WO1997047484A1 - Laterally adjustable control means for vehicle frames and axles - Google Patents
Laterally adjustable control means for vehicle frames and axles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997047484A1 WO1997047484A1 PCT/US1997/009187 US9709187W WO9747484A1 WO 1997047484 A1 WO1997047484 A1 WO 1997047484A1 US 9709187 W US9709187 W US 9709187W WO 9747484 A1 WO9747484 A1 WO 9747484A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- restraint
- frame
- axle
- side rails
- rods
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G5/00—Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
- B60G5/04—Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements with two or more pivoted arms, the movements of which are resiliently interrelated, e.g. the arms being rigid
- B60G5/053—Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements with two or more pivoted arms, the movements of which are resiliently interrelated, e.g. the arms being rigid a leafspring being used as equilibration unit between two axle-supporting units
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G7/00—Pivoted suspension arms; Accessories thereof
- B60G7/02—Attaching arms to sprung part of vehicle
-
- 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
- B60G2200/315—Rigid axle suspensions with longitudinally arranged arms articulated on the axle at least one of the arms having an A or V shape
-
- 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
- B60G2200/342—Watt linkage
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/14—Mounting of suspension arms
- B60G2204/143—Mounting of suspension arms on the vehicle body or chassis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
- B60G2204/43—Fittings, brackets or knuckles
- B60G2204/4302—Fittings, brackets or knuckles for fixing suspension arm on the vehicle body or chassis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
- B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
- B60G2206/10—Constructional features of arms
- B60G2206/12—Constructional features of arms with two attachment points on the sprung part of the vehicle
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to truck suspension systems and, more particularly, to a laterally adjustable suspension control system incorporating a rigid V-shaped restraint or a Watt linkage that is laterally adjustable with shims.
- V-shaped rigid restraint known as a V-rod, A-a ⁇ n or V-link, attached between the truck axle housing and the side frame rails.
- V-rod is typically oriented with its vertex attached to the top center of the axle housing while the distal end of one arm is attached to one of the side frame rails and the distal end of the other arm is attached to the opposing side frame rail.
- the V-rod thus configured provides both lateral and longitudinal control for the truck axle.
- the length of the V-rod arms are such that upon assembly of the suspension, the axle is laterally aligned with the side frame rails so that the frame is centered between or over the wheels on the opposing ends of the axle.
- part dimension variances often occur so that when the suspension is assembled, the frame is somewhat laterally off the center of the axle.
- the suspension utilizes tandem axles, the two axles may not be aligned laterally with each other. When the axles are out of lateral alignment with the truck frame and/or each other, the suspension is said to not be /•tracking" properly. This situation results in excessive and uneven tire wear and other related problems.
- V-rods featuring threaded arms with vertex and distal end fittings
- some truck suspension designs utilize a Watt linkage in place of a V-rod.
- Such Watt linkage assemblies utilize lateral rods oriented with their inner ends attached to a Watt link which is in turn attached to the top center of the axle housing. The distal end of one lateral rod is attached to one of the side frame rails while the distal end of the other lateral rod is attached to the opposing side frame rail.
- lateral adjustment of the Watt linkage assembly is sometimes necessary. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a laterally adjustable suspension control system that is resistant to shifting and thus stays adjusted.
- the present invention is directed to a laterally adjustable system for positioning and controlling the lateral relationship between a vehicle frame and one or more axles disposed beneath the frame, where the frame includes a pair of fore-and-aft extending side rails and at least one cross member extending therebetween.
- a rigid V-shaped restraint is anchored at its vertex to the truck axle.
- a pair of restraint mounting assemblies connect the distal ends of the divergent rods of the restraint to the side rails with each mounting assembly being partially supported on the frame cross member.
- Shims may be selectively inserted between the mounting assemblies and the adjacent side rails to adjust the lateral position of the restraint relative to the truck frame thus laterally aligning the truck frame with the axle and the truck wheels.
- a Watt linkage may be substituted for the rigid V-shaped restraint.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an embodiment of the invention that utilizes fabricated restraint mounting assemblies with an axle and a drive shaft shown in phantom;
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view on enlarged scale showing details of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view on enlarged scale showing details of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of a prior art suspension system utilizing a Watt linkage upon which the invention may be used.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 the rear portion of a vehicle frame, such as that of a heavy duty truck, is indicated generally at 3.
- the frame comprises fore and aft extending side rails 5-5 and cross member 7.
- Frame 3 is supported upon ground wheels, not shown, by an axle, indicated generally at 15 in phantom, and a suspension not shown.
- the rear portion of the drive shaft is shown in phantom at 16. It is understood that the suspension controls the yaw position of axle 15.
- One type of suspension that may be used is the Hendrickson six rod, shown in FIG. 3.
- the term "axle" as used herein comprises both the axle housing and the axle itself.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 An embodiment of the laterally adjustable system of the present invention is indicated generally at 17 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- a rigid V- shaped restraint indicated generally at 21 is connected between axle 15 and each one of the two side rails.
- Restraint 21 comprises an apex 23 and divergent rods 25-25 forming a fixed angle of o ⁇ so that the distal ends of divergent rods 25-25 span a width that is narrower than the lateral distance between frame side rails 5-5, as shown in FIG. 1.
- Apex 23 of restraint 21 is connected to the top of the differential portion 27 of axle 15 via a conventional ball and socket mount 28 (FIG. 2) .
- Fabricated restraint mounting assemblies 37-37 are welded to cross member 7 as indicated at W-W in FIG.
- Shims 43-43 may be welded between fabricated restraint mounting assemblies 37-37 and side rails 5-5 as indicated at W'-W'. This allows for lateral adjustment of restraint 21. By choosing the proper width of shims 43-43, or choosing to omit them from one side all together, frame 3 may be centered between the vehicle wheels.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the invention in which cast restraint mounting assemblies 51-51 are substituted for the fabricated restraint mounting assemblies 37-37 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
- cast restraint mounting assemblies 51-51 are bolted to cross member 53 and side rails 55-55 of the frame, indicated generally at 56, with bolts 57 and nuts 59.
- Shims 61-61 may be placed between cast restraint mounting assemblies 51-51 and side rails 55-55.
- frame 56 may be centered between the vehicle wheels.
- FIG. 6 An example of such a suspension is indicated generally at 71 in FIG. 6. Lateral rods 73-73 are pivotally connected at their inner ends to the opposing ends of Watt link 75 and at their outer ends to side brackets 81-81. Watt link 75 is pivotally connected at its center to axle bracket 83.
- Axle bracket 83 is connected to axle 85.
- Side brackets 81-81 are bolted to frame side rails, shown in phantom at 87-87. Shims, indicated in phantom at 91-91, may be inserted between side brackets 81-81 and frame side rails 87-87 so that the latter may be centered between the vehicle wheels, one of which is indicated in phantom at 93.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ333228A NZ333228A (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1997-05-22 | Linkage for controlling lateral movement of vehicle axle, linkage attached to sideframe members using shims |
EP97926808A EP0904209A1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1997-05-22 | Laterally adjustable control means for vehicle frames and axles |
AU31484/97A AU3148497A (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1997-05-22 | Laterally adjustable control means for vehicle frames and axles |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US66143296A | 1996-06-11 | 1996-06-11 | |
US08/661,432 | 1996-06-11 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997047484A1 true WO1997047484A1 (en) | 1997-12-18 |
Family
ID=24653576
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/009187 WO1997047484A1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1997-05-22 | Laterally adjustable control means for vehicle frames and axles |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0904209A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3148497A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2258107A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ333228A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997047484A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999036279A1 (en) * | 1997-12-30 | 1999-07-22 | Volvo Lastvagnar Ab | V-stay mounting for vehicles |
WO2005080101A1 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2005-09-01 | Kongsberg Automotive As | Ball joint |
DE102007008325A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-21 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Rigid axle for a commercial vehicle |
EP2361795A1 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2011-08-31 | MAN Truck & Bus AG | Commercial vehicle with chassis frame and tandem axle combination |
NL2007157A (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2012-02-06 | Suspensys Sist S Automotivos Ltda | Modular structure applied to rear suspensions for commercial vehicles. |
EP2500184A1 (en) * | 2011-03-16 | 2012-09-19 | MAN Truck & Bus AG | Fixed axle assembly in a vehicle, in particular in a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle |
CN103670772A (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2014-03-26 | 瓦锡兰瑞士公司 | Cylinder liner for a stroke piston combustion engine |
WO2015084510A1 (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2015-06-11 | Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. | V-rod attachment assembly for vehicle suspension |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2919760A (en) * | 1957-09-09 | 1960-01-05 | Gen Motors Corp | Adjustable suspension for vehicle driving wheels |
US3406983A (en) * | 1966-11-25 | 1968-10-22 | Neway Equipment Co | Suspension for automotive vehicles |
DE3039051A1 (en) * | 1980-10-16 | 1982-05-06 | Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Vehicle fixed drive axle - has superstructure supported on springs and controlled by hinged cross links from axle centre to chassis cross member extensions |
DE3725102A1 (en) * | 1987-07-29 | 1989-02-16 | Brueninghaus Krupp Gmbh | Wishbone link of a vehicle |
JPH05105108A (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1993-04-27 | Mitsubishi Motors Corp | Rear wheel steering device for car |
US5549320A (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1996-08-27 | Paccar Inc. | Combined vehicle suspension torque rod and sway bar |
-
1997
- 1997-05-22 WO PCT/US1997/009187 patent/WO1997047484A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-05-22 CA CA002258107A patent/CA2258107A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-22 AU AU31484/97A patent/AU3148497A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-22 EP EP97926808A patent/EP0904209A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-05-22 NZ NZ333228A patent/NZ333228A/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2919760A (en) * | 1957-09-09 | 1960-01-05 | Gen Motors Corp | Adjustable suspension for vehicle driving wheels |
US3406983A (en) * | 1966-11-25 | 1968-10-22 | Neway Equipment Co | Suspension for automotive vehicles |
DE3039051A1 (en) * | 1980-10-16 | 1982-05-06 | Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Vehicle fixed drive axle - has superstructure supported on springs and controlled by hinged cross links from axle centre to chassis cross member extensions |
DE3725102A1 (en) * | 1987-07-29 | 1989-02-16 | Brueninghaus Krupp Gmbh | Wishbone link of a vehicle |
JPH05105108A (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1993-04-27 | Mitsubishi Motors Corp | Rear wheel steering device for car |
US5549320A (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1996-08-27 | Paccar Inc. | Combined vehicle suspension torque rod and sway bar |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999036279A1 (en) * | 1997-12-30 | 1999-07-22 | Volvo Lastvagnar Ab | V-stay mounting for vehicles |
US6439588B1 (en) | 1997-12-30 | 2002-08-27 | Volvo Lastvagnar Ab | V-stay mounting for vehicles |
WO2005080101A1 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2005-09-01 | Kongsberg Automotive As | Ball joint |
DE102007008325A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-21 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Rigid axle for a commercial vehicle |
EP2361795A1 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2011-08-31 | MAN Truck & Bus AG | Commercial vehicle with chassis frame and tandem axle combination |
NL2007157A (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2012-02-06 | Suspensys Sist S Automotivos Ltda | Modular structure applied to rear suspensions for commercial vehicles. |
EP2500184A1 (en) * | 2011-03-16 | 2012-09-19 | MAN Truck & Bus AG | Fixed axle assembly in a vehicle, in particular in a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle |
CN103670772A (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2014-03-26 | 瓦锡兰瑞士公司 | Cylinder liner for a stroke piston combustion engine |
WO2015084510A1 (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2015-06-11 | Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. | V-rod attachment assembly for vehicle suspension |
US9180735B2 (en) | 2013-12-02 | 2015-11-10 | Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. | V-rod attachment assembly for vehicle suspension |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2258107A1 (en) | 1997-12-18 |
EP0904209A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 |
AU3148497A (en) | 1998-01-07 |
NZ333228A (en) | 2000-06-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2010248944B2 (en) | Suspension system for heavy and vocational vehicles | |
AU666572B2 (en) | Axle suspension systems | |
US4310171A (en) | Vehicle axle attachment | |
US5203585A (en) | Split-beam suspension system | |
EP0190725B1 (en) | Suspension for automotive vehicles | |
US7484744B2 (en) | Trailing arm suspension with optimized I-beam | |
US4033606A (en) | Vehicle tandem suspensions | |
EP0230485A1 (en) | Vehicle suspension structure | |
US9050875B2 (en) | Trailing arm yoke suspension with brake actuator clearance | |
US5288100A (en) | Axle support bracket for a drive axle suspension | |
EP1383672B1 (en) | Trailing beam suspension with alignment adjustment | |
US20020063408A1 (en) | Lower control arm adjustment system | |
US6390485B1 (en) | Vehicle suspension | |
MXPA04007361A (en) | Trailing arm suspension with optimized i-beam. | |
AU2002340682A1 (en) | Trailing beam suspension with alignment adjustment | |
EP0904209A1 (en) | Laterally adjustable control means for vehicle frames and axles | |
EP0455868B1 (en) | Low-bed trailer suspension system | |
US7188850B2 (en) | Beam axle suspension with diagonal link | |
US6626454B1 (en) | Trailer suspension | |
FI100178B (en) | Axle construction for vehicles | |
US20190337347A1 (en) | Suspension Travel Control System | |
EP4087742A1 (en) | Chassis mounting unit | |
GB2063785A (en) | Vehicle suspensions | |
KR19980031517U (en) | Vehicle suspension with camber and caster adjustment | |
NZ260280A (en) | Vehicle axle rigidly attached to swing beam by passing through beam side walls so as to minimise distortion of axle cross-section |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AU CA MX NZ |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE |
|
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2258107 Country of ref document: CA Ref country code: CA Ref document number: 2258107 Kind code of ref document: A Format of ref document f/p: F |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 333228 Country of ref document: NZ |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: PA/a/1998/010466 Country of ref document: MX |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1997926808 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 1997926808 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: 1997926808 Country of ref document: EP |