AU2018200811B2

AU2018200811B2 - Connector

Info

Publication number: AU2018200811B2
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: 2024-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-02
Also published as: AU2018200811A1

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. 2/5 C 15URB 120 13 36 B 45 O 43 160 22 28 24 FIGURE 2

Description

2/5

C

15URB

13 36 120

B 45 O 43

160 22 28

24

FIGURE 2

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]Independent 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, 1Ob.

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 1Ob 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, 1Ob 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

a and 1Ob 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 1Ob 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 across 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 aside 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[034] 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.

[035] 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.

[036] 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.

[037] 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.

[038] 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.

[039] 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.

[040] 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.

[041] Referring to the Figures generally, connector 100 may 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 100 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 150 such that the side plates 120 and 140 are arranged in a

mutually opposed configuration. Unlike the previously described embodiments,

the elongate member 150 may comprise a relatively raised central portion 150

flanked by side portions which are formed integrally with side plates 120 and

140. The opening for receiving the cross member may preferably be provided

in the raised central portion.

[042] In a further alternative embodiment, connector 100 may comprise two

spaced apart plates 120 and 140 (for pivotally supporting the suspension) which

are integrally formed with an elongate member 150 (for allowing attachment of

the connector 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 150 such that the side plates 120 and 140 are arranged in a mutually

opposed configuration. Unlike the previously described embodiments, the

elongate member 150 may comprises a relatively lowered central portion

flanked by side portions 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.

USE FOR THE INVENTION

[043]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.

[044] 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.

[045] Referring to Figure 6, apiece 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.

[046] 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.

[047] 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.

[048]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;

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.

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 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.

12. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein

the opening extends along the elongate member and/or along at least one of

the side plates.

13. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein

the opening is formed continuously along a part of the elongate member and

one of the side plates.

14. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims 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.

15. A connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims 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.

16. A connector in accordance with claim 15 wherein the first and second

notches extend in mutually orthogonal directions.

17. 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.

18. A connector in accordance with claim 17 wherein said end portions are

adapted for pivotally supporting the suspension assembly during use.

012345ÿ7