AU2018200811A1

AU2018200811A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: AU2018200811A1
Application number: AU2018200811A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Bhaskar
Original assignee: Cruisemaster Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Cruisemaster Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-03
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-02
Also published as: AU2018200811B2

Abstract

A connector for pivotally connecting a suspension assembly relative to a chassis of a trailer or a vehicle, the connector comprising: two spaced apart plates for pivotally supporting the suspension; and an elongate member extending between the spaced apart plates for attachment to the chassis wherein the plates and the elongate member are integrally formed.

Description

CONNECTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention is directed to a connector for (but not limited to) pivotally connecting a suspension assembly relative to a vehicle. The invention is particularly for connecting a suspension assembly to a towed vehicle such as a trailer, for example a box trailer or a caravan.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[003] Suspension assemblies for vehicles must meet a number of conflicting requirements. On the one hand, the suspension assemblies must be sufficiently heavy duty and robust to endure prolonged driving over rough ground while providing a high degree of suspension and a quality ride. On the other hand, they must also not be so heavy that they unduly increase the weight of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is often desirable that a suspension assembly is lightweight and easy to assemble and preferably as compact as possible.

[004] lndependent suspension assemblies for vehicles such as box trailers and caravans have been known in the past. One such suspension assembly has been described in the present applicant’s previously Australian Standard Patent Application No. 2014202238 and shown in Figure 1.

[005] Referring to Figure 1, the suspension assembly 1 comprises a trailer mounting subassembly 21 which comprises spaced hinge side plates 10a, 10b. A hinge bar 6 spans between and interconnects the hinge side plates in order to impart rigidity to the trailer mounting subassembly. Opposite ends of the hinge bar 6 are received into slots of the side plates and welded thereto. In use the hinge bar 6 is welded or otherwise fastened to a member of a vehicle, such as a cross bar 4. The hinge bar 6 in combination with the independent side plates 10a and 10b allows the suspension assembly 1 to be pivotally supported.

[006] The independent hinge side plates 10a, 10b support a rotatable hinge tube assembly 13 that comprises a square (or circular) cross section hinge tube 11. The hinge tube 11 is supported between the side plates 10a, 10b by an elongate member, in the form of a rod or “hinge spindle” (not shown) that extends through the hinge tube 11.

[007] The applicants have found that assembling the independent hinge plates 10a and 10b at either end of the hinge tube 11 and positioning the suspension assembly 1 in between the side plates 10a and 10b thereafter is cumbersome for two main reasons. First, aligning the hinge tubes 10a and 10b relative to the suspension assembly tends to be difficult for the suspension installer. Secondly, the hinge tube 11 that comprises a square cross section tube can be very heavy and therefore difficult to handle during assembly and adds unnecessary weight to the finished trailer which is undesirable. Accordingly there is at least a need for providing an improved connecting arrangement that allows an independent suspension assembly to be easily assembled and fitted onto a vehicle such as a trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] In one aspect, the invention provides a connector for pivotally connecting a suspension assembly relative to a chassis of a trailer or a vehicle, the connector comprising: two spaced apart plates for pivotally supporting the suspension; and an elongate member extending between the spaced apart plates for attachment to the chassis; wherein the plates and the elongate member are formed in one piece.

[009] In an embodiment, the spaced apart plates extend downwardly relative to the elongate member.

[010] In an embodiment, the elongate member comprises: a first attachment portion formed integrally with the first side plate; and a second attachment portion formed integrally with the second side plate; wherein the first attachment portion does not lie in the same imaginary plane as the second attachment portion.

[011] Preferably, the first and second attachment portions are configured for providing a spacing between a plane of the first attachment portion and a plane of the second attachment portion.

[012] In an embodiment, the first attachment portion extends in a transverse direction relative to the first side plate and wherein the second attachment portion extends in a transverse direction relative to the second side plate.

[013] In an embodiment, the first and second attachment portions are integrally formed with a slanting portion extending between said first and second attachment portions.

[014] Preferably each of the first attachment portion and/or the second attachment portion and/or the slanting portion comprises a substantially planar configuration respectively.

[015] In an embodiment, each of the side plates extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the elongate member such that the side plates are arranged in a mutually opposed configuration for pivotally supporting the suspension assembly therebetween.

[016] In an embodiment, a length of the one of the side plates is greater than a length of the other of the side plates, the length being measured in a downwardly direction relative to the elongate member.

[017] In an embodiment the elongate member and/or at least one of the side plate further comprises an opening for receiving and/or interconnecting the chassis or a chassis frame relative to the elongate member.

[018] Preferably, the opening is configured for allowing a cross member of the chassis or chassis frame to slide into the opening thereby allowing attachment of the elongate member to the chassis.

[019] Preferably, the opening extends along the elongate member and/or along at least one of the side plates.

[020] In an embodiment, the opening is formed continuously along a part of the elongate member and one of the side plates.

[021] Preferably, the opening extends continuously along the slanting portion such the opening is shaped for receiving at least a part of the chassis or a chassis frame therein.

[022] In an embodiment, the opening further comprises: at least a first notch extending into the other of the attachment portions; and at least a second notch extending into said at least one of the side plates wherein the first and second notches are shaped for engaging said at least part of the chassis of the chassis frame during use.

[023] Preferably, the first and second notches extend in mutually orthogonal directions.

[024] In an embodiment, each of the side plates comprises respective convergent end portions extending downwardly relative to the elongate member.

[025] Preferably, said end portions are adapted for pivotally supporting the suspension assembly during use.

[026] In an embodiment, the end portions are adapted for receiving and/or supporting a spindle therebetween, said spindle being arranged for allowing movement of the suspension assembly relative to the connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[027] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an independent suspension assembly known in the prior art.

[029] Figure 2 is an exploded-perspective view of a connector 100 in conjunction with an independent suspension assembly S in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[030] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector 100.

[031 ] Figure 4 is a side view of the connector 100.

[032] Figure 5 is a frontal end view of the connector 100.

[033] Figure 6 is a top view of a piece of sheet metal 100’ used for forming the connector 100.

[034] Figure 7 is a side view of a second embodiment of a connector 200.

[035] Figure 8 is a side view of third embodiment of a connector 300. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[036] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an exploded in-use perspective view of the connector 100 together with an independent suspension assembly S in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The connector 100 is provided for pivotally connecting a suspension assembly S relative to a chassis frame (C) of a trailer or a vehicle during use.

[037] Referring to Figure 3, the one piece connector 100 comprises two spaced apart plates 120 and 140 which are integrally formed with an elongate member 150 that extends there-between. The side plates 120 and 140 are spaced apart and extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the elongate member 150 such that the side plates 120 and 140 are arranged in a mutually opposed configuration for pivotally supporting suspension assembly S.

[038] As shown most clearly in Figure 2, during use, the hinge side plates 120, 140 support a rotatable hinge tube assembly 13 between them. The hinge tube assembly 13 is supported between the side plates 120, 140 by an elongate member, in the form of a rod or “hinge spindle” T that extends through the hinge tube T. Each of the side plates 120 and 140 comprises respective convergent end portions 124 and 144 (as shown in Figure 3) extending downwardly relative to the elongate member 150. The convergent end portions 120 and 140 are provided with apertures 125 and 145 for supporting the spindle T during use. Fasteners such as bolts B, best shown in Figure 2 may be used for fastening the spindle relative to the connector 100.

[039] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the elongate member 150 comprises: a first attachment portion 152 formed integrally with the first side plate 120; and a second attachment portion 154 formed integrally with the second side plate 140. The first attachment portion 152 extends in a transverse direction relative to the first side plate 120 and the second attachment portion 154 extends in a transverse direction relative to the second side plate 140. In the preferred embodiment, the first attachment portion 152 and the first side plate 120 are arranged in a mutually perpendicular configuration. Similarly, the second attachment portion 154 and the second side plate 140 are arranged in a mutually perpendicular configuration.

[040] As shown most clearly in Figure 4, length of first side plate 120 (the length being measured in a downwardly direction relative to the elongate member) is slightly greater than length of second side plate 140. As a result, during use, the first attachment portion 152 and the second attachment portion 154 do not lie in the same plane. Consequently, the first attachment portion 152 is elevated relative to the second attachment portion 154. During use, the first and second attachment portions 152 and 154 are configured to provide a spacing between an imaginary plane of the first attachment portion 152 and an imaginary plane of the second attachment portion 154 to accommodate a chassis frame as will be explained in the foregoing sections.

[041] Each of the first and second attachment portions 152 and 154 comprise a substantially planar configuration and are integrally formed with a slanting portion 156 extending between the attachment portions 152 and 154. The elongate member 150 is also provided with an opening 160 which is suitably shaped for receiving and/or interconnecting the chassis frame C relative to the elongate member. At least in some embodiments, a portion of the chassis frame C may be received into the opening 160. Additionally, the chassis frame C may be welded onto the elongate member 150 at a plurality of welding locations. Advantageously, the opening 160 extends continuously along the elongate member 150, particularly along the first attachment portion 152 and the slanting portion 156 and into an upper portion 122 of the first side plate 120. The opening 160 further comprises: at least a first notch 164 that extends extending into the second attachment portion 154; and a second notch 162 extending in a downwardly direction along the first side plate 120. The notches 162 and 164 extend in mutually orthogonal directions and are sized to locate a stiffening rib that support vertical side plates 120 and 140 .

[042] Referring to Figure 4 in particular, during use, a transversely arranged chassis frame member C is received into the opening 160. Specifically, during use, a first portion of the chassis frame C1 extends through the opening provided in the upper portion 122 of the first side plate 120 thereby positioning the chassis frame C1 below the elongate member 150 adjacent an underside portion 152A of the first attachment portion 152. During use, a second portion of the chassis frame C2 is positioned above the elongate member 150. The chassis frame member C extends out of the opening 160 through the slanting portion 156 thereby arranging the second portion of the chassis frame C2 above and adjacent the second attachment portion 154.

[043] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate some alternative embodiments of the connector in accordance with the present invention. Like reference numerals depict life features that have been previously described in earlier sections.

[044] Referring to Figure 7, connector 200 comprises two spaced apart plates 120 and 140 (for pivotally supporting the suspension) which are integrally formed with an elongate member 250 (for allowing attachment of the connector 200 to a cross member of a chassis). The side plates 120 and 140 are spaced apart and extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the elongate member 250 such that the side plates 120 and 140 are arranged in a mutually opposed configuration. Unlike the previously described embodiments, the elongate member 250 comprises a relatively raised central portion 250A flanked by side portions 250B and 250C which are formed integrally with side plates 120 and 140. The opening for receiving the cross member (not shown) may preferably be provided in the raised central portion 250A.

[045] Referring to Figure 8, connector 300 comprises two spaced apart plates 120 and 140 (for pivotally supporting the suspension) which are integrally formed with an elongate member 350 (for allowing attachment of the connector 200 to a cross member of a chassis). The side plates 120 and 140 are spaced apart and extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the elongate member 350 such that the side plates 120 and 140 are arranged in a mutually opposed configuration. Unlike the previously described embodiments, the elongate member 350 comprises a relatively lowered central portion 350A flanked by side portions 350B and 350C which are formed integrally with side plates 120 and 140. Opening for receiving the cross member (not shown) may preferably be provided in the side portions 350B and 350C.

USE FOR THE INVENTION

[046] In use, the independent suspension assembly S is installed to the underside of the chassis of a vehicle, such as a trailer-for example a box trailer or caravan. This is done by welding the connector 100 to a member of the vehicle chassis, such as cross bar C (shown in Figures 2 and 4). The coil spring top plate 43 and attachment fin 45 are similarly welded to side rail 2 (shown in Figure 2) of the vehicle chassis. The upper end of shock absorber 30 is made fast with second cross bar of the vehicle by welding plate 36 thereto. A wheel with tyre is then attached to the spindle 24 of stub axle 22. Once the independent suspension S has been installed and fitted with wheels and tyres the vehicle, for example a box trailer, caravan or the like may be towed over rough ground. The suspension arm 16 swings about the connector 100 in response to undulations in the ground. However the forces due to the undulations are effectively absorbed by the resilient member in the form of the coil spring 28.

[047] The applicants have found that using the connector 100 allows the suspension assembly S to be positioned easily in between the side plates 120 and 140. The side plates 120, 140 and the elongate member 150 extending there-between alleviates the need for independently adjusting the mounting position of the hinge plates (a problem associated with the prior art hinge assemblies, as discussed earlier). The side plates 120, 140 that are integrally formed with the elongate member 150 (having a planar configuration) is relatively lighter when compared with the hinge assemblies known in the prior art. As a result, assembling an independent suspension assembly by utilising the connector 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention provides a significant technical advance over the prior art by allowing sideways movement of the suspension assembly.

[048] Referring ίο Figure 6, a piece of sheet metal for fabricating the connector 100 is illustrated. In order to configure the connector 100 illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 in a one-piece configuration, the side plates 120, 140 and the elongate member 150 may be integrally formed from a thick piece of sheet metal 100’ that has a thickness in the range of 6-8mm, as shown in Figure 6. The side plates 120 and 140 may be formed by bending end portions of the sheet metal 100’ along fold lines or bending lines 127 and 147 respectively. The opening 160 extending along the elongate member 150 and the first side plate 120 may be formed by way of laser cutting. Similarly the apertures 125 and 145 for supporting the suspension assembly about the side plates may also be formed by way of laser cutting.

[049] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[050] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

[051 ]Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A connector for pivotally connecting a suspension assembly relative to a chassis of a trailer or a vehicle, the connector comprising: two spaced apart plates for pivotally supporting the suspension; and an elongate member extending between the spaced apart plates for attachment to the chassis wherein the plates and the elongate member are formed in one- piece.
2. A connector in accordance with claim 1 wherein the elongate member comprises a receiving portion for allowing partial insertion of a cross member of the chassis for attachment therewith.
3. A connector in accordance with any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the spaced apart plates extend downwardly relative to the elongate member.
4. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate member comprises: a first attachment portion formed integrally with the first side plate; and a second attachment portion formed integrally with the second side plate; wherein the first attachment portion does not lie in the same imaginary plane as the second attachment portion.
5. A connector in accordance with claim 4 wherein the first and second attachment portions are configured for providing a spacing between a plane of the first attachment portion and a plane of the second attachment portion.
6. A connector in accordance with claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the first attachment portion extends in a transverse direction relative to the first side plate and wherein the second attachment portion extends in a transverse direction relative to the second side plate.
7. A connector in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the first and second attachment portions are integrally formed with a slanting portion extending between said first and second attachment portions.
8. A connector in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein each of the first attachment portion and/or the second attachment portion and/or the slanting portion comprises a substantially planar configuration respectively.
9. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the side plates extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the elongate member such that the side plates are arranged in a mutually opposed configuration for pivotally supporting the suspension assembly there-between.
10. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein a length of the one of the side plates is greater than a length of the other of the side plates, the length being measured in a downwardly direction relative to the elongate member.
11. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate member and/or at least one of the side plate further comprises an opening for receiving and/or interconnecting the chassis or a chassis frame relative to the elongate member.
12. A connector in accordance with claim 11 wherein the opening is configured for allowing a cross member of the chassis or chassis frame to slide into the opening thereby allowing attachment of the elongate member to the chassis.
13. A connector in accordance with claim 11 or 12 wherein the opening extends along the elongate member and/or along at least one of the side plates.
14. A connector in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the opening is formed continuously along a part of the elongate member and one of the side plates.
15. A connector in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the opening extends continuously along the slanting portion such the opening is shaped for receiving at least a part of the chassis or a chassis frame therein.
16. A connector in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the opening further comprises: at least a first notch extending into the other of the attachment portions; and at least a second notch extending into said at least one of the side plates wherein the first and second notches are shaped for engaging said at least part of the chassis of the chassis frame during use.
17. A connector in accordance with claim 16 wherein the first and second notches extend in mutually orthogonal directions.
18. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the side plates comprises respective convergent end portions extending downwardly relative to the elongate member.
19. A connector in accordance with claim 18 wherein said end portions are adapted for pivotally supporting the suspension assembly during use.