Arrangement for suspending a truck cab on a vehicle frame

Abstract

Arrangement for suspending a truck cab (2) on a vehicle frame (3) of a vehicle (1), comprising: • Suspension elements (4) configured to connect the truck cab (2) to the vehicle frame (3) while allowing damped relative movement of the truck cab (2) with respect to the vehicle frame (3), • at least one rigid elongated connecting member (5) with opposite ends (12, 14), wherein the connecting member (5) is configured such that its opposite ends (12, 14) are connected to the vehicle frame (3) and the truck cab (2) to allow pivoting of the connecting member (5) relative thereto, wherein the connecting member (5) extends in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame (3) and the vehicle (1), wherein the opposite ends (12, 14) of the connecting member (5) are connected to the vehicle frame (3) on the one hand and the truck cab (2) on the other hand by bearing bushings (7, 8) of different stiffness, and • a damper (10) having a first end (11) and a second end (13), wherein the damper (10) is configured such that its first end (11) is connected to an end (12, 14) of the connecting member (5) and its second end (13) is pivotably connected to the vehicle frame (3) or the truck cab (2), thereby achieving a reduced relative movement of the truck cab (2) relative to the vehicle frame (3) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for suspending a truck cab on a vehicle frame of a vehicle, comprising: • Suspension elements configured to connect the truck cab to the vehicle frame while allowing damped relative movement of the truck cab with respect to the vehicle frame, and • at least one rigid elongate link configured to have opposite ends thereof connected to the vehicle frame and the truck cab to permit pivoting of the link relative thereto, the link extending in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and the vehicle.

[0002] The invention is directed to all types of vehicles having a so-called truck cab for a driver of the vehicle and passengers, which is suspended on the vehicle frame of the vehicle, with the aim of isolating the truck cab and thereby the driver and possible passengers from shocks and vibrations of the vehicle frame or the vehicle body.

[0003] Some trucks may experience the problem, in various driving situations, that the suspension of the truck cab on the vehicle frame amplifies movements of the truck cab relative to the vehicle frame, causing the truck cab to undergo significant longitudinal movement or rotation about a vertical axis. Such movements can be caused by, for example, bumps in the road, fluctuations in forces due to wheel rotation, torque fluctuations from changes in vehicle handling, fluctuations in forces caused by trailers, and natural vibrations within the truck, to name just a few possible sources of such movements. These can be uncomfortable for the occupants of the truck cab and can also damage components of the truck. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems by selecting appropriate bushing stiffness in suspension elements. When stiff bushings are selected, the longitudinal movements of the truck cab relative to the vehicle frame are reduced, but vibration comfort deteriorates. If weaker bushings are selected instead, the driver feels as if the truck cab is no longer attached to the vehicle frame, which is unpleasant.

[0005] US 2002 / 0 162 697 A1 discloses an arrangement of a similar type to that defined in the introduction, which is provided with shock absorbers for damping vertical movements of the truck cab relative to the vehicle frame. However, the arrangement disclosed in this document does not provide suitable damping in all types of vehicle driving situations.

[0006] DE 11 2011 101 558 T5 discloses a truck with a cab having a front suspension connecting the cab to the truck chassis. The front suspension comprises pivot arms connected to the chassis at one end and to a transverse torsion bar at the other end. Beams are also pivotally connected to this torsion bar at one end, with their other end being rigidly connected to the cab. At the same time, cab mounting assemblies, which in turn comprise a shock absorber, are arranged between the ends of the pivot arms arranged on the torsion bar and the truck chassis.

[0007] DE 10 2007 052 ​​468 A1 discloses a front suspension and spring assembly for a cab of a truck. The frame of the truck has a fastening element firmly connected thereto. At the end of the fastening element opposite the frame, one end of a spring element is pivotally connected to the fastening element. The other end of the spring element is pivotally connected to the cab. A connecting arm is also pivotally connected to the cab at one end and pivotally connected to the fastening element at the other end. The connecting arm is connected to a different location on the fastening element than the spring element.

[0008] DE 10 2008 049 940 A1 discloses a suspension, for example, for truck cabs. The suspension comprises two spring-damper elements, which serve to connect the motor vehicle driver's cab to a vehicle frame, while allowing a damped relative movement of the motor vehicle driver's cab with respect to the vehicle frame. Furthermore, a torque lever is provided, one end of which is designed for pivotal connection to the vehicle frame and the other end for connection to the motor vehicle driver's cab.

[0009] US 6,431,532 B1 discloses a vibration damping arrangement for a vehicle, in which a damper is connected to a vehicle frame and, via a joint and a lever element connected thereto, to a driver's cab, whereby a reduced relative movement of the driver's cab relative to the vehicle frame is achieved.

[0010] DE 696 06 732 T2 discloses a friction damper. DE 11 2013 005 491 T5 discloses a bushing for damping vibrations between mechanical components, wherein the stiffness of the bushing can be adapted to specific requirements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of the type defined in the introduction which is improved in at least one aspect with respect to such previously known arrangements.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims.

[0013] By this new approach of connecting one end of a damper to one end of a link connecting the truck cab and the vehicle frame and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and the vehicle and pivotally connecting the other end of the damper to one of the vehicle frame and the truck cab, advantageous vibration characteristics of the suspension of the truck cab on the vehicle frame can be obtained with reduced movement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.This makes it possible to achieve relatively low stiffness provided by the link connections to the vehicle frame and the truck cab in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, combined with appropriate damping by the damper, by selecting the degree of stiffness of the connection to the first end of the link to solve the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, thanks to the connection to the link, the damper will follow the first end of the link in movements of the truck cab relative to the vehicle frame, resulting in small variations in the angle of attack of the damper relative to the element (vehicle frame or truck cab) to which the first end of the link is connected.

[0014] According to the invention, the first end of the damper is connected to the connecting link by a bearing bush. The choice of the stiffness of this bearing bush will then determine the magnitude of the damper's damping effect.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the link is configured to be arranged to connect the truck cab in the region of the front thereof, which will result in a suitable position for a damper secured to this link.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting link is comprised of a stabilizer. The stabilizer can then be formed by two such connecting links extending parallel on different lateral sides of the truck cab, and a torsion bar spring connecting the connecting links. Combining a damper with such a stabilizer, which guides the movement of the truck cab relative to the vehicle frame, results in efficient damping of movements and vibrations of the truck cab.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprises two of the connecting members configured to be arranged on different lateral sides of the truck cab, and a damper is associated with each of the connecting members. Such an arrangement can advantageously reduce rotations of the truck cab about a vertical axis.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the damper is a viscous damper. The use of such a damper, or alternatively a damper in the form of a friction damper, provides a way to efficiently reduce vibrations and strong movements of the truck cab in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the vehicle frame by combining the latter with the suspension elements and the connecting link.

[0019] According to the invention, the opposite ends of the link are connected by bushings of different stiffnesses. The first end of the damper can be secured to the link end equipped with the lowest stiffness bushing. The link end with the lowest stiffness bushing will be most susceptible to movement when a load is applied to it, which influences such movement by a damper that is best suited for that location.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first end of the damper is secured to one end of the connecting link connected to the truck cab. In such a case, it is suitable to have the second end of the damper pivotally connected to the truck cab or to the vehicle frame.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first end of the damper is secured to one end of the link connected to the vehicle frame, and in this case it is preferable to have the second end pivotally connected to the vehicle frame or pivotally connected to the truck cab, depending on the actual appearance and design of the truck cab in relation to the vehicle and the mounting and design of the suspension elements.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle having a truck cab movably suspended on a vehicle frame, according to the claim directed to such a vehicle.

[0023] Other advantages and advantageous features of the invention within the scope of the claims will become apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] With reference to the attached drawings, a specific description follows of embodiments of the invention given as examples.

[0025] In the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a highly schematic view of a vehicle, schematically illustrating the suspension of a truck cab thereof on the vehicle frame or body of that vehicle, and Fig. 2-5 are highly schematic views illustrating the principle of arrangements for suspending a truck cab on a vehicle frame according to four embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 1 in the form of a truck with a truck cab 2 for a driver and possible passengers, suspended on a vehicle frame 3 or a body of the vehicle. Suspension elements 4, such as various types of spring elements, cushions, and the like, are arranged between the truck cab 2 and the vehicle frame 3 to connect these parts of the vehicle together while allowing damped relative movement of the truck cab with respect to the vehicle frame. These suspension elements 4 are indicated schematically in the figure. The arrangement also comprises two rigid elongated links 5 on different lateral sides of the truck cab 2, which are connected to each other by a torsion bar spring. The links and the torsion bar spring together form a stabilizer.These links extend in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and the vehicle, as shown by arrow A. These links 5, which form the stabilizer, are arranged to connect to the truck cab 2 in the region of the front 6 thereof and will guide the movements of the truck cab 2 with respect to the vehicle frame 3.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a link 5 pivotally connected by bearing bushes 7, 8 to the vehicle frame 3 and the truck cab 2. A damper 10 in the form of a viscous or friction damper has a first end 11 thereof connected by a bearing bush to the end 12 of the link 5 connecting to the truck cab, and the other end 13 pivotally connected to the truck cab while extending in the same vertical plane as the link 5, i.e., in a vertical plane parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and the vehicle.This means that the damper will change length while pivoting slightly about the axis 9 on the truck cab, and then store energy in the bearing bush of this connection when the link 5 pivots about the axis 9 on the truck cab 2, and then provide the damping effect to the corresponding movement of the truck cab.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows an arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from that shown in Fig. 1 purely by the fact that the second end 13 of the damper 10 is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame 3 instead of the truck cab 2. Otherwise, the general function of these arrangements is Fig. The arrangement shown in Figure 2 is identical.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows an arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from the two previous ones by the fact that the damper 10 is here connected by the end 11 through a bearing bush to the end 14 opposite to the end 12 of the link 5, and has the end 13 pivotally connected to the vehicle frame 3.

[0030] Finally, Fig. 5 schematically shows an arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which differs from that shown in Fig. 4 purely in that it has pivotally connected the end 13 of the damper 10 to the truck cab 3 instead of the vehicle frame 3.

[0031] The invention is of course in no way limited to the embodiments described above, since many possibilities for modifications thereof are likely to be obvious to a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0032] Although only one link and one damper are shown in the schematic figures, two or more such link-damper combinations may be arranged in parallel to interconnect the truck cab and the vehicle frame to assist in suspending the truck cab from the vehicle frame.

Claims

[1] Arrangement for suspending a truck cab (2) on a vehicle frame (3) of a vehicle (1), comprising: • Suspension elements (4) configured to connect the truck cab (2) to the vehicle frame (3) while allowing damped relative movement of the truck cab (2) with respect to the vehicle frame (3), • at least one rigid elongate link (5) having opposite ends (12, 14), the link (5) being configured such that its opposite ends (12, 14) are connected to the vehicle frame (3) and the truck cab (2) to allow pivoting of the link (5) relative thereto, the link (5) extending in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame (3) and the vehicle (1), the opposite ends (12, 14) of the link (5) being connected to the vehicle frame (3) on the one hand and the truck cab (2) on the other hand by bearing bushes (7, 8) of different rigidity, and • a damper (10) having a first end (11) and a second end (13), the damper (10) being configured such that its first end (11) is connected to one end (12, 14) of the link (5) and its second end (13) is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame (3) or the truck cab (2), thereby achieving a reduced relative movement of the truck cab (2) relative to the vehicle frame (3) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the first end (11) of the damper (10) is connected to the connecting member (5) by a bearing bush. [3] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the connecting member (5) is configured to be arranged to connect to the truck cab (2) in the region of the front (6) thereof. [4] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the connecting link (5) is surrounded by a stabilizer. [5] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises two of the links (5) configured to be arranged on different lateral sides of the truck cab (2), and that a damper (10) is associated with each of the links. [6] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damper (10) is a viscous damper. [7] Arrangement according to one of claims 1-5, characterized by that the damper (10) is a friction damper. [8] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first end (11) of the damper (10) is connected to the end (12, 14) of the connecting member (5) which is provided with the bearing bush (7, 8) with the lowest rigidity. [9] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first end (11) of the damper (10) is connected to one end (12) of the link (5) which is connected to the truck cab (2). [10] Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by that the second end (13) of the damper (10) is pivotally connected to the truck cab (2). [11] Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by that the second end (13) of the damper (10) is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame (3). [12] Arrangement according to one of claims 1-8, characterized by that the first end (11) of the damper (10) is connected to one end (14) of the connecting member (5) which is connected to the vehicle frame (3). [13] Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized by that the second end (13) of the damper (10) is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame (3). [14] Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized bythat the second end (13) of the damper (10) is pivotally connected to the truck cab (2). [15] Vehicle (1) with a truck cab (2) which is movably suspended on a vehicle frame (3) of the vehicle (1), characterized by that the vehicle (1) is provided with an arrangement for suspending the truck cab (2) on the vehicle frame (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

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