DE102020100976B3 - Wheel module and strut for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel module for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel (1) that can be rotated by a steering angle and at least indirectly driven, the wheel (1) being at least indirectly connected to a body (4) of the motor vehicle via a spring strut (3), wherein the spring strut (3) has a fluid guide element (5) with a stationary first element and a second element rotatable relative to the first element, the first element at least indirectly with the body (4) of the motor vehicle and the second element at least indirectly with the wheel (1) are connected, and wherein the two elements have interconnected, continuous recesses (9, 10) which are set up for the fluid supply of the wheel hub drive (2). The invention also relates to a suspension strut (3) for such a wheel module and to a motor vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a wheel module for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel rotatable by a steering angle with a wheel hub drive for driving the wheel, the wheel being at least indirectly connected to a body of the motor vehicle via a spring strut. The invention also relates to a suspension strut for such a wheel module and to a motor vehicle.

From the DE 10 2017 106 826 A1 discloses a strut for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, comprising a strut bearing received in a body for the axial and radial support of the strut. The spring strut comprises a damper with a piston rod at least partially received therein, which is axially guided in an upper linear guide and connected at a lower end to a wheel fork for receiving a wheel, the wheel fork being guided axially in a lower linear guide and via a spring element on Strut bearing is supported. The spring strut also has a steering actuator for adjusting a steering angle.

The object of the present invention is to further develop a wheel module and a spring strut for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, and in particular to implement a space-saving design. This object is achieved by a wheel module with the features of claim 1 and by a spring strut with the features of claim 9. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims of the following description and the attached figures.

A wheel module according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a wheel rotatable by a steering angle and at least indirectly drivable, the wheel being at least indirectly connected to a body of the motor vehicle via a spring strut, the spring strut having a fluid guide element with a stationary first element and one relative to the first Element having rotatable second element, wherein the first element is at least indirectly connected to the body of the motor vehicle and the second element is at least indirectly connected to the wheel, and wherein the two elements have interconnected, continuous recesses which are set up to supply fluid to the wheel hub drive .

The wheel is preferably operatively connected to a wheel hub drive for driving the wheel, which drives the wheel at a speed. The wheel hub drive is designed in particular as an electrical machine and has a stator and a rotor that can be driven in rotation relative thereto. The stator is at least indirectly connected to the spring strut and further components for the wheel suspension, the rotor being operatively connected to the wheel of the motor vehicle. The wheel hub drive is supplied with electrical energy in particular via an electrical line and with a fluid, in particular a cooling medium, via a fluid line, the wheel module being set up to relocate at least the fluid supply, in particular a coolant supply of the wheel hub drive, to the interior of the strut. This saves installation space in the upper area where the suspension strut is connected to the body, since it is possible to dispense with complex line guides that require installation space in a wheel housing that accommodates the wheel module. In other words, at least the cooling medium is guided through the spring strut, in particular through the recesses of the fluid guide element, and then to the wheel hub drive. Furthermore, the fluid guide element can be set up to integrate electrical lines into the spring strut. Furthermore, the fluid guide element can also be arranged laterally next to the spring strut.

In addition, the wheel module is designed such that a steering angle or a wheel steering angle of the respective wheel of at least 135 ° is achieved. For this purpose, the wheel is preferably arranged on a wheel fork, the wheel fork being rotatable at least indirectly by means of a steering actuator by up to 90 ° to the left and right about a longitudinal axis of the strut. The steering actuator is arranged in a vehicle interior and can control the wheel fork in such a way that it swivels to the left and right together with the wheel at any angle, starting with the vehicle traveling straight ahead up to 90 ° each. The entire steering angle range is therefore 180 °. However, it is also conceivable to cover a larger steering angle range. If several wheel modules are arranged on the axles of the motor vehicle, a rotation of the wheels by up to 90 ° enables simplified lateral or oblique parking with minimal space requirements. In other words, the motor vehicle can thereby be steered to the side or around its own axis. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to only pivot the wheels of the front axle by up to 90 degrees in order to turn the motor vehicle around a pivot point which is arranged in the middle of the rear axle. Similarly, the motor vehicle can be rotated around the front if only the wheels of the rear axle of the motor vehicle have the spring struts according to the invention.

By integrating the fluid guide in the suspension strut or in the fluid guide element of the suspension strut, the setting of the desired steering angle of the wheel can be implemented more easily, since a It is no longer necessary to keep long cable loops in place, which enable a steering angle range of at least 135 ° to be set. In addition, undesired contact between the rotating wheel and the lines otherwise routed outside the wheel module is prevented. As a result, the space required, which was previously intended to accommodate the line loops, is reduced.

The fluid guide element consists at least of the first and second element, either the first element being designed as an inner ring and the second element being designed as an outer ring or the first element being designed as an outer ring and the second element being designed as an inner ring. For this purpose, the outer ring has a sleeve-shaped section which at least partially receives the inner ring. Rolling bodies are preferably arranged spatially between the inner ring and the outer ring in order to arrange the two elements so as to be rotatable relative to one another. The rolling elements determine the position of the two elements relative to one another. Alternatively, the roller bearing described here can also be designed as a plain bearing.

The recesses on the inner ring and on the outer ring are fluidically connected to one another and are preferably arranged coaxially to one another. This means that a fluid, for example a cooling liquid, is guided within the recesses, the fluid being able to flow from one end of the fluid guide element through the two recesses to the other end of the fluid guide element.

To seal the fluid guide element, at least one sealing element is spatially arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The respective sealing element can be arranged both radially and axially between the inner and outer rings, depending on the arrangement of the first and second elements with respect to one another. By using a plurality of sealing elements, a sealing effect of the fluid channel with respect to the outside atmosphere can be improved. Furthermore, the fluid channel in the fluid guiding element is protected from dirt and moisture, so that functional cooling of the wheel hub drive is possible.

At least one groove for receiving the respective sealing element is preferably arranged on the inner ring and / or on the outer ring. This secures the position of the respective sealing element in the fluid guide element and ensures an optimal sealing effect.

An internal thread for receiving a respective line is preferably formed on the inner ring and / or on the outer ring in the region of the respective recess. A first axial end of the fluid guide element is provided by an end face of the inner ring and a second axial end of the fluid guide element is provided by the outer ring, the respective recess being formed at the axial ends, which extends axially in the direction of the inner ring or the outer ring. The respective internal thread, which serves as a connection for a separate line, in particular for a fluid line, is formed on the outwardly directed, axial end face of the inner ring or of the outer ring. The line in each case has an external thread which is designed to be complementary to the respective internal thread of the fluid guiding element. The fluid guide element is therefore part of a fluid supply, the fluid guide element allowing any rotation of the wheel relative to the body due to the two elements that can be rotated relative to one another.

The respective internal thread is arranged, for example, coaxially to the recesses. In other words, the respective internal thread is arranged on an end opening of the fluid guide element. The inner ring and / or the outer ring can alternatively be designed in such a way that the respective inner thread on the inner ring and / or on the outer ring is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inner or outer ring. It is therefore conceivable to make the connections angled.

A strut according to the invention for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle has a fluid guide element with a stationary first element and a second element rotatable relative to the first element, the first element at least indirectly with a body of the motor vehicle and the second element at least indirectly with the wheel of the motor vehicle are connected, and wherein the two elements have interconnected, continuous recesses which are set up for the fluid supply of the wheel hub drive.

The suspension strut can be part of a wheel module, consisting of at least one vehicle wheel with a wheel hub drive, a spring element and a wheel fork. The wheel fork can furthermore comprise a rocker arm and a fork which is connected to it via a bearing and is pivotably arranged therewith. The suspension strut can be attached to the rocker on the one hand and to the fork on the other. The fork can also be rotatably mounted on the body. Furthermore, the wheel module can have a damper which acts as a shock absorber or as a vibration damper while driving and allows the motor vehicle vibrations generated during driving to subside.

A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one motor vehicle axle with at least two of the wheel modules described above or with at least two of the suspension struts described above. The wheel module and / or the spring strut can be arranged in a respective wheel arch of the motor vehicle which is designed for this purpose. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as an electric vehicle, the respective wheels having the spring strut according to the invention being preferably driven by means of a respective wheel hub drive. An externally supplied drive shaft can be dispensed with, which on the one hand increases the efficiency of the motor vehicle drive and on the other hand rotates the strut in a relatively large steering angle range, in particular at least 135 °, preferably by 90 ° in relation to a straight-ahead driving direction of the wheel left and right is possible. The wheel hub drive can be arranged axially adjacent to the respective wheel and driven by means of an electric motor. Alternatively, the wheel hub drive can also be integrated within the wheel or the rim, whereby the hollow space of the wheel is optimally used.

At least one, preferably all of the motor vehicle axles of a motor vehicle each have two wheel modules and / or with a spring strut of the type described above. The suspension struts are, for example, at least partially received or integrated in the roof rack pillars of the motor vehicle, in particular in the A pillars and C pillars. The space-saving arrangement of the respective wheel module and the respective suspension strut in the body of the motor vehicle is advantageous. The suspension struts are preferably arranged vertically in the body, alternatively an inclined arrangement of the respective suspension strut adapted to the geometry and the driving dynamics of the motor vehicle is possible.

• 1 eine vereinfachte schematische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Radmoduls eines Kraftfahrzeugs zur Veranschaulichung der Anordnung eines erfindungsgemäßen Federbeins an der Karosserie des Kraftfahrzeugs, und
• 2 eine schematische Längsschnittdarstellung eines Fluidführungselements des Radmoduls gemäß 1.

Further measures improving the invention are shown in more detail below together with the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. Here shows

• 1 a simplified schematic view of a wheel module according to the invention of a motor vehicle to illustrate the arrangement of a strut according to the invention on the body of the motor vehicle, and
• 2 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fluid guide element of the wheel module according to FIG 1 .

According to 1 comprises a wheel module for a motor vehicle, not shown here, a wheel rotatable by a steering angle 1 with a wheel hub drive 2 to drive the wheel 1 , the wheel hub drive 2 includes an electric motor not shown here. The wheel 1 is on the one hand on a shock absorber 3 recorded that the wheel 1 compared to a body 4th supports. Furthermore, the wheel is 1 on a wheel fork 12 arranged with the wheel fork 12 by means of a steering actuator 13 can be actuated in such a way that the wheel 1 by up to 90 ° to the left and right around a longitudinal axis of the strut 3 is rotatable. Thus, the entire adjustable steering angle range is 180 °.

The motor vehicle can have several axles, on each of which at least two spring struts 3 are arranged, the struts 3 for example, can be received in a respective roof rack pillar, in particular an A-pillar and / or a C-pillar. The wheels 1 each axle of the motor vehicle are rotated together with an essentially identical angle or a small steering angle difference, whereby a steering movement of the motor vehicle can be carried out. But it is also conceivable, all wheels 1 to rotate the same angle, whereby parking maneuvers in particular can be carried out with a minimal space requirement.

In the strut 3 is a fluid guiding element 5 with an inner ring 6th and an outer ring 7th integrated, with the outer ring 7th at least indirectly stationary on the body 4th set and the inner ring 6th at least indirectly firmly with the bike 1 are connected. Alternatively, the inner ring 6th at least indirectly stationary on the body 4th set and the outer ring 7th at least indirectly firmly with the bike 1 are connected.

To 2 are the inner ring 6th and the outer ring 7th of the fluid guide element 5 arranged coaxially to one another, the outer ring 7th a sleeve-shaped section 7a has, which is adapted to the inner ring 6th partially included. Spatially between the sleeve-shaped section 7a of the outer ring 7th are rolling elements 11 arranged in respective raceways that form the inner ring 6th relative to the outer ring 7th position and the one on the wheel 1 attached inner ring 6th relative to the stationary outer ring 7th Store rotatable through 360 °. The fluid guide element is therefore 5 designed as a roller bearing. The axis of rotation 17th of the fluid guide element 5 can be coaxial with an axis of rotation of the wheel module or the wheel fork 12 be arranged. A substantially parallel arrangement of the axis of rotation of the fluid guide element 5 to the axis of rotation of the wheel 1 twisting wheel fork 12 is also conceivable.

Through both the inner ring 6th as well as the outer ring 7th recesses extend 9 , 10 with a defined inner diameter, the recesses 9 , 10 are arranged coaxially to one another and a defined fluid guide, in particular a coolant guide between a first axial end and a second axial end of the fluid guide element 5 through the recesses 9 , 10 enable. In other words represent the inner ring 6th and the outer ring 7th of the fluid guide element 5 one connection for each cooling line is available. These are at the axial ends of the fluid guide element 5 , that means on the one hand on the inner ring 6th as well as on the outer ring 7th in the area of the respective recess 9 , 10 each with an internal thread 14th designed to receive a respective line. Such lines are not shown here, but they can be designed as desired, for example as a line for cooling liquids. The lines each have a complementary internal thread 14th formed external thread to in a suitable manner a tight connection between the fluid guide element 5 and to enable the lines.

Furthermore, are spatially between the inner ring 6th and the outer ring 7th of the fluid guide element 5 two sealing elements 15th , 16 arranged, the first sealing element 15th on the face between the inner ring 6th and the outer ring 7th Is arranged sealingly and the second sealing element 16 radially between the inner ring 6th and the outer ring 7th is arranged sealingly. Both sealing elements designed as sealing rings 15th , 16 are each in one on the outer ring 7th or on the sleeve-shaped section 7a of the outer ring 7th trained groove 8th axially or radially received and seal the interior 18th of the fluid guide element 5 in relation to an outside atmosphere and also prevent dirt and / or undesired liquids from entering the cooling circuit of the wheel module.

List of reference symbols

1

wheel

2

Wheel hub drive

3

Shock absorber

4th

body

5

Fluid guide element

6th

Inner ring

7th

Outer ring

7a

Sleeve-shaped section

8th

Groove

9

First recess

10

Second recess

11

Rolling elements

12

Wheel fork

13

Steering actuator

14th

inner thread

15th

First sealing element

16

Second sealing element

17th

Axis of rotation of the fluid guide element

18th

inner space

Claims (10)

Wheel module for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel (1) that can be rotated by a steering angle and at least indirectly driven, the wheel (1) being at least indirectly connected to a body (4) of the motor vehicle via a suspension strut (3), the suspension strut (3 ) has a fluid guide element (5) with a stationary first element and a second element rotatable relative to the first element, the first element being at least indirectly connected to the body (4) of the motor vehicle and the second element being at least indirectly connected to the wheel (1) are, and wherein the two elements have interconnected, continuous recesses (9, 10) which are set up for the fluid supply of the wheel hub drive (2). Wheel module after Claim 1 , characterized in that the first element is designed as an inner ring (6) and the second element is designed as an outer ring (7). Wheel module after Claim 1 , characterized in that the first element is designed as an outer ring (7) and the second element is designed as an inner ring (6). Wheel module according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that rolling elements (11) are arranged spatially between the inner ring (6) and the outer ring (7). Wheel module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel (1) is arranged on a wheel fork (12), the wheel fork (12) at least indirectly by up to 90 ° to the left and right by means of a steering actuator (13) a longitudinal axis of the spring strut (3) is rotatable. Wheel module according to one of the Claims 2 to 5 , characterized in that an internal thread (14) for receiving a respective line is formed on the inner ring (6) and / or on the outer ring (7) in the region of the respective recess (9, 10). Wheel module according to one of the Claims 2 to 6th , characterized in that at least one sealing element (15, 16) is spatially arranged between the inner ring (6) and the outer ring (7). Wheel module after Claim 7 , characterized in that at least one groove (8) for receiving the respective sealing element (15, 16) is arranged on the inner ring (6) and / or on the outer ring (7). Suspension strut (3) for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, the suspension strut (3) having a fluid guide element (5) with a stationary first element and a second element rotatable relative to the first element, the first element being at least indirectly connected to the body (4) of the motor vehicle and the second element are at least indirectly connected to the wheel (1), and wherein the two elements have interconnected, continuous recesses (9, 10) which are designed to supply fluid to the wheel hub drive (2). Motor vehicle, comprising at least one motor vehicle axle with at least two wheel modules according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th or with at least two struts (3) Claim 9 .

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