[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to an assembly for mounting a steering gear on a tubular suspension frame.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Steering gear refers to the mechanical devices used to steer the car. These steering gears are mounted on a tubular cross member of a suspension frame. As the steering of the automobile is in the front, so the steering gear is mounted on the front suspension frame.
[0003] The suspension frame is either a flat structure with lower panel and upper panel or a tubular structure running transversely across the width of the automobile. In the existing technology, in automobiles having tubular suspension frame as shown in FIG. 1, stamped sheet metal bracket (saddle type) 102 is welded on the suspension frame 104 and is used to mount a steering gear 106 on the suspension frame 104.
[0004] Due to the process related variation, the position of the steering mount in the bracket 102 is susceptible to huge variation. Basically, the source of variation comes during stamping (surface variation), welding (distortion), and positioning of the bracket 102 in the jigs. These variations in combination can deteriorate part tolerance and demand a huge tolerance band.
[0005] In other words, the bracket 102 type mount suffers from surface variation and welding-related distortion which ultimately increases the tolerance band of the steering mount hard point.
[0006] The prior art CN106585721 discloses steering gear mounted to sub-frame through mounting bush and bolt. A hole is formed in a sub-frame in which a reinforcing pipe is inserted. The reinforcing pipe is provided with an annular flange that is pressed against the hole on the top surface of the sub-frame. The prior art though lacks in providing any fastening mechanism and rather the pipe acts as a reinforcement member. The pipe lacks the threaded portion for enhanced gripping of the coupled structure.
[0007] The prior arts specifically are deficient in terms of providing an assembly to overcome the drawbacks encountered during stamping and welding of different parts. Moreover, in the case of a re-positioning, the entire structure is to be distorted. Such assembly structure of the existing technology fails to provide a sturdy assembly. Further, welding distortions widely exists and the part tolerance is increased. Due to this, the steering gear mount requires a huge tolerance band. Thus, there is a need for a mounting assembly with precise tolerance band and rigid fitment.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior method/product/apparatus.
[0009] It is a primary object of the present disclosure to provide an assembly with a precise tolerance band and no surface variation compared to the stamped part.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a precise mounting of the steering gear and thereby achieving better control of steering hard point.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a sleeve that can be accurately positioned by welding jigs due to a simple circular profile.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a collar in the sleeve that has a larger bearing surface which can withstand higher clamp loads while fastening which provides a sturdy and rigid joint.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the same mounting assembly that can be used even if connection points are changed, hence reducing overall manufacturing cost.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0015] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0016] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of configuration with inventive components forming an assembly with precise tolerance band, precise mounting of the steering gear, eliminating the welding distortion and providing a sturdy structure.
[0017] The present disclosure discloses an assembly for mounting a steering gear on a tubular suspension frame including a sleeve, a crescent-shaped object, and a bolt.
[0018] In an aspect, the tubular suspension frame is positioned parallel to the steering gear and transversely along the width of the automobile.
[0019] In an aspect, the sleeve is inserted into a hole formed in the tubular suspension frame and is welded circumferentially onto the tubular suspension frame throughout a mating face of the sleeve. A collar projection of the sleeve protrudes outside the surface of the tubular suspension frame.
[0020] In an aspect, the crescent-shaped object has two distinct ends. A first end of the crescent-shaped object with an arc shaped structure is welded to the steering gear and a second end projection with a tubular structure is fastened with the collar of the sleeve.
[0021] In another aspect, the sleeve is inserted into a hole formed in the tubular suspension frame.
[0022] In another aspect, the sleeve comprises threaded projections internally.
[0023] In another aspect, the first end of the crescent-shaped object with the arc shaped structure is configured to perform as a rigid link.
[0024] In yet another aspect, a bolt is inserted into the tubular structure to fasten the tubular structure with the collar of the sleeve.
[0025] In another aspect, the collar possesses an increased bearing surface configured to withstand higher clamp loads while fastening.
[0026] In yet another aspect, the tubular suspension frame is a front suspension frame.
[0027] 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 DRAWINGS
[0028] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the existing assembly in the prior art;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an isometric view of the assembly of the present disclosure as seen from vehicle front;
[0031] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an isometric view of the assembly of the present disclosure as seen from vehicle back;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a sleeve of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a crescent-shaped object of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 6A is a schematic illusstration of the assembly of the present disclosure; and
[0035] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the fastening of the crescent-shaped object and the collar of the sleeve in tubular suspension frame.
[0036] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily 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
[0037] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures 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.
[0038] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, 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 system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly 200 for mounting a steering gear 202 on a tubular suspension frame 204 of an automobile. The tubular suspension frame 204 is a front tubular suspension frame which is positioned parallel to the steering gear 202 and transversely along the width of the automobile.
[0040] The tubular suspension frame 204 is formed with a hole in which a sleeve 206 is inserted.
[0041] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the sleeve 206 is having a mating face 302 which is welded circumferentially onto the tubular suspension frame 204, so as to provide a rigid connection between the sleeve 206 and the tubular suspension frame 204.
[0042] In an aspect, the sleeve 206 is inserted into the hole formed in the tubular suspension frame 204 so as to form the mating portion 302 (i.e., welded connection at two opposite surfaces) of the tubular suspension frame 204 and a collar 304 protruding outside the surface of the tubular suspension frame 204.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve 206. The sleeve 206 internally includes threaded projections for fastening purposes. The collar 304 possesses an increased bearing surface configured to withstand higher clamp loads while fastening.
[0044] Referring back to FIG. 2, the assembly 200 for mounting the steering gear 202 on a tubular suspension frame 204 in an automobile is illustrated. After the insertion of the sleeve 206 into the tubular suspension frame 204 with the collar 304 of the sleeve 206 protruding outside, a crescent-shaped object 208 connects the tubular suspension frame 204 and the steering gear 202.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates that the crescent-shaped object 208 has two distinct ends. A first end of the crescent-shaped object 208 has an arc shaped structure 502 and a second end projection has a tubular structure 504 with a cavity 506.
[0046] Referring back to FIG. 2, in the assembly 200 for mounting the steering gear 202 on the tubular suspension frame 204, the first end of the crescent-shaped object 208 is welded to the steering gear 202. The arc shaped structure 502 welded with the steering gear 202 provides or acts as a rigid link catering to the stiffness requirements of the assembly 200. The cresent-shaped object 208 is derived as to connect a rack axis with a sleeve axis, thereby maintaining the suspension hard points in the automobile.
[0047] The second end projection with the tubular structure 504 is fastened with the collar 304 of the sleeve 206.
[0048] Further, in an aspect, in the cavity 506 of the the tubular structure 504, a bolt 210 is inserted to fasten the tubular structure 504 with the collar 304 of the sleeve 206 through the internal threaded projections in the sleeve 206.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the assembly 200 for mounting the steering gear 202 on the tubular suspension frame 204. The crescent-shaped object 208 with the arc shaped structure 502 is illustrated. The tubular structure 504 is fastened with the collar 304 of the sleeve 206. The sleeve 206 is welded circumferentially with the mating face 302 on the tubular structure 504.
[0050] Thus, the assembly to mount steering gear with the tubular suspension frame is disclosed herein. The crescent shape object is an integral part of the steering gear and then fastened to the tubular suspension frame through the sleeve. The structure of the crescent-shaped object adds on to the stiffness of the system to withstand the dynamic loads and reduce stress concentrations.
[0051] The mating face of the sleeve is welded to the tubular suspension frame, thereby providing a sturdy and rigid mounting.
[0052] It is to be understood that the sleeve is a machined part and possess a precise tolerance level. Therefore, it provides better control over the steering hard point. Henceforth, an overall improvement in the dynamic behavior of the automobile is achieved.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a sleeve with a simple circular profile that can be controlled easily through welding jigs for accurate positioning. The collar has a larger bearing surface which can withstand higher clamp loads while fastening which provides a sturdy and rigid joint thus forming a major advantage of the disclosure.
[0054] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the assembly 200 to mount the steering gear 202. The crescent-shaped object 208 is welded to the steering gear 202 at the end of arc shaped structure. The other end of the crescent-shaped object 208 with a tubular structure 504 and the cavity 506 is fastened to the threaded portion 621 of the sleeve 206 using the bolt 210. The sleeve’s mating face (302) is circularly welded (602, 604) with the tubular suspension frame 204.
[0055] The advantageous aspects of the present disclosure are well clarified throughout the spirit of the specification i.e. the sleeve welded on the tubular suspension frame provides precise mounting of the steering gear and better controlling of the steering hard point. The proposed disclosure is successful in eliminating the surface variations compared to the stamped part. This advantage is possible as the sleeve is a machined part. Another technical effect provided by this disclosure is an improved vehicle performance including but not limited to handling and stability of the vehicle.
[0056] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures 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. Also, 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 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 construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0057] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.

Claims:1. An assembly (200) for mounting a steering gear (202) on a tubular suspension frame (204) in an automobile, the assembly (200) comprising:
a sleeve (206) inserted into the tubular suspension frame (204), wherein the sleeve (206) is welded circumferentially to the tubular suspension frame (204) throughout a mating face (302) of the sleeve (206) and a collar (304) of the sleeve (206) protruding outside the surface of the tubular suspension frame (204); and
a crescent-shaped object (208) with two distinct ends, wherein a first end of the crescent-shaped object (208) with an arc shaped structure (502) is welded to the steering gear (202) and a second end projection with a tubular structure (232) is fastened with the collar (304) of the sleeve (206).
2. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve (206) is inserted into a hole formed in the tubular suspension frame (204).
3. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve (206) comprises threaded projections internally.
4. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end of the crescent-shaped object (208) with the arc shaped structure (502) is formed to perform as a rigid link.
5. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a bolt (310) is inserted into the tubular structure (232) to fasten the tubular structure (232) with the collar (304) of the sleeve (206).
6. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collar (304) possesses an increased bearing surface configured to withstand higher clamp loads for fastening.
7. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular suspension frame (204) is a front suspension frame of the automobile.
8. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular suspension frame (204) is positioned parallel to the steering gear (202) and transversely along the width of the automobile.