A low-temperature environment anti-freezing structure of an automobile steering knuckle with an electric heating sheet

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile steering system provides a kind of automobile steering knuckle low temperature environment anti-freezing structure of electric heating piece, including steering knuckle body;Annular heating groove is set with multiple, interval evenly set in the outer wall of steering knuckle body near hub mounting end;Electric heating element, movably installed in the inside of annular heating groove, can be heated to steering knuckle body;Heat preservation protection piece, set in the outside of electric heating element;Temperature control element, install on steering knuckle body, and it is electrically connected with electric heating element and vehicle body controller;Fixing piece, movably installed in the outside of heat preservation protection piece, can limit the displacement of heat preservation protection piece on steering knuckle body.The utility model has realized the dynamic accurate heating of device, effectively solved the problem that steering knuckle is easy to freeze under low temperature environment in traditional device, makes device in long-term low temperature use, can always keep stable anti-freezing performance, greatly improves the reliability and service life of steering knuckle in severe cold environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering system technology, and in particular to a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements. Background Technology

[0002] The steering knuckle is a core load-bearing component connecting the wheel, shock absorber, and steering system. It typically contains lubrication channels, sensor mounting holes, and other internal structures. In low-temperature environments, moisture in the air easily condenses into ice on the surface and internal channels of the steering knuckle. This increases steering resistance, affecting steering agility and driving control. Furthermore, the expansion of the ice layer can clog lubrication channels, leading to insufficient lubrication of internal components and accelerated wear. Ice in the sensor mounting holes can also compress the sensors, causing abnormal sensor signals and affecting vehicle status monitoring. In severe cases, it can cause the steering knuckle's metal structure to crack due to low-temperature embrittlement, posing a significant safety hazard.

[0003] In existing technologies, antifreeze measures for automotive components are mostly concentrated on core components such as the engine and transmission, with fewer antifreeze designs for the steering knuckle. Some solutions involve wrapping the steering knuckle with insulating cotton, using the insulating properties of the cotton to slow down the loss of heat from the steering knuckle itself (such as frictional heat generated during operation), attempting to maintain the steering knuckle temperature above freezing. However, the insulating cotton can only slow down heat loss and cannot actively heat up to defrost, making it only suitable for relatively low temperatures (such as 0°C to -5°C) where the steering knuckle itself can generate some heat, and cannot cope with extremely cold environments (such as below -10°C). In addition, the insulating cotton easily absorbs moisture, which may accelerate the corrosion of the steering knuckle's outer wall with long-term use. Another solution involves drawing a branch pipe from the engine's coolant circulation system and wrapping or attaching the pipe to the outer wall of the steering knuckle, using the heat from the engine coolant to heat the steering knuckle. This method aims to prevent freezing, but it requires additional long-distance piping, increasing vehicle weight and requiring precise connection between the piping and the steering knuckle and engine coolant system, thus increasing assembly difficulty. Furthermore, the piping is subject to vehicle vibration over time, making connections prone to loosening or pipe rupture, posing a risk of coolant leakage and potentially causing more serious malfunctions such as engine overheating. The heating efficiency is also highly dependent on engine operating conditions, requiring the engine to run (it only becomes effective after the coolant has warmed up). It is primarily used for steering knuckle antifreeze after engine start and during vehicle operation, and cannot quickly take effect during engine cold starts. The initial period after a cold start (such as during winter starts) is precisely when the steering knuckle is most prone to freezing, resulting in a "heating lag" problem. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of easy icing and poor antifreeze effect of steering knuckles in low-temperature environments in the prior art, and to achieve "active and precise heating" of steering knuckles, improve heating efficiency and safety, and ensure the low-temperature reliability and lifespan of steering knuckles.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element, comprising a steering knuckle body; an annular heating groove, having multiple grooves evenly spaced on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body near the wheel hub mounting end; an electric heating element, movably installed inside the annular heating groove, capable of heating the steering knuckle body; a thermal insulation protective element, disposed outside the electric heating element; a temperature control element, installed on the steering knuckle body, and electrically connected to the electric heating element and the body control unit; and a fixing element, movably installed outside the thermal insulation protective element, capable of restricting the displacement of the thermal insulation protective element on the steering knuckle body.

[0006] The technical effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are as follows: the device heats the steering knuckle body through electric heating elements in multiple annular heating grooves, reduces heat loss through external insulation and protection components, achieves intelligent temperature control by linking the temperature control component with the vehicle body controller, and secures the insulation and protection components with fasteners, which can effectively prevent the steering knuckle from freezing at low temperatures and ensure its low-temperature working performance and stability.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the electric heating element includes: a flexible heating plate, which is bonded to the inside of the annular heating groove by a high-temperature resistant thermally conductive adhesive; wherein the mounting lug of the flexible heating plate is connected to the inside of the annular heating groove by bolts.

[0008] The technical effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the flexible heating element in the electric heating element is first attached to the annular heating groove by high temperature resistant thermal conductive adhesive to ensure that the heat is efficiently transferred to the steering knuckle body. Then, the flexible heating element mounting ear is connected to the annular heating groove by bolts to ensure that the heating element is stably assembled and avoids displacement, thereby reliably heating the steering knuckle body and helping it to prevent freezing at low temperatures.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the electric heating element further includes a temperature sensor, which is embedded in the sensor mounting hole of the steering knuckle body by an interference fit, and the probe of the temperature sensor is in direct contact with the metal wall of the steering knuckle body; wherein, the flexible heating element and the temperature sensor are connected by a wire harness, and the other end of the wire harness is plugged into the corresponding interface of the vehicle body wiring harness through a waterproof connector.

[0010] The technical advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are as follows: the temperature sensor is embedded in the sensor mounting hole of the steering knuckle body with an interference fit, and the probe can accurately measure the temperature by directly contacting the metal wall; it is connected to the flexible heating element through the wire harness, and the other end of the wire harness is connected to the vehicle body wiring harness through the waterproof connector, which can transmit temperature signals in real time, help to control the start and stop of the heating element, and ensure accurate and efficient low-temperature heating of the steering knuckle.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the thermal insulation protective component includes: an upper thermal insulation cover and a lower thermal insulation cover, which are symmetrically arranged vertically and movably sleeved on the outside of the annular heating groove; and a protrusion welded to the inner wall of the upper and lower thermal insulation covers; wherein the upper and lower thermal insulation covers are fitted into the annular heating groove by the protrusion.

[0012] The technical effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the upper and lower insulation covers are symmetrically fitted around the annular heating groove, and the protrusions welded to the inner wall allow the two to fit into the annular heating groove, which not only stabilizes their own position, but also wraps the electric heating element, reduces heat loss to improve heating efficiency, and isolates external impurities and moisture to protect the electric heating element.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature control component includes a microcontroller and a relay, which are integrated and soldered onto the circuit board of the vehicle body controller; wherein the signal input terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the temperature signal line of the wiring harness via the vehicle body wiring harness.

[0014] The technical effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the microcontroller and relay of the temperature control component are integrated on the body controller circuit board. The signal input terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the temperature signal line of the wire harness through the body wiring harness, which can receive temperature data in real time, accurately determine whether heating is required, and then control the start and stop of the electric heating component through the relay to realize intelligent regulation of the steering knuckle body temperature, ensure low temperature antifreeze effect and avoid energy waste.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the fastener includes: two metal clamps, which are movably fitted onto the outside of the upper and lower insulation covers; a buffer pad, which is adhesively installed on the inner wall of the metal clamps; and a fastening bolt, which is threadedly connected to the opening of the metal clamps; wherein, by tightening the fastening bolt, the metal clamps can be tightly fitted to the outer walls of the upper and lower insulation covers.

[0016] The technical effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that: two metal clamps are fitted on the outside of the upper and lower insulation covers, and the buffer pads adhered to the inner wall can prevent squeezing damage. Tightening the fastening bolts at the opening of the clamps can make the clamps fit tightly against the outer wall of the insulation cover, firmly fix the insulation cover, prevent the vehicle vibration from causing it to shift, and ensure the insulation effect.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element further includes: a conical fluid guide groove, welded to the inlet of the lubricating oil passage inside the steering knuckle body, and the axis of the conical fluid guide groove coincides with the axis of the lubricating oil passage; a guide groove, uniformly formed on the inner wall of the conical fluid guide groove; wherein the guide groove is spiral-shaped and smoothly transitions to the inner wall of the lubricating oil passage.

[0018] The technical effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the conical guide groove is welded to the lubrication oil passage inlet of the steering knuckle body, the axis coincides with the oil passage, and the spiral guide groove on the inner wall smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the oil passage. This can guide the lubricating oil, which has poor fluidity at low temperatures, to smoothly enter the oil passage, avoid accumulation and blockage, ensure sufficient lubrication of the internal components of the steering knuckle, reduce low-temperature wear, and assist the antifreeze structure to ensure the operation of the steering knuckle.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element further includes: annular heat dissipation grooves, multiple sets of which are evenly distributed on the steering knuckle body; wherein, the annular heat dissipation grooves are distributed on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body near the steering tie rod connection end.

[0020] The technical effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that multiple sets of annular heat dissipation grooves are evenly opened on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body near the steering tie rod connection end, which can increase the contact area between the steering knuckle and the air, efficiently dissipate the excess heat generated by the steering knuckle during operation, avoid local overheating affecting performance, and also balance the temperature after heating, helping to ensure the stable operation of the steering knuckle under different working conditions.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention effectively solves the problem of steering knuckle icing in low-temperature environments through a closed-loop mechanism of "temperature sensing - intelligent control - efficient heat transfer". The temperature sensor is embedded in the steering knuckle body with an interference fit, and the probe directly contacts the metal wall, enabling real-time capture of temperature changes in the steering knuckle body and preventing icing due to delayed temperature detection. When the detected temperature is below the antifreeze threshold, the signal is transmitted via the wiring harness to the microcontroller of the vehicle body controller. The controller quickly triggers a relay, energizing the flexible heating element in the annular heating groove. The flexible heating element is tightly bonded to the steering knuckle body with high-temperature resistant thermally conductive adhesive, allowing heat to be quickly transferred to critical areas of the steering knuckle, especially around the lubrication channels. This effectively prevents lubrication channel blockage caused by low-temperature solidification and avoids water accumulation and icing on the surface and inside the steering knuckle. The device achieves active heating, and the heating process is dynamically controlled by a temperature sensor: when the temperature rises back to a safe range, the microcontroller will automatically cut off the heating circuit, ensuring both antifreeze effect and avoiding energy waste; through the built-in electric heating component, it can actively heat the steering knuckle in low-temperature environments (including the cold start stage of the vehicle) without relying on engine operating conditions, dynamically maintaining the steering knuckle temperature above the freezing point, thus solving the icing problem at its root.

[0022] This invention significantly improves the durability and stability of the device's antifreeze effect through a multi-layered protective structure of "heat insulation and fixation." The upper and lower insulation covers are symmetrically fitted around the annular heating groove, with inner wall protrusions engaging and fixing with the annular heating groove to form a sealed insulation space. This effectively reduces heat loss from the flexible heating element, maintaining the temperature of critical areas of the steering knuckle body within a safe range and preventing icing caused by sudden temperature drops due to heat loss. Simultaneously, the insulation covers also isolate external ice, snow, and moisture, preventing moisture from seeping into the steering knuckle in low-temperature environments, further reducing the risk of icing. The external metal clamps and buffer pads work together to firmly fix the insulation covers to the steering knuckle body with fastening bolts. Even when the vehicle is traveling on bumpy roads, the insulation covers are prevented from shifting or falling off, ensuring the insulation structure remains effective. This allows the device to maintain stable antifreeze performance during long-term low-temperature use, significantly improving the reliability and service life of the steering knuckle in frigid environments. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element provided by this utility model; Figure 2 An enlarged structural schematic diagram of the electric heating element in a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element, provided by this utility model; Figure 3 An enlarged structural diagram of the fixing component of a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element provided by this utility model; Figure 4 A partially enlarged structural diagram of a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element provided by this utility model; Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged structural diagram of the fixing component of a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element, provided by this utility model.

[0024] Legend: 1. Steering knuckle body; 2. Annular heating groove; 3. Annular heat dissipation groove; 4. Flexible heating element; 5. Temperature sensor; 6. Conical fluid guide groove; 7. Flow guide groove; 8. Upper insulation cover; 9. Lower insulation cover; 10. Protrusion; 11. Metal clamp; 12. Buffer pad; 13. Fastening bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example 1

[0026] Please see Figures 1-5 This embodiment provides a low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electrically heated elements and heating control function. The specific concept is as follows: A low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element includes a steering knuckle body 1. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element also includes an annular heating groove 2, an electric heating element, and a temperature control element.

[0027] Among them, multiple annular heating grooves 2 are evenly spaced on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body 1 near the wheel hub mounting end. The number of annular heating grooves 2 can be adapted according to the size of the steering knuckle.

[0028] As examples, in this embodiment, the electric heating element includes: a flexible heating element 4 and a temperature sensor 5.

[0029] The flexible heating element 4 is disposed inside the annular heating groove 2.

[0030] It should be noted that, firstly, a high-temperature resistant thermally conductive adhesive is used to ensure a tight fit between the flexible heating element 4 and the inner wall of the annular heating groove 2, guaranteeing efficient heat transfer to the steering knuckle body. Then, bolts are used to pass through the mounting ears of the flexible heating element 4, firmly fixing it in the annular heating groove 2, forming the core mounting structure of the electric heating element. This dual stability of "adhesive bonding + bolt fixing" prevents the heating element from shifting due to vehicle vibration. The annular heating groove 2 provides precise installation space for the flexible heating element 4, ensuring a tight fit between it and the steering knuckle body, improving heat transfer efficiency. Simultaneously, a "multi-stage spacing design" ensures that heat is evenly distributed in key areas of the steering knuckle. When the flexible heating element 4 is energized, it generates heat, directly heating the steering knuckle area where the annular heating groove 2 is located, focusing on melting any ice that may form.

[0031] In addition, a temperature sensor 5 is embedded in the sensor mounting hole pre-set on the steering knuckle body 1 using an interference fit.

[0032] It should be noted that the probe of temperature sensor 5 should be in direct contact with the metal wall of steering knuckle body 1 to accurately obtain the temperature data of steering knuckle body 1 and avoid "overheating" or "underheating".

[0033] Meanwhile, the flexible heating element 4 is connected to the temperature sensor 5 via a wire harness.

[0034] It is important to note that the other end of the wiring harness is connected to the corresponding interface of the vehicle body wiring harness using a waterproof connector (to prevent moisture from entering the wiring interface and improve electrical reliability in low-temperature environments), thus enabling signal and power transmission between the electric heating element and the vehicle body wiring.

[0035] As examples, in this embodiment, the temperature control unit consists of a microcontroller and a relay integrated and soldered onto the automotive body controller circuit board (eliminating the need for an additional separate controller, saving space and cost).

[0036] It should be noted that the signal input terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the temperature signal line in the wire harness that connects the flexible heating element 4 and the temperature sensor 5 through the vehicle body wiring harness. The output terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the relay, and the relay is then connected to the power supply line of the flexible heating element 4, thereby establishing a complete link for temperature detection, signal transmission and heating control.

[0037] In this embodiment, the flexible heating element 4 and the annular heating groove 2 are firmly connected, which can efficiently transfer heat to the steering knuckle body 1 and avoid the problem of structural performance degradation of the steering knuckle body 1 due to excessively low temperature in low-temperature environments. The temperature sensor 5 directly contacts the metal wall of the steering knuckle body 1 and can collect temperature data in real time and accurately, and transmit the data to the micro controller. The micro controller, combined with the preset temperature threshold, controls the start and stop of the flexible heating element 4 through the relay to realize intelligent regulation of the temperature of the steering knuckle body 1, prevent overheating or underheating, and ensure that the steering knuckle is always in a suitable working temperature range in low-temperature environments, thereby improving the low-temperature stability of the steering system. For example, when the temperature is lower than the preset antifreeze threshold (e.g., 0°C, which can be adjusted through the body controller parameters), the micro controller triggers the relay to close, and the flexible heating element (4) is energized to heat. When the temperature rises back to the preset safety threshold (e.g., 5°C), the micro controller triggers the relay to open, and the flexible heating element (4) stops heating, thereby realizing "dynamic and precise temperature control". Example 2

[0038] like Figures 1-5 As shown, based on Example 1, this example provides a low-temperature antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electrically heated elements that can improve heating effect. The specific idea is as follows: The low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element also includes: thermal insulation and fixing components.

[0039] As examples, in this embodiment, the thermal insulation protective component includes an upper thermal insulation cover 8 and a lower thermal insulation cover 9.

[0040] It should be noted that the upper heat insulation cover 8 and the lower heat insulation cover 9 are designed symmetrically, and are movably fitted onto the outside of the annular heating groove 2, so that the annular heating groove 2 and the flexible heating element 4 inside are completely wrapped.

[0041] In addition, protrusions 10 are welded on the inner walls of the upper heat insulation cover 8 and the lower heat insulation cover 9. The size of the protrusions 10 is adapted to the groove size of the annular heating groove 2. After splicing, the protrusions 10 are embedded in the annular heating groove 2.

[0042] It should be noted that by engaging the protrusion 10 with the annular heating groove 2, the upper heat insulation cover 8 and the lower heat insulation cover 9 can be stably assembled on the steering knuckle body 1, preventing the heat insulation and protective components from shifting.

[0043] In addition, fasteners are installed on the outside of the thermal insulation and protective components.

[0044] As examples, in this embodiment, the fasteners include two metal clamps 11, a buffer pad 12, and a fastening bolt 13.

[0045] Two metal clamps 11 are respectively movably fitted onto the outside of the upper insulation cover 8 and the lower insulation cover 9.

[0046] In addition, a buffer pad 12 is adhered to the inner wall of the metal clamp 11. The buffer pad 12 is made of a high-temperature resistant elastic material, such as silicone.

[0047] It should be noted that the buffer pad 12 can directly contact the outer walls of the upper insulation cover 8 and the lower insulation cover 9.

[0048] Meanwhile, the metal clamp 11 is fastened with threaded bolts 13 at the opening.

[0049] It should be noted that when the fastening bolt 13 is tightened, the metal clamp 11 will gradually shrink, causing the buffer pad 12 to fit tightly against the outer walls of the upper insulation cover 8 and the lower insulation cover 9, ultimately fixing the insulation and protective components firmly to the steering knuckle body 1. At the same time, the buffer pad 12 can also reduce the squeezing damage of the metal clamp 11 to the insulation and protective components.

[0050] In this embodiment, the combined enclosing structure of the upper insulation cover 8 and the lower insulation cover 9 effectively reduces heat loss from the flexible heating element 4, improves heating efficiency, and further enhances the low-temperature antifreeze effect of the steering knuckle body 1. Simultaneously, it prevents external dust, moisture, ice, snow, and other impurities from directly contacting the electric heating element, extending its service life. The fixing method of the metal clamp 11 in conjunction with the buffer pad 12 not only ensures the installation stability of the insulation protective component on the steering knuckle body 1, preventing it from loosening due to vibration during vehicle operation, but also alleviates the impact of vibration on the insulation protective component and the electric heating element through the buffer pad 12, ensuring the operational reliability of the entire antifreeze structure. Example 3

[0051] like Figures 1-5 As shown in Example 2, this example provides a low-temperature antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electrically heated elements that optimizes lubrication and provides auxiliary heat dissipation. The specific concept is as follows: The low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element also includes: a conical liquid guide groove 6, a flow guide groove 7, and an annular heat dissipation groove 3.

[0052] Among them, the conical guide groove 6 is connected to the lubricating oil passage inlet inside the steering knuckle body 1 by welding.

[0053] It is important to note that during welding, the axis of the conical liquid guide groove 6 should be completely aligned with the axis of the lubricating oil channel to ensure that the lubricating oil can smoothly enter the conical liquid guide groove 6.

[0054] In addition, guide grooves 7 are uniformly machined on the inner wall of the conical liquid guide groove 6.

[0055] It should be noted that the guide groove 7 is designed in a spiral shape, and the end of the guide groove 7 smoothly transitions to the inner wall of the lubricating oil channel without obvious protrusions or steps, ensuring that the lubricating oil flows smoothly in the guide groove 7.

[0056] Meanwhile, multiple sets of annular heat dissipation grooves 3 are uniformly machined on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body 1 near the steering tie rod connection end.

[0057] It should be noted that the annular heat dissipation grooves 3 are distributed in a ring around the outer wall of the steering knuckle body 1, and the intervals between each group of annular heat dissipation grooves 3 are uniform, so as not to affect the normal connection between the steering knuckle body 1 and the steering tie rod.

[0058] In this embodiment, the combination of the conical fluid guide groove 6 and the spiral guide groove 7 guides the lubricating oil to enter the lubrication passage of the steering knuckle body 1 more smoothly, preventing the lubricating oil from accumulating at the inlet of the oil passage due to decreased fluidity in low-temperature environments. This ensures that all moving parts inside the steering knuckle are adequately lubricated, reduces friction and wear of components at low temperatures, and improves the transmission efficiency and service life of the steering knuckle. Meanwhile, the annular heat dissipation groove 3 near the steering tie rod connection end of the steering knuckle body 1 increases the contact area between the steering knuckle body 1 and the air. During vehicle operation, when the steering knuckle generates frictional heat or the heating temperature is slightly higher than required, the excess heat generated by the steering knuckle body 1 during operation is quickly carried away by airflow, preventing the steering knuckle body 1 from being affected by excessively high local temperatures.

[0059] Working Principle: This device is a low-temperature antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with an electrically heated element. During use, multiple components work together to achieve both antifreeze protection and performance assurance. Temperature sensor 5 is embedded in the sensor mounting hole of the steering knuckle body 1, with the probe directly contacting the metal wall to collect real-time temperature data of the steering knuckle body 1. Taking a cold start in winter as an example, after the vehicle is powered on, temperature sensor 5 immediately detects the temperature of the steering knuckle body 1. If the temperature is below 0℃ (antifreeze threshold), the signal is transmitted via the wiring harness and body wiring harness to the microcontroller in the body controller. The microcontroller triggers a relay to close, energizing the flexible heating element 4. The heat is transferred to the area of ​​the steering knuckle body 1 where the annular heating groove 2 is located through high-temperature resistant thermally conductive adhesive, melting any existing ice layer and maintaining a temperature rise. This prevents the steering knuckle's structural performance from deteriorating due to low temperatures or the lubricating oil in the lubrication channels from solidifying.

[0060] During the heating process, the upper heat insulation cover 8 and the lower heat insulation cover 9 are fitted into the annular heating groove 2 by the inner wall protrusion 10, and wrap the flexible heating sheet 4 to reduce heat loss and improve heating efficiency; the external metal clamp 11 is tightened by the fastening bolt 13, and works with the inner wall buffer pad 12 to firmly fix the heat insulation cover, preventing the components from shifting due to vehicle vibration. At the same time, the buffer pad 12 relieves vibration impact and ensures structural stability.

[0061] When the temperature sensor 5 detects that the temperature has risen to 5℃ (safe threshold), the microcontroller disconnects the relay and the flexible heating element 4 stops working; if the temperature drops below 0℃ again, the above heating process is repeated; throughout the operation, the microcontroller continuously receives the signal from the temperature sensor 5 and dynamically adjusts the start and stop of the flexible heating element 4.

[0062] If lubricating oil needs to be added, the conical guide groove 6 guides the lubricating oil precisely into the oil passage, and the spiral guide groove 7 on the inner wall ensures that the lubricating oil, whose fluidity decreases at low temperatures, flows smoothly, preventing accumulation and ensuring sufficient lubrication of the moving parts inside the steering knuckle. When the steering knuckle generates excess heat due to operation, or when the ambient temperature rises and heating is no longer necessary, the annular heat dissipation groove 3 near the steering tie rod connection end increases the heat dissipation area and uses airflow to quickly dissipate heat, preventing localized overheating.

[0063] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. In addition, the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0064] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model without departing from the technical solution of this utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for an automotive steering knuckle with an electric heating element, comprising a steering knuckle body (1), characterized in that, The low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element also includes: An annular heating groove (2) is provided in multiple channels, evenly spaced, on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body (1) near the wheel hub mounting end; An electric heating element is movably installed inside the annular heating groove (2) and can heat the steering knuckle body (1); Thermal insulation and protective components are disposed on the outside of the electric heating element; A temperature control component is installed on the steering knuckle body (1) and is electrically connected to the electric heating component and the body controller; The fixing component is movably installed on the outside of the thermal insulation and protective component, which can limit the displacement of the thermal insulation and protective component on the steering knuckle body (1).

2. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric heating element includes: The flexible heating element (4) is bonded to the inside of the annular heating groove (2) by a high-temperature resistant thermally conductive adhesive; The mounting ears of the flexible heating element (4) are connected to the interior of the annular heating groove (2) by bolts.

3. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electric heating element also includes: The temperature sensor (5) is embedded in the sensor mounting hole of the steering knuckle body (1) by interference fit, and the probe of the temperature sensor (5) is in direct contact with the metal wall of the steering knuckle body (1). The flexible heating element (4) is connected to the temperature sensor (5) via a wire harness, and the other end of the wire harness is connected to the corresponding interface of the vehicle body wiring harness via a waterproof connector.

4. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal insulation and protective component includes: The upper heat insulation cover (8) and the lower heat insulation cover (9) are arranged symmetrically on the top and bottom, and are movably sleeved on the outside of the annular heating groove (2); The protrusion (10) is welded to the inner wall of the upper heat insulation cover (8) and the lower heat insulation cover (9); The upper heat insulation cover (8) and the lower heat insulation cover (9) are fitted into the annular heating groove (2) by protrusions (10).

5. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control component includes: The microcontroller and relay are integrated and soldered onto the circuit board of the car body controller; The signal input terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the temperature signal line of the vehicle body wiring harness and the wire harness.

6. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener includes: Two metal clamps (11) are provided and are movably fitted onto the outside of the upper insulation cover (8) and the lower insulation cover (9); A buffer pad (12) is adhered to the inner wall of the metal clamp (11); Fastening bolts (13) are threadedly connected to the opening of the metal clamp (11); The metal clamp (11) can be tightly fitted to the outer walls of the upper insulation cover (8) and the lower insulation cover (9) by tightening the fastening bolt (13).

7. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 6, characterized in that, The low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element also includes: A conical fluid guide groove (6) is welded to the inlet of the lubricating oil passage inside the steering knuckle body (1), and the axis of the conical fluid guide groove (6) coincides with the axis of the lubricating oil passage. The guide channels (7) are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the conical liquid guide channel (6); The guide groove (7) is spiral-shaped and smoothly transitions to the inner wall of the lubricating oil channel.

8. The low-temperature environment antifreeze structure for automotive steering knuckles with electric heating elements according to claim 7, characterized in that, The low-temperature antifreeze structure of the automotive steering knuckle with electric heating element also includes: Annular heat dissipation grooves (3) are provided in multiple sets and are evenly distributed on the steering knuckle body (1); The annular heat dissipation groove (3) is located on the outer wall of the steering knuckle body (1) near the steering tie rod connection end.

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