Patent Grant
9193236
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to vehicle suspension systems, and in particular to the suspension assemblies of those systems which are useful for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and tractor-trailers. More particularly, the invention is directed to a heavy-duty trailing or leading arm axle/suspension system for tractor-trailers, in which the axle is securely and efficiently connected to the beams of the axle/suspension system by an improved axle sleeve and axle structure at the axle-to-beam connection. The improved axle sleeve and axle structure, together with the manner in which the axle-to-beam connection is made and assembled, eliminates welds on the axle. Elimination of the welds on the axle in turn eliminates stress risers and localized mechanical property changes in the axle potentially caused by such welds, and thereby increases durability of the axle and the axle-to-beam connection. The invention is also directed to a heavy-duty trailing or leading arm suspension system for trucks, in which the crossbrace is securely and efficiently connected to the beams of the suspension system by an improved crossbrace sleeve and crossbrace structure at the crossbrace-to-beam connection. The improved crossbrace sleeve and crossbrace structure, together with the manner in which the crossbrace-to-beam connection is made and assembled, optionally eliminates the need for welds on the crossbrace. Elimination of the need for welds on the crossbrace in turn eliminates stress risers and localized mechanical property changes in the crossbrace potentially caused by such welds, and thereby increases durability of the crossbrace and crossbrace-to-beam connection.
2. Background Art
The use of air-ride trailing and leading arm rigid beam-type axle/suspension systems has been very popular in the heavy-duty truck and tractor-trailer industry for many years. Air-ride trailing and leading arm spring beam-type axle/suspension systems also are often used in the industry. For the purpose of convenience and clarity, reference herein will be made to beams, with the understanding that such reference is by way of example, and that the present invention applies to heavy-duty vehicle air-ride axle/suspension systems that utilize rigid-type beams or spring-type beams and also to heavy-duty vehicle mechanical axle/suspension systems. Although such axle/suspension systems can be found in widely varying structural forms, in general their structure is similar in that each system typically includes a pair of suspension assemblies. In some heavy-duty vehicles, the suspension assemblies are connected directly to the primary frame of the vehicle. In other heavy-duty vehicles, the primary frame of the vehicle supports a subframe, and the suspension assemblies connect directly to the subframe. For those heavy-duty vehicles that support a subframe, the subframe can be non-movable or movable, the latter being commonly referred to as a slider box, slider subframe, slider undercarriage, or secondary slider frame. For the purpose of convenience and clarity, reference herein will be made to main members, with the understanding that such reference is by way of example, and that the present invention applies to heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension systems suspended from main members of: primary frames, movable subframes and non-movable subframes.
Specifically, each suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system includes a longitudinally extending elongated beam. Each beam typically is located adjacent to and below a respective one of a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending main members and one or more cross members, which form the frame of the vehicle. More specifically, each beam is pivotally connected at one of its ends to a hanger, which in turn is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members of the vehicle. The beam may extend rearwardly or frontwardly from the pivotal connection relative to the front of the vehicle, thus defining what are typically referred to as trailing arm or leading arm axle/suspension systems, respectively. However, for purposes of the description contained herein, it is understood that the term “trailing arm” will encompass beams, which extend either rearwardly or frontwardly with respect to the front end of the vehicle. The beams of the axle/suspension system can also either be an overslung/top-mount configuration or an underslung/bottom-mount configuration. For the purposes of convenience and clarity hereinafter, a beam having an overslung/top-mount configuration shall be referred to as an overslung beam with the understanding that such reference is by way of example, and that the present invention applies to both overslung/top-mount configurations and underslung/bottom-mount configurations. The end of each beam opposite from its pivotal connection end also is connected to a bellows air spring or its equivalent, which in turn is connected to a respective one of the main members. In trailer applications, an axle extends transversely between and typically is connected by some means to the beams of the pair of suspension assemblies at a selected location from about the mid-point of each beam to the end of the beam opposite from its pivotal connection end. The axle typically is utilized to rotatably mount a pair of wheels on each end of the axle and is known in the industry as a non-drive wheeled axle. This type of axle/suspension system is known as a single crossbeam variant because it only includes a single axle that extends laterally between the pair of suspension assemblies.
For truck applications, the vehicle typically includes longitudinally extending frame rails positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle and having a generally C-shaped configuration. The vehicle further includes a drive axle having a housing. The drive axle for the vehicle extends laterally across the vehicle within the drive axle housing and is used to mount tires driven by a vehicle engine. In addition, the vehicle includes a suspension which connects the drive axle housing to the frame rails, which are positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. The axle/suspension system includes frame hangers mounted on the underside of the frame rails on opposite sides of the vehicle. The axle/suspension system further includes longitudinally extending main beams connected at one end to its respective frame hanger via a bushing. At the other end, the beams are connected to a laterally extending crossbrace by way of a crossbrace-to-beam connection. A single crossbrace is utilized for each drive axle. As such the crossbrace extends laterally across the vehicle to connect with the rearward ends of the beams positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. The crossbrace forms a semi-torsion bar which lifts and rotates while resisting moments about all three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system. This type of suspension system is known as a two-crossbeam variant because it includes both the drive axle housing and the crossbrace extending laterally between the pair of suspension assemblies.
The axle/suspension systems of the heavy-duty vehicle act to cushion the ride and stabilize the vehicle. More particularly, as the vehicle is traveling over-the-road, its wheels encounter road conditions that impart various forces, loads, and/or stresses, collectively referred to herein as forces, to the respective axle on which the wheels are mounted, and in turn, to the suspension assemblies that are connected to and support the axle. In order to minimize the detrimental effect of these forces on the vehicle as it is operating, the axle/suspension system is designed to react or absorb at least some of the forces.
For trailer applications utilizing a single crossbeam variant, these forces include vertical forces caused by vertical movement of the wheels as they encounter certain road conditions, fore-aft forces caused by acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, and side-load and torsional forces associated with transverse vehicle movement, such as turning of the vehicle and lane-change maneuvers. In order to address such disparate forces, axle/suspension systems have differing structural requirements. More particularly, it is desirable for an axle/suspension system to be fairly stiff in order to minimize the amount of sway experienced by the vehicle and thus provide what is known in the art as roll stability. However, it is also desirable for an axle/suspension system to be relatively flexible to assist in cushioning the vehicle from vertical impacts, and to provide compliance so that the components of the axle/suspension system resist failure, thereby increasing durability of the axle/suspension system.
For trucks utilizing a two-crossbeam variant, the forces encountered by the axle/suspension system are similar to those encountered by the single crossbeam variant of the trailer axle/suspension system. However, in this variant the drive axle is typically subjected to vertical forces caused by vertical movement of the wheels as they encounter certain road conditions, fore-aft forces caused by acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, and side-load forces associated with transverse vehicle movement, such as turning of the vehicle and lane change maneuvers. The torsional forces in this installation are typically reacted by the crossbrace. The crossbrace also reacts some vertical loads due to transverse vehicle movement, due mainly to the geometry of the axle/suspension system.
One type of prior art axle/suspension system and axle-to-beam connection for heavy-duty vehicle trailers utilizing a single crossbeam variant is shown, described and/or claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,237, and is owned by the assignee of the present invention. This axle/suspension system provides a means for rigidly connecting the axle to the beam through a connection that substantially surrounds the axle, thereby preventing the axle from assuming a cross-sectional configuration substantially different from its manufactured unaltered cross-sectional configuration due to torsional forces. In one embodiment of the invention shown, described and/or claimed in the '237 patent, the means for rigidly connecting the axle to the beam includes an orifice formed in each of the beam sidewalls. Each orifice substantially surrounds both the axle, which extends through the orifices, and a sleeve that substantially surrounds and is rigidly attached to the axle. The sleeve in turn is rigidly attached to the beam through the orifices in the beam. The sleeve includes a pair of windows into which a continuous weld is laid in order to rigidly attach the sleeve to the axle. These windows are typically located on the front and rear portions of the axle. A weld is laid circumferentially around the axle between the sleeve and each beam sidewall at the sidewall orifice in order to rigidly attach the axle to the beam. An S-cam bearing and a brake chamber of a brake actuation mechanism are attached to the beam.
The welding of the axle sleeve directly to the axle, at the sleeve windows, can potentially create significant stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle, as is generally well known in the art. These stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle can in turn potentially reduce the life expectancy of the axle.
In response to the considerations created by welding the sleeve directly to the axle, in certain prior art applications axle wall thickness has been increased or other axle-to-beam connection variants have been created without welds where the beam is clamped to the axle via mechanical fasteners, such as U-bolts. However, these mechanically fastened axle-to-beam connection variants are often heavier than the welded variants and often require re-torque of the mechanical fasteners. In addition, increasing axle wall thickness also can undesirably increase weight.
The axle-to-beam connection of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned considerations associated with axle/suspension systems that utilize prior art axle-to-beam connections by eliminating welds on the axle and thereby producing a mechanical lock at the axle-to-beam connection of the axle/suspension system. The elimination of the welds on the axle at the sleeve windows eliminates both stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle caused by the welds, thereby improving the life and durability of the axle-to-beam connection.
Moreover, the crossbrace-to-beam connection of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned considerations associated with axle/suspension systems that utilize prior art crossbrace-to-beam connections, which include components welded directly to the cross-brace, by eliminating the need for welds on the crossbrace and instead producing a mechanical lock of the sleeve to the crossbrace at the crossbrace-to-beam connection of the axle/suspension system. The elimination of the welds on the crossbrace eliminates both stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the crossbrace potentially caused by the welds, thereby improving the life and durability of the crossbrace-to-beam connection.
Alternatively, in applications involving truck crossbrace-to-beam connections, it is less critical that welds be completely eliminated from the axle due to reduced beaming forces experienced by the axle/suspension system during operation of the vehicle compared to trailer applications. In addition, torsional loads imparted on the crossbrace-to-beam connection are generally reduced at the outboard ends of the cross-brace. With such uses, the strength and durability of the crossbrace-to-beam connection can be maintained by reducing the number of mated pairs of depressions used to mechanically lock the crossbrace and sleeve together and instead substituting a weld between the crossbrace and sleeve to provide additional support. More specifically, a weld laid between the outboard end of the crossbrace and the outboard end of the sleeve will not result in strength and durability reducing stress risers that are typically experienced with similar weld applications on tractor trailer axles because the outboard end of the crossbrace is relatively unstressed during operation of the vehicle. If a weld is implemented in the manner described, the number of mated pairs of depressions needed to sufficiently lock the sleeve and crossbrace together can be reduced, thereby maintaining the life and durability of the crossbrace-to-beam connection in truck applications while also providing for a reduced width of the rear end of the beam and therefore utilizing less beam material, which in turn reduces material costs and also reduces weight.
Objectives of the present invention include providing a heavy-duty vehicle crossbrace-to-beam connection that produces a mechanical lock between the sleeve and the crossbrace of the axle/suspension system that is supplemented with a weld at the outboard end of the sleeve-to-crossbrace connection to provide additional support to the crossbrace-to-beam connection.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a heavy-duty vehicle crossbrace-to-beam connection that improves the life and durability of the cross-brace-to-beam connection.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a heavy-duty vehicle crossbrace-to-beam connection that requires a reduced beam width at and/or adjacent to the crossbrace-to-beam connection that maintains a strong connection while in turn resulting in reduced material costs and weight savings.
These objectives and advantages are obtained by the crossbrace-to-beam connection for an axle/suspension system comprising: a crossbrace formed with at least one depression; and a sleeve formed with at least one depression having a continuous boundary, the at least one sleeve depression being formed in an exterior surface of the sleeve, the sleeve being disposed at least partially about the crossbrace, the at least one sleeve depression matingly engaging the at least one crossbrace depression to form a mated pair of depressions for securing the sleeve to the crossbrace, wherein the sleeve is plastically deformed and the crossbrace is elastically deformed when the sleeve is mating secured to the crossbrace, a weld laid between the crossbrace and the sleeve; and the sleeve being immovably mounted to the axle/suspension system.
These objectives and advantages are also obtained by the method of forming a crossbrace-to-beam connection for an axle/suspension system comprising the following steps: a) providing a crossbrace; b) disposing a sleeve about at least a portion of the crossbrace; c) simultaneously forming at least one mated pair of depressions in the sleeve and the crossbrace to attach the sleeve to the crossbrace; d) laying a weld between the crossbrace and the sleeve and e) immovably mounting the sleeve to the axle/suspension system.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicants have contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings, and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
A prior art trailing arm overslung beam-type air-ride axle/suspension system is indicated generally at 110, is shown in
It should be noted that main member 112 is generally representative of various types of frames used for heavy-duty vehicles, including primary frames that do not support a subframe and primary frames and/or floor structures that do support a subframe. For primary frames and/or floor structures that do support a subframe, the subframe can be non-movable or movable, the latter being commonly referred to as a slider box. For the purpose of convenience, main member 112 is shown in
Suspension assembly 114 is pivotally connected to a hanger 116 via a trailing arm overslung beam 118. More specifically, trailing arm beam 118 includes a front end 120 having a bushing assembly 122, which includes a bushing, pivot bolts and washers as are well known in the art and will be described below, to facilitate pivotal connection of the beam to hanger 116. Beam 118 also includes a rear end 126, which is welded or otherwise rigidly attached to a transversely-extending axle 132. A sleeve 131 is disposed about axle 132 between the axle and beam 118. A circumferential weld (not shown) is laid around axle 132 at a junction CW between sleeve 131 and each one of a pair of sidewalls 166 (
Suspension assembly 114 also includes an air spring 124 mounted on and extending between rear end 126 of beam 118 and main member 112. A height control valve 134 is mounted on hanger 116 via a bracket 136 in a manner well known to those having skill in the art. Height control valve 134 includes a lever 148 that is attached to beam 118 via a link 150 and a bracket 154. For the sake of relative completeness, a brake system 128 including a brake chamber 130 is shown mounted on prior art suspension assembly 114.
As mentioned above, axle/suspension system 110 is designed to absorb forces that act on the vehicle as it is operating. More particularly, it is desirable for axle/suspension system 110 to be rigid or stiff in order to resist roll forces and thus provide roll stability for the vehicle. This is typically accomplished by using beam 118, which is rigid, and which is also rigidly attached to axle 132 via a prior art axle-to-beam connection 105. It is also desirable, however, for axle/suspension system 110 to be flexible to assist in cushioning the vehicle (not shown) from vertical impacts and to provide compliance so that the axle/suspension system resists failure. Such flexibility typically is achieved through the pivotal connection of beam 118 to hanger 116 with bushing assembly 122. Air spring 124 and a shock absorber (not shown) also assist in cushioning the ride for cargo and passengers.
Turning now to
With continuing reference to
Rear window 133R (
Turning now to
As set forth above, the welding of sleeve 131 directly to axle 132, at front and rear sleeve windows 133F,R, can potentially create significant stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle, as is generally well known to those having skill in the art. These stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle can in turn potentially reduce the life expectancy and durability of axle 132. These potential issues are solved by the axle-to-beam connection of the present invention, which is described in detail below.
A first preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection of the present invention is shown generally at 205 in
With additional reference to
With continued reference to
As mentioned above, axle/suspension system 210 is designed to absorb forces that act on the vehicle as it is operating. More particularly, it is desirable for axle/suspension system 210 to be rigid or stiff in order to resist roll forces and thus provide roll stability for the vehicle. This is typically accomplished by using beam 218, which is rigid, and also is rigidly attached to axle 232. It is also desirable, however, for axle/suspension system 210 to be flexible to assist in cushioning the vehicle (not shown) from vertical impacts and to provide compliance so that the axle/suspension system resists failure. Such flexibility typically is achieved through the pivotal connection of beam 218 to hanger 216 with bushing assembly 222. Air spring 224 and a shock absorber (not shown) also assist in cushioning the ride for cargo and passengers.
With continued reference to
With particular reference to
Sleeve 231 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal which is formed around axle 232 in a manner well known in the art. A weld (not shown) is placed along the edges of the seam (not shown) of sleeve 231 in order to dispose the sleeve around axle 232. It should be understood that sleeve 231 could also be formed from a tube having an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of axle 232. In such an instance, sleeve tube 231 is cut to size and then slip fit over the end of axle 232. Sleeve 231 is optionally swaged, squeezed or crimped onto axle 232 by a swaging device as is well known in the art, creating sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. Eight mated pairs of depressions 206 and 208 are plastically formed in sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 231 and axle 232 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the axle by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 206, 208 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. More specifically, a first mated pair of depressions 206,208 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively. Then a second mated pair of depressions 206,208 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, and so on until all eight mated pairs of the depressions have been formed in the sleeve and the axle. Axle 232 is supported in a manner generally well known in the art such that the axle does not collapse during formation of the depressions.
After depressions 206,208 have been formed in sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, the axle is disposed into an opening 209 (
As set forth above in the detailed description of axle-to-beam connection 205 of the present invention, the axle-to-beam connection results in a mechanical lock and sufficient contact of sleeve 231 to axle 232 which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, axle-to-beam connection 205 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the eight mated pairs of depressions 206,208 of sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve to axle connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 206,208 of sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively. Because sleeve 231 is formed from a different material than the material used to form axle 232, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the axle exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, axle 232 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 231 during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 206,208 of sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the axle, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the axle. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 231 and axle 232 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, axle-to-beam connection 205 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 206,208 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the axle-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the eight mated pairs of depressions 206,208 of sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by axle/suspension system 210 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. Swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to axle connection.
It is further contemplated that an adhesive could optionally be applied to the interior surface of sleeve 231 or to the exterior surface of axle 232 at the sleeve-to-axle interface, prior to formation of depressions 206,208. Because axle-to-beam connection 205 of the present invention eliminates welds directly on axle 232 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, the durability of the axle can be improved, thereby improving the durability of axle-to-beam connection 205.
It is contemplated that other shapes and arrangements of depressions 206,208 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention. It is also contemplated that variations of depressions 206,208 could also be utilized, such as a generally hexagonal flat depression 206′,208′, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention, as shown in
The manner in which axle-to-beam connection 205 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with respect to alignment of depressions 206,208 formed in sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the axle. More particularly, prior art structures and methods have utilized a depression in the axle, but in comparison and contrast, employ a separately formed similarly-shaped sphere in the axle seat shell, with the shell and the axle being subsequently brought together so that the sphere and the depression generally mate with one another. However, this prior art structure and process creates tolerance issues between the sphere and the depression of the separate components, resulting in irregular fit or alignment of the components and non-uniform contact between the surfaces of the sphere and depression of the shell and the axle. These tolerance issues have been overcome by axle-to-beam connection 205 of the present invention which simultaneously forms the mated pairs of depressions 206,208 in sleeve 231 and axle 232, respectively, thereby eliminating irregular fit, alignment and non-uniform contact issues.
A second preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection is shown generally at 305 in
With additional reference to
With particular reference to
In accordance with one of the primary features of the present invention, sleeve 331 and axle 332 are formed with two mated pairs of depressions 306,308, respectively. Each mated pair of depressions engage one another and serve as a mechanical lock between sleeve 331 and axle 332. More specifically, a first mated pair of depressions 306,308 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively. Then, the second mated pair of depressions 306,308 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively.
Sleeve 331 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal which is formed around the generally lower portion of axle 332 in a manner well known in the art. As described above, welds 375 are laid along the junction between sleeve 331 and bottom-most edge 378 of lower portion 371 in order to dispose the sleeve around the generally lower portion of axle 332. Depressions 306 and 308 are plastically formed in sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 331 and axle 332 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the axle by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 306, 308 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. Axle 332 is supported in a manner generally well known in the art such that the axle does not collapse during formation of the depressions.
More specifically, in second preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection 305, two mated pairs of spaced-apart depressions 306,308, are formed in the bottom portion of sleeve 331 and axle 332. Each one of the mated pairs of depressions 306,308 align with one another and serve as a mechanical lock between sleeve 331 and axle 332. It is understood that at least one mated pair of depressions are necessary in order for axle-to-beam connection 305 of the present invention to function properly, but more than two could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention. In addition, at least one of the two mated pairs of depressions 306,308 exhibits sufficient contact to eliminate welds on axle 332.
As set forth above in the detailed description of axle-to-beam connection 305 of the present invention, the axle-to-beam connection results in a mechanical lock and sufficient contact of sleeve 331 to axle 332 which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, axle-to-beam connection 305 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably both of, the mated pairs of depressions 306,308 of sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve to axle connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 306,308 of sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively. Because sleeve 331 is formed from a different material than the material used to form axle 332, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the axle exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, axle 332 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 331 during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 306,308 of sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the axle, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the axle. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 331 and axle 332 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, axle-to-beam connection 305 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 306,308 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the axle-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the mated pairs of depressions 306,308 of sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by axle/suspension system 310 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.
It is further contemplated that an adhesive could optionally be applied to the interior surface of sleeve 331 or to the exterior surface of axle 332 at the sleeve-to-axle interface, prior to formation of depressions 306,308. Because axle-to-beam connection 305 of the present invention eliminates welds directly on axle 332 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, the durability of the axle can be improved, thereby improving the durability of axle-to-beam connection 305.
It is contemplated that other shapes, sizes, numbers and arrangements of depressions 306,308 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention.
The manner in which axle-to-beam connection 305 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with regard to alignment of depressions 306,308 formed in sleeve 331 and axle 332, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the axle.
A third preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection is shown generally at 405 in
With specific reference to
More particularly, spring beam rear end 426 is sandwiched between an upper portion 470 and a lower portion 471 of a spring seat assembly 472. Lower portion 471 of spring seat assembly 472 is formed with a semi-circular recess 474 into which a generally upper portion of a sleeve 431 and axle 432 are disposed. Sleeve 431 seats in recess 474 of lower portion 471 of spring seat assembly 472. Welds 475 are laid along the junction between sleeve 431 and a bottom-most edge 478 of lower portion 471 (
In accordance with one of the primary features of the present invention, sleeve 431 and axle 432 are formed with depressions 406 and 408, respectively, as shown in
Sleeve 431 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal which is formed around axle 432 in a manner well known in the art. A weld (not shown) is placed along the edges of the seam (not shown) of sleeve 431 in order to dispose the sleeve around axle 432. It should be understood that sleeve 431 could also be formed from a tube having an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of axle 432. In such an instance, sleeve tube 431 is cut to size and then slip fit over the end of axle 432. Sleeve 431 is optionally swaged or squeezed onto axle 432 by a swaging device as is well known in the art, creating sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. Six mated pairs of depressions 406 and 408 are plastically formed in sleeve 431 and axle 432, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 431 and axle 432 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the axle by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 406, 408 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. More specifically, a first mated pair of depressions 406,408 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 431 and axle 432, respectively. Then a second mated pair of depressions 406,408 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 431 and axle 432, respectively, and so on until all six mated pairs of the depressions have been formed in the sleeve and the axle. Axle 432 is supported in a manner generally well known in the art such that the axle does not collapse during formation of the depressions.
After depressions 406,408 have been formed in sleeve 431 and axle 432, respectively, the axle is disposed into semicircular recess 474 formed in lower portion 471 of spring seat assembly 472. In this manner, axle-to-beam connection 405 is formed without welding sleeve 431 or spring seat assembly 472 to axle 432, thereby creating an axle-to-beam connection where the axle is free of welds.
Turning now to FIGS. 15A,15B, third preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection 405 of the present invention is shown utilizing an alternative axle sleeve 431′ having an inboardly extending portion 433 for mounting a brake system 428. Sleeve 431′ includes six transversely aligned rows of two mated pairs of depressions 406 and 408, which are plastically formed in sleeve 431′ and axle 432 respectively, by a press as described above.
As set forth above in the detailed description of axle-to-beam connection 405 of the present invention, the axle-to-beam connection results in a mechanical lock and sufficient contact of sleeve 431,431′ to axle 432 which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, axle-to-beam connection 405 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the mated pairs of depressions 406,408 of sleeve 431,431′ and axle 432, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve to axle connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 406,408 of sleeve 431,431′ and axle 432, respectively. Because sleeve 431,431′ is formed from a different material than the material used to form axle 432, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the axle exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, axle 432 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 431,431′ during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 406,408 of sleeve 431,431′ and axle 432, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the axle, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the axle. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 431,431′ and axle 432 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, axle-to-beam connection 405 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 406,408 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the axle-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the mated pairs of depressions 406,408 of sleeve 431,431′ and axle 432, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by axle/suspension system 410 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. Swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to axle connection.
It is further contemplated that an adhesive could optionally be applied to the interior surface of sleeve 431,431′ or to the exterior surface of axle 432 at the sleeve-to-axle interface, prior to formation of depressions 406,408. Because axle-to-beam connection 405 of the present invention eliminates welds directly on axle 432 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, the durability of the axle can be improved, thereby improving the durability of axle-to-beam connection 405.
It is contemplated that other shapes, sizes, numbers and arrangements of depressions 406,408 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention.
The manner in which axle-to-beam connection 405 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with regard to alignment of depressions 406,408 formed in sleeve 431,431′ and axle 432, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the axle.
A fourth preferred embodiment axle-to beam connection is shown generally at 505 in
With specific reference to
In accordance with one of the primary features of the present invention, sleeve 531 and axle 532 are formed with mated pairs of depressions 506 and 508, respectively, as shown in
Sleeve 531 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal, which is formed around axle 532 in a manner well known in the art. A weld (not shown) is placed along the edges of the seam (not shown) of sleeve 531 in order to dispose the sleeve around axle 532. It should be understood that sleeve 531 could also be formed from a tube having an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of axle 532. In such an instance, sleeve tube 531 is cut to size and then slip fit over the end of axle 532. Sleeve 531 is optionally swaged or squeezed onto axle 532 by a swaging device as is well known in the art, creating sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. Six mated pairs of depressions 506 and 508 are plastically formed in sleeve 531 and axle 532, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 531 and axle 532 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the axle by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 506, 508 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. Axle 532 is supported in a manner generally well known in the art such that the axle does not collapse during formation of the depressions.
After depressions 506,508 have been formed in sleeve 531 and axle 532, respectively, the axle is disposed into semicircular recess 574 formed in lower portion 571 of spring seat assembly 572. In this manner, axle to-beam connection 505 is formed without welding sleeve 531 or spring seat assembly 572 to axle 532, thereby creating an axle-to-beam connection where the axle is free of welds.
Turning now to FIGS. 16B,16C, fourth preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection 505 of the present invention is shown utilizing an alternative axle sleeve 531′ having an inboardly extending portion 533 for mounting a brake system 528. Sleeve 531′ includes six transversely aligned rows of two mated pairs of depressions 506 and 508, which are plastically formed in sleeve 531′ and axle 532 respectively, by a press as described above.
As set forth above in the detailed description of axle-to-beam connection 505 of the present invention, the axle-to-beam connection results in a mechanical lock and sufficient contact of sleeve 531,531′ to axle 532 which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, axle-to-beam connection 505 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the mated pairs of depressions 506,508 of sleeve 531,531′ and axle 532, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve to axle connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 506,508 of sleeve 531,531′ and axle 532, respectively. Because sleeve 531,531′ is formed from a different material than the material used to form axle 532, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the axle exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, axle 532 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 531,531′ during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 506,508 of sleeve 531,531′ and axle 532, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the axle, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the axle. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 531,531′ and axle 532 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, axle-to-beam connection 505 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 506,508 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the axle-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the mated pairs of depressions 506,508 of sleeve 531,531′ and axle 532, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by axle/suspension system 510 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. Swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to axle connection.
It is further contemplated that an adhesive could optionally be applied to the interior surface of sleeve 531,531′ or to the exterior surface of axle 532 at the sleeve-to-axle interface, prior to formation of depressions 506,508. Because axle-to-beam connection 505 of the present invention eliminates welds directly on axle 532 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, the durability of the axle can be improved, thereby improving durability of axle-to-beam connection 505.
It is contemplated that other shapes, sizes, numbers and arrangements of depressions 506,508 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention.
The manner in which axle-to-beam connection 505 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with regard to alignment of depressions 506,508 formed in sleeve 531,531′ and axle 532, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the axle.
A fifth preferred embodiment axle-to beam connection is shown generally at 605 in
Driver side suspension assembly 614 includes a spring beam 618. Spring beam 618 is formed from vertically stacked leaves 619, which are fastened together by straps 621 and spring leaf U-bolt assembly 622. A stabilizer bar 690 is fastened to U-bolt 622 and extends between the pair of suspension assemblies 614. A hanger 616 is connected to stabilizer bar 690 and is mounted on the main members (not shown) of the heavy-duty vehicle (not shown). Spring beam 618 includes a front end (not shown) and a rear end 626. Front end (not shown) and rear end 626 of beam 618 are each connected to an axle 632 via front and rear axle-to-beam connections 605, respectively. Because front and rear axle-to-beam connections 605 are generally similar to one another, for sake of clarity, only the rear axle-to-beam connection will be described herein. More particularly, spring beam rear end 626 is sandwiched between an upper portion 670 and a lower portion 671 of a spring seat assembly 672. Lower portion 671 of spring seat assembly 672 is formed with a semi-circular recess 674 (
In accordance with one of the primary features of the present invention, sleeve 631 and axle 632 are formed with mated pairs of depressions 606 and 608, respectively. More specifically, in fifth preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connection 605, six mated pairs of depressions 606,608 are equally spaced around the circumference of sleeve 631 and axle 632. Each mated pair of depressions 606,608 engage one another and serve as a mechanical lock between sleeve 631 and axle 632. It is understood that at least one mated pair of depressions are necessary in order for axle-to-beam connection 605 of the present invention to function properly, but from one to five and also more than six mated pairs of depressions could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention. In addition, at least one of the mated pairs of depressions 606,608 exhibits sufficient contact to eliminate welds on axle 632.
Sleeve 631 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal, which is formed around axle 632 in a manner well known in the art. A weld (not shown) is placed along the edges of the seam (not shown) of sleeve 631 in order to dispose the sleeve around axle 632. It should be understood that sleeve 631 could also be formed from a tube having an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of axle 632. In such an instance, sleeve tube 631 is cut to size and then slip fit over the end of axle 632. Sleeve 631 is optionally swaged or squeezed onto axle 632 by a swaging device as is well known in the art, creating sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. Six mated pairs of depressions 606 and 608 are plastically formed in sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 631 and axle 632 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the axle by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 606, 608 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. More specifically, a first mated pair of depressions 606,608 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively. Then a second mated pair of depressions 606,608 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, and so on until all six mated pairs of the depressions have been formed in the sleeve and the axle. Axle 632 is supported in a manner generally well known in the art such that the axle does not collapse during formation of the depressions.
After depressions 606,608 have been formed in sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, the axle is disposed into semicircular recess 674 formed in lower portion 671 of spring seat assembly 672. A downwardly extending protrusion 680 formed on spring seat assembly lower portion 671 matingly engages topmost depression 606 of sleeve 631. In this manner, axle to-beam connection 605 is formed without welding sleeve 631 or spring seat assembly 672 to axle 632, thereby creating an axle-to-beam connection where the axle is free of welds.
As set forth above in the detailed description of axle-to-beam connection 605 of the present invention, the axle-to-beam connection results in a mechanical lock and sufficient contact of sleeve 631 to axle 632 which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, axle-to-beam connection 605 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the six mated pairs of depressions 606,608 of sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve to axle connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 606,608 of sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively. Because sleeve 631 is formed from a different material than the material used to form axle 632, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the axle exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, axle 632 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 631 during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 606,608 of sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the axle, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the axle. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 631 and axle 632 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, axle-to-beam connection 605 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 606,608 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the axle-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the six mated pairs of depressions 606,608 of sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by axle/suspension system 610 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. Swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to axle connection.
It is further contemplated that an adhesive could optionally be applied to the interior surface of sleeve 631 or to the exterior surface of axle 632 at the sleeve-to-axle interface, prior to formation of depressions 606,608. Because axle-to-beam connection 605 of the present invention eliminates welds directly on axle 632 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, the durability of the axle can be improved, thereby improving durability of axle-to-beam connection 605.
It is contemplated that other shapes, sizes, numbers and arrangements of depressions 606,608 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention.
The manner in which axle-to-beam connection 605 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with regard to alignment of depressions 606,608 formed in sleeve 631 and axle 632, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the axle. Axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention overcome the types of potential issues associated with prior art axle to beam connection 105 which, because sleeve 131 or other similar functioning structure is welded directly to axle 132 at sleeve windows 133F,R or other locations, can potentially create significant stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle, as is generally well known in the art. These stress risers and local mechanical property changes can in turn potentially reduce the life expectancy of axle 132.
Axle-to-beam connection 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention overcomes the potential issues associated with the prior art axle-to-beam connections by eliminating all of the welds on axles 232,332,432,532,632, respectively, and thereby producing a mechanical lock which eliminates all of the stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the axle caused by welds as described above. Furthermore, axle-to-beam connection 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention increases durability of axles 232,332,432,532,632, by eliminating welds directly on the axle, thereby improving the life expectancy and durability of axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,605. It is also possible that by eliminating welds directly on axle 232,332,432,532,632 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, that the thickness of the axle could potentially be reduced for certain applications, thereby potentially allowing for weight savings in the axle/suspension system.
In addition axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention result in a mechanical lock of the sleeve to the axle which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention generally prevent rotation and lateral movement of the axle and sleeve relative to one another, and also create sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the mated pairs of depressions of the sleeve and the axle, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve to axle connection. Preferably, the sufficient contact creates a pre-load or compression at at least one of, and preferably all of, the pairs of mated depressions formed in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. Because the sleeve is formed from a different material than the material used to form the axle, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the axle exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, the axle exhibits more spring-back than the sleeve during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the axle. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by the depressions of the sleeve and the axle, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the axle as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the axle. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for the sleeve and the axle as well as varying the thicknesses of each, axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at the depressions in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the axle-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at the mated pairs of the depressions of the sleeve and the axle, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by the axle/suspension system during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. In certain embodiments, swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to axle connection.
The manner in which axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 are formed eliminate tolerance issues with respect to alignment of the mated pairs of depressions formed in the sleeve and the axle, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the axle. More particularly, prior art structures and methods have utilized a depression in the axle, but in comparison and contrast, employ a separately formed similarly-shaped sphere in the axle seat shell, with the shell and the axle being subsequently brought together so that the sphere and the depression generally mate with one another. However, this prior art structure and process creates tolerance issues between the sphere and the depression of the separate components, resulting in irregular fit or alignment of the components and non-uniform contact between the surfaces of the sphere and depression of the shell and the axle. These tolerance issues have been overcome by axle-to-beam connection 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention, which simultaneously forms the mated pairs of depressions in the sleeve and the axle, respectively, thereby eliminating irregular fit, alignment and non-uniform contact issues.
It is contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized on trucks, tractor-trailers or other heavy-duty vehicles having one or more than one axle without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is further contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized on vehicles having frames or subframes which are moveable or non-movable without changing the overall concept of the present invention. It is yet even further contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized on all types of air-ride leading and/or trailing arm beam-type axle/suspension system designs known to those skilled in the art without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. For example, the present invention finds application in beams or arms that are made of materials other than steel, such as aluminum, other metals, metal alloys, composites, and/or combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized on axle/suspension systems having either an overslung/top-mount configuration or an underslung/bottom-mount configuration, without changing the overall concept of the present invention. The present invention also finds application in beams or arms with different designs and/or configurations than that shown and described herein, such as solid beams, shell-type beams, truss structures, intersecting plates, spring beams and parallel plates. The present invention also finds application in intermediary structures such as spring seats. It is yet even further contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized in conjunction with axles and sleeves having varied wall thicknesses, different shapes, and being formed or constructed from different materials, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is even further contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be formed utilizing a sleeve having a generally rectangular flat shape, with the sleeve being formed around the axle and the ends of the sleeve being mechanically locked to one another around the axle by interlocking tabs or other such mechanical locking means without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is also contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized in conjunction with other types of air-ride rigid beam-type axle/suspension systems such as those using U-bolts, U-bolt brackets/axle seats and the like, and other axle-to-beam connections such as the one shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/912,240 filed on Oct. 26, 2010, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is even further contemplated that preferred embodiment axle-to-beam connections 205,305,405,505,605 of the present invention could be utilized with other types of axle/suspension systems, such as mid-lift, trailer four-spring or tandem axle/suspension systems or those that utilize leaf springs, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is yet even further contemplated that depressions 206,208,306,308,406,408,506,508 and 606,608 formed in sleeves 231,331,431,431′,531,531′,631 and axles 232,332,432,532,632, respectively, could be circular shaped as shown at 706A in
A sixth preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection of the present invention is shown generally at 705 in
Truck axle/suspension system 724 connects drive axle housing 723 to frame rails 720 positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. As will be appreciated, with respect to truck axle/suspension system 724, the majority of the components positioned on one side of the vehicle will have correspondingly similar components positioned on the other side of the vehicle. Accordingly, in this description, when reference is made to a particular axle/suspension system component, it will be understood that a similar component is present on the opposite side of the vehicle, unless otherwise apparent.
Truck axle/suspension system 724 includes a plurality of components including frame hangers 726 mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle to frame rails 720. Truck axle/suspension system 724 further includes longitudinally extending main beams 728 connected at one end to frame hanger 726 via a bushing (not shown). At the other end, beams 728 are connected to a laterally extending crossbrace 732 by way of crossbrace-to-beam connection 705. As shown, a single crossbrace is utilized for each axle using truck axle/suspension system 724. As such, crossbrace 732 extends laterally across the vehicle to connect with the rearward ends of beams 728 positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle.
Crossbrace 732 forms a semi-torsion bar which lifts and rotates while resisting moments about all three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system. As such, crossbrace 732 is the primary component contributing to roll stability for truck suspension 724 and also for reaction of torsional forces acting on the truck suspension during operation of the vehicle.
Between their ends, beams 728 include an axle pivot bore (not shown), which permits an axle clamp assembly 738 to connect drive axle housing 723 to each beam 728 for pivotal movement. The combination of various beam and control rod linkages to axle housing 723 make truck axle/suspension system 724 generally nonreactive. Truck axle/suspension system 724 further includes a shock damper 748 connected at its upper end to an upper shock bracket 750 mounted to frame rail 720 and at its lower end to axle clamp assembly 738. Truck axle/suspension system 724 further includes air springs 752 connected at their respective top ends to an air spring mounting bracket 754 that is mounted to frame rail 720. Air springs 752 are positioned on crossbrace 732 in a manner known in the art, such as by being seated on a conventional, suitable air spring mounting pad 755 which in turn is mounted on the crossbrace.
Transversely-extending crossbrace 732 is welded or otherwise rigidly attached to each beam 728, as will be described in greater detail below in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. A sleeve 731 (
With particular reference to
Sleeve 731 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal which is formed around crossbrace 732 in a manner well known in the art. A weld (not shown) is placed along the edges of the seam (not shown) of sleeve 731 in order to dispose the sleeve around crossbrace 732. It should be understood that sleeve 731 could also be formed from a tube having an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of crossbrace 732. In such an instance, sleeve 731 is cut to size and then slip fit over the end of crossbrace 732. Sleeve 731 is optionally swaged, squeezed or crimped onto crossbrace 732 by a swaging device as is well known in the art, creating sufficient contact between the sleeve and the crossbrace. Eight mated pairs of depressions 706 and 708 are plastically formed in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the crossbrace by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 706, 708 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. More specifically, a first mated pair of depressions 706,708 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively. Then a second mated pair of depressions 706,708 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, and so on until all eight mated pairs of the depressions have been formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace. Crossbrace 732 is supported internally in a manner generally well known in the art such that the crossbrace does not collapse during formation of the depressions.
After depressions 706,708 have been formed in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, the crossbrace is disposed into an opening 709 (
As set forth above in the detailed description of crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention, the crossbrace-to-beam connection results in a mechanical lock and sufficient contact of sleeve 731 to crossbrace 732 which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the eight mated pairs of depressions 706,708 of sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve-to-crossbrace connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 706,708 of sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively. Because sleeve 731 is formed from a different material than the material used to form crossbrace 732, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the crossbrace exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, crossbrace 732 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 731 during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the crossbrace. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 706,708 of sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the crossbrace, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the crossbrace. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 706,708 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the crossbrace-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the eight mated pairs of depressions 706,708 of sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by truck suspension 724 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. Swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to crossbrace connection.
It is further contemplated that an adhesive could optionally be applied to the interior surface of sleeve 731 or to the exterior surface of crossbrace 732 at the sleeve-to-crossbrace interface, prior to formation of depressions 706,708. Because crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention eliminates welds directly on crossbrace 732 and the stress risers and local mechanical property changes that potentially occur with such welds, the durability of the crossbrace can be improved, thereby improving the durability of crossbrace-to-beam connection 705.
It is contemplated that other shapes and arrangements of depressions 706,708 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention. It is also contemplated that variations of depressions 706,708 could also be utilized, such as a generally hexagonal flat depression, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. Other shapes, sizes and numbers of depressions 706,708 are also contemplated and could be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.
The manner in which crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with respect to alignment of depressions 706,708 formed in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace. These tolerance issues have been overcome by crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention which simultaneously forms the mated pairs of depressions 706,708 in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, thereby eliminating irregular fit, alignment and non-uniform contact issues.
Crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention overcomes the types of potential issues associated with prior art crossbrace-to-beam connections which, because the sleeve or other similar functioning structure is welded directly to the crossbrace, can potentially create significant stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the crossbrace, as is generally well known in the art. These stress risers and local mechanical property changes can in turn potentially reduce the life expectancy of the crossbrace.
Crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention overcomes the potential issues associated with the prior art crossbrace-to-beam connections by eliminating all of the welds on crossbrace 732 and thereby producing a mechanical lock which eliminates stress risers and local mechanical property changes in the crossbrace caused by welds as described above. Furthermore, crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention increases durability of crossbrace 732 by eliminating welds directly on the crossbrace, thereby improving the life expectancy and durability of crossbrace-to-beam connection 705. It is also possible that by eliminating welds directly on crossbrace 732 and stress risers and local mechanical property changes that occur with such welds, that the thickness of the crossbrace could potentially be reduced for certain applications, thereby potentially allowing for weight savings in the truck suspension.
In addition crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention results in a mechanical lock of the sleeve to the crossbrace which is free of welds or additional mechanical fasteners. More particularly, crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention generally prevents rotation and lateral movement of the crossbrace and sleeve relative to one another, and also creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the mated pairs of depressions of the sleeve and the crossbrace, respectively, to provide durability and strength to the sleeve-to-crossbrace connection. Preferably, the sufficient contact creates a pre-load or compression at at least one of, and preferably all of, the pairs of mated depressions formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace, respectively. Because the sleeve is formed from a different material than the material used to form the crossbrace, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the crossbrace exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, the crossbrace exhibits more spring-back than the sleeve during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the crossbrace. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by the depressions of the sleeve and the crossbrace, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the crossbrace as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the crossbrace. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for the sleeve and the crossbrace as well as varying the thicknesses of each, crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at the depressions in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the crossbrace-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at the mated pairs of the depressions of the sleeve and the crossbrace, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by the axle/suspension system during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. In certain embodiments, swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to crossbrace connection.
The manner in which crossbrace-to-beam connections 705 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with respect to alignment of the mated pairs of depressions formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace, thereby eliminating irregular fit, alignment and non-uniform contact issues.
Turning now to
It is contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be utilized on trucks having one or more than one axle without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be utilized on trucks having other types of frames than shown and described, without changing the overall concept of the present invention. It is yet even further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be utilized on all types of air-ride leading and/or trailing arm beam-type suspension system designs known to those skilled in the art without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. For example, the present invention finds application in beams or arms that are made of materials other than steel, such as aluminum, other metals, metal alloys, composites, and/or combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be utilized on suspensions having either an overslung/top-mount configuration or an underslung/bottom-mount configuration, without changing the overall concept of the present invention. The present invention also finds application in beams or arms with different designs and/or configurations than that shown and described herein, such as solid beams, shell-type beams, truss structures, intersecting plates, spring beams and parallel plates. The present invention also finds application in intermediary structures such as spring seats. It is yet even further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be utilized in conjunction with crossbraces and sleeves having varied wall thicknesses, different shapes, and being formed or constructed from different materials, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is even further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be formed utilizing a sleeve having a generally rectangular flat shape, with the sleeve being formed around the crossbrace and the ends of the sleeve being mechanically locked to one another around the crossbrace by interlocking tabs or other such mechanical locking means without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is also contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 705 of the present invention could be utilized in conjunction with other types of air-ride rigid beam-type suspension systems and the like, and other crossbrace-to-beam connections, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is yet even further contemplated that depressions 706,708 formed in sleeve 731 and crossbrace 732, respectively, could be circular shaped as shown at 706A in
A tenth preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection of the present invention is shown generally at 805 in
With reference to
Truck axle/suspension system 824 includes a plurality of components including frame hangers 826 mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle to frame rails 820. Truck axle/suspension system 824 further includes longitudinally extending main beams 828 connected at one end to frame hanger 826 via a bushing (not shown). At the other end, beams 828 are connected to a laterally extending crossbrace 832 by way of crossbrace-to-beam connection 805. As shown, a single crossbrace is utilized for each axle using truck axle/suspension system 824. As such, crossbrace 832 extends laterally across the vehicle to connect with the rearward ends of beams 828 positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle.
Crossbrace 832 forms a semi-torsion bar which lifts and rotates while resisting moments about all three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system. As such, crossbrace 832 is the primary component contributing to roll stability for truck suspension 824 and also for reaction of torsional forces acting on the truck suspension during operation of the vehicle.
Between their ends, beams 828 include an axle pivot bore (not shown), which permits an axle clamp assembly 838 to connect drive axle housing 823 to each beam 828 for pivotal movement. The combination of various beam and control rod linkages to axle housing 823 make truck axle/suspension system 824 generally nonreactive. Truck axle/suspension system 824 further includes a shock damper 848 connected at its upper end to an upper shock bracket 850 mounted to frame rail 820 and at its lower end to axle clamp assembly 838. Truck axle/suspension system 824 further includes air springs 852 connected at their respective top ends to an air spring mounting bracket 854 that is mounted to frame rail 820. Air springs 852 are positioned on crossbrace 832, such as by being seated on a conventional, suitable air spring mounting pad 855 which in turn is mounted on the crossbrace.
Transversely-extending crossbrace 832 is welded or otherwise rigidly attached to each beam 828, as will be described in greater detail below in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. A sleeve 831 (
With particular reference to
Sleeve 831 is a generally rectangular shaped flat piece of metal which is formed around crossbrace 832. A weld (not shown) is placed along the edges of the seam (not shown) of sleeve 831 in order to dispose the sleeve around crossbrace 832. It should be understood that sleeve 831 could also be formed from a tube having an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of crossbrace 832. In such an instance, sleeve 831 is cut to size and then slip fit over the end of crossbrace 832. Sleeve 831 is optionally swaged, squeezed or crimped onto crossbrace 832 by a swaging device, creating sufficient contact between the sleeve and the crossbrace. Four mated pairs of depressions 806 and 808 are plastically formed in sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, by a press. More particularly, sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832 are placed into a press (not shown) having a pin (not shown), whereby the pin is pressed into the exterior surface of the sleeve and the crossbrace by the press and then retracted, thereby forming each mated pair of depressions 806, 808 in the sleeve and the axle, respectively. More specifically, a first mated pair of depressions 806,808 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively. Then a second mated pair of depressions 806,808 is simultaneously formed in sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, and so on until all four mated pairs of the depressions have been formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace. Crossbrace 832 is supported internally such that the crossbrace does not collapse during formation of the depressions. A disk 890 is disposed on the end of crossbrace 832 in order to prohibit contaminants from entering the crossbrace.
With continued reference to
As set forth above in the detailed description, crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention results in a mechanical lock with sufficient contact of sleeve 831 to crossbrace 832, which lock is enhanced by weld 810. More particularly, crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention creates sufficient contact between at least one of, and preferably all of, the four mated pairs of depressions 806,808 of sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, that when utilized in conjunction with weld 810, provides durability and strength to the sleeve-to-crossbrace connection. Preferably, the contact creates a pre-load or compression at depressions 806,808 of sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively. Because sleeve 831 is formed from a material having a different yield strength than the material used to form crossbrace 832, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the crossbrace exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, crossbrace 832 exhibits more spring-back than sleeve 831 during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the crossbrace. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by mated depressions 806,808 of sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the crossbrace, as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the crossbrace. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832 as well as varying the thicknesses of each, crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at depressions 806,808 in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the crossbrace-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at each one of the four mated pairs of depressions 806,808 of sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by truck suspension 824 during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. Swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to crossbrace connection.
It is contemplated that other shapes and arrangements of depressions 806,808 could also be utilized without changing the overall concept of the present invention. It is also contemplated that variations of depressions 806,808 could also be utilized, such as a generally hexagonal flat depression, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. Other shapes, sizes and numbers of depressions 806,808 are also contemplated and could be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.
The manner in which crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with respect to alignment of depressions 806,808 formed in sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace. These tolerance issues have been overcome by crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention which simultaneously forms the mated pairs of depressions 806,808 in sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, thereby eliminating irregular fit, alignment and non-uniform contact issues.
Because the sleeve is formed from a material having a different yield strength than the material used to form the crossbrace, the sleeve exhibits a more plastic deformation while the crossbrace exhibits a more elastic deformation. As a result, the crossbrace exhibits more spring-back than the sleeve during the depression forming process, aiding in creating the sufficient contact between the sleeve and the crossbrace. It should be understood that the extent of the preload or compression exhibited by the depressions of the sleeve and the crossbrace, respectively, is dependent on the yield strength of the materials used in forming the sleeve and the crossbrace as well as the relative thicknesses of the sleeve and the crossbrace. Therefore, by changing the types of materials used for the sleeve and the crossbrace as well as varying the thicknesses of each, crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 can be tuned to create an increased or decreased preload or compression at the depressions in order to optimize the sufficient contact of the crossbrace-to-beam connection. Residual stresses preferably also are created at the mated pairs of the depressions of the sleeve and the crossbrace, respectively, as a result of the forming process. These residual stresses also aid in creating the sufficient contact and in reacting loads encountered by the axle/suspension system during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. In certain embodiments, swaging, as described above, can also contribute to sufficient contact at the sleeve to crossbrace connection.
The manner in which crossbrace-to-beam connections 805 is formed eliminates tolerance issues with respect to alignment of the mated pairs of depressions formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace, because each one of the mated pairs of depressions are simultaneously formed in the sleeve and the crossbrace, thereby eliminating irregular fit, alignment and non-uniform contact issues.
In addition, the manner in which crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 is formed provides for utilization of a beam 828 having a reduced width at the rear end of the beam, thereby eliminating the need for the beam to be flared at and/or adjacent the crossbrace-to-beam connection. Such reduction of the width of the beam provides for both weight and material cost savings.
It is contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be utilized on trucks having one or more than one axle without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be utilized on trucks having other types of frames than shown and described, without changing the overall concept of the present invention. It is yet even further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be utilized on all types of air-ride leading and/or trailing arm beam-type suspension system designs known to those skilled in the art without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. For example, the present invention finds application in beams or arms that are made of materials other than steel, such as aluminum, other metals, metal alloys, composites, and/or combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be utilized on suspensions having either an overslung/top-mount configuration or an underslung/bottom-mount configuration, without changing the overall concept of the present invention. The present invention also finds application in beams or arms with different designs and/or configurations than that shown and described herein, such as solid beams, shell-type beams, truss structures, intersecting plates, spring beams and parallel plates. The present invention also finds application in intermediary structures such as spring seats. It is yet even further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be utilized in conjunction with crossbraces and sleeves having varied wall thicknesses, different shapes, and being formed or constructed from different materials, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is even further contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be formed utilizing a sleeve having a generally rectangular flat shape, with the sleeve being formed around the crossbrace and the ends of the sleeve being mechanically locked to one another around the crossbrace by interlocking tabs or other such mechanical locking means without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is also contemplated that preferred embodiment crossbrace-to-beam connection 805 of the present invention could be utilized in conjunction with other types of air-ride rigid beam-type suspension systems and the like, and other crossbrace-to-beam connections, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is yet even further contemplated that depressions 806,808 formed in sleeve 831 and crossbrace 832, respectively, could be circular shaped as shown at 706A in
Accordingly, the axle-to-beam connection and crossbrace-to-beam connection of the present invention are simplified, provide an effective, safe, inexpensive and efficient structure and method which achieve all the enumerated objectives, provide for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior axle-to-beam and crossbrace-to-beam connections, and solve problems and obtain new results in the art.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the axle-to-beam connection and crossbrace-to-beam connection of the present invention is used and installed, the characteristics of the construction, arrangement and method steps, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, process, parts and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/856,460, filed on Apr. 4, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/248,597, filed on Sep. 29, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/388,276, filed Sep. 30, 2010.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8567821 | Wagner et al. | Oct 2013 | B1 |
| 8915530 | Wagner et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
| 9079467 | Westnedge et al. | Jul 2015 | B2 |
| 20090188206 | Stol et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150273964 A1 | Oct 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61388276 | Sep 2010 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13856460 | Apr 2013 | US |
| Child | 14735651 | US | |
| Parent | 13248597 | Sep 2011 | US |
| Child | 13856460 | US |
