公开(公告)号：US06419325B1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-16

申请号：US09528386

申请日：2000-03-20

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B60B1102

CPC分类号： B60B11/00 ,  B60B11/06

摘要： A dual wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes an axle assembly having an axle shaft disposed therein, which defines an axis. First and second wheel hubs are supported on outboard and inboard portions, respectively of the axle assembly. The first wheel hub is coupled to the axle shaft so that the first wheel hub may be driven about the axis and the second wheel hub is rotatable about the axis relative to the first wheel hub. A first bearing assembly is interposed between the first wheel hub and the outboard portion for supporting the first wheel hub on the outboard portion. The outboard portion has a first shoulder with the first bearing assembly abutting the first shoulder. Similarly, a second bearing assembly is interposed between the second wheel hub and the inboard portion for supporting the second wheel hub on the inboard portion, and the inboard portion has a second shoulder with the second bearing assembly abutting the second shoulder. Securing members are attached to the axle assembly opposite each shoulder to retain the bearing assemblies and wheel hubs on the axle assembly. In this manner, the wheel hubs may be more easily installed and removed as units independently of one another.

摘要翻译： 提供一种用于车辆的双轮组件，其包括轴组件，所述车轴组件具有设置在其中的车轴，其限定轴线。 第一和第二轮毂​​分别支撑在车轴组件的外侧和内侧部分上。 第一轮毂联接到车轴，使得第一轮毂可以围绕轴线被驱动，并且第二轮毂可相对于第一轮毂围绕轴线旋转。 第一轴承组件插入在第一轮毂和外侧部分之间，用于在外侧部分上支撑第一轮毂。 外侧部分具有第一肩部，其中第一轴承组件邻接第一肩部。 类似地，第二轴承组件插入在第二轮毂和内侧部分之间，用于将第二轮毂支撑在内侧部分上，并且内侧部分具有第二肩部，第二轴承组件邻接第二肩部。 固定构件附接到与每个肩部相对的轴组件，以将轴承组件和轮毂保持在轴组件上。 以这种方式，可以更容易地将轮毂安装和拆卸为彼此独立的单元。

公开(公告)号：US06267188B1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-31

申请号：US09532989

申请日：2000-03-22

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B62D6110

CPC分类号： B60K17/36

摘要： A drive assembly for independently driving wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. The drive assembly includes a wheel set positioned at a left or right side of the vehicle. The wheel set includes inner and outer wheels and tires associated with the inner and outer wheels. A drive mechanism, such as an electric motor, rotatably drives the inner and outer wheels. The drive assembly further includes a differential disposed between the inner and outer wheels and responds to the drive mechanism to permit one of the inner and outer wheels to rotate independent of the other of the inner and outer wheels. That is, upon a turn of the vehicle, the differential permits the inner and outer wheels to realize different rotational speeds as the inner and outer wheels are being rotatably driven by the drive mechanism. As such, scrubbing or dragging of the tires associated with the wheels is eliminated. Additionally, the drive assembly of the subject invention can incorporate a second wheel set and tires, a second drive mechanism, and a second differential positioned at the opposite side of the vehicle to eliminate scrubbing of the tires associated with the second wheel set.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于独立地驱动车辆的车轮的驱动组件。 驱动组件包括位于车辆的左侧或右侧的轮组。 车轮组包括内轮和外轮以及与内轮和外轮相关联的轮胎。 诸如电动机的驱动机构可旋转地驱动内轮和外轮。 驱动组件还包括设置在内轮和外轮之间的差速器，并响应于驱动机构，以允许内轮和外轮中的一个独立于内轮和外轮之一旋转。 也就是说，在车辆转弯时，差速器允许内轮和外轮实现与内轮和外轮由驱动机构可旋转地驱动的不同的转速。 因此，消除了与轮相关联的轮胎的擦洗或拖曳。 另外，本发明的驱动组件可以包括位于车辆相对侧的第二轮组和轮胎，第二驱动机构和第二差速器，以消除与第二轮组相关联的轮胎的擦洗。

公开(公告)号：US06527073B1

公开(公告)日：2003-03-04

申请号：US09548228

申请日：2000-04-12

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B62D6110

CPC分类号： B60K17/36

摘要： A variable engagement mechanism for a dual wheel assembly is provided. The mechanism includes a spindle having a drive axle defining a rotational axis. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and coupled to the drive axle for being rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is rotatable relative to the first wheel hub about the rotational axis. Friction members are provided between the first and second wheel hub. An actuator forces the friction members into engagement with one another to permit transfer of torque between the wheel hubs. The actuator may be operator controlled or integrated with a braking or other vehicle control system. In this manner, the first and second wheel hub may be selectively locked together for increased traction and/or braking. A differential assembly may be used between the first and second wheel hubs so that both wheels may be driven at all times while being permitted to rotate relative to one another.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种用于双轮组件的可变接合机构。 该机构包括具有限定旋转轴线的驱动轴的心轴。 第一轮毂支撑在主轴上并且联接到驱动轴以围绕旋转轴线可旋转地驱动。 第二轮毂被布置成与第一轮毂相邻，并且可绕着旋转轴线相对于第一轮毂转动。 摩擦构件设置在第一和第二轮毂​​之间。 致动器迫使摩擦构件彼此接合以允许轮毂之间的转矩传递。 致动器可以由操作者控制或与制动或其它车辆控制系统集成。 以这种方式，可以将第一和第二轮毂​​选择性地锁定在一起以增加牵引力和/或制动力。 可以在第一和第二轮毂​​之间使用差速器组件，使得两个轮可以在允许相对于彼此旋转的同时始终被驱动。

公开(公告)号：US06357834B1

公开(公告)日：2002-03-19

申请号：US09502096

申请日：2000-02-10

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B60B3500

CPC分类号： B60B19/14 ,  B60B35/16 ,  B60B35/166 ,  B60B2360/50 ,  B60G9/00 ,  B60G2206/31 ,  B60G2300/026 ,  B60G2300/402 ,  B60G2800/0192 ,  B60Y2200/14

摘要： An axle assembly for supporting a heavy vehicle on a surface is provided. The axle assembly has an axle housing with opposing ends and a wheel supported on each of the opposing ends for engagement with the surface. Each of the wheels is rotatable about a rotational axis. A rotatable load-bearing device is supported on the axle housing for engagement with the surface. The load-bearing device is arranged between the wheels and is rotatable about a plurality of pivotal axes. By permitting the load-bearing devices to pivot about more that one axis, unlike a conventional wheel, wear caused by scrub may be reduced. In one embodiment, the load-bearing devices are swivel wheels that are pivotal about vertical and horizontal axe. In another embodiment, the load-bearing devices are load-bearing balls that are pivotal about an infinite number of axes.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种用于在表面上支撑重型车辆的车轴组件。 轴组件具有轴壳体，其具有相对的端部，并且车轮支撑在每个相对端部上以与表面接合。 每个车轮可绕旋转轴线旋转。 可旋转的承载装置支撑在轴壳体上以与表面接合。 承载装置设置在车轮之间并可围绕多个枢转轴线旋转。 通过允许承载装置围绕更多的一个轴线枢转，与传统的轮不同，可能减少由磨砂造成的磨损。 在一个实施例中，承载装置是围绕垂直和水平轴枢转的旋转轮。 在另一个实施例中，承载装置是围绕无数轴旋转的承重滚珠。

公开(公告)号：US06298932B1

公开(公告)日：2001-10-09

申请号：US09498404

申请日：2000-02-04

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B60K700

CPC分类号： B60B11/00 ,  B66F9/07518

摘要： A multi-disc wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided. The multi-disc wheel assembly includes a plurality of narrow discs assemblies that form a wheel assembly. The plurality of narrow disc assemblies include first and second narrow disc assemblies. A first independent drive mechanism applies a rotational force to the first narrow disc assembly to produce a first speed. A second independent drive mechanism applies a rotational force to the second narrow disc assembly to produce a second speed unequal to the first speed during a vehicle turn to minimize wheel assembly scrub.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种用于车辆的多盘轮组件。 多盘轮组件包括形成车轮组件的多个窄盘组件。 多个窄盘组件包括第一和第二窄盘组件。 第一独立驱动机构将旋转力施加到第一窄盘组件以产生第一速度。 第二独立驱动机构将旋转力施加到第二窄盘组件以在车辆转弯期间产生不等于第一速度的第二速度，以最小化车轮组件磨擦。

公开(公告)号：US06402384B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-11

申请号：US09547547

申请日：2000-04-12

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： F16C3206

CPC分类号： F16C32/0696

摘要： A drive axle assembly includes a stationary member and a rotating member spaced apart from said stationary member to form a gap. A fluid bearing is formed between the stationary and rotating members by filling the gap with a fluid. The fluid creates a bearing surface between the stationary and rotating members. The fluid is pressurized to provide radial and thrust load support for the rotating member as it rotates with respect to the stationary member.

摘要翻译： 驱动轴组件包括固定构件和与所述固定构件间隔开以形成间隙的旋转构件。 通过用流体填充间隙在固定和旋转构件之间形成流体轴承。 流体在固定和旋转构件之间产生支承表面。 当旋转构件相对于固定构件旋转时，流体被加压以提供旋转构件的径向和推力负载支撑。

公开(公告)号：US06345868B1

公开(公告)日：2002-02-12

申请号：US09501839

申请日：2000-02-10

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B60B1100

CPC分类号： B60B11/00 ,  B60B11/02 ,  F16D31/06

摘要： A dual wheel axle assembly for a vehicle is provided for reducing tire wear caused by scrubbing during vehicle turns. The assembly includes an axle housing having an axle shaft arranged within the axle housing. The axle shaft defines a rotational axis. A first wheel hub is supported on an end portion of the axle housing and is mechanically coupled to the axle shaft. A second wheel hub is supported on the end portion adjacent to the first wheel hub. A fluid coupling is interconnected between the axle shaft and the second wheel hub. The fluid coupling has fluid for fluidly driving the second wheel hub through the axle shaft and permitting the second wheel hub to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first wheel hub during the vehicle turn.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种用于车辆的双轮轴组件，用于减少在车辆转弯期间由擦洗引起的轮胎磨损。 组件包括具有布置在轴壳体内的车轴的车轴壳体。 车轴定义了旋转轴。 第一轮毂支撑在车轴壳体的端部上并且机械地联接到车轴。 第二轮毂支撑在与第一轮毂相邻的端部上。 流体联轴器在车轴和第二轮毂​​之间互连。 流体联接器具有用于通过车轴流体驱动第二轮毂的流体，并允许第二轮毂在车辆转弯期间相对于第一轮毂相对于旋转轴线旋转。

公开(公告)号：US06254193B1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-03

申请号：US09590450

申请日：2000-06-09

申请人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

发明人： Larry W. Bowman ,  Patrick D. Laper ,  Richard M. Clisch ,  Raji S. El-Kassouf ,  Michael G. Semke ,  Gary P. Ford ,  Joseph B. Saxon

IPC分类号： B60B1102

CPC分类号： B60K17/16 ,  B60B11/02 ,  B60K17/046

摘要： A dual wheel assembly is provided that includes a spindle having an axle shaft defining a rotational axis. The axle shaft has a drive pinion. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is positioned to be rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is also rotatable about the rotational axis. The second wheel hub may be supported by the first wheel hub or the spindle. A differential assembly is interconnected between the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub. The differential assembly permits both wheels to be driven for increased traction while allowing the second wheel hub to rotate relative to the first wheel hub. A gear reduction assembly interconnects the differential assembly and the drive pinion to provide torque multiplication to the wheel hubs. In this manner, the gear reduction assembly provides the additional torque required for heavy vehicles while the differential assembly allows relative rotation of the wheel hubs.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种双轮组件，其包括具有限定旋转轴线的车轴的心轴。 车轴具有驱动小齿轮。 第一轮毂支撑在主轴上并且被定位成围绕旋转轴线可旋转地驱动。 第二轮毂被布置成与第一轮毂相邻并且也可围绕旋转轴线旋转。 第二轮毂可以由第一轮毂或主轴支撑。 差速组件在第一轮毂和第二轮毂​​之间互连。 差速器组件允许两个车轮被驱动以增加牵引力，同时允许第二轮毂相对于第一轮毂旋转。 齿轮减速组件将差速器组件和驱动小齿轮互连，以向轮毂提供扭矩倍增。 以这种方式，齿轮减速组件提供重型车辆所需的附加扭矩，同时差速器组件允许轮毂的相对旋转。