Universal drive device

Abstract

Universal drive device, comprising: a sun gear (S) which is rotatable, a ring gear (R) arranged in a rotational plane coplanar to a rotational plane of the sun gear (S) and provided such that a rotational axis of the ring gear (R) is movable relative to a rotational axis of the sun gear (S), and a gear train (1) comprising at least two gears meshing with each other in series between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) and configured to allow relative movement between the rotational axis of the sun gear (S) and the rotational axis of the ring gear (R) and to define a continuous power transmission state between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a technology related to a drive device that receives power from a rotational power source such as an electric motor, converts the power into rotational force, and outputs the rotational force.

[0002] A drive device for a vehicle is configured to operate the vehicle by supplying power to wheels from a rotational power source such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

[0003] Recently, a hub motor type drive device has been proposed, which includes an electric motor directly installed in a drive wheel. However, the hub motor drive device cannot be widely used because it has problems with the durability of the electric motor, a problem with drivability due to an increase in unsprung mass, and the like.

[0004] DE 10 2009 002 089 A1 describes a universal drive device comprising a sun gear which is provided for rotation, a ring gear which is arranged in a rotation plane coplanar with a rotation plane of the sun gear and is provided such that a rotation axis of the ring gear is movable relative to a rotation axis of the sun gear, and a gear train which is configured such that it enables a relative movement between the rotation axis of the sun gear and the rotation axis of the ring gear and defines a continuous power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear.

[0005] Further universal drive devices are known from US 2 182 417 A, US 2020 / 0 003 277 A1, DE 10 2020 106 536 A1 and US 2 144 964 A.

[0006] Various aspects of the invention are directed to providing a universal drive device that receives power from a rotational power source such as an electric motor, converts the power into rotational force, and outputs the rotational force. The invention is also directed to providing a universal drive device used on a vehicle that appropriately supplies power input in the gear ratio to ensure excellent hill climbing and acceleration performance. The invention is also directed to providing a universal drive device that can be provided separately from a wheel that receives strong shocks and vibrations from a road to improve the durability of the power source such as an electric motor and ensure excellent drivability realized by reducing the unsprung mass of a vehicle.The invention is also directed to providing a universal drive device which can continuously transmit power from a power source in accordance with a vertical movement of a wheel without using a constant velocity joint, to reduce a space between the power source and the wheel, and to ensure excellent space utilization between a left wheel and a right wheel.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention by a universal drive device according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] Various aspects of the invention provide a universal drive device comprising a sun gear rotatably provided, a ring gear arranged in a rotational plane coplanar with a rotational plane of the sun gear and provided such that a rotational axis of the ring gear is movable relative to a rotational axis of the sun gear, and a gear train having at least two meshing gears in series between the sun gear and the ring gear and configured to allow relative movement between the rotational axis of the sun gear and the rotational axis of the ring gear and to define a continuous power transmission state between the sun gear and the ring gear.

[0009] The gear train may include a plurality of connecting pieces with connecting angles that vary depending on the relative movement between the axis of rotation of the sun gear and the axis of rotation of the ring gear.

[0010] The plurality of connecting pieces may include a first connecting piece connected to the rotation axis of the sun gear and a second connecting piece connected to the first connecting piece, and a common planetary gear (or a common pinion or a connecting pinion) having the same number of teeth as the sun gear may be provided at a connecting portion between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece.

[0011] A final planetary gear (or pinion gear) may be disposed on the second connecting piece and mesh with the ring gear, and the final planetary gear may have the same number of teeth as the sun gear.

[0012] The final planetary gear may be configured to transmit power to the ring gear through a series of gears connected from the sun gear to the common planetary gear.

[0013] The gear train can be provided in multiples.

[0014] Rotational axes of the final planetary gears of the plurality of gear trains can be supported on a carrier.

[0015] The plurality of links may include a first link connected to the rotational axis of the sun gear and a second link connected to the first link, and rotational axes of a series of gears may be provided on the first link and the second link to transmit power from the sun gear to the ring gear.

[0016] The gears arranged in even-numbered positions from the sun gear among the series of gears forming the gear train may have the same number of teeth as the sun gear.

[0017] A gear arranged in a second position from the sun gear may be a common planetary gear (or a connecting pinion) provided coaxially with a rotational axis of the first connecting piece and a rotational axis of the second connecting piece, and a gear arranged in a fourth position from the sun gear may be an end planetary gear (or an end pinion) meshing with the ring gear.

[0018] A first intermediate planetary gear (or a first intermediate pinion) having a rotational axis provided on the first connecting piece may mesh with the sun gear and the common planetary gear, and a second intermediate planetary gear (or a second intermediate pinion) having a rotational axis provided on the second connecting piece may mesh with the common planetary gear and the final planetary gear.

[0019] The gear train may be provided in a plurality, and the final planetary gears of the gear trains may be supported on a carrier so that relative positions between the final planetary gears are kept constant, and only the rotations of the final planetary gears about their own axes are possible.

[0020] The gear train may include at least four planetary gears (or pinions) continuously meshing with each other, and rotational axes of the at least four planetary gears may be rotatably supported on the plurality of connecting pieces continuously connected with each other.

[0021] The gear train may be configured to maintain a relative phase between the sun gear and the ring gear constant with respect to the relative movement between the rotational axis of the sun gear and the rotational axis of the ring gear in an up / down direction.

[0022] A final planetary gear (or pinion), which is a planetary gear (or pinion) among the planetary gears that meshes with the ring gear, may be supported on a carrier so that the final planetary gear is prevented from rotating about the sun gear and can only rotate about an axis of the final planetary gear.

[0023] The gear train may be provided in a plurality, and the plurality of gear trains may be symmetrical in a circumferential direction of the sun gear.

[0024] The gear train may be provided in a plurality, and the plurality of gear trains may be asymmetric in a circumferential direction of the sun gear.

[0025] A power source may be connected to the sun gear, a load may be connected to the ring gear, and a speed from the power source may be reduced (or retarded) and transmitted to the load.

[0026] A power source may be connected to the ring gear, a load may be connected to the sun gear, and a speed from the power source may be increased (or accelerated) and transmitted to the load.

[0027] A rotating shaft of an electric motor may be connected to the sun gear, and a wheel (e.g., a vehicle wheel) may be connected to the ring gear.

[0028] According to various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the universal drive device is applied to a vehicle and appropriately establishes a gear ratio to ensure excellent hill climbing and acceleration performance. Furthermore, the universal drive device may be provided separately from a vehicle wheel that absorbs strong shocks and vibrations from a road to improve the durability of the power source, such as an electric motor, and to ensure excellent drivability realized by reducing the unsprung mass of a vehicle.Furthermore, the universal drive device can continuously transmit power from a power source according to a vertical movement of the vehicle wheel without using a constant velocity joint to reduce a space between the power source and the vehicle wheel and ensure excellent space utilization between a left wheel and a right wheel.

[0029] Furthermore, the universal drive device reduces or increases a rotational force generated by a device other than a vehicle. The universal drive device defines a continuous power transmission state while absorbing free relative displacement between the rotational axis of the power source and the rotational axis of the load.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a view of a universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 is a view of the universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 a view of the universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention in comparison between the state in Fig. 2 and the state in which a ring gear is moved downwards; Fig. 4 a view of the universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention in comparison between the state in Fig. 2 and the state in which the ring gear is moved upwards; Fig. 5 is a view of the universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention used in a vehicle, comparing the state in Fig. 2 and states in which a wheel is moved up or down relative to a sun wheel; Fig. 6 is a view of a universal drive device according to a modified exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which an end planetary gear (or an end pinion) is engaged with an outer portion of a ring gear; Fig. 7 is a view of a universal drive device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comparing the initial state with the state in which a ring gear is moved upward relative to a sun gear; and Fig. 8 is a view of the universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention used in a vehicle.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In the figures, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the individual figures of the drawing.

[0033] 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 these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, variations, and other embodiments which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] Specific structural or functional descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed in the exemplary embodiment or application are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating the exemplary embodiments according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in various forms and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the exemplary embodiments described in the exemplary embodiment or application.

[0035] Since the exemplary embodiments of the invention are susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail in the exemplary embodiment or application. However, the descriptions of the specific exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the concept of the invention to the specific exemplary embodiments of the invention, but should be understood that the invention covers all modifications, variations, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0036] Terms such as "first" and / or "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

[0037] When a component is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that a component may be directly coupled or connected to another component, and an intervening component may also be present between the components. When a component is described as being "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component, it is understood that no intervening components are present between the components. Other expressions, such as "between" and "exactly between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," used to explain a relationship between components should be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0038] The terms used in the exemplary embodiment are used to describe only a specific embodiment and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular terms include plural terms unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. In the exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "comprising," "includes," "having," "containing," "has," "having," or other variations thereof are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the recited features, numbers, steps, acts, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, acts, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein that include technical and scientific terms have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which various exemplary embodiments of the invention belong. The terms, as defined in a commonly used lexicon, should be interpreted to have meanings consistent with meanings in the context related to technologies, and should not be interpreted as having ideal or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0040] An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals throughout the drawings refer to like parts.

[0041] All embodiments of a universal drive device according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the Fig. 1 to 7 commonly comprise a sun gear S which is provided for rotation, a ring gear R which is arranged in a rotational plane parallel to a rotational plane of the sun gear S and has a rotational axis which is configured to move relative to a rotational axis of the sun gear S, a gear train 1 which is configured to allow relative movement between the rotational axis of the sun gear S and the rotational axis of the ring gear R and to define a continuous power transmission state between the sun gear S and the ring gear R.

[0042] That is, according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the rotational axis of the sun gear S and the rotational axis of the ring gear R are maintained parallel to each other and allow relative displacement. Despite the relative displacement between the sun gear S and the ring gear R, the gear train 1 constantly maintains the state in which the sun gear S and the ring gear R can transmit power therebetween.

[0043] The gear train 1 has a plurality of connecting pieces with connection angles that vary depending on the relative movement between the axis of rotation of the sun gear S and the axis of rotation of the ring gear R.

[0044] The plurality of links may include a first link 3 connected to the rotational axis of the sun gear S and a second link 5 connected to the first link 3. Rotational axes of a series of gears configured to transmit power from the sun gear S to the ring gear R are provided on the first link 3 and the second link 5. A common planetary gear (or common pinion) 7 having the same number of teeth as the sun gear S is provided at a connecting portion between the first link 3 and the second link 5.

[0045] The second connecting piece 5 has an end planetary gear (or end pinion) 9 which meshes with the ring gear R and has the same number of teeth as the sun gear S.

[0046] Therefore, the final planetary gear 9 can transmit the power to the ring gear R via the series of gears arranged from the sun gear S to the common planetary gear 7. The sun gear S, the common planetary gear 7, and the final planetary gear 9 can have the same number of teeth.

[0047] As described above, in order to allow the relative movement of the ring gear R to the sun gear S and to maintain the continuous power transmission state between the sun gear S and the ring gear R when the gear train 1 is provided in a plurality, the sun gear S, the common planetary gear 7, and the final planetary gear 9, which are gears arranged at even-numbered positions from the sun gear S among the series of gears constituting the gear train 1, must have the same number of teeth.

[0048] A first intermediate planetary gear (or first intermediate pinion) 11 with a rotational axis provided on the first connecting piece 3 meshes with the sun gear S and the common planetary gear 7. A second intermediate planetary gear (or second intermediate pinion) 13 with a rotational axis provided on the second connecting piece 5 meshes with the common planetary gear 7 and the final planetary gear 9.

[0049] Therefore, the power from the sun gear S can be transmitted to the ring gear R sequentially via the first intermediate planetary gear 11, the common planetary gear 7, the second intermediate planetary gear 13 and the final planetary gear 9.

[0050] In the case where the plurality of gear trains 1 are provided as described above, the final planetary gears 9 of the plurality of gear trains 1 are rotatably supported on a carrier C, so that the relative positions between the final planetary gears 9 of the plurality of gear trains 1 are kept constant and only the rotations of the final planetary gears 9 about their own axes are allowed.

[0051] Of course, even with the Fig. 1, the final planetary gear 9, which is in engagement with the ring gear R, is supported on the carrier C, so that the final planetary gear 9 is prevented from rotating about the sun gear S and can be rotated about the axis of the final planetary gear 9.

[0052] However, as in Fig. 2, the final planetary gear 9 is in engagement with an inner portion of the ring gear R. With reference to the Fig. 6, the final planetary gear 9 may engage with an outer portion of the ring gear R.

[0053] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 5, when the ring gear R is moved up or down relative to the sun gear S, the angles between the first links 3 and the second links 5 of the gear trains 1 are changed, the first intermediate planetary gears 11 are constantly kept in mesh with the sun gear S, and the final planetary gears 9 are constantly kept in mesh with the ring gear R to realize a smooth power transmission between the sun gear S and the ring gear R.

[0054] The rotational axis of the sun gear S and the rotational axis of the ring gear R are moved relative to each other in the up / down direction, while the gear train 1 maintains the relative phase between the sun gear S and the ring gear R constant.

[0055] In the present case, the configuration in which the relative phase between the sun gear S and the ring gear R is kept constant with respect to the relative movement between the sun gear S and the ring gear R may mean that the phases in the rotation direction of the points PS and PR marked at 0-degree positions of the sun gear S and the ring gear R are kept constant at the 0-degree positions even if the ring gear R is moved up or down relative to the sun gear S, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown.

[0056] That is, in various exemplary embodiments of the invention, in the case where the sun gear S and the ring gear R are connected to the plurality of gear trains 1, the gear trains 1 must be configured such that the relative phase between the sun gear S and the ring gear R is maintained constant when the ring gear R is moved upward relative to the sun gear S. Furthermore, the gear train 1 must be configured such that the sun gear S, the common planetary gear 7, and the final planetary gear 9, which are gears arranged in the even-numbered positions of the sun gear S, have the same number of teeth as described above.

[0057] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 7, the gear train 1 may be provided in a plurality, and the plurality of gear trains 1 may be symmetrical in a circumferential direction of the sun gear S.

[0058] In addition, the plurality of gear trains 1 may be asymmetric in the circumferential direction of the sun gear S.

[0059] With reference to the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 7, four gear trains 1 are provided, and the first intermediate planetary gear 11 and the second intermediate planetary gear 13 have different sizes and a different number of teeth.

[0060] That is, the first intermediate planetary gear 11 and the second intermediate planetary gear 13 may have a different number of teeth from the sun gear S, and the first intermediate planetary gear 11 and the second intermediate planetary gear 13 may have a different number of teeth from each other, as long as the common planetary gear 7 and the final planetary gear 9 each have the same number of teeth as the sun gear S.

[0061] When a power source is connected to the sun gear S and a load is connected to the ring gear R, the speed is reduced by the power source and transmitted to the load.

[0062] In addition, when the power source is connected to the ring gear R and the load is connected to the sun gear S, the speed is increased from the power source and transmitted to the load.

[0063] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 8, the universal drive device U according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention can be used as a drive device for a vehicle, wherein a rotary shaft of an electric motor M is connected to the sun gear S, and a gear W is connected to the ring gear R.

[0064] In the present case, since the rotational speed input to the sun gear S is appropriately reduced by the ring gear R, it is possible to ensure excellent uphill and acceleration performance of the vehicle.

[0065] In addition, since the electric motor M is provided separately on the outer side of the wheel W rather than in the wheel W which receives strong shocks and vibrations, it is possible to improve the durability of the electric motor M and ensure excellent drivability by reducing the unsprung mass of a vehicle.

[0066] Furthermore, the ring gear R connected to the wheel W can be moved upward or downward relative to the sun gear S connected to the power source, enabling constant power transmission, thus enabling continuous power transmission from the power source according to the vertical movement of the wheel W without using a constant velocity joint of the prior art. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a space between the power source and the wheel W, thus ensuring excellent space utilization between the left wheel W and the right wheel W.

[0067] For ease of explanation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," "upward," "downward," "front," "backward," "inside," "outside," "inside," "outside," "inward," "outer," "forward," and "backward" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of those features shown in the figures. It is understood that the term "connect" or variations thereof refers to both direct and indirect connection.

Claims

[1] Universal drive device, comprising: a sun gear (S) which is rotatable, a ring gear (R) arranged in a rotational plane coplanar to a rotational plane of the sun gear (S) and provided such that a rotational axis of the ring gear (R) is movable relative to a rotational axis of the sun gear (S), and a gear train (1) comprising at least two gears meshing with each other in series between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) and configured to allow relative movement between the rotational axis of the sun gear (S) and the rotational axis of the ring gear (R) and to define a continuous power transmission state between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R). [2] Universal drive device according to claim 1, wherein the gear train (1) has a plurality of connecting pieces with connection angles that vary depending on the relative movement between the axis of rotation of the sun gear (S) and the axis of rotation of the ring gear (R). [3] Universal drive device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of connectors comprises: a first connecting piece (3), a first end of which is connected to the axis of rotation of the sun gear (S), and a second connecting piece (5), a first end of which is connected to a second end of the first connecting piece (3), and wherein a common planetary gear (7) having the same number of teeth as the sun gear (S) is provided at a connecting portion between the second end of the first connecting piece (3) and the first end of the second connecting piece (5). [4] Universal drive device according to claim 3, wherein a final planetary gear (9) is arranged at a second end of the second link (5) and meshes with the ring gear (R), and the final planetary gear (9) has the same number of teeth as the sun gear (S). [5] Universal drive device according to claim 4, wherein the gear train (1) further comprises a series of gears, and wherein the final planetary gear (9) is configured to transmit power to the ring gear (R) via the series of gears connected from the sun gear (S) to the common planetary gear (7). [6] Universal drive device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the gear train (1) is provided in a plurality. [7] Universal drive device according to claim 6, wherein axes of rotation of the end planetary gears (9) of the plurality of gear trains (1) are supported on a carrier (C). [8] Universal drive device according to claim 2, wherein the gear train (1) further comprises a series of gears, and wherein the plurality of connectors comprises: a first connecting piece (3) connected to the axis of rotation of the sun gear (S), and a second connecting piece (5) connected to the first connecting piece (3), and wherein rotation axes of the series of gears are provided on the first link (3) and the second link (5) to transmit power from the sun gear (S) to the ring gear (R). [9] A universal drive device according to claim 8, wherein gears arranged among the series of gears constituting the gear train (1) at even-numbered positions from the sun gear (S) have the same number of teeth as the sun gear (S). [10] A universal drive device according to claim 9, wherein a gear arranged in a second position of the sun gear (S) is a common planetary gear (7) provided coaxially with a rotational axis of the first link (3) and a rotational axis of the second link (5), and a gear arranged in a fourth position of the sun gear (S) is a final planetary gear (9) meshing with the ring gear (R). [11] Universal drive device according to claim 10, wherein a first intermediate planetary gear (11) having a rotational axis provided on the first connecting piece (3) is engaged with the sun gear (S) and the common planetary gear (7), and a second intermediate planetary gear (13) having a rotational axis provided on the second connecting piece (5) is engaged with the common planetary gear (7) and the final planetary gear (9). [12] Universal drive device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the gear train (1) is provided in a plurality, and the end planetary gears (9) of the gear trains (1) are supported on a carrier (C) so that relative positions between the end planetary gears (9) are kept constant, and only rotations of the end planetary gears (9) about their own axes are possible. [13] A universal drive device according to claim 2, wherein the gear train (1) has at least four planetary gears continuously meshing with each other, and rotational axes of the at least four planetary gears are rotatably supported on the plurality of links continuously connected with each other. [14] A universal drive device according to claim 13, wherein the gear train (1) is configured to maintain a relative phase between the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) constant with respect to the relative movement between the rotational axis of the sun gear (S) and the rotational axis of the ring gear (R) in an up / down direction. [15] A universal drive device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a final planetary gear (9), which is a planetary gear among the at least four planetary gears, which is engaged with the ring gear (R), is supported on a carrier (C) so that the final planetary gear (9) is prevented from rotating around the sun gear (S) and can only be rotated around an axis of the final planetary gear (9). [16] A universal drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the gear train (1) is provided in a plurality, and the plurality of gear trains (1) are symmetrical in a circumferential direction of the sun gear (S). [17] A universal drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the gear train (1) is provided in a plurality, and the plurality of gear trains (1) are asymmetrical in a circumferential direction of the sun gear (S). [18] A universal drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a power source is connected to the sun gear (S), a load is connected to the ring gear (R), and a rotational speed is reduced by the power source and transmitted to the load. [19] A universal drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a power source is connected to the ring gear (R), a load is connected to the sun gear (S), and a rotational speed is increased by the power source and transmitted to the load. [20] Universal drive device according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a rotary shaft of an electric motor (M) is connected to the sun gear (S), and a gear (W) is connected to the ring gear (R).

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