EP0000822A1 - Axle assembly for a road vehicle - Google Patents
Axle assembly for a road vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0000822A1 EP0000822A1 EP7878300218A EP78300218A EP0000822A1 EP 0000822 A1 EP0000822 A1 EP 0000822A1 EP 7878300218 A EP7878300218 A EP 7878300218A EP 78300218 A EP78300218 A EP 78300218A EP 0000822 A1 EP0000822 A1 EP 0000822A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- spindle
- axle
- assembly according
- spindles
- 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.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G9/00—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
- B60G9/02—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels the axle or housing being pivotally mounted on the vehicle, e.g. the pivotal axis being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
- B60G9/027—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels the axle or housing being pivotally mounted on the vehicle, e.g. the pivotal axis being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle the axle having either a triangular, a "T" or "U" shape and being directly articulated with the chassis only by its middle apex, e.g. De Dion suspension
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G21/00—Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces
- B60G21/02—Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces permanently interconnected
- B60G21/04—Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces permanently interconnected mechanically
- B60G21/05—Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces permanently interconnected mechanically between wheels on the same axle but on different sides of the vehicle, i.e. the left and right wheel suspensions being interconnected
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G9/00—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
- B60K17/04—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of gearing
- B60K17/043—Transmission unit disposed in on near the vehicle wheel, or between the differential gear unit and the wheel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
- B60K17/30—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles the ultimate propulsive elements, e.g. ground wheels, being steerable
- B60K17/306—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles the ultimate propulsive elements, e.g. ground wheels, being steerable with a universal joint in the axis of the steering knuckle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
- B62D7/06—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins
- B62D7/08—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in a single plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/30—Rigid axle suspensions
- B60G2200/314—Rigid axle suspensions with longitudinally arranged arms articulated on the axle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/30—Rigid axle suspensions
- B60G2200/34—Stabilising mechanisms, e.g. for lateral stability
- B60G2200/343—Stabilising mechanisms, e.g. for lateral stability with an axle suspended by two pivoted rods in "V"-arrangement, the rods being coupled at its apex
Definitions
- This invention relates to axle assemblies for road vehicles.
- an axle assembly for a road vehicle comprising an axle beam having oppositely disposed limbs, means constraining the centre of the axle beam to translatory movement in a plane expending fore and aft of the vehicle while permitting universal pivoting of the axle beam, aligned spindles received in the end portions of the limbs of the beam to extend transversely of the vehicle, a hub carried by each spindle, an arm carried by each spindle extending generally upwardly therefrom, and at least one radius rod on each side of the vehicle, the or one radius rod being connected to each arm at a position remote from the spindle.
- the means constraining the centre of the axle may comprise a V shaped link having its apex connected to the axle beam adjacent the centre thereof by a universal coupling, and its base pivotally conneeted to the chassis of of the vehicle for movement about an axis extending transversely of the vehicle.
- an upper and a lower radius rod is provided at each side of the vehicle, a lowem radius rod on each side being comected to the axls assembly adjacent to the spindle on that side and the other radius rod being connected to the arm on that side at its upper end remote from the spindle.
- Each arm extends inboardly of the vehicle chassis and at an inclination to the longitudinal axis of the.spindle.
- the spindle, the arm and a further vertical link may form a triangular arrangement.
- the hubs can be driven by shafts extending between them and gearboxes on hubs carried by the spindles.
- the gearboxes (which may be of any desired ratio) will normally contain bevel gears so that the hubs can be driven from shafts extending generally longitudinally of the vehicle.
- the hubs are driven from separate shafts connected to a differential final drive, the shaft extending, for example, obliquely to the centre line of the vehicle.
- the hubs may be steered.
- the spindles on which the hubs are mounted may be hollow and may have control rods located therein, the control rods being connected to track rods which pass out of the spindles through slots in the walls thereof and which are connected to the hubs by steering arms. Steering is effected by moving the control rods longitudinally within the spindles.
- the control rods may project inwardly from the spindles and be controlled by separate quadrants or pinions so as to leave a clear space between the limbs of the axle beam in which the engine and/or gearbox of the vehicle can be accommodated.
- the hollow spindles may form cylinders for pistons and be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid so as to provide a power steering arrangement.
- the axle assembly comprises an axle beam 10 of V-shape having, at its ends, aligned bores 11 which contain bearings.
- the bores are slotted at 12 and are arranged to extend transversely of the vehicle.
- each spindle Received in the bearings in each bore 11 is a spindle 13, each spindle being slotted at 14 and being hollow.
- the inner end of each spindle is connected to a vertical link 15 and a triangulating arm 16 extends from the outer end of the spindle to the link 15.
- each spindle has a bush 17 in which is received a king pin 18.
- Mounted on the king pin 18,at each end of the axle is a channel-section steering arm 19.
- the trailing end of the arm 19 is connected to a pin 20 at the outer end of a track rod 21.
- the inner ends 23 of the track rods pass through the slots 12 at the ends of the axle beam and through the slots 14 in the spindles 13.
- control rod 22 Slidable within the bore in each spindle 13 is a control rod 22 and to these control rods are pivoted the inner ends 23 of the track rods 21. Transverse movement of the control rods 22 will cause steering movement of the steering arms 19 via the track rods.
- One way of moving the control rods 22 is by forming them as racks at 24 and engaging these racks with separate quadrants 25 driven by shafts 26 journalled in lugs on the axle beam.
- a space is provided between the inner ends thereof to give clearance, for example, to an engine or other item of equipment on the vehicle.
- the control rods. 22 could be connected or formed as a single rod controlled by a single quadrant. Instead of quadrants, pinions could be used or levers could be provided on the ends of the control rods connected via ball joints to control means.
- the axle assembly is located by a V-shaped link 27 having arms 28 connected together at an apex which is connected via a universal joint (29) to the apex of the axle beam 10.
- the other ends 30 of the V-shaped link are connected via universal joints to parts of the vehicle chassis.
- the link thus locates the axle beam transversely of the vehicle.
- there are lower radius rods 31 which are connected via universal joints to the lower ends of the links 15 adjacent to the spindles 13.
- the radius rods 31 are connected either to the links 15 or to the ends of the axle beam via universal joints at locations adjacent to the spindles..
- the upper radius rods are indicated at 32 and are connected via universal joints to the upper ends of the arms 16, in the present example via the links 15.
- the links 15 could be omitted in which, case the rods 32 would be connected directly to the arms 16.
- the radius rods control the pitch centre of the axle assembly and take torque reaction from braking.
- each king pin 18 is a driven hub 33.
- Each hub is driven via a shaft 34.
- Each shaft extends between the hub 33 and a bevel gearbox 35 mounted on link 15.
- the shafts 34 pass through holes in the arms 16.
- the hubs may include epicyclic hub reduction gears and will carry road wheels.
- the bevel gearboxes 35 are driven via longitudinal shafts, one of which is indicated at 37.
- the gearboxes 35 could be omitted and the hubs driven by shafts whose inner ends are connected to a differential final drive mechanism.
- FIG. 3 shows a non-steered axle.
- a V-shaped axle beam 50 which at its end has bearings 51.
- a spindle 52 In each bearing is mounted a spindle 52.
- an oblique arm 54 At the outer end of each spindle is secured an oblique arm 54 which is triangulated with the spindle by means of a vertical link 53.
- Upper and lower radius rods 55 and 56 are provided on each side extending longitudinally of the vehicle and controlling the pitch centre.
- the radius rods 56 are connected to the links 53 or to the axle beam adjacent 50 to the spindles 52 whereas the radius arms 55 are connected to the upper ends of the arms 54 via the links 53.
- Hubs 59 are mounted on the ends of the axle.
- a V-shaped link is connected to the apex of the axle beam by means of a universal joint 57 and the ends of the link 60 are connected at 58 to the vehicle chassis via universal joints.
- the links 53 may be omitted and the radius rods 55 connected directly to the upper ends of the arms 54.
- the axle may be sprung by spring legs acting on the axle beam 10 or 50.
- the line of action of each spring will pass through the line between the universal joint 29 or 57 and the plan centre line of each wheel carried by the axle. Where centre point steering is provided this centre line is coincident with the pivot axis of the hub in Figure 1.
- the steerable axle could be steered by means of a generally vertical telescopic shaft having one end on the transverse axis through the universal joint 29 with the shaft extending perpendicular to said transverse axis.
- One could have a bevel steering box at the upper end of this telescopic shaft.
- the lower end of the shaft should preferably be on the transverse axis through the universal joint 29 but may be slightly off said axis and would be connected, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, to the quadrants 25.
- axle beam 10
- the axle beam, 10 is connected by way of a ball (universal) joint 40 to a block 41 slideable longitudinally within a member 4? by suitable bearings, e.g. ball bearings 43.
- the member 42 is secured to the chassis of the vehicle with the direction of sliding of the block 41 extending longitudinally of the vehicle, thereby constraining the axle beam against movement laterally of the vehicle.
- the axle beam is, however, still capable of the universal pivoting movement about its centre as in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3.
- axle assembly there illustrated comprises an axle beam150 in the form of a tube, hereafter referred to as a de Dion tube, which is of generally U-shape and is supported relative to the chassis of the vehicle by two links151 in a V formation, which links are universally pivotally connected to the actual beam by a universal joint152 and pivotally connected for angular movement about an axis153 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle by pivoting connections 154.
- a de Dion tube which is of generally U-shape and is supported relative to the chassis of the vehicle by two links151 in a V formation, which links are universally pivotally connected to the actual beam by a universal joint152 and pivotally connected for angular movement about an axis153 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle by pivoting connections 154.
- the universal joint152 provides a roll centre for the de Dion tube150, and the position of such roll centre can be adjusted to suit the required characteristics of the vehicle by altering the lengths of the links 151 and of the parallel end portion of the de Dion tube, and enables the roll centre to be positioned irrespective of whether cr not there is an adjacent rigid part of the vehicle body or chassis against which lateral forces on the de Dion tube can react.
- the free ends of the de Dion tube are pivotally connected, for movement about aligned axes 155 transverse to the length of the vehicle, to generally verthally extending arms 156 which carry mountings 157 for wheels 158.
- Radius rods in the form of struts 159 which are pivoted to the wheel mountings 157 in the vertical plane and to the body or chassis of the vehicle by pivots 160 which provide for pivoting about axis transverse to the fore and aft axis of the vehicle.
- the axle assembly comprises a de Dion tube 250, links 251, upwardly extending arms 256 pivotally connected to the de Dion tube.
- the arms 256 are supported by two pairs of radius rods 261, the rods of each pair being provided at the upper and lower ends of the arms 256 and the wheel supports 257 being between the points of attachment of the radius rods 261.
- the radius rods are universally pivotally connected to the body or chassis of the vehicle and to the arms 256, to allow for rolling motion of the de Dion tube 250 about universal joint 252.
- axle assemblies incorporating steerable wheels, and/or wheels which are driven e.g. from universally jointed shafts mounted on the body or chassis of the vehicle between the wheels.
- the axle assembly may be sprung by springs operating on the axle beam.
- hubs of the axle assembly are steered by track rods 21 connected to control rods slidable within the bores of spindles 13, the hubs may be steered by other means.
- a conventional steering rack could be employed, connected by conventional track rods directly to the steering arms.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
- Steering-Linkage Mechanisms And Four-Wheel Steering (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to axle assemblies for road vehicles.
- According to the invention, we provide an axle assembly for a road vehicle, comprising an axle beam having oppositely disposed limbs, means constraining the centre of the axle beam to translatory movement in a plane expending fore and aft of the vehicle while permitting universal pivoting of the axle beam, aligned spindles received in the end portions of the limbs of the beam to extend transversely of the vehicle, a hub carried by each spindle, an arm carried by each spindle extending generally upwardly therefrom, and at least one radius rod on each side of the vehicle, the or one radius rod being connected to each arm at a position remote from the spindle.
- The means constraining the centre of the axle may comprise a V shaped link having its apex connected to the axle beam adjacent the centre thereof by a universal coupling, and its base pivotally conneeted to the chassis of of the vehicle for movement about an axis extending transversely of the vehicle.
- Preferably an upper and a lower radius rod is provided at each side of the vehicle, a lowem radius rod on each side being comected to the axls assembly adjacent to the spindle on that side and the other radius rod being connected to the arm on that side at its upper end remote from the spindle.
- Each arm extends inboardly of the vehicle chassis and at an inclination to the longitudinal axis of the.spindle. The spindle, the arm and a further vertical link may form a triangular arrangement.
- The hubs can be driven by shafts extending between them and gearboxes on hubs carried by the spindles. The gearboxes (which may be of any desired ratio) will normally contain bevel gears so that the hubs can be driven from shafts extending generally longitudinally of the vehicle. Alternatively the hubs are driven from separate shafts connected to a differential final drive, the shaft extending, for example, obliquely to the centre line of the vehicle.
- The hubs may be steered. For this purpose, the spindles on which the hubs are mounted may be hollow and may have control rods located therein, the control rods being connected to track rods which pass out of the spindles through slots in the walls thereof and which are connected to the hubs by steering arms. Steering is effected by moving the control rods longitudinally within the spindles. The control rods may project inwardly from the spindles and be controlled by separate quadrants or pinions so as to leave a clear space between the limbs of the axle beam in which the engine and/or gearbox of the vehicle can be accommodated.
- If desired, the hollow spindles may form cylinders for pistons and be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid so as to provide a power steering arrangement.
- The invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which :-
- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a driven and steerable axle assembly embodying the invention;
- Figure 2 is a front view of the axle assembly of Figure 1 with certain parts broken away; and
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a non-steerable, non-driven axle embodying the invention.
- Figure 4 shows a modification of part of the axle assembly of Figure 1;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of another form of axle assembly embodying the invention;
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another form of axle assembly embodying the invention.
- Referring now to Figure 1, the axle assembly comprises an
axle beam 10 of V-shape having, at its ends, alignedbores 11 which contain bearings. The bores are slotted at 12 and are arranged to extend transversely of the vehicle. - Received in the bearings in each
bore 11 is aspindle 13, each spindle being slotted at 14 and being hollow. The inner end of each spindle is connected to avertical link 15 and a triangulatingarm 16 extends from the outer end of the spindle to thelink 15. At its outer end, each spindle has abush 17 in which is received aking pin 18. Mounted on theking pin 18,at each end of the axle is a channel-section steering arm 19. The trailing end of thearm 19 is connected to apin 20 at the outer end of atrack rod 21. Theinner ends 23 of the track rods pass through theslots 12 at the ends of the axle beam and through the slots 14 in thespindles 13. Slidable within the bore in eachspindle 13 is acontrol rod 22 and to these control rods are pivoted theinner ends 23 of thetrack rods 21. Transverse movement of thecontrol rods 22 will cause steering movement of thesteering arms 19 via the track rods. One way of moving thecontrol rods 22 is by forming them as racks at 24 and engaging these racks withseparate quadrants 25 driven byshafts 26 journalled in lugs on the axle beam. By havingseparate control rods 22, a space is provided between the inner ends thereof to give clearance, for example, to an engine or other item of equipment on the vehicle. If desired, however, the control rods. 22 could be connected or formed as a single rod controlled by a single quadrant. Instead of quadrants, pinions could be used or levers could be provided on the ends of the control rods connected via ball joints to control means. - The axle assembly is located by a V-
shaped link 27 havingarms 28 connected together at an apex which is connected via a universal joint (29) to the apex of theaxle beam 10. Theother ends 30 of the V-shaped link are connected via universal joints to parts of the vehicle chassis. The link thus locates the axle beam transversely of the vehicle. In addition, there are upper and lower radius rods on each side. Thus there arelower radius rods 31 which are connected via universal joints to the lower ends of thelinks 15 adjacent to thespindles 13. Theradius rods 31 are connected either to thelinks 15 or to the ends of the axle beam via universal joints at locations adjacent to the spindles.. The upper radius rods are indicated at 32 and are connected via universal joints to the upper ends of thearms 16, in the present example via thelinks 15. Thelinks 15 could be omitted in which, case therods 32 Would be connected directly to thearms 16. The radius rods control the pitch centre of the axle assembly and take torque reaction from braking. - .Mounted on each
king pin 18 is a drivenhub 33. Each hub is driven via ashaft 34. Each shaft extends between thehub 33 and abevel gearbox 35 mounted onlink 15. There is a constant velocityuniversal joint 36 at the outer end of each shaft. Theshafts 34 pass through holes in thearms 16. - The hubs may include epicyclic hub reduction gears and will carry road wheels. The
bevel gearboxes 35 are driven via longitudinal shafts, one of which is indicated at 37. Thegearboxes 35 could be omitted and the hubs driven by shafts whose inner ends are connected to a differential final drive mechanism. - Figure 3 shows a non-steered axle. Referring to Figure 3, there is again a V-
shaped axle beam 50 which at its end hasbearings 51. In each bearing is mounted aspindle 52. At the outer end of each spindle is secured anoblique arm 54 which is triangulated with the spindle by means of avertical link 53. Upper andlower radius rods radius rods 56 are connected to thelinks 53 or to the axle beam adjacent 50 to thespindles 52 whereas theradius arms 55 are connected to the upper ends of thearms 54 via thelinks 53.Hubs 59 are mounted on the ends of the axle. A V-shaped link is connected to the apex of the axle beam by means of auniversal joint 57 and the ends of thelink 60 are connected at 58 to the vehicle chassis via universal joints. Thelinks 53 may be omitted and theradius rods 55 connected directly to the upper ends of thearms 54. - In either embodiment the axle may be sprung by spring legs acting on the
axle beam universal joint - The steerable axle could be steered by means of a generally vertical telescopic shaft having one end on the transverse axis through the universal joint 29 with the shaft extending perpendicular to said transverse axis. One could have a bevel steering box at the upper end of this telescopic shaft. The lower end of the shaft should preferably be on the transverse axis through the universal joint 29 but may be slightly off said axis and would be connected, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, to the
quadrants 25. - Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown an arrangement, as an alternative to the V-shaped
link 27, for locating the axle beam transversely of the vehicle. In this arrangement, the axle beam, 10, is connected by way of a ball (universal) joint 40 to ablock 41 slideable longitudinally within a member 4? by suitable bearings,e.g. ball bearings 43. Themember 42 is secured to the chassis of the vehicle with the direction of sliding of theblock 41 extending longitudinally of the vehicle, thereby constraining the axle beam against movement laterally of the vehicle. The axle beam is, however, still capable of the universal pivoting movement about its centre as in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3. - Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawings, the axle assembly there illustrated comprises an axle beam150 in the form of a tube, hereafter referred to as a de Dion tube, which is of generally U-shape and is supported relative to the chassis of the vehicle by two links151 in a V formation, which links are universally pivotally connected to the actual beam by a universal joint152 and pivotally connected for angular movement about an axis153 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle by pivoting
connections 154. The universal joint152 provides a roll centre for the de Dion tube150, and the position of such roll centre can be adjusted to suit the required characteristics of the vehicle by altering the lengths of thelinks 151 and of the parallel end portion of the de Dion tube, and enables the roll centre to be positioned irrespective of whether cr not there is an adjacent rigid part of the vehicle body or chassis against which lateral forces on the de Dion tube can react. - The free ends of the de Dion tube are pivotally connected, for movement about aligned
axes 155 transverse to the length of the vehicle, to generally verthally extendingarms 156 which carrymountings 157 forwheels 158. Radius rods in the form ofstruts 159 which are pivoted to thewheel mountings 157 in the vertical plane and to the body or chassis of the vehicle bypivots 160 which provide for pivoting about axis transverse to the fore and aft axis of the vehicle. - Referring now to Figure 6, there is illustrated an axle assembly of which parts corresponding to parts in the assembly of Figure 5 are indicated by the same reference numeral with the addition of 100. Thus, the axle assembly comprises a
de Dion tube 250,links 251, upwardly extendingarms 256 pivotally connected to the de Dion tube. In this case, however, thearms 256 are supported by two pairs ofradius rods 261, the rods of each pair being provided at the upper and lower ends of thearms 256 and the wheel supports 257 being between the points of attachment of theradius rods 261. The radius rods are universally pivotally connected to the body or chassis of the vehicle and to thearms 256, to allow for rolling motion of thede Dion tube 250 aboutuniversal joint 252. - The linkages of Figures 5 and 6 may also be applied to axle assemblies incorporating steerable wheels, and/or wheels which are driven, e.g. from universally jointed shafts mounted on the body or chassis of the vehicle between the wheels. The axle assembly may be sprung by springs operating on the axle beam.
- Although as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings the hubs of the axle assembly are steered by
track rods 21 connected to control rods slidable within the bores ofspindles 13, the hubs may be steered by other means. For example, a conventional steering rack could be employed, connected by conventional track rods directly to the steering arms.
Claims (9)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB3407877 | 1977-08-13 | ||
GB3407877 | 1977-08-13 | ||
GB593778 | 1978-02-15 | ||
GB593778 | 1978-02-15 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0000822A1 true EP0000822A1 (en) | 1979-02-21 |
EP0000822B1 EP0000822B1 (en) | 1981-11-11 |
Family
ID=26240266
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP78300218A Expired EP0000822B1 (en) | 1977-08-13 | 1978-07-31 | Axle assembly for a road vehicle |
Country Status (19)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4223910A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0000822B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS5433425A (en) |
AU (1) | AU527998B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR7805156A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1095543A (en) |
CS (1) | CS213347B2 (en) |
DD (1) | DD138172A5 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2861313D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK356278A (en) |
ES (1) | ES472504A1 (en) |
HU (1) | HU178232B (en) |
IE (1) | IE47164B1 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1160589B (en) |
MX (1) | MX146494A (en) |
PH (1) | PH15962A (en) |
PL (1) | PL208987A1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR20471A (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA784375B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0067606A1 (en) * | 1981-06-11 | 1982-12-22 | GKN Group Services Limited | Steering of vehicles |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE7812148L (en) * | 1977-11-30 | 1979-05-31 | Mo Avtomobilno Dorozhnyj Inst | TRANSPORT VEHICLES |
US4705128A (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1987-11-10 | Gkn Automotive Components Inc. | Independent wheel suspension system having a differential pivotable about two axes |
JPH0712767B2 (en) * | 1989-09-04 | 1995-02-15 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle suspension |
JP2525297B2 (en) * | 1991-06-21 | 1996-08-14 | 村田機械株式会社 | Transfer equipment |
US6533299B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2003-03-18 | Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, Llc | Drive axle air suspension |
US6966612B2 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-11-22 | Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc | Tag axle assembly |
US7837203B1 (en) | 2007-01-29 | 2010-11-23 | Vantage Mobility International, Llc | Wheelchair converted vehicle having independent rear suspension and method of manufacturing |
DE102007007439A1 (en) * | 2007-02-15 | 2008-08-21 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Axis of a two-lane vehicle with a torsionally soft composite link |
DE102012212475A1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2014-05-22 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Powered axle of a two-lane vehicle |
DE112018004802T5 (en) | 2017-08-30 | 2020-07-09 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | ELECTRIC DRIVE DRIVE ASSEMBLY |
DE102019111714A1 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2020-11-12 | Universität Siegen | Rear axle for a two-lane vehicle and two-lane vehicle with one rear axle |
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GB346688A (en) * | 1929-01-31 | 1931-04-07 | Frank John Adams | Improvements in mounting the steered road wheels of vehicles |
US2255365A (en) * | 1939-09-02 | 1941-09-09 | Lucas Vaccaro | Vehicle wheel mounting |
FR933999A (en) * | 1946-09-19 | 1948-05-07 | Front drive wheel for motor vehicle | |
FR1163673A (en) * | 1955-12-29 | 1958-09-30 | English Racing Automobiles Ltd | Suspension for rear wheels of motor vehicles |
US2988160A (en) * | 1955-12-29 | 1961-06-13 | Frederick J Hooven | Vehicle rear axle guiding system |
FR2102245A1 (en) * | 1970-08-13 | 1972-04-07 | Gen Motors Corp | |
DE2247043A1 (en) * | 1972-09-26 | 1974-04-04 | Volkswagenwerk Ag | AXLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
FR2258279A1 (en) * | 1974-01-18 | 1975-08-18 | Gen Motors Corp |
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US2634986A (en) * | 1950-01-20 | 1953-04-14 | Ernest C Mcdaniel | Front wheel dolly for trailers |
DE1274899B (en) * | 1958-06-21 | 1968-08-08 | Daimler Benz Ag | Suspension of an axle cross member for independent wheel suspension of a motor vehicle |
US2994396A (en) * | 1959-09-21 | 1961-08-01 | Gen Motors Corp | Suspension and steering assembly |
JPS5225319A (en) * | 1975-08-15 | 1977-02-25 | Mazda Motor Corp | Asymmetrical rear suspension of automobiles |
-
1978
- 1978-07-31 DE DE7878300218T patent/DE2861313D1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-31 EP EP78300218A patent/EP0000822B1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-08-02 US US05/930,177 patent/US4223910A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1978-08-02 ZA ZA00784375A patent/ZA784375B/en unknown
- 1978-08-03 IE IE1586/78A patent/IE47164B1/en unknown
- 1978-08-04 CA CA308,786A patent/CA1095543A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-08-07 AU AU38712/78A patent/AU527998B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-08-09 HU HU78GE1042A patent/HU178232B/en unknown
- 1978-08-10 TR TR20471A patent/TR20471A/en unknown
- 1978-08-11 IT IT7868901A patent/IT1160589B/en active
- 1978-08-11 ES ES472504A patent/ES472504A1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-08-11 DK DK356278A patent/DK356278A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1978-08-11 BR BR7805156A patent/BR7805156A/en unknown
- 1978-08-11 MX MX174508A patent/MX146494A/en unknown
- 1978-08-11 PL PL20898778A patent/PL208987A1/en unknown
- 1978-08-14 JP JP9897278A patent/JPS5433425A/en active Pending
- 1978-08-14 PH PH21488A patent/PH15962A/en unknown
- 1978-08-14 CS CS785304A patent/CS213347B2/en unknown
- 1978-08-14 DD DD78207263A patent/DD138172A5/en unknown
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB346688A (en) * | 1929-01-31 | 1931-04-07 | Frank John Adams | Improvements in mounting the steered road wheels of vehicles |
US2255365A (en) * | 1939-09-02 | 1941-09-09 | Lucas Vaccaro | Vehicle wheel mounting |
FR933999A (en) * | 1946-09-19 | 1948-05-07 | Front drive wheel for motor vehicle | |
FR1163673A (en) * | 1955-12-29 | 1958-09-30 | English Racing Automobiles Ltd | Suspension for rear wheels of motor vehicles |
US2988160A (en) * | 1955-12-29 | 1961-06-13 | Frederick J Hooven | Vehicle rear axle guiding system |
FR2102245A1 (en) * | 1970-08-13 | 1972-04-07 | Gen Motors Corp | |
DE2247043A1 (en) * | 1972-09-26 | 1974-04-04 | Volkswagenwerk Ag | AXLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
FR2258279A1 (en) * | 1974-01-18 | 1975-08-18 | Gen Motors Corp |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0067606A1 (en) * | 1981-06-11 | 1982-12-22 | GKN Group Services Limited | Steering of vehicles |
US4465292A (en) * | 1981-06-11 | 1984-08-14 | Gkn Group Services Limited | Steering of vehicles |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX146494A (en) | 1982-07-02 |
TR20471A (en) | 1981-07-01 |
EP0000822B1 (en) | 1981-11-11 |
IE47164B1 (en) | 1984-01-11 |
US4223910A (en) | 1980-09-23 |
AU527998B2 (en) | 1983-03-31 |
IT1160589B (en) | 1987-03-11 |
BR7805156A (en) | 1979-05-08 |
DE2861313D1 (en) | 1982-01-14 |
ES472504A1 (en) | 1979-03-16 |
JPS5433425A (en) | 1979-03-12 |
CS213347B2 (en) | 1982-04-09 |
IE781586L (en) | 1979-02-13 |
ZA784375B (en) | 1979-07-25 |
DK356278A (en) | 1979-02-14 |
PH15962A (en) | 1983-05-04 |
DD138172A5 (en) | 1979-10-17 |
HU178232B (en) | 1982-04-28 |
AU3871278A (en) | 1980-02-14 |
PL208987A1 (en) | 1979-07-02 |
IT7868901A0 (en) | 1978-08-11 |
CA1095543A (en) | 1981-02-10 |
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