Method for optimizing and strengthening at least one suspension of a utility vehicle

Abstract

A method for optimizing and reinforcing at least one suspension of a commercial vehicle with a maximum authorized mass between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes, comprising the following steps: - adding a reinforcing blade (2), preferably made of steel, under each of the original springs (1), the reinforcing blade (2) being configured to match the shape of the corresponding original spring (1), and having a stiffness between 30% and 45% of the original stiffness; - replacing the two original shock absorbers with two dedicated shock absorbers (3), preferably of the twin-tube type, each having a low-speed compression force between 60% and 70% of the original low-speed compression force, and an open center-to-center distance between 105% and 125% of the original open center-to-center distance. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for optimizing and strengthening at least one suspension of a utility vehicle. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of reinforcing the suspension of a utility vehicle.

[0002] The invention finds its application for a utility vehicle having a maximum authorized mass (also known as the "maximum authorized weight" with the acronym PT AC) of between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes. State of the art

[0003] A rear suspension of a utility vehicle with a maximum authorized mass between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes generally comprises: - two original springs, of the single-leaf steel type; - two original shock absorbers, of the twin-tube type.

[0004] The role of the springs is to maintain the suspended load of the commercial vehicle in a flexible manner. The role of the shock absorbers is to absorb the energy stored, and then the energy released, by the springs. Shock absorbers notably prevent oscillations of the commercial vehicle, for example when it goes over a speed bump.

[0005] The two original springs and the two original shock absorbers of the rear suspension have settings fixed by the vehicle manufacturer, regardless of the final use of the commercial vehicle. However, for certain applications, the unladen weight of the commercial vehicle can increase significantly when it is modified with a specific body configuration, for example by adding a platform or a tipper body. Other examples include the addition of a hydraulic arm, an auxiliary hydraulic crane, a concrete mixer, etc.

[0006] This results in a high stress on the suspensions (in particular the rear suspension) which significantly degrades the vehicle's attitude, and which may cause, in particular, road holding problems, premature wear of tires and suspension components, or a loss of driving comfort for the driver.

[0007] Furthermore, the original spring and shock absorber settings are fixed by the vehicle manufacturer before the choice of engine for the commercial vehicle. However, new-generation commercial vehicles offer a variety of engine options. For example, the choice of an electric motor versus an internal combustion engine will cause an increase in the unladen mass of the utility vehicle of around 600 kg.

[0008] It is known from the prior art to add a reinforcing blade (generally made of steel) to the original springs to reinforce the rear suspension of the utility vehicle.

[0009] However, simply adding a reinforcement leaf to each of the original springs does not provide entirely satisfactory results, particularly in terms of suspension reliability, road holding, and driving comfort (damping quality) for the driver. Indeed, the significant variability in the sprung mass of a commercial vehicle, primarily due to the specific camber and engine choice, necessitates a more in-depth study of the impact of adding a reinforcement leaf both in static conditions (vehicle stationary) and in dynamic conditions (vehicle in motion). Description of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to remedy, in whole or in part, the aforementioned drawbacks. To this end, the invention relates to a method for optimizing and reinforcing at least one suspension of a commercial vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) use a commercial vehicle with a maximum authorized mass between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes; the commercial vehicle having a rear suspension comprising: - two original springs, of the single-leaf type in steel, each having an original stiffness between 86 N.mm1 and 96 N.mm', an original deflection between 116 mm and 128 mm, an original thickness at the center between 20 mm and 24 mm; - two original twin-tube shock absorbers, each with: an original low-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, an original low-speed rebound force between 855 N and 945 N, an original high-speed compression force between 950 N and 1050 N, an original high-speed rebound force between 4370 N and 4830 N, an original open center distance between 410 mm and 453 mm; b) Add a reinforcing blade, preferably made of steel, under each of the original springs, the reinforcing blade being configured to: - to conform to the shape of the corresponding original spring, - exhibit a stiffness between 30% and 45% of the original stiffness; c) replace the two original shock absorbers with two dedicated shock absorbers, preferably of the twin-tube type, each exhibiting: - a low-speed compression force, between 60% and 70% of the original low-speed compression force, - an open center distance, between 105% and 125% of the original open center distance.

[0011] Thus, such a method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain an improvement in the performance of the reinforced rear suspension compared to the prior art in terms of reliability, road holding, and driving comfort for the driver. The combination of the execution of steps b) and c) makes it possible to obtain a rear suspension lift of between 3.5 cm and 5 cm when the unsprung masses exert a force on the suspension of between 7000 N and 12000 N (covering a wide variability of unsprung mass), while improving road holding (better grip and stability when cornering) and driving comfort (better absorption of road irregularities) compared to the original shock absorber settings.

[0012] The method according to the invention may include one or more of the following features.

[0013] According to a feature of the invention, step b) is carried out so that the stiffness of the reinforcing blade is between 34% and 39% of the original stiffness.

[0014] Thus, one advantage provided by this range of values ​​is to reduce the impact of a significant variation in unsprung mass on the performance of the reinforced rear suspension. In other words, the sensitivity of performance to load conditions is reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the reinforced rear suspension.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention: - step a) is executed so that the original stiffness is between 88 N.mm 1 and 94 N.mm 1; - step b) is executed so that the stiffness of the reinforcing blade is between 32 N.mm 1 and 34 N.mm '.

[0016] Thus, one advantage provided is to reduce the impact of a significant variation in unsprung mass on the performance of the reinforced rear suspension.

[0017] According to a feature of the invention, the reinforcement blade added during step b) under each of the original springs is made of steel, and has a thickness at the center strictly less than the original center thickness, the center thickness being between 54% and 85% of the original center thickness, preferably between 65% and 71% of the original center thickness.

[0018] Thus, one advantage provided is that it preserves the original spring leaf in case of overload or suspension fatigue, the reinforcement leaf then acting as a kind of mechanical fuse. Furthermore, when the thickness at the center of the reinforcement leaf is between 65% and 71% of the original center thickness, this results in an increase in deflection (between 10% and 15% of the original deflection). of the bi-blade assembly, which makes it possible to do without a riser shim to increase the deflection of the bi-blade assembly.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, step b) is carried out so that the thickness at the center of the reinforcing blade is between 13 mm and 17 mm.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention: - step a) is executed so that the original low-speed compression force is between 445 N and 455 N; - step c) is executed so that the low-speed compression force of each dedicated shock absorber is between 290 N and 310 N.

[0021] Thus, one advantage provided is to improve road holding (better grip and stability when cornering) and driving comfort (better absorption of road irregularities) compared to the original shock absorber settings.

[0022] According to a feature of the invention, step c) is carried out so that the open center distance of each dedicated shock absorber is between 110% and 122% of the original open center distance.

[0023] Thus, one advantage provided is to obtain dedicated shock absorbers that are effective with respect to a suspension rise of between 3.5 cm and 5 cm when the suspended masses exert a force on the suspension of between 7000 N and 12000 N.

[0024] According to a feature of the invention: - step a) is executed so that the original open center distance is between 420 mm and 440 mm; - step c) is executed so that the open center distance of each dedicated shock absorber is between 490 mm and 510 mm.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, step c) is carried out so that the two dedicated shock absorbers each have: - a low-speed rebound force, between 95% and 105% of the original low-speed rebound force, preferably equal to the original low-speed rebound force; - a high-speed compression force, between 95% and 105% of the original high-speed compression force, preferably equal to the original high-speed compression force; - a high-speed rebound force, between 95% and 105% of the original high-speed rebound force, preferably equal to the original high-speed rebound force.

[0026] Thus, it has been observed that these settings, close to or identical to the original settings, allow for maintaining satisfactory reliability, road holding and driving comfort.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, step a) is carried out so that the utility vehicle has a front suspension comprising: - two original spiral springs, each with an original stiffness between 70 N.mm 1 and 80 N.mm ', an original unstretched length between 325 mm and 360 mm, an original length at 5000 N between 258 mm and 285 mm; - two original twin-tube shock absorbers, each featuring: an original low-speed compression force between 190 N and 210 N, an original low-speed rebound force between 522 N and 577 N, an original high-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, an original high-speed rebound force between 1852 N and 2047 N, an original open center distance between 232 mm and 257 mm; the process comprising one step: d) Replace the two original front suspension springs with two dedicated spiral springs, each featuring: - a stiffness between 104% and 115% of the original stiffness, - a length at 5000 N between 110% and 120% of the original length at 5000 N.

[0028] Thus, one advantage provided is to improve the reliability of the front suspension, anticipating a large potential variability in the sprung mass of the utility vehicle.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, step d) is carried out so that each dedicated spring of the front suspension has an unstretched length between 105% and 112% of the original unstretched length.

[0030] Thus, one advantage provided is to obtain dedicated spiral springs that are effective with respect to a suspension lift.

[0031] According to a feature of the invention: - step a) is executed so that the original stiffness of the original springs of the front suspension is between 73.5 N.mm1 and 76.5 N.mm1; - step d) is executed so that the stiffness of each dedicated spring is between 80 N.mm1 and 84 N.mm'.

[0032] Thus, one advantage provided is to reduce the impact of a significant variation in unsprung mass on the performance of the reinforced front suspension.

[0033] According to a feature of the invention: - step a) is executed so that the original length at 5000 N of the original springs of the front suspension is between 266 mm and 277 mm; - step d) is executed so that the length at 5000 N of each dedicated spring is between 310 mm and 315 mm.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, the process comprises one step: e) Replace the two original front suspension shock absorbers with two dedicated shock absorbers, preferably of the twin-tube type, each featuring: - a low-speed compression force, between 140% and 160% of the original low-speed compression force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a low-speed rebound force, between 65% and 80% of the original low-speed rebound force of an original front suspension shock absorber; - a high-speed compression force, between 165% and 190% of the original high-speed compression force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a high-speed rebound force, between 135% and 153% of the original high-speed rebound force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - an open center distance, between 103% and 125% of the original open center distance of an original shock absorber of the front suspension.

[0035] Thus, one advantage provided is to improve road holding (better grip and stability when cornering) and driving comfort (better absorption of road irregularities and elimination of pumping phenomena) compared to the original shock absorber settings.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, step e) is performed such that: - the original compression force at low speed is between 194 N and 206 N, and the compression force at low speed is between 291 N and 309 N; - the original low-speed rebound force is between 533 N and 566 N, and the low-speed rebound force is between 388 N and 412 N; - the original high-speed compression force is between 436 N and 463 N, and the high-speed compression force is between 776 N and 824 N; - the original high-speed rebound force is between 1891 N and 2008 N, the high-speed rebound force is between 2716 N and 2884 N; - the original open center distance is between 240 mm and 250 mm, and the open center distance is between 259 mm and 300 mm.

[0037] Thus, one advantage provided is to reduce the impact of a significant variation in unsprung mass on the performance of the reinforced front suspension.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, the utility vehicle used in step a) comprises a chassis; the rear suspension of the utility vehicle used in step a) comprises: - an anti-roll bar, having first and second ends; - the first and second connecting rods, arranged respectively at the first and second ends, and each connected to the chassis; The process includes a step of adding a shim to each of the first and second connecting rods, the shim extending between the corresponding connecting rod and the chassis.

[0039] Thus, one advantage provided is to prevent the assembly including the anti-roll bar and the first and second connecting rods from limiting the rebound travel of the rear suspension, which could cause problems of breakage or chassis failure.

[0040] The invention also relates to a suspension of a utility vehicle obtained by a process according to the invention.

[0041] Definitions

[0042] - By "reinforcement optimization", we mean the act of seeking a improved performance of the reinforced suspension in terms of reliability, road handling and driving comfort for the driver.

[0043] - By "suspension" is meant the mechanical components of a vehicle that allow Connect the unsprung masses (e.g., wheels, braking systems, etc.) to the sprung masses (e.g., chassis, engine, etc.). The chassis is not part of the suspension.

[0044] - By "arrow", we mean the empty arrow (also called a free arrow, that is to say- (say, in the absence of a load) of a blade.

[0045] - By "thickness at the center", we mean the thickness (i.e. dimension along an axis vertical) of the original spring blade taken in a central area of ​​the blade.

[0046] - By "low speed", we mean a shock absorber travel speed equal to 0.05 m / s (±5%). The travel velocity is the speed at which the shock absorber rod moves inside the cylinder.

[0047] - By "high speed", we mean a shock absorber travel speed equal to 0.4 m / s (±5%).

[0048] - By "open center distance", we mean the distance between the two fixing points of the shock absorber when the shock absorber is in the fully deployed position.

[0049] - By "conforming to the shape of the original spring", it is meant that the reinforcing blade, extending under the original spring, follows the contour and curvature of the original spring blade.

[0050] - By "length at 5000 N", we mean the length of the spiral spring when a force of 5000 N is applied to it.

[0051] - The values ​​X and Y expressed using the expressions "between X and Y" or "inclusive" between X and Y" are included in the defined range of values. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, the description being accompanied by examples and references to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a rear suspension obtained by a method according to the invention, equipping a chassis of a utility vehicle.

[0054] [Fig.2] is a schematic view analogous to [Fig.1], in the presence of an anti-roll bar.

[0055] It should be noted that the drawings described above are schematic, and are not necessarily to scale for the sake of readability and to simplify their understanding. Detailed description of the implementation methods

[0056] Identical elements or elements performing the same function shall bear the same references for the different embodiments, for the sake of simplification.

[0057] An object of the invention is a method for optimizing and strengthening at least one suspension of a utility vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) use a commercial vehicle with a maximum authorized mass between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes; the commercial vehicle having a rear suspension comprising: - two original springs 1, of the single-leaf steel type, each having an original stiffness between 86 N.mm1 and 96 N.mm', an original deflection between 116 mm and 128 mm, an original thickness at the center between 20 mm and 24 mm; - two original twin-tube shock absorbers, each featuring: original low-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, original low-speed rebound force between 855 N and 945 N, original high-speed compression force between 950 N and 1050 N, original high-speed rebound force between 4370 N and 4830 N, original open center distance between 410 mm and 453 mm; b) add a reinforcing blade 2, preferably made of steel, under each of the original springs 1, the reinforcing blade 2 being configured to: - to conform to the shape of the corresponding original spring 1, - exhibit a stiffness between 30% and 45% of the original stiffness; c) Replace the two original shock absorbers with two dedicated shock absorbers, preferably of the twin-tube type, each featuring: - a low-speed compression force, between 60% and 70% of the original low-speed compression force, - an open center distance, between 105% and 125% of the original open center distance. Rear suspension

[0058] Step a)

[0059] The utility vehicle used in step a) has a maximum authorized mass (also known as the "maximum authorized mass" with the acronym PT AC) of between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes. By way of non-limiting examples, the utility vehicle may include a tipper body, a platform, a flatbed with sideboards, a refrigerated body, etc.

[0060] Each original rear suspension spring 1 is a single-leaf steel type. In other words, each original spring 1 has a single leaf made of steel. Each original rear suspension spring 1 has a stiffness (called original stiffness) between 86 N.mm₁ and 96 N.mm₂'. Each original rear suspension spring 1 has a deflection (called original deflection) between 116 mm and 128 mm. Each original spring 1 has a thickness at its center, measured at the center of the leaf (called original thickness at its center) between 20 mm and 24 mm. Each original spring 1 may have a width between 76 mm and 84 mm. Each original spring 1 may have a length between 1368 mm and 1512 mm.

[0061] Each original rear suspension shock absorber is of the twin-tube type. Each original rear suspension shock absorber has: - an original low-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, - an original low-speed rebound force between 855 N and 945 N, - an original high-speed compression force between 950 N and 1050 N, - an original high-speed rebound force between 4370 N and 4830 N, - an original open center distance between 410 mm and 453 mm.

[0062] Step b)

[0063] The reinforcement blade 2 attached under each of the original springs 1 of the rear suspension is preferably made of a metallic material, more preferably steel.

[0064] The reinforcing leaf 2 is configured to conform to the shape of the corresponding original spring 1. Advantageously, the reinforcing leaf 2 has a width equal to the width of the original spring 1. The reinforcing leaf 2 may have a width between 76 mm and 84 mm. The reinforcing leaf 2 may have a length between 92% and 96% of the length of the original spring 1. The reinforcing leaf 2 may have a length between 1285 mm and 1420 mm. The reinforcing leaf 2 and the leaf of the original spring 1 extend along a longitudinal direction, i.e., along the length of the commercial vehicle.

[0065] The reinforcing blade 2 is configured to have a stiffness between 30% and 45% of the original stiffness. Step b) is advantageously carried out such that the stiffness of the reinforcing blade 2 is between 34% and 39% of the original stiffness. When step a) is carried out such that the original stiffness is between 88 N.mm1 and 94 N.mm', then step b) is advantageously carried out such that the stiffness of the reinforcing blade 2 is between 32 N.mm1 and 34 N.mm'.

[0066] When the reinforcing blade 2 added in step b) under each of the original rear suspension springs 1 is made of steel, the reinforcing blade 2 advantageously has a center thickness strictly less than the original center thickness. The center thickness is advantageously between 54% and 85% of the original center thickness, preferably between 65% and 71% of the original center thickness. Step b) is advantageously carried out so that the center thickness of the reinforcing blade 2 is between 13 mm and 17 mm.

[0067] When the thickness at the center of the reinforcing leaf 2 is between 65% and 71% of the original center thickness, this results in an increase in the deflection (between 10% and 15% of the original deflection) of the bi-leaf assembly (i.e., the original spring leaf 1 and the underlying reinforcing leaf 2), thus eliminating the need for a riser spacer to increase the deflection of the bi-leaf assembly. The deflection of the bi-leaf assembly defines a high point and a low point of the rear suspension. The high point can be defined by a bump stop 8, mounted on the chassis 4 of the utility vehicle.

[0068] The bi-blade assembly is preferably mounted on the rear axle 9 of the utility vehicle and on the chassis 4.

[0069] Step c)

[0070] Each dedicated shock absorber 3 replacing an original shock absorber of the rear suspension is preferably of the twin-tube type. Each dedicated shock absorber 3 replacing an original shock absorber of the rear suspension is preferably mounted on the rear axle 9 of the utility vehicle and on the chassis 4.

[0071] Each dedicated shock absorber 3 of the rear suspension has: - a low-speed compression force, between 60% and 70% of the original low-speed compression force, - an open center distance, between 105% and 125% of the original open center distance.

[0072] When step a) is carried out so that the original low-speed compression force is between 445 N and 455 N, then step c) is advantageously carried out so that the low-speed compression force of each dedicated shock absorber 3 is between 290 N and 310 N.

[0073] Step c) is advantageously carried out so that the open center distance of each dedicated shock absorber 3 of the rear suspension is between 110% and 122% of The original open center-to-center distance. When step a) is carried out so that the original open center-to-center distance is between 420 mm and 440 mm, then step c) is advantageously carried out so that the open center-to-center distance of each dedicated rear suspension shock absorber 3 is between 490 mm and 510 mm. Each dedicated rear suspension shock absorber 3 can compress freely at the top of the suspension and extend freely at the bottom of the suspension. The so-called "zero point" of the rear suspension corresponds to the height of the utility vehicle in driving condition. The distance between the zero point and the top is the available compression travel. The distance between the zero point and the bottom is the available rebound travel. Each dedicated rear suspension shock absorber 3 can have a closed center-to-center distance between 308 mm and 342 mm.

[0074] Step c) is advantageously carried out so that the two dedicated shock absorbers 3 of the rear suspension each have a low-speed rebound force of between 95% and 105% of the original low-speed rebound force, preferably equal to the original low-speed rebound force.

[0075] Step c) is advantageously carried out so that the two dedicated shock absorbers 3 of the rear suspension each have a high-speed compression force of between 95% and 105% of the original high-speed compression force, preferably equal to the original high-speed compression force.

[0076] Step c) is advantageously carried out so that the two dedicated shock absorbers 3 of the rear suspension each have a high-speed rebound force of between 95% and 105% of the original high-speed rebound force, preferably equal to the original high-speed rebound force.

[0077] Anti-roll bar

[0078] The utility vehicle used in step a) comprises a chassis 4 and the rear suspension of the utility vehicle used in step a) may comprise: - an anti-roll bar 5, having first and second ends; - the first and second connecting rods 6, arranged respectively at the first and second ends, and each connected to the chassis 4.

[0079] The method advantageously includes a step consisting of adding a shim 7 to each of the first and second connecting rods 6, the shim 7 extending between the corresponding connecting rod 6 and the chassis 4.

[0080] The anti-roll bar 5 may have a diameter between 21 mm and 23 mm. The anti-roll bar 5 may have a length between 209 mm and 231 mm. The anti-roll bar 5 may have a width between 817 mm and 903 mm. Each of the first and second connecting rods may have a center-to-center distance between 100 mm and 110 mm. The spacer 7 is advantageously an extension spacer suitable for lengthening the corresponding connecting rod 6 by 3 cm. Front suspension

[0081] Step a)

[0082] Step a) can be performed so that the utility vehicle has a front suspension comprising: - two original spiral springs, each with an original stiffness between 70 N.mm 1 and 80 N.mm ', an original unstretched length between 325 mm and 360 mm, an original length at 5000 N between 258 mm and 285 mm; - two original twin-tube shock absorbers, each featuring: original low-speed compression force between 190 N and 210 N, original low-speed rebound force between 522 N and 577 N, original high-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, original high-speed rebound force between 1852 N and 2047 N, original open center distance between 232 mm and 257 mm.

[0083] Step d)

[0084] The method advantageously includes a step d) consisting of replacing the two original springs of the front suspension with two dedicated spiral springs, each having: - a stiffness between 104% and 115% of the original stiffness, - a length at 5000 N between 110% and 120% of the original length at 5000 N.

[0085] Step d) is advantageously carried out so that each dedicated front suspension spring has an unstretched length of between 105% and 112% of the original unstretched length. The unstretched length of each dedicated front suspension spring can be between 370 mm and 376 mm.

[0086] When step a) is carried out so that the original stiffness of the original springs of the front suspension is between 73.5 N.mm 1 and 76.5 N.mm ', then step d) is advantageously carried out so that the stiffness of each dedicated spring of the front suspension is between 80 N.mm 1 and 84 N.mm '.

[0087] When step a) is carried out so that the original length at 5000 N of the original springs of the front suspension is between 266 mm and 277 mm, then step d) is advantageously carried out so that the length at 5000 N of each dedicated spring of the front suspension is between 310 mm and 315 mm.

[0088] Step e)

[0089] The method advantageously includes a step e) consisting of replacing the two original shock absorbers of the front suspension with two dedicated shock absorbers, preferably of the twin-tube type, each having: - a low-speed compression force, between 140% and 160% of the original low-speed compression force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a low-speed rebound force, between 65% and 80% of the original low-speed rebound force of an original front suspension shock absorber; - a high-speed compression force, between 165% and 190% of the original high-speed compression force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a high-speed rebound force, between 135% and 153% of the original high-speed rebound force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - an open center distance, between 103% and 125% of the original open center distance of an original shock absorber of the front suspension.

[0090] When the original low-speed compression force of an original front suspension shock absorber is between 194 N and 206 N, then step e) is advantageously carried out so that the low-speed compression force of the dedicated front suspension shock absorber is between 291 N and 309 N.

[0091] When the original low-speed rebound force of an original front suspension shock absorber is between 533 N and 566 N, then step e) is advantageously carried out so that the low-speed rebound force of the dedicated front suspension shock absorber is between 388 N and 412 N.

[0092] When the original high-speed compression force of an original front suspension shock absorber is between 436 N and 463 N, then step e) is advantageously carried out so that the high-speed compression force of the dedicated front suspension shock absorber is between 776 N and 824 N.

[0093] When the original high-speed rebound force of an original front suspension shock absorber is between 1891 N and 2008 N, then step e) is advantageously carried out so that the high-speed rebound force of the dedicated front suspension shock absorber is between 2716 N and 2884 N.

[0094] When the original open center distance of an original shock absorber of the front suspension is between 240 mm and 250 mm, then step e) is advantageously carried out so that the open center distance of the dedicated shock absorber of the front suspension is between 259 mm and 300 mm.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described. A person skilled in the art is able to consider their technically operative combinations, and to substitute equivalents for them.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for optimizing the reinforcement of at least one suspension of a utility vehicle, comprising the steps: a) using a utility vehicle having a maximum authorized mass of between 3 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes; the utility vehicle having a rear suspension comprising: - two original springs (1), of the single-leaf steel type, each having an original stiffness of between 86 N.mm 1 and 96 N.mm *, an original deflection of between 116 mm and 128 mm, an original thickness at the center of between 20 mm and 24 mm;- two original twin-tube shock absorbers, each having: an original low-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, an original low-speed rebound force between 855 N and 945 N, an original high-speed compression force between 950 N and 1050 N, an original high-speed rebound force between 4370 N and 4830 N, an original open center distance between 410 mm and 453 mm; b) add a reinforcing blade (2), preferably made of steel, under each of the original springs (1), the reinforcing blade (2) being configured to: - conform to the shape of the corresponding original spring (1), - have a stiffness between 30% and 45% of the original stiffness;c) replace the two original shock absorbers with two dedicated shock absorbers (3), preferably of the twin-tube type, each having: - a low-speed compression force of between 60% and 70% of the original low-speed compression force, - an open center distance of between 105% and 125% of the original open center distance.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein step b) is carried out so that the stiffness of the reinforcing blade (2) is between 34% and 39% of the original stiffness.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - step a) is executed so that the original stiffness is between 88 N.mm1 and 94 N.mm1; - step b) is executed so that the stiffness of the reinforcing blade (2) is between 32 N.mm1 and 34 N.mm'.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcement blade (2) added in step b) under each of the original springs (1) is made of steel, and has a center thickness strictly less than the original center thickness, the center thickness being between 54% and 85% of the original center thickness, preferably between 65% and 71% of the original center thickness.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step b) is carried out so that the thickness at the center of the reinforcing blade (2) is between 13 mm and 17 mm.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: - step a) is carried out so that the original low-speed compression force is between 445 N and 455 N; - step c) is carried out so that the low-speed compression force of each dedicated damper (3) is between 290 N and 310 N.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein step c) is carried out so that the open center distance of each dedicated shock absorber (3) is between 110% and 122% of the original open center distance.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - step a) is carried out so that the original open center distance is between 420 mm and 440 mm; - step c) is carried out so that the open center distance of each dedicated shock absorber (3) is between 490 mm and 510 mm.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein step c) is carried out so that the two dedicated shock absorbers (3) each have: - a low-speed rebound force of between 95% and 105% of the original low-speed rebound force, preferably equal to the original low-speed rebound force; - a high-speed compression force of between 95% and 105% of the original high-speed compression force, preferably equal to the original high-speed compression force; - a high-speed rebound force, between 95% and 105% of the original high-speed rebound force, preferably equal to the original high-speed rebound force.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein step a) is carried out so that the utility vehicle has a front suspension comprising: - two original springs, of spiral type, each having an original stiffness between 70 N.mm1 and 80 N.mm ', an original unladen length between 325 mm and 360 mm, an original length at 5000 N between 258 mm and 285 mm; - two original twin-tube shock absorbers, each with: an original low-speed compression force between 190 N and 210 N, an original low-speed rebound force between 522 N and 577 N, an original high-speed compression force between 427 N and 472 N, an original high-speed rebound force between 1852 N and 2047 N, an original open center distance between 232 mm and 257 mm; the process comprising one step: d) replace the two original front suspension springs with two dedicated spiral springs, each having: - a stiffness between 104% and 115% of the original stiffness, - a length at 5000 N between 110% and 120% of the original length at 5000 N.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein step d) is carried out so that each dedicated spring of the front suspension has an unstretched length between 105% and 112% of the original unstretched length.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: - step a) is carried out so that the original stiffness of the original front suspension springs is between 73.5 N.mm1 and 76.5 N.mm1; - step d) is carried out so that the stiffness of each dedicated spring is between 80 N.mm1 and 84 N.mm1.

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: - step a) is executed so that the original length at 5000 N of the original front suspension springs is between 266 mm and 277 mm; - step d) is executed so that the length at 5000 N of each dedicated spring is between 310 mm and 315 mm.

14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising one step: e) replacing the two original shock absorbers of the front suspension with two dedicated shock absorbers, preferably of the twin-tube type, each having: - a low-speed compression force of between 140% and 160% of the original low-speed compression force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a low-speed rebound force of between 65% and 80% of the original low-speed rebound force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a high-speed compression force of between 165% and 190% of the original high-speed compression force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension; - a high-speed rebound force of between 135% and 153% of the original high-speed rebound force of an original shock absorber of the front suspension;- an open center distance, between 103% and 125% of the original open center distance of an original shock absorber of the front suspension.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein step e) is carried out such that: - the original low-speed compression force is between 194 N and 206 N, and the low-speed compression force is between 291 N and 309 N; - the original low-speed expansion force is between 533 N and 566 N, and the low-speed expansion force is between 388 N and 412 N; - the original high-speed compression force is between 436 N and 463 N, and the high-speed compression force is between 776 N and 824 N; - the original high-speed expansion force is between 1891 N and 2008 N, and the high-speed expansion force is between 2716 N and 2884 N; - the original open center distance is between 240 mm and 250 mm, and the open center distance is between 259 mm and 300 mm.

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the utility vehicle used in step a) comprises a chassis (4); the rear suspension of the utility vehicle used in step a) comprises: - an anti-roll bar (5), having first and second ends; - first and second connecting rods (6), arranged respectively at the first and second ends, and each connected to the chassis (4); the method comprises a step of adding a shim (7) to each of the first and second connecting rods (6), the shim (7) extending between the corresponding connecting rod (6) and the chassis (4).

17. Suspension of a utility vehicle obtained by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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