Front axle for lifting suspension of amphibious vehicle

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of automotive suspensions, and particularly relates to a front axle for an amphibious vehicle lifting suspension, which comprises a fixed hinge point frame, a hydraulic driving structure is fixedly mounted in the fixed hinge point frame, and suspension structures are fixedly mounted on two sides of the hydraulic driving structure respectively; a steering device is fixedly mounted between the two suspension structures, and the steering device is also fixed in the fixed hinge point frame. Linear driving of the hydraulic cylinder and rigid guiding of the lifting guide rod are combined, and an accurate vertical movement track is provided for the suspension lifting frame. By means of the composite design of hydraulic driving and mechanical guiding, drifting or shaking possibly existing in a pure hydraulic system is effectively avoided, it is guaranteed that tires are accurately positioned in the lifting and descending process, switching between the two postures is rapid and stable, and controllability and safety of amphibious mode switching of the vehicle are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive suspension technology, specifically to a front axle for an amphibious vehicle's lifting suspension. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing severity of global climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme natural disasters such as floods are rising significantly, placing higher demands on emergency rescue capabilities. Against this backdrop, developing vehicles with amphibious capabilities, especially those capable of efficient maneuvering on flooded and muddy roads, has become a key technological requirement for improving rescue efficiency and ensuring personnel safety. Currently, when amphibious vehicles are floating in water, if some tires remain submerged, the increased water resistance leads to a decrease in overall speed and an increase in fuel consumption, limiting their water mobility. Most amphibious models on the market currently suffer from similar problems, failing to effectively achieve optimized switching between land-based driving and water-floating states.

[0003] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the ideal solution is to enable the suspension system to adaptively adjust to both land and water conditions: maintaining conventional suspension functions when driving on land to ensure load-bearing and shock absorption performance; and, upon entering a floating state in water, actively raising the suspension to move the tires above the waterline, thereby minimizing water resistance and improving speed and fuel economy. To this end, this paper proposes a front axle suspension structure with active lifting capability.

[0004] This design is based on a double-crank mechanism, using hydraulic cylinders to extend and retract the front axle suspension, switching it between a driving and lifted posture, and employing a hydraulic system for position locking. Specifically, when the hydraulic cylinder extends, it pushes the relevant linkages to bring the suspension to a normal horizontal position, at which point the vehicle's weight and ground impact loads are borne by the hydraulic system. When the hydraulic cylinder retracts, it drives the suspension to rotate around its axis, achieving overall lifting, and maintaining stability in the lifted posture through a hydraulic self-locking function. This structure balances the reliability of land-based driving with the efficiency of water-based driving, providing a practical technical approach for optimizing amphibious vehicle performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a front axle for the lifting suspension of amphibious vehicles, solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a front axle for lifting suspension of an amphibious vehicle, comprising a fixed hinge frame, wherein a hydraulic drive structure is fixedly installed inside the fixed hinge frame, and suspension structures are fixedly installed on both sides of the hydraulic drive structure; a steering device is fixedly installed between the two suspension structures, and the steering device is also fixed inside the fixed hinge frame.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixed hinge frame includes a base, and suspension mounting surfaces are fixedly installed on both sides of the upper end surface of the base, and an upper fixed connecting rod is fixedly installed between the two suspension mounting surfaces.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic drive structure includes a lifting guide rod fixedly installed on the inner side of the suspension mounting surface, a suspension lifting frame slidably installed on the outer side of the lifting guide rod, the suspension lifting frame being fixedly connected to a hydraulic rod, and the hydraulic rod being fixedly installed on both sides of a hydraulic cylinder fixing frame. The hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket includes a hydraulic rod mounting block with hydraulic rods fixedly installed on both sides, and four brackets are fixedly installed on the lower end face of the hydraulic rod mounting block.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suspension lifting frame includes a lifting frame body, a hydraulic rod connection is fixedly installed on one side of the lifting frame body, a hydraulic rod is fixedly installed on the upper end face of the hydraulic rod connection, and a guide rod mounting block is fixedly installed on the other side of the lifting frame body, and a lifting guide rod is slidably installed inside the guide rod mounting block.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suspension structure includes an upper wishbone fixedly connected to the suspension mounting surface, an upper ball seat and a ball head fixedly mounted on the upper wishbone, the upper ball seat and the ball head slidably connected to the upper end face of the steering joint, an axle rotatably connected to the steering joint, a lower ball seat and a ball head fixedly connected to one side of the steering joint, the lower ball seat and the ball head being fixedly connected to the steering device, a lower wishbone rotatably connected to the lower side of the steering joint, and a shock absorber fixedly mounted between the lower wishbone and the suspension lifting frame.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention provides a precise vertical movement trajectory for the suspension lifting frame by combining the linear drive of the hydraulic cylinder with the rigid guidance of the lifting guide rod. This composite design of "hydraulic drive + mechanical guidance" effectively avoids the drift or sway that may exist in a pure hydraulic system, ensuring accurate tire positioning during lifting and lowering, and rapid and stable switching between the two postures, greatly improving the handling and safety of the vehicle when switching between amphibious and terrestrial modes.

[0012] 2. This invention employs sliding bearings or similar low-friction media as the contact medium between the guide rod mounting block and the lifting guide rod, as well as at the hinge points between the upper and lower forks and the fixed hinge frame. This design not only ensures flexible operation and sensitive response of each moving part, but also significantly reduces direct wear between metals, thereby extending the service life of core moving parts and reducing the failure rate and maintenance frequency in harsh disaster relief environments.

[0013] 3. This invention utilizes a W-shaped irregular structure for the lower control arm. This structure successfully provides a through-path for the differential drive shaft and steering tie rod, preventing motion interference. Simultaneously, its own structure has undergone mechanical optimization, achieving efficient material utilization and component lightweighting while ensuring sufficient support and torsional strength. This helps reduce the unsprung mass of the front axle, positively impacting vehicle ride comfort and handling stability. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a fixed hinge point frame; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic drive structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a suspension lift frame; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion of the suspension structure.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Fixed hinge point bracket; 11. Suspension mounting surface; 12. Upper fixed connecting rod; 13. Base; 2. Suspension structure; 21. Screw joint; 22. Wheel axle; 23. Lower ball joint and ball head; 24. Shock absorber; 25. Lower wishbone; 26. Upper wishbone; 27. Upper ball joint and ball head; 3. Hydraulic drive structure; 31. Hydraulic lever; 32. Suspension lifting frame; 321. Guide rod mounting block; 322. Guide rod mounting hole; 323. Lifting frame body; 324. Hydraulic bar connection; 33. Lifting guide rod; 34. Hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket; 341. Hydraulic lever mounting block; 342. Bracket.

[0016] 4. Steering mechanism; Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Example: Please see Figure 1-7The present invention provides the following technical solution: a front axle for lifting suspension of an amphibious vehicle, comprising a fixed hinge frame 1, a hydraulic drive structure 3 fixedly installed inside the fixed hinge frame 1, and suspension structures 2 fixedly installed on both sides of the hydraulic drive structure 3 respectively; a steering device 4 is fixedly installed between the two suspension structures 2, and the steering device 4 is also fixed inside the fixed hinge frame 1.

[0019] In this embodiment, the fixed hinge point frame 1 serves as the support frame for the entire front axle, rigidly connected to the vehicle frame via its base, providing a stable mounting foundation. The hydraulic drive structure 3, integrated within the fixed hinge point frame 1, provides the power for suspension attitude switching. The suspension structures 2 on both sides are connected to the fixed hinge point frame 1 and the hydraulic drive structure 3 respectively, supporting the wheels and transmitting motion. The steering device 4 spans the two suspension structures 2, synchronously controlling the steering of both wheels, and is fixed to the fixed hinge point frame 1 to ensure the stability of the steering geometry. This overall layout allows the suspension to maintain its normal operating state when the vehicle is traveling on land, and when floating in water, the suspension can be quickly raised via hydraulic drive, lifting the tires above the waterline, significantly reducing water resistance, thereby increasing speed and reducing fuel consumption.

[0020] Specifically, the fixed hinge frame 1 includes a base 13, on both sides of the upper end face of the base 13, a suspension mounting surface 11 is fixedly installed, and an upper fixed connecting rod 12 is fixedly installed between the two suspension mounting surfaces 11.

[0021] In this embodiment, the base 13 is firmly connected to the vehicle frame by bolts, forming the interface between the front axle and the vehicle body. Suspension mounting surfaces 11 are vertically welded to both sides of the base 13, and their inner sides are provided with precisely machined hinge holes and guide rod mounting positions for mounting the hinge points of the suspension structure 2 and the guide components of the hydraulic drive structure 3. Upper fixed connecting rods 12 are horizontally welded to the top of the two suspension mounting surfaces 11, significantly enhancing the frame's torsional and bending stiffness and preventing deformation under complex loads. Most components are connected by welding, with key stress-bearing parts reinforced by bolts, ensuring the reliability and durability of the overall structure.

[0022] Specifically, the hydraulic drive structure 3 includes a lifting guide rod 33 fixedly installed on the inner side of the suspension mounting surface 11, a suspension lifting frame 32 slidably installed on the outer side of the lifting guide rod 33, the suspension lifting frame 32 being fixedly connected to the hydraulic rod 31, and the hydraulic rod 31 being fixedly installed on both sides of the hydraulic cylinder fixing frame 34. The hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket 34 includes a hydraulic rod mounting block 341 on both sides, on which hydraulic rods 31 are fixedly mounted, and four brackets 342 are fixedly mounted on the lower end face of the hydraulic rod mounting block 341.

[0023] In this embodiment, the lifting guide rod 33 is vertically fixed to the inner side of the suspension mounting surface 11 by bolts, providing precise vertical movement guidance for the suspension lifting frame 32 and ensuring the smoothness and straightness of the lifting process. The suspension lifting frame 32 is slidably mounted on the lifting guide rod 33 via guide blocks, and can slide freely up and down along the rod. The hydraulic rod 31, as the core power component, has one end hinged to the hydraulic rod connection 324 of the suspension lifting frame 32 via a pin or flange, and the other end fixed to the hydraulic rod mounting block 341 of the hydraulic cylinder fixing frame 34. The hydraulic cylinder fixing frame 34 is fixed to the base 13 or the reinforcing part of the suspension mounting surface 11 by bolts through its four brackets 342, providing stable support for the hydraulic rod 31. During operation, the hydraulic system controls the hydraulic rod 31 to retract, pulling the suspension lifting frame 32 upward along the lifting guide rod 33, thereby driving the suspension to lift through the shock absorber; the self-locking performance of the hydraulic system can lock the posture at any position and effectively absorb the impact load from the road surface.

[0024] Specifically, the suspension lifting frame 32 includes a lifting frame body 323. A hydraulic rod connection 324 is fixedly installed on one side of the lifting frame body 323. A hydraulic rod 31 is fixedly installed on the upper end face of the hydraulic rod connection 324. A guide rod mounting block 321 is fixedly installed on the other side of the lifting frame body 323. A lifting guide rod 33 is slidably installed inside the guide rod mounting block 321.

[0025] In this embodiment, the lifting frame body 323 serves as the main load-bearing structure of the suspension lifting frame 32, and is typically welded from steel plates, possessing sufficient strength and rigidity. The hydraulic rod connection 324 is welded to one side of the lifting frame body 323, and its upper end is provided with a hinge hole or mounting surface for connecting to the piston rod of the hydraulic rod 31, used to directly transmit hydraulic driving force. The guide rod mounting block 321 is welded to the other side of the lifting frame body 323, and its interior is inlaid with a sliding bearing or bushing, forming a sliding fit with the lifting guide rod 33, ensuring that the lifting frame can still move smoothly and without jamming when under force. This design efficiently and with low friction converts the linear motion of the hydraulic rod 31 into the vertical motion of the suspension lifting frame 32, and is a key transmission link for achieving precise suspension lifting.

[0026] Specifically, the suspension structure 2 includes an upper wishbone 26 fixedly connected to the suspension mounting surface 11. An upper ball seat and a ball head 27 are fixedly mounted on the upper wishbone 26. The upper ball seat and the ball head 27 are slidably connected to the upper end face of the steering knuckle 21. An axle 22 is also rotatably connected to the steering knuckle 21. A lower ball seat and a ball head 23 are fixedly connected to one side of the steering knuckle 21. The lower ball seat and the ball head 23 are fixedly connected to the steering device 4. A lower wishbone 25 is rotatably connected to the lower side of the steering knuckle 21. A shock absorber 24 is fixedly installed between the lower wishbone 25 and the suspension lift frame 32.

[0027] In this embodiment, the upper wishbone 26 is connected to the hinge point on the suspension mounting surface 11 via a hinge bolt, allowing it to swing around the hinge point. Its outer end is connected to the ball joint 21 via an upper ball seat and ball head 27, forming a ball joint connection. This not only restricts some degrees of freedom of the wheel but also allows it to steer and bounce. The steering joint 21 is the core mounting component of the wheel, with the axle 22 supported therein by bearings and connected to the differential output shaft to transmit driving torque. The lower ball seat and ball head 23 are fixed to the side of the steering joint 21 and are connected to the steering tie rod of the steering device 4 via the ball head, applying steering force to the wheel. The lower wishbone 25 is also hinged to the suspension mounting surface 11, and its end is connected to the lower end of the steering joint 21 via a lower ball seat and ball head (similar to component 23). Together with the upper wishbone 26, it forms a classic double wishbone structure, ensuring stable wheel alignment parameters. The lower end of the shock absorber 24 is hinged to the lower wishbone 25, and the upper end is hinged to the suspension lifter 32. When the suspension lifting frame 32 is hydraulically driven to lift, the lower fork arm 25 is pulled upward by the shock absorber 24, thereby pushing the entire steering knuckle 21 and the tire to rotate upward around the upper fork arm hinge point, achieving a significant lift. The lower fork arm 25 adopts a special W-shaped structure, providing ample clearance for the drive half-shaft below and the steering tie rod above, ensuring that the various transmission components do not interfere with each other during the lifting process, and that the operation is safe and reliable.

[0028] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front axle for an amphibious vehicle lifting suspension, comprising a fixed hinge point frame (1), characterized in that: A hydraulic drive structure (3) is fixedly installed inside the fixed hinge frame (1), and a suspension structure (2) is fixedly installed on both sides of the hydraulic drive structure (3); a steering device (4) is fixedly installed between the two suspension structures (2), and the steering device (4) is also fixed inside the fixed hinge frame (1).

2. The front axle for an amphibious vehicle lifting suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed hinge frame (1) includes a base (13), and suspension mounting surfaces (11) are fixedly installed on both sides of the upper end face of the base (13), and an upper fixed connecting rod (12) is fixedly installed between the two suspension mounting surfaces (11).

3. The front axle for an amphibious vehicle lifting suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydraulic drive structure (3) includes a lifting guide rod (33) fixedly installed on the inner side of the suspension mounting surface (11), a suspension lifting frame (32) slidably installed on the outer side of the lifting guide rod (33), the suspension lifting frame (32) being fixedly connected to the hydraulic rod (31), and the hydraulic rod (31) being fixedly installed on both sides of the hydraulic cylinder fixing frame (34). The hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket (34) includes a hydraulic rod mounting block (341) with hydraulic rods (31) fixedly installed on both sides, and four brackets (342) are fixedly installed on the lower end face of the hydraulic rod mounting block (341).

4. The front axle for an amphibious vehicle lifting suspension according to claim 3, characterized in that: The suspension lifting frame (32) includes a lifting frame body (323). A hydraulic rod connection (324) is fixedly installed on one side of the lifting frame body (323). A hydraulic rod (31) is fixedly installed on the upper end face of the hydraulic rod connection (324). A guide rod mounting block (321) is fixedly installed on the other side of the lifting frame body (323). A lifting guide rod (33) is slidably installed inside the guide rod mounting block (321).

5. A front axle for an amphibious vehicle lifting suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suspension structure (2) includes an upper wishbone (26) fixedly connected to the suspension mounting surface (11). An upper ball seat and a ball head (27) are fixedly mounted on the upper wishbone (26). The upper ball seat and the ball head (27) are slidably connected to the upper end face of the spur joint (21). An axle (22) is also rotatably connected to the spur joint (21). A lower ball seat and a ball head (23) are fixedly connected to one side of the spur joint (21). The lower ball seat and the ball head (23) are fixedly connected to the steering device (4). A lower wishbone (25) is rotatably connected to the lower side of the spur joint (21). A shock absorber (24) is fixedly installed between the lower wishbone (25) and the suspension lifting frame (32).

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