GB2157240A - Axle lifting device - Google Patents

Axle lifting device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2157240A
GB2157240A GB08409129A GB8409129A GB2157240A GB 2157240 A GB2157240 A GB 2157240A GB 08409129 A GB08409129 A GB 08409129A GB 8409129 A GB8409129 A GB 8409129A GB 2157240 A GB2157240 A GB 2157240A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
axle
lifting device
trailer
leaf spring
vehicle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08409129A
Other versions
GB8409129D0 (en
Inventor
Steven George Pattemore
Geoffrey William Pattemore
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PATTEMORES TRANSPORT
Original Assignee
PATTEMORES TRANSPORT
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PATTEMORES TRANSPORT filed Critical PATTEMORES TRANSPORT
Priority to GB08409129A priority Critical patent/GB2157240A/en
Publication of GB8409129D0 publication Critical patent/GB8409129D0/en
Publication of GB2157240A publication Critical patent/GB2157240A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D61/00—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern
    • B62D61/12—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
    • B62D61/125—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels the retractable wheel being a part of a set of tandem wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
    • B60G11/32—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having springs of different kinds
    • B60G11/34—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having springs of different kinds including leaf springs
    • B60G11/46—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having springs of different kinds including leaf springs and also fluid springs
    • B60G11/465—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having springs of different kinds including leaf springs and also fluid springs with a flexible wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G5/00—Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
    • B60G5/04—Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements with two or more pivoted arms, the movements of which are resiliently interrelated, e.g. the arms being rigid
    • B60G5/047—Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements with two or more pivoted arms, the movements of which are resiliently interrelated, e.g. the arms being rigid at least one arm being resilient, e.g. a leafspring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
    • B60G2204/47—Means for retracting the suspension
    • B60G2204/4702—Means for retracting the suspension pneumatically

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

There is disclosed an axle lifting device comprising a first structure (1), which is fast with the chassis (2) of a vehicle in use of the device, a second structure (4), which is displaceable with respect to the first structure (1), for lifting an axle of the vehicle in use of the device, and means comprising an expandible chamber (3) between the first (1) and second (2) structure for displacing the second structure (2). The device is suitable for lifting one or more axles of a heavy goods vehicle trailer. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Axle lifting device This invention relates to an axle lifting device and is more particularly, althoughnot exclusively, corcerned with a device for conveniently raising from the ground one or more of the axles of a multiaxled articulated lorry trailer.
The trailers used in articulated heavy goods vehicles frequently have two, or three, load-bearing axles. This allows a heavy load to be distributed over the road surface and, therefore, reduces damage to the road surface. However, when a road has been delivered and the lorry is being returned to its base unladen, a reduced numer of the loadbearing axles need to be used and fewer of the trailer wheels need to be in contact with the road.
By reducing the number of wheels in contact with the road surface when an unladen heavy goods vehicle is returning to its base, significant savings in tyre wear can be achieved. The need to reduce the number of wheels in contact with the road surface when a heavy goods vehicle is traveling unladen is made more acute since it is at these times that tyre wear is at its highest; this is due to an increase in vertical movement of the lighter trailer resulting in a tendency for the wheels to skid slightly.
According to the invention there is provided an axle lifting device which comprises a first structure, which is fast with the chassis of a vehicle in use of the device, a second structure, which is displaceable with respect to the first structure, for lifting an axle of the vehicle in use of the device, amd means comprising an expandible chamber between the first and second structure for displacing the second structure.
The said second structure could act on a leaf spring of a vehicle to lift the axle.
The expandible chamber may be expended pnuematically (e.g. from a vehicle air brake compressor) or hydraulically.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane of a trailer axle fitted with an axle lifting device of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane perpendicular to the trailer axle illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane of a trailer axle fitted with another edmbodiment of an axle lifting device of the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the trailer axle illustrated in Figure 3.
With reference to Figure 1, two support brackets 1, are rigidly fixed to a trailer chassis 2. The support brackets 1 each support an expandible chamber in the form of a bellows 3 which bellows 3, in turn, support a lifting frame 4. The lifting frame 4 has two portions 4a, each of which extends below a leaf spring 5. Each leaf spring is supported by a suspension rocker 6.
Each bellows 3 is connected to a compressed air source via pipes 7. Thus, when it is desired to lift an axle (not shown) from the ground, compressed air is passed by way of the pipes 7 into each bellows 3, thereby expanding the bellows 3 and causing the lifting frame 4 to move upwards and, via the portions 4a, lifting each leaf spring 5 in an upward direction. Each leaf spring 5 is pivoted on the chassis 2 by the rocker 6. Thus, the axle, supported by the leaf spring 5, is lifted in an upward direction. The rocker 6 supports two leaf springs; therefore, when the leaf spring on one side of the suspension rocker is lifted, the leaf spring on the other side is forced downwards. This has the effect of forcing a neighbouring axle downwards as the first mentioned axle is lifed and the clearance of the wheels attached to the first mentioned axle is, therefore, increased.
The same embodiment of axle lifting device is illustrated in Figure 2. A single support bracket 1 is shown. This support bracket 1 is fixed to the bellows 3 which carries the lifting structure 4. The portion 4a acts on the leaf spring 5 to lift the axle 8 from the ground. The leaf spring 5 is provided on the trailer chassis by the suspension rocker 6. The suspension rocker 6 also supports the axle via a tie rod 9. The suspension rocker 6 supports another leaf spring 10 which is conventionally attached to a further axle (not shown). Lifting on one side of the suspension rocker 6 via the axle lifting device forces the other leaf axle (not shown) in a downward direction.
In Figures 3 and 4 another embodiment of an axle lifting device according to the present invention is shown. A support frame 11 is fixed to a trailer chassis 12. The support frame 11 supports two bellows 13. The bellows 13 support under the two leaf springs 15. The leaf springs 15 are each suported by a suspension rocker 16, and an axle (not shown) is supported in a similar fashion as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
Each bellows 13 is inflated by compressed air, via pipes (not shown).
The embodiement illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a support structure which extends upwards into the trailer chassis; this may pose problems with certain designs of trailers. However, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 has a support structure which extends below the trailer chassis and is thus clear of the main body of the trailer.
1. An axle lifting device comprising a first structure, which is fast with the chassis of a vehicle in use of the device, a second structure which is displaceable with respect to the first structure, for lifting an axle of the vehicle in use of the device, and means comprising an expandible chamber between the first and second structure for displacing the second structure.
2. An axle lifting device according to Claim 1,
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Axle lifting device This invention relates to an axle lifting device and is more particularly, althoughnot exclusively, corcerned with a device for conveniently raising from the ground one or more of the axles of a multiaxled articulated lorry trailer. The trailers used in articulated heavy goods vehicles frequently have two, or three, load-bearing axles. This allows a heavy load to be distributed over the road surface and, therefore, reduces damage to the road surface. However, when a road has been delivered and the lorry is being returned to its base unladen, a reduced numer of the loadbearing axles need to be used and fewer of the trailer wheels need to be in contact with the road. By reducing the number of wheels in contact with the road surface when an unladen heavy goods vehicle is returning to its base, significant savings in tyre wear can be achieved. The need to reduce the number of wheels in contact with the road surface when a heavy goods vehicle is traveling unladen is made more acute since it is at these times that tyre wear is at its highest; this is due to an increase in vertical movement of the lighter trailer resulting in a tendency for the wheels to skid slightly. According to the invention there is provided an axle lifting device which comprises a first structure, which is fast with the chassis of a vehicle in use of the device, a second structure, which is displaceable with respect to the first structure, for lifting an axle of the vehicle in use of the device, amd means comprising an expandible chamber between the first and second structure for displacing the second structure. The said second structure could act on a leaf spring of a vehicle to lift the axle. The expandible chamber may be expended pnuematically (e.g. from a vehicle air brake compressor) or hydraulically. For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane of a trailer axle fitted with an axle lifting device of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane perpendicular to the trailer axle illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane of a trailer axle fitted with another edmbodiment of an axle lifting device of the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a cross-section in the vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the trailer axle illustrated in Figure 3. With reference to Figure 1, two support brackets 1, are rigidly fixed to a trailer chassis 2. The support brackets 1 each support an expandible chamber in the form of a bellows 3 which bellows 3, in turn, support a lifting frame 4. The lifting frame 4 has two portions 4a, each of which extends below a leaf spring 5. Each leaf spring is supported by a suspension rocker 6. Each bellows 3 is connected to a compressed air source via pipes 7. Thus, when it is desired to lift an axle (not shown) from the ground, compressed air is passed by way of the pipes 7 into each bellows 3, thereby expanding the bellows 3 and causing the lifting frame 4 to move upwards and, via the portions 4a, lifting each leaf spring 5 in an upward direction. Each leaf spring 5 is pivoted on the chassis 2 by the rocker 6. Thus, the axle, supported by the leaf spring 5, is lifted in an upward direction. The rocker 6 supports two leaf springs; therefore, when the leaf spring on one side of the suspension rocker is lifted, the leaf spring on the other side is forced downwards. This has the effect of forcing a neighbouring axle downwards as the first mentioned axle is lifed and the clearance of the wheels attached to the first mentioned axle is, therefore, increased. The same embodiment of axle lifting device is illustrated in Figure 2. A single support bracket 1 is shown. This support bracket 1 is fixed to the bellows 3 which carries the lifting structure 4. The portion 4a acts on the leaf spring 5 to lift the axle 8 from the ground. The leaf spring 5 is provided on the trailer chassis by the suspension rocker 6. The suspension rocker 6 also supports the axle via a tie rod 9. The suspension rocker 6 supports another leaf spring 10 which is conventionally attached to a further axle (not shown). Lifting on one side of the suspension rocker 6 via the axle lifting device forces the other leaf axle (not shown) in a downward direction. In Figures 3 and 4 another embodiment of an axle lifting device according to the present invention is shown. A support frame 11 is fixed to a trailer chassis 12. The support frame 11 supports two bellows 13. The bellows 13 support under the two leaf springs 15. The leaf springs 15 are each suported by a suspension rocker 16, and an axle (not shown) is supported in a similar fashion as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Each bellows 13 is inflated by compressed air, via pipes (not shown). The embodiement illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a support structure which extends upwards into the trailer chassis; this may pose problems with certain designs of trailers. However, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 has a support structure which extends below the trailer chassis and is thus clear of the main body of the trailer. CLAIMS
1. An axle lifting device comprising a first structure, which is fast with the chassis of a vehicle in use of the device, a second structure which is displaceable with respect to the first structure, for lifting an axle of the vehicle in use of the device, and means comprising an expandible chamber between the first and second structure for displacing the second structure.
2. An axle lifting device according to Claim 1, wherein the expandible chamber is in the form of a flexible bellow.
3. An axle lifting device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein, in use, the expandible chamber is expanded pnuematically.
4. An axle lifting device according to Claim 3, wherein the expandible chamber is expanded pnuematically from a compressor of the vehicle.
5. An axle lifting device according to any preceding claim, wherein there are two expandible chambers.
6. An axle lifting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second structure is adapted to engage a leaf spring of the vehicle such that, in use of the device, when the expandible chamber or chambers are expanded, the axle to which the leaf spring is attached is lifted.
7. An axle lifting device according to any preceding claim wherein the vehicle is a heavy goods vehicle trailer.
8. An axle lifting device substantially as hereinbefored described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figure 1; Figures 1 and 2; and Figures 3 and 4.
GB08409129A 1984-04-09 1984-04-09 Axle lifting device Withdrawn GB2157240A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08409129A GB2157240A (en) 1984-04-09 1984-04-09 Axle lifting device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08409129A GB2157240A (en) 1984-04-09 1984-04-09 Axle lifting device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8409129D0 GB8409129D0 (en) 1984-05-16
GB2157240A true GB2157240A (en) 1985-10-23

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GB08409129A Withdrawn GB2157240A (en) 1984-04-09 1984-04-09 Axle lifting device

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2614594A1 (en) * 1987-04-29 1988-11-04 Seg Sa Axle lifting device for multiple-axle lorry or trailer
WO1994020355A1 (en) * 1993-03-09 1994-09-15 Ror Rockwell Limited Vehicle air suspension having a lifting system
WO2007058797A1 (en) * 2005-11-16 2007-05-24 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group. Llc Lifting system for a vehicle axle
NL2014358B1 (en) * 2015-02-26 2016-10-13 Broshuis B V Lifting device for an independent suspended wheel set of a semi-trailer.

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3093388A (en) * 1961-12-04 1963-06-11 Rogers Brothers Corp Liftable load wheel assemblage
GB1021555A (en) * 1962-07-16 1966-03-02 Truck Accessories Inc An axle lift for one of two axles in tandem
GB1075230A (en) * 1965-03-04 1967-07-12 Fruehauf Corp Improvements relating to wheel suspensions for heavy duty vehicles
GB1131871A (en) * 1966-03-24 1968-10-30 Hiab Alingsasverken Ab Device for raising one pair of wheels of a tandem axle suspension in lorry bogies
US3730549A (en) * 1970-02-17 1973-05-01 Wern C Drop-axle suspension system
GB1373484A (en) * 1973-09-20 1974-11-13 Lear Siegler Inc Suspension systems
US3861708A (en) * 1973-10-18 1975-01-21 Twm Mfg Co High strength auxiliary axle suspension system for low frame wheeled vehicles
US3902734A (en) * 1974-03-14 1975-09-02 Twm Mfg Co Frames for axle suspension systems
US3904220A (en) * 1974-06-03 1975-09-09 Twm Mfg Co Compact high strength auxiliary lift axle suspension system
GB1443572A (en) * 1972-07-20 1976-07-21 Twm Mfg Co Inc Auxiliary axle suspension systems indicating instruments such as clocks for installation in motor vehicles
GB1480203A (en) * 1975-06-04 1977-07-20 Caterpillar Tractor Co Vehicle suspension
GB1503142A (en) * 1975-11-17 1978-03-08 York Trailer Co Ltd Vehicle suspension
GB2068855A (en) * 1980-02-07 1981-08-19 Turner Quick Lift Corp Lift axle suspension for wheeled vehicles

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3093388A (en) * 1961-12-04 1963-06-11 Rogers Brothers Corp Liftable load wheel assemblage
GB1021555A (en) * 1962-07-16 1966-03-02 Truck Accessories Inc An axle lift for one of two axles in tandem
GB1021554A (en) * 1962-07-16 1966-03-02 Truck Accessories Inc An axle lift for one of two axles in tandem
GB1075230A (en) * 1965-03-04 1967-07-12 Fruehauf Corp Improvements relating to wheel suspensions for heavy duty vehicles
GB1131871A (en) * 1966-03-24 1968-10-30 Hiab Alingsasverken Ab Device for raising one pair of wheels of a tandem axle suspension in lorry bogies
US3730549A (en) * 1970-02-17 1973-05-01 Wern C Drop-axle suspension system
GB1443572A (en) * 1972-07-20 1976-07-21 Twm Mfg Co Inc Auxiliary axle suspension systems indicating instruments such as clocks for installation in motor vehicles
GB1373484A (en) * 1973-09-20 1974-11-13 Lear Siegler Inc Suspension systems
US3861708A (en) * 1973-10-18 1975-01-21 Twm Mfg Co High strength auxiliary axle suspension system for low frame wheeled vehicles
US3902734A (en) * 1974-03-14 1975-09-02 Twm Mfg Co Frames for axle suspension systems
US3904220A (en) * 1974-06-03 1975-09-09 Twm Mfg Co Compact high strength auxiliary lift axle suspension system
GB1480203A (en) * 1975-06-04 1977-07-20 Caterpillar Tractor Co Vehicle suspension
GB1503142A (en) * 1975-11-17 1978-03-08 York Trailer Co Ltd Vehicle suspension
GB2068855A (en) * 1980-02-07 1981-08-19 Turner Quick Lift Corp Lift axle suspension for wheeled vehicles

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2614594A1 (en) * 1987-04-29 1988-11-04 Seg Sa Axle lifting device for multiple-axle lorry or trailer
WO1994020355A1 (en) * 1993-03-09 1994-09-15 Ror Rockwell Limited Vehicle air suspension having a lifting system
US5655788A (en) * 1993-03-09 1997-08-12 Ror Rockwell Limited Vehicle air suspension having a lifting system
WO2007058797A1 (en) * 2005-11-16 2007-05-24 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group. Llc Lifting system for a vehicle axle
US7396028B2 (en) 2005-11-16 2008-07-08 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group Llc Lifting system for a vehicle axle
NL2014358B1 (en) * 2015-02-26 2016-10-13 Broshuis B V Lifting device for an independent suspended wheel set of a semi-trailer.

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Publication number Publication date
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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)