Front bumper height adjusting system and heavy vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a front bumper height adjusting system and a heavy vehicle. The front bumper height adjusting system comprises a vehicle frame, a front bumper, a connecting rod assembly and a driving assembly, and the front bumper is connected to the vehicle frame in a lifting mode through the connecting rod assembly; the driving assembly is connected to the connecting rod assembly and can adjust the posture of the connecting rod assembly so as to adjust the height of the front bumper relative to the frame. Thus, when the terrain clearance of the front bumper needs to be adjusted, the connecting rod assembly can drive the front bumper to ascend and descend relative to the frame only by controlling the driving assembly, operation is convenient, the structure is simple, cost is low, and high rigidity and strength are achieved. Moreover, the adjustable stroke of the connecting rod assembly is large, the height adjusting range of the front bumper can be greatly widened, and then the problems that a heavy tractor is poor in trafficability and difficult to pass through or even cannot pass through some special road sections are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a front bumper height adjustment system and a heavy vehicle. Background Art

[0002] At present, the front bumper of heavy-duty tractors often adopts a lower ground clearance in pursuit of a lower drag coefficient and a better design. Since the front bumper is the front-end component of the lower part of the vehicle, it directly determines the size of the approach angle. Under the condition of a certain front overhang, the lower the ground clearance of the front bumper, the smaller the approach angle, and the worse the vehicle's passability. When the vehicle has to pass through certain special sections, it may cause accidental bumps and damage.

[0003] In the prior art, some high-end models use airbag suspension, which can change the driving height by inflating and deflation of the airbag, making it easier to dock a trailer, and can also slightly increase the ground clearance and approach angle of the front bumper. However, the suspension airbag is already inflated during normal driving, and the margin from the highest position is not large, so the ground clearance and approach angle of the front bumper cannot be increased to a large extent. The applicability and stability are poor, and it is not suitable for heavy vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a front bumper height adjustment system and a heavy vehicle, which can solve the problems of limited front bumper height adjustment range and poor applicability in the prior art.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A front bumper height adjustment system comprises a vehicle frame, a front bumper, a connecting rod assembly and a driving assembly, wherein the front bumper is connected to the vehicle frame in a liftable manner via the connecting rod assembly; both ends of the driving assembly are connected to the connecting rod assembly, and the posture of the connecting rod assembly can be adjusted to adjust the height of the front bumper relative to the vehicle frame.

[0007] Optionally, the connecting rod assembly is configured as a four-bar linkage, and the driving assembly adjusts the height of the front bumper relative to the vehicle frame by driving the four-bar linkage to expand or contract.

[0008] Optionally, the four-bar linkage includes an upper link and a lower link, wherein two ends of the upper link are respectively hinged at a first position on the front bumper and a second position on the frame, and two ends of the lower link are respectively hinged at a third position on the front bumper and a fourth position on the frame.

[0009] Optionally, the drive assembly is configured as a telescopic drive mechanism, both ends of which are respectively hinged to a fifth position and a sixth position on the four-bar linkage mechanism, the fifth position is close to or coincides with the second position, and the sixth position is close to or coincides with the third position.

[0010] Optionally, the fifth position is arranged on the upper connecting rod, and the distance between the second position and the fifth position is less than half of the distance between the first position and the second position;

[0011] The sixth position is arranged on the lower connecting rod, and the distance between the third position and the sixth position is less than half of the distance between the third position and the fourth position.

[0012] Optionally, the telescopic drive mechanism includes a screw part, a nut part and a drive motor, the nut part is threadedly connected to the screw part, the drive motor is connected to the screw part, and drives the screw part to rotate relative to the nut part to adjust the position of the nut part on the screw part.

[0013] Optionally, the telescopic driving mechanism includes a position sensor for sensing the position of the nut portion on the screw portion, and the position sensor is communicatively connected with the driving motor.

[0014] Optionally, a control component is further included, which is communicatively connected to the drive component and can control the drive component according to at least one of the actual height of the front bumper, operating instructions, vehicle speed and road conditions.

[0015] Optionally, the control component includes a central controller, a wheel speed sensor and a command input device, and the drive component, the wheel speed sensor and the command input device are all communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0016] A heavy vehicle comprises a front bumper height adjustment system as described in any one of the above items.

[0017] The front bumper height adjustment system and heavy-duty vehicle provided by the present application, the front bumper is connected to the frame through a connecting rod assembly, and can be lifted and lowered relative to the frame to change the ground clearance and approach angle of the front bumper. Both ends of the driving assembly are arranged on the connecting rod assembly, and can drive the connecting rod assembly to move, and at the same time adjust the posture of the connecting rod assembly, thereby driving the front bumper to rise and fall relative to the frame. In this way, when the ground clearance of the front bumper needs to be adjusted, only the driving assembly needs to be manipulated, and the connecting rod assembly can be driven by the front bumper to rise and fall relative to the frame, which is convenient to operate, simple in structure, low in cost, and has high rigidity and strength. Moreover, the adjustable stroke of the connecting rod assembly is large, which can greatly increase the height adjustment range of the front bumper, thereby solving the problem that the heavy-duty tractor has poor passability and is difficult to pass or even cannot pass certain special sections. Since both ends of the driving assembly are arranged on the connecting rod assembly, there is no need to set an additional installation position or install firmware on the frame, which is conducive to simplifying the structure and reducing the occupied space of the structure, and the driving assembly can be directly pre-assembled on the connecting rod assembly during processing, which is conducive to improving the subsequent disassembly and assembly efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a front bumper height adjustment system according to some embodiments.

[0020] In the figure: 1. front bumper; 2. upper connecting rod; 3. frame; 4. nut part; 5. screw part; 6. position sensor; 7. lower connecting rod; 8. drive motor; 9. command input device; 10. central controller; 11. motor controller; 12. wheel speed sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a front bumper height adjustment system, including a frame 3, a front bumper 1, a connecting rod assembly and a drive assembly. The frame 3 plays a load-bearing role and constitutes the main structure of the vehicle. The front bumper 1, the connecting rod assembly and the drive assembly are all installed on the frame 3.

[0023] The front bumper 1 is connected to the vehicle frame 3 through a connecting rod assembly and can be raised and lowered relative to the vehicle frame 3 to change the ground clearance and approach angle of the front bumper 1. Specifically, one side of the connecting rod assembly is connected to the front bumper 1 and the other side is connected to the vehicle frame 3. The height position of the front bumper 1 relative to the vehicle frame 3 is changed by changing the posture of the connecting rod assembly.

[0024] Among them, both ends of the driving assembly are arranged on the connecting rod assembly, and can drive the connecting rod assembly to move, and at the same time adjust the posture of the connecting rod assembly, thereby driving the front bumper 1 to rise and fall relative to the frame 3. In this way, when it is necessary to adjust the height of the front bumper 1 from the ground, it is only necessary to manipulate the driving assembly to enable the connecting rod assembly to drive the front bumper 1 to rise and fall relative to the frame 3. The operation is convenient, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and it has high rigidity and strength. Moreover, the adjustable stroke of the connecting rod assembly is large, which can greatly increase the height adjustment range of the front bumper 1, thereby solving the problem that heavy tractors have poor passability and are difficult to pass or even unable to pass certain special sections.

[0025] It should be noted that one of the two ends of the drive assembly is used as a fixed end, and the other is used as a driving end. The driving end of the drive assembly moves relative to the fixed seat to achieve the driving output of the drive assembly. For example, the drive assembly is configured as a telescopic driving structure, and when the drive assembly drives the output, the distance between the fixed end and the driving end will increase or decrease. Since the fixed end and the driving end of the drive assembly are both provided on the connecting rod assembly, there is no need to provide an additional installation position or installation firmware on the frame, which is conducive to simplifying the structure and reducing the space occupied by the structure. In addition, the drive assembly can be directly pre-assembled on the connecting rod assembly during processing, which is conducive to improving the subsequent disassembly and assembly efficiency.

[0026] In some embodiments, the connecting rod assembly is configured as a four-bar linkage, which has an expanded state and a retracted state. The driving assembly is connected to the four-bar linkage and can drive the four-bar linkage to switch between the expanded state and the retracted state, thereby enabling the four-bar linkage to drive the front bumper 1 to rise and fall relative to the frame 3.

[0027] Of course, other embodiments may also be configured as five-link mechanisms or six-link mechanisms or other link mechanisms, as long as the posture change of the link assembly can drive the front bumper 1 to rise and fall. Here, a four-link mechanism is taken as an example for specific description.

[0028] The four-bar linkage mechanism includes an upper link 2 and a lower link 7, which are arranged side by side, and the upper link 2 is located above the lower link 7. The front bumper 1 is provided with a first position A and a third position C, and the first position A is located above the second position B. The frame 3 is provided with a second position B and a fourth position D, and the second position B is located above the fourth position D. Among them, the two ends of the upper link 2 are respectively hinged to the first position A on the front bumper 1 and the second position B on the frame 3, and the two ends of the lower link 7 are respectively hinged to the third position C on the front bumper 1 and the fourth position D on the frame 3, and then the four-bar linkage mechanism is surrounded by the first position A, the second position B, the fourth position D and the third position C, that is, the part between the first position A and the third position C on the front bumper 1 constitutes the left link of the four-bar linkage mechanism, and the part between the second position B and the fourth position D on the frame 3 constitutes the right link of the four-bar linkage mechanism. In this way, the upper link 2, the lower link 7, the front bumper 1 and the frame 3 form a four-link mechanism, and the original components of the vehicle are used, which can save costs and improve the stability and reliability of the structure.

[0029] When the four-bar linkage is unfolded into a rectangle, the upper link 2 and the lower link 7 are arranged horizontally, and the front bumper 1 is at the lowest position relative to the vehicle frame 3. When the four-bar linkage is contracted into a parallelogram, the upper link 2 and the lower link 7 are both arranged obliquely relative to the horizontal direction, and the left link gradually rises above the right link, so that the front bumper 1 gradually moves to the highest position relative to the vehicle frame 3. In addition, when the four-bar linkage is unfolded into a rectangle, the front bumper 1 can be at the highest position relative to the vehicle frame 3, and the height of the front bumper 1 can be gradually lowered by gradually contracting the four-bar linkage into a parallelogram.

[0030] It should be noted that the lengths of the upper link 2 and the lower link 7 may be consistent or inconsistent. For example, the length of the upper link 2 is greater than the length of the lower link 7, thereby ensuring that during the height raising process of the front bumper 1, the headlights always have a reasonable illumination range to illuminate the road surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, the driving component is configured as a telescopic driving mechanism, the telescopic driving mechanism having a first end and a second end, and the driving is achieved by the first end and the second end of the telescopic driving mechanism approaching or moving away from each other. For example, the telescopic driving mechanism is configured as a linear motor, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a gear rack mechanism, a screw nut mechanism, etc. Among them, the four-bar linkage is provided with a fifth position E and a sixth position F, the fifth position E is close to or overlaps with the second position B, for example, the fifth position E is set at a position close to the second position B on the upper connecting rod 2 or the right connecting rod, and the sixth position F is close to or overlaps with the third position C, for example, the sixth position F is set at a position close to the third position C on the lower connecting rod 7 or the left connecting rod. Moreover, the first end of the telescopic driving mechanism is hinged at the fifth position E, and the second end of the telescopic driving mechanism is hinged at the sixth position F. In this way, by extending and retracting the telescopic drive mechanism, the fifth position E and the sixth position F can be driven to move closer or farther away, that is, the second position B and the third position C can be driven to move closer or farther away. Since the second position B and the fourth position D are located on the frame 3, under the action of the four-bar linkage, the first position A and the third position C will rise and fall relative to the second position B and the fourth position D, thereby driving the front bumper 1 to rise and fall relative to the frame 3.

[0032] In some preferred schemes, the fifth position E is set on the upper connecting rod 2, and the sixth position F is set on the lower connecting rod 7, that is, the telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 7, which can increase the angle between EF and the horizontal plane as much as possible, avoid interference between the telescopic drive mechanism and the frame 3 and rear components (such as water tank, condenser, etc.) during movement, and at the same time avoid the telescopic drive mechanism from being compressed and unstable.

[0033] Among them, the distance between the second position B and the fifth position E is less than half of the distance between the first position A and the second position B, that is, EB<AB / 2, and the distance between the third position C and the sixth position F is less than half of the distance between the third position C and the fourth position D, that is, CF<CD / 2, which can theoretically meet the functional requirements. However, considering the stress conditions of the structure, the better solution is to make EB<AB / 4 and CF<CD / 4. During the working process, the smaller the values ​​of EB / AB and CF / CD are, the closer they are to the ideal situation, and the better the structural stability is. When other conditions meet the requirements, the above length ratio should be minimized.

[0034] In some other preferred schemes, the first end of the telescopic drive mechanism is hinged at the second position B, and the second end of the telescopic drive mechanism is hinged at the third position C, that is, the fifth position E coincides with the second position B, and the sixth position F coincides with the third position C. In this way, it is possible to avoid bending moment on the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 7 when the telescopic drive mechanism is extended or retracted, so that the stress conditions of the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 7 are more ideal and the structure is more stable.

[0035] It should be noted that the fifth position E can be on the line connecting the first position A and the second position B (i.e., straight line AB), or can be set outside the line connecting the first position A and the second position B, so that ABE forms a triangle. Similarly, the sixth position F can be on the line connecting the third position C and the fourth position D (i.e., straight line CD), or can be set outside the line connecting the first position A and the second position B, so that CDF forms a triangle. The above situations do not affect the realization of the core objectives of this solution.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the telescopic drive mechanism is configured as a screw nut mechanism, including a screw rod portion 5, a nut portion 4 and a drive motor 8. The nut portion 4 is threadedly connected to the screw rod portion 5. When the nut portion 4 rotates relative to the screw rod portion 5, the nut portion 4 is displaced along the extension direction of the screw rod portion 5, so that the position of the nut portion 4 on the screw rod portion 5 changes. The drive motor 8 is connected to the screw rod portion 5, and drives the screw rod portion 5 to rotate relative to the nut portion 4, so that the nut portion 4 is displaced along the extension direction of the screw rod portion 5, thereby adjusting the position of the nut portion 4 on the screw rod portion 5. Here, the nut portion 4 is located at the first end of the telescopic drive mechanism and is hinged at the fifth position E of the four-bar linkage. The drive motor 8 is located at the second end of the telescopic drive mechanism and is hinged at the sixth position F of the four-bar linkage. When the drive motor 8 drives the screw rod portion 5 to rotate relative to the nut portion 4, the nut portion 4 is displaced along the screw rod portion 5, so that the first end and the second end of the telescopic drive mechanism are close to and away from each other, thereby adjusting the expansion and contraction of the four-bar linkage. In this way, the four-bar linkage can be self-locked by adopting the screw-nut mechanism to prevent the front bumper 1 from sinking under the action of gravity. The arrangement of the screw-nut mechanism allows it to be pulled under normal working conditions to prevent instability due to compression.

[0037] The telescopic drive mechanism also includes a position sensor 6, which is used to sense the position of the nut part 4 on the screw part 5, and then obtain the height position of the front bumper 1 relative to the frame 3. Among them, the position sensor 6 is connected to the drive motor 8 for communication, so that when the control instruction of lifting the front bumper 1 is obtained, the height position of the front bumper 1 obtained by the position sensor 6 can be calibrated and compared first, and then the forward or reverse rotation of the drive motor 8 can be controlled according to the comparison result, and the control efficiency is high, stable and reliable. Specifically, the position sensor 6 is connected to the drive motor 8 for communication through the motor controller 11, and the motor controller 11 calculates and compares the position information obtained by the position sensor 6, obtains the control instruction and sends it to the drive motor 8, so that the drive motor 8 operates according to the corresponding control instruction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the front bumper height adjustment system further includes a control component, which is communicatively connected to a drive component. The control component can control the drive component according to at least one of the actual height of the front bumper 1, operating instructions, vehicle speed, and road conditions. In this way, the drive component can be controlled by comprehensively considering a variety of conditions to adjust the height of the front bumper 1, thereby facilitating automated control of the height of the front bumper 1.

[0039] Among them, the control component includes a central controller 10, a wheel speed sensor 12 and a command input device 9. The drive component, the wheel speed sensor 12 and the command input device 9 are all communicatively connected to the central controller 10. In this way, the central controller 10 can adjust the drive component in combination with the control instructions input by the user and the speed of the vehicle, thereby improving the stability of the system operation.

[0040] The working principle of the system is described in detail below based on the above embodiments.

[0041] When the vehicle is stationary, the user can increase or decrease the height of the front bumper 1 from the ground through the command input device 9 (the form is not limited, it can be a button installed on the vehicle or a remote control, or an electronic device such as a mobile phone, or other input device with similar functions), thereby increasing or decreasing the vehicle's approach angle to obtain better passability, or better appearance\drag reduction performance.

[0042] The user inputs the required set height information of the front bumper 1 through the command input device 9, and the command input device 9 sends it to the central controller 10. The wheel speed sensor 12 collects the vehicle's driving speed in real time and sends the speed information to the central controller 10. When the central controller 10 determines that the vehicle is stationary, it will store the set height information of the front bumper 1 transmitted by the command input device 9. The central controller 10 sends the stored set height information of the front bumper 1 to the motor controller 11 in real time, and the position sensor 6 collects the actual height of the front bumper 1 in real time and sends it to the motor controller 11. The motor controller 11 compares the difference between the actual height information sent by the position sensor 6 and the set height information sent by the central controller 10 in real time, controls the operating state of the drive motor 8, and changes or maintains the height of the front bumper 1 until the front bumper 1 reaches the height set by the user.

[0043] The embodiment of the present application provides a heavy-duty vehicle, including the front bumper height adjustment system in the above embodiment. With such a configuration, when the height of the front bumper 1 from the ground needs to be adjusted, it is only necessary to manipulate the drive assembly to enable the connecting rod assembly to drive the front bumper 1 to rise and fall relative to the frame 3. The operation is convenient, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and the rigidity and strength are high. Moreover, the adjustable stroke of the connecting rod assembly is large, which can greatly increase the height adjustment range of the front bumper 1, thereby solving the problem that the heavy-duty tractor has poor passability and is difficult or even impossible to pass through certain special sections.

[0044] In addition, for other beneficial effects brought about by the front bumper height adjustment system, please refer to the above description of the front bumper height adjustment system, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] The basic principles of the present application are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, effects, etc. mentioned in the present application are only examples and not limitations, and it cannot be considered that these advantages, strengths, effects, etc. are required by each embodiment of the present application. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are only for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding, not for limitation, and the above details do not limit the present application to being implemented by adopting the above specific details.

[0046] The block diagrams of the devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems involved in this application are only illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, and configured in the manner shown in the block diagram. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. are open words, referring to "including but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them. The words "or" and "and" used here refer to the words "and / or" and can be used interchangeably with them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The words "such as" used here refer to the phrase "such as but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them.

[0047] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device and method of the present application, each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined. Such decomposition and / or recombination should be regarded as equivalent solutions of the present application.

[0048] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0049] It should be understood that the qualifiers "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth" and "sixth" used in the description of the embodiments of the present application are only used to more clearly explain the technical solutions and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0050] The above description has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the forms disclosed herein. Although multiple example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, changes, additions and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A front bumper height adjustment system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a vehicle frame, a front bumper, a connecting rod assembly and a driving assembly. The front bumper is connected to the vehicle frame in a liftable manner through the connecting rod assembly. Both ends of the driving assembly are connected to the connecting rod assembly, and the posture of the connecting rod assembly can be adjusted to adjust the height of the front bumper relative to the vehicle frame.

2. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod assembly is configured as a four-bar linkage, and the driving assembly adjusts the height of the front bumper relative to the vehicle frame by driving the four-bar linkage to expand or contract.

3. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The four-bar linkage includes an upper link and a lower link, wherein two ends of the upper link are respectively hinged at a first position on the front bumper and a second position on the frame, and two ends of the lower link are respectively hinged at a third position on the front bumper and a fourth position on the frame.

4. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving assembly is configured as a telescopic driving mechanism, and both ends of the telescopic driving mechanism are respectively hinged to a fifth position and a sixth position on the four-bar linkage mechanism, the fifth position is close to or coincides with the second position, and the sixth position is close to or coincides with the third position.

5. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fifth position is arranged on the upper connecting rod, and the distance between the second position and the fifth position is less than half of the distance between the first position and the second position; The sixth position is arranged on the lower connecting rod, and the distance between the third position and the sixth position is less than half of the distance between the third position and the fourth position.

6. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The telescopic driving mechanism includes a screw part, a nut part and a driving motor. The nut part is threadedly connected to the screw part. The driving motor is connected to the screw part and drives the screw part to rotate relative to the nut part to adjust the position of the nut part on the screw part.

7. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The telescopic driving mechanism includes a position sensor for sensing the position of the nut portion on the screw portion, and the position sensor is communicatively connected with the driving motor.

8. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control component, which is in communication with the drive component and can control the drive component according to at least one of the actual height of the front bumper, operating instructions, vehicle speed and road conditions.

9. The front bumper height adjustment system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control component includes a central controller, a wheel speed sensor and a command input device, and the drive component, the wheel speed sensor and the command input device are all connected to the central controller for communication.

10. A heavy vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises a front bumper height adjustment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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