Axle assembly and roadworthy vehicle trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to an axle assembly (4) for a roadworthy vehicle trailer (1) having a chassis (2), a front drawbar (8) and preferably a trailer coupling (9) which is arranged there. The axle assembly (4) comprises a hollow axle tube (26) and a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26), the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) being pivotable relative to one another about an internal swing axis (28), and the outer cross section of the support arm (27) and the inner cross section of the axle tube (26) each having a shape different from a circle, in particular a prismatic shape. The axle assembly (4) also comprises: a spring element (32) which is disposed in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) and which is preferably formed by rubber strands; a pivotably mounted wheel swing arm (33) with a hub carrier (36) preferably at the end of the wheel swing arm; and an axle carrier (16) designed to preferably rigidly fasten the axle assembly (4) to the chassis (2) of the vehicle (1). The support arm (27) is mounted on the axle carrier (16) rotationally rigidly with respect to the swing axis (28), and the axle tube (26) is mounted on the support arm (27) such that the axle tube can be pivoted about the swing axis (28). The wheel swing arm (33) is fastened to the rotatable axle tube (26). And the wheel swing arm (33) extends transversely from the axle tube (26) under the axle carrier (16).

Description

Axle arrangement and road-legal vehicle trailer Description

[0001] The invention relates to an axle arrangement and a road-legal vehicle trailer equipped therewith, having the features in the preamble of the main claim.

[0002] Such an axle arrangement for a road-legal vehicle trailer is known from DE 20 14 191 A. The vehicle trailer has a chassis with a front drawbar and a trailer coupling located thereon. The axle arrangement comprises a support arm located in the chassis-mounted axle tube, which is pivotably mounted in the axle tube about an internal pivot axis. A spring element, formed from several rubber strands, is arranged between the axle tube and the support arm. The outer cross-section of the support arm and the inner cross-section of the axle tube each have a shape that deviates from a circle, in particular a prismatic shape. The axle arrangement includes a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm with a preferably end-mounted wheel carrier for a vehicle wheel, wherein the wheel rocker arm, which is located completely outside next to the chassis, is rotationally locked to the support arm and can pivot with it about the internal pivot axis.The axle arrangement also includes an axle carrier, which is designed for the rigid attachment of the axle arrangement to the chassis of the vehicle trailer.

[0003] DE 29 701 437 U1 discloses an axle arrangement located on the outside of the chassis. The wheel rocker arm is non-rotatably connected to a pin, which in turn is arranged in a surrounding tubular hollow profile. The hollow profile is arranged in a vehicle-mounted support tube and is rotatably mounted within the support tube by means of spring elements. The vehicle-mounted support tube, the spring elements, and the hollow profile They form a bearing unit in which the pin is inserted into the prismatic hollow body in a form-fitting manner. In one variant, a protective cap is additionally arranged on the wheel rocker arm, which surrounds the vehicle-mounted support tube protectively and with clearance.

[0004] US Patent 3,820,813 discloses a wheel rocker arm attached to a cylindrical sleeve, which is rotationally fixed to an outer shell of cylindrical torsion bushings. Each torsion bushing comprises the outer shell and a cylindrical inner shell that can rotate freely around an axle shaft. Cylindrical rubber bodies and a cylindrical inner shell are bonded between the two shells. When the wheel rocker arm rotates, the torsion bushing and the rubber bodies are twisted.

[0005] US 10,434,833 B1 deals with a lawnmower deck.

[0006] The object of the invention is to demonstrate an improved axle arrangement and a road-legal vehicle trailer equipped with it.

[0007] The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims.

[0008] The axle arrangement used, as well as the road-legal vehicle trailer equipped with it, offers several advantages.

[0009] Road-legal vehicle trailers are designed for ferry operations on roads and may also be suitable for off-road use. They do not require rails.

[0010] The claimed axle arrangement comprises the hollow axle tube, the support arm arranged therein, the pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm with the wheel carrier, and the axle carrier according to the features in the preamble of claim 1. The axle carrier can be used for the preferably rigid attachment of the The axle assembly may be designed on the vehicle, in particular on the vehicle's chassis. The axle carrier may also be designed for the lifting and lowering of the axle assembly on the vehicle, in particular on its chassis.

[0011] In the claimed axle arrangement, according to a first aspect of the invention, the support arm is mounted on the axle carrier in a rotationally fixed manner about the said internal pivot axis, the axle tube is pivotably mounted on the support arm about the pivot axis, and the wheel rocker arm is attached to the rotatable axle tube. The wheel rocker arm is preferably attached to the outside of the preferably prismatic shell of the rotatable axle tube in a suitable manner. The wheel rocker arm can perform pivoting movements about the internal pivot axis together with the axle tube. The support arm, axle tube, and longitudinally extending pivot axis preferably have a straight shape. The support arm can be solid or tubular.

[0012] The wheel rocker arm can extend transversely from the axle tube under the axle carrier. The axle tube, or most of it, and a predominant part of the wheel rocker arm can be located on the inside of the axle carrier and the chassis. Their shape and dimensions can be optimized accordingly.

[0013] A smaller part of the wheel rocker arm, in particular a wheel brake connected to the wheel carrier, and possibly a vehicle wheel, can be arranged on an outer side of the axle carrier and the chassis. The wheel rocker arm can be located mostly on the aforementioned inner side or interior area and only needs to protrude a small portion outwards under the axle carrier. This allows the lateral distance of the vehicle wheel from the outer side of the chassis to be reduced compared to previously known axle arrangements.

[0014] The axle arrangement used offers the advantage of a robust and cost-effective design. It also allows for large pivot angles and travel distances of the wheel swing arm and the associated wheel carrier, as well as the vehicle wheel mounted on it. The vehicle wheel can be located and move to the outside and side of the vehicle chassis. This makes the road-legal trailer particularly suitable not only for paved or unpaved roads, but also for off-road use. Furthermore, it improves driving comfort. The road-legal trailer and the axle arrangement can be designed for the maximum permissible speeds on roads, such as 100 km / h.

[0015] The pivoting wheel rocker arm's bearing can be located inside the chassis of a road-legal trailer, where it is better protected against external influences than in prior art designs. This also expands the potential application range of the axle arrangement and the road-legal trailer. Furthermore, the mounting area on the axle tube and the size of the wheel rocker arm can be significantly larger than in prior art designs, increasing the achievable strength. It is advantageous that the wheel rocker arm can also be located largely inside the chassis. Previously known wheel rocker arms were, in their installed position, located entirely on the outside of the chassis and, due to space constraints, had to be of a delicate design.

[0016] In the axle arrangement described, the axle tube, together with the attached wheel rocker arm, can rotate relative to the axle carrier during ferry operation and can pivot about the aforementioned internal pivot axis. This pivot axis can run centrally through the axle tube and along the longitudinal direction of the elongated support arm.

[0017] The spring element is preferably formed from rubber strands. The axle tube can be supported on the spring element and can be pivotally mounted on the support arm via the spring element. Alternatively, or additionally, the axle tube can be supported and rotatably mounted on the axle carrier via its own pivot bearing. In this configuration, it is also pivotally mounted on the support arm about the axis of oscillation. In the preferred spring element design as rubber strands, these rubber strands extend along the support arm, the axle tube, and the internal axis of oscillation. The preferably straight rubber strands are spring-elastic and deformable. They can be made of a spring-elastic rubber material. This includes natural and synthetic rubbers, as well as polyurethane and other rubber-like materials.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the axle carrier is designed for the rigid and stationary attachment of the support arm to the vehicle, in particular to a chassis of the vehicle. The axle carrier can, in particular, be designed to be rigidly attached to the chassis itself, especially to a longitudinal member of the chassis, and especially to the outside of the chassis, particularly the longitudinal member.

[0019] In a possible modification of the axle arrangement as a drop axle, the axle carrier can be designed differently and can, for example, allow a raising and lowering movement of the support arm relative to the vehicle chassis. The axle carrier can, for example, include a pivoting or lifting mechanism for the axle arrangement, in particular for at least one of its support arms.

[0020] The axle assembly can also include an axle support, which can likewise be designed for the preferably rigid and rotationally fixed attachment of the support arm to the road-going vehicle around the pivot axis. The attachment can be to a chassis and / or a body. of the aforementioned vehicle. The axle support can be positioned in the direction of extension of the support arm and the pivot axis, at a distance from the axle carrier. The axle support can also be located inside the chassis. Attachment to the chassis is possible, for example, via a crossmember.

[0021] Designing the axle assembly with an axle carrier and a separate axle support is advantageous for enabling the axle assembly to be configured as a half-axle or stub axle. In this case, the axle tube extends only over a smaller portion of the vehicle or chassis width. Such a design is beneficial for a robust axle assembly. This allows for the advantageous implementation of independent wheel suspension for each wheel, with its own independent rocker arm that can also pivot independently. The vehicle can have at least two axle assemblies designed as half-axles, arranged opposite each other, and in particular aligned, transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0022] In another embodiment, the support arm and axle tube can extend over most or all of the vehicle or chassis width. The axle tube can be continuous or formed in one piece, with two wheel rocker arms attached to it. In this case, the axle assembly can comprise two axle carriers. As a variation of this embodiment, it is also possible to preferably divide the axle tube in the middle and attach a wheel rocker arm to each axle tube section.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the axle carrier and the axle support each have a through-opening designed to provide a preferably positive-locking and rotationally fixed receiving point for the respective support arm inserted through it. The spring element and the axle tube can be concealed behind the axle carrier and protected on its inner side. The through-bolted support arm can, for example, have an outer cross-section that deviates from a circular shape, particularly a prismatic one, with the through-holes having a corresponding opening cross-section and holding the through-bolted support arm rotationally fixed by means of a positive fit. Rotational resistance can also be achieved by means of fasteners, e.g., a clamp, weld, or the like.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the axle arrangement, the axle tube is positioned between the axle carrier and the axle support. It can be rotatably arranged relative to the axle carrier and, if applicable, relative to the axle support. In the aforementioned modification, the continuous, single-piece or multi-piece axle tube can be rotatably arranged relative to the two axle carriers.

[0025] The axle carrier and any axle support can be designed in any suitable manner, preferably as bent sheet metal profiles. In an advantageous embodiment, the axle carrier has a mounting element designed for attachment to the chassis of the road vehicle. The attachment can be made, in particular, to a longitudinal member of the chassis, and preferably to an upright central web of such a longitudinal member. The mounting element can advantageously be designed as an upright mounting flange. This is beneficial for mounting on the central web.

[0026] The axle carrier can, on the other hand, have a support element designed for attaching the support arm. Such a support element can advantageously be designed as an upright support flange. The mounting flange and the support element can be rigidly connected to each other. The axle carrier can be formed in one piece. The axle carrier, with its upright and, in particular, flange-like mounting elements, can have an angled shape that saves space and is advantageous for a preferred It is suitable for mounting on the outside of the chassis or its longitudinal member. The mounting element and the support element can point in different directions, e.g., upwards and downwards when installed on the chassis. Alternatively, the mounting element can also be oriented horizontally and can be positioned and attached to the underside of a chassis or longitudinal member.

[0027] The axle support, if present, may include a mounting device designed for attachment to the road vehicle and at least one support element designed for attaching the support arm. The mounting device may be arranged horizontally and may, for example, be formed by a mounting bracket. The at least one support element may be designed as an upright support flange. The aforementioned through-opening for the support arm may be arranged on the at least one support element.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the axle support can be designed as a U-shaped support bracket. It can have two upright support elements spaced apart in the direction of the pivot axis, with a horizontal mounting or central web between them. The support arm can be supported and attached to both upright support elements. This provides a particularly stable support and fastening option.

[0029] The aforementioned upright orientation is always oriented perpendicular to the axis of oscillation. The horizontal orientation is always oriented along the axis of oscillation.

[0030] For the claimed axle arrangement, it is advantageous if the outer cross-section of the support arm and the inner cross-section of the axle tube each have a shape other than a circle, which can, for example, be prismatic. A substantially triangular outer cross-section of the support arm is favorable. Suitable axial receiving areas can be incorporated here. In particular, indentations for rubber strands may be present on the sleeve of the preferably tubular support arm. The axle tube can have an advantageous and essentially hexagonal inner cross-section. In another embodiment, rectangular, and in particular square, outer and inner cross-sections of the support arm and axle tube are also possible. Other designs are also possible. The corner areas may be rounded.

[0031] The support arm of the axle assembly can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. In a multi-part design, it can, for example, consist of two aligned support arm sections. These can be inserted into the axle tube at both ends. One support arm section can be attached at its end to the axle carrier, and the other support arm section can be attached at its end to an axle support, if present. The attachment to the axle carrier and the preferably upright and thin-walled support element can be cantilevered. The other support arm section can also be cantilevered to the axle carrier. In the preferred embodiment of the axle carrier as a support bracket, a more stable support and attachment is possible at the two spaced-apart upright support elements. The support arm sections can be attached at one of their outer ends, which projects beyond the axle tube. The other inner end is located inside the hollow axle tube and is indirectly supported there by the axle tube.

[0032] The multi-part design of the support arm offers cost and assembly advantages, particularly with regard to the assembly of the support element, especially the rubber strands.

[0033] The wheel rocker arm can have an elongated shape. It can have a mounting fitting at one end for rotationally locking attachment to the axle tube and a preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier at the other end. The mounting fitting can, for example, be for external, The mounting bracket should preferably be designed with a positive-locking attachment to the axle tube. For example, the mounting fitting can be designed as a prismatic through-hole on the wheel rocker arm, in which the inserted, appropriately prismatic axle tube can be positively locked and rotationally fixed. This allows for a simple positional and rotational alignment between the wheel rocker arm and the axle tube.

[0034] The wheel rocker arm can have a lever arm, preferably designed as a hollow, box-like arm housing made of preferably plate-shaped arm walls. The arm housing can be a welded construction. This design of the wheel rocker arm offers advantages in terms of strength, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacture. The box housing can be partially made of bent sheet metal.

[0035] The wheel carrier preferably has a pin shape, particularly with cylindrical contours. However, it can also be designed in other ways. The wheel carrier can be supported and welded to the axial front face of the elongated lever arm, especially the arm housing. This is also advantageous for cost-effective, stable, and simple manufacturing.

[0036] According to a second independent aspect of the invention, the wheel rocker arm can have a lever arm with an axially projecting, plate-shaped extension designed and intended for the direct mounting and fastening of a brake shield of a wheel brake. The plate-shaped extension can have a through-hole for a preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier and can have arc-shaped receiving openings for fasteners distributed around the through-hole. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, these fasteners can be rivets, especially blind rivets, They may be designed as screws or similar components. Alternatively, they may be screws or similar. The lever arm may preferably be designed as a hollow arm housing of the aforementioned type.

[0037] This design of the wheel rocker arm is advantageous for the axle arrangement described, but also for other, conventional axle arrangements. In such conventional axle arrangements, the wheel rocker arm can be attached to the support arm and can rotate together with the support arm in an axle tube that is fixed to the axle carrier and can be mounted and fastened to the road vehicle, in particular to its chassis, via the axle carrier.

[0038] The brake shield and the plate-shaped arm extension can be adapted to each other for fastening purposes, with the brake shield having defined mounting points, e.g., cup-shaped, flat outer recesses, where the arm extension and the brake shield can lie flush against each other and support each other. The receiving openings for the fastening elements can also be located at these points.

[0039] Directly attaching the brake plate to the wheel rocker arm offers advantages in terms of the stability and strength of the connection. Furthermore, the axle plate can be positioned very close to the wheel rocker arm.

[0040] The wheel carrier can be arranged and attached to the wheel swing arm in a particularly advantageous manner. Using the through-hole in the arm extension, it can be precisely positioned and then securely fastened by welding or other means. The wheel carrier can also come into defined contact with other parts of the lever arm, especially the wheel housing. This is beneficial for supporting the wheel carrier and the forces transmitted by the vehicle wheel during ferry operation. Furthermore, quick and easy installation is possible. The correct position of the wheel carrier on the wheel swing arm is defined and the wheel carrier is simultaneously attached by a weld or the like.

[0041] The aforementioned riveted connection offers advantages for optimal force transmission between the wheel rocker arm and the brake backing plate. It also reduces costs and simplifies the manufacturing process. Pre-assembled components can be used, resulting in easier corrosion protection. A weld-free connection can be created between the wheel rocker arm and the brake backing plate. Compared to a bolted connection, the riveted connection offers advantages in terms of reliability and process dependability. The riveting force can be reliably monitored. With bolted connections, variations can occur, for example, due to damaged threads. Further advantages of the riveted connection include limited tampering possibilities, improved theft protection, and the prevention of settling during brake overheating.With a riveted connection, there is also no risk of loss of preload and the associated risk of loss of the fastener.

[0042] Other advantageous fastening methods include clinching or forced joining. With these methods, as well as with riveted connections, the brake shield sheet metal can be made thinner than before, saving weight and costs. The various aspects of the invention, including the design of the lever arm as an arm housing, allow for an open geometry. This can facilitate painting and corrosion protection, for example, by enabling dip painting.

[0043] The aforementioned arm extension can be optimized, and in particular stabilized, for a riveted connection. For example, the plate edge of the arm extension can be flanged, which increases the deformation resistance of the arm extension. The mutual contact surfaces of the arm extension and The mounting points of the brake shield can still lie flush against each other even after riveting.

[0044] The axially projecting arm extension also provides convenient access for the riveting process and for riveting tools. The arm extension can also have a suitable length and width for this purpose. Due to its connection with the wheel carrier, which is located and attached to the end face of the lever arm, particularly to the arm housing, the arm extension can be thin-walled and still exhibit high stability and force transmission capacity for the forces transmitted from the vehicle wheel via the brake shield to the wheel rocker arm.

[0045] The invention also includes a road-legal vehicle with an axle arrangement according to the aforementioned various aspects of the invention. The road-legal vehicle can be a trailer or, if applicable, a motor vehicle.

[0046] The vehicle can comprise a suitable chassis, which preferably includes parallel longitudinal members and optionally one or more cross members. An axle support of the axle arrangement described above according to the first aspect of the invention can, for example, be supported and attached to such a cross member. Alternatively or additionally, attachment to a superstructure, which can also be part of the vehicle, is possible. The axle support(s) of the prescribed axle arrangements according to the first and second aspects of the invention can be attached to the outside of the chassis. In particular, they can be attached to a longitudinal member, preferably to its upright central web. Here, too, an external attachment to the central web is preferred. The vehicle wheels can each be arranged on the outside and laterally next to the chassis.

[0047] The claimed vehicle may comprise one or more of the prescribed axle arrangements according to the first or second aspect of the invention. An axle arrangement designed as a half-axle in the manner described above may be arranged in duplicate or multiple configurations on the vehicle, wherein the axle arrangements or half-axles are arranged opposite each other and preferably aligned transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For example, a tandem axle can be formed by an arrangement of four half-axles.

[0048] When configured as a vehicle trailer, the chassis can include a drawbar at the front and a trailer coupling, preferably located at the front end of the drawbar. A rigid drawbar is preferred, which is firmly connected to the chassis, particularly its longitudinal beams. The rigid drawbar can be V-shaped or tubular.

[0049] The claimed road-legal vehicle, in particular the road-legal vehicle trailer, in a basic form according to the invention may comprise only the chassis with the longitudinal beams and, optionally, the drawbar, as well as the at least one axle arrangement. This may be a self-contained unit. Further components, such as a trailer coupling, a body, and / or the like, may also be included. However, they can also be retrofitted, for example, by a vehicle outfitter.

[0050] The axle assemblies constitute an independent unit. They can be installed on a road-legal vehicle, replacing an existing axle assembly, and can be exchanged or supplemented through conversion or retrofitting. They can also be fitted to the road vehicle by the manufacturer as original equipment.

[0051] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0052] The aforementioned second independent aspect of the invention relates to an axle arrangement for a road-going vehicle, in particular a road-going vehicle trailer or possibly a motor vehicle, wherein the axle arrangement comprises a hollow axle tube and a support arm arranged in the axle tube, wherein the support arm and the axle tube are pivotable relative to each other about an internal pivot axis, wherein the axle arrangement also comprises a spring element arranged in the axle tube between the support arm and the axle tube, a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm with a preferably end-side wheel carrier and an axle carrier which is designed for fastening the axle arrangement to the vehicle.The wheel rocker arm can have a lever arm, preferably designed as a hollow arm housing, wherein the lever arm, and in particular the arm housing, has an axially projecting, plate-shaped extension designed and intended for the direct mounting and fastening of a brake shield of a wheel brake, and has a through-hole for a pin-shaped wheel carrier as well as arc-shaped receiving openings for fastening means, in particular rivets. In the second independent aspect of the invention, the axle tube can be rigidly or retractably attached to a vehicle chassis.

[0053] The invention can also include a wheel rocker arm for an axle assembly of a road-going vehicle, wherein the wheel rocker arm is designed according to the second aspect of the invention and has the axially projecting, plate-shaped arm extension and its further design for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield. The wheel rocker arm according to the second aspect of the invention can also be used for conventional axle assemblies with a chassis-fixed axle tube and a support arm rotatable therein.

[0054] The independently inventive wheel rocker arm can be used for an axle arrangement of a road-going vehicle, in particular a vehicle trailer, provided and designed, wherein the axle arrangement comprises a hollow axle tube, a support arm arranged in the axle tube and a spring element arranged in the axle tube between the support arm and the axle tube, wherein the support arm and the axle tube are pivotable relative to each other about an internal pivot axis and wherein the wheel pivot lever is pivotable about the pivot axis and has a preferably end-side wheel carrier.The pivotable wheel rocker arm can be attached to the support arm or the axle tube, wherein the wheel rocker arm has a lever arm preferably designed as a hollow arm housing, wherein the lever arm, in particular the arm housing, has an axially projecting plate-shaped arm extension which is provided and designed for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield of a wheel brake and has a through-hole for a pin-shaped wheel carrier as well as arc-shaped receiving openings for fastening means, in particular rivets.

[0055] For the independently inventive wheel rocker arm, the aforementioned design of the lever arm as a hollow, preferably box-shaped arm housing made of preferably plate-shaped arm walls, particularly as a welded construction, is also advantageous. This design can be adapted accordingly for a particularly external attachment of the lever arm to the rotatably mounted support arm.

[0056] The wheel rocker arm is also a separate component and can be exchanged for, added to, or modified in the process of conversion or retrofitting. It can also be installed as original equipment on a road-legal vehicle and its axle configuration.

[0057] The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. Specifically, the drawings show: Figure 1: a top view of a road-legal vehicle with two axle arrangements, Figure 2: a front view of an axle arrangement according to View direction II from Figure 1 , Figure 3: a top view of the axis arrangement of Figures 1 and 2, Figures 4 and 5: Side views of the axis arrangement according to arrows IV and V from Figure 3, Figure 6: a perspective view of the axis arrangement from Figures 1-5 shown from the outside, Figure 7: another perspective view of the axis arrangement of Figure 6, looking from the inside. Figure 8: a perspective longitudinal section of the axis arrangement according to section line VIII-III of Figure 2, Figure 9: a cross-section through the axle arrangement according to Section line IX-IX of Figure 3, Figure 10: a perspective longitudinal section through the Axle arrangement and its axle tube according to section line X-X Figure 11: a perspective exploded view of the Axle arrangement of Figures 1-10 and a brake shield of a wheel brake, Figure 12: another perspective exploded view of another wheel rocker arm of a different axle arrangement and a brake shield, Figure 13: a perspective view of the axis arrangement of Figure 12 and Figure 14: a truncated top view of a roadworthy vehicle Vehicle according to Figure 1 with a different axle arrangement.

[0058] The invention relates to an axle assembly (4, 4') and a road-legal vehicle (1) equipped therewith, in particular a road-legal vehicle trailer. The invention also relates to a wheel rocker arm (33) of an axle assembly (4, 4').

[0059] Figure 1 shows a road-legal vehicle (1 ) with a chassis (2) and two axle arrangements (4) in top view. Figure 14 shows a variant of the vehicle (1) and its axle arrangement (4).

[0060] The vehicle (1) is designed, for example, as a road-legal trailer. It has a central longitudinal axis (3). The chassis (2) comprises, for example, two parallel longitudinal beams (5), at the front ends of which a drawbar (8) is rigidly arranged, the drawbar carrying a trailer coupling (9) at its front end. The drawbar (8) is designed, for example, as a rigid V-drawbar. Figure 1 also indicates that the chassis (2) may have one or more crossbeams (7), shown with dashed lines. A superstructure (10) is arranged on the chassis (2).

[0061] The two axle assemblies (4) are each designed as a half-axle or stub axle in Figure 1. They are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the longitudinal axis (3). The axle assemblies (4) each carry a wheel brake (13) and a Vehicle wheel (11), which is preferably freely rotatable about a wheel axle (12). The vehicle wheels (11) are each arranged on the outside and side of the chassis (2). The two axle arrangements (4) are identical in design, being mirror images of each other with respect to the longitudinal axis (3) due to their arrangement on the left and right sides of the chassis.

[0062] The two axle assemblies (4) of Figure 1 are each short and extend over less than half the chassis width. The variant shown in Figure 14 depicts a single axle assembly (4) extending over the chassis width.

[0063] Figures 2-11 show the configuration of the axle arrangement (4) in different views. The axle arrangement (4) shown below the longitudinal axis (3) in Figure 1 is depicted here. The features shown also apply, in a mirror-image transformation, to the other, upper axle arrangement (4) of Figure 1.

[0064] Figure (2) shows the axle assembly (4) in a front view according to arrow II of Figure 1. The axle assembly (4) comprises a hollow, straight axle tube (26) and a straight, elongated support arm (27) arranged inside the axle tube (26) and extending along the axle tube (26). The support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal pivot axis (28) which extends along the axle tube (26) and the support arm (27). The axle tube (26) can pivot relative to the support arm (27).

[0065] As illustrated in cross-section in Figure 9, a spring element (32) is arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the outer surrounding axle tube (26). This spring element is formed, for example, by several, preferably straight, rubber strands extending along the pivot axis (28). This arrangement is also shown in the longitudinal section of Figure 10. The rubber strands can be made of a spring-elastic deformable rubber material. This includes natural and synthetic rubbers, but also polyurethane and other rubber-like materials.

[0066] The axle assembly (4) further comprises a pivotably mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a wheel carrier (36). The wheel rocker arm (33) has an elongated shape. The wheel carrier (36) is preferably arranged at one longitudinal end of the wheel rocker arm (33). The wheel rocker arm (33) is rotationally fixed to the axle tube (26) at its other end. For this purpose, a mounting fitting (35) is provided, which is, for example, ring-shaped and positively encloses the axle tube (26) on the outside.

[0067] The axle assembly (4) comprises at least one axle carrier (16). This is designed for attaching the axle assembly (4) to the vehicle (1). In the axle assembly (4), the support arm (27) is mounted on the axle carrier (16) so as to be rotationally fixed about the pivot axis (28), with the axle tube (26) being pivotably mounted on the support arm (27) about the pivot axis (28).

[0068] In the illustrated embodiments, the axle tube (26) is supported on the spring element (32) and pivotably mounted on the support arm (27) via this element. In an embodiment not shown, the hollow axle tube (26) can be rotatably mounted about the pivot axis (28) at least at one end via an additional pivot bearing on the axle carrier (16). In this case as well, the axle tube is pivotably mounted about the pivot axis (28) on the support arm (27).

[0069] The wheel carrier (36) of the wheel rocker arm (33) can be connected to, or is connected to, the wheel brake (13). The wheel carrier (36) is, for example, pin-shaped. In this configuration, it carries a pivot bearing for the wheel brake (13) or the vehicle wheel (11). The longitudinal axis of the preferably cylindrical wheel pin simultaneously forms the wheel axle (12). The wheel brake (13) is, for example, designed as a drum brake. In a variation In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel brake (13) can be omitted or designed differently, e.g., as a disc brake. Accordingly, the vehicle wheel (11) can also be connected to the wheel carrier (36) in a different manner.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiments, the wheel carrier (36) is rigidly and rotationally fixed to the wheel rocker arm (33). The vehicle wheel (11) rotates on the wheel carrier (36) via a pivot bearing. In another embodiment, not shown, the wheel carrier (36) can be designed as a rotatable shaft, optionally driven by a drive mechanism, a shunting drive, or the like. This shaft is rotatably mounted on the wheel rocker arm (33) and is rotationally locked to the vehicle wheel (11). The wheel brake (13) can be designed differently accordingly.

[0071] The axle carrier (16), shown in a cutaway end view in Figure 2 and in perspective in Figure 6, serves in the illustrated embodiments for the rigid attachment of the support arm (27) to the chassis (2) of the vehicle (1) and is designed accordingly. The axle arrangement (4) shown also includes an axle support (20), which likewise serves for the rigid attachment of the support arm (27) to the vehicle (1) in a manner that prevents rotation about the pivot axis (28) and is designed accordingly. It can, for example, be attached to the underside of the superstructure (10) and / or to a cross member (7).

[0072] The axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the pivot axis (28). The axle tube (26) and the mounting point of the wheel rocker arm (33) are located between the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20). The axle tube (26) and the wheel rocker arm (33) can rotate about the pivot axis (28) relative to the axle carrier (16), the axle support (20), and the support arm (27). The rotational movement is transmitted via the vehicle wheel (11) and its Ground contact is induced during ferry operation. The wheel axle (12) can be aligned parallel to the swing axis (28).

[0073] For the rotationally fixed attachment of the support arm (27), the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) each have at least one through-opening (19, 24) as shown in Figures 6 and 7, which preferably receives an end region of the inserted support arm (27) in a form-fitting manner. Additional fastening can be achieved, e.g., by clamping, welding, bonding, or the like.

[0074] As illustrated in the cross-section of Figure 9, the support arm (27) in the illustrated embodiments has a prismatic, in particular triangular, outer cross-section with rounded corners. The through-openings (19, 24) have a corresponding inner cross-section and are closely connected to the outer cross-section of the support arm (27).

[0075] The support arm (27) can have several axially extending receiving areas (31) on its surface for the spring element (32), in particular for the rubber strands. These receiving areas (31) are located between the rounded corners of the outer cross-section and can be designed, for example, as indentations or axial grooves.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiments, the axle tube (26) has a prismatic, in particular hexagonal, inner cross-section with rounded corners. The spring element (32), in particular the rubber strands, each rests against a rounded corner region of the inner cross-section or inner circumference of the axle tube (26).

[0077] The axle carrier (16) has an upright mounting element (17), in particular a mounting flange, which is designed for attachment to a chassis (2) of the vehicle (1), in particular to an upright central web (6) of a longitudinal member (5). The axle carrier (16) also includes an upright support element (18), e.g. a support flange, which The axle carrier (16) is designed for attaching the support arm (27). It is designed as a sheet metal profile with multiple bends and gusset plates. The through-opening (19) for the rotationally secure mounting of the support arm (27) is located on the support element (18) or on the upright support flange. Figures 2 and 6 illustrate this design.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2 in the front view and Figure 7 in a perspective view, the axle support (20) is preferably designed as a U-shaped support bracket (21). It has a horizontal mounting element (22), e.g., a central web (22), and two upright support elements (23, 25) adjoining it and spaced apart in the direction of the pivot axis. The support arm (27) is supported and attached to these support elements (23, 25).

[0079] The upright support elements (23) are designed, for example, as support flanges and can have different lengths. One support element (23), located closer to the axle tube (26), can be longer and may have the aforementioned through-opening (24). The other, shorter support element (25) has a corresponding groove on its underside into which the upper part of the support arm (27) can be inserted and positively engaged. This results in two axially spaced support and fastening points on the axle support (20) for the end of the support arm (27).

[0080] The support arm (27) can be formed in one piece. It can extend through the axle tube (26) as well as through the through-openings (19, 24) in the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) and can be rigidly and rotationally fixed there. The support arm (27) protrudes a short distance from the axle tube (26) at each of its ends.

[0081] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a multi-part design of the support arm (27). This is formed from two straight support arm parts (29, 30) aligned along the pivot axis (28) and opposite each other in alignment, both of which are attached to the pipe ends protrude into the axle tube (26). One support arm section (29) is attached to the axle carrier (16) at its outer, projecting end. The other support arm section (30) is attached to the axle support (20) at its outer, projecting end.

[0082] As Figures 1-3 illustrate, the wheel rocker arm (33) extending from the axle tube (26) passes under the axle carrier (16) transversely to the longitudinal axis (3). The axle tube (26) is located entirely or for the most part, and the majority of the wheel rocker arm (33) is situated on an inner side (44) of the axle carrier (16). They are also located within the interior of the chassis (2). Only a small portion of the wheel rocker arm (33) is located on an opposite outer side (45) of the axle carrier (16). This includes, for example, the wheel brake (13) connected to the wheel carrier (36). During ferry operation, the wheel brake (13) and the vehicle wheel (11) can move up and down on a spring-loaded motion on the outside of the chassis (2).

[0083] As illustrated in various views in Figure 2-11, the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34), which is preferably designed as a hollow, box-like arm housing (37). The arm housing (37) can be formed from preferably plate-shaped arm walls (38) and can be constructed as a welded structure. It can comprise upright arm walls (38) and transversely arranged arm walls between them. The plate-shaped arm walls (38) can be formed from metal sheets and have flat outer surfaces.

[0084] The mounting fitting (35) can, for example, be formed as a through-opening at the projecting ends of arm walls (38), wherein the through-opening is adapted in shape to the preferably prismatic outer contour of the axle tube (26) and fits tightly therein, and is optionally fixed with a weld or other connecting means. A lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37), can also be fitted with one or more Several mounting fittings (46) are arranged, in particular molded onto the components. Shock absorbers and other components can be connected to these fittings.

[0085] The preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) is arranged on the axial front side of the lever arm (34), in particular arm housing (37), and is supported here and attached in a suitable manner, e.g. by welding.

[0086] The lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37), has an axially projecting, plate-shaped extension (39). This is arranged, for example, on the upright arm wall (38) facing outwards (45). The extension (39) is designed and configured for the direct attachment and fastening of a brake shield (14) of a wheel brake (13). It has a preferably central through-hole (40) for the pin-shaped wheel carrier (36). Receiving openings (41) for fastening elements (42) are arranged in an arc around the through-hole (40). The fastening elements (42) can be screws. Preferably, they are rivets, in particular blind rivets.

[0087] In the embodiment of Figures 1-11, an axially projecting retaining plate (43) is arranged on another arm wall, in particular an inner arm wall, which also has a receiving opening (41) for receiving the wheel carrier (36). The through-hole and receiving opening (40, 41) are aligned along the wheel axle (12). The wheel carrier (36), preferably cylindrical in several stages, can be inserted through the through-hole and receiving opening (41). It can have at least one annular collar by which the insertion position can be defined by a stop. Fastening by means of a weld, press-fitting, or the like can also be achieved here. The wheel carrier (36), which is aligned with the wheel axle (12), can thus have an exact and quickly locatable position on the wheel swing arm (33).

[0088] Figure 11 illustrates, in an exploded view, the connection to a brake shield (14) of the wheel brake (13). The brake shield (14) has one or more defined mounting points (15). This can be, for example, a rear, base-like projection arranged around a central through-hole on the brake shield (14), which has a flat outer surface and also through-holes for the fastening means (42). The brake shield (14) can be placed on the wheel carrier (36) and its mounting point (15) brought into a flush position against the outer surface of the arm extension (39), where it can be secured by the fastening means (42). The other parts of the wheel brake (13), in particular a brake drum, can be rotatably mounted on the end of the wheel carrier (36) projecting towards the outer surface (45) via a pivot bearing.

[0089] The elongated lever arm (34) can have a tapered and angled shape extending from the axle tube (26). This results in a large mounting width on one axial front face at the axle tube (26). The width is significantly smaller on the other axial front face at the wheel carrier (36). The mounting point on the axle tube (16) is located on the inside (44) of the axle carrier (16). The angle is directed towards the axle carrier (16). In a top view, the lever arm (34) can have an H-shape due to the axially projecting arm sections of the mounting bracket (35), the arm extension (39), and the retaining plate (43).

[0090] The axle tube (26) and the mounting bracket (35) can be located below the chassis (2), in particular the relevant longitudinal member (5), as shown in Figure 2. This results in large possible pivot angles and suspension travels for the wheel rocker arm (33) and the vehicle wheel (11).

[0091] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of an axle arrangement (4') according to the aforementioned second aspect of the invention.

[0092] The wheel rocker arm (33) can also have a lever arm (34) in this embodiment, which is preferably designed as a hollow, box-like arm housing (37) and which has the aforementioned wheel carrier (36) at one axial end. In this embodiment, the lever arm (34) also has an arm wall (38) with an axial, plate-shaped arm extension (39) that has a through-hole (40) for receiving the wheel carrier (36) and receiving openings (41) arranged around it for fastening means (42), preferably rivets.

[0093] In contrast to the axle arrangement (4) of the first aspect of the invention, the axle arrangement (4') has a conventional design comprising an axle tube (26), a support arm (not shown), and a wheel rocker arm (33). The wheel rocker arm (33) is arranged on the outside of the axle carrier (16) and is connected to the support arm in a rotationally fixed manner. In this case, the axle tube (26) is mounted to the axle carrier (16) in a rotationally fixed manner, with the support arm located inside the tube rotating about a pivot axis relative to the rotationally fixed axle tube (26).

[0094] Figures 12 and 13 also illustrate further embodiments and possible modifications of the design described above in relation to Figure 11. The arm extension (39) has, for example, crimped outer edges that stiffen the plate-shaped arm extension (39). Figure 12 also shows the fastening elements (42) designed as blind rivets.

[0095] Another modification concerns the design of the brake shield (14). In contrast to Figure 11, this shield has several individual mounting points (15) distributed in an arc shape around a central through-hole. These are each designed as cup-shaped recesses with a flat outer surface and a receiving opening for a fastening element (42).

[0096] Figure 13 illustrates, in a perspective view, a complete axle assembly (4') comprising an axle tube (26) extending across the vehicle width or chassis width and rotatably attached to the axle carriers (16) at the ends. The wheel rocker arms (33) are connected in the aforementioned manner to the support arms (not shown), which are rotatably mounted within the axle tube (26). The axle tube (26) projects through the axle carriers (16) so that the support arms can be inserted into the ends of the axle tube. One or more suitable spring elements, e.g., rubber cords, one or more torsion bars, or the like, are also arranged here.

[0097] Modifications of the aforementioned embodiments and aspects of the invention are possible in various ways within the scope of the claims. In particular, the aforementioned features and variations can be combined and exchanged in other ways.

[0098] In modification of the axle arrangement (4) of the first aspect of the invention according to Figure 1-11, the axle arrangement (4) according to Figure 14 can be designed as a continuous axle arrangement extending over the width of the vehicle or chassis.

[0099] The axle tube (26) may optionally extend in one piece across the aforementioned vehicle or chassis width, with two axle carriers (16) at its ends to which the support arm (27), shown, e.g., a one-piece support extending across the chassis width, or a multi-part support arm (27) with its support arm sections (29, 30), is fixed against rotation and preferably rigidly in the manner described above. The axle support (20) may be omitted.

[0100] In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the long axle tube (26) is, for example, divided in the middle into two tube halves (26'), with an axle support (20) being provided between them for supporting and preferably rotationally fixed central fastening of the one or more part support arm (27). Each of the two tube halves (26') has a previously described wheel rocker arm (33) attached in the manner mentioned.

[0101] The axle support (20) can also be omitted in the case of the split axle tube (26). It can also be replaced by a spacer ring held on the support arm (27). The tube halves (26') can optionally be rotatably and slidably abutted against this spacer ring at their end faces, the spacer ring or sliding ring being preferably made of a low-friction material. Such a spacer ring or sliding ring can also be arranged at the other end faces of the tube halves (26') and also at the end faces of the axle tubes (26) described above. Furthermore, an axle support (20) can also be designed for a low-friction tube assembly.

[0102] In another variation, not shown, a shunting drive can be arranged on one or both axle assemblies (4, 4'). The wheel carrier (36) can be designed as a rotatably mounted drive shaft for the vehicle wheel (11). The shunting drive can, for example, consist of several drive units, each preferably with an electric drive motor and a gearbox connected between the drive motor and the drive shaft. The drive units can be arranged inside and / or outside the preferably box-shaped arm housing (37). Reference sign 1 road vehicle, vehicle trailer 2 chassis 3 Longitudinal axis 4 Axis arrangement 4' axle arrangement 5 longitudinal beams 6 Middle walkway 7 Crossbeams 8 Drawbar 9 Towbar 10 Structure 11 Vehicle wheel 12 Wheel axle 13 Brake, drum brake 14 Brake shield 15 Assembly point 16 axle carriers 17 Mounting element, mounting flange 18 Support element, support flange 19 Passage opening 20 axle support 21 support brackets 22 Mounting element, center web 23 Support element, support flange 24 Through opening 25 Support element, support flange 26 axle tube 26' Pipe half 27 Support arm 28 Swing axle 29 Support arm part 30 Support arm section 31 Receipt area, indentation 32 Spring element, rubber cord 33 Wheel rocker arms 34 Lever arm 35 Mounting fitting for axle tube 36 wheel carriers, wheel pins 37 Arm case 38 Arm wall 39 Arm process 40 Through-hole 41 Intake opening 42 Fasteners, rivets 43 Mounting plate 44 Inside 45 Outside 46 Mounting fitting

Claims

Claims 1 Axle arrangement for a road-legal vehicle (1 ) in the form of a vehicle trailer with a chassis (2), a front drawbar (8) and a trailer coupling (9) arranged thereon, wherein the axle arrangement (4) comprises - a hollow axle tube (26), - a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26), wherein the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal pivot axis (28) and the outer cross-section of the support arm (27) and the inner cross-section of the axle tube (26) each have a shape that deviates from a circle, in particular a prismatic shape, - a spring element (32) arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26), preferably formed from rubber strands, - a pivotally mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a preferably end-side wheel carrier (36), and - an axle carrier (16) which is designed for preferably rigid attachment of the axle assembly (4) to the chassis (2) of the vehicle (1), characterized in that the support arm (27) is mounted on the axle carrier (16) in a rotationally fixed manner about the pivot axis (28) and the axle tube (26) is pivotably mounted on the support arm (27) about the pivot axis (28), wherein the wheel rocker arm (33) is attached to the rotatable axle tube (26), wherein the wheel rocker arm (33) extends transversely from the axle tube (26) under the axle carrier (16). 2 Axle arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the preferably straight rubber strands extend along the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) as well as the internal pivot axis (28), wherein the rubber strands are formed from a spring-elastic deformable rubber material. Axle arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axle tube (26) is supported on the spring element (32), preferably formed from rubber strands, and pivotably mounted on the support arm (27) thereon. Axle arrangement according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the axle carrier (16) has a through-opening. (19) which is designed for the preferably positive-locking and rotationally fixed reception of the inserted support arm (27). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle arrangement (4) also includes an axle support. (20) comprises, which is also designed for the preferably rigid and rotationally fixed attachment of the support arm (27) to the vehicle (1), in particular to a chassis (2) and / or a body of the vehicle (1), about the pivot axis (28). Axle arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the axle support (20) has a through-opening (24) which is designed for the preferably positive-locking and rotationally fixed reception of the inserted support arm (27). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle tube (26) is arranged between the axle carrier (16) and the axle support (20) or between two axle carriers (16). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle arrangement (4) comprises an axle tube (26) preferably divided centrally into two tube halves (26'), each with a The axle assembly comprises a wheel rocker arm (33) attached to the axle tube half (26') and a support arm (27), which is preferably formed in one piece and extends over the length of the split axle tube (26) and is attached at both ends to an axle carrier (16). An axle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle tube (26) is rotatably arranged relative to the axle carrier (16) and optionally relative to the axle support (20). An axle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle carrier (16) has a mounting element (17) designed for attachment to a chassis (2) of the vehicle (1), in particular an upright mounting flange, and a support element (18) designed for attachment of the support arm (27), in particular an upright support flange.An axle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle support (20) has a mounting means (22) designed for attachment to the vehicle (1), in particular a horizontal mounting web, and at least one support element (23) designed for attachment of the support arm (27), in particular an upright support flange. An axle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle support (20) is designed as a U-shaped support bracket (21) and has two spaced-apart upright support elements (23, 25) on which the support arm (27) is supported and attached. An axle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (27) has a substantially triangular outer cross-section and the axle tube (26) has a substantially hexagonal inner cross-section. Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (27) is formed in one piece or in multiple parts, in particular from two aligned support arm parts (29, 30). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one support arm part (29) is attached at its end to the axle carrier (16) and the other support arm part (30) is attached at its end to the axle support (20) or to another axle carrier (16). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preferably elongated wheel rocker arm (33) has a mounting fitting (35) at one end region, which is designed for preferably external, in particular positive locking, attachment of the wheel rocker arm (33) to the axle tube (26).Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting fitting (35) is designed as a prismatic through-opening on the wheel rocker arm (33) in which the inserted, appropriately prismatic axle tube (26) is positively engaged and rotationally fixed. Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel rocker arm (33) has a preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) at its other end region. Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle tube (26) is arranged entirely or for the most part and the predominant part of the wheel rocker arm (33) on an inner side (44) of the axle carrier (16), and only a small part of the wheel rocker arm (33), in particular a wheel brake (13) connected to the wheel carrier (36), is arranged on an outer side (45) of the axle carrier (16). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34) which is designed as a hollow, box-like, preferably welded, arm housing (37) made of preferably plate-shaped arm walls (38). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preferably pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) is supported and welded to the axial front face of the lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle arrangement (4) is designed as a half-axle or stub axle. Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle arrangement (4) has a support arm (27) and an axle tube (26) which are designed to extend over most or all of the vehicle or chassis width.Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel rocker arm (33) has a lever arm (34) preferably designed as a hollow arm housing (37). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever arm (34), in particular the arm housing (37), has an axially projecting plate-shaped arm extension (39) which is provided and designed for the direct mounting and fastening of a brake shield (14) of a wheel brake (13) and has a through-hole (40) for a pin-shaped wheel carrier (36) and is distributed arcuately around it. The vehicle (1) comprises a road-legal vehicle in the form of a trailer with a chassis (2), a front drawbar (8), preferably a trailer coupling (9) arranged thereon, and at least one axle arrangement (4). - a hollow axle tube (26), - a support arm (27) arranged in the axle tube (26), wherein the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26) are pivotable relative to each other about an internal pivot axis (28), - a spring element (32) arranged in the axle tube (26) between the support arm (27) and the axle tube (26), - a pivotally mounted wheel rocker arm (33) with a preferably end-side wheel carrier (36), and - an axle carrier (16) designed for attaching the axle assembly (4) to the vehicle (1), characterized in that the axle assembly is designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 25. Vehicle according to claim 26, characterized in that the chassis (2) has parallel longitudinal members (5) and optionally one or more cross members (7). Vehicle according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the vehicle (1) has a body (10). Vehicle according to claim 26, 27 or 28, characterized in that an axle carrier (16) of an axle assembly (4) is attached to a longitudinal member (5), in particular to its upright central web (6). Vehicle according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that an axle support (20) of an axle assembly (4) is attached to the body (10) and / or to a cross member (7). Vehicle according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the vehicle (1) has at least two axle assemblies (4) designed as half-axles, which are arranged opposite each other transversely to a longitudinal axis (3) of the vehicle (1). Vehicle according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the vehicle (1) has an axle assembly (4) extending across the width of the chassis with two axle carriers (16) and an axle tube (26) extending across the width of the chassis, optionally preferably divided centrally into two tube halves (26'), with two wheel rocker arms (33) preferably attached to each of the tube halves (26').Vehicle according to one of claims 25 to 32, characterized in that the vehicle wheels (11 ) of the vehicle (1 ) are arranged on the outside and side of the chassis (2).

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