Achsanordnung

Abstract

Axle arrangement for a road vehicle (1), in particular a vehicle trailer, wherein the axle arrangement (4) comprises - a hollow axle tube (26), - a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26), wherein the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal swing axis (28), - a spring element (32) arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26), - a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a preferably end-side wheel carrier (36), and - an axle carrier (16) which is designed to fasten the axle arrangement (4) to the vehicle (1), characterized in that the support arm (27) is mounted on the axle carrier (16) in a rotationally fixed manner about the swing axis (28) and the axle tube (26) is mounted on the support arm (27) so as to be pivotable about the swing axis (28), the wheel swing arm (33) being fastened to the rotatable axle tube (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an axle arrangement having the features in the preamble of the main claim.

[0002] Such an axle assembly for a road-going vehicle trailer is known in practice. The axle assembly comprises a hollow axle tube and a support arm arranged in the axle tube, which is pivotally mounted in the axle tube about an internal swing axis. A spring element formed from several rubber strands is arranged between the axle tube and the support arm. The axle assembly comprises a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm with a wheel carrier, preferably at one end. The wheel rocker arm is rotationally connected to the support arm and can pivot with it about the internal swing axis. The axle assembly also comprises an axle carrier, which is designed to attach the axle assembly to the vehicle.

[0003] DE 29 701 437 U1 shows a similar wheel suspension for trailers, in which the wheel rocker arm is mounted entirely on the outside of the chassis. The wheel rocker arm is connected at its free end to a prismatic support arm, which is positively inserted into a prismatic hollow profile. The support arm and the hollow profile extend together into a stubby, prismatic axle tube, which is non-rotatably mounted on the outside of the chassis, and are rotatably mounted there via spring elements between the hollow profile and the axle tube. The support arm thus rotates relative to the non-rotatably mounted axle tube.

[0004] US 4,491,342 A deals with a torsion spring axle in which two tubes, inserted into one another with radial play, are rigidly connected in the center of the axle and rotatably connected at the ends. The two tubes can be twisted relative to each other and themselves form a torsion spring element. One outer tube is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to surrounding sleeves of wheel rocker arms, whereas the inner tube is firmly connected at its end to the chassis or to an arched support.

[0005] The wheel suspension known from US Pat. No. 3,820,813 comprises a wheel rocker arm attached to a sleeve, which in turn is non-rotatably connected to an outer shell of torsion bushings. The torsion bushings each comprise an outer shell and a cylindrical inner shell that can rotate freely around an axle shaft. Cylindrical rubber bodies and a cylindrical inner shell are glued between the shells.

[0006] The non-generic US 10,434,833 B1 concerns a lawnmower deck.

[0007] The object of the invention is to show an improved axle arrangement.

[0008] The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims.

[0009] The claimed axle arrangement, the road-going vehicle equipped with it, especially the trailer, and the wheel rocker arm offer several advantages. Road-going vehicles, especially the trailer, are suitable for on-road and, if necessary, off-road operation. They do not require rails.

[0010] The claimed axle assembly comprises the hollow axle tube, the support arm arranged therein, the pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm with the wheel carrier, and the axle carrier according to the features in the preamble of claim 1. In the claimed axle assembly, according to a first aspect of the invention, the support arm is mounted on the axle carrier in a rotationally fixed manner about said internal rocker axis, wherein the axle tube is pivotally mounted on the support arm about the rocker axis, and the wheel rocker arm is fastened to the rotatable axle tube. The wheel rocker arm, together with the axle tube, can perform pivoting movements about the internal rocker axis. The support arm, the axle tube, and the elongated rocker axis preferably have a straight shape. The support arm can be solid or tubular.

[0011] The claimed axle arrangement has the advantage of a robust and cost-effective design. It also allows for large pivot angles and pivot travels of the wheel rocker arm and the associated wheel carrier, as well as a vehicle wheel mounted thereon. This makes the road-going vehicle, in particular the road-going vehicle trailer, particularly suitable not only for on-road but also for off-road operation. Furthermore, ride comfort is improved.

[0012] The pivoting wheel rocker arm bearing can be located inside the chassis of a road vehicle, particularly a trailer, and is better protected against external influences than with the prior art. This also expands the potential application range of the axle arrangement and the road vehicle. Furthermore, the attachment area on the axle tube and the size of the wheel rocker arm can be significantly larger than with the prior art, increasing the achievable strength. It is advantageous that the wheel rocker arm can also be located largely inside the chassis. Previously known wheel rocker arms were located entirely outside the chassis when installed and had to be designed with a delicate design due to space constraints.

[0013] The wheel rocker arm can extend transversely from the axle tube beneath the axle carrier. The axle tube, in its entirety or for the most part, and a predominant part of the wheel rocker arm can be arranged on an inner side of the axle carrier and the chassis. Their shape and dimensions can be optimized accordingly. A smaller part of the wheel rocker arm, in particular a wheel brake connected to the wheel carrier and, if applicable, a vehicle wheel, can be arranged on an outer side of the axle carrier and the chassis. The wheel rocker arm can be arranged for the most part on the said inner side or inner area and only a small part needs to protrude outwards beneath the axle carrier. The lateral distance of the vehicle wheel from the outer side of the chassis can thus be reduced compared to previously known axle arrangements.

[0014] In the claimed axle arrangement, the axle tube, together with the wheel swing arm attached to it, can rotate relative to the axle carrier during driving and can pivot about the aforementioned internal swing axis. This swing axis can run centrally through the axle tube and through the elongated support arm in their longitudinal directions.

[0015] The spring element is preferably formed by rubber strands. The axle tube can be supported on the spring element and can be pivotally mounted on the support arm via the spring element. As a modification to this, the axle tube can alternatively or additionally be supported and rotatably mounted on the axle carrier via its own pivot bearing. It is also pivotally mounted on the support arm about the swing axis. In a further modification, the spring element can be designed and arranged in a different way. In the preferred spring element design as rubber strands, these rubber strands extend along the support arm and the axle tube as well as the internal swing axis. The preferably straight rubber strands are spring-elastically deformable.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the axle carrier is designed for rigid and stationary attachment of the support arm to the vehicle, in particular to a vehicle chassis. In a possible modification of the axle arrangement as a lowering axle, the axle carrier can be designed differently and can enable a raising and lowering movement of the support arm relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0017] The axle assembly can also include an axle support, which can also be designed for the preferably rigid and rotationally fixed attachment of the support arm to the roadworthy vehicle about the swing axis. The attachment can be made to a chassis and / or to a body of said vehicle. The axle support can be arranged in the direction of extension of the support arm and the swing axis at a distance from the axle support. The axle support can also be located inside the chassis. Attachment to the chassis is possible, for example, via a cross member.

[0018] Configuring the axle assembly with an axle carrier and a separate axle support is advantageous for designing the axle assembly as a semi-axle or stub axle. In this case, the axle tube extends over only a small portion of the vehicle width or chassis width. Such a configuration is favorable for a robust axle assembly. This advantageously allows for independent wheel suspension of the vehicle wheels, each with its own wheel rocker arm, which can also be independently pivoted. The vehicle can have at least two axle assemblies designed as semi-axles, which are arranged opposite one another, in particular in alignment, transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0019] In another design, the support arm and the axle tube can extend across most or the entire width of the vehicle or chassis. The axle tube can be continuous or integral, with two wheel rocker arms attached to the axle tube. In this case, the axle arrangement can comprise two axle supports. In a modification of this design, it is also possible to divide the axle tube, preferably in the middle, and attach a wheel rocker arm to each axle tube section.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the axle carrier and the axle support each have a through-hole, which is designed to preferably positively and non-rotatably receive the respective support arm inserted through it. The spring element and the axle tube can be concealed behind the axle carrier and arranged protected on its inner side. The inserted support arm can, for example, have an outer cross-section that deviates from a circular shape, in particular a prismatic one, wherein the through-holes have a corresponding opening cross-section and hold the inserted support arm non-rotatably through the positive connection. The torsional rigidity can also be achieved by connecting means, e.g., a clamp, weld seam, or the like.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the axle arrangement, the axle tube is arranged between the axle carrier and the axle support. It can be arranged so that it can rotate relative to the axle carrier and, if necessary, relative to the axle support. In the aforementioned modification, the continuous, single-piece or multi-piece axle tube can be arranged so that it can rotate relative to the two axle carriers.

[0022] The axle carrier and any axle support, if present, can be designed in any suitable manner, preferably as bent metal sheet profiles. In an advantageous embodiment, the axle carrier has a mounting element designed for attachment to a chassis of the road vehicle. The attachment can be made, in particular, to a longitudinal member of the chassis and preferably to an upright center bar of such a longitudinal member. Said mounting element can advantageously be designed as an upright mounting flange. This is favorable for mounting on said center bar.

[0023] The axle carrier can also have a support element designed to fasten the support arm. Such a support element can advantageously be designed as an upright support flange. With the upright and in particular flange-like mounting elements, the axle carrier can have a folded shape that saves space and is suitable for preferred mounting on the outside of the chassis or its longitudinal member. The mounting element and the support element can point in different directions, e.g., upwards and downwards in the installed position on the chassis. Alternatively, the mounting element can also have a horizontal orientation and can be arranged and fastened to the underside of a chassis or a longitudinal member.

[0024] The axle support, if present, can have a mounting means designed for attachment to the roadworthy vehicle and at least one support element designed for attaching the support arm. The mounting means can be arranged horizontally and can be formed, for example, by a mounting web. The at least one support element can be designed as an upright support flange. The aforementioned through-opening for the support arm can be arranged on the at least one support element.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the axle support can be designed as a U-shaped support bracket. It can have two upright support elements spaced apart in the direction of the swing axis, with the mounting or center bar located between them. The support arm can be supported and attached to both upright support elements. This provides a particularly stable support and attachment option.

[0026] The upright orientation is always aligned perpendicular to the swing axis. The horizontal orientation is always aligned along the swing axis.

[0027] For the claimed axle arrangement, it is advantageous if the outer cross-section of the support arm and the inner cross-section of the axle tube each have a shape other than a circle, which can be prismatic, for example. A substantially triangular outer cross-section of the support arm is favorable. In this case, suitable axial receiving areas, in particular indentations, for rubber strands can be provided on the casing of the preferably tubular support arm. The axle tube can have an advantageous and substantially hexagonal inner cross-section. In another embodiment, rectangular, in particular square, outer and inner cross-sections of the support arm and axle tube are also possible. Other designs are also possible. The corner areas can each be rounded.

[0028] The support arm of the axle arrangement can be constructed in one piece or in multiple parts. In a multi-part design, it can, for example, be formed from two aligned support arm sections. These can be inserted into the axle tube at both ends. One support arm section can be attached to the axle carrier at one end and the other support arm section can be attached to an axle support, if present. The attachment to the axle carrier and the preferably upright and thin-walled support element can be overhung. The other support arm section can also be overhung and attached to the axle carrier. In the preferred design of the axle carrier as a support bracket, more stable support and attachment is possible at the two spaced-apart upright support elements. The support arm sections can be attached at one of their outer ends, which protrude beyond the axle tube. The other, inner end is located in the interior of the hollow axle tube and is supported here indirectly via the axle tube.

[0029] The multi-part design of the support arm has cost and assembly advantages, particularly with regard to the assembly of the support element, especially the rubber strands.

[0030] The wheel rocker arm can be elongated. It can have a mounting bracket at one end for attachment to the axle tube and a preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier at the other end. The mounting bracket can be designed, for example, for external, form-fitting attachment to the axle tube. The mounting bracket can be designed, for example, as a prismatic through-hole on the wheel rocker arm, into which the appropriately prismatic axle tube can be inserted, form-fitting and rotationally fixed. This allows a simple positional and rotational relationship to be established between the wheel rocker arm and the axle tube.

[0031] The wheel rocker arm may have a lever arm, which is preferably designed as a hollow, box-like arm housing made of preferably plate-shaped arm walls. The arm housing may be designed as a welded construction.

[0032] This design of the wheel rocker arm offers advantages in terms of strength, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacture. The box housing can be partially constructed from bent sheet metal.

[0033] The wheel carrier preferably has a pin shape, particularly with cylindrical contours. However, it can also be designed in a different way. The wheel carrier can be supported and welded to the axial front side of the elongated lever arm, particularly the arm housing. This is also advantageous for cost-effective, stable, and simple production.

[0034] According to an independent aspect of the invention, the wheel rocker arm can have a lever arm with an axially projecting, plate-shaped arm extension, which is provided and designed for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield of a wheel brake. The plate-shaped arm extension can have a through-opening for a preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier and can have receiving openings for fastening means distributed in an arc around the through-opening. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, these fastening means can be designed as rivets, in particular blind rivets. Alternatively, they can be screw means or the like. The lever arm can preferably be designed as a hollow arm housing of the aforementioned type.

[0035] This design of the wheel rocker arm is also advantageous for other conventional axle arrangements. In such conventional axle arrangements, the wheel rocker arm can be attached to the support arm and can rotate together with the support arm in an axle tube that is non-rotatably attached to the axle carrier and can be mounted and secured via the axle carrier to the roadgoing vehicle, particularly to its chassis.

[0036] The brake shield and the plate-shaped arm extension can be adapted to each other for fastening purposes. The brake shield can have defined mounting points, e.g., cup-shaped, flat external features, where the arm extension and the brake shield can lie flat against each other and support each other. The receiving openings for the fastening devices can also be located at these points.

[0037] The direct attachment of the brake shield to the wheel rocker arm offers advantages for the stability and strength of the connection. Furthermore, the axle shield can be positioned very close to the wheel rocker arm.

[0038] The wheel carrier, in turn, can be arranged and attached to the wheel rocker arm in a particularly advantageous manner. Using the through-hole on the arm extension, it can be precisely positioned and attached there as appropriate, either by welding or by other means. The wheel carrier can also come into defined contact with other parts of the lever arm, particularly the wheel housing. This is advantageous for supporting the wheel carrier and the forces introduced by the vehicle wheel during driving. Furthermore, the correct position of the wheel carrier on the wheel rocker arm can be defined quickly and easily, and the wheel carrier can be attached simultaneously by a weld or similar method.

[0039] The riveted joint offers advantages for optimal power transmission between the wheel rocker arm and the brake shield. It also reduces costs and simplifies the manufacturing process. Pre-assembled components can be used, which also results in easier corrosion protection. A weld-free connection can be created between the wheel rocker arm and the brake shield. Compared to a screw connection, the riveted joint offers advantages in terms of loss resistance and process reliability. The force during riveting can be reliably monitored. Variations can occur during the screwing process, e.g., due to damaged threads. Further advantages of the riveted joint include limited tampering options, better theft protection, and the prevention of settling when the brakes overheat.With a riveted connection, there is also no risk of a loss of preload and the associated risk of loss of the fastener.

[0040] Other advantageous fastening methods include clinching or clinching. With this, and also with riveted joints, the sheet metal of the brake shield can be made thinner than before, which saves weight and costs. The various aspects of the invention and the design of the lever arm as an arm housing allow for an open geometry. This can facilitate painting and corrosion protection, with dip painting being an option, for example.

[0041] The arm extension can be optimized for a riveted connection, particularly by stabilizing it. The plate edge of the arm extension can be flanged, for example, which increases the deformation resistance of the arm extension. The mutual contact surfaces of the arm extension and the mounting points of the brake shield can remain flush with each other even after riveting.

[0042] The axially protruding arm extension also provides convenient access for the riveting process and riveting tools. The arm extension can also have a suitable length and width for this purpose. Through the connection to the wheel carrier arranged and secured at the front of the lever arm, particularly the arm housing, the arm extension can be designed with thin walls and still maintain high stability and force transmission capacity for the forces introduced by the vehicle wheel via the brake shield to the wheel rocker arm.

[0043] The invention also includes a road vehicle with an axle arrangement according to the aforementioned various aspects of the invention. The road vehicle can be a motor vehicle or a vehicle trailer.

[0044] The vehicle may comprise a suitable chassis, which preferably comprises parallel longitudinal members and optionally one or more cross members. An axle support of the previously described axle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention may, for example, be supported and fastened to such a cross member. Alternatively or additionally, fastening to a body, which may also be part of the vehicle, is also possible. The axle support(s) of the prescribed axle arrangements according to the first and second aspects of the invention may be fastened externally to the chassis. In particular, they may be fastened to a longitudinal member, preferably to its upright central web. In this case, external fastening to the central web is also preferred.

[0045] The claimed vehicle can comprise one or more of the prescribed axle arrangements according to the first or second aspect of the invention. An axle arrangement designed as a semi-axle in the manner described above can be arranged on the vehicle in duplicate or multiple configurations, with the axle arrangements or semi-axles being arranged opposite one another transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and preferably aligned. With an arrangement of four semi-axles, for example, a tandem axle can be formed.

[0046] When designed as a vehicle trailer, the chassis can include a drawbar and a trailer coupling located at the front. A rigid drawbar is preferred, which is firmly connected to the chassis, particularly its longitudinal members. The rigid drawbar can be V-shaped or tubular.

[0047] The invention also includes a wheel rocker arm for an axle arrangement of a road vehicle, wherein the wheel rocker arm is designed according to the second aspect of the invention, has the axially projecting plate-shaped arm extension and its further design for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield.

[0048] The axle arrangements represent a separate unit. They can be installed on a road-going vehicle in place of another existing axle arrangement and can be exchanged or supplemented by way of a conversion or retrofit. They can also be installed on the road vehicle by the manufacturer as original equipment.

[0049] The wheel rocker arm in question is also a separate unit and can be replaced, supplemented, or modified by way of conversion or retrofitting. It can also be installed as original equipment on a roadworthy vehicle and its axle configuration.

[0050] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0051] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawings. In detail: Fig. 1: a plan view of a road-going vehicle with two axle arrangements, Fig. 2: a front view of an axle arrangement according to viewing direction II of Fig. 1, Fig. 3: a top view of the axle arrangement of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5: Side views of the axle arrangement according to arrows IV and V of Fig. 3, Fig. 6: a perspective view of the axle arrangement of Fig. 1-5 with view from outside, Fig. 7: another perspective view of the axle arrangement of Fig. 6 looking from inside, Fig. 8: a perspective longitudinal section of the axle arrangement according to section line VIII-VIII of Fig. 2, Fig. 9: a cross-section through the axle arrangement according to section line IX-IX of Fig. 3, Fig. 10: a perspective longitudinal section through the axle arrangement and its axle tube according to section line XX, Fig. 11: a perspective exploded view of the axle arrangement of Fig. 1-10 and a brake shield of a wheel brake, Fig. 12: another perspective exploded view of another wheel rocker arm of another axle arrangement and a brake shield and Fig. 13: a perspective view of the axle arrangement of Fig. 12.

[0052] The invention relates to an axle assembly (4, 4') and a road vehicle (1) equipped therewith, in particular a road vehicle trailer. The invention also relates to a wheel rocker arm (33) of an axle assembly (4, 4').

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a road vehicle (1) with a chassis (2) and two axle arrangements (4). The vehicle (1) is designed, for example, as a road trailer. It has a central longitudinal axis (3). The chassis (2) comprises, for example, two parallel longitudinal members (5), at the front ends of which a drawbar (8) is rigidly mounted, which carries a trailer coupling (9) at its front end. The drawbar (8) is designed, for example, as a rigid V-drawbar. Fig. 1 also indicates that the chassis (2) may have one or more cross members (7) shown in dashed lines. A superstructure (10) is arranged on the chassis (2).

[0054] The two axle arrangements (4) are in Fig. 1 are each designed as a semi-axle or stub axle. They are arranged in alignment opposite one another on both sides of the longitudinal axis (3). The axle assemblies (4) each carry a wheel brake (13) and a vehicle wheel (11), which is preferably freely rotatable about a wheel axis (12). The two axle assemblies (4) are designed identically, although due to their arrangement on the left and right sides of the chassis, they are mirror-inverted with respect to the longitudinal axis (3).

[0055] Fig. 2-11 show the design of the axle arrangement (4) in different views. Fig. 1 below the longitudinal axis (3). The features shown also apply in mirror image transformation to the other, upper axle arrangement (4) of Fig. 1.

[0056] Figure (2) shows the axle arrangement (4) in a front view according to arrow II of Fig. 1. The axle assembly (4) comprises a hollow, straight axle tube (26) and a straight, elongated support arm (27) arranged within the axle tube (26) and extending along the axle tube (26). The support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal pivot axis (28) extending along the axle tube (26) and the support arm (27). The axle tube (26) can pivot relative to the support arm (27).

[0057] How Fig. 9, a spring element (32) is arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the outer surrounding axle tube (26). This spring element is formed, for example, by several, preferably straight, rubber strands that extend along the swing axis (28). This arrangement is also shown in the longitudinal section of Fig. 10. The rubber strands can be made of a resilient, deformable rubber material. This includes natural and synthetic rubbers, as well as polyurethane and other rubber-like materials.

[0058] The axle assembly (4) further comprises a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a wheel carrier (36). The wheel rocker arm (33) has an elongated shape. The wheel carrier (36) is preferably arranged at one longitudinal end of the wheel rocker arm (33). The wheel rocker arm (33) is rotationally fastened at its other end to the axle tube (26). A mounting fitting (35) is provided for this purpose, which, for example, is ring-shaped and encloses the axle tube (26) on the outside in a form-fitting manner.

[0059] The axle assembly (4) comprises at least one axle support (16). This is designed to fasten the axle assembly (4) to the vehicle (1). In the axle assembly (4), the support arm (27) is mounted on the axle support (16) in a rotationally fixed manner about the swing axis (28), with the axle tube (26) being pivotably mounted on the support arm (27) about the swing axis (28).

[0060] In the embodiments shown, the axle tube (26) is supported on the spring element (32) and is pivotally mounted on the support arm (27) via this. In an embodiment not shown, the hollow axle tube (26) can be rotatably mounted about the swing axis (28) at least at one end via an additional pivot bearing on the axle carrier (16). In this case, too, the axle tube is pivotally mounted on the support arm (27) about the swing axis (28).

[0061] The wheel carrier (36) of the wheel rocker arm (33) is connectable or connected to the wheel brake (13). The wheel carrier (36) is, for example, pivot-shaped. In this embodiment, it carries a pivot bearing for the wheel brake (13) or the vehicle wheel (11). The longitudinal axis of the preferably cylindrical wheel pivot simultaneously forms the wheel axis (12). The wheel brake (13) is, for example, designed as a drum brake. In a modification of the embodiment shown, the wheel brake (13) can be omitted or can be designed in a different way, e.g., as a disc brake. Accordingly, the vehicle wheel (11) can also be connected to the wheel carrier (36) in a different way.

[0062] In the embodiments shown, the wheel carrier (36) is rigidly and non-rotatably attached to the wheel rocker arm (33). The vehicle wheel (11) rotates on the wheel carrier (36) via a pivot bearing. In another embodiment not shown, the wheel carrier (36) can be designed as a rotatable shaft, optionally driven by a traction drive or a shunting drive or the like, which is correspondingly rotatably mounted on the wheel rocker arm (33) and is rotationally connected to the vehicle wheel (11). The wheel brake (13) can be designed differently accordingly.

[0063] The Fig. 2 in a sectioned front view and in Fig. 6, the perspectively illustrated axle support (16) serves, in the illustrated embodiments, for rigidly fastening the support arm (27) to the chassis (2) of the vehicle (1) and is designed accordingly. The illustrated axle arrangement (4) also comprises an axle support (20), which also serves for rigidly fastening the support arm (27) to the vehicle (1) in a manner fixed against rotation about the swing axis (28) and is designed accordingly. It can be attached, for example, to the underside of the body (10) and / or to a cross member (7).

[0064] The axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the swing axis (28). The axle tube (26) and the attachment point of the wheel swing arm (33) are arranged between the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20). The axle tube (26) and the wheel swing arm (33) can rotate about the swing axis (28) relative to the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) as well as the support arm (27). The rotational movement is induced via the vehicle wheel (11) and its contact with the ground during driving. The wheel axle (12) can be aligned parallel to the swing axis (28).

[0065] For the rotationally fixed fastening of the support arm (27) according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) each have at least one through-opening (19, 24) which preferably positively accommodates an end region of the inserted support arm (27). Additional fastening can be provided, e.g., by clamping, welding, gluing, or the like.

[0066] How Fig. As illustrated in cross-section in Figure 9, the support arm (27) in the illustrated embodiments has a prismatic, particularly triangular, outer cross-section with rounded corners. The through openings (19, 24) have a corresponding inner cross-section and are tightly adjacent to the outer cross-section of the support arm (27).

[0067] The support arm (27) can have several axially extending receiving areas (31) for the spring element (32), in particular for the rubber strands, on its casing. These receiving areas (31) are located between the rounded corners of the outer cross-section and can be designed, for example, as indentations or axial grooves.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiments, the axle tube (26) has a prismatic, particularly hexagonal, inner cross-section with rounded corners. The spring element (32), particularly the rubber strands, each rest against a rounded corner region of the inner cross-section or inner circumference of the axle tube (26).

[0069] The axle carrier (16) has an upright mounting element (17), in particular a mounting flange, which is designed for attachment to a chassis (2) of the vehicle (1), in particular to an upright central web (6) of a longitudinal member (5). The axle carrier (16) also comprises an upright support element (18), e.g. a support flange, which is designed for attaching the support arm (27). The axle carrier (16) is designed as a sheet metal profile that is folded several times and stabilized with gussets. The through-opening (19) for the rotationally locked reception of the support arm (27) is arranged on the support element (18) or on the upright support flange. Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 illustrate this training.

[0070] How Fig. 2 in the front view and Fig. 7 in a perspective view, the axle support (20) is preferably designed as a U-shaped support bracket (21). It comprises a horizontal mounting element (22), e.g., a central web (22), and two upright support elements (23, 25) adjoining the mounting element and spaced apart in the direction of the swing axis. The support arm (27) is supported and secured to these support elements (23, 25).

[0071] The upright support elements (23) are designed, for example, as support flanges and can have different lengths. One support element (23), located closer to the axle tube (26), can be longer and can have the aforementioned through-opening (24). The other, shorter support element (25) has a matching groove on its underside into which the support arm (27) can be inserted with its upper section and is received there in a form-fitting manner. This creates two axially spaced support and fastening points on the axle support (20) for the end section of the support arm (27).

[0072] The support arm (27) can be formed as a single piece. It can extend through the axle tube (26) and through the through-holes (19, 24) on the axle carrier (16) and on the axle support (20), where it can be rigidly and non-rotatably mounted. The ends of the support arm (27) extend slightly out of the axle tube (26).

[0073] Fig. Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a multi-part design of the support arm (27). This is formed from two straight support arm parts (29, 30) aligned along the swing axis (28) and positioned flush with each other, both extending into the axle tube (26) at their tube ends. One support arm part (29) is attached to the axle support (16) at its outer, projecting end. The other support arm part (30) is attached to the axle support (20) at its outer, projecting end.

[0074] How Fig. 1-3 illustrate, the wheel rocker arm (33) extending from the axle tube (26) extends under the axle carrier (16) transversely to the longitudinal axis (3). The axle tube (26) as a whole or for the most part and the predominant part of the wheel rocker arm (33) are arranged on an inner side (44) of the axle carrier (16). They are also located in the interior of the chassis (2). Only a small part of the wheel rocker arm (33) is arranged on an opposite outer side (45) of the axle carrier (16). This applies, for example, to the wheel brake (13) connected to the wheel carrier (36). The wheel brake (13) and the vehicle wheel (11) can move up and down on the outside next to the chassis (2) during driving.

[0075] How Fig. As illustrated in various views in Figures 2-11, the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34), which is preferably designed as a hollow, box-like arm housing (37). The arm housing (37) can be formed from preferably plate-shaped arm walls (38) and can be constructed as a welded structure. It can comprise upright arm walls (38) and arm walls arranged transversely therebetween. The plate-shaped arm walls (38) can be formed from metal sheets and have flat outer sides.

[0076] The mounting fitting (35) can be formed, for example, as a through-opening at the protruding ends of arm walls (38), wherein the through-opening is adapted in shape to the preferably prismatic outer contour of the axle tube (26) and tightly adjoins it, optionally being fixed with a weld seam or other connecting means. One or more attachment fittings (46) can also be arranged, in particular molded, on the lever arm (34), in particular on the arm housing (37). Shock absorbers and other components, for example, can be connected to these.

[0077] The preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) is arranged on the axial front side of the lever arm (34), in particular arm housing (37), and is supported here and fastened in a suitable manner, e.g. by welding.

[0078] The lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37), has an axially projecting, plate-shaped arm extension (39). This is arranged, for example, on the upright arm wall (38) facing the outer side (45). The arm extension (39) is provided and designed for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield (14) of a wheel brake (13). It has a preferably central through-opening (40) for the pin-shaped wheel carrier (36). Receiving openings (41) for fastening means (42) are arranged in an arc distributed around the through-opening (40). The fastening means (42) can be screw means. They are preferably rivets, in particular blind rivets.

[0079] In the embodiment of Fig. 1-11, an axially projecting retaining plate (43) is arranged on another arm wall, in particular an inner arm wall, which likewise has a receiving opening (41) for receiving the wheel carrier (36). The through-hole and receiving openings (40, 41) are aligned along the wheel axis (12). The wheel carrier (36), which is preferably cylindrical in design with several stages, can be inserted through the through-hole and receiving opening (41). It can have at least one annular collar, by means of which the insertion position can be defined by a stop. Here, fastening can also be achieved by means of a weld seam, pressing in, or the like. The wheel carrier (36), which is aligned with the wheel axis (12), can thus have a precise and quickly findable position on the wheel rocker arm (33).

[0080] Fig. 11 illustrates, in an exploded view, the assignment to a brake shield (14) of the wheel brake (13). The brake shield (14) has one or more defined mounting points (15). This can be, for example, a rear base-like formation arranged around a central through opening on the brake shield (14), which has a flat outer side and also has through openings for the fastening means (42). The brake shield (14) can be plugged onto the wheel carrier (36) and brought into flat contact with its mounting point (15) on the outer side of the arm extension (39) and can be fixed there by the fastening means (42). The other parts of the wheel brake (13), in particular a brake drum, can be rotatably arranged on the end of the wheel carrier (36) projecting towards the outer side (45) via a pivot bearing.

[0081] The elongated lever arm (34) can have a tapered and angled shape starting from the axle tube (26). This gives it a large attachment width on one axial front side on the axle tube (26). On the other axial front side on the wheel carrier (36), the width is considerably smaller. The attachment point on the axle tube (16) is located on the inside (44) of the axle carrier (16). The angle is directed towards the axle carrier (16). In plan view, the lever arm (34) can have an H-shape due to the axially projecting arm parts of the mounting fitting (35), the arm extension (39), and the retaining plate (43).

[0082] The axle tube (26) and the mounting bracket (35) can be adjusted according to Fig. 2 are located below the chassis (2), in particular the relevant longitudinal member (5). This results in large possible pivot angles and spring travel for the wheel rocker arm (33) and the vehicle wheel (11).

[0083] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 illustrate another embodiment of an axle arrangement (4') according to the aforementioned second aspect of the invention.

[0084] In this embodiment, the wheel rocker arm (33) can also have a lever arm (34), which is preferably designed as a hollow, box-like arm housing (37) and which has the aforementioned wheel carrier (36) at one axial end. In this embodiment, the lever arm (34) also has an arm wall (38) with an axial, plate-shaped arm extension (39) that has a through-opening (40) for receiving the wheel carrier (36) and, arranged around it, receiving openings (41) for fastening means (42), preferably rivets.

[0085] In contrast to the axle assembly (4) of the first aspect of the invention, the axle assembly (4') has a conventional design of axle tube (26), support arm (not shown), and wheel swing arm (33). The wheel swing arm (33) is arranged on the outside of the axle support (16) and is connected to the support arm in a rotationally fixed manner. In this case, the axle tube (26) is mounted to the axle support (16) in a rotationally fixed manner, with the support arm located in the tube interior rotating about a said swing axis relative to the rotationally fixed axle tube (26).

[0086] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 also illustrate further designs and possible modifications of the Fig. 11 described above. The arm extension (39) has, for example, flanged outer edges that stiffen the plate-shaped arm extension (39). Fig. 12 also shows the fastening means (42) designed as blind rivets.

[0087] A further modification concerns the design of the brake shield (14). Fig. 11 has several individual mounting points (15) distributed in an arc around a central opening. These are each designed as cup-like structures with a flat outer surface and a receiving opening for a fastening means (42).

[0088] Fig. Figure 13 illustrates, in a perspective view, a complete axle assembly (4') comprising an axle tube (26) extending across the vehicle width or chassis width and secured in a rotationally fixed manner to end axle supports (16). The wheel rocker arms (33) are connected in the aforementioned manner to the support arms (not shown) that are rotatably mounted within the axle tube (26). The axle tube (26) extends through the axle supports (16) so that the support arms can be inserted into the axle tube ends. Also arranged here are one or more suitable spring elements, e.g., rubber strands, one or more torsion bars or torsion bars, or the like.

[0089] Modifications of the above-described embodiments and aspects of the invention are possible in various ways within the scope of the claims. In particular, the above-described features and variations can be combined with one another in other ways and can also be interchanged.

[0090] In a modification of the axle arrangement (4) of the first aspect of the invention according to Fig. 1-11, the axle arrangement (4) can be designed as a continuous axle arrangement extending across the vehicle or chassis width. The axle tube (26) can extend in one piece across said vehicle or chassis width, with two axle supports (16) being provided at the ends, to which the single- or multi-part support arm (27) is fastened in a rotationally fixed and preferably rigid manner. The axle support (20) can be omitted. In a further modification, the long axle tube (26) can be divided, for example, centrally into two tube halves, with an axle support (20) being provided for supporting and preferably rotationally fixed central fastening of the single- or multi-part support arm (27).

[0091] In a further variation not shown, a shunting drive can be arranged on one or both arm assemblies (4, 4'). The wheel carrier (36) can be designed as a rotatably mounted drive shaft of the vehicle wheel (11). The shunting drive can, for example, be arranged with several drive units, each with a preferably electric drive motor and a transmission connected between the drive motor and the drive shaft. The drive units can be arranged inside and / or outside the preferably box-like arm housing (37). LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 road vehicle, vehicle trailer 2 chassis 3 Longitudinal axis 4 axle arrangement 4' axle arrangement 5 longitudinal members 6 Central bridge 7 cross members 8 Drawbar 9 Trailer hitch 10 Structure 11 Vehicle wheel 12 wheel axle 13 Brake, drum brake 14 Brake shield 15 Assembly point 16 axle supports 17 Mounting element, mounting flange 18 Supporting element, supporting flange 19 Passage opening 20 axle support 21 support brackets 22 Mounting element, center bar 23 Support element, support flange 24 passage opening 25 Support element, support flange 26 axle tube 27 Support arm 28 Swing axle 29 Support arm part 30 Support arm part 31 Recording area, recess 32 spring element, rubber cord 33 Wheel rocker arm 34 lever arm 35 Mounting bracket for axle tube 36 wheel carriers, wheel studs 37 arm housings 38 Arm wall 39 Brachial process 40 push-through opening 41 Receiving opening 42 fasteners, rivet 43 Holding plate 44 Inside 45 Outside 46 Mounting fitting QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 29 701 437 U1

[0003] US 4,491,342 A

[0004] US 3,820,813

[0005] US 10,434,833 B1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Axle arrangement for a road vehicle (1), in particular a vehicle trailer, wherein the axle arrangement (4) comprises - a hollow axle tube (26), - a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26), wherein the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal swing axis (28), - a spring element (32) arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26), - a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a preferably end-side wheel carrier (36), and - an axle carrier (16) which is designed to fasten the axle arrangement (4) to the vehicle (1), characterized by that the support arm (27) is mounted on the axle carrier (16) in a rotationally fixed manner about the swing axis (28) and the axle tube (26) is pivotally mounted on the support arm (27) about the swing axis (28), wherein the wheel swing lever (33) is fastened to the rotatable axle tube (26). [2] Axle arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the axle tube (26) is supported on the spring element (32), which is preferably formed by rubber strands, and is pivotally mounted on the support arm (27) via this. [3] Axle arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the axle tube (26) has a prismatic inner cross-section with rounded corners, wherein the spring element (32), in particular the rubber strands, each rests against a rounded corner region of the inner cross-section or inner circumference of the axle tube (26). [4] Axle arrangement according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the axle support (16) is designed for rigidly fastening the support arm (27) to a chassis (2) of the vehicle (1), in particular to a longitudinal support (5) of the chassis (2) and preferably to an upright central web (6) of such a longitudinal support (5). [5] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the axle arrangement (4) also comprises an axle support (20) which is also designed for the preferably rigid and rotationally fixed fastening of the support arm (27) to the vehicle (1), in particular to a chassis (2) and / or a body of the vehicle (1) about the oscillation axis (28). [6] Axle arrangement according to claims 4 and 5, characterized by that the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) each have a through opening (19, 24) which is designed for the preferably form-fitting and rotationally fixed reception of the support arm (27) which is inserted through. [7] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle tube (26) is arranged between the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20). [8] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle tube (26) is arranged to be rotatable relative to the axle carrier (16) and, if applicable, relative to the axle support (20). [9] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle carrier (16) has a mounting element (17), in particular an upright mounting flange, designed for fastening to a chassis (2) of the vehicle (1), and a support element (18), in particular an upright support flange, designed for fastening the support arm (27). [10] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle support (20) has a mounting means (22) designed for fastening to the vehicle (1), in particular a horizontal mounting web, and at least one support element (23) designed for fastening the support arm (27), in particular an upright support flange. [11] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the axle support (20) is designed as a U-shaped support bracket (21) and has two spaced upright support elements (23, 25) on which the support arm (27) is supported and fastened. [12] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer cross-section of the support arm (27) and the inner cross-section of the axle tube (26) each have a shape deviating from a circle, in particular a prismatic shape. [13] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support arm (27) has a substantially triangular outer cross-section and the axle tube (26) has a substantially hexagonal inner cross-section. [14] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support arm (27) is formed in one part or in several parts, in particular from two aligned support arm parts (29, 30) inserted in particular at both ends into the axle tube (26). [15] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one support arm part (29) is fastened at the end to the axle support (16) and the other support arm part (30) is fastened at the end to the axle support (20). [16] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wheel rocker arm (33) has a mounting fitting (35) at one end region, which is designed for preferably external, positive fastening to the axle tube (26), and has a preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) at the other end region. [17] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the wheel swing arm (33) extends transversely from the axle tube (26) under the axle carrier (16), wherein the axle tube (26) as a whole or for the most part and the predominant part of the wheel swing arm (33) are arranged on an inner side (44) of the axle carrier (16) and only a small part of the wheel swing arm (33), in particular a wheel brake (13) connected to the wheel carrier (36), are arranged on an outer side (45) of the axle carrier (16). [18] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34) which is designed as a hollow box-like, preferably welded, arm housing (37) made of preferably plate-shaped arm walls (38). [19] Axle arrangement according to claims 16 and 18, characterized bythat the mounting fitting (35) is formed as a through-opening at projecting ends of arm walls (38), wherein the through-opening is adapted in shape to the preferably prismatic outer contour of the axle tube (26) and adjoins it tightly and is optionally fixed with a weld seam or another connecting means. [20] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) is supported and welded to the axial front side of the lever arm (34), in particular of the arm housing (37). [21] Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle arrangement (4) is designed as a half-axle or stub axle. [22] Axle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized byin that the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34) which is preferably designed as a hollow arm housing (37), wherein the lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37), has an axially projecting plate-shaped arm extension (39) which is provided and designed for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield (14) of a wheel brake (13) and has a through-opening (40) for a pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) and receiving openings (41) distributed around it in an arc shape for fastening means (42), in particular rivets. [23] Axle arrangement according to claim 22, characterized by that the pivoting wheel rocker arm (33) is attached to the support arm (27) or to the axle tube (26). [24] Road vehicle (1), in particular vehicle trailer, with a chassis (2) and at least one axle arrangement (4) comprising - a hollow axle tube (26), - a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26), wherein the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal swing axis (28), - a spring element (32) arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26), - a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a preferably end-side wheel carrier (36), and - an axle carrier (16) which is designed to fasten the axle arrangement (4) to the vehicle (1), characterized by that the axle arrangement is designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 23. [25] Vehicle according to claim 24, characterized by that the vehicle (1) has a chassis (2) with parallel longitudinal members (5) and optionally one or more cross members (7). [26] Vehicle according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by that the vehicle (1) has a body (10). [27] Vehicle according to claim 24, 25 or 26, characterized bythat an axle carrier (16) of an axle arrangement (4) is fastened to a longitudinal carrier (5), in particular to its upright central web (6). [28] Vehicle according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized by that an axle support (20) of an axle arrangement (4) is fastened to the body (10) and / or to a cross member (7). [29] Vehicle according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized by that the vehicle (1) has at least two axle arrangements (4) designed as semi-axles, which are arranged opposite one another transversely to a longitudinal axis (3) of the vehicle (1). [30] Vehicle according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized by that the chassis (2) has a preferably rigid drawbar (8) and a trailer coupling (9) at the front. [31] Wheel swing arm for an axle assembly (4) of a road vehicle (1), in particular a vehicle trailer, wherein the axle assembly (4) comprises a hollow axle tube (26), a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26) and a spring element (32) arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26), wherein the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to one another about an internal swing axis (28) and wherein the wheel swing arm (33) is pivotable about the swing axis (28) and has a preferably end-side wheel carrier (36), characterized byin that the pivotable wheel rocker arm (33) can be fastened to the support arm (27) or to the axle tube (26), wherein the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34) preferably designed as a hollow arm housing (37), wherein the lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37), has an axially projecting plate-shaped arm extension (39) which is provided and designed for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield (14) of a wheel brake (13) and has a through-opening (40) for a pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) and receiving openings (41) distributed around it in an arc shape for fastening means (42), in particular rivets.

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