Torsional axle structure

Abstract

[The invention relates to a twistable axle structure comprising: a U-shaped crossmember having a bottom and two free wings (28, 30), and two opposite crossmember ends (15, 22), each of said two ends having two wing edges, said wing edges each having a notch; a hollow arm (14) connected to each of said two ends (15, 22) and extending into the notches; a connecting piece (32) having two opposite piece ends (44, 46) and two opposite longitudinal edges (48, 50), and mounted at each of said two crossmember ends (15, 22) so that said two opposite longitudinal edges (48, 50) are respectively connected to said wings (28, 30), while one (46) of said two piece ends is connected to said arm (14). Said connecting piece (32) has a decreasing thickness from said one (46) of said two piece ends connected to said arm (14) to the other (44) piece end.Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2].

Description

Title of the invention: Torsional axle structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a twistable axle structure of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Known rear axles of a motor vehicle comprise a pair of suspension arms for connecting rear wheel supports to the vehicle body. The two suspension arms are pivotally mounted on the body and extend toward the rear of the vehicle. And these two opposite suspension arms are connected to each other by a cross member.

[0003] This type of axle is commonly used at the rear of passenger vehicles.

[0004] The axle crossmembers are then subjected to both high rolling stresses and large amplitude deformations to control oscillations on slope as well as camber and steering movements induced by this slope.

[0005] The sleepers are usually open-profile, and in particular U-shaped. They then have a bottom and two free wings facing each other. Also, they have two opposite ends and each of the two ends has a bottom edge and two wing edges. And notches are made in the wing edges to form a pair of notches.

[0006] Thus, each of the ends of the crosspiece receives an arm which then extends into the pair of notches where it is welded.

[0007] In addition, at each end of the crosspiece, a longitudinal connecting piece, or gusset, is installed inside the crosspiece so that the two opposite longitudinal edges of the connecting piece are respectively connected to the wings of the crosspiece, while one of the two ends of the connecting piece is connected to the corresponding arm.

[0008] The crossmembers and longitudinal connecting pieces are made from stamped and welded blanks. These blanks are cut from strips of metal materials of a constant thickness. The thicknesses are then chosen so as to satisfy the fatigue and wheel impact resistance criteria in the most stressed areas of the axle. Consequently, in the least stressed areas, and in particular in the areas further away from the junction between the crossmember and the arms, the fatigue resistance is established well beyond the required thresholds. Therefore, the surplus material is unnecessary and costly.

[0009] Also, a problem that arises and that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a more economical twistable axle.

[0010] In order to solve this problem, a twistable axle structure for a motor vehicle is proposed comprising: a U-shaped profiled cross member having, on the one hand, a bottom and two free wings and on the other hand, two opposite crosspiece ends and a middle part, each of said two ends having a bottom edge and two wing edges, said wing edges each having an arc-shaped notch to form a pair of notches; a hollow arm connected to each of said two opposite ends and extending into said pair of notches; and, a longitudinal connecting piece having two opposite piece ends and two opposite longitudinal edges, and mounted at each of said two crosspiece ends so that said two opposite longitudinal edges are respectively connected to said wings inside said crosspiece, while one of said two piece ends is connected to said corresponding arm.

[0011] Said connecting piece then has a decreasing thickness from said one of said two ends of the piece connected to said arm to the other end of the piece.

[0012] Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies in the implementation of a longitudinal connecting piece, called a gusset, having a decreasing thickness from its end connected to the arm to its opposite end, which extends into the crossmember. In this way, the connecting piece has the required thickness in the junction zone with the arm to be able to satisfy the fatigue or wheel impact resistance criteria where they are more demanding, while it is thinner towards its opposite end where it is less stressed.

[0013] As a result, the connecting piece comprises less material and is therefore less expensive. And in addition, the axle is lighter, which also makes it possible to lighten the vehicle, which then consumes less fuel.

[0014] Thus, the fatigue resistance of the different parts of the axle is locally adapted to the required fatigue resistance thresholds.

[0015] Furthermore, said crosspiece is preferably obtained by stamping a metal strip having a decreasing thickness from two strip ends corresponding to said two crosspiece ends towards a middle zone corresponding to said middle part.

[0016] Thus, in addition to the gusset, the crossmember itself has an increasing thickness of metal sheet between its middle zone and its two ends. In this way, the crossmember is more resistant in its fatigue resistance in the junction zones with the suspension arms where it is more stressed, and it is less resistant in its middle zone where it is less stressed. By this, the quantity of material necessary for the production of the crossmember is reduced and consequently its costs are lowered. And in addition, the weight of the motor vehicle on which it is installed is also reduced.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said connecting piece has a first portion including said other end of the piece and a second portion including said one of said two part ends, and said first portion has a first thickness e1, while said second portion has a second thickness e2 greater than said first thickness e1. According to this embodiment, the connecting part has two portions of substantially equal lengths, of a greater thickness in the portion including the end of the part connected to the arm.

[0018] Preferably, said connecting piece has an intermediate portion between said first portion and said second portion, and said intermediate portion has an intermediate thickness ei between el and e2. In this way, the connecting piece has three successive portions of different thicknesses. Such a piece can for example be obtained by starting from a blank rolled differently depending on the length of the piece. In other words, the blank is rolled less to obtain a certain thickness in the portion including said one of said two ends of the piece capable of being connected to the arm. It is rolled less in the portion including the opposite end. And it is rolled intermediately in the intermediate portion.

[0019] It can also be obtained by associating a plurality of metal plates on top of each other. For example, a first blank of small thickness is provided and extending over a length equivalent to the maximum length of the connecting piece. A second blank of the same small thickness is provided, having an intermediate length, and which is welded to the first blank up to one of its ends. And a third blank of the same small thickness is provided, even shorter, and which is welded to the second at the end of the first.

[0020] According to another embodiment, three blanks of different thicknesses are successively connected end-to-end. Thus, a first blank of small thickness is provided and the length of which corresponds only to the small thickness length of the connecting piece. A second blank of greater thickness is provided and having a length corresponding only to the length of the intermediate part of the piece. The second blank is then welded to the end of the first blank in its extension. And a third blank of even greater thickness is provided and having a length corresponding to the length of the last part of the piece. The third blank is then welded to the end of the second blank, opposite the first blank.

[0021] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said bottom edge and said one of said two piece ends extend opposite each other with respect to said arm. In this way, the arm engages between the end of the connecting piece and the bottom of the U-shaped profile at the bottom edge. And it rests in the pair of arc-shaped notches. Also, the arm and the crosspiece are welded together at the junction of the notches, on the one hand, and on the other hand the connecting piece is welded at its end to the arm, while on the opposite side the bottom edge and the arm are connected together by at least one weld bead.

[0022] Also, said other end of the part is connected to said bottom. In other words, the other end of the part, opposite to that which is connected to the arm, is connected to the bottom by welding. Thus, the connecting part is mounted in an inclined manner inside the crosspiece. It thus closes the U-shaped profile at its end. As a result, the rigidity of the crosspiece end is increased.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, said connecting piece has two opposite edges curved towards each other and forming said two opposite longitudinal edges. Advantageously, the two edges are curved parallel to each other so as to be able to be applied flat respectively against the two wings of the crosspiece. Thus, two weld beads are provided respectively at the joints of the edges and the wings in contact so as to obtain perfect rigidity of the assembly.

[0024] Preferably, said connecting piece has a fold along a line perpendicular to said opposite longitudinal edges and at a distance from said one of said two piece ends. Thus, the connecting piece has a part including said one of said two piece ends, which is connected to the arm, and which is substantially folded relative to the rest of said connecting piece. In other words, said part is folded, for example at an angle of less than 20° relative to the rest of the piece along a line intersecting said piece and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal edges. Thus, and as will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the description, said folded part extends substantially parallel to said bottom, and away from said bottom. In this way, the end of the U-shaped crosspiece and the folded part substantially form a cylinder with a square base. This makes it possible to further stiffen the end of the crosspiece.

[0025] Also, said two curved edges extend outside said fold. In this way, it is understood that the curved edges extend outside the volume formed by the connecting piece and the crosspiece while the folded part is substantially parallel to the bottom of the crosspiece. In this way, it is easier to weld the edges of the connecting piece to the two wings opposite the crosspiece.

[0026] According to another characteristic of the invention, which is particularly advantageous, said one of said two part ends extends in a T shape perpendicular to said wings. In this way, the connection interface with the arm has a larger surface area and thereby makes it possible to form a greater length of weld bead around the end. In this way, a firmer connection of said end to the arm is obtained.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention, given for informational purposes but not as a limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig.l] is a partial schematic top view of a twistable axle according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] is a view is a partial schematic view from below of a twistable axle in accordance with the invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] is a schematic front view of an element of the object of [Fig.2];

[0031] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view along arrow IV of the object of the [Fig.3] ;

[0032] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective side view of another element of the object of [Fig.2];

[0033] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view along arrow VI of the object of the [Fig.5] ; and,

[0034] [Fig.7] is a schematic sectional view of the object of [Fig.6] according to plane VII- VII.

[0035] [Fig.l] partially shows a torsion axle structure 10 having a cross member 12. The cross member 12 has a left end 15 connected in a T-shape to a left suspension arm 14. The suspension arm 14 has a front end equipped with a bushing 16 so that it can be rotatably mounted on a motor vehicle chassis. Conversely, the suspension arm 14 has a rear end provided with a wheel support 18. And a left spring cup 20 is mounted integrally with the cross member 12 and the arm 14, in the angle formed by the left end 15 of the cross member 12 and the rear end of the suspension arm 14.

[0036] The crosspiece 12 has, on the opposite side, a right end 22, symmetrical to the left end 15 with respect to a middle part 24. Thus, the right end 22 of the crosspiece 12 is equipped symmetrically with a right arm and a right spring cup.

[0037] [Fig. 2] shows the torsion axle structure 10 as illustrated in [Fig. 1], seen from below. There we find the cross member 12, the left suspension arm 14 and the left spring cup 20.

[0038] Also, the crosspiece 12 has a U-shaped profiled section. It thus comprises a base 26 and two wings 28, 30 facing each other relative to the base 26.

[0039] Furthermore, a connecting piece 32, also called a gusset, is engaged inside the crosspiece 12 in the left end 15 and it extends to the left arm 14.

[0040] Obviously, the same connecting piece, not shown, is engaged inside the crosspiece in its right end in a symmetrical manner to extend to the right arm.

[0041] Reference will be made to [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] to describe in detail the left end 15 of crosspiece 12.

[0042] In [Fig. 3] we find the left end 15. One of the wings 30 ending in a first wing edge 34, and the bottom 26 appear. Thus, the bottom 26 has a bottom edge 36. A first arc-shaped notch 38 is formed in the wing edge 34. The first arc-shaped notch 38 has a predetermined radius of curvature corresponding substantially to the radius of curvature of the half-periphery of the arm 14 as will be explained below.

[0043] In [Fig.4] we find the left end 15 of the crosspiece 12, and in particular the two facing wings 30, 28 as well as the bottom 26.

[0044] Furthermore, we also find the bottom edge 36 and the first arc-shaped notch 38 formed in the first wing edge 34. Also, in this [Fig.4] appears a second wing edge 40 of the other wing 28 in which a second arc-shaped notch 42 is formed, symmetrical to the first arc-shaped notch 38 with respect to a mean plane Pm longitudinally cutting the bottom 26 and extending between the two wings 28, 30.

[0045] Furthermore, the right end 22 of the crosspiece 12 shown in [Fig.3] is symmetrical to the left end 15 with respect to the median plane PM intersecting the crosspiece 12 in the median part 24.

[0046] Furthermore, the crosspiece is obtained by stamping a metal blank, for example, made of steel. And the thickness of this metal blank increases from the middle part 24 towards the two opposite ends 15, 22. The metal blank intended for stamping the crosspiece 12 is, for example, divided into six sixths of substantially equal lengths.

[0047] Thus, the first two proximal sixths corresponding to the middle part 24 of the crosspiece 12, have a thickness of 3 mm for example. The second two sixths of the metal blank, symmetrical to each other with respect to the first two proximal sixths, have a thickness of 4 mm. And the two third distal sixths corresponding respectively to the two opposite ends 15, 22, have a thickness of 5 mm. The thickness values ​​are given for information purposes, but are in no way limiting.

[0048] Such localized thinning of the blanks can be achieved by stretching or by crushing, for example by rolling.

[0049] Reference will now be made to [Fig.5], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] to describe in detail the connecting piece 32.

[0050] Thus, in [Fig. 5], we find the connecting piece 32 seen from the side. It extends longitudinally from a first end 44 to a second end 46. It has two opposite longitudinal edges 48, 50 facing each other. The two raised longitudinal edges 48, 50 define two opposite edges spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the distance which separates the two wings 28, 30 of the crosspiece 12 at the two opposite ends 15, 22.

[0051] Also, the connecting piece 32 has a fold along a transverse line T substantially perpendicular to the two longitudinal edges 48, 50, and located substantially at two thirds 56, 58, of the piece from the first end 44. Thus, a last third 60 of the piece including the second end 46 is inclined relative to the first two thirds 56, 58 extending in the same plane, by an angle 52 substantially less than 20°, for example 15°.

[0052] Furthermore, the second end 46 of the connecting piece 32 extends in a T-shape substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 48, 50. In other words, the second end 46 has a width greater than the width which extends between the two edges 48, 50 of the connecting piece 32.

[0053] In [Fig.6], we find the connecting piece 32 seen from its first end 44 and we find its second end 46 which extends transversely on each side of the two edges 48, 50.

[0054] Also, it will be observed that the connecting piece 32 has a central embossed zone 54 allowing it to be stiffened.

[0055] We will now refer to [Fig.7] showing in longitudinal section along the section plane VII-VII shown in [Fig.6], the connecting part 32.

[0056] The connecting piece 32 is produced by stamping a metal blank having different thicknesses. Thus, in the example shown in [Fig.7], the resulting connecting piece 32 has three different thicknesses in the three portions of the piece corresponding respectively to the three thirds 56, 58 and 60 of the connecting piece 32.

[0057] Thus, the first portion of part corresponding to the first third 56, has a thickness e1, for example 3 mm. The third portion of part corresponding to the last third 60 has a thickness e2, for example 5 mm. And, the second portion of part corresponding to the second third 58, has an intermediate thickness ei, for example 4 mm.

[0058] In other words, the thickness of the connecting piece 32 increases, here in three stages, from its first end 44 towards its second end 46. A progression in two stages or in more than three stages can be implemented.

[0059] Furthermore, continuous progression can also be implemented.

[0060] Also, the thickness values ​​are given for information purposes only and are in no way limiting.

[0061] We will refer again to [Fig.2] in order to describe more precisely the implementation of the connecting piece 32 at the left end 15 of the crosspiece 12.

[0062] Thus, the second T-shaped end 46 of the connecting piece 32 extends to bear on the left suspension arm, while its first end 44 extends to bear against the bottom 26 of the crosspiece 12.

[0063] Also, the third portion of the part corresponding to the last third 60 of the connecting part 32 extends substantially parallel to the bottom 26 of the crosspiece 12 along the free edges of the two opposite wings 28, 30, while the first two portions corresponding to the first and second portions are inclined to converge towards the bottom 26.

[0064] Also, on the other hand, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the bottom 26 comes, at the level of the bottom edge 36, to be applied to the suspension arm 14 opposite the second end 46 of the connecting piece 32.

[0065] Furthermore, it will be observed in [Fig.2] that the two raised longitudinal edges 48, 50 of the connecting piece 32 come to bear respectively against the two wings 28, 30.

[0066] Thus, in this relative position of the crosspiece 12, the suspension arm 14 and the connecting piece 32, the assembly is welded, in particular, at the joints between the two upright longitudinal edges 48, 50 and the two wings 28, 30, between the first end 44 and the bottom 26, between the second end 46 and the suspension arm 14, and on the opposite side, along the bottom edge 36, between the bottom 26 and the suspension arm 14.

[0067] Furthermore, the left spring cup 20 is also welded to the suspension arm 14 and to the left end 15 of the cross member.

[0068] Thus, the assembly is perfectly rigid and the connecting piece 32 reinforces the left end 15 of the crosspiece 12 to which the suspension arm 14 is secured.

[0069] Thus, the connecting piece 32 is thicker in its third portion of the piece corresponding to the last third 60, in the connecting zone between the left end 15 of the crosspiece 12 and the left suspension arm 14, where it is most mechanically stressed. On the other hand, at the other end 44 of the connecting piece 32, where it is less stressed, the thickness is less significant.

[0070] In this way, the material costs of the connecting part 32 are significantly reduced, and in addition, the axle is lightened.

[0071] The crosspiece 12 described above aims to achieve the same objective. However, a crosspiece whose stamped sheet thickness is constant can also be implemented with a connecting piece 32 as described above.

Claims

Claims

1. A twistable axle structure (10) of a motor vehicle comprising: - a U-shaped crossmember (12) having, on the one hand, a bottom (26) and two free wings (28, 30) and, on the other hand, two opposite crossmember ends (15, 22) and a middle portion (24), each of said two ends having a bottom edge (36) and two wing edges (34, 40), said wing edges each having an arcuate notch (38, 42) to form a pair of notches; - a hollow arm (14) connected to each of said two opposite ends (15, 22) and extending into said pair of notches (38, 42);- a longitudinal connecting piece (32) having two opposite piece ends (44, 46) and two opposite longitudinal edges (48, 50), and mounted at each of said two crosspiece ends (15, 22) in such a way that said two opposite longitudinal edges (48, 50) are respectively connected to said wings (28, 30) inside said crosspiece (12), while one (46) of said two piece ends is connected to said corresponding arm (14); characterized in that said connecting piece (32) has a decreasing thickness from said one (46) of said two piece ends connected to said arm (14) to the other (44) piece end.;

2. Torsional axle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said crossmember (12) is obtained by stamping a metal strip having a decreasing thickness from two strip ends corresponding to said two crossmember ends (22, 15) towards a middle zone corresponding to said middle part.

3. A twistable axle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said connecting piece (32) has a first portion including said other piece end (22) and a second portion including said one of said two piece ends (15), and in that said first portion has a first thickness e1, while said second portion has a second thickness e2 greater than said first thickness e1.

4. Torsional axle structure according to claim 3, characterized in that said connecting piece (32) has an intermediate portion between said first portion and said second portion, and in that said intermediate portion has an intermediate thickness ei between el and eZ

5. A twistable axle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said bottom edge (36) and said one of said two part ends (46) extend opposite each other with respect to said arm (14).

6. A twistable axle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said other (44) part end is connected to said bottom (26).

7. A twistable axle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said connecting piece (32) has two opposite edges (48, 50) curved towards each other and forming said two opposite longitudinal edges.

8. A twistable axle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said connecting piece has a fold along a line T perpendicular to said opposite longitudinal edges (48, 50) and at a distance from said one (46) of said two piece ends.

9. A twistable axle structure according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that said two curved edges (48, 50) extend outside said fold.

10. A twistable axle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said one (46) of said two part ends extends in a T-shape perpendicular to said edges (48, 50).

Images