Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Patent
1991-09-20
1993-06-08
Rice, Kenneth R.
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
280689, 280712, B60G 1102
Patent
active
052172481
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a suspension system for a set of vehicle wheels, of the type including a stabiliser (anti-roll) bar or tube and is especially, but not exclusively, related to such a suspension system for heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks, coaches, buses and plant.
In existing vehicle suspensions, it is known to use a stabiliser (anti-roll) bar or tube mounted transversely of the vehicle frame (chassis), to act in a parallel sense to an associated pair of springs (leaf springs). Such an arrangement stiffens the vehicle suspension in roll but not during total axle movement.
A typical stabiliser (anti-roll) bar or tube for, say, a truck, comprises a generally U-shaped torsion bar or tube with its otherwise free pair of ends connected to an associated axle of the truck by means of, say, shackles and with the base portion of its U connected to transversely spaced points on the vehicle frame (chassis). In the case of a torsion bar, this usually takes the form of a spring steel rod formed into the desired U-shape, although it can be of tubular construction.
Although there are several variations of this known stabiliser (anti-roll) bar or tube arrangement, such as, having the bar or tube connected between pairs of leaf springs on opposed sides of an associated vehicle, the basic purpose of the bar or tube is to resist any axle rolling movement relative to the vehicle frame (chassis) and axle, or an associated spring assembly located at or adjacent the axle, by means of shackles which allow pivoting of the respective components with respect to each other and the chassis, thereby allowing for geometrical change in the configuration of the suspension during use thereof.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved vehicle suspension system with enhanced anti-roll characteristics which, in turn, provide better vehicle handling, particularly under adverse driving surface conditions.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved vehicle suspension system which affords a comparatively soft suspension during normal total axle movement but which provides a comparatively stiff anti-roll characteristic capable of resisting at least a major proportion of any roll attempted by the associated vehicle.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved vehicle suspension system which affords little or no anti-roll characteristic for an unladen vehicle, thereby providing a smoother and more comfortable ride, but which affords the required anti-roll characteristics when the vehicle is laden.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide an improved vehicle suspension system which affords a comparatively soft, low frequency ride and good inter-axle articulation with comparatively high roll resistance.
Accordingly, one aspect of the invention resides in a suspension system for a vehicle wheel set, comprising first suspension means, second suspension means and stabilising means arranged generally transversely of the longitudinal axis of an associated vehicle and arranged to act in conjunction with at least one of said first and second suspension means, to provide the vehicle with an anti-roll characteristic when operating under certain conditions.
Preferably, the second suspension means is connected to, and may be mounted upon, the stabilising means. In one embodiment, the second suspension means is located on the longitudinal axis of the associated vehicle and can be secured to the chassis thereof. Preferred forms of the second suspension means include a leaf spring, coil spring, hydraulic, pneumatic or rubber (elastomeric) suspension arrangement or, indeed, any combination thereof.
In other embodiments, the first suspension means is arranged on respective opposed sides of the associated vehicle, with the stabilising means being arranged to act in conjunction with the secondary suspension means. The first suspension means may also comprise spring means arranged on respective opposed sides of the vehicle, with the stabilising means connected therebetween. Also,
REFERENCES:
patent: 4097034 (1978-06-01), Sweet et al.
patent: 4181324 (1980-01-01), Hixon
patent: 4614247 (1986-09-01), Sullivan
patent: 4664407 (1987-05-01), Griffin, Sr.
patent: 4691937 (1987-09-01), Raidel
patent: 4706988 (1987-11-01), Young
Clayborn William L.
Cone John M.
Detroit Steel Products Co. Inc.
Rice Kenneth R.
LandOfFree
Vehicle suspension system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Vehicle suspension system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vehicle suspension system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1929236