Truck or tractor vehicle with adjustable panhard link and method of alignment adjustment of its cab relative to its frame

Abstract

A truck or tractor unit with an adjustable Panhard link is provided, along with a method for aligning its cab relative to its frame. The truck or tractor unit includes a frame having a longitudinal centerline, a cab mounted relative to the frame via a cab suspension having a longitudinal centerline, the cab suspension including a front suspension and a rear suspension, the rear suspension including an adjustable Panhard link attached at a first end to the cab and at a second end to the frame, the length of the adjustable Panhard link being adjustable to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame at a desired angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to trucks or tractor vehicles having adjustable panhard bars and methods associated with such vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] When manufacturing trucks, the cab is typically mounted to the frame via a cab suspension that supports the cab near its four corners. The suspension usually includes springs and dampers at each corner. A Panhard link is typically located at the rear of the suspension to resist lateral movement, provide stiffness to the cab suspension, and prevent the cab from separating from the frame in the event of an accident.

[0003] As a result of deviations from the standard dimensions of the cab and frame, for example, due to permissible manufacturing tolerances, the cab may not be correctly oriented relative to the frame. For instance, if the cab and frame are designed to minimize wind resistance and / or maximize fuel economy through specific cab and frame orientations (e.g., by aligning the longitudinal centerline of the cab with the longitudinal centerline of the frame), misalignment may increase wind resistance and / or negatively impact fuel economy.

[0004] Besides less-than-ideal cab and frame orientation due to manufacturing tolerances, the cab and frame may shift from the desired orientation to an undesirable orientation after a period of use, for example, due to wear and tear on springs or other components.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a method for correcting the position of a truck or tractor-trailer cab relative to its frame to orient them at a desired angle, regardless of manufacturing tolerances, wear, or other factors that cause the cab and frame to be oriented in a less than ideal manner. It is also desirable to be able to correct the cab's position relative to the frame in a simple and inexpensive manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a truck or tractor-trailer includes a frame having a longitudinal centerline and a cab mounted relative to the frame via a cab suspension having a longitudinal centerline. The cab suspension includes a front suspension and a rear suspension, the rear suspension including an adjustable Panhard link attached at a first end to the cab and at a second end to the frame. The length of the adjustable Panhard link is adjustable to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame at a desired angle.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for attaching a chassis and a cab of a truck or tractor-trailer, the chassis having a longitudinal centerline and the cab having a longitudinal centerline, the method comprising: mounting the cab relative to the chassis via a cab suspension including a front suspension and a rear suspension, the rear suspension including an adjustable Panhard link attached to the cab at a first end and to the chassis at a second end, the length of the adjustable Panhard link being adjustable; and adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab relative to the longitudinal centerline of the chassis at a desired angle. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features and advantages of the invention can be well understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same numerals denote the same elements, and in the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a partial side view of a truck or tractor vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 It was taken at section 2-2. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a truck or tractor-trailer;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an adjustable Panhard link according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the alignment adjustment of the truck or tractor cab relative to the truck or tractor frame.

[0013] Figure 5 This schematically illustrates the relationship between the truck or tractor cab and the truck or tractor frame. Figure 4 Alignment adjustment in the opposite direction shown; and

[0014] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the adjustable Panhard link according to one aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a truck or tractor-trailer 21 in Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the frame 23 has a longitudinal centerline CF ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cab 25 is mounted relative to the frame via a cab suspension 27, and the cab has a longitudinal centerline CC. Figure 4 and Figure 5The cab suspension 27 includes a front suspension 29 and a rear suspension 31. For example, as... Figure 2 As seen, the frame 23 typically includes a longitudinal portion (track) 23l and a transverse portion (transverse member) 23t extending between these tracks. Similarly, the cab 25 typically includes a longitudinal portion (cab track) 25l and a transverse portion (cab transverse member) 25t extending between these cab tracks.

[0016] For example, such as Figure 2 As seen, the rear suspension 31 includes an adjustable Panhard link 33, which is attached to the cab 25 at a first end 35 and to the lateral member 23t of the frame 23 at a second end 37. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As seen, the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 is adjustable to position the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23. The adjustable Panhard link 33 can be attached to one of the frame 23 and the cab 25 by means of a bracket or a suitable damping device (such as the spring device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,758,294, which is incorporated herein by reference). In addition to the adjustable Panhard link 33, the front suspension 29 and the rear suspension 31 generally include springs and damping members at at least the two rear corners of the cab 25 and generally at all four corners of the cab 25, such as those shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,758,294.

[0017] The length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 is typically adjusted to position the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23, thereby minimizing wind resistance and / or maximizing fuel economy of the truck or tractor unit 21. Generally, by adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 to align the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 with the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23, wind resistance of the truck or tractor unit 21 is minimized and fuel economy is maximized.

[0018] For example, such as Figure 3 As seen, the adjustable Panhard link 33 typically includes a first link member 39 having a first end attachable to the frame 23 and a threaded second end 41. The first end of the first link member 39 is typically the second end 37 of the adjustable Panhard link 33. The adjustable Panhard link 33 also typically includes a second link member 43 having a first end attachable to the cab 25 and a threaded second end 45. The first end of the second link member 43 is typically the first end 35 of the adjustable Panhard link.

[0019] The threaded second end 41 of the first rod member 39 typically includes a first thread 47 having a first direction of rotation (e.g., left-hand), and the threaded second end 45 of the second rod member 41 typically includes a second thread 49 having a second direction of rotation (e.g., right-hand), the second direction of rotation being opposite to the first direction of rotation. A connecting member 51 is provided, which typically has a first threaded end 53 and a second threaded end 57, the first threaded end 53 having a thread 55 that mates with the threaded second end 41 of the first rod member 39, and the second threaded end 57 having a thread 59 that mates with the threaded second end 45 of the second rod member 43. Typically, the first thread 47 at the second threaded end 41 of the first rod member 39 and the second thread 49 at the second threaded end 45 of the second rod member 43 are internal threads or female threads, respectively, and the thread 55 at the first threaded end 53 and the thread 59 at the second threaded end 57 of the connecting member 51 are external threads or male threads. Figure 6 As seen above, a Panhard link 133 could also be provided as follows: on this Panhard link 133, the first thread 147 at the second threaded end 141 of the first member 139 and the second thread 149 at the second threaded end 145 of the second member 143 are external threads, while the first thread 155 and the second thread 159 at the first threaded end 153 and the second threaded end 157 of the connecting member 151 are internal threads. Alternatively, one of the first thread at the second threaded end of the first member and the second thread at the second threaded end of the second member may be an external thread, while the other is an internal thread; and the mating thread in the first thread at the first threaded end and the second thread at the second threaded end of the connecting member may be an internal thread, while the other is an external thread.

[0020] The connecting member 51 typically also includes a central unthreaded portion 61. The central unthreaded portion 61 typically includes at least two opposing longitudinally extending parallel surfaces 63, such as square or hexagonal surfaces, to facilitate clamping with a conventional wrench or automatic tool. Depending on how the connecting member 51 rotates relative to the stationary first rod member 39 and the stationary second rod member 43, the length of the Panhard link 33 will increase or decrease due to the presence of a first thread 47 and a second thread 49 with opposite directions of rotation on the first and second rod members (and due to threads 55 and 59 on the connecting member).

[0021] Typically, the first end of the first rod component 39 (i.e., the second end 37 of the adjustable Panhard link 33) and the first end of the second rod component 43 (i.e., the first end 35 of the adjustable Panhard link) both include a hole 65 and a bushing 67 in that hole. For example, as Figure 2As seen, the second end 37 of the adjustable Panhard link 33 is typically attached to a suitable bracket assembly 69 on the frame 23 by a pin or bolt (e.g., the bracket assembly shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,758,294, which includes a damping component; however, the bracket assembly does not necessarily include a damping component). This pin or bolt extends through a bushing 67 on the first end of the adjustable Panhard link and through a hole in the flange 73 on the bracket assembly. The first end 35 of the adjustable Panhard link 33 is attached to a suitable bracket assembly or frame portion 75 on the cab 25 by a pin or bolt passing through a bushing 67 on the second end of the adjustable Panhard link and through a hole in the bracket assembly or frame portion on the cab. The adjustable Panhard link 33 typically also includes means for locking the connecting member 51 relative to the first link member 39 and the second link member 43, such as a lock nut 79.

[0022] For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As seen, the front suspension 29 may include a first bracket assembly 81 on a first side (e.g., the left side) of the cab 25 and a second bracket assembly 83 on a second side (e.g., the right side) of the cab. The first bracket assembly 81 may be configured to allow pivoting movement of the cab 25 relative to the frame 23 about axis A, and the second bracket assembly 83 may be configured to allow movement of the cab relative to the frame along an arc 85, the center of which is on axis A. Thus, the cab 25 can pivot about axis A as the length of the adjustable Panhard link changes. It will be understood that... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The typical range of adjustment provided by the adjustable Panhard link 33 is exaggerated. Typically, the length of the Panhard link 33 is adjustable by only a small amount (e.g., about 1 / 2 inch or 10 mm) relative to the dimensions of the frame 23 and cab 25, and the angle of the cab centerline CC relative to the frame centerline CF is also typically adjustable by only a small amount (typically less than 1 degree). For example, in the currently preferred embodiment, an angle adjustment of about 0.2 degrees between the cab centerline CC and the frame centerline CF will result in a lateral offset of about 10.5 mm at the rear end of the cab 25 relative to the frame 23. Of course, the Panhard link 33 can be configured to allow significantly larger length variations and significantly larger angle adjustments if desired.

[0023] The second support assembly 83 may include a first component 87 having a vertically extending elongated hole 89. The first component 87 of the second support assembly 83 is typically secured to the frame 23 by any suitable means (e.g., welding, bolting, etc.). The second support assembly 83 may also include a second component 91 (shown in dashed lines), which includes a pin 93 (shown in dashed lines) secured to the cab 25 by any suitable means (e.g., welding, bolting, etc.) and disposed in the elongated hole 89. The elongated hole 89 may be elongated to allow the cab 23 to move relative to the frame 25 along an arc 85 as the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 changes. The elongated hole 89 may be arcuate.

[0024] After the adjustable Panhard linkage 33 is adjusted so that the centerline CC of the cab 23 is oriented at a desired angle relative to the centerline CF of the frame, the first part 87 and the second part 91 of the second bracket assembly 83 will generally be locked relative to each other, for example by a bolt on the threaded end of the pin 93, which secures the pin relative to the elongated hole 89.

[0025] The first bracket assembly 81 includes a first component 95 having a vertically extending hole 97. The first component 95 of the first bracket assembly 81 is typically secured to the frame 23 by any suitable means (e.g., welding, bolting, etc.). The first bracket assembly 81 may also include a second component 99 comprising a pin 101 secured to the cab 25 by any suitable means (e.g., welding, bolting, etc.) and disposed in the hole 97. The hole 97 is typically generally circular and slightly larger in diameter than the pin 101, such that when the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 changes, it substantially only allows the cab 25 to pivot relative to the frame 23 about an axis A centered on the hole 97 and the pin 101. The pin 101 typically includes a threaded end such that: after the adjustable Panhard link 33 is adjusted so that the centerline CC of the cab 23 is angularly oriented relative to the centerline CF of the frame, the first bracket component 95 and the second bracket component 99 can be bolted into place.

[0026] In the method of the present invention for attaching the frame 23 and cab 25 of a truck or tractor-trailer 21, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As seen, the frame has a longitudinal centerline CF, and the cab has a longitudinal centerline CC. The cab 25 is mounted relative to the frame 23 via a cab suspension 27, which includes a front suspension 29 and a rear suspension 31. The rear suspension 31 includes an adjustable Panhard link 33, which is connected to the cab 25 at a first end 35 and attached to the frame 23 at a second end 37. The length of the adjustable Panhard link is adjustable.

[0027] The method further includes adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 to position the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 relative to the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23 at a desired angle (typically zero degrees, but not necessarily zero degrees). For example, Figure 4 The diagram shows that when the Panhard link 33 is at its first length (shown by solid lines), the centerline CF of the frame 23 and the centerline CC of the cab 25 (shown by solid lines) are aligned. When the Panhard link is at its longer second length (shown by dashed lines), the cab (shown by dashed lines) and its centerline rotate clockwise about axis A and are not aligned with the centerline of the frame. Similarly, Figure 5 The diagram shows that when the Panhard link 33 is at its first length (shown by solid lines), the centerline CF of the frame 23 and the centerline CC of the cab 25 (shown by solid lines) are aligned. When the Panhard link is at its shorter second length (shown by dashed lines), the cab (shown by dashed lines) and the cab's centerline rotate counterclockwise about axis A and are not aligned with the frame's centerline. It should be understood that when the pin 93 is positioned at the center of the elongated hole 89 as shown, the centerline CF of the frame 23 and the centerline CC of the cab 25 are not necessarily aligned, and alignment of the centerlines may include adjusting the Panhard link 33 to rotate the cab about the axis, causing the pin to move toward one end or the other of the elongated hole.

[0028] The length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 can be adjusted to position the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 relative to the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23, thereby minimizing the wind resistance of the truck or tractor unit 21. Typically, minimizing the wind resistance of the truck or tractor unit 21 is achieved by adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 to align the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 relative to the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23. Alternatively or simultaneously, the length of the adjustable Panhard link 33 can be adjusted to position the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 relative to the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23 to improve the fuel economy of the vehicle 21. Generally, as wind resistance decreases, fuel economy improves. While it is generally desirable to align the longitudinal centerline CC of the cab 25 and the longitudinal centerline CF of the frame 23, especially to minimize wind resistance and improve fuel economy, there may be situations where it is desirable for the centerlines not to be aligned, and this can also be achieved by the present invention.

[0029] The truck or tractor and method according to the invention facilitate the alignment of the cab relative to the frame during manufacturing or after use. Because alignment can be accomplished with only a few loosening and tightening of bolts, it can be achieved in a simple and inexpensive manner.

[0030] In this application, the use of terms such as “including” is open-ended and intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising”, without excluding the presence of other structures, materials, or actions. Similarly, while the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is intended to be open-ended and indicate that the structure, material, or action is not essential, the non-use of these terms is not intended to indicate that the structure, material, or action is essential. Where a structure, material, or action is currently considered essential, it is so determined.

[0031] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A tractor vehicle, comprising: The vehicle frame has a longitudinal centerline; A cab, which is mounted relative to the vehicle frame via a cab suspension, and the cab has a longitudinal centerline; The cab suspension includes a front suspension and a rear suspension. The rear suspension includes an adjustable Panhard link, which is attached to the cab at a first end and to the frame at a second end. The length of the adjustable Panhard link is adjustable to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame.

2. The tractor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the adjustable Panhard link is adjusted to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame, thereby minimizing the wind resistance of the traction vehicle.

3. The tractor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, By adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link to align the longitudinal centerline of the cab with the longitudinal centerline of the chassis, the wind resistance of the traction vehicle is minimized.

4. The tractor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the adjustable Panhard link is adjusted to align the longitudinal centerline of the cab with the longitudinal centerline of the chassis.

5. The tractor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustable Panhard link includes: A first rod component, having a first end capable of being attached to the vehicle frame and a threaded second end. The second rod component has a first end capable of attaching to the cab and a threaded second end, wherein the threaded second end of the first rod component includes a first thread having a first direction of rotation, and the threaded second end of the second rod component includes a second thread having a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. A connecting member having a first threaded end and a second threaded end, the first threaded end engaging with the threaded second end of the first rod member, and the second threaded end engaging with the threaded second end of the second rod member.

6. The tractor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The first threaded end and the second threaded end of the connecting member are male threaded members.

7. The tractor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting component includes a central unthreaded portion.

8. The tractor vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The central unthreaded portion includes at least two opposing, longitudinally extending parallel surfaces.

9. The tractor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The first end of the first rod component and the first end of the second rod component each include a hole and a bushing in the hole.

10. The tractor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The adjustable Panhard link includes means for locking the connecting member in place relative to the first and second link components.

11. The tractor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The front suspension includes a first support assembly located on a first side of the cab and a second support assembly located on a second side of the cab. The first support assembly is configured to allow the cab to pivot about an axis relative to the frame, and the second support assembly is configured to allow the cab to move along an arc relative to the frame.

12. The tractor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The second support assembly includes: a first component of the second support assembly having a vertically extending hole in the first component of the second support assembly, the first component of the second support assembly being fixed to the vehicle frame; and a second component of the second support assembly including a pin fixed to the cab and disposed in the hole, the hole being elongated to allow the cab to move relative to the vehicle frame along the arc.

13. The tractor vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The first support assembly includes: a first component of the first support assembly having a vertically extending hole in the first component of the first support assembly, the first component of the first support assembly being fixed to the vehicle frame; and a second component of the first support assembly including a pin disposed in the hole, the hole being circular such that only pivotal movement of the cab relative to the vehicle frame is permitted.

14. A method for attaching a chassis and a cab of a tractor vehicle, the chassis having a longitudinal centerline and the cab having a longitudinal centerline, the method comprising: The cab is mounted relative to the frame via a cab suspension, the cab suspension comprising a front suspension and a rear suspension, the rear suspension comprising an adjustable Panhard link, the adjustable Panhard link being attached to the cab at a first end and to the frame at a second end, the length of the adjustable Panhard link being adjustable; and Adjust the length of the adjustable Panhard link to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising: Adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame minimizes the wind resistance of the traction vehicle.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising: The wind resistance of the traction vehicle is minimized by adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link to align the longitudinal centerline of the cab with the longitudinal centerline of the chassis.

17. The method of claim 14, comprising: Adjust the length of the adjustable Panhard link to align the longitudinal centerline of the cab with the longitudinal centerline of the chassis.

18. The method of claim 14, comprising: Adjusting the length of the adjustable Panhard link to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame improves the fuel economy of the tractor vehicle.

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