Wheel adjuster, arrangement of a wheel adjuster, use of a wheel adjuster, wheel suspension of a vehicle, vehicle and vehicle system

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel adjuster (RS) for a joint of a wheel suspension of a vehicle, by means of which wheel adjuster a wheel position / setting can be actively adjusted. The wheel adjuster has an electromotive drive unit with an output shaft (6) for insertion into an eye of a link (L) of the wheel suspension. When the wheel adjuster (RS) is in a position of use on the joint, the output shaft (6) jointly forms the joint together with the link (8). The output shaft (6) has an eccentric portion (8) for form-locking interaction with the eye, via which eccentric portion the link (L) can be actively adjusted, in a lifting movement, transversely to a pivot axis about which the link (L) can be pivoted. The invention additionally relates to an arrangement, a use, a wheel suspension, a vehicle, and a vehicle system.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Wheel divider, arrangement of a wheel adjuster, use of a wheel adjuster, wheel suspension of a vehicle, vehicle and vehicle system

[0003] The present invention relates to a wheel adjuster for a joint of a vehicle's wheel suspension, with which a wheel position can be actively adjusted. The present invention further relates to an arrangement of such a wheel adjuster on a joint of a vehicle's wheel suspension. The present invention further relates to the use of such a wheel adjuster for actively adjusting the toe and / or camber of a vehicle's wheel. The present invention also relates to a wheel suspension with at least one such wheel adjuster and to a vehicle with at least one such wheel adjuster.

[0004] A wheel adjuster is understood to be a device or assembly for actively setting or adjusting a wheel position.

[0005] A "wheel suspension" is a central component of a chassis, connecting a wheel to a vehicle frame. Its function is to transmit forces between a vehicle and the road, while simultaneously ensuring driving comfort and safety.

[0006] Such a wheel suspension allows for the adjustment of chassis parameters such as track and camber.

[0007] A drive device for linear power transmission, in particular for adjusting a vehicle component, is known from the publication DE 10 2022 112 699 A1.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to reduce tire wear and the associated energy consumption. A further object of the present invention is to improve the driving dynamics and driving safety of a vehicle. A further object of the present invention is to improve such a device according to the prior art cited above.

[0009] These problems are solved with a wheel adjuster proposed and protected according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The proposed wheel adjuster allows the toe angle and / or camber angle of a chassis setting to be actively adjusted or changed as optimally as possible depending on driving conditions, situation, or requirements.

[0011] The proposed wheel loader also represents a compact, space-saving solution.

[0012] The proposed wheel adjuster helps to reduce tire wear and the associated energy consumption.

[0013] The electric motor drive unit has a gearbox with at least one gear stage.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electromechanical drive unit can have a gearbox with at least one first and second gearbox stage.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first gear stage can be in the form of a bevel gear stage and the second gear stage in the form of a worm gear stage. This worm gear stage can be arranged downstream of the bevel gear stage in a torque flow direction.

[0016] Furthermore, an arrangement of a wheel adjuster of the type described above on a joint of a wheel suspension of a vehicle is proposed and protected, wherein the output shaft is guided through the eye of the linkage, so that the eccentric section together with the linkage forms the joint.

[0017] The wheel adjuster can be fixed to a vehicle body against which it is supported. This does not increase the unsprung mass of the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, the use of a wheel adjuster of the type described above for the active toe and / or camber adjustment of a wheel of a vehicle is proposed and protected.

[0019] Furthermore, a wheel suspension for a vehicle with at least one wheel bearing of the type described above is proposed and placed under protection.

[0020] Furthermore, a vehicle and a vehicle system with at least one wheel actuator of the type described above are proposed and placed under protection.

[0021] The vehicle system includes at least one electronic control unit for actuating the wheel actuator.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the figures. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the subsequent description of preferred embodiments. These are shown, in part schematically:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a wheel suspension with a proposed wheel adjuster,

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a top view of a wheel adjuster.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows the wheel adjuster shown in Fig. 2 in a perspective view,

[0026] Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of the wheel adjuster shown in Figs. 2 and 3 on a joint of a wheel suspension and

[0027] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of this arrangement. Fig. 1 shows a wheel suspension with a plurality of so-called control arms L, with which a wheel carrier – indicated by connecting struts – is articulated and guided relative to a vehicle body (not shown here). In addition, at least one wheel adjuster RS ​​proposed within the scope of this application is indicated, which, as such, is fixedly attached to the vehicle body at a joint of this wheel suspension.

[0028] The wheel actuator RS comprises a housing 1 in which an electric motor 2 and a gearbox 4 are housed. The gearbox 4 comprises a first gear stage Gi in the form of a bevel gear stage and a second gear stage G2 in the form of a worm gear stage, which follows in a torque flow direction.

[0029] A worm gear 5 is connected to an output shaft 6, which is supported at both ends or in its end regions by a rolling bearing or plain bearing Li, L2, relative to the vehicle body. The output shaft 6 has an eccentric section 8, which, as such, engages positively with a linkage eye LA through which the output shaft 6 is guided, for adjusting a link L (not shown in Figs. 2 and 3; see Fig. 4).

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle body (or the aforementioned vehicle body) by a U-shaped element 10, to which the wheel adjuster RS ​​is fixedly attached. This U-shape is merely an example for illustrative purposes. The crucial elements are the two leg-shaped sections of the vehicle body through which the output shaft 6 extends.

[0031] Fig. 5 illustrates the interaction of the output shaft 6 with the handlebar L. The output shaft 6 is guided through the handlebar eye LA. The eccentric section 8 is dimensioned such that its diameter essentially corresponds to the diameter of the handlebar eye LA, allowing the eccentric section 8 to be inserted into the handlebar eye LA with ease. A flat stop surface 12 is formed on both sides or end faces of the handlebar eye LA, surrounding or enclosing the handlebar eye LA and projecting beyond the associated flat handlebar surface 14.

[0032] Shown are a shaft center WM and an eccentric center EM, which in Fig. 5 is located to the right of the shaft center WM and which, when the output shaft 6 is rotated – and depending on its direction of rotation – moves clockwise or counterclockwise around the shaft center WM. Accordingly, the eccentric section 8 also moves clockwise or counterclockwise around the shaft center WM and engages positively with the linkage eye LA, so that the eccentric section 8 acts on the linkage L and thereby causes an adjustment in the direction of the shown axis directions Z-Z and / or Y-Y.

[0033] The proposed wheel adjuster RS ​​thus forms the joint - in its operating position at such a joint - together with the eccentric section 8 of its output shaft 6 and the link L.

[0034] Advantageously, the handlebar eye LA is lined with, for example, a bearing bushing (not shown here), perhaps in the form of a brass bushing, the inner diameter of which limits or defines the handlebar eye LA shown in Fig. 5.

[0035] Around such a handlebar eye LA, at least one rubber element – ​​not shown here – can also be provided, which surrounds the handlebar eye LA and thereby gives the joint an advantageous elastokinematic property.

[0036] Accordingly, the linkage L can be actively adjusted transversely to a pivot axis or transversely to the axis direction X-X, about which the linkage L is pivotable, in a lifting movement in the direction of the indicated axis directions Z-Z and / or Y-Y. "Transversely" here means that the angle formed by the linkage L and the pivot axis X-X can be a right angle (orthogonal arrangement), an acute angle, or an obtuse angle. This is made possible by the previously mentioned elastokinematic property of the joint.

[0037] The proposed RS wheel adjuster is part of a vehicle system that ensures and enables optimal active adjustment of the suspension settings, depending on driving conditions, situation, or requirements. This allows for the optimal adjustment of the toe angle and / or camber angle of the suspension.

[0038] This also improves the driving dynamics and safety of a vehicle with at least one such wheel adjuster.

[0039] Although the preceding description explains exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that a multitude of variations are possible. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guideline for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims and these equivalent combinations of features.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Wheel adjuster (RS) for a joint of a wheel suspension of a vehicle, with which a wheel position can be actively adjusted, comprising an electromechanical drive unit with an output shaft (6) for insertion into an eye of a link (L) of the wheel suspension, wherein the output shaft (6) in a service position of the wheel adjuster (RS) at the joint together with the link (8) forms the joint, wherein the output shaft (6) has an eccentric section (8) for positive engagement with the eye, via which the link (L), transverse to a pivot axis about which the link (L) can be pivoted, can be actively adjusted in a lifting movement.

2. Wheel adjuster according to claim 1, wherein the electromechanical drive unit has a gearbox (4) with at least one gear stage.

3. Wheel adjuster according to claim 2, wherein the electromechanical drive unit has a gearbox (4) with at least one first and second gearbox stage (Gi , G2).

4. Wheel adjuster according to claim 3, wherein the first gear stage (G1) is in the form of a bevel gear stage and the second gear stage (G2) is in the form of a worm gear stage.

5. Arrangement of a wheel adjuster (RS) according to one of the preceding claims on a joint of a wheel suspension of a vehicle, wherein the output shaft (6) is guided through the eye of the link (L), so that the eccentric section (8) together with the link (L) forms the joint.

6. Arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the wheel divider (RS) is arranged in a fixed position relative to a vehicle body against which it is supported.

7. Use of a wheel adjuster (RS) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4 for active toe adjustment and / or camber adjustment of a wheel of the vehicle.

8. Wheel suspension of a vehicle with at least one wheel adjuster (RS) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4.

9. Vehicle with at least one wheel adjuster (RS) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4.

10. Vehicle system with at least one wheel actuator (RS) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4.

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