Air cylinder connecting assembly, drive axle assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an air cylinder connecting assembly, a drive axle assembly and a vehicle, the air cylinder connecting assembly comprises an air cylinder support and an adjusting arm, the air cylinder support is provided with a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure, the first connecting structure is used for being connected with an axle housing, and the second connecting structure is used for being connected with a brake bottom plate of a brake; the adjusting arm is connected with the cylinder support and used for installing the cylinder. According to the scheme, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are arranged on the air cylinder support, the air cylinder support is connected with the axle housing and the brake bottom plate at the same time, the rigidity and stability of the whole air cylinder connecting assembly are enhanced, the fatigue damage risk caused by brake torque and dead weight of the air cylinder support is reduced, and meanwhile the service life of the air cylinder support is prolonged. The length of the air cylinder support can be increased according to specific needs, so that the center distance of the air cylinders is reduced, interference to surrounding suspension parts is reduced, and the problem that a brake is difficult to arrange on a drive axle is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cylinder connection assembly technology, and more specifically, to a cylinder connection assembly, a drive axle assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In current commercial vehicle drive axle designs, the cylinder mount, as a key component of the drum independent brake, can only be connected to the axle housing or brake backing plate on one side, forming a cantilever structure. For example... Figure 8 As shown, to avoid fatigue loads caused by the braking torque T and cylinder weight G leading to fatigue damage to the cylinder support, the cylinder support is designed to be relatively short. This results in a larger center distance L2 between the left and right brake cylinders. Figure 10 As shown, it is easy to interfere with suspension components such as leaf springs or air suspension arms and tie arms, making it difficult to install brakes on the bridge.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a cylinder connection assembly, a drive axle assembly, and a vehicle to solve the problems in the prior art where cylinders easily interfere with suspension components and it is difficult to arrange brakes on the drive axle.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cylinder connection assembly is provided, comprising: a cylinder bracket, on which a first connection structure and a second connection structure are provided, the first connection structure being used to connect an axle housing and the second connection structure being used to connect a brake base plate of a brake; and an adjusting arm connected to the cylinder bracket, the adjusting arm being used to mount a cylinder.

[0006] Furthermore, the cylinder bracket extends along the axial direction of the brake, the second connecting structure is located at the end of the cylinder bracket closer to the brake, the first connecting structure is located at the end of the cylinder bracket farther from the brake, and the adjusting arm is connected to the end of the cylinder bracket farther from the brake.

[0007] Furthermore, the axial length of the cylinder bracket is L1, where 330mm≤L1≤350mm.

[0008] Furthermore, the first connection structure includes at least one first connection hole. When there is one first connection hole, the first connection hole extends along the radial direction of the cylinder bracket. When there are multiple first connection holes, all of the multiple first connection holes extend along the radial direction of the cylinder bracket.

[0009] Furthermore, the first connecting structure includes two first connecting holes, which are arranged opposite to each other along the height direction of the cylinder bracket.

[0010] Furthermore, the cylinder bracket and the axle housing are connected by a first bolt, the diameter of the first connecting hole is larger than the diameter of the first bolt, and the difference between the diameter of the first connecting hole and the diameter of the first bolt is greater than or equal to 2mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the first connection structure also includes an adjustment pad, which is located on the side of the first connection hole facing the bridge housing, and the adjustment pad is located between the first connection hole and the bridge housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the thickness of the adjustment pad can be set in an adjustable manner.

[0013] Furthermore, the cylinder connection assembly is the cylinder connection assembly described above.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a drive axle assembly, the drive axle assembly being the drive axle assembly described above.

[0015] By adopting the technical solution of this application, a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure are provided on the cylinder bracket, enabling simultaneous connection between the cylinder bracket and the axle housing and the brake backing plate. Increasing the support points of the cylinder bracket provides higher support strength, enhancing the rigidity and stability of the entire cylinder connection assembly and reducing the risk of fatigue failure due to braking torque and its own weight. Furthermore, the cylinder bracket in this embodiment overcomes the length limitations of single-point support in existing technologies; its length can be increased as needed, thereby reducing the cylinder center distance and minimizing interference with surrounding suspension components. The cylinder connection assembly in this embodiment solves the problem in existing technologies where excessive cylinder center distance leads to easy interference with suspension components, making it difficult to arrange brakes on the drive axle. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of the cylinder connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a prior art cylinder connection assembly is shown;

[0025] Figure 9 A left view of a prior art drive axle assembly structure is shown;

[0026] Figure 10 A front view of a prior art drive axle assembly structure is shown.

[0027] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0028] 10. Cylinder bracket;

[0029] 110. First connecting structure; 111. First connecting hole;

[0030] 120. Second connection structure;

[0031] 2. Brake; 20. Brake backing plate; 21. Brake shoes;

[0032] 3. Bridge housing; 31. Bridge housing connection hole;

[0033] 40. Adjusting arm;

[0034] 5. Cylinder;

[0035] 6. First bolt;

[0036] 7. Adjusting shims;

[0037] 8. Camshaft;

[0038] 9. Second bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0043] Combination Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a cylinder connection assembly.

[0044] Specifically, the cylinder connection assembly includes: a cylinder bracket 10, on which a first connection structure 110 and a second connection structure 120 are provided, the first connection structure 110 being used to connect the axle housing 3, and the second connection structure 120 being used to connect the brake base plate 20 of the brake 2; and an adjusting arm 40, which is connected to the cylinder bracket 10 and is used to install the cylinder 5.

[0045] By applying the technical solution of this embodiment, and by setting a first connecting structure 110 and a second connecting structure 120 on the cylinder bracket 10, the cylinder bracket 10 is simultaneously connected to the axle housing 3 and the brake backing plate 20. By increasing the support points of the cylinder bracket 10, the cylinder bracket 10 can have higher support strength, enhancing the rigidity and stability of the entire cylinder connection assembly and reducing the risk of fatigue failure of the cylinder bracket 10 due to braking torque and its own weight. Simultaneously, the cylinder bracket 10 in this embodiment can overcome the length limitation of the single-point support in the prior art; the length of the cylinder bracket 10 can be increased according to specific needs, thereby reducing the cylinder center distance and minimizing interference with surrounding suspension components. The cylinder connection assembly in this embodiment solves the problem in the prior art where the cylinder center distance is too large, easily interfering with suspension components, making it difficult to arrange the brake 2 on the drive axle.

[0046] In this embodiment, the adjusting arm 40 serves as a connector between the cylinder 5 and the cylinder bracket 10. It can adjust the position of the cylinder 5, ensuring precise alignment between the cylinder 5 and the braking system, and avoiding suspension parts that may interfere with it. The cylinder 5 is a key actuator of the pneumatic braking system, which generates force by compressing air to drive the braking system.

[0047] Preferably, the cylinder bracket 10 is integrally formed with the first connecting structure 110 and the second connecting structure 120. This eliminates the structural weaknesses of welds or bolted joints that may exist in split connections. The cylinder bracket 10 has higher bending and torsional resistance, effectively resists the fatigue load caused by the braking torque T and the cylinder weight G, and improves the stability and durability of the structure.

[0048] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the first connecting structure 110 can be a fastener, pin, or quick-release bolt, and the second connecting structure 120 can be a fastener, pin, or quick-release bolt.

[0049] Specifically, the cylinder bracket 10 extends along the axial direction of the brake 2, the second connecting structure 120 is located at the end of the cylinder bracket 10 near the brake 2, the first connecting structure 110 is located at the end of the cylinder bracket 10 away from the brake 2, and the adjusting arm 40 is connected to the end of the cylinder bracket 10 away from the brake 2.

[0050] In this embodiment, by extending the cylinder bracket 10 along the axial direction of the brake 2, the cylinder bracket 10 can be distributed longitudinally, which helps to reduce the cylinder center distance L2 and avoid interference with components such as leaf springs, trailing arms, and tie arms in the vehicle suspension system. Simultaneously, this layout provides more stable support, enhancing the mechanical strength and rigidity of the cylinder bracket 10. The second connecting structure 120 is located at the end of the cylinder bracket 10 closest to the brake 2 and is directly connected to the brake base plate 20 of the brake 2, making the connection between the cylinder 5 and the brake 2 more direct and compact. The first connecting structure 110 is located at the end of the cylinder bracket 10 furthest from the brake 2 and is connected to the axle housing 3. This design avoids direct contact between the cylinder 5 and the axle housing 3, reducing interference. The adjusting arm 40 is connected to the end of the cylinder bracket 10 furthest from the brake 2, ensuring flexibility in the installation position of the cylinder 5.

[0051] Specifically, the axial length of the cylinder support 10 is L1, where 330mm≤L1≤350mm.

[0052] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the axial length of the cylinder bracket 10 is L1. By controlling the axial length L1 of the cylinder bracket 10 between 330mm and 350mm, the cylinder center distance L2 can be effectively reduced, reducing the risk of interference between the cylinder 5 and components such as leaf springs, trailing arms, and tie arms in the vehicle suspension system. This allows the braking system to be installed more flexibly on different vehicle models. At the same time, the cylinder bracket 10 within this length range can provide sufficient support for other components.

[0053] Furthermore, the first connection structure 110 includes at least one first connection hole 111. When there is one first connection hole 111, the first connection hole 111 extends along the radial direction of the cylinder bracket 10. When there are multiple first connection holes 111, all of the multiple first connection holes 111 extend along the radial direction of the cylinder bracket 10.

[0054] In this embodiment, by providing one or more first connecting holes 111 in the radial direction, the force can be transmitted to the axle housing 3 more directly, which enhances the connection stability between the cylinder bracket 10 and the axle housing. The design of multiple first connecting holes 111 provides multiple connection points, which increases the strength and rigidity of the overall structure. When using multiple first connecting holes 111, the installation position of the cylinder bracket 10 can be adjusted by selecting different holes, thereby achieving higher precision and adaptability.

[0055] Furthermore, the first connection structure 110 includes two first connection holes 111, which are arranged opposite to each other along the height direction of the cylinder bracket 10.

[0056] In this embodiment, the two oppositely arranged first connecting holes 111 can provide symmetrical connection points at the upper and lower ends of the cylinder bracket 10, which helps to balance the distribution of forces, prevent the cylinder bracket 10 from twisting or deforming when bearing load, and improve the connection stability between the cylinder bracket 10 and the axle housing 3. At the same time, the two oppositely arranged first connecting holes 111 simplify the installation process and ensure the best alignment between the cylinder bracket 10 and the axle housing 3.

[0057] Specifically, the cylinder bracket 10 is connected to the axle housing 3 by the first bolt 6. The diameter of the first connecting hole 111 is larger than the diameter of the first bolt 6, and the difference between the diameter of the first connecting hole 111 and the diameter of the first bolt 6 is greater than or equal to 2mm.

[0058] In this embodiment, the larger diameter of the first connecting hole 111 provides greater tolerance and flexibility for the assembly of the first bolt 6, ensuring that the bolt can be easily connected, while avoiding an overly tight fit between the fastener and the hole wall, thus simplifying the installation and adjustment process.

[0059] Preferably, the first connection structure 110 further includes an adjustment pad 7, which is located on the side of the first connection hole 111 facing the bridge housing 3, and is located between the first connection hole 111 and the bridge housing 3. The thickness of the adjustment pad 7 is adjustable.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting the adjustment shim 7, the distance between the cylinder bracket 10 and the axle housing 3 can be finely adjusted. By increasing or decreasing the number or thickness of the adjustment shim 7, the position of the cylinder bracket 10 can be finely adjusted to ensure the precise alignment between the cylinder 5 and the brake assembly. At the same time, the adjustment shim 7 can play a role in buffering and isolation, which can reduce the force on the cylinder bracket 10 and prevent wear between the first connecting hole 111 and the axle housing 3.

[0061] Specifically, when installing the cylinder bracket 10, the cylinder bracket 10 can be connected to the brake base plate 20 through the second connecting structure 120. Then, according to the gap between the first connecting structure 110 and the corresponding mounting surface on the axle housing 3, an adjustment shim 7 of appropriate thickness is selected. After installation, the adjustment shim 7 is located between the first connecting hole 111 and the mounting surface of the axle housing 3.

[0062] According to another embodiment of this application, a drive axle assembly is provided, including a cylinder connection assembly, which is the cylinder connection assembly described above.

[0063] In this embodiment, the cylinder connection assembly is applied to the drive axle assembly, which effectively utilizes the space of the drive axle, reduces the area occupied by independent components, and makes the overall structure more compact. The integrated cylinder connection assembly can be directly connected to other structures of the drive axle, enhancing the stability of the connection. By using the air-suspension drive axle solution, the length of the cylinder center distance L2 is reduced, avoiding interference from other suspension components and making it easier to arrange brakes on the axle.

[0064] According to another embodiment of this application, a vehicle is provided, including a drive axle assembly, the drive axle assembly being the drive axle assembly described above.

[0065] In this embodiment, the optimized cylinder connection assembly can transmit braking force more effectively, reduce losses during the transmission process, and improve the vehicle's braking response and overall braking performance. The improved connection structure design enhances the stability and robustness of the connection between the cylinder bracket 10 and the axle housing 3, thereby improving the vehicle's driving quality.

[0066] This application also provides a preferred embodiment of an air suspension drive axle scheme that matches a long-suspension cylinder drum independent brake.

[0067] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, where, Figure 10 for Figure 9 The structural diagram from the A-side view shows that, in the existing technical solution, the brake base plate 20, brake shoe 21, camshaft 8, adjusting arm 40, cylinder 5, etc. are integrated, processed and assembled. The length L1 of the cylinder bracket 10 is about 300mm, and the length L2 of the cylinder center distance is more than 750mm.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to the overall vehicle layout requirements, the technical solution of this embodiment lengthens the cylinder bracket 10 by L1, thereby reducing the length of the cylinder center distance L2. Specifically, in this embodiment, the length L1 of the cylinder bracket 10 is between 330mm and 350mm, and the length of the cylinder center distance L2 is between 500mm and 600mm.

[0069] In this embodiment, compared to the cylinder bracket 10 in the prior art, to avoid fatigue damage to the cylinder bracket caused by the fatigue load generated by the braking torque T and the cylinder weight G, a suspension point is added on the side near the adjusting arm 40 to resist the influence of T and G, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The suspension point uses a threaded connection, therefore a suspension hole is added to the cylinder bracket 10, namely the aforementioned first connection hole 111, as shown. Figure 2 As shown. A suspension bridge housing connection hole 31 is added to the bridge housing 3, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. One end of the cylinder bracket 10 is fixed to the brake base plate 20, and the other end is fixed to the axle housing 3, as shown. Figure 4As shown. Brake 2 retains the advantages of an independent brake, while allowing cylinder 5 to be positioned closer to the vehicle center, effectively avoiding interference with suspension components, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, where, Figure 6 for Figure 5 Structural diagram from the A-side view.

[0070] Specifically, the increased mounting point after lengthening the cylinder bracket 10 is an over-alignment. To avoid brake 2 malfunction due to over-alignment, such as brake jamming caused by bracket deformation, the mounting point needs to be adjusted. Figure 7 As shown. The diameter of the mounting hole of the cylinder bracket 10 is more than 2mm larger than the bolt diameter of the first bolt 6, which can solve the over-positioning problem in the x and y directions. A gap (0.2mm to 0.8mm) is artificially designed at the mating surface between the cylinder bracket 10 and the axle housing mounting point. The gap can be adjusted using the adjusting shim 7 at each bolt fastening point, which can solve the over-positioning problem in the z direction.

[0071] Figures 1-6 This embodiment describes the arrangement of the brake 2 on the entire bridge, including the suspension method, location, and connection method.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the brake 2 can be fixed in the x, y, and z directions respectively. The mounting point of the brake 2 can be supported by adjusting shims 7 or by threaded adjustment.

[0073] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0074] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0076] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cylinder connection assembly, characterized in that, include: A cylinder bracket (10) is provided with a first connecting structure (110) and a second connecting structure (120). The first connecting structure (110) is used to connect the axle housing (3), and the second connecting structure (120) is used to connect the brake base plate (20) of the brake (2). Adjusting arm (40), which is connected to cylinder bracket (10), is used to install cylinder (5).

2. The cylinder connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder bracket (10) extends along the axial direction of the brake (2), the second connecting structure (120) is located at the end of the cylinder bracket (10) near the brake (2), the first connecting structure (110) is located at the end of the cylinder bracket (10) away from the brake (2), and the adjusting arm (40) is connected to the end of the cylinder bracket (10) away from the brake (2).

3. The cylinder connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial length of the cylinder bracket (10) is L1, wherein 330mm≤L1≤350mm.

4. The cylinder connection assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first connection structure (110) includes at least one first connection hole (111). When there is one first connection hole (111), the first connection hole (111) extends along the radial direction of the cylinder bracket (10). When there are multiple first connection holes (111), all of the multiple first connection holes (111) extend along the radial direction of the cylinder bracket (10).

5. The cylinder connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connection structure (110) includes two first connection holes (111), which are arranged opposite to each other along the height direction of the cylinder bracket (10).

6. The cylinder connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cylinder bracket (10) is connected to the bridge housing (3) by a first bolt (6). The diameter of the first connecting hole (111) is larger than the diameter of the first bolt (6), and the difference between the diameter of the first connecting hole (111) and the diameter of the first bolt (6) is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

7. The cylinder connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connection structure (110) further includes an adjustment pad (7), which is located on the side of the first connection hole (111) facing the bridge housing (3), and the adjustment pad (7) is located between the first connection hole (111) and the bridge housing (3).

8. The cylinder connection assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thickness of the adjustment pad (7) can be adjusted.

9. A drive axle assembly, characterized in that, Includes a cylinder connection assembly, said cylinder connection assembly being the cylinder connection assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes a drive axle assembly, said drive axle assembly being the drive axle assembly as claimed in claim 9.

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