STEERING KNUCKLE, CORNER MODULE AND VEHICLE

Abstract

A steering knuckle for a vehicle wheel includes a wheel connection section, an upper steering attachment section, and a lower steering attachment section. The wheel connection section is configured for connecting the steering knuckle to the vehicle wheel. The upper steering attachment section is configured to provide a connection of the steering knuckle to a steering drive. The steering knuckle is intended to permit wheel-specific steering with a large steering angle and, at the same time, to support the integration of other vehicle wheel components. The upper steering attachment section, the wheel connection section, and the lower steering attachment section together delimit a recess on at least three sides such that a connector section arranged in the wheel connection section delimits an inner end of the recess and is configured for guiding at least one line through the recess.

Claims

1. A steering knuckle for a vehicle wheel, the steering knuckle comprising: a wheel connection section configured for connecting the steering knuckle to the vehicle wheel; an upper steering attachment section connected to the wheel connection section and configured to provide a connection of the steering knuckle to a steering drive; and a lower steering attachment section connected to the wheel connection section; wherein the upper steering attachment section, the wheel connection section, and the lower steering attachment section together delimit a recess on at least three sides such that a connector section arranged in the wheel connection section delimits an inner end of the recess and is configured for guiding at least one line through the recess.

2. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector section defines at least one connector opening, through which the at least one line and/or a connector for the at least one line may be guided.

3. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector section is located in a shell base of a shell-shaped section of the steering knuckle.

4. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the upper steering attachment section, the wheel connection section, and the lower steering attachment section together have a substantially C-shaped cross section in a side view of the steering knuckle.

5. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 2, wherein the at least one connector opening is further defined as a fluid connector which includes a bore running in the connector section, wherein a first connector end is arranged substantially parallel to, but offset from, a second connector end.

6. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wheel connection section includes at least one brake connection geometry for connecting to a brake caliper of a disc brake.

7. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the lower steering attachment section includes half of a steering knuckle joint.

8. The steering knuckle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the steering knuckle joint is configured as a ball joint, for connecting to a lower wheel carrier of a corner module and/or for connecting to a wheel suspension of a vehicle.

9. The steering knuckle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wheel connection section comprises at least two wheel connection geometries for connecting to the vehicle wheel, wherein the at least one connector opening is arranged between the wheel connection geometries.

10. The steering knuckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the upper steering attachment section includes a substantially circular-disc-shaped steering attachment disk, which frames an upper end of the recess and forms an upper end of the steering knuckle.

11. A corner module for a vehicle, comprising: a steering knuckle including a wheel connection section, an upper steering attachment section connected to the wheel connection section, and a lower steering attachment section connected to the wheel connection section, wherein the upper steering attachment section, the wheel connection section, and the lower steering attachment section together delimit a recess on at least three sides such that a connector section arranged in the wheel connection section delimits an inner end of the recess and is configured for guiding at least one line through the recess; a vehicle wheel connected to the wheel connection section of the steering knuckle; and a steering drive connected to the upper steering attachment section of the steering knuckle and is assigned to the vehicle wheel.

12. The corner module as set forth in claim 11, wherein at least one power supply line and/or at least one coolant line for a wheel hub motor arranged in the vehicle wheel runs through the connector section.

13. The corner module as set forth in claim 11, wherein at least one hydraulic line for a hydraulic brake arranged in the vehicle wheel runs through the connector section.

14. The corner module as set forth in claim 11, wherein the steering drive is configured to provide the vehicle wheel with independent steerability in an angular range of at least ?60?, wherein the at least one line carries out elastic deformation about a corresponding angle at least partially in the recess.

15. The corner module as set forth in claim 11, wherein the steering knuckle is arranged radially within a disc brake of the vehicle wheel, wherein all of the fastening elements between the steering knuckle and the remaining vehicle wheel are also arranged radially within the disc brake.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows the wheel-averted side of a steering knuckle according to one exemplary embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the inner wheel side of the steering knuckle according to embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the steering knuckle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a sectioned side view of the steering knuckle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the steering knuckle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the steering knuckle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1,

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a corner module according to one exemplary embodiment including a steering knuckle; and

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a vehicle according to one exemplary embodiment including four corner modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the detailed description of embodiments below, the same reference signs denote substantially identical or identical parts in or on these embodiments. However, for better clarification, the embodiments shown in the figures are not always shown to scale.

[0037] FIGS. 1 to 6 show an exemplary embodiment of a steering knuckle 1. The steering knuckle 1 includes a wheel connection section 2, an upper steering attachment section 3 connected to the wheel connection section 2, and a lower steering attachment section 4 connected to the wheel connection section 2. FIG. 7 shows the steering knuckle 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6 in a corner module 18. The wheel connection section 2 is configured for connecting the steering knuckle 1 to the vehicle wheel 5 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The upper steering attachment section 4 is configured to provide a connection of the steering knuckle 1 to a steering drive 6 (see FIG. 7).

[0038] The upper steering attachment section 3, the wheel connection section 2, and the lower steering attachment section 4 together delimit a recess 7 on at least three sides (see in particular FIGS. 3 and 4). As a result, a connector section 8 arranged in the wheel connection section 2 delimits an inner end of the recess 7 and is configured for guiding at least one line 9, 10 (see FIG. 7, only the respective line end is shown there, for the sake of clarity) through the recess 7. This allows the lines 9, 10 to be guided through the steering knuckle 1 into the vehicle wheel 5, while being able at the same time to provide space for protected elastic deformations of the lines 9, 10 during a steering movement of the vehicle wheel 5.

[0039] The steering knuckle 1 may be formed in one piece. In other words, the wheel connection section 2, the upper steering attachment section 3, and the lower steering attachment section 4 are produced as one continuous component, e.g., as an aluminum cast piece.

[0040] A plurality of connector openings 11, 12, 13, through which the lines 9, 10 and/or a connector for the lines 9, 10 can be guided, is arranged in the connector section 8. The connector opening 11 is a double opening in the form of a horizontal 8 for a double cable of a power supply line 9 of a wheel hub motor.

[0041] Two connector openings 12 are fluid connectors, each comprising a bore 12A running in the connector section 8, wherein a first connector end 12B is arranged substantially parallel to, but offset from, a second connector end 12C (see in particular FIG. 4). Thus, fluid lines 10 guided through the recess 7 can be fastened at a smallest possible radial distance from the axis of rotation of the wheel, as a result of which the elastic deformation of the fluid lines 10 proceeds as symmetrically as possible during a steering movement and the maximum deformation of the fluid lines 10 is limited. At the same time, it is possible to conduct the fluid to another desired radial or axial position in the interior of the vehicle wheel 5, without a fluid line 10 within the vehicle wheel 5 having to be bent more than necessary. For example, for cooling the wheel hub motor or its electronics, a line of cooling fluid is often required at and from larger radial distances from the axis of rotation of the wheel. One fluid connector is configured as an inflow and one fluid connector is configured as an outflow.

[0042] The figures show (five) further connector openings 13, which can be provided, for example, for guiding and for connecting further signal cables and/or power supply cables in particular for a wheel brake, a wheel hub motor or sensors (see FIGS. 1 and 5).

[0043] The connector section 8 is arranged in a shell base of a shell-shaped section 14 of the steering knuckle 1. In some sections, the recess 7 may then even be surrounded on five sides by the steering knuckle 1. This creates a protected region for guiding or for connecting the lines 9, 10. The shell-shaped section 14 is arranged in the axial direction completely within a wheel rim 15 of the vehicle wheel 5 (see also FIG. 7).

[0044] It can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 that, in a side view of the steering knuckle, the upper steering attachment section 3, the wheel connection section 2, and the lower steering attachment section 4 together have a substantially C-shaped cross section (indicated here by dashed lines in the recess 7 which can then also have such a shape in side view). This shape ensures protection of the lines 9, 10 and at the same time leaves sufficient horizontal pivoting space for a lower wheel carrier 16 which is connected to the lower steering attachment section 4 and which can partially move within the recess 7 (see also FIG. 7). In particular, a C shape allows large steering angles of up to ?90? and more. The C shape here is a rounded C shape, which improves the force flux and makes the steering knuckle 1 more stable.

[0045] The lower steering attachment section 4 includes half of a steering knuckle joint 17, which is configured as a ball joint (see in particular FIGS. 5 and 7), for connecting to the lower wheel carrier 16 of the corner module 18 (or alternatively for connecting to a wheel suspension of a vehicle). A ball joint allows rotation about an axis of rotation of the steering drive 6 and also a pitching movement between the steering knuckle 1 and the lower wheel carrier 16, e.g., in the event of a suspension movement between vehicle wheel 5 and body or possibly in the event of a driving height adjustment.

[0046] The wheel connection section 2 includes two brake connection geometries 19 for connecting to a brake caliper 20 of a disc brake. As can be seen from FIG. 7, a brake disc 21 here is engaged around from radially on the inside by the brake caliper 20. This solution allows a simple, space-saving and stable installation of the brake caliper 20 of the disc brake. For example, a brake actuator of the brake caliper 20 can be arranged axially completely within the wheel rim 15 (i.e. can be rotated toward the inside of the wheel), as a result of which the brake actuator, depending on the positioning in the direction of rotation, is not in the way of a large-angled steering movement of the vehicle wheel (e.g. when arranged at approximately 3 o'clock or at approximately 9 o'clock in the direction of rotation) or is protected from collisions with a curb (when arranged at approximately 6 o'clock). However, since parts of the brake caliper (apart from the brake actuator) can nevertheless protrude axially, the brake caliper is preferably arranged (as shown) in the installed state below the steering knuckle (e.g. at about 6 o'clock in the direction of rotation) in order to be in the way of large-angled steering movements as little as possible.

[0047] The steering knuckle 1 is arranged radially within the disc brake (e.g. within the brake disk 21) of the vehicle wheel 5, wherein all of the fastening elements (and associated brake connection geometries 19) between the steering knuckle 1 and the remaining vehicle wheel 5 are also radially arranged within the disc brake. This embodiment allows a easy mounting of the steering knuckle 1 and the brake disk 21 in the vehicle wheel 5 and simultaneously accessibility to the brake disk 21, e.g. for maintenance purposes.

[0048] The wheel connection section 2 may comprise at least two (here four) wheel connection geometries 22 for connecting to the vehicle wheel 5 (see in particular FIGS. 2, 5 and 6). The connector openings 11, 12, 13 are arranged between the wheel connection geometries 22. For example, all of the connector openings 11, 12, 13 can be arranged within an imaginary circle running through the wheel connection geometries 22 (see in particular FIG. 5). The wheel connection geometries 22 allow the steering knuckle 1 to be fastened to the vehicle wheel 5 via a screw connection, rivet connection or similar.

[0049] The upper steering attachment section 3 has a substantially circular-disk-shaped steering attachment disk 23, which frames an upper end of the recess 7 and forms an upper end of the steering knuckle 1. This allows a relatively large torque to be transmitted from the steering drive 6 to the steering knuckle 1, even in a compact design of a steering drive. The weight force exerted on the steering knuckle 1 can also be distributed better. The steering attachment disk 23 continues to provide protection from above for the lines 9, 10 running through the recess 7. The steering attachment disk 23 may comprise connection geometries for connection to a rotor or a transmission of the steering drive 6.

[0050] FIGS. 7 and 8 show embodiments of a corner module 18 of a vehicle 29. The corner module comprises a steering knuckle 1, a vehicle wheel 5 connected to the steering knuckle, and a steering drive 6 which is connected to the upper steering attachment section 4 and is assigned to the individual vehicle wheel 5. Such a corner module 18 is suitable for permitting wheel-specific steering with a large maximum steering angle) (>45?) and at the same time for guiding a plurality of lines 9, 10 in a protected manner into the vehicle wheel 5 in order to control or supply one or more wheel components.

[0051] The steering knuckle 1 frames the recess 7 substantially on the wheel side by the wheel connection section 2, from below through the lower steering attachment section 4 and from above by the upper steering attachment section 3. As a result, the lines are protected on three sides and nevertheless do not collide with the steering knuckle 1 during a large-angled) (>45?) steering movement carried out by the steering drive 6. It is also possible to connect the lines 9, 10 as centrally as possible, i.e. with a small radius of vehicle wheel 5 and axially within the wheel rim 15.

[0052] The steering drive 6 may be configured to provide the vehicle wheel 5 with independent steerability in an angular range of at least ?60?, preferably of at least ?75? and particularly preferably of at least ?90?. The lines 9, 10 then perform an elastic deformation about a corresponding angle at least partially in the recess 7 during a steering movement. The steering knuckle together with its recess 7 allows protected elastic deformation of the lines 9, 10, without coming to a collision, overstretching of the lines or inelastic deformation of one of the lines 9, 10 during a steering movement.

[0053] The corner module 18 also includes a suspension 24 which is arranged between the lower wheel carrier 16 and a main carrier 26. The suspension 24 absorbs vibrations between the vehicle wheel 5 and the body and may comprise damping. The suspension may be a gas spring, but other types of suspension may also be used. The main carrier 26 is connected to the steering drive 6 via an upper wheel carrier 27, which can have at least one rotary joint at each end. The main carrier 26 comprises (here three) body connection geometries 28 for connection to the body of the vehicle 29.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows a vehicle 29 comprising four such corner modules 18. This permits flexible novel body concepts, since there is no need for a central engine with a mechanical connection to the vehicle wheels 5 and a large portion of the mechanical steering and suspension elements between the vehicle wheels 5. At the same time, very large steering angles can be realized, which, for example, permit small turning circles and parking sideways in a parking space.

[0055] The present embodiments have been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.