Knuckle with spherical bolt hole

Abstract

This utility model discloses a steering knuckle with spherical bolt holes, including a steering knuckle body. The upper surface of the steering knuckle body has a concave groove, and the bottom of the steering knuckle body has an inwardly recessed hub bearing mounting portion. Four spherical bolt holes are located on the outer periphery of the hub bearing mounting portion at the bottom of the groove, and spherical bolts connected to the hub bearing are inserted into these holes. An upwardly curved extension portion is provided on the upper side of the steering knuckle body, and a control arm mounting portion is provided on one side of the extension portion. Two outwardly extending float caliper mounting portions are fixedly provided on the left side of the steering knuckle body, and fixed caliper mounting portions are provided on the opposite outer sides of the two float caliper mounting portions. This utility model can solve the problems of existing traditional steering knuckles, which are only compatible with a single type of brake caliper (fixed caliper or float caliper), resulting in poor versatility, and the stress concentration caused by machining errors when connecting the steering knuckle to the hub bearing, leading to crushing deformation of the steering knuckle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically a steering knuckle with spherical bolt holes. Background Technology

[0002] The steering knuckle is a key component of the automotive chassis system, responsible for transmitting wheel loads and enabling vehicle steering. Its connection reliability with components such as wheel bearings directly affects the vehicle's driving safety and handling performance. With the automotive industry's pursuit of lightweighting, aluminum alloys, due to their low density and high specific strength, are increasingly widely used in steering knuckle manufacturing. However, aluminum alloys have relatively low surface hardness. When connected to traditional hexagonal bolt head structures, stress concentration in the contact area is significant, which can lead to crushing deformation of the steering knuckle over long-term use, severely affecting connection reliability. To improve this situation, existing technologies employ spherical mating connection schemes. Theoretically, this scheme can utilize the characteristics of a sphere to disperse stress and alleviate the adverse effects of stress concentration on aluminum alloy steering knuckles. However, in actual production, this spherical mating requires extremely high machining precision. Errors in machining can easily cause discrepancies between the spherical groove and the bolt head's spherical diameter, leading to bolt connection failure, such as bolt loosening or abnormal wear at the connection point. This cannot effectively guarantee the stability of the connection between the steering knuckle and related components, posing a potential hazard to vehicle driving safety. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a steering knuckle with spherical bolt holes, which can solve the problems of poor versatility of existing traditional steering knuckles that are only compatible with a single type of brake caliper (fixed caliper or floating caliper), and the stress concentration caused by machining errors when the steering knuckle is connected to the wheel hub bearing, resulting in crushing deformation of the steering knuckle.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a steering knuckle with spherical bolt holes, comprising a steering knuckle body, the upper surface of which is provided with a concave groove, and the bottom of which is provided with an inwardly recessed hub bearing mounting portion. Four spherical bolt holes are provided at the bottom of the groove on the outer periphery of the hub bearing mounting portion, and spherical bolts connected to the hub bearing are inserted into these holes. Each spherical bolt hole includes a coaxially arranged cylindrical hole and a spherical groove, and a transition chamfer is provided at the connection between the cylindrical hole and the spherical groove. An upwardly curved extension is provided on the upper side of the steering knuckle body, and a control arm mounting portion is provided on one side of the extension. Two outwardly extending float mounts are fixedly provided on the left side of the steering knuckle body. The steering knuckle features a fixed caliper mounting section on the outer side of the two floating caliper mounting sections. The spherical groove and the spherical bolt head form a flexible fit, ensuring a tight fit between the wheel hub bearing and the steering knuckle, effectively reducing relative displacement. When manufacturing errors or assembly deviations exist between the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing, the bolt head can be finely adjusted within the spherical groove for smooth assembly. Simultaneously, the chamfered transition between the cylindrical hole and the spherical groove reduces stress concentration, improving not only the crush resistance of the spherical groove's working surface but also enhancing the friction of the spherical bolt connection. This significantly improves the reliability and stability of the automotive steering knuckle connection structure. The simultaneous installation of both fixed and floating caliper mounting sections on the steering knuckle body allows for compatibility with both types of brake calipers, respectively meeting the "high rigidity" requirements of the fixed caliper and the "high-precision floating" requirements of the floating caliper, ensuring no degradation in braking performance.

[0005] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, a wheel speed sensor mounting hole is provided in the groove near the upper spherical bolt hole. The wheel speed sensor mounting hole is used to install the wheel speed sensor, which monitors the rotational speed of the wheel to ensure driving safety.

[0006] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, the upper surface of the extension is provided with a weight reduction groove, and a first reinforcing rib is provided in the weight reduction groove. The weight reduction groove reduces the weight of the steering knuckle, realizes the lightweight design of the car, helps to reduce vehicle energy consumption and improve power performance. The first reinforcing rib is provided in the weight reduction groove to enhance the structural strength and prevent the extension from having insufficient strength due to weight reduction.

[0007] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, a second reinforcing rib is provided in the lower part of the groove, located between the lower caliper mounting part and the steering tie rod mounting part. The second reinforcing rib improves the structural strength of the area between the lower caliper mounting part and the steering tie rod mounting part, ensuring the overall stability of the steering knuckle.

[0008] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, the control arm mounting part is provided with a rear upper control arm mounting hole and a front upper control arm mounting hole. The rear upper control arm mounting hole and the front upper control arm mounting hole are used to install the rear upper control arm and the front upper control arm, respectively, to ensure the stability of vehicle driving and the precision of operation.

[0009] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, a drainage groove is provided inside the wheel hub bearing mounting part. The drainage groove allows accumulated water to be discharged quickly, effectively reducing the accumulation of water inside the steering knuckle and reducing the risk of corrosion and wear caused by water accumulation.

[0010] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, the lower right side of the steering knuckle body is provided with an outwardly extending steering tie rod mounting part, and the front end of the steering knuckle body is provided with a rear lower control arm mounting hole and a front lower control arm mounting hole. The steering tie rod mounting part, the rear lower control arm mounting hole and the front lower control arm mounting hole are all integrally forged with the steering knuckle body and are respectively connected to the steering tie rod, the rear lower control arm and the front lower control arm.

[0011] As a supplement to the technical solution described in this utility model, the spherical bolt includes a screw rod passing through a cylindrical hole. The upper end of the screw rod is fixedly provided with a ball head that mates with a spherical groove. An inner groove is provided between the screw rod and the ball head. The ball head and the spherical groove adopt a fitted spherical fit to avoid local stress concentration. The ball head can also adaptively adjust the force direction through the spherical mating surface. The inner groove facilitates the thread processing of the screw rod.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] The steering knuckle features spherical bolt holes with spherical grooves on its outer periphery. These grooves flexibly engage with the bolt heads, allowing for precise angle adjustments within the grooves to accommodate manufacturing errors or assembly deviations between the steering knuckle and the wheel bearing. Both fixed and floating caliper mounting sections are integrated into the steering knuckle body, accommodating both types of brake calipers. The steering knuckle body is constructed of aluminum alloy, and the extended section incorporates a weight-reducing groove design, significantly lowering the overall weight and improving vehicle handling agility and fuel economy. Furthermore, the inclusion of a first reinforcing rib within the weight-reducing groove and a second reinforcing rib at the bottom of the groove ensures excellent load-bearing capacity and impact resistance while maintaining lightweight construction, preventing insufficient strength due to structural weight reduction. This design addresses the limitations of traditional steering knuckles, which are limited to a single type of brake caliper (fixed or floating) and suffer from stress concentration and crushing deformation caused by manufacturing errors during the connection between the steering knuckle and wheel bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the floating clamp mounting part and the fixed clamp mounting part of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steering tie rod mounting part of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wheel hub bearing mounting part of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control arm mounting part of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bolt hole of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the spherical bolt of this utility model.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 1. Steering knuckle body; 2. Groove; 3. Wheel hub bearing mounting part; 4. Spherical bolt hole; 5. Spherical bolt; 6. Cylindrical hole; 7. Extension part; 8. Control arm mounting part; 9. Float caliper mounting part; 10. Fixed caliper mounting part; 11. Steering tie rod mounting part; 12. Rear lower control arm mounting hole; 13. Front lower control arm mounting hole; 14. Transition chamfer; 15. Weight reduction groove; 16. First reinforcing rib; 17. Second reinforcing rib; 18. Rear upper control arm mounting hole; 19. Front upper control arm mounting hole; 20. Spherical groove; 21. Wheel speed sensor mounting hole; 22. Drainage groove; 51. Screw; 52. Ball head; 53. Inner groove. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The present invention relates to a steering knuckle with spherical bolt holes, such as... Figure 1-7As shown, the steering knuckle body 1 is made of aluminum alloy. The upper surface of the steering knuckle body 1 has a recessed groove 2. The bottom of the steering knuckle body 1 has an inwardly recessed hub bearing mounting portion 3. Four spherical bolt holes 4 are located on the outer periphery of the hub bearing mounting portion 3 at the bottom of the groove 2. Spherical bolts 5, connected to the hub bearing, pass through the spherical bolt holes 4. Each spherical bolt hole 4 includes a coaxially arranged cylindrical hole 6 and a spherical groove 20. A transition chamfer 14 is provided at the connection between the cylindrical hole 6 and the spherical groove 20. An upwardly curved extension 7 is provided on the upper side of the steering knuckle body 1. A control arm mounting portion 8 is provided on one side of the extension 7. Two outwardly extending float mount portions 9 are fixedly provided on the left side of the steering knuckle body 1. A fixed caliper mounting part 10 is provided on the outer side of the floating caliper mounting part 9. The spherical groove 20 and the head of the spherical bolt 5 form a flexible fit, so that the wheel hub bearing and the steering knuckle fit tightly together, effectively reducing relative displacement. When there is a manufacturing error or assembly deviation between the steering knuckle and the wheel hub bearing, the bolt head can be finely adjusted in the spherical groove to achieve smooth assembly. At the same time, the transition chamfer 14 between the cylindrical hole 6 and the spherical groove 20 reduces stress concentration, which not only improves the crush resistance of the working surface of the spherical groove 20, but also enhances the friction of the connection of the spherical bolt 5, which greatly improves the reliability and stability of the automotive steering knuckle connection structure. The fixed caliper mounting part and the floating caliper mounting part are provided on the steering knuckle body 1 at the same time, which is compatible with two types of brake calipers and respectively meets the requirements of "high rigidity" of the fixed caliper and "high precision floating" of the floating caliper, ensuring that the braking performance does not decrease.

[0025] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, a wheel speed sensor mounting hole 21 is provided in the groove 2 near the upper spherical bolt hole 4. The wheel speed sensor mounting hole 21 is used to install the wheel speed sensor, which monitors the rotational speed of the wheel to ensure driving safety.

[0026] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper surface of the extension 7 is provided with a weight reduction groove 15, and a first reinforcing rib 16 is provided in the weight reduction groove 15. The weight reduction groove 15 reduces the weight of the steering knuckle, realizes the lightweight design of the car, helps to reduce vehicle energy consumption and improve power performance. The first reinforcing rib 16 is provided in the weight reduction groove 15 to enhance the structural strength and prevent the extension 7 from having insufficient strength due to weight reduction.

[0027] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, a second reinforcing rib 17 is provided in the lower part of the groove 2, located between the lower caliper mounting part 10 and the steering tie rod mounting part 11. The second reinforcing rib 17 improves the structural strength of the area between the lower caliper mounting part 10 and the steering tie rod mounting part 11, ensuring the overall stability of the steering knuckle.

[0028] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the control arm mounting part 8 is provided with a rear upper control arm mounting hole 18 and a front upper control arm mounting hole 19. The rear upper control arm mounting hole 18 and the front upper control arm mounting hole 19 are used to install the rear upper control arm and the front upper control arm, respectively, to ensure the stability of vehicle driving and the precision of operation.

[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a drainage groove 22 is provided inside the wheel hub bearing mounting part 3. The drainage groove 22 allows water to be discharged quickly, effectively reducing the accumulation of water inside the steering knuckle and reducing the risk of corrosion and wear caused by water accumulation.

[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the lower right side of the steering knuckle body 1 is provided with an outwardly extending steering tie rod mounting part 11, and the front end of the steering knuckle body 1 is provided with a rear lower control arm mounting hole 12 and a front lower control arm mounting hole 13. The steering tie rod mounting part 11, the rear lower control arm mounting hole 12 and the front lower control arm mounting hole 13 are all integrally forged with the steering knuckle body 1 and are respectively connected to the steering tie rod, the rear lower control arm and the front lower control arm.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the spherical bolt 5 includes a screw 51 passing through a cylindrical hole 6. The upper end of the screw 51 is fixedly provided with a ball head 52 that mates with the spherical groove 20. An inner groove 53 is provided between the screw 51 and the ball head 52. The ball head 52 and the spherical groove 20 adopt a fitted spherical fit to avoid local stress concentration. The ball head 52 can also adaptively adjust the force direction through the spherical mating surface. The inner groove 53 facilitates the threading of the screw 51.

[0032] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0034] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A knuckle with a spherical bolt hole, characterized by, include: Steering knuckle body (1), the upper surface of the steering knuckle body (1) is provided with an inwardly recessed groove (2), the bottom of the steering knuckle body (1) is provided with an inwardly recessed hub bearing mounting part (3), the bottom of the groove (2) is located on the outer periphery of the hub bearing mounting part (3) and four spherical bolt holes (4) are provided, and spherical bolts (5) connected to the hub bearing are inserted into the spherical bolt holes (4); The spherical bolt hole (4) includes a cylindrical hole (6) and a spherical groove (20) arranged coaxially, and a transition chamfer (14) is provided at the connection between the cylindrical hole (6) and the spherical groove (20); The upper side of the steering knuckle body (1) is provided with an upwardly curved extension (7), and a control arm mounting part (8) is provided on one side of the extension (7). Two outwardly extending float clamp mounting parts (9) are fixedly provided on the left side of the steering knuckle body (1), and a fixed clamp mounting part (10) is provided on the opposite outer side of the two float clamp mounting parts (9).

2. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: A wheel speed sensor mounting hole (21) is provided in the groove (2) near the upper spherical bolt hole (4).

3. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: The upper surface of the extension (7) is provided with a weight-reducing groove (15), and a first reinforcing rib (16) is provided in the weight-reducing groove (15).

4. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: A second reinforcing rib (17) is provided in the lower part of the groove (2) between the fixed clamp mounting part (10) and the steering tie rod mounting part (11).

5. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: The control arm mounting part (8) is provided with a rear upper control arm mounting hole (18) and a front upper control arm mounting hole (19).

6. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: A drainage groove (22) is provided inside the hub bearing mounting part (3).

7. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: The steering knuckle body (1) has an outwardly extending steering tie rod mounting part (11) at the lower right side, and the steering knuckle body (1) has a rear lower control arm mounting hole (12) and a front lower control arm mounting hole (13) at the front end.

8. The knuckle with spherical bolt holes of claim 1, wherein: The spherical bolt (5) includes a screw (51) passing through a cylindrical hole (6), and a ball head (52) that mates with a spherical groove (20) is fixedly provided at the upper end of the screw (51). An inner groove (53) is provided between the screw (51) and the ball head (52).

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