Integrated structure of steering knuckle and hub bearing, wheel edge assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a hub bearing, a wheel edge assembly and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicles. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the hub bearing comprises a steering knuckle main body which is provided with a first connecting part, and the first connecting part is provided with an assembling through hole; the hub bearing main body is provided with a second connecting part, and the second connecting part is partially inserted into the assembling through hole and is in interference fit connection with the assembling through hole, so that an annular welding area is formed between the first connecting part and the second connecting part; and the welding seam part is annular, is arranged in the welding area, and is fixedly connected with the first connecting part and the second connecting part respectively. The connection reliability between the steering knuckle and the hub bearing can be improved, and the cost can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing, a wheel rim assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the assembly of the wheel assembly of the vehicle, the connection between the wheel hub bearing and the steering knuckle is bolted. This connection method requires machining a through hole on the steering knuckle and machining an internal threaded hole on the wheel hub bearing, which often requires high machining accuracy and inevitably leads to increased machining tool costs and increased scrap rates. Moreover, the use of bolted connections will generate a certain amount of tightening time and assembly costs. At the same time, a high tightening torque is required to ensure the reliability of the connection. However, after the road test, a certain amount of torque loosening will occur, resulting in a decrease in connection reliability, and causing positioning parameters to be out of tolerance or even wheel falling off. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing, a wheel edge assembly and a vehicle, which can improve the connection reliability of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing and save costs.

[0004] The first aspect of the present invention provides an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing, which includes: A steering knuckle body, which is provided with a first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion is provided with an assembly through hole; A wheel hub bearing body, which is provided with a second connecting portion, wherein the second connecting portion is partially inserted into the assembly through hole and is connected with the assembly through hole by interference fit, so that an annular welding area is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; The welding seam portion is annular and is arranged in the welding area and is fixedly connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion respectively.

[0005] The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: when the second connecting portion of the wheel hub bearing is partially inserted into the assembly through hole on the steering knuckle body, an annular welding area is defined between the first connecting portion of the steering knuckle body and the second connecting portion of the wheel hub bearing body, and the second connecting portion is connected to the assembly through hole by interference fit, and at the same time, a weld portion is provided in the welding area, so that the wheel hub bearing body and the steering knuckle body are firmly connected as one by a dual connection method of integral welding and interference fit connection; compared with the existing bolt connection method, the above-mentioned structural design can improve the connection reliability and safety between the steering knuckle body and the wheel hub bearing body, and at the same time, it can achieve fewer parts, lighter weight, and reduce processing costs.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first connection part is an aluminum part, the second connection part is a steel part, and the weld part is fixedly connected to the first connection part and the second connection part respectively by a stir friction welding process.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner circumference of the weld portion is fixedly connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion, respectively, and the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion and the first connection portion is equal to the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion and the second connection portion.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the welding area is square, and the length dimension of the welding seam portion in the axial direction of the assembly through hole is set to W, where W≥8mm.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first connecting portion is provided with a first step portion, and the second connecting portion is provided with a second step portion. The first step portion and the second step portion are arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction of the assembly through hole. The first step portion and the second step portion abut against each other to form the welding area.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness dimension of the weld portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to H, and H≥6 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the annular portion of the second connecting portion extending into the assembly through hole is configured as an insertion portion, and the insertion portion is provided with an annular interference fit surface, and the interference fit surface is in close contact with the inner circumference of the assembly through hole.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the length dimension of the insertion portion in the axial direction of the assembly through hole is set to L1, and the range of L1 is 15 mm to 17 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, a clearance area is formed between two opposite ends of the insertion portion along the axial direction of the assembly through hole and the first connecting portion.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, a guide chamfer is provided at one end of the inserting portion close to the steering knuckle body; And / or, the insertion portion includes a first annular portion, a second annular portion and a third annular portion, the first annular portion, the second annular portion and the third annular portion are fixedly connected in sequence along the direction from the wheel hub bearing body to the steering knuckle body, and the outer circumferential surface of the second annular portion is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole, there is a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the first annular portion and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole, and there is a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the third annular portion and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole, and the gap is set as the air avoidance area.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the length dimension of the interference fit connection between the insertion portion and the assembly through hole is set to L2, and L2 is greater than one third of L1 and less than two fifths of L1.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, a thickness dimension of the inserting portion in a radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to T1, and T1 is greater than or equal to one half of L2.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness dimension of the weld portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to H, H≥6mm, and the thickness dimension of the welding base material area of ​​the first connection portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to T2, T2 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times of H.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention provides a wheel rim assembly, which includes the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] The wheel rim assembly according to the embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the use of the above-mentioned integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the hub bearing in the structure of the wheel rim assembly can improve the connection firmness and structural stability of the wheel rim assembly, avoid the problem of positioning parameter deviation or even wheel falling off caused by loosening of the connecting bolts between the steering knuckle and the hub bearing, and at the same time, improve the waterproof sealing performance and save the manufacturing cost of the wheel rim assembly.

[0020] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising the wheel rim assembly as described in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0021] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the vehicle adopts the wheel rim assembly of the above structure, which can improve the safety and reliability of the vehicle and reduce costs.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure in which a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing are connected by screws in the prior art; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front view of an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing provided according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of section AA; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of part B; Figure 6 It is a schematic design diagram of an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure numerals: 100, steering knuckle body; 110, assembly through hole; 120, first connecting part; 200, wheel hub bearing body; 201, outer ring; 210, connecting hole; 220, second connecting part; 221, insertion part; 222, interference fit surface; 300, bearing bolt; 400, weld part; 510, first air avoidance area; 520, second air avoidance area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] The wheel hub bearing is one of the key components of the automobile. Its function is to bear the weight and provide precise guidance for the rotation of the wheel hub. Therefore, the wheel hub bearing can not only withstand axial loads, but also radial loads.

[0029] The steering knuckle is one of the important parts in the steering axle of the car. Its function is to make the car run stably and transmit the driving direction sensitively. The steering knuckle can transmit and bear the front load of the car, and the steering energy-saving support drives the front wheel to rotate around the kingpin so that the car can turn. When the car is driving, the steering knuckle is subjected to variable impact loads, so the steering knuckle is required to have high strength.

[0030] Currently, in the assembly work of the wheel assembly of the vehicle, Figure 1 As shown, the connection between the wheel hub bearing body 200 and the steering knuckle body 100 is usually connected by a bearing bolt 300. Specifically, when the bearing bolt 300 connection is adopted, it is necessary to machine a plurality of through holes for the bearing bolts 300 to pass through on the structure of the steering knuckle body 100, and machine a plurality of internal threaded holes for the bearing bolts 300 to connect on the outer ring 201 of the wheel hub bearing body 200, and then, the bearing bolts 300 are passed through the through holes and the internal threaded holes, so that the wheel hub bearing body 200 is firmly connected to the steering knuckle body 100 through the plurality of bearing bolts 300. The above connection method poses a high challenge to the machining of the internal threaded holes of the wheel hub bearing body 200 and the through holes on the steering knuckle body 100, and often requires high machining accuracy, which to a certain extent increases the cost of machining tools and increases the scrap rate.

[0031] Moreover, adopting this method of fixing the connection through multiple bearing bolts 300 will generate a certain amount of tightening time and assembly cost. At the same time, a very high tightening torque is required to ensure the connection reliability between the steering knuckle body 100 and the hub bearing body 200. However, after the road test, a certain torque loosening phenomenon will occur. Once the torque loosening occurs, it will affect the connection reliability. The consequences are imaginable. Specifically, it will lead to a decrease in connection reliability, and cause positioning parameters to exceed the tolerance or even wheel falling off.

[0032] Based on the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing, a wheel rim assembly and a vehicle, which can improve the connection reliability of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing and save costs.

[0033] Reference below Figures 1 to 6 The integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a hub bearing, a wheel rim assembly and a vehicle provided according to an embodiment of the present invention are described.

[0034] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to the first aspect of the present invention can be applied to the wheel rim assembly of the vehicle, which can be connected not only to the vehicle body but also to the wheel.

[0035] The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing includes a steering knuckle body 100 , a wheel hub bearing body 200 and a weld portion 400 .

[0036] The steering knuckle body 100 is provided with a first connecting portion 120, and the first connecting portion 120 is provided with an assembly through hole 110. In the present embodiment, the first connecting portion 120 is integrally formed with the steering knuckle body 100, and the cross-sectional shape of the assembly through hole 110 is circular. Specifically, the assembly through hole 110 is a stepped circular hole, and the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110 extends along the left-right direction. It is understandable that the shape and size of the first connecting portion 120 can be set according to the actual design, and are not specifically limited here. The assembly through hole 110 is provided so that the steering knuckle body 100 can be connected to the wheel hub bearing body 200, and the drive shaft can be connected to the wheel hub bearing. In addition, the steering knuckle body 100 has a plurality of steering knuckle arms so as to be connected to each control arm.

[0037] The wheel hub bearing body 200 is provided with a second connection part 220, which is partially inserted into the assembly through hole 110, and the second connection part 220 is connected with the assembly through hole 110 by interference fit, so that a welding area is formed between the first connection part 120 and the second connection part 220, wherein the welding area is annular. In this embodiment, the second connection part 220 is integrally formed with the wheel hub bearing body 200, and the second connection part 220 is located on a side of the wheel hub bearing body 200 close to the knuckle body 100. The cross section of the second connection part 220 is circular. One end of the second connection part 220 close to the knuckle body 100 can be inserted into the assembly through hole 110 on the first connection part 120. The welding area extends along the circumference of the assembly through hole 110, and the center line of the welding area coincides with the center axis of the assembly through hole 110. The welding area is annular, and the opening of the welding area is open toward the outer peripheral side of the second connection part 220.

[0038] It can be understood that the hub bearing body 200 includes an inner ring, an outer ring 201 and a bearing, the bearing is arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring 201, and the three are arranged coaxially, the inner ring can rotate relative to the outer ring 201, the second connecting portion 220 is arranged on the outer ring 201, one end of the inner ring is provided with an axial hole, and the axial hole extends in the left and right direction, so that one end of the drive shaft can be fixedly installed at the axial hole, so that the drive shaft can drive the inner ring to rotate. The other end of the inner ring is provided with a connecting hole 210, so that the wheel can be fixedly installed at the connecting hole 210, so that the inner ring can drive the vehicle to rotate.

[0039] The weld portion 400 is annular, and is disposed in the welding area. The weld portion 400 is adapted to the welding area, and the center line of the weld portion 400 coincides with the center line of the welding area. Moreover, the weld portion 400 is fixedly connected to the first connection portion 120 and the second connection portion 220, respectively. It can be understood that, in the case where the second connection portion 220 is connected to the assembly through hole 110 of the first connection portion 120 by interference fit, the first connection portion 120 and the second connection portion 220 are fixedly connected by the weld portion 400, so that the steering knuckle body 100 and the wheel hub bearing body 200 can be connected as one body, and the connection between the two is more stable and firm, thereby improving the connection reliability. Moreover, in terms of safety and reliability, it is superior to the existing bearing bolt 300 connection method.

[0040] During the processing of the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing provided in the present embodiment, after the second connection portion 220 of the wheel hub bearing is partially inserted into the assembly through hole 110 on the steering knuckle body 100, an interference fit connection will be generated between the second connection portion 220 and the assembly through hole 110, and an annular welding area is defined between the first connection portion 120 of the steering knuckle body 100 and the second connection portion 220 of the wheel hub bearing body 200; then, welding is performed along the extension direction of the welding area to form a weld portion 400 in the welding area, so that the area where the weld portion 400 is connected to the first connection portion 120 and the second connection portion 220 respectively can be increased, and the welding effect can be enhanced, thereby realizing the wheel hub bearing body 200 and the steering knuckle body 100 being firmly connected into one through the dual connection mode of integral welding and interference fit connection.

[0041] Compared with the existing bolt connection method, this embodiment adopts the above-mentioned structural design, which can improve the connection reliability and safety between the steering knuckle body 100 and the hub bearing body 200. At the same time, it can achieve less-parts management and lightweight structure, and reduce processing costs.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first connection part 120 is an aluminum part, the second connection part 220 is a steel part, and the weld part 400 is fixedly connected to the first connection part 120 and the second connection part 220 respectively by a stir friction welding process. It can be understood that the first connection part 120 is made of aluminum, and the second connection part 220 is made of steel. Further, the steering knuckle body 100 can be made of aluminum alloy material, and the outer ring 201 of the hub bearing body 200 can be made of high-quality steel such as bearing steel. After the second connection part 220 is connected with the assembly through hole 110 through an interference fit, the stir friction welding method is used to manufacture the weld part 400 at the welding area.

[0043] With such a design, the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing is made by steel-aluminum stir friction welding, which has both the lightweight effect of aluminum material and the strength of steel material, and can withstand the radial load of the bearing ball. Moreover, the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing is not easy to deform, and the welding process is mechanically automated, with low energy consumption, high efficiency, safety and no pollution. In addition, the use of connecting parts such as bearing bolts 300 can be reduced, achieving fewer parts, easy management, and avoiding test problems such as torque attenuation. Moreover, without losing accuracy and strength, the waterproof sealing performance can be improved, and there is no need to specially design the dust and mud water proof structure and drainage structure on the steering knuckle body 100, which is conducive to reducing costs, shortening processing hours, and improving production efficiency.

[0044] Of course, it is not excluded that other embodiments adopt other welding methods.

[0045] In some examples, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the weld portion 400 is in an annular shape as a whole, and the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 is fixedly connected to the first connection portion 120 and the second connection portion 220 respectively, and the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 and the first connection portion 120 is equal to the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 and the second connection portion 220. Such a design makes the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 evenly stressed, avoiding the situation where the weld portion 400 and the first connection portion 120 or the weld portion 400 and the second connection portion 220 are easily broken and separated.

[0046] In one embodiment, Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6 Specifically, the first connection portion 120 is provided with a first step portion, and the second connection portion 220 is provided with a second step portion, and the first step portion and the second step portion are arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110, and when viewed along the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110, the first step portion and the second step portion are both in annular shape.

[0047] After the second connection portion 220 is inserted and connected to the assembly through hole 110 on the steering knuckle body 100 by interference fit, the first step portion and the second step portion abut against each other, and the first step portion and the second step portion jointly form a ring-shaped welding area, so that the entire weld portion 400 is annularly welded around the steel-aluminum butt joint area (i.e., the welding area) formed between the first step portion and the second step portion, and the maximum diameter D of the first step portion and the second step portion can be 108 mm. The inner circumferential surface of the weld portion 400 will be fixedly connected to the first step portion and the second step portion at the same time, the end face of the weld portion 400 close to the steering knuckle body 100 will be fixedly connected to the first step portion, and the end face of the weld portion 400 close to the wheel hub bearing body 200 will be fixedly connected to the second step portion. The cross-sectional shape of the weld portion 400 is square.

[0048] Moreover, the length dimension of the weld portion 400 in the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is set to W, W ≥ 8mm, that is, the width dimension of the welding area is at least 8mm. It can be understood that the weld portion 400 manufactured by stir friction welding must be at least 8mm wide, and the weld portion 400 is symmetrically distributed along the first step portion and the second step portion. Specifically, when W = 8mm, the width of the weld portion 400 acting on the first step portion is 4mm, and the width of the weld portion 400 acting on the second step portion is 4mm, so that the first connection portion 120 and the second connection portion 220 can both be subjected to equal connection forces from the weld portion 400.

[0049] Further, the thickness dimension of the weld portion 400 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is set to H, H ≥ 6 mm, that is, the penetration depth of the weld portion 400 is at least 6 mm. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the weld portion 400 can be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the first step portion and the outer peripheral surface of the second step portion, or the weld portion 400 protrudes from the welding area.

[0050] It can be understood that by designing the length dimension W of the weld portion 400 in the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110 to be greater than or equal to 8 mm, and the thickness dimension H of the weld portion 400 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 to be greater than or equal to ≥6 mm, and the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 and the first connection portion 120 is equal to the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 and the second connection portion 220, it can be ensured that the welding effect between the steering knuckle body 100 and the wheel hub bearing body 200 is strong enough and not easy to separate, which helps to improve the connection reliability.

[0051] It is not excluded that in some other examples, the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 and the first connection portion 120 is different from the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion 400 and the second connection portion 220 .

[0052] In some embodiments, Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the annular portion of the second connection part 220 extending into the assembly through hole 110 is set as an insertion part 221, and the insertion part 221 and the second connection part 220 are integrally formed. Viewed along the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110, the insertion part 221 is in a circular ring shape as a whole. The insertion part 221 is provided with an annular interference fit surface 222, and when the insertion part 221 extends into the assembly through hole 110, the interference fit surface 222 of the insertion part 221 will be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole 110, so that the second connection part 220 and the assembly through hole 110 of the first connection part 120 can be connected by interference fit, thereby enhancing the connection effect between the steering knuckle body 100 and the hub bearing body 200.

[0053] In order to ensure that the insertion portion 221 and the first connection portion 120 have sufficient connection rigidity in axial cooperation, the length dimension of the insertion portion 221 in the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is set to L1, and the range of L1 is 15mm to 17mm. In this embodiment, L1 is set to 15.1mm.

[0054] Furthermore, considering the processability of interference fit, a clearance area is formed between the two opposite ends of the insertion portion 221 along the axial direction of the assembly through hole 110 and the first connection portion 120 .

[0055] Specifically, the structure of the inserting portion 221 includes a first annular portion, a second annular portion and a third annular portion. The first annular portion, the second annular portion and the third annular portion are fixedly connected in sequence along the direction from the hub bearing body 200 to the steering knuckle body 100. The first annular portion, the second annular portion and the third annular portion are integrally formed in sequence. The first annular portion is arranged on a side of the second step portion close to the steering knuckle body 100.

[0056] Moreover, the thickness dimension of the second annular portion is greater than the thickness dimension of the first annular portion and the thickness dimension of the third annular portion. Therefore, when the insertion portion 221 is inserted into the assembly through hole 110, the outer circumference of the second annular portion is in close contact with the inner circumference of the assembly through hole 110, and there is a gap between the outer circumference of the first annular portion and the inner circumference of the assembly through hole 110, and there is a gap between the outer circumference of the third annular portion and the inner circumference of the assembly through hole 110, and the gap is set as an air avoidance area. Therefore, there is a first air avoidance area 510 between the outer circumference of the first annular portion and the first step portion, and there is a second air avoidance area 520 between the outer circumference of the third annular portion and the assembly through hole 110.

[0057] It can be understood that by setting up the avoidance area, the first connection part 120 and the second connection part 220 can avoid the root. This can prevent the root stress of the first connection part 120 and the second connection part 220 from exceeding the material yield strength and causing deformation due to interference assembly, and cause the interference connection function to fail, thereby ensuring a strong connection effect between the steering knuckle body 100 and the hub bearing body 200.

[0058] Furthermore, the length dimension of the interference fit connection between the insertion portion 221 and the assembly through hole 110 is set to L2, which is greater than one-third of L1 and less than two-fifths of L1. In addition, the thickness dimension of the insertion portion 221 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is set to T1, which is greater than or equal to one-half of L2. In this embodiment, L1 is 15.1 mm, L2 is 5.4 mm, and T1 is 2.9 mm.

[0059] It can be understood that this embodiment takes into account the processability of stir friction welding, so the above-mentioned design is adopted. Then, during the process of stir friction welding, the stirring head will apply a large pressure along the axial direction of the stirring head. At this time, the thickness dimension T1 of the insertion portion 221 can ensure that the insertion portion 221 provides a certain support for the first step portion (that is, the aluminum portion) in the radial direction, ensuring that the structure of the first step portion will not be crushed and deformed during the welding process, so that a sufficiently strong interference fit can be generated between the second connecting portion 220 and the assembly through hole 110 while achieving root avoidance, and the effectiveness of the interference fit can be guaranteed, so that the steering knuckle body 100 and the wheel hub bearing body 200 can maintain an excellent fixed connection effect for a long time, thereby improving the connection reliability and use safety of the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing, and extending the service life of the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the thickness dimension of the weld portion 400 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is set to H, H≥6mm, and the thickness dimension of the welding parent material area of ​​the first connection part 120 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is set to T2, T2 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times of H. The thickness dimension of the welding parent material area of ​​the second connection part 220 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is equal to T2. In this embodiment, H is 6mm, T2 is 7.2mm, and the thickness dimension of the welding parent material area of ​​the second connection part 220 in the radial direction of the assembly through hole 110 is also 7.2mm. It can be understood that such a setting allows the first connection part 120 and the second connection part 220 to have sufficient thickness to ensure that the welding parent material area will not be welded through, thereby reducing the scrap rate.

[0061] In addition, if Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a guide chamfer is provided at one end of the inserting portion 221 close to the steering knuckle body 100. When the inserting portion 221 extends into the assembly through hole 110, the guide chamfer can play a guiding role, so that the inserting portion 221 can be smoothly and accurately inserted into the assembly through hole 110.

[0062] Compared with the connection method using the bearing bolt 300 in the prior art, the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing provided in the embodiment of the present invention adopts an integrated welding method of stir friction welding and an interference connection method between the insertion portion 221 and the assembly through hole 110. Moreover, by setting an appropriate interference contact area and a scientific and reasonable interference amount, a more stable and firm connection between the steering knuckle body 100 and the wheel hub bearing body 200 is achieved, thereby making the integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing safer and more reliable.

[0063] Moreover, it is possible to save the design of the dustproof and waterproof structure, the drainage structure and the stress groove structure on the steering knuckle body 100. At the same time, it also saves the design of the bolt mounting holes on the steering knuckle body 100 and the wheel hub bearing body 200, thereby saving the design cycle and processing cost of the steering knuckle body 100 and the wheel hub bearing.

[0064] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the wheel rim assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing as in the first embodiment.

[0065] The use of the above-mentioned integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing in the structure of the wheel rim assembly can improve the connection firmness and structural stability of the wheel rim assembly, avoid the problem of positioning parameter deviation or even wheel falling off caused by loosening of the connecting bolts between the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing, and at the same time, improve the waterproof sealing performance and save the manufacturing cost of the wheel rim assembly.

[0066] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises the wheel assembly according to the second embodiment. The vehicle adopts the wheel assembly of the above structure, which can improve the safety and reliability of the vehicle and reduce the cost.

[0067] Specifically, the vehicle may be a private car, such as a sedan, SUV, MPV or pickup truck. The vehicle may also be an operating vehicle, such as a van, bus, small truck or large trailer. The vehicle may be a gasoline vehicle or a new energy vehicle. When the vehicle is a new energy vehicle, it may be a hybrid vehicle or a pure electric vehicle.

[0068] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing, characterized in that: include: A steering knuckle body, which is provided with a first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion is provided with an assembly through hole; A wheel hub bearing body, which is provided with a second connecting portion, wherein the second connecting portion is partially inserted into the assembly through hole and is connected with the assembly through hole by interference fit, so that an annular welding area is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; The welding seam portion is annular and is arranged in the welding area and is fixedly connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion respectively.

2. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connection part is an aluminum part, the second connection part is a steel part, and the weld part is fixedly connected to the first connection part and the second connection part respectively by a stir friction welding process.

3. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner circumference of the weld portion is fixedly connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion respectively, and the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion and the first connection portion is equal to the connection area between the inner circumference of the weld portion and the second connection portion.

4. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the welding area is square, and the length dimension of the welding seam portion in the axial direction of the assembly through hole is set to W, W≥8mm.

5. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first connection portion is provided with a first step portion, the second connection portion is provided with a second step portion, the first step portion and the second step portion are arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction of the assembly through hole, the first step portion and the second step portion are abutted against each other, and the welding area is formed.

6. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness dimension of the weld portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to H, and H≥6 mm.

7. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular portion of the second connecting portion extending into the assembly through hole is configured as an insertion portion, and the insertion portion is provided with an annular interference fit surface, and the interference fit surface is in close contact with the inner circumference of the assembly through hole.

8. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that: The length dimension of the insertion portion in the axial direction of the fitting through hole is set to L1, and the range of L1 is 15 mm to 17 mm.

9. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 8, characterized in that: A clearance area is formed between two opposite ends of the insertion portion along the axial direction of the assembly through hole and the first connection portion.

10. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 9, characterized in that: The inserting portion is provided with a guide chamfer at one end close to the steering knuckle body; And / or, the insertion portion includes a first annular portion, a second annular portion and a third annular portion, the first annular portion, the second annular portion and the third annular portion are fixedly connected in sequence along the direction from the wheel hub bearing body to the steering knuckle body, and the outer circumferential surface of the second annular portion is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole, there is a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the first annular portion and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole, and there is a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the third annular portion and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly through hole, and the gap is set as the air avoidance area.

11. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 9, characterized in that: The length dimension of the interference fit connection between the insertion portion and the assembly through hole is set to L2, and L2 is greater than one third of L1 and less than two fifths of L1.

12. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 11, characterized in that: The thickness dimension of the insertion portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to T1, and T1 is greater than or equal to half of L2.

13. The integrated structure of the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing according to claim 12, characterized in that: The thickness dimension of the weld portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to H, H≥6mm, and the thickness dimension of the welding base material area of ​​the first connection portion in the radial direction of the assembly through hole is set to T2, T2 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times of H.

14. A wheel rim assembly, characterized in that: The invention comprises an integrated structure of a steering knuckle and a wheel hub bearing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the wheel rim assembly as described in claim 14.

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