WO2011000579A1 - Springing arrangement for a torsion bar of a vehicle - Google Patents

Springing arrangement for a torsion bar of a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011000579A1
WO2011000579A1 PCT/EP2010/004053 EP2010004053W WO2011000579A1 WO 2011000579 A1 WO2011000579 A1 WO 2011000579A1 EP 2010004053 W EP2010004053 W EP 2010004053W WO 2011000579 A1 WO2011000579 A1 WO 2011000579A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
springing
connecting member
vehicle
arrangements
control device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/004053
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dimitrios A. Hatzikakidis
Original Assignee
Hatzikakidis Dimitrios A
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hatzikakidis Dimitrios A filed Critical Hatzikakidis Dimitrios A
Publication of WO2011000579A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011000579A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
    • B60G17/027—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
    • B60G17/0277—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means the mechanical spring being a torsion spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
    • B60G11/18—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having torsion-bar springs only
    • B60G11/183—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having torsion-bar springs only arranged in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
    • B60G11/18—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having torsion-bar springs only
    • B60G11/20—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having torsion-bar springs only characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/0152—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/40—Type of actuator
    • B60G2202/41—Fluid actuator
    • B60G2202/413—Hydraulic actuator

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a springing arrangement for a torsion bar of a vehicle.
  • the invention relates to a reactive springing arrangement and a corresponding springing system comprising an array of such springing arrangements that may be used for the suspension of front and/or rear axles of motor vehicles such as cars.
  • torsion bar suspensions are used in many motor vehicles, whereby a torsion bar is used as a main weight bearing spring.
  • the effective spring rate of the torsion bar depends on its length, diameter and material. It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved springing arrangement for a torsion bar, which is easy to manufacture and requires only little space within the corresponding vehicle.
  • the present invention proposes a reactive springing arrangement that may be used in a vehicle suspension array adopting a lateral torsion bar.
  • the springing arrangement uses a connecting member, preferably a connecting rod, to connect the lateral torsion bar to a control device.
  • the control device is designed such that it acts on the connecting member to apply a reactive force to the torsion bar via the connecting member.
  • the control device comprises an electric- hydraulic control piston, whereby alternative control devices are possible as well.
  • the control device may be arranged at a junction between a longitudinal support member and a lateral support member, whereby the connecting member is attached to the control device via an articulation joint.
  • the springing arrangements for each suspension are grouped together in a set of four devices in the center of the chassis of the respective vehicle.
  • the corresponding springing module may be fixed to the chassis, and the reactive forces are reacted and transmitted using the longitudinal and lateral support members on the chassis, while the springing inputs act about front axes for the front suspension and rear axes for the rear suspension, respectively.
  • FIG. 1 shows an enlarged and simplified view of a springing arrangement for a torsion bar according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 shows a different perspective view of the springing arrangement without the torsion bar.
  • Fig. 3 shows a further perspective view of the springing arrangement with support members.
  • Fig. 4 shows a view illustrating the coupling and interconnection between the springing arrangement, the torsion bar and a vehicle wheel associated with the torsion bar.
  • Fig. 5 shows a view illustrating the integration of four such springing arrangements into a chassis of the vehicle for the suspension of front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
  • Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of connecting members and control devices used in the springing arrangements shown in Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the springing arrangements shown in Fig. 5 and Fig.
  • reference numeral 1 designates a lateral torsion bar that is part of a torsion bar suspension for a wheel of a vehicle such as a car.
  • a reactive springing arrangement is provided for the torsion bar 1 , whereby the springing arrangement comprises a connecting bar 3 and a control device 5.
  • the connecting bar 3 serves as a connecting member for coupling the torsion bar 1 with the control device 5.
  • the control device 5 acts on the connecting bar 3 such that a reactive force is applied to the torsion bar 1 via the connecting bar 3.
  • the connecting bar 3 has an end portion 2 with a locating shape 10 having an opening for receiving and coupling to the torsion bar 1 so that a reactive torque initiated by the control device 5 may be applied from the connecting rod 3 to the torsion bar 1 via this locating shape 10.
  • the opposite end portion of the elongate connecting rod 3 is coupled at an articulation joint to the control device 5.
  • control device 5 includes an electric-hydraulic piston for applying the reactive torque to the torsion bar 1 via the connecting rod 3.
  • an electric-hydraulic piston for applying the reactive torque to the torsion bar 1 via the connecting rod 3.
  • other types of electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or other control devices and combinations thereof are possible as well.
  • the connecting rod 3 is coupled to a base member 6 of the control device 5, whereby the base member 6 is located at a junction between a longitudinal support member 7 and a transverse or lateral support member 8.
  • the longitudinal support member 7 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 3 or in a direction parallel thereto, while the transverse support member 8 extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal support member 7, especially in a direction perpendicular thereto.
  • the springing arrangement is located by means of the longitudinal support members 7 and transverse support members 8 and is coupled or connected to the suspension via a suspension connecting member 11.
  • a springing array or springing unit 9 which is located at a center portion of the chassis 12, supported via the support members 7 and 8 and transmits the loads that are fed by the lateral torsion bars 1 coupled to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to the chassis 12 of the vehicle.
  • the array of the support members (made up of the longitudinal and transverse support members 7, 8) has a cross-like shape so that the loads can be easily and uniformly distributed to the chassis 12.
  • the support members 7, 8 may be located on the chassis 12 without such a cross-like shape.
  • the individual connecting rods 3 are arranged substantially parallel with one another so that they extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
  • Each connecting rod 3 has a profile of varying cross-section as a function of its length.
  • the length of the connecting rod 3 may be such that the reactive torque for the rear axle (introduced about an axis of rotation 14), is introduced by control devices 5 located at the front end of the chassis 12, while the reactive torque for the front axle about an axis of rotation 13 is introduced by control devices 5 located at the rear end of the chassis 12.
  • the bases 6, longitudinal support members 7, transverse support members 8, the size of the connecting rods 3 and the control devices 5 may be such that the form, structure and springing rates etc. of the reactive springing arrays for the front area of the vehicle are dissimilar compared to those for the rear area.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

A springing arrangement for a torsion bar (1) of a vehicle comprises an elongate connecting member (3) having a first longitudinal end portion with a coupling section (10) for coupling the connecting member (3) to the torsion bar (1) and a second longitudinal end portion, and a control device (5) coupled to the second longitudinal end portion of the connecting member (3) at an articulation joint (4), whereby the control device (5) is adapted to act on the connecting member (3) such that a reactive force is applied via the connecting member (3) to the torsion bar (1).

Description

Springing Arrangement For A Torsion Bar Of A Vehicle
The present invention relates to a springing arrangement for a torsion bar of a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a reactive springing arrangement and a corresponding springing system comprising an array of such springing arrangements that may be used for the suspension of front and/or rear axles of motor vehicles such as cars.
Conventionally, torsion bar suspensions are used in many motor vehicles, whereby a torsion bar is used as a main weight bearing spring. A vertical motion of a wheel of the vehicle, which is coupled to the torsion bar, causes the torsion bar to twist around its axis against the torsion bar's torsion resistance. The effective spring rate of the torsion bar depends on its length, diameter and material. It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved springing arrangement for a torsion bar, which is easy to manufacture and requires only little space within the corresponding vehicle.
According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a springing arrangement as defined in claim 1 and a springing system comprising a plurality of such springing arrangements as defined in claim 10. The dependent claims define preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.
The present invention proposes a reactive springing arrangement that may be used in a vehicle suspension array adopting a lateral torsion bar. The springing arrangement uses a connecting member, preferably a connecting rod, to connect the lateral torsion bar to a control device. The control device is designed such that it acts on the connecting member to apply a reactive force to the torsion bar via the connecting member.
According to a preferred embodiment, the control device comprises an electric- hydraulic control piston, whereby alternative control devices are possible as well. The control device may be arranged at a junction between a longitudinal support member and a lateral support member, whereby the connecting member is attached to the control device via an articulation joint. According to the preferred embodiment, the springing arrangements for each suspension are grouped together in a set of four devices in the center of the chassis of the respective vehicle. The corresponding springing module may be fixed to the chassis, and the reactive forces are reacted and transmitted using the longitudinal and lateral support members on the chassis, while the springing inputs act about front axes for the front suspension and rear axes for the rear suspension, respectively. In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing by means of a preferred embodiment, whereby a skilled person will appreciate that several modifications to this embodiment are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Fig. 1 shows an enlarged and simplified view of a springing arrangement for a torsion bar according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a different perspective view of the springing arrangement without the torsion bar.
Fig. 3 shows a further perspective view of the springing arrangement with support members.
Fig. 4 shows a view illustrating the coupling and interconnection between the springing arrangement, the torsion bar and a vehicle wheel associated with the torsion bar.
Fig. 5 shows a view illustrating the integration of four such springing arrangements into a chassis of the vehicle for the suspension of front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of connecting members and control devices used in the springing arrangements shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the springing arrangements shown in Fig. 5 and Fig.
6.
In the drawing, reference numeral 1 designates a lateral torsion bar that is part of a torsion bar suspension for a wheel of a vehicle such as a car. A reactive springing arrangement is provided for the torsion bar 1 , whereby the springing arrangement comprises a connecting bar 3 and a control device 5. The connecting bar 3 serves as a connecting member for coupling the torsion bar 1 with the control device 5. The control device 5 acts on the connecting bar 3 such that a reactive force is applied to the torsion bar 1 via the connecting bar 3.
The connecting bar 3 has an end portion 2 with a locating shape 10 having an opening for receiving and coupling to the torsion bar 1 so that a reactive torque initiated by the control device 5 may be applied from the connecting rod 3 to the torsion bar 1 via this locating shape 10. The opposite end portion of the elongate connecting rod 3 is coupled at an articulation joint to the control device 5.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device 5 includes an electric-hydraulic piston for applying the reactive torque to the torsion bar 1 via the connecting rod 3. However, other types of electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or other control devices and combinations thereof are possible as well.
In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the connecting rod 3 is coupled to a base member 6 of the control device 5, whereby the base member 6 is located at a junction between a longitudinal support member 7 and a transverse or lateral support member 8. The longitudinal support member 7 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 3 or in a direction parallel thereto, while the transverse support member 8 extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal support member 7, especially in a direction perpendicular thereto. The springing arrangement is located by means of the longitudinal support members 7 and transverse support members 8 and is coupled or connected to the suspension via a suspension connecting member 11.
Preferably, four such springing devices are grouped together in a springing array or springing unit 9 which is located at a center portion of the chassis 12, supported via the support members 7 and 8 and transmits the loads that are fed by the lateral torsion bars 1 coupled to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to the chassis 12 of the vehicle. The array of the support members (made up of the longitudinal and transverse support members 7, 8) has a cross-like shape so that the loads can be easily and uniformly distributed to the chassis 12. Alternatively, the support members 7, 8 may be located on the chassis 12 without such a cross-like shape.
As shown in the drawing, the individual connecting rods 3 are arranged substantially parallel with one another so that they extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each connecting rod 3 has a profile of varying cross-section as a function of its length. Alternatively, the length of the connecting rod 3 may be such that the reactive torque for the rear axle (introduced about an axis of rotation 14), is introduced by control devices 5 located at the front end of the chassis 12, while the reactive torque for the front axle about an axis of rotation 13 is introduced by control devices 5 located at the rear end of the chassis 12.
The bases 6, longitudinal support members 7, transverse support members 8, the size of the connecting rods 3 and the control devices 5 may be such that the form, structure and springing rates etc. of the reactive springing arrays for the front area of the vehicle are dissimilar compared to those for the rear area.

Claims

1. A springing arrangement for a torsion bar (1) of a vehicle, comprising
an elongate connecting member (3) having a first longitudinal end portion with a coupling section (10) for coupling the connecting member (3) to the torsion bar (1 ) and a second longitudinal end portion, and
a control device (5) being coupled to the second longitudinal end portion of the connecting member (3) at an articulation joint (4), whereby the control device (5) is adapted to act on the connecting member (3) such that a reactive force is applied via the connecting member (3) to the torsion bar (1 ).
2. The springing arrangement according to claim 1 ,
wherein the control device (5) comprises a control piston for actuating the connecting member (3).
3. The springing arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein the control device (5) is an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic control device or a combination thereof.
4. The springing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting member (3) is coupled to a base member (6) of the control device (5). 5. The springing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (5) is adapted to act on the connecting member (3) such that a reactive torque is applied through the connecting member (3) to the torsion bar (1 ).
5. The springing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (10) of the connecting member (3) has an opening for receiving an end portion of the torsion bar (1 ).
6. The springing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting member (3) is a connecting bar.
7. The springing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting member (3) has a varying cross-section along its length.
8. The springing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a longitudinal support member (7) extending in a longitudinal direction of the connecting member (3) and a transverse support member (8) extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal support member,
wherein the longitudinal support member (7) and the transverse support member (8) are connected to one another at a junction, and
wherein the control device (5) is located at the junction between the longitudinal support member (7) and the transverse support member (8).
9. The springing arrangement according to claim 8,
wherein the longitudinal support member (7) and the transverse support member (8) are located on a chassis (12) of the vehicle.
10. A springing system for a vehicle, comprising
a plurality of springing arrangements according to any one of the preceding claims with respective one of the springing arrangements being associated with a respective one of a plurality of torsion bars (1 ) of the vehicle.
11. The springing system according to claim 10,
wherein four springing arrangements according to claim 8 or claim 9 are associated with two front axle torsion bars (1 ) and two rear axle torsion bars (1) of the vehicle, and
wherein the connecting members (3) and the control devices (5) of the springing arrangements are located at a center portion of the vehicle .
12. The springing system according to claim 10,
wherein four springing arrangements according to claim 8 or claim 9 are associated with two front axle torsion bars (1 ) and two rear axle torsion bars (1 ) of the vehicle, wherein the control devices (5) of the springing arrangements for the front axle torsion bars (1 ) are located at a rear-side portion of the vehicle, and wherein the control devices (5) of the springing arrangements for the rear axle torsion bars (1 ) are located at a front-side portion of the vehicle.
13. The springing system according to claim 11 or claim 12,
wherein the longitudinal support members (7) and the transverse support members (8) of the springing arrangements are arranged with a cross-like shape.
14. The springing system according to any one of claims 11-13,
wherein the springing arrangements associated with the front torsion bars (1 ) have a different structure than the springing arrangements associated with the rear torsion bars (1 ).
15. The springing system according to any one of claims 10-14,
wherein the connecting members (3) of the springing arrangements are arranged parallel to one another.
PCT/EP2010/004053 2009-07-03 2010-07-05 Springing arrangement for a torsion bar of a vehicle WO2011000579A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GR20090100378 2009-07-03
GR20090100378A GR20090100378A (en) 2009-07-03 2009-07-03 Feedback system for a car's torque rod

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011000579A1 true WO2011000579A1 (en) 2011-01-06

Family

ID=42734661

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2010/004053 WO2011000579A1 (en) 2009-07-03 2010-07-05 Springing arrangement for a torsion bar of a vehicle

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WO (1) WO2011000579A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1489223A (en) * 1966-06-10 1967-07-21 Suspension aids
FR2087488A5 (en) * 1970-05-21 1971-12-31 France Etat
DE8703322U1 (en) * 1986-03-06 1987-05-07 Lucas Industries P.L.C., Birmingham, West Midlands Vehicle with torsion suspension and load-sensitive brake pressure
JPH02117410A (en) * 1988-10-27 1990-05-01 Showa Mfg Co Ltd Mechanism for varying constant of suspension spring
EP1512560A2 (en) * 2003-09-03 2005-03-09 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Adjustable chassis
EP1609634A1 (en) * 2004-06-24 2005-12-28 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. Chassis for motor vehicles and level control system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1489223A (en) * 1966-06-10 1967-07-21 Suspension aids
FR2087488A5 (en) * 1970-05-21 1971-12-31 France Etat
DE8703322U1 (en) * 1986-03-06 1987-05-07 Lucas Industries P.L.C., Birmingham, West Midlands Vehicle with torsion suspension and load-sensitive brake pressure
JPH02117410A (en) * 1988-10-27 1990-05-01 Showa Mfg Co Ltd Mechanism for varying constant of suspension spring
EP1512560A2 (en) * 2003-09-03 2005-03-09 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Adjustable chassis
EP1609634A1 (en) * 2004-06-24 2005-12-28 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. Chassis for motor vehicles and level control system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GR20090100378A (en) 2011-02-18

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