DE102010024594A1 - pendulum suspension - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pendulum suspension (4) for a motor vehicle (2), which comprises a support structure component (6) and at least two vehicle axles (8a, 8b) pointing in the vehicle transverse direction and spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Here, the pendulum suspension (4) has an approximately rod-shaped, transversely to its central longitudinal axis (A) elastically bendable spring body (12). The spring body (12) extends in the installed position substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is pivotally connected to the supporting structure component (6) about an axis of rotation (14) pointing in the vehicle transverse direction. Seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction is a vehicle axle (8a, 8b) before and another vehicle axle (8b, 8a) behind the axis of rotation (14) in the vehicle vertical direction on the spring body (12) supported. For the purposes of creating a pendulum spring (4), which is further improved in terms of the lowest possible weight and a cost-effective mass production, it is provided that the spring body (12) surrounds the axis of rotation (14) viewed in the vehicle transverse direction.

Description

The The invention relates to a pendulum suspension, according to Preamble of claim 1.

pendulum suspension are from the automotive industry in different embodiments known. They are found especially in heavy commercial vehicles more than one driven axle insert. A typical application for pendulum suspension are three- or four-axle semitrailer tractors or trucks with tipping body with two rear drive axles. The two drive axles are per vehicle side at only one each in the vehicle longitudinal direction aligned leaf spring package supported. One of the drive axles is in the direction of travel attached front and one at the rear end of the respective leaf spring package. The leaf spring package itself is usually each with Clamps attached to a bearing bracket, which um an axis pointing in the vehicle transverse direction rotatable on the support structure the towing vehicle is articulated. Particularly large road bumps in the vehicle longitudinal direction can through this arrangement compensated for a tilting movement of the pendulum spring in the front or rear direction become. Pendulum springs cause a very uniform Road pressure in succession arranged drive wheels, which has a positive effect on the traction of the commercial vehicle.

From the DE 42 23 036 A1 is a pendulum suspension known. It is attached to a commercial vehicle with longitudinal members and two pointing in the vehicle transverse direction and spaced from each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction vehicle axles. The pendulum suspension has a spring assembly of four stacked steel leaf springs, which extend in the installed position substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The spring assembly is fixed by means of clamping straps and a clamping plate to a bearing block, which is connected to a pointing in the vehicle transverse direction of rotation pivotally connected to the longitudinal member. Seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction is one of the two vehicle axles before and the second supported behind the axis of rotation in the vehicle vertical direction on the spring assembly. The axis of rotation runs below the spring assembly through a pivot bearing in the bearing bracket. The proposed pendulum suspension is expensive in their production. Their assembly is also complex and time consuming. An installation of the proposed pendulum suspension requires a very large amount of space. The heavy weight of this pendulum suspension also has a negative effect on the fuel consumption and the payload of the commercial vehicle.

It Object of the present invention, a pendulum suspension of to create the aforementioned type, which in terms of a possible low weight and cost-effective mass production is further improved.

to Solution of the task is a pendulum suspension with the features of claim 1 proposed for a motor vehicle, which a support structure component and at least two in the vehicle transverse direction pointing and spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction Has vehicle axles. Under "vehicle axles" are here especially suspension axles in rigid axle construction - preferably drive axles - too understand. The use of a pendulum suspension is usually only useful in conjunction with rigid axles. The pendulum suspension includes an approximately rod-shaped, transverse to its central longitudinal axis elastically bendable spring body. Being "rod-shaped" in particular designates components whose longitudinal extent big compared to their other dimensions is. These include, for example, flat bars or also leaf springs. The proposed spring body extends in installation position substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is pivotable about an axis of rotation pointing in the vehicle transverse direction connected to the support structure component, wherein as "connected" also over an intermediate member realized, indirect connections between two components be designated. Seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction a vehicle axle in front and another vehicle axle behind the Rotary axle supported in the vehicle vertical direction on the spring body. Of the Spring body encloses the axis of rotation in the vehicle transverse direction considered. This is for example by a designed as a storage location Thickening of the spring body realized in the region of the axis of rotation, which is preferably formed by a formed on the support structure component Bearing is at least partially enclosed. Advantageously The proposed solution is, inter alia, the omission some components of the known from the prior art pendulum suspension. For example, on clamp, bearing stool and clamping plates what is the weight of pendulum suspension, component costs Significantly reduced the assembly costs. In particular, offers the proposed pendulum suspension opposite known solutions a considerable space savings, what among other things by the integration of a bearing function in the spring body can be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum suspension according to claim 2, a support member fixed to the bearing block is provided with a bearing pin, wherein the bearing pin arranged with its central longitudinal axis in the vehicle transverse direction and - viewed in the vehicle transverse direction - is at least partially enclosed by the spring body. One possible embodiment is, for example, a design of the spring body in the region of the bearing journal as a correlating La gerhülse. Preferably, the central longitudinal axis of the journal coincides with the axis of rotation. The proposed embodiment provides a particularly simple way to support the spring body orthogonal to the axis of rotation. By compared to the prior art lower height of the suspension suspension of the bearing block can also be made considerably smaller and thus lighter, which has a reducing effect on the fuel consumption of the motor vehicle. Another significant advantage over known solutions with conventional spring assemblies is also a kinematic much more precise rotational movement of the proposed spring body. This is mainly due to a reduced structural complexity of the pendulum suspension and a significantly lower number of relatively movable components while driving. In conventional suspensions, however, there are relative movements between leaf spring and spring saddle. As a result, it may cause rubbing of the leaf spring on the vehicle frame and thus to its damage. The elimination of the spring braces invention requires less space in the vehicle vertical direction. This is advantageous for the space of Rahmenverschraubungen and for the so-called brake release. Significant advantage so a space gain and a weight reduction. Due to the proposed embodiment but also load-swinging rolling movements can be minimized in the vehicle transverse direction.

According to one further advantageous embodiment of the pendulum suspension according to claim 3, the spring body via a bearing element connected to the bearing block. The bearing element is for example as plain bearings in the form of a bearing bush, as a bearing shell or as Rolling realized. A significant advantage of this Embodiment is that - essentially independent of materials of the journal and the spring body - with Help the bearing body optimized bearing pairing between journals and spring body can be reached. In a preferred embodiment the bearing element is directly, without intermediate components, between spring body and trunnions arranged. It is also possible, the spring body - in particular in fiberglass reinforced plastic version - even without To arrange intermediate element on the journal.

at a further embodiment of the pendulum suspension after Claim 4, the bearing body is elastically deformable. One such bearing body is in particular as a radial spring ring or as a rubber-elastic elastomer element realized. Especially advantageous in this embodiment is an over an effect of the spring body beyond achievable additional Spring-damper effect compared to when driving occurring, in particular acting orthogonal to the vehicle transverse axis Vibrations. A particularly cost-effective design variant is realized by means of an elastomeric body, which on the one hand firmly with the bearing block and on the other hand firmly with the spring body connected is. One possible embodiment is, for example a designed as a thick-walled hollow cylinder rubber-elastic bearing body, its outer cylindrical surface on the spring body and the inner cylindrical surface of the journal, is attached force or positive fit. Such a bearing body is in the context of its elasticity as springy resetting Rotary bearing used. Such designed pivot bearing make a special cost-effective alternative to plain or roller bearings In a particularly advantageous embodiment variant is the bearing element on the outside diameter with positive Elements provided during a manufacturing process in a mold bed for the production of the Federkörßers can be inserted. This allows a simple way of production of the spring body and bearing element in the composite. At a another embodiment variant of the elastomeric body, the bearing pin and the spring body only without fixed Connection to each other, in which case an end cap on to provide the end face of the journal as Axialverlagerungssicherung is

A further embodiment variant of the pendulum bearing according to claim 5 lies in that the spring body substantially from consists of a fiber composite material. The proposed spring body is for example realized as a plastic injection molded part, wherein a plastic used preferably non-directional mineral or Has short metal fibers. By a suitable combination more stressful Materials is a weight-optimized design of the spring body possible. In particular, injection molding is also used in mass production a particularly cost-effective production process, which in the structural design of components a comparatively high Freedom of design. For the production of the spring body but are also mineral fiber reinforced metal materials used. Suitable manufacturing processes are in particular Pressure, vacuum or gravity casting.

It It should also be emphasized that a passage opening as a recording of the journal in the spring body manufacturing technology especially is easy to implement.

According to an advantageous development of the pendulum suspension according to claim 6, the fiber composite material fibers which are aligned substantially in the longitudinal direction of the spring body. The use of oriented fibers allows a force flow oriented orientation of the fibers. In the spring body according to the invention occur - due to Installation position mainly in the vehicle vertical direction on him acting bending loads - essentially tensile and compressive stresses in the direction of its central longitudinal axis. In the central longitudinal direction of the spring body aligned, reinforcing fibers therefore allow a particularly weight-optimized design of the pendulum suspension. This development allows a desired spring effect with minimal use of material. The weight reduction achievable in this way has a reducing effect on the fuel consumption of the motor vehicle.

to Solution of the problem is also a motor vehicle proposed with a pendulum suspension according to claim 7. The motor vehicle is preferably a truck or a towing vehicle of a semi-trailer. The for the proposed Pendulum suspension described advantages are analogously also for the motor vehicle.

Further advantageous embodiments of the pendulum suspension arise Combinations of the dependent claims, the drawing and the associated description of the figures Characteristics.

The The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing explained. Showing:

1 a portion of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of the suspension suspension according to the invention and

2 an enlarged section of the pendulum suspension according to 1 in profile section.

1 shows a portion of a motor vehicle not shown here 2 with a pendulum suspension according to the invention 4 , a support structure component 6 in the form of a longitudinal frame member and two vehicle axles pointing in the vehicle transverse direction 8a and 8b , In the drawn coordinate system, the x-direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the y-direction points in the vehicle transverse direction and the z-direction points in the vehicle vertical direction. The illustration shows the subsection of the motor vehicle 2 from the - viewed in the direction of travel F - left vehicle outside viewed from looking in the vehicle transverse direction. The pendulum suspension 4 essentially comprises one on the support structure component 6 attached bearing block 10 , one on this one about a pivot bearing 15 about an axis of rotation pointing in the vehicle transverse direction 14 pivotally hinged spring body 12 and two spring saddles 5a and 5b , The spring saddles 5a and 5b are each about clamping devices 7a and 7b at the viewer facing ends of the vehicle axles 8a and 8b attached and with the help of joint bearings 9a and 9b at the ends of the spring body 12 supported in the vehicle vertical direction. A cylindrical bearing journal 16 (see also 2 ) - indicated here as a circular dashed line - is on one of its end faces with the bearing block 10 firmly connected. The journal 16 protrudes from the bearing block 10 to - viewed in the direction of travel F - left vehicle outside from. Its central longitudinal axis points in the vehicle transverse direction and coincides with the axis of rotation 14 together. The spring body 12 forms in the area of the pivot bearing 15 a cylindrical bearing sleeve 17 , which the journal 16 - Viewed from the vehicle transverse direction - completely encloses. About the end cap 11 , which at the viewer facing end side of the journal 16 is attached, is the spring body 12 on the bearing block 10 fixed. The spring body 12 is essentially made of a weight-optimized composite material.

In a variant, not shown here, in which the bearing element is positively connected to the spring body, the bearing cap 12 omitted and replaced by a central nut with disc. This embodiment significantly simplifies the manufacturing process.

The pendulum suspension shown here 4 is characterized - compared to conventional spring pacts by a particularly small space requirement. Moreover, the pendulum suspension 4 a significantly reduced compared to known solutions on weight, which is particularly advantageous in terms of the lowest possible fuel consumption and higher payload. In known pendulum springs usual components such as a cast-iron bearing stool, clamp or clamping plates omitted in the proposed arrangement completely. A significant advantage over known solutions is also a much more precise guidance of the rotational movement of the spring body 12 around the axis of rotation 14 , This is mainly due to a reduced structural complexity of the pendulum suspension 4 and a significantly lower number of relatively movable components. By the proposed embodiment, for example, load-related rolling movements in the vehicle transverse direction can be minimized while driving.

In this illustration hidden is on the viewed in the vehicle transverse direction opposite side of the motor vehicle 2 is a second - opposite the pendulum suspension 4 arranged mirror-symmetrically to the xz plane - pendulum suspension. It is on a not visible here and the support structure component also mirror-inverted second support structure component of the motor vehicle 2 attached. At the second pendulum suspension are the two ends of the vehicle axles facing away from the observer 8a and 8b in analogy to the visible Supported vehicle side.

2 shows a part of the pendulum suspension 4 according to 1 , x, y, and z directions are analog 1 aligned. Shown is an orthogonal to the axis of rotation 14 Applied profile section of the pivot bearing 15 , The journal 16 and the bearing sleeve 17 are arranged approximately concentric with each other. A bearing element 18 is designed as a thick-walled, aligned with its central longitudinal axis in the vehicle transverse direction hollow cylinder. The bearing element 18 consists essentially of a rubber-elastic material. It lies with its outer cylindrical surface on the bearing sleeve 17 and with its inner cylindrical surface on the journal 16 at. Particularly advantageous in this embodiment is an over an effect of the spring body 12 In addition, achievable additional spring-damper effect against occurring during driving, in particular acting orthogonal to the vehicle transverse axis vibrations. The pivot bearing 15 represents a particularly cost-effective alternative to conventional sliding or rolling bearings.

In a variant of the pendulum suspension, not shown here 4 is the bearing element 18 in each case firmly with the bearing block 16 and with the spring body 12 connected. Advantage of this embodiment is that the bearing element 18 in the context of its elasticity acts as a resilient resetting torsion spring. A relative rotation of the spring body 12 opposite the journal 16 is in this embodiment alone on shear movements in the interior of the bearing element 18 implemented.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4223036 A1 [0003]

Claims (7)

Pendulum suspension ( 4 ) for a motor vehicle ( 2 ), which a support structure component ( 6 ) and at least two vehicle axles pointing in the vehicle transverse direction and spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction ( 8a . 8b ), the pendulum suspension ( 4 ) an approximately rod-shaped, transversely to its central longitudinal axis (M) elastically bendable spring body ( 12 ), which extends in the installed position substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction and about an axis of rotation pointing in the vehicle transverse direction (US Pat. 14 ) pivotable with the support structure component ( 6 ) and wherein seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction a vehicle axle ( 8a . 8b ) in front of and another vehicle axle ( 8b . 8a ) behind the axis of rotation ( 14 ) in the vehicle vertical direction on the spring body ( 12 ) is supported, characterized in that the spring body ( 12 ) the axis of rotation ( 14 ) encloses viewed in the vehicle transverse direction. Pendulum suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that a on the support structure component ( 6 ) fixed bearing block ( 10 ) with a journal ( 14 ), wherein the bearing journal ( 14 ) with its central longitudinal axis in the vehicle transverse direction and - viewed in the vehicle transverse direction - from the spring body ( 12 ) is at least partially enclosed. Pendulum suspension according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring body ( 12 ) via a bearing element ( 18 ) with the bearing block ( 10 ) connected is. Pendulum suspension according to claim 3, characterized in that the bearing body ( 18 ) is elastically deformable. Pendulum suspension according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spring body ( 12 ) consists essentially of a fiber composite material. Pendulum suspension according to claim 5, characterized in that the fiber composite material comprises fibers which substantially in the longitudinal direction of the spring body ( 12 ) are aligned. Motor vehicle with a pendulum suspension to one of claims 1 to 6.

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