GB2317151A

GB2317151A - Trailer vehicle suspension

Info

Publication number: GB2317151A
Application number: GB9719200A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Andrew Hanson; Craig Lynton Mark Child
Original assignee: Bradley Doublelock Ltd
Current assignee: Bradley Doublelock Ltd
Priority date: 1996-09-10
Filing date: 1997-09-10
Publication date: 1998-03-18
Also published as: DE19739064A1; GB9719200D0; GB9618869D0

Abstract

A trailer includes a suspension unit 4 which is arranged to be releasably secured in a channel of a support framework 6 so that the unit 4 can be readily replaced in the event of damage. Additionally, the brakes of the vehicle can be removed from a first unit 4 and resecured to a replacement unit 4.

Description

2317151 VEHICLE This invention relates to a vehicle and particularly,

although not exclusively, relates to an axle assembly for a towable vehicle, for example a trailer.

A known axle assembly, referred to as a "full beam" axle assembly, is shown diagrammatically in figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. The assembly comprises a central rigid tube 1 within which an arbour (not shown) is arranged. Rubber members are arranged between the arbour and central tube (as described in GB 3 436 069 and the documents referred to therein) for resiliently supporting the arbour in position. At its ends, the arbour carries respective drop arms 3 to which drums 5 are attached. Brackets 7 are provided for securing the assembly to a trailer.

A disadvantage of the full beam axle assembly is that if one part, for example a drop arm or a rubber member, of the assembly, becomes damaged, then the whole assembly will generally need to be replaced and this can be costly.

It is also known to provide a trailer with individually demountable axle assemblies for each wheel thereof. One known assembly includes a planar plate which carries a suspension assembly and which is secured by bolts in face-to-face contact with another planar plate welded to the trailer. Disadvantageously, however, the arrangement tends to be relatively weak and, furthermore, can be relatively costly.

It is an object of the present invention to address problems associated with known axle assemblies for vehicles.

2 According to a f irst aspect of the present invention, there is provided an axle assembly comprising a suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel and a suspension support for supporting the suspension assembly, said suspension assembly and suspension support being releasably securable to one another by securement of a co-operable part of one within a channel means in the other.

Said suspension assembly suitably is arranged to support a vehicle wheel having an axis of rotation which extends in a first direction. In this case, preferably, said channel means is arranged to restrict movement of said co-operable part in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. Preferably, said second direction is substantially vertical when the axle assembly is in use. Preferably, said channel means restricts movement at least upwardly in use. Preferably, said channel means is arranged to restrict movement of said co-operable part in a third direction which is perpendicular to said first and second directions and is, suitably, substantially horizontal in use.

Preferably, said axle assembly includes means for restricting relative movement of said suspension assembly and said suspension support in said first direction.

Said channel means may have two or more sides angled relative to one another. It preferably has at least three sides angled relative to one another. It may have any suitable cross-section. For example, it may have a Vshaped cross-section or a part or fully circular, triagonal, square or rectangular cross- section. Preferably, the channel means (when viewed in crosssection) has an opening. Said channel means preferably has a substantially constant cross-section along its extent.

1 3 In one embodiment, said channel means may be rearwardly open in use. In a preferred embodiment, said channel means is downwardly open.

Preferably, said channel means is a component of said suspension support and is suitably a substantially permanent part thereof. Said channel means is preferably arranged to extend from one longitudinally extending side of a trailer chassis to the other side thereof.

Securement means is suitably provided for securing the co-operable part within the channel means. Said securement means may include one bracket fixed relative to the suspension assembly and one bracket fixed relative to is the suspension support wherein said brackets are arranged to cooperate, for example by being in face-to-face contact, and to be secured in co-operating positions by suitable means, for example bolts or the like. In a preferred embodiment, said securement means includes cooperable openings in the co-operable part and channel means which openings are engageable by a fixing member, for example a bolt (or the like) which extends in a direction transverse to, preferably perpendicular to, the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel. Preferably, the only means of securing the co-operable part and channel means is a plurality of nuts and bolts (or the like).

Said co-operable part is preferably hollow. It is preferably a housing which contains parts, for example resilient parts of the suspension assembly. For example, the suspension assembly may be of the Neidhart type and, therefore, said co-operable part suitably houses resilient elements and/or an arbour thereof.

1 1 1 1 1 Said co-operable part is preferably arranged to support two wheels at opposite sides of the trailer. Said co-operable part preferably extends from one side of the suspension support to an opposing side.

Said axle assembly is suitably arranged to be secured to a chassis. To this end, preferably, said suspension support is arranged to be secured to the chassis. In this regard, preferably, said suspension support defines at least two, preferably at least three, spaced apart fixing positions. A said fixing position may be provided by a frame member which is suitably of channel cross-section, and is arranged to be fixed directly to the chassis and/or to the suspension assembly by suitable means, for example bolts. Preferably, two of said frame members are provided and associated with a respective wheel of the vehicle. A third frame member may be provided forwardly of the other f rame members and it may be a component of a draw bar. Said third frame member is preferably arranged to be releasably secured in position by bolts or the like.

Preferably, said suspension support defines a substantially T-shaped framework.

Said suspension assembly is preferably arranged for removal (and replacement) of the brakes of the vehicle. In this regard, a brake support member may be releasably securable in position. In one embodiment, the brake support member is fixed directly to a stub axle, for example by welding, and the axle is releasably securable in position. In another embodiment, the brake support member is releasably securable relative to the stub axle. In preferred embodiments, the stub axle is releasably securable to the suspension assembly. Said axle may be arranged to co-operate with an opening, preferably 1 provided in a drop arm of the suspension assembly for releasable securement to the suspension assembly. In another embodiment said stub axle may be fixed, for example, by welding to the suspension assembly.

Preferably, a brake drum is releasably securable to the suspension assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an axle assembly comprising a first suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel and a suspension support for supporting the first suspension assembly, said first suspension assembly and said suspension support being releasably securable to one another and wherein a brake member is releasably securable to the first assembly and is arranged to be removed from said first assembly and replaced on a second suspension assembly which may replace the first suspension assembly.

Advantageously, brake cables and/or other actuation means for the brake member can remain attached to said brake member during the transfer of the member from the first to said second suspension assembly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suspension assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising a co-operable part which is arranged to be releasably secured within a channel means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a suspension support for supporting a suspension assembly so that said assembly is releasably secured thereto, said suspension support comprising a channel means which is arranged to co-operate with a cooperable part of the suspension support.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling an axle assembly which comprises releasably securing a co-operable part of a suspension assembly within a channel means of a suspension support.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of replacing a suspension assembly of an axle assembly which comprises releasing a co-operable part of a first suspension assembly from engagement with a channel means of a suspension support and securing a cooperable part of a second suspension assembly to said channel means of said suspension support.

Said method may include removing a brake member from said first suspension assembly and securing it to said second suspension assembly.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a trailer which includes the step of releasably securing a co-operable part of a suspension assembly within a channel means of a suspension support.

Preferably, the method includes securing a suspension support to a chassis, suitably so that parts of the suspension support extend between parts (preferably at least three parts) of the chassis.

Any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein.

i 7 Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an axle assembly and part of a trailer chassis; Figure 3 is a cross-section showing part of an axle assembly; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of another axle assembly; Figures 5 and 6 are respective exploded perspective views of alternative drop arm/stub axle arrangements.

In the figures, the same or similar parts are annotated with the same reference numerals.

Referring to figure 2, the axle assembly 2 comprises a suspension unit 4 and a suspension unit support framework 6 which is secured to a trailer chassis 8 (shown schematically in dashed lines in the figure). The unit 4 is arranged to be easily releasably secured to the framework 6 so that each unit 4 of the trailer can be individually replaced in the event of damage or fatigue. Nonetheless, the assembly 2 is arranged so that the axle assembly adds structural rigidly and strength to the trailer chassis. 30 Further details are provided below.

The support framework 6 comprises a unitary elongate axle support body 9 comprising a rearwardly open channel which extends from one longitudinally extending side 10 of the trailer chassis to the opposite side. A tubular drawbar 12 is welded to, and extends forwardly from, the support body 9, midway along its extent. A front mounting bracket 14 having bolt openings 16 is fixed to the drawbar 12 for use in securing the draw bar to the chassis 8. A coupling member (not shown) is fixed at a forward end of the drawbar 12.

Respective support members 18 (only one of which is shown in figure 2) of channel cross-section extend rearwardly from respective ends of the support body 9. Each member 18 includes openings 20 in an upwardly facing part thereof for use in securing the support body 9 to the chassis and openings 22 in an upwardly extending part is thereof f or use in securing the support body 9 to the suspension unit 4.

The suspension unit 4 comprises a square crosssection tubular axle body 24 to which is welded an upwardly extending fixing plate 27 having openings 28 therein arranged to be aligned with openings 22 in the member 18. An arbour 26 is supported within the axle body by tubular rubber members 29 as is conventional in a Neidhart torsion joint as described in GB 3 436 069 and the documents referred to therein. A drop arm 30 is fixed to the arbour 26, a stub axle 32 is fixed to the drop arm and a drum 34 is fixed to the stub axle.

A trailer including the parts described above is assembled as follows:

The support framework 6 is fixed between longitudinally extending sides of the chassis by securing respective support members 18 to the sides using bolts extending through openings 20 in members 18 and through 1 9 corresponding openings in the chassis. In addition. the front mounting bracket 14 is secured to a forward portion of the chassis using bolts extending through openings 16. It should be appreciated that the framework 6 secured as described will add significantly to the rigidity of the chassis.

Then, each suspension unit 4 is fixed to a respective side of the support framework 6 by positioning the axle body 24 within the axle support body 9 so that f ixing plate 27 abuts support member 18 and then securing the arrangement in position using bolts through aligned holes 28,1 22. Inward end 40 of the axle body 24 may be supported by angled plates 42 which may be clamped in position by is bolts passing through aligned openings 43.

In the event that part of one of the suspension units is damaged, it may be easily replaced at relatively low cost. Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that, in view of the construction of the axle assembly 2, the provision of a simple means of replacement of suspension units individually does not significantly affect the strength of the assembly compared to that of a full beam axle assembly.

Referring to Figure 4, a support framework 50 is securable to a trailer chassis by suitable means (not shown). The framework comprises a unitary elongate axle support body 52 which extends from one side to an opposing side of the trailer chassis and comprises a downwardly open channel. Support members 54 having a downwardly open channel section extend perpendicularly from each end of support body 52 and include openings 22. An attachment member 56 including four in-line openings 58 is fixed to body 52.

A drawbar 60 includes a connecting member 62 having two openings arranged to co-operate with the outermost two openings 58 so that the drawbar can be releasably secured to framework 50.

A suspension unit 64 comprises a square cross-section body 66 arranged to be snugly received in the channel of the support body and to be releasably secured therein by screws passing through aligned openings 68, 58 in the body 66 and body 52 respectively. Upwardly extending fixing plates 27 are welded to body 66 towards opposing ends thereof. An arbour 26, which supports re spective drop arms 30 at each end, and rubber members 29 extend from one end to the opposite end of the body 66.

A stub axle and brake arrangement 70 is releasably securable to the drop arm 30. The arrangement 70 comprises a stub axle 72 having a threaded end 74 and, inwards thereof, a collar 76 which includes diametrically-opposed semi-circular cross-section slots 78 (only one of which is shown in figure 4). The slots 78 are arranged to be aligned with similar slots 80 defined in an otherwise generally circular cross-section opening 82 in the drop arm 30. Anti-rotation pins 84 are provided and arranged to be accommodated in the openings defined between adjacent slots 78, 80 when the collar 76 is within the drop arm.

The stub axle 72 supports (and is welded to) a brake back plate 86 which carries brake shoes (and the usual associated mechanisms) (not shown) and a brake drum 88. The arrangement 70 also includes oil seal go, bearings 92, washers 94 and lock nuts 96.

A trailer including the parts described with reference to figure 4 is assembled as follows:

With the support framework 50 secured to the chassis, the suspension unit 64 including arrangement 70 can be moved upwardly so that body 66 is received in the channel of body 52 where it can be secured in position. The drawbar 60 may then be secured in position via connecting member 62.

In the event that part of the suspension unit 64 is damaged, then it may readily be replaced. Advantageously, the stub axle and brake arrangements 70 attached to the damaged unit may be detached from that unit and then resecured to a replacement unit 64. As a result, the brakes and drums etc are already bedded in and worn to the same extent so that there will be negligible imbalance between the sides of the vehicle after axle replacement.

An alternative drop arm/stub axle arrangement 100 is shown in figure 5. The arrangement comprises a stub axle 102 which includes a machined flat 104 which is arranged to abut a spigot (not shown) arranged on the rear of drop arm 30 for preventing rotation of the axle 102. A pair of pins 106 are provided on arm 30 and arranged to extend into corresponding openings in brake back plate 6 for rotationally fixing the back plate relative to the drop arm. A bearing retention circlip 108, a unitized bearing 110, a brake drum 88, a flange nut 112 and a circlip 114 complete the assembly. It will be appreciated that the stub axle 102 and 30 parts (e.g. 86, 108, 110, 88, 112 and 114) fixed thereto can readily be disengaged from the drop arm 30 and resecured to a drop arm of a replacement suspension unit. An alternative drop arm/stub axle arrangement 150 shown in figure 6 comprises a stub axle 152 which is 12 - welded to drop arm 30. A plate 154 which includes hole 156 is also welded to the axle 152. Brake back plate 86 is releasably securable to the plate 154 by the use of nuts/bolts 157, 158 which co-operate with openings 160 and 156. The other components shown in figure 5 may be fixed to the plate 86 as before.

Although the invention has been described with reference to suspension units of the Neidhart type, alternative suspension units of the bonded rubber or steel torsion types may be used in a similar way.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

13 The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclos.ed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

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Claims

CLAINS

1. An axle assembly comprising a suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel and a suspension support for supporting the suspension assembly, said suspension assembly and suspension support being releasably securable to one another by securement of a co-operable part of one within a channel means in the other.

2. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said channel means is downwardly open.

3. An assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said channel means is a component of said suspension support.

4. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said channel means is arranged to extend from one longitudinally extending side of a trailer chassis to the other side thereof.

5. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said co-operable part includes a housing which contains resilient parts of a suspension assembly.

6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said co-operable part is arranged to support two wheels at opposing ends thereof.

7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said suspension assembly is arranged for removal (and replacement) of the brakes of the vehicle.

8. An axle assembly comprising a first suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel and a suspension support for supporting the first suspension assembly, said first suspension assembly and said suspension support being releasably securable to one another, wherein a brake member is releasably securable to the first assembly and is arranged to be removed from said f irst assembly and replaced on a second suspension assembly which may replace the first suspension assembly.

9. A suspension assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising a co-operable part which is arranged to be releasably secured within a channel means.

10. A suspension support for supporting a suspension assembly so that said assembly is releasably secured thereto, said suspension support comprising a channel means which is arranged to co-operate with a co-operable part of the suspension support.

11. A method of assembling an axle assembly which comprises releasably securing a co-operable part of a suspension assembly within a channel means of a suspension support.

12. A method of replacing a suspension assembly of an axle assembly which comprises releasing a co-operable part of a first suspension assembly from engagement with a channel means of a suspension support and securing a cooperable part of a second suspension assembly to said channel means of said suspension support.

13. A method of assembling a trailer which includes the step of releasably securing a co-operable part of a suspension assembly within a channel means of a suspension support.

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14. An assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

15. A suspension assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

16. A suspension support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

17. A method substantially as hereinbef ore described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 of the accompanying is diagrammatic drawings.