Active bike carrier system

Abstract

Active bike carrier system, comprehensive: a constant velocity joint (CV); a wheel hub coupled to the CV joint and containing a set of hub bearings; a hub carrier inner ring coupled with the bearing set; a hub carrier outer ring; several roller elements arranged between the inner ring of the hub carrier and the outer ring of the hub carrier; a steering swivel joint coupled to the inner ring of the hub carrier; a camber angle drive configured to rotate the hub carrier inner ring independently about a first axis; and a toe angle drive which is configured to rotate the hub carrier inner ring independently about a second axis that is different from the first axis.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present description refers generally to an active wheel carrier system that is designed to adjust camber and toe angles independently of each other. BACKGROUND AND DETOUR

[0002] In vehicles, the ability to control and enhance vehicle dynamics is crucial for improving driving performance. Attempts have been made to control the camber and toe angles of vehicle wheels simultaneously. DE 102015113153 A1 discloses an active wheel carrier that simultaneously adjusts the camber and toe angles of a vehicle wheel. In the active wheel carrier system, two cylinders are connected via an inclined surface and are jointly controlled by a rotary motion. The combined rotation of the two connected cylinders allows the system to change both angles simultaneously. Therefore, in the active wheel carrier device disclosed in DE 102015113153 A1, both cylinders must be adjusted to change the camber and toe angles. The active wheel carrier device disclosed in DE 102015113153 A1 is therefore not capable of adjusting the camber or toe angles independently.

[0003] The inventors have identified several problems with the active wheel carrier disclosed in DE 102015113153 A1 and other previous active wheel carriers. The simultaneous control of toe and camber angles limits the adjustability of the active wheel carrier and leads to an improvement in handling. Furthermore, existing active wheel carriers have space constraints that prevent their integration into certain vehicle platforms or require a significant redesign of the surrounding vehicle system.

[0004] The inventors recognized the aforementioned challenges and developed an active wheel carrier system to overcome at least some of them. In one example, the active wheel carrier system comprises a constant velocity joint (CV joint) and a wheel hub coupled to the CV joint, containing a set of hub bearings. The active wheel carrier system also includes an inner hub ring coupled to the bearing set, an outer hub ring, and several roller elements positioned between the inner and outer hub rings. Furthermore, the active wheel carrier system includes a steering pivot coupled to the inner hub ring, a camber drive configured to rotate the inner hub ring independently about a first axis, and a toe drive configured to rotate the inner hub ring independently about a second axis distinct from the first.In this way, the active wheel carrier system achieves increased space efficiency and enables an improvement in the driving performance of the vehicle into which it is integrated.

[0005] In one example, the camber angle drive could be a camber angle worm drive comprising a camber angle worm screw engaged in threaded engagement with a camber angle worm actuator coupled to the control pivot, and a camber angle worm actuator configured to rotate the camber angle worm screw. Similarly, the toe angle drive could be a toe angle worm drive comprising a toe angle worm screw engaged in threaded engagement with a toe angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot, and a toe angle actuator configured to rotate the toe angle worm screw.The use of worm drives for camber and toe angle adjustment allows the drives to hold the system in the desired angular position without any backlash, thus avoiding constant drive intervention once the drives have reached a desired angular position with respect to the camber or toe angle.

[0006] It should be noted that the foregoing summary serves to present, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further explained in the detailed description. It does not serve to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined exclusively by the claims following the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with active wheel carrier assemblies that include wheel hubs. The Fig. Figures 2-6 show an example of a wheel arrangement with an active wheel carrier system. Fig. Figures 7-8 show different perspective views of the scene. Fig. 2-6 shown active wheel carrier system. Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 2-6 shown active wheel carrier system. Fig. Figure 10 shows a side view of the in Fig. 2-6 shown active wheel carrier system. Fig. Figures 11-12 show cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 10 active wheel carrier systems shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] This document describes an active wheel carrier system and a method for actively and independently controlling camber and toe angles during wheel movement using an external constant velocity joint (CV joint) and a wheel hub assembly. To achieve active and independent control of camber and toe angles, a wheel carrier is integrated into an external CV joint. This external CV joint consists of an outer hub carrier ring, an inner hub carrier ring, and a series of roller elements (e.g., balls) positioned between the inner and outer rings. To control the relative movement (and thus the camber and toe angles) between the inner and outer hub carrier rings independently, a control pivot joint is connected to the inner ring of the outer hub carrier ring and is guided, for example, by a groove in the outer hub carrier ring.In one example, the camber angle is achieved by a pivoting movement through the groove of the hub carrier's outer ring. Furthermore, in such an example, a toe angle is possible by rotation around its own axis. The steering pivot can be tilted and rotated independently via various worm drives, in one example. In such an example, each worm gear can consist of a worm wheel and a worm, actuated by a dedicated actuator. However, other types of gears, drives, or actuation systems can also be used to move the steering pivot independently with these two degrees of freedom.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 100 with a powertrain 102. The vehicle 100 can take the form of an electric vehicle (EV) (e.g., a hybrid electric vehicle or a pure electric vehicle) or an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICE), with various examples. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 can assume a variety of forms, such as a light, medium, or heavy commercial vehicle.

[0009] The drive train 102 comprises a drive unit 104 (e.g., a traction motor and / or an ICE). The drive train 102 may further comprise a gearbox 106, which is rotaryally coupled to the drive unit 104.

[0010] In the example shown, the gearbox 106 is rotaryally coupled to an axle 108. In this example, the axle is a drive axle. The axle 108 can contain a differential 110. The differential 110 is rotaryally coupled to the CV joints 112 (e.g., the inner CV joints) via shafts 114. Furthermore, the inner CV joints 112 are rotatably coupled to the outer CV joints 116 in active wheel carrier systems 120, which can conceptually be contained within wheel arrangements 122. The outer CV joints 116 are located in the Fig. The example shown in Figure 1 is schematically illustrated. However, it should be understood that the outer CV joints exhibit greater structural complexity, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0011] The outer CV joints 116 are rotaryally coupled to wheel hubs 124, which also belong to the active wheel carrier systems 120. The active wheel carrier systems 120 also include a camber angle drive 126 and a toe angle drive 128. The steering knuckles 130 can be coupled to the wheel hubs 124. The steering knuckles 130 can conceptually be included in the active wheel carrier systems 120 and / or a steering system 132, which may include tie rods, cylinders, and the like, configured to move the steering knuckles. The wheels 134 are rotaryly coupled to the wheel hubs 124. The active wheel carrier systems 120 exhibit additional complexity, which will be discussed in more detail below. Fig. 2-12 will be discussed in more detail.

[0012] The vehicle 100 can also include a control system 140 with a controller 141. The controller 141 can comprise a processor 142 and a memory 144. The memory can contain instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller 141 to perform various procedures, control techniques, and the like discussed herein. The processor 142 can include a microprocessor unit and / or other types of circuitry. The memory 144 can include known data storage media, such as random-access memory, read-only memory, keep-alive memory, combinations thereof, and the like. The controller 141 can receive various signals from sensors 146 located at different points in the vehicle. The controller 141 can also send control signals to various actuators 148 located at different points in the vehicle 100.For example, the control unit 141 can send command signals to the active wheel carrier systems 120, allowing camber and toe angles to be adjusted independently of each other while driving. It should be understood that the controllable components of the vehicle described here may also include actuators. The other controllable components in the vehicle can be operated similarly with respect to sensor signals and actuator settings.

[0013] An axis system is in Fig. 1 and possibly in the Fig. Figures 2-12 are shown for reference. The z-axis can be a vertical axis (e.g., parallel to a gravitational axis), the x-axis can be a longitudinal axis (e.g., a horizontal axis), and / or the y-axis can be a lateral axis, in one example. However, in other examples, the axes may have different orientations.

[0014] Fig. Figures 2-6 show an example of a wheel assembly 200 with an active wheel carrier system 202. The active wheel carrier system 202 comprises a CV joint 204 (e.g., an inner CV joint), a toe angle drive 206, and a camber angle drive 208. The toe angle drive 206 is configured to independently set a toe angle 250 of the wheel assembly 200 (relative to a camber angle 252), as shown in Fig. 4 is shown in particular. Conversely, the camber angle drive 208 is configured to independently adjust the camber angle 252 of the wheel arrangement 200 (relative to a toe angle 250). It is understood that the toe angle 250 is an angle measured about an axis 254, and the camber angle 252 is an angle measured about an axis 256.

[0015] The toe-in drive 206 comprises an electric motor 210, and the camber-in drive 208 comprises an electric motor 212 in the illustrated example. The electric motor 210 has an electrical interface 214, and the electric motor 212 also has an electrical interface 216. These electrical interfaces are electrically coupled to a control unit and can therefore receive control signals from it in the illustrated example. However, other forms of actuation for these drives were also considered.

[0016] The in the Fig. The active wheel carrier system 202 shown in Figures 2-6 further comprises a wheel hub 218, which is rotatably coupled to the CV joint 204. The active wheel carrier system 202 also comprises a hub carrier 220, which functions as a joint (e.g., a CV joint, which may also be referred to as an outer CV joint). The hub carrier 220 comprises an outer ring 222 and an inner ring 224. A steering knuckle 226 may be coupled to the outer ring 222. The fastening device 228 (e.g., bolts, screws, pins, combinations thereof, and the like) may, in particular, be used to detachably fasten the steering knuckle 226 to the outer ring 222, as shown in one example. The outer ring 222 may include a section 230 to which the electric motor 212 of the camber angle drive 208 is attached. Section 230 can therefore enclose a snail 244, which will be discussed in more detail here.

[0017] The wheel arrangement 200 in the example shown comprises a rim 232 and a tire 234 mounted on it. Furthermore, the rim 232 is detachably attached to a flange 236 of the wheel hub 218.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 3-4, roller elements 238 (e.g., balls) are arranged between the inner ring 224 and the outer ring 222 in the hub carrier 220. The roller elements 238 in the hub carrier 220 enable the hub carrier to function conceptually as an external CV joint and to be referred to as such. A rotation axis 300 of an input of the CV joint 204 is located in Fig. 3 shown as a reference.

[0019] Fig. Figure 4 shows various components of the toe angle drive 206 and the toe angle drive 208. Specifically, the toe angle drive 206 comprises a toe angle worm screw 240, which engages in threaded engagement with a toe angle worm gear 242. The motor of the toe angle drive 206 is rotationally fixed to the worm 240. It should be understood that the toe angle drive 242 cannot reverse the worm 240. In this way, the active wheel carrier system 202 is able to set a desired toe angle and prevent rotational movements in order to maintain the wheel assembly 200 at the target toe angle. The camber angle drive 208 comprises the camber angle worm screw 244, which engages in threaded engagement with a camber angle worm gear 246. The motor of the camber angle drive 208 is rotationally fixed to the worm 244. It is understood that the camber angle worm gear 246 cannot drive the worm 244 back.In this way, the active wheel carrier system 202 is able to set a desired camber angle and prevent rotational movement in order to hold the wheel assembly 200 at the desired camber angle. The toe angle drive 206 and the toe angle drive 208 are therefore irreversible worm drives in the illustrated example. However, other suitable types of toe angle and toe angle drives can also be used in other embodiments.

[0020] Fig. Figure 4 also shows a control swivel joint 400 with a shaft 401 coupled to the inner ring 224. It is understood that the control swivel joint 400 belongs to the active wheel carrier system 202. The outer ring 222 has a slot 402 that allows the shaft 401 to extend through the outer ring and to enable the camber angle 252 to be adjusted via the active wheel carrier system 202 and, in particular, the camber angle drive 208. In the illustrated example, the toe angle worm gear 242 is arranged vertically above the toe angle worm gear 246. Furthermore, the toe angle worm gear 242 is configured to rotate independently of the camber angle worm gear 246 about a rotation axis of the shaft 401. In the example shown, the camber angle worm gear 246 has a section 404 to which the motor of the toe angle drive 206 can be attached.Section 404 extends vertically from a base of the camber angle worm gear 246, in the example shown. A pivot axis 450 of the wheel hub 218 is located in . Fig. 4 shown as a reference.

[0021] Fig. Figure 6 shows a bearing set 600 comprising an inner bearing 602 and an outer bearing 604. Each of the bearings 602 and 604 comprises an inner ring 606, an outer ring 608, and spherical balls 610 arranged between the rings. In the example shown, the inner rings 606 are coupled to an outer surface 612 of the wheel hub 218, and the outer rings 608 are coupled to an inner surface 614 of the hub carrier inner ring 224.

[0022] In the Fig. In the example shown, the CV joint 204 comprises a shaft 616 that engages in an opening 618 in the hub carrier 220. A nut 620 is also screwed onto the shaft 616, as shown in the illustrated example.

[0023] Fig. Figures 7-8 show a perspective detail view of the active wheel carrier system 202 with the toe angle drive 206 and the camber angle drive 208. The electric motor 210, the toe angle worm screw 240, and the toe angle worm gear 242 in the toe angle drive 206 are also shown. Additionally, the electric motor 212, the camber angle worm screw 244, and the camber angle worm gear 246 in the camber angle drive 208 are shown again. The threads 700 in the toe angle worm screw 240, which engage with the threads 702 in the toe angle worm gear 242, are shown in Fig. Figures 7-8 show the threads 704 in the camber angle worm screw 244, which engage in the threads 706 in the camber angle worm gear 246, in Fig. 7-8 shown.

[0024] The fastening devices 708 can be used to attach the motor 212 to section 230 of the outer ring 222. Similarly, fastening devices 710 can be used to attach the motor 210 to section 404 of the camber angle worm gear 246.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 7 shows the CV joint 204 and the inner ring 224. The CV joint 204 comprises roller elements 712 and splined teeth 714, which allow the joint to be rotaryally coupled to upstream components (e.g., a shaft). The wheel hub 218 is shown in Fig. 7 is shown in more detail.

[0026] Fig. Figure 8 again shows the wheel hub 218 and the nut 620, which is screwed onto the CV joint shaft 616. The camber angle worm gear 246 can, in one example, bear against a step 800 in the outer ring 222. Furthermore, the outer race 222 can have openings 802 that allow the race to be mounted within the vehicle system. The slot 402 in the outer ring 222 is also shown in Fig. 8 shown. A viewing level 9-9, which is shown in Fig. The cross-sectional view shown in 9 corresponds to the Fig. 8 shown.

[0027] Fig. Figure 9 shows the active wheel carrier system 202 in cross-section. The steering swivel joint 400 with the shaft 401 is in Fig. Figure 9 shows the shaft 401 being coupled to the inner ring 224, so that independent inputs from the toe angle drive 206 and the camber angle drive 208 are able to control the toe angle 250 and the camber angle 252 of the wheel assembly 200, as shown in Fig. 8 shown, to change. Fig. Figure 9 again shows the roller elements 238 (e.g., balls) between the inner ring 224 and the outer ring 222. The toe-angle worm gear 242 and the camber-angle worm gear 246 are also shown. The toe-angle worm gear 242 is arranged above the camber-angle worm gear 246 with a gap 900 mm between them.

[0028] The shaft of the control swivel joint 401 extends through an opening 902 in the toe-angle worm gear 242 and an opening 904 in the camber-angle worm gear 246, as shown in the example. The shaft of the control swivel joint 401 can engage with a sleeve 906, which engages in the opening 904 of the camber-angle worm gear 246. A flange 908 of the sleeve 906 can bridge the gap 900 between the toe-angle worm gear 242 and the camber-angle worm gear 246.

[0029] Fig. Figure 9 shows a rotation axis 910 of the worm screw 240 and a rotation axis 912 of the worm screw 244. In the case of the Fig. In the example of the active wheel carrier system 202 shown in Figure 9, axes 910 and 912 are parallel to each other. In this way, the system can achieve greater space efficiency if desired.

[0030] Fig. Figure 10 shows a side view of the active wheel carrier system 202. The toe angle drive 206, the camber angle drive 208, the outer ring 222, the inner ring 224, the roller elements 238 and the CV joint 204 are also shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0031] A level of consideration 11-11, which is in Fig. The cross-sectional view shown in 11 corresponds to the Fig. 10 is shown. Furthermore, in Fig. 10. An additional viewing level 12-12 is provided, which is in Fig. This corresponds to the cross-sectional view shown in section 12.

[0032] Fig. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the active wheel carrier system 202. The camber angle drive 208, the outer ring 222, the inner ring 224, the roller elements 238, the wheel hub 218, the CV joint 204 with the shaft 616 and the bearing set 600 are also shown in Fig. Figure 11 shows the outer race 222 having a curved inner surface 1110 which is in contact with the roller elements 238. The inner ring 224 also includes a curved inner surface 1112 which is in contact with the roller elements 238.

[0033] The CV joint 204 contains balls 1100 enclosed between an inner ring 1102 and an outer ring 1104. The shaft 616 extends from the inner ring 1102. Furthermore, a surface 1106 (e.g., a curved surface) of the camber worm gear 246 is in planar contact with a surface 1108 (e.g., a curved surface) of the outer ring 222. The nut 620, which engages the shaft 616 in threaded engagement, is also in Fig. 11 shown.

[0034] Fig. Figure 11 further shows the motor 212 in the camber angle drive 208, as well as the camber angle worm screw 244 and the camber angle worm gear 246. The section 404 of the camber angle worm gear 246 can contain a bearing 1114, which is arranged therein and carries the worm screw 244.

[0035] Fig. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the active wheel carrier system 202. The wheel hub 218, the CV joint 204, the camber angle drive 208, the outer ring 222, the inner ring 224, and the control swivel joint 400 are again shown. Furthermore, the motor 212, the worm 244, and the camber angle worm gear 246 in the camber angle drive 208 are shown. Fig. Figure 12 also shows the toe angle 250 as a reference. A rotation axis 1200 of shaft 616 and a rotation axis 300 of the input of CV joint 204 are indicated as references.

[0036] Fig. Figures 1-12 show a method for operating an active wheel carrier system. The method involves operating a camber angle drive during vehicle operation to change the camber angle of a wheel independently of the wheel's toe angle. The method further involves operating a toe angle drive during vehicle operation to change the wheel's toe angle independently of the camber angle. It is understood that the operation of a vehicle includes a state in which the vehicle is in motion. In one example, the operation of the camber angle drive may involve actuating a camber angle actuator to rotate a camber angle worm screw that engages with a camber angle worm gear coupled to the steering pivot.In another example, the actuation of the toe-angle drive can involve actuating a toe-angle actuator to rotate a toe-angle worm screw that engages in threaded engagement with a toe-angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot joint.

[0037] The technical effect of the operating procedure of the active wheel carrier system is to improve the vehicle's handling by facilitating the independent adjustment of the track and camber angles.

[0038] The invention is described in more detail in the following paragraphs. In one aspect, an active wheel carrier system is provided, comprising a constant velocity joint (CV joint); a wheel hub coupled to the CV joint and containing a set of hub bearings; an inner ring of the hub carrier coupled to the set of bearings; an outer ring of the hub carrier; several roller elements arranged between the inner and outer rings of the hub carrier; a steering pivot joint coupled to the inner ring of the hub carrier; a camber angle drive configured to rotate the inner ring of the hub carrier independently about a first axis; and a toe angle drive configured to rotate the inner ring of the hub carrier independently about a second axis different from the first axis.In one example, the camber angle drive can be a camber angle worm drive comprising: a camber angle worm screw threaded into a camber angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot; and a camber angle actuator configured to rotate the camber angle worm screw. In another example, the toe angle drive can be a toe angle worm drive comprising: a toe angle worm screw threaded into a toe angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot; and a toe angle actuator configured to rotate the toe angle worm screw. In yet another example, the toe angle worm gear can be arranged vertically above the camber angle worm gear.In another example, the control pivot joint can include a shaft extending through openings in the toe-angle worm gear and the camber-angle worm gear. In another example, the toe-angle actuator and the camber-angle actuator can be electric motors. In another example, the roller elements can be spherical balls. In another example, the CV joint can be configured to receive rotary motion from an electric drivetrain. In another example, the bearing set can include an inner ball bearing and an outer ball bearing. In another example, the hub carrier outer ring can be configured to be attached to a steering knuckle. In another example, the axes of rotation of the camber-angle worm gear and the toe-angle worm gear can be parallel to each other.

[0039] In another aspect, a method for operating an active wheel carrier system in a vehicle is provided, comprising, during vehicle operation, the operation of a camber angle drive to change the camber angle of a wheel independently of the toe angle of the wheel; and the operation of a toe angle drive to change the toe angle of the wheel independently of the camber angle; wherein the active wheel carrier system comprises a constant velocity joint (CV joint); a wheel hub coupled to the CV joint and containing a set of hub bearings; a hub carrier inner ring; a hub carrier outer ring; several roller elements arranged between the hub carrier inner ring and the hub carrier outer ring; a control pivot joint coupled to the hub carrier inner ring; and a camber angle drive configured to rotate the hub carrier inner ring independently about a first axis.and a camber drive configured to rotate the inner ring of the hub carrier independently about a second axis different from the first. In one example, the camber drive actuation may involve the actuation of a camber actuator to rotate a camber worm screw that engages with a camber worm gear coupled to the steering pivot. In another example, the camber actuator may be an electric motor. In another example, the outer ring of the hub carrier may be configured to be attached to a steering knuckle. In another example, the camber drive actuation may involve the actuation of a camber actuator to rotate a camber worm screw that engages with a camber worm gear coupled to the steering pivot. In another example, the camber actuator may be an electric motor.

[0040] In another aspect, an active wheel carrier system is provided in an electric vehicle (EV) that includes a constant velocity joint (CV joint); a wheel hub coupled to the CV joint and containing a set of hub bearings; an inner hub carrier ring; an outer hub carrier ring; several roller elements arranged between the inner and outer hub carrier rings; a steering pivot joint extending through an opening in the outer hub carrier ring and directly coupled to the inner hub carrier ring; a camber angle drive configured to rotate the inner hub carrier ring independently about a first axis; and a toe angle drive configured to rotate the inner hub carrier ring independently about a second axis different from the first axis.In one example, the camber angle drive can be a camber angle worm drive comprising: a camber angle worm screw engaged with a camber angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot; and a camber angle actuator configured to rotate the camber angle worm screw. In another example, the toe angle drive can be a toe angle worm drive comprising: a toe angle worm screw engaged with a toe angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot; and a toe angle actuator configured to rotate the toe angle worm screw. In yet another example, the roller elements can be balls, and the bearing set can include an inner ball bearing and an outer ball bearing.

[0041] Apart from the schematically depicted components, Fig. Figures 2-12 are drawn approximately to scale. However, the components may have different relative dimensions in other embodiments.

[0042] Fig.Figures 1-12 show example configurations with the relative arrangement of the various components. If these elements are in direct contact with each other or directly coupled, they can be described as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, elements shown side by side or adjacent to each other can be described as being adjacent to each other or adjacent to each other, respectively, in at least one example. For instance, components that are in planar contact with each other can be described as being in planar contact. As another example, elements that are separated from each other, with only a gap between them and that have no other components, can be described as such in at least one case.In yet another example, elements that are displayed above / below each other, on opposite sides, or to the left / right of each other can be described as such, relative to one another. Furthermore, in at least one example, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or the highest point of an element can be referred to as the "top" of the component, and a bottommost element or the lowest point of the element can be referred to as the "bottom" of the component. The terms top / bottom, upper / lower, and above / below used here can refer to a vertical axis of the figures and be used to describe the positioning of elements within the figures relative to each other. Thus, in one example, elements displayed above other elements are arranged vertically above the other elements.As a further example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures can be described as such (e.g., circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, etc.). Furthermore, the depicted elements that intersect each other can be described as intersecting elements or as mutually intersecting elements in at least one example. In addition, an element depicted inside or outside another element can be described as such. As described here, a component that is directly coupled to another component can be described as such. Features described as axial can be approximately parallel to a reference axis unless otherwise specified. Features described as counter-rotating can be approximately perpendicular to the reference axis unless otherwise specified.Features described as radial may extend around an axis, such as the datum axis, or a component or feature previously described as radial to a datum axis, or extend radially outward unless otherwise specified.

[0043] It is clear that the configurations disclosed herein are exemplary and that these specific embodiments are not to be understood in a restrictive sense, as numerous variations are possible. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are not intended to denote any order, position, quantity, or significance, but serve only to distinguish the individual elements. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein.

[0044] Unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means plus or minus five percent of the range.

[0045] The following claims specifically indicate certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and not obvious. These claims may refer to "one" element, "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be understood as including one or more such elements, with two or more such elements neither required nor excluded. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they have a broader, narrower, identical, or different scope than the original claims, are also considered to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 102015113153 A1 [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Active wheel carrier system, comprising: a constant velocity joint (CV); a wheel hub coupled to the CV joint and containing a set of hub bearings; a hub carrier inner ring coupled with the bearing set; a hub carrier outer ring; several roller elements arranged between the inner ring of the hub carrier and the outer ring of the hub carrier; a steering swivel joint coupled to the inner ring of the hub carrier; a camber angle drive configured to rotate the hub carrier inner ring independently about a first axis; and a toe angle drive which is configured to rotate the hub carrier inner ring independently about a second axis that is different from the first axis. [2] Active wheel carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the camber angle drive is a camber angle worm drive comprising: a camber angle worm screw that engages with a camber angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot joint; and a camber angle actuator that is set up to turn the camber angle worm screw. [3] Active wheel carrier system according to claim 2, wherein the toe angle drive is a toe angle worm drive comprising: a toe-angle worm screw that engages with a toe-angle worm gear coupled to the control pivot joint; and a toe-angle actuator that is set up to turn the toe-angle worm screw. [4] Active wheel carrier system according to claim 3, wherein the camber angle worm gear is arranged vertically above the camber angle worm gear. [5] Active wheel carrier system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the steering pivot joint comprises a shaft extending through openings in the toe angle worm gear and the camber angle worm gear. [6] Active wheel carrier system according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the toe angle actuator and the camber angle actuator are electric motors. [7] Active wheel carrier system according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the axes of rotation of the camber angle worm screw and the toe angle worm screw run parallel to each other. [8] Active wheel carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple roller elements are spheres. [9] Active wheel carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing set comprises an inner ball bearing and an outer ball bearing. [10] Active wheel carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hub carrier outer ring is designed for attachment to a steering knuckle.

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