초록 ▼

A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable/non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven/non-driven axles having a single coil spring with a low spring rate secured (a) to the lower of two vertically spaced control arms which connect the chassis to wheel assembly on one end, and (b) to t

A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable/non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven/non-driven axles having a single coil spring with a low spring rate secured (a) to the lower of two vertically spaced control arms which connect the chassis to wheel assembly on one end, and (b) to the chassis at an upper location approximately level with a tire of the wheel assembly at the other end which provides maximum wheel travel, decreased rearward thrust, and tire/ground mobility.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An independent suspension for supporting a pair of driven wheels on a high mobility vehicle, the suspension comprising:a suspension support structure;first and second knuckles each including top and bottom ball joints;a first lower control arm having an inner end and an o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An independent suspension for supporting a pair of driven wheels on a high mobility vehicle, the suspension comprising:a suspension support structure;first and second knuckles each including top and bottom ball joints;a first lower control arm having an inner end and an outer end, the inner end thereof being pivotally attached to the support structure and the outer end thereof being attached to the bottom ball joint of the first knuckle;a second lower control arm having an inner end and an outer end, the inner end thereof being pivotally attached to the support structure and the outer end thereof being attached to the bottom ball joint of the second knuckle;a first upper control arm having an inner end and an outer end, the inner end thereof being pivotally attached to the support structure and the outer end thereof being attached to the top ball joint of the first knuckle;a second upper control arm having an inner end and an outer end, the inner end thereof being pivotally attached to the support structure and the outer end thereof being attached to the top ball joint of the second knuckle;a first spring including first and second ends, the first end thereof being attached to the support structure and the second end thereof being pivotally attached to the first lower control arm, said first spring having a spring guide disposed therein, said spring guide being coaxial with said spring such that the first knuckle can travel at least 12 inches relative to the support structure without said first spring buckling;a second spring including first and second ends, the first end thereof being attached to the support structure and the second end thereof being pivotally attached to the second lower control arm, said first spring having a spring guide disposed therein, said spring guide being coaxial with said spring such that the first knuckle can travel at least 12 inches relative to the support structure without said second spring buckling;a first shock absorber including first and second ends, the first end thereof being attached to the support structure and the second end thereof being pivotally attached to the first lower control arm, wherein the first upper control arm is located between the first spring and the first shock absorber;a second shock absorber including first and second ends, the first end thereof being attached to the support structure and the second end thereof being pivotally attached to the second lower control arm, wherein the second upper control arm is located between the second spring and the second shock absorber;a drive assembly supported by the support structure between the control arms, the drive assembly including a first output shaft extending toward the first knuckle and a second output shaft extending toward the second knuckle;a first wheel end rotatably supported by the first knuckle;a second wheel end rotatably supported by the second knuckle;a first brake assembly coupled to the first wheel end and the first knuckle;a second brake assembly coupled to the second wheel end and the second knuckle;a first drive shaft assembly coupled between the first output shaft and the first wheel end to transmit torque therebetween; anda second drive shaft assembly coupled between the second output shaft and the second wheel end to transmit torque therebetween.