shaft of a final gear meshing with the ring gear among the gears constituting the gear train; a sun gear bearing located between the rotation shaft of the sun gear and each of the link mechanisms; and a sleeve located between the sun gear bearing and each of the link mechanisms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device that receives power from a rotational power source such as an electric motor and outputs a changed rotational force. Background Art

[0002] A drive device of a vehicle transmits power from a rotational power source (e.g., an engine or an electric motor) to wheels to drive the vehicle.

[0003] In recent years, a wheel hub motor drive device that directly mounts an electric motor to a hub of a drive wheel has been proposed. However, due to problems of durability of the electric motor and ride comfort caused by an increased unsprung mass, the wheel hub motor drive device has not been widely used.

[0004] The content described as the background art above is only intended to help understand the background of the present invention and is not intended to mean that the present invention falls within the scope of related art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a general drive device that is a drive device that receives power from a rotational power source such as an electric motor and outputs a changed rotational force. When the general drive device is applied to a vehicle, the input power can be appropriately decelerated to ensure excellent uphill driving and acceleration driving performance. A power source such as an electric motor can be detachably mounted from a wheel that receives severe shock and vibration. Thus, the durability of the power source is improved and excellent ride comfort is ensured due to a reduced unsprung mass of the vehicle compared to the wheel hub motor drive device. And power can be continuously transmitted from the power source in response to the movement of the wheel without using a constant velocity universal joint or the like. As a result, the space between the power source and the wheel is reduced, and finally excellent space utilization is ensured between the left wheel and the right wheel.

[0006] In particular, another aspect of the present invention is to maintain smooth operation of the general drive device, thereby improving durability.

[0007] The general drive device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a ring gear; a sun gear, wherein the axis of the sun gear can move relative to the axis of the ring gear; a gear train including a series of gears configured to connect the sun gear and the ring gear; a link mechanism configured to accommodate a change in the distance between the axes of the sun gear and the ring gear and connected to be relatively rotatable with respect to each other to continuously maintain a power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear, thereby supporting the rotation axes of the gears constituting the gear train; a carrier mounted to support the rotation axis of the final gear meshing with the ring gear among the gears constituting the gear train; a sun gear bearing mounted between the rotation axis of the sun gear and the link mechanism; and a sleeve mounted between the sun gear bearing and the link mechanism.

[0008] The linkage mechanism includes a first link and a second link, the first link and the second link being connected so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to each other. A gear having a rotation axis configured to support the first link and the second link so that the first link and the second link can be relatively rotatable with respect to each other is an engagement gear. The gear train includes a first intermediate gear, a second intermediate gear, an engagement gear, and a final gear. The first intermediate gear is configured to connect the sun gear and the engagement gear; the second intermediate gear is configured to connect the engagement gear and the final gear.

[0009] The first link is joined to the rotation axis of the sun gear through a sleeve and a sun gear bearing.

[0010] A plurality of gear trains and a plurality of linkage mechanisms are provided. Each of the first links constituting the plurality of linkage mechanisms is joined to the rotation axis of the sun gear through a sleeve and a sun gear bearing, and is axially overlapped with the rotation axis of the sun gear.

[0011] The linkage mechanisms configured to support one gear train are symmetrically provided on both sides of the gear train; the first links of the linkage mechanisms are respectively provided on both axial sides of the sun gear, and each first link is joined to the rotation axis of the sun gear through a sleeve and a sun gear bearing.

[0012] The planet carrier is provided with a contact avoidance portion to avoid contact between the sun gear and the planet carrier when the axial distance between the sun gear and the ring gear changes.

[0013] The planet carrier includes an outer planet carrier and an inner planet carrier. The outer planet carrier and the inner planet carrier are combined with each other and are configured to support the rotation axis of the final gear on both sides thereof; the contact avoidance groove constituting the contact avoidance portion is formed through the surface of the outer planet carrier facing the gear train; a contact avoidance hole through which the rotation axis of the sun gear passes is formed through the inner planet carrier, and the contact avoidance hole constitutes the contact avoidance portion.

[0014] The hub is connected to the ring gear.

[0015] The hub and the ring gear are concentrically joined to each other by splines.

[0016] A planet carrier protrusion inserted into the hub is integrally formed with the outer planet carrier, and a hub bearing is provided between the planet carrier protrusion and the hub.

[0017] The sun gear, the engagement gear, and the final gear all have the same number of teeth.

[0018] The present invention provides a universal drive device, which is a drive device that receives power from a rotary power source such as an electric motor and outputs a changed rotational force. When the universal drive device is applied to a vehicle, the input power can be appropriately decelerated to ensure excellent uphill and acceleration driving performance. The power source such as an electric motor can be detachably mounted from the wheels that are subjected to severe shocks and vibrations, thereby improving the durability of the power source and ensuring excellent ride comfort due to a reduction in the unsprung mass of the vehicle compared to a hub motor drive device. Also, power can be continuously transmitted from the power source in response to the movement of the wheels without using a constant velocity joint or the like, thereby reducing the space between the power source and the wheels and ultimately ensuring excellent space utilization between the left and right wheels.

[0019] In particular, the present invention enables the universal drive device to operate smoothly, thereby improving durability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows the basic configuration of the universal drive device according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the universal drive device according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a state in which the ring gear is relatively lowered compared to the state of Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a state in which the ring gear is relatively raised compared to the state of Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 5 shows an example of applying the embodiment of Figure 2 to a vehicle and compares the raising and lowering of the ring gear and the wheels relative to the sun gear according to changes in the road surface;

[0026] Figure 6 shows an example of applying the universal drive device according to the present invention to a vehicle;

[0027] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the universal drive device according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an exploded perspective view of the universal drive device;

[0029] Figure 9 relative toFigure 8 Schematic diagram of observation in the opposite direction;

[0030] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F10 - F10 of Figure 7 ;

[0031] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a detailed schematic diagram of the main components in

[0032] Figure 12 is Figure 8 a detailed schematic diagram of the gear train and the linkage mechanism of

[0033] Figure 13 shows Figure 8 an exploded view of the sun gear and the first link of ; and

[0034] Figure 14 is Figure 13 a schematic diagram of observation in the opposite direction with respect to Detailed implementation mode

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements will be given the same and similar reference numerals, so the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] In the following description, the terms "module" and "unit" for elements are only given or used interchangeably for the convenience of writing the specification, and they do not have different meanings or functions in themselves.

[0037] When describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when the detailed description of the relevant known technology is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description may be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only provided for the convenience of understanding the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that all its modified forms, equivalent forms or alternative forms are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another.

[0039] In the case where an element is referred to as "connected" or "joined" to any other element, it should be understood that another element may be provided therebetween, and the element may be directly connected or joined to the other element. In contrast, in the case where an element is "directly connected" or "directly joined" to any other element, it should be understood that there is no other element therebetween.

[0040] Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless they are clearly different in context.

[0041] As used herein, the expressions "comprising" or "having" are intended to mean the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, and should be interpreted as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0042] For reference, Figure 1 shows a basic configuration of a general drive device according to the present invention, and for the purpose of explaining the principle, is an example of a general drive device including a gear train 1. Figure 2 is an example of a general drive device including three gear trains 1.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 10 , a general drive device (U) according to the present invention includes: a ring gear (R), a sun gear (S), a gear train 1, and a linkage mechanism. In the sun gear (S), the axis of the sun gear can move relative to the axis of the ring gear (R); the gear train 1 is configured to connect the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R); the linkage mechanism is configured to accommodate changes in the axial distance between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) and is connected so as to be able to rotate relative to each other to continuously maintain the power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear, thereby supporting the rotation axes of the gears constituting the gear train 1.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the linkage structure includes a first link 3 and a second link 5. One end of the first link 3 supports the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S), and the second link 5 is rotatably connected to the first link 3.

[0045] That is, one gear train 1 includes a series of gears, and the series of gears are arranged such that the rotation axes are respectively supported by the first link 3 and the second link 5 to transmit rotational force between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R).

[0046] In the present embodiment, the gear train 1 includes a first intermediate gear 7 meshing with the sun gear (S), a coupling gear 9 meshing with the first intermediate gear 7, the rotation axis of the coupling gear serving as the rotation axis between the first link 3 and the second link 5, a second intermediate gear 11 meshing with the coupling gear 9, and a final gear 13 meshing with the second intermediate gear 11 and meshing with the ring gear (R).

[0047] The rotation axes of the first intermediate gear 7 and the engagement gear 9 are fixed to the first link 3; the rotation axes of the engagement gear 9, the second intermediate gear 11, and the final gear 13 are fixed to the second link 5; the rotation axis of the final gear 13 is supported by a ring gear (R) and a planet carrier (C) configured to restrict relative movement of the planet carrier.

[0048] The number of teeth of each of the sun gear (S) and the engagement gear 9 is formed to be the same as the number of teeth of the final gear 13.

[0049] That is, the sun gear (S), the engagement gear 9, and the final gear 13 all have the same number of teeth.

[0050] As described above, when the sun gear (S), the engagement gear 9, and the final gear 13 have the same number of teeth, the relative phase of the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) remains constant with respect to the relative movement of the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) in the up, down, left, and right directions with respect to the rotation axes of the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R).

[0051] The relative phase of the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) that remains constant with respect to the relative movement can be expressed as the rotation phases of points (PS, PR) respectively marked on the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 Even when the ring gear (R) moves up and down or left and right with respect to the sun gear (S), the rotation phases remain constant.

[0052] That is, when the sun gear (S), the engagement gear 9, and the final gear 13 have the same number of teeth, relative rotation between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) due to changes in the distance between the axes of the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) is avoided.

[0053] Therefore, regardless of how the distance between the axes of the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) changes, the power transmitted from the sun gear (S) is transmitted to the ring gear (R) at a constant speed. Thus, when the power generated by the motor (M) is transmitted from the sun gear (S) to the wheel (W) via the ring gear (R) in a vehicle equipped with the general drive device (U) applying the present invention, since the phase of the motor (M) connected to the sun gear (S) and the phase of the wheel (W) connected to the ring gear (R) remain unchanged even when the ring gear (R) and the wheel (W) move up and down or left and right with respect to the rotation axis (S-SH) of the motor (M) or the sun gear (S), stable control of the output torque of the motor (M) is achieved, thereby ensuring stable driving of the vehicle.

[0054] If any one of the sun gear (S), the engaging gear 9, and the final gear 13 has a different number of teeth and thus fails to satisfy the above conditions, then even if the electric motor (M) rotates at a constant speed as described above, the ring gear (R) and the wheel (W) may move upward, downward, leftward, and rightward relative to the sun gear (S) and the electric motor (M). Accordingly, relative rotation may occur between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R), and as a result, the vehicle may experience vibrations (i.e., shudder) depending on the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0055] Figure 6 Shown is that the general drive device (U) of the present invention can be used as a drive device for a vehicle by connecting the rotating shaft of the electric motor (M) to the sun gear (S) and connecting the wheel (W) to the ring gear (R).

[0056] In this case, the power input to the sun gear (S) is decelerated and output to the ring gear (R), thereby ensuring excellent uphill driving and acceleration driving performance of the vehicle.

[0057] In addition, the electric motor (M) can be separately mounted outside the wheel (W) that is subject to severe shock and vibration, rather than inside the wheel (W), thereby improving the durability of the electric motor (M) and ensuring excellent ride comfort due to a reduction in the unsprung mass of the vehicle compared to a hub motor drive device.

[0058] In addition, as described above, it is possible to transmit constant power while allowing the ring gear (R) connected to the wheel (W) to rise and fall relative to the sun gear (S) connected to the power source, so that power can be continuously transmitted from the power source in response to the up-and-down and left-and-right movements of the wheel (W) without using a conventional constant velocity universal joint or the like. Accordingly, by reducing the space between the power source and the wheel (W), it is finally possible to manufacture a vehicle having excellent space utilization between the left wheel (W) and the right wheel (W).

[0059] Reference Figures 7 to 14, the general drive device according to the present invention includes a ring gear (R), a sun gear (S), a gear train 1, a linkage mechanism, a planet carrier (C), a sun gear bearing 15, and a sleeve 17; the sun gear (S) is mounted to have a variable axial distance with respect to the rotation axis of the ring gear (R); the gear train 1 includes a series of gears configured to connect the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R); the linkage mechanism is configured to accommodate the change in the axial distance between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) and is connected to be relatively rotatable with respect to each other to continuously maintain the power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear, thereby supporting the rotation axes of the gears constituting the gear train 1; the planet carrier (C) is mounted to support the rotation axis of the final gear meshing with the ring gear (R) among the gears constituting the gear train 1; the sun gear bearing 15 is mounted between the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) and the linkage mechanism; the sleeve 17 is mounted between the sun gear bearing 15 and the linkage mechanism.

[0060] That is to say, in the present invention as described above, by inserting the sun gear bearing 15 and the sleeve 17 between the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) and the linkage mechanism, the durability and smooth operation between the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) and the linkage mechanism can be ensured.

[0061] The rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) moves to change the axial distance with respect to the rotation axis of the ring gear (R). At this time, the smooth rotation between the linkage mechanism and the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) is ensured by the sun gear bearing 15, and the force applied by the linkage mechanism to the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) is supported by the sleeve 17 to ensure the durability of the sun gear bearing 15.

[0062] For reference, different from the Figure 1 and Figure 2 embodiment, Figures 7 to 14 the embodiment is an embodiment of a general drive device having a linkage mechanism and two gear trains 1.

[0063] In addition, a support gear 19 is mounted on the planet carrier (C) to further support the ring gear (R).

[0064] As described above, the linkage mechanism includes a first link 3 and a second link 5 connected to be rotatable relative to each other, and the gear having a rotation axis configured to support the first link 3 and the second link 5 so that the first link 3 and the second link 5 can rotate relative to each other is the engagement gear 9, and the gear train 1 includes a first intermediate gear 7, a second intermediate gear 11, the engagement gear 9, and a final gear 13. The first intermediate gear 7 is configured to connect the sun gear (S) and the engagement gear 9; the second intermediate gear 11 is configured to connect the engagement gear 9 and the final gear 13.

[0065] Specifically, among the first link 3 and the second link 5 constituting the linkage mechanism, the first link 3 is joined to the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) through a sleeve 17 and a sun gear bearing 15.

[0066] Similar to the general drive device of the present embodiment, a plurality of gear trains 1 and a plurality of linkage mechanisms can be provided, and each of the first links 3 constituting the plurality of linkage mechanisms is joined to the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) through a sleeve 17 and a sun gear bearing 15, while being axially overlapped with the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S).

[0067] That is, as Figures 12 to 14 shown, the plurality of gear trains 1 and the linkage mechanisms include an upper gear train (1_U) and an upper linkage mechanism provided on the upper side of the sun gear (S), and a lower gear train (1_L) and a lower linkage mechanism provided on the lower side of the sun gear (S).

[0068] In addition, the linkage mechanisms configured to support one gear train 1 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the gear train 1; the first links 3 of the linkage mechanisms are respectively provided on both axial sides of the sun gear (S), and each first link 3 is joined to the rotation axis (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) through a sleeve 17 and a sun gear bearing 15.

[0069] Therefore, in Figures 12 to 14 it, the upper linkage mechanisms supporting the rotation axis of the upper gear train (1_U) are symmetrically provided on both sides of the upper gear train (1_U), and the lower linkage mechanisms supporting the rotation axis of the lower gear train (1_L) are symmetrically provided on both sides of the lower gear train (1_L).

[0070] In addition, the upper linkage mechanisms symmetrically provided on both sides of the upper gear train (1_U) respectively include a first link 3, and are denoted as (3_U_L) and (3_U_R) for easy and clear distinction from each other. The lower linkage mechanisms symmetrically provided on both sides of the lower gear train (1_L) also respectively include a first link 3, and are denoted as (3_L_L) and (3 - L_R) for easy and clear distinction from each other.

[0071] The planet carrier (C) is provided with a contact avoidance portion 29 to avoid contact between the sun gear (S) and the planet carrier (C) when the axial distance between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) changes.

[0072] That is, the planet carrier (C) includes an outer planet carrier (C_O) and an inner planet carrier (C_I) that are combined with each other and support the rotation shafts of the final gears 13 on both sides thereof. A contact avoidance groove 31 that constitutes the contact avoidance portion 29 is formed on the surface of the outer planet carrier (C_O) facing the gear train 1, and a contact avoidance hole 33 is formed through the inner planet carrier (C_I). The rotation shaft (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) passes through the contact avoidance hole 33, and the contact avoidance hole 33 constitutes the contact avoidance portion 29.

[0073] Therefore, when the axial distance between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) changes, the sun gear (S) can move relative to the ring gear (R) without disturbing the planet carrier (C), while continuously and smoothly transmitting power to the ring gear (R).

[0074] As a reference, as described in the present embodiment, the rotation shaft (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) can be integrally formed with the sun gear (S) and can include a separate shaft inserted through the sun gear (S). In addition, the rotation shaft (S_SH) of the sun gear (S) can be used as an input shaft that inputs power to the general drive device of the present invention and is thus connected to the motor (M) of the vehicle as described above.

[0075] In the embodiment, the hub 25 is concentrically joined to the ring gear (R) by using a spline.

[0076] Therefore, when a wheel is mounted on the hub 25, the general drive device (U) of the present invention can be used as a drive wheel of a vehicle.

[0077] Here, a planet carrier protrusion (C_B) inserted into the hub 25 is integrally formed with the outer planet carrier (C_O); a hub bearing 27 is provided between the planet carrier protrusion (C_B) and the hub 25.

[0078] Therefore, the concentric arrangement between the planet carrier (C) and the hub 25 and the ring gear (R) can be stably maintained, thereby ensuring smooth operation and durability.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the technical idea of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A universal driving device, comprising: Ring gear; a sun gear having a sun gear axis movable relative to a ring gear axis of the ring gear; a gear train including a series of gears configured to connect the sun gear to the ring gear; a plurality of link mechanisms configured to accommodate changes in the interaxial distance between the sun gear and the ring gear and rotatably connected relative to each other to continuously maintain a power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear, thereby supporting the rotation axes of the gears constituting the gear train; a planet carrier configured to support a rotation shaft of a final gear meshing with the ring gear among the gears constituting the gear train; a sun gear bearing located between the rotation axis of the sun gear and each of the plurality of link mechanisms; and A sleeve is located between the sun gear bearing and each of the plurality of connecting rod mechanisms.

2. The universal drive device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of link mechanisms includes a first link and a second link, wherein the first link and the second link are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable; The engaging gear has a rotation shaft configured to support the first link and the second link so that the first link and the second link can rotate relative to each other; The gear train includes a first intermediate gear, a second intermediate gear, a joining gear, and a final gear. The first intermediate gear is configured to connect the sun gear and the joining gear; and the second intermediate gear is configured to connect the joining gear and the final gear.

3. The universal drive device according to claim 2, wherein: The first connecting rod is coupled to the rotation shaft of the sun gear through a sleeve and a sun gear bearing.

4. The universal drive device according to claim 3, wherein: The gear train includes a plurality of gear trains; Each of the first links constituting the plurality of link mechanisms is joined to the rotation shaft of the sun gear through a sleeve and a sun gear bearing while axially overlapping with the rotation shaft of the sun gear.

5. The universal drive device according to claim 4, wherein: A plurality of linkage mechanisms configured to support a gear train are symmetrically located on both sides of the gear train; The first connecting rods of the plurality of connecting rod mechanisms are located on both axial sides of the sun gear, and each of the first connecting rods is coupled to the rotation axis of the sun gear through a sleeve and a sun gear bearing.

6. The universal drive device according to claim 5, wherein: The planet carrier is provided with a contact avoiding portion configured to avoid contact between the sun gear and the planet carrier when an inter-axial distance of the sun gear relative to the ring gear changes.

7. The universal drive device according to claim 6, wherein: The planet carrier includes an outer planet carrier and an inner planet carrier, the outer planet carrier and the inner planet carrier are combined with each other and configured to support a rotating shaft of a final gear on both sides; The contact avoiding portion includes a contact avoiding groove formed through a surface of the outer planet carrier facing the gear train; The contact avoiding portion further includes a contact avoiding hole formed through the inner planet carrier and through which a rotation shaft of the sun gear passes.

8. The universal drive device according to claim 7, wherein: The wheel hub is connected to the ring gear.

9. The universal drive device according to claim 8, wherein: The hub and the ring gear are concentrically engaged with each other by splines.

10. The universal drive device according to claim 9, wherein: A planet carrier lug inserted into the wheel hub is integrally formed with the outer planet carrier, and wherein the hub bearing is located between the planet carrier lug and the wheel hub.

11. The universal drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The sun gear, engaging gear and final gear all have an equal number of teeth.

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