DEVICE FOR ENERGY REGENERATION OF A SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Device for regenerating energy from a suspension system for a vehicle, the device comprising: a suspension link (30) which connects a wheel carrier to a body (100); a bushing unit (40) which is arranged between a connection area (31) with the body of the suspension link (30) and the body (100) and outputs a joint movement of the suspension link (30) by means of an output gear (41); a rotation locking mechanism (48) which rotates the output gear (41) integrally with the connection area (31) with the body of the suspension link (30) by connecting the output gear (41) to one side of the suspension link (30) and provides one degree of freedom with respect to a torsion of the suspension link (30); A force transmission mechanism (50) in one direction, which is connected to the output gear (41) of the bushing unit (40), receives the joint movement transmitted by the output gear (41) by means of a drive gear (51) and outputs rotational energy in one direction; a generator (60) which is arranged on one side of the body (100) and generates electricity while being rotated in one direction by the transmitted rotational energy; an acceleration mechanism (70) which is arranged between the generator (60) and the power transmission mechanism (50) in one direction, and which transmits the rotational energy in one direction, which is transmitted by the power transmission mechanism (50) in one direction, to the generator (60); a rectifier (80) which is electrically connected to the generator (60) and rectifies the electricity generated by the generator (60); and a connection area formed on the inner extension (41a) of the output gear (41), wherein the rotation locking mechanism (48) comprises: a fastening pin (P) which protrudes from the side of the suspension link (30); and a connecting element (49) which has a round retaining ring (49a) which is integrally formed on a first side which is to be coupled to the connecting area, and a slot (S) on a second side.

Description

BACKGROUND(a) Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for regenerating energy from a suspension system for a vehicle. More precisely, the present invention relates to a device for regenerating energy from a suspension system for a vehicle, which is mounted at a connection point with the body of a suspension link and regenerates rotational kinetic energy generated by wheels into electrical energy. (b) Description of the relevant prior art

[0002] In general, a vehicle's suspension system is a device positioned between the body and the wheels, connecting these two rigid bodies using one or more links. The suspension system mechanically controls the relative movement between the body and the wheels by carrying the vertical load with a suspension spring and shock absorber, and by controlling stiffness and flexibility in other directions.

[0003] The suspension system provides improved ride comfort for passengers by effectively dampening irregular road vibrations caused by the vehicle's movement, thus ensuring a comfortable ride by controlling the vibrations caused by uneven roads. Furthermore, when driving on uneven roads, vehicle safety must be maintained during turns and braking by ensuring that the vertical load on the tire surfaces remains in contact with the road at the appropriate level.

[0004] Different types of suspension systems have been developed and are used in vehicles to meet these conditions, and in accordance with an example of the configuration of a common suspension system, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a wheel carrier 4 supports a wheel 2 to cause the wheel 2 to rotate. The upper part of the wheel carrier 4 is connected to a body 10 (for example, a subframe of the vehicle) by a front upper link 6 and a rear upper link 8, which are arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the lower part is connected to the body 10 by a lower cross member 12 and an auxiliary link 14, which are arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a longitudinal link 16, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0005] Furthermore, the upper part of the wheel carrier 4 is connected to the body by a shock absorber 18 and a spring 20. An elastic element is arranged between the lower crossmember 12 and the body to dampen the shock exerted by the road surface and to reduce free vibration, thus improving ride comfort. In addition, the end of a stabilizer 22 that is attached to the body is connected to the lower crossmember 12 by a connecting link 24 to prevent the body from rolling.

[0006] In accordance with the configuration, the suspension system of the associated prior art can dampen the shock from a road surface, reduce free oscillation, and prevent the body from rolling; however, the kinetic energy generated by the suspension arms 6, 8, 12, 14 and 16, which continuously repeat a push and rebound action based on the vehicle's driving conditions, is not recovered.

[0007] From US Patent 1,752,844 A, a device for regenerating energy from a suspension system for a vehicle is known, wherein the device comprises: a suspension link connecting a wheel carrier to a body; a bushing unit arranged between a connection area with the body of the suspension link and the body, and outputting a joint movement of the suspension link by means of an output gear; a locking mechanism for a rotation, which rotates the output gear integrally with the connection area with the body of the suspension link by connecting the output gear to one side of the suspension link and provides one degree of freedom with respect to a torsion of the suspension link;a unidirectional power transmission mechanism connected to the output gear of the bushing unit, which receives the joint motion transmitted by the output gear via a drive gear and outputs rotational energy in one direction; a generator located on one side of the body which generates electricity while being rotated in one direction by the transmitted rotational energy; an acceleration mechanism located between the generator and the unidirectional power transmission mechanism, which transmits the rotational energy in one direction, transmitted by the unidirectional power transmission mechanism, to the generator.

[0008] US Patent 3,559,027 A discloses, instead of dissipating the mechanical energy acting on the shock absorbers of motor vehicles as heat, an electric shock absorber that converts at least part of the mechanical energy acting on the shock absorbers into electrical energy to charge the storage battery or batteries.

[0009] JP 2002-205 523 A describes an improvement in the degree of freedom of an actuator mounting position for the vertical movement of a wheel. The outer ends of the right and left torsion bars are connected to the right and left lower arms, which move vertically with the right and left wheels W. The inner ends of the torsion bars, which are coaxially aligned on both sides of the vehicle body's centerline L, are driven by corresponding actuators as they rotate. The drive forces of the actuators move the right and left wheels W vertically via the torsion bars, thereby controlling roll and pitch. The actuators can be mounted in the central part of the vehicle body, thus minimizing their impact on the suspension of the right and left wheels W and improving the degree of freedom of the actuator mounting positions.

[0010] The above information disclosed in this section is intended only to facilitate understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that does not constitute prior art already known to the person skilled in the art in this country. OVERVIEW

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for regenerating energy of a suspension system for a vehicle, which has the advantage of being able to increase energy efficiency by regenerating kinetic energy from the impact and rebound of a wheel, based on the driving condition, into electrical energy.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a device for regenerating energy of a suspension system for a vehicle, which absorbs unnecessary torsional force and increases the transmission efficiency of rotational energy by fastening in a direction of rotation with respect to the suspension link of an output gear of a bushing unit which is arranged at a connection area with the body of a suspension link.

[0013] The problem is solved by a device for regenerating energy from a suspension system for a vehicle having the features of claims 1 or 13. Advantageous further developments are found in the dependent claims.

[0014] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a device for regenerating energy from a suspension system for a vehicle, which may include: a suspension link connecting a wheel carrier to a body; a bushing unit arranged between a connection area with the body of the suspension link and the body, which outputs a joint movement of the suspension link by means of an output gear; a rotation locking mechanism which rotates the output gear integrally with the connection area with the body of the suspension link by connecting the output gear to one side of the suspension link and provides the degree of freedom with respect to a torsion of the suspension link;A unidirectional power transmission mechanism connected to the output gear of the bushing unit, which receives the joint motion transmitted from the output gear via a drive gear, and outputs only rotational energy in one direction; a generator located on one side of the body, which generates electricity while being rotated in one direction by the transmitted rotational energy; an acceleration mechanism located between the generator and the unidirectional power transmission mechanism, which transfers the unidirectional rotational energy transmitted by the unidirectional power transmission mechanism to the generator;a rectifier which is electrically connected to the generator and rectifies the electricity which is produced by the generator, and a connecting area which is formed on the inner extension of the output gear, wherein the rotation locking mechanism comprises: a fastening pin which projects from the side of the suspension link; and a connecting member which has a round retaining ring which is integrally formed on a first side which is to be coupled to the connecting area, and a slot on a second side.

[0015] The bushing unit may comprise: an outer tube connected to the body of the suspension arm at the connection point; an inner tube arranged inside the outer tube and attached to one side of the body; a rubber bushing arranged between the outer tube and the inner tube and connected to the outer tube; an output gear connected to the rubber bushing by means of an inner extension extending between the rubber bushing and the inner tube; a bearing support ring attached to the inner side of the inner extension of the output gear; and a first bearing arranged on the outer side of the inner tube in frictional contact with the bearing support ring.

[0016] A connecting area can be formed on the inner extension of the output gear, and the locking mechanism for rotation can include: a locking pin projecting from one side of the suspension link; and a connecting element comprising a round retaining ring integrally formed on one side to be coupled to the connecting area, and a slot on the other side. The connecting area can have straight sections that rotate integrally with the retaining ring, and the retaining ring can have support ends that support the straight sections.

[0017] The mechanism for transmitting power in one direction may comprise: an inner housing; an outer housing connected to the inner housing and having a bolt insertion tube into which a bolt is inserted; a drive gear meshing with the output gear inside the inner and outer housings, and having an outer extension extending axially outwards; a freewheel clutch arranged on the outer side of the outer extension; a speed-increasing gear arranged on the outer side of the freewheel clutch; and one or more free-running gears that mesh with the speed-increasing gear to transmit the rotational energy in one direction towards the acceleration mechanism.The mechanism for power transmission in one direction may also include: a third bearing, which is arranged between the outer side of the drive gear and the inner housing; and a fourth bearing, which is arranged between the inner side of the outer extension and the outer side of the insertion tube of a bolt.

[0018] The acceleration mechanism may comprise: a housing of the acceleration mechanism, which is integrally formed between the generator and the power transmission mechanism in one direction; and one or more planetary gear sets arranged inside the housing of the acceleration mechanism. The one or more planetary gear sets may be single-pinion planetary gear sets. Additionally, the one or more planetary gear sets may be three single-pinion planetary gear sets. The three planetary gear sets may be connected such that they attach a ringer for each single-pinion planetary gear set to the housing of the acceleration mechanism and may serve as a stationary component. A planet carrier may serve as a drive element, and a sun gear may serve as a driven element.

[0019] The three planetary gear sets can consist of: a first planetary gear set, which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, comprising a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first planet carrier, which supports a first pinion which is in mesh with the first sun gear, and the first ring gear between them; a second planetary gear set, which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, comprising a second sun gear, a second ring gear and a second planet carrier, which supports a second pinion which is in mesh with the second sun gear, and the second ring gear between them; and a third planetary gear set, which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, comprising a third sun gear, a third ring gear and a third planet carrier, which supports a third pinion which is arranged between the third sun gear and the third ring gear.

[0020] The first, second, and third ring gears of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets can be integral and mounted on the inner side of the acceleration mechanism housing. Additionally, the first sun gear can be connected to the second planet carrier, the second sun gear can be connected to the third planet carrier, and the rotational energy input by the first planet carrier from the power transmission mechanism in one direction can be amplified by the third sun gear and transferred to the generator's axis of rotation. The device for regenerating energy from a vehicle's suspension system can also include a power source (for example, a battery) that is electrically connected to the rectifier and stores electrical energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic graphic representation of a conventional suspension system according to the state of the art; Fig. Figure 2 is an exemplary view showing a device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary exploded view showing the device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 is an exemplary view showing a locking mechanism for a rotation, which is used in a device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 6 is an exemplary view illustrating an operating state of the energy regeneration device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of symbols 30 suspension links with the body 40 socket unit 42 Outer pipe 44 bushing rubbers 46 First Camp 31 Connection area 41 Output gear 43 Inner tube 45 Support ring of a bearing 47 Second Camp 48 Rotation locking mechanism 49 Connecting link 50 Mechanism for power transmission in one direction 51 Drive gear 53 Outer casing 55 Fourth Camp 57 Gear for increasing speed Gear 52 Inner casing 54 Third Camp 56 Freewheel clutch 58 Idle-running 59 Free-running gear 60 Generator 70 Acceleration mechanism 71 Housing of the acceleration mechanism 80 rectifiers 100 bodywork 90 Energy source DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle..." or other similar expressions as used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including all-wheel drive off-road vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other vehicles using alternative fuels (for example, fuels produced from resources other than petroleum).

[0022] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the expressions "has" and / or "having" when used in this patent specification specify the presence of the indicated features, integers, steps, processes, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of the configurations shown in the drawings are selected to facilitate the description, so that the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings, and the thicknesses are shown enlarged to clarify certain parts and areas. Parts insignificant for the description of the exemplary embodiments are not shown to ensure clarity, and identical reference numerals denote identical elements throughout the patent specification.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 is an exemplary view showing a device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary exploded view showing the device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 5 is an exemplary view showing a locking mechanism for a rotation which is used in a device for energy regeneration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. A device for regenerating energy in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can comprise a suspension link 30, a bushing unit 40, a force transmission mechanism in one direction (for example, the force transmission mechanism 50), a generator 60, an acceleration mechanism 70, a rectifier 80, and a power source (for example, a battery) 90. The suspension link 30 can comprise all of the links which support a wheel carrier (see [reference to]). Fig. 1) connect to a body 100 (for example, the rear wheel carrier) and continuously bump and rebound depending on the condition of a road.

[0026] The energy regeneration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be used, as an example, in a type of suspension on a rear wheel strut, but is not limited to this. In other words, the suspension link 30 can be used in all types of linkages that connect a wheel carrier to a body to perform a steering operation, in all types of suspensions, including a multi-link type, a double-link type, and a (double) triangular link type, and can also be used in front wheels.

[0027] The bushing unit 40 can be arranged between the connection area 31 with the body of the suspension link 30 and the body 100 and can be configured to output rotational energy in both directions of the connection area 31 with the body due to a rotation (for example, a pivoting) of the suspension link 30 by means of an output gear 41. The output gear 41 can be connected to one side of the suspension link 30 by the locking mechanism 48 of a rotation (rotation locking mechanism) and can be configured to rotate integrally with the connection area 31 with the body of the suspension link 30.

[0028] The power transmission mechanism 50 in one direction can be connected to the output gear 41 of the bushing unit 40 and can be configured to receive the rotation in both directions transmitted by the output gear 41 by means of a drive gear 51, and transmits the rotational energy in one direction to the acceleration mechanism 70. Additionally, the generator 60 can be configured to generate electrical energy while being rotated in one direction by the rotational energy transmitted by the acceleration mechanism 70. The acceleration mechanism 70 can be configured to increase the rotational energy in one direction transmitted by the power transmission mechanism 50 and to transmit the increased rotational energy to a rotational axis 61 of the generator 60.Furthermore, the rectifier 80 can be electrically connected to the generator 60 and can be configured to rectify the electricity generated by the generator 60, and the battery 90 can be electrically connected to the rectifier 80 and can be configured to store electrical energy.

[0029] The configuration of the energy regeneration device is explained in detail below. The suspension link 30, a link element having a predetermined length, has a connection area 32 with the wheel and a connection area 31 with the body, each formed at both ends, wherein the connection area 32 with the wheel is connected to a wheel carrier (4 in Fig. 1) can be connected by a rubber bushing 33, and the connection area 31 with the body can be attached to the body 100 by means of the bushing unit 40 by means of a bolt B. While the connection area 32 with the wheel orbits the connection area 31 with the body (for example, rotates), the connection area 31 with the body can therefore be configured to generate rotational energy in a first direction (for example, forward) and in a second direction (for example, backward) by means of the bushing unit 40, depending on the condition of a road.

[0030] The socket unit 40 can, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows an outer tube 42, an inner tube 43, a rubber bushing 44, an output gear 41, a support ring of a bearing 45, and a first bearing 46. The outer tube 42 can be fitted and fastened within the connection area 31 with the body of the suspension arm 30, and the inner tube 43 can be arranged inside the outer tube 42 and fastened to the body 100 by a bolt B. The rubber bushing 44 can be arranged between the outer tube 42 and the inner tube 43 and can be connected to the inner side of the outer tube 42. The outer gear 41 can have an inner extension 41a that extends between the rubber bushing 44 and the inner tube 43 and can be connected to the rubber bushing 44 by the inner extension 41a.

[0031] The support ring of a bearing 45 can be attached to the inner side of the inner extension 41a of the output gear 41. The first bearing 46 can be a plastic plain bearing and is located on the outer side of the inner tube 43. The first bearing 46 and the support ring of a bearing 45 can be injection-molded plastic products and can be in contact with a reduced coefficient of friction. A second bearing 47 can be located between the inner side of the output gear 41 and the outer side of the inner tube 43, and the second bearing 47 can be a needle roller bearing.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the output gear 41 of the bushing unit 40 can be rotated integrally with the connecting section 31 with the body of the suspension link 30 by means of the locking mechanism 48. The locking mechanism 48 can have a connecting element 49 and a retaining pin P. A connecting section can be formed on the inner extension 41a of the output gear 41, and a round retaining ring 49a can be formed on the connecting element 49. The connecting section can have straight sections F which rotate integrally with the retaining ring 49a, and straight support ends AF can be formed on the retaining ring 49a to support the straight sections F. The retaining pin P can be arranged on one side of the suspension link 30, a slot S can be formed on the connecting element 49, and the retaining pin P can be inserted into the slot S.The locking mechanism 48 of a rotation allows the output gear 41 of the bushing unit 40 to rotate integrally in a direction of rotation by the rotation of the suspension link 30, and to neutralize a relative displacement to the fixing pin P and the slot S in a torsional direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the one-way power transmission mechanism 50 can comprise an inner housing 52 and an outer housing 53. The inner housing 52 can be arranged on the bushing unit 40, and the outer housing 53 can be connected to the inner housing 52. An insertion tube for a bolt 53a, extending axially inwards through which the bolt B can be inserted, can be formed at the essential center of the outer housing 53. Additionally, the one-way power transmission mechanism 50 can comprise a drive gear 51, a third bearing 54, a fourth bearing 55, a freewheel clutch 56, a gear 57 for increasing the speed, and one or more idle gears 58 and 59, which can be arranged inside the inner housing 52 and the outer housing 53.

[0034] The drive gear 51 can be engaged with (for example, according to) the output gear 41 and can have an outer extension 51a that extends axially outwards. The third bearing 54 can be arranged between the outer side of the drive gear 51 and the inner side of the inner housing 52, and the fourth bearing 55 can be arranged between the inner side of the outer extension 51a and the outer side of the insertion tube of a bolt 53a. The freewheel clutch 56 can be arranged on the outer side of the outer extension 51a of the drive gear 51, and the speed-increasing gear 57 can be arranged on the outer side of the freewheel clutch 56.The gear 57 for increasing the speed can be configured to receive rotational energy from the freewheel clutch 56 only in one direction and to rotate only in one direction, i.e., only in one direction forward or one direction backward.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the two free-running gears 58 and 59 can also engage with gear 57 to increase the rotational speed and can be configured to transfer the rotational energy in one direction from gear 57 to the acceleration mechanism 70. Although two free-running gears 58 and 59 are shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto and a plurality of free-running gears can be provided, depending on the space inside the inner housing 52 and the outer housing 53 and the number of teeth of the free-running gears.

[0036] The freewheel clutch 56 can be arranged such that it connects the rotational energy of the output gear 41 with the gear 57 to increase the rotational speed when the suspension link 30 strikes, or alternatively, the freewheel clutch can connect the rotational energy of the output gear 41 with the gear 57 to increase the rotational speed only when the suspension link 30 rebounds.

[0037] The generator 60 can be inserted into a mounting opening 101, which is formed on one side of the element facing the body 100. Additionally, the generator 60 can be configured to generate electricity using the rotational energy amplified and transmitted by the acceleration mechanism 70. The acceleration mechanism 70 can comprise one or more planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3, which are arranged inside a housing 71 of the acceleration mechanism, which is formed between the generator 60 and the power transmission mechanism 50 in one direction.Although three planetary gear sets are shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this and a suitable number of planetary gear sets can be provided which can increase the rotational speed during the initial or rebound phase to the optimal speed for generator 60 so that it generates electricity. The configuration consisting of three planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3 is explained herein by way of an example for better understanding and to facilitate description.

[0038] All three planetary gear sets PG1, PG2 and PG3 can be single-pinion planetary gear sets and can be connected such that ring gears R1, R2, and R3 of the single-pinion planetary gear sets PG1, PG2 and PG3 are each attached to the housing 71 of the acceleration mechanism to serve as fixed components, planet carriers PC1, PC2 and PC3 can serve as drive elements, and sun gears S1, S2 and S3 can serve as an output element.

[0039] The first planetary gear set PG1, which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, can include the first sun gear S1, the first ring gear R1 and the first planet carrier PC1, which supports a first pinion P1 which is in mesh with the first sun gear S1, and the first ring gear R1 in between.

[0040] The second planetary gear set PG2, which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, can include the second sun gear S2, the second ring gear R2, and the second planet carrier PC2, which supports a second pinion P2 that meshes with the second sun gear S2, and the second ring gear R2 between them. The third planetary gear set PG3, which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, can include the third sun gear S3, the third ring gear R3, and the third planet carrier PC3, which supports a third pinion P3 that is positioned between the third sun gear S3 and the third ring gear R3.

[0041] The first, second, and third ring gears R1, R2, and R3 of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3 can be integrally formed and attached to the inner side of the housing 71 of the acceleration mechanism. Additionally, the first sun gear S1 can be connected to the second planet carrier PC2, and the second sun gear S2 can be connected to the third planet carrier PC3. Accordingly, the acceleration mechanism 70 can be configured to increase the rotational energy input in several steps in one direction by the first planet carrier PC1 from the freely rotating gear 59 of the power transmission mechanism 50, and transmits the increased rotational energy to the axis of rotation 61 of the generator 60 by means of the third sun gear S3.

[0042] The first planet carrier PC1 can be supported on one side by a support disc 73. In the device for regenerating energy of a suspension system for a vehicle, which has the configuration described above, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, while the wheel W continuously repeats the bumping and rebounding action, depending on the condition of the road surface, the suspension link 30 can be configured to repeatedly rotate the outer tube 42 of the bushing unit 40 in a first direction (for example, forward) and a second direction (for example, backward) inside the connection area 31 with the body.

[0043] The output gear 41 in the bushing unit 40 can be configured to transmit the rotational energy to the freewheel clutch 56 via the drive gear 51, while it rotates along with the suspension link 30 through the connecting link 49. Additionally, the output gear 41 of the bushing unit 40 can be configured to transmit the rotational energy directly through the connecting link 49, so that a torsional force transmitted by the suspension link 30 is damped by the bushing rubber 44 with the degree of freedom of the gap between the slot S of the connecting link 49 and the fastening pin P.

[0044] Depending on the installation direction, the freewheel clutch 56 can be configured to transmit rotational energy only in one direction when impacting the gear 57 to increase the rotational speed, without transmitting the rotational energy upon rebound, or alternatively, the freewheel clutch 56 can be configured to transmit only the rotational energy upon rebound without transmitting the rotational energy in one direction when impacting the gear 57 to increase the rotational speed.

[0045] The gear 57 for increasing the rotational speed can be configured to increase the rotational energy in one direction and to transmit this increased rotational energy in one direction to the acceleration mechanism 70 via the idle gears 58 and 59. Additionally, the acceleration mechanism 70 can be configured to increase the rotational energy in one direction input by one or more planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3 and to transmit this increased rotational energy in one direction to the generator 60, thereby generating electricity. The electricity generated by the generator 60 can be rectified by the rectifier 80, as explained above, and the battery 90 can be charged.In other words, the kinetic energy from the movement of a vehicle can be recovered into electrical energy, thus increasing energy efficiency.

[0046] Furthermore, the energy recovery device, which operates with the configuration described above, can be used at the connection point with the vehicle body for all suspension links that pivot up and down depending on the road surface, regardless of the suspension configuration. In other words, it can be used for all types of links that connect a wheel carrier to a vehicle body to perform a steering maneuver, including multi-link, Macpherson, double-link, and double wishbone suspensions, and it can recover energy.

Claims

Device for regenerating energy of a suspension system for a vehicle, the device comprising: a suspension link (30) which connects a wheel carrier to a body (100); a bushing unit (40) which is arranged between a connection area (31) with the body of the suspension link (30) and the body (100) and outputs a joint movement of the suspension link (30) by means of an output gear (41); a rotation locking mechanism (48) which rotates the output gear (41) integrally with the connection area (31) with the body of the suspension link (30) by connecting the output gear (41) to one side of the suspension link (30) and provides one degree of freedom with respect to a torsion of the suspension link (30);a unidirectional power transmission mechanism (50) connected to the output gear (41) of the bushing unit (40), which receives the joint motion transmitted by the output gear (41) by means of a drive gear (51) and outputs rotational energy in one direction; a generator (60) arranged on one side of the body (100) which generates electricity while being rotated in one direction by the transmitted rotational energy; an acceleration mechanism (70) arranged between the generator (60) and the unidirectional power transmission mechanism (50) and which transmits the rotational energy in one direction, which is transmitted by the unidirectional power transmission mechanism (50), to the generator (60); a rectifier (80) which is electrically connected to the generator (60) and rectifies the electricity generated by the generator (60);and a connecting area formed on the inner extension (41a) of the output gear (41), wherein the rotation locking mechanism (48) comprises: a fastening pin (P) projecting from the side of the suspension link (30); and a connecting member (49) comprising a round retaining ring (49a) integrally formed on a first side which is to be coupled to the connecting area, and a slot (S) on a second side. Device according to claim 1, wherein the bushing unit (40) comprises: an outer tube (42) which is connected to the body of the suspension link (30) via the connection area (31); an inner tube (43) which is arranged inside the outer tube (42) and is attached to the side of the body (100); a bushing rubber (44) which is arranged between the outer tube (42) and the inner tube (43) and is connected to the outer tube (42); an output gear (41) which is connected to the bushing rubber (44) by means of an inner extension (41a) which extends between the bushing rubber (44) and the inner tube (43); a support ring of a bearing (45) which is attached to the inner side of the inner extension (41a) of the output gear (41); and a first bearing (46) which is arranged on the outer side of the inner tube (43) in frictional contact with the support ring of a bearing (45). Device according to claim 1, wherein the connection area has straight areas (F) which rotate integrally with the retaining ring (49a), and the retaining ring (49a) has support ends (AF) which support the straight areas (F). Device according to claim 1, wherein the force transmission mechanism (50) in one direction comprises: an inner housing (52); an outer housing (53) which is connected to the inner housing (52) and has an insertion tube for a bolt (53a) into which a bolt (B) is inserted; a drive gear (51) which engages with the output gear (41) inside the inner housing (52) and the outer housing (53), and has an outer extension (51a) which extends axially outwards; a freewheel clutch (56) which is arranged on the outer side of the outer extension (51a); a gear (57) for increasing the speed which is arranged on the outer side of the freewheel clutch (56); and a plurality of free-running gears (58, 59) which transmit the rotational energy in one direction to the acceleration mechanism (70) in engagement with the gear (57) for increasing the speed. Device according to claim 4, wherein the force transmission mechanism (50) in one direction further comprises: a third bearing (54) which is arranged between the outer side of the drive gear (51) and the inner housing (52); and a fourth bearing (55) which is arranged between the inner side of the outer extension (51a) and the outer side of the insertion tube of a bolt (53a). Device according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration mechanism (70) comprises: a housing (71) of the acceleration mechanism which is integrally formed between the generator (60) and the power transmission mechanism (50) in one direction; and a plurality of planetary gear sets (PG1, PG2, PG3) which are arranged within the housing (71) of the acceleration mechanism. Device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of planetary gear sets (PG1, PG2, PG3) are planetary gear sets with a single pinion. Device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of planetary gear sets (PG1, PG2, PG3) comprises three planetary gear sets with a single pinion. Device according to claim 8, wherein an enclosure for each of the planet gear sets with a single pinion is attached to the housing (71) of the acceleration mechanism and serves as a stationary component, a planet carrier (PC1) serves as a drive element, and a sun gear (S1) serves as an output element. Device according to claim 8, wherein the three planetary gear sets (PG1, PG2, PG3) comprise: a first planetary gear set (PG1), which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, comprising a first sun gear (S1), a first ring gear (R1) and a first planet carrier (PC1), which supports a first pinion (P1) which is in mesh with the first sun gear (S1), and the first ring gear (R1) between them; a second planetary gear set (PG2), which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, comprising a second sun gear (S2), a second ring gear (R2) and a second planet carrier (PC2), which supports a second pinion (P2) which is in mesh with the second sun gear (S2), and the second ring gear (R2) between them;and a third planetary gear set (PG3), which is a planetary gear set with a single pinion, comprising a third sun gear (S3), a third ring gear (R3) and a third planet carrier (PC3), which supports a third pinion (P3) which is arranged between the third sun gear (S3) and the third ring gear (R3). Device according to claim 10, wherein the first, second and third ring gears (R1, R2, R3) of the first, second and third planet gear sets (PG1, PG2, PG3) are integrally formed and attached to the inner side of the housing (71) of the acceleration mechanism, the first sun gear (S1) is connected to the second planet carrier (PC2), the second sun gear (S2) is connected to the third planet carrier (PC3), and the rotational energy which is input by the power transmission mechanism (50) in one direction by means of the first planet carrier (PC1) is increased by means of the third sun gear (S3) and transferred to a rotational axis (61) of the generator (60). Device according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery (90) which is electrically connected to the rectifier (80) and accumulates electrical energy. Device for regenerating energy of a suspension system for a vehicle, the device comprising: a rotation locking mechanism (48) which rotates an output gear (41) integrally with a connection area (31) with the body of a suspension link (30) by connecting the output gear (41) to one side of the suspension link (30) and provides the degree of freedom with respect to a torsion of the suspension link (30); a force transmission mechanism (50) in one direction, which is connected to the output gear (41) of a bushing unit (40), receives the joint movement transmitted by an output gear (41) by means of a drive gear (51), and outputs rotational energy in one direction;and an acceleration mechanism (70) arranged between a generator (60) and the power transmission mechanism (50) in one direction, which transmits the rotational energy in one direction, which is transmitted by the power transmission mechanism (50) in one direction, to the generator (60), and a connecting area formed on the inner extension (41a) of the output gear (41), wherein the rotation locking mechanism (48) comprises: a fastening pin (P) projecting from the side of the suspension link (30); and a connecting member (49) comprising a round retaining ring (49a) integrally formed on a first side, which is to be coupled to the connecting area, and a slot (S) on a second side. Device according to claim 13, wherein the bushing unit (40) is arranged between the connection area (31) with the body of the suspension link (30) and a body (100) and outputs the joint movement of the suspension link (30) by means of the output gear (41). Device according to claim 13, further comprising: a generator (60) which is arranged on one side of the body (100) and generates electricity while being rotated in one direction by the transmitted rotational energy; and a rectifier (80) which is electrically connected to the generator (60) and rectifies the electricity generated by the generator (60).

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