CLAMPING GROUP AND ROUND SHAFT WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HENDRICKSON USA LLC
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images
Figure MX435255B0
Abstract
Description
CLAMPING GROUP AND ROUND SHAFT WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES Cross-reference to related application [1] This application claims the benefit and priority of United States of America Patent Application serial number 63 / 171,475, filed on April 6, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of invention [2] The present invention relates generally to fastening assemblies and suspension systems employing such assemblies for use in vehicles. More particularly, the disclosure presents a fastening assembly for attaching a leaf spring to a round axle, including alignment features. Discussion of the previous technique [3] Wheeled vehicles commonly have suspension systems that use axles and mounting groups to connect an axle to a longitudinally extending suspension component, such as a leaf spring or trailing arm. The suspension component is typically connected at one end to a vehicle frame or directly to a body mount. To achieve ride quality and efficiency, it is desirable to reduce the unsprung weight associated with an axle and QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι the clamping group that mounts the axle to the suspension component. [4] The suspension systems of trucks and other heavy vehicles are subject to substantial forces or loads induced by acceleration, braking, vehicle turns, and encountering road obstructions such as bumps, dips, or shallow holes. These forces are transmitted, for example, from the axle through the left- and right-side mounting groups, which connect the respective leaf springs to the frame or body mount. When driving under various conditions and over many different surfaces, an axle may encounter numerous inputs that attempt to cause it to move relative to a mounting group, frame, or body mount. These forces are typically in a lateral direction along the axle or in a radial direction, such as causing the mounting group to rotate around the axle.A key challenge is reacting to the loads generated in the clamping group from the cross joint or rocking motion. [5] Trailing arm suspensions generate auxiliary roll by developing a moment about the axle. During cross-joint or axle roll movement, one side of the axle will move upward, while the other side will move downward. For example, in a trailing arm air suspension system, the suspension will pivot about a QQcnon / cznz / q / uli pivot point at the front of the suspension as it moves through vertical travel. In a cross-joint event, the upward-moving end of the axle will act to twist the axle in a counterclockwise direction, while the downward-moving end of the axle will twist it in a clockwise direction. In this way, forces can cause the mounting assemblies to attempt to translate laterally or rotate around the axle. This presents a challenge in keeping the mounting assemblies firmly mounted in place relative to the axle. [6] When dealing with a square shaft, the flat surfaces provide the advantage of inherently resisting rotation around the axis. With round shafts, many prior art installations seek to rigidly connect a spring to the shaft using a heavy welded shroud, with sensitive welded areas requiring high precision, or the use of bulky welded supports. The tendency of forces to cause a shaft coupling to rotate around a round shaft can make it particularly difficult to maintain the intended mounted position of a clamping group that seeks to utilize a bolted connection. The bolted connection typically must rely on compression and friction to resist lateral movement along or rotation around the axis. The key challenge in a clamping group design of QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli Air suspension trailing arm is to achieve a fixed attachment of the components bolted to the axle and be able to react to the various forces or loads that are transmitted from the axle through the clamping group and finally to the frame or body mount. [7] This disclosure addresses deficiencies found in prior art suspension systems that include clamping assemblies that mount a leaf spring to a round shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [8] This disclosure pertains to a clamping assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft that includes alignment features. The subject matter includes a locating ring welded to the top of the shaft, and a clamping assembly that accommodates and benefits from the locating ring by resisting lateral and rotational movement relative to the shaft. The clamping assembly, the leaf spring, and the round shaft supporting the locating ring work together to provide an efficient, relatively lightweight, securely mounted assembly, wherein the alignment features help align the components during assembly and help the assembly effectively handle forces that would otherwise seek to move the spring and clamping assembly relative to the round shaft. [9] In one respect, a montage of is disclosed here QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli A clamping assembly for a leaf spring to a round shaft, including alignment features, comprising a round shaft, a leaf spring, and a clamping assembly connecting the leaf spring to the shaft. The shaft extends laterally and has an arched upper surface and an arched lower surface, while a locating ring having a fish-mouth tapered lower end has its lower end welded to the arched upper surface of the shaft. The leaf spring extends longitudinally and at least forward or backward relative to the shaft and has a vertical bore receiving a locating element that extends at least upward or downward from the leaf spring. The clamping assembly includes a spring seat, a top pad, and a plurality of fasteners connecting the top pad, the leaf spring, and the spring seat to the shaft.The spring seat further includes a generally downward-facing, arched surface configured to receive the arched upper surface of the shaft, and a recess in the downward-facing, arched surface where the recess receives the locating ring, which is welded to the arched upper surface of the shaft. The spring seat also includes a generally flat upper surface against which the leaf spring is positioned and a recess that receives the locating element extending downward from the leaf spring. The upper pad includes... QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli additionally a generally flat lower surface above the leaf spring, and an upper surface that attaches to the fasteners.
[10] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are provided for explanatory purposes only and are not restrictive to the subject matter claimed. Other features and objects of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and from the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] In describing preferred examples, reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings, where similar parts have similar reference numbers, and where:
[12] FIGURE 1 is a top rear perspective view of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft including alignment features as a first example of the inventive subject matter, near the left end of the shaft.
[13] FIGURE 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the first example shown in FIGURE 1;
[14] FIGURE 3 is a front view of the first example shown in FIGURES 1-2;
[15] FIGURE 4 is a side cross-sectional view QQcnpn / eznz / q / υιλι of the first example shown in FIGURES 1-3, with the cross-section through the center of the clamping group and the locating ring welded to the upper arched surface of the round shaft;
[16] FIGURE 5 is a closer top rear perspective view of the first example shown in FIGURE 1;
[17] FIGURE 6 is a top view of the complete shaft shown in FIGURE 1, showing the location of the locating rings welded to the arched upper surfaces of the round shaft.
[18] FIGURE 7 is a top rear perspective view of a portion of the left end of the shaft in FIGURES 1-6, with a locating ring welded to the upper arched surface of the shaft;
[19] FIGURE 8 is a closer bottom perspective view of the locator ring shown in FIGURES 4 and 6-7.
[20] FIGURE 9 is a closer side perspective view of the locator ring shown in FIGURES 4 and 6-8.
[21] FIGURE 10 is a top perspective view of the locator ring welded to the upper arched surface of the shaft shown in FIGURE 7, showing the weld to the shaft being located within the locator ring.
[22] FIGURE 11 is a closer cross-sectional view of the locating ring welded to the upper arched surface of the shaft shown in FIGURES 7 and 10, showing the QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι welding to the shaft that is located inside the locating ring.
[23] FIGURE 12 is a top view of the axle seat shown in FIGURES 1-5, showing the laterally separated upward extensions of the spring seat that additionally include inwardly extending projections that engage the leaf spring.
[24] FIGURE 13 is a top rear perspective view of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft including alignment features as a second example of the inventive subject matter, near the right end of the shaft.
[25] FIGURE 14 is a top front perspective view of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft of the second example shown in FIGURE 13, near the left end of the shaft.
[26] FIGURE 15 is a side view of the second example shown in FIGURES 13-14.
[27] FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the second example shown in FIGURES 13-15, with the cross-section through the center of the clamping group and the locating ring welded to the upper arched surface of the round shaft, and having a locating element that extends upward and downward from the leaf spring. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι
[28] FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a third example that is similar to the second example shown in FIGURES 13-15, but has a locator element that extends upward from the leaf spring.
[29] FIGURE 18 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth example that is similar to the second example shown in FIGURES 13-15, but has a locator element that extends downward from the leaf spring.
[30] FIGURE 19 is a top perspective view of the axle seat shown in FIGURES 13-16, showing the laterally separated upward extensions of the spring seat of the second example that additionally include inwardly extending projections that engage the leaf spring.
[31] It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale. While some mechanical details of a leaf spring clamping group assembly on a round shaft, including alignment features, and other plan and section views of particular components, have been omitted, such details are considered to be within the understanding of those skilled in the art for the purposes of this disclosure. It should also be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the examples shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[32] This disclosure presents examples of a montage of QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli group of clamping a leaf spring to a round shaft that includes alignment features, for use in vehicle suspension systems.
[33] With reference to the drawings, FIGURES 1-12 show a first exemplary embodiment of the claimed subject matter. Reference number 10 generally designates a first exemplary mounting assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft, including alignment features, for use in vehicle suspension systems. For brevity, the assembly may also be referred to herein as mounting assembly 10. The figures illustrate the first example, which includes a round shaft 12, a leaf spring 14, and a mounting assembly 16 connecting the leaf spring 14 to the shaft 12. In the orientation relative to installation in a vehicle, the shaft 12 extends laterally.
[34] As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 7, the shaft 12 is round and therefore has an arched upper surface 18 and an arched lower surface 20. A locator ring 22 has a tapered, fish-mouth-shaped lower end 24, best seen in FIGURES 8-9, and results in the locator ring 22 following the contour of the arched upper surface 20. The locator ring 22 has a vertical side wall 26 and, in this example, is cylindrical, but other shapes can be used. As best seen in FIGURES 10-11, the locator ring 22 is open from the top, providing access for forming a weld 28 between QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli the locating ring 22 and the upper arched surface 18 of the shaft 12, which is located within the locating ring 22. This together with the lower tapered, fish-mouthed end 24 results in a strong weld 28 that extends around the inside of the locating ring 22. The inner weld 28 produces a clean, unobstructed outer periphery of the locating ring 22 and shaft 12 for consistent mounting to the clamping group 16.
[35] As can be seen in FIGURE 1, the first example leaf spring 14 is a half leaf spring extending longitudinally and forward relative to the axis 12. However, it will be appreciated that a leaf spring will extend from the axis at least forward or rearward, as when using a half leaf spring, or it may extend in both directions, as when using a full leaf spring. The example leaf spring 14 has a rear end 30 connected to the fastening group 16. The leaf spring 14 extends forward to a front end 32 that has an eye 34 that can be connected to a bracket that would be fixed to the vehicle frame or body. In this example, a leaf spring retainer 36 is constructed as a band that is configured to wrap around and capture the leaf spring 14 in the event of spring fracture.The rear end 30 of the example leaf spring 14 also includes a vertical hole 38 through it. Hole 38 receives an element. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uili locator. In this example, the locator element 40 is a pin that extends upward from an upper surface 39 of the leaf spring 14 and downward from a lower surface 41 of the leaf spring 14. For ease of assembly, the pin 40 can be, for example, a roller pin.
[36] In the first example, the clamping group 16 includes a lower clamp 42, spring seat 44, upper pad 46, and a plurality of fasteners 48 connecting the upper pad 46, the leaf spring 14, the spring seat 44, and the lower clamp 42 to the shaft 12. The lower clamp 42 includes an upward-facing, generally arched surface 50 configured to receive the arched lower surface 20 of the shaft 12, at least one upward-extending alignment locator 52 positioned forward of the upward-facing, generally arched surface 50, and at least one upward-extending alignment locator 54 positioned rearward of the upward-facing, generally arched surface 50, and a plurality of openings 56 through the lower clamp 42. In this example, the lower clamp 42 also has a rearward extension 58 that includes a gas spring seat 60.
[37] The spring seat 44 of the first example clamping group 16 includes a generally arched downward-facing surface 62 configured to receive surface 18 QQcnpn / eznz / q / uili upper arched surface of shaft 12 and having a recess 64. Recess 64 receives locator ring 22 which is welded to the upper arched surface 18 of shaft 12. Spring seat 44 includes at least one downward-extending alignment locator 66 positioned forward of the generally downward-facing arched surface 62 and vertically aligned with the upward-extending alignment locator 52 of the lower clamp 42 positioned forward of the generally upward-facing arched surface 50, and at least one downward-extending alignment locator 68 positioned rearward of the generally downward-facing arched surface 62 and vertically aligned with the upward-extending alignment locator 54 of the lower clamp 42 positioned rearward of the generally upward-facing arched surface 50.The spring seat 44 further includes a generally flat upper surface 70 against which the leaf spring 14 is positioned and further includes a recess 72 that receives the locating element 40 that extends downwards from the lower surface 41 of the leaf spring 14.
[38] The recess 64 in the spring seat 44 that receives the locating ring 22 is preferably shaped and sized to provide a tight fit relative to the locating ring 22. In this example, the recess 64 is cylindrical and has QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the locator ring 22. The recess 64 is deeper than the height of the side wall 26 of the locator ring 22. The shape and dimensions of the recess 64 relative to the locator ring 22 facilitate the quick location and mounting of the spring seat 44 to shaft 12. The tight fit also limits the lateral and radial or rotational movement of the spring seat 44 and, consequently, of the clamping group 16, relative to shaft 12.
[39] Furthermore, the spring seat 44 of the first example preferably includes laterally spaced upward extensions 74, between which is located the generally flat surface 70 against which the leaf spring 14 is positioned. As can be seen in FIGURE 12, the upward extensions 74 further include inwardly extending projections 74' that engage with the leaf spring 14. The inwardly extending projections 74' of the spring seat 44 deform as the clamping group 16 connects to the shaft 12 and help to locate and retain the rear end 30 of the leaf spring 14. Moreover, the generally downward-facing, arched surface 62 of the spring seat 44 preferably includes lateral extensions 76. The lateral extensions 76 provide a generally wider arched surface, which improves the stability of the spring seat 44 above the shaft 12. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι
[40] The upper pad 46 of this example includes a generally flat lower surface 78. The generally flat lower surface 78 includes a recess 80 that receives the locating element 40 extending upward from an upper surface 39 of the leaf spring 14. The upper pad 46 also includes an upper surface 82 that engages the fasteners 48. In this example, each of the plurality of fasteners 48 includes a U-shaped bolt 84 having a threaded head 86 and 88 legs. The threaded 88 legs of the U-shaped bolts 84 are received by the plurality of openings 56 through the lower clamp 42 and receive respective threaded nuts 90. In turn, the upper surface 82 of the upper pad that engages the plurality of fasteners 48 includes contoured surfaces in the form of mounts that receive the heads 86 of the U-shaped bolts 84.It will be noted that after installing the nuts 90 on the threaded legs 88, the U-shaped bolts 84 are used to join the clamping group 16, the leaf spring 14 and the shaft 12.
[41] The front and rear alignment locators of the lower clamp 42 and spring seat 44 provide particular benefits. The alignment locators 66, 68 extending downward from the spring seat 44 are configured to block lateral movement of the spring seat 44 relative to the alignment locators 52, 54 QQcnon / cznz / q / uli extending vertically upwards and aligned from the lower clamp 42. In the present example, the downward-extending alignment locators 66, 68 from the spring seat 44 include respective channels 92, 94 that receive the vertically upward-extending alignment locators 52, 54 from the lower clamp 42. It will be appreciated that the alignment locator configurations could be reversed or modified to otherwise resist relative lateral movement.
[42] In the configuration shown, the downward-extending alignment locators 66, 68 of the spring seat 44 and the vertically aligned upward-extending alignment locators 52, 54 of the lower clamp 42 are shaped and sized to prevent simultaneous forward and backward contact of the shaft 12. Thus, when mounting the clamping group 16 and the leaf spring 14 to the shaft 12, as the fasteners 48 are installed and tightened, the spring seat 44 and the lower clamp 42 move toward each other and apply compressive force to the shaft 12. The locating ring 22 holds the spring seat 44 in place laterally and with respect to preventing any rotation of the spring seat 44 about the shaft 12. Consequently, as the nuts 90 are rotated about the threaded legs 88 of the U-shaped bolts 84 for QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli install clamping group 16, depending on which nut is tightened first, the lower clamp 42 can be tilted slightly until there is contact between the vertically aligned upward extending front alignment locator 52 of the lower clamp 42 and the downward extending alignment locator 66 of the spring seat 44, while leaving a gap between the vertically aligned upward extending rear alignment locator 54 of the lower clamp 42 and the downward extending alignment locator 68 of the spring seat 44.Alternatively, the lower clamp 42 can be tilted slightly until there is contact between the vertically aligned rear alignment locator 54 extending upwards from the lower clamp 42 and the downward-extending alignment locator 68 from the spring seat 44, while a gap is left between the vertically aligned front alignment locator 52 from the lower clamp 42 and the downward-extending alignment locator 66 from the spring seat 44. Once all 90 nuts are tightened, the lower clamp 42 can either reverse its initial tilt to make contact with the opposite vertically aligned locators or stop at a location where there is a slight gap between the front and rear vertically aligned locators.
[43] Since the recess 64 in the spring seat 44 receives QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli The locator ring 22 welded to shaft 12, the spring seat 44 will effectively not move laterally relative to shaft 12. In turn, the vertically aligned locators collectively provide resistance to lateral movement of the lower clamp 42 relative to the spring seat 44, regardless of whether they transmit compressive force. Furthermore, the additional combination of locating features within the spring seat 44, the leaf spring 14, and the upper pad 46, along with the fasteners 48, provides resistance to lateral movement of the remainder of the clamping group 16 and the leaf spring 14 relative to shaft 12. The interactions also resist radial or rotational movement of the respective components relative to shaft 12.
[44] Within the retaining group 16, it will be seen that the leaf spring retainer 36 is located between the upper pad 46 and the leaf spring 14. This occurs above and below the leaf spring 14. As such, the lower rear end of the leaf spring retainer 36 includes an opening 96 through which the locating element 40, in the form of a roller pin, extends. The upper rear end of the leaf spring retainer 36 includes an opening 98. The generally flat lower surface 78 of the upper pad 46 further includes a downward-pointing projection 100, which is received by the opening 98 through the retainer 36. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli leaf spring. In the case of a fractured leaf spring 14, this assembly seeks to ensure that the clamping group 16 and the leaf spring retainer 36 will retain the leaf spring 14 parts.
[45] Another advantage of the first example assembly is that the spring seat 44 and the upper pad 46 are configured to be mounted reversibly with respect to the forward and rearward directions. Thus, the two components can also be considered impartial, as they can be installed on either a right- or left-handed mounting assembly. This is intended to simplify installation and avoid installation errors that can be inherent with structures that are either right- or left-handed, or that require a forward or rearward orientation. In this way, the upper pad 46 in this example includes a second recess 80' in the generally flat lower surface 78, which is capable of receiving the locator element 40 that extends upward from the upper surface 39 of the leaf spring 14, if the upper pad 46 is reversed during installation.In turn, the spring seat 44 additionally includes a second recess 72' in the generally flat upper surface 70, which is capable of receiving the locating element 40 that extends downwards from the lower surface 41 of the leaf spring 14, if the spring seat 44 is inverted during installation. The downward projection 100 of the pad. The upper part of the QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι is centered, as is the recess 64 in the spring seat 44 that receives the locator ring 22, also allowing for a reversible installation.
[46] In an additional advantage of the assembly, the locator ring 22 is a relatively small, lightweight part that requires less welding and is located in a less sensitive area than the previous technique of using heavy welded wraps on the shafts. The use of the locator ring 22 can also replace an offset or machining operation required to adjust a clamping assembly for different pinion angles, such as for use on drive shafts. Instead of offsetting or machining both the top pad and the spring seat for a pinion angle change, the locator ring could be moved around the circumference of the shaft to change the set angle of the spring seat.
[47] In the first example shown, as indicated above, the recess 64 is deeper than the height of the side wall 26 of the locating ring 22. By design, this causes the downward compressive load on the spring seat 44 generated by the clamping group fasteners 48 to be applied by the generally arched surface 62 facing downward onto the arched upper surface 18 of the round shaft 12. Unlike prior art assemblies that rely solely on the friction of the compressive load to resist QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli the rotation of a clamping group around a round shaft, in the present example, the locating ring 22 plays an integral role in helping to resist the rotation of the clamping group 16 around the round shaft 12. It will be seen in FIGURE 11 that the locating ring 22 resists the shear load applied by the spring seat 44 based on both the weld 28 and the geometry of the interface between the fishmouth-shaped, tapered lower end 24 of the locating ring 22 and the round shaft 12. As is evident in FIGURE 11, if a rearward load is applied to the locating ring 22, the locating ring 22 would have to be physically forced to travel upward and over the upper, arched surface 18 of the round shaft 12.In this way, weld 28 directly resists the shear load while also securing the locating ring 22 to the shaft 12, thereby taking advantage of this additional geometric interface to gain extra shear strength. Furthermore, while the height of the locating ring 22 could be high enough to cause vertical engagement with the top of the recess 64, and that downward force would be applied by the spring seat 44, it is believed that such a downward force is unnecessary and that the lack of such engagement facilitates the installation of the spring seat 14 while the recess 64 receives the locating ring 22 on the shaft 12.
[48] With regard to the materials, it will be appreciated that QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli can use conventional materials. For example, the lower clamp 42, spring seat 44, and upper pad 46 are preferably constructed of cast iron or steel. The locator ring 22 is preferably constructed of extruded steel tubing that is compatible for welding to shaft 12. It will be appreciated that other materials, configurations, construction methods, and fastening methods suitable for assembling the clamping group may be used.
[49] More broadly, the first example 10 of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft, including alignment features, includes a round shaft 12, a leaf spring 14, and a clamping group 16 connecting the leaf spring 14 to the shaft 12. The shaft 12 extends laterally and has an arched upper surface 18 and an arched lower surface 20. A locating ring 22 has a fish-mouth tapered lower end 24 and has the lower end 24 welded to the arched upper surface 18 of the shaft 12. The leaf spring 14 extends longitudinally and at least forward or backward relative to the shaft 12 and further includes a hole 38 receiving a locating element 40 that extends at least upward or downward from the leaf spring 14.The restraint group 16 further includes at least one spring seat 44, upper pad 46 and a plurality of fasteners 48 connecting the upper pad 46, the. The spring seat 44 includes a generally arched downward-facing surface 62 configured to receive the arched upper surface 18 of the shaft 12, a recess 64 in the arched downward-facing surface 62, and the recess 64 receives the locating ring 22 which is welded to the arched upper surface 18 of the shaft. The spring seat 44 also includes a generally flat upper surface 70 on top of which the leaf spring 14 is positioned. The upper pad 46 further includes a generally flat lower surface 78 above the leaf spring 14 and an upper surface 82 which engages the fasteners 48.
[50] Returning to FIGURES 13-16, a second example 110 of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft, including alignment features, includes a round shaft 12, a leaf spring 114, and a clamping group 116 connecting the leaf spring 114 to the shaft 12. While it will be appreciated that the clamping groups in the examples here could be connected to other shaft configurations, for convenience in this disclosure, the shaft 12 is the same as previously described with respect to the first example. Thus, the shaft 12 extends laterally and has an arched upper surface 18 and an arched lower surface 20. As seen in FIGURES 6-11, a locating ring 22 has a QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli lower end 24 tapered in a fish-mouth shape, and has the lower end 24 welded to the arched upper surface 18 of the shaft 12. The leaf spring 114 extends longitudinally and at least forward or backward relative to the shaft 12, and further includes a hole 138 receiving a locating element 140 extending at least upward or downward from the leaf spring 114. The clamping group 116 further includes at least one spring seat 144, upper pad 146, and a plurality of fasteners 148 connecting the upper pad 146, the leaf spring 114, and the spring seat 144 to the shaft 12.
[51] The spring seat 144 further includes a generally arched, downward-facing surface 162 configured to receive the arched upper surface 18 of the shaft 12, a recess 164 in the downward-facing arched surface 162, and the recess 164 receives the locating ring 22, which is welded to the arched upper surface 18 of the shaft. The spring seat 144 also includes a generally flat upper surface 170 on top of which the leaf spring 114 is positioned and further includes a recess 172 that receives the locating element 140, which extends downward from the lower surface 141 of the leaf spring 114. The upper pad 146 further includes a generally flat lower surface 178 above the leaf spring 114 and an upper surface 182 that engages the QQcnpn / eznz / q / υιλι fasteners 148.
[52] As can be seen in FIGURE 13, the second example leaf spring 114 extends longitudinally forward and rearward relative to axis 12. As previously noted, it will be appreciated that a leaf spring will extend from axis 12 at least forward or rearward, as when using a half leaf spring, or it may extend in both directions, as in this example where the rear end 130 of the leaf spring 114 may provide, for example, an air spring seat. The leaf spring 114 extends forward to a front end 132 having an eye 134 that can be connected to a bracket that would be fixed to the vehicle frame or body. The second example does not show the use of a leaf spring retainer, a liner under the leaf spring, or a bushing within the eye 134. It will be appreciated that each and every one of these features is optional and may be used if desired.As shown in FIGURE 16, this particular example leaf spring 114 includes a vertical hole 138, which extends from one end to the other through the leaf spring 114. As previously stated, the hole 138 receives a locating element 140, and in this example, the locating element 140 is a pin that extends up and down from the leaf spring 114. As in the first example, for ease of assembly, the pin 140 can be, for example, QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι 6 a roller pin.
[53] Similar to the first example, the recess 164 in the spring seat 144 of the second example, which receives the locating ring 22, is preferably shaped and sized to provide a tight fit relative to the locating ring 22. In this example, the recess 164 is cylindrical and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the locating ring 22. The recess 164 is deeper than the height of the side wall 26 of the locating ring 22. The shape and dimensions of the recess 164 relative to the locating ring 22 facilitate quick location and mounting of the spring seat 144 to shaft 12. The tight fit also limits lateral and radial or rotational movement of the spring seat 144, and consequently of the clamping group 116, relative to shaft 12.
[54] Furthermore, similarly to the first example and as shown in FIGURES 15 and 19, the spring seat 144 of the second example preferably includes laterally separated upward extensions 174, between which is located the generally flat surface 170 above and against which the leaf spring 114 is positioned. As can be seen in FIGURE 19, the upward extensions 174 further include inwardly extending projections 174' that engage with the leaf spring 114. The inwardly extending projections 174' of the spring seat 144 deform as the assembly QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι The retaining bracket 116 connects to the shaft 12 and helps to locate and retain the leaf spring 114 within the spring seat 144. Furthermore, the generally arched, downward-facing surface 162 of the spring seat 144 preferably includes lateral extensions 176. The lateral extensions 176 provide a generally wider arched surface, which improves the stability of the spring seat 144 above the shaft 12.
[55] The upper pad 146 of the second example includes a generally flat lower surface 178. The generally flat lower surface 178 includes a recess 180 that receives the locator element 140 extending upward from the upper surface 139 of the leaf spring 114. The upper pad 146 includes a plurality of openings 181 through which the threaded legs 188 of the fasteners 148 extend and an upper surface 182 that engages the nuts 190 of the fasteners 148. In this example, each of the plurality of fasteners 148 includes a U-shaped bolt 184 having a head 186 and threaded legs 188 that receive threaded nuts 190.It will be seen that the lower arched surface 20 of the shaft 12 receives the heads 186 of the inverted U-shaped bolts 184, such that the threaded legs 188 extend upwards into and through the plurality of openings 181 through the upper pad 146. The upper surface 182 is contoured in this example. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli includes areas that attach to nuts 190. It will be noticed that after installing nuts 190 of fasteners 148 on threaded legs 188, U-shaped bolts 184 are used to join clamping group 116, leaf spring 114 and shaft e 12.
[56] In the second example configuration shown, when mounting the clamping group 116 and the leaf spring 114 to the shaft 12, while the fasteners 148 are being installed and tightened, the upper pad 146, the leaf spring 114, the spring seat 144, and the shaft 12 move toward each other and apply compressive force to the shaft 12. The locating ring 22 holds the spring seat 144 in place laterally and with respect to not permitting any rotation of the spring seat 144 about the shaft 12. Accordingly, as the nuts 190 are rotated about the threaded legs 188 of the U-shaped bolts 184 to install the clamping group 116, the projections 174' deform to more securely clamp the leaf spring 114 in the spring seat 144.
[57] Since the recess 164 in the spring seat 144 receives the locating ring 22 welded to the shaft 12, the spring seat 144 will effectively not move laterally relative to the shaft 12. Furthermore, the additional combination of the locating features within the spring seat 144, the leaf spring 114, and the upper pad 146, along with the fasteners 148, provides resistance to QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli lateral movement of the rest of the clamping group 116 and the leaf spring 114 with respect to axis 12. The interactions also resist radial or rotational movement of the respective components with respect to axis 12.
[58] Similar to the first example, another advantage of the second example assembly is that the spring seat 144 and the upper pad 146 are configured to be mounted reversibly with respect to the forward and rearward directions. Thus, the two components can also be considered impartial, as they can be installed on either a right-hand or left-hand mounting assembly. This is intended to simplify installation and avoid installation errors that can be inherent with structures that are either right-hand or left-hand, or that require a forward or rearward orientation. In this way, the upper pad 146 in this example includes a second recess 180' in the generally flat lower surface 178, which is capable of receiving the locator element 140 extending upward from the leaf spring 114 if the upper pad 146 is reversed during installation.In turn, the spring seat 144 additionally includes a second recess 172' in the generally flat upper surface 170, which is able to receive the locator element 140 extending downwards from the leaf spring 114, if the spring seat 144 is inverted during installation. QQcnon / cznz / q / uιλι
[59] As indicated with respect to the first example, there are additional advantages to using the locating ring 22 on the shaft 12 and with spring seats in the configurations shown in the first and second examples. As described above, the locating ring 22 plays an integral role in helping to resist rotation of the clamping group 116 around the round shaft 12, while also resisting the shear load applied by the spring seat 144 based on both the weld 28 and the geometry of the interface between the fishmouth-shaped, tapered lower end 24 of the locating ring 22 and the round shaft 12.
[60] Returning to FIGURE 17, a third example 110a of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft that includes alignment features, includes a round shaft 12, a leaf spring 114a, and a clamping group 116a connecting the leaf spring 114a to the shaft 12. The third example 110a is essentially similar to the second example shown in FIGURES 13-16, except that the leaf spring 114a includes a hole 138a in its upper surface 139a that does not extend through the lower surface 141a of the leaf spring 114a. A locator element 140a is received in the hole 138a in the upper surface 139a of the leaf spring 114a, and in this third example, the rebate 180 in the lower surface 178 of the upper pad 146 also receives the locator element 140a extending upwards from the QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli surface 139a upper of the leaf pier 114a. The construction of the locator element 140a in this example may be similar to that described for locator elements 40 and 140 in the previous examples, but it is shorter in length. The structure of the remainder of the third example is labeled with the same reference numbers and is the same as the second example 110 in FIGURES 13-16, so the previous description is incorporated here and does not need to be repeated.
[61] Returning to FIGURE 18, a fourth example 110b of a clamping group assembly of a leaf spring to a round shaft that includes alignment features, includes a round shaft 12, a leaf spring 114b, and a clamping group 116b connecting the leaf spring 114b to the shaft 12. The fourth example 110b is essentially similar to the second example shown in FIGURES 13-16, except that the leaf spring 114b includes a hole 138b in its lower surface 141b that does not extend through the leaf spring 114b. A locator element 140b is received in the hole 138b in the lower surface 141b of the leaf spring 144b and in this fourth example, the recess 172 in the upper surface 170 of the spring seat 144 receives the locator element 140b which extends downward from the lower surface 141b of the leaf spring 114b.The construction of the locator element 140b in this example can be similar to that described for the elements. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uιλι The fourth example has 40, 140 locators, but is shorter in length. The structure of the remainder of the fourth example is labeled with the same reference numbers and is the same as the second example 110 in FIGURES 13-16, so the above description is incorporated here and does not need to be repeated.
[62] In view of the foregoing discussion, the drawings, and the appended claims, it will be appreciated that a clamping group assembly for a leaf spring to a round shaft according to the present disclosure can be provided in various configurations. Any variety of construction materials, configurations, shapes, and sizes suitable for the components and methods of connecting the components may be used to satisfy the particular needs and requirements of an end user. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the design and construction of such an apparatus may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims, and that the claims are not limited to the preferred embodiment. Illustrated QQcnpn / eznz / q / υιλι.
Claims
1. A leaf spring clamping assembly to a round shaft including alignment features, comprising: a round shaft, a leaf spring, and a clamping assembly connecting the leaf spring to the shaft; the shaft extending laterally and having an arched upper surface and an arched lower surface; a locating ring having a fish-mouth tapered lower end, the lower end of which is welded to the arched upper surface of the shaft; the leaf spring extending longitudinally and at least forward or backward relative to the shaft, and further comprising a bore receiving a locating element extending at least upward or downward from the leaf spring; the clamping assembly comprising a spring seat, upper pad, and a plurality of fasteners connecting the upper pad, the leaf spring, and the spring seat to the shaft;The spring seat further comprises: a generally downward-facing arched surface configured to receive the arched upper surface of the shaft; a recess in the downward-facing arched surface, wherein the recess receives the locating ring welded to the arched upper surface of the shaft; a generally flat upper surface on top of which the leaf spring is positioned and further comprises a recess receiving the locating element extending downward from the leaf spring; the upper pad further comprises: a generally flat lower surface above the leaf spring; an upper surface that engages the fasteners.
2. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the weld between the locating ring and the upper arched surface of the shaft is located within the locating ring.
3. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the locating ring is cylindrical.
4. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess in the lower arched surface of the spring seat is cylindrical.
5. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess in the lower arched surface of the spring seat is molded and sized to provide a tight fit relative to the locating ring.
6. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, QQcnpn / eznz / q / uili wherein the generally flat upper surface of the spring seat further comprises a recess that receives the locating element extending downwards from the leaf spring.
7. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring seat further comprises laterally separated upward extensions between which is located the generally flat surface on which the leaf spring is positioned.
8. The clamping group assembly of claim 7, wherein the laterally separated upward extensions of the spring seat further comprise inwardly extending projections that engage the leaf spring.
9. The clamping group assembly of claim 8, wherein the inwardly extending projections that engage the leaf spring are deformed while the clamping group is connected to the shaft.
10. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the generally arched surface facing downwards from the spring seat further comprises lateral extensions.
11. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the locating element extending at least upwards or downwards from the leaf spring further comprises a pin or stud. QQcnpn / eznz / q / uili 12. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the hole receiving a locating element extending at least upwards or downwards from the leaf spring further comprises a vertical hole extending downwards to the upper surface of the spring, extending upwards to the lower surface of the spring, or extending through the leaf spring.
13. The clamping group assembly of claim 12, wherein the locating element received by the vertical hole extends from the leaf spring upwards, downwards, or both upwards and downwards.
14. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners further comprises a U-shaped bolt having a threaded head and legs in combination with threaded nuts that are threaded onto the respective threaded legs.
15. The clamping group assembly of claim 14, wherein the upper surface of the upper pad further comprises contoured surfaces in the form of mounts that receive the U-shaped bolt heads.
16. The clamping group assembly of claim 14, wherein the lower arched surface of the shaft receives the heads of the U-shaped bolts and the upper surface of the upper pad engages the threaded nuts of the QQcnpn / eznz / q / uli 37 fasteners.
17. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, further comprising a leaf spring retainer located between the upper pad and the leaf spring.
18. The clamping group assembly of claim 17, wherein the lower surface of the upper pad further comprises a downward-facing projection received by an opening through the leaf spring retainer.
19. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamping group further comprises a lower clamp connected to the shaft, spring seat, leaf spring and upper pad by the plurality of fasteners.
20. The clamping group assembly of claim 19, wherein the lower clamp further comprises: a generally upward-facing arched surface configured to receive the lower arched surface of the shaft; at least one upward-extending alignment locator positioned forward of the generally upward-facing arched surface and at least one upward-extending alignment locator positioned rearward of the generally upward-facing arched surface.
21. The clamping group assembly of claim QQcnpn / eznz / q / υιλι 20, wherein the lower clamp further comprises a plurality of openings therethrough thereto receiving the threaded legs of the U-shaped bolts.
22. The clamping group assembly of claim 20, wherein the spring seat further comprises: at least one downward-extending alignment locator positioned forward of the generally downward-facing arched surface of the spring seat and vertically aligned with the upward-extending alignment locator of the lower clamp positioned forward of the generally upward-facing arched surface of the lower clamp, and at least one downward-extending alignment locator positioned rearward of the generally downward-facing arched surface of the spring seat and vertically aligned with the upward-extending alignment locator of the lower clamp positioned rearward of the generally upward-facing arched surface of the lower clamp.
23. The clamping group assembly of claim 22, wherein the downward-extending alignment locators of the spring seat and the vertically aligned upward-extending alignment locators of the lower clamp are configured to block lateral movement of the spring seat relative to the lower clamp.
24. The clamping group assembly of claim 23, wherein the downward-extending alignment locators of the spring seat further comprise channels receiving the vertically aligned upward-extending alignment locators of the lower clamp.
25. The clamping group assembly of claim 22, wherein the downward-extending alignment locators of the spring seat and the vertically aligned upward-extending alignment locators of the lower clamp are molded and sized to prevent simultaneous forward and backward shaft contact.
26. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring seat and upper pad are configured to be mounted reversibly with respect to the forward and rearward directions.
27. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the leaf spring further comprises a half-leaf extending forward from the clamping group assembly.
28. The clamping group assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower clamp further comprises a rearward extension including a pneumatic spring seat.
29. The clamping group assembly of claim