Suspension system for a trailer

Abstract

Suspension system for a trailer (1), wherein the suspension system (1) has a rail (2) for attachment to a trailer, wherein a first end (3) of the rail (2) is connected via a rotatable shaft (4) to a first end (5) of a spring rocker (6), and wherein a first end (7) of a spring element (8) is connected to a second end of the rail (2) opposite the first end (9), and wherein a second end (10) of the spring element (8) opposite the first end is connected to a second end (11) of the spring rocker (6) opposite the first end.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension system for a trailer, in particular a bicycle trailer, which has a compact, modular structure and with which the best possible suspension can be realized.

[0002] Trailers are generally defined as vehicles that usually have a loading area for transporting goods or people, but lack their own propulsion. Trailers are usually towed behind towing vehicles, such as motor vehicles or bicycles.

[0003] Suspension also serves to dampen shocks and vibrations, such as road jolts, thus ensuring greater comfort and safety. Suspensions or spring elements for trailers are usually located on the trailer's swing arm, although the spring elements on the swing arm have a significantly smaller lever arm than the corresponding wheel itself. This, in turn, means that considerable forces are transmitted into the vehicle structure via the spring elements and the articulated bearings of the swing arm, which is why it must be dimensioned accordingly robustly.However, particularly in the case of suspension systems which are only allowed to use the space below a usable transport space or below a corresponding floor plate or trailer floor and which at the same time are not intended to restrict the ground clearance, this is often only associated with small lever arms for the suspension application point and thus with correspondingly high forces.

[0004] From the publication DE 20 2008 012 389 U1 an independent wheel suspension for a bicycle trailer is known, whereby a swing arm to the right and left of the trailer can react independently of each other to uneven ground.

[0005] The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved suspension system for a trailer.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the subordinate claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved by a suspension system for a trailer, wherein the suspension system has a rail for attachment to a trailer, for example on an underside of a trailer floor, wherein a first end of the rail is connected to a first end of a spring rocker via a rotatable shaft, and wherein a first end of a spring element is connected to a second end of the rail opposite the first end, wherein a second end of the spring element opposite the first end is connected to a second end of the spring rocker opposite the first end.

[0008] A rail is understood here in particular to mean a support rail or a support element with which the suspension system can be attached to the trailer, for example to the underside of a trailer floor or a floor plate of the trailer.

[0009] A rotatable shaft is also a component for connecting two components, here the rail and the spring rocker, which is configured to allow rotation in a specific direction.

[0010] A spring rail is also understood to be a two-sided lever that can be rotated around a rotation axis.

[0011] This results in a suspension system that boasts a compact design with comparatively few components, yet simultaneously achieves the greatest possible suspension across the entire load scenario. Furthermore, the suspension system also features a modular design, allowing for the use of harder or softer spring elements as needed. This means that different standard spring elements can be used depending on the load scenario, and the spring elements can be adapted to different trailer types. Furthermore, the suspension system can also be retrofitted or installed.

[0012] Overall, this provides an improved suspension system for a trailer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second end of the spring rocker has a plurality of different connection points for connecting to the second end of the spring element, wherein the different connection points each have a different distance from the shaft.

[0014] Connection points are understood to be points to which the second end of the spring element can be connected or mounted, for example screwed, whereby the second end of the spring element is usually mounted at exactly one connection point.

[0015] Due to the different distances to the shaft, different lever forces can be achieved through the different connection points, so that different spring hardnesses can be set or realized without having to replace the spring element or the spring.

[0016] Furthermore, the spring element can have an integrated damping element.

[0017] An integrated damping element is understood to be a damper integrated into the spring or coupled to it, which is designed to suppress or slow down vibrations of the spring and strong movements of the corresponding impeller.

[0018] Such an integrated damping element can also increase safety when towing a trailer and accommodate various load scenarios. The damping brakes the corresponding wheel during strong movements, thus preventing the trailer from rocking, allowing for a comparatively large suspension travel.

[0019] The spring element can also be a steel spring element. Steel springs, especially steel springs with linear characteristics, have the advantage of allowing for very large spring travel while simultaneously providing very sensitive response to the spring element's load.

[0020] However, the fact that the spring element is a steel spring element is only one possible design. Rather, the spring element could also be an air spring, for example.

[0021] A further embodiment of the invention also provides a trailer, wherein the trailer has at least one suspension system as described above, and wherein the at least one suspension system is mounted on an underside of a trailer floor.

[0022] A trailer floor is understood to be the base plate of the trailer.

[0023] Such a trailer has the advantage of an improved suspension system. In particular, it features a suspension system with a compact design and relatively few components, yet still allows for the greatest possible suspension across the entire load scenario. This means that different standard spring elements can be used depending on the load scenario, and the spring elements can be adapted to different trailer types. Furthermore, the suspension system can also be retrofitted or installed.

[0024] In one embodiment, the shaft of the at least one suspension system is connected to a wheel of the trailer via a swing arm.

[0025] A swing arm is understood to be a wheel suspension that rotates around a pivot joint whose axis runs transversely to the direction of travel.

[0026] This has the advantage that the suspension system can be implemented in a space-saving manner, while the overall width of the trailer is reduced to a minimum, especially since only the swing arms protrude beyond the trailer chassis.

[0027] Furthermore, a diameter of the shaft on a side of the shaft opposite the impeller can be matched to the diameter of a connecting axle of the trailer.

[0028] A connecting axle of the trailer is understood to be an axle connecting two opposite wheels of the trailer.

[0029] The fact that the diameters are matched to each other means that they are designed in such a way that the shaft and the connecting axis can be easily connected to each other, for example by inserting them into each other.

[0030] This has the advantage that the suspension system can be easily adapted to different trailer widths. Furthermore, the trailer's statics can be improved, as the torsional forces of the spring element can be statically widened or distributed across the entire connecting axle across the entire width of the trailer.

[0031] The trailer may further comprise at least one additional axle bracket to secure the connecting axle.

[0032] The term axle bracket refers to an axle carrier or axle suspension.

[0033] This can prevent deflection and stiffen the entire system.

[0034] The trailer could also be a bicycle trailer, for example. Especially with bicycle trailers, it's important to ensure optimal suspension, for example, against road bumps.

[0035] However, the fact that the trailer is a bicycle trailer is only one possible embodiment. The trailer can also be other single-axle trailers pulled by towing vehicles, particularly trailers with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.

[0036] In summary, it can be stated that the present invention provides a suspension system for a trailer, in particular a bicycle trailer, which has a compact, modular design and with which the best possible suspension can be realized at the same time.

[0037] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a suspension system for a trailer according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a suspension system for a trailer according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a trailer according to embodiments of the invention.

[0038] In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally equivalent elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a suspension system for a trailer 1 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0040] Trailers are generally defined as vehicles that usually have a loading area for transporting goods or people, but lack their own propulsion. Trailers are usually towed behind towing vehicles, such as motor vehicles or bicycles.

[0041] Suspension also serves to dampen shocks and vibrations, such as road jolts, thus ensuring greater comfort and safety. Suspensions or spring elements for trailers are usually located on the trailer's swing arm, although the spring elements on the swing arm have a significantly smaller lever arm than the corresponding wheel itself. This, in turn, means that considerable forces are transmitted into the vehicle structure via the spring elements and the articulated bearings of the swing arm, which is why it must be dimensioned accordingly robustly.However, particularly in the case of suspension systems which are only allowed to use the space below a usable transport space or below a corresponding floor plate or trailer floor and which at the same time are not intended to restrict the ground clearance, this is often only associated with small lever arms for the suspension application point and thus with correspondingly high forces.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a suspension system for a trailer 1, wherein the suspension system 1 has a rail 2 for attachment to a trailer, wherein a first end 3 of the rail 2 is connected via a rotatable shaft 4 to a first end 5 of a spring rocker 6, and wherein a first end 7 of a spring element 8 is connected to a second end 9 of the rail 2 opposite the first end, wherein a second end 10 of the spring element 8 opposite the first end is connected to a second end 11 of the spring rocker 6 opposite the first end.

[0043] Thus, a suspension system 1 is specified that has a compact design with comparatively few components, while simultaneously achieving the greatest possible suspension across the entire load scenario. Furthermore, the suspension system 1 also has a modular design, allowing, for example, harder or softer spring elements to be used as needed. This means that different standard spring elements can be used depending on the load scenario, and the spring elements can be adapted to different trailer types. Furthermore, the suspension system 1 can also be retrofitted or installed.

[0044] Overall, an improved suspension system for a trailer 1 is specified.

[0045] Furthermore, the suspension system 1 shown can also be retrofitted into DIY trailer constructions.

[0046] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the rail 2 is a two-part U-shaped rail, which has a butterfly insert with a screwed counter plate.

[0047] The rotatable shaft 4 also has plain bearings 12, which can be connected to the spring rocker, for example, via a square and a corresponding screw connection, firmly and without play.

[0048] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the spring element 8 is further screwed to the rail 2 and the spring rocker 6.

[0049] How Fig. 1, the second end 11 of the spring rocker 6 has a plurality of different connection points 13 for connecting to the second end 10 of the spring element 8, wherein the different connection points 13 each have a different distance from the shaft 4.

[0050] The connection points can be distributed equidistantly. However, the distance between individual connection points can also vary.

[0051] Three connection points can be seen to which the second end 10 of the spring element 8 can be screwed.

[0052] Furthermore, two or more than three connection points can also be provided.

[0053] In addition, the spring element shown has an integrated damping element, for example hydraulic damping.

[0054] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the spring element 8 is also a steel spring.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a suspension system for a trailer 1 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0056] How Fig. 2, the suspension system 1 has a rail 2 for attachment to a trailer, wherein a first end 3 of the rail 2 is connected via a rotatable shaft 4 to a first end 5 of a spring rocker 6, and wherein a first end 7 of a spring element 8 is connected to a second end 9 of the rail 2 opposite the first end, wherein a second end 10 of the spring element 8 opposite the first end is connected to a second end 11 of the spring rocker 6 opposite the first end.

[0057] A swing arm 14 can also be seen, whereby the shaft 4 of the suspension system 1 can be connected to a wheel of the trailer via the swing arm 14, whereby Fig. 2 a wheel hub 15 is shown.

[0058] The rocker 14 can be designed, for example, as a torsion- and bending-resistant tubular profile, for example a square tube.

[0059] The swing arm 14 can also be mounted and screwed onto a conical square with a counter-cone, for example. At the other end of the swing arm 14, the wheel can be mounted and screwed onto a thru axle, which in turn can be clamped to the swing arm 14 without any play.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a trailer 16 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0061] How Fig. 3 shows, the trailer has two suspension systems 1 mounted on opposite sides of the trailer 16.

[0062] The two suspension systems are each mounted on an underside 17 of a trailer floor 18.

[0063] It can also be seen that a diameter of the shaft 4 on a side of the shaft 4 opposite the impeller is matched to the diameter of a connecting axle 19 of the trailer 16.

[0064] The corresponding side of the shaft 4 can be hollow and can be precisely matched to the diameter of the connecting axis using a sliding sleeve.

[0065] Such a design allows the wheel to indirectly transmit road shocks to the spring element, with only the wheel forces themselves being transmitted to the trailer structure or trailer body. List of reference symbols 1 suspension system 2 rails 3 First End 4 Rotating shaft 5 First End 6 spring rocker 7 First End 8 spring element 9 Second Ending 10 Second Ending 11 Second Ending 12 plain bearings 13 Connection point 14 Swingarm 15 Wheel hub 16 followers 17 Subpage 18 Trailer floor 19 Connecting axis 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 20 2008 012 389 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Suspension system for a trailer (1), the suspension system (1) comprising a rail (2) for attachment to a trailer, a first end (3) of the rail (2) being connected to a first end (5) of a spring rocker (6) via a rotatable shaft (4), and a first end (7) of a spring element (8) being connected to a second end of the rail (2) opposite the first end (9), a second end (10) of the spring element (8) opposite the first end being connected to a second end (11) of the spring rocker (6) opposite the first end. [2] Suspension system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second end (11) of the spring rocker (6) has a plurality of different connection points (13) for connecting to the second end (10) of the spring element (8), wherein the different connection points (13) each have a different distance from the shaft (4). [3] Suspension system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring element (8) has an integrated damping element. [4] Suspension system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spring element (8) is a steel spring element. [5] Trailer (16), wherein the trailer (16) comprises at least one suspension system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one suspension system (1) is mounted on an underside (17) of a trailer floor (18). [6] Trailer (16) according to claim 5, wherein the shaft (4) of the at least one suspension system (1) is connected to a running wheel of the trailer (16) via a rocker arm (14). [7] Trailer (16) according to claim 6, wherein a diameter of the shaft (4) on a side of the shaft (4) opposite the impeller is matched to the diameter of a connecting axle (19) of the trailer (16). [8] Trailer (16) according to claim 7, wherein the trailer (16) further comprises at least one additional axle bracket for securing the connecting axle (19). [9] Trailer (16) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the trailer (16) is a bicycle trailer.