Suspension device

Abstract

Suspension device which includes: a drive unit that is installed inside a wheel; a first steering knuckle connected to the drive unit to rotate about a first axis; a second steering knuckle connected to the first steering knuckle to move along a second axis spaced apart from the first axis; a first suspension arm connected to the second steering knuckle to support the second steering knuckle in relation to a vehicle body; and a limiting element connected to the first suspension arm to limit the rotation of the second axle stub about the second axis.

Description

Background area

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a suspension device, and more particularly to a vehicle suspension device in which a steering axle and a suspension axle are separated from each other. Explanation of the background

[0002] In general, cars worldwide are evolving from a means of transportation to an extension of living space, and therefore, purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) with large interiors are taking center stage. Such purpose-built vehicles feature expanded interior space through the use of in-wheel motors that directly drive the wheels by locating a drive motor in each wheel, in contrast to a typical electric vehicle with a drive motor located in place of an existing internal combustion engine.

[0003] However, when the interior of the wheel becomes narrower than before due to the in-wheel motor and a driving force and a braking force act on the wheel because the kingpin offset increases, the problem arises that the wheel is steered randomly.

[0004] The background of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2019-0041855 (published on April 23, 2019 and entitled “Steering System for In-Wheel Motor Vehicle”). Summary

[0005] Various embodiments aim to provide a suspension device that can improve the driving stability of a vehicle.

[0006] To solve the above problems, a suspension device according to the present disclosure includes: a drive unit installed within a wheel; a first knuckle connected to the drive unit to rotate about a first axis; a second knuckle connected to the first knuckle to move along a second axis spaced from the first axis; a first suspension arm connected to the second knuckle to support the second knuckle with respect to a vehicle body; and a limiting member connected to the first suspension arm to limit rotation of the second knuckle about the second axis.

[0007] The distance between the second axle and the wheel can be greater than the distance between the first axle and the wheel.

[0008] The drive unit, the first steering knuckle and the second steering knuckle can be arranged one after the other from the wheel to the vehicle body.

[0009] The first suspension arm may include: a first arm body configured to extend from the vehicle body to the second knuckle; a joint body connected to the second knuckle and including a first end and a second end; and a first joint connected to the first end and configured to rotatably support the first arm body.

[0010] The first end and the second end can protrude on either side of the second steering knuckle.

[0011] The first end and the second end may be spaced apart in a direction intersecting the second axis.

[0012] The second axis may be inclined with respect to a third axis extending vertically from a floor and a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the first joint may have a spherical shape.

[0013] Both sides of the limiting element can be connected to the vehicle body or the second end.

[0014] The limiting member may include: a limiting member spaced from the first arm body and configured to extend from the vehicle body to the second knuckle; and a limiting joint connected to the second end for rotatably supporting the limiting member with respect to the second end.

[0015] The limit joint may include: an outer body connected to the limit member; an inner body disposed within the outer body and connected to the second end; and a pin connected to the inner body and rotatably in contact with the outer body.

[0016] The second axis may be inclined with respect to a third axis extending vertically from the ground and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the pin may have a spherical shape.

[0017] The limit joint may further include a stopper arranged to surround the inner body and configured to prevent the pin from rotating about a direction parallel to the second axis.

[0018] The width of the stopper parallel to the second axis may be greater than the width of the stopper that intersects the second axis.

[0019] The suspension device may further comprise a second suspension arm spaced from the first suspension arm and connected to the second steering knuckle.

[0020] The second steering knuckle may include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart from each other along the second axis, and the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm may be connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, respectively.

[0021] The suspension device according to the present disclosure can reduce a kingpin offset amount and improve driving stability of a vehicle by disposing a first axle serving as a steering axis of a wheel in a position relatively close to the wheel.

[0022] The suspension device according to the present disclosure can prevent a second knuckle from rotating with a first knuckle and a kingpin offset from arbitrarily increasing during steering of the wheel by limiting the rotation of the second knuckle about a second axis with a limiting member.

[0023] The suspension device according to the present disclosure can absorb relative displacements between the second knuckle and a first arm body / a limiting member due to a caster angle of the second axle during a suspension behavior of the wheel through a first joint and a limiting joint. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a view schematically showing an installation state of a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of a first suspension arm and a limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the first suspension arm and the limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the first suspension arm and the limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a limit joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the limit joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11' in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12' in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is an operational view schematically showing an operation for adjusting the steering angle of a wheel. Fig. 14 is an operational view schematically showing a compression and rebound operation of the wheel. Detailed description of the illustrated embodiments

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In this process, the thickness of lines or the sizes of elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, terms described below are defined in light of their functions in the present disclosure and may be changed depending on the intention of a user or operator or practice. Accordingly, such terms should be defined based on the disclosure of the present description.

[0026] Whenever in this description a particular part is referred to as being "connected (or coupled)" to another part, this may mean that the former is directly connected (or coupled) to the latter part, or indirectly connected (or coupled) to the latter part with another part interposed. Whenever in this description a particular part "includes (or has)" a particular component, this means that the part does not exclude any other component, but may, in addition, "include (or have)" another component, unless indicated to the contrary.

[0027] Furthermore, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout the present specification. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a particular drawing, the reference numerals may be based on other drawings. Even if a part is not indicated by reference numerals in a particular drawing, that part may be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, the number, shapes, and sizes of the individually listed components included in the drawings of the present application, as well as the relative differences in sizes, are provided for convenience of understanding and do not limit the embodiments, but may be implemented in various forms.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a view schematically showing an installation state of a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 3 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 4 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring to the Fig. 1 to 5, a plurality of suspension devices 1 may be provided. The plurality of suspension devices 1 may be individually attached to the respective wheels 2.

[0030] Below, one suspension device 1 of the plurality of suspension devices 1 is described as an example. The following description of one suspension device 1 can also be applied to the remaining suspension devices 1.

[0031] A vehicle body V is a component that forms the exterior and frame of a vehicle and may include a main body, a chassis frame, and a subframe.

[0032] The following is an example where, based on the Fig. 1 to 5, a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V refers to a direction parallel to an X-axis direction, a width direction of the vehicle body V refers to a direction parallel to a Y-axis direction, and a direction perpendicular to the ground refers to a direction parallel to a Z-axis direction.

[0033] The suspension device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a drive unit 100, a first knuckle 200, a second knuckle 300, a first suspension arm 400, and a limiting member 500.

[0034] The drive unit 100 may serve as a component that rotates the wheel 2 by applying a driving force to the wheel 2 when the vehicle is traveling. The drive unit 100 may be installed inside the wheel 2 of the vehicle.

[0035] The drive unit 100 according to the present embodiment can be arranged inside the wheel 2 and can be represented as various types of in-wheel motors, including a stator that forms a magnetic field by receiving power from a vehicle battery or the like, and a rotor that rotates the wheel 2 through electromagnetic interaction between the stator and the rotor. The center axes of the stator and the rotor are coaxial with a center axis C of the wheel 2 and can be arranged concentrically on the inside of the wheel 2.

[0036] The first steering knuckle 200 may be connected to the drive unit 100 to rotate about a first axis A1 and may change a steering angle of the wheel 2. The first steering knuckle 200 may serve as a component that supports the drive unit 100 disposed in the wheel 2 and transmits a steering force to the wheel 2.

[0037] The first knuckle 200 according to the present embodiment may be arranged between the drive unit 100 and the vehicle body V. The first knuckle 200 may be arranged to oppose the drive unit 100 in a direction parallel to the center axis C of the wheel 2. The first knuckle 200 may be connected to the stator of the drive unit 100 by various coupling methods, such as bolting and welding. The first knuckle 200 may rotatably support the rotor of the drive unit 100 via a wheel bearing 201. The first knuckle 200 may be formed by casting a metal-based material or the like to ensure sufficient rigidity.

[0038] The first steering knuckle 200 may be rotatably supported about the first axis A1 by the second steering knuckle 300, which will be described below. The first steering knuckle 200 may be connected to a tie rod 202 and receive a steering force generated by the driver's operation of the steering wheel via the tie rod 202. The first steering knuckle 200 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the first axis A1 based on the received steering force, changing the steering angle of the wheel 2.

[0039] The first axle A1 can serve as the steering axle of wheel 2. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first axis A1 may be inclined relative to a third axis A3 extending perpendicular to the ground and the width direction of the vehicle body V to form a predetermined kingpin angle. Accordingly, the first knuckle 200 can reduce the steering force required to steer the wheel 2 and reduce the shock applied to the vehicle during braking.

[0040] As in Fig. 4, the first axis A1 may be arranged inclined with respect to the third axis A3 and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V to form a predetermined caster angle. For example, the first axis A1 may be arranged so that it is inclined at an angle of approximately 9.1° from the third axis A3 in the direction (X-axis in Fig. 4) is inclined parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V. Accordingly, the first steering knuckle 200 can improve the straight-line driving behavior of the vehicle and exert a restoring force on the wheel 2 after cornering.

[0041] The specific shape of the first steering knuckle 200 is not limited to the Fig. 5, and the first knuckle 200 can be designed in various ways within the technical idea of ​​a shape that can be connected to the drive unit 100 and rotated about the first axis A1.

[0042] The second steering knuckle 300 may be connected to the first steering knuckle 200 to support the first steering knuckle 200 for rotation about the first axis A1. The second steering knuckle 300 may move along a second axis A2 spaced from the first axis A1 during a compression and rebound movement of the wheel 2. That is, the second steering knuckle 300 may serve as a component that provides a supporting force for the first steering knuckle 200 and directs the direction of the suspension behavior of the wheel 2.

[0043] According to the present embodiment, the second knuckle 300 may be arranged between the first knuckle 200 and the vehicle body V. The second knuckle 300 may be arranged to oppose the first knuckle 200 in a direction parallel to the center axis C of the wheel 2. That is, the drive unit 100, the first knuckle 200, and the second knuckle 300 may be arranged sequentially from the wheel 2 to the vehicle body V.

[0044] A longitudinal direction of the second steering knuckle 300 may be arranged parallel to the second axis A2. The two upper and lower ends of the second steering knuckle 300 may be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other along the second axis A2. The second steering knuckle 300 may move linearly up and down along the second axis A2 during the compression and rebound behavior of the wheel 2.

[0045] The second axle A2 can serve as the suspension axle of wheel 2. As in Fig. 3, the first axle A1 and the second axle A2 may be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the vehicle body V. That is, the first knuckle 200 and the second knuckle 300 may separate the steering axis of the wheel 2 and the suspension axis of the wheel 2. A distance between the second axle A2 and the wheel 2 may be greater than a distance between the first axle A1 and the wheel 2. Accordingly, the first axle A1 serving as the steering axis of the wheel 2 is arranged in a position relatively close to the wheel 2, so that the first knuckle 200 and the second knuckle 300 can reduce a kingpin offset amount and improve the driving and braking stability of the vehicle.

[0046] As in Fig. 4, the second axis A2 may be arranged inclined with respect to the third axis A3 and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V to form a predetermined caster angle. For example, the second axis A2 may be arranged so that it is inclined at an angle of approximately 9.1° from the third axis A3 in one direction (X-axis in Fig. 4) is inclined parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V.

[0047] The second steering knuckle 300 may include a knuckle joint 301 that rotatably supports the first steering knuckle 200. The knuckle joint 301 may include various types of connecting means that can relatively rotatably connect different parts, such as ball joints. The knuckle joint 301 may be provided as a pair. The pair of knuckle joints 301 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first axis A1. The pair of knuckle joints 301 may be individually connected to different positions of the first steering knuckle 200 that are spaced apart from the second steering knuckle 300 along the first axis A1.

[0048] The second steering knuckle 300 may further include a first connecting part 310 and a second connecting part 320. The first connecting part 310 and the second connecting part 320 may each be arranged at both ends of the second steering knuckle 300, which are spaced apart from each other along the second axis A2. The first connecting part 310 and the second connecting part 320 may each be formed to have the shape of a hole penetrating the second steering knuckle 300. The center axes of the first connecting part 310 and the second connecting part 320 may be arranged perpendicular to the second axis A2 and the center axis C of the wheel 2.The following is an example in which the first connection part 310 is arranged below the second connection part 320; however, the first connection part 310 and the second connection part 320 are not limited thereto, and the first connection part 310 may be arranged above the second connection part 320.

[0049] The specific shape of the second steering knuckle 300 is not limited to the Fig. 5, and the second knuckle 300 can be designed in various ways within the technical idea of ​​a shape that supports the first axis A1, so that the first knuckle 200 can be rotated and can move back and forth along the second axis A2 during the compression and rebound movement of the wheel 2.

[0050] The first suspension arm 400 may be connected to the second knuckle 300 to support the second knuckle 300 with respect to the vehicle body V. The following description is an example in which the first suspension arm 400 is connected to the first connecting part 310 of the second knuckle 300; however, the first suspension arm 400 is not limited thereto and may be connected to the second connecting part 320 of the second knuckle 300.

[0051] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of the first suspension arm and the limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the first suspension arm and the limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the first suspension arm and the limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to the Fig. 1 to 8, the first suspension arm 400 according to the present embodiment may include a first arm body 410, a joint body 420, and a first joint 430.

[0053] The first arm body 410 may form a schematic external appearance of the first suspension arm 400 and extend from the vehicle body V to the second knuckle 300.

[0054] The first arm body 410 according to the present embodiment may be formed in the shape of a fork leg (furcula). However, the shape of the first arm body 410 is not limited thereto, and the first arm body 410 may be formed in various shapes, such as a connecting arm. The first arm body 410 may be arranged between the second knuckle 300 and the vehicle body V.

[0055] One end of the first arm body 410 may be rotatably connected to the vehicle body V via a bushing, a bearing, a joint, or the like. One end of the first arm body 410 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V during the compression and rebound movement of the wheel 2.

[0056] The other end of the first arm body 410 may be arranged to be opposite one side of the first connecting part 310 of the second knuckle 300. The other end of the first arm body 410 may be spaced from the first connecting part 310 along the central axis of the first connecting part 310.

[0057] The joint body 420 may be connected to the second steering knuckle 300. The joint body 420 according to the present embodiment may be rod-shaped and have a first end 421 and a second end 422. The joint body 420 may be arranged so that its central axis is coaxial with the central axis of the first connecting part 310. The connecting body 420 may be inserted into the first connecting part 310. An outer surface of the joint body 420 may be fixed to an inner surface of the first connecting part 310. Accordingly, the joint body 420 cannot rotate about the central axis of the first connecting part 310.

[0058] The first end 421 and the second end 422 may protrude to either side of the second knuckle 300 relative to the first connecting part 310. Since the center axis of the joint body 420 is on the same axis as the center axis of the first connecting part 310, the first end 421 and the second end 422 may be spaced apart from each other along a direction intersecting the second axis A2, more specifically, a direction perpendicular to the second axis A2. The first end 421 may be arranged to face the other end of the first arm body 410, which is opposite one side of the first connecting part 310.

[0059] The first joint 430 may be connected to the first end 421 to rotatably support the first arm body 410 relative to the joint body 420. According to the present embodiment, the first joint 430 may extend from the first end 421 toward the other end of the first arm body 410. The first joint 430 may be inserted into the other end of the first arm body 410.

[0060] The first joint 430 may be spherically shaped. An outer surface of the first joint 430 may be in rolling contact with the inner surface of the other end of the first arm body 410. Accordingly, the first joint 430 may be rotated in multiple axes relative to the first arm body 410 during the suspension behavior of the wheel 2 and may accommodate a relative displacement between the second knuckle 300 and the first arm body 410 by a caster angle of the second axis A2.

[0061] The limiting member 500 may be connected to the first suspension arm 400 to limit the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2. Specifically, the limiting member 500 may serve as a configuration for limiting the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2 by a rotational force exerted by the first knuckle 200 when the first knuckle 200 rotates about the first axis A1. Accordingly, the limiting member 500 may prevent the second knuckle 300 from rotating together with the first knuckle 200 when the wheel 2 is steered, prevent a kingpin offset from increasing arbitrarily, and improve the driving stability of the vehicle.

[0062] Both sides of the limiting member 500 can be connected to the vehicle body V and the second end 422 of the joint body 420, respectively. Accordingly, the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 500 can connect the first end 421 and the second end 422 of the joint body 420, which are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which they intersect the second axis A2, to the vehicle body V, thereby suppressing the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2.

[0063] The limiting element 500 may include a limiting member 510 and a limiting joint 520.

[0064] The limiting member 510 may be spaced from the first arm body 410 and extend from the vehicle body V to the second steering knuckle 300.

[0065] The limiting member 510 according to the present embodiment may be in the form of a connecting arm. However, the shape of the limiting member 510 is not limited thereto, and the limiting member 510 may be configured in various shapes, such as a fork leg (furcula). The limiting member 510 may be arranged between the second knuckle 300 and the vehicle body V.

[0066] One end of the limiting member 510 may be rotatably connected to the vehicle body V via a bushing, a bearing, a joint, or the like. One end of the limiting member 510 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V during the compression and rebound movement of the wheel 2.

[0067] The other end of the limiting member 510 may be spaced from the first connecting part 310 along the central axis of the first connecting part 310. That is, the other end of the first arm body 410 and the other end of the limiting member 510 may be disposed on either side of the second knuckle 300, with the first connecting part 310 interposed therebetween. The other end of the limiting member 510 may be disposed facing the second end 422 of the joint body 420, which protrudes from the other side of the first connecting part 310 of the second knuckle 300.

[0068] The limit joint 520 can be connected to the second end 422 of the joint body 420 to rotatably support the limit member 510 with respect to the second end 422.

[0069] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the limit joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 10 is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of the limit joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11' in Fig. 10, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12' in Fig. 10.

[0070] One in Fig. The Z' axis shown in Figures 9 to 12 refers to an axis parallel to the second axis A2 in the Fig. 1 to 4, and a Y'-axis can refer to an axis parallel to the Y-axis in the Fig. 1 to 4.

[0071] According to the Fig. 1 to 12, the limit joint 520 according to the present embodiment may include an outer body 521, an inner body 522, and a pin 523.

[0072] The outer body 521 may form a schematic external appearance of the limiting joint 520 and may be connected to the limiting member 510. The outer body 521 may be cylindrically shaped according to the present embodiment and have openings at both ends. The outer body 521 may be inserted into and fixed to the other end of the limiting member 510. An outer peripheral surface of the outer body 521 may be pressed or welded to the inner peripheral surface of the other end of the limiting member 510. An inner peripheral surface of the outer body 521 may be arranged to surround an entire peripheral surface of the second end 422. The inner peripheral surface of the outer body 521 may be spaced from an outer peripheral surface of the second end 422 by a predetermined distance.

[0073] The outer body 521 may include a bearing portion 521a for rotatably supporting a pin 523, which will be described below. The bearing portion 521a may be manufactured separately from the outer body 521 and then coupled to the outer body 521. Alternatively, the bearing portion 521a may be formed integrally with the outer body 521. The bearing portion 521a may be shaped to protrude a predetermined distance from the inner peripheral surface of the outer body 521 toward the second end 422.

[0074] The inner body 522 may be disposed within the outer body 521 and connected to the second end 422. The inner body 522 may be shaped to have the shape of a hollow rod according to the present embodiment. The second end 422 may be inserted into the inner body 522 through the cavity of the inner body 522. An inner peripheral surface of the inner body 522 may be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second end 422 by press-fitting, welding, or the like. A central axis of the inner body 522 may be arranged coaxially with a central axis of the joint body 420. The central axis of the inner body 522 may be arranged perpendicular to the second axis A2.

[0075] The pin 523 may be connected to the inner body 522 and rotatably contact the outer body 521. According to the present embodiment, the pin 523 may protrude from an outer peripheral surface of the inner body 522 toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer body 521. An outer surface of the pin 523 may be rotatably contacted with the bearing portion 521a of the outer body 521.

[0076] The journal 523 may be spherically shaped. The outer surface of the journal 523 may be in rolling contact with an inner surface of the bearing portion 521a. Accordingly, the journal 523 can be rotated in multiple axes with respect to the outer body 521 during suspension behavior of the wheel 2 and can absorb a relative displacement between the second knuckle 300 and the first arm body 410 due to the caster angle of the second axis A2. In this case, since the rotational movement of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2 is suppressed by the longitudinal rigidity of the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510, the rotation of the first joint 430 and the journal 523 about a direction parallel to the second axis A2 can also be selectively suppressed.

[0077] The limit joint 520 may also include a dust cover 524.

[0078] The dust cover 524 may serve as a component that prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the outer body 521. According to the present embodiment, the dust cover 524 may be formed in the shape of a hollow corrugated tube with both sides open. The dust cover 524 may be arranged to surround the end of the inner body 522. Both sides of the dust cover 524 may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer body 521 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner body 522, respectively. The dust cover 524 may be made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or silicone so as not to hinder the relative rotation between the outer body 521 and the inner body 522.

[0079] The dust cover 524 may be provided as a pair. The pair of dust covers 524 may be arranged symmetrically on both sides of the outer body 521.

[0080] The limit joint 520 may also include a stopper 525.

[0081] The stopper 525 may be arranged to surround the inner body 522 and prevent the pin 523 from rotating about a direction parallel to the second axis A2. The stopper 525 may serve as a component that, in addition to providing longitudinal rigidity to the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510, suppresses the rotational movement of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2.

[0082] The stopper 525 according to the present embodiment may extend from the end of the outer body 521 along the longitudinal direction of the inner body 522. The stopper 525 may be formed in the shape of a hollow ring with both sides open. An inner surface of the stopper 525 may be arranged to surround the entire outer peripheral surface of the inner body 522.

[0083] The stopper 525 may be formed to have a substantially oval cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown in the Fig. 10 to 12, a width t1 of the stopper 525 parallel to the second axis A2 may be greater than a width t2 of the stopper 525 that intersects the second axis A2, more specifically, perpendicular to the second axis A2. The width of the stopper 525 may refer to a distance between the inner surfaces of the stopper 525 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the joint body 420 and through the central axis of the joint body 420. Accordingly, the stopper 525 can suppress the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2 by reducing the range in which the pin 523 can rotate about the direction parallel to the second axis A2.

[0084] The width t2 of the stopper 525 perpendicular to the second axis A2 may be equal to an outer diameter of the inner body 522. Accordingly, the stopper 525 can maintain a state of contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner body 522 in a direction perpendicular to the second axis A2, thereby more effectively suppressing the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2.

[0085] The suspension device according to the present embodiment may further include a second suspension arm 600.

[0086] The second suspension arm 600 may be spaced apart from the first suspension arm 400 and connected to the second steering knuckle 300. The second suspension arm 600 may serve to support the second steering knuckle 300 relative to the vehicle body V in a different position than the first suspension arm 400. The following is an example in which the second suspension arm 600 is connected to the second connecting part 320 of the second steering knuckle 300; however, the second suspension arm 600 is not limited thereto and may also be connected to the first connecting part 310 of the second steering knuckle 300.

[0087] The second suspension arm 600 according to the present embodiment may include a second arm body 610 and a second joint 620.

[0088] The second arm body 610 may form a schematic external appearance of the second suspension arm 600 and extend from the vehicle body V to the second knuckle 300.

[0089] The second arm body 610 according to the present embodiment may be shaped to have a fork leg shape (furcula). However, the shape of the second arm body 610 is not limited thereto, and the second arm body 610 may be formed in various shapes, such as an articulated arm. The second arm body 610 may be arranged between the second knuckle 300 and the vehicle body V. The second arm body 610 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first arm body 410 along the second axis A2.

[0090] One end of the second arm body 610 may be rotatably connected to the vehicle body V via a bushing, a bearing, a joint, or the like. One end of the second arm body 610 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V during the compression and rebound movement of the wheel 2. The other end of the second arm body 610 may be arranged to oppose the second connecting part 320 of the second knuckle 300.

[0091] The second joint 620 may be connected to the second knuckle 300 to rotatably support the second arm body 610 with respect to the second knuckle 300. The second joint 620 according to the present embodiment may be inserted into the second connecting part 320. Both sides of the second joint 620 may protrude from the second connecting part 320 to both sides of the second joint 300. Both sides of the second joint 620 may be connected to different positions of the other end of the second arm body 610, each facing the second connecting part 320.

[0092] The second joint 620 may include a connecting device, such as a ball joint, that can support the second arm body 610 rotatably in multiple axes relative to the second knuckle 300. Accordingly, the second arm body 610 can be rotated in multiple axes relative to the second knuckle 300 during the suspension behavior of the wheel 2 and can absorb a relative displacement between the second knuckle 300 and the second arm body 610 due to the caster angle of the second axis A2.

[0093] The suspension device according to the present embodiment may further include a shock absorber 700.

[0094] The shock absorber 700 can absorb shocks or vibrations transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle body via the wheel 2.

[0095] The shock absorber 700 according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of shock absorbers, including a cylinder that is longitudinally expandable and a spring that elastically supports the cylinder's expansion and contraction movement. The shock absorber 700 can be arranged parallel to the second axis A2 in the longitudinal direction. One end of the shock absorber 700 can be connected to the first arm body 410, and the other end can be connected to a wheel house (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0096] The suspension device according to the present embodiment may further include a brake unit 800.

[0097] The brake unit 800 can apply or release a braking force by interfering with the rotation of the wheel 2.

[0098] The brake unit 800 according to the present embodiment may include a brake disc 810 and a brake caliper 820.

[0099] The brake disc 810 may be connected to the wheel 2 or the drive unit 100 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the wheel 2. The brake disc 810 according to the present embodiment may be disk-shaped and installed inside the wheel 2. The brake disc 810 may be arranged so that its center axis is on the same line as the center axis of the wheel 2. The brake disc 810 may be integrally connected to the wheel 2 or the rotor of the drive unit 100 by bolting or the like. Accordingly, the brake disc 810 may rotate together with the wheel 2 about the center axis when the wheel 2 rotates. The diameter of the brake disc 810 may be designed in various ways depending on the diameter of the wheel 2, the size of the drive unit 100, and the like.

[0100] The caliper brake 820 can apply braking force by pressing the brake disc 810 during deceleration of the vehicle. The caliper brake 820 according to the present embodiment may include a brake pad arranged to face the brake disc 810, a caliper housing coupled to the first knuckle 200 to support the brake pad and allow reciprocating movement, and a piston installed in the caliper housing to move forward and backward, pressing the brake pad toward the brake disc 810 or releasing the pressure on the brake pad depending on the direction of movement.

[0101] The operation of the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0102] Fig. 13 is an operational view schematically showing the process of adjusting the steering angle of the wheel.

[0103] Referring to the Fig. 1 to 13, when the vehicle is steered, a steering force generated by the driver operating the steering wheel is transmitted via the tie rod 202 to the first steering knuckle 200.

[0104] The first steering knuckle 200 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the first axis A1 and changes the steering angle of wheel 2.

[0105] While the first steering knuckle 200 rotates about the first axis A1, a rotational force about the second axis A2 is generated in the second steering knuckle 300.

[0106] The rotational force of the second knuckle 300 is transmitted to the joint body 420 via the first connecting part 310, and the first end 421 and the second end 422 of the joint body 420 exert a tensile force and a compressive force on the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510, respectively.

[0107] The tensile force or compressive force exerted on the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510 is balanced by the rigidity of the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510, and the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2 can be suppressed.

[0108] In this process, the rotation of the second knuckle 300 about the second axis A2 can be repeatedly suppressed by a reaction force generated when the inner body 522 of the limit joint 520 contacts the stopper 525 in the direction perpendicular to the second axis A2.

[0109] Fig. 14 is an operational view schematically showing the compression and rebound action of the wheel.

[0110] Referring to Fig.14, when the wheel 2 compresses and rebounds due to unevenness of a road surface or the like, the second steering knuckle 300, which is connected to the wheel 2 via the first steering knuckle 200, is reciprocated rectilinearly along the second axis A2 together with the wheel 2.

[0111] One end of the first arm body 410 and one end of the limiting member 510 are rotated relative to the vehicle body V by the reciprocating movement of the second knuckle 300.

[0112] The second axis A2 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle to the third axis A3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V, and since the rotational center axis of one end of the first arm body 410 and the rotational center axis of one end of the limiting member 510 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body V, a torsional load is generated between the other ends of the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510 and the second knuckle 300.

[0113] The first joint 430 and the limit joint 520 rotate the first arm body 410 and the limit member 510, respectively, relative to the second knuckle 300.

[0114] By the above-described angular displacement of the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510 relative to the second knuckle 300, the torsional load generated between the other ends of the first arm body 410 and the limiting member 510 and the second knuckle 300 can be canceled.

[0115] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the embodiments of the disclosure are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments of the embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the following claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2019-0041855

[0004]

Claims

[1] Suspension device comprising: a drive unit installed within a wheel; a first steering knuckle connected to the drive unit for rotating about a first axis; a second knuckle connected to the first knuckle for movement along a second axis spaced from the first axis; a first suspension arm connected to the second steering knuckle for supporting the second steering knuckle with respect to a vehicle body; and a limiting member connected to the first suspension arm for limiting rotation of the second steering knuckle about the second axis. [2] The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the second axle and the wheel is greater than a distance between the first axle and the wheel. [3] A suspension device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive unit, the first knuckle and the second knuckle are arranged sequentially from the wheel to the vehicle body. [4] Suspension device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first suspension arm comprises: a first arm body configured to extend from the vehicle body to the second steering knuckle; a joint body connected to the second steering knuckle and having a first end and a second end; and a first joint connected to the first end and configured to rotatably support the first arm body. [5] The suspension device according to claim 4, wherein the first end and the second end project to both sides of the second steering knuckle. [6] A suspension device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first end and the second end are spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the second axis. [7] A suspension device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second axis is inclined with respect to a third axis extending vertically from a floor and a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the first joint has a spherical shape. [8] Suspension device according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein both sides of the limiting member are connected to the vehicle body and the second end, respectively. [9] Suspension device according to claim 8, wherein the limiting element comprises: a limiting member spaced from the first arm body and configured to extend from the vehicle body to the second steering knuckle; and a limit joint connected to the second end for rotatably supporting the limit member with respect to the second end. [10] Suspension device according to claim 9, wherein the limit joint comprises: an outer body connected to the limiting member; an inner body disposed within the outer body and connected to the second end; and a pin connected to the inner body and rotatably in contact with the outer body. [11] The suspension device according to claim 10, wherein the second axis is inclined with respect to a third axis extending vertically from a floor and a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the pin has a spherical shape. [12] Suspension device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the limit joint further comprises: a stopper arranged to surround the inner body and configured to prevent the pin from rotating about a direction parallel to the second axis. [13] The suspension device according to claim 12, wherein a width of the stopper parallel to the second axis is greater than a width of the stopper intersecting the second axis. [14] Suspension device according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a second suspension arm spaced from the first suspension arm and connected to the second steering knuckle. [15] The suspension device according to claim 14, wherein the second knuckle has a first connecting part and a second connecting part spaced apart from each other along the second axis, and the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm are connected to the first connecting part and the second connecting part, respectively.

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