Front-drive axle steering structure for reducing steering resistance of vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a front-drive axle steering structure for reducing steering resistance of a vehicle, which relates to the technical field of automobile parts and comprises a steering knuckle shell and a steering knuckle support which are oppositely arranged, and the outer side end of the steering knuckle shell is connected with a wheel end assembly. A first upper fork arm and a first lower fork arm which are oppositely arranged up and down are formed at the inner side end of the steering knuckle shell; bearing holes are respectively formed in the first upper fork arm and the first lower fork arm, and tapered roller bearings are mounted in the bearing holes; the outer side end of the steering knuckle support is connected with the axle housing, and a second upper fork arm and a second lower fork arm which are oppositely arranged up and down are formed at the inner side end of the steering knuckle support; a first pin shaft is arranged at the top of the second upper fork arm and is connected with the tapered roller bearing of the first upper fork arm; and a second pin shaft is arranged at the bottom of the second lower fork arm and is connected with the tapered roller bearing of the first lower fork arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically a front-drive axle steering structure for reducing vehicle steering resistance. Background Technology

[0002] The steering-driven front axle is the transmission device that transmits power from the engine to the front wheels, and is responsible for the vehicle's steering function and bearing the weight of the entire vehicle. It is especially suitable for working in harsh conditions such as road construction, transporting timber in mountainous areas, and off-road driving in grasslands and deserts, providing faster acceleration and off-road capability. Its applications are becoming increasingly widespread, and it is highly favored by users.

[0003] Because the front-wheel drive axle bears both steering and the weight of the entire vehicle, axle manufacturers, due to design habits, manufacturing technology, and cost considerations, tend to design relatively simple steering mechanisms, typically employing a rotating bushing connection structure. Since the inner hole of the rotating bushing and the steering kingpin experience surface contact and sliding friction, similar to a sliding bearing, the steering resistance is high, requiring significant effort and causing excessive strain and fatigue for the driver. Furthermore, since all related parts are machined, the ability to guarantee clearance depends on the precision of part machining and assembly. To ensure normal vehicle operation and prevent accidents such as steering deviation, axle manufacturers often adopt a conservative approach to axle assembly, frequently adjusting the clearance to be small and tight, naturally resulting in heavy steering. Achieving an ideal steering balance is extremely difficult. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a front-drive axle steering structure for reducing vehicle steering resistance, which reduces steering resistance by more than 40% and is safe and reliable.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a front-drive axle steering structure for reducing vehicle steering resistance, comprising a steering knuckle housing and a steering knuckle support arranged opposite to each other. The outer end of the steering knuckle housing is connected to the wheel end assembly, and the inner end of the steering knuckle housing forms a first upper fork arm and a first lower fork arm arranged opposite to each other. The first upper fork arm and the first lower fork arm are respectively provided with bearing holes, and tapered roller bearings are installed in the bearing holes. The outer end of the steering knuckle support is connected to the axle housing, and the inner end of the steering knuckle support forms a second upper fork arm and a second lower fork arm arranged opposite to each other. A first pin is provided at the top of the second upper fork arm, and the first pin is connected to the tapered roller bearing of the first upper fork arm. A second pin is provided at the bottom of the second lower fork arm, and the second pin is connected to the tapered roller bearing of the first lower fork arm.

[0006] A further improvement is that adjusting sleeves are provided between the second upper fork arm and the tapered roller bearing, and between the second lower fork arm and the tapered roller bearing.

[0007] A further improvement is that O-rings are provided between the adjusting spacer and the outer ring of the tapered roller bearing, between the adjusting spacer and the first pin, and between the adjusting spacer and the second pin.

[0008] A further improvement is that it also includes a steering arm and a tie rod arm, wherein the steering arm is mounted to the top of the first upper fork arm by connecting bolts, and the tie rod arm is mounted to the bottom of the first lower fork arm by connecting bolts.

[0009] A further improvement is that adjusting shims are provided between the steering arm and the first upper fork arm, and between the tie rod arm and the first lower fork arm.

[0010] A further improvement is that the steering arm is provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support.

[0011] A further improvement is made in that: the adjustment mechanism includes an adjusting screw and an adjusting ball cup, the adjusting ball cup is disposed between the steering arm and the tapered roller bearing, and the bottom of the adjusting ball cup is provided with a supporting part for supporting the first pin, and the top of the adjusting ball cup is provided with a concave arc-shaped surface; the lower end of the adjusting screw is a pressing arc surface adapted to the arc-shaped surface, and the adjusting screw passes through the steering arm and is locked by a fixing nut.

[0012] A further improvement is that the top of the first pin is provided with a limiting groove that matches the supporting part.

[0013] A further improvement is that the steering arm is provided with a through hole for the adjusting screw to pass through, and the lower opening of the through hole is provided with a positioning groove that matches the adjusting ball cup.

[0014] A further improvement is that the inner ends of the first upper fork and the first lower fork are respectively provided with notches that communicate with the bearing holes.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] 1. In this utility model, tapered roller bearings are used to replace traditional rotating bushings. The rolling element friction resistance is small. Since the bearing is a standard part, it is easy to obtain. Moreover, the axial and radial clearances can be fully guaranteed, the lubrication is comprehensive, and the directional heaviness will be greatly reduced.

[0017] 2. In this utility model, the adjusting screw is used to adjust the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support, ensuring easy and flexible steering. The adjusting screw is threaded and connects to the steering arm. After the clearance is adjusted, it is fixed by a retaining nut to prevent loosening and changes in the clearance pattern. The end of the adjusting screw is machined into an arc shape, contacting the arc surface of the adjusting ball joint cup to adjust the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support. The upper end of the adjusting ball joint cup is used to press and adjust the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support, ensuring easy and flexible steering. To ensure the pressing effect during rotation, the force-bearing surface of the adjusting ball joint cup is machined into an arc shape, contacting the arc surface of the ball head of the adjusting screw to adjust the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support.

[0018] 3. In this utility model, the clearance between the steering arm (tie rod arm) and the tapered roller bearing is adjusted by adjusting the shims to ensure that the steering arm (tie rod arm) is pressed tightly against the steering knuckle housing, and at the same time, the bearing core of the tapered roller bearing is pressed tightly, ensuring that the axial and radial clearance of the tapered roller bearing is within the most reasonable range, which not only extends the bearing life, but also ensures flexible steering. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front-drive axle steering structure used to reduce vehicle steering resistance in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the steering knuckle housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first upper fork arm in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steering knuckle support in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the steering arm in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting screw in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjusting ball bowl in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1-Wheel end assembly;

[0029] 2-Steering knuckle housing; 21-First upper wishbone; 22-First lower wishbone; 23-Bearing bore; 24-Notch; 25-Adjusting shim;

[0030] 3-Bridge shell;

[0031] 4-Steering knuckle support; 41-Second upper wishbone; 42-Second lower wishbone; 43-First pin; 44-Second pin; 45-Limiting groove;

[0032] 5-Steering arm; 51-Through hole; 52-Positioning groove;

[0033] 6-Tie bar arm;

[0034] 7- Tapered roller bearing; 71- Adjusting spacer; 72- O-ring seal;

[0035] 8-Adjustment mechanism; 81-Adjusting screw; 811-Clamping arc surface; 812-Fixing nut; 82-Adjusting ball cup; 821-Supporting part; 822-Arc surface;

[0036] 9-Connecting bolts. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "center", "horizontal (X)", "longitudinal (Y)", "vertical (Z)", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. Thus, the use of "first" and "second" to define a feature may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "several" or "a number" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates specific embodiments of the present invention, making the technical solution and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer and more explicit. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a front-drive axle steering structure for reducing vehicle steering resistance, including a steering knuckle housing 2 and a steering knuckle support 4 disposed opposite to each other.

[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer end of the steering knuckle housing 2 is connected to the wheel end assembly 1, and the inner end of the steering knuckle housing 2 forms a first upper fork arm 21 and a first lower fork arm 22 arranged opposite to each other; the first upper fork arm 21 and the first lower fork arm 22 are respectively provided with bearing holes 23, and tapered roller bearings 7 are installed in the bearing holes 23; see also Figure 4 As shown, the inner ends of the first upper fork arm 21 and the first lower fork arm 22 are respectively provided with notches 24 that communicate with the bearing holes 23.

[0043] See Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer end of the steering knuckle support 4 is connected to the axle housing 3, and the inner end of the steering knuckle support 4 forms a second upper fork arm 41 and a second lower fork arm 42 arranged opposite each other. A first pin 43 is provided at the top of the second upper fork arm 41, and the first pin 43 is connected to the tapered roller bearing 7 of the first upper fork arm 21. A second pin 44 is provided at the bottom of the second lower fork arm 42, and the second pin 44 is connected to the tapered roller bearing 7 of the first lower fork arm 22. Specifically, a limiting groove 45 adapted to the abutment part 821 is provided at the top of the first pin 43.

[0044] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, adjusting sleeves 71 are respectively provided between the second upper fork arm 41 and the tapered roller bearing 7, and between the second lower fork arm 42 and the tapered roller bearing 7. Specifically, O-rings 72 are respectively provided between the adjusting sleeve 71 and the outer ring of the tapered roller bearing 7, between the adjusting sleeve 71 and the first pin 43, and between the adjusting sleeve 71 and the second pin 44. To ensure sufficient lubrication and smooth and flexible rotation of the tapered roller bearing, grease needs to be applied between the rollers before installation. The O-rings prevent grease from overflowing and leaking from the tapered roller bearing.

[0045] See Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the front-drive axle steering structure for reducing vehicle steering resistance also includes a steering arm 5 and a tie rod arm 6. The steering arm 5 is mounted to the top of the first upper fork arm 21 via connecting bolts 9, and the tie rod arm 6 is mounted to the bottom of the first lower fork arm 22 via connecting bolts 9. Specifically, adjusting shims 25 are respectively provided between the steering arm 5 and the first upper fork arm 21, and between the tie rod arm 6 and the first lower fork arm 22. The adjusting shims need to have mounting holes machined to avoid the connecting bolts.

[0046] See Figure 2 , Figure 7 Hehe Figure 8 As shown, the steering arm 5 is equipped with an adjustment mechanism 8 for adjusting the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing 2 and the steering knuckle support 4. Specifically, the adjustment mechanism 8 includes an adjusting screw 81 and an adjusting ball cup 82. The adjusting ball cup 82 is located between the steering arm 5 and the tapered roller bearing 7, and its bottom has a supporting part 821 for abutting the first pin 43, while its top has a concave arc-shaped surface 822. The lower end of the adjusting screw 81 is a pressing arc surface 811 that matches the arc surface 822. The adjusting screw 81 passes through the steering arm 5 and is locked by a fixing nut 812. The adjusting screw is used to adjust the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support, ensuring easy and flexible steering. The adjusting screw is threaded and connected to the steering arm. After the clearance is adjusted, it is fixed by the fixing nut to prevent loosening and changes in the clearance pattern. The end of the adjusting screw is machined into an arc shape, which contacts the arc surface of the adjusting ball cup to achieve adjustment of the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support. The upper end of the adjusting ball cup is used to press and adjust the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support, ensuring easy and flexible steering. To ensure a tight clamping effect during rotation, the force-bearing surface of the adjusting ball cup is machined into an arc shape, which contacts the arc surface of the ball head of the adjusting screw to achieve adjustment of the axial clearance between the steering knuckle housing and the steering knuckle support.

[0047] See Figure 6 As shown, the steering arm 5 is provided with a through hole 51 through which the adjusting screw 81 passes, and the lower end of the through hole 51 is provided with a positioning groove 52 that matches the adjusting ball cup 82. In order to facilitate the installation and tightening of the outer ring of the tapered roller bearing, the upper and lower bearing holes must be concentric. The bearing holes are semi-open holes with notches to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the bearing and tightening by bolts.

[0048] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "preferred," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. Illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] Based on the above description of the structure and principle, those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Improvements and substitutions based on this utility model using techniques known in the art all fall within the protection scope of this utility model and should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle, comprising oppositely arranged steering knuckle housings (2) and steering knuckle supports (4), characterized in that: the outer side end of the steering knuckle housing (2) is connected with a wheel end assembly (1), and the inner side end of the steering knuckle housing (2) forms oppositely arranged first upper and lower arms (21, 22); the first upper and lower arms (21, 22) are respectively provided with bearing holes (23) in which conical roller bearings (7) are installed; the outer side end of the steering knuckle support (4) is connected with an axle housing (3), and the inner side end of the steering knuckle support (4) forms oppositely arranged second upper and lower arms (41, 42); the top of the second upper arm (41) is provided with a first pin shaft (43) connected with the conical roller bearing (7) of the first upper arm (21); the bottom of the second lower arm (42) is provided with a second pin shaft (44) connected with the conical roller bearing (7) of the first lower arm (22). adjusting spacers (71) are respectively arranged between the second upper arm (41) and the conical roller bearing (7) and between the second lower arm (42) and the conical roller bearing (7).

2. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: O-shaped sealing rings (72) are respectively arranged between the adjusting spacer (71) and the outer ring of the conical roller bearing (7), between the adjusting spacer (71) and the first pin shaft (43), and between the adjusting spacer (71) and the second pin shaft (44).

3. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: a steering arm (5) and a tie rod arm (6) are further included, the steering arm (5) is installed on the top of the first upper arm (21) through a connecting bolt (9), and the tie rod arm (6) is installed on the bottom of the first lower arm (22) through a connecting bolt (9).

4. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by: adjusting washers (25) are respectively arranged between the steering arm (5) and the first upper arm (21) and between the tie rod arm (6) and the first lower arm (22).

5. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: the steering arm (5) is provided with an adjusting mechanism (8) for adjusting the axial gap between the steering knuckle housing (2) and the steering knuckle support (4).

6. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: the adjusting mechanism (8) includes an adjusting screw (81) and an adjusting ball bowl (82), the adjusting ball bowl (82) is arranged between the steering arm (5) and the conical roller bearing (7), the bottom of the adjusting ball bowl (82) is provided with an abutting portion (821) for abutting against the first pin shaft (43), and the top of the adjusting ball bowl (82) is provided with an arc-shaped concave surface (822); the lower end of the adjusting screw (81) is a pressing arc surface (811) matched with the arc-shaped surface (822), and the adjusting screw (81) is locked through a fixing nut (812) after penetrating the steering arm (5).

7. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: the top of the first pin shaft (43) is provided with a limiting groove (45) matched with the abutting portion (821).

8. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: the steering arm (5) is provided with a through hole (51) through which the adjusting screw (81) passes, and the lower end opening of the through hole (51) is provided with a positioning groove (52) matched with the adjusting ball bowl (82).

9. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized by: ​ 10. The front drive axle steering structure for reducing the steering resistance of a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by: The inner side end of the first upper fork arm (21) and the first lower fork arm (22) is respectively provided with a notch part (24) communicated with the bearing hole (23).

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