A tie rod with a reduced risk of dislocation of the jointed arm
The tie rod design with a hollow cylindrical main body, jointed arms, and secure attachment features address installation challenges, ensuring precise and reliable fixation, enhancing the reliability and stability of the steering system in heavy commercial vehicles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CA · CA
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SAB OTOMOTIV YEDEK PARCA METAL MAKINA SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing tie rods in heavy commercial vehicles face challenges with accurate installation of jointed arms, leading to potential safety risks, increased operational costs due to varied vehicle models requiring separate stock maintenance, and inefficiencies in existing installation errors, and the need for separate inventory, and inefficiencies in the installation process.
A tie rod design with a hollow cylindrical main body, jointed arms, and a threaded structure for secure attachment, featuring a clamp with a channel and tab to prevent rotation and protrusion, and a cover for precise length adjustment, ensuring correct positioning and stability.
The solution enhances the reliability and stability of the tie rod by ensuring secure and reliable fixation of the jointed arm, ensuring precise and reliable fixation of the jointed arm, enhancing the reliability and stability of the system, ensuring precise and reliable fixation of the jointed arm, enhancing the reliability and stability of the system, ensuring precise and reliable fixation of the jointed arm, and enhancing the reliability and stability of the system, ensuring secure and reliable fixation of the jointed arm, ensuring that the reliability and stability of the system are maintained.
Abstract
Description
DESCRIPTION A TIE ROD WITH A REDUCED RISK OF DISLOCATION OF THE JOINTED ARM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a tie rod for use in vehicles. In particular, it relates to a tie rod comprising at least one main body of hollow construction and at least one jointed arm located on at least one of the opposite sides of said main body and having an arm portion that can be at least partially inserted into said main body, for allowing the transmission of movement for steering the vehicle. PRIOR ART Tie rod arms, used in heavy commercial vehicles, are a central component within the steering system and are a critical fastener that transmits steering movement to the front wheels or between two wheels or between moving axles. Steering arms, on the other hand, are usually a fastener that allows movement transmission between the steering wheel / steering box and a wheel. It transmits the movement it receives from the steering box or rack gear to the wheels carrying heavy loads, ensuring that the wheels are directed at the desired angle during the maneuvers of the vehicle. This tie rod is connected to the steering box at one end and the wheel steering component at the other, and usually owing to its jointed ends, it adapts to the suspension system and offers flexible mobility. In the steering system of heavy commercial vehicles, the tie rod arm undertakes an important function for safe driving by providing the precision and balance required in high-tonnage transportation. Application No.US11396905B2 known in the literature is related to a center linkage apparatus used to connect two components, specifically two spindles, of a movable system in vehicles. The invention introduces an apparatus that includes the spindle end components and the center component. These components are installed on the center component by rotating them in different directions, thus minimizing assembly errors. The apparatus can be applied flexibly and universally to adapt to the designs of different vehicle manufacturers. It also includes a variety of marks and locking mechanisms to ensure that these components are installed correctly and securely. The tie rods used in the present art are configured with a main tube and jointed arms mounted at opposite ends of this tube. This structure plays a fundamental role in transmitting the steering movements of the vehicle to the wheels. However, accurately determining the amount of insertion of the jointed arms into the main tube is a major challenge, especially in heavy vehicle applications. An incorrect installation or adjustment can seriously compromise the functionality and durability of the tie rod. This can lead to a loss of precision in the vehicle's steering ability and potential safety risks. In addition, the need for different tie rod sizes for each vehicle model poses a significant challenge both in the production process and in the servicing phase. The need for customized tie rod sizes for different vehicle brands and models necessitates workshops to maintain separate stock for each model, which increases operational costs and complexity. In addition, it is imperative that tie rods are designed to maintain safe maximum and minimum axis distances in order to prevent the jointed arms from protruding too far. Otherwise, excessive protrusion of the jointed arms as a result of incorrect adjustments may cause the tie rod to lose its functionality, which can lead to serious accidents caused by the vehicle. As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a tie rod for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the relevant technical field. An object of the invention is to introduce a tie rod to increase the reliability of the system during installation and use by providing a secure and stable fixation of the jointed arm to the main body. Another object of the invention is to introduce a tie rod that is easy to install in the correct length and position. Another object of the invention is to facilitate the installation process of the tie rod and minimize operator errors, shortening the installation time and saving labor. In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is a tie rod comprising at least one main body of hollow construction, comprising at least one jointed arm located on at least one of the opposite sides of said main body and having an arm portion that can be at least partially inserted into said main body, and having a threaded structure for rotatably connecting the side of the main body facing the jointed arm and the side of said arm portion facing the main body, for allowing the transmission of movement for steering the vehicle. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one clamp on the side of the main body facing the jointed arm to prevent the jointed arm from rotating relative to the main body, it comprises at least one channel positioned on the lateral surface of the arm portion in the direction of extension to prevent the jointed arm from detaching or protruding a risky amount, and it comprises at least one tab on said clamp for form-fit positioning in said channel. A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one flap on the side of the main body facing the arm portion for the clamp to secure the arm portion, and it is configured such that the flap is at least partially flexed towards the arm portion by tightening the clamp. Thus, the clamp securely fixes the jointed arm, preventing the arm from moving during and after installation and increasing the stability of the system. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the channel is located in a limited portion of the arm portion to prevent risky installation of the arm portion on the main body. Thus, the arm portion is prevented from protruding in the wrong position or too far with respect to the main body. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one first jointed arm and at least one second jointed arm on opposite sides of the main body. This ensures that steering movements are transmitted evenly and evenly. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the clamp comprises at least one clamp collar wrapped around the main body and on which the tab is positioned, and a clamping end on opposite sides of said clamp collar. Thus, the clamp firmly fixes the jointed arm, preventing the arm from slipping and increasing the reliability of the system. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one joint portion on the jointed arm to allow contact with the vehicle, and at least one cover to prevent the dislocation of purlin from said joint portion. Thus, the jointed arm is securely attached to the vehicle and the purlin fixed in place, ensuring the stability of the connection and the longevity of the system. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one shaped section in the center of said cover to allow the length of the tie rod to be measured more precisely by the operator during installation. Thus, during the installation of the tie rod, the length can be precisely adjusted and the correct axis distance is achieved, preventing installation errors and performance losses. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the vehicle used is of heavy commercial type. Thus, the tie rod works safely and durably in heavy commercial vehicles with high load carrying capacity, increasing the reliability of the vehicle's steering system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 shows a representative perspective view of the tie rod of the invention. Fig. 2a shows a representative perspective view of the jointed arm on the tie rod of the invention. Fig. 2b shows a representative partial cross-sectional view of the jointed arm on the tie rod of the invention. Fig. 2c shows a representative partial cross-sectional view of the jointed arm on the tie rod of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a representative perspective view of the clamp on the tie rod of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a representative perspective view of the cover on the tie rod of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect. Fig. 1 shows a representative perspective view of the tie rod (1) of the invention. Accordingly, the tie rod (1) of the invention is a component that transmits steering movements to the wheels or moving axles as part of the steering system in vehicles. The vehicle mentioned to in the invention is a heavy commercial type vehicle in the preferred embodiment. However, the invention not being limited thereto, is also applicable to light vehicles in alternative embodiments. The tie rod (1) is one of the components of the steering system and serves for steering the wheels of the vehicle. The tie rod (1), which transmits the movement of the steering wheel to the wheels, ensures that the wheels rotate at the right angle, especially during turns. It is usually a fastener that transfers the movement it receives from the steering box (or gear box) to the wheels of the vehicle. The tie rod (1) is designed to ensure smooth steering of the vehicle and comprises a hollow cylindrical main body (10) and at least one jointed arm (10) placed on at least one of the two opposite sides of this main body (20), preferably on both. On opposite sides of the main body (10) it comprises a first jointed arm (20a) on one side and a second jointed arm (20b) on the other side. The tie rod (1) increases the maneuverability of the vehicle, while ensuring steering preciseness and driving safety. The main body (10) is the center component of the tie rod (1) and is configured in the form of a hollow cylinder. This main body (10) allows the jointed arms (20) to be inserted inside and adjusted as needed. The main body (10) is the main part to support the structural integrity and functionality of the tie rod (1). The surface of the main body (10) facing the inner cavity has a threaded structure for the insertion of jointed arms (20). This structure allows the jointed arms (20) to be inserted and removed from the main body (10) and fixed in the desired correct position. At least one of the opposite sides of the main body (10) can be marked. With this marking, the right-left distinction of the tie rod (1) becomes easy. Fig. 2a shows a representative perspective view of the jointed arm (20) on the tie rod (1) of the invention. Accordingly, the jointed arm (20) is the components located on both sides of the tie rod (1) that transmit the steering movements to the wheels. Each jointed arm (20) has two main parts, the spherical joint portion (21) and the arm portion (23). Said joint portion (21) provides flexible connection during the movements of the vehicle, while the arm portion (23) is inserted in the main body (10). To allow this, it comprises at least one purlin (22) in the joint portion (21) and at least one spherical portion (24) in the arm portion (23) to allow the spherical movement of said purlin (22). The purlin (22) allows the tie rod (1) to be fixed in a predetermined place on the vehicle. The spherical portion (24) may be in the form of a rounded hole that at least partially surrounds the purlin (22) to allow for said spherical movement. Fig. 2b and 2c show a representative partial cross-sectional view of the jointed arm (20) on the tie rod (1) of the invention. Accordingly, the outer surface of the arm portion (23) is threaded, and this threaded structure ensures that the arm portion (23) is correctly inserted and fixed in the main body (10). For this, the arm portion (23) enters, exits or is positioned as desired in the main body (10) by being rotated around the main body (10) around itself. Further, there is at least one channel (25) on the lateral surface of the jointed arm (20). Said channel (25) has the form of an inward recess provided in the arm portion (23) and is in the form of an inward recess at a certain distance on the lateral surface of the arm portion (23). The structure of the canal (25) is not an inward recess along the length of the arm portion (23). The limited size of the channel (25) limits the amount of protrusion of the arm portion (23) through the main body (10). The channel (25) ensures the safety of the system by preventing the arm portion (23) from rotating and protruding more than necessary. At least one clamp (30) is provided on the main body (10) to allow this. Fig. 3 shows a representative perspective view of the clamp (30) on the tie rod (1) of the invention. Accordingly, the clamp (30) is a fastener used in the tie rod (1) system, allowing the jointed arm (20) to be securely fixed to the main body (10). The main function of the clamp (30) is to prevent the jointed arm (20) from rotating relative to the main body (10) and to prevent the jointed arm (20) from protruding too much. It keeps the movement of the jointed arm (20) under control by compression by means of flaps (not shown in Figures), which are generally located on the main body (10). The flap structure is the portion of the main body (10) with cut-outs on the side facing the jointed arm (20). By means of these cut-outs, the flaps have a structure that can be flexed inwards in the direction of extension of the main body (10). The clamp (30) comprises at least one clamp collar (31) placed around the main body (10) and at least one small clamping end (32) each on opposite sides of said clamp collar (31). A fastener inserted through the said clamping ends snaps the clamping ends (32) against each other, so that the flaps rest against the arm portion (23). In addition, the clamp collar (31) comprises at least one tab (33) on one side. Said tab (33) is in the form of a protrusion extending from the clamp collar (31) to its center. The tab (33) is inserted into the channel (25) in the arm portion (23), allowing form-fit connection of the arm portion (23) and the main body (10). With the insertion of the tab (33) into the channel (25), the arm (23) is connected to the main body (10). In this positioning, the clamping ends (32) of the clamp (30) are in a position that is accessible to the operator and provides ergonomic convenience. The operator can tighten the clamp (30) without physical difficulty. Since the bolt nut on the clamp (30) is always on the side of the operator making the installation in the correct installation position, easy installation is ensured. This simplifies and also speeds up the installation process. With the tab (33) portion of the clamp (30), the arm portion (23) can be connected only along the length of the channel (25) and tightening cannot be done otherwise. In this way, the undesired protrusion of the arm portion (23) from the main body (10) is prevented. Fig. 4 shows a representative perspective view of the cover (40) on the tie rod (1) of the invention. Accordingly, the cover (40) is the component located in the jointed portion of the tie rod (1) and ensuring that the purlin (22) is securely fixed. The cover (40) is used to maintain the functionality of the jointed arm (20) and to increase its overall durability. The cover (40) ensures the stability of the jointed arm (20) by fixing the purlin (22) in the spherical portion (24). There is at least one shaped section (41) on the center of the cover (40). Said shaped section (41) allows the operator to measure the length of the tie rod (1) more precisely. This shaped section (41) helps to accurately adjust the axis distance of the tie rod (1) and thus ensures that the system works with precision during and after installation. This feature contributes to the installation of the tie rod (1) securely and with correct length, and the vehicle's steering system works more efficiently and safely. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the channel (25) and clamp (30) structures on the tie rod (1) provide critical benefits in terms of the safety and functionality of the system. The channel (25) structure prevents the jointed arm (20) from protruding more than necessary in the main body (10), increasing the stability of the tie rod (1) and preventing undesired movements. The clamp (30) ensures that the jointed arm (20) is firmly fixed to the main body (10), ensuring that the jointed arm (20) remains in the correct position. The tab (33) located on the clamp (30) engages with the channel (25) on the jointed arm (20), allowing the jointed arm (20) to move only along the channel (25). In this way, the jointed arm (20) is prevented from protruding more than necessary. In addition, if the tab (33) is inserted into the channel (25), it allows easy installation for the operator. This structure ensures that the correct position is maintained during the installation of the tie rod (1), ensuring that the system works with precision and has a long service life. This results in a safe and efficient steering system for a wide range, from heavy commercial vehicles to light vehicles. The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN DRAWING 1 Tie Rod 10 Main Body 20 Jointed Arm 20a First Jointed Arm 20b Second Jointed Arm 21 Joint Portion 22 Purlin 23 Arm Portion 24 Spherical Portion 25 Channel 30 Clamp 31 Clamp Collar 32 Clamping End 33 Tab 40 Cover 41 Shaped Portion 5
Claims
<pat:ClaimStatement>CLAIMS< / pat:ClaimStatement> <pat:Claims com:id="claims"> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00001"> <pat:ClaimNumber>1< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>1. A tie rod (1) comprising at least one main body (10) of hollow construction, comprising at least one jointed arm (20) located on at least one of the opposite sides of said main body (10) and having an arm portion (23) that can be at least partially inserted into said main body (10), and having a threaded structure for rotatably connecting the side of the main body (10) facing the jointed arm (20) and the side of said arm portion (23) facing the main body (10), for allowing the transmission of movement for steering the vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one clamp (30) on the side of the main body (10) facing the jointed arm (20) to prevent the jointed arm (20) from rotating relative to the main body (10), it comprises at least one channel (25) positioned on the lateral surface of the arm portion (23) in the direction of extension to prevent the jointed arm (20) from detaching or protruding a risky amount, and it comprises at least one tab (33) on said clamp (30) for form-fit positioning in said channel (25). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00002"> <pat:ClaimNumber>2< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>2. A tie rod (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel (25) is located in a limited location of the arm portion (23) to prevent risky installation of the arm portion (23) on the main body (10). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00003"> <pat:ClaimNumber>3< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>3. A tie rod (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one first jointed arm (20a) and at least one second jointed arm (20b) on opposite sides of the main body (10). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00004"> <pat:ClaimNumber>4< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>4. A tie rod (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamp (30) comprises at least one clamp collar (31) wrapped around the main body (10) and on which the tab (33) is positioned, and a clamping end (32) on opposite sides of said clamp collar (31). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00005"> <pat:ClaimNumber>5< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>5. A tie rod (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one joint portion (21) on the jointed arm (20) to allow contact with the vehicle, and at least one cover (40) to prevent the dislocation of purlin (22) from said joint portion (21). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00006"> <pat:ClaimNumber>6< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>6. A tie rod (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one shaped section (41) in the center of said cover (40) to allow the length of the tie rod (1) to be measured more precisely by the operator during installation. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00007"> <pat:ClaimNumber>7< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>7. A tie rod (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle in which it is used is of the heavy commercial type. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> < / pat:Claims>