A wheel supporter for a vechicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel support for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a wheel support for a vehicle that achieves lightweighting, increases durability, and is easy to manufacture. The present invention provides a wheel support for a vehicle, characterized by comprising: a first wheel support housing; a second wheel support housing coupled to the first wheel support housing, having a second rim wall that overlaps at least a portion with the first rim wall of the first wheel support housing; and a coupling structure that combines the first rim wall of the first wheel support housing and the second rim wall of the second wheel support housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel support for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a wheel support for a vehicle that achieves lightweighting, increases durability, and is easy to manufacture. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, vehicle lightweighting has become an essential element in the automotive industry for improving fuel efficiency and performance. In particular, since reducing the weight of chassis components plays a crucial role in reducing overall vehicle weight, there is a trend to switch various undercarriage structures, including wheel supports, from conventional cast iron to aluminum alloys.

[0003] However, since aluminum has relatively lower strength and durability compared to cast iron, its application to parts that directly support vehicle loads can lead to a degradation in mechanical performance. In particular, for wheel supports subjected to high pressure and impact, it is difficult to ensure sufficient durability using aluminum alone, and geometric constraints during the casting process limit the implementation of complex structures.

[0004] In addition, conventional wheel supports are often manufactured as a single integrated unit using a single material.

[0005] Although the monolithic structure is simple to manufacture, it is difficult to form hollow sections for weight reduction, and the weight reduction effect is limited due to thickness exceeding what is necessary.

[0006] Therefore, a new structural solution is needed for vehicle wheel supports that simultaneously satisfies lightweighting, durability, and ease of manufacturing. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Registered Patent 10-2724984 (2024. 11. 01) The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention is designed to resolve these problems and aims to provide a vehicle wheel support that achieves lightweighting, enhances durability, and is easy to manufacture. means of solving the problem

[0009] The present invention, for achieving the above purpose, provides a wheel support for a vehicle, comprising: a first wheel support housing; a second wheel support housing coupled to the first wheel support housing, having a second edge wall that overlaps at least a portion with the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing; and a coupling structure that combines the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing and the second edge wall of the second wheel support housing, wherein the first wheel support housing and the second wheel support housing are made of the same material or different materials.

[0010] One of the first perimeter wall of the first wheel support housing and the second perimeter wall of the second wheel support housing is positioned on the outer side and the other is positioned on the inner side, and each perimeter wall is characterized by having a through hole formed through which a coupling structure passes.

[0011] The above-described joint structure is composed of rivets, and is characterized in that the side cross-sectional shape of the rivet that completes the joining of the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing and the second edge wall of the second wheel support housing is provided in an "H" shape.

[0012] The first wheel support housing has a first hollow portion formed inside, and the second wheel support housing has a second hollow portion formed inside, so that a hollow portion is formed inside the wheel support by the first and second hollow portions.

[0013] The connection area where the connection body to the vehicle is connected is provided in a solid form, and the hollow portion is formed across the area between the connection part and the rim of the mounting hole where the hub bearing is mounted, characterized by the wheel support body.

[0014] It is characterized in that one of the first wheel support housing and the second wheel support housing is formed of aluminum, and the other is formed of steel. Effects of the invention

[0015] The present invention, by assembling the first wheel support housing and the second wheel support housing using a combined structure, secures flexibility in the manufacturing process compared to an integrated wheel support and can simultaneously achieve lightweighting and durability through various material combinations.

[0016] By configuring the first and second edge walls of the first and second wheel support housings to overlap and forming a through hole into which a coupling structure can be inserted, precise assembly is possible while improving assembly strength. This allows for the maintenance of structural integrity even after assembly, and prevents a decrease in fastening strength even during long-term use.

[0017] By using rivets as a joining structure and forming an "H"-shaped structure during riveting, the manufacturing process can be simplified while maintaining joint strength compared to conventional welding methods. Furthermore, the riveting method facilitates the joining of dissimilar metals, ensuring rigidity and durability.

[0018] By forming a hollow section within the wheel support, unnecessary weight can be reduced and vehicle fuel efficiency improved. Furthermore, since a lighter design can be achieved while maintaining the same strength as conventional solid structures, the performance of the wheel support can be optimized.

[0019] By designing the main connecting parts (struts, tie rods, and lower arm connections) connected to the vehicle as a solid structure, strength can be secured in areas subjected to high loads and impacts, while applying hollow parts to non-core areas to maximize weight reduction. This allows for effective control of the balance between strength and weight reduction.

[0020] By configuring the first and second wheel support housings from aluminum and steel, respectively, lightweighting can be achieved using aluminum, while durability and strength can be secured by applying steel. The combination of dissimilar materials provides optimal performance and simultaneously satisfies both lightweighting and mechanical stability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a combined perspective view of a wheel support according to the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a rivet constituting a coupling structure in a wheel support according to the present invention is separated. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the process of assembling a wheel support according to the present invention into a joining structure composed of rivets. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are exploded perspective views of a wheel support according to the present invention. FIGS. 6 to 8 are cross-sectional views of various regions of a wheel support according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings.

[0023] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0024] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms.

[0025] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0026] For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be named the first component, and similarly, the first component may be named the second component.

[0027] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related listed items or any of the multiple related listed items.

[0028] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or joined to that other component, there may also be other components in between.

[0029] On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0031] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, provided that identical or corresponding components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the wheel support (1) of the present invention comprises a first wheel support housing (100), a second wheel support housing (200) coupled to the first wheel support housing (100) having a second edge wall (203) that overlaps at least a portion with the side of the first edge wall (103) of the first wheel support housing (100), and a coupling structure (300) that combines the side of the first edge wall (103) of the first wheel support housing (100) with the side of the second edge wall (203) of the second wheel support housing (200).

[0035] A mounting hole (2) for mounting a hub bearing is formed in the center of the wheel support (1), a first connecting part (11) to which a strut is connected is provided on the upper side, a second connecting part (12) to which a tie rod is connected is provided on the side, and a third connecting part (13) to which a lower arm is connected is provided on the lower side.

[0036] Although the drawing uses a knuckle as an example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to other configurations capable of supporting a wheel (e.g., a carrier).

[0037] The first wheel support housing (100) and the second wheel support housing (200) are each manufactured separately, and a first hollow portion (101) and a second hollow portion (201) are formed inside each.

[0038] It is preferable that the first wheel support housing (100) and the second wheel support housing (200) be made of the same material or each of different materials, and in the case of different materials, it is preferable that one of them be made of aluminum and the other be made of steel (e.g., cast iron).

[0039] One can be made of aluminum to contribute to weight reduction, and the other can be made of steel to maintain durability. In addition, as described below, further weight reduction can be achieved by forming a hollow portion (101, 201) inside the wheel support (1).

[0040] In this embodiment, the first edge wall (103) of the first wheel support housing (100) is inserted into the second edge wall (203) of the second wheel support housing, so that the side of the first edge wall (103) of the first wheel support housing (100) and the side of the second edge wall (203) of the second wheel support housing (200) partially overlap.

[0041] Conversely, it is also possible for the second edge wall (203) of the second wheel support housing (200) to be inserted into the second edge wall (203) of the first wheel support housing (100).

[0042] However, as a representative embodiment below, a case in which the second edge wall (203) of the first wheel support housing (100) is inserted into the second edge wall (203) of the second wheel support housing (200) and the sides thereof partially overlap is described in detail.

[0043] First and second through holes (105, 205) through which a coupling structure (300) passes are formed in the first edge wall (103) and the second edge wall (203) of the first wheel support housing (100) and the second wheel support housing (200), and the first and second through holes (105, 205) are positioned such that the coupling structure (300) is inserted into them and coupled.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the joining structure (300) is preferably formed by deforming a rivet (310), but is not limited thereto; any structure capable of joining the side of the first edge wall (103) and the side of the second edge wall (203) of the first wheel support housing (100) and the second wheel support housing (200) is possible.

[0045] Below, the drawing symbol of the joint structure (300) will be described as a rivet joint structure.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rivet (310) forms a joining structure using a rivet gun. The rivet (310) used in the present invention is preferably a blind rivet, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] The rivet (310) includes a rivet body (311) inserted into a through hole (105, 205), a rivet head (312) provided in the rivet body (311) with a diameter larger than that of the rivet body (311), a mandrel (313) inserted into a rivet gun and formed in a long pin shape on one side (outer side) of the rivet body (311), and a mandrel head (314) provided on the other side of the rivet body (311) and hidden inside the rivet body (311) so as not to be seen.

[0048] Although not shown, the mandrel (313) is also inside the rivet body (311), and a fracture point is formed in the mandrel (313) inside the rivet body (311).

[0049] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3(a), the side of the first edge wall (103) of the first wheel support housing (100) and the side of the second edge wall (203) of the second wheel support housing (200) are overlapped so that the first through hole (105) and the second through hole (205) coincide.

[0050] In that state, as illustrated in FIG. 3(b), a rivet body (311) is inserted into the first through hole (105) and the second through hole (205), and when the mandrel (313) is pulled with a rivet gun, the mandrel (313) is pulled and the mandrel head (314) enters the rivet body (311), thereby expanding the outer diameter of the rivet body (311), and the size of the outer diameter is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the first through hole (105) and the second through hole (205).

[0051] In that state, as shown in FIG. 3(c), when the mandrel (313) is separated as the fracture point inside the rivet body (311) is fractured, a roughly 'H'-shaped rivet joint structure is formed, and in the rivet joint structure, the side of the first rim wall (103) and the side of the second rim wall (203) can be firmly joined by being in close contact between the rivet head (312) and the expansion portion (315) of the rivet body (311).

[0052] A plurality of first through holes (105) and second through holes (205) are formed in the first perimeter wall (103) and the second perimeter wall (203), and rivet joint structures are arranged in each of the first through holes (105) and the second through holes (205) to join the first wheel support housing (100) and the second wheel support housing (200).

[0053] Meanwhile, a first hollow portion (101) is formed inside the first wheel support housing (100), and a second hollow portion (201) is formed inside the second wheel support housing (200), so that a hollow portion (101, 201) is formed inside the wheel support (1) by the first hollow portion (101) and the second hollow portion (201).

[0054] The weight reduction of the wheel support (1) can be further achieved through these hollow parts (101, 201).

[0055] However, in order to lighten the wheel support (1), hollow portions (101, 201) are adopted in many areas inside the wheel support (1), but in order to maintain strength, it is desirable that the connecting portions (11, 12, 13) where the connecting body to the vehicle is connected among the components of the wheel support (1) be inevitably provided in a solid form.

[0056] That is, the first connecting part (11) which is a strut connecting part provided on the upper part of the wheel support (1), the second connecting part (12) which is a tie rod connecting part connected to the side, and the third connecting part (13) which is a lower arm connecting part provided on the lower part are adopted in a solid form rather than a hollow form.

[0057] To this end, the first connecting part forming part (111) of the first wheel support housing (100), the second connecting part forming part (112) connected to the side, and the third connecting part forming part (113) provided at the bottom are formed solidly.

[0058] In addition, the first connecting part forming part (211) of the second wheel support housing (200), the second connecting part forming part (212) connected to the side, and the third connecting part forming part (213) provided at the bottom are also formed solidly to correspond to this.

[0059] These solid structures are connected to each other with their broad faces facing each other.

[0060] And, the hollow portion (101, 202) is formed across the area between the first to third connecting portions (11, 12, 13) and the edge of the mounting hole (2) where the hub bearing is mounted.

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, a rivet joint structure (300) is provided while the first perimeter wall (103) is inserted into the second perimeter wall (203), so that the side of the first perimeter wall (103) can be in close contact with the side of the second perimeter wall (203), and thereby the first wheel support housing (100) and the second wheel support housing (200) can be firmly joined.

[0062] Additionally, a hollow portion (101, 201) is formed in the main part inside the wheel support (1), and either the first wheel support housing (100) or the second wheel support housing (200) can be made of aluminum to contribute to weight reduction, while the other can be made of a different material (e.g., steel) that is different and has higher strength, thereby ensuring durability and strength.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely for the purpose of explaining the invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications or equivalent embodiments are possible from the detailed description of the invention.

[0064] Therefore, the true scope of rights of the present invention must be determined by the technical concept of the patent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0065] 100: First wheel support housing 101: First hollow part 103: First perimeter wall 105: First penetration hole 200: Second wheel support housing 201: Second hollow part 203: Second perimeter wall 205: Second penetration hole 300: (Rivet) Joint structure 310: Rivet

Claims

Claim 1 A wheel support for a vehicle, comprising: a first wheel support housing; a second wheel support housing coupled to the first wheel support housing, having a second edge wall that overlaps at least a portion with the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing; and a coupling structure that combines the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing and the second edge wall of the second wheel support housing, wherein the first wheel support housing and the second wheel support housing are made of the same material or different materials. Claim 2 A wheel support for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein either the side of the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing and the side of the second edge wall of the second wheel support housing are positioned on the outer side and the other is positioned on the inner side, and a through hole through which a coupling structure passes is formed in each edge wall. Claim 3 A wheel support for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the above-mentioned coupling structure is composed of a rivet coupling structure, and both ends of the rivet coupling structure that completes the coupling of the first edge wall of the first wheel support housing and the second edge wall of the second wheel support housing are in close contact with the first edge wall and the second edge wall to bring the first and second edge walls into close contact with each other. Claim 4 A wheel support for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a first hollow portion is formed inside the first wheel support housing and a second hollow portion is formed inside the second wheel support housing, so that a hollow portion is formed inside the wheel support by the first and second hollow portions. Claim 5 A wheel support for a vehicle having a hollow portion, characterized in that, in the configuration of the wheel support, the connection portion area where the connection member with the vehicle is connected is provided in a solid form, and the hollow portion is formed across the area between the connection portion and the rim of the mounting hole where the hub bearing is mounted. Claim 6 A wheel support for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first wheel support housing and the second wheel support housing is formed of aluminum and the other is formed of steel.

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