FR2841182A1 - Suspension, for heavy vehicle, e.g. trucks, has suspension arm with axle mounted via seating with adjustable fastenings - Google Patents

Abstract

The suspension has a suspension arm (2) supporting an axle (1) clamped (9) to it and positioned on a seating (8). The seating has fixings to receive removable retainers for the seating to the arm. The arm has formations to position the seating with respect to the arm. The seating can have bores corresponding with those in the arm to receive clamping bolts.

Description

suspension device according to any one of claims 17 a

25.

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  Suspension device, intended to equip vehicles such as especially heavy goods vehicles, using a rigid connection between a

  axle seat and suspension arm match.

  The field of the invention is that of road vehicles. More precisely, the invention relates to a suspension device intended in particular to equip heavy goods vehicles, of the type comprising a suspension arm on which

  is mounted an axle positioned on the arm using a seat.

  The term “heavy goods vehicles” is understood here to mean all of the vehicles including trucks, coaches, certain site vehicles, and also trailers

l0 and semi-trailers.

  In the field of truck suspensions, two commonly used techniques: leaf spring suspensions and arm suspensions

  boxed. The invention applies in particular to this second technique.

  Such suspensions quoted "with pulled arms" implement arms of the suspension which support the rigid axles and the wind made integral with them essentially according to two distinct conventional approaches: by welded connection or

by clamping.

  In the first case, a cylindrical recess is provided in the suspension arm to allow the axle to pass. This is then welded onto the suspension arm to make the axle and the arm definitively integral with one another.

  This type of assembly has several drawbacks.

  First, the welding of the axle and the arm is generally carried out before mounting on the vehicle. The two elements secured to each other then form a bulky one-piece assembly, therefore expensive in transport and / or storage. In addition, because of the definitive appearance of the weld, it is not possible to repair the whole formed by the assembly of the arm and the axle. It is therefore necessary to replace the whole in its entirety, which implies the

  in case of significant maintenance costs.

.

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  Furthermore, for the implementation of such welded assemblies, the spacing of

  the suspension is frozen before mounting the brakes and hubs.

  Experience shows that such a situation creates difficulties

  of industrialization as well as lengthening of the times of realization.

  It therefore appears that the solution consisting in welding the axle with the suspension arm certainly provides satisfactory geometric stability, but this at

  at the expense of flexibility during production than maintenance.

  According to the approach of the connection by clamping the axle with the suspension arm, the axle is positioned and received on the arm by means of a l0 seat, of shape complementary to that of the axle, the seat being just put on the arm. A clamping counter plate is attached under the sus.pension arm, the counter plate having orifices allowing the passage of flanges. The axle is secured to the arm by means of flanges surrounding the axle and fixed to the counterplate with the aid of nuts, providing a

  l 5 clamping essentially in a vertical plane.

  However, under the effect of shocks or tremors undergone or transmitted by the vehicle, the clamping is not always sufficient to maintain the position of the axle on the suspension arm, the seat may be caused to move slightly the along the suspension arm. This then results in a more or less deregulation

sensitive to parallelism.

  In addition, the counter-clamping plate of such an assembly turns out to be a relatively heavy piece, quite inconvenient to maneuver during operations.

assembly and maintenance.

  However, such a solution of assembling the axle with the suspension arms presents greater flexibility during production and maintenance (in particular by being dismountable) compared to the technique of

welded connection.

  On the other hand, the connection by clamping does not guarantee a stability

sufficiently reliable.

  In addition, the suspensions cited "with pulled arms" have

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  traditionally mechanisms for adjusting the perpendicularity of one or

  several of the axles of the vehicles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the latter.

  With the aid of these mechanisms, it is possible to adjust as possible the orientation of the wheels on that of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle by acting on the suspension arm which supports the axle. The aim is to ensure a correct trajectory and satisfactory road holding for the vehicle. In addition, the adjustment of parallelism

  minimizes the wear of the vehicle tires.

  Conventionally, the mechanisms for adjusting the parallelism employ cylindrical eccentrics which allow the suspension arms to be moved in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in order to modify the orientation of the vehicle.

the axle that these arms support.

  Once the setting is deemed satisfactory, the eccentric is blocked by

  clamping means which press it against the cradle.

  However, during the operation of the vehicle, in the event of insufficient tightening, lS but also under the effect of vibrations, or even possible shocks, the position of the eccentric can be brought to change, modifying the perpendicularity of

the axle match.

  Furthermore, the design of these mechanisms is such that the position of each arm is adjusted continuously, that is to say that at each of the angular positions of the eccentric, between which it can be moved in a regular manner.

  and continuous, corresponds to a position of the axle on which the eccentric acts.

  This has the advantage of allowing very precise, but careful adjustment,

  however a major drawback.

  Indeed, the tightening of the eccentric is generally obtained by screwing a nut (or other similar screwed means) against the eccentric. It follows that, at the end of the tightening, the tightening force is such that the nut slightly rotates in an eccentric rotation. The blocking is in this case carried out in a position of

  the eccentric different from that which the operator thinks he has achieved.

  The object of the invention is to combine the drawbacks of prior art.

  More precisely, the invention aims to propose a device for

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  suspension intended to equip in particular trucks, in which the method of assembling the axles with the suspension arms provides a stability comparable to that obtained by a definitive connection such as welding, while presenting as much, or even more, flexibility during production and maintenance operations compared to the bonding by clamping of the prior art. In this view, the invention aims to provide such a suspension device in which the assembly of the axle and the suspension arm can be

easily dismounted.

  Another object of the invention is also to provide such a device which makes it considerably easier to assemble the axles with the corresponding suspension arms. The object of the invention is also to provide such a device which allows the perpendicularity of the axles to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the axle.

  vehicle and which guarantees the stability of the adjustment obtained.

  Another object of the invention is to provide such a device for

  suspension which is simple in design and easy to use.

  These objectives as well as others which will appear thereafter have been achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a suspension device, intended to equip a vehicle such as in particular a heavy vehicle, of the type comprising at least one suspension arm on which is mounted at least one axle to said vehicle, said axle being flange to said arm by at least one flange and positioned thereon by means of a seat, characterized in that said seat has fixing means intended to receive removable attachment means to said seat to said arm, said arm having positioning means to said seat with which it

  forms a monobloc assembly predetermining the position at said seat.

  A solution is thus obtained which ensures the geometric stability of

  the assembly formed by the assembly of the axle with the suspension arm (s).

  Indeed, the seat, which accommodates the axle, is securely fastened, con gable to the arm and

  maintains the axle position relative to the length of the arm.

  In this way, con, and unlike the clamping connection of the prior art, 1.

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  s the seat is fixed on the arm, even in the event of tremors or shocks, even

  important, suffered or transmitted by the vehicle.

  In addition, the connection between the seat and the arm, as well as that between the axle and the arm, is removable, which is very advantageous in terms of flexibility for the operator, during assembly and maintenance operations. . In addition, the positioning means also contribute to facilitating the mounting of the device, and also contributes to its efficiency. In fact, the axle or axles are received by the corresponding seats which are positioned in a predetermined manner with one another, in a configuration according to which the perpendicularity of the axles relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is directly obtained, or can be obtained by a simple subsequent adjustment. We thus obtain a first assistance in obtaining parallelism without it being necessary, for the operator,

  measure the position of the seats along the suspension arms.

  According to a preferred solution, said means for fixing to said seat comprise at least one bore intended to communicate with at least one

  orifice household in said arm for the passage of said securing means.

  Preferably, said means for fixing to said seat comprise four bores intended to communicate each with at least one household opening.

in said arm.

  This gives the possibility of an assembly having sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the stresses likely to be exerted on the device.

suspension.

  According to an advantageous solution, said securing means comprise said one or more flanges mounted so that the said axle is flange

  on said seat while the latter is secured to said arm.

  The clamping then has a double function: a function of clamping the axle in its seat, and therefore against the corresponding arm, and a holding function

  of the seat in the desired position relative to the suspension arm.

  In addition, such an assembly provides great ease of assembly for the operator.

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  According to a preferred solution, said positioning means

  advantageously comprise at least one element projecting from said arm.

  Preferably, said seat comprises at least one housing intended for

  receiving said element projecting from said arm.

  According to an advantageous solution, said protruding element or elements comprise a chimney through which said orifice opens out in said arm. In this case, said bore (s) in said seat have

  advantageously at least one counterbore intended to house said one or more chernines.

  In this way, con, the seat or seats have means complementary to the positioning means carried by the suspension arms, by which the installation of a seat on a suspension arm is achieved by a simple embotation.

  Of course, other embodiments of the positioning means

  seat on its wind suspension arm possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Preferably, said arm has four chimneys.

  Such an arrangement makes it possible to achieve four anchor points for the seat on the corresponding suspension arm, as will be explained in more detail

thereafter.

  Advantageously, said opening or openings in said arm

  each communicate with a conduit.

  Advantageously, said one or more conduits form with said arm a

monobloc assembly.

  According to a particular embodiment, said arm has four conduits, two pieces each having two conduits being secured to the arm,

on either side of it.

  In this case, said parts have a window allowing to weld

  said pieces with said arm in a continuous bead.

  The weld is thus applied to the periphery of the window of each room.

  to form a firm bead, that is to say without ends.

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  The absence of ends contributes to ensuring good weld resistance over time, such ends generally favoring the creation of cracks. In addition, the parts are welded on the sides of the arms, that is to say in a part of the arm where the latter is the least stressed in bending, which also contributes to ensuring the weld of the part a good hold, and guarantees through

  Consequently good reliability of the device according to the invention.

  Preferably, said axle is welded on said seat.

  The welded connection of the seat with the axle contributes to better mechanical strength of the suspension device. Welding can be done by

points or by cords.

  The invention also relates to a suspension arm intended to equip a vehicle such as in particular a heavy goods vehicle, intended to carry at least one axle to said vehicle, said axle being flange to said arm by at least one flange and positioned on it at using a seat, characterized in that it has at least one conduit intended to communicate with a bore in said seat

  for the passage of securing means to said seat to said arm.

  The invention also relates to a seat for fitting a vehicle such as in particular a heavy goods vehicle, of the type comprising at least one suspension arm on which is mounted at least one axle to said vehicle, said axle being flange to said arm by at least a flange and positioned thereon by means of a seat, characterized in that said seat has at least one bore intended to communicate with at least one orifice provided in said arm for the passage of said fastening means, said or said bores having at least one counterbore intended to accommodate positioning means carried by said arm! According to a complementary approach of the invention, the suspension device also comprises means for adjusting the perpendicularity

  to said axle with respect to the longitudinal axis to said vehicle.

  In this case, the suspension device is of the type comprising at least two mobile suspension arms rotating about an axis supported by a

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  cradle, at least one blank of which has an oblong inside which said axis is capable of being moved, said adjustment means making it possible to move said axis along said oblong between at least two predetermined positions and advantageously having means of coupling with said cradle, or with an element attached thereto, designed so that: - movement to said axis along said oblong is only authorized if ['absence of [' engagement of said means of coupling with said cradle ; - the position at said axis along said oblong is locked when said

  wind coupling means engaged on said cradle.

  Thanks to this characteristic, the adjustment of the parallelism is obtained in a way that is reliable and durable. In fact, unlike the solutions of the prior art using an eccentric which is simply tightened by screwing onto the blank of the cradle, the means for adjusting the parallelism according to the invention are not, or only slightly, sensitive.

  to the effects of a tightening / loosening with respect to the cradle.

  According to a preferred solution, said means of adjustment and / or

  coupling comprises a plate intended to cooperate with a counter

plate integral with said cradle.

  In this case, said plate advantageously has an orifice intended to be crossed by said axis, said orifice being positioned on said plate so as to cause displacement of said axis along said oblong during the rotation of

  said plate with respect to said counter-plate.

  According to an advantageous solution, said wind coupling means distributed over said plate so as to allow the engagement of said plate on

  said counterplate in at least two distinct angular positions.

  Preferably, said wind coupling means distributed over said

  front plate, designed to allow the engagement of said plate on said counter

  platinum, according to three distinct angular positions.

  Such an arrangement proves easy to use for the operator since the trotting positions correspond to a quoted neutral position, around which

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  proceeds with a displacement, either positive or negative, of the axis of rotation of the suspension arm. It is however conceivable to provide more positions of the plate relative to the counter-plate, to provide for example intermediate positions allowing the adjustment of the parallelism to be refined. The means of adjustment and / or coupling then cone wind, designed to allow positioning the axis supporting the suspension arms in a neutral location, or with a positive offset, or alternatively negative, depending

  the longitudinal axis of the suspension arm correspond.

  l0 According to a preferred solution, said coupling means comprise at least a stage of stine to be housed in a recess of the adite against

  platinum or coming to bear against a rim thereof.

  The coupling means may however be envisaged according to

  other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, in particular in

  l5 providing, for example, pins judiciously distributed on the plate and intended to penetrate orifices provided on the counter-plate or directly on the cradle,

Or vice versa.

  According to an advantageous solution, said plate presents trots pastes

  distributed substantially at 120 relative to each other.

  Advantageously, the suspension device comprises means for clamping said plate against said counter-plate. In this case, said wind tightening means preferably intended to cooperate with means carried by

the end of said axis.

  Unlike the solutions of the prior art, the screwing of the clamping means cannot cause the modification of the adjustment carried out, due to the presence

  means for coupling the plate and the counter-plate to each other.

  Advantageously, the suspension device comprises means for

  adjustment on each of the blanks to said cradle.

  We increase in this way, con the possibilities of adjustment, and therefore the faculty

  to achieve a satisfactory parallelism.

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  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent

  clearly on reading the following description of an embodiment

  preferential of the invention, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the drawings among which: FIG. 1 is an exploded overview of the suspension device according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an axle seat of a suspension device according to the invention; - Figure 3 is a view of an axle accommodated in an axle seat according to lO ['invention; - Figure 4 is a view of a flanged axle on an axle seat according to the invention; Figures 5 to 7 are respectively side, top and perspective views of a suspension arm incorporating a suspension device according to the invention; - Figures 8 to 10 are views of the means for adjusting the parallelism, occupying three distinct angular positions, integrated into a suspension device according to the invention; - Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of a particular embodiment of a suspension arm intended to equip a

  suspension device according to the invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a suspension device intended to equip a heavy goods vehicle conventionally comprises an axle 1 mounted on two suspension arms 2, themselves mounted for rotation about an axis 42 supported by the

blanks 41 of a cradle 4.

  According to an also conventional arrangement, 5-wind suspension cushions mounted between the free end of the suspension arms 2 and a fixed element 6 secured to the chassis of the vehicle. In addition, the suspension is produced by means of shock absorbers 7 secured by one of their ends to the cradle 4, and mounted in rotation around axes 71 torques to the suspension arms 2 by means of

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supports 72.

  In this type of suspension device, axle 1 is positioned on the

  suspension arm 2 using seats 8.

  Note that the axle represented in the context of this embodiment is cylindrical. He could however present another section, for

  square example, in other possible embodiments, the shape of the

  seat being of course adapted accordingly.

  With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seats 8 have, according to the invention, fixing means 81 intended to receive securing means

  removable from seats 8 to suspension arms 2.

  According to this embodiment, these fixing means comprise four bores distributed two by two on either side of the concave part 82 of the seat 8 intended to receive the axle 1. Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 the suspension arms 2 have orifices 21 positioned in a suitable fashion, suitable for being placed opposite the bores 81 of the seats 8, with a view to the passage of the

  means for securing the seats to the arms.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the means for securing the seat 8 on the suspension arm 2 comprise two flanges 9 mounted so that the axle 1 is flange on the seat 8 while the latter is secured to the arm 2,

  flanges being fixed in this configuration using nuts 91.

  As noted in FIG. 3, the connection of the assembly thus obtained is reinforced with the aid of a weld bead 83 deposited on either side.

  axle 1, in contact with it and seat 8.

  According to this embodiment, the orifices 21 of the suspension arm open out through chernines 22 projecting from the surface of the arm 2 and which communicate with conduits 23 provided in the thickness of the arm 2, these

  recesses forming a passage for the flanges 9.

  At the same time, the seat 8 has counterbores 84 forming housings

  intended to receive the chimneys 22 projecting from the surface of the arm 2.

  These chimneys 22 thus contribute to positioning in a predetermined manner.

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the seats 8 on the arms 2.

  According to another preferred embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 11 and 12, the conduits 23 (and therefore the chimneys 22 at the upper end of the conduits 23) are carried by pieces 231, welded onto each of the blanks of the suspension arm 2 As illustrated, these 231 pieces are each made up of two conduits

  connected by a central connecting portion.

  This central connecting portion has a window 2311 whose outline is followed to form a continuous and firm weld bead in order to secure

pieces 231 on arm 2.

  - Parts 231 can be molded parts or obtained by

  assembly of welded parts together.

  As has been indicated above, the assembly means which have just been described ensure the positioning and the maintenance of the positioning of an axle with the corresponding suspension arms in a flexible and durable manner, including in the event of impacts. and / or tremors occurring on the vehicle. Indeed, the risk of sliding of the seat, and therefore of the axle, along the suspension arms is eliminated, or at the very least significantly reduced. Consequently, a deregulation of the perpendicularity of the axles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the

  vehicle cannot intervene at this level.

  According to a complementary approach, the suspension device according to the invention comprises additional means for adjusting the perpendicularity of the

  axles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

  According to this approach, the suspension arms 2 wind mounted movable in rotation about an axis 42 supported by the blanks 41 of the cradle 4, this axis 42 being able to be moved inside an oblong 111 formed in a blank 41, in order to

  proceed to the adjustment of the parallelism.

  According to this embodiment, the means for adjusting the parallelism comprise a plate 10 and a counter-plate 11 secured to the blank 41 of the cradle 4, the plate 10 and the counter-plate 11 having means

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  coupling between them designed, such that: - the displacement of the axis along ltoblong 111 niest authorizes that [in the absence of ltengagement of the coupling means with the cradle 4; - the position of the axis along the oblong 111 is locked when the

  wind coupling means engaged on the cradle 4.

  The plate 10 forms adjustment means in the sense that it has an orifice 101 intended to be crossed by the axis 42, this orifice 101 being positioned on the plate 10 in a manner, designed to cause the displacement of the axis 42 along ['oblong

  111 during the rotation of the plate 10 relative to the counter plate 11.

  The coupling means according to this embodiment trots pastes 102 distributed around the periphery of the plate 10, forming a

angle of about 120 between them.

  These pastes 102 wind intended to be housed in a recess 112 of the counterplate 11, or, depending on the angular position of the plate 10 relative to the

  counter-plate 11, to come into abutment against a rim thereof.

  It is thus understood that when one or two of the pastes 102 are housed in a recess 112 of the counterplate 11, while the other or the other pastes are in contact with the edges thereof, the rotation of the platen 10 relative to the counterplate 11 is blocked, thus locking the position of the axis 42 along

of ['oblong 111.

  To modify the position of the axis 42 along the oblong 111, it is therefore necessary to disengage the plate 10 from the counter plate 11, then turn the

  plate 10 fa, con that it occupies the desired angular position.

  As an indication, in the position of the plate 10 illustrated in Figure 8, the axis 42 is positioned substantially in the middle of said oblong and then occupies a

neutral quote position.

  In the position of the plate 10 illustrated in FIG. 9, a positive displacement of the axis 42 is obtained over a length of 5 mm, the axis 42 then being in

  stop at the end of the oblong 111.

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  Referring to Figure 1 0, obtaining a negative displacement of the axis 42 over a length of 5 mm is achieved by the 180 rotation of the plate 10 by

  relative to the position it occupies in figure 9.

  We understand that a rotation of 180 of the plate 10 relative to the position that it occupies in Figure 8 provides the same result, namely

  obtaining the neutral cite position.

  Always for information, for a spacing between the suspension arms of 1200 mm, a displacement of 5 mm from the axis 42 corresponds to an angular variation of 0.23. Insofar as such wind adjustment means provided on each of the blanks of the cradle, adjustment possibilities are obtained which are greater than the recommendations of the tire suppliers who recommend

  correction of parallelism of the order of a quarter of a degree.

  Of course, the dimensions and / or shapes of the plate 10 and the oblong 111 can be adapted as much as necessary, in particular according to the

  adjustment possibilities sought.

  The locking of the parallelism obtained is reinforced by means of clamping means of the plate 10 against the counter plate 11, the axis 42 being threaded for

cooperate with a tightening nut.

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Claims (16)

  1. Suspension device, intended to equip a vehicle such as in particular a heavy vehicle, of the type comprising at least one suspension arm (2) on which is mounted at least one axle (l) to said vehicle, said axle (l) being flange to said arm by at least one flange (9) and positioned thereon with the aid of a seat (8), characterized in that said seat (8) has fixing means intended to receive fastening means removable to said seat - said arm (2), said arm (2) having positioning means to said seat (8) with which it forms a monobloc assembly   predetermining the position at said seat.   2. Suspension device according to claim l, characterized in that said means for fixing to said seat (8) comprise at least one lS bore (81) intended to communicate with at least one orifice (21) household   in said arm (2) for the passage of said securing means.   3. Suspension device according to claim l or according to claim 2, characterized in that said means for fixing to said seat (8) comprise four bores (81) intended to communicate each with   less with an opening (21) in the said arm (2).   4. Suspension device according to any one of claims l to 3,   characterized in that the said securing means comprise the said flange or flanges (9) mounted so that the said axle (l) is flange on   said seat (8) while the latter is secured to said arm (2).   5. Suspension device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that said positioning means comprise at   at least one element projecting from said arm (2).   6. Suspension device according to claim 5, characterized in that said seat (8) comprises at least one housing intended to receive said element projecting from said arm. 28 411 82   7. Suspension device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized   in that said protruding element or elements comprise a chimney (22) through which opens said orifice (21) in said arm (2).   8. Suspension device according to claim 7, characterized in that said one or more bores (81) to said seat (8) have at least one counterbore   (84) intended to house said one or more chimneys (22).   9. Suspension device according to claim 3 and according to any one   claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said arm (2) has four chimneys (22).   10. Suspension device according to any one of claims 2 to 9,   characterized in that said opening or openings (21) are arranged in said arm   (2) each communicate with a conduit (23).   11. Suspension device according to claim 10, characterized in that said one or more conduits (23) form with said arm (2) a one-piece assembly.   12. Suspension device according to claims 3 and 10, characterized in that   that said arm has four conduits (23), two pieces (231) each having two conduits (23) being secured to the arm (2), on either side of it.   13. Suspension device according to claim 11, characterized in that said parts (231) have a window (2311) for welding   said pieces (231) with said arm according to a continuous cord.   14. Suspension device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,   characterized in that said axle (1) is welded to said seat (8).   15. Suspension arm (2) of a suspension device intended to equip a vehicle such as in particular a heavy vehicle, intended to carry at least one axle (1) to said vehicle, said axle (1) being flange to said arm by at at least one flange (9) and positioned thereon using a seat (8), characterized in that it has at least one conduit (23) intended for 28 411 82   communicate with a bore (81) in said seat (8) for the   passage of fastening means to said seat (8) to said arm (2).   16. Seat (8) for suspension device, intended to equip a vehicle such as in particular a heavy goods vehicle, of the type comprising at least one suspension arm (2) on which is mounted at least one axle (1) to said vehicle, said vehicle axle (1) being flange to said arm by at least one flange (9) and positioned thereon by means of a seat (8), characterized in that said seat (8) has at least one bore (81 ) intended to communicate with at least one orifice (21) formed in said arm (2) for the passage of said securing means, said at least one bore (81) having at least one counterbore (84) intended to accommodate