Vehicle system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vehicle system. In one example, a system may include a primary drive including a hypoid pinion coupled with a hypoid gear, where the hypoid pinion includes an end supported by a bearing disposed in a housing projection of a primary drive housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This description relates generally to drives for off-highway vehicles. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle may include a drivetrain with a power source, a transmission, a drive axle, and a drive unit. A main drive unit (MDU) controls power to the wheels and / or vehicle accessories. For example, if the vehicle is an off-highway vehicle such as a forklift, the MDU controls power to the wheels and forks.

[0003] The MDU may include a vertical drive unit with a hypoid gear as the final gear pair. The hypoid pinion changes the direction of power conversion. The hypoid pinion may be supported by bearings close to the pinion teeth. The hypoid pinion may be cantilevered, which can result in relatively large lateral deflections in the gear forces. These deflections can cause premature degradation of the pinion and gear teeth. Utility Model Content

[0004] In one example, the above problems can be at least partially solved by a vehicle system including a main drive unit (MDU), the main drive unit including a hypoid pinion coupled to a hypoid gear, wherein the hypoid pinion includes an end supported by a bearing arranged on a housing protrusion of the main drive unit housing.

[0005] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce concepts further described in the detailed description in a simplified form. It is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is determined solely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the above and other advantages of the present disclosure from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 is an example of a vehicle drawn according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the MDU along the centerline of the output shaft drawn according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of an MDU along the centerline of a hypoid pinion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3A is a view of a hypoid pinion gear parallel to the axis of rotation of the output shaft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view along the centerline of a hypoid pinion gear, further illustrating a bearing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a housing boss and a cover for supporting a hypoid pinion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 is a view of a housing projection observed through an opening of an MDU housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 is a view of a housing boss and housing hole for supporting a hypoid pinion gear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 7A and 7B is a view of a cap and a plurality of fasteners for connecting to a housing protrusion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a view of a groove machined into a bracket to provide additional clearance for a gear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 10A and 10B is a detailed diagram of the interior of an MDU drawn according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 11A 、 11B and 11C show the bearings mounted in housing bosses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following description relates to a drive device for an off-highway vehicle. Figure 1 is an example of a vehicle. Figure 2A It is a cross-sectional view of the MDU along the centerline of the output shaft. Figure 2B It is a cross-sectional view of the MDU along the centerline of the hypoid pinion. Figure 3A is a view of a hypoid pinion. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view along the centerline of a hypoid pinion gear, further illustrating a bearing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a view of the bearing bracket. Figure 5 is a view of a bearing housing having an integrally cast boss connected to the bearing bracket. Figure 6 is a view of the bearing bracket with the hole for supporting the pinion. Figure 7A and 7B This is a view of the bearing cap. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A view of the groove machined into the mount to provide additional clearance for the gears. Figure 10A and 10B Here is a detailed internal view of the MDU. Figure 11A 、 11B 11C and 11C are different embodiments of arranging bearings in a support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1-11C Example configurations of various elements positioned relative to each other are shown. If elements shown in a figure are in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then, in at least one example, these elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, in at least one example, elements shown as being adjacent or adjacent to each other may be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, elements that are in face-to-face contact with each other may be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. As another example, in at least one example, elements that are separated from each other, with only space between them and no other elements, may be referred to as being separated from each other. As another example, elements that are shown above / below each other, to the sides of each other, or to the left / right of each other relative to each other may be referred to as such elements. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or element point may be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point may be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. As used herein, up / down, up / down, and up / down may be used to describe the positioning of elements in a figure relative to each other, relative to the vertical axis in the figure. Thus, in one example, an element that is shown above other elements is positioned vertically above the other elements. For another example, the shapes of elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as having such shapes (e.g., as circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, chamfered, beveled, or the like). In addition, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another. In addition, in one example, elements displayed within another element or displayed outside another element may also be referred to as such elements. It will be understood that one or more elements referred to as "substantially similar and / or identical" may differ from one another based on manufacturing tolerances (e.g., within 1-5%). The term "approximately" as used herein refers to a range of plus or minus five percent unless otherwise specified. Figure 2-11C is shown approximately to scale, but other dimensions may be used if desired.

[0021] Now let's see Figure 1, an off-highway vehicle 100 is shown. Off-highway vehicle 100 includes a powertrain 110. Powertrain 110 includes a prime mover 112 as a power source. Prime mover 112 is connected to a transmission 114 via a drive shaft 116. Drive shaft 116 transmits power from transmission 114 to a differential 118 disposed on a drive axle 102. Differential 118 can control power output to two halves of drive axle 102, with each half connected to one of a pair of first wheels 104. In one example, differential 118 is a main drive unit (MDU).

[0022] In one example, prime mover 112 is an engine. In another example, prime mover 112 is an electric machine. The electric machine may be connected to inverter 124, which may be connected to battery 122. In some examples, off-highway vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively include an engine and an electric machine.

[0023] In one example, the drive axle 102 is a front axle 102, wherein the off-highway vehicle 100 further includes a rear axle 106 coupled to a pair of second wheels 108. The rear axle 106 may be disposed at a second end of the off-highway vehicle opposite the first end where the front axle 102 is disposed.

[0024] Now let's see Figure 2A , which shows a first cross-sectional view 202 of a main drive unit (MDU) 210 with a mounting plate 220. An axis system includes three axes: a transverse axis 292, an axial axis 294 perpendicular to transverse axis 292, and a transverse axis 296 perpendicular to transverse axis 292 and axial axis 294. Arrow 298 indicates the direction of gravity. The direction of gravity is opposite to the direction of axis 294.

[0025] The mounting plate 220 can be used to mount the MDU 210 to the vehicle frame. In one example, the mounting plate 220 can be physically connected to the vehicle chassis, axle, or other vehicle structure. The mounting plate 220 can be connected to the vehicle frame by a plurality of fasteners (such as bolts).

[0026] The first cross-sectional view 202 is taken along the axial axis 294. In one example, the first cross-sectional view 202 is taken along the centerline of the mounting plate 220, which is parallel to the axial axis 294 and in a plane along the transverse axis 292 and the axial axis 294. The MDU 210 can include a drive motor 212 comprising a shaft 214. The drive motor 212 and the shaft 214 can be disposed on a first side of the mounting plate 220, wherein the shaft 214 can extend from the first side, through an opening in the mounting plate 220, and to a second side of the mounting plate 220, opposite the first side, where a first stage reduction gear 216 is disposed.

[0027] Hypoid pinion 222 may extend from first-stage reduction gear 216 to hypoid gear 224. Hypoid gear 224 may rotate output shaft 232, which is connected to wheels 234. Power may be transmitted from drive motor 212 through shaft 214 to first-stage reduction gear 216, through hypoid pinion 222 to hypoid gear 224, and then through output shaft 232 to wheels 234. In one example, hypoid gear 224 may redirect the power by 90 degrees. Specifically, power flows toward hypoid pinion 224 in a direction parallel to axial axis 294, where hypoid gear 224 redirects the power so that it flows parallel to transverse axis 292 toward wheels 234.

[0028] A housing 230 may be mounted on a second side of the mounting plate 220 . The housing 230 may house the first stage reduction gear 216 , the hypoid pinion 222 , the hypoid gear 224 , and a portion of the axle 232 .

[0029] The hypoid pinion 222 may be supported by a plurality of bearings. Figure 2B As shown, the plurality of bearings may include a first bearing 242, a second bearing 244, and a third bearing 246. In some examples, the first, second, and third bearings may be different. In one example, the first bearing 242 and the second bearing 244 may be identical to each other, but different from the third bearing 246. Figure 2A and 2B In the example of FIG, the first bearing 242 is a tapered roller bearing, the second bearing 244 is a tapered roller bearing, and the third bearing 246 can be a needle roller bearing.

[0030] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view 204 is shown along the centerline of the hypoid pinion 222 in a plane along the transverse axis 292 and the axial axis 294. The interior of the plurality of bearings is shown. In addition, the cross-sectional view 204 is omitted. Figure 2A The cover 248 shown in FIG. 2 is removed, exposing the third bearing 246. As shown, one end 226 of the hypoid pinion 222 is supported by the third bearing 246. In one example, the end 226 is supported by the third bearing 246 in the air space of the housing 230, maintaining a certain distance from the inner surface of the housing 230. In other words, if the third bearing 246 and the housing protrusion for securing the third bearing 246 are omitted, the end 226 of the hypoid pinion 222 can float freely in the housing 230. The air space of the housing 230 corresponds to the space between the interior of the housing 230 and the surface of the housing 230.

[0031] The cover 236 can be connected to the housing 230 and configured to seal the opening of the housing 230 and hold a fourth bearing 238 for supporting the output shaft 232. In one example, the fourth bearing 238 supports one end of the output shaft 232 connected to the wheel 234.

[0032] Now let's see Figure 3A and Figure 3B , which respectively show views 300 and 350 of the hypoid pinion 222 parallel to the transverse axis 292. View 350 is a cross-sectional view taken along the centerline of the hypoid pinion 222 and parallel to the axial and transverse axes.

[0033] exist Figure 3A In view 300 of FIG. 2 , cover 248 is secured to housing protrusion 304 by fastener 302. In one example, fastener 302 is a bolt. Additionally, in some embodiments, cover 248 can be welded or physically coupled to housing protrusion 304 via another element.

[0034] Housing projection 304 may include a J-shape. More specifically, housing projection 304 may include a first straight portion 306, a curved portion 308, and a second straight portion 310. Second straight portion 310 may be connected to first straight portion 306. In one example, first straight portion 306 is parallel to axial axis 294, and second straight portion 310 is parallel to transverse axis 296. Housing projection 304 will be described in more detail below.

[0035] Turn to Figure 4 , which shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment 400 of the cap 248 separated from the housing protrusion 304. As shown, the housing protrusion 304 also includes a support end 410 extending from the second linear portion 310. The cap 248 can be physically coupled to the support end 410 via a plurality of fasteners 412.

[0036] In one example, the cover 248 and the support end 410 may retain the bushing 414. The bushing 414 may be attached to the first bearing and the second bearing (eg, Figure 2B The first bearing 242 and the second bearing 244 in the sleeve 414 receive and support a portion of the hypoid pinion 222. The sleeve 414 may be Figure 2B A non-limiting example of the third bearing 246 is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B A further view of the cap 248 and the support end 410 of the housing protrusion 304 is shown. Figure 5-7B4. As shown, the cover 248 and the support end 410 can include corresponding through holes that are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners 412. In one example, the support end 410 includes a plurality of through holes 702 and the cover 248 includes a plurality of through holes 704. One or more alignment features 710 can be configured to align the plurality of through holes 702 and 704. In one example, the alignment feature 710 is inserted into a first alignment opening 712 of the support end 410. The cover 248 can be pressed onto the support end 410, wherein the alignment feature 710 can be inserted into a second alignment opening 714 of the cover 248. In this way, the plurality of through holes 702 and 704 can be aligned and the plurality of fasteners 412 can be inserted therein to physically couple the cover 248 to the support end 410.

[0038] The cover 248 and the support end 410 form an opening 602 centered about the axis 690. The hypoid pinion (e.g. Figure 2A The hole 604 through which the hypoid pinion 222 passes can also be centered about the axis 690. In one example, the hole 604 and the opening 602 are machined in one step during the manufacturing process of the housing 230, so that the hole 604 and the opening 602 remain aligned. Thus, in one example, a manufacturing method can include machining the housing protrusion 304, machining the plurality of through-holes 702 and the first aligned opening 712, machining the cap 248 and the plurality of through-holes 704 and the second aligned opening 714, physically coupling the cap 248 to the support end 410, and machining the hole 604 and the opening 602 into the housing 230, the housing protrusion 304, and the cap 248.

[0039] In one example, the hole 604 may include one or more grooves, including a first groove 606 and a second groove 608. The first groove 606 may be configured to receive a first bearing (e.g., Figure 2A The second groove 608 may be configured to receive a second bearing (e.g., Figure 2A The second bearing 244 in the.

[0040] Now let's see Figure 8 and Figure 9 , which show views 800 and 900, respectively, of the housing projection 304. View 800 shows the housing projection 304 physically connected to the cover 248. View 900 shows the housing projection 304 without the cover 248. Figure 8 and Figure 9 They are described here together.

[0041] Housing projection 304 may also include a bracket 810. Bracket 810 may include a triangular shape. In one example, a width of bracket 810 measured along transverse axis 292 may be less than a width of each of first linear portion 306, curved portion 308, and second linear portion 310. Bracket 810 may extend from first linear portion 306, curved portion 308, and second linear portion 310 and be in coplanar contact with first linear portion 306, curved portion 308, and second linear portion 310. Bracket 810 may be physically coupled to a bottom surface of support end 410.

[0042] As shown, first linear portion 306 extends from the extreme end of housing 230 to near second recess 608 of aperture 604. Housing projected support 802 can be physically coupled to first linear portion 306 and housing 230. First linear portion 306 can be suspended in air (e.g., cantilevered) as it extends from housing projected support 802 toward bend 308. In one example, housing projected support 802 comprises a cylindrical shape.

[0043] The bend 308 may be turned so that the housing protrusion 304 begins to extend along the transverse axis 296 through the second linear portion 310 , which is normal to the transverse axis 292 along which the first linear portion 306 extends.

[0044] The support end 410 may include a U-shape including a body 820, a first arm 822, and a second arm 824. The body 820 may be connected to the first arm 822 at a first end and to the second arm 824 at a second end opposite the first end. The thickness and width of the body 820, the first arm 822, and the second arm 824 measured along the axial axis 294 are greater than the thickness and width of the first straight portion 306, the curved portion 308, and the second straight portion 310, respectively.

[0045] The cover 248 can include a shape similar to the support end 410. In one example, the cover 248 is identical to the support end 410. Furthermore, the size of the cover 248 can be adjusted relative to the support end 410, while the shape of the cover 248 can be similar to the support end 410. Thus, the cover 248 can include a U-shape including a main body with arms extending therefrom.

[0046] The first and second ends of the body 820 may include different angles. For example, the first angle 826 may be a 90 degree angle. The second angle 828 may be a machined angle that includes a radius. In one example, the second angle 828 is not a 90 degree angle. The second angle 828 may be concave, thereby reducing the profile of the second angle 828, which may be useful for gears (e.g., Figure 2BIn one example, the second corner 828 faces the first housing opening 902, which can be aligned with the wheel (e.g., Figure 2B The second corner 828 is adjacent to the wheel 234 in the housing and opposite the second housing opening 904. In one example, the second corner 828 is shaped as a notch.

[0047] A plurality of fasteners 710 may pass through the arms and support end 410 of the cover 248. Figure 8 As shown, the heads of the plurality of fasteners 710 can extend from the cover 248. In some examples, the cover 248 can additionally or alternatively include a groove so that the heads of the plurality of fasteners 710 are flush with the top of the cover 248 body.

[0048] Figure 10A and 10B Additional views 1000 and 1050 are shown of the hypoid gear 224 and the hypoid pinion 222, respectively. View 1000 shows the housing boss 304 supporting the end 226 of the hypoid pinion 222 when the hypoid pinion 222 is meshed with the hypoid gear 224. View 1000 further illustrates the clearance provided by the second rotation angle 828 for the hypoid gear 224. View 1050 shows the midsection of the hypoid pinion 222 meshed with the hypoid gear 224, supported by the housing boss 304.

[0049] The housing protrusion 304 seals the second housing opening (eg Figure 9 236. In one example, the housing protrusion 304 is offset from the geometric center of the cover 236. Alternatively, the housing protrusion 304 can be disposed within a volume of the housing 230 that is between the geometric center and the circumference of the cover 236.

[0050] View 1050 shows the hypoid pinion 222 in the second bearing (eg Figure 2A 10. A cross section between the second bearing 244 in FIG. 10 and the support end 410. View 1050 illustrates a portion of the hypoid pinion 222 including teeth that mesh with the teeth of the hypoid gear 224.

[0051] Figure 11A One embodiment 1100 of a needle bearing 246 is shown disposed within the housing protrusion 304 and supporting the end 226 of the hypoid pinion 222. As shown, the toothed portion of the hypoid pinion 222 that meshes with the hypoid gear 224 can be located between the second bearing 244 and the needle bearing 246.

[0052] The output shaft 232 on which the hypoid gear 224 is mounted can be connected to a wheel (eg Figure 2B The fourth bearing 238 is connected to the wheel 234 in the cover plate 236 and supported by the fourth bearing 238. The fourth bearing 238 can be arranged on the surface of the cover plate 236. As shown in the figure, the toothed portion of the hypoid pinion 222 is located between the second bearing 244 and the third bearing 246.

[0053] Figure 11B and Figure 11C The housing protrusion 304 is shown with a bushing 414. As shown, the bushing 414 is inserted between the housing protrusion 304 and the opening of the cover 248 (e.g. Figure 6 602 in the opening 602), wherein the bushing 414 can be held in place by a compressive force generated between the cover 248 and the support end 410 by a plurality of fasteners 710. In one example, the bushing 414 is a sleeve bearing.

[0054] In one example, a method for manufacturing an MDU may include machining a housing, wherein a housing protrusion extends into a space spaced apart from a surface of the housing. The manufacturing method may further include machining a hole through the housing and the housing protrusion. The manufacturing method may further include mounting a bearing on the housing protrusion and securing the bearing thereto via a cover. A pinion is disposed in the hole, wherein one end of the pinion is supported by the bearing.

[0055] The present disclosure provides support for a system comprising a main drive unit (MDU) including a hypoid pinion coupled to a hypoid gear, wherein the hypoid pinion includes an end supported by a bearing disposed in a housing boss of the MDU. A first example of the system further includes the bearing being physically coupled to the housing boss via a compressive force between the support end of the housing boss and a cover. A second example of the system (optionally including the first example) further includes: a plurality of fasteners securely coupling the cover to the support end, wherein the cover and the support end have identical shapes. A third example of the system, optionally including one or more of the preceding examples, further includes: the housing boss including a first straight portion coupled to a curved portion and a second straight portion coupled to the curved portion. A fourth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the preceding examples) further includes: the second straight portion being normal to the first straight portion. A fifth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the preceding examples) further includes: the support end extending from the second straight portion. A sixth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the preceding examples) further includes: a bracket extending from the first straight portion, the curved portion, and the second straight portion. A seventh example of the system (optionally including one or more of the preceding examples) further includes the bracket being triangular in shape.

[0056] The present disclosure provides additional support for a main drive unit (MDU) of an off-highway vehicle, the MDU comprising a housing containing a gear reduction mechanism, a hypoid pinion, and a hypoid gear disposed on an output shaft connected to a wheel, wherein the housing comprises a housing boss having a support end, a cover coupled to the support end, and a bearing disposed between the cover and the support end, wherein the bearing supports an end of the hypoid pinion proximate the output shaft. A first example of the MDU further comprises: the support end and the cover being formed of a U-shaped member, the U-shaped member comprising a body with a first arm and a second arm extending from the body. A second example of the MDU (optionally including the first example) further comprises: the bearing being a needle roller bearing. A third example of the MDU (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further comprises: the bearing being a sleeve bearing. A fourth example of the MDU (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further comprises: the housing boss comprising a J-shape comprising a first straight portion, a curved portion, and a second straight portion intersecting a normal to the first straight portion. A fifth example of an MDU (optionally including one or more of the preceding examples) further includes: a curved portion positioned between the first and second straight portions, and the triangular support in coplanar contact with each of the first, curved, and second straight portions. A sixth example of an MDU (optionally including one or more of the preceding examples) further includes: a corner of the support end portion is curved and spaced a certain distance from the hypoid gear.

[0057] The present disclosure provides further support for a housing for a main drive unit (MDU), the housing comprising a housing protrusion including a first linear portion supported by a housing support, a curved portion extending from the first linear portion to a space between housing surfaces, and a second linear portion extending from the curved portion and connected to a support end, wherein a bearing is disposed between the support end and a cover and receives an extreme end of a pinion gear. The first example of the housing further comprises the pinion gear meshing with a hypoid gear between the bearing and an inner bore of the housing. The second example of the housing (optionally including the first example) further comprises: the support end, the second linear portion, the curved portion, and a portion of the first linear portion extending away from the housing support into the air space of the housing and not contacting the inner surface of the housing. The third example of the housing, optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples, further comprises: the pinion gear is a hypoid pinion gear supported by a plurality of bearings disposed in the housing bore. The fourth example of the housing (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further comprises: an axis passing through the geometric center of the bore passes through the geometric center of the opening formed by the cover and the support end.

[0058] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or a "first" element or its equivalent. These claims should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amendment of the present claims or by presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, are also deemed included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle system, characterized in that: include: A main drive device comprises a hypoid pinion connected to a hypoid gear, wherein the hypoid pinion comprises an end portion supported by a bearing arranged in a housing boss of a main drive device housing.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the bearing is physically coupled to the housing protrusion by a compressive force between a support end of the housing protrusion and the cover.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a plurality of fasteners fixedly couple the cover to the support end, the cover and the support end being of the same shape.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing protrusion includes a first straight portion connected to a curved portion and a second straight portion connected to the curved portion. The system of claim 4 , wherein the second straight line portion intersects a normal line of the first straight line portion.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the support end extends from the second linear portion.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein a bracket extends from the first straight portion, the curved portion, and the second straight portion. The system of claim 7 , wherein the bracket is triangular in shape.

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