A revolutionary steering system for electrical and hybrid power trains is presented. This steering system was developed and patented primarily for un-manned vehicles in service and logistics applications, but can also be used in cars which have individual electrical motors for the wheels of one or two axles (Stania et al. 2008). These electrical motors could primarily be wheel hub motors but also other electrical motors in the vicinity of the wheels, e. g. connected with the wheels by means of a drive shaft to reduce the unsprung masses. Such motor arrangements may occur in pure electrical cars as well as in serial hybrid vehicles. The revolutionary steering system disposes of the potential to improve manoeuvrability, efficiency and dynamic behaviour of vehicles of all kinds. The patented steering principle is based on the concept to use the torque of the drive motors additionally to the propulsion purposes for steering independent or coupled wheels (torque steering). In the case of manned vehicles the usage of at least two coupled wheels is proposed. The wheels can be coupled by a simplified, light-weight tie rod. Especially for small urban vehicles a much smaller turning circle can be achieved if the innovative steering principle is applied. By means of an appropriate control system the two wheels of an axle or all wheels of a car can be steered sequentially or simultaneously. One decisive factor concerning the operation radius of future electrical cars is the weight. A possibility for a considerable reduction of the weight is the application of a torque steering concept, which uses the drive forces additionally for steering. Consequently, no particular steering components are necessary. Torque steering systems are appropriate for electrical and serial hybrid power trains, if the vehicle has individual electrical motors for the wheels of one or two axles. In this case a passive connecting rod seems to be the best compromise combining good manoeuvrability and controllability. The second advantage of a torque steering system is a greatly improved manoeuvrability, saving precious parking space in urban areas. A production vehicle with the steering concept and elaborate testing of this vehicle was presented. Calculations show a general feasibility also for manned vehicles at higher speeds.
Torque steering system for electrical and hybrid power trains
2011
10 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 9 Quellen
(nicht paginiert)
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Datenträger
Englisch
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