Heavy vehicle suspension with unitized narrow profile bolster beam hanger assembly and outboard spring mount

US4718692A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• John E. Raidel · Springfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 7, 1986
• Grant date: Jan 12, 1988
• Expiry date: Oct 7, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2202/21
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A suspension for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a narrow profile skirt-type hanger with a unitized bolster beam extending laterally beneath the chassis between hangers at opposite sides of the vehicle, an axle seat assembly rigidly secured to the axle with a torque arm resiliently connected thereto at a pair of spaced-apart locations, the forward end of the torque arm being pivotally mounted to the bolster beam at the hanger assembly, and an outboard mounted air spring mounted outboard of the chassis between the axle seat assembly and an upper spring mount. A second embodiment of the suspension includes an overslung axle seat assembly rigidly secured to a trunnion rod, offset from a stub-axle supporting the wheel. A second bolster beam extends laterally between axle seat assemblies at opposite sides of the vehicle, such that both the first and second bolster beams and the trunnion rod extending laterally underneath the chassis between like suspensions on the opposite side of the vehicle. The hanger and torque arm are recessed inwardly relative to the air spring.