An axle steering mechanism testing device and testing method

Abstract

The application relates to a vehicle axle steering mechanism test device, which comprises a vertical loading module of a to-be-tested vehicle axle, a steering driving module, and a torque loading module. The vertical loading module is arranged on the to-be-tested vehicle axle and is used for applying a vertical load to the to-be-tested vehicle axle. The output end of the steering driving module is connected with a steering knuckle arm of the to-be-tested vehicle axle and is used for driving the to-be-tested vehicle axle to perform a steering action. The torque loading module is respectively connected with two wheel edge output ends of the to-be-tested vehicle axle and comprises a universal connecting unit and a torque loading unit. The universal connecting unit is used for providing multi-degree-of-freedom constraint. The torque loading unit is used for loading torque. The application innovatively constructs a highly integrated, multi-axis linkage comprehensive test bench. The modules can effectively simulate the actual stress of the vehicle axle when the vehicle turns or goes uphill during testing through mutual cooperation, effectively solve the problem that the existing test bench has single function and cannot simulate a composite working condition, improve the efficiency and convenience of performance and durability testing, and fill the industry gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle testing technology, specifically to a test device and test method for axle steering mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The steering mechanism of commercial vehicles (mainly composed of steering knuckle arms, steering knuckles, kingpins, bushings, and tie rods) is a core assembly ensuring vehicle handling and safety. During vehicle operation, it must withstand complex and varied loads, including continuous vertical axle loads from the vehicle's own weight, tangential friction and centrifugal force generated between the tires and the ground during steering, and additional torques under different gradients such as uphill and downhill sections. The interaction of these loads poses a severe test to the fatigue life, reliability, and performance stability of the steering mechanism.

[0003] Currently, bench tests of vehicle steering mechanisms in the industry generally suffer from limitations in functionality and simulation dimensions. Most existing test devices can only perform single vertical load fatigue tests or simple steering angle reciprocating tests, and cannot comprehensively and synchronously reproduce the complex and combined working conditions on real roads in a laboratory environment. For example, the centrifugal force generated when a vehicle is turning is dynamically related to vehicle speed and steering angle, and is a key lateral load acting on the steering system. Furthermore, due to the body roll during turning, the normal pressure of the left and right wheels on the ground is different, resulting in significant differences in the friction between the tires on both sides and the ground. Existing benches lack effective means to apply and dynamically control loads in different directions, leading to a serious disconnect between the test conditions and the actual vehicle. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive test device and method that can integrate and simulate multiple factors such as vertical load, steering action, ground friction, centrifugal force, and slope attitude, and achieve coordinated loading and precise control of these factors, in order to fill the industry gap and scientifically and efficiently complete the performance and durability verification of steering mechanisms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a test device for axle steering mechanism to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a test apparatus for a vehicle axle steering mechanism, comprising: The axle under test A vertical loading module is installed on the axle under test and is used to apply a vertical load to the axle under test. The steering drive module has its output end connected to the steering knuckle arm of the axle under test, and is used to drive the axle under test to perform steering actions. A torque loading module, which is respectively connected to the two wheel-side output terminals of the axle under test, includes: Universal joint units are used to provide multi-degree-of-freedom constraints; The torque loading unit is used to apply rotational resistance torque to the corresponding wheel-side output end to simulate ground friction. The lateral force loading module has its working end connected to the first loading point in the middle of the axle under test, and is used to apply lateral force to the axle under test to simulate steering centrifugal force; The longitudinal tilt loading module has its working end connected to the second loading point in the middle of the axle under test, and is used to drive the axle under test to pitch around the line connecting its wheel centers to simulate uphill or downhill tilt angles.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the vertical loading module includes at least one first actuator, the fixed end of the first actuator is mounted by a one-way hinge, and the output end of the first actuator is connected to the axle under test by a first universal joint.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the steering drive module is a second actuator.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the universal joint unit includes a connecting plate, a second universal joint, and a support connected in sequence; the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test, the second universal joint is disposed at the other end of the connecting plate, and the support is provided with a rotating shaft connected to the second universal joint, and the support is configured to restrict the rotating shaft to rotate only axially.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the distance from the connection point between the connecting plate and the second universal joint to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test is equal to the rolling radius of the wheel.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the torque loading unit includes a load motor, a transmission assembly, and a torque detection assembly. The torque detection assembly is located at the end of the rotating shaft away from the second universal joint and is used to detect wheel-side torque. The load motor is connected to the torque detection assembly through the transmission assembly and is used to provide the rotational resistance torque to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the transmission component is a belt drive mechanism or a gear drive mechanism.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the middle part of the bridge under test is further provided with a loading arm, the first loading point and the second loading point are located in different directions of the loading arm, the lateral force loading module includes a third actuator for applying a lateral force to the first loading point, and the longitudinal tilt loading module includes a fourth actuator for applying a driving force to the second loading point.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one implementation, it further includes: The control module is used to control the actions of the vertical loading module, torque loading module, lateral force loading module, and longitudinal tilt angle loading module. The measurement module is used to collect the output stroke of the steering drive module, the longitudinal tilt loading module, and the output force values ​​of the vertical loading module, the torque loading module, and the lateral force loading module.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a test method based on a vehicle axle steering mechanism test device, comprising the following steps: The test axle is installed based on its posture on a flat road and connected to the vertical loading module, steering drive module, torque loading module, lateral force loading module and longitudinal tilt angle loading module. The output stroke of the steering drive module is set to control the steering angle of the axle under test; the output stroke of the longitudinal tilt loading module is set to control the pitch angle of the axle under test; the output force value of the lateral force loading module is set to control the centrifugal force of the axle under test when it is turning; the output force value of the vertical loading module is set to control the vertical load borne by the axle under test; and the output force value of the torque loading unit is set to control the rotational resistance torque of the axle under test. Tests are conducted based on preset test items, and the output stroke of the steering drive module, longitudinal tilt loading module, and output force values ​​of the vertical loading module, torque loading module, and lateral force loading module are collected simultaneously until the specified number of tests is reached or the axle under test is damaged.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: This application innovatively constructs a highly integrated, multi-axis linkage comprehensive test bench by integrating a vertical loading module, a steering drive module, a torque loading module, a lateral force loading module, and a longitudinal tilt angle loading module. The modules work together to effectively simulate the actual stress on the axle when a vehicle is turning or going uphill or downhill during testing. This effectively solves the problem that existing test benches have limited functionality and cannot simulate complex working conditions, improving the efficiency and convenience of performance and durability testing and filling a gap in the industry. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of the experimental apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2This is a top view of the third and fourth actuators of the test apparatus of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the universal connection unit of the test device of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Axle under test; 2. First actuator; 3. Loading arm; 4. Second actuator; 5. Connecting plate; 6. Second universal joint; 7. Load motor; 8. Transmission assembly; 9. Support; 10. Torque detection assembly; 11. Third actuator; 12. Fourth actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 This application provides a test device for axle steering mechanism, which mainly includes components integrated on a test bench: A vertical loading module is installed on the axle under test 1 to apply vertical loads to the axle under test 1. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical loading module includes two first actuators 2, which are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the axle under test 1 to apply independently set vertical loads of different magnitudes to the left and right sides of the axle to simulate the uneven force state of the left and right wheels under tilting or turning conditions. The fixed end of the first actuator 2 is installed on the crossbeam of the test bench through a one-way hinge support. The hinge only allows the first actuator 2 to swing in the longitudinal plane of the axle. Its output end is connected to the axle under test 1 through a first universal joint. This unique design of one-way hinge at the upper end and universal joint connection at the lower end can provide active loading force in the vertical direction while constraining the lateral degree of freedom of the axle under test 1, preventing it from translating as a whole when subjected to lateral force, thereby ensuring that loads in other directions can be accurately applied to the axle under test 1. The steering drive module, whose output end is connected to the steering knuckle arm of the axle under test 1, is used to drive the axle under test 1 to perform steering actions to simulate the driver's operation of the steering wheel. In this embodiment, it is preferably a second actuator 4 with controllable stroke. Its output end is connected to the steering knuckle arm of the axle under test 1, and its installation angle is consistent with the geometric relationship of the steering tie rod of the actual vehicle. By precisely controlling the push and pull stroke of the second actuator 4, the left and right steering angles of the axle can be precisely controlled to realize the simulation of steering actions.

[0021] The torque loading module, which is respectively set at the two wheel-side output ends of the axle under test 1, specifically includes: Universal connection unit: such as Figure 3 As shown, it specifically includes: a connecting plate 5, which is rigidly connected to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test 1 by bolts; a second universal joint 6, one end of which is fixed to the other end of the connecting plate 5; and a support 9, which is rigidly installed on the test bench by anchor bolts, and has a rotating shaft inside by bearings, one end of which is connected to the second universal joint 6. In addition, the distance from the connection point of the connecting plate 5 and the second universal joint 6 to the center of the output end of the axle wheel is equal to the rolling radius of the simulated wheel. This allows the force acting on the connection point to accurately reproduce the torque effect of the ground acting on the tire's contact with the ground. Furthermore, the second universal joint 6 itself has an angle adjustment and locking mechanism, which can be adjusted and locked before the test as needed to simulate different wheel camber angles and toe angles. Torque loading unit: It is used to apply and measure the rotational resistance torque that simulates ground friction. It includes: a torque detection component 10 (preferably a torque sensor in this embodiment), which is directly installed on the end of the shaft away from the second universal joint 6, and is used to detect the torque acting on the wheel output end in real time; a load motor 7 and a transmission component 8. In this embodiment, the transmission component 8 is preferably a belt drive mechanism. The load motor is connected to the torque sensor through the transmission component 8. When the load motor 7 is working, it outputs a controllable torque, which is applied to the shaft through the transmission component 8. This torque is transmitted to the wheel through the universal joint unit, thereby simulating the tangential friction force of the ground on the tire. The torque detection component 10 accurately measures this torque value. In addition, the load motors 7 located on both sides of the axle 1 under test can be controlled independently, thereby providing differentiated rotational resistance torques to the outer and inner wheels when simulating vehicle turning, so as to accurately reproduce the difference in grip force between the left and right wheels.

[0022] To simulate the centrifugal force and uphill / downhill attitude of a vehicle during cornering, an additional loading arm 3 is provided in the middle of the axle 1 under test, and: Lateral force loading module: It includes a third actuator 11, the output end of the third actuator 11 is connected to the first loading point on the loading arm 3, and the force is applied in a horizontal lateral direction to dynamically apply a thrust or pull force pointing to the outside of the curve, thereby accurately simulating the centrifugal force acting on the axle when the vehicle is turning. Longitudinal tilt loading module: It includes a fourth actuator 12, the output end of which is connected to the second loading point on the loading arm 3, and the force is applied in the horizontal longitudinal direction. Through the pushing and pulling action of the fourth actuator 12, the entire axle under test 1 can be driven to pitch around the line connecting its left and right wheel centers, thereby precisely controlling the uphill or downhill angle of the axle to simulate the road conditions on a slope.

[0023] In addition, the steering mechanism testing device also includes components integrated on the test bench: The control module and measurement module are connected to all actuators, load motors 7 and torque detection components 10 via wired or wireless means. Control module: It can coordinate and control the vertical loading module to apply the corresponding axle load, the steering drive module to move to the target angle, the two side torque loading modules to apply differentiated rotational resistance torque, the lateral force loading module to apply the corresponding centrifugal force synchronously, and the longitudinal tilt loading module to drive to the target pitch angle, thereby realizing the synchronous and coupled loading of multi-dimensional loads to simulate the real complex mechanical state of the vehicle under different conditions. Measurement module: It can collect and record in real time the output force value or output stroke of the first actuator 2, the second actuator 4, the third actuator 11, and the fourth actuator 12, as well as the torque signal of the torque detection components 10 on both sides to form a complete test data report, which is used to evaluate the performance, fatigue life and reliability of the steering mechanism of the axle under test 1.

[0024] Based on the above-mentioned test device for vehicle axle steering mechanism, and to facilitate understanding of the test method of this device, this embodiment also provides a test method simulating the combined working condition of uphill right turn of vehicle axle steering mechanism. The specific steps are as follows: ①Preparation steps: Mount the axle under test 1 on the test bench, adjust its initial attitude to a horizontal reference state, and complete the mechanical and electrical connections with all modules, such as: Connect the axle under test 1 to the output ends of the two first actuators 2 via the first universal joint; Connect the steering knuckle arm of the axle under test 1 to the output end of the second actuator 4; Secure the left and right wheel-side output ends of the axle under test 1 to the corresponding connecting plates 5 with bolts; Connect the output ends of the third actuator 11 and the fourth actuator 12 to the corresponding loading points of the loading arm 3, respectively. After the connection is completed, set the target parameters for this experiment in the host computer software of the control module and the measurement module, such as: Set the output stroke of the fourth actuator 12 to correspond to the pitch angle generated by the bridge under test 1 and the target slope. Set the output stroke of the second actuator 4 so that it corresponds to the steering angle generated by the axle under test 1 being consistent with the target steering angle; The output force values ​​of the two first actuators 2 are set based on the vertical load difference between the left and right sides when the vehicle turns right; Based on the simulated target turning radius and vehicle speed, the centrifugal force acting on the test axle 1 is set, and the output force value of the third actuator 11 is set to be equal to the centrifugal force, with the output direction to the left to simulate the centrifugal force experienced by the vehicle when turning right. To determine the friction force on the left and right wheels when the vehicle makes a right turn, set the output torque values ​​of the load motors 7 on both sides. The output torque value of the load motor 7 on the right side should be greater than the output torque value of the load motor 7 to accurately simulate the difference in ground friction force. ② Collaborative loading and working condition simulation steps: The test program is started, and the control module coordinates the actions of each actuator and the load motor 7 according to the target parameters determined above. After all actuators and load motors 7 reach their target values, the system enters a steady-state holding phase, allowing the axle to work continuously under the combined stress of uphill, right turn, centrifugal force, and differential vertical load and ground friction. It can also be programmed according to actual needs to make the system dynamically reciprocate within the set steering angle and / or pitch angle range to simulate the working conditions of continuous vehicle steering or driving on road sections with different slopes. Throughout the test, the measurement module continuously and synchronously collected and recorded the following key data: Output stroke: The actual stroke of the second actuator 4 (reflecting the real-time steering angle) and the actual stroke of the fourth actuator 12 (reflecting the real-time pitch angle); Output force values: output force values ​​of the two first actuators 2 (left and right vertical loads), output force value of the third actuator 11 (real-time centrifugal force), and torque values ​​measured by the torque detection components 10 on both sides (actual rotational resistance torque on the left and right wheel edges). And / or status data: operating status, current, temperature, etc. of each actuator and load motor 7; The test will terminate when one of the following conditions is met: Life test: The vehicle continues to run until a preset number of cycles is reached (preferably 500,000 steering cycles in this embodiment) to assess the fatigue life of the axle steering mechanism; Failure test: Run until the axle under test 1 suffers functional damage (such as steering knuckle arm breakage, abnormal wear and failure of kingpin bushing, abnormal noise or jamming, etc.) to assess its ultimate load-bearing capacity or expose design defects.

[0025] Thus, through the cooperation of the aforementioned actuators and load motor 7, the actual force on the vehicle under the combined working condition of uphill right turn can be effectively simulated. This effectively solves the problem that the existing test bench has a single function and cannot simulate combined working conditions, improves the efficiency and convenience of performance and durability testing, and fills a gap in the industry.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0028] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A test device for a vehicle axle steering mechanism, characterized in that, include: Axle under test (1) A vertical loading module is installed on the axle under test (1) and is used to apply a vertical load to the axle under test (1); The steering drive module has its output end connected to the steering knuckle arm of the axle under test (1) and is used to drive the axle under test (1) to perform steering actions. A torque loading module, which is respectively connected to the two wheel-side output ends of the axle under test (1), includes: Universal joint units are used to provide multi-degree-of-freedom constraints; The torque loading unit is used to apply rotational resistance torque to the corresponding wheel-side output end to simulate ground friction. The lateral force loading module has its working end connected to the first loading point in the middle of the axle under test (1) and is used to apply lateral force to the axle under test (1) to simulate the centrifugal force of steering. The longitudinal tilt loading module is connected to the second loading point in the middle of the axle under test (1) and is used to drive the axle under test (1) to pitch around the line connecting its wheel centers to simulate the tilt angle of uphill or downhill.

2. The axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical loading module includes at least one first actuator (2), the fixed end of the first actuator (2) is installed by a one-way hinge, and the output end of the first actuator (2) is connected to the axle under test (1) through a first universal joint.

3. The vehicle axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering drive module is the second actuator (4).

4. The vehicle axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The universal joint unit includes a connecting plate (5), a second universal joint (6), and a support (9) connected in sequence; the connecting plate (5) is fixedly connected to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test (1), the second universal joint (6) is located at the other end of the connecting plate (5), and the support (9) is provided with a rotating shaft connected to the second universal joint (6), and the support (9) is configured to restrict the rotating shaft to rotate only axially.

5. The axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance from the connection point of the connecting plate (5) and the second universal joint (6) to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test (1) is equal to the rolling radius of the wheel.

6. The axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The torque loading unit includes a load motor (7), a transmission assembly (8), and a torque detection assembly (10). The torque detection assembly (10) is located at the end of the shaft away from the second universal joint (6) and is used to detect the wheel-side torque. The load motor (7) is connected to the torque detection assembly (10) through the transmission assembly (8) and is used to provide the rotational resistance torque to the wheel-side output end of the axle under test (1).

7. The vehicle axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission component (8) is a belt drive mechanism or a gear drive mechanism.

8. The vehicle axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle part of the bridge under test (1) is also provided with a loading arm (3). The first loading point and the second loading point are located in different directions of the loading arm (3). The lateral force loading module includes a third actuator (11) for applying lateral force to the first loading point. The longitudinal tilt loading module includes a fourth actuator (12) for applying driving force to the second loading point.

9. The axle steering mechanism testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control module is used to control the actions of the vertical loading module, torque loading module, lateral force loading module, and longitudinal tilt angle loading module. The measurement module is used to collect the output stroke of the steering drive module, the longitudinal tilt loading module, and the output force values ​​of the vertical loading module, the torque loading module, and the lateral force loading module.

10. A test method based on the axle steering mechanism test apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The test axle (1) is installed based on its posture on a flat road and connected to the vertical loading module, steering drive module, torque loading module, lateral force loading module and longitudinal tilt loading module. The output stroke of the steering drive module is set to control the steering angle of the bridge under test (1); the output stroke of the longitudinal tilt loading module is set to control the pitch angle of the bridge under test (1); the output force value of the lateral force loading module is set to control the centrifugal force of the bridge under test (1) when it is steering; the output force value of the vertical loading module is set to control the vertical load borne by the bridge under test (1). The output force value of the torque loading unit is set to control the rotational resistance torque of the axle under test (1); Tests are conducted based on preset test items, and the output stroke of the steering drive module, longitudinal tilt loading module, and the output force values ​​of the vertical loading module, torque loading module, and lateral force loading module are collected until the specified number of tests is reached or the axle under test (1) is damaged.

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