CA1142559A - Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension system - Google Patents
Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1142559A CA1142559A CA000323210A CA323210A CA1142559A CA 1142559 A CA1142559 A CA 1142559A CA 000323210 A CA000323210 A CA 000323210A CA 323210 A CA323210 A CA 323210A CA 1142559 A CA1142559 A CA 1142559A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- portions
- leaf spring
- pair
- spaced apart
- shank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
Abstract
PIVOT CONSTRUCTION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Abstract of the Disclosure A pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension includes a pair of ball studs having shank portions disposed in the eye at the end of a leaf spring. The heads of the ball studs are rotatably supported in sockets secured to spaced apart vehicle wheel support members. This structure enables the leaf spring to deflect about a pivot axis that extends through the heads and is fixed relative to the head portions and the sockets.
Abstract of the Disclosure A pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension includes a pair of ball studs having shank portions disposed in the eye at the end of a leaf spring. The heads of the ball studs are rotatably supported in sockets secured to spaced apart vehicle wheel support members. This structure enables the leaf spring to deflect about a pivot axis that extends through the heads and is fixed relative to the head portions and the sockets.
Description
The present invention is concerned with a pivot construction for use in a motor vehicle suspension. This application is a division of copending Canadian application Serial No. 281,562 filed June 28, 1977.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pivot means for a suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame member, a wheel support member constructed to rotatably support a road wheel and a leaf spring interconnecting said frame member and said 10 wheel support member; the pivot means being connected to the leaf spring and the frame members; a pair of spaced apart supports connected to the frame member; the leaf spring having an eye formed at one end and the eye being d~$~sed between the supports; a pair of ball studs having shank portions disposed in the eye; the ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions; each of the head portions being rotatably supported in a socket means;
the socket means being secured to the spaced apart supports;
and an annular thrust washer and seal surrounding the shank portions of each of the ball studs; the thrust washer and seals having elastomeric sealing surfaces engaging the shank portions of the ball studs; the thrust washer and seals each having a hat-shape metal core and an elas-tomeric coating over substantial portions of the exterior surface of the core; the thrust washer and seals each having an elastomeric portion engaging the shank portion of one of the ball studs; whereby the leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through the pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to the head portions and the socket means.
The pre.sent invention also provides a suspension system incorporating the pivot means. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame member, a wheel support member 35 constructed to rotatably support a road wheel and a leaf spring interconnecting the frame member and the wheel support member; pivot means connected to the leaf spring and to the ,7 frame member; a pair of spaced apart supports connected to the ~; ~ frame member; the leaf spring having an eye formed at one end 5~9 and the eye being disposed between the supports; a pair of ball studs each having a shank portion and a head portion; the shank portions being arranged in axial alignment with the ends of the shank portions being in juxtaposed relationship; a 5 sleeve surrounding the shank portions and supported within the eye; the ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions; each of the head portions being rotatably supported in a socket means; the socket means being secured to the spaced apart supports; one of the socket means comprising a 10 plastic bearing disposed in a socket part; an annular retaining ring disposed in the socket part and engaging the end of the bearing; the socket part having a peripheral lip engaging the retaining ring and exerting a preload on the bearing; a first annular seal having a portion engaging the peripheral lip of lS the socket part, the retaining ring and the shank portion of the most adjacent ball stud; an annular thrust washer and seal having a hat-shape metal core and an elastomeric coating over substantial portions of the exterior surface of the core;
the thrust washer and seal sealingly engaging the shank portion 20 of the most adjacent ball stud and the sleeve; whereby the leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through the pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to the head portions and the socket means.
The double ball and socket joint construction of this 25 suspension pivot automatically compensates for minor misalign-ment that may occur between the leaf spring and the frame bracket. Further, the ball and socket construction offers minimum frictional resistance to angular displacement of the spring with respect to the frame bracket. In addition, the 30 seal arrangement assures long bearing life and the pivot means is suitable for heavy duty truck applications.
The invention is described further, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle suspension having a pivot construction embodying this invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along section line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion 40 of the construction of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a sectional view of the con~ination thrust washer and seal used in the suspension pivot of Figure
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pivot means for a suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame member, a wheel support member constructed to rotatably support a road wheel and a leaf spring interconnecting said frame member and said 10 wheel support member; the pivot means being connected to the leaf spring and the frame members; a pair of spaced apart supports connected to the frame member; the leaf spring having an eye formed at one end and the eye being d~$~sed between the supports; a pair of ball studs having shank portions disposed in the eye; the ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions; each of the head portions being rotatably supported in a socket means;
the socket means being secured to the spaced apart supports;
and an annular thrust washer and seal surrounding the shank portions of each of the ball studs; the thrust washer and seals having elastomeric sealing surfaces engaging the shank portions of the ball studs; the thrust washer and seals each having a hat-shape metal core and an elas-tomeric coating over substantial portions of the exterior surface of the core; the thrust washer and seals each having an elastomeric portion engaging the shank portion of one of the ball studs; whereby the leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through the pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to the head portions and the socket means.
The pre.sent invention also provides a suspension system incorporating the pivot means. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame member, a wheel support member 35 constructed to rotatably support a road wheel and a leaf spring interconnecting the frame member and the wheel support member; pivot means connected to the leaf spring and to the ,7 frame member; a pair of spaced apart supports connected to the ~; ~ frame member; the leaf spring having an eye formed at one end 5~9 and the eye being disposed between the supports; a pair of ball studs each having a shank portion and a head portion; the shank portions being arranged in axial alignment with the ends of the shank portions being in juxtaposed relationship; a 5 sleeve surrounding the shank portions and supported within the eye; the ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions; each of the head portions being rotatably supported in a socket means; the socket means being secured to the spaced apart supports; one of the socket means comprising a 10 plastic bearing disposed in a socket part; an annular retaining ring disposed in the socket part and engaging the end of the bearing; the socket part having a peripheral lip engaging the retaining ring and exerting a preload on the bearing; a first annular seal having a portion engaging the peripheral lip of lS the socket part, the retaining ring and the shank portion of the most adjacent ball stud; an annular thrust washer and seal having a hat-shape metal core and an elastomeric coating over substantial portions of the exterior surface of the core;
the thrust washer and seal sealingly engaging the shank portion 20 of the most adjacent ball stud and the sleeve; whereby the leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through the pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to the head portions and the socket means.
The double ball and socket joint construction of this 25 suspension pivot automatically compensates for minor misalign-ment that may occur between the leaf spring and the frame bracket. Further, the ball and socket construction offers minimum frictional resistance to angular displacement of the spring with respect to the frame bracket. In addition, the 30 seal arrangement assures long bearing life and the pivot means is suitable for heavy duty truck applications.
The invention is described further, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle suspension having a pivot construction embodying this invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along section line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion 40 of the construction of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a sectional view of the con~ination thrust washer and seal used in the suspension pivot of Figure
2.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the presently 5 preferred embodiment of this invention is illustrated, Figure 1 discloses a motor vehicle suspension having a novel pivot construction. In the suspension of Figure 1, a vehicle frame 10 is resiliently supported on a front axle 12 by leaf spring assembly 14. The rearward end of the leaf spring is connected 10 to the frame member 10 by means of a spring shackle 16. The forward end of the leaf spring 14 is connected to a frame bracket 18 by means of a suspension pivot construction that is shown in detail in Figure 2.
The leaf spring 14 has its forward end formed with a 15 spring eye 16. A sleeve 19 is fitted within the spring eye 16 and has its ends spaced from the ends of the eye. The frame bracket 18 is provided with bifurcations 20 and 22 that are pivotally connected to the spring eye 16 by means of left and right ball and socket joint assemblïes 24 and 26. These 20 assemblies are of identical construction.
The left ball joint 24 includes a polyethylene bearing 28 of generally cup-shape construction which encloses the ball portion 30 of a ball stud 32. The plastic bearing 28 is retained within a socket part 34 by means of a retaining 25 ring 36 and the spun-over edge 38 of the socket 34. The spun-over edge 38 exerts a load on the retaining ring 36 that pre-loads the bearing 28.
The socket part 34 is situated within a hole 40 formed in the bracket bifurcation 20 and is located therein by 30 a radial flange 42 that is seated against the outside face of the bifurcation. The bifurcation 20 has a slot 44 that extends radially frGm the edge of the hole 40. The socket part 34 is secured in the hole 40 by means of a pinch bolt 46.
The ball stud 32 of the joint 24 has a shank portion 35 47 that extends into the interior of the sleeve 19. An annular rubber seal 48 engages the end of the socket 34 and sealingly engages the retaining ring 36 and the shank 47 of the ball stud 32.
A combination thrust washer and seal member 50 has a 40 generally hat-shape construction positioned at the end of the spring eye 16. As seen in Figure 3, the member 50 is of composite construction with a metal backing piece that supports a rubber piece. A rubber portion 52 of the member 50 is dis-posed within the eye 16 and sealingly engages the interior of 5 the eye and the shank 47 of the ball stud 32. The rubber portion 52 also sealingly engages the end of the sleeve 19. A
rubber coating 54 on the member 50 sealingly engages the adjacent face of the bifurcation 20 of the bracket 18 as well as the seal 48 and a portion of the shank 47.
The ball and socket joint 26 is constructed in a manner similar to that of the joint 24. It includes a plastic cup-shape bearing 60 that encloses a ball 62 of a ball stud 63.
The stud 63 has a shank portion 64 that is fitted within the sleeve 19. The bearing 60 is situated within a socket 66 15 which, in turn, is retained within a hole in the bifurcation 22 by means of a pinch bolt 68. A pair of seals, similar to seals 48 and 50, protect the components of the joint 26.
The socket part 66 includes a radially extending - flange 69 that is constructed to receive a tool. This 20 arrangement permits the socket 66, and thus the ball joint assembly 26, to be withdrawn from the hole in the bifurcation 22, after the pinch bolt 68 is removed. The socket 34 of the joint 24 is similarly equipped with a tool receiving flange 70.
The ball joint assemblies 24 and 26 are pulled axially out-25 wardly in order to disassemble the suspension pivot.
In operation, the wheel supporting axle 12 of thesuspension of Figure 1 will traverse a jounce and rebound path as the vehicle's wheels move over irregularities in the road.
At the same time, the spring 14 will flex and the eye 16 of 30 the spring will pivot about the axis extending through the ball studs 47 and 64. The polyethylene bearing cups 28 and 60 permit low friction movement between the pivot parts. The seals assure that the bearings 28 and 60 retain lubrication and the pivot parts do not become contaminated which could lead 35 to premature wear.
The foregoing description presents the presently preferred embodiment of this invention. Details of construc-tion have been shown and described for purposes of illustration rather than limitation. Modifications and alteration of the 40 invention may occur to those skilled in the art that will come within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the presently 5 preferred embodiment of this invention is illustrated, Figure 1 discloses a motor vehicle suspension having a novel pivot construction. In the suspension of Figure 1, a vehicle frame 10 is resiliently supported on a front axle 12 by leaf spring assembly 14. The rearward end of the leaf spring is connected 10 to the frame member 10 by means of a spring shackle 16. The forward end of the leaf spring 14 is connected to a frame bracket 18 by means of a suspension pivot construction that is shown in detail in Figure 2.
The leaf spring 14 has its forward end formed with a 15 spring eye 16. A sleeve 19 is fitted within the spring eye 16 and has its ends spaced from the ends of the eye. The frame bracket 18 is provided with bifurcations 20 and 22 that are pivotally connected to the spring eye 16 by means of left and right ball and socket joint assemblïes 24 and 26. These 20 assemblies are of identical construction.
The left ball joint 24 includes a polyethylene bearing 28 of generally cup-shape construction which encloses the ball portion 30 of a ball stud 32. The plastic bearing 28 is retained within a socket part 34 by means of a retaining 25 ring 36 and the spun-over edge 38 of the socket 34. The spun-over edge 38 exerts a load on the retaining ring 36 that pre-loads the bearing 28.
The socket part 34 is situated within a hole 40 formed in the bracket bifurcation 20 and is located therein by 30 a radial flange 42 that is seated against the outside face of the bifurcation. The bifurcation 20 has a slot 44 that extends radially frGm the edge of the hole 40. The socket part 34 is secured in the hole 40 by means of a pinch bolt 46.
The ball stud 32 of the joint 24 has a shank portion 35 47 that extends into the interior of the sleeve 19. An annular rubber seal 48 engages the end of the socket 34 and sealingly engages the retaining ring 36 and the shank 47 of the ball stud 32.
A combination thrust washer and seal member 50 has a 40 generally hat-shape construction positioned at the end of the spring eye 16. As seen in Figure 3, the member 50 is of composite construction with a metal backing piece that supports a rubber piece. A rubber portion 52 of the member 50 is dis-posed within the eye 16 and sealingly engages the interior of 5 the eye and the shank 47 of the ball stud 32. The rubber portion 52 also sealingly engages the end of the sleeve 19. A
rubber coating 54 on the member 50 sealingly engages the adjacent face of the bifurcation 20 of the bracket 18 as well as the seal 48 and a portion of the shank 47.
The ball and socket joint 26 is constructed in a manner similar to that of the joint 24. It includes a plastic cup-shape bearing 60 that encloses a ball 62 of a ball stud 63.
The stud 63 has a shank portion 64 that is fitted within the sleeve 19. The bearing 60 is situated within a socket 66 15 which, in turn, is retained within a hole in the bifurcation 22 by means of a pinch bolt 68. A pair of seals, similar to seals 48 and 50, protect the components of the joint 26.
The socket part 66 includes a radially extending - flange 69 that is constructed to receive a tool. This 20 arrangement permits the socket 66, and thus the ball joint assembly 26, to be withdrawn from the hole in the bifurcation 22, after the pinch bolt 68 is removed. The socket 34 of the joint 24 is similarly equipped with a tool receiving flange 70.
The ball joint assemblies 24 and 26 are pulled axially out-25 wardly in order to disassemble the suspension pivot.
In operation, the wheel supporting axle 12 of thesuspension of Figure 1 will traverse a jounce and rebound path as the vehicle's wheels move over irregularities in the road.
At the same time, the spring 14 will flex and the eye 16 of 30 the spring will pivot about the axis extending through the ball studs 47 and 64. The polyethylene bearing cups 28 and 60 permit low friction movement between the pivot parts. The seals assure that the bearings 28 and 60 retain lubrication and the pivot parts do not become contaminated which could lead 35 to premature wear.
The foregoing description presents the presently preferred embodiment of this invention. Details of construc-tion have been shown and described for purposes of illustration rather than limitation. Modifications and alteration of the 40 invention may occur to those skilled in the art that will come within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
Claims (2)
1. A pivot means for a suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame member, a wheel support member constructed to rotatably support a road wheel and a leaf spring interconnecting said frame member and said wheel support member;
said pivot means being connected to said leaf spring and said frame members;
a pair of spaced apart supports connected to said frame member;
said leaf spring having an eye formed at one end and said eye being disposed between said supports;
a pair of ball studs having shank portions dis-posed in said eye;
said ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions;
each of said head portions being rotatably supported in a socket means;
said socket means being secured to said spaced apart supports; and an annular thrust washer and seal surrounding said shank portions of each of said ball studs;
said thrust washer and seals having elastomeric sealing surfaces engaging said shank portions of said ball studs;
said thrust washer and seals each having a hat-shape metal core and an elastomeric coating over substan-tial portions of the exterior surface of said core;
said thrust washer and seals each having an elastomeric portion engaging the shank portion of one of said ball studs;
whereby said leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through said pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to said head portions and said socket means.
said pivot means being connected to said leaf spring and said frame members;
a pair of spaced apart supports connected to said frame member;
said leaf spring having an eye formed at one end and said eye being disposed between said supports;
a pair of ball studs having shank portions dis-posed in said eye;
said ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions;
each of said head portions being rotatably supported in a socket means;
said socket means being secured to said spaced apart supports; and an annular thrust washer and seal surrounding said shank portions of each of said ball studs;
said thrust washer and seals having elastomeric sealing surfaces engaging said shank portions of said ball studs;
said thrust washer and seals each having a hat-shape metal core and an elastomeric coating over substan-tial portions of the exterior surface of said core;
said thrust washer and seals each having an elastomeric portion engaging the shank portion of one of said ball studs;
whereby said leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through said pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to said head portions and said socket means.
2. A suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame member, a wheel support member constructed to rotatably support a road wheel and a leaf spring intercon-necting said frame member and said wheel support member;
pivot means connected to said leaf spring and to said frame member;
a pair of spaced apart supports connected to said frame member;
said leaf spring having an eye formed at one end and said eye being disposed between said supports;
a pair of ball studs each having a shank portion and a head portion;
said shank portions being arranged in axial alignment with the ends of said shank portions being in juxtaposed relationship;
a sleeve surrounding said shank portions and supported within said eye;
said ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions;
each of said head portions being rotatably suppor-ted in a socket means;
said socket means being secured to said spaced apart supports;
one of said socket means comprising a plastic bearing disposed in a socket part;
an annular retaining ring disposed in said socket part and engaging the end of said bearing;
said socket part having a peripheral lip engaging said retaining ring and exerting a preload on said bearing;
a first annular seal having a portion engaging said peripheral lip of said socket part, said retaining ring and said shank portion of the most adjacent ball stud;
an annular thrust washer and seal having a hat-shape metal core and an elastomeric coating over substan-tial portions of the exterior surface of said core;
said thrust washer and seal sealingly engaging said shank portion of said most adjacent ball stud and said sleeve;
whereby said leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through said pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to said head portions and said socket means.
pivot means connected to said leaf spring and to said frame member;
a pair of spaced apart supports connected to said frame member;
said leaf spring having an eye formed at one end and said eye being disposed between said supports;
a pair of ball studs each having a shank portion and a head portion;
said shank portions being arranged in axial alignment with the ends of said shank portions being in juxtaposed relationship;
a sleeve surrounding said shank portions and supported within said eye;
said ball studs having a pair of spaced apart head portions;
each of said head portions being rotatably suppor-ted in a socket means;
said socket means being secured to said spaced apart supports;
one of said socket means comprising a plastic bearing disposed in a socket part;
an annular retaining ring disposed in said socket part and engaging the end of said bearing;
said socket part having a peripheral lip engaging said retaining ring and exerting a preload on said bearing;
a first annular seal having a portion engaging said peripheral lip of said socket part, said retaining ring and said shank portion of the most adjacent ball stud;
an annular thrust washer and seal having a hat-shape metal core and an elastomeric coating over substan-tial portions of the exterior surface of said core;
said thrust washer and seal sealingly engaging said shank portion of said most adjacent ball stud and said sleeve;
whereby said leaf spring may deflect about a pivot axis that extends through said pair of spaced apart head portions and is fixed relative to said head portions and said socket means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000323210A CA1142559A (en) | 1976-10-26 | 1979-03-12 | Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US735,464 | 1976-10-26 | ||
| US05/735,464 US4103932A (en) | 1976-10-26 | 1976-10-26 | Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension system |
| CA000281562A CA1142558A (en) | 1976-10-26 | 1977-06-28 | Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension system |
| CA000323210A CA1142559A (en) | 1976-10-26 | 1979-03-12 | Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1142559A true CA1142559A (en) | 1983-03-08 |
Family
ID=27165159
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000323210A Expired CA1142559A (en) | 1976-10-26 | 1979-03-12 | Pivot construction for a motor vehicle suspension system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1142559A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-03-12 CA CA000323210A patent/CA1142559A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |