An arrangement for a wheel AXLE lift and a vehicle

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a bellows arrangement (1) for a wheel axle lift of a vehicle (2). The bellows arrangement (1) comprising a bellows assembly (10) comprising at least two bellows elements (12), the bellows assembly (10) being configured for linear motion in a longitudinal direction. The bellows arrangement (1) further comprises a guide element (20), a bellows support frame (22), and a hoist system (24). The guide element (20) is slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the bellows support frame (22). Longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly (10) is configured to move the guide element (20) in relation to the bellows support frame (22) and to actuate the hoist system (24) between a raised position and a lowered position. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (2) comprising the bellows arrangement (1).

Description

[0001] AN ARRANGEMENT FOR A WHEEL AXLE LIFT AND A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to lifting arrangements for wheel axles. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to a bellows arrangement and to vehicle comprising the bellows arrangement. The disclosure can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment. However, the disclosure is not restricted to any particular vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Heavy-duty vehicles employ liftable wheel axles to vary the number of active axles and to distribute load over the axles. When carrying a heavy load, all axles of the vehicle may be used to lower the load per axle. Fewer axles may be used for lesser loads to improve steering efficiency or to increase traction on driven axles.

[0006] Conventionally, a single pneumatic bellows, or a hydraulic lifting system, is used to achieve a pre-determined lifting height for a wheel axle of a heavy-duty vehicle. An axle lift is often mounted in connection with the beams of a vehicle frame. Other systems and components may also be arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle frame, thereby restricting the available free space around the vehicle frame.

[0007] Therefore, if a greater lifting height of a wheel axle is required, the available space may be too small for a larger bellows or hydraulic system which could provide a greater stroke length. As an example, a pneumatic bellows typically requires a larger diameter to achieve a greater stroke length.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a device which mitigates the aforementioned problems. In particular, an object of the disclosure is to provide a wheel axle lifting device which has an improved lifting height and which is adapted for restricted spaces in vehicles.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the object is at least partly achieved by a bellows arrangement according to claim 1.

[0011] Hence, there is provided a bellows arrangement for a wheel axle lift. The bellows arrangement comprises a bellows assembly comprising at least two bellows elements assembled at a joint between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the bellows assembly. The bellows assembly is configured for linear motion in a longitudinal direction. The bellows arrangement further comprises a guide element arranged at the joint, between the bellows elements, a bellows support frame accommodating the bellows assembly, and a hoist system operably connected to the bellows support frame.

[0012] The guide element is slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the bellows support frame. Longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly is configured to move the guide element in relation to the bellows support frame and to actuate the hoist system between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0013] The bellows assembly is configured for a wheel axle lift of a vehicle. It may be configured to be mounted at least partly within a vehicle frame, such as between two elongated beams of the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame may form part of a structural frame of a chassis of a heavy-duty vehicle.

[0014] The bellows assembly may comprise at least two bellows elements assembled in series along a longitudinal axis. By assembling at least two bellows elements, a stroke length of the bellows assembly is increased, as compared to a single element, without increasing a transverse size of the bellows assembly. The increased stroke length of the bellows assembly enables a greater lifting height of the bellows arrangement, as compared to a bellows arrangement comprising a single bellows element.

[0015] The term “transverse” is herein to be understood as direction or extension which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the context of the present disclosure, a transverse direction or extension is thus substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion, i.e. the stroke, of the bellows arrangement. It should be noted however, that the expression “substantially perpendicular” is intended to encompass also directions and extensions which deviate from orthogonality in relation to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, a transverse direction or extension, according to the present disclosure, may be defined as being directed or extending at an angle 80-100 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The bellows support frame may extend in a first plane comprising a first axis and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The plane may be orthogonal to a third axis. A longitudinal axis may be parallel with the first axis. Accordingly, the second axis and the third axis may be considered transverse axes to the longitudinal axis, i.e. to the first axis.

[0017] When assembling at least two bellows elements in series, it may be advantageous to support the bellows elements along a longitudinal length of the bellows assembly to reduce a risk of buckling, i.e. folding, of the bellows assembly in a transverse direction. An object of the guide element and the bellows support frame is thus to restrict movement of the bellows elements to longitudinal motion. The guide element, which may be fixedly attached in relation to the joint, is longitudinally movable in relation to the bellows support frame. It is understood that motion of the guide element is restricted to longitudinal movement in relation to the bellows support frame. In other words, the guide element and consequently the joint are restricted to longitudinal movement, thereby supporting the bellows assembly and preventing it from buckling or bending transversely.

[0018] The hoist system may be any kind of system that transforms longitudinal motion of the bellows support frame into a lifting and / or lowering motion, such as the raised position and the lowered position of the hoist system.

[0019] Optionally, the bellows assembly is longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position. The first position may correspond to the lowered position of the hoist system and the second position may correspond to the raised position of the hoist system.

[0020] The bellows assembly may be configured to pneumatically expand and contract longitudinally between the first position and the second position. The first position may thus be a deflated and contracted state of the bellows assembly, which corresponds to the lowered position of the hoist system. An inflated and expanded state of the bellows assembly corresponds to the raised position of the hoist system. In operation, the raised position of the hoist system also corresponds to a raised position of a wheel axle. A difference in length between the first position and the second position may be the stroke, or stroke length, of the bellows assembly.

[0021] Optionally, the bellows support frame comprises a transverse first wall element and a longitudinal wall element extending longitudinally from the transverse first wall element. The bellows support frame may further comprise a transverse second wall element, longitudinally movable in relation to the first wall element.

[0022] The bellows support frame may comprise at least two longitudinal wall elements arranged around the bellows assembly. The bellows arrangement may further comprise a plurality of guide elements, such that each guide element is slidably connected to a respective longitudinal wall element of the bellows support frame. One guide element may be slidably connected to one, two or more longitudinal wall elements.

[0023] Optionally, the second wall element is slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the longitudinal wall element.

[0024] In correspondence with the above, the second wall element may be slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to each longitudinal wall element. Optionally, the bellows assembly is arranged between the first wall element and the second wall element. The first longitudinal end of the bellows assembly may be fixedly attached to the first wall element, and the second longitudinal end of the bellows assembly may be fixedly attached to the second wall element. Longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly may be configured to move the second wall element in relation to the first wall element.

[0025] Optionally, the longitudinal wall element comprises a longitudinal guide track. The guide element may comprise a transversely projecting protrusion slidably connected to the guide track. The guide track may be configured to restrict the guide element and the bellows assembly to longitudinal movement in relation to the bellows support frame. In case of a plurality of longitudinal wall elements, each longitudinal wall element may comprise a longitudinal guide track connected to a respective transversely projecting protrusion of a respective guide element. Preferably the bellows arrangement comprises two longitudinal wall elements. The bellows assembly may preferably comprise one or two guide elements. In case of one guide element, the guide element may comprise two transversely projecting protrusions, each transversely projecting protrusion connecting to a respective longitudinal wall element.

[0026] Optionally, the protrusion is connected to the guide track via a support bracket attached to the protrusion. The support bracket may be slidable along a friction surface of the guide track. The support bracket may be beneficial for assembly purposes, allowing easy assembly of the guide element to the bellows support frame. More specifically, the support bracket allows easy assembly of the protrusion of the guide element to the support bracket which is arranged with the guide track.

[0027] Optionally, the hoist system comprises a wire rope having a first wire end, configured to be attached to a wheel axle, and a second wire end attached to the second wall element. Longitudinal movement of the second wall element may be configured to move the first wire end of the wire rope between the raised position and the lowered position of the hoist system.

[0028] In accordance with the above, the hoist system may comprise at least two wire ropes, the respective second end of each wire rope being attached to the second wall element. Movement of the second wall element thus directly moves any wire ropes attached to the second wall element. A lowered / raised position of the hoist system corresponds to a lowered / raised position of the first wire end of any wire ropes of the hoist system. Optionally, the wire rope passes over a pulley rotatably mounted on the bellows support frame. The pulley may transform a longitudinal movement of the bellows assembly into a transverse movement of the first wire end of the wire rope.

[0029] In case of a plurality of wire ropes, each wire rope passes over a respective pulley. By using pulleys, the bellows arrangement may, in operation, be oriented such that an improved stroke length is enabled, as compared to single-bellows arrangements, while still enabling a lifting / lowering motion of the first wire end of each wire rope.

[0030] Optionally, the bellows support frame comprises a mounting element configured to be fixedly attached to a vehicle frame of a vehicle.

[0031] The mounting element may be any kind of suitable fixation element for securing the bellows support frame to a vehicle frame. The bellows support frame may comprise a plurality of mounting elements configured to be attached to one or more parts of a vehicle frame.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the object is at least partly achieved by a vehicle according to claim 11 .

[0033] Hence, there is provided a vehicle comprising wheel axles. The vehicle further comprises the bellows arrangement according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0034] As such, the vehicle is provided with a bellows arrangement for lifting a wheel axle, which bellows arrangement is configured to be arranged in a restricted space of the vehicle. Due to the configuration of the bellows assembly of the bellows arrangement, an improved lifting height may be achieved, as compared to a single-bellows device, even though space may be limited around the bellows arrangement.

[0035] The vehicle may extend longitudinally along a longitudinal vehicle axis which is substantially in parallel with a direction of travel when the vehicle is travelling on a straight road.

[0036] Optionally, the vehicle comprises a vehicle frame. The bellows support frame may be attached to the vehicle frame. The first wire end of the wire rope may be attached to the wheel axle.

[0037] The vehicle frame mechanically supports a chassis of the vehicle. Thereby, a plurality of parts, components and systems are assembled with the frame, such as an engine, a drive train, wheel axles, fuel storage, cables, conduits, etc. The vehicle frame thus provides a robust support for the bellows assembly and allows any wire ropes of the hoist system to apply a relative lifting force between the vehicle frame (bellows assembly) and a wheel axle to which the wire ropes are attached. The vehicle frame may extend in a second plane which may be aligned in parallel with the longitudinal vehicle axis. The second plane may also be aligned in parallel with the first plane of the bellows support frame. The wheel axles may extend in parallel with the second axis. Longitudinal movement of the bellows assembly along the first axis may be configured to raise and / or lower the wheel axle along the third axis.

[0038] Optionally, the bellows arrangement may be attached to the vehicle frame, directly or indirectly, via the bellows support frame, such that the bellows arrangement is arranged at least partly within the vehicle frame.

[0039] As such, part of the bellows arrangement may protrude outside the vehicle frame if space around the vehicle frame allows.

[0040] Optionally, the bellows arrangement is attached to the vehicle frame, via the bellows support frame, such that the vehicle frame extends beyond a transverse extension of the bellows arrangement.

[0041] In other words, the bellows arrangement is assembled with the vehicle frame such that the bellows arrangement does not protrude transversely further than the vehicle frame. Thereby, the bellows arrangement may be arranged inside a volume defined by the vehicle frame. Conventionally, space is more limited above and / or below a vehicle frame. The bellows arrangement of the present disclosure may advantageously exploit space inside the frame.

[0042] Optionally, the vehicle frame comprises at least two elongated beam members. The bellows support frame may be fixedly mounted in relation to the beam members, between the beam members.

[0043] The elongated beam members may be aligned substantially in parallel with the longitudinal vehicle axis. The bellows assembly may thus be oriented such that the longitudinal direction of motion is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the elongated beam members. Thereby, the stroke of the bellows assembly is in a direction along the beam members, avoiding intrusion into the limited space above or below the beam members, i.e. above or below the vehicle frame. The beam members may extend in parallel with the second plane.

[0044] The above aspects, accompanying claims, and / or examples disclosed herein above and later below may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Further objects and advantages of, and features of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of one or more embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a bellows arrangement according to an example.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a bellows arrangement according to an example.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a top-down view of a bellows support frame according to an example.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a top-down view of a bellows arrangement according to an example.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a partly exploded view of a bellows-supporting structure according to an example.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a bellows arrangement according to an example.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a top-down view of a vehicle according to an example.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a side view of a vehicle according to an example.

[0055] Fig. 9 shows a perspective detailed view of a vehicle frame according to an example.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0057] The present disclosure is developed in more detail below referring to the appended drawings which show examples of embodiments. The disclosure should not be viewed as limited to the described examples of embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0058] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0059] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 exemplify a bellows arrangement 1 according to the first aspect of the disclosure. The bellows arrangement is intended for a wheel axle lift of a heavy-duty vehicle. The bellows arrangement 1 is configured to provide an improved lifting height for a wheel axle while still being able to fit in limited vehicle spaces. The bellows arrangement 1 comprises a bellows assembly 10 comprising at least two bellows elements 12 assembled at a joint 14 between a first longitudinal end 16 and a second longitudinal end 18 of the bellows assembly 10. A bellows element 12 may comprise a single, or multiple convolutions. The depicted bellows assembly 10 has two assembled bellows elements 12, each comprising two convolutions. The bellows assembly 10 is configured for linear motion in a longitudinal direction. The bellows arrangement 1 further comprises a guide element 20 arranged at the joint 14 between the bellows elements 12, a bellows support frame 22 accommodating the bellows assembly 10, and a hoist system 24 operably connected to the bellows support frame 22. The guide element 20 is slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the bellows support frame 22. Longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly 10 is configured to move the guide element 20 in relation to the bellows support frame 22 and to actuate the hoist system 24 between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0060] As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the bellows arrangement 1 may be configured to be mounted at least partly within a vehicle frame, such as between two elongated beams of the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame may form part of a structural frame of a chassis of a heavy-duty vehicle.

[0061] The bellows assembly 10 may comprise at least two bellows elements 12 assembled in series along a longitudinal axis L. By assembling at least two bellows elements 12, a stroke length of the bellows assembly 10 is increased, as compared to a single bellows element 12. The stroke length may be increased without increasing a transverse size of the bellows assembly 10. The increased stroke length of the bellows assembly enables a greater lifting height of the bellows arrangement 1 , as compared to a bellows arrangement comprising a single bellows element 12.

[0062] The term “transverse” is herein to be understood as direction or extension which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the context of the present disclosure, a transverse direction or extension is thus substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion, i.e. the stroke, of the bellows arrangement 1. It should be noted however, that the expression “substantially perpendicular” is intended to encompass also directions and extensions which deviate from orthogonality to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, a transverse direction or extension, according to the present disclosure, may be defined as being directed or extending at an angle 80-100 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis L.

[0063] For reference, the bellows support frame 22 may extend in a first plane A comprising a first axis x and a second axis y, orthogonal to the first axis x. The plane A may be orthogonal to a third axis z. The longitudinal axis L may be parallel with the first axis x. Accordingly, the second axis y and the third axis z may be considered transverse axes to the longitudinal axis L, and consequently to the first axis x. It follows from the definition above that a “transverse” direction or extension comprises major components along the second axis y and / or the third axis z, and may have a minor component along the first axis x.

[0064] When assembling at least two bellows elements 12 in series, it may be advantageous to support the bellows elements 12 along a longitudinal length of the bellows assembly 10 to reduce a risk of buckling, i.e. folding, of the bellows assembly 10 in a transverse direction. An object of the guide element 20 and the bellows support frame 22 is thus to restrict movement of the bellows elements 12 to longitudinal motion. The guide element 20, which may be fixedly attached in relation to the joint 14, is longitudinally movable in relation to the bellows support frame 22. It is understood that motion of the guide element 20 is restricted to longitudinal movement in relation to the bellows support frame 22. In other words, the guide element 20 and consequently the joint 14 are restricted to longitudinal movement, thereby supporting the bellows assembly 10 and preventing it from buckling or bending transversely. The guide element 20 and the bellows support frame 22 will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0065] The hoist system 24 may be any kind of system that transforms longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly 10 into a lifting and / or lowering motion, such as the raised position and the lowered position of the hoist system 24.

[0066] The bellows assembly 10 may be longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to the lowered position of the hoist system (24) and the second position corresponding to the raised position of the hoist system (24). The bellows assembly 10 may be configured to pneumatically expand and contract longitudinally between the first position and the second position. The first position may thus be a deflated and contracted state of the bellows assembly 10, which corresponds to the lowered position of the hoist system 24, as exemplified in Fig. 1. An inflated and expanded state of the bellows assembly 10 corresponds to the raised position of the hoist system 24, as exemplified in Fig. 2. In operation, the raised position of the hoist system 24 also corresponds to a raised position of a wheel axle, as will be shown below. A difference in length between the first position and the second position may defined as the stroke, or stroke length, of the bellows assembly 10.

[0067] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of an exemplary bellows support frame 22, which may comprise a transverse first wall element 26 and a longitudinal wall element 28 extending longitudinally from the transverse first wall element 26. The bellows support frame 22 may further comprise a transverse second wall element 30, longitudinally movable in relation to the first wall element 26. The bellows support frame 22 may comprise at least two longitudinal wall elements 28 arranged around the bellows assembly 10 (See Fig. 4). The illustrated bellows support frame comprises two longitudinal wall elements 28.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows the bellows support frame 22 comprised in the bellows arrangement 1. The bellows arrangement 1 may further comprise a plurality of guide elements 20, such that each guide element 20 is slidably connected to a respective longitudinal wall element 28 of the bellows support frame 22. One guide element 20 may be slidably connected to one, two or more longitudinal wall elements 28. The second wall element 30 may be slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the longitudinal wall element 28. In correspondence with the above, the second wall element 30 may be slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to each longitudinal wall element 28.

[0069] The bellows assembly 10 may be arranged between the first wall element 26 and the second wall element 30. The first longitudinal end 16 of the bellows assembly 10 may be fixedly attached to the first wall element 26, and the second longitudinal end 18 of the bellows assembly 10 may be fixedly attached to the second wall element 30. Longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly 10 may be configured to move the second wall element 30 in relation to the first wall element 26.

[0070] In order to support the bellows assembly transversely, the longitudinal wall element 28 may comprise a longitudinal guide track 32, as exemplified in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The guide element 20 may comprise a transversely projecting protrusion 34 slidably connected to the guide track 32. The guide track 32 may be configured to restrict the guide element 20 and the bellows assembly 10 to longitudinal movement in relation to the bellows support frame 22. In case of a plurality of longitudinal wall elements 28, each longitudinal wall element 28 may comprise a longitudinal guide track 32 connected to a respective transversely projecting protrusion 34 of a respective guide element 20. Preferably, the bellows arrangement 1 comprises two longitudinal wall elements 28, arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the bellows assembly 10. In the illustrated example, comprising two longitudinal wall elements 28 and two bellows elements 12, the bellows assembly 10 may preferably comprise one or two guide elements 20. In case of one guide element 20, the guide element may comprise two transversely projecting protrusions 34, each transversely projecting protrusion 34 connecting to a respective longitudinal wall element 28. In case of two guide elements 20, the guide elements are assembled in abutment with each other, each having two projecting protrusions 34 connecting to a respective longitudinal wall element 28. For assembly purposes, two guide elements 20, arranged at the joint 14 between the bellows elements 12, may be preferable.

[0071] Each protrusion 34 may be connected to the guide track 32 via a support bracket 36 attached to the protrusion 34. The support bracket 36 may be slidable along a friction surface 38 of the guide track 32. The guide track 32 may be assembled with a longitudinal slot of the longitudinal wall element 28 of the bellows support frame 22, as exemplified in Fig. 6. The support bracket 36 may be beneficial for assembly purposes, allowing easy assembly of the guide element 20 to the bellows support frame 22. More specifically, the support bracket 36 allows easy connection of the protrusion 34 of the guide element 20 to the support bracket 36 which is arranged slidable along with the guide track 32.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 6, The bellows support frame 22 may comprise a mounting element 50 configured to be fixedly attached to a vehicle frame of a vehicle, as will be described hereinbelow. The mounting element 50 may be any kind of suitable fixation element for securing the bellows support frame 22 to a vehicle frame. The bellows support frame 22 may comprise a plurality of mounting elements 50 configured to be attached to one or more parts, such as beams, of a vehicle frame.

[0073] As also shown in Fig. 6, the hoist system 24 may comprise a wire rope 40 having a first wire end 42, configured to be attached to a wheel axle 46, and a second wire end 44 attached to the second wall element 30, and wherein longitudinal movement of the second wall element 30 is configured to move the first wire end 42 of the wire rope 40 between the raised position and the lowered position of the hoist system 24.

[0074] In accordance with the above, the hoist system 24 may comprise at least two wire ropes 40, the respective second end 44 of each wire rope 40 being attached to the second wall element 30. Movement of the second wall element 30 thus directly moves any wire ropes 40 attached to the second wall element 30. A lowered / raised position of the hoist system 24 corresponds to a lowered / raised position of the first wire end 42 of any wire ropes 40 of the hoist system 24. The wire rope 40 may pass over a pulley 48 rotatably mounted on the bellows support frame 22. The pulley 48 may transform a longitudinal movement of the bellows assembly 10 into a transverse movement of the first wire end 42 of the wire rope 40.

[0075] In case of a plurality of wire ropes 40, each wire rope 40 passes over a respective pulley 48. By using pulleys 48, the bellows arrangement 1 may, in operation, be mounted and oriented in a direction which is free from neighbouring components, allowing a full stroke of the bellows assembly 10. It is, however, envisaged that the longitudinal axis L of the bellows arrangement 1 will, in operation, be mounted substantially horizontally in a vehicle positioned on a horizontal surface. Consequently, transverse movement of the first wire end(s) 42 will be a substantially vertical movement in relation to the horizontal surface on which the vehicle is positioned.

[0076] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a vehicle 2 according to the second aspect of the disclosure. Although a truck is illustrated, the vehicle 2 may be any kind of heavy-duty vehicle, such as a bus or construction equipment. The vehicle 2 comprises wheel axles 46. The vehicle 2 further comprises the bellows arrangement 1 according to the first aspect of the disclosure for raising and / or lowering a wheel axle 46. The vehicle 2 is depicted with four wheel axles 46. At least one wheel axle 46 is liftable by a bellows arrangement 1. In the side view of Fig. 8, a wheel 56 arranged on the liftable wheel axle 46 is outlined by a dashed line to not obscure the wheel axle 46. The bellows arrangement 1 may be configured to be arranged in a restricted space of the vehicle 2. Due to the configuration of the bellows assembly 10 of the bellows arrangement 1 , an improved lifting height may be achieved, as compared to single-bellows device, even though space may be limited around the bellows arrangement 1. The vehicle 2 may extend longitudinally along a longitudinal vehicle axis L’ which is substantially in parallel with a direction of travel when the vehicle 2 is travelling on a straight road.

[0077] The vehicle 2 may comprise a vehicle frame 52. An example of a section of the vehicle frame 52 is shown in Fig. 9. The bellows support frame 22 may be attached to the vehicle frame 52 and the first wire end 42 of the wire rope 40 may be attached to the wheel axle 46. The vehicle frame 52 mechanically supports a chassis of the vehicle. Thereby, a plurality of parts, components and systems are assembled with the frame and supported by it, such as an engine, a drive train, wheel axles, fuel storage, battery pack, cables, conduits, etc. The vehicle frame 52 thus provides a robust support for the bellows arrangement 1 and allows any wire ropes 40 of the hoist system 24 to apply a relative lifting force between the vehicle frame 52, to which the bellows arrangement 1 is attached, and a wheel axle 46 to which the wire ropes 40 are attached. For reference, the vehicle frame 52 may extend in a second plane A’ which may be aligned in parallel with the longitudinal vehicle axis L’. The second plane A’ may also be aligned in parallel with the first plane A of the bellows support frame 22 when the bellows arrangement 1 is assembled with the vehicle 2. The wheel axles 46 may thus extend in parallel with the second axis y. Longitudinal movement of the bellows assembly 10 along the first axis x may be configured to raise and / or lower the wheel axle 46 along the third axis z. Optionally, the bellows arrangement 1 may be mounted slightly inclined in relation to the vehicle frame 52, such that the first plane A is slightly inclined in relation to the second plane A’, i.e. such that the longitudinal axis L is non-parallel with the second plane A’ and non-parallel with the longitudinal vehicle axis L’. Depending on available space, an inclined bellows arrangement 1 may in some cases be preferable.

[0078] As exemplified by Fig. 9, the bellows arrangement 1 may be attached to the vehicle frame 52, directly or indirectly, via the bellows support frame 22, such that the bellows arrangement 1 is arranged at least partly within the vehicle frame 52. As such, part of the bellows arrangement 1 may protrude outside the vehicle frame 52 if space around the vehicle fram 52 allows.

[0079] Alternatively, the bellows arrangement 1 may be attached to the vehicle frame 52, directly or indirectly, via the bellows support frame 22, such that the vehicle frame 52 extends beyond a transverse extension of the bellows arrangement 1. A first transverse height h of the bellows arrangement 1 may be smaller than a second transverse height H of the frame 52. The first transverse height h and the second transverse height H may be defined as extensions of the bellows arrangement 1 and the vehicle frame 52, respectively, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. More specifically the first and second transverse heights h, H may be seen as extending vertically, or along the third axis z. Thereby, the bellows arrangement 1 may be arranged inside a volume defined by the vehicle frame 52. In other words, the bellows arrangement 1 may be assembled with the vehicle frame 52 such that the bellows arrangement 1 does not protrude transversely further than the vehicle frame 52. Conventionally, space is more limited above and / or below a vehicle frame 52. By aligning the longitudinal axis L of the bellows arrangement 1 along an extension of the elongated beams 54, the bellows arrangement 1 of the present disclosure may advantageously exploit available space inside the vehicle frame 52 to enable the improved stroke length of the present disclosure.

[0080] The vehicle frame 52 may comprise at least two elongated beam members 54. The bellows support frame 22 may be fixedly mounted in relation to the beam members 54, between the beam members 54. As shown in Fig. 9, the bellows support frame 22 may for instance be fixed to the beam members 54 by bolting the mounting elements 50 to the beam members 54. The transverse height H of the frame 52 may correspond to a transverse height of the beam members 54. The elongated beam members 54 may be aligned substantially in parallel with the longitudinal vehicle axis L’. The bellows assembly 10 may thus be oriented such that the longitudinal direction of motion is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the elongated beam members 54. Thereby, the stroke of the bellows assembly 10 is in a direction along the beam members 54, avoiding intrusion into the limited space above or below the beam members 54, i.e. above or below the vehicle frame 52. Consequently, the beam members 54 may extend substantially in parallel with the second plane A’.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bellows arrangement (1) for a wheel axle lift, the bellows arrangement (1) comprising: a bellows assembly (10) comprising at least two bellows elements (12) assembled at a joint (14) between a first longitudinal end (16) and a second longitudinal end (18) of the bellows assembly (10), the bellows assembly (10) being configured for linear motion in a longitudinal direction, a guide element (20) arranged at the joint (14), between the bellows elements (12), a bellows support frame (22) accommodating the bellows assembly (10), a hoist system (24) operably connected to the bellows support frame (22), and wherein the guide element (20) is slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the bellows support frame (22), and wherein longitudinal motion of the bellows assembly (10) is configured to move the guide element (20) in relation to the bellows support frame (22) and to actuate the hoist system (24) between a raised position and a lowered position.

2. The bellows arrangement (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the bellows assembly (10) is longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to the lowered position of the hoist system (24) and the second position corresponding to the raised position of the hoist system (24).

3. The bellows arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the bellows support frame (22) comprises a transverse first wall element (26) and a longitudinal wall element (28) extending longitudinally from the transverse first wall element (26), the bellows support frame (22) further comprising a transverse second wall element (30), longitudinally movable in relation to the first wall element (26).

4. The bellows arrangement (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the second wall element (30) is slidably connected to, and longitudinally movable in relation to the longitudinal wall element (28).

5. The bellows arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the bellows assembly (10) is arranged between the first wall element (26) and the second wall element (30), and wherein the first longitudinal end (16) of the bellows assembly (10) is fixedly attached to the first wall element (26), and the second longitudinal end (18) of the bellows assembly is fixedly attached to the second wall element (30), and whereinlongitudinal motion of the bellows assembly (10) is configured to move the second wall element (30) in relation to the first wall element (26).

6. The bellows arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the longitudinal wall element (28) comprises a longitudinal guide track (32) and wherein the guide element (20) comprises a transversely projecting protrusion (34) slidably connected to the guide track (32), the guide track (32) being configured to restrict the guide element (20) and the bellows assembly (10) to longitudinal movement in relation to the bellows support frame (22).

7. The bellows arrangement (1) according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion (34) is connected to the guide track (32) via a support bracket (36) attached to the protrusion (34), the support bracket (36) being slidable along a friction surface (38) of the guide track (32).

8. The bellows arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the hoist system (24) comprises a wire rope (40) having a first wire end (42), configured to be attached to a wheel axle (46), and a second wire end (44) attached to the second wall element (30), and wherein longitudinal movement of the second wall element (30) is configured to move the first wire end (42) of the wire rope (40) between the raised position and the lowered position of the hoist system (24).

9. The bellows arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the wire rope (40) passes over a pulley (48) rotatably mounted on the bellows support frame (22), and wherein the pulley (48) transforms a longitudinal movement of the bellows assembly (10) into a transverse movement of the first wire end (42) of the wire rope (40).

10. The bellows arrangement (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the bellows support frame (22) comprises a mounting element (50) configured to be fixedly attached to a vehicle frame (52) of a vehicle (2).

11. A vehicle (2) comprising wheel axles (46), wherein the vehicle (2) further comprises the bellows arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-10 for raising and / or lowering a wheel axle (46).

12. The vehicle (2) according to claim 11 , wherein the vehicle (2) comprises a vehicle frame (52), wherein the bellows support frame (22) is attached to the vehicle frame (52) and wherein the first wire end (42) of the wire rope (40) is attached to the wheel axle (46).

13. The vehicle (2) according to claim 12, wherein the bellows arrangement (1) is attached to the vehicle frame (52), via the bellows support frame (22), such that the bellows arrangement (1) is arranged at least partly within the vehicle frame (52).

14. The vehicle (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the bellows arrangement (1) is attached to the vehicle frame (52), via the bellows support frame (22), such that the vehicle frame (52) extends beyond a transverse extension of the bellows arrangement (1).

15. The vehicle (2) according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle frame (52) comprises at least two elongated beam members (54), wherein the bellows support frame (22) is fixedly mounted in relation to the beam members (54), between the beam members (54).

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