CA3040694A1 - Axle assembly with integrated electric motor - Google Patents
Axle assembly with integrated electric motor Download PDFInfo
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- CA3040694A1 CA3040694A1 CA3040694A CA3040694A CA3040694A1 CA 3040694 A1 CA3040694 A1 CA 3040694A1 CA 3040694 A CA3040694 A CA 3040694A CA 3040694 A CA3040694 A CA 3040694A CA 3040694 A1 CA3040694 A1 CA 3040694A1
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- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002283 diesel fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/62—Hybrid vehicles
Abstract
An axle assembly for a machine includes an axle housing, a differential unit, a motor, and a support structure. The differential unit is disposed within the axle housing and is configured to split and transfer torque to a plurality of traction devices of the machine. The motor is coupled to the differential unit, and is configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit. Further, the support structure is configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine. The support structure is fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holds the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
Description
Description AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRIC MOTOR
Technical Field The present disclosure relates to mining machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to mining machine with an axle assembly, and an electric motor integrated into a differential unit of the axle assembly.
Background Mining machines, such as underground articulated trucks, are applied for purposes of high production, low cost-per-ton hauling in underground mining applications. Such machines commonly include a variety of devices and systems that function in concert to facilitate machine movement. For example, such machines may include one or more torque-converters, a multi-speed transmission unit, a driveshaft, a drop box, an axle, a final drive, etc., as part of a mechanical powertrain package.
In some applications and environments, an electro-mechanical system (for example, an electric motor grouped with a combustion engine) may be applied. Such systems may include an electric motor arranged in place of a transmission unit. With regard to function and space claim, such an arrangement may be acceptable, but because of limited space claim available in aforementioned machines, such an arrangement may not be always feasible. For example, to enable a power transfer between various devices and systems (or between two separate vertical planes), a drop box may need to be used, an associated configuration of which may entail the need for a relatively large space claim.
United States Patent No. 8,858,379 relates to an axle assembly having an electric motor module. The electric motor module may be coupled to a differential assembly. A rotor of the electric motor module may be coupled to a pinion of the differential assembly with a first coupling.
Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.
Summary of the Invention In one aspect, the invention provides an axle assembly for a machine. The axle assembly includes an axle housing, a differential unit, a motor, and a support structure. The differential unit is disposed within the axle housing and is configured to split and transfer torque to a plurality of traction devices of the machine. The motor is coupled to the differential unit, and is configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit. Further, the support structure is configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine. The support structure is fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holds the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
In another aspect, the invention provides a machine. The machine includes a chassis, a plurality of traction devices supporting the chassis and facilitating a travel of the machine on a ground, and an axle assembly. The axle assembly includes an axle housing, a differential unit, a motor, and a support structure. The differential unit is disposed within the axle housing and is configured to split and transfer torque to the plurality of traction devices.
The motor is coupled to the differential unit, and is configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit. The support structure is configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine, is fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holds the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
Technical Field The present disclosure relates to mining machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to mining machine with an axle assembly, and an electric motor integrated into a differential unit of the axle assembly.
Background Mining machines, such as underground articulated trucks, are applied for purposes of high production, low cost-per-ton hauling in underground mining applications. Such machines commonly include a variety of devices and systems that function in concert to facilitate machine movement. For example, such machines may include one or more torque-converters, a multi-speed transmission unit, a driveshaft, a drop box, an axle, a final drive, etc., as part of a mechanical powertrain package.
In some applications and environments, an electro-mechanical system (for example, an electric motor grouped with a combustion engine) may be applied. Such systems may include an electric motor arranged in place of a transmission unit. With regard to function and space claim, such an arrangement may be acceptable, but because of limited space claim available in aforementioned machines, such an arrangement may not be always feasible. For example, to enable a power transfer between various devices and systems (or between two separate vertical planes), a drop box may need to be used, an associated configuration of which may entail the need for a relatively large space claim.
United States Patent No. 8,858,379 relates to an axle assembly having an electric motor module. The electric motor module may be coupled to a differential assembly. A rotor of the electric motor module may be coupled to a pinion of the differential assembly with a first coupling.
Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.
Summary of the Invention In one aspect, the invention provides an axle assembly for a machine. The axle assembly includes an axle housing, a differential unit, a motor, and a support structure. The differential unit is disposed within the axle housing and is configured to split and transfer torque to a plurality of traction devices of the machine. The motor is coupled to the differential unit, and is configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit. Further, the support structure is configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine. The support structure is fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holds the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
In another aspect, the invention provides a machine. The machine includes a chassis, a plurality of traction devices supporting the chassis and facilitating a travel of the machine on a ground, and an axle assembly. The axle assembly includes an axle housing, a differential unit, a motor, and a support structure. The differential unit is disposed within the axle housing and is configured to split and transfer torque to the plurality of traction devices.
The motor is coupled to the differential unit, and is configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit. The support structure is configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine, is fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holds the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
2 As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise the term 'comprise' and variations of the term, such as 'comprising', 'comprises' and 'comprised', are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is an exemplary machine including a front section module, and a rear section module pivotably coupled to the front section module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an underlying structure of the front section module, depicting a chassis in conjunction with an axle assembly of the front section module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the axle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the axle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Referring to FIG. 1, a machine 100 is shown. The machine 100 may be a mining machine, such as an articulated truck 102, applicable in a mining environment, and as shown, may include an underground articulated truck (UAT) 104. The machine 100 may include a front section module 106 and a rear section module 108. The rear section module 108 may be pivotably coupled to the front section module 106 by a hitch assembly (not shown) that allows the rear section module 108 to travel with the front section module 106. The hitch assembly may also allow the
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is an exemplary machine including a front section module, and a rear section module pivotably coupled to the front section module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an underlying structure of the front section module, depicting a chassis in conjunction with an axle assembly of the front section module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the axle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the axle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Referring to FIG. 1, a machine 100 is shown. The machine 100 may be a mining machine, such as an articulated truck 102, applicable in a mining environment, and as shown, may include an underground articulated truck (UAT) 104. The machine 100 may include a front section module 106 and a rear section module 108. The rear section module 108 may be pivotably coupled to the front section module 106 by a hitch assembly (not shown) that allows the rear section module 108 to travel with the front section module 106. The hitch assembly may also allow the
3 rear section module 108 to articulate and/or oscillate relative to the front section module 106. The front section module 106 may include an operator cab 120, a power compartment 122, a power source 124 housed within the power compartment 122, and a variety of other devices and systems of the machine 100, while the rear section module 108 may primarily include a dump body 126 to haul load 130, as shown.
The power source 124 may be able power a movement of the machine 100 on ground 128. The power source 124 may include an engine 132 that is run on diesel fuel, although it is possible for the power source 124 to embody an engine that is run on other types of fuel, either singularly, or in combination with the diesel fuel. In some embodiments, the power source 124 may also represent a system that is run by a variety of other energy sources.
During operations, power generated by the power source 124 may facilitate a movement of the front section module 106 of the machine 100, resulting in a consequential movement of the rear section module 108 of the machine 100, and in turn causing the front section module 106 to lead the rear section module along a forward course of machine travel (see direction, A) . The aforesaid movement enables the load 130 stored within the dump body 126 to be hauled and transferred to various locations of a worksite 140. Although the machine is disclosed as an articulated truck 102, or as a UAT 104, applicable in mining environments, it may be contemplated that the machine 100 may embody any other machine, such as those that are employed in construction, forestry, and agriculture.
The front section module 106 and the rear section module 108 may respectively include a front chassis 148 and a rear chassis 150. While the front chassis 148 (or simply chassis 148) is exemplarily shown and discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the rear chassis 150 is exemplarily shown and discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1 alone. The chassis 148 of the front section module 106 may form a skeletal structure or a rigid frame of the front section module 106 to which nearly every component/sub-system of the front section module 106 may be coupled to. For example, the chassis 148 may be connected
The power source 124 may be able power a movement of the machine 100 on ground 128. The power source 124 may include an engine 132 that is run on diesel fuel, although it is possible for the power source 124 to embody an engine that is run on other types of fuel, either singularly, or in combination with the diesel fuel. In some embodiments, the power source 124 may also represent a system that is run by a variety of other energy sources.
During operations, power generated by the power source 124 may facilitate a movement of the front section module 106 of the machine 100, resulting in a consequential movement of the rear section module 108 of the machine 100, and in turn causing the front section module 106 to lead the rear section module along a forward course of machine travel (see direction, A) . The aforesaid movement enables the load 130 stored within the dump body 126 to be hauled and transferred to various locations of a worksite 140. Although the machine is disclosed as an articulated truck 102, or as a UAT 104, applicable in mining environments, it may be contemplated that the machine 100 may embody any other machine, such as those that are employed in construction, forestry, and agriculture.
The front section module 106 and the rear section module 108 may respectively include a front chassis 148 and a rear chassis 150. While the front chassis 148 (or simply chassis 148) is exemplarily shown and discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the rear chassis 150 is exemplarily shown and discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1 alone. The chassis 148 of the front section module 106 may form a skeletal structure or a rigid frame of the front section module 106 to which nearly every component/sub-system of the front section module 106 may be coupled to. For example, the chassis 148 may be connected
4 to, and may support a weight of the operator cab 120, the power compartment 122, and the power source 124 housed within the power compartment 122.
Further, the machine 100 may include a plurality of traction devices 152 that may facilitate a travel of the machine 100 (i.e., the front section module 106 and the rear section module 108) on ground 128. As an example, the traction devices 152 include wheels 154, and the wheels 154 may be in turn categorized into a pair of front wheels 160 and a pair of rear wheels 162, as shown. The pair of front wheels 160 may support the chassis 148 of the front section module 106 over ground 128, while the pair of rear wheels 162 may support the rear chassis 150 of the rear section module 108 over ground 128.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front section module 106 of the machine 100 may include an axle assembly 170. The axle assembly 170 is applied to support the front wheels 160 on either side (i.e., one front wheel on one side) of the front section module 106 of the machine 100. The axle assembly 170 may be (or may include) a rigid axle assembly 172, and may be pivotably coupled to the chassis 148, thus pivotably coupling the front wheels 160 with the chassis 148 of the front section module 106 of the machine 100.
As an example, the axle assembly 170 may be pivotably coupled to a sub-frame portion 178 (see exemplary depiction in FIG. 4) of the chassis 148, and may be pivotably movable relative to the chassis 148 about an axis 176, as shown. The axle assembly 170 may include an axle housing 180, a differential unit 182 (also see FIG. 5), a motor 184 (see FIGS. 3,4, and 5), a support structure 186, and one or more pins 188.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the axle housing 180 may be formed as a single, one-piece component that imparts rigidity to the axle assembly 170 (thus making the axle assembly 170 the aforesaid, rigid axle assembly 172). Therefore, if the front section module 106 oscillates relative to the rear section module 108, the axle assembly 170 may move (i.e., oscillate) along with the oscillation of the front section module 106, relative to the rear section module 108. Further, the axle housing 180 may include a first housing end 190 and a laterally opposed, second housing end 192. As shown, the axle
Further, the machine 100 may include a plurality of traction devices 152 that may facilitate a travel of the machine 100 (i.e., the front section module 106 and the rear section module 108) on ground 128. As an example, the traction devices 152 include wheels 154, and the wheels 154 may be in turn categorized into a pair of front wheels 160 and a pair of rear wheels 162, as shown. The pair of front wheels 160 may support the chassis 148 of the front section module 106 over ground 128, while the pair of rear wheels 162 may support the rear chassis 150 of the rear section module 108 over ground 128.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front section module 106 of the machine 100 may include an axle assembly 170. The axle assembly 170 is applied to support the front wheels 160 on either side (i.e., one front wheel on one side) of the front section module 106 of the machine 100. The axle assembly 170 may be (or may include) a rigid axle assembly 172, and may be pivotably coupled to the chassis 148, thus pivotably coupling the front wheels 160 with the chassis 148 of the front section module 106 of the machine 100.
As an example, the axle assembly 170 may be pivotably coupled to a sub-frame portion 178 (see exemplary depiction in FIG. 4) of the chassis 148, and may be pivotably movable relative to the chassis 148 about an axis 176, as shown. The axle assembly 170 may include an axle housing 180, a differential unit 182 (also see FIG. 5), a motor 184 (see FIGS. 3,4, and 5), a support structure 186, and one or more pins 188.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the axle housing 180 may be formed as a single, one-piece component that imparts rigidity to the axle assembly 170 (thus making the axle assembly 170 the aforesaid, rigid axle assembly 172). Therefore, if the front section module 106 oscillates relative to the rear section module 108, the axle assembly 170 may move (i.e., oscillate) along with the oscillation of the front section module 106, relative to the rear section module 108. Further, the axle housing 180 may include a first housing end 190 and a laterally opposed, second housing end 192. As shown, the axle
5 assembly 170 may include a first final drive 196 and a second final drive 198 respectively arranged in proximity to the first housing end 190 and the second housing end 192. The first final drive 196 and the second final drive 198 may be adapted to respectively drive the front wheels 160 of the front section module of the machine 100.
The axle housing 180 may house an axle 200 (see FIG. 5) of the axle assembly 170, and may also encase the differential unit 182 and various other components of the axle assembly 170. As an example, the axle housing 180 may include a bulge 210 designed and contoured to suitably house the differential unit 182. In an example, the bulge 210 may be seamlessly and contiguously merged with the remainder of the axle housing 180. Moreover, the bulge 210 may be arranged at a substantial central position of the axle housing 180, as shown. The term 'substantial central position' may refer to a position that may be ascertained and established in compliance with an immediate surrounding of the axle housing 180. In some cases, therefore, the bulge 210 may be arranged midway between the first housing end 190 and the second housing end 192. In some other cases, it is possible for the bulge 210 to be closer to one of the first housing end 190 or to the second housing end 192, and be farther to the other of the first housing end 190 or to the second housing end 192.
The axle housing 180 may include an opening (best visualized as an exemplary opening 220 in FIG. 3) that provides access to an interior 224 of the bulge 210 (and, therefore, to an interior of the axle housing 180).
Further, the axle housing 180 may include a connection arrangement 230 to facilitate a connection of the support structure 186 to the axle housing 180, in proximity to said opening 220. For example, the connection arrangement 230 may include a first connection structure 234 and a second connection structure 236. The first connection structure 234 and the second connection structure 236 may be integrally formed with the axle housing 180, and may be arranged around the opening 220. For example, the first connection structure 234 is arranged diametrically opposite to the second connection structure 236, as shown.
Further, each of the first connection structure 234 and the second connection structure
The axle housing 180 may house an axle 200 (see FIG. 5) of the axle assembly 170, and may also encase the differential unit 182 and various other components of the axle assembly 170. As an example, the axle housing 180 may include a bulge 210 designed and contoured to suitably house the differential unit 182. In an example, the bulge 210 may be seamlessly and contiguously merged with the remainder of the axle housing 180. Moreover, the bulge 210 may be arranged at a substantial central position of the axle housing 180, as shown. The term 'substantial central position' may refer to a position that may be ascertained and established in compliance with an immediate surrounding of the axle housing 180. In some cases, therefore, the bulge 210 may be arranged midway between the first housing end 190 and the second housing end 192. In some other cases, it is possible for the bulge 210 to be closer to one of the first housing end 190 or to the second housing end 192, and be farther to the other of the first housing end 190 or to the second housing end 192.
The axle housing 180 may include an opening (best visualized as an exemplary opening 220 in FIG. 3) that provides access to an interior 224 of the bulge 210 (and, therefore, to an interior of the axle housing 180).
Further, the axle housing 180 may include a connection arrangement 230 to facilitate a connection of the support structure 186 to the axle housing 180, in proximity to said opening 220. For example, the connection arrangement 230 may include a first connection structure 234 and a second connection structure 236. The first connection structure 234 and the second connection structure 236 may be integrally formed with the axle housing 180, and may be arranged around the opening 220. For example, the first connection structure 234 is arranged diametrically opposite to the second connection structure 236, as shown.
Further, each of the first connection structure 234 and the second connection structure
6 may include a number of holes 240 to receive fasteners (only one fastener 244 is shown for simplicity), thereby facilitating an engagement between the support structure 186 and the axle housing 180.
In some embodiments, the axle assembly 170 may be integrated into a suspension system 242 of the front section module 106 of the machine 100.
For example, as part of the suspension system 242, one or more suspension cylinders 246 may be provided, as shown, and which may be coupled between the axle housing 180 and a fixed frame portion (not shown) of the chassis 148.
In that manner, the axle assembly 170 may execute a pivotal motion resiliently relative to the chassis 148, thus helping the machine 100 accommodate shocks arising from the encounter of undulations and uneven patches of the underlying terrain/ground 128, during machine movement.
The differential unit 182 may be disposed within the axle housing (e.g., within the interior 224 of the bulge 210) and may be configured to split and transfer torque to the plurality of traction devices 152. For example, the differential unit 182 may be configured to split torque of a rotary power received from the power source 124 equally between each of the front wheels 160 of the machine 100. To this end, the differential unit 182 may include a conventional arrangement of gears and various moving parts (including a crown gear 248) (see FIG. 5) that in concert may facilitate the transmission of the equal torque to the each of the front wheels 160. Elaborate details and annotations pertaining to the differential unit 182 have not been provided for the sake of clarity.
Referring to FIG. 5, the motor 184 may be coupled and operably assembled to the differential unit 182, and may be configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit 182. In one example, the motor 184 may be a switched reluctance motor (SRM) that, depending upon an application, may be operated as a motor and/or as a generator. For example, the motor 184 may be utilized as a generator when mechanical energy is required to be converted into electrical energy, or as a motor when electrical energy is required to be converted into mechanical energy. Further, the motor 184 may include a stator 260, a rotor 262, an adaptor 264, and a bevel gear 266.
In some embodiments, the axle assembly 170 may be integrated into a suspension system 242 of the front section module 106 of the machine 100.
For example, as part of the suspension system 242, one or more suspension cylinders 246 may be provided, as shown, and which may be coupled between the axle housing 180 and a fixed frame portion (not shown) of the chassis 148.
In that manner, the axle assembly 170 may execute a pivotal motion resiliently relative to the chassis 148, thus helping the machine 100 accommodate shocks arising from the encounter of undulations and uneven patches of the underlying terrain/ground 128, during machine movement.
The differential unit 182 may be disposed within the axle housing (e.g., within the interior 224 of the bulge 210) and may be configured to split and transfer torque to the plurality of traction devices 152. For example, the differential unit 182 may be configured to split torque of a rotary power received from the power source 124 equally between each of the front wheels 160 of the machine 100. To this end, the differential unit 182 may include a conventional arrangement of gears and various moving parts (including a crown gear 248) (see FIG. 5) that in concert may facilitate the transmission of the equal torque to the each of the front wheels 160. Elaborate details and annotations pertaining to the differential unit 182 have not been provided for the sake of clarity.
Referring to FIG. 5, the motor 184 may be coupled and operably assembled to the differential unit 182, and may be configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit 182. In one example, the motor 184 may be a switched reluctance motor (SRM) that, depending upon an application, may be operated as a motor and/or as a generator. For example, the motor 184 may be utilized as a generator when mechanical energy is required to be converted into electrical energy, or as a motor when electrical energy is required to be converted into mechanical energy. Further, the motor 184 may include a stator 260, a rotor 262, an adaptor 264, and a bevel gear 266.
7 Referring to FIG. 5, an arrangement of the stator 260 and the rotor 262 may remain similar as in any SRM. For example, the stator 260 may define a space, and the rotor 262 may be operably accommodated within the space, so as to rotate within the space owing to the generation of a magnetic field. In on example, the stator 260 may include a number of stator poles (not shown), while the rotor 262 may include a number of rotor poles (not shown). During operation, each of the stator poles may be successively excited to generate a magnetic attraction force between the stator poles and rotor poles to rotate the rotor 262 relative to the stator 260. In one example, the stator poles may receive power from a power source (not shown) to generate a rotating magnetic field within the space. Such a rotating magnetic field may be configured to generate torque via magnetic reluctance for a rotation of the rotor 262 relative to the stator 260, during operations. Further, during operations, the stator 260 may be adapted to be stationed in a fixed relationship relative to a rotation of the rotor 262. In an embodiment, the motor 184 includes an outer shell 270 to accommodates an assembly of the stator 260 and the rotor 262.
The rotor 262 may include a rotor shaft 274 (or simply an output shaft 274) that is positioned though an opening 276 of the rotor 262. In some implementations, the output shaft 274 may be press fitted or shrink fitted into the opening 276 of the rotor 262, may move as one with the rotor 262, and may guide and facilitate a rotation of the rotor 262 relative to the stator 260 about an axis of rotation 278.
The output shaft 274 may include an end 280, and the adaptor 264 may be coupled to the end 280. For example, the end 280 may be a splined end 280, and may be engaged with a keyway portion (not shown) of the adaptor 264.
In that way a motion from the output shaft 274 may be passed to the adaptor 264.
The adaptor 264 may in turn include a shaft portion 282 that may be engaged with the bevel gear 266. For example, the bevel gear 266 may include a recess 286, and the shaft portion 282 of the adaptor 264 may be inserted into the recess 286, and may be retained within the recess 286. For example, a splined connection may exist between the shaft portion 282 and the recess 286 so that a
The rotor 262 may include a rotor shaft 274 (or simply an output shaft 274) that is positioned though an opening 276 of the rotor 262. In some implementations, the output shaft 274 may be press fitted or shrink fitted into the opening 276 of the rotor 262, may move as one with the rotor 262, and may guide and facilitate a rotation of the rotor 262 relative to the stator 260 about an axis of rotation 278.
The output shaft 274 may include an end 280, and the adaptor 264 may be coupled to the end 280. For example, the end 280 may be a splined end 280, and may be engaged with a keyway portion (not shown) of the adaptor 264.
In that way a motion from the output shaft 274 may be passed to the adaptor 264.
The adaptor 264 may in turn include a shaft portion 282 that may be engaged with the bevel gear 266. For example, the bevel gear 266 may include a recess 286, and the shaft portion 282 of the adaptor 264 may be inserted into the recess 286, and may be retained within the recess 286. For example, a splined connection may exist between the shaft portion 282 and the recess 286 so that a
8 motion gained by the adaptor 264 from the output shaft 274 may be further passed to the bevel gear 266. In that way, the bevel gear 266 may be mounted to the output shaft 274, and may rotate synchronously with a rotation of the output shaft 274. In some embodiments, however, the adaptor 264 may be omitted, and the bevel gear 266 may be directly mounted to the end 280 of the output shaft 274.
In some embodiments, the axle assembly 170 may include a coupling assembly 300 that facilitates a coupling of the motor 184 to the axle housing 180, such that an engagement between the motor 184 (i.e., the output shaft 274 of the motor 184) and the differential unit 182 may be effectively established, and so that a part of a weight of the motor 184 may be carried by the axle housing 180. The coupling assembly 300 includes an adaptor plate 302 and a bearing unit 304.
The adaptor plate 302 may be a circularly shaped component, and may include an outer periphery 308 that is complimentary to an edge 310, defined around (and by) the opening 220 of the axle housing 180. In that manner, the outer periphery 308 of the adaptor plate 302 may be abutted and secured to the edge 310, and thus to the axle housing 180. As an example, the adaptor plate 302 may be coupled to the edge 310 via threaded fasteners 314, although other fastening means are possible. Further, the adaptor plate 302 may include an inner periphery 320 that defines an aperture 322 of the adaptor plate 302. In an assembly of the adaptor plate 302 to the axle housing 180, the aperture 322 may facilitate an entry of the bevel gear 266 into the opening 220, and thus into the interior 224 defined by the bulge 210. In so doing, the bevel gear 266 may be engaged with the differential unit 182 (or to the crown gear 248 of the differential unit 182) deployed within the interior 224 of the bulge 210.
The bearing unit 304 may be coupled to each of the inner periphery 320 of the adaptor plate 302 and to the outer shell 270 of the motor by a bolted connection. Although other known connection mechanisms as possible. The bearing unit 304 may include a bearing housing 330, and one or more bearings 332 (see two exemplary bearings 332) (certain annotations are
In some embodiments, the axle assembly 170 may include a coupling assembly 300 that facilitates a coupling of the motor 184 to the axle housing 180, such that an engagement between the motor 184 (i.e., the output shaft 274 of the motor 184) and the differential unit 182 may be effectively established, and so that a part of a weight of the motor 184 may be carried by the axle housing 180. The coupling assembly 300 includes an adaptor plate 302 and a bearing unit 304.
The adaptor plate 302 may be a circularly shaped component, and may include an outer periphery 308 that is complimentary to an edge 310, defined around (and by) the opening 220 of the axle housing 180. In that manner, the outer periphery 308 of the adaptor plate 302 may be abutted and secured to the edge 310, and thus to the axle housing 180. As an example, the adaptor plate 302 may be coupled to the edge 310 via threaded fasteners 314, although other fastening means are possible. Further, the adaptor plate 302 may include an inner periphery 320 that defines an aperture 322 of the adaptor plate 302. In an assembly of the adaptor plate 302 to the axle housing 180, the aperture 322 may facilitate an entry of the bevel gear 266 into the opening 220, and thus into the interior 224 defined by the bulge 210. In so doing, the bevel gear 266 may be engaged with the differential unit 182 (or to the crown gear 248 of the differential unit 182) deployed within the interior 224 of the bulge 210.
The bearing unit 304 may be coupled to each of the inner periphery 320 of the adaptor plate 302 and to the outer shell 270 of the motor by a bolted connection. Although other known connection mechanisms as possible. The bearing unit 304 may include a bearing housing 330, and one or more bearings 332 (see two exemplary bearings 332) (certain annotations are
9 provided corresponding only one bearing 332 for simplicity). The bearings 332 are housed within the bearing housing 330. As shown, the bearings 332 may include an outer race 336 which may be press-fitted and immovably engaged with the bearing housing 330, and an inner race 338 rotatably engaged with the outer race 336. The inner race 338 may receive and be press-fitted against an elongated portion 346 of the bevel gear 266, so that the bevel gear 266 may rotate relative to the outer race 336, and thus to the bearing housing 330. Moreover, in so doing, the bevel gear 266 may be rotatably guided by the bearing unit 304.
In an assembly of the motor 184 to the differential unit 182, the bevel gear 266 may be extended into the differential unit 182 and be engaged with the crown gear 248 of the differential unit 182, as shown. As a result, rotational energy derived from the motor 184 may be transferred to the crown gear 248, via the output shaft 274 and the bevel gear 266, so as to rotate the crown gear 248, and thus power an operation of the differential unit 182. An operation of the differential unit 182 helps transfer torque, produced by the motor 184, to the front wheels 160 of the machine 100.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support structure 186 is fixedly coupled with the axle housing 180, and is pivotably coupled to the chassis 148 of the machine 100. More particularly, the support structure 186 holds the motor 184 in a fixed position relative to the axle housing 180, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing 180. The support structure 186 includes a first arm 350, a second arm 352, and a bracket 360. The first arm 350 includes a first flange 362 by way of which the first arm 350 is fixedly coupled to the axle housing 180. The second arm 352 is similar in structure and design to the first arm 350, includes a second flange 364, and is too fixedly coupled to the axle housing 180 by way of the second flange 364. In particular, the first flange may be coupled to the first connection structure 234, such as by fasteners (e.g., fastener 244), while the second arm 352 may be coupled to the second connection structure 236, also by fasteners similar to the fastener 244. The first arm includes a first end portion 370 remote to the first flange 362 (and thus remote to the axle housing 180), and, similarly, the second arm 352 includes a second end portion 372 remote to the second flange 364 (and thus remote to the axle housing 180). Further, the second arm 352 is spaced apart from the first arm 350 to define a region 380 therebetween to accommodate the motor 184. Furthermore, the first arm 350 includes a first slot 386, and the second arm 352 includes a second slot 388 that is co-axial with the first slot 386, along a common axis 378.
In an assembly of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148, the common axis 378 may align with the axis 176.
To enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148, the one or more pins 188 may be applied. For example, the one or more pins 188 include and/or may be categorized into a first pin 390 and a second pin 392. The first pin 390 may be passed through the first slot 386, while the second pin 392 may be passed through the second slot 388. Both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may be configured to be fixedly coupled to the chassis 148 to enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148. According to an embodiment, both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may be respectively rotatably passed through the first slot 386 and the second slot 388, while being fixedly coupled to the chassis 148. For example, each of the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may correspondingly include a first flanged end 394 and a second flanged end 396. The first flanged end 394 may be coupled to the chassis 148 by using fasteners, such as bolts 398, thereby fixedly coupling the first pin 390 to the chassis 148. Similarly, the second flanged end 396 may be coupled to the chassis 148 by using fasteners, such as bolts 398, thereby fixedly coupling the second pin 392 to the chassis 148. A
resulting engagement between the support structure 186, the pins 390, 392, and the chassis 148, is such that the support structure 186 may rotate relative to the pins 390, 392, while the pins 390, 392 may remain stationary relative to the chassis 148.
In some embodiments, conversely, it is possible for both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 to be respectively fixedly coupled to the first arm 350 and the second arm 352 instead, while being rotatably coupled to the chassis 148. In some embodiments, both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may be respectively rotatably coupled to the arms 350, 352, while also being rotatably and retentively coupled to the chassis 148, thereby allowing the pivotable coupling of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bracket 360 is coupled to and supported on each of the first arm 350 and the second arm 352, and, more specifically, is bridged from the first end portion 370 of the first arm 350 to the second end portion 372 of the second arm 352. The bracket 360 includes a profile complimentary to a profile of the motor 184 (or the outer shell 270 of the motor 184) to receive, abut, and support, at least part of a weight of the motor 184. The bracket 360 includes a first arcuate strip 450, a similarly shaped, second arcuate strip 450', a connector plate 454, a first pad 480, and a second pad 482.
Both the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450' may be planarly formed components. The second arcuate strip 450' may be spaced apart and arranged parallelly and in succession to the first arcuate strip 450, as shown. Moreover, each of the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450' may include a curvature 456, 456', and a curvature 456' of the second arcuate strip 450' may be co-axially arranged with the curvature 456 of the first arcuate strip 450. The curvatures 456, 456' in unison may impart the characteristic arcuate profile to the bracket 360, such that the bracket 360 may compliment the profile of the motor 184.
The first arcuate strip 450 includes a first end 460 and a second end 462, and the second arcuate strip 450' includes a first end 460' and second end 462'. The curvature 456 (of the first arcuate strip 450) is defined between the first end 460 and the second end 462 (of the first arcuate strip 450), while the curvature 456' (of the second arcuate strip 450') is defined between the first end 460' and the second end 462' (of the second arcuate strip 450'). Also, each of the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450' respectively define a flattened base 470, 470'. In particular, the flattened base 470 (of the first arcuate strip 450) may be disposed substantially midway between the first end 460 and the second end 462, along the curvature 456 (of the first arcuate strip 450), while the flattened base 470' (of the second arcuate strip 450') may be disposed substantially midway between the first end 460' and the second end 462' (of the second arcuate strip 450'). The connector plate 454 may be fixedly coupled to each flattened base 470, 470', thereby spanning a distance defined between the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450', as shown.
Further, the first arcuate strip 450 includes a first ledge 500 formed at the first end 460 and a second ledge 502 formed at the second end 462.
Similarly, the second arcuate strip 450' includes a first ledge 500' formed at the first end 460' and a second ledge 502' formed at the second end 462'. Each of the first ledges 500, 500' and the second ledges 502, 502' extend radially outwardly relative to the respective curvatures 456, 456'. Further, the first ledges 500, 500' of the arcuate strips 450, 450' is mounted to the first end portion 370 of the first arm 350, while the second ledges 502, 502' of the arcuate strips 450, 450' is mounted to the second end portion 372 of the second arm 352.
The first pad 480 is coupled to the first ledge 500 of the first arcuate strip 450 and to the first ledge 500' of the second arcuate strip 450'. In so doing, the first pad 480 is positioned at an interface between the bracket 360 and the first arm 350, in an assembly of the bracket 360 to the support structure 186, as shown. Similarly, the second pad 482 is coupled to the second ledge 502 of the first arcuate strip 450 and to the second ledge 502' of the second arcuate strip 450'. In so doing, the second pad 482 is positioned at an interface between the bracket 360 and the second arm 352, in an assembly of the bracket 360 to the support structure 186, as shown. Additionally, or optionally, a thickness or a number of the first pad 480 and second pad 482 may be varied depending upon a size and/or a design of the motor 184, so as to be adaptable to different motor types. Additionally, or optionally, the first pad 480 and second pad 482 may be made from one of a metallic or a non-metallic material, such as a resilient material.
In an embodiment, the support structure 186 includes a pair of plates, namely a first plate 550 and a second plate 550', as shown. The first plate 550 may be coupled to first edges 552, 554 respectively of the first arm 350 and second arm 352, while the second plate 550' may be coupled to second edges 562, 564 respectively of the first arm 350 and second arm 352. Both the first plate 550 and the second plate 550' may respectively include a concavity 580, 580', with the concavity 580 of the first plate 550 being directed towards the concavity 580' of the second plate 550'. Together, therefore, the first arm 350, second arm 352, the first plate 550, and the second plate 550' may define a receptacle 600 to complimentarily receive the motor 184. In some implementations, it is possible for the first plate 550 and the second plate 550' to be removably coupled to the outer shell 270 of the motor 184.
It may be noted that a connection between each of the components of the support panel 186, including the first arm 350, second arm 352, the first flange 362, the second flange 364, the bracket 360, the plates 550, 550', as disclosed above, may be attained by welding. Alternatively, it is possible that such a connection may be attained by use of high-grade industrial adhesives, or by other known methods. In some embodiments, the support structure 186 may be an integrally formed component, cast and produced from a single mold.
Industrial Applicability For relatively large-scale applications, such as in electric drivetrains of construction and mining machines (e.g., underground articulated trucks), switched reluctance motors (SRMs) may be applied for enabling one or more of the machine functions, such as machine movement. SRMs are generally relatively large sized motors, and may be commensurately heavy, with some applications using SRMs that weigh over 1 ton.
The present disclosure discusses the integration of the motor 184 (which may be an SRM) into the differential unit 182 of the machine 100 in order to directly drive and transfer torque to the moving components (e.g., the crown gear 248) of the differential unit 182 of the machine 100, and, in that manner, provide power to the traction devices 152 (e.g., the front wheels 160) of the machine 100. It may be noted that such direct transfer of torque between the motor 184 and the differential unit 182 may occur without the incorporation of a drop box or a transfer box. The arrangement of the motor 184, by use of the support structure 186, as discussed herein, may also negate the use of a yoke and shaft assembly and/or any universal couplings between the output shaft 274 and the bevel gear 266, making the arrangement simpler, compact, and efficient, in turn also effectively accommodating the motor 184 within a reduced space claim generally afforded in machines, such as machine 100. Notably, the support structure 186, with the bracket 360 supporting at least part of weight of the motor 184, also facilitates an alignment of the output shaft 274 of the motor 184 with the differential unit 182, thus suitably facilitating torque transfer.
In brevity, the motor 184 is attached to the axle housing 180 and to the support structure 186, thus distributing a motor weight between both the axle housing 180 and the bracket 360, and in turn becoming integral with the axle housing 180 (and/or the axle assembly 170) and the suspension system 242 of the machine 100. By being directly coupled to the axle housing 180 and directly supported by the support structure 186, the motor 184 may pivot along with a pivotal movement of the support structure about the axis 176 relative to the chassis 148, and thus may move as one with the axle assembly 170.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.
In an assembly of the motor 184 to the differential unit 182, the bevel gear 266 may be extended into the differential unit 182 and be engaged with the crown gear 248 of the differential unit 182, as shown. As a result, rotational energy derived from the motor 184 may be transferred to the crown gear 248, via the output shaft 274 and the bevel gear 266, so as to rotate the crown gear 248, and thus power an operation of the differential unit 182. An operation of the differential unit 182 helps transfer torque, produced by the motor 184, to the front wheels 160 of the machine 100.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support structure 186 is fixedly coupled with the axle housing 180, and is pivotably coupled to the chassis 148 of the machine 100. More particularly, the support structure 186 holds the motor 184 in a fixed position relative to the axle housing 180, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing 180. The support structure 186 includes a first arm 350, a second arm 352, and a bracket 360. The first arm 350 includes a first flange 362 by way of which the first arm 350 is fixedly coupled to the axle housing 180. The second arm 352 is similar in structure and design to the first arm 350, includes a second flange 364, and is too fixedly coupled to the axle housing 180 by way of the second flange 364. In particular, the first flange may be coupled to the first connection structure 234, such as by fasteners (e.g., fastener 244), while the second arm 352 may be coupled to the second connection structure 236, also by fasteners similar to the fastener 244. The first arm includes a first end portion 370 remote to the first flange 362 (and thus remote to the axle housing 180), and, similarly, the second arm 352 includes a second end portion 372 remote to the second flange 364 (and thus remote to the axle housing 180). Further, the second arm 352 is spaced apart from the first arm 350 to define a region 380 therebetween to accommodate the motor 184. Furthermore, the first arm 350 includes a first slot 386, and the second arm 352 includes a second slot 388 that is co-axial with the first slot 386, along a common axis 378.
In an assembly of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148, the common axis 378 may align with the axis 176.
To enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148, the one or more pins 188 may be applied. For example, the one or more pins 188 include and/or may be categorized into a first pin 390 and a second pin 392. The first pin 390 may be passed through the first slot 386, while the second pin 392 may be passed through the second slot 388. Both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may be configured to be fixedly coupled to the chassis 148 to enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148. According to an embodiment, both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may be respectively rotatably passed through the first slot 386 and the second slot 388, while being fixedly coupled to the chassis 148. For example, each of the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may correspondingly include a first flanged end 394 and a second flanged end 396. The first flanged end 394 may be coupled to the chassis 148 by using fasteners, such as bolts 398, thereby fixedly coupling the first pin 390 to the chassis 148. Similarly, the second flanged end 396 may be coupled to the chassis 148 by using fasteners, such as bolts 398, thereby fixedly coupling the second pin 392 to the chassis 148. A
resulting engagement between the support structure 186, the pins 390, 392, and the chassis 148, is such that the support structure 186 may rotate relative to the pins 390, 392, while the pins 390, 392 may remain stationary relative to the chassis 148.
In some embodiments, conversely, it is possible for both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 to be respectively fixedly coupled to the first arm 350 and the second arm 352 instead, while being rotatably coupled to the chassis 148. In some embodiments, both the first pin 390 and the second pin 392 may be respectively rotatably coupled to the arms 350, 352, while also being rotatably and retentively coupled to the chassis 148, thereby allowing the pivotable coupling of the support structure 186 to the chassis 148.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bracket 360 is coupled to and supported on each of the first arm 350 and the second arm 352, and, more specifically, is bridged from the first end portion 370 of the first arm 350 to the second end portion 372 of the second arm 352. The bracket 360 includes a profile complimentary to a profile of the motor 184 (or the outer shell 270 of the motor 184) to receive, abut, and support, at least part of a weight of the motor 184. The bracket 360 includes a first arcuate strip 450, a similarly shaped, second arcuate strip 450', a connector plate 454, a first pad 480, and a second pad 482.
Both the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450' may be planarly formed components. The second arcuate strip 450' may be spaced apart and arranged parallelly and in succession to the first arcuate strip 450, as shown. Moreover, each of the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450' may include a curvature 456, 456', and a curvature 456' of the second arcuate strip 450' may be co-axially arranged with the curvature 456 of the first arcuate strip 450. The curvatures 456, 456' in unison may impart the characteristic arcuate profile to the bracket 360, such that the bracket 360 may compliment the profile of the motor 184.
The first arcuate strip 450 includes a first end 460 and a second end 462, and the second arcuate strip 450' includes a first end 460' and second end 462'. The curvature 456 (of the first arcuate strip 450) is defined between the first end 460 and the second end 462 (of the first arcuate strip 450), while the curvature 456' (of the second arcuate strip 450') is defined between the first end 460' and the second end 462' (of the second arcuate strip 450'). Also, each of the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450' respectively define a flattened base 470, 470'. In particular, the flattened base 470 (of the first arcuate strip 450) may be disposed substantially midway between the first end 460 and the second end 462, along the curvature 456 (of the first arcuate strip 450), while the flattened base 470' (of the second arcuate strip 450') may be disposed substantially midway between the first end 460' and the second end 462' (of the second arcuate strip 450'). The connector plate 454 may be fixedly coupled to each flattened base 470, 470', thereby spanning a distance defined between the first arcuate strip 450 and the second arcuate strip 450', as shown.
Further, the first arcuate strip 450 includes a first ledge 500 formed at the first end 460 and a second ledge 502 formed at the second end 462.
Similarly, the second arcuate strip 450' includes a first ledge 500' formed at the first end 460' and a second ledge 502' formed at the second end 462'. Each of the first ledges 500, 500' and the second ledges 502, 502' extend radially outwardly relative to the respective curvatures 456, 456'. Further, the first ledges 500, 500' of the arcuate strips 450, 450' is mounted to the first end portion 370 of the first arm 350, while the second ledges 502, 502' of the arcuate strips 450, 450' is mounted to the second end portion 372 of the second arm 352.
The first pad 480 is coupled to the first ledge 500 of the first arcuate strip 450 and to the first ledge 500' of the second arcuate strip 450'. In so doing, the first pad 480 is positioned at an interface between the bracket 360 and the first arm 350, in an assembly of the bracket 360 to the support structure 186, as shown. Similarly, the second pad 482 is coupled to the second ledge 502 of the first arcuate strip 450 and to the second ledge 502' of the second arcuate strip 450'. In so doing, the second pad 482 is positioned at an interface between the bracket 360 and the second arm 352, in an assembly of the bracket 360 to the support structure 186, as shown. Additionally, or optionally, a thickness or a number of the first pad 480 and second pad 482 may be varied depending upon a size and/or a design of the motor 184, so as to be adaptable to different motor types. Additionally, or optionally, the first pad 480 and second pad 482 may be made from one of a metallic or a non-metallic material, such as a resilient material.
In an embodiment, the support structure 186 includes a pair of plates, namely a first plate 550 and a second plate 550', as shown. The first plate 550 may be coupled to first edges 552, 554 respectively of the first arm 350 and second arm 352, while the second plate 550' may be coupled to second edges 562, 564 respectively of the first arm 350 and second arm 352. Both the first plate 550 and the second plate 550' may respectively include a concavity 580, 580', with the concavity 580 of the first plate 550 being directed towards the concavity 580' of the second plate 550'. Together, therefore, the first arm 350, second arm 352, the first plate 550, and the second plate 550' may define a receptacle 600 to complimentarily receive the motor 184. In some implementations, it is possible for the first plate 550 and the second plate 550' to be removably coupled to the outer shell 270 of the motor 184.
It may be noted that a connection between each of the components of the support panel 186, including the first arm 350, second arm 352, the first flange 362, the second flange 364, the bracket 360, the plates 550, 550', as disclosed above, may be attained by welding. Alternatively, it is possible that such a connection may be attained by use of high-grade industrial adhesives, or by other known methods. In some embodiments, the support structure 186 may be an integrally formed component, cast and produced from a single mold.
Industrial Applicability For relatively large-scale applications, such as in electric drivetrains of construction and mining machines (e.g., underground articulated trucks), switched reluctance motors (SRMs) may be applied for enabling one or more of the machine functions, such as machine movement. SRMs are generally relatively large sized motors, and may be commensurately heavy, with some applications using SRMs that weigh over 1 ton.
The present disclosure discusses the integration of the motor 184 (which may be an SRM) into the differential unit 182 of the machine 100 in order to directly drive and transfer torque to the moving components (e.g., the crown gear 248) of the differential unit 182 of the machine 100, and, in that manner, provide power to the traction devices 152 (e.g., the front wheels 160) of the machine 100. It may be noted that such direct transfer of torque between the motor 184 and the differential unit 182 may occur without the incorporation of a drop box or a transfer box. The arrangement of the motor 184, by use of the support structure 186, as discussed herein, may also negate the use of a yoke and shaft assembly and/or any universal couplings between the output shaft 274 and the bevel gear 266, making the arrangement simpler, compact, and efficient, in turn also effectively accommodating the motor 184 within a reduced space claim generally afforded in machines, such as machine 100. Notably, the support structure 186, with the bracket 360 supporting at least part of weight of the motor 184, also facilitates an alignment of the output shaft 274 of the motor 184 with the differential unit 182, thus suitably facilitating torque transfer.
In brevity, the motor 184 is attached to the axle housing 180 and to the support structure 186, thus distributing a motor weight between both the axle housing 180 and the bracket 360, and in turn becoming integral with the axle housing 180 (and/or the axle assembly 170) and the suspension system 242 of the machine 100. By being directly coupled to the axle housing 180 and directly supported by the support structure 186, the motor 184 may pivot along with a pivotal movement of the support structure about the axis 176 relative to the chassis 148, and thus may move as one with the axle assembly 170.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.
Claims (20)
1. An axle assembly for a machine, the axle assembly comprising:
an axle housing;
a differential unit disposed within the axle housing and configured to split and transfer torque to a plurality of traction devices of the machine;
a motor coupled to the differential unit, and configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit; and a support structure configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine, being fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holding the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
an axle housing;
a differential unit disposed within the axle housing and configured to split and transfer torque to a plurality of traction devices of the machine;
a motor coupled to the differential unit, and configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit; and a support structure configured to be pivotably coupled to a chassis of the machine, being fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holding the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
2. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein the axle assembly is a rigid axle assembly.
3. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor includes an output shaft, and a bevel gear mounted to the output shaft, the bevel gear being engaged with the differential unit.
4. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes:
a first arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing;
a second arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing and spaced apart from the first arm to define a region therebetween to accommodate the motor;
and a bracket coupled to the first arm and to the second arm, and including a profile complimentary to a profile of the motor to abut and support at least part of a weight of the motor.
a first arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing;
a second arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing and spaced apart from the first arm to define a region therebetween to accommodate the motor;
and a bracket coupled to the first arm and to the second arm, and including a profile complimentary to a profile of the motor to abut and support at least part of a weight of the motor.
5. The axle assembly of claim 4, wherein the first arm includes a first slot, the second arm includes a second slot co-axial with the first slot, the axle assembly further including:
a first pin passing through the first slot; and a second pin passing through the second slot, both the first pin and the second pin configured to be coupled to the chassis to enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure to the chassis.
a first pin passing through the first slot; and a second pin passing through the second slot, both the first pin and the second pin configured to be coupled to the chassis to enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure to the chassis.
6. The axle assembly of claim 4, wherein the bracket includes a first arcuate strip, and a similarly shaped, second arcuate strip, wherein the second arcuate strip is spaced apart and parallelly arranged relative to the first arcuate strip.
7. The axle assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip includes a first end and a second end, and a curvature defined between the first end and the second end.
8. The axle assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip includes a first ledge formed at the first end and a second ledge formed at the second end, each of the first ledge and the second ledge extending radially outwardly relative to the curvature defined between the first end and the second end.
9. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein the first arm includes a first end portion remote to the axle housing, the second arm includes a second end portion remote to the axle housing, wherein:
the first ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the first end portion, and the second ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the second end portion.
the first ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the first end portion, and the second ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the second end portion.
10. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein the bracket includes:
a connector plate fixedly coupled to each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip;
a first pad coupled to the first ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the first ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the first arm; and a second pad coupled to the second ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the second ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the second arm.
a connector plate fixedly coupled to each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip;
a first pad coupled to the first ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the first ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the first arm; and a second pad coupled to the second ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the second ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the second arm.
11. A machine, comprising:
a chassis;
a plurality of traction devices supporting the chassis and facilitating a travel of the machine on a ground; and an axle assembly including:
an axle housing;
a differential unit disposed within the axle housing and configured to split and transfer torque to the plurality of traction devices;
a motor coupled to the differential unit, and configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit; and a support structure configured to be pivotably coupled to the chassis of the machine, being fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holding the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
a chassis;
a plurality of traction devices supporting the chassis and facilitating a travel of the machine on a ground; and an axle assembly including:
an axle housing;
a differential unit disposed within the axle housing and configured to split and transfer torque to the plurality of traction devices;
a motor coupled to the differential unit, and configured to generate and provide torque to the differential unit; and a support structure configured to be pivotably coupled to the chassis of the machine, being fixedly coupled with the axle housing, and holding the motor in a fixed position relative to the axle housing, such that the motor moves as one with the axle housing.
12. The machine of claim 11, wherein the axle assembly is a rigid axle assembly.
13. The machine of claim 11, wherein the motor includes an output shaft, and a bevel gear mounted to the output shaft, the bevel gear being engaged with the differential unit.
14. The machine of claim 11, wherein the support structure includes:
a first arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing;
a second arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing and spaced apart from the first arm to define a region therebetween to accommodate the motor;
and a bracket coupled to the first arm and to the second arm, and including a profile complimentary to a profile of the motor to abut and support at least part of a weight of the motor.
a first arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing;
a second arm fixedly coupled to the axle housing and spaced apart from the first arm to define a region therebetween to accommodate the motor;
and a bracket coupled to the first arm and to the second arm, and including a profile complimentary to a profile of the motor to abut and support at least part of a weight of the motor.
15. The machine of claim 14, wherein the first arm includes a first slot, the second arm includes a second slot co-axial with the first slot, the axle assembly further including:
a first pin passing through the first slot; and a second pin passing through the second slot, both the first pin and the second pin configured to be coupled to the chassis to enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure to the chassis.
a first pin passing through the first slot; and a second pin passing through the second slot, both the first pin and the second pin configured to be coupled to the chassis to enable the pivotable coupling of the support structure to the chassis.
16. The machine of claim 14, wherein the bracket includes a first arcuate strip, and a similarly shaped, second arcuate strip, wherein the second arcuate strip is spaced apart and parallelly arranged relative to the first arcuate strip.
17. The machine of claim 16, wherein each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip includes a first end and a second end, and a curvature defined between the first end and the second end.
18. The machine of claim 17, wherein each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip includes a first ledge formed at the first end and a second ledge formed at the second end, each of the first ledge and the second ledge extending radially outwardly relative to the curvature defined between the first end and the second end.
19. The machine of claim 18, wherein the first arm includes a first end portion remote to the axle housing, the second arm includes a second end portion remote to the axle housing, wherein:
the first ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the first end portion, and the second ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the second end portion.
the first ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the first end portion, and the second ledge of each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip is mounted to the second end portion.
20. The machine of claim 18, wherein the bracket includes:
a connector plate fixedly coupled to each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip;
a first pad coupled to the first ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the first ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the first arm; and a second pad coupled to the second ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the second ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the second arm.
a connector plate fixedly coupled to each of the first arcuate strip and the second arcuate strip;
a first pad coupled to the first ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the first ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the first arm; and a second pad coupled to the second ledge of the first arcuate strip and to the second ledge of the second arcuate strip, and being positioned at an interface between the bracket and the second arm.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018202851A AU2018202851A1 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2018-04-24 | Axle assembly with integrated electric motor |
| AU2018202851 | 2018-04-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3040694A1 true CA3040694A1 (en) | 2019-10-24 |
Family
ID=68318123
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3040694A Pending CA3040694A1 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2019-04-18 | Axle assembly with integrated electric motor |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2018202851A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3040694A1 (en) |
-
2018
- 2018-04-24 AU AU2018202851A patent/AU2018202851A1/en active Pending
-
2019
- 2019-04-18 CA CA3040694A patent/CA3040694A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2018202851A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 |
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