Vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device

Abstract

Vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device, the vehicle wheel comprising: a wheel hub motor (110) having a rotor (112) mounted on an inner diameter section of a rim (100) of a drive wheel and a stator (114) arranged on an inner diameter section of the rotor (112); a vehicle body mounting plate (200) mounted in a predetermined position on a vehicle body; a pivot hub (120) pivotably connected to the vehicle body mounting plate (200) and a steering device (150) and arranged on a central section of the rim (100); a plurality of dampers (130), each having an end section fixed to an inner diameter section of a housing of the stator (114) and another end section fixed to an outer surface of the pivot hub (120);and a spring (140) which is resiliently supported by being connected between the inner diameter section of the housing of the stator (114) and the outer surface of the pivot hub (120), wherein: the pivot hub (120) is provided in the form of a triangular block and a concave spring support surface (122) is formed on an outer surface of the triangular block such that it supports an end section of the spring (140).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device, and more particularly to a structure of a wheel with a suspension and a steering device in which suspension parts for absorbing a shock from a road surface and steering parts for steering are mounted on a drive wheel of a vehicle.

[0002] As environmentally friendly future means of transportation, autonomous electric vehicles as well as electric bikes, electric scooters, Segway devices, electric bicycles and the like have been investigated as personal mobility vehicles and developed for various purposes and in various forms.

[0003] For example, as future vehicles increasingly tend to move quickly over short distances in urban areas, a hub motor has been developed, in which a battery-powered electric motor is integrated into a drive wheel. Furthermore, a so-called geo-orbital bike has been developed, in which a battery and an electric motor are integrated into a bicycle's drive wheel.

[0004] For reference, an electric motor used in the in-wheel motor is a direct drive motor. The direct drive motor includes a rotor mounted on a rim of a drive wheel and a stator disposed at an inner diameter portion of the rotor.

[0005] Therefore, when a current is supplied to the wheel hub motor and therefore the rotor rotates, a tire mounted on an outer diameter portion of the rim of a drive wheel in addition to the drive wheel is rotated so that the drive of a vehicle can be performed.

[0006] However, since the internal space of the drive wheel is limited when the in-wheel motor is used in the vehicle, a suspension stay and a spring damper constituting a suspension are separately installed on a vehicle body. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the weight of the vehicle body is inevitably increased and a complicated vehicle body structure design is required.

[0007] Furthermore, since vibration and shock are directly transmitted from a road surface to the drive wheel while the vehicle is running, the vibration and shock are a cause of a reduction in the durability of the in-wheel motor mounted in the drive wheel.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a measure capable of simplifying a drive system of a vehicle and protecting a wheel hub motor and the like by installing a suspension and the like directly into a drive wheel.

[0009] The invention provides a vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device, which is capable of not only simplifying a drive system but also reducing the number of parts and weight by installing a suspension combined with a damper and a spring in a housing of a stator of a wheel hub motor installed in each wheel of a vehicle and directly connecting a steering device to the suspension.

[0010] According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device, which comprises: a wheel hub motor (or an in-wheel electric motor) having a rotor mounted on an inner diameter portion of a rim of a drive wheel and a stator arranged on an inner diameter portion of the rotor, a vehicle body mounting plate mounted in a predetermined position of a vehicle body, a pivot hub (ora pivotable, tiltable, or tilting hub) pivotally connected to the vehicle body mounting plate and a steering device and disposed at a central portion of the rim, a plurality of dampers, each damper of the plurality of dampers having one end portion fixed to an inner diameter portion of a housing of the stator and another end portion fixed to an outer surface of the pivot hub, and a spring resiliently supported by being connected between the inner diameter portion of the housing of the stator and the outer surface of the pivot hub.

[0011] A wire connection terminal may be formed on the vehicle body mounting plate to supply battery power to the wheel hub motor and an actuator of the steering device.

[0012] Further, the pivot hub may be provided in a shape of a triangular block, and a concave spring support surface may be formed on each outer surface of the triangular block so as to support an end portion of the spring.

[0013] Furthermore, the damper may include a first cylinder in which a damping fluid is stored, and a first piston mounted to be capable of moving into or out of the first cylinder, so that the first cylinder of the damper may be fixed to the inner diameter portion of the stator housing. The first piston may be fixed to the outer surface of the pivot hub.

[0014] Furthermore, the spring may be provided as an elliptical leaf spring such that it is arranged on one side of the damper and at the same time is connected (or connected) between the inner diameter portion of the housing of the stator and the outer surface of the pivot hub.

[0015] Furthermore, the steering device may include a steering support shaft having one end portion rotatably connected to a central portion of the pivot hub and another end portion fixed to a central portion of the vehicle body mounting plate. The steering device may also include a plurality of steering actuators rotatably connected between (or connected to) an outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate and an outer peripheral portion of the pivot hub, and configured to steer the pivot hub at a predetermined angle.

[0016] One end portion of the steering support shaft may be rotatably connected to a central portion of an inner surface of the pivot hub via a ball joint.

[0017] The steering actuator may be used as an electric actuator in which a second piston is mounted for reciprocating movement within a second cylinder. The second cylinder of the steering actuator may be connected to the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate via a ball joint. The second piston may be rotatably connected to the outer peripheral portion of the pivot hub via a ball joint.

[0018] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar term, as used herein, encompasses general motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, as well as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from feedstocks other than petroleum). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, for example, both gasoline power and electric power.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective rear view of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention; Fig. 3 a front view of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention; Fig. 4 a rear view of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a section of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a steering operation of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention; and Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a steering operation of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention.

[0020] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes disclosed herein, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and usage environment.

[0021] In the figures, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the individual figures of the drawing.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0023] Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 show a vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention. The reference numeral 100 refers to a rim of a vehicle wheel.

[0025] The rim 100 of a drive wheel has a cylindrical shape, and a tire 102 is on an outer diameter section of the rim 100 mounted.

[0026] Furthermore, a typical wheel hub motor 110 on the rim 100 of the drive wheel.

[0027] The wheel hub motor 110 is a direct drive motor. The direct drive motor has a rotor 112 , which is attached to an inner diameter section of the rim 100 of the drive wheel and a stator 114 which is attached to an inner diameter section of the rotor 112 is arranged.

[0028] Therefore, if the wheel hub motor 110 a current is supplied and the rotor 112turns, the tire 102 , which is attached to the outer diameter section of the rim 100 of the drive wheel in addition to the rim 100 of the drive wheel is rotated in such a way that the drive of a vehicle can be carried out.

[0029] According to the invention, a pivoting hub 120 arranged in such a way that they are located in a central section of the rim 100 is steerable, and a vehicle body mounting plate 200 is firmly mounted in a predetermined position on a vehicle body.

[0030] Furthermore, as described below, a steering device 150 for steering the swivel hub 120 between the swivel hub 120 and the vehicle body mounting plate 200 connected.

[0031] A line connection connection 202 is on the vehicle body mounting plate 200 designed to provide the wheel hub motor 110and an actuating device 154 the steering device 150 to supply battery power.

[0032] For example, a wire connector connected to a battery is connected to the wire connection terminal 202 engaged, and a line extending from the line connection terminal 202 is connected to a coil which is located in the stator 114 of the wheel hub motor 110 is included, so that the battery current is supplied to the wheel hub motor 110 can be supplied.

[0033] In particular, as a suspension capable of absorbing a driving vibration and a shock generated by the tire 102 released, to absorb immediately, a plurality of dampers 130 and a plurality of springs 140 between the swivel hub 120 and a stator housing 114 connected.

[0034] The damper 130has a first cylinder 132 , in which a damping fluid is stored, and a first piston 134 which is mounted in such a way that it enters the first cylinder 132 can enter or exit from it. The spring 140 is designed as an elliptical leaf spring.

[0035] In this case, one end section of each damper 130 from the majority of dampers 130 on an inner diameter section of the stator housing 114 fixed, and the other end section of each damper 130 of which is on an outer surface of the swivel hub 120 fixed.

[0036] The first cylinder 132 of the damper 130 is on the inner diameter section of the stator housing 114 fixed, and the first piston 134 is on the outer surface of the swivel hub 120 fixed.

[0037] Furthermore, the spring 140as an elliptical leaf spring such that it is arranged on one side of the damper 130 is arranged, and at the same time an end portion of the spring 140 with the inner diameter section of the stator housing 114 connected, and the other end section of the spring 140 of which is on the outer surface of the swivel hub 120 fixed.

[0038] The swivel hub 120 is designed in the form of a triangular block. A concave spring support surface 122 is formed on each outer surface of the triangular block in such a way that it contacts the other end portion of the spring 140 (a curved surface of one side of the elliptical leaf spring) lightly supports and fixes.

[0039] The steering device 150 is a device for steering the swivel hub 120 . The steering device 150 has a steering support axle 152 which is located between the swivel hub 120and a middle section of the vehicle body mounting plate 200 is connected. The steering device 150 has a plurality of steering actuation devices 154 which is located between the swivel hub 120 and an outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate 200 is connected.

[0040] An end section of the steering support axle 152 is provided with a middle section of the pivot hub 120 rotatably connected, and the other end section of the steering support axle 152 of which is on the middle section of the vehicle body mounting plate 200 fixed.

[0041] Furthermore, the steering control device 154 between the swivel hub 120 and the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate 200 rotatably connected so that they can rotate the swivel hub 120 at a predetermined angle.

[0042] An end section of the steering support axle 152 is connected via a first ball joint 161 with a central portion of an inner surface of the pivot hub 120 rotatably connected.

[0043] The steering control device 154 is used as an electrical actuating device in which a second piston 158 mounted in such a way that it is in a second cylinder 156 can be moved back and forth.

[0044] Therefore, the second cylinder 156 the steering control device 154 via a second ball joint 162 with the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate 200 connected, and the second piston 158 is connected via a third ball joint 163 with an outer peripheral section of the pivot hub 120 rotatably connected.

[0045] Next, an operating state of the wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention having the configuration described above will be described.

[0046] First, if the line connection terminal 202 the vehicle body mounting plate 200 a battery current is supplied via the line extending from the line connection terminal 202 extends, the coil which is in the stator 114 of the wheel hub motor 110 included, a current is supplied so that the rotor 112 of the wheel hub motor 110 is driven so that it rotates.

[0047] Accordingly, when the rotor 112 due to the supply of current to the wheel hub motor 110 turns, the tire 102 , which is attached to the outer diameter section of the rim 100 of the drive wheel in addition to the rim 100of the drive wheel, so that the drive of a vehicle is carried out.

[0048] In this case, while the vehicle is moving, a vibration and shock from a road surface can be transmitted through the tire 102 and the rim 100 of the drive wheel directly to the wheel hub motor 110 be submitted.

[0049] As described above, even if the vibration and shock from the road surface are directly transmitted to the wheel hub motor, 110 be released, the damper 130 and the feather 140 which is located between the housing of the stator 114 of the wheel hub motor 110 and the swivel hub 120 connected, directly and double the vibration and shock.

[0050] In other words, a process in which the first piston 134 from the first cylinder 132 of the damper 130 protrudes or the first piston134 into the first cylinder 132 is inserted, and at the same time a compression and spring return process of the spring 140 repeatedly, so that it is possible to instantly absorb the vibration and shock from the road surface while driving.

[0051] As described above, during driving, the vibration and shock from the road surface in the damper 130 and the feather 140 be absorbed immediately, so that the wheel hub motor 110 can be protected from vibration and shock, and therefore it is possible to avoid a reduction in the durability of the wheel hub motor 110 due to vibration and shock.

[0052] In this case, while the vehicle is moving, each wheel (four wheels) can be steered independently by the steering device 150 be performed.

[0053] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show a steering operation of the vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device according to the invention.

[0054] When a driver steers a steering wheel, a control device receives a steering angle detection signal of the steering wheel and supplies the steering actuator 154 a current for operation.

[0055] In this case, as described above, three steering actuators 154 be provided in such a way that they are located between the swivel hub 120 and the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate 200 are rotatably connected, and can be arranged respectively on a front side, a middle side and a rear side in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0056] Therefore, when the driver steers the steering wheel to a left side to turn left, a second piston 158 the front steering control device 154among the three steering controls 154 moved forward to the swivel hub 120 in a forward direction, and at the same time a second piston 158 the rear steering control device 154 moved backwards to the swivel hub 120 in a reverse direction, so that steering of the swivel hub 120 to the left.

[0057] At the same time, steering of the wheel hub motor 110 , which is connected to the damper 130 and the feather 140 with the swivel hub 120 connected, to the left at the same angle, and the rim 100 of the drive wheel, which is connected to the rotor 112 of the wheel hub motor 110 is coupled, and the tire 102 on an outer diameter section of the wheel hub motor 110 also perform a steering maneuver to the left.

[0058] When the driver turns the steering wheel to the right to turn right, a second piston 158 the front steering control device 154 among the three steering controls 154 moved backwards to the swivel hub 120 in the reverse direction, and at the same time a second piston 158 the rear steering control device 154 moved forward to the swivel hub 120 in the forward direction so that steering of the swivel hub 120 to the right.

[0059] At the same time, steering of the wheel hub motor 110 , which is connected to the damper 130 and the feather 140 with the swivel hub 120 connected, to the right at the same angle, and the rim 100 of the drive wheel, which is connected to the rotor 112 of the wheel hub motor 110 is coupled, and the tire 102on the outer diameter section of the wheel hub motor 110 also perform a steering maneuver to the right.

[0060] Since the steering device 150 mounted on each of the four wheels mounted on the vehicle, independent steering of the four wheels is possible.

[0061] Consequently, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when the driver turns the steering wheel to the right or left to perform rightward or leftward steering of a front wheel, a rear wheel is also steered in the same direction as the front wheel, making it possible to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle. As a result, the driving stability of the vehicle can be improved.

[0062] As in Fig.7, when the driver turns the steering wheel to the right side or the left side to perform steering of a front wheel to the right or to the left, steering of the rear wheel is performed in a direction opposite to the direction of the front wheel, so that it is possible to provide an advantage of enabling rapid cornering of the vehicle.

[0063] As described above, a suspension combined with a damper and a spring is installed on a housing of a stator of an in-wheel motor installed in each wheel of a vehicle, and a steering device is directly connected to the suspension, so that it is possible not only to instantly absorb vibration and shock from a road surface during driving but also to improve steering performance.

[0064] The invention provides the following effects by the means described above.

[0065] First, a suspension combined with a damper and a spring is installed on a housing of a stator of an in-wheel motor installed in each wheel of a vehicle, and a steering device is directly connected to the suspension, so that it is possible not only to simplify a drive system having the exclusion of a drive shaft but also to reduce the number of parts and weight because the chassis parts of the suspension installed separately on the vehicle can be omitted.

[0066] Secondly, the suspension combined with the damper and spring and the steering device are directly installed on a wheel of a personal mobility vehicle such as an electric bike, an electric scooter, a Segway, an electric bicycle and the like, so that it is possible to meet the driving behavior of the personal mobility vehicles and diverse needs.

[0067] Thirdly, independent driving and steering of each wheel is possible, so there is an advantage in that four-wheel steering is always possible.

[0068] Fourthly, during vehicle braking, if a reverse current is supplied to the stator of the wheel hub motor, braking of the wheel is possible, so there is an advantage in that no additional braking device needs to be installed.

[0069] Fifth, even if vibration and shock from a road surface are directly transmitted to a drive wheel while the vehicle is running, the damper and spring connected between the hub motor's stator housing and a swing hub can directly absorb the vibration and shock, thus protecting the hub motor from vibration and shock. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the durability of the hub motor due to vibration and shock.

Claims

[1] Vehicle wheel with a suspension and a steering device, the vehicle wheel comprising: a wheel hub motor (110) having a rotor (112) mounted on an inner diameter portion of a rim (100) of a drive wheel and a stator (114) disposed on an inner diameter portion of the rotor (112); a vehicle body mounting plate (200) mounted in a predetermined position of a vehicle body; a pivot hub (120) pivotally connected to the vehicle body mounting plate (200) and a steering device (150) and disposed at a central portion of the rim (100); a plurality of dampers (130), each having one end portion fixed to an inner diameter portion of a housing of the stator (114) and another end portion fixed to an outer surface of the pivot hub (120); and a spring (140) resiliently supported by being connected between the inner diameter portion of the housing of the stator (114) and the outer surface of the pivot hub (120). [2] The vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein a wire connection terminal (202) is formed on the vehicle body mounting plate (200) to supply a battery current to the wheel hub motor (110) and an actuator (154) of the steering device (150). [3] Vehicle wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the pivot hub (120) is provided in a shape of a triangular block; and a concave spring support surface (122) is formed on an outer surface of the triangular block such that it supports an end portion of the spring (140). [4] A vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the damper (130) comprises a first cylinder (132) in which a damping fluid is stored, and a first piston (134) mounted to enter or exit the first cylinder (132). [5] The vehicle wheel according to claim 4, wherein the first cylinder (132) of the damper (130) is fixed to the inner diameter portion of the housing of the stator (114), and the first piston (134) is fixed to the outer surface of the pivot hub (120). [6] A vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spring (140) is provided as an elliptical leaf spring such that it is arranged on one side of the damper (130), and at the same time is connected between the inner diameter portion of the housing of the stator (114) and the outer surface of the pivot hub (120). [7] Vehicle wheel according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steering device (150) comprises: a steering support shaft (152) having one end portion rotatably connected to a central portion of the pivot hub (120) and another end portion fixed to a central portion of the vehicle body mounting plate (200); and a plurality of steering actuators (154) rotatably connected between an outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate (200) and an outer peripheral portion of the pivot hub (120) and configured to steer the pivot hub (120) at a predetermined angle. [8] A vehicle wheel according to claim 7, wherein said one end portion of said steering support shaft (152) is rotatably connected to a central portion of an inner surface of said pivot hub (120) via a first ball joint (161). [9] A vehicle wheel according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the steering actuator (154) is used as an electric actuator in which a second piston (158) is mounted to be reciprocable in a second cylinder (156). [10] Vehicle wheel according to claim 9, wherein: the second cylinder (156) of the steering actuator (154) is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body mounting plate (200) via a second ball joint (162); and the second piston (158) is rotatably connected to the outer peripheral portion of the pivot hub (120) via a third ball joint (163).

Images