A tractor composite air bag suspension support system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522035561.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-22
AI Technical Summary
[0023]This invention achieves an organic integration of rigid load-bearing and flexible adjustment by coordinating leaf springs and air springs in the same suspension system. The leaf springs provide basic structural support, possessing excellent load-bearing capacity and impact resistance, while the air springs can adjust their internal air pressure according to changes in vehicle load, offering high adjustability and secondary cushioning capabilities. Structurally, they are vertically superimposed; functionally, they achieve simultaneous load-bearing and graded cushioning, effectively improving the suspension response speed and stability of the vehicle under heavy load conditions, and significantly enhancing vertical vibration and road surface adaptability during vehicle operation.
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Figure CN224752578U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle suspension technology, specifically to a composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor. Background Technology
[0002] In current heavy-duty vehicles, tractors, and multi-axle trailers, the vehicle suspension system, as a key load-bearing and buffering mechanism connecting the chassis and wheels, directly affects the vehicle's load-bearing capacity, driving stability, and ride comfort. Traditional suspension structures mainly fall into two categories: leaf spring suspension systems and air spring (airbag) suspension systems.
[0003] Leaf spring suspension structures are widely used in various commercial heavy-duty vehicles due to their simple structure, high load-bearing capacity, and low manufacturing cost. However, they lack adaptive adjustment capabilities during vehicle operation, are sluggish in response to road undulations, and are prone to strong vibrations and impacts, severely affecting vehicle ride comfort and component lifespan.
[0004] Air spring suspension systems use rubber air springs instead of metal springs as elastic elements, enabling real-time adjustment of vehicle height according to load changes, significantly improving vehicle comfort, vibration damping performance, and automated adjustment capabilities. However, due to its limited support stiffness, it is not suitable for high-intensity load-bearing conditions, and its complex structure and high cost place higher demands on the structural space and maintenance conditions of the trailer platform.
[0005] Current market solutions often use leaf springs and air springs as interchangeable structures, meaning one can be selected for different vehicle models or platforms. A composite suspension system that combines both in a single trailer structure for coordinated load-bearing has yet to emerge. This makes it difficult for existing trailer suspension structures to balance high load-bearing capacity and comfort. The systems either lack rigidity and are prone to fatigue, or have poor elastic response and severe vibrations, making them unable to adapt to complex and changing road environments and high-frequency load variations.
[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a composite suspension structure that integrates leaf springs and air springs in a compact manner, allowing for simultaneous load-bearing and buffering functions. This structure would retain the advantages of traditional rigid load-bearing while introducing the height adjustment and buffering functions of air springs, thereby balancing reliability, stability, and adaptability to meet the comprehensive performance requirements of modern heavy-duty vehicles. Utility Model Content
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a composite airbag suspension support system for tractors to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor unit, comprising:
[0009] Two wheel assemblies, each consisting of a tire, a hub, and a brake drum;
[0010] A wheel axle, positioned between two wheel hubs, is used to bear loads and provide left-right connection;
[0011] At least one set of leaf springs, with one end of each set of leaf springs fixedly connected to the frame via a front hanger and the other end hinged to the frame via a rear hanger;
[0012] A pair of air springs are respectively installed above the axle and the frame to achieve pneumatic cushioning and height adjustment;
[0013] A pair of shock absorbers, one end of which is connected to the frame and the other end of which is connected to the axle;
[0014] The air spring is positioned above the leaf spring and between it and the vehicle frame, and is fixedly connected by a mounting bracket.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the axle is fixed to the middle area above the leaf spring by a pair of U-bolts.
[0016] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the shock absorber is a hydraulic telescopic structure arranged in the vertical direction, with its lower end hinged to the upper side of the vehicle axle and its upper end fixed to the bottom of the vehicle frame crossbeam by bolts.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the air spring is a dual-chamber rubber airbag, the base is installed on the support above the vehicle axle, and the top is connected to the fixing plate at the lower end of the vehicle frame crossbeam by bolts.
[0018] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the leaf spring is a multi-layered structure, and its middle part is fastened to the axle of the vehicle by a base and U-bolts.
[0019] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the front hanger is a fixed installation structure and the rear hanger is a swing hinge structure, both of which are welded or bolted to the frame.
[0020] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, it also includes an air storage tank and a height control valve assembly, with the air spring connected to the assembly to adjust the vehicle height in real time.
[0021] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the brake drum is an integral casting structure, which is installed as a whole with the wheel hub. A brake shoe contact surface is provided on its outer periphery, and its center is connected to the vehicle axle through the wheel spokes.
[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0023] This invention achieves an organic integration of rigid load-bearing and flexible adjustment by coordinating leaf springs and air springs in the same suspension system. The leaf springs provide basic structural support, possessing excellent load-bearing capacity and impact resistance, while the air springs can adjust their internal air pressure according to changes in vehicle load, offering high adjustability and secondary cushioning capabilities. Structurally, they are vertically superimposed; functionally, they achieve simultaneous load-bearing and graded cushioning, effectively improving the suspension response speed and stability of the vehicle under heavy load conditions, and significantly enhancing vertical vibration and road surface adaptability during vehicle operation.
[0024] Furthermore, the composite suspension structure provided by this utility model features a robust connection method and a compact and reasonable component arrangement, making it suitable for various tractors, trailers, and multi-axle heavy-duty platforms. It allows for system integration without altering the original vehicle frame structure, reducing overall modification difficulty and maintenance costs. Its highly innovative structure and adaptability meet the current technological development needs of transportation equipment for simultaneous improvements in high load-bearing capacity, adaptive adjustment performance, and overall vehicle comfort, demonstrating promising industrial application prospects and significant promotional value. Attached image description:
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art will be briefly introduced and explained below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle proposed in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle proposed in this utility model.
[0028] Part Number Name Description
[0029] 1. Tire; 2. Wheel hub; 3. Brake drum; 4. Axle; 5. Leaf spring; 6. Front hanger; 7. Frame; 8. Rear hanger; 9. Air spring; 10. Shock absorber. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0031] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model provides a composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this system is mainly used in the rear axle structure of vehicles to enhance the load-bearing capacity, driving stability and vibration reduction comfort of the whole vehicle during heavy-load driving, and is especially suitable for the air suspension requirements of multi-axle trailers and long-haul tractors.
[0032] The system includes two wheel assemblies, each consisting of a tire 1, a hub 2, and a brake drum 3. The tire 1 is wrapped around the outer rim of the hub 2 to provide rolling contact with the ground; the hub 2 is connected to both ends of the axle 4 via a central bearing, serving as a rotating connection between the tire 1 and the axle; the brake drum 3 is a one-piece cast structure, coaxially mounted with the hub 2, its inner wall serving as the brake shoe contact surface, and its exterior equipped with a brake push rod and a brake cylinder interface.
[0033] The axle 4 is a transversely continuous tubular steel structure connecting the two wheel hubs 2, serving to bear vertical loads and support the suspension system. The upper center of the axle 4 is securely connected to the leaf spring 5 via a base. The leaf spring 5 is a multi-layered structure with an overall arc-shaped distribution. Its front end is fixed to the front section of the frame 7 via a front hanger 6, and its rear end is hinged to the rear section of the frame 7 via a rear hanger 8, allowing for elastic deformation under varying loads or road surface undulations. The axle 4 and leaf spring 5 are secured with a set of U-bolts to prevent axial slippage and loosening.
[0034] A pair of air springs 9 are installed above the leaf spring 5 and below the frame 7. The air springs 9 adopt a double-chamber rubber airbag structure. The lower end is mounted on the top support of the axle 4 via a connecting seat, and the top end is fixed to the reinforcing mounting plate at the lower part of the crossbeam of the frame 7 by bolts. The air springs 9 are connected to the air tank and the height control valve through air lines. They can automatically adjust the internal air pressure according to the load changes, thereby adjusting the suspension height and realizing the automatic height matching function of the vehicle body and the ground. They also have a secondary buffering and energy absorption function.
[0035] Between the air spring 9 and the leaf spring 5, a pair of hydraulic shock absorbers 10 are installed to limit the elastic rebound speed of the suspension system under vibration, thereby improving the system's damping performance. The shock absorbers 10 are arranged vertically, with their lower ends connected to the axle 4 via ball joints, and their upper ends bolted to the lower reinforcing plate of the frame 7. The shock absorbers 10 can respond quickly to changes in road conditions, significantly reducing vehicle sway and improving ride stability.
[0036] To further improve lateral stability during driving, a lateral stabilizer bar is installed at the rear of the axle 4. One end of the stabilizer bar is connected to the outside of the axle 4 via a ball joint, and the other end is connected to the side beam of the frame 7 via a rubber bushing. This structure can limit the lateral displacement of the axle under cornering or eccentric loading conditions, further enhancing the lateral control capability of the entire vehicle.
[0037] This system utilizes a composite support structure comprised of the frame 7 and suspension components such as leaf springs 5, air springs 9, and shock absorbers 10 to achieve a coordinated combination of rigid load-bearing, flexible adjustment, and damping vibration reduction. While ensuring high load-bearing capacity, the system also offers high adjustability and driving comfort, making it particularly suitable for vehicle platforms with frequent load changes, complex road conditions, or high requirements for suspension height and stability.
[0038] The contents not described in detail in this description are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor unit, characterized in that, include: Two wheel assemblies, each comprising a tire (1), a hub (2), and a brake drum (3); A wheel axle (4) is set between two wheel hubs (2) to bear the load and provide left and right connection; At least one set of leaf springs (5), one end of each set of leaf springs (5) is fixedly connected to the frame (7) through the front hanger (6), and the other end is hinged to the frame (7) through the rear hanger (8); A pair of air springs (9) are respectively installed above the axle (4) and the frame (7) to achieve pneumatic cushioning and height adjustment; A pair of shock absorbers (10), one end of which is connected to the frame (7) and the other end of which is connected to the axle (4); The air spring (9) is positioned above the leaf spring (5) and between the frame (7), and is fixedly connected by a mounting bracket.
2. The composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axle (4) is fixed to the middle area above the leaf spring (5) by a pair of U-bolts.
3. The composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shock absorber (10) is a hydraulic telescopic structure arranged in the vertical direction. Its lower end is hinged to the upper side of the axle (4), and its upper end is fixed to the bottom of the crossbeam of the frame (7) by bolts.
4. The composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air spring (9) is a double-chamber rubber airbag. The base is installed on the support above the axle (4) of the vehicle, and the top is connected to the fixing plate at the lower end of the crossbeam of the frame (7) by bolts.
5. The composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leaf spring (5) is a multi-layered structure, and its middle part is fastened to the axle (4) through a base and U-bolts (13).
6. The composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front hanger (6) is a fixed installation structure, and the rear hanger (8) is a swing hinge structure. Both are welded or bolted to the frame (7).
7. The composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air reservoir and a height control valve assembly, to which the air spring (9) is connected to adjust the vehicle height in real time.
8. A composite airbag suspension support system for a tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brake drum (3) is an integral casting structure, which is installed as a whole with the wheel hub (2). The outer periphery is provided with a brake shoe contact surface, and its center is connected to the axle (4) through the wheel spokes.