Abstract:
An axle system and method of assembling the same includes a center tube (10) and two cast ends (22) for receiving the center tube within a cavity (60) of each cast end. Suspension mounting portions (46) are integrally formed with the cast ends.
Abstract:
This semi-finished product (31) has a first curved part (35) on one end part side of a flat bridge part (33) and a second curved part (37) on the other end side of the bridge part (33). The second curved part (37) has at an end part thereof a second engaging part (51) for engaging with a first engaging part (41). The interior circumference (31c) of the bridge part (33) as well as the first and second curved parts (35,37) is to be pressure welded and clinched by means of a first and second die (61,62) to the outer circumference of a stabilizer bar (11). In addition to a slippage prevention part (38) being formed on the interior circumference (31c) of the first and second curved parts (35,37) and/or the outer circumference of the stabilizer bar (11) facing the interior circumference (31c), a slippage prevention material (Co) is disposed between the interior circumference (31c) of the first and second curved parts (35,37) and the outer circumference of the stabilizer bar (11).
Abstract:
A trailing arm suspension for mounting ground-engaging wheels to a vehicle frame has an axle mounted to a trailing arm through an axle-beam connector. The suspension comprises at least two arms adapted to be pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the frame and at least one wheel-carrying axle mounted to the arms through an axle-mounting assembly. Each of the axle-mounting assemblies comprises a pair of beam-axle connectors which are mounted to one of the arms at one end thereof through a bushed connection and are rigidly connected to the axle at another end thereof through compression mounting or by welding. Each of the arms forms a collar which receives the axle. An elastomeric layer is positioned between the axle and the collar for articulation between the axle and the collar. Each of the beam-axle connectors is identical and is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. Each beam-axle connector is generally triangular in two dimensional configuration and has a reinforcing gusset at an upper portion thereof and at a lower portion thereof. Each beam-axle connector further includes an arcuate plate at the other end thereof and through which the beam-axle connector is mounted to the axle. The compression mounting includes a hollow wrapper band which circumscribes the axle and is under tension sufficient to compress the axle at at least two sets of diametrically opposed and circumferentially spaced external surfaces of the axle and to prevent movement of the axle with respect to the wrapper band under ordinary service conditions.
Abstract:
A vehicule suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets and a pair of beams. A first end (16) of each beam is pivotally attached to each hanger bracket, and an axle is rigidly attached to the second end (18) of each beam. A tri-functional bushing (61) is positioned at each pivot to provide a horizontal spring rate different from the vertical spring rate. Each beam is formed with a top section (30) and a bottom section (31) which are joined along the longitudinal axis. Both the top section and bottom section are formed with axle recesses (35, 39) complementary related to a portion of the axle. Each axle recess is formed with a trailing edge (46) positioned on either side of a arcuate section (53) of the axle. In one embodiment, a rear plate (56) extends downwardly from the top section adjacent the front of the axle and is welded thereto. In another embodiment, a half sleeve is positioned circumferentially around a front portion of the axle and is complementary related to the axle recesses of the top section and the bottom section. In this embodiment, a portion of the half sleeve adjacent the neutral axis is removed, and a plug weld is positioned therein to secure the half sleeve of the axle and a weld bead is provided circumferentially around the half sleeve adjacent the axle recesses formed in the top section and bottom section to secure the trailing beam to the half sleeve.