Lower control arm assembly and vehicles with it

Abstract

This invention discloses a lower control arm assembly and a vehicle having the same. The lower control arm assembly includes a lower control arm body and a ball joint assembly. The lower control arm body includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate disposed opposite to each other. The ball joint assembly is connected to one end of the lower control arm body. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate abutting each other to form a connecting portion. At the connecting portion, the opposite sides of the first connecting plate are respectively provided with first flanges extending toward the second connecting plate, and the opposite sides of the second connecting plate are respectively provided with second flanges fixedly connected to the first flanges. In this embodiment of the lower control arm assembly, by providing the second flanges, the first and second flanges can be connected first during the assembly and connection of the lower control arm body to provide positioning, thereby reducing the difficulty of subsequent lower control arm body connection. It also avoids a large gap between the first and second connecting plates at the connecting portion due to deformation of the lower control arm body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle component technology, and in particular to a lower control arm assembly and a vehicle having the same. Background Technology

[0002] The lower control arm assembly serves as the guiding mechanism for the MacPherson strut suspension. It is formed into a triangular structure, with the main structure consisting of stamped parts and welded bushings. The wheel side has a control arm ball joint, and the body side has a control arm bushing. Typically, the body side is connected to the vehicle's subframe via the control arm bushing, and the wheel side is connected to the vehicle's wheel via the control arm ball joint, in order to transmit force and torque.

[0003] In existing technologies, to improve the buckling strength, modal dynamics, and load-bearing capacity of the lower control arm assembly, the main structure of the lower control arm assembly is usually designed as a double-plate structure. However, during the welding process of the double-plate structure, welding deformation can cause a large gap between the double-plate structures. This can easily cause abnormal noises in the lower control arm assembly during driving, reducing the user experience. Furthermore, on the wheel side of the lower control arm assembly, the large gap between the double plates can also cause torque attenuation of the fasteners connecting the control arm ball pins, thereby reducing the connection reliability between the control arm ball pins and the double plates, which in turn reduces the overall structural reliability of the lower control arm assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a lower control arm assembly in which a double-layer plate structure can be tightly connected on the side near the ball joint assembly, thereby avoiding abnormal noise from the lower control arm assembly and improving the overall structural reliability of the lower control arm assembly. This solves the technical problems in the prior art where the lower control arm assembly is prone to abnormal noise and the connection reliability between the ball joint assembly and the lower control arm body is low.

[0005] The present invention also aims to provide a vehicle having the aforementioned lower control arm assembly.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lower control arm assembly includes: a lower control arm body, the lower control arm body including a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate disposed opposite to each other; a ball pin assembly connected to one end of the lower control arm body; wherein the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate near the ball pin assembly abut against each other to form a connecting portion, at the connecting portion, the opposite two sides of the first connecting plate are respectively provided with a first flange extending toward the second connecting plate, and the opposite two sides of the second connecting plate are respectively provided with a second flange fixedly connected to the first flange.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower control arm assembly has a second flange on the second connecting plate near the ball pin assembly, and the second flange is fixedly connected to the first flange. This allows the first and second flanges to be fixedly connected before the entire first and second connecting plates are assembled. The fixed connection of the first and second flanges provides positioning, reducing the difficulty of connecting the lower control arm body and improving connection efficiency. It also allows for the fixed connection of the first and second connecting plates near the ball pin assembly, preventing a large gap between the first and second connecting plates at the connection point due to welding deformation of the lower control arm body. This avoids gaps between the first and second connecting plates near the ball pin assembly caused by welding deformation of the lower control arm body. This prevents abnormal noise from the lower control arm assembly during driving and also prevents torque attenuation of the fasteners connecting the ball pin assembly due to gaps, thereby improving the connection strength between the ball pin assembly and the lower control arm body, and thus improving the overall structural stability of the lower control arm assembly. In other words, by setting a second flange that is fixedly connected to the first flange on the second connecting plate, this application can reduce the difficulty of connecting the lower control arm body, avoid abnormal noise from the lower control arm assembly, and improve the connection strength between the ball pin assembly and the lower control arm body.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the lower control arm assembly, the first connecting plate and the first flange cooperate to form an open limiting cavity, and the second flange and a portion of the second connecting plate are adapted to be limited within the limiting cavity through the open cavity.

[0009] Optionally, within the limiting cavity, one end of the second flange is connected to the second connecting plate, and the other end of the second flange extends obliquely toward the direction of the first flange and abuts against the first flange.

[0010] Optionally, within the limiting cavity, one end of the second flange is connected to the second connecting plate, and the other end of the second flange extends in a direction away from the first connecting plate, so that the extension direction of the second flange is consistent with and parallel to the first flange; the side of the second flange close to the first flange is in contact with and connected to the first flange.

[0011] Optionally, the first flange and the second flange are welded together.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the lower control arm assembly, a body portion is formed by a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate spaced apart from the ball pin assembly, and a buffer cavity is formed between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

[0013] Optionally, the height of the buffer cavity is H, where 25mm ≤ H ≤ 35mm.

[0014] Optionally, in the main body, the first connecting plate has a third flange extending toward the second connecting plate on its opposite sides, and the second connecting plate has a fourth flange extending toward the first connecting plate on its opposite sides, and the third flange and the fourth flange are welded together.

[0015] Optionally, the first flange and the third flange are integrally formed.

[0016] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the aforementioned lower control arm assembly.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, by employing the aforementioned lower control arm assembly, the vehicle can avoid abnormal noises and squeaks during vehicle operation, while also improving the structural stability of internal vehicle components.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of the lower control arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the lower control arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the lower control arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the lower control arm body according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the lower control arm body according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting portion of the lower control arm body according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting portion of the lower control arm body according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the body portion of the lower control arm body according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a side view of a lower control arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 1000. Lower control arm assembly;

[0031] 100. Lower control arm body;

[0032] 111. First connecting plate; 112. Second connecting plate;

[0033] 121. First flanging; 122. Second flanging; 123. Third flanging; 124. Fourth flanging;

[0034] 131. Limiting cavity; 132. Buffer cavity;

[0035] 141. Connecting part; 142. Main body part;

[0036] 151. First connecting pipe; 152. Second connecting pipe;

[0037] 160, Weight reduction hole; 170, Positioning hole; 180, Leakage hole; 190, Mounting hole;

[0038] 200. Ball pin assembly;

[0039] 300. First bushing;

[0040] 400, Second bushing;

[0041] 500. Fasteners. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0044] The lower control arm assembly 1000 of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a lower control arm assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lower control arm body 100 and a ball pin assembly 200.

[0046] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lower control arm body 100 includes a first connecting plate 111 and a second connecting plate 112, which are arranged opposite to each other. This means that the lower control arm body 100 includes two connecting plates and the two connecting plates are arranged opposite to each other. The opposite arrangement can be understood as one side of the first connecting plate 111 facing one side of the second connecting plate 112.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ball joint assembly 200 is connected to one end of the lower control arm body 100. This achieves a fixed connection between the lower control arm body 100 and the ball joint assembly 200, and also allows the lower control arm body 100 to support the ball joint assembly 200, thereby improving the positional stability of the ball joint assembly 200 and facilitating the formation of the lower control arm assembly 1000. The ball joint assembly 200 is suitable for connection with the vehicle's wheel to achieve a fixed connection between the lower control arm assembly 1000 and the vehicle's wheel.

[0048] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a first connecting plate 111 and a second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200 abut against each other to form a connecting portion 141. At the connecting portion 141, the opposite sides of the first connecting plate 111 are respectively provided with first flanges 121 extending toward the second connecting plate 112, and the opposite sides of the second connecting plate 112 are respectively provided with second flanges 122 fixedly connected to the first flanges 121. That is, near the ball pin assembly 200, the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 abut against each other, and the first connecting plate 111 is provided with the first flange 121, and the second connecting plate 112 is provided with the second flange 122. The second flange 122 is fixedly connected to the first flange 121, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112.

[0049] As can be seen from the above structure, the lower control arm assembly 1000 of the present invention, by setting a lower control arm body 100 composed of a first connecting plate 111 and a second connecting plate 112, can make the lower control arm body 100 form a double-layer plate structure, so as to effectively improve the overall buckling strength of the lower control arm body 100 and make the lower control arm body 100 have advantages such as high modal strength and strong load-bearing capacity, thereby improving the structural performance of the lower control arm assembly 1000.

[0050] By setting the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200 to abut against each other, the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 can limit each other's positional stability, which improves the structural stability of the lower control arm body 100 near the ball pin assembly 200. This facilitates the stable connection of the ball pin assembly 200 to the lower control arm body 100 and improves the connection strength between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100.

[0051] By providing a first flange 121 on the first connecting plate 111 and a second flange 122 on the second connecting plate 112 that can be fixedly connected to the first flange 121, the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 can be fixedly connected before assembling and connecting the entire first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112. At this time, the fixedly connected first flange 121 and second flange 122 can play a positioning role, so that the relative position of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 is stable, thereby facilitating the subsequent connection of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, thereby reducing the connection difficulty of the lower swing arm body 100 and improving the connection efficiency.

[0052] Meanwhile, after the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are fixedly connected, the positions of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 can be limited to prevent the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 from shaking or shifting in position. In other words, it ensures that the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 can effectively abut against each other, and avoids a large gap between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200 due to the welding deformation of the lower swing arm body 100. In other words, it avoids a large gap between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 at the connecting part 141.

[0053] This design serves several purposes. First, it prevents the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 of the lower control arm assembly 1000 from colliding and rubbing against each other during vehicle movement, thus extending their service life. Second, it prevents the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 from colliding and causing abnormal noise during vehicle movement, thereby reducing the noise generated by the lower control arm assembly 1000 during use. Third, it prevents the torque attenuation of the fastener 500 connecting the ball pin assembly 200 from being reduced due to gaps, thus ensuring that the ball pin assembly 200 can be stably connected to the lower control arm body 100 using the fastener 500, thereby improving the connection strength between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100, which in turn improves the overall structural stability of the lower control arm assembly 1000.

[0054] In other words, by providing a second flange 122 fixedly connected to the first flange 121 on the second connecting plate 112, this application achieves the following: firstly, it reduces the difficulty of connecting the lower control arm body 100; secondly, it avoids abnormal noise and wear during operation of the lower control arm assembly 1000; and thirdly, it improves the connection strength between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100, thereby improving the overall structural stability of the lower control arm assembly 1000.

[0055] It should be noted that by setting the first flange 121 to extend toward the second connecting plate 112, it is ensured that the first flange 121 can be set close to the second connecting plate 112, that is, it is ensured that the first flange 121 can be set close to the second flange 122 on the second connecting plate 112, thereby facilitating the fixed connection between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 and reducing the difficulty of connecting the first flange 121 and the second flange 122.

[0056] Understandably, compared to the prior art, this application provides second flanges 122 fixedly connected to the first flange 121 on opposite sides of the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200. This allows the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 to cooperate in fixing the relative positions of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200, avoiding gaps between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200. This prevents abnormal noise and friction from relative movement of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, and also prevents torque attenuation of the fastener 500 connecting the ball pin assembly 200. This ensures that the ball pin assembly 200 can be stably connected to the lower control arm body 100 using the fastener 500.

[0057] Optionally, both the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 are made by stamping, so that both the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 are formed as stamped parts. This reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, and also improves the structural strength of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112.

[0058] Optionally, the first flange 121 and the first connecting plate 111 are integrally formed. This ensures that the first flange 121 can be set on the first connecting plate 111, reducing the difficulty of connecting the first flange 121 and the first connecting plate 111, while increasing the connection strength between the first flange 121 and the first connecting plate 111. In this way, when the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are fixedly connected, the fixed connection between the first connecting plate 111 and the second flange 122 can be achieved.

[0059] Optionally, the second flange 122 is integrally formed with the second connecting plate 112. The beneficial effects produced are similar to those produced by the integral forming of the first flange 121 and the first connecting plate 111, and will not be repeated here.

[0060] Optionally, the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are welded together. The welding connection not only achieves a fixed connection between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122, but also improves the connection strength between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122, thereby stabilizing the relative position of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112.

[0061] In a specific example, the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are welded using carbon dioxide and argon gas shielding to achieve a fixed connection between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122.

[0062] In the description of this invention, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or importance.

[0063] In some examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting part 141 of the lower control arm body 100 is provided with a mounting hole 190. The ball pin assembly 200 is adapted to be fixedly connected to the connecting part 141 by a fastener 500 passing through the mounting hole 190, that is, to be fixedly connected to the lower control arm body 100.

[0064] When the lower swing arm body 100 includes a first connecting plate 111 and a second connecting plate 112, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 at the connecting part 141 are both provided with mounting holes 190, and the mounting holes 190 on the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 are arranged facing each other, so as to use fasteners 500 to achieve a fixed connection between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100.

[0065] Optionally, the fastener 500 can be a fastening bolt, which passes through the mounting hole 190 and is fixedly connected to the ball pin assembly 200 to achieve a fixed connection between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100, and can also achieve a detachable connection between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the ball pin assembly 200 and improving the connection efficiency between the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100.

[0066] Furthermore, by detachably connecting the ball pin assembly 200 to the lower control arm body 100, if the ball pin assembly 200 is damaged during subsequent use of the lower control arm assembly 1000, the user can replace the ball pin assembly 200 separately, avoiding the need to replace the entire lower control arm assembly 1000. This extends the service life of the lower control arm assembly 1000 and reduces its operating costs.

[0067] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, multiple mounting holes 190 are spaced apart on the lower control arm body 100. Multiple fasteners 500 can be used to securely connect the ball pin assembly 200 and the lower control arm body 100, thereby increasing the connection strength between them. A schematic diagram illustrating the connection of the ball pin assembly 200 to the lower control arm body 100 using fasteners 500 can also be found [reference needed]. Figure 9 .

[0068] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting plate 111 and the first flange 121 cooperate to form an open limiting cavity 131, and the second flange 122 and part of the second connecting plate 112 are adapted to be limited within the limiting cavity 131 through the open cavity. On the one hand, this allows the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200 to be positioned close to the first connecting plate 111, thereby facilitating the mutual abutment of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112; on the other hand, it also allows the second flange 122 to be positioned close to the first flange 121, facilitating the subsequent fixed connection of the first flange 121 and the second flange 122.

[0070] Furthermore, by setting the second flange 122 and part of the second connecting plate 112 within the limiting cavity 131, the limiting cavity 131 can be used to quickly position the installation position of the second connecting plate 112 during the assembly process of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112. At the same time, after the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 are connected, the limiting cavity 131 can also be used to limit the position of the second connecting plate 112, so that the position of the second connecting plate 112 relative to the first connecting plate 111 is stable. In addition, the first connecting plate 111 and the first flange 121 can also be used to protect the second connecting plate 112, preventing external structures from impacting or contacting the second connecting plate 112, thereby extending the service life of the second connecting plate 112.

[0071] Optionally, combined Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, within the limiting cavity 131, one end of the second flange 122 is connected to the second connecting plate 112, and the other end of the second flange 122 extends obliquely toward the first flange 121 and abuts against the first flange 121. This allows the second flange 122 to contact the first flange 121, thereby facilitating the fixed connection between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122.

[0072] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 As shown, by tilting the second flange 122, firstly, it facilitates the connection of one end of the second flange 122 to the first flange 121, thereby simplifying the connection between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 and reducing the difficulty of connecting them; secondly, the tilted second flange 122 reduces the width of the second connecting plate 112. That is, when the second flange 122 is tilted relative to the second connecting plate 112, compared to when the second flange 122 is perpendicular to the second connecting plate 112, the width of the second connecting plate 112 is reduced. In terms of configuration, the width of the second connecting plate 112 can be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the material used in the second connecting plate 112. This reduces the production cost of the second connecting plate 112 and also reduces its weight, thus achieving a lightweight design for the lower swing arm body 100. Thirdly, the inclined second flange 122 can support and limit each other with the first connecting plate 111 and the first flange 121, forming a stable triangular structure between the second flange 122, the first connecting plate 111, and the first flange 121, thereby improving the structural stability of the lower swing arm body 100.

[0073] In other examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, within the limiting cavity 131, one end of the second flange 122 is connected to the second connecting plate 112, and the other end of the second flange 122 extends in a direction away from the first connecting plate 111, so that the extension direction of the second flange 122 is consistent with that of the first flange 121 and they are parallel to each other. That is to say, the second flange 122 is not limited to being inclined relative to the second connecting plate 112. The second flange 122 can also be configured to extend in a direction away from the first connecting plate 111 to form a second flange 122 perpendicular to the second connecting plate 112, so that the second flange 122 and the first flange 121 extend in the same direction and are parallel to each other, which facilitates the subsequent fixed connection of the first flange 121 and the second flange 122.

[0074] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the side of the second flange 122 closest to the first flange 121 is in contact with and connected to the first flange 121. This achieves a fixed connection between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122.

[0075] It should be noted that by setting the second flange 122 to be consistent with and parallel to the extension direction of the first flange 121, on the one hand, the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 can be connected in the same direction. In this way, while the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are fixedly connected, the first connecting plate 111 near the first flange 121 and the second connecting plate 112 near the second flange 122 can abut against each other. On the other hand, the contact area between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 can be increased, thus improving the connection strength between the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 when they are fixedly connected.

[0076] In the process of connecting the lower control arm body 100 in this application, the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are welded first, and then the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 at other positions are welded. This avoids the gap caused by the overall welding deformation when welding the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 at other positions, which would consume the tightening torque of the fastener 500 and thus avoid abnormal noise caused by torque attenuation during driving.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, a first connecting plate 111 and a second connecting plate 112, spaced apart from the ball pin assembly 200, form a body portion 142, with a buffer cavity 132 formed between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112. In other words, the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 abut against each other near the ball pin assembly 200 and are fixedly connected by the cooperation of a first flange 121 and a second flange 122. The first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 are spaced apart at a position away from the ball pin assembly 200 to facilitate the formation of a buffer cavity 132 between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112.

[0078] The buffer cavity 132 can buffer and absorb energy when the lower control arm body 100 is impacted, thereby avoiding deformation and cracks in the lower control arm body 100 caused by large impacts during driving, and further improving the structural stability of the lower control arm body 100.

[0079] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the height of the buffer cavity 132 is H, where 25mm ≤ H ≤ 35mm. When the height H of the buffer cavity 132 is less than 25mm, the buffering and energy absorption effect of the buffer cavity 132 will be reduced, meaning that the buffer cavity 132 cannot be effectively used to improve the structural stability of the lower control arm body 100. When the height H of the buffer cavity 132 is greater than 35mm, on the one hand, it will increase the overall height of the lower control arm body 100, thereby increasing the space occupied by the lower control arm body 100 and making the layout of the lower control arm body 100 more difficult; on the other hand, it will also increase the material used in the lower control arm body 100, thereby increasing the production cost and weight of the lower control arm body 100.

[0080] Therefore, this application sets the height of the buffer cavity 132 to be greater than or equal to 25mm and less than or equal to 35mm. While effectively ensuring the buffer energy absorption effect of the buffer cavity 132, it can also reduce the space occupied by the lower swing arm body 100, thereby reducing the material used in the lower swing arm body 100, reducing the production cost of the lower swing arm body 100 and reducing its weight, thus facilitating the lightweighting of the lower swing arm body 100.

[0081] It should be emphasized that by setting the lower control arm body 100 formed by the cooperation of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, and controlling the height of the buffer cavity 132 between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 to be between 25mm and 35mm, this application can effectively increase the buckling value of the lower control arm body 100 to more than 40KN and ensure that the first mode of the lower control arm body 100 can reach more than 350Hz, thereby improving the deformation resistance of the lower control arm body 100 and reducing the noise generated by the lower control arm body 100 during driving.

[0082] In summary, the lower control arm body 100 of this application is welded with double-layer plates (first connecting plate 111 and second connecting plate 112) and the height of the buffer cavity 132 is optimized to effectively improve the buckling value of the lower control arm body 100, thereby solving the technical problems of lower control arm deformation and low control arm mode in the prior art under large impact.

[0083] Optionally, at the body portion 142, such as Figure 8As shown, the first connecting plate 111 has a third flange 123 extending toward the second connecting plate 112 on its opposite sides, and the second connecting plate 112 has a fourth flange 124 extending toward the first connecting plate 111 on its opposite sides. The third flange 123 and the fourth flange 124 are welded together. That is, the third flange 123 on the first connecting plate 111 and the fourth flange 124 on the second connecting plate 112 extend toward each other, so that the third flange 123 can be set close to the fourth flange 124, thereby facilitating the welding connection between the third flange 123 and the fourth flange 124, which means that the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 are fixedly connected.

[0084] In other words, the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 of this application are fixedly connected by the cooperation of the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 at the position close to the ball pin assembly 200, and are fixedly connected by the third flange 123 and the fourth flange 124 at the position far away from the ball pin assembly 200. This achieves a fixed connection between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, and also allows the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 to be fixedly connected at multiple positions, thereby improving the connection strength between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112.

[0085] Optionally, the third flange 123 is integrally formed with the first connecting plate 111, and the fourth flange 124 is integrally formed with the second connecting plate 112. The beneficial effects produced are similar to those produced by the integral forming of the first flange 121 with the first connecting plate 111, and will not be elaborated here.

[0086] It should be noted that, through the above-mentioned setup, in the specific connection process between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, the first flange 121 and the second flange 122 are first welded to achieve a fixed connection between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200. Then, the third flange 123 and the fourth flange 124 are welded to achieve a fixed connection between the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 away from the ball pin assembly 200. This achieves a fixed connection between the entire first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112. Furthermore, through the above connection method, it is also possible to avoid gaps at the contact position of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 near the ball pin assembly 200 due to welding deformation of the first connecting plate 111 or the second connecting plate 112 when welding the third flange 123 and the fourth flange 124, which would consume the tightening torque of the fastener 500. This avoids abnormal noise caused by torque attenuation during operation.

[0087] It should also be noted that by setting the third flange 123 on the first connecting plate 111 to extend toward the second connecting plate 112, the extension direction of the third flange 123 on the first connecting plate 111 can be made consistent with that of the first flange 121. In this way, when processing the third flange 123 and the first flange 121, an integral molding process can be used to process the first flange 121 and the third flange 123.

[0088] In other words, the first flange 121 and the third flange 123 are integrally formed. This makes the first flange 121 and the third flange 123 form a single piece, which reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the first flange 121 and the third flange 123, while also achieving a fixed connection between the first flange 121 and the third flange 123 and improving the connection strength between the first flange 121 and the third flange 123, which in turn improves the overall structural stability of the first connecting plate 111.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower control arm body 100 is made of high-strength steel to further increase the structural strength of the lower control arm body 100, prevent the lower control arm body 100 from deforming, thereby extending the service life of the lower control arm body 100 and improving the structural performance of the lower control arm body 100.

[0090] It should be noted that when the lower control arm body 100 is made of high-strength steel, the thickness of the first connecting plate 111 can be set to 2mm and the thickness of the second connecting plate 112 can be set to 2.5mm. This reduces the thickness of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112, thereby reducing the material used in the lower control arm body 100, further reducing the production cost of the lower control arm body 100 and reducing its weight, thus achieving the lightweighting of the lower control arm body 100, which in turn achieves the lightweighting of the lower control arm assembly 1000.

[0091] In other examples, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower control arm body 100 is provided with a weight reduction hole 160. The weight reduction hole 160 is used to further reduce the material used in the lower control arm body 100, reduce the production cost of the lower control arm body 100, and achieve the lightweighting of the lower control arm body 100.

[0092] Optionally, the weight reduction holes 160 include multiple holes (not shown in the figure). The multiple weight reduction holes 160 are spaced apart on the lower control arm body 100. The multiple weight reduction holes 160 cooperate to maximize the reduction of material used in the lower control arm body 100 and achieve the weight reduction of the lower control arm body 100.

[0093] This application does not impose a specific limit on the number of weight reduction holes 160. As long as the lower swing arm body 100 has sufficient structural strength, those skilled in the art can set the number of weight reduction holes 160 according to the actual situation.

[0094] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the lower swing arm body 100 is also provided with a positioning hole 170 and a leakage hole 180. The positioning hole 170 is used to reduce the connection difficulty of the first connecting plate 111 and the second connecting plate 112 and improve the connection efficiency; the leakage hole 180 is used to prevent electrophoresis liquid and ensure that the electrophoresis liquid can flow normally.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower control arm assembly 1000 also includes a first bushing 300 and a second bushing 400. The first bushing 300 and the second bushing 400 are respectively connected to the two ends of the lower control arm body 100 away from the ball pin assembly 200, so as to realize the fixed connection between the first bushing 300, the second bushing 400 and the lower control arm body 100.

[0096] The first bushing 300 and the second bushing 400 are used to connect the vehicle's subframe, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the lower control arm assembly 1000 and the vehicle's subframe.

[0097] In other words, the lower control arm assembly 1000 of this application is connected to the vehicle's wheels through the ball joint assembly 200 on the one hand, and to the vehicle's subframe through the first bushing 300 and the second bushing 400 on the other hand, so as to utilize the lower control arm assembly 1000 to transmit force and torque.

[0098] In some examples, the first bushing 300, the second bushing 400 and the lower control arm body 100 are press-fitted together to achieve a fixed connection between the first bushing 300, the second bushing 400 and the lower control arm body 100.

[0099] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lower control arm body 100 is provided with a first connecting pipe 151 and a second connecting pipe 152 at both ends away from the ball pin assembly 200. The first bushing 300 is press-fitted into the first connecting pipe 151, and the second bushing 400 is press-fitted into the second connecting pipe 152, so as to achieve a fixed connection between the first bushing 300, the second bushing 400 and the lower control arm body 100.

[0100] Optionally, the first connecting pipe 151 and the second connecting pipe 152 are respectively welded to the lower control arm body 100 to achieve a fixed connection between the first connecting pipe 151 and the second connecting pipe 152 and the lower control arm body 100. After the first bushing 300 is fixedly connected to the first connecting pipe 151 and the second bushing 400 is fixedly connected to the second connecting pipe 152, the fixed connection between the first bushing 300, the second bushing 400 and the lower control arm body 100 can be achieved.

[0101] In some examples, the first connecting pipe 151 and the second connecting pipe 152 are both cut from cylindrical seamless steel pipes. They are required to be delivered in a stress-relief annealed state to ensure that the first connecting pipe 151 and the second connecting pipe 152 have sufficient structural strength and good material elongation, while also avoiding the risk of cracking of the first connecting pipe 151 and the second connecting pipe 152.

[0102] Optionally, after welding and electrophoresis, the first connecting pipe 151 and the second connecting pipe 152 are respectively press-fitted with the first bushing 300 and the second bushing 400. The release force of the first bushing 300 and the second bushing 400 is required to be greater than 10KN. The amount of interference can be adjusted according to the release force to ensure that the first bushing 300 can be stably connected in the first connecting pipe 151 and the second bushing 400 can be stably connected in the second connecting pipe 152.

[0103] Optionally, the first bushing 300 is made by a vulcanization process, specifically: the first bushing 300 includes an inner tube, an outer tube and a rubber component, the rubber component is vulcanized and bonded to the inner tube and the outer tube, and the outer tube is provided with flanges and end face rubber to increase the connection strength between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0104] Optionally, the inner tube of the first bushing 300 is made of steel and the outer tube is made of aluminum to ensure the structural strength of the first bushing 300 and to achieve the lightweighting of the first bushing 300.

[0105] Optionally, the inner tube is provided with toothed structures at both ends (not shown in the figure). These toothed structures can increase the friction between the first bushing 300 and the subframe, preventing the first bushing 300 from slipping under load during driving and causing abnormal noise, thereby further reducing the noise generated by the lower control arm assembly 1000 during use.

[0106] Optionally, the rubber parts are made of natural rubber to ensure that they can effectively achieve vulcanization bonding with the inner and outer tubes.

[0107] It should be noted that the second bushing 400 has a similar structure to the first bushing 300. For details, please refer to the specific structure of the first bushing 300. It will not be described in detail here.

[0108] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0109] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower control arm assembly 1000. The lower control arm assembly 1000 is the same as the aforementioned lower control arm assembly 1000, and the specific structure of the lower control arm assembly 1000 will not be described in detail here.

[0110] As can be seen from the above structure, the vehicle of the present invention, by adopting the aforementioned lower control arm assembly 1000, can effectively reduce the abnormal noise and squeaks generated during vehicle operation, and at the same time improve the structural stability of the internal components of the vehicle, thereby improving the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) performance of the vehicle.

[0111] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0112] Figure 5 The above illustration shows three mounting holes 190 for illustrative purposes. However, those skilled in the art, after reading the above technical solution, will obviously understand that applying this solution to a technical solution with two, four, or more mounting holes 190 would also fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0113] The specific structure of the lower control arm assembly 1000 and other vehicle components such as the ball joint assembly 200, as well as the connection structure and connection method of the ball joint assembly 200, the first bushing 300, the second bushing 400 and the vehicle, according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0114] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0115] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lower control arm assembly, characterized in that, include: The lower control arm body includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate disposed opposite to each other. A ball pin assembly, which is connected to one end of the lower control arm body; The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate near the ball pin assembly abut against each other to form a connecting portion, and the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate away from the ball pin assembly are spaced apart to form a body portion. At the connecting portion, the opposite sides of the first connecting plate are respectively provided with a first flange extending toward the second connecting plate, and the opposite sides of the second connecting plate are respectively provided with a second flange fixedly connected to the first flange. At the body portion, a buffer cavity is formed between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, the opposite sides of the first connecting plate are respectively provided with a third flange extending toward the second connecting plate, and the opposite sides of the second connecting plate are respectively provided with a fourth flange extending toward the first connecting plate. The third flange and the fourth flange are welded together. The first connecting plate and the first flange cooperate to form an open limiting cavity, and the second flange and part of the second connecting plate are adapted to be limited within the limiting cavity through the open opening; Within the limiting cavity, one end of the second flange is connected to the second connecting plate, and the other end of the second flange extends obliquely toward the first flange and toward a direction away from the first connecting plate, abutting against the first flange; or, within the limiting cavity, one end of the second flange is connected to the second connecting plate, and the other end of the second flange extends toward a direction away from the first connecting plate, so that the extension direction of the second flange is consistent with and parallel to the first flange, and the side of the second flange close to the first flange contacts and connects with the first flange; During the connection of the lower control arm assembly, the first flange and the second flange are welded first, and then the third flange and the fourth flange are welded.

2. The lower control arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the buffer cavity is H, where 25mm≤H≤35mm.

3. The lower control arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flange and the third flange are integrally formed.

4. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the lower control arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-3.

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