Land vehicles – Suspension modification enacted during travel – Lateral vehicle disposition
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-29
2002-05-14
Culbreth, Eric (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Suspension modification enacted during travel
Lateral vehicle disposition
C180S065510, C180S413000, C280S005516, C280S005520, C280S005522, C280S086757, C280S086758, C701S022000, C701S041000, C701S048000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06386553
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a vehicular wheel suspension arrangement comprising a wheel connected to propulsion device for driving the vehicle, and a brake for braking each individual wheel. More specifically, the invention relates to a wheel suspension arrangement having one or more sensors for detecting at least the angular steering displacement of a vehicle required by the vehicle driver, at least two steering link arms fitted between the vehicle body and attachment points in the wheel, and a control unit for processing signals from the sensors and for actuating the steering link arms for adjustments of the wheel in response to the signals and the current operating state of the vehicle. The invention is particularly intended for use as an integrated wheel suspension unit for steering, propulsion and braking of the respective wheel of an automotive vehicle.
2. Background Information
In association with vehicles such as passenger cars, various types of suspension systems are used for the wheels and axles. Such wheel suspensions are arranged for allowing attachment and resilient suspension of the vehicle wheels, in turn, enhancing the comfort of the vehicle passengers and the road holding characteristics and service life of the vehicle.
A multitude of different types of wheel suspension are known. These suspensions are found in systems having, for example, rigid or split wheel axles that may be supplemented as required by spring members, shock absorbers and other components. In addition, force-absorbing link arms connecting the vehicle wheels to its body and anti-roll bars for reduction of excessive rolling motions of the vehicle are often utilized.
Further, vehicles are normally designed with the vehicle motive wheel axles connected to an engine such as a conventional gasoline or diesel combustion engine. The connection between the wheel axles and the engine is arranged via a gearbox and mechanical transmission devices. Furthermore, the vehicle wheels are provided with braking devices such as conventional disc or drum brakes, actuated by depression of the vehicle brake pedal. In this way, the brake devices at the wheels are actuated via a hydraulic brake line system.
Also, vehicles are normally provided with a steering device intended for giving the wheels a certain angular steering displacement when the driver is turning the vehicle steering wheel. The steering gear may have an input shaft with the steering wheel connected to it. The input shaft transmits the steering wheel movements to a pinion that in turn transmits the movements to a rack. The rack movements are then transferred to the vehicle wheels for steering the vehicle. This type of steering gear may be complemented by a servo power device having a hydraulic cylinder with a piston arranged on the steering rack. In this way, more power is applied onto the rack when turning the steering wheel.
The equipment described above for propulsion, wheel suspension, braking and steering is based on well-proven principles that are frequently used today in automotive vehicle design. Although these principles define a well functioning technique, they exhibit certain limitations. For example, fitting all the components mentioned above (i.e. engine, gearbox; transmission, spring arrangement, anti-roll bars, brakes, steering, etc.) into a relatively small space in the vehicle may prove to be a problem. Furthermore, there may be difficulty in securely and cost effectively interconnecting a large number of functions associated with the wheel suspension system. Specifically, there may exist a requirement for a high degree of integration of vehicle functions for suspension and propulsion of the respective wheel.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved vehicle wheel suspension arrangement, which could particularly be utilized as an integrated wheel suspension unit with functions primarily for steering, and preferably also for propulsion and braking, of each individual vehicle wheel. This is achieved by means of an arrangement as disclosed below.
The invention is comprised of an arrangement for an automotive vehicle wheel suspension in which a wheel is connected to both a propulsion device for driving the vehicle, and a braking device for braking of the individual wheel. The invention has one or more sensors for detecting at least the angular steering displacement of the vehicle required by the vehicle driver. Two steering link arms are fitted between the vehicle body and attachment points in the wheel, positioned on both sides of an imaginary vertical line running through the center of the wheel. Furthermore, the invention has a control unit for processing signals from the sensors and actuating the steering link arms for adjustment of the wheel in response to the signals and the current operating state of the vehicle.
The invention provides a number of advantages compared to conventional wheel suspension systems. Primarily, it should be noted that the invention constitutes a highly integrated wheel suspension arrangement allowing individual adjustment of steering displacement and wheel alignment of the respective wheels of a vehicle. In this way, individual steering of each vehicle wheel is allowed. Furthermore, a vehicle comprising the arrangement according to the invention can be designed without any conventional steering gear and/or steering column.
The invention is preferably arranged in connection with a computer-based control unit having software functions for dynamic adjustment of wheel alignment, in particular, the “camber” angle and the “toe-in” angle of each respective wheel. In this manner a vehicle constructed according to the invention can be designed without any conventional mechanical wheel alignment requirements. Furthermore, a vehicle equipped with the arrangement according to the invention may have a “joystick” or similar control device, thereby replacing the conventional steering wheel.
According to a preferred embodiment, the invention may include a propulsion device in the form of an electric motor, integrally arranged with each individual wheel. As such, the vehicle may be designed without a conventional combustion engine, gearbox or drive shaft connecting the individual wheel with the propulsion device found on the vehicle chassis. Further, no mechanical connections have to be fitted at the factory, which in turn simplifies and reduces the cost of production.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a braking device is provided that is integrated into the electrical motor. This design removes the need for any conventional drum or disc brake arrangement.
Additionally, according to the embodiment there is a further link arm connected between the respective wheel and the vehicle body. The link arm is provided with a torsion spring unit for controlling a level adjustment of the wheel and for an anti-roll function of the wheel. In this way an advantage is achieved since the vehicle does not require the provision of any conventional, mechanical anti-roll bar.
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are provided in the following detailed description.
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Culbreth Eric
Kilpatrick & Stockton LLP
Volvo Personvagnar AB
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