US20160297272A1 - Strut and Air Spring IFS Assembly Maximizing Available Steering Knuckle Wheel Cut - Google Patents
Strut and Air Spring IFS Assembly Maximizing Available Steering Knuckle Wheel Cut Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160297272A1 US20160297272A1 US14/684,668 US201514684668A US2016297272A1 US 20160297272 A1 US20160297272 A1 US 20160297272A1 US 201514684668 A US201514684668 A US 201514684668A US 2016297272 A1 US2016297272 A1 US 2016297272A1
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- Prior art keywords
- strut
- support structure
- air spring
- control arm
- ifs
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- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
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- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000005489 elastic deformation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
- B60G11/26—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs
- B60G11/28—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
- B60G11/26—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs
- B60G11/27—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G3/00—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel
- B60G3/02—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm
- B60G3/04—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm the arm being essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
- B60G3/06—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm the arm being essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle the arm being rigid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
- B62D7/18—Steering knuckles; King pins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
- B60G2200/14—Independent suspensions with lateral arms
- B60G2200/142—Independent suspensions with lateral arms with a single lateral arm, e.g. MacPherson type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
- B60G2200/17—Independent suspensions with a strut contributing to the suspension geometry by being articulated onto the wheel support
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to vehicle suspension systems, particularly independent front suspension (“IFS”) assemblies.
- IFS independent front suspension
- IFS assemblies employing struts, which are capable of supporting a side load and typically provide damping capabilities, are well known. It is also known to provide an IFS assembly including struts that provide upward support axially therealong, and such suspensions typically employ a single lower control arm. Moreover, it is known to employ air springs with such struts. For example, MacPherson type strut IFS assemblies wherein an air spring is located above and generally in line with the strut are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,206,907; 4,655,438; 4,974,872; and 6,382,602. Of these patents, the '907 and '602 patents also disclose varying the air spring pressure for load and ride height adjustment purposes.
- MacPherson type strut IFS assemblies in which coil springs and leaf springs are located between a single lower control arm and the vehicle chassis are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,018,653; 2,842,230; 2,967,066; 3,333,653; 3,926,454; and 4,653,772.
- the present disclosure beneficially provides such advancements.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure.
- a lower air spring seat is supported by the lower control arm, the lower air spring seat adapted to upwardly support the chassis support structure relative to the lower control arm through an air spring engaging the chassis support structure.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and the strut lower end is coupled to the lower control arm outboard end.
- a steering knuckle is rotatably and axially secured to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and has rotative movement about the strut axis that is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat and/or the air spring through which the lower air spring seat is adapted to support the chassis support structure. Consequently, available wheel cut is maximized.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure and a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- a lower air spring seat is supported by the lower control arm, and an air spring is supported by the lower air spring seat and engages the chassis support structure.
- the chassis support structure is upwardly supported by the air spring relative to the lower air spring seat.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut upper end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure, and the strut lower end is coupled to the lower control arm outboard end.
- a steering knuckle is rotatably and axially secured to the strut lower end and is disposed below the lower air spring seat.
- the steering knuckle has rotative movement about the strut axis that is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat. Consequently, available wheel cut is maximized.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- the IFS assembly includes a steering knuckle including a strut supporting portion affixed to and supporting the strut lower end, and a load arm extending below and secured to the lower control arm.
- the outboard end of the lower control arm is disposed between the load arm and the strut lower end, and the lower control arm is upwardly supported by the load arm.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure and a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut upper end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- the IFS assembly includes a steering knuckle including a strut supporting portion affixed to and supporting the strut lower end, and a load arm extending below and secured to the lower control arm.
- the outboard end of the lower control arm is disposed between the load arm and the strut lower end, and the lower control arm is upwardly supported by the load arm.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, and a steering knuckle secured to the lower control arm outboard end.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle, and the strut upper end provided with a clevis ring structure adapted to surround a bushing extending therethrough.
- the strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the chassis support structure through the clevis ring structure and the bushing about a generally horizontal first axis.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure and a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- a steering knuckle is secured to the lower control arm outboard end.
- the IFS assembly includes a bushing and a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle, and the strut upper end provided with a clevis ring structure.
- the bushing extends through and is surrounded by the clevis ring structure, and the strut upper end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure through the clevis ring structure and the bushing about a generally horizontal first axis.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, and a steering knuckle secured to the lower control arm outboard end.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle.
- a torque tube assembly includes an elongate torque tube extending between first and second joints at which the torque tube is adapted to be rigidly fixed relative to the chassis support structure, and an upper strut mount having laterally-spaced first and second ends.
- the first end is rigidly affixed to the torque tube between the first and second joints.
- the strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the second end.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure having a first portion and a torque tube assembly, and a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends.
- the inboard end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure first portion, and a steering knuckle is secured to the lower control arm outboard end.
- the IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis.
- the strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle.
- the torque tube assembly includes an elongate torque tube extending between first and second joints at which the torque tube is rigidly fixed relative to the chassis support structure first portion, and an upper strut mount having laterally-spaced first and second ends.
- the first end is rigidly affixed to the torque tube between the first and second joints, and the strut upper end is pivotally secured to the second end.
- the present disclosure provides an IFS module adapted for installation into a vehicle.
- the IFS module includes a chassis support structure having laterally opposite right and left sides, and adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame.
- the IFS module includes a pair of left and right side single lower control arms, each lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, and each inboard end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- the IFS module includes a pair of left and right side struts, each strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a respective strut axis, the upper and lower ends of each strut having relative movement along and about the respective strut axis.
- the strut upper ends are pivotally secured to the chassis support structure.
- the IFS module also includes a pair of left and right side steering knuckles, each steering knuckle fixed relative to the respective strut lower end and secured to the respective lower control arm outboard end.
- FIG. 1 is a rear, upper perspective view of an IFS module incorporating right and left side IFS assemblies according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the IFS module of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the IFS module of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the IFS module of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is right side elevation of the IFS module of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned view of the IFS module of FIG. 5 along line 6 - 6 ;
- FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, front, upper perspective view of the IFS module of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a front, upper perspective view of the IFS module of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment strut used in an IFS assembly according to the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment strut used in an IFS assembly according to the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 1-8 depict an embodiment of IFS module 20 which is a free standing assemblage adapted for installation into a vehicle.
- IFS module 20 may be affixed to vehicle frame 22 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 , for example.
- IFS module 20 includes chassis support structure 24 having right side 26 and left side 28 sharing substantially rigid chassis support structure first portion 29 to which is attached, or which forms a part of, right side IFS assembly 30 and left side IFS assembly 32 .
- chassis support structure 24 or first portion 29 thereof may form an integral part of the vehicle to which right and left side IFS assemblies 30 , 32 are installed directly, rather than through an IFS module such as IFS module 20 .
- Chassis support structure 24 may be a stamped sheet metal and/or metal beam weldment formed of suitably rigid material. Chassis support structure right and left sides 26 , 28 as shown are substantially mirror images of each other. In other words, chassis support structure 24 is substantially symmetrical about its lateral center, which coincides with the lateral center of the vehicle. Likewise, right and left side IFS assemblies 30 , 32 as shown are substantially mirror images of each other. Unless indicated otherwise, structural and functional descriptions herein which specify neither chassis support structure right or left side 26 , 28 , nor right or left side IFS assembly 30 , 32 , or components thereof, should be construed to relate to the chassis support structure, IFS assembly and components of either side. Moreover, corresponding elements between the right and left sides have a common reference numeral and in the accompanying Figures, the element of only the right or left side element may be indicated.
- each IFS assembly 30 , 32 includes lower control arm 34 , strut 36 which extends generally vertically along its strut axis 37 , steering knuckle 38 , and torque tube assembly 40 .
- torque tube assembly 40 is an integrated part of the respective chassis support structure right or left side 26 , 28 , but may be a separate component affixed thereto.
- Torque tube assembly 40 is formed of an elongate torque tube 42 that extends fore and aft along generally horizontal axis 43 , and laterally extending upper strut mount 44 . Relative to chassis support structure first portion 29 , torque tube 42 is secured at fixed forward joint 63 and aft joint 64 spaced along torque tube axis 43 .
- Upper strut mount 44 has inboard end 45 affixed, as by welds, to torque tube 42 at a location between joints 63 , 64 , and outboard end 46 which extends laterally outward from inboard end 45 in a generally horizontal plane.
- Strut upper end 48 and strut lower end 50 are disposed along strut axis 37 , and have relative movement along and about strut axis 37 .
- Strut upper end 48 is provided with steel clevis ring structure 52 that surrounds hushing 54 .
- bushing 54 is a compliance bushing formed of elastomeric material such as vulcanized rubber surrounding and bonded to cylindrical steel sleeve 55 and/or the interior surface of clevis ring structure 52 .
- Sleeve 55 is concentric with clevis ring structure 52 , and compliance bushing 54 may be a component part of strut 36 .
- Strut upper end 48 is pivotally secured to upper strut mount outboard end 46 with bolt 56 and nut 57 .
- Bolt 56 extends along axis 58 through upper strut mount outboard end 46 and bushing sleeve 55 .
- upper strut mount 44 is defined by an inverted U-shaped channel having spaced parallel forward flange 60 and aft flange 62 provided at outboard end 46 with apertures aligned along axis 58 .
- Upper strut mount 44 , strut upper end 48 , and elongate bolt 56 thus define a clevis joint.
- bushing sleeve 55 The interior of bushing sleeve 55 is closely fitted about bolt 56 to resist rotation of strut upper end 48 with strut lower end 50 , though a degree of compliance is obtained through elastic deformation of compliance bushing 54 , generally in a plane perpendicular to strut axis 37 .
- Strut upper end 48 also has a nominal position relative to chassis support structure 24 in which the axes of bolt 56 , bushing sleeve 55 and clevis ring structure 52 are coincident with axis 58 , and strut axis 37 is substantially perpendicular to axis 58 . In the nominal position, elastically deformable compliance bushing 54 is substantially undeformed.
- Deviation from the nominal position is the result of the compliance facilitated by elastic deformation of bushing 54 .
- Deviation from the nominal position is typically caused by angular displacement of clevis ring structure 52 about strut axis 37 due to frictionally induced torque imparted on strut upper end 48 by strut lower end 50 , at the onset of or during rotative movement of steering knuckle 38 about strut axis 37 .
- deviation from the nominal position may also be caused by strut 36 experiencing a bending moment in fore or aft directions generally parallel with axis 58 .
- Strut lower end 50 is fixed at two locations along strut axis 37 to strut supporting portion 66 of steering knuckle 38 .
- Strut supporting portion 66 includes encircling clamp 65 which surrounds strut lower end 50 received therethrough, and boss 67 and mating bracket 68 located below encircling clamp 65 .
- boss 67 and bracket 68 is configured with a semi-cylindrical inner surface that engages the outer cylindrical surface of strut lower end 50 .
- the semi-cylindrical inner surfaces of boss 67 and bracket 68 are provided with circumferentially extending, radially inwardly projecting ridges 70 that are received in cooperating circumferential groove 71 ( FIGS.
- IFS module 20 are provided with components that may be included in IFS assembly 30 , 32 as individually installed in a vehicle, or which may be installed subsequent to installation of the IFS assemblies 30 , 32 .
- Steering knuckle 38 includes caliper assembly mounts 74 and spindle 76 , to which caliper assembly 78 and rotor 80 of disk brake assembly 82 are respectively attached.
- Rotor 80 as shown is provided with central wheel mounting flange 81 provided with wheel mounting lugs 83 for attachment of the vehicle wheels (not shown).
- a portion of rotor 80 is disposed within caliper assembly 78 in a manner well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art, whereby caliper assembly 78 and rotor 80 are operatively engageable.
- IFS assembly 30 , 32 maximizes the available wheel cut, i.e., the angle in either direction about strut axis 37 that a vehicle front wheel can be turned.
- steering knuckle 38 is provided with load arm 84 that extends laterally inwardly and below lower control arm 34 , to which load arm is secured.
- Steering knuckle 38 also has elongate turning arm 86 which, in the depicted embodiment, extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly from load arm 84 to turning arm terminal end 88 .
- Lower control arm 34 has laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends 90 , 92 .
- Lower control arm inboard end 90 is pivotally secured to chassis support structure first portion 29 at a pair of locations that are spaced fore and aft.
- These pivotal attachments are about generally horizontal and parallel forward and aft axes 94 , 96 that extend fore and aft, the attachments being made with bolts 98 and nuts 100 , as perhaps best seen in FIG. 4 .
- Lower control arm outboard end 92 is rotatably secured to, and is upwardly supported by, steering knuckle load arm 84 through interconnecting ball joint 102 . Steering knuckle 38 thus places a compressive force onto ball joint 102 and lower control arm 34 . Strut axis 97 extends through ball joint 102 . Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , lower control arm outboard end 92 has top surface 104 disposed above ball joint 102 and is superposed by strut axial end 106 defined by strut lower end 50 .
- strut lower end 50 is axially supported by steering knuckle strut supporting portion 66 , and so strut axial end 106 is in spaced superposition with top surface 104 .
- lower control arm outboard end 92 is sandwiched between strut 36 and steering knuckle load arm 84 along strut axis 37 .
- IFS module 20 includes steering box 108 having housing 109 secured to chassis support structure first portion 29 at a laterally central position between right and left side lower control arm inboard ends 90 .
- Steering box 108 has rotatable input shaft 110 extending rearwardly from housing 109 , the rearward end of input shaft 110 adapted to be rotatably connected to a steering shaft (not shown).
- Steering box 108 also has rotatable output shaft 112 downwardly extending through an aperture in chassis support structure first portion 29 at the lateral center of chassis support structure 24 .
- Rotatable input and output shafts 110 , 112 are operably coupled within housing 109 for corresponding rotation.
- Pitman arm 114 is rotatably secured to steering box output shaft 112 and converts angular movement of output shaft 112 to linear movement of a pair of elongate right and left side tie rods 116 each individually secured at one end to pitman arm 114 via an interconnecting tie rod end 118 , as perhaps best seen in FIG. 4 .
- Each tie rod 116 is secured at its opposite end to a turning arm terminal end 88 via an interconnecting tie rod end 118 .
- Pitman arm 114 , tie rods 116 and tie rod ends 118 thus form steering linkage between steering box 108 and turning arms 86 , through which coordinated rotative movements of right and left side steering knuckles 38 about their respective strut axes 37 is accomplished, these rotative movements induced by rotation steering box input shaft 110 through steering box output shaft 112 and the steering linkage.
- IFS module 20 and the IFS assemblies 30 , 32 include a pair of right and left side air springs 120 operably disposed between the respective chassis support structure right or left side 26 , 28 and the respective right or left side lower control arm 34 .
- Each air spring 120 engages chassis support structure 24 at a respective right or left side location 122 at which the air spring is retained to chassis support structure 24 with threaded fastener 124 .
- Chassis support structure 24 and air springs 120 are upwardly supported relative to lower control arms 34 , and thus by steering knuckle load arms 84 .
- Air spring 120 is supported by lower air spring seat 126 , which is supported by seat support structure 128 of lower control arm 34 .
- Seat support structure 128 is located laterally between lower control arm inboard and outboard ends 90 , 92 , and projects upwardly relative thereto.
- Seat support structure 128 includes rigid strut member 130 which extends along longitudinal axis 132 between lower air spring seat 126 and a location on lower control arm 34 proximate its outboard end 92 , as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- Steering knuckle 38 is disposed below lower air spring seat 126 and air spring 120 , and rigid strut member longitudinal axis 132 diverges from strut axis 37 in an upward direction from lower control arm 34 .
- FIG. 9 shows the internal structure and further details of strut 36
- FIG. 10 shows the internal structure and details of alternative embodiment strut 36 a, which may be substituted for strut 36 .
- strut 36 and strut 36 a discussed below and revealed by a comparison between FIGS. 9 and 10
- reference herein and in FIGS. 1-8 to strut 36 shall be understood to apply to and encompass strut 36 a.
- 9 and 10 is merely to provide a larger view than obtainable by depicting them in a substantially vertical orientation, and does not alter the context used heretofore with respect to descriptors such as “upper” and “lower”; “above” and “below”; “top” and “bottom”; “vertical” and “horizontal”; and the like.
- strut upper end 48 is defined by cylindrical strut upper portion 134 and strut lower end 50 is defined by cylindrical strut lower portion 136 .
- Strut upper and lower portions 134 , 136 are telescopically engaged along strut axis 37 , and respectively form a strut rod and a strut body.
- Strut lower portion 136 is sealably closed at its free end by end cap 138 that defines above-mentioned strut axial end 106 .
- Above-mentioned clevis ring structure 52 is sealably fixed to the free end of strut upper portion 134 .
- strut upper portion 134 Concentrically disposed within strut upper portion 134 is cylindrical damper body 140 , within which is slidably disposed annular damper valve 142 , Damper valve 142 is affixed to one end of elongate damper rod 144 that extends therethrough. The opposite end of damper rod 144 is secured to plate 145 sealably fixed to the interior wall of strut lower portion 136 and relative to end cap 138 .
- One end of cylindrical damper body 140 is sealably affixed to strut upper end 48 ; the opposite end of damper body 140 is affixed to sliding bearing member 146 .
- the cylindrical space between the superposing cylindrical surfaces of strut upper portion 134 and strut lower portion 136 located above sliding bearing member 146 is vented to atmosphere.
- Sliding bearing member 146 is slidably disposed within cylindrical lower portion 136 , and surrounds and moves axially along valve rod 144 .
- First oil chamber 150 is defined between damper valve 142 and floating piston 148
- second oil chamber 152 is defined between damper valve 142 and annular seal 147 , thereby defining internal monotube damper assembly 153 having controlled oil flow across damper valve 142 between first and second oil chambers 150 , 152 along the path defined by arrow 154 .
- Damper 153 is thus housed within strut upper and lower portions 134 , 136 and dampens relative motion between strut upper and lower ends 48 , 50 along strut axis 37 .
- Gas spring 156 Also housed within strut upper and lower portions 134 , 146 is gas spring 156 , which may utilize high pressure nitrogen as the working fluid.
- Gas spring 156 includes first gas chamber 158 located in damper body 140 between clevis ring structure 52 and floating piston 148 , and second gas chamber 160 located in strut lower portion 136 and sliding bearing member 146 annular seal 147 and plate 145 .
- the pressurized nitrogen gas within gas spring 156 provides the biasing force that urges strut upper and lower ends 48 , 50 apart along strut axis 37 , and thus allows struts 39 to upwardly support chassis support structure 24 relative to steering knuckles 38 .
- First gas chamber 158 is provided with a circumferentially arranged plurality of orifices 162 through the cylindrical wall of damper body 140 proximate the axial end thereof. First and second gas chambers are in fluid communication along a path indicated by arrow 164 , which extends through orifices 162 , along the outer cylindrical surface of damper body 140 , and about damper rod 144 within sliding bearing member 146 .
- strut upper end 48 is provided with gas port 166 adapted for connection with gas reservoir 168 externally of strut 36 .
- IFS module 20 includes right and left side gas reservoirs 168 respectively mounted to chassis support structure right and left sides 26 , 28 .
- Each gas spring 156 is adapted to receive gas from and discharge gas to its connected gas reservoir 168 , and is capable of containing gas at selectively variable pressures so as to compensate for different loads between the strut upper and lower ends 48 , 50 and/or establish different nominal axial distances therebetween, thereby enabling changes to vehicle ride height and providing vehicle kneeling capabilities.
- strut 36 a is substantially identical to strut 36 except for providing circular wall 170 sealably fixed within cylindrical damper body 140 just below orifices 162 , and sealed, third gas chamber 172 within damper body 140 between wall 170 and floating piston 148 .
- Third gas chamber 172 provides damper 153 with a sealed nitrogen charge which bears on the upper side of floating piston 148 .
- Air springs 120 may thus be smaller than prior air springs operably disposed in series connection with struts or other springs, and positioned so as not to constrain rotative movement of the steering knuckles, maximizing available wheel cut.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to vehicle suspension systems, particularly independent front suspension (“IFS”) assemblies.
- IFS assemblies employing struts, which are capable of supporting a side load and typically provide damping capabilities, are well known. It is also known to provide an IFS assembly including struts that provide upward support axially therealong, and such suspensions typically employ a single lower control arm. Moreover, it is known to employ air springs with such struts. For example, MacPherson type strut IFS assemblies wherein an air spring is located above and generally in line with the strut are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,206,907; 4,655,438; 4,974,872; and 6,382,602. Of these patents, the '907 and '602 patents also disclose varying the air spring pressure for load and ride height adjustment purposes.
- Further examples of MacPherson type strut IFS assemblies in which coil springs and leaf springs are located between a single lower control arm and the vehicle chassis are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,018,653; 2,842,230; 2,967,066; 3,333,653; 3,926,454; and 4,653,772.
- It is also known to provide MacPherson type strut IFS assemblies wherein the steering knuckle includes an arm portion extending below and transferring the load to the strut, as disclose, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,100.
- It is desirable to reduce loading of both struts and air springs in an IFS assembly, to maximize the available wheel cut of an IFS assembly, to simplify vehicle suspension installations by OEM manufacturers, provide variable load-carrying and right height capabilities, and provide other advancements in areas of IFS technologies and configurations.
- The present disclosure beneficially provides such advancements.
- According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure. A lower air spring seat is supported by the lower control arm, the lower air spring seat adapted to upwardly support the chassis support structure relative to the lower control arm through an air spring engaging the chassis support structure. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and the strut lower end is coupled to the lower control arm outboard end. A steering knuckle is rotatably and axially secured to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and has rotative movement about the strut axis that is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat and/or the air spring through which the lower air spring seat is adapted to support the chassis support structure. Consequently, available wheel cut is maximized.
- According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure and a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. A lower air spring seat is supported by the lower control arm, and an air spring is supported by the lower air spring seat and engages the chassis support structure. The chassis support structure is upwardly supported by the air spring relative to the lower air spring seat. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut upper end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure, and the strut lower end is coupled to the lower control arm outboard end. A steering knuckle is rotatably and axially secured to the strut lower end and is disposed below the lower air spring seat. The steering knuckle has rotative movement about the strut axis that is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat. Consequently, available wheel cut is maximized.
- According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. The IFS assembly includes a steering knuckle including a strut supporting portion affixed to and supporting the strut lower end, and a load arm extending below and secured to the lower control arm. The outboard end of the lower control arm is disposed between the load arm and the strut lower end, and the lower control arm is upwardly supported by the load arm.
- According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure and a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut upper end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. The IFS assembly includes a steering knuckle including a strut supporting portion affixed to and supporting the strut lower end, and a load arm extending below and secured to the lower control arm. The outboard end of the lower control arm is disposed between the load arm and the strut lower end, and the lower control arm is upwardly supported by the load arm.
- According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, and a steering knuckle secured to the lower control arm outboard end. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle, and the strut upper end provided with a clevis ring structure adapted to surround a bushing extending therethrough. The strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the chassis support structure through the clevis ring structure and the bushing about a generally horizontal first axis.
- According to a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure and a single lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. A steering knuckle is secured to the lower control arm outboard end. The IFS assembly includes a bushing and a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle, and the strut upper end provided with a clevis ring structure. The bushing extends through and is surrounded by the clevis ring structure, and the strut upper end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure through the clevis ring structure and the bushing about a generally horizontal first axis.
- According to a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, the inboard end adapted to be pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, and a steering knuckle secured to the lower control arm outboard end. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle. A torque tube assembly includes an elongate torque tube extending between first and second joints at which the torque tube is adapted to be rigidly fixed relative to the chassis support structure, and an upper strut mount having laterally-spaced first and second ends. The first end is rigidly affixed to the torque tube between the first and second joints. The strut upper end is adapted to be pivotally secured to the second end.
- According to an eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS assembly including a chassis support structure having a first portion and a torque tube assembly, and a single lower control arm having laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends. The inboard end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure first portion, and a steering knuckle is secured to the lower control arm outboard end. The IFS assembly includes a strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a strut axis, the strut upper and lower ends having relative movement along and about the strut axis. The strut lower end is fixed relative to the steering knuckle. The torque tube assembly includes an elongate torque tube extending between first and second joints at which the torque tube is rigidly fixed relative to the chassis support structure first portion, and an upper strut mount having laterally-spaced first and second ends. The first end is rigidly affixed to the torque tube between the first and second joints, and the strut upper end is pivotally secured to the second end.
- According to a ninth aspect, the present disclosure provides an IFS module adapted for installation into a vehicle. The IFS module includes a chassis support structure having laterally opposite right and left sides, and adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame. The IFS module includes a pair of left and right side single lower control arms, each lower control arm defining laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends, and each inboard end is pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. The IFS module includes a pair of left and right side struts, each strut having upper and lower ends disposed along a respective strut axis, the upper and lower ends of each strut having relative movement along and about the respective strut axis. The strut upper ends are pivotally secured to the chassis support structure. The IFS module also includes a pair of left and right side steering knuckles, each steering knuckle fixed relative to the respective strut lower end and secured to the respective lower control arm outboard end.
- The various objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate the same, similar or corresponding parts throughout the several views:
-
FIG. 1 is a rear, upper perspective view of an IFS module incorporating right and left side IFS assemblies according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the IFS module ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the IFS module ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the IFS module ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is right side elevation of the IFS module ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned view of the IFS module ofFIG. 5 along line 6-6; -
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, front, upper perspective view of the IFS module ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a front, upper perspective view of the IFS module ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment strut used in an IFS assembly according to the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment strut used in an IFS assembly according to the present disclosure. - The invention is adaptable to various modifications and alternative forms, and the specific embodiments thereof shown by way of example in the drawings are herein described in detail. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
-
FIGS. 1-8 depict an embodiment ofIFS module 20 which is a free standing assemblage adapted for installation into a vehicle.IFS module 20 may be affixed tovehicle frame 22 shown in dashed lines inFIG. 1 , for example.IFS module 20 includeschassis support structure 24 havingright side 26 and leftside 28 sharing substantially rigid chassis support structurefirst portion 29 to which is attached, or which forms a part of, rightside IFS assembly 30 and leftside IFS assembly 32. Alternatively,chassis support structure 24 orfirst portion 29 thereof may form an integral part of the vehicle to which right and leftside IFS assemblies IFS module 20.Chassis support structure 24 may be a stamped sheet metal and/or metal beam weldment formed of suitably rigid material. Chassis support structure right and leftsides chassis support structure 24 is substantially symmetrical about its lateral center, which coincides with the lateral center of the vehicle. Likewise, right and leftside IFS assemblies left side side IFS assembly - In the depicted embodiment, each
IFS assembly lower control arm 34, strut 36 which extends generally vertically along itsstrut axis 37, steeringknuckle 38, andtorque tube assembly 40. As shown,torque tube assembly 40 is an integrated part of the respective chassis support structure right orleft side Torque tube assembly 40 is formed of anelongate torque tube 42 that extends fore and aft along generallyhorizontal axis 43, and laterally extendingupper strut mount 44. Relative to chassis support structurefirst portion 29,torque tube 42 is secured at fixed forward joint 63 and aft joint 64 spaced alongtorque tube axis 43. As 63, 64 may be welds.Upper strut mount 44 hasinboard end 45 affixed, as by welds, totorque tube 42 at a location betweenjoints outboard end 46 which extends laterally outward frominboard end 45 in a generally horizontal plane. - Strut
upper end 48 and strutlower end 50 are disposed alongstrut axis 37, and have relative movement along and aboutstrut axis 37. Strutupper end 48 is provided with steelclevis ring structure 52 that surrounds hushing 54. In the depicted embodiment, bushing 54 is a compliance bushing formed of elastomeric material such as vulcanized rubber surrounding and bonded tocylindrical steel sleeve 55 and/or the interior surface of clevisring structure 52.Sleeve 55 is concentric with clevisring structure 52, andcompliance bushing 54 may be a component part ofstrut 36. Strutupper end 48 is pivotally secured to upper strut mountoutboard end 46 withbolt 56 andnut 57.Bolt 56 extends alongaxis 58 through upper strut mountoutboard end 46 andbushing sleeve 55. In the depicted embodiment,upper strut mount 44 is defined by an inverted U-shaped channel having spaced parallelforward flange 60 andaft flange 62 provided atoutboard end 46 with apertures aligned alongaxis 58.Upper strut mount 44, strutupper end 48, andelongate bolt 56 thus define a clevis joint. The interior of bushingsleeve 55 is closely fitted aboutbolt 56 to resist rotation of strutupper end 48 with strutlower end 50, though a degree of compliance is obtained through elastic deformation ofcompliance bushing 54, generally in a plane perpendicular to strutaxis 37. Strutupper end 48 also has a nominal position relative tochassis support structure 24 in which the axes ofbolt 56,bushing sleeve 55 andclevis ring structure 52 are coincident withaxis 58, and strutaxis 37 is substantially perpendicular toaxis 58. In the nominal position, elasticallydeformable compliance bushing 54 is substantially undeformed. Deviation from the nominal position is the result of the compliance facilitated by elastic deformation ofbushing 54. Deviation from the nominal position is typically caused by angular displacement of clevisring structure 52 aboutstrut axis 37 due to frictionally induced torque imparted on strutupper end 48 by strutlower end 50, at the onset of or during rotative movement ofsteering knuckle 38 aboutstrut axis 37. In some embodiments, deviation from the nominal position may also be caused bystrut 36 experiencing a bending moment in fore or aft directions generally parallel withaxis 58. - Strut
lower end 50 is fixed at two locations alongstrut axis 37 to strut supportingportion 66 ofsteering knuckle 38. Strut supportingportion 66 includes encirclingclamp 65 which surrounds strutlower end 50 received therethrough, andboss 67 andmating bracket 68 located below encirclingclamp 65. Each ofboss 67 andbracket 68 is configured with a semi-cylindrical inner surface that engages the outer cylindrical surface of strutlower end 50. The semi-cylindrical inner surfaces ofboss 67 andbracket 68 are provided with circumferentially extending, radially inwardly projectingridges 70 that are received in cooperating circumferential groove 71 (FIGS. 9 and 10 ) provided in the cylindrical outer surface of strutlower end 50.Ridges 70 andgroove 71 axially align strutlower end 50 relative tosteering knuckle 38 and secure them against relative movement alongstrut axis 37. Frictional engagement between the cylindrical outer surface of strutlower end 50 and the interfacing cylindrical surfaces of encirclingclamp 65, and the clamp defined byboss 67 andbracket 68, rotatably and axially fix strutlower end 50 to steering knucklestrut supporting portion 66.Bolts 72hold bracket 68 andboss 67 together against strutlower end 50;bolt 72 and nut 73hold encircling clamp 65 tightly closed upon strutlower end 50. - Certain embodiments of
IFS module 20 are provided with components that may be included inIFS assembly IFS assemblies Steering knuckle 38 includes caliper assembly mounts 74 andspindle 76, to whichcaliper assembly 78 androtor 80 ofdisk brake assembly 82 are respectively attached.Rotor 80 as shown is provided with centralwheel mounting flange 81 provided withwheel mounting lugs 83 for attachment of the vehicle wheels (not shown). A portion ofrotor 80 is disposed withincaliper assembly 78 in a manner well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art, wherebycaliper assembly 78 androtor 80 are operatively engageable. As discussed herein below,IFS assembly strut axis 37 that a vehicle front wheel can be turned. - As perhaps best seen in
FIGS. 4 and 6 , steeringknuckle 38 is provided withload arm 84 that extends laterally inwardly and belowlower control arm 34, to which load arm is secured.Steering knuckle 38 also has elongate turningarm 86 which, in the depicted embodiment, extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly fromload arm 84 to turning armterminal end 88.Lower control arm 34 has laterally-spaced inboard and outboard ends 90, 92. Lower control arminboard end 90 is pivotally secured to chassis support structurefirst portion 29 at a pair of locations that are spaced fore and aft. These pivotal attachments are about generally horizontal and parallel forward andaft axes bolts 98 andnuts 100, as perhaps best seen inFIG. 4 . - Lower control arm
outboard end 92 is rotatably secured to, and is upwardly supported by, steeringknuckle load arm 84 through interconnecting ball joint 102.Steering knuckle 38 thus places a compressive force onto ball joint 102 andlower control arm 34. Strut axis 97 extends through ball joint 102. Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7 , lower control armoutboard end 92 hastop surface 104 disposed above ball joint 102 and is superposed by strutaxial end 106 defined by strutlower end 50. As noted above, strutlower end 50 is axially supported by steering knucklestrut supporting portion 66, and so strutaxial end 106 is in spaced superposition withtop surface 104. Thus, lower control armoutboard end 92 is sandwiched betweenstrut 36 and steeringknuckle load arm 84 alongstrut axis 37. -
IFS module 20 includessteering box 108 havinghousing 109 secured to chassis support structurefirst portion 29 at a laterally central position between right and left side lower control arm inboard ends 90.Steering box 108 hasrotatable input shaft 110 extending rearwardly fromhousing 109, the rearward end ofinput shaft 110 adapted to be rotatably connected to a steering shaft (not shown).Steering box 108 also hasrotatable output shaft 112 downwardly extending through an aperture in chassis support structurefirst portion 29 at the lateral center ofchassis support structure 24. Rotatable input andoutput shafts housing 109 for corresponding rotation.Pitman arm 114 is rotatably secured to steeringbox output shaft 112 and converts angular movement ofoutput shaft 112 to linear movement of a pair of elongate right and leftside tie rods 116 each individually secured at one end topitman arm 114 via an interconnectingtie rod end 118, as perhaps best seen inFIG. 4 . Eachtie rod 116 is secured at its opposite end to a turning armterminal end 88 via an interconnectingtie rod end 118.Pitman arm 114,tie rods 116 and tie rod ends 118 thus form steering linkage betweensteering box 108 and turningarms 86, through which coordinated rotative movements of right and leftside steering knuckles 38 about their respective strut axes 37 is accomplished, these rotative movements induced by rotation steeringbox input shaft 110 through steeringbox output shaft 112 and the steering linkage. -
IFS module 20 and theIFS assemblies left side lower control arm 34. Eachair spring 120 engageschassis support structure 24 at a respective right orleft side location 122 at which the air spring is retained tochassis support structure 24 with threadedfastener 124.Chassis support structure 24 and air springs 120 are upwardly supported relative tolower control arms 34, and thus by steeringknuckle load arms 84. -
Air spring 120 is supported by lowerair spring seat 126, which is supported byseat support structure 128 oflower control arm 34.Seat support structure 128 is located laterally between lower control arm inboard and outboard ends 90, 92, and projects upwardly relative thereto.Seat support structure 128 includesrigid strut member 130 which extends alonglongitudinal axis 132 between lowerair spring seat 126 and a location onlower control arm 34 proximate itsoutboard end 92, as perhaps best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3 .Steering knuckle 38 is disposed below lowerair spring seat 126 andair spring 120, and rigid strut memberlongitudinal axis 132 diverges fromstrut axis 37 in an upward direction fromlower control arm 34. Lowerair spring seat 126,air spring 120, andrigid strut member 130 are thus located well out of the path of rotative movement ofsteering knuckle 38 anddisk brake assembly 82 carried thereby, whereby rotative movement ofsteering knuckle 38 aboutstrut axis 37 is unconfined by proximity betweensteering knuckle 38 and lowerair spring seat 126 and/orair spring 120 is unconfined by proximity therebetween and available wheel cut is maximized. Moreover, a portion ofdisk brake assembly 82 carried by steeringknuckle 38 is receivable beneath lowerair spring seat 126 during rotative movement ofsteering knuckle 38 aboutstrut axis 37. -
FIG. 9 shows the internal structure and further details ofstrut 36, andFIG. 10 shows the internal structure and details of alternative embodiment strut 36 a, which may be substituted forstrut 36. Except for distinctions betweenstrut 36 and strut 36 a discussed below and revealed by a comparison betweenFIGS. 9 and 10 , reference herein and inFIGS. 1-8 to strut 36 shall be understood to apply to and encompassstrut 36 a. Additionally, it is to be understood that the horizontal orientation ofstruts FIGS. 9 and 10 is merely to provide a larger view than obtainable by depicting them in a substantially vertical orientation, and does not alter the context used heretofore with respect to descriptors such as “upper” and “lower”; “above” and “below”; “top” and “bottom”; “vertical” and “horizontal”; and the like. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , strutupper end 48 is defined by cylindrical strutupper portion 134 and strutlower end 50 is defined by cylindrical strutlower portion 136. Strut upper andlower portions strut axis 37, and respectively form a strut rod and a strut body. Strutlower portion 136 is sealably closed at its free end byend cap 138 that defines above-mentioned strutaxial end 106. Above-mentioned clevisring structure 52 is sealably fixed to the free end of strutupper portion 134. Concentrically disposed within strutupper portion 134 iscylindrical damper body 140, within which is slidably disposedannular damper valve 142,Damper valve 142 is affixed to one end ofelongate damper rod 144 that extends therethrough. The opposite end ofdamper rod 144 is secured to plate 145 sealably fixed to the interior wall of strutlower portion 136 and relative to endcap 138. One end ofcylindrical damper body 140 is sealably affixed to strutupper end 48; the opposite end ofdamper body 140 is affixed to slidingbearing member 146. The cylindrical space between the superposing cylindrical surfaces of strutupper portion 134 and strutlower portion 136 located above sliding bearingmember 146 is vented to atmosphere. Sliding bearingmember 146 is slidably disposed within cylindricallower portion 136, and surrounds and moves axially alongvalve rod 144. Sealably surroundingvalve rod 144 at the end ofdamper body 140 affixed to slidingbearing member 146, and located below the lower side ofdamper valve 142 isannular seal 147. Above the upper side ofdamper valve 142 is disk-shaped floatingpiston 148, slidably sealed to the inner diameter ofdamper body 140.First oil chamber 150 is defined betweendamper valve 142 and floatingpiston 148, andsecond oil chamber 152 is defined betweendamper valve 142 andannular seal 147, thereby defining internalmonotube damper assembly 153 having controlled oil flow acrossdamper valve 142 between first andsecond oil chambers arrow 154.Damper 153 is thus housed within strut upper andlower portions strut axis 37. - Also housed within strut upper and
lower portions first gas chamber 158 located indamper body 140 between clevisring structure 52 and floatingpiston 148, andsecond gas chamber 160 located in strutlower portion 136 and sliding bearingmember 146annular seal 147 andplate 145. The pressurized nitrogen gas within gas spring 156 provides the biasing force that urges strut upper and lower ends 48, 50 apart alongstrut axis 37, and thus allows struts 39 to upwardly supportchassis support structure 24 relative to steeringknuckles 38. Additionally, the high pressure nitrogen gas within gas spring, which acts on the upper side of floatingpiston 148, prevents cavitation in the hydraulic oil ofdamper 153.First gas chamber 158 is provided with a circumferentially arranged plurality oforifices 162 through the cylindrical wall ofdamper body 140 proximate the axial end thereof. First and second gas chambers are in fluid communication along a path indicated byarrow 164, which extends throughorifices 162, along the outer cylindrical surface ofdamper body 140, and aboutdamper rod 144 within sliding bearingmember 146. Above the axial end ofcylindrical damper body 140, in clevisring structure 52, strutupper end 48 is provided withgas port 166 adapted for connection withgas reservoir 168 externally ofstrut 36.IFS module 20 includes right and leftside gas reservoirs 168 respectively mounted to chassis support structure right and leftsides gas reservoir 168, and is capable of containing gas at selectively variable pressures so as to compensate for different loads between the strut upper and lower ends 48, 50 and/or establish different nominal axial distances therebetween, thereby enabling changes to vehicle ride height and providing vehicle kneeling capabilities. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , strut 36 a is substantially identical to strut 36 except for providingcircular wall 170 sealably fixed withincylindrical damper body 140 just beloworifices 162, and sealed,third gas chamber 172 withindamper body 140 betweenwall 170 and floatingpiston 148.Third gas chamber 172 providesdamper 153 with a sealed nitrogen charge which bears on the upper side of floatingpiston 148. - Forces imparted by the pressurized nitrogen in gas spring 156 urge strut upper and lower ends 48, 50 apart, and struts 36, 36 a therefore upwardly support
chassis support structure 24.Struts chassis support structure 24 and other portions of a vehicle's sprung weight relative to different portions of steeringknuckles 38. Air springs 120 may thus be smaller than prior air springs operably disposed in series connection with struts or other springs, and positioned so as not to constrain rotative movement of the steering knuckles, maximizing available wheel cut. - While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure using its general principles.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
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US14/684,668 US9475357B1 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2015-04-13 | Strut and air spring IFS assembly maximizing available steering knuckle wheel cut |
CA2919295A CA2919295C (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2016-01-28 | Strut and air spring ifs assembly maximizing available steering knuckle wheel cut |
MX2016004786A MX368952B (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2016-04-13 | Strut and air spring ifs assembly maximizing available steering knuckle wheel cut. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US14/684,668 US9475357B1 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2015-04-13 | Strut and air spring IFS assembly maximizing available steering knuckle wheel cut |
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US20160297272A1 true US20160297272A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
US9475357B1 US9475357B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 |
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US14/684,668 Active US9475357B1 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2015-04-13 | Strut and air spring IFS assembly maximizing available steering knuckle wheel cut |
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CN113853487A (en) * | 2019-05-24 | 2021-12-28 | 克诺尔商用车制动***有限公司 | Steering knuckle of commercial vehicle |
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-
2015
- 2015-04-13 US US14/684,668 patent/US9475357B1/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-01-28 CA CA2919295A patent/CA2919295C/en active Active
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113853487A (en) * | 2019-05-24 | 2021-12-28 | 克诺尔商用车制动***有限公司 | Steering knuckle of commercial vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2016004786A (en) | 2017-05-11 |
US9475357B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 |
CA2919295C (en) | 2022-07-05 |
CA2919295A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
MX368952B (en) | 2019-10-21 |
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