Lower control arm of double-fork-arm front suspension

Abstract

The utility model discloses a lower control arm of a double-fork-arm front suspension, which comprises a control arm body, the control arm body is of a cavity structure formed by buckling and welding an upper plate and a lower plate, and a first extension end, a second extension end and a third extension end of the control arm body are respectively used for connecting a front bushing, a rear bushing and a ball pin assembly; the damping support assembly comprises a damping inner plate, a damping outer plate and a mounting nut, the damping inner plate is embedded in the cavity structure and welded to the inner wall of the upper plate and the inner wall of the lower plate, the damping outer plate is arranged on the outer side of the upper plate and welded to the upper plate, and the mounting nut is fixed to the side, back to the damping outer plate, of the damping inner plate; through holes are formed in the areas, right opposite to the damping inner plate, of the upper plate and the lower plate, a damper mounting channel is formed between the damping inner plate and the damping outer plate, and mounting through holes used for bolt connection are formed in the damping inner plate and the damping outer plate in a right opposite mode. The mounting function integration of the shock absorber can be realized, and the requirements of light weight and structural reinforcement are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension. Background Technology

[0002] The double wishbone front suspension is a common independent suspension system widely used in vehicles that prioritize handling, comfort, or high performance. The lower control arm in a double wishbone front suspension is called the lower control arm.

[0003] The currently used lower control arm structure is a front lower control arm structure disclosed in Chinese patent CN209776069U. Specifically, it discloses an upper control arm plate and a lower control arm plate, with the lower control arm plate fastened to the upper control arm plate to form the control arm. Both the upper and lower control arm plates are arc-shaped curved structures. Reinforcing sleeves are provided on the control arm, mainly at the corners and arc-shaped curved areas, to prevent further bending of the arc-shaped curved areas under external forces. This solves the problem of insufficient buckling resistance caused by the concave shape of the upper control arm plate due to the arc-shaped curved structure of the upper and lower control arm plates designed to avoid steering tie rods. This ensures that the chassis does not deform or break when the vehicle goes over potholes or bumps, improving driving safety. See the attached drawings for details. Figure 1 5 represents the upper control arm plate, and 3 represents the lower control arm plate. The currently used lower control arm of the front suspension, as a guiding and force-transmitting component of the automotive suspension system, is responsible for transmitting lateral, longitudinal, and vertical forces from the wheels to the vehicle body, while maintaining the wheel's trajectory. It is an absolutely core component for vehicle safety and handling control. Because the control arm is the main force-transmitting component between the wheels and the vehicle body in the suspension system, its stress conditions are very complex. The shock absorber is connected to the lower control arm, which significantly increases its mechanical load, causing deformation or even cracking at the connection point between the control arm and the shock absorber, affecting normal use. To increase the stress capacity of the lower control arm, the thickness of the upper and lower plates is increased, leading to an increase in the overall weight of the lower control arm and making its structure bulky. The currently used ball joint pin assembly is connected to the control arm body via bolts. Bolt connections carry the risk of torque attenuation and are cumbersome to assemble, causing significant inconvenience to production. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a lower control arm for a double wishbone front suspension, achieving a lightweight design, adding a shock absorber bracket for connection with the shock absorber to improve the overall stress resistance, and changing the installation method of the ball pin assembly to a press-fit type to save assembly bolts.

[0005] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following solution:

[0006] A lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension includes a control arm body. The control arm body is formed by fastening and welding an upper plate and a lower plate to create a hollow cavity structure. A first extension end, a second extension end, and a third extension end of the control arm body are respectively used to connect a front bushing, a rear bushing, and a ball joint assembly. It also includes a shock absorber bracket assembly, which includes an inner shock absorber plate, an outer shock absorber plate, and a mounting nut. The inner shock absorber plate is embedded within the hollow structure and is welded to the inner walls of the upper and lower plates. The outer damping plate is located on the outside of the upper plate and welded to it. The mounting nut is fixed to the side of the inner damping plate facing away from the outer damping plate. The upper and lower plates have through holes in the area opposite the inner damping plate. A shock absorber installation channel is formed between the inner and outer damping plates. The inner and outer damping plates have mounting through holes for bolt connection. The mounting nut is coaxial with the mounting through hole. The shock absorber is connected to the shock absorber bracket assembly by bolts passing through the mounting through hole and screwing them into the mounting nut.

[0007] Preferably, the two sides of the shock-absorbing inner plate extend toward the upper plate and the lower plate respectively to form an inner overlapping part, the inner overlapping part contacts and is welded to the inner wall surface of the upper plate and the lower plate, and the inner overlapping part is welded to the hole wall of the opening.

[0008] Preferably, the shock-absorbing outer plate is folded to form an outer overlap, the outer overlap is attached to the outer surface of the upper plate, and the ends and both sides of the outer overlap are welded to the upper plate.

[0009] Preferably, the shock absorber bracket assembly further includes an outer reinforcing member, which consists of a base plate that is fitted to the outer surface of the lower plate and a flange disposed on one side of the base plate. The flange is configured to conform to the shape of the shock absorber outer plate. The base plate is welded to the lower plate. The flange is welded to the outer side wall of the shock absorber outer plate. The outer reinforcing member is provided with a clearance hole that communicates with the shock absorber mounting channel.

[0010] Preferably, the shock absorber bracket assembly further includes an inner reinforcing member, which has an "L"-shaped cross-section structure, and both sides and ends of the inner reinforcing member are welded to the inner shock absorber plate.

[0011] Preferably, the third extension end of the control arm body is equipped with a ball pin support for connecting the ball pin assembly. The ball pin support has a "Y"-shaped forked structure. The open end of the ball pin support is embedded in the cavity structure and the outer wall of the open end is welded to the inner wall of the upper plate and the lower plate. The closed end of the ball pin support is provided with a ball pin mounting hole. The ball pin assembly is pressed into the ball pin mounting hole by interference fit. The pressing direction of the ball pin assembly coincides with the axis of the ball pin mounting hole.

[0012] Preferably, the circumferential outer wall of the ball pin assembly is provided with an annular snap-fit ​​groove, and an elastic clamp is embedded in the annular snap-fit ​​groove. The outer edge extension of the elastic clamp and the limiting end face of the ball pin support form an axial stop fit.

[0013] Preferably, the first extension end and the second extension end of the control arm body are respectively welded with a front sleeve and a rear sleeve, and the front bushing and the rear bushing are respectively press-fitted into the front sleeve and the rear sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, the control arm body has a "Y"-shaped forked structure, with the first extension end and the second extension end located at both ends of the open end of the control arm body, and the third extension end located at the closed end of the control arm body.

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

[0016] 1. The shock absorber bracket assembly provides an installation base for the connection between the lower end of the shock absorber and the lower control arm. The inner shock absorber plate is embedded inside the cavity structure, and its circumferential edge is welded to the inner walls of the upper and lower plates, forming a multi-directional rigid connection node. This disperses the vertical impact load transmitted by the shock absorber into the cavity structure of the control arm body, avoiding stress concentration in a single welded area. The outer shock absorber plate is welded to the outer wall of the upper plate, forming a double-layer load-bearing structure together with the inner shock absorber plate. This significantly enhances the bending rigidity and torsional performance of the shock absorber mounting point, suppresses structural deformation under vehicle bumpy conditions, and ensures stress stability. When installing the shock absorber, bolts are passed through the mounting holes and screwed into the mounting nuts to achieve a tight connection between the shock absorber and the shock absorber bracket assembly.

[0017] 2. The inner damping plate and the outer damping plate are connected to the shock absorber by fastening with mounting nuts and bolts, facilitating the installation of the shock absorber. The mounting nuts are pre-fixed to the inside of the inner damping plate to ensure thread alignment during bolt connection and avoid preload loss due to assembly misalignment.

[0018] 3. The upper and lower plates are fastened together to form a cavity structure. Combined with the installation of the shock absorber bracket assembly, the axial load of the shock absorber is evenly transmitted along the cavity section, reducing local stress concentration, lowering the probability of fatigue crack initiation, and extending the overall service life.

[0019] 4. A cavity structure is formed by fastening the upper and lower plates together and welding it to the shock absorber bracket assembly. This achieves integrated shock absorber installation without increasing the volume of the control arm, while taking into account both lightweight and structural reinforcement requirements.

[0020] 5. The ball pin assembly adopts a press-fit installation method, which is interference-fitted with the ball pin bracket, saving assembly bolts and making the installation more reliable and stable.

[0021] In summary, this technology adopts a structural form in which the upper and lower plates are interlocked and welded together and then welded to the shock absorber bracket assembly. By adjusting the thickness and size of the overlapping parts and other components, the overall weight can be adjusted, thus achieving a lightweight structural design. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 The following is a schematic diagram of a front lower control arm structure disclosed in the background art.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the shock absorber bracket assembly and the upper and lower plates of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] like Figure 2-4 As shown, a lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension includes a control arm body 4. The control arm body 4 is formed by fastening and welding an upper plate 4-3 and a lower plate 4-4 to form a hollow cavity structure. The first extension end, the second extension end, and the third extension end of the control arm body 4 are respectively used to connect the front bushing 2, the rear bushing 1, and the ball joint assembly 3. It also includes a shock absorber bracket assembly connected to the control arm body. The shock absorber bracket assembly includes an inner shock absorber plate 4-6, an outer shock absorber plate 4-8, and a mounting nut 4-7. The inner shock absorber plate 4-6 is embedded in the cavity structure and is welded to the inner walls of the upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4. The outer shock absorber plate 4-8 is located on the outside of the upper plate 4-3 and welded to the upper plate 4-3. The mounting nut 4-7 is fixed to the side of the inner shock absorber plate 4-6 facing away from the outer shock absorber plate 4-8. The upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4 have through holes in the area facing the inner shock absorber plate 4-6. A shock absorber installation channel is formed between the inner shock absorber plate 4-6 and the outer shock absorber plate 4-8. The inner shock absorber plate 4-6 and the outer shock absorber plate 4-8 have mounting through holes for bolt connection. The mounting nut 4-7 is coaxial with the mounting through hole. The shock absorber is connected to the shock absorber bracket assembly by bolts passing through the mounting through hole and screwing them into the mounting nut 4-7.

[0028] The shock absorber bracket assembly provides a mounting base for the connection between the lower end of the shock absorber and the lower control arm. The inner shock absorber plate 4-6 is embedded within the cavity structure, and its circumferential edges are welded to the inner walls of the upper plate 4-3 and lower plate 4-4, forming a multi-directional rigid connection node. This disperses the vertical impact load transmitted by the shock absorber into the cavity structure of the control arm body, preventing stress concentration in a single welded area. The outer shock absorber plate 4-8 is welded to the outer wall of the upper plate 4-3, forming a double-layer load-bearing structure together with the inner shock absorber plate 4-6. This significantly enhances the bending rigidity and torsional performance of the shock absorber mounting point, suppresses structural deformation under vehicle bumpy conditions, and ensures stress stability. During shock absorber installation, bolts are passed through the mounting holes and screwed onto the mounting nuts 4-7 to achieve a secure connection between the shock absorber and the shock absorber bracket assembly. The inner shock absorber plate 4-6 and the outer shock absorber plate 4-8 are connected to the shock absorber via the fastening of the mounting nuts 4-7 and bolts, facilitating shock absorber installation. Install nuts 4-7 to pre-fix the inner side of the shock-absorbing inner plate 4-6 to ensure thread alignment during bolt connection and avoid preload loss due to assembly misalignment.

[0029] The upper plate 4-3 and lower plate 4-4 are fastened together to form a cavity structure. Combined with the installation of the shock absorber bracket assembly, the axial load of the shock absorber is evenly transmitted along the cavity cross section, reducing local stress concentration, lowering the probability of fatigue crack initiation, and extending the overall service life. The shock absorber installation function is integrated without increasing the volume of the control arm, balancing the requirements of lightweight design and structural reinforcement.

[0030] In this specific embodiment: the two side edges of the shock-absorbing inner plate 4-6 extend toward the upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4 respectively to form an inner overlapping part. The inner overlapping part contacts and is welded to the inner wall surface of the upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4. The inner overlapping part is welded to the hole wall of the opening.

[0031] In this way, the inner damping plate 4-6 achieves surface contact with the upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4 through the setting of the inner overlapping part, which expands the contact area and can better distribute the impact load transmitted by the shock absorber evenly to the side wall of the cavity structure, avoiding stress concentration at local welds.

[0032] In this specific embodiment: the shock-absorbing outer plate 4-8 is folded to form an outer overlapping part, the outer overlapping part is attached to the outer surface of the upper plate 4-3, and the ends and both sides of the outer overlapping part are welded to the upper plate 4-3.

[0033] In this way, welding the outer overlap to the upper plate 4-3 can improve the lateral bending resistance of the shock-absorbing outer plate 4-8, suppress the torsional load deformation when the vehicle is turning, and achieve a stable connection with the upper plate.

[0034] In this specific embodiment: the shock absorber bracket assembly further includes an outer reinforcing member 4-10. The outer reinforcing member 4-10 is composed of a base plate that is attached to the outer surface of the lower plate 4-4 and a flange disposed on one side of the base plate. The flange is configured to conform to the shape of the shock absorber outer plate 4-8. The base plate is welded to the lower plate 4-4. The flange is welded to the outer side wall of the shock absorber outer plate 4-8. The outer reinforcing member 4-10 is provided with a clearance hole that communicates with the shock absorber mounting channel.

[0035] In this way, by setting the outer reinforcing member 4-10, the base plate of the outer reinforcing member 4-10 is welded to the lower plate 4-4, and the flange of the outer reinforcing member 4-10 is welded to the shock absorber outer plate 4-8, the load of the shock absorber mounting point can be shared, the stress peak can be reduced, and the deformation resistance of the shock absorber mounting area can be improved, thus better improving the stress effect.

[0036] In this specific embodiment: the shock absorber bracket assembly further includes an inner reinforcing member 4-5, the inner reinforcing member 4-5 has an "L" shaped cross-section structure, and the two sides and the ends of the inner reinforcing member 4-5 are welded to the inner shock absorber plate 4-6.

[0037] In this way, the inner reinforcing member 4-5 is welded perpendicularly to the inner damping plate 4-6, and the inner reinforcing member 4-5 forms a support for the inner damping plate 4-6, forming a stable triangular support structure that can effectively resist the axial tensile and compressive loads of the shock absorber. The inner reinforcing member 4-5 is set at the position of the mounting nut, which can increase the strength of the connection between the inner damping plate 4-6 and the shock absorber, avoid stress concentration around the hole caused by bolt connection, and prevent cracking of the inner wall of the shock absorber.

[0038] In this specific embodiment: the third extension end of the control arm body 4 is equipped with a ball pin support 4-9 for connecting the ball pin assembly 3. The ball pin support 4-9 has a "Y"-shaped forked structure. The open end of the ball pin support 4-9 is embedded in the cavity structure and the outer wall of the open end is welded to the inner wall of the upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4. The closed end of the ball pin support 4-9 is provided with a ball pin mounting hole. The ball pin assembly 3 is pressed into the ball pin mounting hole by interference fit. The pressing direction of the ball pin assembly 3 coincides with the axis of the ball pin mounting hole.

[0039] In this way, by embedding the open end of the Y-shaped bifurcated structure into the cavity structure and welding it, a stable load transfer is formed, which can better withstand the radial, axial and lateral combined forces of the ball pin assembly; the interference fit cold pressing process ensures that the ball pin assembly and the ball pin mounting hole are in close contact, eliminating the risk of abnormal noise and loosening caused by assembly gaps.

[0040] In this specific embodiment: the circumferential outer wall of the ball pin assembly 3 is provided with an annular snap-fit ​​groove, and an elastic clamp 3-1 is embedded in the annular snap-fit ​​groove. The outer edge extension of the elastic clamp 3-1 and the limiting end face of the ball pin support 4-9 form an axial stop fit.

[0041] In this way, the preload of the elastic clamp 3-1 connects with the ball pin assembly 3, providing radial constraint to the ball pin assembly 3. This allows the ball pin assembly 3 to be mounted on the ball pin support 4-9. The outer extension of the elastic clamp 3-1 and the limiting end face of the ball pin support 4-9 form an axial stop fit, creating a limit and preventing the ball pin assembly 3 from coming out of the ball pin mounting hole, thus providing anti-disengagement protection. At the same time, the elastic deformation characteristics of the elastic clamp 3-1 can compensate for the fit clearance after long-term use, maintaining connection stability.

[0042] The ball pin assembly 3 is press-fitted into the ball pin mounting hole of the ball pin support 4-9 with an interference fit. The ball pin assembly is prevented from loosening by the clamp 3-1. The ball pin support 4-9 is welded together with the upper plate 4-3, the lower plate 4-4, and the shock-absorbing inner plate 4-6.

[0043] In this specific embodiment: the first and second extension ends of the control arm body 4 are respectively welded with a front sleeve 4-1 and a rear sleeve 4-2, and the front bushing 2 and the rear bushing 1 are respectively press-fitted into the front sleeve 4-1 and the rear sleeve 4-2. During pressing, an axial pressure is applied using a press to facilitate assembly.

[0044] In this specific embodiment: the control arm body has a "Y"-shaped forked structure, the first extension end and the second extension end are located at both ends of the open end of the control arm body, and the third extension end is located at the closed end of the control arm body.

[0045] In this way, by setting the control arm body as a "Y"-shaped bifurcated structure, lightweighting can be achieved. The smooth transition structure of the Y-shaped bifurcation avoids stress abrupt changes, and combined with the internal support of the cavity structure, the fatigue damage accumulation rate under alternating loads is significantly reduced.

[0046] like Figure 5 The inner damping plate 4-6 has a material thickness of T2 and overlaps with the lower plate 4-4 (material thickness of T3) with an overlap of L1. The inner damping plate 4-6 overlaps with the upper plate 4-3 (material thickness of T4) with an overlap of L2. The outer damping plate 4-8 has a material thickness of T1 and overlaps with the upper plate 4-3 (overlap of L3). Lightweight design is achieved by optimizing the material thickness of the inner damping plate 4-6 and the outer damping plate 4-8, as well as their overlaps with the upper plate 4-3 and the lower plate 4-4.

[0047] 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 made to the present utility model by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present utility model shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension, comprising a control arm body (4), wherein the control arm body (4) is formed by fastening and welding an upper plate (4-3) and a lower plate (4-4) to form a hollow cavity structure, and the first extension end, the second extension end, and the third extension end of the control arm body (4) are respectively used to connect the front bushing (2), the rear bushing (1), and the ball joint assembly (3); characterized in that: It also includes a shock absorber bracket assembly, which comprises an inner shock absorber plate (4-6), an outer shock absorber plate (4-8), and a mounting nut (4-7). The inner shock absorber plate (4-6) is embedded within the cavity structure and is welded to the inner walls of the upper plate (4-3) and the lower plate (4-4). The outer shock absorber plate (4-8) is disposed on the outer side of the upper plate (4-3) and welded to the upper plate (4-3). The mounting nut (4-7) is fixed to the inner shock absorber plate (4-6) facing away from the outer shock absorber plate (4-8). On the side, the upper plate (4-3) and lower plate (4-4) have through holes in the area opposite to the inner damping plate (4-6). A damper installation channel is formed between the inner damping plate (4-6) and the outer damping plate (4-8). The inner damping plate (4-6) and the outer damping plate (4-8) have mounting through holes for bolt connection. The mounting nut (4-7) is coaxially arranged with the mounting through hole. The damper is connected to the damper bracket assembly by bolts passing through the mounting through hole and screwing them into the mounting nut (4-7).

2. The lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two sides of the shock-absorbing inner plate (4-6) extend toward the upper plate (4-3) and the lower plate (4-4) respectively to form an inner overlapping part. The inner overlapping part contacts and is welded to the inner wall surface of the upper plate (4-3) and the lower plate (4-4). The inner overlapping part is also welded to the hole wall of the opening.

3. The lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The shock-absorbing outer plate (4-8) is folded to form an outer overlap, which is attached to the outer surface of the upper plate (4-3). The ends and both sides of the outer overlap are welded to the upper plate (4-3).

4. The lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The shock absorber bracket assembly also includes an outer reinforcing member (4-10). The outer reinforcing member (4-10) consists of a base plate that is fitted to the outer surface of the lower plate (4-4) and a flange on one side of the base plate. The flange is conformally set to the outer shock absorber plate (4-8). The base plate is welded to the lower plate (4-4). The flange is welded to the outer side wall of the outer shock absorber plate (4-8). The outer reinforcing member (4-10) is provided with a clearance hole that communicates with the shock absorber mounting channel.

5. The lower control arm of a dual wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The shock absorber bracket assembly also includes an inner reinforcing member (4-5), which has an "L" shaped cross-section structure. Both sides and the ends of the inner reinforcing member (4-5) are welded to the inner shock absorber plate (4-6).

6. The lower control arm of a dual wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The third extension end of the control arm body (4) is equipped with a ball pin support (4-9) for connecting the ball pin assembly (3). The ball pin support (4-9) has a "Y"-shaped bifurcated structure. The open end of the ball pin support (4-9) is embedded in the cavity structure and the outer wall of the open end is welded to the inner wall of the upper plate (4-3) and the lower plate (4-4). The closed end of the ball pin support (4-9) is provided with a ball pin mounting hole. The ball pin assembly (3) is pressed into the ball pin mounting hole by interference fit. The pressing direction of the ball pin assembly (3) coincides with the axis of the ball pin mounting hole.

7. The lower control arm of a double wishbone front suspension according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ball pin assembly (3) has an annular snap-fit ​​groove on its circumferential outer wall. An elastic clamp (3-1) is embedded in the annular snap-fit ​​groove. The outer edge extension of the elastic clamp (3-1) and the limiting end face of the ball pin support (4-9) form an axial stop fit.

8. The lower control arm of a dual wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The first extension end and the second extension end of the control arm body (4) are respectively welded with a front sleeve (4-1) and a rear sleeve (4-2), and the front bushing (2) and the rear bushing (1) are respectively press-fitted into the front sleeve (4-1) and the rear sleeve (4-2).

9. The lower control arm of a dual wishbone front suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The control arm body (4) has a "Y"-shaped bifurcated structure. The first extension end and the second extension end are located at both ends of the open end of the control arm body (4), and the third extension end is located at the closed end of the control arm body (4).

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