Claims:We Claim:
1. A kingpin assembly (100) for connecting a stub axle (201) with an axle beam (202) in a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a kingpin (1), accommodated in a bore defined in the stub axle (201) and the axle beam (202) to connect the axle beam (202) and the stub axle (201); and
a securing mechanism (2) to connect either ends of the kingpin (1) with the stub axle (201), wherein securing mechanism (2) provided at either ends comprises:
a bushing (3) disposed in the bore defined in the stub axle (201) co-axial to the kingpin (1);
an end cap (4), engageable with the kingpin (1); and
a wiper seal (5) disposed around the kingpin (1), the wiper seal (5) is positioned between the axle beam (202) and the busing, wherein a sealing lip (6) of the wiper seal (5) contacts the kingpin (1) to provide ingress protection.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bushing (3) is made of a polymeric material.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bushing (3) is internally machined to define a profile for accommodating lubricant.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end cap (4) comprises:
a body (8), accommodated in a receiving portion (9) defined in the stub axle (201), the body (8) selectively engages with at least a portion of the bushing (3) and the kingpin (1); and
a flange (10), radially extending from the body (8), the flange (10) is accommodated in a first groove (11) defined in the stub axle (201), away from the bore accommodating the kingpin (1).

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the body (8) of the end cap (4) is defined with a ridge to accommodate a sealing member, for sealing contact between the stub axle (201) and the end cap (4).

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, comprises a retainer ring (13), accommodated on the flange (10) of the end cap (4) and secured within a second groove (12) defined in the stub axle (201), wherein the retainer ring (13) is configured to engage and restrict displacement of at least a portion of the flange (10) from the first groove (11).

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wiper seal (5) comprises a sealing wall (7), extending relative to the kingpin (1), wherein the sealing wall (7) is configured to define a cavity with the sealing lip (6), to receive foreign particles engaging the kingpin (1) and provide ingress protection.

8. A wheel axle (200) of a vehicle, the wheel axle (200) comprising:
an axle beam (202);
a stub axle (201), connectable to the axle beam (202); and
a kingpin assembly (100), for connecting the stub axle (201) with the axle beam (202) in the vehicle, the assembly comprising:
a kingpin (1), accommodated in a bore defined in the stub axle (201) and the axle beam (202) to connect the axle beam (202) and the stub axle (201); and
a securing mechanism (2) to connect either ends of the kingpin (1) with the stub axle (201), wherein securing mechanism (2) provided at either ends comprises:
a bushing (3) disposed in the bore defined in the stub axle (201) co-axial to the kingpin (1);
an end cap (4), engageable with the kingpin (1); and
a wiper seal (5) disposed around the kingpin (1), the wiper seal (5) is positioned between the axle beam (202) and the busing, wherein a sealing lip (6) of the wiper seal (5) contacts the kingpin (1) to provide ingress protection.

9. The wheel axle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bushing (3) is internally machined to define a profile for accommodating a lubricant.

10. The wheel axle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the end cap (4) comprises:
a body (8), accommodated in a receiving portion (9) defined in the stub axle (201), the body (8) selectively engages with at least a portion of the bushing (3) and the kingpin (1); and
a flange (10), radially extending from the body (8), the flange (10) is accommodated in a first groove (11) defined in the stub axle (201), away from the bore accommodating the kingpin (1).

11. The wheel axle (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the body (8) of the end cap (4) is defined with a ridge to accommodate a sealing member, for sealing contact between the stub axle (201) end cap (4).

12. The wheel axle (200) as claimed in claim 10, comprises a retainer ring (13), accommodated on the flange (10) of the end cap (4) and secured within a second groove (12) defined in the stub axle (201), wherein the retainer ring (13) is configured to engage and restrict displacement of at least a portion of the flange (10) from the first groove (11).

13. The wheel axle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wiper seal (5) comprises a sealing wall (7), extending relative to the kingpin (1), wherein the sealing wall (7) is configured to define a cavity with the sealing lip (6), to receive foreign particles engaging the kingpin (1) and provide ingress protection.

14. A vehicle comprising a wheel axle (200) as claimed in claim 9.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a wheel assembly of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a kingpin assembly for connecting a stub axle with an axle beam of the wheel assembly in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wheel assembly in vehicles is generally includes a stub axle, which is configured to couple an axle beam to a wheel hub of the vehicle, for suitably maneuvering the vehicle. The stub axle may be coupled between the axle beam and the wheel hub in such a way that a shaft of the stub axle is configured to receive the wheel hub to imparted rotational motion. The stub axle may be couple to the axle beam by means of a kingpin assembly. The kingpin assembly may rigidly connect the stub axle and the axle beam about a transverse axis.

Generally, the stub axle is defined with a bore at a central section to accommodate the axle beam. Further, a kingpin of the kingpin assembly may be inserted through one opening defined at a lateral section of the stub axle, where such kingpin is passed through the axle beam to be received at an other opening in the stub axle. The kingpin is configured to resemble a fulcrum for imparting and/or during relative movement between the axle beam and the stub axle. With such configuration of the kingpin, the kingpin assembly may require necessary lubrication in order to maintain low friction between the kingpin, the stub axle, and the axle beam. For such requirement, generally a bushing may be included in the opening of the stub axle and circumferentially engageable with the kingpin. The bushing may be machined to include a plurality of holes that may be fluidly connected with a lubricating hole defined in the stub axle, for periodically lubricating the kingpin, the stub axle, and the axle beam. Without such lubrication, the kingpin and/or the bushing may be subjected to wear, resulting in requiring for replacement of components.

Additionally, conventional kingpin assembly may be exposed to foreign particles at junctions including, but not limited to, the bushing and the axle beam, the kingpin and the opening in the stub, and the kingpin and the bushing. Such foreign particles may also mix with the lubricant between the kingpin and bushing, whereby increasing friction at such junction which may in-turn result in at leas one of damage, requirement for servicing or failure of such components. With advent of technology, though various sealing members have been developed for inhibiting entry of the foreign particles into the kingpin assembly, such sealing members may either be expensive or increase complexity during assembling process. Also, manufacturing of the bushing with such plurality of holes and corresponding lubricating hole in the stub axle may also add to manufacturing costs.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY

One or more shortcomings of the limitations stated above are overcome by a kingpin assembly and a wheel axle as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the assembly and the wheel axle as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and 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 kingpin assembly for connecting a stub axle with an axle beam in a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a kingpin, accommodated in a bore defined in the stub axle and the axle beam to connect the axle beam and the stub axle. Further, a securing mechanism is included in the assembly to connect either ends of the kingpin with the stub axle. The securing mechanism provided at either ends includes a bushing, which is disposed in the bore defined in the stub axle co-axial to the kingpin. The securing mechanism further includes an end cap, which is engageable with the kingpin, and is configured to secure the kingpin with the stub axle. Also, a wiper seal is disposed around the kingpin, where the wiper seal is positioned between the axle beam and the busing. The wiper seal includes a sealing lip which contacts the kingpin to provide ingress protection.

In an embodiment, the bushing is made of a polymeric material. Further, the bushing is internally machined to define a profile for accommodating lubricant.

In an embodiment, the end cap of the assembly includes a body, structured to be accommodated in a receiving portion defined in the stub axle. The body is configured to selectively engage with at least a portion of the bushing and the kingpin. Further, a flange radially extends from the body, so that the flange is accommodated in a first groove defined in the stub axle, away from the bore accommodating the kingpin. Also, the body of the end cap is defined with a ridge to accommodate a sealing member, for sealing the contact between the stub axle end cap.

In an embodiment, the assembly further includes a retainer ring, which is accommodated on the flange of the end cap and secured within a second groove defined in the stub axle. The retainer ring is configured to engage and restrict displacement of at least a portion of the flange from the first groove.

In an embodiment, the wiper seal includes a sealing wall, that extends relative to the kingpin. The sealing wall is configured to define a cavity with the sealing lip, to receive foreign particles engaging the kingpin and provide ingress protection.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheel axle of a vehicle is disclosed. The wheel axle includes an axle beam, and a stub axle connectable to the axle beam. The wheel axle further includes a kingpin assembly, for connecting a stub axle with an axle beam in a vehicle. The kingpin assembly includes a kingpin, accommodated in a bore defined in the stub axle and the axle beam to connect the axle beam and the stub axle. Further, a securing mechanism is included in the assembly to connect either ends of the kingpin with the stub axle. The securing mechanism provided at either ends includes a bushing, which is disposed in the bore defined in the stub axle co-axial to the kingpin. The securing mechanism further includes an end cap, which is engageable with the kingpin, and is configured to secure the kingpin with the stub axle. Also, a wiper seal is disposed around the kingpin, where the wiper seal is positioned between the axle beam and the busing. The wiper seal includes a sealing lip which contacts the kingpin to provide ingress protection.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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 ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a wheel axle of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a magnified view of a portion A of the wheel axleassembly of the FIG. 1 showing stub axle and wheel hub.

FIG. 3 illustrates a magnified view of Portion B in FIG. 2 showing a king pin assembly to connect the stub axle and the axle beam of the wheel axle.

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 structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

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, mechanisms, systems, and assemblies 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, both as to its mechanism and assembly, 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 an assembly, a mechanism, 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 an assembly or a system is proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the wheel hub assembly.

Embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a wheel axle of a vehicle. The wheel axle includes an axle beam and a stub axle connectable to the axle beam. The wheel axle further includes a kingpin assembly, for connecting the stub axle with the axle beam in the vehicle. The kingpin assembly includes a kingpin, accommodated in a bore defined in a stub axle and an axle beam to connect the axle beam and the stub axle. Further, a securing mechanism is included in the assembly to connect either ends of the kingpin with the stub axle. The securing mechanism provided at either ends includes a bushing, which is disposed in the bore defined in the stub axle co-axial to the kingpin. The securing mechanism further includes an end cap, which is engageable with the kingpin, and is configured to secure the kingpin with the stub axle. Also, a wiper seal is disposed around the kingpin, where the wiper seal is positioned between the axle beam and the busing. The wiper seal includes a sealing lip which contacts the kingpin to provide ingress protection. With such configuration of the kingpin assembly, ingress protection is achieved along with minimal or no requirement for supply of lubricant between the kingpin assembly, the stub axle, and the axle beam.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment which illustrate schematic view of a wheel axle (200) of a vehicle [not illustrated in figures]. The wheel axle (200) may be employed at either ends of the vehicle and may be configured to accommodate a defined number of wheels thereon. In an embodiment, the axle beam (202) may be configured to support wheels of the vehicle in maneuvering, and may be free from receiving and in-turn transmitting power received from a powertrain or a prime mover of the vehicle.

Referring now to Fig. 2, which illustrates a sectional view of Portion A indicated in Fig. 1, where Portion A corresponds to connection junction of the wheel axle (200). Here, the axle beam (202) of the wheel axle (200) is connected to a wheel hub, via a stub axle (201). The wheel hub may be configured to receive at least one wheel, for controlling movement of the vehicle. The axle beam (202) is configured to transmit torque to the stub axle (201), while the wheel hub may be disposed on a bearing of the stub axle (201) for free rotational movement. . The axle beam (202) is connected to the stub axle (201) by a kingpin assembly (100). In the illustrative embodiment, the stub axle (201) is defined with a central cavity (15), which is configured to accommodate the axle beam (202). The stub axle (201) may also be defined with bores on lateral surfaces, where such bores are defined on either sides of the central cavity (15) and are coaxial with one another. The kingpin assembly (100) includes a kingpin (1) which is connectable to the stub axle (201) about the bores of the stub axle (201). The kingpin (1) may be inserted from one of the bores in the lateral surface of the stub axle (201) and may be introduced to other bore by passing through the central cavity (15). That is, the kingpin (1) may be configured to anchor and retain the axle beam (202) in the central cavity (15) of the stub axle (201), when being accommodated in the bores at each of the lateral surfaces of the stub axle (201). With that, the axle beam (202) may be restricted from axial movement relative to the stub axle (201), while the kingpin (1) may ensure pivotal motion be transmitted from the axle beam (202) to the stub axle (201).

Turning to Fig. 3, the kingpin assembly (100) may further include a securing mechanism (2) to retain the kingpin (1) within the stub axle (201). The securing mechanism (2) includes a bushing (3), which may be disposed in each of the bores in the stub axle (201) such that, minimal or no contact between the kingpin (1) and the stub axle (201) be maintained in order to avert wear or application of shear pressure therebetween. The bushing (3) may be coaxial with the kingpin (1) and may circumferentially accommodate the kingpin (1) within the bore of stub axle (201). In an embodiment, the bushing (3) may be secured within the bore of the stub plate prior inserting the kingpin (1). An internal surface of the bushing (3) may be subjected to machining process including, but not limited to, boring, groove cutting, and any other process that may suitably allow receiving and securing the kingpin (1). The internal surface of the bushing (3) may be applied with a defined quantity of lubricant such as, but not limited to, machine grease, anti-friction oil, and any other lubricant that reduces friction between the bushing (3) and the kingpin (1). Such application of lubrication may be retained due to machining of the internal surface of the bushing (3), whereby mitigating requirement of continuous or periodic lubrication. In the illustrative embodiment, the bushing (3) is made from polymer material, however, other material for the bushing (3) may also be at least one of metallic, graphite, carbon fiber, and any material capable of reducing friction and retaining lubricant being applied.

The securing mechanism (2) of the kingpin assembly (100) may further include a wiper seal (5), which may be disposed around the kingpin (1). The wiper seal (5) may be positioned between the axle beam (202) and the busing at ends of the bore in the stub axle (201) proximal to the central cavity (15). The wiper seal (5) includes a sealing lip (6) and a sealing wall (7), with which section view of the wiper seal (5) may resemble at least one of “H”, “U”, “V”, “W” or any profile capable of engaging the kingpin (1) and the bore of the stub axle (201). The sealing wall (7) may be adapted to engage surface of the stub axle (201) about the bore, while abutting a surface of the bushing (3) which may be proximal to the central cavity (15) of the stub axle (201). Further, the sealing lip (6) of the wiper seal (5) may be configured to engage the kingpin (1) such that, the sealing lip (6) may wipe or scrape foreign particles that may be deposited on the kingpin (1) during movement of the vehicle, due to splashing or accumulation from surroundings of the vehicle. The sealing lip (6) of the wiper seal (5) may contact the kingpin (1) to provide ingress protection. Additionally, the sealing wall (7) is configured to define a cavity with the sealing lip (6), to receive the foreign particles that may be deposited on the kingpin (1) and wiped by the sealing lip (6), to provide ingress protection.

Referring again to Fig. 3, the securing mechanism (2) also includes an end cap (4), that may be engageable with the kingpin (1). The end cap (4) may be configured to secure the kingpin (1) with the stub axle (201), where the end cap (4) may be selectively accommodated in the bore of the stub axle (201) for securing the kingpin (1). Further, the body (8) of the end cap (4) may be equipped with a fastening means including at least one of a threaded portion, a key element, an adhesive receiving portion, snap locking, and any other means, for engaging and securing the kingpin (1) within the stub axle (201). In an embodiment, the stub axle (201) may be defined with a receiving portion (9), which may either be from the lateral surface of the stub axle (201) or defining from the bore of the stub axle (201). The receiving portion (9) of the stub axle (201) may include a first groove (11), a second groove (12) and ridge, away from the central cavity (15) of the stub axle (201). The first groove (11), the second groove (12) and the ridge may form a step-like-pattern for selectively accommodating the end cap (4). The end cap (4) may include a body (8), which may be accommodated in the receiving portion (9). The body (8) may selectively engage with at least a portion of the bushing (3) and the kingpin (1). The end cap (4) may further include a flange (10), which may radially extend from the body (8). The flange (10) may be accommodated in the first groove (11) and may be positioned away from the bore accommodating the kingpin (1). By accommodating the flange (10) in the first groove (11), the end cap (4) may enclose the kingpin (1) within the bushing (3) and in-turn the bore of the stub axle (201). With such configuration of the flange (10), requirement of accommodating the wiper seal (5) prior the end cap (4) may be mitigated, whereby reducing assembly time and costs associated therewith. In an embodiment, a retainer ring (13) may be accommodated on the flange (10) of the end cap (4), to secure the flange (10) and in-turn the end cap (4) within the second groove (12) defined in the stub axle (201). The retainer ring (13) may be configured to engage and restrict displacement of at least a portion of the flange (10) from the first groove (11).

In an embodiment, the body (8) of the end cap (4) may be defined with a provision (14) such as a machine centre, configured to receive a sealing element including, but not limited to, a sealing ring (16), O-ring, retainer clamp, and any other element capable of providing ingress protection at the receiving portion (9) of the stub axle (201). With that, requirement of providing the wiper seal 5 between the kingpin (1) and the end cap (4) may be mitigated, thereby making the kingpin assembly (100) robust and compact.

In an embodiment, the kingpin assembly (100) mitigates requirement of multiple wiper seal (5), which may reduce cost and assembling lead time.

In an embodiment, the kingpin assembly (100) provides ingress protection to the kingpin (1) from each end, that is, from the central cavity (15) of the stub axle (201) and from the receiving portion (9) of the stub axle (201).

Equivalents:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
Kingpin assembly 100
Wheel axle 200
Stub axle 201
Axle beam 202
Kingpin 1
Securing mechanism 2
Bushing 3
End cap 4
Wiper seal 5
Sealing lip 6
Sealing wall 7
Body 8
Receiving portion 9
Flange 10
First groove 11
Second groove 12
Retainer ring 13
Provision 14
Central cavity 15
Sealing ring 16