Trailer arm with hamper of air spring axle suspension of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailing arm with a hammerhead for an air spring axle suspension of a vehicle. The invention further relates to an air spring type axle suspension of a vehicle, the air spring type axle suspension is used for suspending an axle on a vehicle chassis, and the suspension comprises a bearing frame, a trailing arm and an air spring. The support frame is rigidly attached to a vehicle chassis and includes a pair of opposing spaced apart side panels. The trailing arm is fixed to an axle body of a vehicle and has a front end portion pivotally attached to a support frame. The air spring is operably disposed between the vehicle chassis and the trailing arm at a distance rearward from the front end portion. The trailing arm has a hammerhead configuration at a front end portion, and at least one of the side plates of the support bracket has a receiving recess configured to receive a portion of the hammerhead configuration. In the mounted state of the suspension, the hammerhead configuration is received and supported in the receiving recess to enable the front end portion of the trailing arm to pivot relative to the bearing bracket.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with an application date of September 16, 2019, application number 201980060764.0, and invention name “Trailing arm with hammer head for air spring axle suspension of a vehicle”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an air spring type wheel axle suspension of a vehicle, which is used to suspend the wheel axle on the vehicle chassis. The suspension comprises a support frame, a trailing arm and an air spring, wherein:

[0003] - the support frame is rigidly attached to the vehicle chassis and comprises a pair of opposed spaced-apart side panels,

[0004] - the trailing arm is fixed to the axle body of the vehicle, said trailing arm having a front end portion pivotably attached to the support bracket,

[0005] - The air spring is operatively arranged between the vehicle chassis and the trailing arm at a distance rearward from the front end portion. Background Art

[0006] WO 2009 / 014423 discloses an air spring axle suspension for a vehicle, wherein a support frame is rigidly attached to a vehicle chassis, and wherein a trailing arm is pivotably connected to the support frame at a front end of the trailing arm. The trailing arm is further clamped on the axle body by a clamping device, and the suspension comprises an air spring operating between the trailing arm and the vehicle chassis. The trailing arm extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle body is arranged in a transverse vehicle direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle direction. The trailing arm of WO 2009 / 014423 comprises a fixing eyelet at its front end. The support frame has two openings at two opposite sides of the support frame. The openings are aligned in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The fixing eyelet of the trailing arm is arranged in the support frame in a mounted state and is in line with the opening. This allows the pivot bolt to pivotally attach the trailing arm and the support frame together, and the trailing arm can pivot relative to the support frame.

[0007] Since the suspension is a critical part of the vehicle, it must be firmly fixed to both the wheel axle and the vehicle chassis. The support frame of the suspension of WO2009 / 014423 is rigidly connected to the vehicle chassis, for example by welding or by means of bolts, and the eyelet of the trailing arm is firmly fixed between the plates of the support frame. Since the eyelet must be able to pivot, however, it cannot be clamped between the support frames. Therefore, a metal bushing lined with a rubber layer on the outside is usually provided in the eyelet. The pivot bolt extends through the fixing eyelet. Both the bushing and the eyelet have a width measured in the transverse vehicle direction, wherein the width of the bushing is slightly greater than the width of the eyelet. In the mounted state of the suspension, the bushing is rigidly clamped between the side plates of the support frame, wherein the pivot bolt passes through the relative openings in the bushing and the support frame to fix the trailing arm relative to the support frame. The eyelet can then rotate relative to the metal bushing, and therefore the trailing arm can pivot relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0008] The problem with this pivoting arrangement is that the trailing arm has two main degrees of freedom: the desired rotational pivoting movement relative to the vehicle chassis, and the undesired lateral movement of the trailing arm eye along the longer bushing, because the width of the bushing exceeds the width of the arm, measured at the eye location. This can cause the eye to collide with the plate in a lateral direction and cause impacts to the side panels. These impacts must be absorbed by the lateral strut structure.

[0009] Another problem with such a pivoting arrangement is that the process of aligning the trailing arm relative to the support frame and the chassis and securing the bushing by installing and tightening the pivot bolt is a critical process with regard to vehicle safety, which is relatively complex, requires special tools and some training. For example, the pivot bolt should be tightened to a certain predetermined torque. Therefore, the installation of such a suspension including the fixing eyelet and the pivot bolt can only be reliably done by the suspension manufacturer and in a limited number of workshops, where engineers have sufficient knowledge of the suspension system. When the pivoting arrangement of such a suspension requires unplanned repairs, this may result in long repair times and high costs. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an air-sprung wheel axle suspension with an alternative pivot arrangement between the supporting bracket and the trailing arm.

[0011] Therefore, an air spring axle suspension for a vehicle is provided, wherein the trailing arm has a hammerhead structure at a front end portion, and wherein at least one of the side plates of the support frame has a receiving recess, which is configured to receive a part of the hammerhead structure, wherein in the installed state of the suspension, the hammerhead structure is received and supported in the receiving recess so that the front end portion of the trailing arm can pivot relative to the support frame.

[0012] Using the axis definition as described above, wherein the trailing arm of the suspension extends mainly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle axle is arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the support frame is arranged in front of the axle body when viewed in the normal driving direction of the vehicle. The trailing arm according to the invention has a front end portion configured as a hammerhead. The hammerhead is configured to be wider than the portion of the trailing arm adjacent to the front end portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and it is located between the side plates of the support frame in the installed state. At least one side plate of the support frame has a receiving recess, which is configured to receive at least a part of the hammerhead in the installed state. In this installed state, the support frame is fixed to the vehicle chassis and has no freedom of movement relative to the vehicle chassis. The hammerhead of the trailing arm essentially acts as a pivot pin in the installed state and can rotate in the receiving recess around the pivot axis defined by the hammerhead. Therefore, the hammerhead has at least one degree of freedom relative to the receiving recess and the vehicle chassis, which rotates around the pivot axis. Therefore, the trailing arm can pivot relative to the vehicle chassis, whereby the axle body fixed to the trailing arm can move towards or away from the vehicle chassis.

[0013] A particular advantage of the air-sprung axle suspension according to the invention is that it is relatively easy to mount the suspension system to the vehicle chassis. Where the system of WO 2009 / 014423 and all or nearly all other known air-sprung suspension systems are mounted with bushings and pivot bolts, the suspension according to the invention allows the hammerhead of the trailing arm to be first inserted into the (preformed) receiving recess, and then the opposing side plates are mounted to each other to form a support frame, for example by tightening them with bolts and nuts. The suspension manufacturer can supply the suspension in an assembled or installed state, with all key components assembled with the correct torque and in accordance with correct and verified procedures. The trailer manufacturer only needs to mount the support frame to the vehicle chassis.

[0014] In the air-sprung axle suspension according to the present invention, the trailing arm is pivotably mounted to the support frame without the use of a pivot bolt. Therefore, the trailer manufacturer does not have to bother with the rigid installation of the pivot bolt and nut to mount the trailing arm to the support frame. Advantageously, the suspension assembly process according to the present invention is generally simpler than attaching the eyelet of the trailing arm between the support frames using bushings and pivot bolts.

[0015] Another advantage of providing an air sprung axle suspension for a vehicle comprising a trailing arm with a hammerhead configuration and a bearing frame plate with a receiving recess is that the weight of the pivot arrangement of the suspension can be lighter than the weight of the pivot arrangements of suspensions known in the art. The trailing arm with a hammerhead configuration itself can be lighter than a trailing arm with a fixing eye. Furthermore, weight is reduced by omitting the bushing and the pivot bolt. This can result in a reduction in the overall system weight of the suspension.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the suspension according to the invention, the hammerhead construction comprises two opposite journal parts extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trailing arm, wherein each side plate has a receiving recess, and wherein the journal parts are received in respective receiving recesses of the support frame. Preferably, the journal parts are rotationally symmetrical. The respective journal parts are able to rotate within respective mutually aligned receiving recesses of the support frame plates. Advantageously, this construction provides a minimum amount of friction between the hammerhead and the receiving cavity, thereby reducing wear.

[0017] In a practical embodiment, the journal portion is integrally formed on the front end portion of the trailing arm.The trailing arm having an integrally formed hammerhead configuration may be formed by, for example, forging or other suitable forming methods.

[0018] In another practical embodiment, the journal portion is a separate component interconnected with the front end portion of the trailing arm. This has the advantage that the trailing arm can have a simpler design and can be formed by a forming process that is best suited to providing the trailing arm with the required mechanical properties. For example, for a flexible trailing arm with a parabolic thickness taper, a rolling process is a suitable and common forming process. The journal portion can then be made separately by other forming methods, such as forging. The front end portion of the trailing arm only needs to be machined so that the connection between the front end portion and the journal portion can be established during the assembly of the trailing arm. Generally, this is less complex than forming the trailing arm in a suitable forming process such as rolling and then forming the front end portion of the trailing arm by other forming methods, such as forging.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the journal portion is connected to the front end portion of the trailing arm in an interlocking manner.

[0020] In a practical embodiment, each journal portion has at least one interlocking protrusion, and the front end portion of the trailing arm has at least one corresponding recess formed therein to interlock the journal portion and the front end portion of the trailing arm. The front end portion may, for example, be provided with one or more recesses on either lateral side, and the journal portion may be formed with matching protrusions, such that the protrusions may cooperate with the corresponding recess forms. Thus, simple assembly is ensured, while providing the required interlocking in the rotational direction of the pivoting arrangement.

[0021] In another embodiment, the journal part can also be connected with the front end part of the trailing arm in a non-positive locking manner (i.e., press-fitting manner). In this embodiment, the journal part is preferably connected with the front end part of the trailing arm by a bolt or screw connection.

[0022] In a possible embodiment of the wheel axle suspension according to the invention, each side plate of the bearing frame comprises a journal housing, wherein the receiving recess is defined by said journal housing. The journal housing serves as a support for the respective journal and allows rotation of the journal. By providing the journal housing in the side plate, the loads borne by the hammer head are distributed over more material, thereby achieving a more reliable and strong pivoting arrangement.

[0023] Preferably, the journal housing is integrally formed in the side plate of the support frame. This allows simple manufacture and assembly of the suspension. The substantially flat plate can be processed, for example, by a forming press, to obtain a protruding journal housing which defines a receiving recess for the hammer-forming journal of the trailing arm. When the journal housing is integrally formed in the side plate, this will generally result in a uniformly strong frame plate.

[0024] However, another embodiment can be envisaged in which the journal housing is formed as a separate component and the side plates of the support frame each have an aperture, wherein the journal housing extends through the aperture and is attached to the corresponding plate. According to this embodiment, the side plates of the support frame can be, for example, plates comparable to those known in the art, which are used in combination with trailing arms comprising fixing eyes. The apertures in conventional frame plates cannot adequately support the hammerhead of the trailing arm. When a trailing arm with a hammerhead is used in combination with such known frame plates to suspend a vehicle, undesirable stress concentrations occur at the edges defining these apertures. Therefore, a journal housing can be provided that is formed as an insert with an open end, which in its mounted state extends outwardly through the aperture in a transverse direction relative to the plate. The journal portion of the hammerhead can then be received in the open end of the insert, the hammerhead journal being supported by the outwardly extending portion of the insert forming the receiving cavity. The insert provides additional support for the hammerhead and reduces stress concentrations at the edges of the aperture in the frame plate by dispersing the stress over a larger area and more material.

[0025] In another embodiment with a separately formed journal housing, the journal housing can have a flange formed on the outside of the journal housing around the open end, wherein the journal housing is attached to the side plate of the support frame at the flange. The journal housing can be attached to the plate at the flange, for example, by welding, by adhesive bonding, with rivets, with bolts and nuts, or with other suitable fasteners.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the journal housing projects relative to the main plane of the side plate in a direction away from the trailing arm, i.e. outwards. This has the particular advantage that the main plate regions of the side plates can be relatively close to one another or even abut one another, making it relatively easy to rigidly fix the main plates of the side plates to one another, thereby increasing the strength of the pivot arrangement.

[0027] However, in another possible embodiment, the journal housing may protrude relative to the main plane of the side plate in a direction toward the trailing arm (ie, inwardly).

[0028] Preferably, the journal housing in each side plate is generally cup-shaped, having a closed end and an opposite open end. This allows the side plate and the journal housing to be tightened around the journal portion with sufficient pressure. The closed end provides that sufficient pressure can be applied to the journal portion in the lateral direction of the trailing arm. Thereby, the hammerhead structure can be well held in place in the lateral direction of the vehicle. This eliminates the following problem of current trailing arms: the eyelet may be slightly displaced in the lateral direction within the support frame and collide with the side plate of the support frame, which requires a heavier pillar structure to support the support frame in the lateral direction. When the front part of the trailing arm is locked laterally, a significantly lighter pillar structure can be used to support the support frame, thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, such a closed outer surface of the journal housing optimally isolates the striker from the environment, thereby preventing dirt and water from entering and impeding the pivoting movement of the striker in the receiving chamber.

[0030] Preferably, the journal housing has a (truncated) conical shape. The conical shape provides that the side plates can be fastened towards each other and the journal portion will be centered. The conical shape eliminates manufacturing tolerance problems in the bearing frame plate and in the hammerhead construction of the trailing arm.

[0031] In another possible embodiment, the journal housing may at least partially have a spherical shape.

[0032] In another embodiment, the journal portion is at least partially hollow. By making the hammerhead portion of the trailing arm hollow, weight can be reduced.

[0033] In a possible embodiment of the suspension according to the invention, the journal portion has a cylindrical outer surface.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the journal portion has a tapered outer surface, in particular a (truncated) conical outer surface.

[0035] In a possible embodiment of the suspension according to the invention, an elastomeric element is arranged between the outer surface of each of the journal parts and the inner surface of the corresponding journal housing. By providing an elastomeric element, such as an elastic ring, for example, between the outer surface of the opposing journal parts and the inner surface of the corresponding journal housing, flexibility is introduced in the pivot structure, which can reduce wear and friction between the parts. In addition, the elastomeric element provides isolation of the journal parts from vibrations in the journal housing. This can lead to an increase in the life of the parts.

[0036] By tightening the side plates of the bearing frame towards each other and compressing the elastomeric element between the journal part and the journal housing, the elastomeric element can be easily prestressed, in particular when it has a conical or part-spherical shape corresponding to the (truncated) conical or spherical shape of the journal part and / or the journal housing. By prestressing the elastomeric element, the flexibility of the initially flexible elastomeric element can be reduced.

[0037] Another effect of the elastomeric element is that manufacturing tolerances in the journal portion of the trailing arm and in the journal housing of the bearing bracket can be compensated. In particular, if the journal portion and / or the journal housing have a (truncated) conical shape, the hammerhead configuration of the trailing arm is constrained in the axial direction and in the radial direction of the journal portion when the side plates of the bearing bracket are tightened toward each other. The rubber element allows slight movements of the journal portion in the journal housing.

[0038] In another possible embodiment, the elastomeric element is provided on a metallic support ring.

[0039] Preferably, the elastomeric element is provided on a metallic, generally cup-shaped body.

[0040] Possibly, the cup-shaped body has a corrugated bottom.

[0041] The support ring or generally cup-shaped body is preferably made from sheet metal.

[0042] In a possible embodiment, the elastomeric element is vulcanized onto the support ring or the generally cup-shaped body.

[0043] Instead of the elastomeric element on a metallic support ring or a cup-shaped body, the elastomeric element can also be provided directly on the journal portion, in particular if the journal portion is a separate component which is connected to the front end of the trailing arm.

[0044] In an embodiment of the suspension according to the invention, the hammerhead formation has a width defined in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the trailing arm which is at least 10% greater than a width of a portion of the trailing arm adjoining the hammerhead formation.

[0045] The hammerhead construction and the trailing arm can have many different shapes. A hammerhead is characterized in that the hammerhead portion of the trailing arm projects in a lateral direction (thus to the left and to the right) relative to the adjoining portion of the trailing arm. Typically, the width of the trailing arm is substantially constant.

[0046] In a possible embodiment according to the present invention, the width of the trailing arm is narrowed between the portion where the trailing arm is connected to the axle body and the portion where the trailing arm is coupled to the support bracket, and the trailing arm is wider near the axle body portion than near the support bracket portion, thereby forming a necked trailing arm portion. Due to this necked shape of the trailing arm, an embodiment is conceivable in which the width of the hammer is smaller than the width of the trailing arm portion close to the axle body, but in which the hammer is wider than the width of the trailing arm at the necked portion.

[0047] In an embodiment of the suspension according to the invention, the receiving recesses have a depth and are spaced a distance apart relative to the respective side plates, and wherein the hammerhead formations have a width, and wherein at least the depth of the receiving recesses, the distance between the receiving recesses and the width of the hammerhead formations are matched to prevent the hammerhead formations from moving relative to the receiving recesses in a lateral direction of the vehicle in an installed state of the suspension. Preventing the hammerhead formations from moving relative to the receiving cavity in a lateral direction reduces the play between the trailing arm and the vehicle chassis and thereby reduces the play between the wheel axle and the vehicle chassis, thereby forming an improved suspension.

[0048] Known trailing arms with fixing eyelets do not allow the fixing eyelet to be clamped directly between the supporting frames, because the trailing arm will not be able to rotate relative to the supporting frames. As mentioned above, a bushing is required, which leads to an undesirable degree of freedom of movement of the fixing eyelet in the lateral direction. The pivot arrangement of the present invention allows the hammer head portion protruding outwards to be received in the receiving cavity, thereby fixing the hammer head construction of the trailing arm relative to the supporting frame. Therefore, lateral movement of the hammer head in the receiving cavity can be prevented while allowing pivotal movement. The outward protruding part of the hammer head can, for example, be clamped in a receiving recess, wherein a relatively flexible elastomer is compressed between the wall of the cavity and the hammer head portion, wherein the width of the hammer head measured in the lateral direction of the trailing arm matches the width of the receiving cavity measured in the lateral direction of the trailing arm.

[0049] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the width of the hammer head construction is smaller than the width between the receiving cavities, and the elastomer is arranged between the outer end of the hammer head journal part seen in the lateral direction and the bottom of the journal housing in the side plate forming the receiving cavity. However, in the case where the elastomer is compressed between these two ends and therefore has a certain prestress, the lateral movement of the hammer head construction can still be limited.

[0050] The support frame of the suspension is rigidly attached to the vehicle chassis. The attachment may be direct, wherein the support frame is rigidly attached to the vehicle chassis, for example by welding the support frame to the vehicle chassis, or by attaching the support frame to the chassis by means of bolts and nuts through aligned holes in the support frame and the chassis. The attachment may also be indirect, wherein for example a chassis mounting plate is rigidly attached to the chassis, the chassis mounting plate extending downwardly relative to the chassis, and wherein the support frame is rigidly attached to the chassis mounting plate. When such an indirect attachment is arranged between the support frame and the vehicle chassis, the support frame is still considered to be rigidly attached to the vehicle chassis within the context of the present invention, in which context the chassis mounting plate forms part of the vehicle chassis.

[0051] According to a possible embodiment of the suspension of the present invention, in the installation state of the suspension, the plate of the support frame is rigidly attached to a chassis mounting plate associated with the vehicle chassis and extending downward relative to the vehicle chassis. For different vehicles, the desired height between the suspension and the chassis of the vehicle can vary. When the support frame is directly attached to the vehicle chassis, this requires the production of different support frames for different vehicles, and more specifically, the height of the support frame should be adjusted for different vehicle types. On the contrary, when the chassis mounting plate is provided between the vehicle chassis and the suspension support frame, the chassis mounting plate can be selected to have the required height of different vehicle types, and the universal support frame size can be used for all vehicle types, thus forming a cheaper product. Therefore, when the chassis plate is provided between the vehicle chassis and the suspension support frame, the support frame and the trailing arm of the suspension can be assembled together using a standard support frame and the trailing arm. Then, the assembly of the support frame and the trailing arm can be rigidly attached to the chassis plate of the vehicle, wherein the chassis plate has a height suitable for a specific vehicle type.

[0052] In another embodiment of the suspension according to the invention, the support bracket and the chassis mounting plate each comprise at least two holes, the holes in the chassis mounting plate and the support bracket being aligned to allow the support bracket to be rigidly attached to the chassis mounting plate, e.g. using bolts and nuts, wherein at least the hole in the support bracket or the hole in the chassis mounting plate has a slot shape to allow the support bracket to be aligned with the associated trailing arm and axle body. These slot holes provide a clearance limit for aligning the suspension relative to the vehicle chassis. Thus, by (slightly) displacing the support bracket and the chassis plate relative to each other using the slot holes, production tolerances regarding the specifications of the trailing arm and / or the support bracket, more specifically dimensional tolerances of said trailing arm and / or the support bracket, can be compensated.

[0053] The side plates forming the supporting frame of the suspension and the trailing arms of the suspension are essentially two different products which, in use, are pivotably attached to each other and cooperate to suspend the axle body relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0054] In the above, reference is mainly made to a preferred embodiment in which both side plates of the support frame have a receiving recess and in which the hammerhead construction of the trailing arm has two opposite journal portions. However, the invention also includes an embodiment of an air-sprung axle suspension in which one side plate has a receiving recess and the other side plate has a bearing surface, in which the hammerhead has a journal portion, in which the journal portion is received in the receiving recess, and in which the surface of the hammerhead portion opposite the journal portion is supported on the bearing surface. In such an embodiment, the "single-sided" hammerhead and the support frame are therefore asymmetrical with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane through the trailing arm. In such an embodiment, the journal portion and the journal housing can be formed in the same manner as described above. Thus, the journal portion can, for example, be formed integrally with the front end portion of the trailing arm, but can also be a separately formed part assembled with the front end portion of the trailing arm, as described above.

[0055] The invention relates not only to the combination of support bracket and trailing arm, but also to these components individually.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a trailing arm of an air spring axle suspension of a vehicle, which trailing arm can be fixed to the axle body of the vehicle, and has a front end portion that can be pivotally attached to a supporting frame, and the trailing arm has a hammer head structure at its front end portion, which is suitable for being received in a receiving recess formed in a side plate of the supporting frame of the air spring suspension, so that the hammer head structure can pivot relative to the receiving recess.

[0057] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a support frame of an air-sprung wheel axle suspension of a vehicle, which support frame can be rigidly attached to the vehicle chassis and includes a pair of opposite and spaced-apart side plates, wherein the side plates of the support frame each have at least one receiving recess, which is configured to receive a part of a hammerhead structure of a trailing arm so that the hammerhead structure can pivot relative to the support frame.

[0058] The installation of the air-sprung axle suspension according to the invention is generally different from the installation process of suspensions known in the art, such as the suspension of WO 2009 / 014423. For such known suspensions, the support frame can be mounted to the chassis, and then a trailing arm comprising an eyelet is provided as a separate product, which trailing arm is then pivotably attached to the support frame by means of a pivot bolt. For the suspension according to the invention, the installation process is different. Typically, the support frame and the trailing arm are first assembled together to form an assembly, wherein the hammer head structure is received in relative receiving recesses formed in the support frame plate. The hammer head can pivot relative to the receiving recess. The assembled unit of the trailing arm and the support frame is then rigidly mounted to the chassis, or in an alternative embodiment is rigidly mounted to the chassis plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] These and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0060] In the attached picture:

[0061] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an air-sprung axle suspension of a vehicle according to the invention attached to the vehicle chassis;

[0062] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 Axonometric drawing of the wheel axle suspension;

[0063] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 Axonometric view of the wheel axle suspension and exploded view of the support frame;

[0064] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 1 an axonometric view of a trailing arm of an air spring axle suspension of a vehicle;

[0065] Figure 5A A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an air spring wheel axle suspension according to the invention is shown along Figure 1 A cross section of line VV shown in ;

[0066] Figure 5B A second embodiment of the air spring wheel axle suspension according to the invention is schematically shown along Figure 1 A cross section of line VV shown in ;

[0067] Figure 6 Shows the Figure 1 A side view of a support frame of a suspension;

[0068] Fig. 7A A partial cross-sectional view in the vehicle height direction schematically shows a possible embodiment of a frame plate of an air-sprung axle suspension of a vehicle according to the invention;

[0069] Figure 7B A partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another possible embodiment of a frame plate of an air-sprung axle suspension of a vehicle according to the present invention in the vehicle height direction;

[0070] Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another possible embodiment of a frame plate of an air-sprung axle suspension of a vehicle according to the present invention in the vehicle height direction;

[0071] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9BA perspective view and a cross section showing a front end portion of an embodiment of a trailing arm according to the invention with a separately manufactured journal portion;

[0072] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B A perspective view and a cross section showing a front end portion with a separately manufactured journal portion of another embodiment of a trailing arm according to the invention;

[0073] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A perspective view and a cross section showing a front end portion with a separately manufactured journal portion of yet another embodiment of a trailing arm according to the present invention;

[0074] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B A perspective view and a cross section showing a front end portion with a separately manufactured journal portion of yet another embodiment of a trailing arm according to the present invention;

[0075] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A perspective view and a cross section showing a front end portion with a separately manufactured journal portion of yet another embodiment of a trailing arm according to the present invention;

[0076] Fig.14 A cross section showing a front end portion of a further embodiment of a trailing arm according to the present invention with a separately manufactured journal portion;

[0077] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B A perspective view and a cross section showing a front end portion with a separately manufactured journal portion of yet another embodiment of a trailing arm according to the present invention;

[0078] Fig.16 A perspective view showing a front end portion of a trailing arm according to the invention having a crosshead-shaped journal portion;

[0079] Fig.17 Show Fig.16 a side elevation view of a front end portion of;

[0080] Fig.18 Show Fig.18 A perspective view of a front end portion having an elastomeric element thereon;

[0081] Fig.19 Show Fig.18 Possible embodiments of elastomeric elements are shown;

[0082] Fig. 20 Show Fig.18 Another embodiment of the elastomeric element shown;

[0083] Fig.21A perspective view showing a front end portion of a trailing arm according to the present invention having a crosshead-shaped journal portion of different shapes;

[0084] Fig. 22 Show Fig.21 A perspective view of a front end portion having an elastomeric element thereon; and

[0085] Fig.23 Show Fig.21 A side elevation view of the front end portion of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , shows one side of an air-sprung axle suspension 1 of a vehicle, preferably a heavy vehicle such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer. Note that this is only one side of the suspension. The suspension 1 comprises a support frame 2 rigidly attached to the vehicle chassis 6. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a specific embodiment, the support frame 2 is attached to the chassis 6 via a chassis mounting plate 61. The support frame 2 includes at least one pair of opposing spaced-apart side panels 2A, 2B, but may include more than two panels 2A, 2B, such as a front panel arranged in front of the support frame 2 or a bottom panel 2 arranged at the bottom side of the support frame 2.

[0087] The suspension 1 further comprises a trailing arm 3, which is fixed to an axle body 4 of the vehicle. Figure 4 Shown separately in.

[0088] In this particular example, the trailing arm 3 is a flexible trailing arm which typically has a spring portion 3A designed as a leaf spring, which is located between the front end portion and the axle attachment. The trailing arm 3 has a mounting portion 3B for mounting an air spring 5 . Figure 4 The flexible trailing arm 3 is manufactured in one piece from spring steel, for example by rolling and / or forging.

[0089] The orientation of the trailing arm 3 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein the support frame 2 is arranged in front of the axle body 4. Therefore, the trailing arm 3 has a front end portion 3D and a rear end portion 3B. The front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 is pivotably attached to the support frame 2, and the trailing arm 3 and the axle 4 can be rotated upward and downward relative to the vehicle chassis 6 to suspend the axle 4.

[0090] The suspension further comprises an air spring 5 operatively arranged between the vehicle chassis 6 and the rear portion 3B of the trailing arm 3 at a distance rearward from the spring portion 3A.

[0091] Between the spring portion 3A and the air spring mounting portion 3B, the trailing arm 3 has a shaft attachment portion 3C at which the shaft body 4 can be attached to the trailing arm 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the specific example of the invention, the axle body 4 is attached by means of U-bolts 13, which are located on either side of the trailing arm 3 and extend around the axle body 4. A strap 14 arranged on the upper side of the trailing arm 3 serves as a counterpart to enable the U-bolts 13 to be tightened.

[0092] Note that Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of the wheel axle suspension shown and the shapes of the specific components 2, 3, 4, 5, 13 and 14 therein are to be regarded as examples only. Many other configurations and shapes are known and are conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0093] As shown in the example, the trailing arm 3 can be a flexible trailing arm, wherein the trailing arm has inherent elasticity and acts as a leaf spring portion between the shaft body 4 and the front end portion 3D. However, the trailing arm can also be a rigid trailing arm, wherein the trailing arm is rigid compared to the flexible trailing arm and has no inherent spring action. In this context, the use of a flexible trailing arm is preferred.

[0094] It should be noted that within these two main types of trailing arms (flexible and rigid), many variations on the trailing arm concept are known, including: a trailing arm having two parts that are clamped together at the axle body 4 of the vehicle, thereby securing the axle body 4 between the two parts; and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The trailing arm shown, which is formed as a single piece, extends both in front of the axle body and to the rear of the axle body when viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle. A person skilled in the art will further appreciate that the trailing arm may be clamped to the axle body 4 in many different ways, for example with a strap or with bolts. The trailing arm of the present invention may be any type of trailing arm.

[0095] It is further noted that air-sprung axle suspensions, such as the air-sprung axle suspension 1 according to the invention, are typically used in industrial vehicles or utility vehicles, such as trucks, trailers and semi-trailers.

[0096] It is further noted that the support frame 2 of the suspension 1 according to the present invention may include more plates than the pair of opposite side plates 2A, 2B. For example, the support frame 2 may also include a front plate provided at the front side of the opposite spaced-apart side plates 2A, 2B (when viewed in the vehicle travel direction). The support frame 2 may also include a bottom plate arranged at the bottom side of the opposite spaced-apart side plates 2A, 2B.

[0097] It is further noted that the air spring 5 of the suspension according to the invention can be arranged between the trailing arm 3 and the vehicle chassis 6 anywhere at a distance backwards from the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3. The air spring 5 can, for example, be arranged behind the wheel axle 4 when viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Alternatively, the air spring 5 can be arranged at least partially above the axle body 4 of the vehicle. However, alternatively, the air spring 5 can be arranged between the support frame 2 of the suspension 1 and the axle body 4, i.e. in front of the axle body 4 when viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0098] Mainly in Figure 3 - As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the trailing arm 3 according to the invention comprises a hammer 7 at its front end portion 3A, and the side plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2 each have at least one receiving recess or cavity 8, 9 configured to receive at least a portion of said hammer 7. In the mounted state of the suspension, the hammer 7 is received in the opposing receiving recesses 8, 9 formed in the plates 2A, 2B, so that the trailing arm 3 can pivot relative to the support frame 2.

[0099] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a pivot arrangement comprising a hammer 7 and a frame plate 2A, 2B with receiving recesses 8, 9 is schematically shown in FIG. Each side plate 2A, 2B of the support frame 2 comprises a journal housing 12A, 12B protruding relative to a main plane 22A, 22B of the side plate 2A, 2B. Each journal housing 12A, 12B is a projection formed in the side plate and defining a respective receiving recess 8, 9, which is located in said projection 12A, 12B. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1 , the journal housings 12A, 12B are integrally formed in the side plates 2A, 2B.

[0100] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can further be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1 that the journal housings 12A, 12B protrude in a direction away from the trailing arm 3 (ie outwards) relative to the main planes 22A, 22B of the side plates 2A, 2B.

[0101] Alternatively, see Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It can be seen that the receiving cavities 8, 9 can be formed in journal housings 12A, 12B which protrude outwards relative to the side plates 2A, 2B, wherein the journal housing 12A is formed by the insert 11 in the assembled state. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BIn a specific embodiment, the plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2 each have an aperture 10, wherein at least one insert 11 including an open end 11A and an optional second open end 11C extends through the aperture 10 and is attached to the respective plate 2A, 2B. The insert 11 forms a journal housing 12A, 12B, wherein the receiving cavity 8, 9 is located in the journal housing 12A, 12B. The journal housing 12A, 12B in the plate 2A, 2B is formed by inserting the insert 11 through the aperture 10 in the plate 2A, 2B, so that the insert 11 protrudes outwardly relative to the plate 2A, 2B and forms the journal housing 12A, 12B.

[0102] exist Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It can further be seen in the embodiment of that the insert 11 further has a flange 11B formed at the open end 11A on the outside of the insert 11. The insert 11 is attached to the plates 2A, 2B at the flange, for example by attaching the flange 11B to the inside of the plates 2A, 2B.

[0103] But alternatively, as in Figure 8 As can be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the journal housings 12A, 12B of the side plates 2A, 2B protrude in the direction toward the trailing arm 3 (ie, inwardly) relative to the main planes 22A, 22B of the side plates 2A, 2B. Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment is realized by forming the journal housings 12A, 12B integrally with the main plates 22A, 22B of the side plates 2A, 2B. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the inwardly protruding journal housings 12A, 12B may be formed by inserts.

[0104] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 7B In the embodiment of the invention shown, the journal housing 12A, 12B in the side plates 2A, 2B has a closed end or bottom end and an opposite open end. In the embodiment shown, the closed end does not contain a hole, orifice, opening, or the like.

[0105] However, in Fig. 7A In the schematically depicted alternative embodiment, the journal housings 12A, 12B in the side plates 2A, 2B have two closed ends containing openings 11C.

[0106] exist Fig. 7A In the specific embodiment of the embodiment, the lateral outer end of the protruding surface is open. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the outer protruding surface of the journal housing 12A, 12B can contain holes, slits or other openings along the circumferential direction.

[0107] Many different shapes of journal housings 12A, 12B are conceivable forming the receiving recesses 8, 9. As described below, it is preferred when the transversely extending outer hammer head portions 7A, 7B are rotationally symmetrical, and therefore it is also preferred when at least the inner contour surface of the journal housings 12A, 12B is also rotationally symmetrical.

[0108] A possible form of the journal housing 12A, 12B is a substantially cup-shaped form. Figure 2 In and also Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can be seen in the longitudinal cross-section of Figure 2 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the embodiment of the present invention, the transverse outer ends of the journal housings 12A, 12B are formed by dome-shaped wall portions 12C, 12D, which in the example shown have a concave inner side and a convex outer side. These transverse outer ends 12C, 12D can also be formed by substantially straight / flat wall portions. In addition, the wall portions 12E, 12F of the journal housings 12A, 12B that connect the transverse outer ends 12C, 12D of the journal housings 12A, 12B to the side plates 2A, 2B are formed in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 5A , Figure 5B Alternatively, the wall portions 12E, 12F may also be cylindrical or spherical.

[0109] exist Figure 7B In the embodiment, the journal housing 12A is cylindrical in shape. However, Figure 7B The shape of the journal housing 12A may, for example, have at least a spherical shape. Fig. 7A For the journal housings 12A, 12B, the spherical shape is also possible.

[0110] Regarding the hammer 7, the hammer 7 is located at the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 as viewed in the vehicle traveling direction. The front end portion 3D has transversely extending journal portions 7A, 7B relative to the portion of the trailing arm 3 adjacent to the front end portion 3D. These transversely extending journal portions 7A, 7B define the shape of the hammer 7. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the hammer 7 includes two opposite rotationally symmetrical journal portions 7A, 7B, which are received in respective receiving recesses 8, 9.

[0111] Furthermore, many different shapes are possible with regard to the rotationally symmetrical journal parts 7A, 7B extending in opposite directions, and only some conceivable shapes are shown by way of example in the figures of the present application.

[0112] In a possible embodiment, for example Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the outer surfaces of the oppositely extending rotationally symmetrical journal parts 7A, 7B are at least partially conical, wherein the diameter of the journal parts 7A, 7B decreases towards the transverse outer ends of the journal parts 7A, 7B. In a possible embodiment, the outer surfaces of these journal parts 7A, 7B can be at least partially spherical instead of frustoconical.

[0113] about Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can be further seen in the embodiment of the present invention that the trailing arm 3 (which is received between the side plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2) includes a necked portion 3E, where the width of the trailing arm 3 is locally relatively narrow. Preferably, the transition 13A, 13B between the necked portion 3E and the hammer head 7 is gradual, thereby forming a curved transition portion, rather than a straight transition portion. However, the radius of the curved transition portion 13A, 13B can vary.

[0114] exist Figure 5A Further visible in the figure is the width W2 of the necked portion 3E of the trailing arm 3 and the width W1 of the hammer head 7. Preferably, the total width W1 of the hammer head 7 is at least 10% greater than the width W2 of the necked portion 3E of the hammer head 7 adjacent to the hammer head 7, or, when the necked portion cannot be defined, the total width W1 of the hammer head 7 is preferably at least 10% greater than the width of the trailing arm portion adjacent to the hammer head 7.

[0115] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can be further seen in the drawing that the transversely extending journal parts 7A, 7B and optionally also a part of the hammer head 7 which does not extend transversely are at least partially hollow in order to further reduce weight. Figure 5A In , the hollow portion is not filled and is therefore empty, whereas in Figure 5B In the embodiment of the present invention, the hollow part is filled with a part of the elastomer element 17A, 17B. The elastomer may be rubber or PU, for example.

[0116] exist Figure 5A , Figure 5B Such an elastomeric element 17A, 17B is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , which is arranged to abut against the outer surface of each of the journal parts 7A, 7B, between the outer surface of the journal parts 7A, 7B and the inner surface of the journal housing 12A, 12B forming the receiving recess 8, 9. The elastomeric element 17A, 17B is preferably compressed between the outer surface of the journal parts 7A, 7B and the inner surface of the journal housing 12A, 12B forming the receiving recess 8, 9. The elastomeric element 17A, 17B provides the trailing arm hammer 7 with a limited amount of freedom in the rotational direction.

[0117] exist Figure 5AIn the embodiment, the elastic body elements 17A, 17B are formed into rings and are clamped on the outer surfaces of the journal parts 7A, 7B in the circumferential direction. Figure 5B In the embodiment, the journal parts 7A, 7B are almost entirely covered by the elastomeric elements 17A, 17B, wherein almost the entire outer surface of the journal parts 7A, 7B contacts a first side of the elastomeric elements 17A, 17B, and a second side of the elastomeric elements 17A, 17B opposite to the first side contacts an inner surface of the journal housing 12A, 12B in the side plates 2A, 2B.

[0118] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can further be seen that the striker 7 is received in the receiving recesses 8 , 9 .

[0119] The hammer 7 is locked in the transverse direction between the side plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2, which prevents the hammer 7 from moving in the transverse direction of the vehicle relative to the receiving recesses 8, 9 or relative to the support frame 2 or relative to the vehicle chassis in the installed state. It should be noted that the hammer 7 is not clamped at its outer transverse ends, because the hammer 7 will not be able to pivot thereby. The hammer 7 is only clamped at its transversely extending part, that is, the part in which the elastic body is arranged.

[0120] Since the elastomeric elements 17A, 17B are tightly compressed between the outer surface of the journal parts 7A, 7B and the inner surface of the journal housing 12A, 12B, this still largely prevents the hammer 7 from moving in the transverse direction of the vehicle relative to the receiving recess 8, 9 or relative to the support frame 2 or relative to the vehicle chassis in the installed state. Of course, the journal housing 12A, 12B enclosing the journal parts 7A, 7B also prevents the hammer 7 from moving in the radial direction.

[0121] exist Figure 16-18 Another embodiment of the end 3D of the trailing arm 3 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the journal portions 7A and 7B of the hammer head have a crosshead shape, such as Fig.16 and Fig.17 It can be clearly seen that the crosshead is rotationally symmetrical.

[0122] like Fig.18 As shown, the elastomeric element 17A can be placed on the crosshead. Fig.19 and Fig. 20 Two possible embodiments of the elastomeric element 17A are shown in FIG.

[0123] exist Fig.19 17A shows an elastomeric element, which comprises an elastomeric layer 81 provided on a metal cup-shaped body 80 by vulcanization. The elastomeric element 17A has essentially a frustoconical shape. The metal cup-shaped body 80 is placed on the crosshead and engages with its engagement surface 170.

[0124] exist Fig. 20 In the figure, an elastomeric element 17A is shown, which internally forms a crosshead counterform that fits tightly onto the crosshead-shaped journal parts 7A, 7B. Thus, the elastomeric element 17A provides an interlocking engagement (form fit) with the journal parts in the rotational direction.

[0125] exist Fig.21 and Fig.23 Another embodiment of the end 3D of the trailing arm 3 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the journal portions 7A and 7B of the hammer head have a crosshead shape, which is similar to the crosshead shape of the hammer head. Fig.16 and Fig.17 The crosshead shape shown is not rotationally symmetrical. Fig.23 and Fig.17 As can best be seen by comparison, the cross elements of the crosshead are not evenly distributed about the circumference of the journal portions 7A, 7B, but rather the upwardly extending portions 175 and the downwardly extending portions 176 are inclined forwardly at an angle.

[0126] exist Fig. 22 1A is shown to be arranged on the cross-head-shaped journal parts 7A, 7B. This can be as follows Fig.19 The elastomeric element shown. It may also be Fig. 20 The elastomeric element shown is equivalent to the elastomeric element, but its internal formation is similar to Fig.21 and Fig.23 The crosshead shape of the journal portion shown in corresponds to the crosshead shape.

[0127] The vehicle suspension according to the present invention comprises a trailing arm 3 having a hammerhead 7 and a support frame 2 having a pair of opposed spaced-apart side plates 2A, 2B including receiving recesses 8, 9 configured to receive the hammerhead 7. Advantageously, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 , a chassis mounting plate 61 is further provided, wherein in the mounted state of the suspension, the plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2 are rigidly attached to the chassis mounting plate 61. The chassis mounting plate 61 is associated with the vehicle chassis and extends downwardly in a substantially vertical direction relative to the vehicle chassis 6, thereby providing a vertical spacing between the trailing arm 3, the axle 4 and the vehicle chassis 6. The height of the chassis mounting plate 61, and therefore the vertical spacing between the trailing arm 3, the axle 4 and the vehicle chassis 6, can be adjusted to specific vehicle requirements. Therefore, chassis mounting plates 61 of different sizes can be mounted to chassis 6 of different heights, whereby the vehicle manufacturer can change the distance of the trailing arm 3 to the chassis 6.

[0128] It is further advantageous if the support frame 2 comprises a hole 62 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6 ), and the chassis mounting plate 61 includes a hole 64. The hole 64 in the chassis mounting plate 61 and the hole 62 in the support frame 2 are aligned to allow the support frame 2 to be rigidly attached to the chassis mounting plate 61, for example, using bolts and nuts, wherein at least the hole 62 in the support frame 2 or the hole 64 in the chassis mounting plate 61 has a slot shape.

[0129] exist Figure 3 and Figure 6 In a particular embodiment of the invention, the holes 62 in the support frame 2 may be slotted holes, while the holes 64 in the chassis mounting plate 61 are circular. This allows the position of the support frame relative to the chassis in the longitudinal direction to be adjusted. However, it is well envisioned that all holes 62, 64 in the support frame 2 and the chassis mounting plate 61 are circular, all holes 62, 64 in the support frame 2 and the chassis mounting plate 61 are slotted, or the holes 62 in the support frame 2 are slotted, while the holes 64 in the chassis mounting plate 61 are circular.

[0130] exist Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , there are four holes 23, 24, 25, 26 in the plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2. These holes 23, 24, 25, 26 can be used, for example, to utilize Figure 2 The bolts 23A, 24A, 25A, 26A visible in the figure rigidly mount the two plates 2A, 2B of the support frame 2 to each other. However, other fastening methods may rigidly mount the two plates 2A, 2B to each other, for example by welding, using adhesives, using rivets or using other connectors.

[0131] With regard to mounting the air-sprung axle suspension to the vehicle chassis, it is foreseen that the support bracket 2 and the trailing arm 3 are first mounted to each other before mounting the support bracket to the chassis 6 or chassis mounting plate 61. This is in contrast to methods of mounting air-sprung axle suspensions known in the art, in which the support bracket is first mounted to the chassis or mounting plate and the trailing arm is then mounted to the support bracket.

[0132] The previously described receiving recesses 8 , 9 in the side plates 2A, 2B may be formed by journal housings 12A, 12B in the plates 2A, 2B, which may be formed by inserts 11 .

[0133] In an alternative preferred method, the support frame 2 is manufactured using a forming press, a forming die and a sheet metal blank by a method comprising at least the following steps: the sheet metal blank is drawn into the forming die by means of a die forming press, so that the receiving cavities 8, 9 are formed in the side panels 2A, 2B of the support frame 2. Thereafter, the side panels 2A, 2B may be processed to provide holes, or as in Figure 1-Figure 3In an embodiment, they may have a closed outer surface.

[0134] In see Figures 1 to 6 In the described embodiment, the journal portions 7A, 7B are integrally formed on the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 .

[0135] However, it is also possible to make the journal portion as a separate component which is interconnected with the front end portion of the trailing arm. Different possible embodiments with a separate journal portion are shown in FIGS.

[0136] exist Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B In the embodiment, the journal portions 71 each have an interlocking protrusion 72, and a corresponding recess 32 is formed in the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 so that the journal portion 71 and the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 are interlocked. In this embodiment, the protrusion 72 is formed as a truncated cone-shaped protrusion. The journal portion 72 is connected to the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 in an interlocking manner. The elastic body 76 is arranged on the outer side of the journal portion 71.

[0137] exist Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In the embodiment, the journal portion 71 has a protrusion 73 formed substantially in a trapezoidal shape, and a matching hole 33 is formed in the trailing arm to provide an interlocking engagement between the trailing arm and the journal portion 71. An elastomeric body 76 is arranged on the outer side of the journal portion 71.

[0138] exist Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , an embodiment is shown in which the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 is provided with the circular recess 34. The journal portion 71 has an annular portion 74 formed at the end inserted into the circular recess 34 to provide interlocking. An elastic body 76 is arranged on the outer side of the journal portion 71.

[0139] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B An embodiment is shown in which recesses 35 are formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3. The journal portion 71 is provided with opposing annular segments 75 which fit in the recesses 35, thereby providing an interlocking engagement. An elastomeric body 76 is arranged on the outside of the journal portion 71.

[0140] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B An embodiment is shown in which the front end 3D of the trailing arm is provided with an integrated journal portion 36 , wherein a separate cup-shaped journal body 71 with an elastomer layer 76 on the outside is placed on the integrated journal portion 36 .

[0141] exist Fig.14, an embodiment is shown in which the front end portion 3D of the trailing arm 3 has a through hole. One end of a journal body 71 is fitted in the hole. The journal body 71 has aligned holes 77, 78. A bolt 79 extends through the holes 77, 78 and engages with an internal thread in one of the holes 78. Thus, the journal portion is connected to the front end portion of the trailing arm 3 by a bolt or threaded connection. A cup-shaped body 80 having an elastomer layer 81 on the outside is placed on the journal body 71.

[0142] Figure 15 shows the Fig.14 However, a cup-shaped body 80 of a different shape is arranged on the journal body 71. In this embodiment, Fig.15A The cup-shaped body 80 shown separately in FIG. 8 has a corrugated bottom 82 .

Claims

1. A trailing arm (3) of an air-sprung axle suspension (1) of a vehicle, the trailing arm (3) being fixable to an axle body (4) of the vehicle, the trailing arm (3) having a front end portion (3A) which can be pivotally attached to a support frame (2) associated with the vehicle chassis, the trailing arm (3) having a front end portion (3A) with a hammerhead structure (7), the hammerhead structure (7) being adapted to be received in oppositely spaced receiving recesses (12A, 12B) provided in side plates (2A, 2B) of the support frame (2) so that the hammerhead structure (7) can pivot relative to the receiving recesses (8, 9).

2. A trailing arm according to claim 1, wherein the hammerhead structure (7) comprises two opposing journal portions (7A, 7B), which extend transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailing arm, and wherein the journal portions (7A, 7B) are suitable for being received in respective receiving recesses (8, 9) of the support frame (2).

3. The trailing arm of claim 2, wherein the journal portion is rotationally symmetric. 4 . The trailing arm according to claim 2 , wherein the journal portion is integrally formed on the front end portion of the trailing arm.

5. The trailing arm of claim 2, wherein the journal portion is a separate component interconnected with the front end portion of the trailing arm.

6. The trailing arm of claim 5, wherein the journal portion is connected to the front end portion of the trailing arm in an interlocking manner.

7. The trailing arm of claim 6, wherein each of the journal portions has at least one interlocking protrusion, and the front end portion of the trailing arm has at least one corresponding recess formed therein to interlock the journal portion and the front end portion of the trailing arm.

8. The trailing arm according to claim 5, wherein the journal portion is connected to the front end portion of the trailing arm in a non-positive locking manner, ie, in a press-fit manner.

9. The trailing arm of claim 8, wherein the journal portion is connected to the front end portion of the trailing arm by a bolt or screw connection.

10. Trailing arm according to claim 2, wherein the journal portion (7A, 7B) has a cylindrical outer surface, or the journal portion (7A, 7B) has a tapered outer surface, in particular a (truncated) conical outer surface.

11. The trailing arm according to claim 2, wherein the journal portion (7A, 7B) is at least partially hollow.

12. The trailing arm according to claim 1, wherein the hammerhead structure (7) has a width (W1) defined in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the trailing arm, and the width (W1) is at least 10% larger than the width (W2) of the trailing arm portion adjacent to the hammerhead structure (7).

13. The trailing arm according to claim 1, wherein the trailing arm has a necked trailing arm portion (3E), in which the width (W2) of the trailing arm (3) is relatively narrow, and the necked trailing arm portion (3E) is located between the portion (3C) where the trailing arm is connected to the shaft body and the front end portion (3D).

14. The trailing arm according to claim 12, wherein the width (W1) of the hammerhead structure (7) is smaller than the width of the trailing arm (3) at the portion (3C) to be connected to the shaft body (4), and wherein the hammerhead structure (7) is wider than the width (W2) of the trailing arm (3) at the necked trailing arm portion.

15. The trailing arm of claim 1, wherein the trailing arm has an integrally formed hammerhead configuration.

16. A trailing arm according to claim 1, wherein the trailing arm (3) is a flexible trailing arm, wherein the trailing arm (3) has inherent elasticity and serves as a leaf spring portion between the front end portion (3D) and the shaft attachment portion (3C), at which the shaft body (4) is fixed to the trailing arm (3).

17. The trailing arm of claim 16, wherein the trailing arm is made as a single piece from spring steel.

18. Trailing arm according to claim 16, wherein the trailing arm comprises two parts adapted to be clamped at the axle body (4) so ​​as to fix the axle body (4) between the two parts.

19. A support frame (2) of an air-sprung axle suspension (1) of a vehicle, the support frame (2) being rigidly attachable to a vehicle chassis (6) and comprising a pair of oppositely spaced side plates (2A, 2B), wherein the side plates (2A, 2B) of the support frame (2) each have at least one receiving recess (8, 9), the receiving recess (8, 9) being constructed to receive a portion of a hammerhead structure (7) of a trailing arm (3) so that the hammerhead structure (7) can pivot relative to the support frame (2).

20. A support frame according to claim 19, wherein each side plate (2A, 2B) of the support frame (2) comprises a journal housing (12A, 12B), and wherein the receiving recess (8, 9) is defined by the journal housing (12A, 12B).

21. A support according to claim 20, wherein the journal housing (12A, 12B) projects in a direction away from the trailing arm (3), i.e. outwardly, relative to a main plane (22A, 22B) of the side plate (2A, 2B).

22. A support according to claim 20, wherein the journal housing (12A, 12B) projects in the direction towards the trailing arm (3), i.e. inwardly, relative to the main plane (22A, 22B) of the side plate (2A, 2B).

23. The support frame according to claim 20, wherein the journal housing (12A, 12B) is integrally formed in the side plate (2A, 2B) of the support frame.

24. A support frame according to claim 20, wherein the journal housing is formed as a separate component, and the side plates (2A, 2B) of the support frame (2) each have an orifice (10), wherein the journal housing (11) extends through the orifice (10) and is attached to the corresponding plate (2A, 2B).

25. A support frame according to claim 24, wherein the journal housing (11) has a flange (11B) formed around an open end (11A) on the outside of the journal housing (11), wherein the journal housing (11) is attached to the plate (2A, 2B) at the flange (11B).

26. The support frame of claim 20, wherein the journal housing (12A, 12B) in the side plate (2A, 2B) is generally cup-shaped having a closed end and an opposite open end.

27. Bearing bracket according to claim 20, wherein the journal housing (12A, 12B) has a (truncated) conical shape.

28. The bearing bracket according to claim 20, wherein the journal housing (12A, 12B) has at least partially a spherical shape.

Images