Axle

Abstract

The utility model relates to an axle. The axle comprises an axle body and a steering knuckle assembly. A top bearing directly connected to the axle body; a bottom bearing directly connected to the knuckle assembly; an ejector pin that rotates as the knuckle assembly moves, the ejector pin configured to couple the axle body with the knuckle assembly; the bottom pin is kept stationary when the steering knuckle assembly moves, and the bottom pin is used for coupling the axle body with the steering knuckle assembly. The axle may be a steering axle associated with wheels that may be moved to vary the steering angle of the vehicle. In one example, an axle includes two bearings arranged similarly to reduce the height of the axle. The two bearings may be tapered wheel bearings so that the vertical and lateral loads of each wheel may be supported by the actual two bearings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle axle, which may be a steering axle, supporting the rotational movement of wheels around a coupling pin to facilitate vehicle steering. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle may include an axle connected to a right wheel and a left wheel. The axle is configured to support the weight of the vehicle. In addition, the axle may be a steering axle that allows the left and right wheels to move relative to the axle so that the vehicle can turn. The steering axle may include an axle housing or body that is mechanically connected to the left and right steering knuckles. The steering knuckles may be mechanically connected to the wheels. One way to connect the steering knuckles to the axle body is through a kingpin. The kingpin may pass through a first portion of the axle body, the steering knuckle, and a second portion of the axle body to secure the steering knuckle to the axle body. The steering knuckle may swing about the kingpin to enable the vehicle to steer. However, the dowel pin fastening mechanism may increase the vertical dimension of the axle arrangement, thereby limiting the usable wheel rim diameter to a certain minimum diameter range. In order to make the axle arrangement compact to accommodate smaller wheel rim diameters, certain arrangements may be used, but in these arrangements, it becomes impractical to install a steering sensor. Utility Model Content

[0003] The inventors recognized the above challenges and developed an axle comprising: an axle body; a knuckle assembly; a top bearing directly connected to the axle body; a bottom bearing directly connected to the knuckle assembly; a top pin that rotates as the knuckle assembly moves, the top pin being configured to couple the axle body to the knuckle assembly; and a bottom pin that is stationary as the knuckle assembly moves, the bottom pin being configured to couple the axle body to the knuckle assembly. The bearings are mounted in series with the small sides of the cones of the two bearings facing upward.

[0004] The axle assembly includes an axle body, a steering knuckle assembly, an upper bearing directly connected to the axle body, a lower bearing directly connected to the steering knuckle assembly, an upper pin that rotates when the steering knuckle assembly moves (the upper pin is configured to connect the axle body to the steering knuckle assembly), and a lower pin that is stationary when the steering knuckle moves (the lower pin is configured to connect the axle body to the steering knuckle assembly). By manufacturing such an axle assembly, the overall height of the axle assembly can be reduced so that a smaller wheel rim can be used in the vehicle. In addition, the axle assembly can report an angle to the vehicle controller through a sensor, which can monitor the rotation of the top pin relative to the axle body to determine the vehicle steering angle.

[0005] The axle assembly and method described herein can provide a number of advantages. One advantage is that the axle height is reduced. In addition, the structure of the axle assembly allows the steering angle to be easily determined. In addition, the axle assembly includes fewer components, thereby providing reliable operation and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0006] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce in simplified form the concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is solely determined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross section of an example of a prior art axle assembly.

[0008] Figure 2 A plan view of a vehicle is shown, the vehicle including an axle assembly of the type disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 3 A front cross-sectional view of a portion of an axle assembly.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a side cutaway view of a portion of the axle assembly.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly and wheels.

[0012] Figure 6 and Figure 7 View showing an example of a tapered roller bearing.

[0013] Figure 8 It is the method of axle assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The axle arrangement disclosed herein can provide a low-cost, low-height axle assembly. Figure 1 As shown, it may appear higher and it may be more difficult to determine the steering angle with such an axle. However, by placing the top roller bearing in the axle body and the bottom roller bearing in the steering knuckle assembly with the upper and lower bearings facing upward, a steering angle such as Figure 3-5 The low profile axle shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, tapered roller bearings can accommodate both vertical and lateral loads, so fewer bearings can be included in a low-profile axle design. Figure 8 shown.

[0015] Figure 1-7 However, in other embodiments, the axles described herein may have other relative component dimensions.

[0016] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a prior art axle assembly is shown. Axle 100 includes a kingpin 110. A longitudinal axis 111 of kingpin 110 is oriented in a vertical direction with respect to an axis 150 of a vehicle on which kingpin 110 is located. Axle 100 includes a top bearing 106 (e.g., also referred to as an upper bearing) pressed into a knuckle 120. A face 108 of top bearing 106 faces downwardly toward a face 112 of a bottom bearing 114 (e.g., also referred to as a lower bearing). Bottom bearing 114 is pressed into knuckle 120. A face 112 of bottom bearing 114 faces upwardly toward face 108 of top bearing 106. Kingpin 110 passes through an upper portion of axle body 102, knuckle 120, and a lower portion of axle body 102. An upper seal 104 prevents lubricating oil from flowing out of top bearing 106. A lower seal 116 prevents lubricating oil from flowing out of bottom bearing 114. When the vehicle (not shown) turns, the knuckle 120 can rotate around the kingpin 110. The kingpin 110 is fixed relative to the axle body 102.

[0017] Now please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 A plan view of an example of a vehicle having an axle of the type described herein is shown. In this example, the vehicle 200 is a forklift having a steer axle 202 mounted on the rear side 210 of the vehicle 200. The left side of the steer axle 202 supports a left wheel 206 and allows the left wheel 206 to turn, thereby allowing the vehicle 200 to turn. Similarly, the right side of the steer axle 202 supports a right wheel 207 and allows the right wheel 207 to turn, thereby allowing the vehicle 200 to turn.

[0018] The right wheel 207 and the left wheel 206 can rotate as shown by arrows 250 and 252 in response to input from a steering wheel 260. The steering wheel 260 can be adjusted by a person 262, and the steering linkage 220 can convert the movement of the steering wheel 260 into the movement of a hydraulic cylinder 222. The hydraulic cylinder 222 can move the linkages 224 and 226, which can cause the steering knuckle (not shown, but Figure 3 21 (shown as 312 in the figure), thereby moving the left wheel 206 and the right wheel 207, as shown by arrows 250 and 252. In addition, the sensor 229 can send a steering wheel position signal to the controller 230 based on the position of the steering wheel 260. The controller 230 can issue a command to the actuator 232. The actuator 232 can adjust the position of the hydraulic cylinder, as shown by arrow 223, to adjust the position of the right wheel 207 and the left wheel 206. In another example, the autonomous driver 231 can command the controller 230 to adjust the position of the right wheel 207 and the left wheel 206.

[0019] Now watch Figure 3, a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the steering axle 202 is shown. The position of the steering axle 202 relative to the vehicle axis 150 where the steering axle 202 is located is shown. The longitudinal axis 350 of the top pin 301 (e.g., also referred to as the upper pin) extends in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle axis 150. Similarly, the longitudinal axis 352 of the bottom pin 320 (e.g., also referred to as the lower pin) is aligned with the direction perpendicular to the vehicle axis 150. Therefore, relative to the ground 399, the top pin 301 is located above the bottom pin 320.

[0020] The top bearing 302 (e.g., also referred to as an upper bearing) can be pressed into the axle housing 310 and is not part of the steering knuckle 312. Instead, the top pin 301 extends from the top bearing 302 into the steering knuckle 312 so that the steering knuckle 312 can be supported by the axle housing 310. The top pin 301 can be pressed into the steering knuckle 312 so that when the steering knuckle 312 adjusts the position of the wheel 380 through the steering linkage (not shown), the top pin 301 will rotate with the movement of the steering knuckle 312. The face 304 of the top bearing 302 faces upward away from the ground 399. The back face 305 of the top bearing 302 faces downward toward the ground 399. The top bearing 302 can be a tapered roller bearing, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The roller 360 of the top bearing 302 may be tapered, such as Figure 7 As shown. The steering angle sensor 314 is mounted on the axle housing 310 and is fixed, and the magnet 313 is connected to the top pin 301 and rotates with the steering knuckle 312. The sensor 314 and the magnet 313 together constitute a non-contact Hall effect sensor, and the relative position of the magnet 313 relative to the sensor 314 provides the angle of the steering knuckle 312. The steering angle sensor 314 can send a signal to the controller 370 for controlling vehicle stability and other vehicle operations. The steering angle sensor 314 can output a signal (such as voltage, current, pulse, etc.). The steering angle sensor 314 can be a resistive, inductive, Hall effect or other known type of sensor. The bearing seal 307 helps to retain lubricating oil in the top bearing 302.

[0021] A bottom bearing 322 (e.g., also referred to as a lower bearing) can be pressed into the knuckle 312 and is not part of the axle housing 310. Instead, a bottom pin 320 extends from the bottom bearing 322 into the axle housing 310 so that the knuckle 312 can be supported by the axle housing 310. The bottom pin 320 can be bolted to the axle housing 310 so that the bottom pin 320 does not rotate when the knuckle 312 adjusts the position of the wheel 380 via a steering linkage (not shown). The face 324 of the bottom bearing 322 faces upward and away from the ground 399. The back face 326 of the bottom bearing 322 faces downward, toward the ground 399. The bottom bearing 322 can be a tapered roller bearing, such as Figure 6and Figure 7 The roller 360 of the bottom bearing 322 may be tapered, such as Figure 7 As shown. The bearing seal 330 helps to retain lubricating oil in the bottom bearing 322. The top bearing 302 and the bottom bearing 322 can be preloaded by a shim 365. The shim 365 is located between the axle housing 310 and the bottom pin 320. The shim 365 allows the bottom bearing 322 to press against the steering knuckle 312, and the steering knuckle 312 presses against the top bearing 302 and the axle housing 310, thereby preloading the top bearing 302 and the bottom bearing 322.

[0022] Thus, the faces of the top bearing 302 and the bottom bearing 322 face in the same direction (e.g., upward) with respect to the vertical axis of the vehicle including the bearings. Additionally, the steering angle sensor 314 can send a signal to the controller 370 when the top pin 301 rotates. Due to the similar orientation of the top bearing 302 and the bottom bearing 322, the overall height of the axle assembly can be shorter or smaller.

[0023] Next Figure 4 , a side sectional view of the steering axle 202 portion is shown. Figure 4 Zhongyu Figure 3 Parts with the same number as shown in Figure 3 Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these components will not be described again.

[0024] Figure 4 A top grease nipple fitting 402 (e.g., also referred to as an upper grease nipple fitting) and a bottom grease nipple fitting 404 (e.g., also referred to as a lower grease nipple fitting) are shown. The top grease nipple fitting 402 is connected to the axle housing 310, and a passage 411 allows lubricating oil to flow in the direction of arrow 410. In particular, lubricating oil can flow into the face 304 of the top bearing 302, and flow through the top bearing 302 to the back face 305 of the upper top bearing 302, and then flow out of the bearing seal 307. On the other hand, the bottom grease nipple fitting 404 is directly connected to the bottom pin 320, and a passage 413 allows lubricating oil to flow in the direction of arrow 412. In particular, lubricating oil can flow into the end face 324 of the bottom bearing 322, and flow through the bottom bearing 322 to the back face 326 of the bottom bearing 322 before the lubricating oil flows out of the bearing seal 330.

[0025] Therefore, the top grease nipple joint 402 and the bottom grease nipple joint 404 allow the lubricating oil to flow through the top bearing 302 and the bottom bearing 322, thereby providing better lubrication for the bearings. In addition, the old lubricating oil in the top bearing 302 and the bottom bearing 322 can be discharged more effectively, thereby reducing bearing wear.

[0026] Now please see Figure 5, a partial cross-sectional area of ​​an axle housing 310 and a wheel 380 (e.g., half of an axle assembly) is shown. In the figure, the axle housing 310 is connected to the steering knuckle 312 via a top pin 301 and a bottom pin 320. The steering knuckle 312 is connected to the wheel 380, and the tire 504 is connected to the wheel 380. The wheel 380 and the tire 504 can rotate around the top pin 301 and the bottom pin 320. The wheel 380 can also rotate around the steering knuckle 312. The axle housing 310 may include a second steering knuckle (not shown), a top pin (not shown), and a bottom pin (not shown) to support a second wheel (not shown).

[0027] Now please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the figure shows a bottom bearing 322 (such as a roller bearing). Figure 6 3 is a view observing one face 304 of the bottom bearing 322. In this example, the bottom bearing 322 is a tapered roller bearing. Figure 6 Both ends of the roller 360 are shown. The top bearing 302 is similar in structure to the bottom bearing 322.

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom bearing 322. The bottom bearing 322 includes a first dimension 702 (e.g., diameter) between the circumferentially arranged rollers 360. The bottom bearing 322 also includes a second dimension 704 (e.g., diameter) between the circumferentially arranged rollers 360. The first dimension is shorter or smaller than the second dimension. The second dimension 704 is closer to the back face 305 than the face 304 of the bottom bearing 322. The first dimension 702 is closer to the face 304 than the back face 305 of the bottom bearing 322. Therefore, the bearing face 304 is located on the side with the shorter first dimension. In other words, the bearing face is located on the side where the small side of the cone formed by the rollers 360 is located, and the cone is at an angle θ relative to the centerline 720 of the top bearing 302.

[0029] Roller 360 includes a first dimension 710 of diameter at one end of roller 360 and a second dimension 712 of diameter at the other end of roller 360. First dimension 710 is shorter or smaller than second dimension 712, so roller 360 is tapered. Tapered roller bearings allow the axle to withstand vertical and axial loads applied to the axle assembly pins and bearings.

[0030] therefore, Figure 2-7A vehicle axle is provided, comprising: an axle body: a steering knuckle assembly; a top bearing directly coupled to the axle body; a bottom bearing directly coupled to the steering knuckle assembly; a top pin that rotates as the steering knuckle assembly moves, the top pin being configured to couple the axle body to the steering knuckle assembly; and a bottom pin that is stationary as the steering knuckle assembly moves, the bottom pin being configured to couple the axle body to the steering knuckle assembly. In a first example, the axle comprises a top bearing assembled in the axle body. In a second example that may include the first example, the axle comprises a bottom bearing, wherein the bottom bearing is assembled in the steering knuckle. In a third example that may include one or both of the first and second examples, the axle comprises a top bearing and a bottom bearing that are tapered roller bearings. In a fourth example that may include one or more of the first to third examples, the axle further comprises a steering angle sensor connected to the axle body. In a fifth example that may include one or more of the first to fourth examples, the axle further comprises a top lubrication nipple joint directly connected to the axle body. In a sixth example, which may include one or more of the first to fifth examples, the axle further includes a bottom grease fitting directly connected to the bottom pin.

[0031] Figure 2-7 The system also provides an axle, including: an axle body; a steering knuckle assembly; a top bearing directly coupled to the axle body, the top bearing being arranged facing upward; a bottom bearing directly coupled to the steering knuckle assembly, the top bearing being arranged facing upward; a top pin that rotates as the steering knuckle assembly moves, the top pin being configured to couple the axle body to the steering knuckle assembly; and a bottom pin that is stationary as the steering knuckle assembly moves, the bottom pin being configured to couple the axle body to the steering knuckle assembly. In a first example, the axle also includes a steering angle sensor. In a second example that may include the first example, the axle includes a location where the steering angle sensor is coupled to the top pin. In a third example that may include one or both of the first and second examples, the axle is a steering axle. In a fourth example that may include one or more of the first to third examples, the axle further includes a grease nipple joint directly coupled to the bottom pin.

[0032] Now please see Figure 8 , a method of steering axles is shown in the figure. Figure 8 The method can be performed by a human driver of the vehicle or an automatic driver of the vehicle and Figure 2-7 The axle assemblies shown are cooperatively executed. Figure 8 The actions described by the method may be actions taken or performed in the physical world by a human driver or an automated driver.

[0033] At 802, method 800 rotates the top pivot pin relative to the axle body while keeping the bottom pivot pin fixed relative to the axle body based on movement of the vehicle steering wheel. The steering wheel can be moved by a person. Alternatively, method 800 can rotate the top pivot pin relative to the axle body while keeping the bottom pivot pin fixed relative to the axle body based on output of an autonomous controller. Method 800 proceeds to 804.

[0034] At 804 , method 800 rotates a portion of a steering angle sensor as the axle header pin moves in response to the movement of the steering wheel. Method 800 proceeds to 806 .

[0035] At 806, method 800 generates a steering angle position estimate via a steering angle sensor. The steering angle sensor signal may be used by a controller to control vehicle stability, control engine stop / start conditions, and other vehicle functions. Method 800 Method 800 continues to exit.

[0036] The top and bottom bearings can be manually lubricated through the top grease nipple. The oil flows from the top grease nipple fitting to the face of the top bearing. The oil flows over the face of the top bearing and out the back of the top bearing. The oil can flow out of the top bearing seal from the back of the top bearing. The oil can also flow from the bottom pull-plug fitting to the face of the bottom bearing through a channel through the bottom pin. The oil flows over the face of the bottom bearing and out the back of the bottom bearing. The oil can flow out of the bottom bearing seal from the back of the bottom bearing.

[0037] Thus, method 800 provides a method for an axle, comprising: rotating a top axle pin relative to an axle body, the top axle pin rotating with movement of a wheel knuckle; and keeping a bottom axle pin fixed relative to the axle body while the top axle pin rotates. In a first example, the method further comprises rotating at least a portion of a steering angle sensor connected to the top axle pin. In a second example, which may include the first example, the method further comprises generating a steering angle position indication by the steering angle sensor and providing the steering angle to a controller. In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the method further comprises flowing lubricating oil through a first grease fitting and a top tapered roller bearing. In a fourth example, which may include one or more of the first to third examples, the method comprises wherein the lubricating oil flows from a front face of the top tapered roller bearing to a back face of the top tapered roller bearing. In a fifth example, which may include one or more of the first to fourth examples, the method further comprises flowing lubricating oil through a second grease fitting and a bottom tapered roller bearing. In a sixth example, which may include one or more of the first to fifth examples, the method comprises wherein the lubricating oil flows from a front face of the bottom tapered roller bearing to a back face of the bottom tapered roller bearing. In a seventh example, which may include one or more of the first to sixth examples, the method includes wherein lubricating oil flows through a bottom axle pin, wherein the bottom axle pin couples a wheel knuckle with an axle body.

[0038] Although various embodiments are described above, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not limiting or restrictive. It is understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific examples should not be considered restrictive because there can be many variations. For example, the above technology can be applied to power systems containing different types of propulsion sources, including different types of motors, internal combustion engines and / or transmissions. For example, the technology can be used alone or in combination with other powertrain systems, but is not limited to tandem axles, electric tag axles, P4 axles, hybrid vehicles, pure electric vehicles, agriculture, ships, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and mechanical and propulsion systems for road and off-road vehicles. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions and / or attributes disclosed herein. It is obvious to those familiar with the relevant technology that the disclosed subject matter can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter.

[0039] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. The claims may refer to "an" element or "a first" element or the equivalent. The claims may be construed to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amendment of the present claims or by presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, are also deemed to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0040] As used herein, the term "approximately" should be understood to mean a range of plus or minus 5%, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A vehicle axle, characterized in that: include Axle body: Steering knuckle assembly; The top bearing is directly connected to the axle body; The bottom bearing is directly connected to the steering knuckle assembly; a knock pin that rotates as the knuckle assembly moves, the knock pin being configured to couple the axle body to the knuckle assembly; and A base pin that remains stationary while the knuckle assembly moves and is used to couple the axle body to the knuckle assembly.

2. The vehicle axle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top bearing is assembled in the axle body.

3. The vehicle axle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom bearing is assembled in the steering knuckle assembly.

4. The vehicle axle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top and bottom bearings are tapered roller bearings.

5. The vehicle axle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a steering angle sensor connected to the axle body.

6. The vehicle axle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a top grease fitting that attaches directly to the axle body.

7. The vehicle axle according to claim 6, characterized in that Also included is a bottom grease fitting that connects directly to the bottom pin.

8. A vehicle axle, characterized in that: include Axle body; Steering knuckle assembly; a top bearing directly connected to the axle body, the top bearing facing upward; a bottom bearing directly connected to the steering knuckle assembly, the bottom bearing facing upward; a knock pin that rotates as the knuckle assembly moves, the knock pin being configured to couple the axle body to the knuckle assembly; and; A base pin that remains stationary while the knuckle assembly moves and is used to couple the axle body to the knuckle assembly.

9. The vehicle axle according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes a steering angle sensor.

10. The vehicle axle according to claim 9, characterized in that The steering angle sensor is connected to the axle body.

11. The vehicle axle according to claim 10, characterized in that: The axle is a steering axle.

12. The vehicle axle according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also included is a lubrication nipple connector directly connected to the bottom pin.

Images