Wheel assembly with integral electric motor

摘要

The subject invention provides a wheel assembly ( 20 ) having a spindle ( 26 ) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor ( 22 ) is disposed radially about the spindle ( 26 ) and includes a stationary stator ( 34 ) and a rotor ( 36 ) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator ( 34 ). A rotor support ( 40 ) is disposed about the spindle ( 26 ) and includes a collar ( 42 ) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing ( 46 ) on the spindle ( 26 ). The rotor support ( 40 ) includes a flange ( 44 ) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar ( 42 ) to support the rotor ( 36 ). A planetary gear system ( 62 ) interconnects the rotor support ( 40 ) and a wheel drive ( 52 ) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor ( 36 ) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly ( 20 ).