A servo steering lifting axle assembly and vehicle chassis

Abstract

The application relates to a follow-up steering lifting axle assembly and a vehicle chassis, which comprises a follow-up steering axle unit, a steering axle lifting unit and a vehicle frame assembly. The follow-up steering axle unit comprises a follow-up steering axle I-beam, a left wheel end assembly and a right wheel end assembly which are rotationally connected at both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam, a left lower section arm and a right lower section arm which are connected to the left wheel end assembly and the right wheel end assembly respectively, and a transverse pull rod assembly which is rotationally connected between the left lower section arm and the right lower section arm. The steering axle lifting unit comprises a leaf spring assembly which is fixed at both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam, the front end of the leaf spring assembly is connected with the vehicle frame assembly through a connecting seat, the rear end of the leaf spring assembly is connected with the vehicle frame assembly through a main air bag, and a lifting air bag for driving the follow-up steering axle I-beam to lift is further connected on the connecting seat. The application can effectively improve the GVW of the vehicle, effectively solve the tire abrasion problem, and select whether the axle bears according to the empty or full load of the vehicle, so that the tire abrasion is reduced and the fuel consumption is lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of commercial vehicle axle technology, and in particular to a follow-up steering lift axle assembly and vehicle chassis. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, for cargo or engineering vehicles, a 4-axle structure, typically an 8x4 model, is commonly used to achieve a larger load-bearing capacity. This structure results in a GVW of 31 tons, while special-purpose vehicles can achieve a GVW of up to 46 tons. However, for specialized vehicles with even greater load-bearing capacity, this GVW is still insufficient; therefore, it is necessary to consider designing vehicles with more axles, such as 5-axle models. These models have higher requirements regarding axle arrangement, placement, and driving performance.

[0003] In related technologies, for 5-axle vehicles, it is necessary to consider not only the arrangement and drive form of each axle, the layout of the drive shaft, and the operating strategies of the empty and fully loaded axles, but also issues such as tire wear and return to center caused by multi-wheel steering. Existing follow-up steering axle assemblies lack lifting and steering functions, resulting in high fuel consumption and rapid tire wear, leading to higher user operating costs. The existing vehicle layout structure cannot meet the design requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly and a vehicle chassis to solve the problems of high fuel consumption and rapid tire wear in related technologies due to the lack of lifting and steering functions in follow-up steering axle assemblies.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly, including:

[0006] The following steering axle unit includes a following steering axle I-beam, a left wheel end assembly and a right wheel end assembly rotatably connected to both ends of the following steering axle I-beam, a left lower arm and a right lower arm respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly and the right wheel end assembly, and a tie rod assembly rotatably connected between the left lower arm and the right lower arm.

[0007] The steering axle lifting unit includes leaf spring assemblies fixed to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam. The front end of the leaf spring assembly is connected to the vehicle frame assembly via a connecting seat, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly is connected to the vehicle frame assembly via a main airbag. The connecting seat is also connected to a lifting airbag that drives the follow-up steering axle I-beam to rise and fall.

[0008] In some embodiments: the lower left joint arm is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel end assembly, the lower right joint arm is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel end assembly, and the two ends of the tie rod assembly are rotatably connected to the lower left joint arm and the lower right joint arm respectively via a rotating shaft;

[0009] The lower left arm is connected to the I-beam of the following steering axle by a left automatic return assembly that drives the left wheel end assembly to automatically return to center, and the lower right arm is connected to the I-beam of the following steering axle by a right automatic return assembly that drives the right wheel end assembly to automatically return to center.

[0010] In some embodiments: the left lower joint arm and the right lower joint arm are both "U" shaped structures, the middle part of the left lower joint arm is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel end assembly, and the middle part of the right lower joint arm is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel end assembly;

[0011] The tie rod assembly is located behind the I-beam of the steering axle and is rotatably connected to the rear ends of the left and right lower arm sections. The left automatic return-to-center assembly and the right automatic return-to-center assembly are both located in front of the I-beam of the steering axle and are rotatably connected to the front ends of the left and right lower arm sections, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments: the left automatic return assembly includes a left damper bracket fixed on the I-beam of the follow-up steering axle, and a left damper rotatably connected between the left lower arm and the left damper bracket; the right automatic return assembly includes a right damper bracket fixed on the I-beam of the follow-up steering axle, and a right damper rotatably connected between the right lower arm and the right damper bracket.

[0013] In some embodiments: the left damper bracket and the right damper bracket are both fixed to the top of the follow-up steering axle I-beam and located at the bottom of the leaf spring assembly. The left damper bracket and the right damper bracket both include a top fixing plate located at the top of the follow-up steering axle I-beam, and a connecting section located at the front of the fixing plate and bent downward. The connecting section is provided with an assembly end for installing the left damper or the right damper.

[0014] The fixing plate is provided with a leaf spring assembly positioning hole for positioning the leaf spring assembly, a U-shaped bolt through hole for fixing the leaf spring assembly, a bracket fixing hole for fixing the fixing plate to the top of the follow-up steering bridge I-beam, and an auxiliary bracket hole. The assembly end is provided with a damper assembly hole for installing the left damper.

[0015] In some embodiments: a bracket for connecting the lifting airbag is fixedly provided on the connecting seat, the bottom of the lifting airbag is fixed on the bracket, and the top of the lifting airbag is fixedly connected to the I-beam of the following steering axle through a lifting link.

[0016] In some embodiments: a locking mechanism connecting bracket is fixedly connected to the I-beam of the follow-up steering bridge, a locking air chamber is fixedly connected to the locking mechanism connecting bracket, a wedge block is connected to the locking air chamber, a locking plate is connected to the tie rod assembly, and a locking groove adapted to the wedge block is provided on the locking plate. The locking air chamber drives the wedge block to extend and retract, so that the wedge block enters or leaves the locking groove to realize the locking or unlocking action of the tie rod assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes a controller for controlling the telescopic movement of the locking chamber and a pressure switch for detecting the pressure of the locking chamber. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking chamber is greater than a set value, the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator to display a "locked" state. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking chamber is less than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator to turn off the "locked" state.

[0018] The controller is connected to a three-position rocker switch. When the upper button of the three-position rocker switch is pressed, the solenoid valve is controlled to pressurize the locking chamber. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber is greater than the set value, the controller controls the indicator light on the car instrument panel to display the "locked" state.

[0019] When the lower button of the three-position rocker switch is pressed, the control solenoid valve stops filling the locking chamber with air and releases air. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber is less than the set value, the controller controls the indicator light on the car instrument panel to turn off the "locked" state.

[0020] When the controller detects that the vehicle is in reverse gear mode, the solenoid valve inflates the lock chamber. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the lock chamber is greater than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to display the "locked" state.

[0021] When the controller detects that the vehicle speed is greater than the set value, the solenoid valve inflates the locking chamber. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber is greater than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to display the "locked" state.

[0022] In some embodiments: the locking mechanism connecting bracket includes a first vertical plate fixedly connected to the side wall of the follow-up steering bridge I-beam, and a second vertical plate connected to the locking air chamber, wherein the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate are connected by a transverse connecting section;

[0023] The first vertical plate has bolt holes for connecting the I-beam of the following steering bridge, the second vertical plate has threaded holes for fixing the locking air chamber, and a reinforcing rib connects the first vertical plate and the transverse connecting section.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle chassis, including:

[0025] The chassis assembly has a first steering axle assembly, a second steering axle assembly, a follow-up steering lift axle assembly as described in any of the above embodiments, a first drive axle assembly, and a second drive axle assembly arranged sequentially from front to back at the bottom of the chassis assembly.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include:

[0027] This application provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly and a vehicle chassis. The follow-up steering lift axle assembly includes a follow-up steering axle unit, which comprises a follow-up steering axle I-beam, a left wheel end assembly and a right wheel end assembly rotatably connected to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam, a left lower arm and a right lower arm respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly and the right wheel end assembly, and a tie rod assembly rotatably connected between the left lower arm and the right lower arm; and a steering axle lift unit, which includes leaf spring assemblies fixed to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam. The front end of the leaf spring assembly is connected to the frame assembly via a connecting seat, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly is connected to the frame assembly via a main airbag. A lifting airbag for driving the follow-up steering axle I-beam to rise and fall is also connected to the connecting seat.

[0028] Therefore, the following steering lift axle assembly of this application has a left wheel end assembly and a right wheel end assembly rotatably connected to both ends of the following steering axle I-beam, and a left lower arm and a right lower arm are respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly and the right wheel end assembly. The left lower arm and the right lower arm are connected by a tie rod assembly. When the vehicle is turning, the following steering lift axle assembly turns at a certain angle with the front steering wheel by relying on the action of ground friction resistance, which can avoid the problem of tire lateral slippage and tire wear.

[0029] In addition, this application also includes a steering axle lifting unit. The steering axle lifting unit has leaf spring assemblies at both ends of the following steering axle I-beam. The front end of the leaf spring assembly is connected to the frame assembly via a connecting seat, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly is connected to the frame assembly via a main airbag. A lifting airbag for driving the lifting of the following steering axle I-beam is also connected to the connecting seat. When the vehicle is unloaded or half-loaded, the main airbag deflates and the lifting airbag inflates, lifting the following steering axle unit to reduce tire wear and fuel consumption. When the vehicle is fully loaded, the main airbag inflates and the lifting airbag deflates to lower the following steering axle unit, increasing the vehicle's load-bearing capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the follow-up steering lift bridge assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the follow-up steering lift bridge assembly from a second perspective in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 3This is a top view of the structure of the follow-up steering bridge unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a first-view perspective structural perspective view of the follow-up steering bridge unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a second-view perspective structural perspective view of the follow-up steering bridge unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left damper bracket in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking mechanism connecting bracket in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a top view of the vehicle chassis in a straight-moving state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a top view of the vehicle chassis in a left-turning state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a top view of the vehicle chassis in a right-turning state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 1. Follow-up steering axle I-beam; 21. Left wheel end assembly; 22. Right wheel end assembly; 31. Left lower boom; 32. Right lower boom; 4. Tie rod assembly; 41. Tie rod body; 42. Locking plate; 51. Left damper bracket; 511. Fixing plate; 5111. Leaf spring assembly positioning hole; 5112. U-bolt through hole; 5113. Bracket fixing hole; 5114. Auxiliary bracket hole; 512. Connecting section; 513. Assembly end 5131, Damper assembly hole; 52, Right damper bracket; 61, Left damper; 62, Right damper; 7, Locking mechanism connecting bracket; 71, First vertical plate; 711, Bolt hole; 712, Reinforcing connecting rib; 72, Transverse connecting section; 73, Second vertical plate; 731, Threaded hole; 8, Locking air chamber; 9, Leaf spring assembly; 10, Connecting seat; 11, Main airbag; 12, Lifting airbag; 13, Bracket; 14, Lifting linkage;

[0043] A1. First steering axle assembly; A2. Second steering axle assembly; A3. Follow-up steering lift axle assembly; A4. First drive axle assembly; A5. Second drive axle assembly; B1. First suspension system; B2. Second suspension system; B3. Steering axle lift unit; B4. Balance suspension system; C1. Steering wheel assembly; C2. Drive wheel assembly; D. Frame assembly; E. Steering tie rod system. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] This application provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly and a vehicle chassis, which can solve the problems of high fuel consumption and rapid tire wear in related technologies because the follow-up steering axle assembly does not have lifting and steering functions.

[0046] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a first aspect of this application provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly, the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 comprising:

[0047] The following steering axle unit includes a following steering axle I-beam 1, which adopts a two-stage drop structure. The middle part of the following steering axle I-beam 1 is bent downward, which can effectively avoid interference between the upper and lower movements. In particular, after the following steering axle I-beam 1 is lifted, a certain gap can still be maintained between the following steering axle I-beam 1 and the drive shaft to avoid interference with the drive shaft.

[0048] The left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22 are rotatably connected to both ends of the H-beam 1 of the following steering axle. Both the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22 contain braking modules, and each braking module is connected to a brake chamber. The left lower arm 31 and the right lower arm 32 are respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22. The left lower arm 31 rotates synchronously with the left wheel end assembly 21, and the right lower arm 32 rotates synchronously with the right wheel end assembly 22. A tie rod assembly 4 is rotatably connected between the left lower arm 31 and the right lower arm 32.

[0049] When the vehicle is turning, the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22, under the action of ground friction resistance, turn at a certain angle with the front steering wheel. The tie rod assembly 4, under the linkage of the left lower arm 31 and the right lower arm 32, causes the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22 to rotate synchronously, which can avoid tire lateral slippage and tire wear problems.

[0050] The steering axle lifting unit B3 includes leaf spring assemblies 9 fixed to both ends of the following steering axle I-beam 1. The front end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the side wall of the frame assembly D via a connecting seat 10, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the bottom of the frame assembly D via a main airbag 11. A lifting airbag 12 for driving the lifting of the following steering axle I-beam 1 is also connected to the connecting seat 10. When the vehicle is unloaded or half-loaded, the main airbag 11 deflates and the lifting airbag 12 inflates, lifting the following steering axle unit to reduce tire wear and fuel consumption. When the vehicle is fully loaded, the main airbag 11 inflates and the lifting airbag 12 deflates to lower the following steering axle unit, increasing the vehicle's load-bearing capacity.

[0051] In this embodiment, the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 has a left wheel end assembly 21 and a right wheel end assembly 22 rotatably connected to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1. A left lower arm 31 and a right lower arm 32 are connected to the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22, respectively. The left lower arm 31 and the right lower arm 32 are connected by a tie rod assembly 4. When the vehicle is turning, the follow-up steering lift axle assembly turns at a certain angle with the front steering wheel due to the action of ground friction resistance, which can avoid the problem of tire lateral slippage and tire wear.

[0052] In addition, this application also includes a steering axle lifting unit B3. The steering axle lifting unit B3 has leaf spring assemblies 9 at both ends of the following steering axle I-beam 1. The front end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the frame assembly D via a connecting seat 10, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the frame assembly D via a main airbag 11. A lifting airbag 12, which drives the following steering axle I-beam 1 to rise and fall, is also connected to the connecting seat 10. When the vehicle is unloaded or half-loaded, the main airbag 11 deflates, and the lifting airbag 12 inflates, lifting the following steering axle unit to reduce tire wear and fuel consumption. When the vehicle is fully loaded, the main airbag 11 inflates, and the lifting airbag 12 deflates to lower the following steering axle unit, increasing the vehicle's load-bearing capacity.

[0053] In some alternative embodiments: see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application embodiment provides a follow-up steering lift bridge assembly. The lower left arm 31 of the follow-up steering lift bridge assembly A3 is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel end assembly 21, and the lower right arm 32 is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel end assembly 22. The two ends of the tie rod assembly 4 are rotatably connected to the lower left arm 31 and the lower right arm 32 respectively through a rotating shaft.

[0054] Specifically, both the lower left arm 31 and the lower right arm 32 have a "U"-shaped structure. The middle part of the lower left arm 31 is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel end assembly 21, and the middle part of the lower right arm 32 is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel end assembly 22. The tie rod assembly 4 is located behind the I-beam 1 of the following steering axle and is rotatably connected to the rear ends of the lower left arm 31 and the lower right arm 32.

[0055] A left automatic return assembly, which drives the left wheel end assembly 21 to automatically return to center, is connected between the left lower arm 31 and the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1. A right automatic return assembly, which drives the right wheel end assembly 22 to automatically return to center, is connected between the right lower arm 32 and the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1. Both the left and right automatic return assemblies are located in front of the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1 and are rotatably connected to the front ends of the left lower arm 31 and right lower arm 32, respectively.

[0056] The left automatic return-to-center assembly includes a left damper bracket 51 fixed to the I-beam 1 of the following steering axle, and a left damper 61 rotatably connected between the left lower arm 31 and the left damper bracket 51. The left damper 61 is used to drive the left wheel end assembly 21 to automatically return to center via the left damper bracket 51 and the left lower arm 31. The right automatic return-to-center assembly includes a right damper bracket 52 fixed to the I-beam 1 of the following steering axle, and a right damper 62 rotatably connected between the right lower arm 32 and the right damper bracket 52. The right damper 62 is used to drive the right wheel end assembly 22 to automatically return to center via the right damper bracket 52 and the right lower arm 32.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments: see Figure 6 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a follow-up steering lift axle assembly is provided. The left damper bracket 51 and right damper bracket 52 of the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 are both fixed to the top of the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1 and located at the bottom of the leaf spring assembly 9. Both the left damper bracket 51 and the right damper bracket 52 include a top fixing plate 511 located on the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1, and a connecting section 512 located at the front of the fixing plate 511 and bent downwards. The connecting section 512 is provided with an assembly end 513 for mounting the left damper 61 or the right damper 62. The left damper bracket 51 and the right damper bracket 52 have the same structure and are arranged in a mirror image.

[0058] The fixing plate 511, connecting section 512, and assembly end 513 of the left damper bracket 51 and the right damper bracket 52 are integrally stamped structures made of steel plates of a set thickness. The fixing plate 511 has a leaf spring assembly positioning hole 5111 for positioning the leaf spring assembly 9, a U-bolt through hole 5112 for fixing the leaf spring assembly 9, a bracket fixing hole 5113 for fixing the fixing plate 511 to the top of the follow-up steering bridge I-beam 1, and an auxiliary bracket hole 5114 for fixing the lifting link 14. The assembly end 513 has a damper assembly hole 5131 for installing the left damper 61 or the right damper 62.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments: see Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly. A bracket 13 for connecting a lifting airbag 12 is fixedly mounted on the connecting seat 10 of the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3. Both the lifting airbag 12 and the bracket 13 are located on the outer side of the frame assembly D. The bottom of the lifting airbag 12 is fixed to the bracket 13, and the top of the lifting airbag 12 is fixedly connected to the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1 via a lifting connecting rod 14.

[0060] When the vehicle is unloaded or partially loaded, the main airbag 11 deflates to lift the I-beam 1 of the steering axle, increasing its ground clearance. The lifting airbag 12 inflates, lifting the steering axle I-beam 1 upwards via the lifting linkage 14, further increasing its ground clearance. This lifts the steering axle unit, reducing tire wear and fuel consumption. When the vehicle is fully loaded, the main airbag inflates, and the lifting airbag deflates to lower the steering axle unit, increasing the vehicle's load-bearing capacity. When the vehicle is fully loaded, the main airbag 11 and lifting airbag 12 operate in the reverse order.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments: see Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a follow-up steering lift bridge assembly. A locking mechanism connecting bracket 7 is fixedly connected to the follow-up steering bridge I-beam 1 of the follow-up steering lift bridge assembly A3. A locking air chamber 8 is fixedly connected to the locking mechanism connecting bracket 7, and a wedge block (not shown in the figure) is connected to the locking air chamber 8. The tie rod assembly 4 includes a tie rod body 41, and a locking plate 42 is connected to the tie rod body 41. The locking plate 42 has a locking groove adapted to the wedge block. The locking air chamber 8 drives the wedge block to extend and retract, causing the wedge block to enter or disengage from the locking groove, thereby achieving the locking or unlocking action of the tie rod assembly 4.

[0062] It also includes a controller (not shown in the figure) that controls the extension and retraction of the locking air chamber, and a pressure switch (not shown in the figure) that detects the pressure of the locking air chamber 8. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking air chamber 8 is greater than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to display the "locked" state. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking air chamber 8 is less than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to turn off the "locked" state. When it is necessary to lock the tie rod assembly 4, air is injected into the locking air chamber 8. When the air pressure reaches 0.59 MPa, the locking air chamber 8 triggers the wedge block to extend, causing the wedge block to enter the locking groove and realize the locking action of the tie rod assembly 4, thereby restricting the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22 from rotating left and right.

[0063] The controller is connected to a three-position rocker switch (not shown in the figure). When the upper button of the three-position rocker switch is pressed, the solenoid valve is controlled to pressurize the locking chamber 8. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking chamber 8 is greater than 0.59MPa, the locking chamber 8 triggers the wedge block to extend and move so that the wedge block enters the locking groove to lock the tie rod assembly 4, thereby restricting the rotation of the left wheel assembly 21 and the right wheel assembly 22. The controller also controls the indicator light on the car instrument panel to display the "locked" state.

[0064] When the lower button of the three-position rocker switch is pressed, the control solenoid valve stops inflating the locking chamber 8 and releases air from the locking chamber 8. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber is less than 0.59 MPa, the locking chamber 8 triggers the wedge block to retract, causing the wedge block to disengage from the locking groove and unlocking the tie rod assembly 4. As a result, the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22 can rotate adaptively, and the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator light to turn off the "locked" state.

[0065] When the controller detects that the vehicle is in reverse mode, the solenoid valve inflates the locking chamber 8. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber 8 is greater than 0.59 MPa, the locking chamber 8 triggers the wedge block to extend and move so that the wedge block enters the locking groove to lock the tie rod assembly 4, thereby restricting the rotation of the left wheel assembly 21 and the right wheel assembly 22. The controller also controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to display the "locked" state.

[0066] When the controller detects that the vehicle speed is greater than the set value (e.g., 80 km / h), the solenoid valve inflates the locking chamber 8. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber 8 is greater than 0.59 MPa, the locking chamber 8 triggers the wedge block to extend and move so that the wedge block enters the locking groove to lock the tie rod assembly 4, thereby restricting the rotation of the left wheel assembly 21 and the right wheel assembly 22. The controller also controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to display the "locked" state.

[0067] When the controller detects that the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 is in the lifted state, the solenoid valve inflates the locking chamber 8. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber 8 is greater than 0.59 MPa, the locking chamber 8 triggers the wedge block to extend, causing the wedge block to enter the locking groove and lock the tie rod assembly 4. This restricts the rotation of the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22, and the controller controls the vehicle's instrument panel indicator to display the "locked" state. This prevents the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22 from swinging freely when the lift axle assembly is in the lifted state.

[0068] See Figure 7As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly. The locking mechanism connecting bracket 7 of the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 includes a first vertical plate 71 fixedly connected to the side wall of the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1, and a second vertical plate 73 connected to the locking air chamber 8. The first vertical plate 71 and the second vertical plate 73 are connected by a transverse connecting section 72. The first vertical plate 71 has bolt holes 711 for connecting the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1, and the second vertical plate 73 has threaded holes 731 for fixing the locking air chamber 8. The first vertical plate 71 has reinforcing connecting ribs 712 connected to the transverse connecting section 72.

[0069] See Figures 8 to 10 As shown, a second aspect of this application provides a vehicle chassis, including:

[0070] The chassis assembly D has, from front to back, a first steering axle assembly A1, a second steering axle assembly A2, a follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 as described in any of the above embodiments, a first drive axle assembly A4, and a second drive axle assembly A5. The first steering axle assembly A1 is connected to the chassis assembly D via a first suspension system B1, the second steering axle assembly A2 is connected to the chassis assembly D via a second suspension system B2, the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 is connected to the chassis assembly D via a steering axle lift unit B3, and the first drive axle assembly A4 and the second drive axle assembly A5 are connected to assembly E via a balance suspension system B4.

[0071] The chassis assembly D is equipped with a steering tie rod system E connecting the first steering axle assembly A1 and the second steering axle assembly A2. The steering tie rod system E is controlled by the steering wheel in the driver's cab. The steering wheel drives the first steering axle assembly A1 and the second steering axle assembly A2 to complete the active steering action of the vehicle chassis by controlling the steering tie rod system E. The wheel ends of the first steering axle assembly A1, the second steering axle assembly A2, and the follow-up steering lift axle assembly A3 are all equipped with steering wheel assemblies C1, and the wheel ends of the first drive axle assembly A4 and the second drive axle assembly A5 are all equipped with drive wheel assemblies C2.

[0072] Working principle

[0073] This application provides a follow-up steering lift axle assembly and a vehicle chassis. The follow-up steering lift axle assembly of this application is provided with a follow-up steering axle unit, which includes a follow-up steering axle I-beam 1, a left wheel end assembly 21 and a right wheel end assembly 22 rotatably connected to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1, a left lower arm 31 and a right lower arm 32 respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22, and a tie rod assembly 4 rotatably connected between the left lower arm 31 and the right lower arm 32; a steering axle lifting unit B3, which includes a leaf spring assembly 9 fixed to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1. The front end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the frame assembly D through a connecting seat 10, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the frame assembly D through a main airbag 11. A lifting airbag 12 for driving the follow-up steering axle I-beam 1 to rise and fall is also connected to the connecting seat 10.

[0074] Therefore, the following steering lift axle assembly of this application has a left wheel end assembly 21 and a right wheel end assembly 22 rotatably connected to both ends of the following steering axle I-beam 1, and a left lower arm 31 and a right lower arm 32 are respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly 21 and the right wheel end assembly 22. The left lower arm 31 and the right lower arm 32 are connected by a tie rod assembly 4. When the vehicle is turning, the following steering lift axle assembly A3 turns at a certain angle with the front steering wheel by relying on the action of ground friction resistance, which can avoid the problem of tire lateral slippage and tire wear.

[0075] In addition, this application also includes a steering axle lifting unit B3. The steering axle lifting unit B3 has leaf spring assemblies 9 at both ends of the following steering axle I-beam 1. The front end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the frame assembly D via a connecting seat 10, and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly 9 is connected to the frame assembly D via a main airbag 11. A lifting airbag 12, which drives the following steering axle I-beam 1 to rise and fall, is also connected to the connecting seat 10. When the vehicle is unloaded or half-loaded, the main airbag 11 deflates, and the lifting airbag 12 inflates, lifting the following steering axle unit to reduce tire wear and fuel consumption. When the vehicle is fully loaded, the main airbag 11 inflates, and the lifting airbag 12 deflates to lower the following steering axle unit, increasing the vehicle's load-bearing capacity.

[0076] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" 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; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0078] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A follow-up steering lift axle assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A follow-up steering axle unit, which includes a follow-up steering axle I-beam (1), a left wheel end assembly (21) and a right wheel end assembly (22) rotatably connected to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1), a lower left joint arm (31) and a lower right joint arm (32) respectively connected to the left wheel end assembly (21) and the right wheel end assembly (22), and a tie rod assembly (4) rotatably connected between the lower left joint arm (31) and the lower right joint arm (32); A steering axle lifting unit (B3), which includes a leaf spring assembly (9) fixed to both ends of the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1). The front end of the leaf spring assembly (9) is connected to the vehicle frame assembly (D) through a connecting seat (10), and the rear end of the leaf spring assembly (9) is connected to the vehicle frame assembly (D) through a main airbag (11). A lifting airbag (12) for driving the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1) to lift and lower is also connected to the connecting seat (10); The follow-up steering axle I-beam (1) adopts a two-stage drop structure, and the middle part of the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1) is bent downward; Both the lower left joint arm (31) and the lower right joint arm (32) are in a "C" shape structure. The middle part of the lower left joint arm (31) is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel end assembly (21), and the middle part of the lower right joint arm (32) is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel end assembly (22); A locking mechanism connection bracket (7) is fixedly connected to the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1). A locking air chamber (8) is fixedly connected to the locking mechanism connection bracket (7). The locking air chamber (8) is connected with a wedge block. A locking plate (42) is connected to the tie rod assembly (4). A locking groove adapted to the wedge block is provided on the locking plate (42). The locking air chamber (8) drives the wedge block to move telescopically to make the wedge block penetrate into or disengage from the locking groove to achieve the locking or unlocking action of the tie rod assembly (4); It further includes a controller for controlling the telescopic movement of the locking air chamber (8) to drive, and a pressure switch for detecting the pressure of the locking air chamber (8). When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking air chamber (8) is greater than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator light to display the "locked" state. When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking air chamber (8) is less than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator light to turn off the "locked" state.

2. A follow-up steering and lifting axle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower left joint arm (31) is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel end assembly (21), the lower right joint arm (32) is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel end assembly (22), and both ends of the tie rod assembly (4) are rotatably connected to the lower left joint arm (31) and the lower right joint arm (32) through rotating shafts respectively; A left automatic return assembly for driving the left wheel end assembly (21) to automatically return is connected between the lower left joint arm (31) and the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1), and a right automatic return assembly for driving the right wheel end assembly (22) to automatically return is connected between the lower right joint arm (32) and the follow-up steering axle I-beam (1).

3. The following steering lift axle assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The tie rod assembly (4) is located behind the following steering bridge I-beam (1) and is rotatably connected to the rear ends of the left lower arm (31) and the right lower arm (32). The left automatic return assembly and the right automatic return assembly are both located in front of the following steering bridge I-beam (1) and are rotatably connected to the front ends of the left lower arm (31) and the right lower arm (32), respectively.

4. A follow-up steering lift axle assembly as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The left automatic return assembly includes a left damper bracket (51) fixed on the follow-up steering bridge I-beam (1) and a left damper (61) rotatably connected between the left lower arm (31) and the left damper bracket (51). The right automatic return assembly includes a right damper bracket (52) fixed on the follow-up steering bridge I-beam (1) and a right damper (62) rotatably connected between the right lower arm (32) and the right damper bracket (52).

5. The following steering lift axle assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The left damper bracket (51) and the right damper bracket (52) are both fixed to the top of the following steering bridge I-beam (1) and located at the bottom of the leaf spring assembly (9). The left damper bracket (51) and the right damper bracket (52) each include a top fixing plate (511) located on the following steering bridge I-beam (1) and a connecting section (512) located in front of the fixing plate (511) and bent downward. The connecting section (512) is provided with an assembly end (513) for installing the left damper (61). The fixing plate (511) is provided with a leaf spring assembly positioning hole (5111) for positioning the leaf spring assembly (9), a U-shaped bolt through hole (5112) for fixing the leaf spring assembly (9), a bracket fixing hole (5113) for fixing the fixing plate (511) to the top of the follow-up steering bridge I-beam (1) and an auxiliary bracket hole (5114). The assembly end (513) is provided with a damper assembly hole (5131) for installing the left damper (61) or the right damper (62).

6. The following steering lift axle assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting seat (10) is fixedly provided with a bracket (13) for connecting the lifting airbag (12). The bottom of the lifting airbag (12) is fixed on the bracket (13), and the top of the lifting airbag (12) is fixedly connected to the following steering bridge I-beam (1) through a lifting link (14).

7. The following steering lift axle assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is connected to a three-position rocker switch. When the upper button of the three-position rocker switch is pressed, the solenoid valve is controlled to pressurize the locking chamber (8). When the pressure switch detects that the pressure of the locking chamber (8) is greater than the set value, the controller controls the car instrument indicator light to display the "locked" state. When the lower button of the three-position rocker switch is pressed, the control solenoid valve stops filling and releasing air into the locking chamber (8). When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber (8) is less than the set value, the controller controls the indicator light on the car instrument panel to turn off the "locked" state. When the controller detects that the vehicle is in reverse mode, the solenoid valve inflates the lock chamber (8). When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the lock chamber (8) is greater than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator to display the "locked" state. When the controller detects that the vehicle speed is greater than the set value, the solenoid valve inflates the locking chamber (8). When the pressure switch detects that the pressure in the locking chamber (8) is greater than the set value, the controller controls the vehicle instrument indicator to display the "locked" state.

8. The following steering lift axle assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism connecting bracket (7) includes a first vertical plate (71) fixedly connected to the side wall of the follow-up steering bridge I-beam (1), and a second vertical plate (73) connected to the locking air chamber (8). The first vertical plate (71) and the second vertical plate (73) are connected by a transverse connecting section (72). The first vertical plate (71) has bolt holes (711) for connecting the following steering bridge I-beam (1), and the second vertical plate (73) has threaded holes (731) for fixing the locking air chamber (8). The first vertical plate (71) and the transverse connecting section (72) are connected by reinforcing connecting ribs (712).

9. A vehicle chassis, characterized in that, include: The frame assembly (D) has a first steering axle assembly (A1), a second steering axle assembly (A2), a follow-up steering lift axle assembly (A3) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, a first drive axle assembly (A4), and a second drive axle assembly (A5) arranged sequentially from front to back at its bottom.

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