JP7221677B2 - elastic coupling - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an elastic coupling, and more particularly to an elastic coupling that allows translation of a motor with respect to a wheel while reducing product costs.

An elastic coupling that connects two shafts of a power transmission system is known. In Patent Literature 1, an inner bushing 24 is provided inside each of a plurality of cylindrical portions 23 formed on a plate 22 of an inner member 21, and rubber is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner bushing 24. A rubber coupling 20 connected by a member 25 is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 discloses a rotation transmission coupling 10 in which rubber bushes 16A and 16B are inserted into and fixed to a plurality of through holes 14 formed in an intermediate plate 15, respectively. The rubber bushings 16A and 16B are provided with currants 19 at two opposite locations, and the rubber bushings 16A and 16B are arranged in such a manner that the directions of low rigidity are perpendicular to each other.

JP 2017-101701 A (for example, paragraph 0020, FIGS. 2 and 5) JP 2008-185195 A (for example, paragraph 0008, FIG. 1)

However, in the above-described conventional technology, in the former technology (rubber coupling 20), the inner bushing 24 is surrounded by the cylindrical portion 23 and the rubber member 25 has low deformability. However, there is a problem that the displacement in the perpendicular direction cannot be sufficiently allowed.

On the other hand, in the latter technique, the difference in rigidity due to the currants 19 can be used to easily allow the translation between the two axes. At the time of the press-fitting operation, a step of changing the direction of the currant 19 between the rubber bushing 16A and the rubber bushing 16B is also required. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of man-hours is increased and the product cost is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-described problems, and to provide an elastic coupling that allows the translation of the motor with respect to the wheels and reduces the product cost.

To achieve this object, the elastic coupling of the present invention is interposed between a wheel and a motor to transmit the driving force of the motor to the wheel. A first connecting member connected to its own axis , and a plurality of second connecting members arranged on a circle around the axis of the first connecting member and connected to the other of the wheel or the motor. and an elastic base formed of a rubber-like elastic body for connecting the first connecting member and the plurality of second connecting members and connecting the plurality of second connecting members , and a radial direction of the first connecting member. a third connecting member disposed outside and having the plurality of second connecting members disposed between the first connecting member, wherein the elastic base includes the third connecting member and the first connecting member; The second connecting member connects the connecting member and the plurality of second connecting members and surrounds the outer shape of the plurality of second connecting members, and the second connecting member has a circular outer shape when viewed in the axial direction of the first connecting member. The first connecting member and the third connecting member are formed such that, when viewed in the axial direction of the first connecting member, a portion facing the outer shape of the second connecting member has the outer shape of the second connecting member. Concentric circular arcs are formed .

According to the elastic coupling of claim 1, one of the wheel and the motor is arranged on a circle around the axis of the first connecting member, which is connected to the axis of the first connecting member. , a plurality of second connecting members to which the other of the wheels or the motor is connected; and a plurality of second connecting members formed of a rubber-like elastic body, connecting the first connecting member and the plurality of second connecting members, and connecting the plurality of second connecting members. Since the elastic substrate is provided, the deformability of the elastic substrate can be ensured. Therefore, translation of the motor with respect to the wheels can be allowed. Further, the production of the elastic coupling can be completed by molding the elastic base with a vulcanization mold. In other words, there is no need to press-fit the parts, and therefore a process for changing the direction of each part during press-fitting is not required, so that the number of man-hours can be reduced and the product cost can be reduced.
Further, the third connecting member is disposed radially outward of the first connecting member, and a plurality of second connecting members are disposed between the first connecting member and the third connecting member, the third connecting member and the first connecting member and since the plurality of second connecting members are connected by the elastic base, the third connecting member is provided radially outside the elastic base, and the radially outer side of the elastic base is protected by the third connecting member. can be done.

According to the elastic coupling of claim 2, in addition to the effects of the elastic coupling of claim 1, the first connecting member is formed to protrude between the adjacent second connecting members. , the elastic base can be compressed or stretched between the protrusion and the second connecting member when transmitting the driving force of the motor to the wheel. Therefore, the driving force can be reliably transmitted, and damage to the elastic base can be suppressed.

According to the elastic coupling of claim 3, in addition to the effects of the elastic coupling of claim 2, the projecting portion of the first connecting member overlaps the entire second connecting member in the circumferential direction. It is possible to maximize the allowance (the area where the elastic substrate can be compressed or stretched between the overhang and the second connecting member). Therefore, the driving force can be reliably transmitted, and damage to the elastic base can be suppressed.

1 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a vehicle provided with an in-wheel motor unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. (a) is a side view of the transmission coupling as viewed in the direction of arrow IIa in FIG. 1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling along line IIb-IIb in FIG. 2(a). 3(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling in the second embodiment, and 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling taken along line IIIb-IIIb of FIG. 3(a). (a) is a side view of a transmission coupling in a third embodiment, and (b) is a side view of a transmission coupling in a fourth embodiment. (a) is a side view of a transmission coupling in a fifth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling taken along line Vb-Vb of FIG. 5(a). (a) is a side view of a transmission coupling in a sixth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling taken along line VIb-VIb of FIG. 6(a). (a) is a side view of a transmission coupling in a seventh embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling taken along line VIIb-VIIb of FIG. 7(a).

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an in-wheel motor unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a vehicle 2 provided with an in-wheel motor unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 corresponds to a cross section on a plane that passes through the rotation shaft of the in-wheel motor unit 1 and is perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2 .

Note that arrows FB, LR, and UD in FIG. 1 indicate the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the vehicle 2, respectively. Also, the vehicle 2 is schematically illustrated. Since these are the same in the following figures, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an in-wheel motor unit 1 is mounted on a vehicle 2 and is for generating rotational (driving) force for rotating wheels 3 . The vehicle 2 includes an in-wheel motor unit 1 , a suspension device 4 , wheels 3 and a hub 5 suspended by the suspension device 4 , and an axle 6 coupled to the hub 5 .

The wheel 3 is for displacing the vehicle 2 by rotating, and is composed of a tire 3a made of a rubber-like elastic body and a wheel 3b made of an aluminum alloy, iron, or the like. It is rotatably arranged in the vehicle 2 by being fastened and fixed to the hub 5 .

The suspension system 4 is for improving the ride comfort, and is composed of a spring coupled to the vehicle body (not shown) of the vehicle 2, a damper (none of which is shown), an arm 4a and a knuckle 4b. .

The knuckle 4b is for connecting the spring, damper and arm 4a to the wheel 3 via the hub 5, and the hub bearing 4c for rotatably disposing the hub 5 and the in-wheel motor unit 1. and a support member 4d for supporting.

The hub bearing 4c is rotatably disposed between an inner cylinder formed in a substantially annular shape, an outer cylinder formed in a substantially annular shape radially outwardly of the inner cylinder, and the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, It is provided with a ball formed in a spherical shape, and is composed of a ball bearing capable of rotating the outer cylinder with respect to the inner cylinder. The hub bearing 4 c is arranged on the knuckle 4 b with its rotation axis aligned with the rotation axis O 1 of the wheel 3 .

The support member 4d is made of a metal material and formed of a substantially rectangular plate-like body when viewed from the side. The support member 4d is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle 2 (arrow R direction) than the in-wheel motor unit 1 in the left-right direction (arrow LR direction), and is fixed to the knuckle 4b via a bracket. Note that the support member 4d may be made of a resin material, and may be formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side.

The support member 4d has a bolt insertion hole 4e at a position corresponding to a cylindrical member 43 (see FIG. 2) of the support coupling 30, which will be described later. , the tubular member 43 and a nut (not shown) is fastened to the bolt, whereby the support coupling 30 is engaged with the support member 4d. Illustrations of bolts and nuts are also omitted below.

The hub 5 and the axle 6 are for transmitting the rotational force of the in-wheel motor unit 1 to the wheels 3 . Axle 6 is coupled to hub 5 with its axis of rotation aligned with the axis of rotation of hub 5 . The hub 5 is rotatably mounted on the knuckle 4b via a hub bearing 4c. As a result, in a side view, the rotation axes of the axle 6 in addition to the hub 5 are aligned with the rotation axis of the hub bearing 4 c , that is, the rotation axis O1 of the wheel 3 .

The hub 5 includes a plurality of columnar hub bolts with external threads. The wheel 3b is fastened and fixed to the hub 5 by fastening a nut to the hub bolt while the hub bolt is inserted through an insertion hole formed in the wheel 3b.

The wheel 3b of the wheel 3 is fastened and fixed to the hub 5 on one side in the rotation axis direction (arrow L direction side), and the axle 6 is fixed on the other side in the rotation axis direction (arrow R direction side). Further, the in-wheel motor unit 1 is engaged with the axle 6 on the other side in the rotation axis direction.

The axle 6 has a bolt insertion hole 6a at a position corresponding to a cylindrical member 43 (see FIG. 2) of the transmission coupling 20, which will be described later. Then, the transmission coupling 20 is engaged with the axle 6 by fastening a nut to the bolt.

The in-wheel motor unit 1 includes a motor 10, a transmission coupling 20 interposed between the axle 6 and the motor 10, and a support coupling interposed between the motor 10 and the support member 4d of the knuckle 4b. 30.

The motor 10 is for generating rotational (driving) force for rotating (driving) the hub 5 (wheel 3). In FIG. 1, illustration of permanent magnets, windings, brushes, commutators, etc. is omitted. Only the drive shaft 13 journalled in is shown.

The housing 11 is made of a hollow metal material and engages with the support coupling 30 on the surface of the knuckle 4b facing the support member 4d (the surface on the arrow R direction side). The housing 11 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 11a through which a bolt is inserted.

Since the bearing 12 is composed of a ball bearing like the hub bearing 4c, its explanation is omitted. The bearing 12 is disposed at a position that coincides with the rotation axis of the axle 6 (hub 5), that is, the rotation axis O1 of the wheel 3 when viewed from the side. A pair of bearings 12 are arranged inside the housing 11 at both ends of the drive shaft 13 in the axial direction (direction of arrows LR).

The drive shaft 13 rotates (drives) to rotate the axle 6, and includes a cylindrical shaft 13a and a tip of the shaft 13a on the axle 6 side (arrow L direction). and a coupling engaging portion 13b.

The shaft 13 a is rotatably supported by the bearing 12 with its rotation axis aligned with the rotation axis O 1 of the wheel 3 . A current flows through the windings (not shown), and a rotational force acts on the shaft 13a, thereby making the drive shaft 13 rotatable.

The coupling engaging portion 13 b is a portion for engaging with the transmission coupling 20 . A bolt insertion hole 13c for inserting a bolt is formed in the coupling engaging portion 13b, and a bush engaging portion 13d projecting toward the axle 6 is provided. The bush engaging portion 13d is formed of a tapered cylinder whose width decreases toward the axle 6, and the rotation axis of the bush engagement portion 13d coincides with the rotation axis of the shaft 13a.

Next, the transmission coupling 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling 20 as viewed in the direction of arrow IIa in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling 20 taken along line IIb-IIb in FIG. 2(a). is. In addition, in FIG. 2(a), the fiber cord bundle 44 is illustrated by a broken line.

The transmission coupling 20 is for transmitting the rotational (driving) force of the motor 10 to the axle 6. The transmission coupling 20 includes an elastic joint 40, an anti-vibration bushing 50 disposed on the elastic joint 40, and a bearing 60 interposed between the vibration bushing 50 and the bearing 60 .

The elastic joint 40 includes a plurality of drive-side collars 41 arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the axis O2, and a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction from the drive-side collars 41 about the axis O2. a plurality of driven-side collars 42 arranged with a space therebetween; a cylindrical member 43 arranged on the driving-side collar 41 and the driven-side collar 42; and an elastic body 45 in which the drive-side collar 41, the driven-side collar 42, and the fiber cord bundle 44 are embedded.

In this embodiment, three drive-side collars 41 and three driven-side collars 42 are provided, but the number may be two or less, or four or more.

The drive-side collar 41 is formed in a substantially annular shape from a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. Since the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 are formed in the same shape, the description of the driven side collar 42 is omitted.

The driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 are arranged alternately on the same circumference around the axis O2. Further, the distance between each driving side collar 41 and each driven side collar 42 is set constant.

The tubular member 43 is formed in a substantially annular shape from a metal material. The cylindrical member 43 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surfaces 41a and 42a of the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42, respectively.

The length of the cylindrical member 43 in the axial direction (direction of arrows LR) is formed to be longer than the length of the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 in the lateral direction (direction of arrows LR). One end of a tubular member 43 arranged on the drive-side collar 41 is arranged so as to protrude toward the drive shaft 13 (in the direction of the arrow R) from the drive-side collar 41, and a tubular member arranged on the driven-side collar 42. The other end of 43 protrudes toward the axle 6 (in the direction of arrow L) from the driven collar 42 (see FIG. 1).

The fiber cord bundle 44 is for transmitting the rotational force transmitted to one of the drive-side collar 41 and the driven-side collar 42 to the other of the drive-side collar 41 and the driven-side collar 42, and is made of polyester fiber, nylon resin, or the like. A fiber cord made of a synthetic fiber is wound in a loop shape in multiple layers to form an endless loop.

The fiber cord bundle 44 is wound between the drive-side collar 41 and the driven-side collar 42 arranged on one circumferential side of the elastic joint 40 . Also, the fiber cord bundle 44 is wound between the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 arranged on the other circumferential side of the elastic joint 40 . That is, the pair of fiber cord bundles 44 engage the driving side collar 41 with the driven side collars 42 arranged on both sides of the elastic joint 40 in the circumferential direction.

The elastic body 45 suppresses transmission of vibration (displacement) or torsion (deflection) generated in one of the drive shaft 13 and the axle 6 to the drive shaft 13 , especially vibration or twist generated in the axle 6 . It is for The elastic body 45 is made of a rubber member, whereby the elastic body 45 has elastic properties and damping properties. The elastic body 45 has a substantially hexagonal outer shape when viewed from the side, and the width of the elastic body 45 in the direction of the axis O2 is smaller than the outer shape of the elastic body 45 when viewed from the side. The elastic body 45 is provided with a circular insertion hole 45a centered on the axis O2.

The external shape of the elastic body 45 may be formed in a substantially octagonal shape, a substantially polygonal shape such as a substantially square shape, or a substantially circular shape in a side view.

The elastic body 45 is integrally molded with the plurality of driving side collars 41, the plurality of driven side collars 42 and the plurality of fiber cord bundles 44 arranged inside. Thereby, the elastic joint 40 can transmit the rotational force applied to the drive-side collar 41 to the driven-side collar 42 via the fiber cord bundle 44 . Further, by deforming the elastic body 45, displacement of one of the drive-side collar 41 (drive shaft 13) and the driven-side collar 42 (axle 6) can be suppressed from causing the other to be displaced.

The anti-vibration bushing 50 includes a shaft member 51 , a cylindrical member 52 arranged radially outwardly of the shaft member 51 , a rubber elastic body 53 connecting the shaft member 51 and the cylindrical member 52 , and the shaft member 51 . and a cushion material 54 disposed on the inner peripheral surface.

The shaft member 51 is for engaging the bush engaging portion 13d of the drive shaft 13, and is made of a metal material. The shaft member 51 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side, and is formed in a box shape recessed from the drive shaft 13 side (arrow R direction side) to the axle 6 side (arrow L direction side). It is formed slightly larger than the external shape of the bush engaging portion 13d of the drive shaft 13 (see FIG. 1).

The cylindrical member 52 is for forming the outer shell of the vibration-isolating bushing 50, and is made of a thin metallic material. The tubular member 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft member 51 .

The rubber elastic body 53 is for suppressing displacement of the other of the shaft member 51 and the tubular member 52 when one of the shaft member 51 and the tubular member 52 is displaced, and is made of a rubber member. The rubber elastic body 53 is vulcanized and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 51 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 52, whereby the shaft member 51, the cylindrical member 52 and the rubber elastic body 53 are integrally molded.

Liquid chambers 53a and 53b (see FIG. 1) are formed in the center of the rubber elastic body 53 in the vertical direction (direction of arrows UD) in the direction of the axis O2 (direction of arrows LR). A pair of non-forming portions 53c are formed in the rubber elastic body 53 in the B direction) so as to penetrate in the direction of the axis O2. A pair of orifices 53d communicating with the liquid chambers 53a and 53b are formed in the radial direction outside the non-forming portion 53c in the circumferential direction. is encapsulated (not shown).

As a result, when vibration (displacement) is input in the vertical direction, the vibration-isolating bushing 50 allows the liquid to flow between the liquid chambers 53a and 53b, thereby achieving high damping performance. As a result, it is possible to easily converge the vibrations that occur when the vehicle passes over a step or the like during running. On the other hand, in the front-rear direction, since the rubber elastic body 53 is provided with the non-formed portion 53c, low damping performance can be achieved, and vibrations of the vehicle 2 in the front-rear direction can be suppressed.

Alternatively, the liquid chambers 53a and 53b may be arranged in the front-rear direction, and the non-forming portion 53c may be arranged in the vertical direction. Moreover, the liquid chambers 53a and 53b or the non-forming portion 53c may be arranged in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the anti-vibration bushing 50 .

The protective member disposed on the axle 6 side (arrow L direction side) of the vibration isolating bush 50 is positioned below the rotation shaft (arrow D direction side), and the non-formation portion 53c is positioned above the rotation shaft. The side (arrow U direction side) is formed large. As a result, the center of gravity of the anti-vibration bushing 50 is located below the rotation axis (arrow D direction side). As a result, even when the elastic joint 40 rotates, the posture of the anti-vibration bushing 50 can be maintained in a fixed direction, and the damping characteristics change in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction) and the front-back direction (arrow FB direction). can be suppressed.

The center of gravity of the anti-vibration bushing 50 may be positioned below the rotation axis by arranging the weight on the lower side of the anti-vibration bushing 50. The liquid chamber 53a (see FIG. 1) is formed to be larger than the liquid chamber 53b arranged on the upper side (the direction of the arrow U), and the liquid chamber 53a is filled with a larger amount of liquid than the liquid chamber 53b. , the center of gravity of the anti-vibration bushing 50 may be positioned below the rotation axis.

The cushion material 54 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the shaft member 51 , and the inner peripheral surface is formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the bush engaging portion 13 d of the drive shaft 13 . Like the bush engaging portion 13d, the cushion member 54 is tapered such that the diameter decreases from the drive shaft 13 side (arrow R direction side) toward the axle 6 side (arrow L direction side) (see FIG. 1). ). This facilitates engagement between the anti-vibration bushing 50 and the drive shaft 13 (bush engaging portion 13d).

Since the bearing 60 is composed of a ball bearing like the hub bearing 4c, its explanation is omitted. The outer cylinder of the bearing 60 is press-fitted into the insertion hole 45 a of the elastic joint 40 , and the anti-vibration bushing 50 is press-fitted into the inner cylinder of the bearing 60 . As a result, the anti-vibration bushing 50 can be prevented from changing its posture with respect to the elastic joint 40 .

In addition, since the anti-vibration bushing 50 (shaft member 51) is disposed on the elastic joint 40 with its rotational axis aligned with the axis O2, the anti-vibration bushing 50 rotates as the elastic joint 40 rotates. can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the change (rotation) of the attitude of the vibration-isolating bushing 50 due to the inertial force acting on the vibration-isolating bushing 50 .

Since the center of gravity of the anti-vibration bushing 50 is located on the side of the liquid chamber 53a with respect to the rotation axis, it is disposed on the bearing 60 in such a posture that the liquid chamber 53a faces downward (in the direction of the arrow D). can be maintained (see Figure 1). As a result, the vibration-isolating bush 50 can be arranged in the transmission coupling 20 with the liquid chamber 53a positioned on the lower side, and the damping effect of the vibration-isolating bush 50 can be exerted in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction). can.

By forming an insertion hole in the coupling engaging portion 13b of the motor 10 and arranging a bracket to be inserted through the insertion hole, the motor 10 ( The anti-vibration bushing 50 may be fixed to the housing 11).

Engagement between the motor 10 (drive shaft 13) and the transmission coupling 20 is achieved by engaging the bush engaging portion 13d with the anti-vibration bushing 50 while the rotating shaft of the bush engaging portion 13d and the rotating shaft of the shaft member 51 are aligned. (shaft member 51) and through the bolt insertion hole 13c drilled in the coupling engaging portion 13b, the bolt is inserted through the tubular member 43 disposed on the driving side collar 41 of the transmission coupling 20. , by tightening a nut to this bolt.

Since the cushion material 54 arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft member 51 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the bush engaging portion 13d, contact between the cushion material 54 and the bush engaging portion 13d can be suppressed. As a result, even if the drive shaft 13 (bush engaging portion 13d) rotates, the rotation of the anti-vibration bushing 50 can be suppressed, and the anti-vibration bushing 50 maintains constant elastic characteristics and damping characteristics in the vertical and longitudinal directions. can be

Returning to FIG. 1, the support coupling 30 will be described. The support coupling 30 is for engaging the motor 10 with the support member 4d of the knuckle 4b. The support coupling 30 has the same configuration as the elastic joint 40 of the transmission coupling 20 . That is, the transmission coupling 20 is configured in the same manner as the anti-vibration bushing 50 and the bearing 60 are removed, so the description thereof will be omitted. Thereby, parts or molding dies can be shared, and the manufacturing cost of the in-wheel motor unit 1 can be reduced.

Note that the support coupling 30 may be configured identically to the transmission coupling 20 . That is, in addition to the elastic joint 40, the anti-vibration bushing 50 and the bearing 60 may be arranged. As a result, the transmission coupling 20 and the support coupling 30 engaging the motor 10 can have the same configuration on both sides of the motor 10 in the direction of the rotation axis O1.

Further, the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 of the transmission coupling 20 may be arranged at positions overlapping the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 of the support coupling 30 in a side view.

As a result, by matching the engagement characteristics of the motor 10 (elastic characteristics and damping characteristics of the transmission coupling 20 and the support coupling 30) on both sides of the motor 10 in the direction of the rotation axis O1, when an external force acts on the motor 10 , relative displacement of the other side (support coupling 30 side) with respect to one side (transmission coupling 20 side) of the motor 10 can be suppressed, and tilting of the motor 10 can be easily suppressed.

Engagement between the motor 10 (housing 11) and the support coupling 30 is achieved through a bolt insertion hole 11a drilled in the housing 11 with the rotational axis of the drive shaft 13 and the axis O2 of the support coupling 30 aligned. is inserted through a tubular member 43 disposed on the drive-side collar 41 of the support coupling 30, and a nut is fastened to the bolt.

Next, assembly of the in-wheel motor unit 1 to the vehicle 2 will be described with appropriate reference to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. The engagement between the axle 6 and the transmission coupling 20 is achieved by inserting a bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole 6a of the axle 6 into a tubular member 43 disposed on the driven side collar 42 of the transmission coupling 20, and then engaging the bolt. This is done by tightening the nut.

The engagement between the support member 4d of the knuckle 4b and the support coupling 30 is achieved by inserting the bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole 4e of the support member 4d into the tubular member 43 provided in the driven side collar 42 of the support coupling 30. This is done by fastening a nut to this bolt.

Since the motor 10 can be engaged with the support member 4d by the support coupling 30 having elastic characteristics and damping characteristics, dampers and springs can be eliminated, and the manufacturing cost of the in-wheel motor unit 1 can be suppressed. Moreover, by eliminating the need for dampers and springs, the in-wheel motor unit 1 can be made small, and the degree of freedom in designing the suspension device 4 (the arm 4a or the knuckle 4b) can be increased.

As described above, the motor 10 engages with the support coupling 30 on the surface of the housing 11 facing the support member 4d (the surface on the center side of the vehicle 2, the surface on the arrow R direction side). As a result, compared to the case where the support coupling 30 is engaged with the surface of the housing 11 facing the axle 6 (the surface on the outside of the vehicle 2, the surface on the arrow L direction side), the overall length of the shaft 13a of the drive shaft 13 is reduced. can be shortened. As a result, the product cost of the motor 10 can be reduced.

In addition, the length of the in-wheel motor unit 1 in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction can be shortened compared to the case where the support coupling 30 is engaged with the surface of the housing 11 in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction). These can increase the degree of freedom in designing the suspension system 4 (the arm 4a or the knuckle 4b).

As described above, the width of the support coupling 30 (elastic body 45) in the direction of the axis O2 is smaller than the outer shape of the support coupling 30 when viewed from the side (direction of the axis O2). The length of the in-wheel motor unit 1 in the direction of the rotation axis O1 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in designing the suspension device 4 can be increased, compared to the case where the axis O2 of the in-wheel motor unit 30 is oriented in the vertical direction. can.

A rotational (driving) force generated in the motor 10 (drive shaft 13) is transmitted to a cylindrical member 43 disposed on a drive-side collar 41 of the transmission coupling 20 (elastic joint 40). As described above, since the fiber cord bundle 44 is wound between the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42, the rotational force generated in the motor 10 is applied to the cylindrical member 43 disposed on the driven side collar 42. can be transmitted to the axle 6 via the Thereby, the wheel 3 can be rotated (driven) via the hub 5 .

Since the motor 10 is engaged with the support member 4d fixed to the knuckle 4b via the support coupling 30, the support member 4d rotates the housing 11 due to the reaction force caused by the rotation (driving) of the drive shaft 13. can be suppressed.

Specifically, the support coupling 30 is engaged with the surface of the housing 11 facing the support member 4d, so that the rotation of the drive shaft 13 causes the support coupling 30 to rotate about its axis O2. force is applied.

By making the direction in which the rotational reaction force acts and the direction in which the fiber cord bundle 44 is wound approximately the same, the knuckle 4 b can suppress the housing 11 from rotating via the support coupling 30 . As a result, the housing 11 rotates together with the drive shaft 13 , so that the torque of the drive shaft 13 can be suppressed from decreasing, and the torque of the drive shaft 13 can be effectively transmitted to the axle 6 .

When vibration (displacement) occurs due to the rotation (driving) of the drive shaft 13 , the deformation of the elastic body 45 of the transmission coupling 20 can suppress the displacement of the axle 6 . As a result, damage to the axle 6 or deterioration of ride comfort can be suppressed.

Similarly, when vibration (displacement) occurs in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction) or the front-back direction (arrow FB direction) in the wheel 3 such as when it passes over a step or the like, the elastic body 45 of the transmission coupling 20 is displaced. By deforming, displacement of the motor 10 can be suppressed. That is, translation of the motor 10 with respect to the wheels 3 can be allowed. As a result, damage to the motor 10 or deterioration of ride comfort can be suppressed.

Further, the axial center O2 of the transmission coupling 20 and the axial center O2 of the support coupling 30 are aligned with each other. Translation of the motor 10 in directions orthogonal to O2 is allowed. Further, tilting of the motor 10 when the rotational reaction force of the motor 10 is received can be suppressed. As a result, damage to the axle 6 or the motor 10 can be suppressed.

In particular, in this embodiment, since the transmission coupling 20 and the support coupling 30 are formed from the same elastic joint 40, tilting of the motor 10 can be effectively suppressed.

Further, the transmission coupling 20 and the support coupling 30 allow the motor 10 to engage with the suspension device 4 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction (direction of arrows UD) or in the direction of arrows FB (direction of arrows FB). The motor 10 can act as the mass of the dynamic damper. As a result, it is possible to suppress unsprung vibration, especially unsprung resonance, which occurs on the wheel 3 side (unsprung area) of the suspension device 4 relative to the spring (not shown) of the suspension device 4 during running. As a result, riding comfort can be improved.

Here, when the motor acts as the mass of the dynamic damper, it is necessary to elastically support the motor to the suspension system while the displacement of the motor is damped. However, there is a problem that the space required for installation becomes large.

On the other hand, in the in-wheel motor unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the transmission coupling 20 includes the anti-vibration bushing 50 , and the anti-vibration bushing 50 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the elastic joint 40 . That is, the transmission coupling 20 can be provided with the anti-vibration bushing 50 without enlarging its outer shape. In addition, since it is possible to suppress the provision of a damper in the in-wheel motor unit 1, the outer shape of the in-wheel motor unit 1 can be reduced, and the space required for disposing in the suspension device 4 can be reduced. Thereby, the degree of freedom in designing the suspension device 4 can be increased.

The anti-vibration bushing 50 is arranged in the elastic joint 40 via the bearing 60 so as to be rotatable relative to the elastic joint 40 . In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the cushion material 54 of the vibration-isolating bush 50 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the bush engaging portion 13d of the drive shaft 13, so that the vibration-isolating bush 50 can rotate relative to the drive shaft 13. can engage.

As a result, the posture of the anti-vibration bushing 50 can be maintained constant even when the elastic joint 40 rotates, and the elasticity in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction) or the front-back direction (arrow FB direction) can be maintained. Characteristics and attenuation characteristics can be made constant. As a result, even when the wheel (not shown) vibrates (displaces) in the vertical direction or in the longitudinal direction, such as when it passes over a step, the unsprung vibration is suppressed by having the motor 10 act as the mass of the dynamic damper. You can improve your ride comfort.

In addition, by changing the damping characteristics of the vibration-isolating bush 50 or by changing to a vibration-isolating bush having a different damping characteristic, the tuning work can be facilitated, and the motor 10 can effectively act as the mass of the dynamic damper. can be made easier.

Further, since the vibration-isolating bush 50 (transmission coupling 20) is disposed between the drive shaft 13 and the axle 6, it is possible to prevent the vibration-isolating bush 50 from being exposed to the outside. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the elastic body 53 and the breakage of the anti-vibration bushing 50 due to collision with pebbles or the like.

Next, the transmission coupling 220 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

3(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling 220 in the second embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling 220 along line IIIb-IIIb in FIG. 3(a). 3(a) corresponds to a side view viewed in the direction of arrow IIa in FIG. Also, illustration of the motor and the axle is omitted in FIG. 3, and the same applies to the following figures.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the transmission coupling 220 in the second embodiment includes an inner cylinder 240 , an outer cylinder 250 arranged radially outwardly of the inner cylinder 240 , and a coupling between the inner cylinder 240 and the outer cylinder 250 . and a plurality (six in this embodiment) of cylindrical members 243 interposed in the inner cylinder 240 and the outer cylinder 250, and an elastic body 245 that surrounds the outer shape of the cylindrical member 243. formed by

The inner cylinder 240 is for transmitting the rotational (driving) force of the motor to the cylinder member 243 . The inner cylinder 240 is made of a metal material and formed into a substantially circular plate shape when viewed in the axial direction. The inner cylinder 240 includes a substantially annular drive-side collar 241 projecting toward the axle (in the direction of the arrow L) when viewed in the axial direction, and a radially outer portion of the drive-side collar 241 corresponding to the position of the tubular member 243 . A plurality of (six in this embodiment) driven side collars 242 projecting toward the axle are formed.

The drive-side collar 241 is a part to which the rotational (driving) force of the motor is transmitted, and its axis coincides with the axis O2 of the transmission coupling 220 (inner cylinder 240). Serrations are formed on the inner periphery of the drive-side collar 241, and a motor drive shaft formed corresponding to the serrations is engaged (coupled) to transmit the rotational force of the motor.

The driven-side collar 242 is a part for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the cylinder member 243, and is curved in an arcuate shape with the cylinder member 243 as the center and concave toward the axis O2. Moreover, both ends of the driven side collar 242 in the circumferential direction are formed to protrude between the adjacent tubular members 243 . By driving the motor and rotating the driven side collar 242 , rotational force can be transmitted to the cylindrical member 243 via the elastic body 245 .

The ends of the adjacent driven-side collars 242 are connected to each other, and the connecting portion is formed to be curved in an arc shape that protrudes toward the outer cylinder 250 side around the axis O2. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 240 is formed to protrude over the entire circumference.

The cylindrical member 243 is engaged with the axle to transmit the rotational force of the motor to the axle, and is similar to the cylindrical member 43 disposed on the driving side collar 41 and the driven side collar 42 in the first embodiment. is arranged at a position corresponding to Thereby, in a side view, the cylinder members 243 are arranged at predetermined intervals. Specifically, they are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees around the axis O2.

The length in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 243 is formed to be longer than the protruding length of the driven side collar 242, thereby suppressing contact between the driven side collar 242 and the axle.

The axle is provided with an insertion hole at a position corresponding to the tubular member 243 , and a bolt inserted through the insertion hole is inserted through the tubular member 243 . is engaged.

The transmission coupling 220 in this embodiment can increase the number of engagement points with the axle compared to the transmission coupling 20 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the transmission coupling 20 and the axle 6 are engaged with each other at three points in the first embodiment, whereas they are engaged at six points in this embodiment. As a result, the load applied to each cylindrical member 243 or each insertion hole of the axle can be reduced, and damage to the transmission coupling 220 or the axle can be suppressed.

Since the distance from the rotation axis O1 to the cylinder member 243 is formed to be greater than the distance from the rotation axis O1 to the engagement position between the motor and the inner cylinder 240, the rotational (driving) force of the motor can be easily transmitted to the axle. can.

The elastic body 245 transmits the rotational (driving) force of the motor to the axle and suppresses the transmission of vibration (displacement) generated in one of the motor and the axle to the other of the motor and the axle.

The elastic body 245 includes an enclosing portion 245a that surrounds the outer shape of each cylindrical member 243, and a connecting portion 245b that connects the enclosing portions 245a. The elastic body 245 is vulcanized and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 240, the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 250, and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 243. 245 are integrally molded. In other words, it is possible to eliminate the need for press-fitting of parts, etc., reduce the manufacturing process of the transmission coupling 220, and reduce the product cost.

The elastic bodies 245 are integrally connected by a connecting portion 245b. In other words, the elastic body 245 can prevent the surrounding portion 245a from being divided. As a result, it is possible to suppress the formation of the path for the raw material of the enclosing part 245a in the vulcanization mold, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vulcanization mold. As a result, the product cost of the transmission coupling 220 can be reduced.

The surrounding portion 245a is formed with a constant thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 243, so that the elastic characteristics and damping characteristics of the surrounding portion 245a between the inner cylinder 240 and the outer cylinder 250 can be made constant.

The length of the surrounding portion 245a in the direction of the axis O2 is formed to be smaller than the length of the cylindrical member 243 in the direction of the axis O2 and the projection length of the driven side collar 242. As shown in FIG. As a result, it is possible to prevent the surrounding portion 245a from contacting the axle or the rotating shaft of the motor.

The connecting portion 245b is curved in an arc around the axis O2. The connecting portion 245b has a constant width in the radial direction, and the center in the width direction is arranged on a circumference passing through the axial center of the cylindrical member 243 around the axial center O2. Further, the width in the radial direction of the connecting portion 245b is formed smaller than the outer shape of the cylindrical member 243. As shown in FIG. As a result, the driven side collar 242 of the inner cylinder 240 can be arranged at a position overlapping the outer shape of the cylinder member 243 in the circumferential direction.

As a result, the surrounding portion 245a can be compressed or stretched between the driven-side collar 242 and the cylindrical member 243, and the driving force of the motor can be reliably transmitted. In addition, it is possible to suppress the shear deformation of the enclosing portion 245a from becoming large, thereby suppressing the breakage of the enclosing portion 245a.

Since the connecting portion 245b is arranged by connecting the adjacent enclosing portions 245a, the amount of deformation of the enclosing portion 245a due to compression or tension can be increased. As a result, when vibration (displacement) occurs in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction) or the front-back direction (arrow FB direction) in the wheel (not shown) such as when it passes over a step, the connecting portion 245b surrounds it. By facilitating the deformation of the portion 245a, the amount of deformation of the surrounding portion 245a can be increased, and the displacement of the motor can be suppressed. In other words, the translation of the motor with respect to the wheels (the deviation of the axis of the motor from the axis of the wheels) is allowed.

In addition, since the inner cylinder 240 is vulcanized and bonded to the elastic body 245 on the entire outer peripheral surface thereof, the inner cylinder 240 can be easily bent with respect to the cylindrical member 243 . That is, the inclination of the rotating shaft of the motor with respect to the axle can be allowed, and damage to the axle or the motor can be suppressed.

Further, the connecting portion 245b connects the elastic bodies 245 disposed around the cylindrical members 243 to each other, so that when the motor is driven, particularly when driven with a large rotational force, the driving ( rotation) can soften the transmission of rotational force to the axle at the initial stage.

Specifically, at the initial stage of driving (rotation), the connecting portion 245b can prevent the inner cylinder 240 from rotating the cylindrical member 243 via the surrounding portion 245a. That is, the connecting portion 245b can act as a damper, thereby softening the torque transmission from the motor to the axle.

In the transmission coupling 220 of this embodiment, the inner cylinder 240 is engaged with the motor, and the axle is engaged with the tubular member 243 . A surrounding portion 245 a is interposed between the inner cylinder 240 and the cylinder member 243 . As a result, the number of members arranged between the motor and the axle can be reduced, and the transmission of torque from the motor to the axle can be accelerated.

For example, when three out of six tubular members are engaged with the motor and the other three tubular members are engaged with the axle, the tubular members engaged with the motor and the axle are engaged. Since the surrounding portions are interposed between the combined tubular members, the number of members arranged between the motor and the axle is increased, and the transmission of driving force is slowed down.

In contrast, the transmission coupling 220 in this embodiment can improve the maneuverability by speeding up the transmission of the torque from the motor to the axle.

The outer cylinder 250 is for restricting displacement of the cylinder member 243 and the elastic body 245 . Outer cylinder 250 is formed in a substantially annular shape from a metal material. The thickness of the outer cylinder 250 in the axial center O2 direction is formed to be substantially the same as the projection height of the driven side collar 242 of the inner cylinder 240 .

An arcuate engaging portion 250 a is recessed radially outward from the cylindrical member 243 on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 250 at a position corresponding to the cylindrical member 243 .

As described above, the connecting portion 245b is arranged on the circumference passing through the axis of the cylindrical member 243 with the axis O2 as the center, and the end of the driven side collar 242 is axially closer than the axis of the cylindrical member 243. Since the inner cylinder 240 is formed on the center O2 side, the rotational force transmitted to the cylinder member 243 by the rotation of the inner cylinder 240 is outside the tangential direction of the circle passing through the axis of the cylinder member 243 around the axis O2. cylinder 250 side).

On the other hand, since the engaging portion 250a is arranged radially outward of the cylindrical member 243 and the elastic body 245, it is possible to suppress the radially outward displacement of the cylindrical member 243 and the elastic body 245. Further, since the driven-side collar 242 is arranged radially inward of the cylindrical member 243 and the elastic body 245, it is possible to suppress the radially inward displacement of the cylindrical member 243 and the elastic body 245.

That is, the engaging portion 250a and the driven side collar 242 can suppress displacement of the tubular member 243 and the elastic body 245 in directions other than the rotational direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the transmission efficiency of the rotational force of the motor to the cylindrical member 243 . In other words, the transmission efficiency of the torque of the motor can be improved. Moreover, by suppressing the deformation of the elastic body 245, it is possible to suppress the elastic body 245 from being damaged.

In addition, since the cylinder members 243 are arranged at predetermined intervals, the reaction force acting on the inner cylinder 240 and the outer cylinder 250 can be canceled by the cylinder members 243 . This makes it easier to suppress displacement of the cylindrical member 243 and the elastic body 245 in directions other than the rotation direction.

In addition, the elastic body 245 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 250 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 240 in contact with each other, so that the elastic body 245 is exposed to the outside by the outer cylinder 250 and the inner cylinder 240. can be suppressed, and deterioration or breakage of the elastic body 245 can be suppressed.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, transmission couplings 320 and 420 in the third and fourth embodiments will be described. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same part as each embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

FIG. 4(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling 320 in the third embodiment, and FIG. 4(b) is a side view of the transmission coupling 420 in the fourth embodiment. 4(a) and 4(b) correspond to side views viewed in the direction of arrow IIa in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the driven side collar 342 of the transmission coupling 320 in the third embodiment is different from the driven side collar 242 in the second embodiment in that the entire outer shape of the cylindrical member 243 and the circumference of the transmission coupling 320 are different. It is formed so as to protrude radially outward to a position where it overlaps in the direction.

As a result, the overlapping margin between the driven-side collar 342 and the cylindrical member 243 can be maximized, that is, the region between the driven-side collar 342 and the cylindrical member 243 in which the enclosing portion 245a is compressed or stretched can be maximized. can reliably transmit the driving force of In addition, it is possible to suppress the shear deformation of the enclosing portion 245a from becoming large, thereby suppressing the breakage of the enclosing portion 245a.

Further, the direction in which the rotational force transmitted to the cylindrical member 243 by the rotation of the inner cylinder 340 acts can be brought closer to the rotational direction of the driven side collar 342 . Thereby, the transmission efficiency of the torque of the motor can be improved.

The connecting portion 345b of the elastic body 345 is connected to the surrounding portion 245a on the radially outer side of the transmission coupling 320, and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 345b is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. As a result, the contact area with the outer cylinder 350 can be reduced, and deterioration of the transmission efficiency of the driving force of the motor can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 4(b), the outer cylinder 450 of the transmission coupling 420 in the fourth embodiment has the entire outer shape of the cylindrical member 243 of the elastic body 445 and the transmission coupling with respect to the driven side collar 242 in the second embodiment. 420 is formed so as to protrude radially outward to a position where it overlaps with 420 in the circumferential direction.

As a result, the area between the outer cylinder 450 and the cylinder member 243 for compression or tensile deformation of the enclosing part 245a can be maximized, and displacement of the motor can be suppressed when vibration (displacement) occurs in the wheel (not shown). It can be done easily.

Next, a transmission coupling 520 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same part as each embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

FIG. 5(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling 520 in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling 520 taken along line Vb-Vb of FIG. 5(a). 5(a) corresponds to a side view viewed in the direction opposite to arrow IIa in FIG. 1, that is, viewed in the direction of arrow L. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, a transmission coupling 520 in the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) cylindrical members 243 and an outer cylinder 550 disposed outside the plurality of cylindrical members 243. , an elastic body 545 interposed between a plurality of cylindrical members 243 and an outer cylinder 550, and a pair of plate members 546. As shown in FIG. The cylindrical members 243 are arranged at positions separated from the axis O2 of the transmission coupling 520 by a certain distance in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction).

The outer cylinder 550 is for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the axle. Outer cylinder 550 is formed from a metal plate in a substantially annular shape when viewed from the side. The outer cylinder 550 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) bolt insertion holes 550a through which bolts for coupling to the axle are passed. ).

The driven-side collar 552 is disposed radially outward of the cylindrical member 243 in a side view, and has a pair of curved portions curved in an arc around the axis of the cylindrical member 243 and a pair of curved portions. and a pair of straight sections connecting the ends of the section. In addition, the pair of linear portions is provided with a concave portion that is formed with a small distance between them at substantially the center of the driven side collar 552 in the vertical direction.

Also, the protruding length of the driven side collar 552 is formed to be smaller than the length of the cylindrical member 243 in the axial center O2 direction. As a result, contact between the driven side collar 542 and the rotating shaft of the motor can be suppressed.

The elastic body 545 is vulcanized and bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 243, the inner peripheral surface of the driven side collar 552, and the plate member 546, whereby the outer tube 550, the tubular member 243, the elastic body 545, and the plate member 546 are integrally molded. .

The length of the elastic body 545 in the direction of the axis O2 is formed to be smaller than the length of the cylindrical member 243 in the direction of the axis O2 and the projection length of the driven side collar 552 . This can prevent the elastic body 545 from coming into contact with the axle or the rotating shaft of the motor.

The plate member 546 is made of a metal material and has a plate-like shape. When viewed from the side, the plate member 546 includes a pair of curved portions arranged apart from the curved portion of the driven-side collar 552 toward the axis O2 by a predetermined distance, and the ends of the curved portions. and a pair of straight portions connecting the

Further, the plate member 546 is not formed between the driven side collar 552 and the cylindrical member 243 in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction). Thereby, the elastic body 545 arranged on the inner surface side of the plate member 546 and the elastic body 545 arranged on the outer surface side of the plate member 546 can be integrally connected, and the manufacturing cost of the vulcanization mold can be reduced. As a result, the product cost of the transmission coupling 520 can be reduced.

The distance between the upper and lower ends of the plate member 546 in the front-rear direction (arrow FB direction) between the plate members 546 is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the tubular member 243 .

In the transmission coupling 520 of this embodiment, when the rotational (driving) force of the motor is transmitted to the cylindrical member 243, the plate member 546 in addition to the elastic body 545 facilitates the transmission of the driving force of the motor to the axle.

On the other hand, since the plate member 546 is not formed between the driven side collar 552 and the cylindrical member 243 in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction), the amount of deformation of the elastic body 545 can be increased. As a result, when the wheel (not shown) vibrates (displaces) in the vertical direction, the transmission of the displacement of the driven side collar 552 to the cylindrical member 243 can be suppressed, and the displacement of the motor can be suppressed.

Next, a transmission coupling 620 in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same part as each embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

6(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling 620 in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling 620 along line VIb-VIb of FIG. 6(a). 6(a) corresponds to a side view as seen in the direction of arrow IIa in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the transmission coupling 620 in the sixth embodiment includes an inner cylinder 640 , an outer cylinder 650 arranged radially outwardly of the inner cylinder 640 , and a coupling between the inner cylinder 640 and the outer cylinder 650 . and a restricting member 660 that engages the inner cylinder 640 and the outer cylinder 650 when the inner cylinder 640 is rotated relative to the outer cylinder 650 by more than a predetermined amount. formed by

The inner cylinder 640 is for transmitting the rotational (driving) force of the motor to the outer cylinder 650 . The inner cylinder 640 is made of a metal material and formed into a substantially circular plate shape when viewed from the side. The inner cylinder 640 is formed with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) bolt insertion holes 640a through which bolts for coupling to the drive shaft of the motor are passed.

The bolt insertion hole 640a is formed at a different position from the regulating member 660 in a side view. This facilitates engagement between the rotating shaft of the motor and the inner cylinder 640 .

A drive-side collar 641 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the inner cylinder 640 so as to protrude toward the motor side (in the direction of the arrow R). It is formed to protrude toward the axle side (arrow L direction side). An elastic body 645 is vulcanized and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the drive-side collar 641 .

The receiving portion 642 is a portion for fixing the restricting member 660 to the inner cylinder 640 . A substantially X-shaped concave portion is formed in a side view on the protruding end surface (surface in the direction of arrow L) of the receiving portion 642, and the width of the concave portion is the same as the outer shape of the fixing member 661 of the regulating member 660, which will be described later. It is formed substantially the same or slightly larger.

Further, the depth of the recessed portion that is recessed along the vertical direction is slightly larger than approximately twice the outer shape of the fixing member 661 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the pair of fixing members 661 from protruding from the concave portion of the receiving portion 642 .

The outer cylinder 650 is for transmitting the rotational force of the motor transmitted to the inner cylinder 640 to the axle. The outer cylinder 650 is made of a metal material and has a substantially annular shape when viewed from the side. The outer cylinder 650 is formed with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) bolt insertion holes 650a through which bolts for coupling to the axle are passed.

A driven side collar 651 is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the outer cylinder 650 so as to protrude toward the motor side (arrow R direction side). is set. An elastic body 645 is vulcanized and bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the driven side collar 651 .

The restricting portion 652 is formed at a position corresponding to the contact member 662 of the restricting member 660, which will be described later. The regulating portion 652 has a stopper rubber 653 on its recessed surface, and the regulating portion 652 abuts a contact member 662 of the regulating member 660 to be described later via the stopper rubber 653 .

The depth of the recess in the radial direction of the restricting portion 652 is formed to be greater than the outer shape of the contact member 662 . The width of the recess in the circumferential direction of the restricting portion 652 is formed to be greater than the depth of the recess in the radial direction, and in this embodiment, the width is approximately three times the outer shape of the contact member 662 .

The stopper rubber 653 is a rubber member. It is formed larger than the thickness of the stopper rubber 653 . Further, the stopper rubber 653 on the bottom wall of the regulating portion 652 is curved in a convex shape centering on the axis O2. 662) is relatively displaced, it is possible to prevent the displacement from being hindered.

The elastic body 645 is for transmitting the rotational force transmitted to the inner cylinder 640 to the outer cylinder 650, and is formed in a substantially annular shape when viewed from the side. Rotational force can be transmitted by shear deformation of the elastic body 645 interposed between the driving side collar 641 and the driven side collar 651 .

Further, by interposing the elastic body 645 between the driving side collar 641 and the driven side collar 651, the elastic body 645 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside, and deterioration or damage of the elastic body 645 can be prevented.

The regulating member 660 includes a pair of fixing members 661 and contact members 662 arranged at both ends of the fixing members 661 . In addition, one fixing member 661 may be arranged on the regulating member 660, or three or more fixing members 661 may be arranged.

The fixing member 661 is made of a metal material and shaped like a bar. Both ends of the fixing member 661 are bent toward the motor side (arrow R direction side), and contact members 662 are provided at the bent portions.

The pair of fixing members 661 are arranged in a substantially X shape when viewed from the side, with the intermediate lengths of the fixing members 661 coinciding with the axis O2. Further, the fixing member 661 extending in the front-rear direction (arrow FB direction) abuts on the axle side (arrow L direction side) of the fixing member 661 extending in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction). are arranged.

A pair of fixing members 661 are disposed in the recessed portion of the receiving portion 642, and a locking portion (not shown) is engaged with the protruding tip of the receiving portion 642 by welding or screwing, whereby the receiving portion is fixed. Detachment of the pair of fixing members 661 from 642 can be suppressed. Thereby, the regulation member 660 can be rotated together with the inner cylinder 640 . In addition, by engaging the locking portion with the receiving portion 642 , it is possible to suppress damage to the receiving portion 642 due to force acting on the receiving portion 642 from the pair of fixing members 661 .

Note that the pair of fixing members 661 may be prevented from coming off from the receiving portion 642 by engaging the receiving portion 642 and the pair of fixing members 661 by welding or screwing.

The contact member 662 is for restricting relative displacement of the inner cylinder 640 with respect to the outer cylinder 650 . The abutting member 662 is made of a metal material and has a cylindrical shape, and is rotatably engaged with both ends of the fixing member 661 . As a result, the contact member 662 rotates with respect to the fixed member 661 and can be relatively displaced with respect to the outer cylinder 650 . As a result, it is possible to suppress the hindrance of the relative displacement of the inner cylinder 640 with respect to the outer cylinder 650 . The contact member 662 may be fixed to the fixed member 661, that is, may be non-rotatably engaged with the fixed member 661. FIG.

The abutting member 662 is arranged in the restricting portion 652 in a non-contact state with a stopper rubber 653 arranged on the vertical wall (the wall formed in the radial direction) of the restricting portion 652 .

On the other hand, the contact member 662 is provided in contact with a stopper rubber 653 provided on the bottom wall (the wall formed in the circumferential direction) of the restricting portion 652 . Accordingly, the deformation of the stopper rubber 653 in addition to the elastic body 645 can suppress the displacement of the motor. As a result, translation of the motor with respect to the wheels (not shown) is allowed.

In the transmission coupling 620 according to the present embodiment, when the rotational force of the motor is transmitted to the inner cylinder 640, the elastic body 645 undergoes shear deformation, thereby displacing the inner cylinder 640 relative to the outer cylinder 650 and displacing the outer cylinder 640 relative to the outer cylinder. 650 can transmit rotational force. As a result, the rotational force can be gently transmitted. In addition, since the contact member 662 and the stopper rubber 653 arranged on the vertical wall (the wall formed in the radial direction) are not in contact with each other, transmission of rotational force by the contact member 662 can be suppressed. As a result, fluctuations in torque transmission can be moderated.

As described above, since the contact member 662 is rotatably engaged with the fixed member 661, it is possible to prevent the contact member 662 from being caught on the stopper rubber 653, and a sudden change in transmission of the rotational force occurs. can be suppressed.

On the other hand, when an excessive rotational force is transmitted to the inner cylinder 640 and the amount of relative displacement (rotation) of the inner cylinder 640 with respect to the outer cylinder 650 reaches a predetermined amount, the abutting member 662 is pushed to the bottom wall of the restricting portion 652 (in the circumferential direction). formed wall). Thereby, relative displacement of the inner cylinder 640 with respect to the outer cylinder 650 can be suppressed. As a result, the amount of shear deformation of the elastic body 645 can be regulated, and damage to the elastic body 645 can be suppressed.

Further, the contact between the contact member 662 and the stopper rubber 653 arranged on the bottom wall of the restricting portion 652 allows the torque to be transmitted to the outer cylinder 650 . Thereby, the deterioration of the torque transmission efficiency can be suppressed.

Next, a transmission coupling 720 in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same part as each embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

7(a) is a side view of the transmission coupling 720 in the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission coupling 720 along line VIIb-VIIb of FIG. 7(a). In addition, FIG. 7A corresponds to a side view viewed in the direction of arrow IIa in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the transmission coupling 720 in the seventh embodiment includes a motor-side plate 740, an axle-side plate 750 arranged closer to the axle side (arrow L direction side) than the motor-side plate 740, and a motor An elastic body 745 disposed between the side plate 740 and the axle side plate 750, and a cylindrical body 760 engaging the motor side plate 740 and the axle side plate 750 via the elastic body 745. be done.

The motor-side plate 740 is for transmitting the rotational (driving) force of the motor to the axle-side plate 750 . The motor-side plate 740 is made of a metal material and has a substantially circular plate shape when viewed from the side. The motor-side plate 740 is provided with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) openings 740a through which the cylindrical bodies 760 are inserted, and a motor engaging portion 741 protrudes toward the motor side (in the direction of the arrow R). be done.

The opening 740 a is a part for restricting the displacement of the cylindrical body 760 and is formed larger than the outer shape of the cylindrical body 760 . An elastic body 745 is interposed between the opening 740 a and the cylindrical body 760 . Since the opening 740a restricts the displacement of the columnar body 760, deformation of the elastic body 745 can be restricted, and damage to the elastic body 745 can be suppressed.

The motor engaging portion 741 is formed in a columnar shape centering on the axis O2 in a side view. In the motor engaging portion 741, a recessed portion 741a is recessed toward the axle side (direction of arrow L), and an internal thread (not shown) threaded into the recessed portion 741a is screwed to the rotating shaft of the motor. The rotating shaft of the motor is fastened and fixed to the motor engaging portion 741 by screwing it with the engraved male screw (not shown). Note that a plurality (two or more) of the motor engaging portions 741 may be arranged on a concentric circle centered on the axis O2 in a side view.

The axle-side plate 750 is for transmitting the rotational (driving) force transmitted to the motor-side plate 740 to the axle. Since the axle-side plate 750 is formed symmetrically with respect to the motor-side plate 740 with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis O2, the description of the configuration of the opening 750a and the axle engaging portion 751 is omitted.

A female thread (not shown) threaded into the recessed portion 751 a of the axle engaging portion 751 and a male thread (not shown) threaded into the axle are engaged with each other, whereby the axle engaging portion 751 engages the axle. is fastened and fixed.

The elastic body 745 is interposed between the motor-side plate 740 and the axle-side plate 750 in the direction of the axis O2. As a result, the transmission coupling 720 can allow translation of the motor with respect to the wheels (not shown) in the direction of the axis O2 in addition to the vertical direction (arrow UD direction) or the front-back direction (arrow FB direction).

In addition, the elastic body 745 has a surrounding portion 746 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 760 . The enclosing portion 746 is formed so as to pass through the openings 740a and 750a and protrude outward in the axial center O2 direction from the motor-side plate 740 and the axle-side plate 750. As a result, the cylindrical body 760 and the openings 740a and 750a are in contact with each other. , and damage to the cylindrical body 760, the motor-side plate 740, or the axle-side plate 750 can be suppressed.

The surrounding portion 746 is formed with a constant thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 760, so that the elastic characteristics and damping characteristics of the surrounding portion 746 can be made constant between the cylindrical body 760 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the openings 740a and 750a. .

The elastic body 745 is vulcanized and bonded to the motor-side plate 740, the axle-side plate 750 and the cylindrical body 760, whereby the motor-side plate 740, the axle-side plate 750 and the cylindrical body 760 are integrally molded.

The cylindrical body 760 is made of a metal material and has a substantially cylindrical shape when viewed from the side. The length of the cylindrical body 760 in the direction of the axis O2 is from the surface of the motor-side plate 740 formed on the motor side (direction of arrow R) to the surface of the axle-side plate 750 formed on the axle side (direction of arrow L). formed larger than the distance to Thereby, the cylindrical body 760 can be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the openings 740a and 750a, and deformation of the elastic body 745 can be suppressed.

Both end surfaces of the columnar body 760 in the direction of the axis O2 are formed between the projecting end surface of the motor engaging portion 741 and the projecting end surface of the axle engaging portion 751 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical body 760 from coming into contact with the motor or the axle and damaging the motor, the axle or the cylindrical body 760 .

In the transmission coupling 720 according to the present embodiment, when the rotational force of the motor is transmitted to the motor-side plate 740, the elastic body 745 undergoes shear deformation to displace the motor-side plate 740 relative to the axle-side plate 750. At the same time, the torque can be transmitted to the axle-side plate 750 . As a result, the rotational force can be gently transmitted.

Further, by relatively displacing (rotating) the motor-side plate 740 with respect to the axle-side plate 750, the posture of the columnar body 760 can be tilted. As a result, the reaction force against the shear deformation of the elastic body 745 can be suppressed at the initial stage of rotation. As a result, relative displacement (rotation) can be facilitated at the initial stage of relative displacement (rotation).

On the other hand, when an excessive rotational force is transmitted to the motor-side plate 740 and the amount of relative displacement (rotation) of the motor-side plate 740 with respect to the axle-side plate 750 reaches a predetermined amount, the elastic body 745 and the cylindrical body 760 move toward the openings 740a and 740a. It is received by the inner peripheral surface of 750a via the surrounding portion 746. As shown in FIG. Thereby, relative displacement of the motor-side plate 740 with respect to the axle-side plate 750 can be suppressed. As a result, the amount of shear deformation of the elastic body 745 can be regulated, and damage to the elastic body 745 can be suppressed.

Also, the cylindrical body 760 can transmit the rotational force of the motor-side plate 740 to the axle-side plate 750 . Thereby, the deterioration of the torque transmission efficiency can be suppressed.

Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is by no means limited to the above embodiments, and it will be easily understood that various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. It can be inferred.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the transmission couplings 20, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720 are interposed between the axle 6 and the motor 10 has been described, but this is not necessarily the case. , may be interposed between the hub 5 and the axle 6 .

In the first embodiment, the drive-side collar 41 is engaged with the motor 10, and the driven-side collar 42 is engaged with the axle 6. In the second to fourth embodiments, the inner cylinders 240, 340, 440 are connected to the motor. is engaged, the cylindrical member 243 is engaged with the axle, in the fifth embodiment, the cylindrical member 243 is engaged with the motor, and the outer cylinder 550 is engaged with the axle, and in the sixth embodiment, the inner cylinder is engaged with the motor. In the seventh embodiment, the case where the cylinder 640 is engaged, the outer cylinder 650 is engaged with the axle, the motor side plate 740 is engaged with the motor, and the axle side plate 750 is engaged with the axle has been described. The driven side collar 42, the cylindrical member 243, the outer cylinders 550 and 650 or the axle side plate 750 are engaged with the motor 10 (motor), and the drive side collar 41 is engaged with the axle 6 (axle). , the inner cylinders 240, 340, 440, the cylinder member 243, the inner cylinder 640, or the axle-side plate 750 may be engaged.

In the second to fourth embodiments, the length of the enclosing portion 245a in the direction of the axis O2 is formed to be smaller than the length of the cylindrical member 243 in the direction of the axis O2 and the projection length of the driven side collar 242. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the length of the enclosing portion 245a in the direction of the axis O2 may be formed longer than the length of the cylindrical member 243 in the direction of the axis O2. Accordingly, contact between the rotating shaft of the motor and the inner cylinder 240 or the cylindrical member 243 can be suppressed by the contact between the surrounding portion 245a and the rotating shaft of the motor.

In the second to fourth embodiments, description has been given of the case where six cylindrical members 243 are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees around the axis O2, but this is not necessarily the case. The number of arranged members 243 may be five or less, or may be seven or more.

In the sixth embodiment, the case where the stopper rubber 653 on the bottom wall of the restricting portion 652 is curved in a convex shape around the axis O2 has been described. It may be formed with a constant width along the bottom wall of 652 . As a result, when the inner cylinder 640 is displaced relative to the outer cylinder 650, as the amount of relative displacement increases, the amount of deformation of the stopper rubber 653 by the contact member 662 can be increased, and the torque transmission efficiency can be gradually increased. It can be changed (improved). As a result, it is possible to suppress a sudden change in the torque transmission efficiency. Hindering the displacement can be suppressed.

In the seventh embodiment, the cylindrical body 760 is arranged on the motor-side plate 740 and the axle-side plate 750 via the enclosing part 746. It may be fixed to one of the side plate 740 and the axle side plate 750 . As a result, tilting of the cylindrical body 760 can be suppressed, and deterioration of the torque transmission efficiency can be suppressed.

In the seventh embodiment, the length of the cylindrical body 760 in the direction of the axis O2 is formed to be greater than the distance from the surface of the motor-side plate 740 formed on the motor side to the surface of the axle-side plate 750 formed on the axle side. and the cylindrical body 760 is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the openings 740a and 750a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The distance from the surface formed on the motor side to the surface formed on the axle side of the axle side plate 750 may be smaller than the distance, and the cylindrical body 760 may be buried in the surrounding portion 746 . As a result, the reaction force against the shear deformation of the elastic body 745 can be suppressed at the initial stage of rotation. Also, it is possible to suppress contact between the cylindrical body 760 and the motor or the axle.

1 in-wheel motor unit 3 wheel 10 motor 220, 320, 420, 720 transmission coupling (elastic coupling, overhang)
243 cylinder member (first connecting member, second connecting member)
245, 345, 445, 745 elastic body (elastic substrate)
240, 340 inner cylinder (first connecting member, second connecting member)
250, 350, 450 Outer cylinder (third connecting member)
740 motor side plate (first connecting member, second connecting member)
750 axle side plate (first connecting member, second connecting member)

Claims (3)

An elastic coupling interposed between a wheel and a motor for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the wheel,
a first connecting member to which one of the wheel and the motor is connected to its own axis ;
a plurality of second connecting members disposed on a circle about the axis of the first connecting member and connected to the other of the wheel or the motor;
an elastic base formed of a rubber-like elastic body, which connects the first connecting member and the plurality of second connecting members and connects the plurality of second connecting members ;
a third connecting member disposed radially outward of the first connecting member and having the plurality of second connecting members disposed between the first connecting member;
the elastic base connects the third connecting member to the first connecting member and the plurality of second connecting members and surrounds the outer shapes of the plurality of second connecting members;
The second connecting member has a circular outer shape when viewed in the axial direction of the first connecting member,
In the first connecting member and the third connecting member, when viewed in the axial direction of the first connecting member, a portion facing the outer shape of the second connecting member has an arc shape concentric with the outer shape of the second connecting member. An elastic coupling, characterized in that it is formed in 2. The first connecting member includes a projecting portion formed to protrude between the adjacent second connecting members and overlapping at least a portion of the second connecting member in the circumferential direction. elastic coupling. 3. The elastic coupling according to claim 2, wherein the projecting portion of the first connecting member overlaps the entire second connecting member in the circumferential direction.

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