WO2016101046A1 - Système de levage d'essieu pivotant - Google Patents

Système de levage d'essieu pivotant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016101046A1
WO2016101046A1 PCT/BR2014/000457 BR2014000457W WO2016101046A1 WO 2016101046 A1 WO2016101046 A1 WO 2016101046A1 BR 2014000457 W BR2014000457 W BR 2014000457W WO 2016101046 A1 WO2016101046 A1 WO 2016101046A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
axle
displacement mechanism
lever arm
truck
chassis
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/BR2014/000457
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Flavio Augusto PRESEZNIAK
Luis Wolski ANDRUSCZEWICZ
Original Assignee
Volvo Do Brasil Veículos Ltda.
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 Volvo Do Brasil Veículos Ltda. filed Critical Volvo Do Brasil Veículos Ltda.
Priority to PCT/BR2014/000457 priority Critical patent/WO2016101046A1/fr
Publication of WO2016101046A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016101046A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D61/00—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern
    • B62D61/12—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
    • 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
    • B60G17/005—Suspension locking arrangements
    • 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
    • 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
    • B60G2204/47—Means for retracting the suspension
    • B60G2204/4702—Means for retracting the suspension pneumatically

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to axle lifting systems for a multi-axle commercial truck or trailer.
  • the present disclosure is directed to an axle lifting system.
  • the axle lifting system may have a displacement mechanism that acts on a lever arm to lift or lower an axle.
  • a first, fixed end of the displacement mechanism is configured to be attached to the chassis of a truck and a second, movable end is selectively positionable relative to the first end.
  • the system may include a lever arm having a proximal end pivotably attached to the second end of the displacement mechanism and a distal end configured to be pivotably attached to an axle of the truck.
  • the system may further include a shackle pivotably attached to the lever arm at a position between the proximal end and the distal end, providing a fulcrum for the lever arm.
  • the shackle is mountable on a chassis or frame of the truck at a second pivot, the second pivot configured to allow the shackle to pivot or swing relative to the chassis of the truck.
  • Expansion of the displacement mechanism acts on the lever arm to cause the second distal end of the lever arm to push up on an axle of the truck to lift the axle from contact with the ground.
  • Embodiments of the axle lifting system may also include the displacement mechanism having an axis along which the second end translates, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to be attached to the chassis with the axis oriented vertical or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the chassis.
  • the present disclosure includes a method of lifting an axle of a truck.
  • the method includes the step of providing an axle lifting system having a displacement mechanism comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be attached to the chassis of a truck and the second end is selectively positionable relative to the first end.
  • the system may also include a lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotably attached to the second end of the displacement mechanism, the distal end being pivotably attached to an axle to be lifted.
  • the system also includes a shackle pivotably attached to the lever arm at a position between the proximal end and the distal end, the shackle being mountable at a second pivot to the chassis of the truck.
  • the method may further include the step of increasing the distance between the first end and the second end of the displacement mechanism such that the proximal end of the lever arm is moved in a first direction, causing the distal end of the lever arm to move in a second direction to push on an axle of the truck to lift the axle from contact with the ground.
  • Embodiments of the method may have the displacement mechanism comprising an axis along which the second end translates, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to be attached to the chassis with the axis vertically oriented.
  • the present disclosure also includes a truck.
  • the truck may have a chassis comprising a pair of longitudinal frame rails.
  • the truck may have at least three axles supported below the chassis, the at least three axles including at least a front axle, an intermediate axle, and a trailing axle, wherein each axle supports at least one wheel on each end thereof.
  • the truck may also include an axle lifting system.
  • the axle lifting system can have a displacement mechanism comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be attached to the chassis of the truck and the second end is selectively positionable relative to the first end.
  • the system may also include a lever arm having a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the proximal end being pivotably attached relative to the second end of the - displacement mechanism.
  • the system can include a shackle being attached to the lever arm at a first pivot, the first pivot at a position on the lever arm between the proximal end and the distal end, the shackle being mounted to the chassis at a second pivot, the second pivot configured to allow the shackle to swing relative to the chassis of the truck. Expansion of the displacement mechanism acts on the proximal end of the lever arm to cause the distal end of the lever arm to push upwardly upon an axle of the truck to lift the axle from contact with the ground.
  • the lifted axle is the trailing axle. In some other embodiments, the lifted axle is the intermediate axle. In further embodiments, the lifted axle is a driven axle.
  • the displacement mechanism may comprise an operational axis along which the second end translates, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to be attached to the chassis with the operational axis vertically oriented.
  • Fig. 1 shows a truck with one set of rear wheels in a raised position in accordance with the system of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 shows a top perspective view of a lift system of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 3 shows a side view of the lift system of Fig. 2 in an axle lowered position.
  • Fig. 4 shows the lift system of Fig. 3 in an axle raised position.
  • Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of a truck 1 equipped with an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a front axle 10, an axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the truck 1 includes at least three axles: a
  • the trailing axle 30 is illustrated in a first, raised position.
  • the axle lifting system 100 can be applied to lift the intermediate axle 20 instead.
  • At least one of the intermediate axle 20 and the trailing axle 30 is a driven axle.
  • a clutch can be provided, as known in the art, to disengage the driven axle from its drive shaft when in the raised position.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the axle lifting system 100 in connection with a driven trailing axle 30.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the axle lifting system 100 and axle 30 of Fig. 2 in the lowered position and
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the axle lifting system and axle in the raised position.
  • the axle lifting system 100 In the lowered position of Fig. 3, the axle lifting system 100 is configured to position the wheels of the trailing axle 30 in substantially continuous contact with the road, ground or other support surface. In the lowered position, it is possible for the wheels to leave contact with the ground occasionally due to suspension movement over significant bumps or dips.
  • the axle lifting system 100 is configured to position the wheels of the trailing axle 30 out of contact with the road, ground or other support surface.
  • the axle lifting system 100 includes a displacement mechanism 110, for example, an air spring having an inflatable bellows as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the displacement mechanism can also take the form of various other motion cylinders capable of selectively expanding or contracting in length.
  • Alternative examples of displacement mechanisms include pneumatic pistons, hydraulic fluid based actuators or linear motors.
  • the displacement mechanism 110 has a first end 114, such as a top plate of an air bellows, and a second end 118, such as the bottom plate of an air bellows.
  • the second end 118 of the displacement mechanism is selectively positionable relative to the first end. According to the illustrated embodiment, the second end is positionable by inflating (expanding) and deflating
  • An air spring for example having a bellows or a piston/cylinder arrangement, requires communication with a source of compressed air through at least one valve.
  • a source of compressed air through at least one valve.
  • the spring can be inflated by any known means, mechanical or otherwise, in response to a generated signal, for example the press of a button in the cabin of the truck 1.
  • the first end 114 of the displacement mechanism 110 is attached to a chassis 7 of the truck 1. As shown in Figure 2, the first end 114 may be attached to the chassis 7 by brackets 2 mounted to the longitudinal frame rails 5. The first end 114 may be fixedly attached to the chassis 7 or may be attached so that the first end 114 is capable of pivotal movement relative to the chassis. Most chassis have two longitudinal rails 5, and the displacement mechanism 110 may be attached to either one or both of the longitudinal rails 5.
  • the displacement mechanism 110 may be attached to additional or pre-existing cross members or other structural members of the chassis of truck 1.
  • the first end 114 may be attached to the chassis 7 by fasteners such as bolts, screws, or rivets. Alternatively, attachment may be provided by welding, in addition to or in place of fasteners.
  • the displacement mechanism 110 is positioned vertically below a plane defined by the pair of longitudinal rails 5.
  • the displacement mechanism 110 is configured to expand and contract along an expansion axis 122 of the displacement mechanism 110.
  • the expansion axis 122 may be vertically oriented, which is defined here as perpendicular to a frame rail 5 longitudinal direction within reasonable manufacturing and assembly tolerances.
  • the expansion axis 122 may also be mounted at alternative, slight non- vertical angles, about 20 degrees or less, off the vertical orientation.
  • the expansion axis 122 will have an angle that varies with respect to the longitudinal axis as the displacement mechanism 110 expands and contracts by providing an additional degree of freedom, such as a rotational joint, between the chassis mounting structure and the top 114 of the displacement mechanism 110.
  • Translation of the second end 118 along a vertically oriented expansion axis 122 can provide packaging benefits if the displacement mechanism 110 is able to sufficiently handle any resulting offset between the top 114 and the bottom 118 thereof throughout the operating expansion length of the displacement mechanism 110.
  • a relatively large diameter bellows is advantageous to meet the load demands of the axle lifting system 100.
  • a suitable air bellows may be upwards of 60 cm or more in diameter. These large diameter bellows would be more likely to interfere with other components if the displacement mechanism 110 were positioned non-vertically.
  • the second end 118 of the displacement mechanism 110 is configured for selective positioning relative to the first end 114, which is fixed to the chassis 7.
  • the second end 118 includes at least one first joint member 126.
  • the at least one first joint member 126 provides a relative pivotable connection between the second end 118 and a proximal end 134 of a respective lever arm 130.
  • Additional joints may be added between the second end 118 and the lever arm 130 to provide at least one additional degree of freedom if required based on the orientation and restraints of the displacement mechanism 110.
  • the lever arm 130 may be considered as pivoting around a fixed point.
  • the proximal end 134 is displaced both vertically and horizontally as the lever arm 130 pivots.
  • the additional degree of freedom may allow the second end 118 of the displacement mechanism 110 to be displaced along a horizontal direction.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the axle lifting system 100 includes a single displacement mechanism 110 attached between a pair of lever arms 130, each lever arm associated with one of the longitudinal rails 5, and each associated with a position near the ends of the trailing axle 30.
  • the axle lifting system 100 may comprise a separate displacement mechanism 110 respectively associated with each lever arm 130.
  • an axle lifting system 100 may be employed on each side of the truck 1.
  • Each lever arm 130 includes a proximal end 134 and a distal end 138.
  • the proximal end 134 is pivotably attached to the second end 118 of the displacement mechanism 110 at a first joint member 126, which is attached to the second end 118 of displacement mechanism 110.
  • the distal end 138 is pivotably attached to a liftable axle by way of a respective second joint member 142.
  • the second joint member 142 is mounted on the trailing axle 30.
  • the pivotable connection between each lever arm 130 and the respective first and second joint members 126, 142 may be provided by pins, ball joints or any other known connectors that allow the lever arm 130 to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the axle to be lifted.
  • Each lever arm 130 is further supported by a shackle 150 which hangs from the chassis 7 on a bracket 32.
  • the shackle 150 is attached to the lever arm 130 at a position between the proximal and distal ends 134, 138.
  • the term shackle refers to a swinging or pivoting member that controls the movement of another element within the system.
  • the shackle 150 provides a fulcrum for the lever arm 130, allowing the displacement mechanism 100 to apply a force through the lever arm.
  • the shackle also allows some translation of the lever arm 130.
  • the shackle 150 has a first pivot 154 to allow the shackle 150 to swing relative to the chassis 7, and a second pivot 146 to allow the shackle 150 to pivot relative to the lever arm.
  • the second pivot 146 supports the lever arm 130 at a position about at the midpoint of the lever arm 130.
  • the second pivot 146 may be positioned closer to the proximal end 134 or closer to the distal end 138, depending on the relative desired travel of, and forces on, the proximal end 134 and distal end 138 within the scope of this disclosure.
  • the shackle 150 is hung directly or indirectly from the chassis of truck 1. As shown in the embodiments of Figs. 2-4, the shackle 150 may be hung indirectly from a longitudinal rail 5 by using a second frame bracket 32.
  • FIG. 3 showing the lowered position of trailing axle 30, with Fig. 4, showing the raised position of trailing axle 30, the function of the axle lifting system 100 is shown.
  • the displacement mechanism 110 is shown in a relatively contracted state.
  • the weight of the trailing axle 30 (including wheels, suspension and optional drive differential) will force down the distal end 138 of lever arm 130, causing a lifting of the proximal end 134 of the lever arm, thereby pushing the second end 118 of the displacement mechanism toward the first end 114.
  • the displacement mechanism 110 contracted e.g., an air bellows deflated
  • the displacement mechanism 110 will provide minimal resistance in opposition to the load- carrying force applied by the trailing axle 30.
  • Lifting the trailing axle 30 from the lowered position to the raised position involves expanding of displacement mechanism 110, that is, selectively positioning the second end 118 of the displacement device relatively farther from the first end 114.
  • this process can be triggered by the truck operator using, for example, an actuator or button within or about the cabin.
  • activation of the axle lifting system 100 will inflate the air bellows using air from a source of compressed air. As the pressure within the inflatable air bellows increases, the distance between the first end 114 and the second end 118 increases. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the result of increasing the distance between the first end 114 and the second end 118 is a downward movement of the proximal end 134 of lever arm 130.
  • the lever arm 130 will pivot about second pivot 146 and force the distal end 138 to move upward.
  • the distal end 138 in connection with second joint member 142, will push the trailing axle 30 upward into the raised position.
  • the position of the second end 118 will be substantially held constant by the air spring, providing a steady downward force on the proximal end 134 of the lever arm 130, resulting in a steady upward force on the trailing axle 30.
  • Selection of the displacement mechanism 110 may affect the ability to maintain a constant position of the second end 118.
  • a pressurized air bellows may allow more bounce than an actuator with a rigid piston.
  • Any number of known indicators may be used to determine when the axle lifting system 100 has reached a raised position. These include position sensors associated with the displacement mechanism 110, monitoring the distance between the first and second ends 114, 118 of the displacement mechanism 110 or associated with the trailing axle 30, measuring the position of the trailing axle 30 relative to the chassis 7. Where an air bellows is used, lifting may controlled to terminate at a predetermined internal pressure. This predetermined pressure can be equal to the pressure of the compressed air source, be set by a mechanical valve or determined by an electronic sensor.
  • the axle lifting system 100 may return from the raised position to the lowered position by releasing air pressure from the air bellows.
  • This pressure release can be triggered by a button within the cabin of the truck.
  • the pressure release can be facilitated by any known means, for example, a mechanical valve. As the pressure within the air bellows is released, the trailing axle 30 will be lowered back down to its original ground contact position.
  • the axle lifting system 100 of the present disclosure has advantageous characteristics when used to lift a driven trailing axle 30.
  • the axle lifting system 100 provides improved axle clearance, having the displacement mechanism 110 offset longitudinally, relative to the longitudinal rail 5, from the trailing axle 30.
  • the offset provides room for a relatively large diameter air spring bellows that may be useful to provide sufficient forces to lift the trailing axle 30, even when equipped with the additional components for driving, such as a differential.
  • the use of pivoting lever arms 130 also act as a force multiplier compared to prior art systems with fixed arms, thereby reducing the maximum pressures necessary to provide the required lifting forces.
  • the axle lifting system 100 may also provide simpler maintenance and easier installation because the complete system is at the back of the truck.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de levage d'essieu destiné à être utilisé avec un camion, et un procédé d'utilisation du système, pouvant comprendre un mécanisme de déplacement qui peut être fixé au châssis d'un camion, de manière à ce qu'une extrémité libre soit positionnable par rapport à une extrémité fixe. Le système peut également comprendre un bras de levier ayant une extrémité proximale fixée de manière pivotante à l'extrémité libre du mécanisme de déplacement et une extrémité distale pouvant être fixée à un essieu à soulever. Une manille est configurée pour s'étendre à partir du châssis et a une liaison pivotante avec le bras de levier au niveau d'une position située entre les extrémités du bras de levier. L'expansion du mécanisme de déplacement pousse l'extrémité libre du mécanisme de déplacement à déplacer l'extrémité proximale du bras de levier, ce qui oblige l'extrémité distale du bras de levier à pousser vers le haut un essieu du camion pour soulever l'essieu afin qu'il ne soit plus en contact avec le sol.
PCT/BR2014/000457 2014-12-26 2014-12-26 Système de levage d'essieu pivotant WO2016101046A1 (fr)

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PCT/BR2014/000457 WO2016101046A1 (fr) 2014-12-26 2014-12-26 Système de levage d'essieu pivotant

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/BR2014/000457 WO2016101046A1 (fr) 2014-12-26 2014-12-26 Système de levage d'essieu pivotant

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WO2016101046A1 true WO2016101046A1 (fr) 2016-06-30

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017086781A1 (fr) * 2015-11-16 2017-05-26 Vdl Weweler B.V. Suspension d'essieu de roue avec dispositif de levage d'essieu
EP3181384A1 (fr) * 2015-12-15 2017-06-21 Günter Michalke Dispositif de levage d'un essieu de véhicule

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4634141A (en) * 1984-07-03 1987-01-06 Lear Siegler, Inc. Axle lift mechanism
US5090495A (en) * 1990-12-03 1992-02-25 Mcneilus Truck And Manufacturing, Inc. Tag axle for refuse truck
US5403031A (en) * 1993-12-08 1995-04-04 The Boler Company Parallelogram lift axle suspension system with a control for axle caster adjustment
US20070222169A1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2007-09-27 Smith Aaron M Air spring lift kit
US7434821B2 (en) * 2005-05-06 2008-10-14 Tuthill Corporation Vehicle suspension with lift axle and pivotal lift spring

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4634141A (en) * 1984-07-03 1987-01-06 Lear Siegler, Inc. Axle lift mechanism
US5090495A (en) * 1990-12-03 1992-02-25 Mcneilus Truck And Manufacturing, Inc. Tag axle for refuse truck
US5403031A (en) * 1993-12-08 1995-04-04 The Boler Company Parallelogram lift axle suspension system with a control for axle caster adjustment
US7434821B2 (en) * 2005-05-06 2008-10-14 Tuthill Corporation Vehicle suspension with lift axle and pivotal lift spring
US20070222169A1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2007-09-27 Smith Aaron M Air spring lift kit

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017086781A1 (fr) * 2015-11-16 2017-05-26 Vdl Weweler B.V. Suspension d'essieu de roue avec dispositif de levage d'essieu
EP3181384A1 (fr) * 2015-12-15 2017-06-21 Günter Michalke Dispositif de levage d'un essieu de véhicule

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