초록 ▼

A vehicle suspension system particularly useful in the heavy duty truck and trailer industry is disclosed. The suspension features lower control rods that are pivotally connected at their leading ends to hangers attached to each side frame member. The rearward ends of the lower control rods are atta

A vehicle suspension system particularly useful in the heavy duty truck and trailer industry is disclosed. The suspension features lower control rods that are pivotally connected at their leading ends to hangers attached to each side frame member. The rearward ends of the lower control rods are attached to axle seats, one at each end of the axle, which are connected to the axle of the vehicle. Air springs and shock absorbers or, alternatively, hydraulic cylinders with accumulators, are mounted between each axle seat and each side frame member. The lower control rods are in an inclined orientation with their forward ends above their trailing ends. Additionally, some embodiments of the suspension feature upper control rods with their forward ends pivotally attached to the two opposing truck side frame members. The rearward ends of the upper control rods are attached to the top center of the axle by either a bolt and bushing mount or a ball and socket mount so that the upper control rods form a “V”. The upper control rods lay in a nearly horizontal plane. As an alternative to the “V”configuration of the upper control rods, a single, nearly horizontal, longitudinal upper control rod mounted between the centers of the frame cross member and the vehicle axle may be used in conjunction with either a control rod or a Watt linkage transverse to the side frame members. The suspension eliminates the heavy and costly Z-springs commonly used in air or hydraulic suspensions. The suspension has a lower frequency and is not torque reactive. Both of these features reduce vibration and provide for a better vehicle ride. The suspension also offers improved vehicle traction.

대표청구항 ▼

A suspension system for supporting a vehicle chassis on an axle, comprising on each side of the vehicle: a) a hanger attached to a fore-and-aft extending chassis side frame member; b) an axle seat; c) means for attaching the axle seat to the axle; d) a lower control rod having a forward end pivotall

A suspension system for supporting a vehicle chassis on an axle, comprising on each side of the vehicle: a) a hanger attached to a fore-and-aft extending chassis side frame member; b) an axle seat; c) means for attaching the axle seat to the axle; d) a lower control rod having a forward end pivotally connected to said hanger and a rearward end pivotally connected to said axle seat so that said lower control rod is inclined with its forward end above its rearward end; e) a bracket attached to said side frame member; f) an axle mount attached to the top of said axle midway between the ends of the axle; g) an upper control rod having a forward end pivotally connected to said bracket and a rearward end pivotally connected to said axle mount so as to lay in an approximately horizontal plane whereby said lower control rod and said upper control rod, while vertically spaced apart, are vertically appreciably closer at their forward ends than at their rearward ends; and h) spring means mounted between the axle seat and the chassis.