Caster angle measuring tool, caster angle measuring device, and front axle

Abstract

A caster angle measuring tool, a caster angle measuring device (20) and a front axle (10). The caster angle measuring tool comprises the front axle (10) and the caster angle measuring device (20). The front axle (10) comprises an axle tube (11) and a steering knuckle (12) detachably connected to the axle tube (11). A measuring device fixing portion (121) is provided on the steering knuckle (12). The caster angle measuring device (20) comprises a fixing base (21) and a level instrument (22) mounted on the fixing base (21). The fixing base (21) is detachably mounted on the measuring device fixing portion (121). The caster angle measuring tool enables rapid and accurate positioning of the measuring device.

Description

Caster angle measuring tool, measuring device and front axle Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles, and in particular to a caster angle measuring tool, a measuring device and a front axle. Background Art

[0002] Caster angle is the angle between the kingpin (the steering axis around which the wheels turn during steering) and the vertical line of the ground, as viewed from the side of the vehicle. Caster angle is one of the most important parameters for ensuring vehicle stability.

[0003] In the prior art, to measure a vehicle's castor angle, a four-wheel aligner is typically used to align the vehicle's wheels, followed by an optical device to measure the vehicle's castor angle. To adjust the castor angle, the front axle must first be disassembled, and the shock absorbers, connecting arms, and other structures adjusted according to the target adjustment angle. The adjusted front axle is then assembled onto the vehicle body, and the vehicle is aligned. The castor angle is then measured to determine if the adjustment is accurate. This measurement method requires the purchase of a four-wheel aligner, resulting in high measurement costs. Furthermore, this method is time-consuming and inefficient. Technical issues

[0004] The patent with application number CN202121371525.8 discloses a detachable integral front axle, in which the clevis used to assemble the kingpin or kingpin can be detachably connected to the bridge tube. When adjusting the kingpin inclination angle, it is only necessary to adjust the installation angle of the clevis, and there is no need to disassemble the front axle as a whole.

[0005] When adjusting the caster angle of the front axle, according to the existing caster angle measurement method, it is necessary to first fix the clevis to the bridge tube through a connecting structure, and then place the optical device on the clevis to measure the adjusted caster angle. When using this method for debugging and measurement, the clevis needs to be connected to the bridge tube first, and the optical device needs to be placed. However, the existing clevis does not have a specific structure for positioning the optical device. When placing the optical device, it is necessary to adjust the placement position multiple times to ensure that the placement position of the optical device meets the requirements. The operation efficiency is low, and because the placement is manual, the placement accuracy cannot be accurately controlled, which easily leads to inaccurate measurements. Technical Solutions

[0006] In order to solve the above problems at the same time, the present invention provides a kingpin caster angle measurement tool, a measuring device and a front axle, which can realize rapid and accurate positioning of the measuring device.

[0007] The present invention provides a kingpin caster angle measuring tool, comprising a front axle and a kingpin caster angle measuring device, wherein the front axle comprises a bridge tube and a steering knuckle detachably connected to the bridge tube, a measuring device fixing portion is provided on the steering knuckle, and the kingpin caster angle measuring device comprises a fixing seat and a level measuring instrument arranged on the fixing seat, and the fixing seat is detachably arranged on the measuring device fixing portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the steering knuckle includes an inner steering knuckle, the installation angle of the inner steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube is adjustable, and the kingpin caster angle measuring device is arranged on the inner steering knuckle.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixing portion of the measuring device is an assembly groove formed on the outer surface of the inner steering knuckle, and the fixing seat is detachably disposed in the assembly groove.

[0010] Furthermore, a first inclined surface is formed on the fixing seat, and the thickness of the fixing seat gradually decreases from the top to the bottom of the fixing seat. A second inclined surface matching the first inclined surface is formed in the assembly groove. When the fixing seat is set in the assembly groove, the first inclined surface abuts against the second inclined surface.

[0011] Furthermore, a recess is formed on the upper side wall of the assembly groove, and a support rod is provided on the side of the fixing seat. When the fixing seat is arranged in the assembly groove, the support rod is located in the recess.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixing portion of the measuring device is a fixed mounting surface formed on the upper surface of the inner steering knuckle, and a slot matching the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle is formed at the lower portion of the fixing seat. When the fixing seat is arranged on the inner steering knuckle, the slot is fixed to the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle.

[0013] Furthermore, a receiving groove for fixing the level meter is formed on the upper surface of the fixing seat, and the level meter is detachably arranged in the receiving groove.

[0014] A kingpin caster angle measuring device comprises a fixing seat and a level measuring instrument arranged on the fixing seat. The fixing seat is detachably arranged on the steering knuckle of a car.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixing seat is wedge-shaped, and when the fixing seat is arranged on the steering knuckle, the fixing seat is arranged in the assembly groove of the steering knuckle.

[0016] Furthermore, a support rod is formed on the side of the fixing seat.

[0017] Furthermore, a slot matching the upper portion of the steering knuckle is formed on the lower surface of the fixing seat. When the fixing seat is arranged on the steering knuckle, the slot is engaged with the upper portion of the steering knuckle.

[0018] Furthermore, a receiving groove for receiving the level measuring instrument is formed on the upper surface of the fixing seat, and the level measuring instrument is detachably disposed in the receiving groove.

[0019] A front axle comprises a bridge tube and a steering knuckle detachably connected to the bridge tube, wherein a measuring device fixing portion for fixing a kingpin caster angle measuring device is provided on the steering knuckle.

[0020] Furthermore, the steering knuckle includes an inner steering knuckle, the installation angle of the inner steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube is adjustable, and the measuring device fixing portion is formed on the inner steering knuckle.

[0021] Furthermore, the inner steering knuckle includes a first main body portion connected to the bridge tube and a first connecting arm located on two opposite sides of the first main body portion. The fixing portion of the measuring device is an assembly groove provided on the first connecting arm. The assembly groove is formed on the outer surface of the first connecting arm. A second inclined surface is formed in the assembly groove. The depth of the assembly groove gradually decreases in the direction approaching the first main body portion.

[0022] Furthermore, a recess for supporting a support rod provided on the fixing portion of the measuring device is formed on the upper side wall of the assembly groove.

[0023] Furthermore, the steering knuckle also includes an outer steering knuckle connected to the inner steering knuckle, and a wire harness fixing frame for fixing the wire harness, the wire harness fixing frame is arranged on the outer steering knuckle, and the wire harness is arranged on the wire harness fixing frame and is located outside the outer steering knuckle.

[0024] Furthermore, the wire harness fixing frame includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a connecting piece, the first substrate is fixed to the outer steering knuckle, the second substrate is fixed to the first substrate through the connecting piece, a long hole is formed on one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a connecting hole is formed on the other of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the connecting piece passes through the long hole and the connecting hole to fix the second substrate to the first substrate.

[0025] Furthermore, the connecting member includes a bolt and a nut, the nut is fixed on the connecting hole, and the bolt passes through the elongated hole and the connecting hole and is combined with the nut. Beneficial effects

[0026] In summary, in the present invention, since the kingpin caster angle measuring device and the steering knuckle are provided with a fixing seat and a measuring device fixing portion that match each other, when the kingpin caster angle is measured using the kingpin caster angle measuring tool provided by the present invention, the kingpin caster angle measuring device can be quickly and accurately positioned by setting the fixing seat on the measuring device fixing portion of the steering knuckle; since in the kingpin caster angle measuring tool of the present invention, the kingpin caster angle measuring device is directly located on the steering knuckle at this time, therefore, as the angle of the steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube changes, the value on its level meter will also change. Since the position of the bridge tube relative to other components of the vehicle is unchanged at this time, the only thing that changes is the angle of the steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube, or relative to the bridge package. Therefore, this value can accurately reflect the kingpin caster angle of the vehicle, making the operation simple, the measurement efficiency high, and the measurement result accurate when using the present invention to measure the kingpin caster angle.

[0027] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following preferred embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the axial side structure of a caster angle measuring tool provided by a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the axial structure of the steering knuckle and kingpin caster angle measuring device in FIG1 .

[0030] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the axial structure from another perspective in FIG2 .

[0031] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing the exploded structure of the steering knuckle and caster angle measuring device in FIG2 .

[0032] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing the axial side structure of the inner steering knuckle shown in FIG2 .

[0033] FIG6 is a schematic side view of the structure of the caster angle measuring device.

[0034] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing the exploded structure of the caster angle measuring device in FIG6 .

[0035] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the wiring harness fixing frame and the wiring harness after being combined.

[0036] FIG9 is a schematic diagram showing the axial structure of the wire harness fixing frame in FIG8 .

[0037] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing the axial structure of the wire harness fixing frame in FIG8 from another perspective.

[0038] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing the axial side structure of the caster angle measurement tool provided by the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing the exploded structure of the caster angle measuring fixture in FIG11 .

[0040] FIG13 is a schematic diagram showing the axial structure of the kingpin caster angle measuring device in FIG11 .

[0041] FIG14 is a schematic diagram showing the exploded structure of the caster angle measuring device in FIG11 . Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] In order to further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined purpose of the invention, the following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0043] The invention provides a kingpin caster angle measuring tool, a front axle and a measuring device. The kingpin caster angle measuring tool can measure the kingpin caster angle of a vehicle in real time and simply when adjusting the kingpin caster angle.

[0044] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the axle-side structure of the kingpin caster angle measuring tool provided by the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the axle-side structure of the steering knuckle and the kingpin caster angle measuring device in FIG1 , FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the axle-side structure from another perspective in FIG2 , and FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of the steering knuckle and the kingpin caster angle measuring device in FIG2 (it should be noted that, for ease of presentation, except for FIG1 , the other figures related to the front axle 10 only show part of the bridge tube 11). As shown in FIG1 to FIG4 , the kingpin caster angle measuring tool provided by the first embodiment of the present invention includes a front axle 10 and a kingpin caster angle measuring device 20, the front axle 10 includes a bridge tube 11 and a steering knuckle 12 detachably connected to the bridge tube 11, a measuring device fixing portion 121 is provided on the steering knuckle 12, and the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20 includes a fixing seat 21 and a level measuring instrument 22 provided on the fixing seat 21, and the fixing seat 21 is detachably fixed to the measuring device fixing portion 121.

[0045] To adjust the kingpin caster angle, the level gauge 22 can be first mounted on the mounting base 21 and placed on the measuring device mounting portion 121 of the steering knuckle 12. Simultaneously, the knuckle 12 is released from the axle tube 11 and the knuckle 12 is rotated relative to the axle tube 11 to the desired angle. Since the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20 is now directly located on the steering knuckle 12, the value displayed by the level gauge 22 will change as the angle of the knuckle 12 relative to the axle tube 11 changes during adjustment. Since the axle tube 11 remains in position relative to other vehicle components, the only change is the angle of the knuckle 12 relative to the axle tube 11, or the angle of the knuckle 12 relative to the axle tube. Therefore, this value reflects the vehicle's caster angle. Therefore, this measuring device allows for real-time and convenient measurement of the caster angle during steering knuckle 12 adjustments. Once the caster angle is adjusted to the desired value, the knuckle 12 can be reattached to the axle tube 11.

[0046] Continuing with FIG4 , in this embodiment, the steering knuckle 12 includes an inner knuckle 122 and an outer knuckle 123 connected to the inner knuckle 122. The inner knuckle 122 comprises a first main body 1221 that can be fixedly connected to the bridge tube 11, and two first connecting arms 1222 located on opposite sides of the first main body 1221. The first connecting arms 1222 are generally V-shaped, forming an obtuse angle between the two portions, and each of the two first connecting arms 1222 has a first pin hole 1223 defined on its outer portion. The outer knuckle 123 includes a second main body 1231 that can be fixedly connected to the wheel, and two second connecting arms 1232 located on opposite sides of the second main body 1231. The second connecting arms 1232 are generally L-shaped, and each of the two second connecting arms 1232 has a second pin hole 1233 defined on its outer portion. A king pin or king pin can be inserted into the first and second pin holes 1223, 1233, to connect the inner knuckle 122 and the outer knuckle 123. The inner steering knuckle 122 is detachably connected to the bridge tube 11 through a connecting structure, and the installation angle of the inner steering knuckle 122 relative to the bridge tube 11 is adjustable. The specific form of the connecting structure can be found in other patent applications of the same applicant, such as CN202110682630.1, CN202121371523.9, CN202121370094.3, CN202223243012.6, CN202223241482.9, CN202223241559.2, CN202223243015.X, CN202321705310.4, and CN202321705340.5, and is not limited to the method shown in the figure. The caster angle measuring device 20 is disposed on one of the first connecting arms 1222 of the inner steering knuckle 122 , at the corner between two parts of the first connecting arm 1222 .

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the inner steering knuckle shown in Figure 2, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the side view of the caster angle measuring device, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the caster angle measuring device in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in this embodiment, the measuring device fixing portion 121 can be a mounting groove formed on the side of the inner steering knuckle 122 away from the outer steering knuckle 123, and the fixing seat 21 is detachably disposed in the mounting groove, so that the caster angle measuring device 20 can be detachably mounted on the steering knuckle 12.

[0048] More specifically, a first inclined surface 211 is formed on the fixing seat 21. As shown in FIG6 , when viewed from the side, the thickness of the fixing seat 21 gradually decreases from the top to the bottom of the fixing seat 21. That is, when viewed from the side, the fixing seat 21 is roughly wedge-shaped.

[0049] A second inclined surface 1211 matching the first inclined surface 211 is formed in the assembly groove of the inner steering knuckle 122. When the fixing seat 21 is set in the assembly groove, the first inclined surface 211 abuts against the second inclined surface 1211, so that the top plane of the fixing seat 21 is parallel to the axis of the bridge tube 11.

[0050] Furthermore, a recess 1212 is formed on the upper side wall of the assembly groove, and a support rod 212 is provided on the side of the fixing seat 21. When the fixing seat 21 is set in the assembly groove, the support rod 212 is set in the recess 1212 to prevent the first inclined surface 211 and the second inclined surface 1211 from sliding relative to each other, causing displacement of the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20.

[0051] 7 , a receiving groove 213 is formed on the top of the fixing base 21 , and the level measuring instrument 22 is detachably fixed in the receiving groove 213 .

[0052] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wiring harness fixing bracket after it is combined with the wiring harness. FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the axial side structure of the wiring harness fixing bracket in FIG8 . FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the axial side structure of the wiring harness fixing bracket in FIG8 from another perspective. It should be noted that in the prior art, the steering knuckle 12 is typically provided with wiring harnesses related to electronic devices, such as the ABS system. However, in this embodiment, since the caster angle measuring device 20 needs to be installed on the inner steering knuckle 122, the remaining space on the inner steering knuckle 122 is limited, making it difficult to route the wiring harnesses related to the electronic devices. To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, as shown in FIG8 to FIG10 , in this embodiment, the steering knuckle 12 is further provided with a wiring harness fixing bracket 124. The wiring harness fixing bracket 124 is disposed on the outer steering knuckle 123. The wiring harness 30 is disposed on the wiring harness fixing bracket 124 and is located on the side of the second connecting arm 1232 of the outer steering knuckle 123 away from the inner steering knuckle 122. That is, the wire harness 30 provided on the steering knuckle 12 is connected to the vehicle body from the outside of the second connecting arm 1232 of the outer steering knuckle 123 through the wire harness fixing frame 124 to avoid the layout of the caster angle measuring device 20 .

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wiring harness mounting frame 124 includes a first base plate 1241, a second base plate 1242, and a connector 1243. The first base plate 1241 is fixed to the outer steering knuckle 123 and comprises a plurality of connected plate-like segments. Adjacent plate-like segments are angled relative to each other, so that the shape of the first base plate 1241 matches the shape of corresponding portions of the outer steering knuckle 123. The second base plate 1242 is fixed to the first base plate 1241 via the connector 1243 and is slidable relative to the first base plate 1241. An elongated hole 1244 is formed in one of the first and second base plates 1241, 1242, and a circular connecting hole is formed in the other of the first and second base plates 1241, 1242. The connector 1243 passes through the elongated hole 1244 and the connecting hole, thereby securely connecting the first and second base plates 1241, 1242. Both the first and second substrates 1241 and 1242 are equipped with a snap-on portion 1246 for securing the wiring harness 30. These snap-on portions 1246 are located at one end of the second substrate 1242, away from the first substrate 1241, and at the other end of the first substrate 1241, closer to the second substrate 1242. The elongated holes 1244 allow for adjustment of the relative position of the second substrate 1242 and the first substrate 1241, and consequently, the distance between the snap-on portions 1246, to accommodate wiring harnesses 30 of varying specifications. The wiring harness 30 is equipped with a clamping tube 31 that mates with the clamping portion 1246. The distance between the clamping tubes 31 varies for wiring harnesses 30 of varying specifications, necessitating adjustment of the relative position between the first and second substrates 1241 and 1242.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connecting member 1243 may include a bolt and a nut. In order to facilitate alignment and fixation, the nut can be fixed to the connecting hole by welding. After the elongated hole 1244 and the connecting hole are aligned, the bolt can directly pass through the elongated hole 1244 and the connecting hole and cooperate with the nut to connect the first substrate 1241 with the second substrate 1242.

[0055] Furthermore, a fixing tube 1247 or a fixing hole is also provided on the first substrate 1241. The position of the fixing tube 1247 or the fixing hole can correspond to the original fixing position on the outer steering knuckle 123 (for example, the installation position of the half-axle shaft head and the brake cylinder), which is used to fix the first substrate 1241 on the outer steering knuckle 123.

[0056] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of a kingpin caster angle measurement tool provided by a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the kingpin caster angle measurement tool in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the kingpin caster angle measurement device in Figure 11. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the kingpin caster angle measurement device in Figure 11. The second embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the first embodiment, differing in that, in this embodiment, the measuring device fixing portion 121 is a fixed mounting surface formed on the upper surface of the inner steering knuckle 122. A slot 212 adapted to the shape of the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle 122 and a clearance hole 214 for accommodating a kingpin or kingpin are formed at the bottom of the fixing base 21. Once the inner steering knuckle 122 is properly positioned, the fixing base 21 can be secured to the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle 122 through the opening of the slot 212, so that the fixed mounting surface on the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle 122 contacts the bottom surface of the slot 212 of the fixing base 21.

[0057] In this embodiment, a receiving groove 213 for retaining the level gauge 22 is formed on the upper surface of the mounting base 21, and the level gauge 22 is removably mounted within the receiving groove 213. When the caster angle measuring device 20 is mounted on the inner steering knuckle 122, the level gauge 22 is mounted within the receiving groove 213 of the mounting base 21. The mounting base 21 is secured to the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle 122 via the retaining groove 212. At this point, the level gauge 22 is parallel to the axis of the axle tube 11.

[0058] In the present invention, since the kingpin caster angle measuring device and the steering knuckle are provided with a matching fixing seat 21 and a measuring device fixing portion 121, when the kingpin caster angle is measured using the kingpin caster angle measuring tool provided by the present invention, the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20 can be quickly and accurately positioned by setting the fixing seat 21 on the measuring device fixing portion 121 of the steering knuckle 12. In the present invention, since the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20 is directly located on the steering knuckle 12, as the angle of the steering knuckle 12 relative to the bridge tube 11 changes, the value displayed by the level meter 22 will also change. Since the position of the bridge tube 11 relative to other components of the vehicle is unchanged at this time, the only thing that changes is the angle of the steering knuckle 12 relative to the bridge tube 11, or relative to the bridge package. Therefore, this value can reflect the kingpin caster angle of the vehicle.

[0059] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 5, 11 and 12. The present invention also provides a front axle 10 that can adapt to the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20. The front axle 10 includes a bridge tube 11 and a steering knuckle 12 detachably connected to the bridge tube 11. A measuring device fixing portion 121 for fixing the kingpin caster angle measuring device 20 is provided on the steering knuckle 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the steering knuckle 12 includes an inner steering knuckle 122 and an outer steering knuckle 123 connected to the inner steering knuckle 122 . The inner steering knuckle 122 is detachably connected to the bridge tube 11 via a connecting structure. The measuring device fixing portion 121 is formed on the inner steering knuckle 122 .

[0061] More specifically, the inner knuckle 122 comprises a first main body 1221 that can be fixedly connected to the bridge tube 11, and two first connecting arms 1222 located on opposite sides of the first main body 1221 (see Figure 4). The first connecting arms 1222 are generally V-shaped, forming an obtuse angle between their two parts. Each of the outer portions of the first connecting arms 1222 is provided with a first pin hole 1223. The outer knuckle 123 comprises a second main body 1231 that can be fixedly connected to the wheel, and two second connecting arms 1232 located on opposite sides of the second main body 1231. The second connecting arms 1232 are generally L-shaped, each provided with a second pin hole 1233. A king pin or king pin can be inserted into the first and second pin holes 1223, 1233, connecting the inner and outer knuckles 122 and 123.

[0062] The measuring device fixing portion 121 is a mounting groove formed on the side of the inner steering knuckle 122 away from the outer steering knuckle 123, specifically on the outer side of the first connecting arm 1222. A second inclined surface 1211 is formed within the mounting groove. The depth of the mounting groove gradually decreases as it approaches the first main body 1221. A recess 1212 is formed on the sidewall of the mounting groove away from the bridge tube 11 to accommodate the support rod 212 of the fixing seat 21.

[0063] Furthermore, a wire harness fixing frame 124 is provided on the steering knuckle 12 , and the wire harness fixing frame 124 is arranged on the outer steering knuckle 123 . The wire harness 30 is arranged on the wire harness fixing frame 124 and is located on the side of the outer steering knuckle 123 away from the inner steering knuckle 122 , that is, on the outside of the outer steering knuckle 123 .

[0064] The wire harness mounting bracket 124 includes a first base plate 1241, a second base plate 1242, and a connector 1243. The first base plate 1241 is fixed to the outer steering knuckle 123, and its shape matches the shape of the corresponding portion of the outer steering knuckle 123. The second base plate 1242 is fixed to the first base plate 1241 via the connector 1243. An elongated hole 1244 is formed in one of the first and second base plates 1241, 1242, and a connecting hole is formed in the other of the two base plates. The connector 1243 passes through the elongated hole 1244 and the connecting hole, thereby securing the first and second base plates 1241, 1242. A clamping portion 1246 is provided on each of the first and second base plates 1241, 1242 to secure the wire harness 30. By disposing the long holes 1244 , the relative position of the second substrate 1242 and the first substrate 1241 can be adjusted, and then the distance between the two clamping portions 1246 can be adjusted to accommodate wire harnesses 30 of different specifications.

[0065] The connecting member 1243 may be a bolt and a nut. To facilitate alignment and fixation, the nut may be fixed to the connecting hole. After the elongated hole 1244 is aligned with the connecting hole, the bolt may pass directly through the elongated hole 1244 and the connecting hole and engage with the nut to fix the first substrate 1241 and the second substrate 1242 together.

[0066] A fixing insert 1247 or a fixing hole is provided on the first substrate 1241 , and the position of the fixing insert or the fixing hole 1247 can correspond to the original fixing position on the outer steering knuckle 123 (such as the installation position of the half-axle shaft head and the brake cylinder), thereby fixing the first substrate 1241 on the outer steering knuckle 123 .

[0067] Continuing with Figures 1 to 7, 13, and 14, the present invention further provides a kingpin caster angle measuring device 20. This kingpin caster angle measuring device 20 includes a mounting base 21 and a level gauge 22 disposed on the mounting base 21. The mounting base 21 is removably secured to the measuring device mounting portion 121 of the steering knuckle 12 (preferably the inner steering knuckle 122). A receiving groove 213 for accommodating the level gauge 22 is formed on the upper surface of the mounting base 21. The level gauge 22 is removably disposed within the receiving groove 213. The mounting base 21 also includes a clearance hole 214 for clearing a kingpin or kingpin.

[0068] In the embodiment where the measuring device fixing portion 121 is provided as a mounting groove on the inner steering knuckle 122, a first inclined surface 211 is formed on the fixing seat 21 to mate with a second inclined surface 1211 within the mounting groove. From a side view, the thickness of the fixing seat 21 gradually decreases from the top to the bottom of the fixing seat 21. In other words, from a side view, the fixing seat 21 is generally wedge-shaped. When the fixing seat 21 is installed on the steering knuckle 10, it is positioned within the mounting groove of the steering knuckle 10.

[0069] A support rod 212 is provided on the side of the fixing base 21 and can be received in the upper recess 1212 of the assembly groove. An assembly plane is formed on the top of the fixing base 21, and a receiving groove 213 is formed on the assembly plane. The level measuring instrument 22 is fixed in the receiving groove 213 by means of an interference fit.

[0070] In an embodiment where the measuring device fixing portion 121 is a fixed mounting surface formed on the upper surface of the inner steering knuckle 122, a slot 212 is formed on the lower surface of the fixing base 21 to match the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle 122. When the fixing base 21 is mounted on the inner steering knuckle 122, the slot 212 engages with the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle 122. In other words, in this embodiment, the caster angle measuring device 20 is directly and removably fixed to the upper surface of the inner steering knuckle 122. The bottom surface inclination angle of the slot 212 matches the inclination angle of the measuring device fixing portion 121. When the fixing base 21 is mounted on the inner steering knuckle 122, the upper surface of the fixing base 21 is horizontal, facilitating the leveling instrument 22 to be positioned horizontally.

[0071] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with the present profession can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes using the technical contents disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. Industrial Applicability

[0072] In the present invention, since the kingpin caster angle measuring device and the steering knuckle are provided with a fixing seat and a measuring device fixing portion that match each other, when the kingpin caster angle is measured using the kingpin caster angle measuring tool provided by the present invention, the kingpin caster angle measuring device can be quickly and accurately positioned by setting the fixing seat on the measuring device fixing portion of the steering knuckle. Since the kingpin caster angle measuring tool of the present invention is directly located on the steering knuckle, the value on its level meter will also change as the angle of the steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube changes. Since the position of the bridge tube relative to other components of the vehicle is unchanged at this time, the only thing that changes is the angle of the steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube, or relative to the bridge package. Therefore, this value can accurately reflect the kingpin caster angle of the vehicle, making the operation simple, the measurement efficiency high, and the measurement result accurate when measuring the kingpin caster angle using the present invention.

Claims

1. A caster angle measuring tool, characterized in that: It includes a front axle and a kingpin caster angle measuring device, the front axle includes a steering knuckle detachably connected to a bridge tube, a measuring device fixing portion is arranged on the steering knuckle, the kingpin caster angle measuring device includes a fixing seat and a level measuring instrument arranged on the fixing seat, and the fixing seat is detachably arranged on the measuring device fixing portion.

2. The caster angle measuring tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering knuckle comprises an inner steering knuckle, the installation angle of the inner steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube is adjustable, and the caster angle measuring device is arranged on the inner steering knuckle.

3. The caster angle measuring tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The measuring device fixing portion is a mounting groove formed on the outer surface of the inner steering knuckle, and the fixing seat is detachably arranged in the mounting groove.

4. The caster angle measuring tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first inclined surface is formed on the fixing seat, and the thickness of the fixing seat gradually decreases from the top to the bottom of the fixing seat. A second inclined surface matching the first inclined surface is formed in the assembly groove. When the fixing seat is set in the assembly groove, the first inclined surface abuts against the second inclined surface.

5. The caster angle measuring tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: A depression is formed on the upper side wall of the assembly groove, and a support rod is arranged on the side of the fixing seat. When the fixing seat is arranged in the assembly groove, the support rod is located in the depression.

6. The caster angle measuring tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixing portion of the measuring device is a fixed mounting surface formed on the upper surface of the inner steering knuckle, and a slot matching the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle is formed at the lower portion of the fixing seat. When the fixing seat is arranged on the inner steering knuckle, the slot is fixed to the upper portion of the inner steering knuckle.

7. The caster angle measuring tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: A receiving groove for fixing the level measuring instrument is formed on the upper surface of the fixing seat, and the level measuring instrument is detachably arranged in the receiving groove.

8. A caster angle measuring device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a fixing seat and a level measuring instrument arranged on the fixing seat, and the fixing seat is detachably arranged on the steering knuckle of the automobile.

9. The caster angle measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fixing seat is wedge-shaped. When the fixing seat is arranged on the steering knuckle, the fixing seat is arranged in the assembly groove of the steering knuckle.

10. The caster angle measuring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A support rod is formed on the side of the fixing seat.

11. The caster angle measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A clamping groove matched with the upper part of the steering knuckle is formed on the lower surface of the fixing seat. When the fixing seat is arranged on the steering knuckle, the clamping groove is clamped with the upper part of the steering knuckle.

12. The caster angle measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A receiving groove for receiving the level measuring instrument is formed on the upper surface of the fixing seat, and the level measuring instrument is detachably arranged in the receiving groove.

13. A front axle, characterized in that: The invention comprises a bridge tube and a steering knuckle detachably connected to the bridge tube, wherein a measuring device fixing part for fixing a kingpin caster angle measuring device is arranged on the steering knuckle.

14. The front axle according to claim 13, characterized in that: The steering knuckle comprises an inner steering knuckle, the installation angle of the inner steering knuckle relative to the bridge tube is adjustable, and the measuring device fixing portion is formed on the inner steering knuckle.

15. The front axle according to claim 14, characterized in that: The inner steering knuckle includes a first main body portion connected to the bridge tube and a first connecting arm located on two opposite sides of the first main body portion. The fixing portion of the measuring device is an assembly groove provided on the first connecting arm. The assembly groove is formed on the outer side surface of the first connecting arm. A second inclined surface is formed in the assembly groove. The depth of the assembly groove gradually decreases in the direction approaching the first main body portion.

16. The front axle according to claim 15, characterized in that: A recess for carrying a support rod provided on the fixing part of the measuring device is formed on the upper side wall of the assembly groove.

17. The front axle according to claim 14, characterized in that: The steering knuckle also includes an outer steering knuckle connected to the inner steering knuckle, and a harness fixing frame for fixing a harness, wherein the harness fixing frame is arranged on the outer steering knuckle, and the harness is arranged on the harness fixing frame and is located outside the outer steering knuckle.

18. The front axle according to claim 17, characterized in that: The wire harness fixing frame includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a connecting piece, the first substrate is fixed to the outer steering knuckle, the second substrate is fixed to the first substrate through the connecting piece, a long hole is formed on one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a connecting hole is formed on the other of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the connecting piece passes through the long hole and the connecting hole to fix the second substrate to the first substrate.

19. The front axle according to claim 18, characterized in that: The connecting piece includes a bolt and a nut, the nut is fixed on the connecting hole, and the bolt passes through the long hole and the connecting hole and is combined with the nut.

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