INSERT PIN FOR LEAF SPRING SUSPENSION

Abstract

A leaf spring suspension includes a plurality of leaf springs fixedly secured together by a bolt in the form of a stack. A first leaf spring of the plurality of leaf springs has ends configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame. A pin extends through each leaf spring except for the first leaf spring to prevent splaying between the leaf springs during transverse loading of the suspension.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the leaf spring suspension according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the leaf spring suspension of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the leaf spring suspension of FIG. 1 cutaway to show a pin extending through a portion of the stack of leaf springs; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a leaf spring suspension according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle suspension comprising: a plurality of leaf springs each having a generally rectangular cross section, each leaf spring having opposite ends and a middle section extending therebetween, the middle sections of the leaf springs being clampingly secured to each other so that the leaf springs form a stack, a first leaf spring of the plurality of leaf springs having ends adapted to be coupled to a vehicle frame; anda pin extending through each leaf spring other than the first leaf spring for preventing separation between the leaf springs and for minimizing stress concentrations in the first leaf spring during loading of the vehicle suspension.

2. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 1, wherein the leaf springs incrementally decrease in length from the first leaf spring on one side of the stack to a last leaf spring on an opposite side of the stack.

3. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 1, wherein an end of the pin is tapered to facilitate insertion of the pin through a portion of the stack of leaf springs.

4. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 1 including a fastener in the form of a bolt and nut for clampingly securing the plurality of leafs together to form the stack.

5. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 4, wherein the pin is generally parallel to the bolt.

6. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 4, wherein the leaf springs are arranged in the stack in a symmetrically opposite manner about the bolt.

7. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 6, wherein the pin is spaced apart from the bolt by a distance that is less than one quarter of the length of a shortest leaf spring in the stack.

8. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 7 including clamps for clamping together the leaf springs on opposite sides of the bolt.

9. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 8, wherein the shortest leaf spring is not clamped together with the other leaf springs, the clamps being outwardly spaced apart from the ends of the shortest leaf spring.

10. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 9, wherein the shortest leaf spring is on an opposite side of the stack relative to the first leaf spring.

11. A vehicle suspension comprising: a plurality of leaf springs each having a generally rectangular cross section, each leaf spring having opposite ends and a middle section extending therebetween, the middle sections of the leaf springs being clampingly secured to each other so that the leaf springs form a stack,a first leaf spring in the stack having ends adapted to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame,a second leaf spring in the stack being disposed adjacent the first leaf spring, a hole being formed in a side of the second leaf spring opposite the first leaf spring and extending through a portion of a thickness of the second leaf spring,each leaf spring other than the first and second leaf springs having a bore extending therethrough; anda pin extending through the bores of each leaf spring and into the hole of the second leaf spring for preventing separation between the leaf springs and for minimizing stress concentrations in the first leaf spring during loading of the vehicle suspension.

12. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 11, wherein the leaf springs incrementally decrease in length from the first leaf spring on one side of the stack to a last leaf spring on an opposite side of the stack.

13. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 11, wherein an end of the pin is tapered to facilitate insertion of the pin through the bores and the hole.

14. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 11 including a fastener in the form of a bolt and nut for clampingly securing the plurality of leafs together to form the stack.

15. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 14, wherein the pin is generally parallel to the bolt.

16. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 14, wherein the leaf springs are arranged in the stack in a symmetrically opposite manner about the bolt.

17. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 16, wherein the pin is spaced apart from the bolt by a distance that is less than one quarter of the length of a shortest leaf spring in the stack.

18. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 17 including clamps for clamping together the leaf springs on opposite sides of the bolt.

19. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 18, wherein the shortest leaf spring is not clamped together with the other leaf springs, the clamps being outwardly spaced apart from the ends of the shortest leaf spring.

20. A vehicle suspension as set forth in claim 19, wherein the shortest leaf spring is on an opposite side of the stack relative to the first leaf spring.