JP2024004014A - Support structure of in-wheel motor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a support structure of an in-wheel motor which can secure sufficient strength in a lean and efficient shape.

SOLUTION: A support structure of an in-wheel motor supporting an in-wheel motor 1 through a suspension mechanism 3 to a vehicle body includes a support component 2 which is mounted on the suspension mechanism 3 to support the in-wheel motor 1. The support component 2 comprises: a base substance part 4 which forms a part of an outer shell 1a of the in-wheel motor 1; an upper attachment point 5 which is attached to an upper arm 3a of the suspension mechanism 3; a lower attachment point 6 which is attached to a lower arm 3b of the suspension mechanism 3; a first fulcrum 7 which is on a straight line connecting the upper attachment point 5 and the lower attachment point 6 and is formed at an upper part of the base substance part 4; and a plurality of stiffened members 10 which integrally connects at least the upper attachment point 5 with the first fulcrum 7 and the other part other than the first fulcrum 7 respectively.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an in-wheel motor for a vehicle, and particularly to a support structure for attaching and supporting an in-wheel motor to a suspension of a vehicle.

Patent Document 1 describes a steering wheel structure for a vehicle in which a wheel suspended by a suspension having an upper arm and a lower arm is directly steered by a steering motor. The steering wheel structure for a vehicle described in Patent Document 1 includes a knuckle whose one end is connected to the wheel side, a support member which rotatably supports the other end of the knuckle around a kingpin axis, and a support member which is connected to the knuckle and which is connected to the knuckle. It is equipped with a steering motor that rotates the wheels around the kingpin axis to steer the wheels. One end of the upper arm is rotatably supported by the vehicle body, and the other end rotatably supports a support member. One end of the lower arm is connected to the wheel, and the other end is rotatably supported by the vehicle body.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes an in-wheel motor for a vehicle in which a motor and a speed reduction mechanism are arranged on the inner peripheral side of a wheel. The in-wheel motor described in Patent Document 2 includes a knuckle (support member) that rotatably supports a wheel. The knuckle includes a motor housing that encloses the motor and a gear housing that encloses the reduction mechanism. That is, the knuckle is integrally formed with the motor housing and the gear housing. In the in-wheel motor described in Patent Document 2, a reinforcing member is provided on the motor housing or the gear housing in order to prevent deformation of the knuckle and ensure predetermined performance.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-101746 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-189062

As in the steering wheel structure for a vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the wheels of a vehicle are supported by a support member called a knuckle or a steering knuckle on a vehicle body via a suspension. As such a support member, the knuckle is subjected to a large load from the wheel, so in conventional strength design, stress concentration on the knuckle is suppressed by ensuring a sufficient cross-sectional area. On the other hand, the in-wheel motor, which is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the wheel, is attached and supported by a predetermined member to the vehicle body together with the wheel. In the in-wheel motor described in Patent Document 2, the knuckle, which is integrally formed with the housing of the motor and the speed reduction mechanism, serves as a support member and receives a large load from the wheels. Therefore, the support member (knuckle) of the in-wheel motor is required to have high strength and must have a considerable cross-sectional area, similar to the knuckle of a conventional wheel. However, around the in-wheel motor, members or parts related to the suspension mechanism and the brake device are densely arranged. Therefore, the support member for supporting the in-wheel motor together with the wheels is subject to many restrictions on its shape and arrangement. Therefore, it is not easy to ensure the strength of the support member of the in-wheel motor with a lean and efficient shape while satisfying various constraint conditions.

This invention was devised with a focus on the above-mentioned technical issues, and has been developed to have sufficient strength for in-wheel motors, which have little space for installation and are subject to many restrictions on shape and placement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a support structure for an in-wheel motor in which the support member can be configured in an efficient shape without waste.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an in-wheel motor support structure that supports an in-wheel motor mounted on the inner circumferential portion of a wheel of a vehicle on a vehicle body together with the wheel via a predetermined suspension mechanism. The support member includes a support member that supports the in-wheel motor and is attached to the suspension mechanism, and the support member includes a base portion that forms at least a part of an outer shell of the in-wheel motor, and a support member that supports the in-wheel motor in a vertical direction from the base portion. an upper attachment point formed at a position spaced apart from above and attached to a predetermined upper member disposed at the top of the suspension mechanism; and a position spaced from the base part downward in the vertical direction; A lower attachment point formed at the lower part and attached to a predetermined lower member disposed at the lower part of the suspension mechanism, and on a straight line connecting the upper attachment point and the lower attachment point, and at the upper part of the base part. a first fulcrum formed therein, and a plurality of stiffening members each integrally connecting at least the upper attachment point, the first fulcrum and another portion different from the first fulcrum, respectively. It is characterized by having the following.

In addition, the support member in the present invention is arranged such that when the base portion is deformed in a direction of rotation about the straight line as a rotation center axis, the base portion is displaced a predetermined distance away from the rotation center axis in a radial direction of rotation. The invention further includes a second fulcrum formed at a portion where the stiffening member is relatively large, and the present invention provides a first stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the first fulcrum. and a second stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the second fulcrum.

Further, the wheels in this invention may include steered wheels operated by a predetermined steering mechanism, and the support member in this invention supports the in-wheel motor mounted on the steered wheels and supports the suspension. A tie rod attachment point to which the tie rod of the steering mechanism is attached, which is attached to the mechanism and is formed at a position away from the base portion on either the left or right side in the horizontal direction, and near the tie rod attachment point of the base portion. and, when the base body is deformed in a direction of rotation with the straight line as the center axis of rotation, a portion where the displacement of the base body becomes relatively large at a predetermined distance away from the center axis of rotation in the radial direction of rotation. and a third fulcrum formed in the third fulcrum, and further comprising a third stiffening member as the stiffening member that integrally connects the tie rod attachment point and the third fulcrum. It is said that

Further, the support member according to the present invention is characterized in that the support member further includes a fourth stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the tie rod attachment point.

Further, the wheels in this invention include steered wheels operated by a predetermined steering mechanism, and the support member in this invention supports the in-wheel motor mounted on the steered wheels and is attached to the suspension mechanism. and a tie rod attachment point formed at a position away from the base portion to either the left or right side in the horizontal direction and to which the tie rod of the steering mechanism is attached, and in the vicinity of the tie rod attachment point of the base portion, and When the base portion is deformed in the direction of rotation with the straight line as the center axis of rotation, the displacement of the base portion is relative to the center axis of rotation by a predetermined distance on the opposite side of the second fulcrum in the radial direction of rotation. and a third fulcrum formed at a portion that becomes larger in size, and as the stiffening member, a third stiffening member that integrally connects the tie rod attachment point and the third fulcrum; The present invention is characterized in that it further includes a fourth stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the tie rod attachment point.

Further, the support member according to the present invention is characterized in that the support member further includes a fifth stiffening member as the stiffening member that integrally connects the tie rod attachment point and the first fulcrum.

Further, the support member according to the present invention is characterized in that the support member further includes a sixth stiffening member that integrally connects the first stiffening member and the tie rod attachment point.

Further, the support member according to the present invention is characterized in that the support member further includes, as the stiffening member, a seventh stiffening member that integrally connects the first stiffening member and the second fulcrum.

Further, the support member in this invention serves as the stiffening member and connects any two of the stiffening members together, or connects any of the stiffening members to any of the fulcrums in the base portion. The invention is characterized in that it further includes a beam-like member that integrally connects the two.

The support member of the present invention is characterized in that the support member further includes, as the stiffening member, a plate-like member that integrally connects at least any two of the stiffening members and the base portion in the shape of a face plate. It is said that

In the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention, the in-wheel motor and the wheels are attached to the suspension mechanism by the support member and supported by the vehicle body via the suspension mechanism. The support member forms at least a part of the outer shell (eg, motor case, cover, housing, etc.) of the in-wheel motor. Additionally, the support member is provided with an upper attachment point and a lower attachment point corresponding to the attachment portion of the suspension mechanism. The upper attachment point is attached to the upper member (e.g., upper arm) of the suspension mechanism, and the lower attachment point is attached to the lower member (e.g., lower arm) of the suspension mechanism, so that the in-wheel motor and the wheels are It is supported by the vehicle body via a suspension mechanism. As described above, the support member in the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention functions as a housing, motor case, cover, etc. of the in-wheel motor, and also functions as a so-called knuckle in a conventional wheel to support the in-wheel motor and wheels. It also has supporting functions.

As described above, the support member that functions as a wheel knuckle receives a large load from the wheel side. Therefore, the support member is required to have high rigidity and strength. On the other hand, in-wheel motors are designed to avoid interference with other parts and members such as suspension mechanisms and brake devices, or to avoid interference with bolts and tools during assembly. must be placed in the space. Therefore, there are significant restrictions on the arrangement position, shape, size, etc. of the in-wheel motor. It has not been easy to construct a support member that satisfies such constraints and has high rigidity and strength to withstand large loads. In contrast, the support member in the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention is provided with a plurality of stiffening members at the upper attachment point where the load conditions are particularly severe. The stiffening member is, for example, a beam-shaped, rib-shaped, or face plate-shaped member that connects and integrates the upper attachment point and the base portion of the support member, and has a cross-sectional area that provides the desired rigidity and strength. It is formed in the shape that it has. By reinforcing the upper attachment point with such a stiffening member, the rigidity and strength of the support member can be efficiently improved.

Specifically, in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention, the stiffening members include a first stiffening member that connects the upper attachment point and the first fulcrum in the base portion of the support member, and the upper attachment point. and a second fulcrum in the base portion of the support member. The first fulcrum is a portion that becomes a fulcrum when the support member receives a load and deforms (translationally deforms) in a translational direction (horizontal direction). The second fulcrum is a portion that becomes a fulcrum when the support member receives a load and deforms in the rotational direction (rotational deformation). Therefore, the first stiffening member reinforces the upper attachment point and effectively suppresses translational deformation of the support member. Furthermore, the second stiffening member reinforces the upper attachment point and effectively suppresses rotational deformation of the support member.

Furthermore, the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention is also intended for in-wheel motors mounted on steered wheels operated by a steering mechanism (steering device). In the case of an in-wheel motor for steered wheels, the support member is provided with a tie rod attachment point to which the tie rod of the steering mechanism is attached. In the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention, the stiffening members include a third stiffening member that connects the tie rod attachment point and the third fulcrum in the base portion of the support member; A fourth stiffening member is provided that connects the attachment point. The third fulcrum is located in the vicinity of the tie rod attachment point, and, like the second fulcrum, serves as a fulcrum when the support member is deformed in the rotational direction (rotational deformation) under load. Therefore, the third stiffening portion reinforces the tie rod attachment point and effectively suppresses rotational deformation of the support member. Further, the fourth stiffening portion mutually reinforces the upper attachment point and the tie rod attachment point, and effectively suppresses rotational deformation of the support member.

Further, in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention, a fifth stiffening member is provided as the stiffening member, which connects the tie rod attachment point and the first fulcrum in the base portion of the support member. Therefore, the tie rod attachment point is reinforced by the fifth stiffening member, and translational deformation of the support member is effectively suppressed.

Further, in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention, a sixth stiffening member is provided as the stiffening member to connect the first stiffening member and the tie rod attachment point. Therefore, the sixth stiffening member enhances the reinforcing effect of the tie rod attachment point.

Further, in the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention, a seventh stiffening member that connects the first stiffening member and the second fulcrum is provided as the stiffening member. Therefore, the seventh stiffening member can enhance the effect of suppressing translational deformation and rotational deformation as described above.

In addition, in the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention, the stiffening member may be a beam-shaped stiffening member connecting any two stiffening members, or one of the stiffening members and the base portion. A beam-shaped stiffening member connected to any one of the fulcrums, or a face plate-shaped stiffening member that fills a closed space between any two stiffening members and the base portion is provided. Such an additional stiffening member can enhance the effect of reinforcing each part by the stiffening member, and also enhance the effect of suppressing translational deformation and rotational deformation of the support member.

By appropriately and efficiently providing the various types of stiffening members as described above, it is possible to appropriately suppress translational deformation and rotational deformation of the support member. Therefore, a support member having appropriate rigidity and strength can be configured with a minimum configuration. That is, the shape of the support member as a strength member is optimized.

Therefore, according to the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention, the support member can be configured with sufficient rigidity and strength and an efficient shape with no waste (or less waste). Furthermore, an in-wheel motor with little space for arrangement and many restrictions on shape and arrangement can be appropriately attached to and supported by the suspension mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the support structure for the in-wheel motor of the present invention, in which the in-wheel motor targeted by the present invention is supported by using the support member to support the upper member (upper arm) and the lower member ( It is a figure showing an image of attachment to a lower arm). An example of the configuration of a support member in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention (a support member for an in-wheel motor mounted on a steered wheel, in which three stiffeners are provided between the upper attachment point, the base portion, and the tie rod attachment point). It is a figure showing the example in which the member was provided. It is a figure which shows the structure of the support member in the support structure of the in-wheel motor of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the tie rod attachment point of a support member, and the tie rod of the suspension mechanism attached to the tie rod attachment point. Another example of the structure of the support member in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention (a support member for an in-wheel motor mounted on a wheel other than steered wheels, in which two supplementary parts are provided between the upper attachment point and the base part). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which a rigid member is provided. Another example of the configuration of the support member in the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention (an example in which the stiffening member between the upper attachment point and the second fulcrum is omitted from the support member configured as shown in FIG. 2) is shown. It is a diagram. Other examples of the structure of the support member in the support structure of the in-wheel motor of the present invention (from the support member having the structure shown in FIG. 2, a stiffening member between the upper attachment point and the second fulcrum, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a stiffening member between the tie rod attachment point and the tie rod attachment point is omitted. It is a figure which shows another example (an example which provided the stiffening member which connects a tie rod attachment point and a 1st fulcrum) of the structure of the support member in the support structure of the in-wheel motor of this invention. Another example of the structure of the support member in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention (a stiffening member between the upper attachment point and the first fulcrum, and two stiffening members connecting the second fulcrum and the tie rod attachment point) FIG. It is a figure which shows another example (an example which provided the two stiffening members which connect stiffening members) of the structure of the support member in the support structure of the in-wheel motor of this invention. This is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the support member in the support structure for an in-wheel motor of the present invention (an example in which a face plate-shaped stiffening member is provided to fill the space surrounded by two stiffening members and a base part). be. Another example of the configuration of the support member in the in-wheel motor support structure of the present invention (an example in which the stiffening member between the upper attachment point and the tie rod attachment point is partially omitted from the support member having the configuration shown in FIG. 2) ). It is a figure which shows another example (an example using the beam-shaped stiffening member which has a curved part or a bending part) of the structure of the support member in the support structure of the in-wheel motor of this invention.

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment shown below is only an example of the embodiment of this invention, and does not limit this invention.

The in-wheel motor that is the object of the in-wheel motor support structure in the embodiment of the present invention is mounted, for example, on the wheels of an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Specifically, the in-wheel motor is supported by the body of the electric vehicle together with the wheels via a suspension device (suspension mechanism). The in-wheel motor according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a support member that supports the in-wheel motor and attaches it to the suspension mechanism. By attaching the support member fixed to the in-wheel motor to the suspension mechanism, the in-wheel motor is supported by the vehicle body via the suspension mechanism.

FIG. 1 shows an in-wheel motor 1, a support member 2 of the in-wheel motor 1, and a part of the suspension mechanism 3 (upper arm 3a, and lower arm 3b).

The in-wheel motor 1 is mounted on the inner peripheral portion of a wheel (not shown) of an electric vehicle (not shown). The in-wheel motor 1 has an outer shell 1a formed of members such as a motor housing, a motor case, and a cover. In FIG. 1, an image of a motor case 1b and a cover 1c as the outer shell 1a of the in-wheel motor 1 is shown.

The in-wheel motor 1 is configured by, for example, a permanent magnet type synchronous motor or an induction motor. The in-wheel motor 1 has at least a function as a prime mover that is driven by being supplied with electric power and outputs torque. Further, the in-wheel motor 1 may function as a generator that generates electric power by being driven by receiving torque from the outside. That is, the in-wheel motor 1 may be a so-called "motor generator" that has both a function as a prime mover and a function as a generator. A battery (not shown) is connected to the in-wheel motor 1 via an inverter (not shown). Therefore, the electric power stored in the battery is supplied to the in-wheel motor 1, and the in-wheel motor 1 functions as a prime mover to output driving torque. It is also possible to cause the in-wheel motor 1 to function as a generator using the torque transmitted from the wheels (not shown), and to store the regenerated power generated at that time in the battery. Furthermore, the in-wheel motor 1 can be regeneratively controlled while the vehicle is running, and the wheels can be braked using the regenerative torque generated at that time.

Note that the in-wheel motor 1 may include a speed reduction mechanism (not shown) that amplifies the output torque of the in-wheel motor 1. That is, the speed reduction mechanism may be arranged inside the outer shell 1a of the in-wheel motor 1 together with the motor structure (not shown) of the in-wheel motor 1. The deceleration mechanism is configured, for example, by a pair of deceleration gears (not shown) provided between two mutually parallel axes (not shown). Alternatively, the present invention is not limited to a pair of reduction gears, and may be combined with a planetary gear mechanism or a reduction mechanism of other configurations, for example. Alternatively, the in-wheel motor 1 may have a configuration in which wheels are directly attached to the in-wheel motor 1 without using a speed reduction mechanism.

The in-wheel motor 1 is attached to a suspension mechanism 3 by a support member 2, which will be described later, and is supported by the body of the electric vehicle together with the wheels via the suspension mechanism 3.

The support member 2 is a main member constituting the support structure for the in-wheel motor in the embodiment of the present invention, and supports the in-wheel motor 1 and attaches the in-wheel motor 1 to the suspension mechanism 3 of the electric vehicle. Further, the support member 2 forms at least a part of the outer shell 1a of the in-wheel motor 1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the support member 2 mainly includes a base portion 4, an upper attachment point 5, a lower attachment point 6, a first fulcrum 7, a second fulcrum 8, a third fulcrum 9, and , a stiffening member 10.

The base portion 4 constitutes the main body portion of the support member 2 and also forms at least a portion of the outer shell 1a of the in-wheel motor 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the base portion 4 is attached to the motor case 1b as a motor housing 1d so as to be integrated with the motor case 1b and the cover 1c. That is, the support member 2 forms a part of the outer shell 1a of the in-wheel motor 1 together with the motor case 1b and the cover 1c. Note that an output shaft hole 4a is formed in the center of the base portion 4 to take out the output shaft (not shown) of the in-wheel motor 1 and to attach a roller (not shown) that supports the output shaft. There is.

The upper attachment point 5 is formed at a position upwardly away from the base portion 4 in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). An upper arm 3a of a suspension mechanism 3, which will be described later, is attached to the upper attachment point 5. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper attachment point 5 is connected to a connecting member (not shown, which is different from a stiffening member 10 described later) for fixing the position of the upper attachment point 5 with respect to the base portion 4. It may be integrally connected to the base portion 4 by another member). Alternatively, the position of the upper attachment point 5 with respect to the base portion 4 may be fixed by a stiffening member 10, which will be described later.

The lower attachment point 6 is formed at a position vertically away from the base portion 4 or at a lower portion of the base portion 4 . In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower attachment point 6 is formed at the lower part of the base portion 4. In the example shown in FIGS. A lower arm 3b of a suspension mechanism 3, which will be described later, is attached to the lower attachment point 6.

1 and 2, an image of an upper arm 3a and a lower arm 3b in a double wishbone type suspension mechanism 3 is shown as the suspension mechanism 3. The upper arm 3a is a predetermined upper member disposed above the suspension mechanism 3. The lower arm 3b is a predetermined lower member disposed below the suspension mechanism 3. In addition, in the support structure for the in-wheel motor according to the embodiment of the present invention, the type of the suspension mechanism 3 to which the in-wheel motor 1 and the support member 2 are attached is not limited to the double wishbone type as described above. For example, the suspension mechanism 3 may be of a type other than the double wishbone type, such as a strut type or a multi-link type. The above-mentioned upper attachment points 5 are thus attached to a given upper member in a given type of suspension mechanism 3. The lower attachment point 6 is also attached to a predetermined lower member of a predetermined type of suspension mechanism 3.

The first fulcrum 7 is a portion located on the straight line (rotation center axis CA) connecting the upper attachment point 5 and the lower attachment point 6 and at the upper part of the base portion 4 . The first fulcrum 7 serves as a fulcrum for translational deformation when the support member 2 is deformed (translational deformation) in the translational direction or the front-back direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) due to the load received from the wheel side. This is a part that can be considered a fulcrum. Therefore, by increasing the rigidity and strength of the first fulcrum 7 and strengthening the restraining force against translational deformation, it is possible to suppress translational deformation of the support member 2.

The second fulcrum 8 is a radius of rotation from the rotation center axis CA when the base portion 4 is deformed (rotational deformation) in the direction of rotation with the straight line connecting the upper attachment point 5 and the lower attachment point 6 as the rotation center axis CA. This is a portion located a predetermined distance apart in a direction (for example, the left-right direction in FIG. 2), and is a portion where the rotational deformation displacement of the base portion 4 is relatively large. Therefore, rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed by increasing the rigidity and strength of the second fulcrum 8 and strengthening the restraining force against rotational deformation.

The third fulcrum 9 is provided near a tie rod attachment point 11, which will be described later, on the base portion 4. Similar to the second fulcrum 8 described above, the third fulcrum 9 is used when the base portion 4 is deformed (rotational deformation) in the direction of rotation with the straight line connecting the upper attachment point 5 and the lower attachment point 6 as the rotation center axis CA. , a portion located a predetermined distance away from the rotation center axis CA in the radial direction of rotation (for example, in the left-right direction in FIG. 2), where the displacement of the rotational deformation of the base portion 4 is relatively large. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the third fulcrum 9 is on the opposite side of the second fulcrum 8 across the rotation center axis CA (on the right side of the rotation center axis CA), and the displacement of the rotational deformation of the base portion 4 is relatively large. It is located at a certain location. Therefore, this third fulcrum 9 can also suppress rotational deformation of the support member 2 by increasing its rigidity and strength and strengthening the restraining force against rotational deformation.

The stiffening member 10 connects the upper attachment point 5 and the first fulcrum 7 together. Further, the stiffening member 10 integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and at least one other portion other than the first fulcrum 7. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stiffening member 10 integrally connects an upper attachment point 5, a first fulcrum 7, a second fulcrum 8, and a tie rod attachment point 11, which will be described later.

Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the support member 2 includes, as the stiffening members 10, a first stiffening member 10a, a second stiffening member 10b, a third stiffening member 10c, and a fourth stiffening member 10. It has a member 10d.

The first stiffening member 10a is formed, for example, by a beam-like member with a circular cross section, and integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and the first fulcrum 7 of the base portion 4. The shape of the first stiffening member 10a is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. Alternatively, it may be a rib-shaped member (stiffening rib) provided on a connecting member (not shown) for fixing the position of the upper attachment point 5 with respect to the base portion 4 as described above. Alternatively, it may be a thick portion with an increased cross section of the connecting member as described above. By connecting and integrating the upper attachment point 5 and the first fulcrum 7 of the base portion 4 with the first stiffening member 10a, the rigidity and strength of the upper attachment point 5 can be increased. In addition, the rigidity and strength of the first fulcrum 7 can be increased, and translational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed.

The second stiffening member 10b is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and the second fulcrum 8 of the base portion 4. The shape of the second stiffening member 10b is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. By connecting and integrating the upper attachment point 5 and the second fulcrum 8 of the base portion 4 with the second stiffening member 10b, the rigidity and strength of the upper attachment point 5 can be increased. In addition, the restraining force against rotational deformation can be strengthened, and rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed. Although not shown, the upper attachment point 5 and the third fulcrum 9 may be integrally connected by a stiffening member 10 similar to the second stiffening member 10b described above. In that case as well, the rigidity and strength of the upper attachment point 5 can be increased, and rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the in-wheel motor support structure in the embodiment of the present invention targets the in-wheel motor 1 mounted on steered wheels (not shown) operated by a steering mechanism (steering device) 12. You can also do that. In that case, a "tie rod" of a "steering mechanism" is attached to the support member 2, similar to the "steering knuckle" of a conventional general steered wheel (that is, not equipped with the in-wheel motor 1). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the support member 2 is provided with a tie rod attachment point 11 to which the tie rod 12a of the steering mechanism 12 is attached.

The tie rod attachment point 11 is formed at a position away from the base portion 4 on either the left or right side in the horizontal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the tie rod attachment point 11 is formed at a position away from the base portion 4 to the right in the horizontal direction. A tie rod 12a of the steering mechanism 12 is attached to this tie rod attachment point 11. Although not shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. It may be integrally connected to the base portion 4 by a member other than the rigid member 10c. Alternatively, the position of the tie rod attachment point 11 relative to the base portion 4 may be fixed by a third stiffening member 10c, which will be described later.

The support member 2 provided with the tie rod attachment points 11 as described above includes a third stiffening member 10c and a fourth stiffening member 10d as the stiffening members 10.

The third stiffening member 10c is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the tie rod attachment point 11 and the third fulcrum 9 of the base portion 4. The shape of the third stiffening member 10c is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. Alternatively, it may be a rib-shaped member (stiffening rib) provided on a connecting member (not shown) for fixing the position of the tie rod attachment point 11 with respect to the base portion 4 as described above. Alternatively, it may be a thick portion with an increased cross section of the connecting member as described above. By connecting and integrating the tie rod attachment point 11 and the third fulcrum 9 of the base portion 4 with the third stiffening member 10c, the rigidity and strength of the tie rod attachment point 11 can be increased. Moreover, the restraining force against rotational deformation can be strengthened, and rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed.

The fourth stiffening member 10d is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and the tie rod attachment point 11. The shape of the fourth stiffening member 10d is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. By connecting and integrating the upper attachment point 5 and the tie rod attachment point 11 with the fourth stiffening member 10d, the rigidity and strength of both the upper attachment point 5 and the tie rod attachment point 11 can be increased. . In addition, the restraining force against rotational deformation can be strengthened, and rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed.

Note that the in-wheel motor support structure in the embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to the in-wheel motor 1 mounted on a wheel (not shown) other than steered wheels. In that case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the support member 2 is configured to include the tie rod attachment point 11, the third stiffening member 10c, and the fourth stiffening member 10c, from the configuration for the above-described in-wheel motor 1 for steered wheels. The configuration is such that the rigid member 10d is removed.

5 to 12 show other configuration examples of the in-wheel motor support structure in the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the support member 2 illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12 below, the members or components having the same configuration and function as the support member 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 above are shown in FIGS. The same reference numerals as those used in 4 are given.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 5 has a configuration in which the second stiffening member 10b is removed from the support member 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 described above. Further, the support member 2 shown in FIG. 6 has a configuration in which the second stiffening member 10b and the fourth stiffening member 10d are removed from the support member 2 having the structure shown in FIG. 2 described above. Like the support member 2 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is a stiffening member 10 that can be omitted depending on the usage conditions of the in-wheel motor 1, the magnitude of the load acting on the support member 2, etc. In this case, the optional stiffening member 10 may be removed as appropriate. Thereby, the support member 2 having appropriate rigidity and strength can be configured with a minimum configuration. That is, the shape of the support member 2 as a strength member can be optimized.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 7 has a configuration in which a fifth stiffening member 10e connecting the tie rod attachment point 11 and the first fulcrum 7 is added to the support member 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. There is.

The fifth stiffening member 10e is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the first fulcrum 7 of the base portion 4 and the tie rod attachment point 11. The shape of the fifth stiffening member 10e is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. By connecting and integrating the first fulcrum 7 and the tie rod attachment point 11 with the fifth stiffening member 10e, the rigidity and strength of the tie rod attachment point 11 can be further increased. In addition, the rigidity and strength of the first fulcrum 7 can be further increased, and translational deformation of the support member 2 can be suppressed.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 8 has a sixth stiffening member 10f that connects the tie rod attachment point 11 and the first stiffening member 10a, and a second The configuration includes an additional seventh stiffening member 10g that connects the fulcrum 8 and the first stiffening member 10a.

The sixth stiffening member 10f is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the first stiffening member 10a and the tie rod attachment point 11. The shape of the sixth stiffening member 10f is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. By connecting and integrating the first stiffening member 10a and the tie rod attachment point 11 with the sixth stiffening member 10f, the reinforcing effect of the tie rod attachment point 11 can be enhanced.

The seventh stiffening member 10g is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the first stiffening member 10a and the second fulcrum 8 of the base portion 4. The shape of the seventh stiffening member 10g is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape. By connecting and integrating the first stiffening member 10a and the second fulcrum 8 with the seventh stiffening member 10g, the reinforcing effect of the tie rod attachment point 11 can be enhanced. The effect of suppressing translational deformation and rotational deformation as described above can be enhanced.

In addition, although FIG. 8 shows an example in which two stiffening members 10, the sixth stiffening member 10f and the seventh stiffening member 10g, are additionally provided, the sixth stiffening member 10f or the seventh stiffening member A configuration may be adopted in which only one of the members 10g is provided. Depending on the conditions of use of the in-wheel motor 1, the magnitude of the load acting on the support member 2, etc., a suitable stiffening member 10 is selected and provided as appropriate.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 9 has an eighth stiffening member 10h that connects the first stiffening member 10a and the second stiffening member 10b, and The configuration is such that a ninth stiffening member 10i is added to connect the first stiffening member 10a and the fourth stiffening member 10d.

The eighth stiffening member 10h is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the first stiffening member 10a and the second stiffening member 10b. The shape of the eighth stiffening member 10h is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape.

The ninth stiffening member 10i is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the first stiffening member 10a and the fourth stiffening member 10d. The shape of the ninth stiffening member 10i is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape.

In addition, although FIG. 9 shows an example in which two stiffening members 10, the eighth stiffening member 10h and the ninth stiffening member 10i, are additionally provided, the eighth stiffening member 10h or the ninth stiffening member A configuration may be adopted in which only one of the members 10i is provided. Depending on the conditions of use of the in-wheel motor 1, the magnitude of the load acting on the support member 2, etc., a suitable stiffening member 10 is selected and provided as appropriate.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 10 is different from the support member 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. It has a configuration in which a stiffening member 10k and a twelfth stiffening member 10l in the shape of a face plate are added.

The tenth stiffening member 10j is formed, for example, by a beam-like member having a circular cross section, and integrally connects the fourth stiffening member 10d and the first fulcrum 7 of the base portion 4. The shape of the eighth stiffening member 10h is not limited to the beam shape with a circular cross section as described above. For example, it may be a beam shape with a rectangular cross section or a girder shape.

The eleventh stiffening member 10k is formed, for example, by a plate-like member in the shape of a face plate, and is integrally formed by filling the space closed between the first stiffening member 10a and the second stiffening member 10b and the base portion 4. It is connected. In contrast to the eleventh stiffening member 10k having a face plate shape, the first stiffening member 10a and the second stiffening member 10b may each have a rib-shaped protrusion from the eleventh stiffening member 10k.

The twelfth stiffening member 10l is formed, for example, by a plate-like member in the shape of a face plate, and is provided between the third stiffening member 10c, the fourth stiffening member 10d, the tenth stiffening member 10j, and the base portion 4. It fills the closed space and connects them together. A third stiffening member 10c, a fourth stiffening member 10d, and a tenth stiffening member 10j each protrude in a rib shape from the eleventh stiffening member 10k with respect to the twelfth stiffening member 10l having a face plate shape. It may also have a shaped shape.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, the first stiffening member 10a, the fourth stiffening member 10d, and the tenth stiffening member 10j are integrated by filling the closed space between them and the base portion 4. A stiffening member 10 in the form of a face plate may be provided which is connected to the base plate. Depending on the conditions of use of the in-wheel motor 1, the magnitude of the load acting on the support member 2, etc., a suitable stiffening member 10 is selected and provided as appropriate. By using the various types of additional stiffening members 10 as described above, the effect of reinforcing each part by the stiffening member 10 can be enhanced, and the effect of suppressing translational deformation and rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be enhanced.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 11 has a configuration in which the shape of the fourth stiffening member 10d is changed from the support member 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 described above. In the support member 2 shown in FIG. 11, for example, a stiffening member 10m is provided, which is formed by a beam-like member having a circular cross section and a curved portion, and integrally connects the first stiffening member 10a and the tie rod attachment point 11. ing.

The support member 2 shown in FIG. 12 differs from the support member 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. Each has a modified configuration. In the support member 2 shown in FIG. 12, for example, a stiffening member 10n is formed by a beam-like member having a circular cross section and a curved portion, and integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and the first fulcrum 7 of the base portion 4. It is provided. Further, a stiffening member 10o is provided, which is formed of a beam-like member having a circular cross section and a curved portion, for example, and integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and the second fulcrum 8 of the base portion 4. Further, for example, a stiffening member 10p is provided, which is formed by a beam-like member having a circular cross section and a curved portion, and integrally connects the upper attachment point 5 and the tie rod attachment point 11. Note that the stiffening member 10o and the stiffening member 10p may each be a linear beam-like member connected to the curved portion of the stiffening member 10n.

By appropriately and efficiently providing the stiffening members 10 having various shapes as described above, the translational deformation and rotational deformation of the support member 2 can be appropriately suppressed. Therefore, a support member having appropriate rigidity and strength can be configured with a minimum configuration. That is, the shape of the support member as a strength member is optimized.

Therefore, according to the in-wheel motor support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the support member 2 has sufficient rigidity and strength, and has an efficient shape with no waste (or less waste). be able to. The in-wheel motor 1, which has little room for arrangement and has many restrictions on shape and arrangement, can be appropriately attached to and supported by the suspension mechanism 3.

1 In-wheel motor 1a (In-wheel motor) Outer shell 1b (In-wheel motor) Motor case 1c (In-wheel motor) Cover 1d (In-wheel motor) Motor housing 2 Support member 3 Suspension mechanism 3a (Suspension mechanism) ) Upper arm (upper part)
3b (Suspension mechanism) Lower arm (lower member)
4 Base part (of the support member) 4a Output shaft hole (of the base part) 5 Upper attachment point (of the support member) 6 Lower attachment point (of the support member) 7 First fulcrum point (of the support member) 8 (of the support member) Second fulcrum 9 Third fulcrum (of the supporting member) 10 Stiffening member (of the supporting member) 10a First stiffening member (of the supporting member) (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10b (of the support member) Second stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10c (of the support member) Third stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10d (of the support member) Fourth stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10e Fifth stiffening member (of the supporting member) (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10f (of the support member) 6th stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10g (of the support member) 7th stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10h (of the support member) 8th stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10i (of the support member) 9th stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10j (of the support member) 10th stiffening member (beam-shaped stiffening member)
10k (of the support member) 11th stiffening member (face plate-shaped stiffening member)
10l (of the support member) 12th stiffening member (face plate-shaped stiffening member)
10m Stiffening member (having a curved part of the support member) 10n Stiffening member (having a curved part of the support member) 10o Stiffening member (having a curved part of the support member) 10p Stiffening member (having a curved part of the support member) Rigid member 11 Tie rod attachment point (of the support member) 12 Steering mechanism 12a Tie rod (of the steering mechanism) CA Rotation center axis

Claims (10)

An in-wheel motor support structure that supports an in-wheel motor mounted on an inner peripheral portion of a wheel of a vehicle on a vehicle body together with the wheel via a predetermined suspension mechanism,
comprising a support member that supports the in-wheel motor and attaches it to the suspension mechanism,
The support member is
a base portion forming at least a part of the outer shell of the in-wheel motor;
an upper attachment point formed at a position vertically away from the base portion and attached to a predetermined upper member disposed on the upper part of the suspension mechanism;
a lower attachment point that is attached to a predetermined lower member that is formed at a position vertically away from the base portion or at a lower portion of the base portion and is disposed at a lower portion of the suspension mechanism;
a first fulcrum formed on a straight line connecting the upper attachment point and the lower attachment point and at the upper part of the base portion;
It has
Support for an in-wheel motor, comprising a plurality of stiffening members that integrally connect at least the upper attachment point, the first fulcrum, and other parts different from the first fulcrum, respectively. structure. The in-wheel motor support structure according to claim 1,
The support member is
The base portion is formed at a portion where the displacement of the base portion is relatively large at a predetermined distance away from the rotation center axis in the radial direction of rotation when the base portion is deformed in a rotation direction with the straight line as the rotation center axis. It further has a second fulcrum,
As the stiffening member,
a first stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the first fulcrum;
a second stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the second fulcrum;
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, characterized by comprising: The in-wheel motor support structure according to claim 1,
The wheels include steered wheels operated by a predetermined steering mechanism,
The support member is
Supporting the in-wheel motor mounted on the steered wheel and attaching it to the suspension mechanism,
a tie rod attachment point formed at a position away from the base portion to either the left or right side in the horizontal direction, and to which the tie rod of the steering mechanism is attached;
In the vicinity of the tie rod attachment point of the base part and when the base part is deformed in the direction of rotation with the straight line as the rotation center axis, the a third fulcrum formed at a portion where the displacement of the base portion is relatively large;
It further has
As the stiffening member,
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising a third stiffening member that integrally connects the tie rod attachment point and the third fulcrum. The in-wheel motor support structure according to claim 3,
The support member is
As the stiffening member,
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising a fourth stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the tie rod attachment point. The in-wheel motor support structure according to claim 2,
The wheels include steered wheels operated by a predetermined steering mechanism,
The support member is
Supporting the in-wheel motor mounted on the steered wheel and attaching it to the suspension mechanism,
a tie rod attachment point formed at a position away from the base portion to either the left or right side in the horizontal direction, and to which the tie rod of the steering mechanism is attached;
In the vicinity of the tie rod attachment point of the base body and when the base body deforms in the direction of rotation with the straight line as the rotation center axis, the second support point is opposite to the second fulcrum in the radial direction of rotation from the rotation center axis. a third fulcrum formed at a portion where the displacement of the base portion is relatively large at a predetermined distance away from the side;
It further has
As the stiffening member,
a third stiffening member that integrally connects the tie rod attachment point and the third fulcrum;
a fourth stiffening member that integrally connects the upper attachment point and the tie rod attachment point;
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising: The in-wheel motor support structure according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The support member is
As the stiffening member,
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising a fifth stiffening member that integrally connects the tie rod attachment point and the first fulcrum. The in-wheel motor support structure according to claim 5,
The support member is
As the stiffening member,
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising a sixth stiffening member that integrally connects the first stiffening member and the tie rod attachment point. The in-wheel motor support structure according to claim 2,
The support member is
As the stiffening member,
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising a seventh stiffening member that integrally connects the first stiffening member and the second fulcrum. The in-wheel motor support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The support member is
As the stiffening member,
It further includes a beam-like member that integrally connects any two of the stiffening members or connects any of the stiffening members and any of the fulcrums in the base portion. Characteristic support structure for in-wheel motors. The in-wheel motor support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The support member is
As the stiffening member,
A support structure for an in-wheel motor, further comprising a plate member that integrally connects at least any two of the stiffening members and the base portion in the shape of a face plate.

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