A tie rod assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a pull rod assembly and belongs to the technical field of steering systems. The pull rod assembly comprises a cross pull rod, a ball head pull rod and an adjusting assembly. The cross pull rod and the ball head pull rod are oppositely arranged at two ends, and the left end of the cross pull rod is fixedly arranged. The adjusting assembly comprises a mounting pipe and a movable rod. The left end of the mounting pipe is threadedly connected with the right end of the cross pull rod, and the right end of the movable rod is threadedly connected with the left end of the ball head pull rod. The left end of the movable rod is movably nested in the right end of the mounting pipe, so that the movable rod can axially move away from or approach the mounting pipe. The nesting position of the movable rod and the mounting pipe is fastened by a hoop. The operation steps of the pull rod during toe-in value adjustment can be reduced, the disassembly efficiency is improved, the change degree of single distance adjustment is refined, accurate adjustment can be realized, and the operation is more labor-saving and easy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of steering system technology, and more specifically, relates to a tie rod assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The tie rod, a crucial component of the vehicle's steering system, connects the left and right steering arms. Its function is to synchronize the two wheels and adjust toe-in accordingly. The end of the tie rod connects to the steering knuckle via a ball joint. Currently, the tie rod and ball joint are connected by threads. When the ball joint is replaced, the new tie rod may not be the same length as the original, and the ball joint needs to be moved. This requires adjusting the distance between the ball joint and the tie rod to adjust the toe-in value of the front wheels. However, due to the lack of a distance measurement device, maintenance personnel can only determine the required movement distance of the ball joint by direct observation or marking. This method makes toe-in adjustment difficult; if the ball joint retraction distance is too long or too short, multiple adjustments are necessary.

[0003] For example, the patent document with application number CN201710769365.4 (application date August 31, 2017) discloses an integral steering tie rod assembly. By setting a toe modulator, the two ends of the tie rod rotate in the same direction. One end of the tie rod is fixed to the ball joint seat and remains stationary. The other end of the tie rod is connected to the ball joint seat via the toe modulator. This simplifies the structure of the integral steering tie rod assembly, reduces weight, and makes toe adjustment easy, quick, and convenient. However, its... The following defects exist: 1. When adjusting the toe-in, it is necessary to first loosen the large and small lock nuts, then use a wrench to hold the hexagon of the toe modulator, and adjust the toe value by rotating the toe modulator. Each adjustment requires tightening or loosening multiple nuts, and the wrench may be blocked by other parts, which seriously affects the disassembly efficiency; 2. When adjusting the toe modulator, the distance between the ball pins changes exponentially, and the single change in distance is large, making it difficult to adjust the distance accurately. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tie rod assembly that can reduce the number of operation steps when adjusting the toe value of the tie rod and improve disassembly efficiency; at the same time, it can refine the degree of change of a single distance adjustment, enabling precise adjustment and making the operation more effortless and easy.

[0005] The present invention discloses a tie rod assembly, comprising a horizontal tie rod, a ball joint tie rod, and an adjusting assembly; the horizontal tie rod and the ball joint tie rod are disposed facing each other at both ends, with the left end of the horizontal tie rod fixedly disposed; the adjusting assembly comprises a mounting tube and a movable rod; the left end of the mounting tube is threadedly connected to the right end of the horizontal tie rod, and the right end of the movable rod is threadedly connected to the left end of the ball joint tie rod; the left end of the movable rod is movably nested inside the right end of the mounting tube, so that the movable rod can axially move away from or towards the mounting tube; the nesting point between the movable rod and the mounting tube is fastened by a clamp.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the adjustment assembly further includes a mounting ring, a mounting bracket, an adjustment plate, and an adjustment rod; the mounting ring is fixedly nested on the outside of the horizontal tie rod, and the mounting ring protrudes radially outward; one end of the mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the upper side of the mounting ring, and the other end extends axially along the horizontal tie rod; a first adjustment gear and a second adjustment gear are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the mounting bracket respectively; an adjustment groove is provided on the mounting bracket; an adjustment rod is fixedly arranged on the lower side of the adjustment plate, and the adjustment rod is embedded in the adjustment groove; the lower end of the adjustment rod is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable rod; an axially penetrating limiting groove is provided on the surface of the mounting tube; an upper rack and a lower rack are respectively provided at both ends of the adjustment plate, the upper rack meshes with the first adjustment gear and rotates, and the lower rack meshes with the second adjustment gear and rotates.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the clamp includes a clamp ring, a clamping bolt, and a clamping rod; the clamp ring includes an annular clamping portion and an extension portion; the clamping portion is arranged around the outside of the mounting tube; the extension portion extends radially along the outside of the clamping portion, and the clamping bolt is threadedly connected to the extension portion so that the clamp ring can retract inward; the clamping rod is fixedly arranged on the side of the clamp ring and is located at the connection between the clamping portion and the extension portion; there are two clamping rods, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the clamp ring; the clamping rod extends into the limiting groove, and the lower end of the adjusting rod is symmetrically provided with a protective groove; when the clamp is locked, the clamping rod and the protective groove are engaged with each other, and when the clamp is unlocked, the clamping rod unfolds to both sides of the protective groove.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the clamp is disposed on the outermost side of the mounting tube, and the upward extension of the clamp ring does not exceed the lower side of the mounting bracket.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, a first mounting hole is provided on the right end of the tie rod, and an internal thread is provided in the first mounting hole; a first threaded rod is fixedly provided on the left side of the mounting tube, and the first threaded rod is provided with an external thread, and the first mounting hole and the first threaded rod are threadedly connected.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, a second mounting hole is provided on the left end of the ball joint rod, and an internal thread is provided in the second mounting hole; a second threaded rod is fixedly provided on the right side of the movable rod, and the second threaded rod is provided with an external thread, and the second mounting hole and the second threaded rod are threadedly connected.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the center lines of the tie rod, the ball joint tie rod, and the adjusting assembly are collinear; the center of the ball joint tie rod is located on the center line.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the two sides of the mounting bracket extend upward respectively, and the upper rack and the lower rack abut against the side wall of the mounting bracket respectively.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a cover; the cover is fixedly disposed on the upper side of the mounting bracket, and a through moving groove is provided on the cover, the moving groove is located directly above the adjusting groove, and the moving groove and the adjusting groove are on the same straight line; the upper end of the adjusting rod abuts against the side wall of the moving groove.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, a zero mark is provided at the center of the cap, with positive marks along the right side of the moving groove and negative marks along the left side of the moving groove.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0016] 1. By setting an adjustment component, the locking of the mounting tube and the movable rod can be released by the clamp. The adjustment plate can be moved left and right, and the adjustment rod can drive the movable rod to move, so as to adjust the retraction distance of the movable rod inside the mounting tube. This can reduce the number of operation steps when adjusting the toe value of the tie rod and improve disassembly efficiency. At the same time, it can refine the degree of change of a single distance adjustment, enabling precise adjustment and making the operation more effortless and easy.

[0017] 2. By setting a clamping rod, the movable rod cannot move inside the installation tube when the clamp is locked. When the clamp is unlocked, the clamping rod unfolds to both sides of the limiting groove, loses its limiting contact, and the adjusting rod can slide against the clamping rod to improve the locking stability of the movable rod and prevent the adjusting rod from moving slightly after the clamp is locked. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific embodiment two of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment two of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamp according to a specific embodiment two of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the clamping rod and the protective groove are separated in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment three of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0027] 1. Horizontal tie rod, 11. First mounting hole, 2. Ball joint connecting rod, 21. Second mounting hole, 3. Adjustment assembly, 31. Mounting tube, 31. First threaded rod, 311. Limiting groove, 312. Movable rod, 32. Second threaded rod, 321. Mounting ring, 33. Mounting bracket, 34. Adjustment groove, 35. Adjustment plate, 36. Upper rack, 361. Lower rack, 362. First adjusting gear, 37. Second adjusting gear, 38. Adjustment rod, 39. Clamp, 4. Clamp ring, 41. Clamping bolt, 42. Clamping rod, 43. Protective groove, 5. Cover, 6. Moving groove, 61. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Specific Implementation Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1-3 A tie rod assembly includes a cross tie rod 1, a ball joint tie rod 2, and an adjustment assembly 3.

[0029] The horizontal tie rod 1 and the ball joint tie rod 2 are arranged facing each other at both ends, with the left end of the horizontal tie rod 1 fixedly installed. The adjusting assembly 3 includes a mounting tube 31 and a movable rod 32. The left end of the mounting tube 31 is threadedly connected to the right end of the horizontal tie rod 1, and the right end of the movable rod 32 is threadedly connected to the left end of the ball joint tie rod 2. The left end of the movable rod 32 is movably nested inside the right end of the mounting tube 31, allowing the movable rod 32 to move axially away from or towards the mounting tube 31. The mounting tube 31 has a hollow structure, and the movable rod 32 is embedded inside the mounting tube 31. The nesting point between the movable rod 32 and the mounting tube 31 is securely connected by a clamp 4.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, in this embodiment, a first mounting hole 11 is provided on the right end of the horizontal tie rod 1, and the first mounting hole 11 has an internal thread. A first threaded rod 311 is fixedly provided on the left side of the mounting tube 31, and the first threaded rod 311 has an external thread. The first mounting hole 11 and the first threaded rod 311 are threadedly connected. A second mounting hole 21 is provided on the left end of the ball joint tie rod 2, and the second mounting hole 21 has an internal thread. A second threaded rod 321 is fixedly provided on the right side of the movable rod 32, and the second threaded rod 321 has an external thread. The second mounting hole 21 and the second threaded rod 321 are threadedly connected.

[0031] After installation, the center lines of the tie rod 1, ball joint tie rod 2, and adjusting assembly 3 are collinear. The center of the ball joint tie rod 2 is located on the center line. After the tie rod 1 is installed with the mounting tube 31, the ball joint tie rod 2, and the movable rod 32, they are tightened with hexagonal nuts. It should be noted that a ball joint pin is installed on the right end of the ball joint tie rod 2 for connection with other automotive components; this is a conventional technique, and its specific connection relationship and working principle will not be elaborated here.

[0032] Furthermore, the adjustment assembly 3 also includes a mounting ring 33, a mounting bracket 34, an adjustment plate 36, and an adjustment rod 39. The mounting ring 33 is fixedly nested on the outside of the tie rod 1, and the mounting ring 33 protrudes radially outward. The mounting ring 33 is located to the left of the hexagonal nut, and the outer diameter of the mounting ring 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the hexagonal nut.

[0033] One end of the mounting bracket 34 is fixedly connected to the upper side of the mounting ring 33, and the other end extends axially along the horizontal tie rod 1. A first adjusting gear 37 and a second adjusting gear 38 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the mounting bracket 34 respectively. An adjusting groove 35 is provided on the mounting bracket 34, which is located between the first adjusting gear 37 and the second adjusting gear 38.

[0034] An adjusting rod 39 is fixedly mounted on the lower side of the adjusting plate 36. The upper end of the adjusting rod 39 protrudes outward from the adjusting plate 36 and is embedded in the adjusting groove 35, allowing the adjusting rod 39 to move horizontally left and right along the adjusting groove 35. The lower end of the adjusting rod 39 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable rod 32, so as to drive the movable rod 32 to move horizontally left and right. An axially penetrating limiting groove 312 is formed on the surface of the mounting tube 31. At least one opening of the limiting groove 312 faces the right end of the mounting tube 31, so that the limiting groove 312 is connected to the external space.

[0035] An upper rack 361 and a lower rack 362 are respectively provided at both ends of the adjusting plate 36. The upper rack 361 is located on the upper left side of the adjusting plate 36, and the lower rack 362 is located on the lower right side of the adjusting plate 36. The upper rack 361 meshes with the first adjusting gear 37 and rotates, while the lower rack 362 meshes with the second adjusting gear 38 and rotates. Preferably, the two sides of the mounting bracket 34 extend upwards respectively, and the upper rack 361 and the lower rack 362 abut against the side walls of the mounting bracket 34. The upper rack 361 and the lower rack 362 move as the adjusting plate 36 moves.

[0036] The clamp 4 includes a clamp ring 41 and a clamping bolt 42. The clamp ring 41 includes an annular clamping portion and an extension portion. The clamping portion is arranged around the outside of the mounting tube 31. The extension portion extends radially along the outside of the clamping portion, and the clamping bolt 42 is threadedly connected to the extension portion. The clamping bolt 42 forces the clamp ring 41 to contract inward, causing the mounting tube 31 to deform slightly inward, so that the mounting tube 31 and the movable rod 32 can form a tight integral structure. The clamp 4 is located on the outermost side of the mounting tube 31, and the upward extension of the clamp ring 41 does not exceed the lower side of the mounting bracket 34, providing space for the clamping bolt 42 to be disassembled and installed.

[0037] Specific Implementation Example 2: Please refer to Figures 4-7 This embodiment also provides a tie rod assembly, which is the same as the first embodiment and will not be repeated here. The difference is that the clamp 4 also includes a clamping rod 43.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the clamping rod 43 is fixedly mounted on the side of the clamping ring 41 and located at the connection between the clamping part and the extension part. Two clamping rods 43 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the clamping ring 41. The clamping rod 43 extends into the adjusting groove 35. A protective groove 5 is symmetrically provided at the lower end of the adjusting rod 39. The height of the protective groove 5 matches the height of the clamping rod 43. In this embodiment, the protective groove 5 is a notch symmetrically arranged on both sides. When the clamping ring 4 is locked, the clamping rods 43 on both sides move towards the protective groove 5, and the clamping rods 43 and the protective groove 5 engage with each other, with the upper side of the clamping rod 43 abutting against the upper side of the protective groove 5. When the clamping ring 4 is unlocked, the clamping rods 43 unfold towards both sides of the protective groove 5. By setting the clamping rod 43, slippage or displacement after clamping can be avoided, ensuring the stability of the entire pull rod component even under severe load conditions.

[0039] Specific Implementation Example 3: Please refer to Figure 8 This embodiment also provides a pull rod assembly, the similarities of which with specific embodiment two will not be repeated here, the difference being that it also includes a cover 6. The cover 6 is fixedly mounted on the upper side of the mounting bracket 34, and a through moving groove 61 is provided on the cover 6. The moving groove 61 is located directly above the adjusting groove 35, and the moving groove 61 and the adjusting groove 35 are on the same straight line. The cover 6 at least covers the area where the adjusting groove 35 is located. The upper end of the adjusting rod 39 abuts against the side wall of the moving groove 61, and the upper end of the adjusting rod 39 protrudes outward from the moving groove 61. The adjusting plate 36 is moved by pushing the protruding adjusting rod 39. By providing the cover 6, an isolation and sealing function is achieved to prevent the intrusion of water or dust and dirt, thereby improving the service life of the components.

[0040] A zero mark is set at the center of the cover 6. The rightward movement along the moving groove 61 is marked as a positive mark, and the leftward movement along the moving groove 61 is marked as a negative mark. This facilitates quick judgment by maintenance personnel when adjusting the vehicle's toe-in value. When moving to the negative mark, the distance between the tie rod 1 and the ball joint 2 shortens, and the vehicle's toe-in value increases; conversely, when moving to the positive mark, the distance between the tie rod 1 and the ball joint 2 increases, and the vehicle's toe-in value decreases.

[0041] Working principle:

[0042] When adjusting the vehicle's toe-in or replacing the ball joint 2; connect the first threaded rod 311 of the mounting tube 31 to the first mounting hole 11 of the tie rod 1, and connect the second threaded rod 321 of the movable rod 32 to the second mounting hole 21 of the ball joint 2; unlock the clamp 4, the clamping rod 43 unfolds towards both sides of the protective groove 5, the clamp 4 releases the lock of the mounting tube 31 and the movable rod 32, move the adjusting plate 36 left and right, the adjusting rod 39 drives the movable rod 32 to move, so as to adjust the retraction distance of the movable rod 32 inside the mounting tube; when it moves to the negative mark, the distance between the tie rod 1 and the ball joint 2 shortens, and the vehicle's toe-in value increases; conversely When the rod is moved to the positive mark, the distance between the tie rod 1 and the ball joint tie rod 2 increases, and the vehicle's toe-in value decreases. This facilitates quick judgment by maintenance personnel and reduces the number of steps required to adjust the toe-in value, improving disassembly efficiency. It also refines the degree of change in a single distance adjustment, enabling precise adjustment and making the operation easier and less strenuous. After adjustment, the clamp 4 is locked. When the clamp 4 is locked, the movable rod 32 cannot move within the mounting tube 31, and the adjusting rod 39 can slide against the clamping rod 43 to improve the locking stability of the movable rod 32 and prevent the adjusting rod 39 from moving slightly after the clamp 4 is locked.

Claims

1. A tie rod assembly, characterized in that: It includes a horizontal tie rod (1), a ball joint tie rod (2), and an adjusting assembly (3); the horizontal tie rod (1) and the ball joint tie rod (2) are arranged facing each other at both ends, and the left end of the horizontal tie rod (1) is fixedly set; the adjusting assembly (3) includes a mounting tube (31) and a movable rod (32); the left end of the mounting tube (31) is threadedly connected to the right end of the horizontal tie rod (1), and the right end of the movable rod (32) is threadedly connected to the left end of the ball joint tie rod (2); the left end of the movable rod (32) is movably nested inside the right end of the mounting tube (31) so that the movable rod (32) can move axially away from or close to the mounting tube (31); the nesting part of the movable rod (32) and the mounting tube (31) is fastened by a clamp (4); The adjustment assembly (3) also includes a mounting ring (33), a mounting bracket (34), an adjustment plate (36), and an adjustment rod (39); the mounting ring (33) is fixedly nested on the outside of the horizontal tie rod (1), and the mounting ring (33) protrudes radially outward; one end of the mounting bracket (34) is fixedly connected to the upper side of the mounting ring (33), and the other end extends axially along the horizontal tie rod (1); a first adjustment gear (37) and a second adjustment gear (38) are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the mounting bracket (34); an adjustment groove (35) is provided on the mounting bracket (34). An adjusting rod (39) is fixedly installed on the lower side of the adjusting plate (36), and the adjusting rod (39) is embedded in the adjusting groove (35); the lower end of the adjusting rod (39) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable rod (32); an axially through limiting groove (312) is opened on the surface of the mounting tube (31); an upper rack (361) and a lower rack (362) are respectively installed at both ends of the adjusting plate (36), the upper rack (361) meshes with the first adjusting gear (37) and rotates, and the lower rack (362) meshes with the second adjusting gear (38) and rotates. The clamp (4) includes a clamp ring (41), a clamping bolt (42), and a clamping rod (43); the clamp ring (41) includes an annular clamping part and an extension part; the clamping part is arranged around the outside of the mounting tube (31); the extension part extends radially along the outside of the clamping part, and the clamping bolt (42) is threadedly connected to the extension part so that the clamp ring (41) can retract inward; the clamping rod (43) is fixedly arranged on the side of the clamp ring (41) and located at the connection between the clamping part and the extension part; the clamping rod (43) includes two rods, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the clamp ring (41); the clamping rod (43) extends into the limiting groove (312), and the lower end of the adjusting rod (39) is symmetrically provided with protective grooves (5); when the clamp (4) is locked, the clamping rod (43) and the protective groove (5) are engaged with each other, and when the clamp (4) is unlocked, the clamping rod (43) unfolds towards both sides of the protective groove (5).

2. The tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamp (4) is located on the outermost side of the mounting tube (31), and the extension of the clamp ring (41) extends upward to a height not exceeding the lower side of the mounting bracket (34).

3. A tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first mounting hole (11) is provided on the right end of the horizontal tie rod (1), and an internal thread is provided in the first mounting hole (11); a first threaded rod (311) is fixedly provided on the left side of the mounting tube (31), and the first threaded rod (311) is provided with an external thread, and the first mounting hole (11) and the first threaded rod (311) are threadedly connected.

4. A tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball joint rod (2) has a second mounting hole (21) on its left end, and the second mounting hole (21) has an internal thread; the movable rod (32) has a second threaded rod (321) fixedly installed on its right side, and the second threaded rod (321) has an external thread, and the second mounting hole (21) and the second threaded rod (321) are threadedly connected.

5. A tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The center lines of the tie rod (1), the ball joint tie rod (2), and the adjustment assembly (3) are collinear; the center of the ball joint tie rod (2) is located on the center line.

6. A tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (34) extends upward on both sides, with the upper rack (361) and lower rack (362) abutting against the side wall of the mounting bracket (34).

7. A tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cover (6); the cover (6) is fixedly installed on the upper side of the mounting bracket (34), and a through moving groove (61) is provided on the cover (6). The moving groove (61) is located directly above the adjusting groove (35), and the moving groove (61) and the adjusting groove (35) are on the same straight line; the upper end of the adjusting rod (39) abuts against the side wall of the moving groove (61).

8. A tie rod assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The center of the cap (6) is marked with a zero mark. The positive mark is marked to the right along the moving groove (61), and the negative mark is marked to the left along the moving groove (61).

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