Support arrangement for a wheel-side reduction drive

Abstract

Support arrangement (100; 200) for a wheel-side reduction drive (10), the support arrangement (100; 200) comprising: an axle element (1), a support element (2), and a plurality of screws (3a, 3b) extending in the axial direction and connecting the support element (2) to the axle element (1), wherein an axial end face of the axle element (1) or the support element (2) forms axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) and an axial end face of the other of the axle element (1) and the support element (2) forms axially extending recesses (1b, 2b), wherein the axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) are received in the axially extending recesses (1b, 2b), whereby a torque-resistant connection is formed between the axle element (1) and the support element (2) with respect to a rotation axis (5) parallel to the axial direction.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support assembly for a wheel-side reduction drive, an axle assembly including this support assembly, and an electric vehicle.

[0002] In many motor vehicles, for example, electric vehicles, the drive shafts are coupled to the drive wheels via wheel-end reduction drives, which reduce the high speed of the drive shafts to a lower speed of the drive wheels. A wheel-end reduction drive often includes an epicyclic gear or a planetary gear. An epicyclic gear typically comprises a sun gear, a ring gear, a planet carrier, and planet gears rotatably mounted on the planet carrier, with the planet gears drivingly connected to or meshing with the sun gear and ring gear. Epicyclic gears are widely used in wheel-end reduction drives due to their high compactness.

[0003] A support assembly for supporting the sun gear, ring gear, and planet carrier of the epicyclic gear-side reduction drive typically includes an axle member, such as an axle housing or knuckle, and a support member mounted on the axle member. Typically, the support member is mounted on the axle member via fasteners such as bolts. One of the sun gear, ring gear, and planet carrier of the epicyclic gear-side reduction drive can then be rigidly connected or fixed to the support member.

[0004] To increase the strength and durability of the support assembly, the axle member and the support member may additionally be connected to each other via a splined connection. For example, the axle member may have a tubular female portion with a cylindrical inner surface and a plurality of radially inwardly directed splines formed therein. And the support member may include a male portion having a cylindrical outer surface with a plurality of radially outwardly directed splines formed therein. The male portion of the support member is then typically received within the tubular female portion of the axle member, with the splines of the axle member and the splines of the support member engaging each other to form a torque-resistant connection between the axle member and the support member.

[0005] However, creating a keyed connection between the axle element and the support element, as described above, typically requires a high degree of precision and specialized, expensive tooling. Consequently, manufacturing a support assembly of the type described above can be labor-intensive and costly.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a support arrangement for an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive with an alternative torque-resistant connection between an axle element and a support element, which can preferably be manufactured simply and as cost-effectively as possible.

[0007] This need is met by a support assembly for an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive having the features of claim 1, by an axle assembly having this support assembly, and by an electric vehicle having this axle assembly. Particular embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The support assembly for a wheel-side reduction drive proposed here comprises an axle element, a support element, and a plurality of screws extending in the axial direction and connecting the support element to the axle element. An axial end surface of the axle element and / or the support element forms axially projecting tooth elements, and an axial end surface of at least the other of the axle element and the support element forms axially extending recesses. The axially projecting tooth elements are received in the axially extending recesses, thereby forming a torque-resistant connection between the axle element and the support element with respect to a rotational axis parallel to the axial direction.

[0009] The torque-resistant connection between the axle element and the support element with the axially projecting tooth elements accommodated in the axially extending recesses can generally be produced more easily and cost-effectively than with known support arrangements for wheel-side reduction drives.

[0010] The axially projecting tooth elements may be formed integrally with the axle element or the support element. For example, some or all of the axially projecting tooth elements may be formed integrally with the axle element. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the axially projecting tooth elements may be formed integrally with the support element. Alternatively, it is conceivable for some or all of the tooth elements to be formed as separate parts that are connected to the axial end surface of the axle element or the support element, for example, via fastening elements such as screws. The tooth elements and recesses may be arranged symmetrically to the axis of rotation.

[0011] At least one of the plurality of screws connecting the support member to the axle member may extend through one or more of the axially projecting tooth members.

[0012] The axle member and the support member may each have an axially extending through-hole aligned with the rotational axis and configured to receive a drive shaft therethrough. The axle member may, for example, comprise a tubular axle journal configured to support a wheel hub. The tubular axle journal may then have an axially extending through-hole as described above.

[0013] One or more contact surfaces of the toothed elements configured to transmit and / or absorb torque between the support element and the axle element can extend parallel to the axial direction. For example, the axis of rotation can lie in a plane with one or more contact surfaces of the toothed elements. In this way, the contact surfaces of the toothed elements can efficiently transmit and / or absorb torque between the axle element and the support element.

[0014] The support element can be a ring gear carrier. Or, to put it another way, the support element can be configured to be fixedly connected to a ring gear of the epicyclic gear-side reduction drive. The ring gear carrier can then, for example, be a gear-like element having a circular edge with radially outwardly directed teeth. The radially outwardly directed teeth of the ring gear carrier can then be engaged with the corresponding radially inwardly directed teeth of the ring gear, for example, to establish a torque-resistant connection between the ring gear carrier and the ring gear. However, it is also conceivable that the support element, in some embodiments, supports a planet carrier of an epicyclic gear-side reduction drive. That is, in some embodiments, the support element can be designed to be fixedly connected to a planet carrier of an epicyclic gear-side reduction drive.

[0015] The axle element can be a steering knuckle. However, it is also conceivable that the axle element is or includes an axle housing, for example.

[0016] The proposed axle assembly comprises the previously described support assembly and an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive mounted on the support assembly. The epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive may, for example, comprise an outer ring gear mounted on the support element. The outer ring gear may have an axis of symmetry aligned with the axis of rotation. The outer ring gear may have a plurality of radially inwardly directed teeth.

[0017] The axle assembly may further include a wheel hub rotatably supported on the axle member and a drive shaft. The drive shaft may be coupled to the wheel hub via the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive. The epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive may further include a sun gear that may be fixedly mounted on the drive shaft. The epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive may also include a planetary carrier and a plurality of planetary gears rotatably mounted on the planetary carrier. The planetary carrier may, for example, be fixedly mounted on the wheel hub or fixedly connected to it. The planetary gears may mesh with the sun gear and the outer ring gear.

[0018] The electric vehicle proposed here comprises an electric motor and the aforementioned axle arrangement. The electric motor can be connected to the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive or can be connected to it.

[0019] Embodiments of the proposed support arrangement, the axle arrangement and the electric vehicle are shown in the attached drawing and are described in the following detailed description. In the figures, Fig. 1 a perspective view of a support arrangement according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 an axial cross-section through a detail of the support arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 3a a perspective view of an axle element of the support arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 3b a perspective view of a support element of the support arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 4a a circumferential cross-section of a detail of the support arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 4b is a perspective view of elements of the support arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 5a a plan view of an axle element according to a second embodiment, Fig. 5b a perspective section through the axle element of Fig. 5a and by the tooth elements of a support element connected to the axle arrangement, Fig. 6a is a plan view of a support arrangement according to a third embodiment, Fig. 6b a perspective view of the support arrangement of Fig. 6a, Fig. 7a a perspective view of an axle element of the support arrangement of Fig. 6a, Fig. 7b a perspective view of a support element of the support arrangement of Fig. 6a, Fig. 8 an axial cross-section of an axle arrangement with the support arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 9a a perspective view of a support element and a ring gear of the axle assembly of Fig. 8, Fig. 9b a perspective view of a planet carrier of the axle arrangement of Fig. 8, Fig. 10 a perspective view of the axle arrangement of Fig. 8, and Fig. 11 schematically shows an electric vehicle with the axle arrangement of Fig. 8.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a support assembly 100 of the presently proposed type according to a first embodiment. The support assembly 100 is configured to support a wheel-side reduction drive for a motor vehicle, e.g., an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive. The support assembly comprises an axle element 1, a support element 2, and a plurality of bolts 3a, 3b connecting the support element 2 to the axle element 1. Fig. 1 further shows a wheel hub 4 which is rotatably mounted on the axle element 1 and configured to rotate with respect to a rotation axis 5. The screws 3a, 3b which connect the support element 2 to the axle element 1 run parallel to the rotation axis 5. In the embodiment shown here, a total of six screws 3a, 3b are present which connect the support element 2 to the axle element 1. The screws 3a, 3b are arranged symmetrically to the rotation axis 5. For illustrative purposes only, not all of the screws which connect the support element 2 to the axle element 1 are provided with reference numerals. The axle element 1 and the support element 2 are stationary with respect to the rotation axis 5. In other words, the axle element 1 and the support element 2 are not configured to rotate with respect to the rotation axis 5.

[0021] In the Fig. 1, the axle element 1 is a steering knuckle which, when mounted on a vehicle, is rotatable relative to a stationary chassis about a steering axis. However, it is understood that in other embodiments not explicitly shown here, the axle element 1 may comprise, for example, an axle housing which may be stationary with respect to a chassis. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 2 has an axially flat and laterally circular, disc-like or gear-like shape. In addition, a circular outer edge of the support element 2 has a plurality of radially outwardly directed gear teeth 2f, as described with respect to the Fig. 8 to 10 are explained in more detail below. It is understood that in alternative embodiments, a size and / or shape of the support element 2 may differ from the size and / or shape illustrated in the figures and expressly described here.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a detail of the support arrangement 100 of Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane includes the rotation axis 5. Here and in the following, features that recur in different figures are designated by the same reference numerals. The axle element 1 and the support element 2 have axially extending through holes 1e and 2e, respectively, which are aligned with the rotation axis 5. The through holes 1e, 2e each have a cylindrical shape and are arranged symmetrically to the rotation axis 5. As shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, the axially extending through holes 1e, 2e are designed to accommodate a drive shaft passing through them. Fig. The detail of the axle element 1 shown in Figure 2 forms a tubular axle journal 1f. The axle journal 1f forms an axial end portion of the axle assembly 1 facing the support element 2. The wheel hub 4 is rotatably mounted on the axle journal 1f by means of a bearing 6, e.g., a roller bearing. The screws 3a, 3b, which connect the support element 2 to the axle element 1, extend through axially extending bores 2c formed in the support element 2 and are received in corresponding axially extending bores 1c formed in the axle element 1. The screws 3a, 3b can, for example, have external threads that engage with corresponding internal threads in the bores 1c, 2c.

[0023] The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show perspective views of the axle element 1 and the support element 2 of the support arrangement 100 of the Fig. 1 or 2. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3a, an axial end surface of the axle element 1 facing the support element 2, or more precisely an axial end surface of the axle journal piece 1f of the axle element 1 facing the support element 2, has been machined to form two recesses or cutouts 1b. These recesses 1b form, in the axial end surface of the axle element 1 facing the support element 2, two axially projecting tooth elements 1a in the circumferential direction, wherein the tooth elements 1a are arranged between the recesses 1b. The recesses or cutouts 1b and the tooth elements 1a are arranged symmetrically to the axis of rotation 5. In a lateral plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 5, both the two recesses 1b and the two tooth elements 1a are arranged diametrically opposite one another.More precisely, the axially extending recesses or cutouts 1b in a lateral plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 5 have the shape of an interface between the walls of the tubular axle journal piece 1f and a circular sector whose center coincides with the axis of rotation 5.

[0024] In the embodiment shown here, each of the recesses 1b extends in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 5 over a circular sector of 60 degrees, while each of the tooth elements 1a formed between the recesses 1b extends over a circular sector of 120 degrees. The axial depth of the recesses 1b corresponds approximately to a radial wall thickness of the tubular axle journal piece 1f of the axle element 1. The axial height of the tooth elements 1a results from the axial depth of the recesses 1b located therebetween. It is understood that in alternative embodiments, the number of recesses or cutouts 1b and tooth elements 1a can be fewer or greater than two and / or that in alternative embodiments, the recesses or cutouts 1b and / or the tooth elements 1a formed therebetween can have other shapes and / or other sizes or extensions. Fig. Figure 3a further shows that some of the axially extending bores 1c extend from the recesses or cutouts 1b to receive the screws 3a, while others of the axially extending bores 1c extend through the tooth elements 1a to receive the screws 3b.

[0025] Fig. 3b shows that an axial end surface of the support element 2, which faces the axle element 1, forms two axially projecting tooth elements 2a. The tooth elements 2a are dimensioned and shaped such that they are received in the recesses or cutouts 1b formed in the axle element 1 in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, here both in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 5 and in the axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation 5. In other words, a lateral or circumferential size and / or shape of the tooth elements 2a of the support element 2 corresponds to a lateral or circumferential size and / or shape of the recesses or cutouts 1b of the axle element 1. And an axial height of the tooth elements 2a of the support element 2 can correspond to the axial depth of the recesses or cutouts 1b formed in the axle element 1.When the tooth elements 2a of the support element 2 are received or completely received in the recesses 1b of the axle element 1, the tooth elements 1a of the axle element 1 and the tooth elements 2a of the support element 2 engage with each other in a form-fitting manner, thereby providing a torque-resistant connection or an additional torque-resistant connection between the axle element 1 and the support element 2 with respect to the axis of rotation 5.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 2 and the tooth elements 2a projecting axially therefrom are made of a single piece. However, it is understood that in alternative embodiments not expressly illustrated here, the support element 2 and the tooth elements 2a may possibly be formed or manufactured as separate parts that are connected to each other, e.g., by screwing or riveting, by welding, or the like. Fig. Figure 3b further illustrates that the axially extending bores 2c formed in the support element 2 for receiving the screws 3a, 3b extend both through the tooth elements 2a and through regions arranged between the tooth elements 2a in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 5.

[0027] The tooth elements 1a of the axle element 1 have axially extending contact surfaces 1d. Likewise, the tooth elements 2a of the support element 2 have axially extending contact surfaces 2d. When the tooth elements 2a of the support element 2 are received or completely received in the recesses or cutouts 1b of the axle element 1 and the tooth elements 1a, 2a engage with one another to establish a torque-resistant connection between the support element 2 and the axle element 1 with respect to the axis of rotation 5, the tooth elements 1a, 2a abut one another along the contact surfaces 1d, 2d, so that a torque between the support element 2 and the axle element 1 can be transmitted or absorbed via the contact surfaces 1d, 2d. In the embodiment shown here, the contact surfaces 1d, 2d each run parallel to the axis of rotation. More precisely, each of the contact surfaces 1d, 2d lies in a plane that includes the axis of rotation 5.

[0028] The circumferential cross-section of Fig. Figure 4a shows how one of the toothed elements 2a of the support element 2 is positively received in one of the recesses or cutouts 1b formed in the axial end surface of the axle journal piece 1f of the axle element 1. The toothed elements 2a of the support element 2 are engaged with the toothed elements 1a of the axle element 1 to establish a torque-resistant connection between the support element 1 and the axle element 1 with respect to the rotation axis 5. The axially extending screws 3a, 3b connect the support element 2 to the axle element 1 in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis 5. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4a, a screw 3a extends through the toothed element 2a of the support element 2 and screws 3b extend through the toothed elements 1a of the axle element 1. Fig. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of this arrangement.

[0029] In the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b shows the axial end surface of the axle journal piece 1f of the axle element 1 in a slight modification of the embodiment shown in the previous figures. Fig. 5a and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 5b differs from the embodiment shown in the previous figures in that in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b the recesses or cutouts 1b formed in the axial end surface of the axle journal piece 1f do not extend completely through the tubular walls of the axle journal piece 1f in the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 5. In the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, a radially outer surface of an axial end portion of the journal piece 1f, which faces the support element 2, has a completely cylindrical shape. In this way, the radially outer surface of the journal piece 1f can, for example, provide additional support for the bearing 6 (see Fig. 2).

[0030] Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show the axle element 1 and the support element 2 of a support assembly 200 of the type proposed here according to a second embodiment. Recurring features are designated by the same reference numerals as before. For the sake of simplicity, only those features will be explained in more detail that characterize the support assembly 200 of the Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b may differ from the support assembly 100 shown in the previous figures. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the support assembly 200 may have the same features as the support assembly 100.

[0031] In contrast to the support arrangement 100 of the previous figures, the support element 2 in the support arrangement 200 of the Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b has two additional recesses 2b. The recesses 2b are designed as through-holes that extend in the axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation 5 through the support element 2. The recesses 2b are arranged, dimensioned, and shaped such that they positively receive the axially projecting tooth elements 1a of the axle element 1. In other words: The recesses 2b are shaped as sections of a ring whose center coincides with the axis of rotation 5. The two recesses 2b formed in the support element 2 are, like the tooth elements 1a of the axle element 1, arranged symmetrically to the axis of rotation 5 and are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the axis of rotation 5. The recesses 2b are arranged at a distance from the axially extending central cylindrical through-hole 2e formed in the support element 2. And further, in contrast to the support arrangement 100 of the previous figures, in the support arrangement 200 of the Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b all axially extending through bores 1c formed in the axial end surface of the axle journal piece 1f of the axle element 1 for receiving the screws 3b, from the recesses or cutouts 1b formed between the tooth elements 1a.

[0032] If in the support arrangement 200 the Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b, the toothed elements 1a of the axle element 1 are received or completely received in the recesses 2b formed in the support element 2, the support element 2 and the axle element 1 engage with each other in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, as in the support arrangement 100 shown in the preceding figures. This form-fitting or force-fitting connection between the support element 2 and the axle element 1 forms a torque-resistant connection or an additional torque-resistant connection between the support element 2 and the axle element 1 with respect to the rotation axis 5.

[0033] Fig. Figure 8 shows a sectional view of an axle assembly 300 of the type proposed here, wherein the sectional plane includes the rotational axis 5. Recurring features are designated by the same reference numerals as before. The axle assembly 300 comprises the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, the wheel hub 4, which is mounted via the bearing 6 on the axle journal 1f of the axle element 1, a drive shaft 11 and an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive 10, which couples the drive shaft 11 to the wheel hub 4, whereby the drive shaft 11 can drive a wheel mounted on the wheel hub 4, for example via a hub flange 4a mounted on the wheel hub 4. It is understood that in alternative embodiments not explicitly shown here, the axle assembly 300 alternatively comprises the support assembly 100 according to the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b or the support arrangement 200 according to the Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b. The drive shaft 11 comprises a first drive shaft section 11a and a second drive shaft section 11b, which are connected to each other via a double universal joint (DUJ) 11c. The second drive shaft section 11b is rotatable with respect to the rotation axis 5 and is received in and extends through the through holes 1e, 2e formed in the axle element 1 and the support element 2, respectively. The second drive shaft section 11b is mounted on the axle element 1 via a bearing 16.

[0034] The epicyclic gear-side reduction drive 10 includes a sun gear 7, a planet carrier 8 with a plurality of planet gears 8a rotatably mounted thereon, and an outer ring gear 9 fixedly mounted on the support element 2 of the support assembly 100. In other words, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the support element 2 is designed as a ring gear carrier. It is understood that in alternative embodiments not explicitly illustrated here, the support element 2 may be connected to or support another element of a gear-side reduction drive or an epicyclic gear-side reduction drive, such as a planet carrier.

[0035] Further details on some elements of the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive 10 are given in the Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b and Fig. 10. The sun gear 7 is fixedly mounted on one axial end of the second drive shaft section 11b, see Fig. 10. An axis of rotation of the sun gear 7 coincides with the axis of rotation 5. The planet carrier 8 is designed as a cylindrical hub housing, which is firmly connected to the wheel hub 4 via axially extending screws 12. An axis of symmetry of the cylindrical hub housing, which forms the planet carrier 8, coincides with the axis of rotation 5. The sectional view in Fig. 8 shows that the outer ring gear 9 is arranged within the hub shell, which forms the planet carrier 8. Or in other words: In the radial direction perpendicular to the rotational axis 5, the hub shell forming the planet carrier 8 encloses the outer ring gear 9. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9b, the planet gears 8a are rotatably mounted on an inner side of an axial end wall 8b of the planet carrier 8. The axial end wall 8b of the planet carrier 8 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis 5.

[0036] An axis of symmetry of the circular outer ring gear 9 coincides with the axis of rotation 5. As shown in the Fig. 9a and Fig. 10, the outer ring gear 9 has radially inwardly directed gear teeth 9a formed in a radially inner side of the outer ring gear 9. The gear teeth 9a of the outer ring gear 9 run parallel to the axis of rotation 5. The radially inwardly directed gear teeth 9a of the ring gear 9 engage with the radially outwardly directed gear teeth 2f formed on the circular outer edge of the support element 2, thereby creating a torque-resistant connection between the ring gear 9 and the support element 2 with respect to the axis of rotation 5.

[0037] At the Fig. In the axle assembly 300 shown in Figure 8, the planetary gears 8a mesh with the sun gear 7 and with the gear teeth 9a of the outer ring gear 9. Since the axle assembly 1, the support element 2, and the outer ring gear 9 are stationary with respect to the rotational axis 5, the planetary carrier 8 is fixedly connected to the wheel hub 4, and the planetary gears 8a are rotatably mounted on the planetary carrier 8, the rotating drive shaft 11 transmits the torque to the wheel hub 4 via the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive 10. When the drive shaft 11 drives the wheel hub 4, the drive shaft 11, the sun gear 7, the planetary carrier 8, and the wheel hub 4 rotate with respect to the rotational axis 5.

[0038] Fig. 11 shows schematically an electric vehicle 400 with two electric motors 13, two axle arrangements 300 of the Fig. 8, Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b and Fig.10 and described above, drive wheels 15a and further wheels 15b. Each of the electric motors 13 is in driving engagement with one of the two drive wheels 15a via one of the axle assemblies 300 or can be brought into driving engagement with it. Each of the axle assemblies 300 comprises a drive shaft 11, an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive 10, and a support assembly 100 mounted on a chassis 14. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 axle element 1a Tooth elements 1b Recesses 1c Drilling 1d contact area of ​​1a 1st through hole 1f axle journal piece 2 support element 2a Tooth elements 2b Recesses 2c holes 2d contact area of ​​2a 2nd through hole 2f gear teeth 3a, 3b screws 4 Wheel hub 5 axis of rotation 6 warehouses 7 Sun gear 8 planet carriers 8a Planetary gears 9 ring gear 9a Gear teeth 10 epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive 11 Drive shaft 11a first wave part 11b second shaft part 11c Joint 12 screws 13 Electric motor 14 Chassis 15a Drive wheels 15b additional wheels 16 warehouses 100 support arrangement 200 support arrangement 300 axle arrangement 400 electric vehicles

Claims

[1] Support arrangement (100; 200) for a wheel-side reduction drive (10), the support arrangement (100; 200) comprising: an axle element (1), a support element (2), and a plurality of screws (3a, 3b) extending in the axial direction and connecting the support element (2) to the axle element (1), wherein an axial end face of the axle element (1) or the support element (2) forms axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) and an axial end face of the other of the axle element (1) and the support element (2) forms axially extending recesses (1b, 2b), wherein the axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) are received in the axially extending recesses (1b, 2b), whereby a torque-resistant connection is formed between the axle element (1) and the support element (2) with respect to a rotation axis (5) parallel to the axial direction. [2] Support assembly (100; 200) according to claim 1, wherein the axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) are formed integrally with one of the axle element (1) and the support element (2). [3] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to claim 2, wherein the axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) are connected to the axle element (1) or are formed integrally therewith. [4] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the axially projecting tooth elements (1a, 2a) are connected to the support element (2) or are formed integrally therewith. [5] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of screws (3a) extends through one of the axially projecting tooth elements (2a). [6] The support assembly (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle member (1) and the support member (2) each have an axially extending through-hole (1e, 2e) aligned with the rotational axis (5) and adapted to receive a drive shaft (11) therethrough. [7] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle element (1) comprises a tubular axle journal piece (1f) which is adapted to support a wheel hub (4). [8] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tooth elements (1a, 2a) and the recesses (1b, 2b) are arranged symmetrically to the axis of rotation (5). [9] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more contact surfaces (1d, 2d) of the tooth elements (1a, 2a) which are arranged to transmit or absorb a torque between the support element (2) and the axle element (1) extend parallel to the axis of rotation (5). [10] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to claim 9, wherein the axis of rotation (5) lies in a plane with one or more of the contact surfaces (1d, 2d) of the tooth elements (1a, 2a). [11] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (2) is a ring gear carrier. [12] Support assembly (100; 200) according to claim 11, wherein the ring gear carrier is a gear-like element with a toothed radially outer edge (2f). [13] Support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle element (1) is a steering knuckle. [14] Axle arrangement (300), comprising: the support arrangement (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, and an epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive (10) supported on the support arrangement (100; 200). [15] Axle assembly (300) according to claim 14, wherein the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive (10) comprises an outer ring gear (9) mounted on the support member (2), the outer ring gear (9) having an axis of symmetry aligned with the axis of rotation (5) and comprising a plurality of radially inwardly directed gear teeth (9a). [16] Axle assembly (300) according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a wheel hub (4) rotatably mounted on the axle element (1), and a drive shaft (11), wherein the drive shaft (11) is coupled to the wheel hub (4) via the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive (10). [17] Axle assembly (300) according to claim 16, wherein the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive (10) comprises a sun gear (7) fixedly mounted on the drive shaft (11). [18] Axle assembly (300) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive (10) comprises a planet carrier (8) fixedly mounted on the wheel hub (4) and a plurality of planet gears (8a) rotatably mounted on the planet carrier (8). [19] Axle arrangement (300) according to one of claims 15, 17 and 18, wherein the planet gears (8a) mesh with the sun gear (7) and with the outer ring gear (9). [20] Electric vehicle (400), comprising: an electric motor (13), and the axle arrangement (300) according to one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the electric motor (13) is in driving engagement with the epicyclic wheel-side reduction drive (10) or can be brought into driving engagement.

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