Compound link axle arrangement with lateral adjustability

Abstract

A compound link axle arrangement (20) of a vehicle, comprising: a pair of trailing arms (22); a torsion bar (24) with a base region (46) extending along an axis A (A) between a first and a second torsion bar end (42, 44) arranged in superimposed relation to a respective trailing arm (22); characterized in that the torsion bar (24) has a pair of side walls (48) extending downwards from the base region (46) and spaced apart from the pair of trailing arms (22);and at least one mounting bracket (54) extending from a first mounting bracket end (56) adjacent to one of the longitudinal control arms (22) to a second mounting bracket end (58) located above the side walls (48) of the torsion bar (24), such that the at least one mounting bracket (54) can axially slide or glide along the side walls (48) of the torsion bar (24) when the at least one mounting bracket (54) is initially connected to it.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This PCT patent application claims priority over the preliminary US patent application with serial number 62 / 026 252, which was filed on July 18, 2014, with the entire disclosure of the application being considered as part of the disclosure of this application and included by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle axles and in particular to compound link rear axle arrangements for vehicles. 2. State of the art

[0003] A compound link rear suspension, also known as a torsion bar axle, is a type of vehicle suspension with a pair of trailing arms, each connected to a wheel of the vehicle, and a torsion bar that extends transversely between the trailing arms. During vehicle use, the torsion bar deforms according to twisting or torsion when one of the wheels moves relative to the other, for example, during vehicle rocking or when one of the wheels encounters a pothole in the road. The torsional movement of the torsion bar absorbs this movement.

[0004] Generally, such torsion bars are welded directly to the trailing arms along several sections of the torsion bar. For example, when a U-shaped torsion bar is connected to the trailing arm, welding is often used to attach the torsion bar directly to the trailing arm assembly along an upper wall, side walls, and / or bottom wall of the trailing arm. When an O-shaped or C-shaped torsion bar is connected to the trailing arm, welding is used to attach the torsion bar directly to the trailing arm along one circumference of the torsion bar. However, manufacturing tolerances of the torsion bar and / or the trailing arms can cause difficulties and problems when these components are fitted together during preparation for the welding process.Furthermore, these manufacturing tolerances can lead to an unsatisfactory weld between the torsion bar and the longitudinal control arms, resulting in material fatigue and cracking of the weld between the torsion bar and the longitudinal control arms after manufacture and assembly of the compound link axle assembly. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One aspect of the present invention comprises a compound link axle arrangement of a vehicle, comprising a pair of trailing arms and a torsion bar or twist rod with a base region arranged along an axis A between the first end and the second end of the torsion bar, which are superimposed on each trailing arm. The torsion bar has two side walls extending downwards from the base region and each spaced apart from the trailing arms. At least one mounting bracket extends from a first mounting bracket end, which is adjacent to each trailing arm, to a second mounting bracket end, which is superimposed on each trailing arm.The mounting bracket is positioned above the torsion bar's side walls, allowing it to slide or move axially and / or vertically along these walls when initially connected to the trailing arms and torsion bar. This accommodates or compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the trailing arms and torsion bar in the axial, lateral, and vertical directions, resulting in improved manufacturing flexibility for the corresponding trailing arm axle assembly compared to conventional trailing arm axle assemblies. In other words, the mounting bracket allows for lateral, axial, and vertical adjustment of the trailing arm axle assembly during the manufacturing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features and advantages of the present invention can be better appreciated by referring to the following detailed description when studied in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0008] Fig. 2 an elevation view of the Fig. 1 is, wherein the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement is shown;

[0009] Fig. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0010] Fig. 4 is a view of the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement from below;

[0011] Fig. 5 is a front view of the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0012] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0013] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0014] Fig. 8 an elevation view of the Fig. 7 is the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0015] Fig. 9 is a top view of the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement;

[0016] Fig. 10 is a view of the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement from below;

[0017] Fig. 11 is a front view of the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement; and

[0018] Fig. Figure 12 shows a rear view of the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION METHODS TO BE IMPLEMENTED

[0019] Reference is made to the drawings, in which the same reference symbols consistently denote corresponding parts in the various views, showing a clear compound link axle arrangement. 20 , which is constructed according to one aspect of the present invention, generally in Fig. 1– Fig. Figure 12 shows the compound link axle arrangement. 20 a rear suspension arrangement and features a pair of trailing arms 22 on, which are located at opposite ends of a transverse torsion bar or twisting bar 24 are attached. The longitudinal control arms 22 are in relation to the torsion bar 24 designed as separate components and, as described in more detail below, are subsequently connected to the torsion bar 24 connected or coupled. The longitudinal control arms 22They can be designed in a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, depending mainly on the vehicle in which the compound link axle arrangement is used. 20 to be attached.

[0020] As shown in the figures, each longitudinal control arm extends 22 between a first longitudinal control arm end 26 and a second trailing arm end 28 , so that an upper area 30 , a sidebar 32 and a floor area 34 the longitudinal control arm 22 are present. An axle mounting element 36 is with the first trailing arm ends 26 connected, with the axle mounting elements 36 are aligned with each other. A shaft support 38 is with the trailing arms 22 adjacent to the second trailing arm ends 28 connected. A spring holder 40 is also connected to the trailing arms 22adjacent to the second trailing arm ends and the shaft bracket 38 tied together.

[0021] How best to Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in section 8, the torsion bar extends 22 along an axis A starting from a first torsion rod end 42 to a second torsion rod end 44 In a preferred embodiment, and as is best done in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in 7, the torsion bar 24 a basic area 46 on, which forms an arc-shaped form extending along axis A from the first torsion rod end 42 to the second torsion rod end 44 extends. The torsion bar 24 features a pair of side walls 48 each of which starts from the base area 46 along a pair of side edges 50 to a floor edge 52extends downwards in such a way that the base area 46 and the side walls 48 together they form an inverted U-shaped cross-section of the torsion bar 24 form. How best to do this in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in 7, the side edges are 50 each side wall 48 spaced apart from the first and second ends 42 , 44 the torsion bar 24 arranged. In a first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement 20 , how best to in Fig. As shown in 2, the side edges are 50 tapered or conical between the base area 46 and the bottom edge 52 In a second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement 20 extend, as best described in Fig. As shown in 7, the side walls 48 transverse or vertical between the base area 46 and the bottom edge 52 However, the side walls can48 the torsion bar 24 also take on a variety of different forms and configurations without deviating from the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0022] In every embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement 20 is the basic area 46 the torsion bar 24 in an overlapping manner with or above the upper areas 30 the longitudinal control arm 22 above the first and second torsion rod ends 42 , 44 arranged. Due to this overlapping position of the torsion bar 24 in relation to the longitudinal control arm 22 A gap is formed that extends axially between the side walls. 48 the torsion bar 24 and the side areas 32 the longitudinal control arm 22 extends. In other words, the side walls 48 the torsion bar 24 and the side areas 32 the longitudinal control arm22 They are not touching each other, but are spaced apart from each other, if the base area 46 the torsion bar 24 above the upper area 30 of the longitudinal control arm 22 This gap or distance accounts for the manufacturing tolerances of the trailing arms. 22 and the torsion bar 24 in axial or lateral direction during the initial connection of the torsion bar 24 with the trailing arms 22 Invoice. What's the best way to do this? Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in section 7, a first weld extends 53 along the first and second torsion rod ends 42 , 44 , to cover the base area above it 46 the torsion bar 24 with the upper area 30 the longitudinal control arm 22to connect. As described in more detail below, the first weld is the only welded connection that is directly between the trailing arms. 22 and the torsion bar 24 in the present rear compound link axle arrangement 20 extends. Consequently, the present compound link axle arrangement offers 20 improved and more robust behavior in case of material fatigue compared to conventional compound link axle arrangements, which have several welded connections extending directly between the trailing arms and the torsion bar.

[0023] How best to Fig. 1– Fig. 2 and Fig. 7– Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the compound link axle arrangement features 20 a pair of mounting brackets 54 each of which is separated from a first mounting bracket end 56 , adjacent to a respective longitudinal control arm 22is arranged to a second mounting bracket end 58 extends in a superimposed manner to or above the side walls 48 the torsion bar 24 is arranged to cover or close the gap that runs axially between the side areas 32 the longitudinal control arm 22 and the side walls 48 the torsion bar 24 extends. The overlapping arrangement of the mounting brackets 54 makes it possible for the mounting brackets to 54 axially along the side walls 48 the torsion bar 22 slip or slide when the mounting brackets 54 initially with the trailing arms 22 and the torsion bar 24 They are connected to compensate for the aforementioned manufacturing tolerances of the longitudinal control arms. 22 and the torsion bar 24to absorb or compensate for axial, lateral, and vertical movements. The mounting bracket 54 This therefore leads to increased manufacturing flexibility of the present compound link axle arrangement. 20 compared to conventional compound link axle arrangements.

[0024] How best to Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in section 8, the mounting bracket can be used. 54 a pair of side plates 60 exhibiting points that are spaced apart and parallel to each other between the first and second mounting bracket ends 56 , 58 extend. What is the best way to do this? Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in 7, each side panel is 60 in an overlapping or adjacent manner in relation to a respective side wall 48 the torsion bar 24 arranged so that axial slippage or sliding of the mounting bracket is prevented 54 along the side walls 48 the torsion bar22 is caused. How best to do this in Fig. As shown in 8, the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement features 20 the mounting bracket 54 additionally a base plate 62 as a unit with the pair of side plates 60 up and extends transversely in between, so that the spaced and parallel arrangement of the side plates 60 will be maintained.

[0025] How best to Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in section 8, each of the side plates has 60 a cut 64 on, which is located at the first mounting bracket end 56 is arranged in an L-shape to form a vertical mounting surface 66 and a horizontal mounting surface 68 the mounting bracket 54 to form. How best to do this in Fig. 1, Fig. 5, Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in 11, this is the vertical mounting surface. 66in an adjacent or enclosed arrangement in relation to the side area 32 the longitudinal control arm 22 arranged, and the horizontal surface 68 is in an adjacent or enclosed arrangement in relation to the ground area 34 the longitudinal control arm 22 arranged. The compound link axle arrangement 20 shows a second weld 69 on, which extend along the first end of the mounting bracket 56 extends so that the side panels 60 the mounting bracket 54 on the trailing arms 22 are attached, and features a third weld. 71 on, which extend along the second end of the mounting bracket 58 extends so that the side panels 66 on the torsion bar 24are fastened as soon as they are arranged in a superimposed manner with respect to the torsion bar. In a preferred arrangement, the second weld has a vertical area that extends along the vertical mounting surface. 66 extends so that the side panels 60 on the side area 32 the longitudinal control arm 22 are attached, and has a horizontal area that extends along the horizontal mounting surface. 68 extends so that the side panels 60 on the ground area 34 the longitudinal control arm 22 are attached. The second and third welds connect the longitudinal control arms. 22 and the torsion bar 24 using the mounting brackets 54 in an indirect way, so that the number of welded joints that are directly between the torsion bar 24 and the trailing arms 22 The extension is minimized. Consequently, the compound link axle arrangement ensures20 for improved and more robust behavior in case of material fatigue compared to conventional compound link axle arrangements, which have several welded connections extending directly between the trailing arms and the torsion bar.

[0026] How best to Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in section 4, the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement is shown. 20 a torsion bar 70 in the inverted U-shaped cross-section of the torsion bar 24 arranged and extends spaced apart and parallel along axis A between a first torsion bar end 72 and a second torsion bar end 74 A pair of lower brackets 76 is on the side panels 60 each mounting bracket 54 attached and extends within the U-shaped cross-section of the torsion bar 24 such that an opening 78is formed by which the first and second torsion bar ends 72 , 74 pass through. Each of the longitudinal control arms 22 also forms a mounting opening 80 , into which a corresponding end 72 , 74 the torsion bar is fitted in an aligned manner to ensure the torsion bar 70 on the rear compound link axle arrangement 20 to attach. What is the best way to do this? Fig. 1– Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in section 5, the first embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement is... 20 the side panels 60 starting from the first end of the mounting bracket 56 each tapered or conical towards the second mounting bracket end 58 , in order to achieve the conical shape of the side walls 48 the torsion bar 24 to provide a complementary form.

[0027] How best to Fig. 7– Fig. 8 and Fig. 11– Fig.As shown in 12, in the second embodiment of the compound link axle arrangement 20 the side panels 60 Each is U-shaped and lies over the side walls. 48 the torsion bar 24 in a concave arrangement starting from the first mounting bracket end 56 to the second mounting bracket end. Furthermore, the side walls form 48 the torsion bar 24 several adjustment holes 82 , which are spaced apart from each other to improve the torsional properties of the torsion bar 24 to adjust and fine-tune.

[0028] It is evident that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the preceding teachings and can be implemented in a different manner than specifically described herein, within the scope of protection of the attached patent claims.

Claims

[1] A compound link axle arrangement of a vehicle, comprising: a pair of trailing arms; a torsion bar with a base area extending along an axis A between a first and a second torsion bar end, which are arranged in superimposed relation to a respective longitudinal control arm; wherein the torsion bar has a pair of side walls extending downwards from the base area and spaced apart from the pair of longitudinal control arms; and at least one mounting bracket extending from a first mounting bracket end, which is adjacent to one of the longitudinal control arms, to a second mounting bracket end, which lies above the side walls of the torsion bar, so that the at least one mounting bracket can axially slide or glide along the side walls of the torsion bar when the at least one mounting bracket is initially connected to it. [2] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting bracket has a pair of side plates, each side plate being arranged adjacent to a corresponding side wall of the torsion bar and the side walls being spaced apart from the respective side wall and extending parallel to each other between the first and the second mounting bracket end. [3] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the at least one mounting bracket has a base plate as a unit and extends transversely between the pair of side plates, so that the spaced and parallel arrangement of the pair of side plates is maintained. [4] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 2, wherein each of the side plates has a cut which is arranged adjacent to the first mounting bracket ends or in an enclosed manner with respect to a respective longitudinal link. [5] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the two longitudinal links each have a side region and a bottom region and the cutout is L-shaped, such that a vertical mounting surface is arranged adjacent to the side region of a respective longitudinal link and a horizontal mounting surface is formed adjacent to the bottom region of the respective longitudinal link. [6] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 2, further comprising: a first weld extending along the first and second torsion bar ends, so that the superimposed base area of ​​the torsion bar is attached to the longitudinal control arms. [7] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 6, further comprising: a second weld extending along the first mounting bracket end in such a way that the at least one mounting bracket is attached to the respective longitudinal control arm; and a third weld extending along the second mounting bracket end such that the at least one mounting bracket is attached to the two side walls, so that the two longitudinal arms and the torsion bar are indirectly connected to each other by means of the at least one mounting bracket in order to minimize a number of weld points extending directly between the torsion bar and the two longitudinal arms. [8] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 2, wherein each of the side walls of the torsion bar extends conically from the base area to a bottom edge of the torsion bar, and each of the side plates of the at least one mounting bracket is also conical from the first mounting bracket end to the second mounting bracket end. [9] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 2, wherein each of the side walls extends from the base area transversely or perpendicularly to a bottom edge of the torsion bar. [10] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 9, wherein each of the side plates is U-shaped and extends in a concave manner over the side walls of the torsion bar from the first mounting bracket end to the second mounting bracket end. [11] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 2, which further comprises a torsion bar arranged between the two side walls and extending spaced apart and parallel along the axis between a first torsion bar end and a second torsion bar end. [12] A compound link axle arrangement according to claim 11, which further comprises a lower support which is attached to the two side plates and forms an opening for receiving the torsion bar. [13] A compound link axle assembly according to claim 12, wherein each of the longitudinal links forms a mounting opening and the first and second ends of the torsion bar are each aligned and fitted into a corresponding mounting opening, so that the torsion bar is attached to the compound link axle assembly. [14] A torsion bar as specified in claim 1, wherein the base area forms an arc-shaped form. [15] A torsion bar as specified in claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting bracket comprises a pair of mounting brackets, each of which extends from a first mounting bracket end abutting a respective longitudinal link to a second mounting bracket end arranged over the side walls of the torsion bar, such that each of the two mounting brackets can axially slide or glide along the side walls of the torsion bar when the two mounting brackets are initially connected thereto.