Suspension system with composite material springs for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suspension system for a vehicle having composite springs, which may include: a first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and a second longitudinally mounted spring 20, which generate the vertical stiffness of the vehicle; and a laterally mounted spring 30, which generates the roll stiffness and is connected to the first longitudinally mounted spring and the second longitudinally mounted spring. In particular, the laterally mounted spring 30 is connected to the vehicle body 1 through a support member 40. The stiffness of the vehicle can be further enhanced during the longitudinal behavior and the roll behavior of the vehicle, and thus, the driving stability can be significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension system for a vehicle having a composite spring, which can improve the vertical stiffness and roll stiffness of the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present invention and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] A suspension system for a vehicle is a system for reducing or preventing vibrations or shocks received from the road surface from being directly transmitted to the vehicle body during vehicle travel, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle body or cargo and improving ride comfort.

[0004] Conventional rear suspension systems for minibuses or large trucks typically include two leaf springs arranged in the front-rear direction on the left and right sides of the vehicle and a stabilizer bar arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0005] The leaf spring is a component for connecting the vehicle body and the chassis (rear axle). The leaf spring is used to reduce and suppress the shocks transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle body through vertical stiffness, and the stabilizer bar applies a torsional force by itself when the two wheels move relative to each other in opposite phases, so as to suppress the roll occurring in the vehicle body during travel, thereby improving the driving stability of the vehicle.

[0006] The leaf spring can be configured as a multi-leaf spring formed of steel or as a composite spring as a single component containing glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc. The multi-leaf spring made of steel is beneficial for ensuring durability, while the composite spring is beneficial for reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency.

[0007] However, we have found that in the conventional suspension system using a leaf spring and a stabilizer bar, the leaf spring and the stabilizer bar are separate components and are installed separately, resulting in high costs associated with manufacturing and installation.

[0008] In addition, although the stabilizer bar is effective in suppressing roll, we have found that it causes a large roll angle when the vehicle is heavy. Therefore, sufficient roll stiffness cannot be ensured, which is disadvantageous in terms of vehicle stability.

[0009] The content provided as a description of the related art is only for helping to understand the background of the present invention and should not be considered as corresponding to the related art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides a suspension system for a vehicle having a composite spring, in which a longitudinal-mounted spring for providing the vertical stiffness of the vehicle and a lateral-mounted spring for providing the roll stiffness of the vehicle are connected by the composite spring, thereby reducing the number of components and costs related to manufacturing and installation.

[0011] The present invention also enhances the vertical stiffness and roll stiffness through the connection structure of the longitudinal-mounted spring and the lateral-mounted spring, and improves the driving performance through the connection structure. In particular, the thickness is reduced by enhancing the stiffness, thereby reducing costs and reducing weight.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides enhanced vertical stiffness and roll stiffness by connecting a support member that connects the lateral-mounted spring and the vehicle body.

[0013] According to an exemplary form of the present invention, a suspension system for a vehicle having a composite spring includes: a first longitudinal-mounted spring and a second longitudinal-mounted spring, the first longitudinal-mounted spring and the second longitudinal-mounted spring are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the vehicle, wherein the first longitudinal-mounted spring and the second longitudinal-mounted spring extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and each has one side and the other side, and both sides are connected to the vehicle body; a lateral-mounted spring, which is connected to the first longitudinal-mounted spring and the second longitudinal-mounted spring and is mounted in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and an axle carrier, which is connected to the portion where the first longitudinal-mounted spring and the lateral-mounted spring are connected. In particular, the axle carrier is connected to the portion where the second longitudinal-mounted spring and the lateral-mounted spring are connected.

[0014] The suspension system may further include a support member, which is placed on the lateral-mounted spring and is disposed in the lateral direction, and the support member includes: one side and the other side connected to the vehicle body; and an intermediate portion connected to the lateral-mounted spring.

[0015] The lateral-mounted spring may include: a first lateral-mounted spring integrally formed with the first longitudinal-mounted spring and a second lateral-mounted spring integrally formed with the second longitudinal-mounted spring, and the first lateral-mounted spring and the second lateral-mounted spring may be connected by a connection bracket.

[0016] The connection bracket may include one recess and another recess, and the one recess and the another recess are inserted in the direction in which the end of the first lateral-mounted spring and the end of the second lateral-mounted spring face each other.

[0017] An intermediate bracket may be stacked on the connection bracket, and the intermediate portion of the support member may be connected to the lateral-mounted spring by a bolt passing through the support member, the intermediate bracket, the connection bracket, and the first lateral-mounted spring and the second lateral-mounted spring.

[0018] The suspension system may further include: an upper cover bracket and a lower cover bracket that respectively enclose the portions where the first longitudinal mounting spring is connected to the lateral mounting spring and where the second longitudinal mounting spring is connected to the lateral mounting spring; and a U-bolt that encloses the upper cover bracket and passes through the lower cover bracket and a nut fastened to the U-bolt, wherein the lower cover bracket is integrally coupled to the axle carrier.

[0019] The first longitudinal mounting spring, the second longitudinal mounting spring, and the lateral mounting spring may be formed of a composite material, and the support member may be formed of steel or a composite material.

[0020] Other applicable fields will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a better understanding of the present invention, various forms thereof will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle according to one form of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front view of

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state where the rear axle is removed in Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an exploded perspective view of

[0026] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, the application, or the use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding components and features.

[0028] Hereinafter, a suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle according to a form of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] As Figures 1 to 4As shown, a suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle according to one form of the present invention includes: a first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and a second longitudinally mounted spring 20, the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the vehicle, extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and have one side (front end) and the other side (rear end) connected to the body 1 of the vehicle; a laterally mounted spring 30, which is connected to the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 and is mounted in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and an axle carrier 3, which is connected to the portion where the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the laterally mounted spring 30 are connected. In particular, the axle carrier 3 is also connected to the portion where the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 and the laterally mounted spring 30 are connected.

[0030] The first longitudinally mounted spring 10, the second longitudinally mounted spring 20, and the laterally mounted spring 30 are formed of a composite material containing unidirectional glass fibers or carbon fibers to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.

[0031] The first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 serve as leaf springs constituting the rear suspension system in the related art. The first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 are used to enhance the vertical stiffness of the vehicle, and at the same time, when the vehicle moves in the up and down direction, they perform compression and stretching movements in the up and down direction, and are used to improve the riding comfort through the spring force during the compression and stretching movements in the up and down direction.

[0032] The laterally mounted spring 30 serves as a stabilizer bar constituting the rear suspension system. The laterally mounted spring 30 is used to enhance the roll stiffness of the vehicle by applying a torsional force by itself when the two wheels move in opposite phases to each other, and is used to improve the driving stability by suppressing roll.

[0033] In one form of the present invention, the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 that generate the vertical stiffness of the vehicle and the laterally mounted spring 30 that generates the roll stiffness are connected to each other and form an H shape. When the vehicle moves in the up and down direction, the laterally mounted spring 30 additionally generates a torsional force, and the vertical stiffness of the vehicle is generated by the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20. Therefore, the vertical stiffness is significantly increased, thereby improving the driving stability.

[0034] In addition, when the two wheels move in opposite phases to each other (a collision occurs at one wheel and a rebound occurs at the other wheel), the vertical stiffness of the vehicle is generated by the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 and the second longitudinally mounted spring 20, and the roll stiffness is additionally generated by the laterally mounted spring 30. Therefore, the roll stiffness is significantly increased, thereby improving the driving stability.

[0035] In other words, when an instantaneous impact occurs at a vehicle, a reaction force is generated on the opposite side due to the change in the laterally mounted spring 30, and here, the reaction force serves as a rigid body for supporting the load, thereby enhancing the roll stiffness of the vehicle.

[0036] As described above, since a greater torsional force can be caused by the connection structure of the first longitudinally mounted spring 10, the second longitudinally mounted spring 20, and the laterally mounted spring 30, thereby enhancing the stiffness, in the present invention, under the condition of achieving the same stiffness, the spring can be made thinner, thus obtaining the advantages of cost reduction and weight reduction.

[0037] In other forms of the present invention, the suspension system further includes a support member 40 disposed on the laterally mounted spring 30 and arranged in the lateral direction. One side (left end) and the other side (right end) of the support member 40 are connected to the vehicle body 1, and the middle portion of the support member 40 is connected to the laterally mounted spring 30.

[0038] Since the support member 40 can be formed of steel or a composite material, and the support member 40 connected to the laterally mounted spring 30 can significantly reduce the roll angle, the roll stiffness and the vertical stiffness can be further enhanced.

[0039] The laterally mounted spring 30 includes: a first laterally mounted spring 31 integrally formed with the first longitudinally mounted spring 10 in a T shape; and a second laterally mounted spring 32 integrally formed with the second longitudinally mounted spring 20 in a T shape. The first laterally mounted spring 31 and the second laterally mounted spring 32 are formed to have the same length, and the end of the first laterally mounted spring 31 and the end of the second laterally mounted spring 32 are connected by a connection bracket 50.

[0040] The first laterally mounted spring 31 is integrally formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal midpoint of the first longitudinally mounted spring 10, and the second laterally mounted spring 32 is integrally formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal midpoint of the second longitudinally mounted spring 20.

[0041] The laterally mounted spring 30 can be constructed as a single component, but considering the layout according to the installation of the first longitudinally mounted spring 10, the second longitudinally mounted spring 20, and other peripheral components, the laterally mounted spring 30 is constructed to include a separate first laterally mounted spring 31 and a second laterally mounted spring 32, and as in the present invention, the first laterally mounted spring 31 and the second laterally mounted spring 32 are connected by a connection bracket 50. For this purpose, the connection bracket 50 includes a recess 51 and another recess 52, and the recess 51 and the another recess 52 are inserted in a direction in which the end of the first laterally mounted spring 10 and the end of the second laterally mounted spring 20 face each other.

[0042] The support member 40 has a downwardly opening U-shape facing the lateral mounting spring 30. The intermediate bracket 60 is stacked on the connecting bracket 50, the intermediate bracket 60 is inserted into the support member 40, and in this state, when the bolt 70 sequentially passes through the support member 40, the intermediate bracket 60, the connecting bracket 50, and the first lateral mounting spring 31 and the second lateral mounting spring 32 for connection, the middle portion of the support member 40 can be connected to the lateral mounting spring 30.

[0043] The upper cover bracket 81 and the lower cover bracket 82 respectively surround the portions where the first longitudinal mounting spring 10 is connected to the first lateral mounting spring 31 and where the second longitudinal mounting spring 20 is connected to the second lateral mounting spring 32. The U-bolt 83 surrounds the upper cover bracket 81 and passes through the lower cover bracket 82. The nut 84 is fastened to the end of the U-bolt 83 passing through the lower cover bracket 82, and the lower cover bracket 82 is integrally connected to the axle carrier 3 that connects the opposite rear axles 5. Accordingly, the portions where the first longitudinal mounting spring 10 is connected to the first lateral mounting spring 31 and where the second longitudinal mounting spring 20 is connected to the second lateral mounting spring 32 are connected to the axle carrier 3.

[0044] As described above, according to the exemplary form of the present invention, since the first longitudinal mounting springs 10 and the second longitudinal mounting springs 20 that generate the vertical stiffness of the vehicle and the lateral mounting spring 30 that generates the roll stiffness are connected to each other, torsional forces are additionally generated during the longitudinal behavior and the roll behavior of the vehicle to significantly improve the stiffness. In particular, the stiffness of the vehicle can be further enhanced by connecting the lateral mounting spring 30 and the support member 40 of the vehicle body 1, so that the driving stability can be significantly improved.

[0045] In addition, in the present invention, since a greater torsional force is caused by the connection structure of the first longitudinal mounting springs 10, the second longitudinal mounting springs 20, and the lateral mounting spring 30, the stiffness can be enhanced. Therefore, since the springs can be made thinner under the condition of achieving the same stiffness, the cost can be reduced and the weight can be lightened.

[0046] In the suspension system according to the present invention, due to the connection of the first longitudinal mounting springs and the second longitudinal mounting springs that generate the vertical stiffness of the vehicle and the lateral mounting spring that generates the roll stiffness, torsional forces are additionally generated during the longitudinal behavior and the roll behavior of the vehicle to significantly improve the stiffness. In particular, the stiffness of the vehicle can be further enhanced by connecting the lateral mounting spring and the support member of the vehicle body, so that the driving stability can be significantly improved.

[0047] In addition, in the present invention, since a greater torsional force is caused by the connection structure of the first longitudinal mounting spring, the second longitudinal mounting spring, and the lateral mounting spring, the stiffness can be enhanced. Therefore, under the condition of achieving the same stiffness, the spring can be made thinner, thereby reducing costs and weight.

[0048] Although the present invention has been shown and described in a particular form, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle, the suspension system comprising: A first longitudinally mounted spring and a second longitudinally mounted spring, the first longitudinally mounted spring and the second longitudinally mounted spring being disposed on the left and right sides of the vehicle respectively, wherein the first longitudinally mounted spring and the second longitudinally mounted spring extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and each has one side and the other side, and both sides are connected to the vehicle body; A laterally mounted spring, both ends of which are respectively connected to the first longitudinally mounted spring and the second longitudinally mounted spring, and the laterally mounted spring is mounted along the lateral direction of the vehicle; and An axle carrier, which is connected to the part where the first longitudinally mounted spring and the laterally mounted spring are connected, wherein the axle carrier is connected to the part where the second longitudinally mounted spring and the laterally mounted spring are connected; wherein, the laterally mounted spring comprises: A first laterally mounted spring, which is integrally formed with the first longitudinally mounted spring; and A second laterally mounted spring, which is integrally formed with the second longitudinally mounted spring; and wherein the first laterally mounted spring and the second laterally mounted spring are connected to each other by a connecting bracket to form a laterally mounted spring; wherein, the connecting bracket comprises a recess and another recess, and the recess and the another recess are inserted in the direction in which the end of the first laterally mounted spring and the end of the second laterally mounted spring face each other.

2. The suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: A support member, which is placed on the laterally mounted spring and is disposed in the lateral direction, the support member comprising: connected to one side and the other side of the vehicle body; and connected to the middle part of the laterally mounted spring.

3. The suspension system with a composite material spring for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, An intermediate bracket is stacked on the connecting bracket, The middle part of the support member is connected to the laterally mounted spring by a bolt passing through the support member, the intermediate bracket, the connecting bracket, and the first laterally mounted spring and the second laterally mounted spring.

4. The suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: An upper cover bracket and a lower cover bracket, the upper cover bracket and the lower cover bracket respectively enclose the part where the first longitudinally mounted spring is connected to the laterally mounted spring and the part where the second longitudinally mounted spring is connected to the laterally mounted spring; and A U-bolt, which encloses the upper cover bracket and passes through the lower cover bracket and is fastened to a nut of the U-bolt, wherein, the lower cover bracket is integrally coupled to the axle carrier.

5. The suspension system with composite springs for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The first longitudinally mounted spring, the second longitudinally mounted spring and the laterally mounted spring are formed of composite materials, The support member is formed of steel or composite materials.

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