Claims:

1. A relay arm assembly (100) for a multi-axle steering system (200) of a vehicle (300), the assembly (100) comprising:
a mounting bracket (2) fixedly connectable to a frame (20) of the vehicle (300);
a relay arm (1) movably connected to the mounting bracket (2), wherein, the relay arm (1) is defined with a bore (1a) to accommodate a portion of the mounting bracket (2);
a bearing assembly (101) positioned between the relay arm (1) and the mounting bracket (2), the bearing assembly (101) comprising:
a radial bearing (4) configured between an internal surface (1i) of the bore (1a) and an outer surface (1o) of the mounting bracket (2),
wherein, the radial bearing (4) is structured to receive radial load acting on the relay arm (1);
at least one axial bearing (6) configured between a first wall (9b) of the mounting bracket (2) and a second wall (7a) of the relay arm (1);
wherein, the axial bearing (6) is structured to receive clamping load of the relay arm (1) with the mounting bracket (2).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (2) is defined with a first stepped portion (9c) extending from a supporting portion (X) for accommodating the relay arm (1).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (2) is defined with a second stepped portion (9d) forward of the fist stepped portion (9c) for receiving a washer (27).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (2) is defined with a third stepped portion (9e) forward of the second stepped portion (9d) for receiving a clamping member (28).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the third stepped portion (9e) is defined with a through aperture (26) for accommodating a locking member (29).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket (2) is defined with a groove (9b1) on either sides of the first stepped portion (9c) to accommodate at least a portion of the axial bearing (6).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rely arm (1) is defined with a lip portion (7) on either ends of the bore (1a), wherein the axial bearing (6) abuts the second wall (7a) of the lip portion (7).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lip portion (7) is defined with a circumferential groove (30) to accommodate a sealing member (12).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay arm (1) is defined with a plurality of provisions (8a, 8b and 8c), each of the plurality of provisions (8a, 8b and 8c) connect the relay arm (1) to at least one of a power cylinder (15), a connecting rod (13), and a second link (14) of the multi-axle steering system (200).

10. A method of assembling a relay arm assembly (100) of a multi-axle steering system (200) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
fixedly, connecting a mounting bracket (2) to a frame (20) of the vehicle;
movably mounting a relay arm (1) to a portion of the mounting bracket (2),
wherein movably mounting the relay arm (1) comprises:
mounting a radial bearing (4) between an internal surface (1i) of a bore (1a) and an outer surface (1o) of the mounting bracket (2),
wherein, the radial bearing (4) is structured to receive radial load acting on the relay arm (1);
mounting an axial bearing (6) between a first wall (9b) of the mounting bracket (2) and a second wall (7a) of the relay arm (1),
wherein, the axial bearing (6) is structured to receive clamping load of the relay arm (1) with the mounting bracket (2).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises, configuring a clamping member (28) on a third stepped portion (9e) of the mounting bracket (2) for securing the bearing assembly (101).

12. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises, accommodating a locking member (29) through an aperture defined in a third stepped portion (9e) of the mounting bracket (2) for securing the clamping member (28) to the mounting bracket (2).

13. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises, accommodating a sealing member (12) on a circumferential groove (30) defined in the lip portion (7) of the relay arm (1).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a steering system for a multi axle vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a relay arm assembly for the steering system of a multi axle vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial vehicles such as heavy transport vehicles including buses, trucks, tippers, trailer tractors etc., are often used to haul massive loads over different terrains. Such vehicles may be required to cover long distances at relatively high speeds on the highway or make short runs in tight spaces. Steering system in such vehicles are not robust or sophisticated enough to tackle such requirements and hence affects the ability for the vehicle to corner, as well as the ability to keep the vehicle moving in a straight line rolling down the highway. Heavy vehicles are often provided with more than one axle with steerable wheels, e.g., double front axles with steerable wheels on both axles. These twin front axles increase the load carrying capacity of the vehicle and improve weight distribution of the loaded vehicle between the front axles and the rear axles, allowing the vehicle to more easily traverse roadways with loose surfaces.

The double front axle may include a first front axle and a second front axle. The first front axle is directly coupled to the steering assembly by a first link. A steering wheel may be operated by a user and the rotational movement of the steering wheel may be translated into an angular movement of the wheels by the first link and the first front axle. Further, the second front axle may also be maneuvered by the steering wheel by means of a connecting rod, relay arm assembly and a second link. Further, configuring a single connecting rod to maneuver the second front axle is not feasible and often requires additional effort from the driver in operating the steering wheel. Consequently, the relay arm assembly is used as an intermediate connecting member. The relay arm assembly connects the connecting rod extending from the steering assembly with the second link extending from the second front axle. The relay arm assembly includes a relay arm that is movably coupled to a mounting bracket. The relay arm moves or oscillates about a central axis of the mounting bracket. The relay arm is coupled with the connecting rod to the steering system and oscillates based on rotation of the steering wheel from the user. Since, the second link is also coupled to the relay arm, the movement of the connecting rod imparted by the steering assembly is transferred to the second front axle by the second link connected to the relay arm.

Conventionally, connection between the relay arm and the mounting bracket is facilitated by two taper rolling bearings. The taper roller bearings include a tapered inner and outer ring with tapered rollers arranged between them. The rollers are angled so that the surface of the rollers converge at an axis of the bearing. This allows the bearings to accept radial and axial loads from multiple directions. Further, play in conventional taper bearings facilitating the connection between the relay arm and the mounting bracket is excessive. Play in bearings may be defined as the maximum relative movement of the inner ring with respect to the outer ring in the bearing. Further, when the user operates the steering wheel, the play has to be compensated before the oscillatory motion is imparted to the relay arm by the connecting rod. Consequently, the conventional connection facilitated by the taper bearing does not often precisely translate the rotation of the steering wheel into the angular movement of the second front axle. The taper roller bearings are often suitable for high-speed applications. Further, the frictional losses are high in taper roller bearings when these are operated at low speeds. The oscillatory motion of the relay arm often occurs at low speeds and consequently, the frictional force due to the rotation of the rollers is excessive. Therefore, the driver has to put in additional effort in maneuvering the second front axle due to the frictional forces.

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

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional assembly or method are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the assembly and method 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 disclosure, a relay arm assembly for a multi-axle steering system of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly connectable to a frame of the vehicle. A relay arm is movably connected to the mounting bracket, where the relay arm is defined with a bore to accommodate a portion of the mounting bracket. Further, a bearing assembly is positioned between the relay arm and the mounting bracket. The bearing assembly comprises a radial bearing configured between an internal surface of the bore and an outer surface of the mounting bracket where, the radial bearing is structured to receive radial load acting on the relay arm. At least one axial bearing is configured between a first wall of the mounting bracket and a second wall where, the axial bearing is structured to receive clamping load of the relay arm with the mounting bracket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket is defined with a first stepped portion extending from a supporting portion for accommodating the relay arm.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket is defined with a second stepped portion forward of the fist stepped portion for receiving a washer.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket is defined with a third stepped portion forward of the second stepped portion for receiving a clamping member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the third stepped portion is defined with a through aperture for accommodating a locking member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket is defined with a groove on either sides of the first stepped portion to accommodate at least a portion of the axial bearing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the rely arm is defined with a lip portion on either ends of the bore, wherein the axial bearing abuts the second wall of the lip portion.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lip portion is defined with a circumferential groove to accommodate a sealing member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the relay arm is defined with a plurality of provisions, each of the plurality of provisions connect the relay arm to at least one of a power cylinder, a connecting rod, and a second link of the multi-axle steering system.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling a relay arm assembly with a multi-axle steering system in a vehicle s disclosed. The method comprises of fixedly connecting a mounting bracket to a frame of the vehicle. Further steps include movably mounting a relay arm to a portion of the mounting bracket where movably mounting the relay arm includes aspects of mounting a radial bearing between an internal surface of a bore and an outer surface of the mounting bracket. The radial bearing is structured to receive radial load acting on the relay arm. The final step includes mounting an axial bearing between a first wall of the mounting bracket and a second wall where, the axial bearing is structured to receive clamping load of the relay arm with the mounting bracket.

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 FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic 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 embodiment 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:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a steering system for a multi axle vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates perspective view of a relay arm assembly used in the steering system of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the relay arm assembly from Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the mounting bracket of Fig.3.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the relay arm of the relay arm assembly of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of the relay arm showing bore defined at one end of a relay arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the washer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the nut along with a pin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a cut sectional view of the relay arm assembly from Fig. 2 along an A-A axis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figure depicts 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 relay arm assembly for the steering system of the vehicle 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 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 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 or designing other assembly 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. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, as to its organization, 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.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

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

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a relay arm assembly for a steering system of multi-axle vehicle. Conventionally, the connection between the relay arm and the mounting bracket in the relay arm assembly is facilitated by two taper rolling bearings. In such a configuration, play or looseness in taper bearings is observed. Consequently, the conventional connection facilitated by the taper bearing does not often precisely translate the rotation of the steering wheel into the angular movement of the second front axle. Taper roller bearings are often suitable for high-speed applications. Further, the frictional losses are high in taper roller bearings when these are operated at low speeds.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a relay arm assembly for a multi-axle steering system of a vehicle. The assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly connectable to a frame of the vehicle. A relay arm is movably connected to the mounting bracket, where the relay arm is defined with a bore to accommodate a portion of the mounting bracket. Further, a bearing assembly is positioned between the relay arm and the mounting bracket. The bearing assembly includes a radial bearing which is configured between an internal surface of the bore and an outer surface of the mounting bracket where, the radial bearing is structured to receive radial load acting on the relay arm. Further, the bearing assembly includes at least one axial bearing which is configured between a first wall of the mounting bracket and a second wall of relay arm where, the axial bearing is structured to receive clamping load of the relay arm with the mounting bracket.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 and 9. In the figures, neither the complete vehicle nor the complete steering system has been shown for the purpose of simplicity.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a multi axle steering system (200) for a vehicle (300). The steering system (200) includes a steering wheel (16) that is coupled to a steering column (17). The steering column (17) is further connected to a steering assembly (18). The steering assembly (18) may be fixedly mounted to a frame (20) of the vehicle (300). The steering assembly (18) may include gear assemblies and hydraulic piston housed inside a cylinder. The cylinder may be coupled to a hydraulic fluid pump through a plurality of fluid flow lines (21). The gear assemblies may include a coupling member (22) and the gear assemblies of the steering assembly (18) may translate the rotary movement of the steering column (17) into an oscillatory movement of the coupling member (22). Operator or driver may rotate the steering wheel (16) in the direction intended to maneuver the vehicle (300) and such rotary movement of the steering wheel (16) may be transferred to the steering assembly (18) by the steering column (17). The gear assembly in the steering assembly (18) may convert or translate the rotary movement from the steering wheel (16) into an oscillatory motion of the coupling member (22). The coupling member (22) may be defined with a plurality of provisions for accommodating a connecting rod (13) and a first link (19). The first link (19) may be coupled to a first front axle (23) and the oscillatory movement of the coupling member (22) may be translated into a TO and FRO movement of the first link (19). The first link (19) may further be coupled to the first front axle (23) and the first front axle (23) may impart and angular movement to wheels connected to the first front axle (23). The coupling member (22) may be defined with an additional provision for accommodating one end of a connecting rod (13). The oscillatory movement of the coupling member (22) may also impart the TO and FRO movement to the connecting rod (13).

The connecting rod (13) may be coupled to a relay arm assembly (100). The relay arm assembly (100) may further be configured to house one end a second link (14), where another end of the second link (14) may be connected to a second front axle (24). The relay arm assembly (100) may act as an intermediate force transferring member for conveying the TO and FRO motion form the connecting rod (13) to the second link (14). The relay arm assembly (100) may oscillate about a first axis (A-A) and the TO and FRO movement may be imparted to the second link (14). Consequently, the second link (14) may impart an angular movement to the second front axle (24) and the wheels connected to the second front axle (24) may rotate accordingly. Further, the relay arm assembly (100) may also be defined with a provision for accommodating a power cylinder (15). The power cylinder (15) may be a hydraulic cylinder that assists in the movement of the relay arm (1) and reduces the operator’s efforts in rotating the steering wheel (16).

In an operational embodiment, when the user or driver rotates the steering wheel (16) in one direction, the steering column (17) coupled to the steering wheel (16) also rotates in the same direction. The steering column (17) is coupled to the gear assemblies in the steering assembly (18) and the rotary movement of the steering column (17) is translated into the oscillatory movement of the coupling member (22) connected to the gear assemblies of the steering assembly (18). The oscillatory movement of the coupling member (22) may impart a TO and FRO movement to the first link (19). Further, the first link (19) coupled to the first front axle (23) may impart the angular movement to the wheels of the vehicle (300) in one direction. The oscillatory movement of the coupling member (22) may also impart the TO and FRO movement to the connecting rod (13). This TO and FRO movement of the connecting rod (13) may be transferred to second link (14) by the intermediate relay arm assembly (100). The second front axle (24) coupled to the second link (14) may impart the angular movement to the wheels [not shown] connected to the second front axle (24) in one direction. Further, when the steering wheel (16) is rotated in an opposite direction, the coupling member (22), the connecting rod (13), the first and second links (19 and 14), move in an opposite direction to impart an angular movement to the wheels connected to the first front axle (23) and the second front axle (24) in an opposite direction.

The relay arm assembly (100) acts as the intermediate member which is explained in detail in Fig. 2. The relay arm assembly (100) includes a mounting bracket (2) and a relay arm (1). One end of the mounting bracket (2) may be fixedly connected to the frame (20) of the vehicle (300) and the other end of the mounting bracket (2) may be coupled to the relay arm (1). The mounting bracket (2) may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the frame (20) extends and the mounting bracket (2) may extend along a first axis (A-A).

Fig. 3 is perspective view of the mounting bracket (2) and Fig. 4 is a cut sectional view of the mounting bracket (2) along a vertical direction of the first axis (A-A). The mounting bracket (2) may include a supporting member (X) and an elongated member (Y) extending from the supporting member (X). The supporting member (X) may be a semi-conical member defined with a plurality of ribs (25) on one end, whereas the other end of the supporting member (X) may be defined with an elongated member (Y) [seen from Fig. 4]. The semi-conical shaped supporting member (X) may be hollow, and the complete mounting bracket (2) may be manufactured by methods including but not limited to casting. The mounting bracket (2) may be defined with the plurality of ribs (25) and each of the plurality of ribs (25) may include a provision for housing a connecting member. The connecting member may include but not be limited to a fastener. The fastener may be inserted through the provision defined in each of the plurality of ribs (25) and may be configured to extend through a plurality of holes defined in the frame (20) of the vehicle (300). The mounting bracket (2) may be removably connected to the frame (20) by any known methods or mechanisms in the art and the above-mentioned connecting means of configuring a fastening member through the provisions defined in the ribs (25) must not be construed as a limitation.

With further reference to Fig. 4, the mounting bracket (2) may be defined with a plurality of surfaces that vary in height or distance along the first axis (A-A). The supporting member (X) of the mounting bracket (2) may be defined with a supporting surface (9a). The supporting surface (9a) may be machined to accommodate a sealing member (12). The supporting surface (9a) may be defined at the edge or the tip of the supporting member (X) of the mounting bracket (2). Further, a first wall (9b) may be defined adjacent to the supporting surface (9a). The elongated member (Y) extending from the supporting member (X) may be of a significantly smaller diameter. Consequently, the first wall (9b) may be defined such that it extends from the surface of the elongated member (Y) to the tip of the supporting member (X). The first wall (9b) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the supporting surface (9a). Further, the point at which the elongated member (Y) extends from the supporting member (X) may be defined with a groove (9b1). The elongated member (Y) of the mounting bracket (2) may also be defined with a first stepped portion (9c). The first stepped portion (9c) also extends along the first axis (A-A). Further, the first stepped portion (9c) may be defined on the surface of the elongated member (Y) that is at a significantly lesser in diameter than the tip of the supporting member (X) of the mounting bracket (2). The distance of the first stepped portion (9c) from the first axis (A-A) may be lesser than the distance of the supporting surface (9a) from the first axis (A-A). The elongated member of the mounting bracket (2) may further be defined with a second stepped portion (9d). The second stepped portion (9d) may also extend along the first axis (A-A) and the length of the second stepped portion (9d) may be lesser than the length of the first stepped portion (9c). The diameter of the elongated member (Y) may decrease after a pre-determined length from the point of contact with the supporting member (X) to define the second stepped portion (9d). The distance of the second stepped portion (9d) from the first axis (A-A) may be lesser than the distance of the first stepped portion (9c) from the first axis (A-A). The second stepped portion (9d) may be configured to accommodate a washer (27). The diameter of the elongated member (Y) may further reduce to define a third stepped portion (9e). The third stepped portion (9e) may extend forwardly from the end of the second stepped portion (9d) to the tip of the elongated member (Y). In an embodiment, the distance of the third stepped portion (9e) along the first axis (A-A) may be lesser than the distance of the second stepped portion (9d) from the first axis (A-A). The third stepped portion (9e) may be configured to accommodate a clamping member (28). The third stepped portion (9e) may be defined with threads for accommodating the clamping member (28). Further, the tip or the end region of the elongated member (Y) may be defined with an aperture (26). The aperture (26) may accommodate a locking member (29). In some embodiments, the locking member (29) is a split pin, which will secure the clamping member (28) in position, arresting the axial movement of the clamping member (28).

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the relay arm (1) and Fig. 6 is a side view of portion of the relay arm (1) defined with a bore (1a) that includes a lip portion (7). The relay arm (1) may be defined with the bore (1a) at the top end). The bore (1a) may further include lip portions (7) on either sides of the bore (1a). The internal surfaces of the bore (1a) may be defined such that the diameter of the bore (1a) may be lesser than the diameter of the lip portion (7) [seen from Fig. 9]. Further, the distance of the internal surface of the bore (1a) from the first axis (A-A) is lesser than the distance of the internal surface along the lip portion (7) from the first axis (A-A). The lip portions (7) may further be defined with a circumferential groove (30) for accommodating a sealing member (12). Further, the difference in internal diameter of the bore (1a) and the lip portions (7) defines a second wall (7a) [seen from Fig. 9]. The change in diameter between the bore (1a) to the lip portions (7) may define two second walls (7a) along the internal surface (1i) of the bore (1a).

With further reference to Fig. 2, multiple provisions may be defined on the relay arm (1) for accommodating the connecting rod (13), the second link (14) and the power cylinder (15) of the multi-axle steering assembly. The relay arm (1) may be of a zig zag or an “Z” shaped configuration. The relay arm (1) may be defined with a first provision (8a) for accommodating one end of the power cylinder (15). The relay arm (1) may also be defined with a second provision (8b) and a third provision (8c) for accommodating one end of the connecting rod (13) and one end of the second link (14) respectively. The first, second and the third provision (8a, 8b and 8c) may be equidistant form each other. The power cylinder (15) may impart some force or may assist in the movement of the relay arm (1) and thereby reduce the effort from the driver or the operator in maneuvering the second front axle (24). Since, the connecting rod (13) and the second link (14) are connected to the same member i.e., the relay arm (1), the TO and FRO movement from the connecting rod (13) is translated to an oscillatory movement of the relay arm (1). The relay arm (1) oscillates about the first axis (A-A) and this oscillatory movement is further translated into the TO and FRO movement of the second link (14). Further, the bore (1a) of the relay arm (1) may be movably housed by the elongated member of the mounting bracket (2) and the oscillatory movement of the relay arm (1) may be facilitated by a bearing assembly (101).

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the washer (27) and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the clamping member (28) along with the locking member (29). The washer (27) may be defined with a provision along the central region and the provision may accommodate the elongated member (Y) of the mounting bracket (2). Further, the diameter of the provision may be equal or slightly larger than the diameter of the second stepped portion (9d) of the elongated member (Y). The diameter of the provision defined in the washer (27) may be configured to be lesser than the diameter of the first stepped portion (9c) of the elongated member (Y) such that the washer (27) is accommodated on the second stepped portion (9d) of the elongated member (Y) in the mounting bracket (2). Further, the overall diameter of the washer (27) may be equal to the diameter of the supporting surface (9a) defined on the supporting member (X) of the mounting bracket (2) or the distance from the tip of the washer (27) to the first axis (A-A) may be equal to the distance of the supporting surface (9a) from the first axis (A-A).

With further reference to Fig. 8, the clamping member (28) may also be defined with a provision. The internal surfaces of the clamping member (28) defining the provision may be threaded. The threads defined to the clamping member (28) may be configured to mesh with the threads defined on the third stepped portion (9e) of the mounting bracket (2). The diameter of the provision defined in the clamping member (28) maybe equal to the diameter of the third stepped portion (9e) of the mounting bracket (2). The clamping member (28) may be a nut and the shape of the clamping member (28) may include but not be limited to a hexagonal shape. Further, an outer surface of the clamping member (28) may be defined with a protrusion (28a) and the protrusion (28a) may be defined with a plurality of through holes (28b). Each of the plurality of holes (28b) may be configured at a pre-determined angle, including but not limited to 600 apart from each other. Further, the holes (28b) on the protrusion (28a) may accommodate the locking member (29) and provide a positive locking arrangement for the relay arm assembly (100). The locking member (29) may be a split pin.

Now referring to Fig. 9 which shows a cut sectional view of the relay arm assembly (100) of Fig. 2 along the vertical direction of the first axis (A-A). The oscillatory movement of the relay arm (1) with respect to the mounting bracket (2) may be facilitated by the bearing assembly (101). The bearing assembly (101) may include a plurality of axial bearings (6) and a plurality of radial bearings (4). The axial bearing (6) may further be categorized into a first and second axial bearings (6a and 6b). The sealing member (12) may be initially positioned inside the circumferential groove (30) defined along the lip portion (7). The first axial bearings (6a) may be positioned or abutted against the first wall (9b) of the mounting bracket (2). The first axial bearing (6a) may be positioned in the groove (9b1) defined at the point where the elongated member (Y) extends from the supporting member (X). The relay arm (1) may be further glided though the elongated member (Y) and may be positioned on the mounting bracket (2), such that one of the lip portions (7) defined in the bore (1a) is accommodated on the supporting surface (9a) defined at the tip of the supporting surface (9a) of the mounting bracket (2). The supporting surface (9a) of the mounting bracket (2) may accommodate one of the lip portions (7) and the sealing member (12) housed inside the circumferential groove (30) defined on the lip portion (7). Further, as the relay arm (1) is glided through the elongated member (Y), the second wall (7a) of the lip portion (7) causes the first axial bearing (6a) to be firmly abut against the first wall (9b) of the mounting bracket (2). The first axial bearing (6a) may be positioned to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (A-A). When the relay arm (1) is assembled with the mounting bracket (2), the first axial bearing (6a) may be accommodated such that the first axial bearing (6a) lies between the first wall (9b) of the mounting bracket (2) and the second wall (7a) of the lip portion (7). Further, the radial bearings (4) may be positioned on the first stepped portion (9c) of the elongated member (Y) by means of suitable tools. The radial bearing (4) may be positioned to lie between the outer surface (1o) of the mounting bracket (2) and the internal surface (1i) of the bore (1a) defined in the relay arm (1) and the radial bearings (4) may be configured to extend along to the first axis (A-A) which is central axis of the mounting bracket (2). The number of radial bearings (4) positioned on the first stepped portion (9c) of the mounting bracket (2) may be at least one. Once, the radial bearings (4) are positioned on the first stepped portion (9c), the second axial bearings (6b) may also be positioned on the first stepped portion (9c) of the mounting bracket (2). As seen from Fig. 9, the dimensions of the bore (1a) may be configured such that the diameter change between the bore (1a) and the lip portions (7) occurs just before the end of the first stepped portion (9c) of the mounting bracket (2). The length of the bore (1a) may be lesser than the length of the first stepped portion (9c) of the mounting bracket (2). Further, the first and second walls (9b and 7a) may accommodate the first and the second axial bearings (6a and 6b). The dimensions of the bore (1a) may be configured such that the second axial bearing (6b) is abutted against the second wall (7a). The second wall (7a) may be defined by the change in diameter between the bore (1a) and the lip portion (7). The sealing member (12) may further be inserted in the circumferential groove (30) defined in the lip portion (7) of the bore (1a). In an embodiment, the sealing member (12) may be a sealing ring of polyurethane, silicone or any of the sealing members known in the art. The sealing members (12) prevent the entry of dust particles or other impurities towards the bearing assembly (101) and thereby improve the overall operational life of the bearing assembly (101). In an embodiment, the radial and axial bearings (4 and 6) may be needle bearings. Needle bearings have a greater surface area in contact with the mounting bracket (2) and the bore (1a). the needle bearings support a greater load, and the above-mentioned bearing assembly (101) does not require periodic lubrication.

Further, the washer (27) may be inserted though the elongated member (Y) to be housed on the second stepped portion (9d) of the mounting bracket (2). The washer (27) may abut against the second axial bearing (6b) and a clamping member (28) may further be inserted on the elongated member (Y) of the mounting bracket (2). The clamping member (28) may be tightened and may be fixedly secured to the elongated member (Y) by the threads defined in the clamping member (28) and the third stepped portion (9e) of the elongated member (Y). The locking member (29) may further be inserted through the aperture (26) such that the locking member (29) traverses through the elongated member (Y) and the hole (28b) defined on the protrusion (28a) of the clamping member (28). Thus, the locking member (29) may ensure positive locking to the relay arm assembly (100).

In an operational embodiment, when the operator rotates the steering wheel (16), the steering column (17) rotates, and this rotary movement is transferred to the steering assembly (18). The gear assembly in the steering assembly (18) may convert or translate the rotary movement from the steering wheel (16) into an oscillatory motion of the coupling member (22). The coupling member (22) accommodating the connecting rod (13) and the first link (19) translates the oscillatory movement into a TO and FRO movement of the first link (19) and the connecting rod (13). The connecting rod (13) coupled to a relay arm assembly (100), imparts the oscillatory movement to the relay arm (1). The radial bearings (4) may be structured to receive the radial load as the relay arm (1) rotates about the first axis (A-A). Further, the axial bearings (6a and 6b) are structured to receive the clamping load imparted by the clamping member (28). The above configuration of the bearing assembly (101) comprising the radial and axial bearings (4 and 6) have zero play. Play in bearings may be defined as the maximum relative movement of the bearing. Consequently, the rotations imparted by the operator are precisely translated to the second link (14) by the relay arm assembly (100) and the frictions losses in the above configuration are also minimal.

In an embodiment, the bearing assembly (101) reduces the frictional losses and further reduces the operator’s effort in operating the steering wheel (16).

In an embodiment, the bearing assembly (101) offers zero play and ensures the rotations imparted by the operator through the steering wheel (16) are precisely translated to the angular movement of the wheels.

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, 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 description 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, 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."

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 in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Referral numerals Description
1 Relay arm
1a Bore
2 Mounting bracket
4 Radial bearing
6 Axial bearing
6a First axial bearing
6b Second axial bearing
7 Lip portion
7a Second wall
8 Provision on the relay arm
8a First provision
8b Second provision
8c Third provision
9a Supporting surface
9b First wall
9c First stepped portion
9d Second stepped portion
9e Third stepped portion
12 Sealing member
13 Connecting rod
14 Second link
15 Power cylinder
16 Steering wheel
17 Steering column
18 Steering assembly
19 First link
20 Frame
22 Coupling member
23 First front axle
24 Second front axle
25 Ribs
27 Washer
28 Clamping member
28a Protrusion
28b Hole
29 Locking member
30 Circumferential groove
100 Relay arm assembly
200 Multi axle steering system
300 Vehicle