Front axle steering knuckle assembly and automobile

Abstract

The front axle steering knuckle assembly comprises a steering knuckle, at least two knuckle bearings, a front axle and a master pin, the steering knuckle comprises two convex lugs distributed in the vertical direction, and pin holes distributed in the vertical direction are formed in the two convex lugs in a penetrating mode; the two knuckle bearings are installed in the two pin holes correspondingly, and outer rings of the knuckle bearings are in interference fit with the two pin holes correspondingly. A connecting through hole extending in the vertical direction is formed in the connecting section of the front shaft; the main pin penetrates through the two knuckle bearings and the connecting through hole, is connected with inner rings of the two knuckle bearings and is in interference fit with the connecting through hole. The utility model aims to solve the problems that the existing bridge structure is easy to abrade, so that the main pin is loose, and related parts need to be maintained and replaced regularly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive chassis component technology, specifically to a front axle steering knuckle assembly and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] As the main load-bearing and steering component of the front axle in the chassis assembly, the service life of the bridge assembly affects the service life of the entire vehicle. Bridge assemblies used in the market generally adopt a structure of steering knuckle, front axle, kingpin, and thrust bearing. The thrust bearing connects the steering knuckle and the front axle, and the front axle and kingpin are locked together by a locking pin. The upper and lower ends of the kingpin are cylindrical rotating pairs with the steering knuckle. To improve the wear resistance of the rotating pair, a copper bushing is usually press-fitted into the kingpin hole of the steering knuckle.

[0003] Due to frequent steering of the vehicle, the kingpin and thrust bearing will experience varying degrees of wear after a certain mileage. This leads to increased radial and axial clearance in the kingpin bore, resulting in kingpin looseness. Loose kingpins can cause steering wobble and abnormal steering noises, severely impacting the driver's experience. This structure typically requires repair and replacement of the kingpin and bushings after a certain mileage; in severe cases, the front axle and steering knuckle may need to be replaced. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on the above description, this utility model provides a front axle steering knuckle assembly to solve the problem that existing bridge structures are prone to wear, resulting in loose kingpins and requiring regular maintenance and replacement of related parts.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0006] A front axle steering knuckle assembly, comprising:

[0007] The steering knuckle includes two lugs distributed in the vertical direction, and both lugs are provided with pin holes distributed in the vertical direction.

[0008] At least two spherical plain bearings are respectively installed in the two said pin holes, and their outer rings are respectively interference-fitted with the two said pin holes;

[0009] The front axle has a connecting through hole extending vertically at its connecting end; and,

[0010] The kingpin passes through the two spherical plain bearings and the connecting through hole, and is connected to the inner rings of the two spherical plain bearings and has an interference fit with the connecting through hole.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows:

[0012] Furthermore, the main pin includes at least five pin segments, which are divided into two connecting segments located at the uppermost and lowermost sides, an installation segment adjacent to each of the two connecting segments, and a fixing segment located between the two installation segments;

[0013] The two mounting sections are respectively connected to the inner rings of the two spherical bearings, and the fixing section is interference-fitted with the connecting through hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the front axle steering knuckle assembly also includes at least two annular sealing caps and at least two oil seals. The two annular sealing caps are respectively disposed on the opposite end faces of the two pin holes to cover the gap between the kingpin and the corresponding pin hole. The two oil seals are respectively disposed in the two pin holes and located on the side of the two spherical bearings that are close to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the two pin holes are divided into:

[0016] A first pin hole includes a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a third hole portion connected in sequence. The diameter of the second hole portion is smaller than the diameters of the first hole portion and the third hole portion. The first hole portion has a thread near its lower end.

[0017] The second pin hole is located above the first pin hole and includes a fourth hole and a fifth hole connected to each other. The fifth hole is located above the fourth hole and its diameter is larger than that of the fourth hole. The fifth hole is provided with a thread near its upper end.

[0018] The two spherical bearings are respectively installed in the second hole and the fifth hole;

[0019] The two oil seals are respectively located in the third hole and the fourth hole;

[0020] The two annular sealing caps are screwed to the first hole and the fifth hole, respectively.

[0021] Furthermore, both of the connecting sections are provided with threads on their periphery;

[0022] The front axle steering knuckle assembly also includes at least two locking nuts, which are respectively screwed onto the two connecting sections and abut against the end faces of the corresponding two spherical bearings.

[0023] Furthermore, the upper end face of the master pin is provided with a threaded hole.

[0024] Furthermore, the steering knuckle also includes a mounting shaft disposed opposite to the two lugs, the mounting shaft being used to mount the wheel hub.

[0025] Furthermore, the front axle steering knuckle also includes a connecting arm, the free end of which is provided with a connecting hole extending vertically and being tapered.

[0026] This utility model also proposes an automobile, including the aforementioned front axle steering knuckle assembly.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0028] By using two spherical bearings, the steering knuckle and kingpin are rotatably connected, using rolling friction instead of sliding friction to reduce friction. Furthermore, each spherical bearing is self-lubricating, requiring no subsequent maintenance after a single grease injection. The two spherical bearings and the two pin holes have an interference fit, eliminating axial clearance. The kingpin and the connecting through hole also have an interference fit, eliminating radial clearance. The steering knuckle, kingpin, and front axle are tightly connected, resulting in low friction and a long service life. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a front axle steering knuckle assembly provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steering knuckle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the main pin in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0033] 1. Steering knuckle; 11. Lug; 111. First pin hole; 1111. First hole; 1112. Second hole; 1113. Third hole; 112. Second pin hole; 1121. Fourth hole; 1122. Fifth hole; 12. Mounting shaft; 13. Connecting arm; 131. Connecting hole; 2a. First bearing; 2b. Second bearing; 3. Front axle; 31. Connecting end; 311. Connecting through hole; 4. Kingpin; 41. Connecting section; 42. Mounting section; 43. Fixing section; 44. Threaded hole; 5a. First annular seal; 5b. Second annular seal; 6a. First oil seal; 6b. Second oil seal; 7a. First lock nut; 7b. Second lock nut; c. Tie rod assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0036] It is understood that spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "below," "below," "above," "above," etc., can be used here to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as "below" or "below" of the other element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" and "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0037] It should be noted that when one element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element through an intermediary element.

[0038] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated feature, whole, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2This utility model provides a front axle steering knuckle assembly, including a steering knuckle 1, at least two spherical bearings, a front axle 3, and a kingpin 4. The steering knuckle 1 includes two lugs 11 distributed vertically, and each lug 11 has a pin hole distributed vertically. The two spherical bearings are respectively installed in the two pin holes, and their outer rings are respectively interference-fitted with the two pin holes. The mounting end 31 of the front axle 3 is provided with a connecting through hole 311 extending vertically. The kingpin 4 passes through the two spherical bearings and the connecting through hole 311, and is connected to the inner rings of the two spherical bearings and interference-fitted with the connecting through hole 311.

[0040] By using two spherical bearings, the steering knuckle 1 and the kingpin 4 are rotatably connected, using rolling friction instead of sliding friction to reduce friction. Furthermore, each of the spherical bearings has self-lubricating properties, requiring no subsequent maintenance after a single grease injection. The two spherical bearings and the two pin holes have an interference fit, eliminating axial clearance. The kingpin 4 and the connecting through hole 311 also have an interference fit, eliminating radial clearance. The steering knuckle 1, kingpin 4, and front axle 3 are tightly connected, resulting in low friction and a long service life.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The main pin 4 includes at least five pin segments, which are divided into two connecting segments 41 located at the uppermost and lowermost sides, mounting segments 42 adjacent to the two connecting segments 41, and a fixing segment 43 located between the two mounting segments 42. The two mounting segments 42 are respectively connected to the inner rings of the two spherical plain bearings, and the fixing segment 43 is interference-fitted with the connecting through hole 311. The interference fit between the fixing segment 43 and the connecting through hole 311 ranges from 0.07 to 0.12 mm to ensure reliable connection.

[0042] To seal the two pin holes, in this embodiment, the front axle steering knuckle assembly further includes at least two annular sealing caps and at least two oil seals. The two annular sealing caps are respectively positioned on the opposite end faces of the two pin holes to cover the gap between the kingpin 4 and the corresponding pin hole. The two oil seals are respectively located within the two pin holes and on the side of the two spherical bearings that are close to each other. Each annular sealing cap and each oil seal seals the upper and lower ends of each pin hole, preventing the entry of mud, dust, sewage, and other debris. This ensures the good performance of each spherical bearing and extends its service life.

[0043] To secure the two spherical bearings, in this embodiment, threads are provided on the periphery of both connecting sections 41. The front axle steering knuckle assembly also includes at least two locking nuts, which are respectively screwed onto the two connecting sections 41 and abut against the end faces of the corresponding two spherical bearings. This ensures axial preload on the two spherical bearings.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 3 The two pin holes are divided into a first pin hole 111 and a second pin hole 112 located above the first pin hole 111. The first pin hole 111 includes a first hole portion 1111, a second hole portion 1112, and a third hole portion 1113 connected in sequence. The diameter of the second hole portion 1112 is smaller than the diameters of the first hole portion 1111 and the third hole portion 1113. The first hole portion 1111 has a thread near its lower end. The second pin hole 112 includes a fourth hole portion 1121 and a fifth hole portion 1122 connected in sequence. The fifth hole portion 1122 is located above the fourth hole portion 1121, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the fourth hole portion 1121. The fifth hole portion 1122 has a thread near its upper end. The first pin hole 111 is a stepped hole with a large countersunk hole at the top, and the second pin hole 112 is a stepped hole with countersunk holes at both ends.

[0045] In this embodiment, the two spherical bearings are a first bearing 2a and a second bearing 2b located above the first bearing 2a. The first bearing 2a is installed in the second hole 1112 and abuts against the stepped surface formed by the second hole 1112 and the third hole 1113. The second bearing 2b is installed in the fifth hole 1122 and abuts against the stepped surface formed by the fifth hole 1122 and the fourth hole 1121. The two oil seals are a first oil seal 6a and a second oil seal 6b located above the first oil seal 6a. The two oil seals are respectively located in the third hole 1113 and the fourth hole 1121. The two annular sealing caps are a first annular sealing cap 5a and a second annular sealing cap 5b. The first annular sealing cap 5a is screwed into the first hole 1111, and the second annular sealing cap 5b is screwed into the fifth hole 1122, respectively sealing the lower end face of the first pin hole 111 and the upper end face of the second pin hole 112.

[0046] In this embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3The two locking nuts are a first locking nut 7a and a second locking nut 7b located on the upper side. The upper mounting section 42 has the largest diameter and is clearance-fitted with the inner ring of the second bearing 2b. The second locking nut 7b is screwed to the upper connecting section 41 and abuts against the upper end face of the second bearing 2b to ensure pre-tightening of the axis of the second bearing 2b. Similarly, the lower mounting section 42 is clearance-fitted with the inner ring of the first bearing 2a, and the first fastening bolt is screwed to the lower connecting section 41 and abuts against the lower end face of the first bearing 2a to ensure pre-tightening of the axis of the first bearing 2a. Furthermore, both the first locking nut 7a and the second locking nut 7b are assembled using adhesive to prevent loosening.

[0047] When the steering knuckle 1 receives a force from the steering arm, it transmits the force to the second bearing 2b. The second bearing 2b then transmits the force to the kingpin 4. On one hand, the kingpin 4 has an interference fit with the front axle 3 and can be considered as a single unit, thus transmitting the force to the front axle 3. On the other hand, because the kingpin 4 has an axial positioning fit with the steering knuckle 1 and the two spherical bearings, it transmits the force to the first bearing 2a. The first bearing 2a then feeds the force back to the connecting arm 13. Therefore, the front axle 3 and the steering knuckle 1 do not need to contact each other axially, further reducing wear.

[0048] In this embodiment, the upper end face of the main pin 4 is provided with a threaded hole 44. The threaded hole 44 is used to install tooling to facilitate cryogenic assembly.

[0049] In this embodiment, the steering knuckle 1 further includes a mounting shaft 12 disposed opposite to the two lugs 11, the mounting shaft 12 being used to mount the wheel hub.

[0050] In this embodiment, the front axle steering knuckle 1 further includes a connecting arm 13. The free end of the connecting arm 13 has a connecting hole 131 extending vertically and tapered in shape. Due to the self-lubricating properties of the spherical bearing, the connecting arm 13 does not require an oil passage structure. Therefore, it connects to the tie rod assembly c through the connecting hole 131, eliminating the need for subsequent maintenance. Furthermore, the tapered shape of the connecting hole 131 ensures zero-offset connection between the connecting arm 13 and the tie rod assembly c, improving service life and meeting the overall vehicle lifespan requirements.

[0051] This utility model also proposes an automobile including the aforementioned front axle steering knuckle assembly, which is as described above. Since the automobile includes the aforementioned front axle steering knuckle assembly, all its technical features are not described in detail here.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A front axle steering knuckle assembly, characterized in that, include: The steering knuckle includes two lugs distributed in the vertical direction, and both lugs are provided with pin holes distributed in the vertical direction. At least two spherical plain bearings are respectively installed in the two said pin holes, and their outer rings are respectively interference-fitted with the two said pin holes; The front axle has a connecting through hole extending vertically at its connecting end; and, The kingpin passes through the two spherical plain bearings and the connecting through hole, and is connected to the inner rings of the two spherical plain bearings and has an interference fit with the connecting through hole.

2. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pin includes at least five pin segments, which are divided into two connecting segments located at the uppermost and lowermost sides, an installation segment adjacent to the two connecting segments, and a fixing segment located between the two installation segments. The two mounting sections are respectively connected to the inner rings of the two spherical bearings, and the fixing section is interference-fitted with the connecting through hole.

3. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front axle steering knuckle assembly also includes at least two annular sealing caps and at least two oil seals. The two annular sealing caps are respectively disposed on the opposite end faces of the two pin holes to cover the gap between the kingpin and the corresponding pin hole. The two oil seals are respectively disposed in the two pin holes and located on the side of the two spherical bearings that are close to each other.

4. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two pin holes are divided into: A first pin hole includes a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a third hole portion connected in sequence. The diameter of the second hole portion is smaller than the diameters of the first hole portion and the third hole portion. The first hole portion has a thread near its lower end. The second pin hole is located above the first pin hole and includes a fourth hole and a fifth hole connected to each other. The fifth hole is located above the fourth hole and its diameter is larger than that of the fourth hole. The fifth hole is provided with a thread near its upper end. The two spherical bearings are respectively installed in the second hole and the fifth hole; The two oil seals are respectively located in the third hole and the fourth hole; The two annular sealing caps are screwed to the first hole and the fifth hole, respectively.

5. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both of the connecting sections are provided with threads on their outer periphery; The front axle steering knuckle assembly also includes at least two locking nuts, which are respectively screwed onto the two connecting sections and abut against the end faces of the corresponding two spherical bearings.

6. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end face of the master pin is provided with a threaded hole.

7. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering knuckle also includes a mounting shaft disposed opposite to the two lugs, the mounting shaft being used to mount the wheel hub.

8. The front axle steering knuckle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front axle steering knuckle also includes a connecting arm, the free end of which has a connecting hole extending vertically and being tapered.

9. A car, characterized in that, Includes the front axle steering knuckle assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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