CPC B62D 7/18 (2013.01) [B60B 27/0052 (2013.01); B60G 7/001 (2013.01); B60B 27/0031 (2013.01); B60B 27/0036 (2013.01); B60G 2200/422 (2013.01); B60G 2200/44 (2013.01); B60G 2206/50 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
1. An axle assembly of a utility vehicle comprising:
a steering knuckle comprising:
a main body;
a steering knuckle bearing for receiving in a rotating articulated manner a vehicle axle, wherein the steering knuckle bearing comprises first and second steering knuckle bearing eyes; and
a hub receptacle which is in the shape of a pot and is open toward a rim of a vehicle wheel and in which a roller bearing and a bearing journal are able to be received, wherein the main body has an opening that opens into the hub receptacle for receiving a drive shaft or a joint coupled to the drive shaft, wherein at least a portion of the opening of the main body has a concave surface; and
an axle comprising:
an axle longitudinal member having an upper surface disposed below the opening of the main body;
an axle head formed at the end of the axle longitudinal member and having a lower axle bearing eye;
a first kingpin coupling the lower axle bearing eye to the first steering knuckle bearing eye;
a stay having an upper axle bearing eye spaced above the lower axle bearing eye, wherein the stay extends upwardly and outwardly from, and overlies, the upper surface of the axle longitudinal member, and wherein the stay has a cutout for receiving the drive shaft; and
a second kingpin coupling the upper axle bearing eye to the second steering knuckle bearing eye.
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