DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a mounting assembly for front axle and steering system of an automobile, and more particularly to a mounting assembly for a height adjustable front axle and a steering system for a tractor.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, agricultural tractors are used to push agricultural machinery or trailers that plow or harrow fields. Agricultural implements are usually towed behind or mounted on the tractor and power form the tractor is used as a source of power if the implement is mechanized. While the tractors are effectively used to plow fields, other usages for crop care such as de-weeding, spraying and the like may not be availed by the tractor because of height of the crop, uneven terrain and the lower ground clearance of the tractor.
[003] The ground clearance of the tractor is increased in order to use the tractor for crop care activities. However, such increase in the ground clearance involves permanent changes to the axles and certain other transmission and non-transmission components of the tractors. For example, the steering system and the corresponding linkages will have to be modified permanently. At a later stage, if the user wishes to obtain original ground clearance for the tractor, then the process becomes tedious, time consuming and a costly affair.
[004] With the aforementioned backdrop, there exists a need for a mounting assembly that can support a height adjustable front axle and a steering system for a tractor.
OBJECT
[005] The principal object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a mounting assembly for a height adjustable front axle and a steering system for a tractor.
[006] Another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a height adjustable front axle assembly for a tractor.
[007] Another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a steering system for a height adjustable front axle assembly of a tractor.
[008] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1a is a front view of the mounting assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 1b is a rear view of the mounting assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2a is a sectional view of the mounting assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the steering system, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3a is an enlarged view of portion A as depicted in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following 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.
[0017] The embodiments herein achieve a mounting assembly for a height adjustable front axle and a steering system for a tractor. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1a through 3b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0018] FIGS. 1a and 1b depicts a front view and a rear view of the mounting assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the mounting assembly 10 includes a height adjustable front axle assembly 100 and a steering system 200.
[0019] In an embodiment, the front axle assembly 100 includes a first tube guide 102a, a second tube guide 102b, a mounting axle 104 (herein after tractor mounting axle 104), at least two lifting members (a first lifting member 105a (as shown in FIG. 1b), and a second lifting member 105b (as shown in FIG. 1b)), a locking mechanism (a first lock block 106a and a second lock block 106b, locking elements 107, and a plurality of bolts), and at least two wheels W1 and W2.
[0020] In an embodiment, the front axle assembly 100 includes the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b connected to the wheel W1 and W2 respectively through bottom kingpins and corresponding a first king pin brackets 103a and a second king pin brackets 103b (collectively referred as kingpin brackets). In an embodiment, the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b extends from wheels W1 and W2 in an upward direction.
[0021] In an embodiment, both the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b include a first end (not shown) which is configured to be housed inside corresponding king pin brackets 103a and 103b. In an embodiment, the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b (collectively referred as tube guides) are parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the tube guides 102a and 102b are selected from a group consisting of square, rectangle, circular, and triangular. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other cross-section for tube guide without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lifting mechanism as can be deduced from this description. In an embodiment, the tube guides 102a and 102b could be at least one of straight, and with a caster angle (both positive and negative).
[0022] In an embodiment, the front axle assembly 100 includes at least two lifting members. The at least two lifting members include the first lifting member 105a and the second lifting member 105b. In an embodiment, the first lifting member 105a and the second lifting member 105b are attached parallely to the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b respectively.
[0023] In an embodiment, each of the first lifting member 105a and the second lifting member 105b is a hydraulic lift cylinder. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other lifting mechanism such as electric drive comprising lead screw and recirculating ball type nut arrangement, hydraulic system comprising pulley and rope, chain drive and so on without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lifting mechanism as can be deduced from this description.
[0024] In an embodiment, the hydraulic lift cylinder can be attached to any side of the tube guides 102a and 102b. In an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder could be at least one of a single acting and a double acting cylinder. In an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder could be at least one of be single stage and a multi stage (telescopic) cylinder. In an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder could be connected to the tube guide by hinged attachment. In an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder could be connected to the tube guide by at least one of bolt, hinge, weld, press, and rivet.
[0025] In an embodiment, the tractor mounting axle 104 is mounted between the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b at a lower side 101a of the front end of the tractor. In an embodiment, the mounting axle 104 is configured to slide up and down. In an embodiment, the front axle assembly includes the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b attached at first end (not shown) and second end (not shown). In an embodiment, the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b (collectively referred as lock blocks) are coupled to the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b respectively. In an embodiment, when the tractor mounting axle 104 is moved, the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b move along with the tractor mounting axle 104 on the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b. In an embodiment, a front portion of a tractor body is mounted on the tractor mounting axle 104 through a pivot pin (not shown).
[0026] In an embodiment, each of the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b are configured to be secured to the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b via corresponding locking elements 107 provided on the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b. In an embodiment, the locking elements 107 are holes provided in the first and second tube guides 102a and 102b.
[0027] In an embodiment, the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b are secured to the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b via the plurality of bolts being inserted there through. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other locking/securing means to secure the lock blocks 106a and 106b onto the tube guides 102a and 102b thereby securing the tractor mounting axle 104 at a desired location without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lock blocks 106a and 106b and the locking elements 107. In an embodiment, the mounting axle 104 is held by the locking elements at a predetermined height.
[0028] In an embodiment, a locking method of the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b with the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b could be by at least one of manual, electric, and hydraulic method. In an embodiment, the locking method of the first lock block 106a and the second lock block 106b with the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b could be provided integral to tractor mounting axle 104 or could be a separate locking mechanism.
[0029] FIG. 2a is a sectional view of the mounting assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the mounting assembly 10 includes the steering system 200. In an embodiment, the steering system 200 includes a steering axle 202, a steering cylinder 204, a first connecting tie rod 206a, a second connecting tie rod 206b, a first knuckle arm 208a, a second knuckle arm 208b, a first extended king pin 210a, a second extended king pin 210b (not shown), a first intermediate shaft 212a, a second intermediate shaft 212b (not shown), a first king pin top 214a (as shown in FIG. 3a), a second king pin top 214b (not shown), a plurality of stabilizers (a first top stabilizer 216a (as shown in FIG. 3a), a second top stabilizer 216b (not shown), a first bottom stabilizer 218a (as shown in FIG. 3b), a second bottom stabilizer 218b (not shown)), a first king pin bottom 220a (as shown in FIG. 3b) and a second king pin bottom 220b (not shown). In an embodiment, the steering axle 202 interconnects the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b. In an embodiment, the steering axle 202 facilitates in mounting the steering system 200 to the front axle assembly 100.
[0030] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the steering system, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the steering axle 202 is mounted at an upper side 101b of the front end of the tractor. In an embodiment, the steering cylinder 204, the first connecting tie rod 206a and the second connecting tie rod 206b, and the first knuckle arms 208a and second knuckle arm 208b are mounted along the steering axle 202. In an embodiment, the steering cylinder 204 is secured to the steering axle 202. In an embodiment, the steering cylinder 204 is bolted to the steering axle 202. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other type of attachment of the cylinder with the steering axle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the attaching as can be deduced from this description.
[0031] In an embodiment, a first end (not shown) of each of the connecting tie rods 206a and 206b is connected to the steering cylinder 204. In an embodiment, a second end (not shown) of each of the connecting tie rods 206a and 206b is connected to the corresponding knuckle arms 208a and 208b, respectively.
[0032] In an embodiment, the steering system 200 includes the first extended king pin 210a, and the second extended king pin 210b (not shown) (collectively referred as extended kingpins). In an embodiment, each of the extended kingpins 210a and 210b are connected to the corresponding king pin top 214a and 214b (also referred as top kingpins). In an embodiment, the king pin top 214a and 214b is hinged to the steering axle 202 on both the sides through the corresponding knuckle arms 208a and 208b.
[0033] In an embodiment, the steering system 200 includes a plurality of stabilizers provided at predetermined locations of the first extended king pin 210a and the second extended king pin 210b. In an embodiment, the first extended king pin 210a is supported at top by the first top stabilizer 216a and supported at bottom by the first bottom stabilizer 218a. Similarly, the second extended king pin 210b (not shown) is supported at top by the second top stabilizer 216b and supported at bottom by the second bottom stabilizer 218b. In an embodiment, the two top stabilizers 216a and 216b, and the two bottom stabilizers 218a and 218b are provided to avoid vibrations and bending of the extended kingpins 210a and 210b.
[0034] In an embodiment, the first extended king pin 210a, the first top stabilizer 216a, the first bottom stabilizer 218a, the first intermediate shaft 212a along with two universal joints are configured to be received inside the first tube guide 102a. Similarly, the second extended king pin 210b, the second top stabilizer 216b, the second bottom stabilizer 218b, the second intermediate shaft 212b along with two universal joints are configured to be received inside the second tube guide 102b.
[0035] In an embodiment, the steering system 200 includes the first kingpin bottom 220a (as shown in Fig. 3b) and the second kingpin bottom 220b (not shown) (collectively referred as bottom kingpins). In an embodiment, the at least two wheels W1 and W2 are joined to the kingpin brackets 103a and 103b through the bottom kingpins 220a and 220b.
[0036] In an embodiment, the extended kingpins 210a and 210b connects the top kingpins 214a and 214b and the bottom king pin 220a and 220b via intermediate shaft 212a and 212b to steer the front wheels.
[0037] In an embodiment, the steering system 200 is operated by actuating the steering cylinder 204. In an embodiment, when the steering cylinder 204 is actuated, each of the connecting tie rods 206a and 206b are actuated to perform at least one of pushing action or pulling action thereby rotating the corresponding knuckle arm 208a and 208b and the king pin top 214a and 214b. In an embodiment, the rotation of the knuckle arm 208a and 208b is transmitted to the at least two wheels W1 and W2 through the extended king pin 210a and 210b via intermediate shaft 212a and 212b. In an embodiment, the first king pin top 214a and the first king pin bottom 220a are not in the same axis. Similarly, the second king pin top 214b and the second king pin bottom 220b are not in the same axis. In an embodiment, the intermediate shafts 212a and 212b are connected between the first extended kingpin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b as they do not lie in the same axes.
[0038] A method 400 for height adjustable front axle is disclosed by the embodiments herein, the method includes, actuating at least two lifting members connected between the mounting axle 104 and the steering axle 202, and operating a locking mechanism to secure the mounting axle 104 at a predetermined height between a first tube guide 102a and a second tube guide 102b. The mounting axle is configured to slide between an upper side 101b and a lower side 101a of the front end of the automobile.
[0039] A method 500 of operating a steering system is disclosed by the embodiments herein, the method includes, actuating a steering cylinder 204 secured to the steering axle 202. The steering cylinder 204 actuates a first connecting tie rod 206a and a second connecting tie rod 206b. The first connecting tie rod 206a and the second connecting tie rod 206b are actuated to perform at least one of pushing action and pulling action thereby rotating corresponding a first knuckle arm 208a and a second knuckle arm 208b. The first knuckle arm 208a and the second knuckle arm 208b rotates corresponding a first king pin top 214a and a second king pin top 214b. The first king pin top 214a and the second king pin top 214b operates a first extended kingpin 210a and a second extended kingpin 210b. The first extended kingpin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b operates corresponding a first kingpin bottom 220a and a second kingpin bottom 220b through a first intermediate shaft 212a and a second intermediate shaft 212b respectively. The first kingpin bottom 220a and the second kingpin bottom 220b operate to turn at least two wheels W1 and W2.
[0040] With the embodiments of the steering system assembly 200 as is disclosed herein, no modifications to the steering assembly or steering operation is required when the height of the tractor is varied.
[0041] 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 the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Referral numerals:
Mounting assembly 10
Front axle assembly 100
Lower side 101a
Upper side 101b
First tube guide 102a
second tube guide 102b
first king pin bracket 103a
second king pin bracket 103b
Mounting axle 104
First lifting member 105a
Second lifting member 105b
First lock block 106a
second lock block 106b
Locking elements 107
Steering system 200
Steering axle 202
Steering cylinder 204
First connecting tie rod 206a
Second connecting tie rod 206b
First knuckle arm 208a
Second knuckle arm 208b
First extended king pin 210a
Second extended king pin 210b
First intermediate shaft 212a
Second intermediate shaft 212b
First king pin top 214a
Second king pin top 214b
First top stabilizer 216a
Second top stabilizer 216b
First bottom stabilizer 218a
Second bottom stabilizer 218b
First king pin bottom 220a
Second king pin bottom 220b

,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,

1. A mounting assembly 10 for front axle and steering system of an automobile, the automobile having at least two wheels W1 and W2 provided at front end, the mounting assembly 10 comprises:
a first king pin bracket 103a and a second king pin bracket 103b attached to the at least two wheels W1 and W2 through a first kingpin bottom 220a and a second kingpin bottom 220b;
a first tube guide 102a and a second tube guide 102b connected to the first king pin bracket 103a and the second king pin bracket 103b respectively;
a mounting axle 104 coupled between the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b at a lower side 101a of the front end of the automobile;
a steering axle 202 coupled between the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b at an upper side 101b of the front end of the automobile;
at least two lifting members connected between the mounting axle 104 and the steering axle 202; and
a locking mechanism to secure the mounting axle 104 at a predetermined height between the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b;
wherein the mounting axle 104 is configured to slide between the upper side 101b and the lower side 101a of the front end of the automobile;
the steering axle facilitates in mounting a steering system.
2. The mounting assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering system 200 includes:
the steering axle 202 coupled between the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b at upper side 101b of the front end of the automobile;
a steering cylinder 204 secured to the steering axle 202;
a first end of a first connecting tie rod 206a and a first end of a second connecting tie rod 206b coupled to the steering cylinder 204;
a second end of the first connecting rod 206a and a second end of the second connecting tie rod 206b coupled to a first knuckle arm 208a and a second knuckle arm 208b respectively;
a first kingpin top 214a and a second kingpin top 214b connected to the first knuckle arm 208a and the second knuckle arm 208b respectively
a first extended kingpin 210a and a second extended kingpin 210b connected to the first kingpin top 214a and the second kingpin top 214b respectively;
a first kingpin bottom 220a and a second kingpin bottom 220b connected to the first extended kingpin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b through a first intermediate shaft 212a and a second intermediate shaft 212b respectively; and
a plurality of stabilizers disposed at predetermined location of the first extended kingpin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b.
3. The steering system 200 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of stabilizers includes:
a first top stabilizer 216a and a second top stabilizer 216b to support the first extended king pin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b at upper side 101b; and
a first bottom stabilizer 218a and a second bottom stabilizer 218b to support the first extended king pin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b at lower side 101a.
4. The mounting assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two lifting members includes:
a first lifting member 105a and a second lifting member 105b connected between the mounting axle 104 and the steering axle 202; wherein the first lifting member 105a is provided beside the first tube guide 102a and the second lifting member 105b is provided beside the second tube guide 102b;
wherein the first lifting member 105a and the second lifting member 105b is connected to the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b by at least one of bolt, hinge, weld, press, and rivet.
5. The mounting assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes:
a first lock block 106a and a second lock block 106b coupled at first end and second end of the mounting axle 104 to lock the mounting axle 104 at a predetermined height in the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b respectively;
a plurality of holes 107 defined in the first tube guide 102a and the second tube guide 102b; and
a plurality of bolts to inserted in the plurality of holes 107.
6. The steering system 200 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first extended king pin 210a, the first top stabilizer 216a, the first bottom stabilizer 218a, the first intermediate shaft 212a along with two universal joints are configured to be received inside the first tube guide 102a.
7. The steering system 200 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second extended king pin 210b, the second top stabilizer 216b, the second bottom stabilizer 218b, the second intermediate shaft 212b along with two universal joints are configured to be received inside the second tube guide 102b.
8. A method 400 for height adjustable front axle, the method comprising steps of:
actuating at least two lifting members connected between the mounting axle 104 and the steering axle 202; and
operating a locking mechanism to secure the mounting axle 104 at a predetermined height between a first tube guide 102a and a second tube guide 102b;
wherein the mounting axle is configured to slide between an upper side 101b and a lower side 101a of the front end of the automobile.
9. A method 500 of operating a steering system, the method comprising steps of:
actuating a steering cylinder 204 secured to the steering axle 202;
wherein the steering cylinder 204 actuates a first connecting tie rod 206a and a second connecting tie rod 206b;
the first connecting tie rod 206a and the second connecting tie rod 206b are actuated to perform at least one of pushing action and pulling action thereby rotating corresponding a first knuckle arm 208a and a second knuckle arm 208b;
the first knuckle arm 208a and the second knuckle arm 208b rotates corresponding a first king pin top 214a and a second king pin top 214b;
the first king pin top 214a and the second king pin top 214b operates a first extended kingpin 210a and a second extended kingpin 210b;
the first extended kingpin 210a and the second extended kingpin 210b operates corresponding a first kingpin bottom 220a and a second kingpin bottom 220b through a first intermediate shaft 212a and a second intermediate shaft 212b respectively; and
the first kingpin bottom 220a and the second kingpin bottom 220b operates to turn at least two wheels W1 and W2.

Dated: 31st August 2017 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna