US20150084302A1 - Suspension arrangement for a vehicle - Google Patents
Suspension arrangement for a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150084302A1 US20150084302A1 US14/556,998 US201414556998A US2015084302A1 US 20150084302 A1 US20150084302 A1 US 20150084302A1 US 201414556998 A US201414556998 A US 201414556998A US 2015084302 A1 US2015084302 A1 US 2015084302A1
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- vehicle
- leaf spring
- coupling
- spring
- chassis rail
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- 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
- B60G11/36—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having springs of different kinds including leaf springs and also helical, spiral or coil springs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
- B60G11/02—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only
- B60G11/04—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
- B60G11/02—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only
- B60G11/06—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
- B60G11/02—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only
- B60G11/10—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
- B60G11/113—Mountings on the axle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
- B60G11/02—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only
- B60G11/10—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
- B60G11/12—Links, pins, or bushes
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
- B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
- B60G17/023—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means the mechanical spring being a leaf spring
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
- B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
- B60G17/027—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
- B60G17/0272—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means the mechanical spring being a coil spring
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
- B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
- B60G17/027—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
- B60G17/0275—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means the mechanical spring being a leaf spring
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G9/00—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/30—Rigid axle suspensions
- B60G2200/314—Rigid axle suspensions with longitudinally arranged arms articulated on the axle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/10—Type of spring
- B60G2202/11—Leaf spring
- B60G2202/112—Leaf spring longitudinally arranged
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/10—Type of spring
- B60G2202/12—Wound spring
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/10—Type of spring
- B60G2202/15—Fluid spring
- B60G2202/152—Pneumatic spring
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- 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
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/12—Mounting of springs or dampers
- B60G2204/121—Mounting of leaf springs
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- 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
- B60G2204/421—Pivoted lever mechanisms for mounting suspension elements, e.g. Watt linkage
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- 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
- B60G2204/45—Stops limiting travel
- B60G2204/4502—Stops limiting travel using resilient buffer
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
- B60G2500/30—Height or ground clearance
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to suspension systems for vehicles, and more particularly, to a leaf suspension arrangement that is useable with independent and semi-independent suspension systems.
- Leaf spring systems have for many years been used for the suspension of wheeled vehicles.
- the central element of a leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle is termed a “semi-elliptical” spring configured as an arc-shaped length of spring steel having a substantially rectangular cross-section.
- an arrangement for coupling to the axle of the vehicle At the ends are provided coupler holes for attaching the spring to the vehicle body.
- leaf springs are stacked on one other to form layers of springs of different lengths.
- Leaf springs are still used in heavy commercial vehicles and railway carriages. In the case of very heavy vehicles, leaf springs provide the advantage of spreading the load over a larger region of the vehicle's chassis.
- a coil spring on the other hand, will transfer the load to a single point.
- Hotchkiss drive the name of which derives from the French automobile firm of Hotchkiss, employs a solid axle that is coupled at its ends to the centers of respective semi-elliptical leaf springs.
- this drive system is characterized by high unsprung mass. Additionally, the use of a solid axle results in coupled left/right wheel motion. During heavy cornering and fast acceleration, this known system suffers from vertical deflection and wind-up.
- a de Dion tube vehicle suspension arrangement is a known form of semi-independent suspension and constitutes an improvement over the Hotchkiss drive.
- this type of suspension universal joints are employed at the wheel hubs and the differential, and additionally provided is a solid tubular beam that maintains the opposing wheels in parallel.
- the de Dion tube is not directly connected to the chassis and is not intended to flex.
- the benefits of a de Dion suspension include a reduction in the unsprung weight compared to the Hotchkiss drive. This is achieved by coupling the differential to the chassis. In addition, there are no camber changes during suspension unloading. Since the camber of both wheels is set at zero degrees, the traction from wide tires is improved, and wheel hop under high power operations is reduced compared to an independent suspension. However, the de Dion tube adds unsprung weight.
- a vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle having a chassis rail and a transverse axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail.
- the vehicle suspension arrangement includes a coil spring having a predetermined resilience characteristic, a first end for coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a primary coupling, and a second end disposed axially distal from the first end for coupling to the transverse axle.
- the vehicle suspension arrangement also includes a secondary leaf spring having a plan view longitudinal configuration, a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a secondary pivot coupling, and a second end for coupling to the transverse axle. The entire length of the plan view longitudinal configuration of said secondary leaf spring extends in a single substantially linear direction that is arranged to be angularly displaced with respect to the chassis rail.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of a further specific illustrative embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are respective side plan and partially cross-sectional front plan simplified schematic illustrations of a rotary joint arrangement constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention
- FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic representation of a clip bracket that can be used to push or pull the main spring or the secondary stage;
- FIGS. 11 a , 11 b, and 11 c are simplified schematic side view representations of a height control arrangement constructed in accordance with the invention that is useful in the loading and unloading of a stationary vehicle, FIG. 11 a showing a simplified system control arrangement in block and line form;
- FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic top plan representation of a splayed suspension arrangement constructed in accordance with the invention wherein secondary leaf springs are shown to be mounted at angles with respect to the primary leaf springs;
- FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a variable position fulcrum bumper constructed in accordance with the invention that may be active or passive to rotate in a controlled manner to create a variation in the stiffness of the secondary spring rate;
- FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic plan representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper of FIG. 14 that is useful to illustrate the variation in vehicle height that is achievable, particularly when the vehicle (not shown) is stationary;
- FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic plan view representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of a suspension arrangement that has a secondary helper stage leaf spring that is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the main stage leaf spring;
- a differential drive arrangement 120 is fixedly coupled to the chassis and converts the rotatory motion of a drive shaft 122 to substantially orthogonal rotatory motion at half shafts 125 a and 125 b.
- Each half shaft has an associated pair of universal joints (not specifically designated) that are arranged to be proximal and distal with respect to the differential drive arrangement.
- the half shafts each of which has an associated longitudinal axis (not shown), accommodate transaxial motion, particularly by operation of the proximal universal joints.
- Half shafts 125 a and 125 b are shown to be coupled at their distal ends to respective leaf springs 130 a and 130 b.
- leaf spring 130 a for example, the leaf spring is, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, pivotally coupled at its forward end to a bracket 132 a. At its rearward end, leaf spring 130 a is pivotally coupled to a link 134 a.
- a half leaf spring 136 a that is also, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, coupled at its forward end to bracket 132 a. At its rearward end, half leaf spring 136 a is coupled to the distal end of half shaft 125 a.
- Half leaf spring 136 a is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, to engage a fulcrum 133 a.
- Transverse beam 140 that is coupled to cross-brace 116 by a damper 142 and to cross-brace 118 by a further damper 144 .
- Transverse beam 140 has installed thereon a pivoting member 150 to which are attached link elements 152 and 154 .
- the link elements are attached, via brackets (not specifically designated), to cross-brace 118 .
- FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 of vehicle suspension system 100 . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. As shown in this figure, leaf spring 130 a and half leaf spring 136 a are each coupled at their respective forward ends to bracket 132 a. Leaf spring 130 a is pivotally coupled at a pivot 160 , and half leaf spring 136 a is pivotally coupled at a pivot 162 , at bracket 132 a. In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, pivots 160 and 162 are fixed on bracket 132 a, which is fixed in relation to chassis rail 112 a.
- bracket 132 a displaces bracket 132 a, and in some embodiments, only pivot 162 , in relation to chassis rail 112 a.
- Such displacement of the pivots enables advantageous adjustment of the combined spring rate of leaf spring 130 a and half leaf spring 136 a . Additionally, such displacement is useful to adjust the height of the vehicle (not shown) while stopped, illustratively to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo and passengers (not shown).
- FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of a further specific illustrative embodiment of the invention. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated.
- a vehicle suspension system 170 has a leaf spring 171 and a half leaf spring 172 .
- leaf spring 171 is arranged to be coupled to the underside of half shaft 125 b.
- Half leaf spring 172 is coupled above half shaft 125 b.
- Leaf spring 171 is, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, coupled to a bracket 175 .
- Half leaf spring 172 is coupled to chassis rail 177 at a bracket 180 .
- Bracket 180 is shown to be disposed within chassis rail 177 .
- half leaf spring 172 is arranged to extend through chassis rail 177 at a fulcrum point 182 .
- the arrangement of this embodiment advantageously reduces the extent to which the leaf suspension system is visible when installed on a vehicle.
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are respective side plan and partially cross-sectional front plan simplified schematic illustrations of a rotary joint arrangement 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Elements of structure that bear analogous correspondence to elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- leaf spring 130 a that, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, is pivotally coupled at its forward and rear ends, as previously described.
- half leaf spring 210 that is also, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, pivotally coupled at a pivot mount 212 at its end distal to a further pivotal mounting 213 at a coupling member 214 .
- the coupling member is itself coupled to axle shaft 215 .
- Half leaf spring 210 is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to engage a fulcrum 216 .
- FIG. 4 a further illustrates a pivot link mounting arrangement 220 wherein leaf spring 130 a is securely clamped between clamping member 222 and 224 , as will be described below in relation to FIG. 4 b .
- clamping member 224 is coupled to a pivot joint 226 that is itself engaged with coupling 214 . This arrangement permits a further degree of motion that reduce system internal loading on the pivot joint arrangement and leaf spring elements.
- FIG. 4 b is a partially cross-sectional front plan simplified schematic illustrations of rotary joint arrangement 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Elements of structure that bear analogous correspondence to elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. It is seen in this figure that leaf spring 130 a (shown cross-sectionally) is securely clamped between clamping members 222 and 224 by operation of bolts 230 .
- Pivot joint 226 is shown in FIG. 4 b to be formed of two pivot sections, 214 a and 224 a. More specifically, pivot section 214 a is coupled to coupling 214 (not specifically designated in this figure), and pivot section 224 a is coupled to clamping member 224 .
- the pivot sections in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention are pivotally engaged in this embodiment of the invention in a hinge-like manner. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pivotal motion is directed longitudinally in see-saw like fashion of leaf spring 130 a.
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are simplified representations of a suspension system 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention ( FIG. 5 a ) and a prior art suspension arrangement 300 ( FIG. 5 b ), illustratively a conventional parallel leaf suspension, both represented in computer-simulated static acceleration conditions. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are situated next to one another for sake of facilitating comparison of the effect of acceleration. It is seen that the prior art embodiment of FIG. 5 b does not comprise the structural equivalent of half leaf spring 210 shown in FIG. 5 a.
- leaf spring 130 a remains essentially without distortion during simulated vehicle acceleration as the vehicle (not shown) travels in the direction shown by arrow 201 .
- Prior art suspension arrangement 300 shows during the simulated vehicle acceleration in the direction of arrow 301 a distortion in leaf spring 302 wherein region 313 of leaf spring 302 is distorted downward and region 314 is distorted upward.
- This condition which is commonly referred to as “side view windup,” results in the unacceptable condition of power hop during acceleration, as well as a disadvantageous reduction in axle control.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are simplified representations of suspension system 200 of FIG. 5 a and prior art suspension arrangement 300 of FIG. 5 b , both in computer-simulated static braking conditions. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- leaf spring 130 a remains substantially in its base line configuration during simulated acceleration in the direction of arrow 201 .
- FIG. 6 b shows leaf spring 302 to undergo significant side view windup. Region 313 of leaf spring 302 is distorted upward significantly, while region 314 is distorted downward.
- leaf spring 302 is wound up as shown in this simulation, its spring rate is changed significantly, as well as other suspension parameters, resulting in reduced control, particularly when braking is performed on an uneven or bumpy surface (not shown).
- FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of a suspension system 400 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1st stage leaf spring 410 , and further showing the path of the center of axle 411 , as indicated by curved arrow 412 with a fulcrum 414 arranged to communicate with 2nd stage lower leaf spring 416 .
- the embodiment of the invention represented in this figure is pivotally coupled to 1st stage leaf spring 410 at a pivot coupling 414 .
- FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of a suspension system 430 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Elements of structure that previously have been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- a 1st stage consisting of a coil spring 435 , which may, in certain embodiments be replaced by a conventional air spring (not shown).
- coil spring 435 may constitute a combination of a coil spring and a helper air spring 436 , as shown.
- the helper air spring in the embodiment of this figure is contained within the coil spring.
- an air spring can be used as the 1st stage.
- coil spring 435 is substantially equivalent in function to 1st stage leaf spring 410 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 .
- the use of a coil spring results in a variation in the path of the axle.
- Curved arrow 412 which represents the path of the center axle in the embodiment of FIG. 7 , is shown in this figure for comparison purposes.
- lower leaf spring 440 is configured as a lower link subcomponent that allows a measure of compliance. It is not a rigid link.
- FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of a suspension system 450 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1st stage consisting of a substantially equivalent coil spring 455 , which in some embodiments of the invention may be an air spring or a combination of a coil spring and an air spring or a helper air spring, as discussed hereinabove in relation to FIG. 8 .
- coil spring 455 provides vertical load support in place of 1st stage leaf spring 410 shown in FIG. 7 .
- added control is achieved by the use of an optional single plate main leaf spring 457 as part of the 1st stage with coil spring 455 .
- a lower leaf 460 of the 2nd stage is employed for additional control. In this embodiment, lower leaf 460 permits a measure of compliance and is not a rigid link.
- the center of axle 411 travels along a path that conforms to curved arrow 462 , as seen in the present side view.
- FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic representation of a clip bracket 500 that can be used to push or pull a stack of spring plates 502 .
- Spring plates 502 may be the main spring or the secondary stage in the practice of the invention.
- clip bracket 500 is urged upward and downward in the direction of arrows 504 and 506 , respectively.
- Spring plates 502 are contained between rubber bushings 510 and 512 , to prevent damage to the spring plates. The operation of clip bracket 500 will be described below in relation to FIGS. 11 a , 11 b, and 11 c.
- FIGS. 11 a , 11 b, and 11 c are simplified schematic side view representations of a height control arrangement 520 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention that is useful in the loading and unloading of a stationary vehicle, FIG. 11 a showing a simplified system control arrangement in block and line form. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in these figures.
- a primary leaf spring 130 a is coupled at its ends to a chassis rail (not specifically designated) as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2 , above.
- Leaf spring 130 a and secondary spring 502 which may be the equivalent of half leaf spring 136 a described above, are coupled to the axle (not specifically designated in this figure).
- clip bracket 500 is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, to operate on the secondary spring system, other embodiments can employ clip bracket 500 on the primary spring, i.e., primary leaf spring 130 a.
- the principle is to provide a way literally push or pull on the spring assembly in a local area to force a temporary camber change. This translates into a change in the height “Z” of the vehicle (see, FIG. 15 and its corresponding description below) that can be selectively employed in response to the operation of a height control system that is generally designated as 530 in the figure.
- Height control system 530 includes a height control system 532 that receives vehicle height information from a height sensor 534 .
- a desired vehicle height is entered by a user (not shown) at user input 536 .
- user input 536 may constitute a simple pair of switches (not shown) that enable the user to raise or lower the vehicle height as desired.
- user input 536 may constitute a programmable arrangement (not shown) wherein several vehicle heights and other conditions can be preprogramed.
- height control system 532 operates an electrical or hydraulic system (not shown) that exerts a force on clip bracket 500 whereby the clip bracket is urged upward or downward, as the case may be, in the direction of arrows 504 and 506 , respectively, relative to the chassis rail.
- clip bracket 500 can only exert force on secondary spring 502 statically and must be withdrawn to a baseline condition when the vehicle is in use to prevent damage to the spring. More specifically, the compression surface of the spring should not be loaded during dynamic or fatigue loading, and secondary spring 502 should therefore be employed only statically, such as for loading and unloading the vehicle. For this reason, this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is provided with a vehicle interface 538 that, among other functions, disables the operation of height control system 532 when vehicle motion is detected.
- a height sensor 534 provides vehicle height data that indicates that clip bracket 500 must pull on secondary spring 502 such that vehicle trim position is lowered. This allows the vehicle to be loaded more easily by the user.
- vehicle interface 538 instructs height control system 532 to restore the height of the vehicle to a predetermined baseline position to avoid creating a rise in the operational stress applied to secondary spring 502 .
- the clip bracket (not specifically designated in this figure) is urged downward in the direction of arrow 506 , the vehicle height is increased from the baseline of Z to Z′′, where Z′′>Z. As the clip bracket urges secondary spring 502 upward, an upward force 544 is applied at the distal end of secondary spring 502 .
- FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic top plan representation of a splayed suspension arrangement 560 constructed in accordance with the invention wherein secondary leaf springs 562 a and 562 b are shown to be mounted at angles with respect to respective ones of primary leaf springs 130 a and 130 b. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- the secondary leaf springs are not parallel to the respective primary leaf springs, as is the case in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- angles of deviation for the secondary leaf springs will be on the order of 5.degree.-10.degree.
- the present invention is not limited to this angular range, which can be determined in response to finite element and kinematic analyses as will be discussed below.
- FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a variable position fulcrum bumper 570 constructed in accordance with the invention that may be active or passive to rotate in a controlled manner to create a variation in the stiffness of the secondary spring rate.
- a change in secondary plate stiffness is produced.
- the bumper ground point at chassis rail 112 b is rotated such that the point of contact on the secondary spring is moved.
- the resulting stiffness and kinematic effects are significantly affected.
- the specific value of the amounts of stiffness and kinematic effects is determined on a case-by-case basis with the use of kinematic modeling. Additionally, the resulting change in spring rate thereby calculated.
- the fulcrum bumper is not limited to be used in combination with a rheological material, and can employ an air spring or other mechanical means to effect the engagement of the secondary stage leaf
- the system could “passively” allow for the rate change, which as a result of the linked kinematic geometry effect, would affect vehicle dynamic behavior in roll, acceleration, braking, or cornering motions.
- vehicle attitude is affected via suspension displacement activity, the secondary plate contact with the fulcrum bumper would initiate reaction forces.
- a variable rate bumper made of rubber, urethane, or like material that can be voided or otherwise manufactured to cause a nonlinear compression effect that will influence the secondary plate deflection character while under load, albeit to a lesser degree than an active system.
- FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic plan representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper of FIG. 13 that has been magnified to facilitate the illustration of certain details of its operation. It is seen in this figure that variable position fulcrum bumper 570 is installed on a carrier 575 that is configured to pivot about a pivot coupling 580 to which is also coupled primary leaf spring 130 a. The carrier is coupled to half leaf spring 136 a at pivot coupling 582 .
- An electric drive arrangement 590 (shown schematically) is actuatable, illustratively in response to the system described in connection with FIG. 11 a , to cause carrier 575 to be rotated about pivot coupling 580 in the direction of arrow 596 .
- FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper of FIG. 14 that is useful to illustrate the variation in vehicle height that is achievable, particularly when the vehicle (not shown) is stationary. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- variable position fulcrum bumper 570 causes, as previously noted, half leaf spring 136 a is displaced to position 136 a ′. This displacement is responsive to a displacement of z′ at the point identified by line 600 .
- the height displacement of the vehicle corresponds substantially to the displacement z′ multiplied by the mechanical advantage nx/x, or n. In a typical vehicle, the value of n may be on the order of 6, and therefore the height of the vehicle will be lowered by approximately 6 z′.
- FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic plan view representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of a suspension arrangement 700 that, as shown in this figure, is provided with an axle 710 coupled to a wheel 712 .
- the axle and wheel are associated with a vehicle (not shown) that has a chassis frame rail 715 .
- a main stage leaf spring 720 is pivotally coupled to chassis frame rail 715 at a linkage arrangement 722 that is shown in greater detail in FIG. 17 .
- Main stage leaf spring 720 is coupled to axle 710 , illustratively in a conventional manner. Referring once again to FIG. 16 the end of main stage leaf spring 720 distal from linkage arrangement 722 is pivotally coupled to chassis frame rail 715 at pivot coupling 724 .
- second stage helper leaf spring 730 that is pivotally coupled at one end thereof by a pivot coupling 732 to chassis frame rail 715 .
- the other end of second stage helper leaf spring 730 is coupled to axle 710 by a further pivot coupling 734 .
- a fulcrum 736 for effecting a secondary spring rate characteristic to second stage helper leaf spring 730 .
- second stage helper leaf spring 730 is shown to be angularly displaced in this plan view with respect to main stage leaf spring 720 .
- main stage leaf spring 720 there is seen a substantially triangular configuration formed amongst a portion of axle 710 , approximately one-half of main stage leaf spring 720 , and second stage helper leaf spring 730 .
- FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic side view representation of the embodiment of FIG. 16 . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.
- This figure shows that in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, both main stage leaf spring 720 and second stage helper leaf spring 730 are each pivotally coupled, at respectively associated ones of pivot couplings 724 and 732 , to the underside of chassis frame rail 715 . Moreover, such pivot couplings are substantially axially aligned.
- Fulcrum 736 is shown to be installed in a separate mount from second stage helper leaf spring 730 , and located under chassis frame rail 715 . This arrangement assists in balancing the applied bending moment.
- main stage leaf spring 720 and second stage helper leaf spring 730 affords several advantages.
- the present invention improves system tuning for under steer effects.
- the present system balances longitudinal dynamic twist that is applied to the frame of the vehicle (not shown) by both springs.
- the suspension system 700 provides significant improvement in the ground clearance entrance angle.
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Abstract
A vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle having a chassis rail and a transverse axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail is provided. The vehicle suspension arrangement includes a coil spring having a predetermined resilience characteristic, a first end for coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a primary coupling, and a second end disposed axially distal from the first end for coupling to the transverse axle. The vehicle suspension arrangement also includes a secondary leaf spring having a plan view longitudinal configuration, a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a secondary pivot coupling, and a second end for coupling to the transverse axle. The entire length of the plan view longitudinal configuration of said secondary leaf spring extends in a single substantially linear direction that is arranged to be angularly displaced with respect to the chassis rail.
Description
- This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/449,444, filed Jun. 19, 2012, which claims the benefit of International Application Ser. No. PCT/US2008/001719, filed Feb. 7, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/900,796, filed Feb. 7, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/921,881, filed Apr. 3, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/994,779, filed Sep. 21, 2007, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- This invention relates generally to suspension systems for vehicles, and more particularly, to a leaf suspension arrangement that is useable with independent and semi-independent suspension systems.
- Leaf spring systems have for many years been used for the suspension of wheeled vehicles. The central element of a leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle is termed a “semi-elliptical” spring configured as an arc-shaped length of spring steel having a substantially rectangular cross-section. At the center of the arc is provided an arrangement for coupling to the axle of the vehicle. At the ends are provided coupler holes for attaching the spring to the vehicle body. For heavy vehicles, leaf springs are stacked on one other to form layers of springs of different lengths. Leaf springs are still used in heavy commercial vehicles and railway carriages. In the case of very heavy vehicles, leaf springs provide the advantage of spreading the load over a larger region of the vehicle's chassis. A coil spring, on the other hand, will transfer the load to a single point.
- The well-known Hotchkiss drive, the name of which derives from the French automobile firm of Hotchkiss, employs a solid axle that is coupled at its ends to the centers of respective semi-elliptical leaf springs. There are a number of problems with this form of drive arrangement. First, this drive system is characterized by high unsprung mass. Additionally, the use of a solid axle results in coupled left/right wheel motion. During heavy cornering and fast acceleration, this known system suffers from vertical deflection and wind-up.
- One effort to address the problems associated with the Hotchkiss system employs a parallel leaf spring arrangement at each end of a solid axle. This known arrangement affords increased axle control, in the form of reduced power hop. Other advantages of this arrangement include roll under steer, auto load leveling and the gross vehicle weight, and no frame changes are required to convert from a Hotchkiss system. However, the parallel leaf spring arrangement employs a solid axle, and therefore does not provide the benefits of independent suspension. In addition, this arrangement is plagued with the disadvantage of high unsprung mass.
- A de Dion tube vehicle suspension arrangement is a known form of semi-independent suspension and constitutes an improvement over the Hotchkiss drive. In this type of suspension, universal joints are employed at the wheel hubs and the differential, and additionally provided is a solid tubular beam that maintains the opposing wheels in parallel. The de Dion tube is not directly connected to the chassis and is not intended to flex.
- The benefits of a de Dion suspension include a reduction in the unsprung weight compared to the Hotchkiss drive. This is achieved by coupling the differential to the chassis. In addition, there are no camber changes during suspension unloading. Since the camber of both wheels is set at zero degrees, the traction from wide tires is improved, and wheel hop under high power operations is reduced compared to an independent suspension. However, the de Dion tube adds unsprung weight.
- According to one embodiment, a vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle having a chassis rail and a transverse axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail is provided. The vehicle suspension arrangement includes a coil spring having a predetermined resilience characteristic, a first end for coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a primary coupling, and a second end disposed axially distal from the first end for coupling to the transverse axle. The vehicle suspension arrangement also includes a secondary leaf spring having a plan view longitudinal configuration, a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a secondary pivot coupling, and a second end for coupling to the transverse axle. The entire length of the plan view longitudinal configuration of said secondary leaf spring extends in a single substantially linear direction that is arranged to be angularly displaced with respect to the chassis rail.
- Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of a further specific illustrative embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are respective side plan and partially cross-sectional front plan simplified schematic illustrations of a rotary joint arrangement constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are simplified representations of a suspension system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention (FIG. 5 a) and a prior art suspension arrangement (FIG. 5 b), both in a simulated static acceleration condition; -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are simplified representations of the suspension system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention ofFIG. 5 a and a prior art suspension arrangement ofFIG. 5 b, both in a simulated static braking condition; -
FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of a suspension system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1st stage leaf spring, and further showing the wheel center path, with a fulcrum arranged to communicate with the 2nd stage lower leaf; -
FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of a suspension system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1st stage consisting of a substantially equivalent coil spring, or air spring, with the fulcrum of the 2nd stage lower leaf removed; -
FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of a suspension system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1st stage consisting of a coil spring or air spring, with an optional fulcrum arranged to communicate with the secondary stage lower leaf, and further showing an optional locating spring plate in the 1st stage; -
FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic representation of a clip bracket that can be used to push or pull the main spring or the secondary stage; -
FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c are simplified schematic side view representations of a height control arrangement constructed in accordance with the invention that is useful in the loading and unloading of a stationary vehicle,FIG. 11 a showing a simplified system control arrangement in block and line form; -
FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic top plan representation of a splayed suspension arrangement constructed in accordance with the invention wherein secondary leaf springs are shown to be mounted at angles with respect to the primary leaf springs; -
FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a variable position fulcrum bumper constructed in accordance with the invention that may be active or passive to rotate in a controlled manner to create a variation in the stiffness of the secondary spring rate; -
FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic plan representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper ofFIG. 14 that is useful to illustrate the variation in vehicle height that is achievable, particularly when the vehicle (not shown) is stationary; -
FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic plan view representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of a suspension arrangement that has a secondary helper stage leaf spring that is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the main stage leaf spring; and -
FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic side view representation of the embodiment ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention. As shown in this figure, avehicle suspension system 100 has a chassis that is generally designated aschassis 110. The chassis has a pair of substantiallyparallel chassis rails cross-braces - A
differential drive arrangement 120 is fixedly coupled to the chassis and converts the rotatory motion of adrive shaft 122 to substantially orthogonal rotatory motion athalf shafts -
Half shafts respective leaf springs leaf spring 130 a, for example, the leaf spring is, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, pivotally coupled at its forward end to abracket 132 a. At its rearward end,leaf spring 130 a is pivotally coupled to alink 134 a. As shown in this figure, there is additionally provided ahalf leaf spring 136 a that is also, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, coupled at its forward end tobracket 132 a. At its rearward end,half leaf spring 136 a is coupled to the distal end ofhalf shaft 125 a.Half leaf spring 136 a is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, to engage afulcrum 133 a. - There is additionally provided a
transverse beam 140 that is coupled tocross-brace 116 by adamper 142 and to cross-brace 118 by afurther damper 144.Transverse beam 140 has installed thereon a pivotingmember 150 to which are attachedlink elements -
FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ofvehicle suspension system 100. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. As shown in this figure,leaf spring 130 a andhalf leaf spring 136 a are each coupled at their respective forward ends tobracket 132 a.Leaf spring 130 a is pivotally coupled at apivot 160, andhalf leaf spring 136 a is pivotally coupled at apivot 162, atbracket 132 a. In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, pivots 160 and 162 are fixed onbracket 132 a, which is fixed in relation tochassis rail 112 a. In other embodiments, and as will be described below, there is provided a mechanism (not shown in this figure) that displacesbracket 132 a, and in some embodiments, only pivot 162, in relation tochassis rail 112 a. Such displacement of the pivots enables advantageous adjustment of the combined spring rate ofleaf spring 130 a andhalf leaf spring 136 a. Additionally, such displacement is useful to adjust the height of the vehicle (not shown) while stopped, illustratively to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo and passengers (not shown). -
FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of a further specific illustrative embodiment of the invention. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. As shown in this figure, avehicle suspension system 170 has aleaf spring 171 and ahalf leaf spring 172. In contrast to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2,leaf spring 171 is arranged to be coupled to the underside ofhalf shaft 125 b.Half leaf spring 172 is coupled above halfshaft 125 b. -
Leaf spring 171 is, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, coupled to abracket 175.Half leaf spring 172 is coupled tochassis rail 177 at abracket 180.Bracket 180 is shown to be disposed withinchassis rail 177. It is particularly noteworthy that in this embodimenthalf leaf spring 172 is arranged to extend throughchassis rail 177 at afulcrum point 182. The arrangement of this embodiment advantageously reduces the extent to which the leaf suspension system is visible when installed on a vehicle. -
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are respective side plan and partially cross-sectional front plan simplified schematic illustrations of a rotaryjoint arrangement 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Elements of structure that bear analogous correspondence to elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. Referring toFIG. 4 a, it is seen that there is provided aleaf spring 130 a that, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, is pivotally coupled at its forward and rear ends, as previously described. There is additionally provided ahalf leaf spring 210 that is also, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, pivotally coupled at a pivot mount 212 at its end distal to a further pivotal mounting 213 at acoupling member 214. The coupling member is itself coupled toaxle shaft 215.Half leaf spring 210 is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to engage afulcrum 216. -
FIG. 4 a further illustrates a pivotlink mounting arrangement 220 whereinleaf spring 130 a is securely clamped between clampingmember FIG. 4 b. Referring once again toFIG. 4 a, clampingmember 224 is coupled to a pivot joint 226 that is itself engaged withcoupling 214. This arrangement permits a further degree of motion that reduce system internal loading on the pivot joint arrangement and leaf spring elements. -
FIG. 4 b is a partially cross-sectional front plan simplified schematic illustrations of rotaryjoint arrangement 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Elements of structure that bear analogous correspondence to elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. It is seen in this figure thatleaf spring 130 a (shown cross-sectionally) is securely clamped between clampingmembers bolts 230. - Pivot joint 226 is shown in
FIG. 4 b to be formed of two pivot sections, 214 a and 224 a. More specifically,pivot section 214 a is coupled to coupling 214 (not specifically designated in this figure), andpivot section 224 a is coupled to clampingmember 224. The pivot sections in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, are pivotally engaged in this embodiment of the invention in a hinge-like manner. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pivotal motion is directed longitudinally in see-saw like fashion ofleaf spring 130 a. -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are simplified representations of asuspension system 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention (FIG. 5 a) and a prior art suspension arrangement 300 (FIG. 5 b), illustratively a conventional parallel leaf suspension, both represented in computer-simulated static acceleration conditions. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure.FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are situated next to one another for sake of facilitating comparison of the effect of acceleration. It is seen that the prior art embodiment ofFIG. 5 b does not comprise the structural equivalent ofhalf leaf spring 210 shown inFIG. 5 a. - As can be seen in
FIG. 5 a,leaf spring 130 a remains essentially without distortion during simulated vehicle acceleration as the vehicle (not shown) travels in the direction shown by arrow 201. Priorart suspension arrangement 300, on the other hand, shows during the simulated vehicle acceleration in the direction of arrow 301 a distortion inleaf spring 302 whereinregion 313 ofleaf spring 302 is distorted downward andregion 314 is distorted upward. This condition, which is commonly referred to as “side view windup,” results in the unacceptable condition of power hop during acceleration, as well as a disadvantageous reduction in axle control. -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are simplified representations ofsuspension system 200 ofFIG. 5 a and priorart suspension arrangement 300 ofFIG. 5 b, both in computer-simulated static braking conditions. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. As shown inFIG. 6 a,leaf spring 130 a remains substantially in its base line configuration during simulated acceleration in the direction of arrow 201.FIG. 6 b, on the other hand, showsleaf spring 302 to undergo significant side view windup.Region 313 ofleaf spring 302 is distorted upward significantly, whileregion 314 is distorted downward. Whenleaf spring 302 is wound up as shown in this simulation, its spring rate is changed significantly, as well as other suspension parameters, resulting in reduced control, particularly when braking is performed on an uneven or bumpy surface (not shown). -
FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of asuspension system 400 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1ststage leaf spring 410, and further showing the path of the center ofaxle 411, as indicated bycurved arrow 412 with afulcrum 414 arranged to communicate with 2nd stagelower leaf spring 416. The embodiment of the invention represented in this figure is pivotally coupled to 1ststage leaf spring 410 at apivot coupling 414. -
FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of asuspension system 430 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Elements of structure that previously have been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. In this figure, there is illustrated a 1st stage consisting of acoil spring 435, which may, in certain embodiments be replaced by a conventional air spring (not shown). In still further embodiments of the invention,coil spring 435 may constitute a combination of a coil spring and ahelper air spring 436, as shown. The helper air spring, in the embodiment of this figure is contained within the coil spring. In other embodiments, however, an air spring can be used as the 1st stage. In the embodiment of this figure,coil spring 435 is substantially equivalent in function to 1ststage leaf spring 410 of the embodiment ofFIG. 7 . However, as will be noted below, the use of a coil spring results in a variation in the path of the axle. - In this embodiment, the path of center of
axle 411 is indicated bycurved arrow 437.Curved arrow 412, which represents the path of the center axle in the embodiment ofFIG. 7 , is shown in this figure for comparison purposes. - A significant aspect of this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is that
lower leaf spring 440 is configured as a lower link subcomponent that allows a measure of compliance. It is not a rigid link. -
FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic representation of a side view of asuspension system 450 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention with a 1st stage consisting of a substantiallyequivalent coil spring 455, which in some embodiments of the invention may be an air spring or a combination of a coil spring and an air spring or a helper air spring, as discussed hereinabove in relation toFIG. 8 . Referring toFIG. 9 ,coil spring 455 provides vertical load support in place of 1ststage leaf spring 410 shown inFIG. 7 . However, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, added control is achieved by the use of an optional single platemain leaf spring 457 as part of the 1st stage withcoil spring 455. Alower leaf 460 of the 2nd stage is employed for additional control. In this embodiment,lower leaf 460 permits a measure of compliance and is not a rigid link. - In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the center of
axle 411 travels along a path that conforms tocurved arrow 462, as seen in the present side view. -
FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic representation of aclip bracket 500 that can be used to push or pull a stack ofspring plates 502.Spring plates 502 may be the main spring or the secondary stage in the practice of the invention. In operation,clip bracket 500 is urged upward and downward in the direction ofarrows Spring plates 502 are contained betweenrubber bushings clip bracket 500 will be described below in relation toFIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c. -
FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c are simplified schematic side view representations of aheight control arrangement 520 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention that is useful in the loading and unloading of a stationary vehicle,FIG. 11 a showing a simplified system control arrangement in block and line form. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in these figures. - As shown in
FIG. 11 a, aprimary leaf spring 130 a is coupled at its ends to a chassis rail (not specifically designated) as described in relation toFIGS. 1 and 2 , above.Leaf spring 130 a andsecondary spring 502, which may be the equivalent ofhalf leaf spring 136 a described above, are coupled to the axle (not specifically designated in this figure). Moreover, althoughclip bracket 500 is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, to operate on the secondary spring system, other embodiments can employclip bracket 500 on the primary spring, i.e.,primary leaf spring 130 a. The principle is to provide a way literally push or pull on the spring assembly in a local area to force a temporary camber change. This translates into a change in the height “Z” of the vehicle (see,FIG. 15 and its corresponding description below) that can be selectively employed in response to the operation of a height control system that is generally designated as 530 in the figure. -
Height control system 530 includes aheight control system 532 that receives vehicle height information from aheight sensor 534. A desired vehicle height is entered by a user (not shown) atuser input 536. In a simple embodiment of the invention,user input 536 may constitute a simple pair of switches (not shown) that enable the user to raise or lower the vehicle height as desired. In other embodiments,user input 536 may constitute a programmable arrangement (not shown) wherein several vehicle heights and other conditions can be preprogramed. In response to the data received atuser input 536 and the corresponding height data received fromheight sensor 534,height control system 532 operates an electrical or hydraulic system (not shown) that exerts a force onclip bracket 500 whereby the clip bracket is urged upward or downward, as the case may be, in the direction ofarrows clip bracket 500 can only exert force onsecondary spring 502 statically and must be withdrawn to a baseline condition when the vehicle is in use to prevent damage to the spring. More specifically, the compression surface of the spring should not be loaded during dynamic or fatigue loading, andsecondary spring 502 should therefore be employed only statically, such as for loading and unloading the vehicle. For this reason, this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is provided with avehicle interface 538 that, among other functions, disables the operation ofheight control system 532 when vehicle motion is detected. - If the vehicle is lightly loaded, a
height sensor 534 provides vehicle height data that indicates thatclip bracket 500 must pull onsecondary spring 502 such that vehicle trim position is lowered. This allows the vehicle to be loaded more easily by the user. In some embodiments of the invention, when the vehicle is shifted to the “drive” position,vehicle interface 538 instructsheight control system 532 to restore the height of the vehicle to a predetermined baseline position to avoid creating a rise in the operational stress applied tosecondary spring 502. - Referring to
FIG. 11 b, it is noted that as the clip bracket (not specifically designated in this figure) is urged upward in the direction ofarrow 504, the vehicle height is reduced from the baseline of Z to Z′, where Z′<Z. As the clip bracket urgessecondary spring 502 upward, adownward force 542 is applied at the distal end ofsecondary spring 502. - In
FIG. 11 c, the clip bracket (not specifically designated in this figure) is urged downward in the direction ofarrow 506, the vehicle height is increased from the baseline of Z to Z″, where Z″>Z. As the clip bracket urgessecondary spring 502 upward, an upward force 544 is applied at the distal end ofsecondary spring 502. -
FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic top plan representation of a splayedsuspension arrangement 560 constructed in accordance with the invention whereinsecondary leaf springs primary leaf springs FIGS. 1 and 2 . In a practical embodiment of the invention, angles of deviation for the secondary leaf springs will be on the order of 5.degree.-10.degree. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this angular range, which can be determined in response to finite element and kinematic analyses as will be discussed below. - Further in relation to the embodiment of
FIG. 12 , it is noted that the addition ofsecondary leaf springs primary leaf springs system leaf springs -
FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a variableposition fulcrum bumper 570 constructed in accordance with the invention that may be active or passive to rotate in a controlled manner to create a variation in the stiffness of the secondary spring rate. By allowing the fulcrum bumper (whether passive or active) to rotate in a controlled manner about the ground point on the frame bracket, a change in secondary plate stiffness is produced. Essentially, the bumper ground point atchassis rail 112 b is rotated such that the point of contact on the secondary spring is moved. The resulting stiffness and kinematic effects are significantly affected. The specific value of the amounts of stiffness and kinematic effects is determined on a case-by-case basis with the use of kinematic modeling. Additionally, the resulting change in spring rate thereby calculated. - In the practice of this aspect of the invention, an electric motor (not shown) is mounted to the frame bracket (not specifically designated) and is actuated to cause the desired rotation after a signal sent from a height transducer identifies how much rotation is needed. A simplified height analysis system is described in relation to
FIG. 11 a. The displaceable fulcrum bumper herein described can be used in combination with a bumper having a variable stiffness, whereby numerous combinations of final stiffness and kinematic path result. In some embodiments of the invention, variableposition fulcrum bumper 570 comprises a rheological material that changes viscosity or stiffness in response to the application of electrical energy. The stiffness of variableposition fulcrum bumper 570 is the focus. By activating the fulcrum bumper to become more (or less) rigid, a desired change in supporting spring stiffness is effected and, correspondingly, the geometric and kinematic attributes of the suspension system are affected. - The fulcrum bumper is not limited to be used in combination with a rheological material, and can employ an air spring or other mechanical means to effect the engagement of the secondary stage leaf Although in this embodiment of the invention there would be no “active” vehicle retrim, the system could “passively” allow for the rate change, which as a result of the linked kinematic geometry effect, would affect vehicle dynamic behavior in roll, acceleration, braking, or cornering motions. Once vehicle attitude is affected via suspension displacement activity, the secondary plate contact with the fulcrum bumper would initiate reaction forces. A variable rate bumper made of rubber, urethane, or like material that can be voided or otherwise manufactured to cause a nonlinear compression effect that will influence the secondary plate deflection character while under load, albeit to a lesser degree than an active system.
-
FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic plan representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper ofFIG. 13 that has been magnified to facilitate the illustration of certain details of its operation. It is seen in this figure that variableposition fulcrum bumper 570 is installed on acarrier 575 that is configured to pivot about apivot coupling 580 to which is also coupledprimary leaf spring 130 a. The carrier is coupled tohalf leaf spring 136 a atpivot coupling 582. An electric drive arrangement 590 (shown schematically) is actuatable, illustratively in response to the system described in connection withFIG. 11 a, to causecarrier 575 to be rotated aboutpivot coupling 580 in the direction ofarrow 596.Electric drive arrangement 590 is coupled tocarrier 575 by adrive coupler 592 that, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, is urged in the directions of two-headedarrow 593. The actuation of the carrier byelectric drive arrangement 590 causes variableposition fulcrum bumper 570 to change the point at which it communicates withhalf leaf spring 136 a over a range c, wherebyhalf leaf spring 136 a is displaced to position 136 a′, andprimary leaf spring 130 a is displaced to position 130 a′. -
FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic representation of the variable position fulcrum bumper ofFIG. 14 that is useful to illustrate the variation in vehicle height that is achievable, particularly when the vehicle (not shown) is stationary. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. As shown in this figure, variableposition fulcrum bumper 570 causes, as previously noted,half leaf spring 136 a is displaced to position 136 a′. This displacement is responsive to a displacement of z′ at the point identified byline 600. The height displacement of the vehicle corresponds substantially to the displacement z′ multiplied by the mechanical advantage nx/x, or n. In a typical vehicle, the value of n may be on the order of 6, and therefore the height of the vehicle will be lowered by approximately 6 z′. -
FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic plan view representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of asuspension arrangement 700 that, as shown in this figure, is provided with anaxle 710 coupled to awheel 712. The axle and wheel are associated with a vehicle (not shown) that has achassis frame rail 715. a mainstage leaf spring 720 is pivotally coupled tochassis frame rail 715 at alinkage arrangement 722 that is shown in greater detail inFIG. 17 . Mainstage leaf spring 720 is coupled toaxle 710, illustratively in a conventional manner. Referring once again toFIG. 16 the end of mainstage leaf spring 720 distal fromlinkage arrangement 722 is pivotally coupled tochassis frame rail 715 atpivot coupling 724. - There is additionally shown in
FIG. 16 a second stagehelper leaf spring 730 that is pivotally coupled at one end thereof by apivot coupling 732 tochassis frame rail 715. The other end of second stagehelper leaf spring 730 is coupled toaxle 710 by afurther pivot coupling 734. There is additionally provided afulcrum 736 for effecting a secondary spring rate characteristic to second stagehelper leaf spring 730. A significant aspect of this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is that second stagehelper leaf spring 730 is shown to be angularly displaced in this plan view with respect to mainstage leaf spring 720. Thus, in the plan view ofFIG. 16 , there is seen a substantially triangular configuration formed amongst a portion ofaxle 710, approximately one-half of mainstage leaf spring 720, and second stagehelper leaf spring 730. -
FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic side view representation of the embodiment ofFIG. 16 . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated in this figure. This figure shows that in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, both mainstage leaf spring 720 and second stagehelper leaf spring 730 are each pivotally coupled, at respectively associated ones ofpivot couplings chassis frame rail 715. Moreover, such pivot couplings are substantially axially aligned. -
Fulcrum 736 is shown to be installed in a separate mount from second stagehelper leaf spring 730, and located underchassis frame rail 715. This arrangement assists in balancing the applied bending moment. - The angularly displaced relationship between main
stage leaf spring 720 and second stagehelper leaf spring 730 affords several advantages. In addition to simplifying system mounting over other dual leaf arrangements, the present invention improves system tuning for under steer effects. Moreover, the present system balances longitudinal dynamic twist that is applied to the frame of the vehicle (not shown) by both springs. As is evident inFIG. 16 , thesuspension system 700 provides significant improvement in the ground clearance entrance angle. - Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art may, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the invention herein described. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.
Claims (3)
1. A vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle having a chassis rail and a transverse axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail, the vehicle suspension arrangement comprising:
a coil spring having a predetermined resilience characteristic, a first end for coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a primary coupling, and a second end disposed axially distal from the first end for coupling to the transverse axle; and
a secondary leaf spring having a plan view longitudinal configuration, a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis rail of the vehicle at a secondary pivot coupling, and a second end for coupling to the transverse axle;
wherein the entire length of the plan view longitudinal configuration of said secondary leaf spring extends in a single substantially linear direction that is arranged to be angularly displaced with respect to the chassis rail.
2. The vehicle suspension arrangement of claim 1 , wherein there is further provided a pivot coupling arrangement disposed intermediate of the second end of said coil spring and the transverse axle.
3. The vehicle suspension arrangement of claim 1 , wherein there is further provided a fulcrum for communicating with said secondary leaf spring at a fulcrum point in a region of said secondary leaf spring intermediate of said first and second ends of the secondary leaf spring.
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US14/556,998 US20150084302A1 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2014-12-01 | Suspension arrangement for a vehicle |
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US44944412A | 2012-06-19 | 2012-06-19 | |
US14/556,998 US20150084302A1 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2014-12-01 | Suspension arrangement for a vehicle |
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US12/449,444 Division US8919795B2 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2008-02-07 | Separated primary spring and secondary leaf suspension for vehicle |
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US12/449,443 Active 2032-02-23 US8882120B2 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2008-02-07 | Primary air spring and secondary leaf suspension for vehicle |
US14/556,998 Abandoned US20150084302A1 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2014-12-01 | Suspension arrangement for a vehicle |
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US12/449,444 Active 2032-02-26 US8919795B2 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2008-02-07 | Separated primary spring and secondary leaf suspension for vehicle |
US12/449,443 Active 2032-02-23 US8882120B2 (en) | 2007-02-07 | 2008-02-07 | Primary air spring and secondary leaf suspension for vehicle |
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US (3) | US8919795B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2114704A4 (en) |
JP (2) | JP5403616B2 (en) |
BR (2) | BRPI0806380B1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2680630C (en) |
MX (2) | MX2009008394A (en) |
WO (2) | WO2008097635A2 (en) |
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- 2008-02-07 US US12/449,443 patent/US8882120B2/en active Active
- 2008-02-07 EP EP08725362A patent/EP2114705A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-02-07 CA CA2680630A patent/CA2680630C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-02-07 WO PCT/US2008/001685 patent/WO2008097635A2/en active Application Filing
- 2008-02-07 BR BRPI0806380-0A patent/BRPI0806380B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-02-07 MX MX2009008394A patent/MX2009008394A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2008-02-07 WO PCT/US2008/001719 patent/WO2008097647A2/en active Application Filing
- 2008-02-07 MX MX2009008395A patent/MX2009008395A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2008-02-07 JP JP2009549112A patent/JP5403616B2/en active Active
- 2008-02-07 BR BRPI0806381-8A patent/BRPI0806381B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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Also Published As
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BRPI0806381B1 (en) | 2019-05-14 |
US8882120B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 |
EP2114704A2 (en) | 2009-11-11 |
BRPI0806380B1 (en) | 2019-05-14 |
CA2682133A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
CA2682133C (en) | 2015-10-27 |
BRPI0806380A2 (en) | 2011-09-13 |
MX2009008395A (en) | 2010-03-15 |
JP5615557B2 (en) | 2014-10-29 |
JP5403616B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 |
EP2114705A4 (en) | 2011-03-30 |
US20120200057A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
US20130062855A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
WO2008097635A2 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
JP2010517861A (en) | 2010-05-27 |
WO2008097647A3 (en) | 2008-09-25 |
JP2010517860A (en) | 2010-05-27 |
EP2114705A2 (en) | 2009-11-11 |
BRPI0806381A2 (en) | 2011-09-06 |
CA2680630C (en) | 2015-12-01 |
MX2009008394A (en) | 2010-03-15 |
US8919795B2 (en) | 2014-12-30 |
CA2680630A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
WO2008097635A3 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
WO2008097647A2 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
EP2114704A4 (en) | 2011-03-30 |
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