REAR SUSPENSION UNIT FOR A VEHICLE, HAVING A RIGID AXLE AND AN ELECTRIC MOTOR UNIT MOUNTED ON THE AXLE

摘要

A vehicle rear suspension unit, particularly for light duty vehicles configured as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), comprises a rigid axle (2) having opposite end portions carrying respective wheel supports (3). The end portions of the rigid axle (2) are suspended to the vehicle frame (F) through a pair of leaf springs (12). The rear suspension unit includes an electric motor (7) for traction of the rear wheels (R). The electric motor (7) is arranged centrally with respect to the rigid axle (2) and has two output shafts projecting from opposite ends of the electric motor (7) for traction of the wheels (R). The electric motor (7) is mounted onto the rigid axle (2) so that it constitutes a non-suspended mass. In one example, the rigid axle (2) includes two cross-member structures (20) having at least their central portions (20A) spaced apart from each other. The electric motor (7) is mounted onto said cross-member structures (20) within the space defined between their central portions (20A).