Row-branch drainage system

Abstract

Wheel separation system, comprising: a wheel hub separator cap, the wheel hub separator cap comprising a circular head and a circular shaft, a first through hole and a second through hole.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel hub of a vehicle. The wheel hub can be driven by an electric drive source. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART AND SUMMARY

[0002] A vehicle may include wheels coupled to wheel hubs. The wheel hub may be powered by a power source, such as an electric machine or a motor. From time to time, it may be desirable to transport the vehicle so that the vehicle can perform work in another area, or to move the vehicle so that its power source can be recharged, or because the machine has become inoperable. If the vehicle's wheel hubs remain coupled to the vehicle's power source while the vehicle is being transported, more power may be required to move the vehicle, or it may be impossible to move it. Therefore, it may be desirable to decouple wheel hubs from their power sources to facilitate vehicle transport, at least under some conditions.

[0003] The inventors have recognized the above challenges and developed a wheel separator system comprising: a wheel hub separator cap, the wheel hub separator cap comprising a circular head and a circular shaft, a first through hole and a second through hole.

[0004] By manufacturing a wheel hub separator cap, it may be possible to provide the technical result of creating a drive system with a wheel hub that can be easily decoupled from a drive source. In particular, the wheel hub separator cap can be rotated and moved in a longitudinal direction of a wheel drive assembly to decouple or couple a wheel hub to a drive source.

[0005] The wheel hub separation system described in this document can provide several advantages. For example, the wheel hub separation system provides a simplified way to separate a wheel hub from a drive source. Another advantage may be that the wheel hub separation system can be used to separate a wheel hub from a drive source with fewer opportunities for losing parts of the wheel hub separation system compared to other wheel hub separation systems. Furthermore, the wheel hub can be separated without loss of lubrication, and all gears in the wheel hub remain in a transmission.

[0006] It should be understood that the foregoing summary is provided to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts further described in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is clearly defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve disadvantages mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary vehicle incorporating a wheel hub separation system. Fig. Figure 2A shows a cross-section of an electrified wheel drive unit with which the wheel hub separation system is engaged. Fig. Figure 2B shows a cross-section of a portion of the electrified wheel drive unit from which the wheel hub separation system is detached. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a portion of the electrified wheel drive unit. Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed cross-section of a wheel hub and a wheel hub separator cap. Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a wheel hub and a wheel hub separator cap. The Fig. 6-12 show views of a wheel hub separator cap during a wheel hub separating and connecting sequence. Fig. 13 shows a method of assembling a wheel separation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] A wheel hub separation system is described. The wheel hub separation system can separate or connect a wheel hub from a power source, allowing wheels of a vehicle to rotate with or independently of the power source. The wheel hub can be separated from the power source during conditions where power is not available to operate the power source, or when a vehicle is being transported to another location with a second vehicle. In one example, the vehicle can be of the type described in Fig. 1. However, the wheel hub separation system can be applied to other types of vehicles, so it is understood that the Fig. 1 is not limiting. The wheel hub separation system may be part of an electrified wheel drive system, as shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. A detailed view of a transmission included in the electrified wheel drive system is shown in Fig. 3. A detailed cross-section of a wheel hub for the wheel drive system from Fig. 2A is in Fig. 4. A top view of the wheel hub is shown in Fig. 5. Views of a wheel hub separator cap during a wheel hub separation and connection sequence are shown in the Fig. 6-12. Finally, a method for assembling a wheel separation system is shown in Fig. 13 shown.

[0008] The Fig. 1-12 are drawn approximately to scale. However, the wheel hub separation system described in this document may have different relative component dimensions in alternative embodiments.

[0009] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an exemplary vehicle 100 incorporating electrified wheel drive units 104 of the type described herein. In this example, the vehicle 100 is a forklift with rear wheels 102. Each electrified wheel drive unit 104 can be selectively coupled to a wheel 102. An electrical energy storage device (e.g., a battery or capacitor) 120 can supply electrical power to electrified wheel drive units 104. Front wheels 108 cannot be rotated. Rear wheels, however, can pivot to steer the vehicle 100.

[0010] With reference now to Fig. 2A shows a cross-section of an electrified wheel drive unit 104 with which the wheel hub disconnect system is engaged. The electrified wheel drive unit 104 includes an electric machine 202 capable of providing motive power to the vehicle 100. The electric machine 202 is shown attached to a wheel hub carrier 204. The electric machine includes a rotor shaft 203. A friction-based wheel deceleration device 206 is shown positioned between the electric machine 202 and the wheel hub carrier 204.

[0011] The hub carrier 204 supports the electric machine 202 and forms one side of the transmission 210. The other side of the transmission 210 is formed by the hub 208. The hub carrier 204 holds the stator 277 of the electric machine 202 in a fixed position while allowing the rotor shaft 203 to rotate. The hub 208 can rotate with the rotor shaft 203 when the hub 208 is engaged with the rotor shaft 203. In particular, a sun gear 214 can fit over gear teeth 212 on the rotor shaft 203 when the hub separator cap 213 rests on the hub cover 218, as shown. The sun gear 214 engages a planet gear 225 when the sun gear 214 is engaged with the gear teeth 212. The planetary gear 225 may mesh with the sun gear 214 and the wheel hub 208. A gear (not shown) may be attached to the wheel hub 208.

[0012] The axes 250 indicate the longitudinal, vertical, and lateral directions with respect to the electrified wheel drive unit 104. Thus, the rotor shaft 203 extends in a longitudinal direction from the electric machine 202 to the transmission housing 210.

[0013] Electrical power can be applied to the electric machine 202 to rotate the rotor shaft 203. The rotor shaft 203 can transmit torque to the sun gear 214, and the sun gear 214 can transmit torque to the planet gear 218, allowing the wheel hub 208 to rotate about the wheel hub carrier when the sun gear 214 is engaged with gear teeth 212, as shown. The sun gear 214 can be disengaged from the gear teeth 212 and the planet gear 225 by moving the wheel hub separator cap 213 in a longitudinal direction away from the wheel hub cover 218.

[0014] With reference now to Fig. 2B is a view of a portion of the cross-section of the electrified wheel drive unit 104 from which the wheel hub separation system is detached. This view is similar to that shown in Fig. 2A; however, the hub separator cap 213 has been moved in a longitudinal direction to a position where the sun gear 214 no longer engages the planet gear 225. Nevertheless, the sun gear 214 remains engaged with the gear teeth 212 of the rotor shaft 203. A small amount of overlap remains between the sun gear 214 and the rotor shaft 203, as indicated at 230, so that the sun gear 214 does not need to be adjusted clockwise or counterclockwise to re-engage the rotor shaft 203. Thus, the hub separator system can re-engage by simply advancing the hub separator cap 213 in a longitudinal direction toward the wheel hub 208 and the hub carrier 204.

[0015] The axes 250 show the longitudinal, vertical and lateral directions with respect to the electrified wheel drive unit 104.

[0016] With reference now to Fig. 3 shows a detailed cross-section of the wheel hub carrier 204 and the wheel hub 208. In this view, the electric machine 202 has been removed. Fig. 3 a sun gear holder 304 (e.g., a screw or bolt) inserted into a threaded hole 305 so that it can hold the sun gear 214 to the wheel hub separator cap 213. Fig. 3 also shows a first threaded fastener 312 configured to function as a guide and a retainer. The first threaded fastener 312 is shown extending through a first slot 320 in the hub separator cap 213. The first threaded fastener 312 is also shown extending into a threaded hole 322 in the hub cover 218. A second threaded fastener 314 is shown extending through a second slot 330 in the hub separator cap 213. The second threaded fastener 314 is also shown extending into a threaded hole 332 in the hub cover 218. The vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions with respect to the hub carrier 204 and the wheel hub 208 are shown at the axes 350.

[0017] With reference now to Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the wheel hub cover 218. In this view, the wheel hub separator cap 213 is shown in its supported position, in which the sun gear 214 is engaged with the gear teeth 212 (see Fig. 2A) and the planetary gear 225 (see Fig. 2A) to engage the wheel hub 208 with the rotor shaft 203 (see Fig. 2A). The hub separator cap 213 includes a head 410 and a shaft 412. A diameter of the head 410 is larger than a diameter of the shaft 412. The hub separator cap 213 also includes a counterbore 402 concentric with the threaded hole 305. The counterbore 402 is configured to receive the sun gear 214. The shaft 412 is shown within the through-hole 460 of the hub cover 218. The hub separator cap 213 is retained within the through-hole 460 of the hub cover 218 by means of a retainer ring 406 and the head 410. The retainer ring 406 is inserted into the retainer ring slot 404. The first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 are shown in their respective seated positions holding the wheel hub separator cap 213 in position to engage the wheel hub 208 with the rotor shaft 203.The sun gear retainer 304 is held to the hub separator cap 213 by an inner retaining ring 416. The inner retaining ring 416 pulls the sun gear retainer 304 during the separation process. A thrust washer 414 assists in reconnecting the wheel hub 208 and also provides a thrust surface. The vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions relative to the hub carrier 204 and the wheel hub 208 are shown at the axes 450.

[0018] With reference now to Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the hub cover 218 and the hub separator cap 213. The hub cover 218 is circular, and its diameter is larger than a diameter of the hub separator cap 213, which is also circular. The first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 are shown in their respective seated positions, in which they retain the hub separator cap 213 seated on the hub cover 218 and in which they reduce the possibility of the hub separator cap 213 rotating. In this view, the first through-hole 502 and the second through-hole 504, both of which extend through the hub separator cap 213, are shown.These through holes allow the hub separator cap 213 to move in a longitudinal direction when the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 are loosened to allow the hub separator cap 213 to rotate. The vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions relative to the hub carrier 204 and the wheel hub 208 are shown at the axes 550.

[0019] With reference now to Fig. 6 shows a first part of a sequence for releasing a wheel hub from a drive source. In this view, the wheel hub separator cap 213 is shown, but only a portion of the wheel hub cover 218 is shown. Fig. 7-12 similarly show only a portion of the hub cover 218. The hub separator cap 213 is shown in its seated position, in which the wheel hub 208 (not shown) engages the rotor shaft 203 (not shown). Here, the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 are clamped against the hub separator cap 213 to reduce the possibility of the hub separator cap 213 rotating or moving in a longitudinal direction. The first through-hole 502 and the second through-hole 504 are also visible.

[0020] With reference now to Fig. Figure 7 shows a view of how the hub separator cap 213 may be indexed, or rotated counterclockwise, to begin decoupling the wheel hub. In this view, the first slot 320 and the second slot 330 are visible after the hub separator cap 213 has been rotated, as indicated by arrow 700. Before rotating the hub separator cap 213, the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 are loosened. In this view, a first counterbore 704 following and adjacent to the slot 320 is visible. Further, a second counterbore 708 following and adjacent to the slot 330 is also visible. The counterbores allow the heads of the first threaded fastener and the second threaded fastener to be clamped against the wheel hub separator cap 213 and hold it in place.The hub separator cap 213 is shown rotating such that the first threaded fastener 312 aligns with the first through-hole 502 and the second threaded fastener aligns with the second through-hole 504. This allows the hub separator cap 213 to be moved in a longitudinal direction relative to the electrified wheel drive unit 104 (not shown), as shown in FIG. Fig. 8 shown.

[0021] With reference now to Fig. 8, the hub separator cap 213 is shown in a position in which the wheel hub 208 (not shown) is separated from the rotor shaft 203 (not shown). In particular, the hub separator cap 213 has been moved in a longitudinal direction, as indicated by arrow 802, such that the hub separator cap 213 no longer rests against or on the hub cover 218 (not shown). By moving the hub separator cap 213 in the longitudinal direction, as shown, the sun gear 214 disconnects the coupling of the rotor shaft 203 from the wheel hub 208. The vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions with respect to the hub carrier 204 and the wheel hub 208 are shown at axes 850.

[0022] With reference now to Fig. 9, the hub separator cap 213 is shown in a position where it has been moved in a longitudinal direction such that the head 902 of the first threaded fastener 312 and the head 904 of the second threaded fastener 314 remove the wheel hub 208 (not shown). Furthermore, the hub separator cap 213 has been rotated clockwise, as indicated by arrow 900, so that the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 can be positioned to reduce the possibility of the wheel hub 208 (not shown) re-engaging with the rotor shaft 203 (not shown).

[0023] With reference now to Fig. 10 is a view illustrating how the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 may be positioned to reduce the possibility of the wheel hub 208 (not shown) re-engaging with the rotor shaft 203 (not shown). Specifically, the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 are rotated counterclockwise so that the head 902 and the head 904 engage the wheel hub separator cap 213. The aforementioned counterbores (e.g., 704 and 708 of Fig. 7) which are connected to the slots (e.g. 320 and 330 of Fig. 3) adjacent the hub separator cap 213 provide a surface upon which the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 can exert force, thereby preventing the hub separator cap 213 from moving toward the hub cover 218.

[0024] With reference now to Fig. 11 is a view illustrating how the wheel hub separator cap 213 can be repositioned to recouple the wheel hub 208 to the rotor shaft 203. To get out of the Fig. 10 shown position into the Fig. 11, the first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener are rotated clockwise. Further, the hub separator cap 213 is rotated counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow 1100. The hub separator cap 213 is now positioned such that the first threaded fastener 312 can pass through the first through-hole 502 and the second threaded fastener 314 can pass through the second through-hole 504. The hub separator cap 213 can be moved in a longitudinal direction such that it rests on the hub cover 218, thereby moving the sun gear 214 to recouple the rotor shaft 203 to the wheel hub 208.

[0025] With reference now to Fig. 12 is a view illustrating how the wheel hub separator cap 213 can be repositioned to lock the wheel hub 208 to the rotor shaft 203. To escape from the Fig. 11 shown position into the Fig. 12, the hub separator cap 213 is rotated clockwise, as indicated by arrow 1200, after the hub separator cap 213 is seated on the hub cover 218. The first threaded fastener 312 and the second threaded fastener 314 can be tightened to reduce the possibility of the hub separator cap 213 moving.

[0026] In this way, the Fig. 6-12 illustrate how the hub separator cap can function to engage and disengage a wheel hub from a power source. Furthermore, the threaded fasteners can be used to hold the wheel hub in a desired state (e.g., engaged or disengaged from the power source).

[0027] Thus, the system provides Fig. 1-12 provides a wheel separation system comprising: a wheel hub separation cap, the wheel hub separation cap comprising a circular head and a circular stem, a first through-hole, and a second through-hole. In a first example, the wheel separation system further comprises a first slot in communication with the first through-hole and a second slot in communication with the second through-hole. In a second example, which may include the first example, the wheel separation system further comprises a first counterbore adjacent to the first slot and a second counterbore adjacent to the second slot. In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a retaining ring slot.In a fourth example, which may include one or more of the first to third examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a first borehole in the circular shaft and a second borehole in the circular shaft. In a fifth example, which may include one or more of the first to fourth examples, the wheel separation system further comprises the first borehole being concentric with the second borehole. In a sixth example, which may include one or more of the first to fifth examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a sun gear retainer at least partially inserted into the first borehole, a sun gear at least partially inserted into the second borehole, the sun gear being retained on the wheel hub separator cap via the sun gear retainer.In a seventh example, which may include one or more of the first to sixth examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a retaining ring at least partially inserted into the retaining ring slot. In an eighth example, which may include one or more of the first to seventh examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a first threaded fastener extending through the wheel hub separation cap and a second threaded fastener extending through the wheel hub separation cap. In a ninth example, which may include one or more of the first to eighth examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a wheel hub, wherein the circular shaft is at least partially inserted into the wheel hub through a through-hole in the wheel hub.In a tenth example, which may include one or more of the first to ninth examples, the wheel separation system further comprises a first bore in the wheel hub configured to receive the first threaded fastener, a second bore in the wheel hub configured to receive the second threaded fastener.

[0028] The system from the Fig. 1-12 also provides a wheel separation system comprising: a hub carrier; a wheel hub attached to the hub carrier; an electric machine attached to the hub carrier; and a hub separation cap attached to the wheel hub, the hub separation cap including a circular head and a circular shaft, a first through-hole, and a second through-hole. In a first example, the wheel separation system further comprises a sun gear attached to the hub separation cap, and wherein the sun gear maintains contact with a rotor shaft of the electric machine when the wheel separation system is engaged and disengaged. In a second example, which may include the first example, the wheel separation system further comprises a planetary gear in selective communication with the sun gear.In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the wheel separation system further includes a first fastener extending through the first through-hole and a second fastener extending through the second through-hole. In a fourth example, which may include one or more of the first through third examples, the wheel separation system further includes a retaining ring that secures the hub separation cap to the wheel hub.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 13 shows a method for assembling a wheel separation system. The method of Fig. 13 can be performed by a human or by machines on a conveyor belt. The process from Fig. 13 can be used to produce the wheel separation system described in this document.

[0030] At 1302, method 1300 attaches a sun gear to a hub separator cap and inserts the hub separator cap into a hub cover (e.g., as shown in the Fig. 2-4). This allows the sun gear to move with the wheel hub separator cap to engage or disengage a wheel hub from a drive source. Method 1300 proceeds to 1302.

[0031] At 1304, method 1300 installs a retaining ring on the hub separator cap to hold the hub separator cap to the hub cover. The retaining ring ensures that the hub separator cap and the hub cover do not become uncoupled when the wheel hub is removed. Method 1300 proceeds to 1306.

[0032] At 1306, method 1300 installs threaded fasteners through the hub separator cap and into the hub cover. The threaded fasteners may reduce the possibility of unintended movement of the hub separator cap. Method 1300 proceeds to 1308.

[0033] At 1308, method 1300 attaches the hub cap to the wheel hub and seats the hub separator cap against or on the hub cap. To seat the hub separator cap, the hub separator cap is inserted into the hub cap. Seating the hub separator cap causes the sun gear to engage gear teeth of a motor rotor shaft and teeth of one or more planetary gears, thereby engaging the wheel hub with a drive source. Method 1300 proceeds to 1310.

[0034] At 1310, method 1300 rotates the hub separator cap and tightens the threaded fasteners against the hub separator cap, preventing the hub separator cap from moving. Method 1300 proceeds to end.

[0035] Thus, a hub separator cap can be rotated and moved in a longitudinal direction to engage or disengage a wheel hub from a power source. The hub separator cap and associated components can reduce the possibility of lost parts and unintentional changes to the operating status of the hub separator system.

[0036] Thus, the procedure Fig.13 provides a method of assembling a wheel separation system, comprising: attaching a sun gear to a hub separator cap; inserting the hub separator cap into a hub cover; and mounting a retaining ring on the hub separator cap to retain the hub separator cap to the hub cover. In a first example, the method further comprises mounting two fasteners through the hub separator cap and into the hub cover. In a second example, which may include the first example, the method further comprises attaching the hub cover to a wheel hub and seating a head of the hub separator cap on the hub cover to engage the sun gear with a splined shaft.In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the method further comprises rotating the hub separator cap and clamping the two fasteners against the hub separator cap.

[0037] While various embodiments have been described above, it is understood that these serve as examples and not as limitations or restrictions. It is understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific examples are not to be interpreted as limiting, as numerous variations are possible. For example, the above technology may be applied to powertrains that incorporate various types of power sources, including various types of electric machines, internal combustion engines, and / or transmissions.The technology can be used standalone or in combination with other power transmission systems, not limited to machines and drive systems for, for example, tandem axles, electric tag axles, P4 axles, HEVs, BEVs, agricultural vehicles, watercraft, motorcycles, caravans, and on-road and off-road vehicles. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter.

[0038] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "a" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be construed as implying the inclusion of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by presenting new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broad or narrow, the same as or different from the original claims, are also considered to be included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0039] In this context, the term “approximately” shall mean plus or minus five percent of the range, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

[1] Wheel separation system, comprising: a wheel hub separator cap, the wheel hub separator cap comprising a circular head and a circular shaft, a first through hole and a second through hole. [2] The wheel separation system of claim 1, further comprising a first slot in communication with the first through-hole and a second slot in communication with the second through-hole. [3] The wheel separation system of claim 2, further comprising a first counterbore adjacent to the first slot and a second counterbore adjacent to the second slot. [4] Wheel separation system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining ring slot. [5] A wheel separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first borehole in the circular shaft and a second borehole in the circular shaft. [6] The wheel separation system of claim 5, wherein the first borehole is concentric with the second borehole. [7] A wheel separation system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a sun gear holder at least partially inserted into the first borehole, a sun gear at least partially inserted into the second borehole, the sun gear being held to the wheel hub separation cap via the sun gear holder. [8] Wheel separation system according to one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a retaining ring at least partially inserted into the retaining ring slot. [9] A wheel separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first threaded fastener extending through the wheel hub separation cap and a second threaded fastener extending through the wheel hub separation cap. [10] A wheel separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wheel hub, wherein the circular shaft is at least partially inserted into the wheel hub via a through hole in the wheel hub. [11] The wheel separation system of claim 10, further comprising a first bore in the wheel hub configured to receive the first threaded fastener, a second bore in the wheel hub configured to receive the second threaded fastener. [12] Wheel separation system, comprising: a wheel hub carrier; a wheel hub secured to the wheel hub carrier; an electric machine attached to the wheel hub carrier; and a hub separator cap attached to the wheel hub, the hub separator cap comprising a circular head and a circular shaft, a first through hole and a second through hole. [13] The wheel separation system of claim 12, further comprising a sun gear secured to the wheel hub separation cap, and wherein the sun gear maintains contact with a rotor shaft of the electric machine when the wheel separation system is engaged and disengaged. [14] The gear separation system of claim 13, further comprising a planetary gear in selective communication with the sun gear. [15] The wheel separation system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a first fastening element extending through the first through-hole and a second fastening element extending through the second through-hole.

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