Rear wheel steering electric drive axle and commercial vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of rear wheel steering electric drive axle and commercial vehicle, it is related to commercial vehicle technical field.The rear wheel steering electric drive axle includes axle, drive motor, knuckle, steering driving part and locking part;Drive motor is connected with axle transmission, and the both ends of axle are respectively equipped with knuckle;Steering driving part transmission connects two knuckles, to drive two knuckles synchronous steering action, can realize rear drive axle electric drive, and possess rear wheel steering function, improve steering passability.Locking part connects knuckle, and through locking part locking or unlocking knuckle, can unlock rear wheel steering function at low speed, and rear wheel steering is locked at high speed, to ensure stability and safety when high-speed travel.The rear wheel steering electric drive axle has the advantages of compact structure, high integration, good steering passability etc., can reduce the whole vehicle layout difficulty, is favorable to commercial vehicle arrangement larger interior space of car body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of commercial vehicle technology, and in particular to a rear-wheel steering electric drive axle and a commercial vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy technologies, traditional fuel-powered commercial vehicles can be retrofitted by replacing the engine with an electric motor. This solution retains the structural layout design of fuel-powered commercial vehicles, employing an electric motor that drives the rear axle via a driveshaft. While this design involves minimal changes to the overall vehicle structure, it fails to fully utilize the spatial advantages of an electric drive system. Specifically, with the rear drive axle occupying the same space, electrification requires the addition of a battery pack, which not only increases the complexity of the overall vehicle layout but may also reduce usable space inside the cabin. Furthermore, due to the relatively large overall length of commercial vehicles, their turning radius is relatively large, a characteristic that significantly restricts the vehicle's maneuverability. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a rear-wheel steering electric drive axle and a commercial vehicle, so as to integrate rear-wheel electric drive, rear-wheel steering and rear-wheel steering locking functions.

[0004] In a first aspect, the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle provided by this utility model includes: an axle, a drive motor, a steering knuckle, a steering drive component, and a locking component; The drive motor is connected to the axle, and the steering knuckles are respectively installed at both ends of the axle; The steering drive component is connected to the two steering knuckles to drive the two steering knuckles to perform synchronous steering actions; The locking element is connected to the steering knuckle and is used to lock or unlock the steering knuckle.

[0005] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a first possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the drive motor is connected to the housing of the axle, and the drive motor is connected to the axle via a reducer or a transmission.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a second possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the drive motor is located behind the axle.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a third possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the axis of the drive motor is arranged parallel to the axis of the half-shaft of the axle.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the two steering knuckles are respectively connected to tie rod arms, and the two tie rod arms are connected via a lateral tie rod drive.

[0009] In conjunction with the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides a fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein both of the tie rod arms extend in the direction of vehicle travel, and the distance between the two tie rod arms decreases in the direction of vehicle travel.

[0010] In conjunction with the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides a sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the tie rod and one of the two tie rod arms are connected in a transmission manner to the steering drive component.

[0011] In conjunction with the sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides a seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the steering drive includes a steering telescopic device, one end of the steering telescopic device is hinged to one of the tie rod arms, and the other end of the steering telescopic device is hinged to the housing of the vehicle frame or the axle.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides an eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein at least one of the steering knuckles is connected to a locking knuckle arm; The locking component includes a locking telescopic device, one end of which is hinged to the housing of the axle, and the other end of which is hinged to the locking arm.

[0013] Secondly, the commercial vehicle provided by this utility model is equipped with the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle described in the first aspect.

[0014] In conjunction with the second aspect, this utility model provides a first possible implementation of the second aspect, wherein the commercial vehicle further includes a vehicle speed sensor and a controller, and the vehicle speed sensor and the locking element are respectively connected to the controller.

[0015] In conjunction with the second aspect, this utility model provides a second possible implementation of the second aspect, wherein the commercial vehicle is equipped with a pneumatic brake, and the brake cylinder axis of the pneumatic brake extends along the axial or radial direction of the axle.

[0016] The present invention provides the following advantages: a drive motor is connected to the axle, and steering knuckles are installed at both ends of the axle. A steering drive component is connected to the two steering knuckles and drives them to turn synchronously. A locking component is connected to the steering knuckles. By locking or unlocking the steering knuckles, the rear drive axle can be electrically driven, providing rear wheel steering function, improving steering passability. It can also lock the rear wheel steering, thereby improving stability at high speeds. It has technical advantages such as compact structure and high integration.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rear wheel steering electric drive axle provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a rear axle assembly with a rear wheel steering electric drive axle provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another rear axle assembly with a rear wheel steering electric drive axle provided for an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Icons: 001-Axle; 002-Drive motor; 003-Steering knuckle; 004-Steering drive component; 005-Locking component; 006-Reducer; 007-Tie arm; 008-Tie bar; 009-Locking arm; 010-Pneumatic brake; 011-Brake cylinder; 012-Rear wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are only used to describe differences in name and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Physical quantities in formulas, unless otherwise specified, should be understood as basic quantities of the International System of Units (SI) base units, or derived quantities derived from basic quantities through mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, differentiation, or integration.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes: an axle 001, a drive motor 002, a steering knuckle 003, a steering drive component 004, and a locking component 005; the drive motor 002 is drivenly connected to the axle 001, and steering knuckles 003 are respectively installed at both ends of the axle 001; the steering drive component 004 is drivenly connected to the two steering knuckles 003 to drive the two steering knuckles 003 to perform synchronous steering actions; the locking component 005 is connected to the steering knuckles 003 and is used to lock or unlock the steering knuckles 003.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the locking element 005 can act on the steering knuckle 003 by means of pushing limit or friction braking, thereby achieving the function of locking the steering knuckle 003, and locking the steering knuckle 003 when rear wheel auxiliary steering is not required.

[0026] The axle 001 is driven by a drive motor 002, which occupies less space compared to a traditional internal combustion engine. The steering drive component 004 can use a linkage drive to drive the steering knuckle 003 to achieve left and right axial movement. The steering drive component 004 may include an electric motor and a rack and pinion steering gear connected to the electric motor. Alternatively, the steering drive component 004 can also use an electric motor as a power source, achieving speed reduction and torque amplification through gears or worm gears, and driving the steering knuckle 003 to rotate to achieve steering drive.

[0027] In this embodiment of the utility model, the drive motor 002 is connected to the housing of the axle 001, and the drive motor 002 is connected to the axle 001 via the reducer 006 or the transmission.

[0028] In this embodiment, the output shaft of the drive motor 002 is connected to the input end of the reducer 006, and the output end of the reducer 006 is connected to the power input end of the axle 001, thereby realizing the step-by-step transmission of motor power. In another embodiment, the gearbox can replace the reducer 006 to achieve power output adjustment at different speed ratios and meet the needs of different driving conditions.

[0029] The axle 001 includes axle housing, differential, and half-shafts. The drive motor 002 drives the differential to rotate through the reducer 006 or the transmission. The differential distributes power to the left and right half-shafts, thereby driving the wheels to rotate.

[0030] Furthermore, the drive motor 002 can be a permanent magnet synchronous motor, which has advantages such as compact structure, high efficiency, and fast response. The reducer 006 can adopt a single-stage or multi-stage gear reduction structure, and can be rationally designed according to the overall vehicle power performance requirements.

[0031] In addition, a connecting bracket is provided between the drive motor 002 and the axle 001 to fix the position of the drive motor 002 and ensure a stable and reliable transmission connection between it and the reducer 006. This connection structure can be flexibly adjusted according to the vehicle chassis layout to improve the overall space utilization and assembly convenience.

[0032] In this embodiment, by integrating the drive motor 002 onto the housing of the axle 001 and achieving transmission connection through the reducer 006 or the gearbox, the structure of the traditional transmission system is simplified, and the power transmission efficiency is improved. This is applicable not only to pure electric vehicles but also to the power system design of hybrid vehicles.

[0033] Furthermore, the drive motor 002 is located behind the axle 001, which not only facilitates the efficient integration of the power system, but also improves the space utilization and handling performance of the whole vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, the axis of the drive motor 002 is parallel to the axis of the half-shaft of the axle 001, and the output shaft of the drive motor 002 is perpendicular to the input shaft of the axle 001. When transmitted through the reducer 006 or the transmission, a bevel gear can be used to achieve power orientation conversion. With the axis of the drive motor 002 parallel to the axis of the half-shaft of the axle 001, the size of the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle in the vehicle's traveling direction can be reduced, thereby forming a shorter rear suspension structure and reducing the design difficulty of the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle in the overall vehicle layout.

[0035] Furthermore, each of the two steering knuckles 003 is connected to a tie rod arm 007, and the two tie rod arms 007 are connected via a tie rod 008. Each steering knuckle 003 has one tie rod arm 007 fixedly connected to it. One end of the tie rod 008 is hinged to one tie rod arm 007 via a pin or ball joint, and the other end is connected to the other tie rod arm 007 in the same manner. The two tie rod arms 007 are located on the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively, and are symmetrically arranged to ensure synchronization and stability during steering.

[0036] In an optional implementation, the connection between the tie rod arm 007 and the steering knuckle 003 is detachable, facilitating installation, adjustment, and subsequent maintenance. The length of the tie rod 008 is adjustable, for example, via a threaded adjustment structure, to adapt to the assembly requirements of different vehicle models and the need for steering angle adjustment.

[0037] Furthermore, both tie rod arms 007 extend in the direction of vehicle travel, with the distance between the two tie rod arms 007 decreasing in the direction of vehicle travel. On the one hand, this avoids excessive length of the tie rod 008 from interfering with the wheels or other components; on the other hand, it allows the steering knuckle 003, located on the inside of the turning path, to have a larger steering angle during steering, thus meeting the design requirements of the Ackermann steering principle.

[0038] In addition, to simplify the steering transmission structure, when the two tie rod arms 007 are synchronously linked through the tie rod 008, the steering drive component 004 can drive the tie rod 008 and one of the two tie rod arms 007, thereby ensuring that the tie rod 008 and the two tie rod arms 007 are driven together.

[0039] In this embodiment, the steering drive component 004 includes a steering telescopic device. One end of the steering telescopic device is hinged to a tie rod arm 007, and the other end is hinged to the housing of the vehicle frame or axle 001. The steering telescopic device can be an actuator with linear telescopic function, such as a hydraulic cylinder, an electro-hydraulic cylinder, an electric push rod, or a pneumatic drive device, capable of outputting corresponding telescopic actions according to the steering control signal. The steering telescopic device is connected to the tie rod arm 007 via a hinge structure, which can be a pin connection, a ball joint, or a universal joint, to achieve a rotatable connection between the steering telescopic device and the tie rod arm 007, thereby adapting to angle changes during steering and avoiding structural interference and stress concentration.

[0040] Furthermore, at least one of the steering knuckles 003 is connected to the locking arm 009; the locking member 005 includes a locking telescopic device, one end of which is hinged to the housing of the axle 001, and the other end of which is hinged to the locking arm 009.

[0041] At least one steering knuckle 003 is fixedly connected to a locking arm 009, or each steering knuckle 003 can be fixedly connected to a locking arm 009. The end of each locking arm 009 away from the steering knuckle 003 is hinged to the locking telescopic device via a pin, ball joint, or universal joint. When the locking telescopic device maintains a specific length, the rear wheel steering function can be locked. The locking telescopic device can be an electro-hydraulic telescopic cylinder, an electric push rod, or a pneumatic telescopic device, preferably a hydraulic telescopic cylinder. With the hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder remaining stable, the length of the hydraulic telescopic cylinder is fixed, thereby maintaining the stability of the locking arm 009 and the steering knuckle 003.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the commercial vehicle provided in this embodiment of the present invention is equipped with the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle described in the above embodiments.

[0043] The commercial vehicle described in this embodiment is equipped with a rear-wheel steering electric drive axle, which can realize electric drive, rear-wheel steering and rear-wheel steering locking functions. Based on the compact structure of the rear-wheel steering electric drive axle, the overall vehicle layout design makes it easier to form a completely flat floor in the passenger compartment.

[0044] In this embodiment of the utility model, the commercial vehicle also includes a vehicle speed sensor and a controller, with the vehicle speed sensor and locking component 005 respectively connected to the controller.

[0045] When developing the vehicle computer, a corresponding control program can be embedded. When the vehicle speed is lower than the preset speed, the locking component 005 switches to the unlocked state; when the vehicle speed reaches or exceeds the preset speed, the locking component 005 switches to the locked state, thereby improving vehicle stability at high speeds by locking the rear wheel steering.

[0046] In an optional implementation, when the vehicle is traveling at low speed (e.g., <40km / h), the locking component 005 is unlocked, and the locking telescopic device is in a free state. When the rear wheels 012 participate in steering, the locking telescopic device can be driven by the steering knuckle 003 and the locking knuckle arm 009 to achieve corresponding extension and retraction. When the vehicle is traveling at high speed (e.g., ≥40km / h), the locking component 005 is locked, the length of the locking telescopic device is fixed, and the locking knuckle arm 009 supports the steering knuckle 003, thereby maintaining the state in which both rear wheels 012 are forward, and preventing the rear wheels 012 from participating in steering when traveling at high speed.

[0047] See Figure 2 and Figure 3The commercial vehicle is equipped with a pneumatic brake 010, and the axis of the brake cylinder 011 of the pneumatic brake 010 extends axially or radially along the axle 001. Each of the left and right rear wheels 012 is equipped with a pneumatic brake 010. Both pneumatic brakes 010 can be positioned in front of or behind the axis of the rear wheel 012. In an optional embodiment, one of the two pneumatic brakes 010 can be positioned in front of the corresponding rear wheel 012 axis and the other behind it. The pneumatic brake 010 achieves braking by pressurizing the brake cylinder 011 to drive the brake piston to press against the brake disc. Extending the axis of the brake cylinder 011 radially along the axle 001 reduces the encroachment of the brake cylinder 011 on the rear wheel 012's movement space, allowing the rear wheel 012 more turning space, thereby reducing the turning radius and improving the vehicle's handling.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A rear-wheel steering electric drive axle, characterized in that, include: Axle (001), drive motor (002), steering knuckle (003), steering drive component (004) and locking component (005); The drive motor (002) is connected to the axle (001) in a transmission connection, and the steering knuckles (003) are respectively installed at both ends of the axle (001). The steering drive unit (004) is connected to the two steering knuckles (003) to drive the two steering knuckles (003) to perform synchronous steering actions; The locking element (005) is connected to the steering knuckle (003), and the locking element (005) is used to lock or unlock the steering knuckle (003).

2. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor (002) is connected to the housing of the axle (001), and the drive motor (002) is connected to the axle (001) via a reducer (006) or a transmission.

3. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor (002) is located behind the axle (001).

4. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The axis of the drive motor (002) is parallel to the axis of the half shaft of the axle (001).

5. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two steering knuckles (003) are respectively connected to tie rod arms (007), and the two tie rod arms (007) are connected by a cross tie rod (008).

6. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both of the tie rods (007) extend in the direction of vehicle travel, and the distance between the two tie rods (007) decreases in the direction of vehicle travel.

7. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tie rod (008) and one of the two tie rod arms (007) are connected in drive to the steering drive (004).

8. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steering drive (004) includes a steering telescopic device, one end of which is hinged to one of the tie rod arms (007), and the other end of which is hinged to the frame or the housing of the axle (001).

9. The rear-wheel steering electric drive axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the steering knuckles (003) is connected to the locking knuckle arm (009); The locking component (005) includes a locking telescopic device, one end of which is hinged to the housing of the axle (001), and the other end of which is hinged to the locking arm (009).

10. A commercial vehicle, characterized in that, The commercial vehicle is equipped with a rear-wheel steering electric drive axle as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The commercial vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that, The commercial vehicle also includes a vehicle speed sensor and a controller, wherein the vehicle speed sensor and the locking element (005) are respectively connected to the controller.

12. The commercial vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that, The commercial vehicle is equipped with a pneumatic brake (010), and the brake cylinder (011) of the pneumatic brake (010) extends along the axial or radial direction of the axle (001).

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