Claims:We Claim:

1. A coupling device (100) for connecting a steering knuckle (13) and a steering member (15) of a vehicle, the coupling device (100) comprising:
a hub (1), connectable to the steering knuckle (13), wherein the hub (1) is configured to accommodate at least one bearing (2);
a turnbuckle (10) connectable to the at least one bearing (2); and
a swivel pin (7) coupled to the turnbuckle (10), wherein the swivel pin (7) is connectable to an end of the steering member (15) through a connecting member (8);
wherein, the connecting member (8) is configured to selectively adjust length of the steering member (15).

2. The coupling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turnbuckle (10) comprises:
a first member (3);
a second member (4);
a frame (5) threadably engaged with a portion of the first member (3) and the second member (4), wherein the frame (5) is configured to selectively vary length of the turn buckle.

3. The coupling device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second member (4) is configured to accommodate a swivel pin (7), wherein the swivel pin (7) is configured to receive the connecting member (8) for securing the steering member (15) with the coupling device (100).

4. The coupling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turnbuckle (10) is configured to selectively displace the steering member (15) relative to an axis (B-B) in a vertical direction.

5. The coupling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first circlip (9) disposed in the hub (1), the first circlip (9) is configured to secure the at least one bearing (2) in the hub (1).

6. The coupling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a second circlip (11) disposed in the hub (1), the second circlip (11) is configured to secure the turnbuckle (10) with the at least one bearing (2).

7. A steering system (200) of a vehicle, the steering system (200) comprising:
a steering knuckle (13) coupled to a wheel hub (16) of the vehicle;
a steering member (15); and
a coupling device (100) for connecting the steering knuckle (13) and the steering member (15), the coupling device (100) comprising:
a hub (1), connectable to the steering knuckle (13), wherein the hub (1) is configured to accommodate at least one bearing (2);
a turnbuckle (10) connectable to the at least one bearing (2); and
a swivel pin (7) coupled to the turnbuckle (10), wherein the swivel pin (7) is connectable to an end of the steering member (15) through a connecting member (8);
wherein, the connecting member (8) is configured to selectively adjust length of the steering member (15) to adjust bump steer of the vehicle.

8. The steering system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the turnbuckle (10) comprises:
a first member (3);
a second member (4);
a frame (5) threadably engaged with a portion of the first member (3) and the second member (4), wherein the frame (5) is configured to selectively vary length of the turn buckle.

9. The steering system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second member (4) is configured to accommodate a swivel pin (7), wherein the swivel pin (7) is configured to receive the connecting member (8) for securing the steering member (15) with the coupling device (100).

10. The steering system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the turnbuckle (10) is configured to selectively displace the steering member (15) relative to an axis (B-B) in a vertical direction.

11. A vehicle comprising a steering system (200) as claimed in claim 7.

Dated this 31st of July 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA – 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT OF THE APPLICANT(S)
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT 1970

[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

[See section 10; rule 13]

TITLE: “A COUPLING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A STEERING KNUCKLE AND A STEERING MEMBER”

Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: Indian

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a steering system of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a coupling device for connecting a steering knuckle and a steering member of the steering system of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, steering and suspension systems for vehicles include a means for attaching a wheel assembly to a steering rack and a vehicle frame, respectively. The means for attachment include struts/dampers, control arms, tie rods and the like which allow steering and substantially vertical travel of the wheel assembly while keeping a tire in contact with the ground.
Typically, the wheel assembly upon moving over an undulating surface is subjected to vertical travel. However, as the control arms and the tie rod connected to the wheel assembly are rigid in nature and are of unequal lengths, the wheel assembly when subjected to vertical movement traverses a path resembling an arc as they articulate. Further, as the wheel assembly moves in an arc, the wheel assembly and the suspension systems suffer from undesirable camber change throughout the wheels articulation, as well as toe changes leading to variations in under steer and over-steer. Furthermore, as the wheel assembly articulates in an arcuate path, the vehicle cannot have a static track-width and/or wheelbase length. The lack of a static track-width causes problems with bump-steer and vehicle stability. The bump steer causes a change in vector of the wheels/tires, which alters the course of the vehicle in an unsafe manner and may cause unpredictable handling and severe over-steer or under-steer, depending on steering placement.
Fig 1 illustrates a conventional [prior art] steering system. With advancement in technology, adjustment means (24) in the tie rods (22) have been developed to overcome the negative effects of the vertical travel of the wheel assembly. The adjustment means are configured to prevent changes in camber, toe and bump steer when the wheel assembly travels in the vertical direction. The adjustments means are located at connecting portion of an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod. However, as seen in Fig. 1, the outer tie rods (22) are integrally formed with provisions that are connected to the wheel assembly (21) without any degree of adjustment and any change in the dynamics of the vehicle may lead to changes in camber, toe and bump steer which is undesired. Furthermore, as the conventional outer tie rods (22) do not have any degree of adjustment, and has a rigid structure pivotally connected to the wheel assembly, the conventional tie rods prevents any modification to the steering system which are required for enhanced steering performance of the vehicle.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional braking system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a device and a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the device and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling device for connecting a steering knuckle and a steering member of a vehicle is disclosed. The coupling device may include a hub that is connectable to the steering knuckle. The hub may be configured to accommodate at least one bearing. Further, the coupling device includes a turnbuckle that is connectable to the at least one bearing accommodated in the hub. Furthermore, the coupling device includes a swivel pin, which may be coupled to the turnbuckle. The swivel pin is connectable to an end of the steering member through a connecting member. The connecting member is configured to selectively adjust length of the steering member.

In an embodiment, the turnbuckle includes a first member, a second member and a frame. The frame may threadably engaged with a portion of the first member and the second member, where the frame is configured to selectively vary length of the turn buckle.

In an embodiment, the second member is configured to accommodate a swivel pin. The swivel pin may be configured to receive the connecting member for securing the steering member with the coupling device.

In an embodiment, the turnbuckle is configured to selectively displace the steering member relative to an axis (B-B) in a vertical direction.

In an embodiment, the coupling device includes a first circlip disposed in the hub which is configured to secure the at least one bearing in the hub. Further, the coupling device includes a second circlip disposed in the hub. The second circlip is configured to secure the turnbuckle with the at least one bearing.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a steering system of a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes a steering knuckle coupled to a wheel hub of the vehicle and a steering member. A coupling device is provisioned in the steering system for connecting the steering knuckle and the steering member. The coupling device may include a hub that is connectable to the steering knuckle. The hub may be configured to accommodate at least one bearing. Further, the coupling device includes a turnbuckle that is connectable to the at least one bearing accommodated in the hub. Furthermore, the coupling device includes a swivel pin, which may be coupled to the turnbuckle. The swivel pin is connectable to an end of the steering member through a connecting member. The connecting member is configured to selectively adjust length of the steering member to adjust bump steer of the vehicle.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figs. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a conventional steering system (prior art).

Figs. 2 illustrates a schematic view and a magnified view “A” of a steering system including a coupling device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the coupling device of Fig. 2.

Figs. 5a and 5b illustrates a schematic view of the steering system, depicting operation of the coupling device in adjusting the steering member in a horizontal axis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figs. 6a and 6b illustrates a schematic view of the steering system, depicting operation of the coupling device in adjusting the steering member in a vertical axis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7a illustrates a path traversed by the steering member upon adjustment of a length of the steering member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7b illustrates a path traversed by the steering member upon adjustment of the steering member in a vertical direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, mechanisms, methods, and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a steering system of a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes a steering knuckle coupled to a wheel hub of the vehicle and a steering member. The steering system further includes a coupling device for connecting the steering knuckle and the steering member. The coupling device includes a hub that is connectable to the steering knuckle. The hub is configured to accommodate at least one bearing. The coupling device may further include a turnbuckle that is connectable to the at least one bearing accommodated in the hub. Further, the device includes a swivel pin which is coupled to the turnbuckle, where the swivel pin is connectable to an end of the steering member through a connecting member. The connecting member and the turnbuckle are configured to selectively adjust length of the steering member and displace the steering member relative to an axis in a vertical direction, respectively, to adjust bump steer of the vehicle. Further, the at least one bearing and the swivel pin may be configured to allow flexible connection of the steering member and the knuckle such that the connection resembles a ball bearing connection.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures.2-7b. It is to be noted that the steering system and the coupling device may be employed in any vehicle including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, commercial vehicles, and any other vehicle.

Figs. 2 and 3 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which illustrates a schematic view of a steering system (200) of a vehicle. The steering system (200) may include a steering knuckle (13) coupled to a wheel hub (16) [as in Fig. 5a] of the vehicle [not shown in figures]. The steering knuckle (13) may be defined with provisions to connect with a strut or a suspension member of the vehicle and supporting control arms (14) which are included in a suspension system of the vehicle. Further, the steering system (200) may include a steering member (15) which may be connectable to the steering wheel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the steering member (15) may be including but not limited to an outer tie rod, an inner tie rod, an elongated tubular member connected to a rack of the steering system (200) and any other member capable of transmitting steering force from the steering wheel to the wheel hub (16) of the vehicle. The steering member (15) may be configured to transmit a steering force required to steer the vehicle. Further, the steering system (200) may include a coupling device (100), which may be configured to connect the steering knuckle (13) and the steering member (15). Now, the coupling device (100) is illustrated in detail, hereinafter.

As seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the coupling device (100) [hereafter referred to as device (100)] may include a hub (1) which may be connectable to the steering knuckle (13). In an embodiment, the hub (1) may include a first portion (1a) that may be defined with a void region and may be configured to receive and accommodate at least one bearing (2). Further, the hub (1) may include a groove, which may be defined in the void region. The groove [not shown] may be configured to receive a first circlip (9). The first circlip (9) upon being disposed in the groove of the hub (1) may be adapted to secure the at least one bearing (2) within in the hub (1). Additionally, the hub (1) includes a second portion (1b) extending from the first portion (1a) where, at least a part of the second portion (1b) may be defined with a tapered profile and the remaining part of the second portion (1b) may be defined with a constant cross-sectional profile. In an embodiment, the shape and size of the hub (1) may be defined as per requirement, and as per the connection required between the hub (1) and the steering knuckle (13). The second portion (1b) of the hub (1) may extend through a provision defined in the steering knuckle (13) and may facilitate in connecting the hub (1) with the steering knuckle (13). In other words. the steering knuckle (13) may be defined with the provision to receive the second portion (1b) of the hub (1), such that the tapered profile of the second portion (1b) may be configured to reside within the provision defined in the steering knuckle (13) and the constant cross-sectional profile of the second portion (1b) may extend out of the provision. The constant cross-sectional profile of the second portion (1b) extending out of the provision may be adapted to receive a connecting element such as but not limiting to a fastener, such that upon fastening, the hub (1) may be rigidly connected to the steering knuckle (13). In an embodiment, the constant cross-sectional profile of the second portion (1b) may be defined with threads to threadingly receive the fastener. Further, in an other embodiment the second portion (1b) may be welded to the steering knuckle.

Referring further to Figs. 3 and 4, the device (100) may include a turnbuckle (10), which may be connectable to the at least one bearing (2) accommodated in the hub (1) at one end. The other end of the turnbuckle (10) may be connected to the steering member (15). As apparent from Fig. 4, the turnbuckle (10) may include a first member (3), which may be connected to the at least one bearing (2). The first member (3) may be defined with an elongated profile, where one end of the first member (3) may be connected to an inner race of the at least one bearing (2). Further, the device (100) includes a second circlip (11), which may be disposed in the hub (1), particularly on a groove defined on the first member (3) of the turnbuckle (10). The second circlip (11) may be configured to secure the first member (3) of the turnbuckle (10) with the at least one bearing (2) [thus, inner race of the at least one bearing]. In an embodiment, the second circlip (11) is disposed in the groove defined on the first member (3) and may abut the surface of the at least one bearing (2) to securely connect first member (3) and the at least one bearing (2). Further, the turnbuckle (10) may include a second member (4), which may be connected to the first member (3) through a frame (5). In an embodiment, the frame (5) may be threadably engaged with a portion of the first member (3) and a portion of the second member (4). The frame (5) may be configured to selectively vary length of the turn buckle (10). In an embodiment, the frame (5) may be operable in a first direction and a second direction, to selectively vary length of the turn buckle (10). The profile of the thread defined on the first member (3) may have a direction which may be opposite to direction of the profile of the thread defined on the second member (4). For example, the first direction may correspond to a clockwise direction, such that rotation of the frame (5) in clockwise direction may displace the first member (3) and the second member (4) towards a center of the frame (5) thereby reducing the length of the turnbuckle (10) [as seen in Fig. 6a]. Further, rotation of the frame (5) in an anti-clockwise direction may displace the first member (3) and the second member (4) away from the center of the frame (5) thereby increasing the length of the turnbuckle (10) [as seen in Fig. 6b].

The rotation of the frame (5) in a first direction or a second direction may be configured to selectively vary length of the turn buckle and in-turn may selectively displace the steering member (15) relative to an axis (B-B) in a vertical direction. The displacement of the steering member (15) in the vertical direction may alter a path followed by the steering member (15) when the wheel hub (16) is subjected to a vertical movement [as seen in Fig. 7b]. The altered path of the steering member (15) may aid in mitigating bump steer, change in toe and camber of the wheels. Thereby, an operator may adjust the length of the turn buckle as per requirement.

Referring again to Figure. 4, the second member (4) of the turnbuckle (10) may include a body (6) defined with a plurality of slots (17). The plurality of slots (17) may be configured to movably house the swivel pin (7). The swivel pin (7) may be connectable to an end of the steering member (15), where a connecting member (8) may be employed to connect the swivel pin (7) and the steering member (15). In an embodiment, the swivel pin (7) may be a member capable of rotating within the body (6) of the second member (4) such that the steering member (15) may be capable of connecting to the device (100) at different orientations or at different degrees of connection. In another embodiment, the swivel pin (7) may be defined with a through hole to receive the connecting member (8) and connect the swivel pin (7) and the steering member (15). In an embodiment, the connecting member (8), may be configured to adjust the of the steering member (15). For example, upon actuating the connecting member (8) in a first direction, the connecting member (8) may be torqued into the steering member (15) and thereby decreasing the length of the steering member (15) [as seen in Fig. 5a] relative to the steering knuckle (13). Further, upon actuating the connecting member (8) in a second direction, the connecting member (8) may be torqued out of the steering member (15) and thereby increasing the length of the steering member (15) connected to the swivel pin (7) [as seen in 5b].

In an embodiment, the at least one bearing (2) and the swivel pin (7) are configured to articulate resembling a ball joint connection between steering member (15) and the knuckle (13).

Furthermore, as seen in Figs. 5a and 5b, the actuation of the connecting member (8) connecting the swivel pin (7) and the steering member (15) may be configured to selectively vary length of the steering member (15). The change in length of the steering member (15) may alter the path followed by the steering member (15) when the wheel hub (16) is subjected to a vertical movement [as seen in Fig. 7a]. The altered path of the steering member (15) may aid in mitigating bump steer, change in toe and camber of the wheels. Thereby, the operator may adjust the length of the steering member (15) by actuation the connecting member (8) as per requirement.

In an embodiment, the device (100) provides adjustment at a connection point between the steering member (15) and the steering knuckle (13), thereby enabling the operator to fine tune the dynamics of the steering system (200) to mitigate bump steer and negative effects of change in toe and camber when the vehicle drives over uneven surfaces.

In an embodiment, the connecting member (8) may be including but not limited to a fastener. As an example, the connecting member (8) may be a bolt, a screw, a threaded shaft and the like.

In an embodiment, the steering member (15) connected to the steering knuckle (13) through the device (100) may resemble a steering tie rod connected to the steering knuckle (13).

In an embodiment, a plurality of check nuts (12) may be provisioned in the device (100). The plurality of check nuts (12) may be disposed between the first member (3) and the frame (5), the second member (4) and the frame (5), and on the connecting member (8) proximal to the steering member (15). The plurality of check nuts (12) may be configured to lock the turnbuckle (10) and the connecting member (8) to prevent displacement.

In an embodiment, the plurality of circlips, may be any other temporary fastening members capable of securing the at least one bearing (2) or the turnbuckle (10) in the device (100) for example, retainer rings, snap rings and the like.

In an embodiment, the at least one bearing (2) disposed in the hub (1) of the device (100) may be including but not limited to a ball bearing, a roller bearing and any other bearing which enables rotation of the first member (3) of the turnbuckle (10).

In an embodiment, the device (100) enables adjustment of the steering dynamics for improved steering performance in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the coupling device (100) is simple in construction which results in low-cost manufacturing and easy maintenance. Further, the coupling device, enables fine tuning and adjustment of the steering system without dismantling the steering system.

In an embodiment, the coupling device (100) is compact and is configured to be retrofitted to conventional steering systems.

It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the device, system and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Device
200 System
1 Hub
1a First portion
1b Second portion
2 Bearing
3 First member
4 Second member
5 Frame
6 Body
7 Swivel pin
8 Connecting member
9 First circlip
10 Turnbuckle
11 Second circlip
12 Check nut
13 Knuckle
14 Control arm
15 Steering member
16 Wheel hub
17 Slot