Connecting device for changing caster angle and independent suspension with same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connecting device for changing a caster angle and an independent suspension with the same, and the connecting device for changing the caster angle comprises a horizontal adjusting mechanism which is arranged between an upper swing arm assembly and a lower swing arm assembly and two ends of a steering knuckle and is used for changing the fixed positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle in the X direction of a vehicle, the angle adjusting mechanism is used for changing the included angle between the vertical line of the axis of the overdrive half shaft and the axis of the steering knuckle. According to the connecting device for changing the caster angle, the caster angle of a kingpin of a vehicle can be conveniently adjusted under the condition that an independent suspension is not integrally disassembled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of automobile structures, in particular to a connecting device for changing a castor angle and an independent suspension having the same. Background Art

[0002] Over the past 25 years, global sales of hardcore off-road vehicles have exceeded 30 million, and consumer demand for customization and modification of these vehicles has also increased. The most common customization methods used by OEMs, tuning shops, and modification shops are increasing tire size, replacing or enhancing the suspension system to raise the vehicle body, increase its maneuverability, and enhance its overall appearance.

[0003] The caster angle is a critical parameter in vehicle chassis adjustment, impacting vehicle stability during driving. To facilitate caster adjustment, conventional techniques have employed separate clevis mounts from the axle in integral suspension systems, with a connecting device positioned between the clevis and the axle. This allows adjustment of the caster angle, as well as the angle between the clevis and the drive axle shaft, without requiring complete disassembly of the axle.

[0004] However, the above method is only applicable to integral suspension and cannot be applied to independent suspension.

[0005] How to change the castor angle of a vehicle without disassembling the independent suspension structures as a whole is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the utility model provides a connecting device for changing the caster angle and an independent suspension having the same. The connecting device for changing the caster angle can adjust the kingpin caster angle of the vehicle more conveniently without disassembling the independent suspension as a whole.

[0007] The utility model provides a connecting device for changing the caster angle, which is used to be arranged between the upper and lower swing arm assemblies and the two ends of the steering knuckle. The connecting device includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism for changing the fixed position of the two ends of the steering knuckle in the upward direction of the vehicle X, and an angle adjustment mechanism for changing the angle between the perpendicular line of the overdrive half-shaft axis and the axis of the steering knuckle.

[0008] Furthermore, the horizontal adjustment mechanism includes an adjusting gasket and a connecting bolt. A connecting hole is formed on the adjusting gasket. The connecting bolt passes through the connecting hole to fix the end of the steering knuckle to the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly. The adjusting gasket has multiple models. In different models, the position of the connecting hole on the adjusting gasket is different. By selecting different models of adjusting gaskets, the fixed position of the two ends of the steering knuckle in the X-direction of the vehicle can be changed.

[0009] Furthermore, the angle adjustment mechanism is connected to the steering knuckle through the connecting bolt and the adjusting gasket. The adjusting gasket is used to be installed in the mounting hole on the steering knuckle. The adjusting gasket is arc-shaped when viewed from the side, and the center of curvature of the arc is located on the side where the middle of the steering knuckle is located.

[0010] Furthermore, the angle adjustment mechanism is connected to the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly through the connecting bolt and the adjusting gasket. A mounting hole is provided on the angle adjustment mechanism, and the adjusting gasket is provided in the mounting hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the adjusting gasket is in the shape of a flat plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the adjusting gasket is provided with a plurality of connecting holes, and there are a plurality of connecting bolts, each of which extends into one of the connecting holes to connect the angle adjustment mechanism with the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, a step surface is formed in the mounting hole, and the size of the bottom of the step hole is smaller than the size of the top. When the adjustment gasket is set in the mounting hole, the adjustment gasket rests on the step surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the angle adjustment mechanism includes a connecting ball head, a fixed shaft and a clamping mechanism, the connecting ball head is used to be connected to the steering knuckle, one end of the fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting ball head, and the other end is detachably clamped in the clamping mechanism, and the fixed shaft has a variety of fixed postures relative to the clamping mechanism. By changing the fixed posture between the fixed shaft and the clamping mechanism, the angle between the perpendicular line of the overdriven half-shaft axis and the axis of the steering knuckle is changed.

[0015] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes a first fixing block and a second fixing block, the first fixing block is detachably arranged on the second fixing block, the second fixing block is used to be fixed to the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly, and a plurality of first protrusions and first recesses are provided along the circumference of the outer surface of the end of the fixed shaft connected to the first fixing block and the second fixing block, and a plurality of second recesses and second protrusions are provided at the positions of the first fixing block and the second fixing block for clamping the fixed shaft, and the first protrusion and the first recess can be combined with different second recesses and second protrusions so that the fixed shaft has different fixed postures relative to the first fixing block and the second fixing block.

[0016] The utility model also provides an independent suspension, comprising the above-mentioned connecting device for changing the castor angle.

[0017] To sum up, in the present invention, by setting up the horizontal adjustment mechanism and the angle adjustment mechanism, the combined effect of the two can jointly complete the adjustment of the caster angle in the independent suspension, so that the connecting device for changing the caster angle can adjust the kingpin caster angle of the vehicle more conveniently without overall disassembly.

[0018] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In addition, in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following preferred embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 The figure shows an axle-side schematic diagram of the connecting device for changing the caster angle provided by the first embodiment of the present invention when installed on an independent suspension.

[0020] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Axonometric diagram of another perspective of the relevant structure.

[0021] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the front view of the relevant structure.

[0022] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 Axle-side schematic diagram of the connection device for changing the caster angle connected to the steering knuckle, lower control arm assembly and upper control arm assembly.

[0023] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 Axonometric diagram of another perspective of the relevant structures.

[0024] Figure 6 Shown Figure 4 Schematic side view of the middle adjustment gasket.

[0025] Figure 7 Shown Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the top view of the middle adjustment gasket.

[0026] Figure 8 Shown Figure 4 Axle-side schematic diagram of the center steering knuckle from the first perspective.

[0027] Figure 9 Shown Figure 4 Axle-side schematic diagram of the center steering knuckle from the second perspective.

[0028] Figure 10 Shown Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the decomposition of related structures.

[0029] Figure 11 Shown is a schematic axle-side view of the connection between the steering knuckle and the vehicle body link arm for changing the caster angle.

[0030] Figure 12 Shown Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the decomposition of related structures.

[0031] Figure 13 Shown is an axle-side schematic diagram of the connection device between the steering knuckle and the lower control arm assembly for changing the caster angle.

[0032] Figure 14 Shown Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the decomposition of related structures.

[0033] Figure 15 The figure shows an axle-side schematic diagram of a connecting device for changing the caster angle provided by the second embodiment of the present invention when installed on an independent suspension.

[0034] Figure 16 Shown Figure 15 Axle-side diagram of the connection device at the lower end of the center steering knuckle for changing the caster angle.

[0035] Figure 17 Shown Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the top view of the middle adjustment gasket.

[0036] Figure 18 The figure shows an axle-side schematic diagram of a connecting device for changing the caster angle provided by the third embodiment of the present invention when installed on an independent suspension.

[0037] Figure 19 Shown Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting device at the upper end of the center steering knuckle for changing the caster angle.

[0038] Figure 20 Shown Figure 19 Axle-side schematic diagram from another perspective of the connection device for changing the caster angle.

[0039] Figure 21 Shown Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the top view of the middle adjustment gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined purpose of the utility model, the following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0041] The utility model provides a connecting device for changing the caster angle and an independent suspension having the same. The connecting device for changing the caster angle can conveniently adjust the caster angle of a vehicle without disassembling the independent suspension as a whole.

[0042] First embodiment

[0043] Figures 1 to 14 The figure shows the structure of the connection device 10 for changing the caster angle provided by the first embodiment of the present invention and its connection relationship with the surrounding components. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a connecting device 10 for changing the caster angle can be provided at both ends of the steering knuckle 20 of the vehicle, the upper end of the steering knuckle 20 is connected to the upper swing arm assembly 30 via a connecting device 10, and the lower end of the steering knuckle 20 is connected to the lower swing arm assembly 40 via a connecting device 10.

[0044] The connecting device 10 for changing the caster angle includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism 11 for changing the fixed positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 in the vehicle X direction (i.e., the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle), and an angle adjustment mechanism 12 for changing the angle between the axis of the steering knuckle 20 and the perpendicular line of the overdrive half-shaft axis in the vehicle XZ plane.

[0045] In this embodiment, the horizontal adjustment mechanism 11 includes an adjustment washer 111 and a connecting bolt 112. A connecting hole 1111 is formed in the adjustment washer 111. The connecting bolt 112 passes through the connecting hole 1111 to connect the upper swing arm assembly 30 or the lower swing arm assembly 40 to the steering knuckle 20. The adjustment washer 111 is available in various sizes, and the connecting hole 1111 is located in different locations on the adjustment washer 111. In other words, by selecting a different size of adjustment washer 111, the fixed position of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 in the vehicle's X-direction can be changed.

[0046] Figure 7 In the figure, the solid line connecting hole 1111 represents the position of the connecting hole 1111 on the adjusting gasket 111 under one model, and the dotted line connecting hole 1111 represents the position of the connecting hole 1111 on the adjusting gasket 111 under another model.

[0047] In this embodiment, an adjustment washer 111 can be disposed between the end of the steering knuckle 20 and the angle adjustment mechanism 12. The angle adjustment mechanism 12 is connected to the steering knuckle 20 via a connecting bolt 112 and the adjustment washer 111. A mounting hole 113 is formed at the end of the steering knuckle 20, into which the adjustment washer 111 is mounted. The connecting bolt 112 passes through the connecting hole 1111 in the adjusting washer 111, thereby connecting the connecting device 10 to the steering knuckle 20.

[0048] When adjusting the caster angle, different adjustment washers 111 can be inserted into the mounting holes 113 as needed to adjust the fixed positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20. Since the structure of the adjustment washers 111 themselves remains unchanged, and only the positions of the connecting holes 1111 on the adjustment washers 111 change, the fixed positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 can be changed by changing the type of adjustment washers 111.

[0049] In this embodiment, since the center position of the steering knuckle 20 is fixed by the driven half shaft, the front and rear changes of the fixed positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 will cause the steering knuckle 20 itself to rotate. In order to adapt to the above changes, Figure 6 As shown, viewed from the side, the adjustment gasket 111 can be arranged in an arc shape, with the center of curvature of the arc facing the side where the center of the steering knuckle 20 is located.

[0050] Furthermore, if Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in order to ensure that the adjusting gasket 111 can be stably arranged in the mounting hole 113, a stepped surface (not shown) can be formed in the mounting hole 113, that is, the size of the bottom of the mounting hole 113 is smaller than the size of its top. It should be noted that the top and bottom of the mounting hole 113 are based on the installation direction of the adjusting gasket 111, that is, the adjusting gasket 111 is installed in the mounting hole 113 from the top to the bottom. For the upper end of the steering knuckle 20, the adjusting gasket 111 is installed in the mounting hole 113 from the top to the bottom, while for the lower end of the steering knuckle 20, the adjusting gasket 111 is installed in the mounting hole 113 from the bottom to the top. After installation, the adjusting gasket 111 will rest on the stepped surface in the mounting hole 113 to prevent the adjusting gasket 111 from falling out from the other side of the mounting hole 113.

[0051] like Figures 10 to 14 As shown, the angle adjustment mechanism 12 includes a connecting ball head 121, a fixed shaft 122 and a clamping mechanism 123. The connecting ball head 121 is used to connect to the steering knuckle 20. One end of the fixed shaft 122 is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the connecting ball head 121, and the other end is detachably clamped in the clamping mechanism 123. The fixed shaft 122 has a variety of fixed postures relative to the clamping mechanism 123. By changing the fixed postures of the fixed shaft 122 and the clamping mechanism 123, the angle between the axis of the steering knuckle 20 and the perpendicular line of the overdrive half-shaft axis can be changed on the XZ plane of the vehicle.

[0052] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the fixed positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 can be specifically reflected as the positions at which the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 and their corresponding connecting ball heads 121 are connected in the vehicle's X-direction. The angle between the axis of the steering knuckle 20 and a line perpendicular to the axis of the overdriven axle shaft can be reflected as the angle between the axis of the connecting post connected to the ball head 121 and a line perpendicular to the axis of the overdriven axle shaft.

[0053] In this embodiment, since the connecting column of the connecting ball head 121 is connected to the steering knuckle 20 through the adjusting gasket 111, in this embodiment, the connecting column of the connecting ball head 121 assumes the role of the connecting bolt 112 in this embodiment, that is, the connecting column of the connecting ball head 121 is considered to be the connecting bolt 112 in this embodiment.

[0054] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism 123 includes a first fixing block 1231 and a second fixing block 1232. The first fixing block 1231 is detachably fixed to the second fixing block 1232, and the second fixing block 1232 is used to be fixed to the upper swing arm assembly 30 or the lower swing arm assembly 40. The fixed shaft 122 is sandwiched between the first fixing block 1231 and the second fixing block 1232. A plurality of first protrusions and first recesses are provided along the circumference of the outer surface of the end of the fixed shaft 122 connected to the first fixing block 1231 and the second fixing block 1232. A groove 1233 for clamping the fixed shaft 122 is formed on each of the first fixing block 1231 and the second fixing block 1232. A second recess and a second protrusion are formed on the inner surface of the grooves 1233 to match the first protrusions and the first recess. When the fixed shaft 122 is clamped between the first fixing block 1231 and the second fixing block 1232, the second protrusion and the second recess in the groove 1233 respectively engage with the first recess and the first protrusion on the fixed shaft 122 to circumferentially secure the fixed shaft 122, preventing the fixed shaft 122 and the housing of the connecting ball head 121 from rotating relative to the clamping mechanism 123. It will be understood that when different first protrusions and first recesses in the groove 1233 engage with different second recesses and second protrusions on the fixed shaft 122, the connecting ball head 121 assumes different engagement postures relative to the first fixing block 1231 and the second fixing block 1232, thereby enabling adjustment of the angle between the axis of the connecting ball head 121 and a perpendicular to the axis of the overdrive axle.

[0055] In this embodiment, a plurality of gear teeth 124 are formed on the outer surface of the fixed shaft 122 and the inner surface of the groove 1233. It is understandable that the gear teeth 124 themselves can be a first protrusion or a second protrusion, and the space between the two gear teeth 124 can be a first recess or a second recess.

[0056] Furthermore, a rib 1221 is provided at the end of the fixed shaft 122 away from the connecting ball head 121. When the fixed shaft 122 is clamped on the clamping mechanism 123, the rib 1221 abuts against the side of the clamping mechanism 123 away from the connecting ball head 121 to prevent the fixed shaft 122 from escaping from the clamping mechanism 123.

[0057] The second fixing block 1232 can be directly fixed to the upper swing arm assembly 30 or the lower swing arm assembly 40 by bolts.

[0058] When using the connecting device 10 for changing the caster angle provided in the embodiment of the present invention to adjust the caster angle, the steering knuckle 20 and the connecting device 10 can be first removed from the upper swing arm assembly 30 and the lower swing arm assembly 40; then, an appropriate type of adjustment gasket 111 is selected and placed in the mounting holes 113 at both ends of the steering knuckle 20, and the connecting ball head 121 is fixed to both ends of the steering knuckle 20; then, the installation posture of the connecting ball head 121 relative to the clamping mechanism 123 is adjusted, specifically, the appropriate first protrusion and first recess on the fixed shaft 122 are selected, combined with the second recess and second protrusion on the clamping mechanism 123, and the fixed shaft 122 is clamped by the clamping mechanism 123; finally, the clamping mechanisms 123 at both ends of the steering knuckle 20 are respectively fixed to the upper swing arm assembly 30 and the lower swing arm assembly 40.

[0059] It should be noted that in this embodiment, without changing the distance between the vehicle body and the ground, if the positions of the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 are changed upward in the vehicle X, the length of the steering knuckle 20 and the connecting ball 121 as a whole will change. In this case, the length of the connecting ball 121 and the steering knuckle 20 can be adjusted to accommodate this change in the length of the steering knuckle 20 and the connecting ball 121 as a whole, that is, the position of the connection bolt 112 and the steering knuckle 20. Furthermore, the axes of the connecting balls 121 at the two ends of the steering knuckle 20 do not need to be co-linear, as long as the connection between the steering knuckle 20 and the connecting ball 121 is secure and not subject to shear forces that could affect vehicle safety.

[0060] Please continue to refer to Figures 11 to 14 In this embodiment, the basic structure of the connecting devices 10 for changing the caster angle at both ends of the steering knuckle 20 is the same. The differences in details can be seen in the specific structures of the first and second fixing blocks 1231, 1232, and the different connection methods of the second fixing blocks 1232 to the upper and lower arm assemblies 30, 40. In other words, the structures of the first and second fixing blocks 1231, 1232 can be adaptively adjusted based on the connection method between the upper and lower arm assemblies 30, 40 and the steering knuckle 20.

[0061] Second embodiment

[0062] Please continue to refer to Figures 15 to 17 The connecting device 10 for changing the castor angle provided in the second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as that in the first embodiment, except that the structure and connection method of the horizontal adjustment mechanism 11 are different.

[0063] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the level adjustment mechanism 11 can also include an adjustment pad 111, and the adjustment pad 111 is also provided with a connection hole 1111. The adjustment pad 111 can also have multiple models, and in each model, the connection hole 1111 is located at a different position on the adjustment pad 111. Figure 17 , wherein the connection hole 1111 shown by the solid line is the position of the connection hole 1111 on the adjusting gasket 111 in one model, and the connection hole 1111 shown by the dotted line is the position of the connection hole 1111 on the adjusting gasket 111 in another model.

[0064] Unlike the first embodiment, a mounting hole 113 is formed in the second fixing block 1232 within the horizontal adjustment mechanism 11 at the lower end of the steering knuckle 20, and an adjustment washer 111 is disposed within the mounting hole 113. A connecting bolt 112 passes through the adjustment washer 111 within the mounting hole 113, securing the second fixing block 1232 to the lower arm assembly 40.

[0065] Since the installation of the adjusting pad 111 is no longer affected by the rotation of the steering knuckle 20, the adjusting pad 111 can be flat when viewed from the side. The mounting hole 113 can be a waist-shaped hole, and the shape of the adjusting pad 111 is consistent with the shape of the mounting hole 113.

[0066] Furthermore, a connecting plate 1234 is provided on the second fixing block 1232. One end of the connecting plate 1234 is connected to the second fixing block 1232, and the other end extends upward and away from the first fixing block 1231. In other words, the connecting plate 1234 extends upward at an angle toward the lower swing arm assembly 40. The aforementioned mounting hole 113 is formed on the connecting plate 1234. The adjusting washer 111 can be installed into the mounting hole 113 from the side of the connecting plate 1234 away from the second fixing block 1232. The connecting bolt 112 extends between the connecting plate 1234 and the second fixing block 1232 and into the connecting hole 1111 of the adjusting washer 111, thereby securing the second fixing block 1232 to the lower swing arm assembly 40.

[0067] Third embodiment

[0068] like Figures 18 to 21As shown, the connecting device 10 for changing the caster angle provided in the third embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the above embodiments, except that, in this embodiment, the mounting hole 113 can also be formed on the second fixing block 1232 within the horizontal adjustment mechanism 11 at the upper end of the steering knuckle 20, and the adjustment washer 111 is disposed within the mounting hole 113. The connecting bolt 112 passes through the adjustment washer 111 within the mounting hole 113 to secure the second fixing block 1232 to the upper swing arm assembly 30.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a single adjustment washer 111 can be provided with multiple connection holes 1111, such as two connection holes 1111. Accordingly, multiple connection bolts 112 are provided. During connection, each connection bolt 112 extends into a connection hole 1111 to achieve component connection. This arrangement ensures connection strength within a limited layout space.

[0070] Correspondingly, in different types of adjustment pads 111, the positions of the two connection holes 1111 are different, but in different types of adjustment pads 111, the distance between the two connection holes 1111 should be kept consistent. That is, the distance between the two connection holes 1111 should be kept Figure 21 β in .

[0071] It is understandable that the above-mentioned method of providing multiple connection holes 1111 in the same adjusting washer 111 can also be applied to the second embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, a washer with multiple connection holes 1111 is provided on the second fixing block 1232 at the lower end of the steering knuckle 20.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the structure of the connecting device 10 at the lower end of the steering knuckle 20 is disclosed in detail, while the structure of the connecting device 10 at the upper end of the steering knuckle 20 can be the same as that of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the structure of the connecting device 10 at the upper end of the steering knuckle 20 is disclosed in detail, while the structure of the connecting device 10 at the lower end of the steering knuckle 20 can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0073] It should be noted that the above-described coupling method is merely for ease of understanding, and the structural selection of the connecting device 10 at the upper end of the steering knuckle 20 does not restrict the structural selection of the connecting device 10 at the lower end of the steering knuckle 20. In other words, the upper and lower ends of the steering knuckle 10 can adopt any of the configurations described in the first to third embodiments as needed.

[0074] In summary, in the present invention, the adjustment of the caster angle within the independent suspension can be completed by setting the horizontal adjustment mechanism 11 and the angle adjustment mechanism 12, so that the connecting device 10 for changing the caster angle can adjust the kingpin caster angle of the vehicle more conveniently without overall disassembly.

[0075] The present invention also provides an independent suspension, including the above-mentioned connecting device 10 for changing the caster angle. For other technical features of the independent suspension, please refer to the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0076] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with the profession can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of the technical content disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device for changing the caster angle, characterized in that: The connecting device is used to be arranged between the upper and lower swing arm assemblies and the two ends of the steering knuckle. The connecting device includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism for changing the fixed position of the two ends of the steering knuckle in the upward direction of the vehicle X, and an angle adjustment mechanism for changing the angle between the perpendicular line of the overdrive half-shaft axis and the axis of the steering knuckle.

2. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal adjustment mechanism includes an adjusting washer and a connecting bolt. A connecting hole is formed on the adjusting washer. The connecting bolt passes through the connecting hole to fix the end of the steering knuckle to the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly. The adjusting washer has multiple models. In different models, the position of the connecting hole on the adjusting washer is different. By selecting different models of adjusting washer, the fixed position of the two ends of the steering knuckle in the vehicle X-direction can be changed.

3. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The angle adjustment mechanism is connected to the steering knuckle through the connecting bolt and the adjusting gasket. The adjusting gasket is used to be installed in the mounting hole on the steering knuckle. The adjusting gasket is arc-shaped when viewed from the side, and the center of curvature of the arc is located on the side where the middle part of the steering knuckle is located.

4. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The angle adjustment mechanism is connected to the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly through the connecting bolt and the adjusting gasket. A mounting hole is provided on the angle adjustment mechanism, and the adjusting gasket is provided in the mounting hole.

5. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjusting gasket is in the shape of a flat plate.

6. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjusting gasket is provided with a plurality of connecting holes, and there are a plurality of connecting bolts, each of which extends into a connecting hole to connect the angle adjustment mechanism with the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly.

7. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: A step surface is formed in the mounting hole, and the size of the bottom of the mounting hole is smaller than the size of the top. When the adjusting gasket is arranged in the mounting hole, the adjusting gasket abuts against the step surface.

8. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The angle adjustment mechanism includes a connecting ball head, a fixed shaft and a clamping mechanism. The connecting ball head is used to connect to the steering knuckle. One end of the fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting ball head, and the other end is detachably clamped in the clamping mechanism. The fixed shaft has multiple fixed postures relative to the clamping mechanism. By changing the fixed posture between the fixed shaft and the clamping mechanism, the angle between the perpendicular line of the overdriven half-shaft axis and the axis of the steering knuckle is changed.

9. The connecting device for changing the caster angle according to claim 8, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism includes a first fixing block and a second fixing block, the first fixing block being detachably arranged on the second fixing block, the second fixing block being used to be fixed to the upper swing arm assembly or the lower swing arm assembly, and a plurality of first protrusions and first recesses are provided along the circumference of the fixed shaft on the outer surface of one end connected to the first fixing block and the second fixing block, and a plurality of second recesses and second protrusions are provided at positions of the first fixing block and the second fixing block for clamping the fixed shaft, the first protrusion and the first recess can be combined with different second recesses and second protrusions, so that the fixed shaft has different fixed postures relative to the first fixing block and the second fixing block.

10. An independent suspension, characterized in that: The invention comprises a connecting device for changing the caster angle according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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