Abstract:
A device for the connection of a wheel axle housing with a chassis of a vehicle, comprising a stabilizer with a torsion element that is mounted in the chassis, to first arms, the rigidly attached to corresponding end portions of torsion element, to second arms, that are articulatedly connected with the first arms, and at least two spring/suspension elements with a first member, that is connected with the wheel axle housing, and a second member that is connected with the chassis. According to the invention, torsion element is mounted in the chassis, in the second arms is connected with the wheel axle housing and extend essentially vertically upwardly therefrom. The spring/suspension elements have third arms that are rigidly attached with the corresponding end portions of torsion element, and with the first member.
Abstract:
A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.
Abstract:
An axle suspension system for a load-bearing vehicle is described which comprises first and second mounting brackets secured to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. First and second lower control arms are pivotally secured at their forward ends to the first and second mounting brackets and extend rearwardly therefrom. First and second axle supports are positioned rearwardly of the first and second mounting brackets and have the rearward ends of the first and second lower control arms pivotally secured thereto. An axle and wheel assembly is secured to the first and second axle supports. First and second air springs are operatively secured to the first and second axle supports. A stabilizer bar assembly is provided and combines the functions of a stabilizer bar and upper control arms. The stabilizer bar assembly includes a central base portion which is pivotally secured to the first and second axle supports and which has forwardly extending end portions provided at the opposite ends thereof. The forward ends of the end portions of the stabilizer bar assembly are pivotally connected to the first and second mounting brackets to perform the function of upper control arms. In a second embodiment, the stabilizer bar assembly combines the function of a stabilizer bar and lower control arms.
Abstract:
A bushing assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes first and second bushing components that are fixed to a central pin. The pin is supported on a suspension component and includes pin ends that are mounted to an axle housing component. A washer is supported on the pin between the first and second bushings and abuts against inboard edges of the first and second bushings. An outer retaining tube surrounds the first and second bushings and the washer. The outer retaining tube includes opposing deformed end portions that directly engage outboard edges of the first and second bushings to form axial load carrying surfaces for the first and said second bushings.
Abstract:
An air spring suspension for a rear axle of truck is stabilized using a trailing link constructed from a hollow, rectangular tube. The air spring is positioned between a portion of the trailing link extending beyond the rear axle and turning inwardly on the vehicle and the frame rails of the truck's chassis. An auxiliary spring is provided by a half leaf mounting beneath the trailing link. The suspension can provide cornering stabilization by providing a connecting link between the ends of the trailing links.
Abstract:
The suspension comprises at least one pivoted wheel arm, in line with a rigid hollow element belonging to the structure of the vehicle. The wheel arm is pivoted on an axle borne by said hollow element, the wheel arm being fast in rotation to a rigid member adapted to cooperate with elastic stops housed in the hollow element. The pivoting axle of the wheel arm has its geometrical axis situated outside the rigid hollow element and the latter comprises an opening in its wall adapted to be traversed by said rigid member, which member constitutes a radial extension of the arm intended to project inside the hollow element between the elastic stops. The suspension is particularly useful for passenger automobile vehicles.
Abstract:
An air bag having a tapered cross-section in the direction of the length of the vehicle has one surface mounted to the vehicle frame. The other surface of the air bag contacts a suspension member which extends outward (as a lever member) from the greater cross-sectional portion of the air bag and the vehicle axle is attached thereto. In one embodiment the suspension member is flexibly coupled to the chassis by flexible cables, or the like, including side cables which prevent side-sway of the vehicle.