LIFT AXLE SUSPENSION
    62.
    发明公开
    LIFT AXLE SUSPENSION 审中-公开
    HEBEACHSENAUFHÄNGUNG

    公开(公告)号:EP1381535A1

    公开(公告)日:2004-01-21

    申请号:EP02762130.9

    申请日:2002-04-16

    摘要: An air-free, relatively lightweight lift assembly for an axle/suspension system of a highway/rail convertible semi-trailer, utilizes a transversely-oriented coil torsion spring having a relatively low spring rate. The torsion spring is captured between a stationary plate and a rotatable plate. A flexible link is pivotally attached at its upper end to the rotatable plate and at its lower end to the axle. This assembly results in a variable rate moment arm and continuously increasing leverage when the suspension air spring is overinflated to lower the system for transfer of the trailer from a highway tractor to a rail bogie, thus enabling use of a less robust air spring. The assembly conversely creates a decrease in leverage at the lifted rail transport position, to securely maintain the axle/suspension system in the rail position. For highway use, the lift assembly provides suspension damping without shock absorbers.

    FORCE APPLYING DEVICES
    63.
    发明公开
    FORCE APPLYING DEVICES 失效
    装置用于施加力

    公开(公告)号:EP0724696A1

    公开(公告)日:1996-08-07

    申请号:EP94928972.0

    申请日:1994-10-12

    IPC分类号: B60G11 F16F1 F16L3

    摘要: A force applying device such as a spring supporting device comprises a helical compression spring (1) located within a cylindrical housing (3), the device being designed to support a load (8) through a rod (5). In use, the load (8) will move vertically between a high position and a low position, involving compression and extension of the spring (1). One end of the spring is provided with a pair of diametrically projecting trunnions (9), which are located within a pair of diametrically opposed cam tracks (11) provided in the cylinder wall. During initial downward movement of the load, the trunnions engage with the cam track (11), tending to 'wind up' the spring, providing an upward force acting on the trunnions. During final movement, movement of the trunnions within the cam track allows the spring to 'unwind', and thus some of the work required to be performed during this axial movement of the load produces a downward force compensating the increase in spring reaction. In this manner, by selection of a cam track of appropriate shape, a substantially constant force may be produced acting against the load throughout the range of movement of the spring.