Axle lift having lever attached to pivot end of trailing arm

Abstract

An axle lift for an air spring axle suspension includes a rigid rod (91) and an actuator (95) having opposite ends (96, 97). One (96) of the opposite ends of the actuator (95) is supported by a support structure, and the other (97) of the opposite ends of the actuator (95) is attached to an actuator mounting portion (92) on the rod (91). Distanced from the actuator mounting portion (92), the lever (91) has a trailing arm mounting portion (93) adapted to be rigidly attached to a pivot end structure (45) of a trailing arm of the axle suspension to transmit a torque into the pivot end structure (45) of the trailing arm, the torque driving a lifting motion of the trailing arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an axle lifter for mounting on the axle suspension of a utility vehicle such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer. Such vehicles usually have a plurality of axles, each of which is suspended by an air spring axle suspension. In certain circumstances, not all axles have to be used, for example when the vehicle is not fully loaded. The function of the axle lifter mounted on one of the axle suspensions is to lift the axle so that the wheel is raised from the road surface. Thereby, the rolling resistance of the vehicle is reduced, which saves fuel and reduces tire wear over time. Background Art

[0002] Axle lifters are known. For example, EP 0 450 942 Figure 2 An axle lift is shown which comprises a lever having a front arm and a rear arm. Between the front arm and the rear arm the lever is pivotally suspended from a support frame. An actuator is located forward of the support frame and is attached to the front end of the front arm of the lever. The opposite side of the actuator is supported by a support mounted to the chassis. The rear end of the rear arm of the lever arm is provided with a rubber pad which engages the underside of the trailing arm at a distance rearward of the pivot about which the trailing arm rotates.

[0003] Another type of axle lift includes a support member attached or suspended from and generally below a support frame. One end (lower end) of an actuator is attached to the support member. The opposite end of the actuator is attached or engaged to the trailing arm at a distance from the pivot of the trailing arm. Examples of this type of axle lift are shown in EP 431 673, EP 941 915, US 5655788, WO98 / 38074 and EP 3 489 047. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative axle lift configuration.

[0005] This object is achieved by an axle lifter for an air sprung axle suspension of a utility vehicle such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, the axle lifter comprising a rod and an actuator having opposite ends. One of the opposite ends of the actuator is supported by a support structure and the other of the opposite ends of the actuator is attached to an actuator mounting portion on the rod. Remote from the actuator mounting portion, the rod has a trailing arm mounting portion, the trailing arm mounting portion being adapted to be rigidly attached to a pivot end structure of a trailing arm of the axle suspension in order to introduce a torque into the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, the torque driving a lifting movement of the trailing arm.

[0006] The axle lifter according to the invention comprises a rigid rod which is adapted to be rigidly attached to a pivot end structure of a trailing arm of a wheel axle suspension. This attachment is rigid so that a rotation of the rod at the attachment causes a rotation of the pivot end structure (e.g. an eyelet) of the trailing arm. The rigid attachment can be based on clamping and friction ("Kraftschlüssig"), but can also be based on interlocking ("Formschlüssig"). The rod is further attached to the other of the opposite ends of the actuator at a position away from the position where the rod is attached to the pivot end structure. The rod thus constitutes a moment arm, wherein the pivot of the rod is the pivot of the trailing arm. An extension or expansion of the actuator causes a rotation of the rod about the pivot of the rod. Since the rod is attached to the trailing arm at the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, the trailing arm mounting portion transfers a torque into the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, and the trailing arm is forced to rotate about its pivot, whereby the rest of the trailing arm rotates upward, thereby lifting the axle. Thus, in other words, when the actuator exerts a force on the actuation mounting portion of the rod and the force of the actuator is converted into a torque through the rod, the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod transmits said torque to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm due to the rigid connection with the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, whereby the trailing arm rotates upward. Thus, the actuator drives the upward rotational movement of the trailing arm by driving the rotation directly at the pivot end structure of the trailing arm. The pivot end structure of the trailing arm can be, for example, a ring commonly found on a trailing arm.

[0007] It should be emphasized that according to the invention, the rod interacts with the trailing arm only at the pivot end structure of the trailing arm. Therefore, at another position on the trailing arm away from the pivot end structure, there is clearly no engagement of the rod or actuator with the trailing arm (for example with an intermediate buffer element) (this is the case, for example, in EP 431 673, EP 941 915, WO 98 / 38074 and EP 3489 047). These prior art axle lifting configurations include a positioning arm or guide arm attached to the upper end of the actuator, which positioning arm or guide arm is not rigidly attached to the ring of the trailing arm and can be moved relative to the ring. At the end of the positioning arm attached to the actuator, the positioning arm is provided with a buffer element that engages with the underside of the trailing arm to push the trailing arm upwards when the actuator is extended.

[0008] In the case of a flexible trailing arm, according to the invention, the axle lift therefore has no parts engaging on the spring portion of the trailing arm.

[0009] Since there are no other joints between the rod / actuator and the trailing arm except at the pivot end structure, there are no parts that move relative to each other, which prevents friction and wear of the parts. In addition, the load on the pivot of the trailing arm is also reduced and can be lighter. Further, no protective elements such as rubber pads or other buffer elements are required, which saves parts and weight.

[0010] In one embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion of the lever is adapted to be clamped to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion of the bar includes a seat portion to receive a portion of the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, and wherein the axle lifter further includes at least one clamping device to secure the pivot end structure of the trailing arm in the seat portion.

[0012] The clamping means may comprise one or more bolts. The clamping means may comprise a U-bolt having threaded legs.

[0013] In one embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion of the lever is adapted to be hooked to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

[0014] In this embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod may include a portion extending below the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, wherein the portion has an end that can be connected to the rear end of the pivot end structure, i.e., the end on the trailing arm side, by a fastener such as a bolt, and wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod includes a hook that is suitable for and arranged to engage on a front end edge portion of the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the portion extending below the pivot end structure of the trailing arm is connectable to the front end of the pivot end structure by fasteners such as bolts.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, an axle lifter is adapted to be retrofitted.

[0017] In an embodiment, the axle lifter further comprises a support table, which is adapted to be mounted to a bearing frame of the wheel axle suspension, wherein the support table forms said support structure.

[0018] In another embodiment, the axle lift further comprises a support table adapted to be mounted to a vehicle chassis, wherein the support table forms said support structure.

[0019] The invention also relates to an axle suspension for a utility vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, wherein the axle suspension comprises: a support frame attached to the vehicle chassis; a trailing arm having a pivot end structure, the pivot end structure being pivotally mounted to the support frame; an axle body mounted to the trailing arm; an air spring mounted to the trailing arm and supporting the chassis. The axle suspension further comprises an axle lifter as described above.

[0020] The invention also relates to an axle suspension for a utility vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, wherein the axle suspension comprises: a support frame attached to the vehicle chassis; a trailing arm having a pivot end structure, the pivot end structure being pivotally mounted to the support frame; an axle body mounted to the trailing arm; and an air spring mounted to the trailing arm and supporting the chassis. The axle suspension further comprises an axle lifter for lifting the axle, the axle lifter comprising a rod and an actuator having opposite ends. One of the opposite ends of the actuator is supported by the support structure, and the other of the opposite ends of the actuator is attached to an actuator mounting portion of the rod. Remote from the actuator mounting portion, the rod has a trailing arm mounting portion, the trailing arm mounting portion being rigidly attached to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm to transfer a torque into the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, the torque driving the lifting movement of the trailing arm.

[0021] The wheel axle suspension according to the invention comprises an axle lifter comprising a rigid rod, which is rigidly attached to a pivot end structure of a trailing arm of the wheel axle suspension. The attachment of the rod to the pivot end structure is rigid, so that a rotation of the rod at the attachment causes a rotation of the pivot end structure (e.g. a ring) of the trailing arm. The rigid attachment can be based on clamping and friction ("Kraftschlüssig"), but can also be based on interlocking ("Formschlüssig"). Further, the rod is further attached to the other of the opposite ends of the actuator at a position remote from the position at which the rod is attached to the pivot end structure. The rod thus constitutes a moment arm, wherein the pivot of the rod is the pivot of the trailing arm. An extension or expansion of the actuator causes a rotation of the rod around the pivot of the rod. Since the rod is rigidly attached to the trailing arm at the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, the trailing arm mounting portion transmits a torque to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm and the trailing arm is forced to rotate about its pivot, whereby the rest of the trailing arm rotates upward, thereby lifting the axle. Therefore, in other words, when the actuator applies a force on the actuation mounting portion of the rod and the force of the actuator is converted into a torque through the rod, the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod transmits the torque to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm due to the rigid connection to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, whereby the trailing arm rotates upward. Therefore, the actuator drives the upward rotational movement of the trailing arm by driving the rotation directly at the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

[0022] In an embodiment of the wheel axle suspension, the pivot end structure of the trailing arm comprises a ring, which may be integrally formed on the trailing arm. For example, the trailing arm may be formed by a rolling or forging process, and the front end of the trailing arm is bent into a ring integral with the rest of the trailing arm.

[0023] In another embodiment, the pivot end structure of the trailing arm comprises an integral ring portion integrally formed on the trailing arm, and wherein the separate ring portion is attached to the integral ring portion to form a ring. The separate ring portion may preferably be bolted to the integral ring portion by a U-bolt or one or more bolts.

[0024] In a particular embodiment of the suspension, the trailing arm mounting portion of the lever comprises a separate ring portion. In this particular embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion thus integrates two functions: it connects the lever to the trailing arm at the pivot structure of the trailing arm, and it forms a part of a ring, complementary to the ring portion formed integrally with the trailing arm. An advantage of this embodiment is less material usage and thus weight savings. This embodiment of the axle lift is less suitable for retrofitting.

[0025] Preferably, the trailing arm mounting portion of the bar is bolted to the integral ring portion using the same U-bolts or the same bolt or bolts as used to bolt the separate ring portion to the integral ring portion. Between the ring portions, a bearing element comprising a rubber bushing (a so-called "silent block") may be clamped, which provides a pivot for the trailing arm relative to the support bracket.

[0026] In an embodiment of the wheel axle suspension, the support structure comprises a support platform mounted to a support frame, wherein the actuator is located below the support frame. The support platform is of a known type. However, in this embodiment, a rod attached to the top end of the actuator extends forwardly from said top end of the actuator towards the pivot structure (usually a ring) of the trailing arm.

[0027] In another embodiment, the support structure includes a support platform mounted to the vehicle chassis in front of the support frame, wherein the actuator is located in front of the support frame. In this embodiment, a rod attached to the bottom end of the actuator extends rearwardly from the bottom end of the actuator toward the pivot structure (usually a ring) of the trailing arm.

[0028] In another embodiment, the support structure comprises a chassis beam of the vehicle chassis, wherein the actuator is located forward of the support frame. In this embodiment, the top end of the actuator is directly attached to the chassis beam, such as the lower flange of the chassis beam. A rod is attached to the bottom end of the actuator, extending from said bottom end of the actuator rearwardly toward the pivot structure (usually a ring) of the trailing arm.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod includes a seat portion, and the integral ring portion of the trailing arm is at least partially received in the seat portion. The rod of this embodiment can have a blind hole (unthreaded) on one side of the seat portion (preferably the rear side), and one end of the leg of the U-bolt is received in the blind hole. Further, the rod can have a through hole on the other side of the seat portion (preferably the front side), and the end of the other leg of the U-bolt passes through the through hole, wherein a second nut is screwed on the end to secure the rod to the leg.

[0030] In another embodiment of the wheel axle suspension, the pivot end structure of the trailing arm comprises a hammer head, which comprises two opposite journal parts, each of which is received in a corresponding journal recess in the side plate of the support frame and defines a pivot axis of the pivot end structure. The hammer head is preferably formed integrally with the rest of the trailing arm, although embodiments are also conceivable in which the hammer head or parts thereof are formed separately and connected to the rest of the trailing arm.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the pivot end structure has an attachment portion between the journal portions of the hammer head adapted to cooperate with the trailing arm mounting portion of the lever.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the attachment portion of the pivot end structure has a hole extending generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, and wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod has a hole aligned with the hole in the attachment portion of the pivot end structure, and wherein a fastener such as a bolt extends through the aligned holes to attach the attachment portion and the trailing arm mounting portion to each other.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the support structure comprises a support table mounted to a support frame, and wherein the actuator is located below the support frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention will be further elucidated in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a side view of a wheel axle suspension comprising a first embodiment of an axle lift according to the invention,

[0036] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Isometric view of the axle suspension,

[0037] 3a to 3e show the side view, top view, front view, rear view and bottom view respectively. Figure 1 The suspension is shown with an axle lift,

[0038] 4a and 4b show the axle lift of FIGS. 3a to 3e in different isometric views,

[0039] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 Isometric view of the assembly of the trailing arm, axle body and axle lift of the wheel axle suspension,

[0040] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A cross section in the longitudinal direction of the front part of the component,

[0041] 7a to 7e show the rod of the axle lifter of FIG. 3 in side view, top view, front view, rear view and bottom view, respectively,

[0042] 8a and 8b show the rod of FIGS. 7a to 7e in different isometric views,

[0043] Fig. 9 shows a side view of a wheel axle suspension comprising a second embodiment of an axle lift according to the invention,

[0044] Fig.10 Show Fig. 9 Isometric view of the axle suspension,

[0045] Fig.11 Show Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A longitudinal section in the front of the assembly of the trailing arm and the axle lift is shown,

[0046] 12a and 12b show the rod of a second embodiment of the axle lift in different isometric views,

[0047] Fig.13 shows a side view of a wheel axle suspension comprising a third embodiment of an axle lift according to the invention,

[0048] Fig.14 Show Fig.13 Isometric view of the axle suspension,

[0049] Fig.15 Show Fig.13 and Fig.14 A longitudinal section in the front of the assembly of the trailing arm and the axle lift is shown,

[0050] 16a and 16b show the rod of a third embodiment of the axle lift in different isometric views,

[0051] Fig.17 shows a side view of a wheel axle suspension comprising a fourth embodiment of an axle lift according to the invention,

[0052] Fig.18 Show Fig.17 Isometric view of the axle suspension,

[0053] Fig.19 Show Fig.17 and Fig.18 A longitudinal section in the front of the assembly of the trailing arm and the axle lift is shown,

[0054] 20a and 20b show the rod of a fourth embodiment of the axle lift in different isometric views,

[0055] Fig.21 shows a side view of a wheel axle suspension comprising a fifth embodiment of an axle lift according to the invention,

[0056] Fig. 22 Show Fig.21 Isometric view of the axle suspension,

[0057] Fig.23a and Figure 23b A rod of a fifth embodiment of an axle lift is shown in an isometric view and in a side view, respectively,

[0058] Fig.24 an isometric view showing a portion of a wheel axle suspension comprising a sixth embodiment of an axle lift according to the invention,

[0059] Fig.25 Show Fig.24 Isometric view of a part of the axle suspension with trailing arms and axle lift,

[0060] Fig.26 Show Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the front end of the axle suspension,

[0061] Fig. 27 Show Fig.24 An isometric view of the trailing arms of the axle suspension, and

[0062] Fig.28a and Fig.28b The rod of a sixth embodiment of an axle lift is shown in an isometric view and in a side view, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 shows an air spring axle suspension 1 which can be arranged on a utility vehicle such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer. The axle suspension 1 comprises a support frame 2 which is attached to a vehicle chassis 3. The support frame comprises two spaced-apart side plates 21. The vehicle chassis 3 is indicated by a chassis beam 31 drawn in dashed lines. The support frame 2 has an upper end which is attached to a flange of the chassis beam 31, to which it can be welded, for example.

[0064] The suspension 1 further comprises a trailing arm 4. The trailing arm 4 has a pivot end structure 45 which is arranged between the side plates 21 of the support frame 2 and is pivotally mounted to the side plates 21 of the support frame 2 by a pivot bolt 5 extending through aligned openings in the side plates 21.

[0065] In this particular embodiment, the pivot end structure 45 of the trailing arm 4 comprises an integral ring portion 47 which is integrally formed on the trailing arm 4, for example by a forging process. A separate ring portion 48 is attached to the integral ring portion 47 to form a ring. The separate ring portion 48 is made separately from the trailing arm, for example by forging or, for example, by casting. The separate ring portion 47 is bolted to the integral ring portion 48 by means of a U-bolt 102. Instead of the U-bolt 102, the ring portions 47 and 48 can also be bolted together by means of one or more bolts.

[0066] An axle body 6 is mounted to the trailing arm 4. In this example, the axle body 6 is a thin-walled tubular axle body with a circular cross section. It should be noted that other axles with different cross sections are also possible in the context of the present invention.

[0067] In this particular embodiment of the suspension, the trailing arm 4 comprises a front arm portion 41 and a rear arm portion 43, each of which comprises an axle seat 42 and 44, respectively. The axle body 6 is received in the axle seats 42 and 44, and the axle seats 42 and 44 are fastened towards each other by bolting (in this particular embodiment by U-bolts 7), thereby clamping to the axle body 6. Thus, the trailing arm 4 is rigidly attached to the axle body 6.

[0068] The rear arm 43 has an air spring mounting portion 46 at the rear end. The air spring 8 is mounted to the air spring mounting portion 46 of the trailing arm 4. The chassis 3 is supported from below by the air spring 8. The upper end 81 of the air spring 8 may be attached to the chassis beam 31, for example.

[0069] The wheel axle suspension 1 also includes an axle lifter 9 for lifting the wheel axle. The axle lifter 9 includes a rod 91 and an actuator 95 having opposite ends 96 and 97, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the axle lift 9 includes a support platform 98 suspended from the support frame 2. In particular, the support platform has an arm 98A that is suspended from the side plate 21 by bolts 100 and nuts 101, which can be best seen in Figures 3 and 4. The support platform 98 has a mounting surface 99 to which the lower end 96 of the actuator 95 is attached. The actuator 95 is located below the support frame 2, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The other end 97 of the actuator 9 is attached to the actuator mounting portion 92 of the rod 91 .

[0070] The rod 91 has a trailing arm mounting portion 93 which is rigidly attached to the pivot end structure 45 of the trailing arm 4. In particular, in this embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion 93 of the rod 91 is bolted to the integral ring portion 47 using the same U-bolts 102 used to bolt the separate ring portion 48 to the integral ring portion 47. Figure 6 47 and 48. The bent portion of the U-bolt 102 extends around the separate ring portion 48. The legs of the U-bolt 102 extend through the through hole in the integral ring portion. Nuts 103 and 104 are screwed onto the legs of the U-bolt 102 and secure the integral ring portion 47 and the separate ring portion 48 to each other.

[0071] 7a to 7e and 8a and 8b, the trailing arm mounting portion 93 of the rod 91 includes a seat portion 93A in which the integral ring portion 47 of the trailing arm 4 is at least partially received (reference Figure 6 The trailing arm mounting portion 93 of the rod 91 has a blind hole 93B at one side (in this case the rear side) of the seat portion 93A, as best seen in FIG. 8a. One end of the leg of the U-bolt 102 is received in the blind hole 93B, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The nut 104 threaded onto the leg of the U-bolt rests against the surface of the trailing arm mounting portion 93 surrounding the blind hole 93B (see FIG. Figure 6 ). At the other side (in this embodiment, the front side) of the seat portion 93A, the rod 91 has a through hole 93C, which is best seen in Figures 8a and 8b. The end of the other leg of the U-bolt 102 and the nut 103 are inserted into the hole 93C, which is Figure 6 93C. The nut 103 is thus received in the hole 93C. A second nut 105 is screwed onto the end of the same leg of the U-bolt to rigidly secure the rod 93 to said leg. The rod 91 and thus this embodiment of the axle lifter 9 is suitable for addition to the wheel axle suspension because the nuts 103 and 104 for securing the ring parts together do not have to be loosened in order to mount the rod to the ring.

[0072] The actuator mounting portion 92 of the rod 91 and the trailing arm mounting portion 93 of the rod 91 are spaced apart from each other. The pivot of the rod 91 is the pivot of the trailing arm 4. The extension or expansion of the actuator 95 causes a rotational movement of the rod 91 about the pivot of the rod 91. Since the rod 91 is rigidly attached to the trailing arm 4 at the pivot structure 45 of the trailing arm 4, the rotation of the rod 91 drives the rotation of the trailing arm 4 at the pivot. Therefore, the trailing arm 4 rotates about its pivot, whereby the remaining parts 41, 43 of the trailing arm 4 are lifted, and thus the shaft 6 is lifted.

[0073] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.102 shows another embodiment of an air spring axle suspension according to the invention. The axle suspension is indicated by reference numeral 201 and can be arranged on a utility vehicle such as a truck, a trailer or a semi-trailer. The axle suspension 201 comprises a support frame 202 attached to a vehicle chassis 203. The support frame 202 comprises two spaced-apart side plates 221. The vehicle chassis 203 is indicated by a chassis beam 231 drawn in dotted lines. The support frame 202 has an upper end attached to a flange of the chassis beam 231, for example, it can be welded to the chassis beam 231.

[0074] The suspension 201 also includes a trailing arm 204. The trailing arm 204 has a pivot end structure 245 disposed between and pivotally mounted to the side plates 221 of the support frame 202 by a pivot bolt 205 extending through aligned openings in the side plates 221.

[0075] In this particular embodiment, the pivot end structure 245 of the trailing arm 204 includes an integral ring portion 247 integrally formed on the trailing arm 204, such as by a forging process. A separate ring portion 248 is attached to the integral ring portion 247 to form a ring. The separate ring portion 248 is made separately from the trailing arm, such as by forging or, for example, casting. The separate ring portion 247 is bolted to the integral ring portion 248 by U-bolts 302, such as Fig.11 Instead of U-bolts 302, ring portions 247 and 248 may also be bolted together by one or more bolts.

[0076] Axle body 206 is mounted to trailing arm 204. In this example, axle body 206 is a thin-walled tubular axle body with a circular cross section. It should be noted that other axles with different cross sections are also possible in the context of the present invention.

[0077] In this particular embodiment of the suspension, the trailing arm 204 comprises a front arm portion 241 and a rear arm portion 243, each of which comprises an axle seat 242 and 244, respectively. The axle body 206 is received in the axle seats 242 and 244, and the axle seats 242 and 244 are fastened towards each other by bolting (in this particular embodiment by U-bolts 207), thereby clamping to the axle body 206. Thus, the trailing arm 204 is rigidly attached to the axle body 206.

[0078] The rear arm 243 has an air spring mounting portion 246 at the rear end. The air spring 208 is mounted to the air spring mounting portion 246 of the trailing arm 204. The chassis 203 is supported from below by the air spring 208. The upper end 281 of the air spring 208 may be attached to the chassis beam 231, for example.

[0079] The wheel axle suspension 201 also includes an axle lifter 209 for lifting the wheel axle. The axle lifter 209 includes a rod 291 and an actuator 295 having opposite ends 296 and 297, as shown in Fig. 9 and Figure 1 In this embodiment, the axle lift 209 includes a support platform 298 attached to the upper chassis beam 231. The support platform has a mounting surface 299 to which the upper end 297 of the actuator 295 is attached. The actuator 295 is located in front of the support frame 202, such as Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The other end 296 of the actuator 209 is attached to the actuator mounting portion 292 of the rod 291 located below the actuator 295.

[0080] The rod 291 has a trailing arm mounting portion 293 which is rigidly attached to the pivot end structure 245 of the trailing arm 204. The trailing arm mounting portion 293 of the rod 291 is bolted to the integral ring portion 247 using the same U-bolts 302 used to bolt the separate ring portion 248 to the integral ring portion 247. Fig.11 Best visible in.

[0081] 12a and 12b, the trailing arm mounting portion 293 of the rod 291 includes a seat portion 293A in which the integral ring portion 247 of the trailing arm 204 is at least partially received (see FIG. Fig.11 ). Seat portion 293 engages the underside of integral ring portion 247. Trailing arm mounting portion 293 of rod 291 has through holes 293B, 293C at either side of seat portion 293A, which is best seen in FIGS. 12a and 12b. Holes 293B and 293C align with holes in integral ring portion 247. The ends of the legs of U-bolt 302 pass through each of these holes 293B, 293C and the aligned holes in integral ring portion 247, which are best seen in FIGS. Fig.11 Nuts 303, 304 are threaded onto these ends, respectively, to secure the rod 293 to the legs of the U-bolt 302. Thus, the separate ring portion 248, the integral ring portion 247 of the trailing arm 204, and the seat portion 293 of the rod 291 are rigidly clamped together.

[0082] The actuator mounting portion 292 of the rod 291 and the trailing arm mounting portion 293 of the rod 291 are spaced apart from each other. The pivot of the rod 291 is the pivot of the trailing arm 204. The extension or expansion of the actuator 295 causes the rod 291 to rotate about the pivot of the rod 291. Since the rod 291 is rigidly attached to the trailing arm 204 at the pivot structure 245 of the trailing arm 204, the rotation of the rod 291 drives the rotation of the trailing arm 204 at the pivot. Therefore, the trailing arm 204 rotates about its pivot, whereby the remaining portions 241, 243 of the trailing arm 204 are lifted, and thus the shaft 206 is lifted.

[0083] exist Fig.13 and Fig.14 Another embodiment of the air spring wheel axle suspension according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The embodiment shown. Fig.13 and Fig.14 Axle suspension and Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The embodiment of has the same support frame, the same trailing arm and the same air spring. Therefore, the same components are provided as Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description is referred to above.

[0084] Fig.13 and Fig.14 The wheel axle suspension 401 shown has an axle lifter 409 for lifting the wheel axle, which is connected to the wheel axle. Figure 9 to Figure 1 The axle lifter embodiment shown in Figure 2b is a slightly different embodiment. In particular, the rod and the U-bolts used to mount the rod to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm are somewhat different.

[0085] The integrated ring portion 247 and the separate ring portion 248 of the trailing arm are connected to each other by a U-bolt 502, the curved portion of which extends over the separate ring portion 248. The legs of the U-bolt 502 extend through holes in the integrated ring portion (see Fig.15 ). Nuts 503, 504 are screwed onto the legs to secure the ring portions 247 and 248 together.

[0086] The shaft lift 409 includes a rod 491 and an actuator 495 having opposite ends 496 and 497, such as Fig.13 and Fig.14 In this embodiment, the axle lift 409 includes a support platform 498 attached to the upper chassis beam 231. The support platform 498 has a mounting surface 499 to which the upper end 497 of the actuator 495 is attached. Fig.13 and 14As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the actuator 495 is located in front of the support frame 202. The other end 496 of the actuator 409 is attached to the actuator mounting portion 492 of the rod 491 located below the actuator 495.

[0087] The rod 491 has a trailing arm mounting portion 493 which is rigidly attached to the pivot end structure 245 of the trailing arm 204. The trailing arm mounting portion 493 of the rod 491 is bolted to the integral ring portion 247 using the same U-bolts 502 used to bolt the separate ring portion 248 to the integral ring portion 247. Fig.15 Best visible in.

[0088] 16a and 16b, the trailing arm mounting portion 493 of the rod 491 includes a flat engagement portion 493A that engages the integral ring portion 247 of the trailing arm 204 (see FIG. Fig.15 ). The trailing arm mounting portion 493 of the rod 491 has through holes 493B, 493C on either side of the engagement portion 493A, which is best seen in FIGS. 16a and 16b. The ends of the legs of the U-bolt 502 are inserted into each of these holes 493B, 493C, which is best seen in FIGS. Fig.15 493B and 493C. Another nut 505 is inserted from below into hole 493B and is screwed onto the corresponding leg of U-bolt 502, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 493B. Nut 505 has a collar that engages with the lower surface around hole 493B. Nut 505 thus secures rod 491 to engage with nuts 503 and 504 and with integral ring portion 247 of trailing arm 204. Rod 491, and thus this embodiment of axle lifter 409, is suitable for attachment to the axle suspension because nuts 503 and 504, which are used to secure ring portions 247 and 248 together, do not have to be loosened in order to mount rod 491 to the ring.

[0089] The actuator mounting portion 492 of the rod 491 and the trailing arm mounting portion 493 of the rod 491 are spaced apart from each other. The pivot of the rod 491 is the pivot of the trailing arm 204. The extension or expansion of the actuator 495 causes the rod 491 to rotate about the pivot of the rod 491. Since the rod 491 is attached to the trailing arm 204 at the pivot structure 245 of the trailing arm 204, the trailing arm 204 also rotates about its pivot, whereby the remaining portions 241, 243 of the trailing arm 204 are lifted, and thus the shaft 206 is lifted.

[0090] exist Fig.17 and Fig.18 Another embodiment of the air spring wheel axle suspension according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The illustrated embodiment. Fig.17 and Fig.18 Axle suspension and Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The embodiment of has the same support frame, the same trailing arm and the same air spring. Therefore, the same components are provided as Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The same reference numerals and description refer to above.

[0091] Fig.17 and 18 The axle suspension 601 shown in FIG. 1 has an axle lifter 609 for lifting the axle, which is connected to the axle lifter 609. Figure 9 to Figure 1 The axle lifter embodiment shown in FIG6b is a different embodiment. In particular, the rod and the U-bolts used to mount the rod to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm are different.

[0092] The integral ring portion 247 of the trailing arm 204 is the same as in the previous embodiment.

[0093] The shaft lift 609 includes a rod 691 and an actuator 695 having opposite ends 696 and 697, such as Fig.17 and Fig.18 In this embodiment, the axle lift 609 includes a support platform 698 attached to the upper chassis beam 231. The support platform 698 has a mounting surface 699 to which the upper end 697 of the actuator 695 is attached. Fig.17 and 18 As can be seen in FIG. 6 , the actuator 695 is located in front of the support frame 202. The other end 696 of the actuator 609 is attached to the actuator mounting portion 692 of the rod 691 located below the actuator 695.

[0094] The rod 691 has a trailing arm mounting portion 693 which is formed as a separate ring portion for forming a ring together with the integral ring portion 247 of the trailing arm. The ring is part of the pivot end structure of the trailing arm 204. The trailing arm mounting portion 693 of the rod 691 has a hole 693B through which one leg of the U-bolt 702 passes. The trailing arm mounting portion 693 has a slot 693D on the upper side, which extends rearward from the upper end of the hole 693B to the rear end of the trailing arm mounting portion 693. The bent portion of the U-bolt 702 and the other leg of the U-bolt are received in the slot 693D. This Fig.19 and 20A Best seen in.

[0095] This embodiment of the axle lift has fewer components and can save some weight. In addition, the rod is positioned higher, whereby it is suitable for suspensions with a lower chassis height.

[0096] In all the above embodiments, the trailing arm 4, 204 has an integral ring portion 47, 247 and a separate ring portion 48, 248, 693 that together form a ring. A support element 50 can be clamped between the ring portions, the support element 50 comprising a rubber bushing 51 with a metal bushing 52 on the inside (the so-called "silent block"). The end of the metal bushing 52 is clamped against the side plate 21, 221 of the support frame 2, 202 by the pivot bolt 5, 205. This provides a pivoting structure for the trailing arm 4, 204 relative to the support frame 2, 202.

[0097] It should be noted that other embodiments are also possible in which the trailing arm has an entire ring formed at the front end. This is a common structure that can be combined with the axle lifter according to the present invention. The only requirement is that the rod of the axle lifter can be rigidly attached to the trailing arm at the ring, or rigidly attached to the trailing arm so that the pivot of the rod coincides with the pivot of the trailing arm. Therefore, according to the present invention, the ring does not have to include two parts clamped together. In addition, in addition to the bolting for rigidly connecting the rod to the pivot structure of the trailing arm, the rod can also be welded to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm (e.g., the ring). In addition, it should be noted that the axle lifter according to the present invention can also be mounted to a trailing arm having another pivot structure other than the ring, for example, a "hammerhead" shaped end portion with a journal extension as described in WO 2020 / 060393 can be provided with an axle lifter according to the present invention, the axle lifter having a rod having a trailing arm mounting portion suitable for rigidly attaching to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm (a hammerhead in this example).

[0098] exist Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Another embodiment of the air spring wheel axle suspension according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The embodiment shown in FIG. Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The axle suspension can be Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The embodiment of has the same support frame, the same trailing arm and the same air spring. Therefore, the same components are provided as Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description is referred to above.

[0099] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The axle suspension shown in FIG. 1 has an axle lifter 709 for lifting the axle, which is connected to the axle lifter 709. Figures 9 and 10 The axle lift shown in is slightly different. In particular, the rod is somewhat different.

[0100] The shaft lift 709 includes a rod 791 and an actuator 795 having opposite ends 796 and 797, as shown in Fig.21 795. In this embodiment, the axle lift 709 includes a support platform 798 attached to an upper chassis beam (not shown). The support platform 798 has a mounting surface 799 to which the upper end 797 of the actuator 795 is attached. The actuator 795 is located on the support frame 202 ( Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Not shown, but reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ) in front of the actuator 709. The other end 796 of the actuator 709 is attached to the actuator mounting portion 792 of the rod 791 located below the actuator 795.

[0101] The rod 791 has a trailing arm mounting portion 793 which is rigidly attached to the pivot end structure 245 of the trailing arm 204. The trailing arm mounting portion 793 of the rod 791 is bolted to the integral ring portion 247 using the same U-bolt 302 used to bolt the separate ring portion 248 to the integral ring portion 247. To this end, the arm has an upwardly facing surface 793A that engages the curved portion of the integral ring portion 247 and two holes 793B and 793C for the legs of the U-bolt 302 extending from the surface 793A to the opposite side of the rod 791 to pass through. In the embodiment shown, the surface 793A is flat, but may also have a curved seat-like recessed shape to receive a portion of the integral ring portion 247 of the trailing arm.

[0102] A distance above the upwardly facing surface 793A, the rod 791 has a hook 794 adapted and arranged to engage on a front end edge portion of the pivot end structure 245 of the trailing arm 204. In this particular embodiment of the suspension, the hook 794 may capture a flange 247A on the front end of the integral ring portion 247. In other embodiments, the hook 794 may capture another protrusion on the front end of the pivot end structure 245 of the trailing arm.

[0103] Advantageously, when the axle lifter is activated, the hook 794 absorbs the force from the front end of the trailing arm. Therefore, when the axle lifter is activated, the leg of the U-bolt 302 extending through the hole 793B is idle, which increases the life of the U-bolt 402.

[0104] exist Figure 24 to Figure 26 8 shows a portion of a wheel axle suspension in which the pivot end structure of the trailing arm includes a hammer head. In this particular embodiment of the suspension, the trailing arm includes a front arm portion 841 and a rear arm portion. The rear arm portion is not shown in the figure, but the structure is similar to Figure 1 The front arm portion includes an axle seat 842. Similarly, the rear arm portion includes an axle seat, Figure 1 The shaft body is received in the shaft seat, and the shaft seat is connected by bolts (in this particular embodiment, by U-bolts 7 (refer to Figure 1)) are fastened towards each other and thus clamped onto the axle body. Thus, the trailing arm is rigidly attached to the axle body.

[0105] exist Fig. 27 , the front arm portion 841 of the trailing arm is shown separately. The pivot end structure 845 is formed as a hammer head including two opposite journal portions 846. The journal portions 846 are each received in a corresponding journal recess 848 in the side plate 847 of the support frame. The journal portions 846 define a pivot axis 849 of the pivot end structure 845. The hammer head is preferably formed integrally with the rest of the trailing arm. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the hammer head or parts thereof are formed separately and connected to the rest of the trailing arm.

[0106] The wheel axle suspension also includes an axle lifter 809 for lifting the wheel axle. The axle lifter 809 includes a rod 891 and an actuator 895 having opposite ends 896 and 897, such as Fig.26 This can be best seen in Fig.28a and Fig.28b The rod 891 shown separately in FIG. 8 has an actuator mounting portion 892 at one end and a trailing arm mounting portion 893 at the opposite end. In this embodiment, the axle lift 809 includes a support platform suspended from a support frame. The support platform is not shown in the drawings, but is connected to the support platform. Figure 1 4. The lower end 896 of the actuator 895 is attached to the support table. The actuator 895 is located below the support frame, such as Fig.26 The other end 897 of the actuator 895 is attached to the actuator mounting portion 892 of the rod 891.

[0107] The trailing arm mounting portion 893 of the rod 891 is rigidly attached to the trailing arm pivot end structure 845. In particular, in this embodiment, the trailing arm mounting portion 893 of the rod 891 is bolted to the area between the journal portions 846. The pivot end structure 845 is formed with an attachment portion 850 between the journal portions 846 of the hammerhead that is adapted to cooperate with the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod of the axle lifter.

[0108] The attachment portion 850 of the pivot end structure has a hole 851 extending generally perpendicular to the pivot axis 849. The trailing arm mounting portion 893 of the rod 891 has a hole 894 aligned with the hole 851 in the attachment portion of the pivot end structure 845. The bolt 902 extends through the aligned holes 851 and 894 (see FIG. Fig.26 ) to connect the attachment portion 850 and the trailing arm mounting portion 893 to each other. The trailing arm mounting portion 893 has a generally flat upwardly facing surface 893A that engages with the lower side surface portion 841A of the trailing arm adjacent to the hammer head, such as Fig.26Surfaces 893A and 841A are clamped in tight engagement with each other by bolts 902 and mating nuts.

Claims

1. An axle lifter for an air spring axle suspension of a multi-purpose vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, comprising: - Rigid rod; as well as - an actuator having opposite ends; wherein one of the opposite ends of the actuator is supported by a support structure and the other of the opposite ends of the actuator is attached to an actuator mounting portion on the rod, Characterized in that, away from the actuator mounting portion, the rod has a trailing arm mounting portion, and the trailing arm mounting portion is suitable for being rigidly attached to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm of the wheel axle suspension to transmit torque into the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, and the torque drives the lifting movement of the trailing arm.

2. An axle lift according to claim 1, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod is adapted to be clamped to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

3. The axle lifter of claim 2, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod includes a seat portion to receive a portion of the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, and wherein the axle lifter further includes at least one clamping device to secure the pivot end structure of the trailing arm in the seat portion.

4. An axle lifter according to claim 3, wherein the clamping means comprises one or more bolts.

5. An axle lifter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the clamping means comprises a U-bolt having threaded legs.

6. The axle lift of claim 1, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod is adapted to be hooked to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

7. An axle lift according to claim 6, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod includes a portion extending below the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, wherein the portion has an end which can be connected to the rear end of the pivot end structure, i.e., the end on the trailing arm side, by a fastener such as a bolt, and wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod includes a hook which is suitable for and arranged to engage on a front end edge portion of the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

8. The axle lift of claim 7, wherein the portion extending below the pivot end structure of the trailing arm is connectable to a front end of the pivot end structure by a fastener such as a bolt.

9. An axle lift according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle lift is adapted to be retrofitted.

10. An axle lift according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a support table adapted to be mounted to a bearing frame of the wheel axle suspension, wherein the support table forms the support structure.

11. An axle lift according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a support platform adapted to be mounted to a vehicle chassis, wherein the support platform forms the support structure.

12. A wheel axle suspension for a multi-purpose vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, wherein the wheel axle suspension comprises: - a support frame attached to the vehicle chassis, - a trailing arm having a pivot end structure, said pivot end structure being pivotally mounted to said support frame, - an axle body mounted to the trailing arm, - an air spring mounted to the trailing arm and supporting the chassis, Wherein the wheel axle suspension further comprises an axle lifter according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A wheel axle suspension for a utility vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or semitrailer, wherein the wheel axle suspension comprises: - a support frame attached to the vehicle chassis, - a trailing arm having a pivot end structure, said pivot end structure being pivotally mounted to said support frame, - an axle body mounted to the trailing arm, - an air spring mounted to the trailing arm and supporting the chassis, The wheel axle suspension further comprises an axle lifter for lifting the wheel axle, the axle lifter comprising: - a rigid rod; and - an actuator having opposite ends; wherein one of the opposite ends of the actuator is supported by a support structure and the other of the opposite ends of the actuator is attached to an actuator mounting portion of the rod, Characterized in that, away from the actuator mounting portion, the rod has a trailing arm mounting portion, and the trailing arm mounting portion is rigidly attached to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm to transmit torque into the pivot end structure of the trailing arm, and the torque drives the lifting movement of the trailing arm.

14. The wheel axle suspension of claim 13, wherein the pivot end structure of the trailing arm comprises a ring.

15. The wheel axle suspension according to claim 14, wherein the ring is integrally formed on the trailing arm.

16. The wheel axle suspension of claim 13, wherein the pivot end structure of the trailing arm comprises an integral ring portion integrally formed on the trailing arm, and wherein a separate ring portion is attached to the integral ring portion to form a ring.

17. Wheel axle suspension according to claim 16, wherein the separate ring part is bolted to the integrated ring part, preferably by means of U-bolts or one or more bolts.

18. A wheel axle suspension according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod comprises the separate ring portion.

19. The wheel axle suspension of claim 17, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod is bolted to the integral ring portion using the same U-bolts or the same bolt or bolts as the separate ring portion is bolted to the integral ring portion.

20. A wheel axle suspension according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the support structure comprises a support table mounted to the support frame, and wherein the actuator is located below the support frame.

21. A wheel axle suspension according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the support structure comprises a support table mounted to the vehicle chassis in front of the support frame, and wherein the actuator is located in front of the support frame.

22. A wheel axle suspension according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the support structure comprises a chassis beam of the vehicle chassis, and wherein the actuator is located forwardly of the bearing bracket.

23. The wheel axle suspension of claim 19, wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod includes a seat portion, the integral ring portion of the trailing arm being at least partially received in the seat portion.

24. Wheel axle suspension according to claim 23, wherein the rod has a blind hole (without thread) on one side of the seat part, preferably on the rear side of the seat part, in which one end of the leg of the U-bolt is received.

25. A wheel axle suspension according to claim 24, wherein the rod has a through hole on the other side of the seat part, preferably a through hole on the front side of the seat part, and the end of the other leg of the U-bolt passes through the through hole, wherein a second nut is screwed on the end to fix the rod to the leg.

26. A wheel axle suspension according to claim 13, wherein the pivot end structure of the trailing arm includes a hammer head, which includes two opposite journal parts, each of which is received in a corresponding journal recess in the side plate of the support frame and defines the pivot axis of the pivot end structure.

27. A wheel axle suspension according to claim 26, wherein the hammerhead is formed integrally with the remainder of the trailing arm.

28. A wheel axle suspension according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the pivot end structure has an attachment portion between the journal portions of the hammerhead adapted to cooperate with a trailing arm mounting portion of the lever.

29. A wheel axle suspension according to claim 28, wherein the attachment portion of the pivot end structure has a hole extending generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, and wherein the trailing arm mounting portion of the rod has a hole aligned with the hole in the attachment portion of the pivot end structure, and wherein a fastener such as a bolt extends through the aligned holes to attach the attachment portion and the trailing arm mounting portion to each other.

30. A wheel axle suspension according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the support structure comprises a support table mounted to the support frame, and wherein the actuator is located below the support frame.

31. A vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle such as a truck, trailer or semitrailer, comprising a wheel axle suspension according to any one of claims 12 to 30.

32. A method for installing an axle lifter to an existing axle suspension, the axle suspension comprising: - a support frame attached to the vehicle chassis, - a trailing arm having a pivot end structure, said pivot end structure being pivotally mounted to said support frame, - an axle body mounted to the trailing arm, - an air spring mounted to the trailing arm and supporting the chassis, The method comprises the following steps: · providing an axle lifter according to claim 10, ·Hanging the support platform on the support frame, • Positioning and rigidly securing the trailing arm mounting portion of the lever to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

33. A method for installing an axle lifter to an existing axle suspension, the axle suspension comprising: - a support frame attached to the vehicle chassis, - a trailing arm having a pivot end structure, said pivot end structure being pivotally mounted to said support frame, - an axle body mounted to the trailing arm, - an air spring mounted to the trailing arm and supporting the chassis, The method comprises the following steps: · providing an axle lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, attaching the actuator of the axle lift directly or indirectly to the vehicle chassis, wherein the actuator of the axle lift is indirectly attached to the chassis via a support table that is attached or attachable to the chassis, • Positioning and securing the trailing arm mounting portion of the lever to the pivot end structure of the trailing arm.

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