High-rigidity gapless steering drag link assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to a high-rigidity gapless steering drag link assembly, and belongs to the technical field of automobile parts. The high-rigidity gapless steering straight pull rod assembly comprises a transverse pull rod, a connecting mechanism, a right ball head and a left ball head, one end of the transverse pull rod is provided with a right ball head through a connecting mechanism; the other end of the transverse pull rod is welded and connected with an extension rod; one end of the extension rod is connected with a left ball head through a rivet and a stamping rib plate; the connecting mechanism comprises a locking hoop and a connecting sleeve; a locking hoop is arranged on the outer side of one end of the transverse pull rod; a connecting sleeve is inserted into one end of the transverse pull rod; and a right ball head is inserted into one end of the connecting sleeve. The high-rigidity gapless steering straight pull rod assembly is compact in structure and ingenious in design, solves the problem that an existing pull rod assembly is insufficient in flexural rigidity through the connecting mechanism, and is particularly suitable for the use requirement of an automobile steering system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a high-rigidity, zero-backlash steering tie rod assembly, belonging to the field of automotive parts technology. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional steering tie rods, as core force-transmitting components of automotive steering systems, directly affect vehicle handling, safety, and reliability. However, existing technologies, such as the tie rod assembly disclosed in utility model patent CN212195636U, while meeting certain usage requirements to some extent, have the following problems:

[0003] 1. The existing tie rod is connected to the ball joint by a U-shaped clip; the connecting rod of the ball joint adopts a solid cylindrical structure. Although it has a large moment of inertia in its axial direction, it has the problems of low material utilization and insufficient bending stiffness when subjected to complex loads, especially shear loads.

[0004] 2. The existing ball joint pin and ball joint seat connection relies on a tapered fit. After long-term use, wear will create gaps, resulting in steering play and abnormal noise.

[0005] 3. The existing connection structure is relatively prone to loosening and twisting, which can lead to deviations in the four-wheel alignment parameters, causing the vehicle to veer off course at high speeds and requiring frequent adjustments to the four-wheel alignment parameters.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new tie rod assembly to solve the above-mentioned problems of existing tie rod assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly with a compact structure and ingenious design, which solves the problems of insufficient bending stiffness, steering play, and abnormal noise in existing tie rod assemblies.

[0008] The technical solution of this utility model is:

[0009] A high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly includes a tie rod, a connecting mechanism, a right ball joint, and a left ball joint; characterized in that: one end of the tie rod is fitted with a right ball joint via the connecting mechanism; the other end of the tie rod is welded to an extension rod; one end of the extension rod is connected to a left ball joint via rivets and a stamped rib plate; the connecting mechanism includes a locking clamp and a connecting sleeve; a locking clamp is fitted to the outer side of one end of the tie rod; a connecting sleeve is inserted into one end of the tie rod; and a right ball joint is inserted into one end of the connecting sleeve.

[0010] The horizontal tie rod is equipped with a positioning rivet at one end and has a deformation opening A; the surface of one end of the connecting sleeve is provided with anti-slip texture; the connecting sleeve on the side with the anti-slip texture has a deformation opening B.

[0011] The locking clamp includes a U-shaped clamp plate and a locking bolt; the upper end of the U-shaped clamp plate is connected by the locking bolt.

[0012] Both the left and right ball joints include a ball joint seat, a connecting handle, a ball pin, a special-shaped nut, a dust cover, a lower ball cup, and a rubber spring. One end of the connecting handle is provided with a ball joint seat. A ball pin is installed inside the ball joint seat. The upper end of the ball pin extends to the outside of the ball joint seat and connects to the ball joint seat via the dust cover. A special-shaped nut is installed at the top of the ball pin. A rubber spring is installed between the bottom end of the ball pin and the ball joint seat. A lower ball cup is installed between the upper end of the ball head of the ball pin and the ball joint seat. An oil nozzle is installed at the bottom end of the ball joint seat via a perforated top cover.

[0013] The connecting handle of the right ball head is provided with an anti-torsion groove at one end.

[0014] The left ball joint has stamped ribs above and below the connecting handle and extension rod, respectively. These ribs are connected to the connecting handle and extension rod by rivets and include a steering damper connection bolt hole. Their purpose is to prevent steering wheel "kickback" in extremely harsh road conditions. The stamped ribs also provide structural reinforcement for the left joint, which serves as the primary force point.

[0015] One end of the extension rod is provided with a stepped circular surface; the stepped position of the extension rod is welded to the cross tie rod; multiple locking ring grooves are provided at intervals on the circumference of the stepped circular surface; the cross tie rod on the outer ring of the locking ring groove is recessed inward and engaged with the locking ring groove.

[0016] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0017] This high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly is compact and ingeniously designed. Through its connecting mechanism, it solves the problem of insufficient bending stiffness in existing tie rod assemblies, making it particularly suitable for the needs of automotive steering systems. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism and the right ball head of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure in the AA direction;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the right ball joint of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tie rod and the left ball head of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure in the middle BB direction;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left ball joint and the tie rod of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure along the AA direction.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Tie rod; 2. Connecting mechanism; 3. Right ball head; 4. Extension rod; 5. Rivet; 6. Stamped rib plate; 7. Left ball head; 8. Locking clamp; 9. Connecting sleeve; 10. Deformation opening A; 11. Anti-slip texture; 12. Deformation opening B; 13. U-shaped clamp; 14. Locking bolt; 15. Ball head seat; 16. Ball head pin; 17. Dust cover; 18. Special-shaped nut; 19. Rubber spring; 20. Lower ball cup; 21. Perforated top cover; 22. Oil nozzle; 23. Anti-torsion groove; 24. Stepped circular surface; 25. Locking ring groove; 26. Connecting handle; 27. Positioning rivet. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly includes a tie rod 1, a connecting mechanism 2, a right ball joint 3, and a left ball joint 7 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 1 ).

[0028] One end of the tie rod 1 is fitted with a right ball joint 3 via a connecting mechanism 2 (see instruction manual appendix). Figure 1 ).

[0029] The connecting mechanism 2 includes a locking clamp 8 and a connecting sleeve 9 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 2 A locking clamp 8 is installed on the outer side of one end of the tie rod 1 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 2 The locking clamp 8 includes a U-shaped clamping plate 13 and a locking bolt 14; the upper end of the U-shaped clamping plate 13 is connected by the locking bolt 14 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 6 ).

[0030] One end of the tie rod 1 is fitted with a connecting sleeve 9; the other end of the connecting sleeve 9 is fitted with a right ball head 3 (see instruction manual appendix). Figure 1 and 2 ).

[0031] The horizontal tie rod 1 has a deformation opening A10 at one end; the connecting sleeve 9 has an anti-slip texture 11 on one end of its surface; and the connecting sleeve 9 has a deformation opening B12 on one side of the anti-slip texture 11 (see the appendix of the instruction manual). Figure 2 The connecting handle 26 of the right ball head 3 has an anti-torsion groove 23 at one end (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 3 ).

[0032] The purpose of this connecting mechanism 2 is to ensure that, during assembly, under the clamping force of the locking clamp 8, the horizontal tie rod 1 can press the connecting sleeve 9 with the cooperation of the deformation opening A10; after being pressed, the connecting sleeve 9 can press the right ball head 3 with the cooperation of the deformation opening B12. This achieves the purpose of locking the right ball head 3.

[0033] The other end of the tie rod 1 is welded to an extension rod 4 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 1 and 7 One end of the extension rod 4 is provided with a stepped circular surface 24; the stepped position of the extension rod 4 is welded to the tie rod 1 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 7 Multiple locking ring grooves 25 are spaced apart on the circumferential surface of the stepped circular surface 24; the horizontal tie rod 1 on the outer ring of the locking ring groove 25 is recessed inward and engages with the locking ring groove 25 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 7 and 8 ).

[0034] The purpose of setting the locking ring groove 25 in this way is to enhance the connection strength between the extension rod 4 and the horizontal tie rod 1 by having the horizontal tie rod 1 be recessed inward and engaged with the locking ring groove 25, so as to avoid the problem of the extension rod 4 and the horizontal tie rod 1 easily falling off.

[0035] One end of the extension rod 4 is connected to the left ball head 7 via rivets 5 and stamping ribs 6 (see instruction manual appendix). Figure 1 ).

[0036] Both the left ball head 7 and the right ball head 3 include a ball head seat 15, a connecting handle 26, a ball head pin 16, a special-shaped nut 18, a dust cover 17, a lower ball cup 20, and a rubber spring 19. One end of the connecting handle 26 is provided with a ball head seat 15. The ball head pin 16 is installed inside the ball head seat 15. The upper end of the ball head pin 16 extends to the outside of the ball head seat 15 and is connected to the ball head seat 15 via the dust cover 17. The top of the ball head pin 16 is equipped with a special-shaped nut 18. A rubber spring 19 is installed between the bottom end of the ball head pin 16 and the ball head seat 15. A lower ball cup 20 is installed between the upper end of the ball head of the ball head pin 16 and the ball head seat 15. The bottom end of the ball head seat 15 is equipped with an oil nozzle 22 via a perforated top cover 21.

[0037] The purpose of setting the left ball head 7 and the right ball head 3 in this way is to ensure that the rubber spring 19 can provide a certain elastic force to reset the ball head pin 16 after it rotates under force during operation; at the same time, the tapered area of ​​the ball head pin 16 is subjected to high-frequency induction hardening to achieve a surface hardness of HRC 55-60 and a hardened layer depth of 2-4mm, so as to avoid the problem of steering play and abnormal noise caused by wear and tear due to the existing structure where the connection between the ball head pin and the ball head seat relies on tapered fit.

[0038] The connecting handle 26 of the left ball head 7 is provided with stamped rib plates 6 above and below one end of the extension rod 4; the stamped rib plates 6 are connected to the connecting handle 26 and the extension rod 4 by rivets 5 (see the instruction manual appendix). Figure 7 The stamped stiffener plate 6 has a steering damper connection bolt hole, which is used to prevent the steering wheel from "kicking" under extremely bad road conditions. At the same time, the stamped stiffener plate 6 also serves to strengthen the left joint, which is the main force point.

[0039] The high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly features H-shaped cross-sections on both the right ball joint 3 and the left ball joint 7, resulting in a large cross-sectional area in the vertical direction and a high moment of inertia. Under bending loads, a larger moment of inertia translates to better bending resistance and effectively reduces bending deformation. The H-shaped cross-section design ensures a relatively uniform stress distribution, reducing localized stress concentrations. This uniform stress distribution contributes to improved overall structural strength and durability. It also allows for more efficient material utilization, particularly under tensile and compressive loads. The shape design fully utilizes the material's strength, thereby enhancing the overall structural performance.

[0040] In order to completely solve the problem of four-wheel alignment failure and deviation caused by loosening and twisting of the left and right joints, this application proposes that when the right ball joint 3 is screwed in for installation, the deformed opening B12 is inserted into the positioning rivet 27 for fixation. The clearance fit method is adopted to prevent the right joint from twisting relative to the tie rod body, thus ensuring fatigue resistance in the high vibration environment of the car chassis.

[0041] This high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly is compact and ingeniously designed. Through the connecting mechanism 2, it solves the problem of insufficient bending stiffness in existing tie rod assemblies, making it particularly suitable for the needs of automotive steering systems.

Claims

1. A high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly, comprising a tie rod (1), a connecting mechanism (2), a right ball joint (3), and a left ball joint (7); characterized in that: One end of the horizontal tie rod (1) is fitted with a right ball head (3) via a connecting mechanism (2); the other end of the horizontal tie rod (1) is welded to an extension rod (4); one end of the extension rod (4) is connected to a left ball head (7) via a rivet (5) and a stamping rib plate (6); the connecting mechanism (2) includes a locking clamp (8) and a connecting sleeve (9); a locking clamp (8) is fitted on the outer side of one end of the horizontal tie rod (1); a connecting sleeve (9) is inserted into one end of the horizontal tie rod (1); a right ball head (3) is inserted into one end of the connecting sleeve (9).

2. The high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal tie rod (1) is equipped with a positioning rivet (27) at one end and has a deformation opening A (10); the surface of the connecting sleeve (9) at one end is provided with anti-slip texture (11); the connecting sleeve (9) on the side of the anti-slip texture (11) has a deformation opening B (12).

3. The high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking clamp (8) includes a U-shaped clamp plate (13) and a locking bolt (14); the upper end of the U-shaped clamp plate (13) is connected by the locking bolt (14).

4. The high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left ball head (7) and right ball head (3) both include a ball head seat (15), a connecting handle (26), a ball head pin (16), a special-shaped nut (18), a dust cover (17), a lower ball cup (20), and a rubber spring (19); a ball head seat (15) is provided at one end of the connecting handle (26); a ball head pin (16) is installed inside the ball head seat (15); the upper end of the ball head pin (16) extends to the outside of the ball head seat (15) and is connected to the ball head seat (15) through the dust cover (17); a special-shaped nut (18) is installed at the top of the ball head pin (16); a rubber spring (19) is installed between the bottom end of the ball head pin (16) and the ball head seat (15); a lower ball cup (20) is installed between the upper end of the ball head of the ball head pin (16) and the ball head seat (15); an oil nozzle (22) is installed at the bottom end of the ball head seat (15) through a perforated top cover (21).

5. A high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The right ball head (3) has an anti-torsion groove (23) at one end of the connecting handle (26).

6. A high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The left ball head (7) has a connecting handle (26) with a stamping rib plate (6) above and below the extension rod (4) respectively; the stamping rib plate (6) is connected to the connecting handle (26) and the extension rod (4) by a rivet (5).

7. A high-rigidity, backlash-free steering tie rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the extension rod (4) is provided with a stepped circular surface (24); the stepped position of the extension rod (4) is welded to the horizontal tie rod (1); multiple locking ring grooves (25) are provided at intervals on the circumference of the stepped circular surface (24); the horizontal tie rod (1) on the outer ring of the locking ring groove (25) is recessed inward and engaged with the locking ring groove (25).

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