Land vehicles – Body elevation or tilt – Terrain slope compensation
Patent
1996-10-02
2000-01-11
Hurley, Kevin
Land vehicles
Body elevation or tilt
Terrain slope compensation
280124112, 180 41, 180 954, B62D 1700
Patent
active
060127244
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wheel suspension system for a vehicle or equivalent, said wheel suspension system comprising a wheel hub mounted on an axle beam, respectively, on a traction motor, on which the wheel has been mounted.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In prior art structures, the wheel has been pivotably connected to a part in the axial system so that the geometrical structure thereof has also defined the lateral tilting of the wheel. In addition, the overall tilting of the vehicle has affected also the tilting of the wheel.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to disclose a novel wheel suspension system with which the drawbacks of the prior art structures are avoided in driving in varying terrain circumstances. In order to achieve the aims set for the invention, the invention is mainly characterized in that the wheel hub, and respectively the traction motor, has been mounted on the axle beam articulatedly, mainly by means of a longitudinal suspension pin of the vehicle or equivalent, said suspension pin being positioned substantially in the vertical centerline of the wheel, in height direction at a space below the horizontal central axis of the wheel so that the wheel is enabled to tilt freely, adapting itself to the running ground, around the suspension pin irrespective of the tilting of the vehicle or equivalent, and/or of the axle beam.
The most significant advantage of the design of the invention is that the lateral tilting of the wheel can be adapted according to the driving ground, and to distribute the surface pressure uniformly. The friction can at the same time be optimally utilized. In order to function optimally, without continuous forced driving, a relatively wide tire needs to be included in the structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described below more in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings with which certain structural alternatives of the invention are demonstrated.
FIG. 1 presents in front view and partly sectioned an advantageous embodiment of the wheel suspension system of the invention, applied in an axial system provided with separate springs.
FIG. 2 presents partly sectioned the design of FIG. 1, in top view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 demonstrates the wheel suspension system in lateral view.
FIG. 4 presents, as an image shown in FIG. 1, a wheel suspension system in terrain.
FIGS. 5 and 6 present a second embodiment of the wheel suspension system of the invention.
FIG. 7 represents yet another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawing present the wheel suspension system of the invention applied in an axial system provided with separate springs. In the structure shown in the figures the axial system is comprised of "axle halves", that is, supporting arms 5, swingingly pivotedly attached to a connection piece 8 mounted with a center pin 6 on the vehicle frame (not shown). In embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, both supporting arms 5 have been articulated on a common central pin 6, though it is clear that the supporting arms 5 can be suspended on the connection piece 8 also separately, with articulation pins of their own. The supporting arms 5 are provided with spring elements 7 for which hydraulic cylinders 7 have been used in the presentation of the figures, said cylinders being most preferably connected with a hydraulic pipe system to an external hydraulic accumulator (not shown). In the presentation of the figures the structure of the axle system has been connected to the frame structures of the vehicle with a vertical pin 9, around which pin the entire axial system can be pivoted for steering. In a steerable axle system like this the steering mechanism can be coupled e.g. onto said vertical pin 9 or connection piece 8. It is obvious that the wheel suspension system of the invention may also be used in association with a non-steered axle system, though not depicted in the figures of the draw
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patent: 2694581 (1954-11-01), Helmle
patent: 3751061 (1973-08-01), Scheuerpflug
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patent: 3930553 (1976-01-01), Kopera et al.
patent: 4620602 (1986-11-01), Capriotti
patent: 4971348 (1990-11-01), Oyama et al.
patent: 5082306 (1992-01-01), Khavkin
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