Steer axle suspension
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorGregory Richardson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.
Claims20
A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame having first and second longitudinal frame rails, comprising:
- a body coupled to an axle beam of said steer axle assembly;
- a first arm extending from said body, said first arm coupled to said frame at one end and pivotable about a pivot axis disposed proximate said one end and extending transversely to said first and second longitudinal frame rails;
- and,
- a first guide member connected to said body and received within an aperture defined by a bracket of said frame wherein said aperture is configured to limit lateral movement of said first guide member and said axle beam relative to said first and second longitudinal frame rails, but allow vertical movement of said first guide member and said axle beam relative to said first and second longitudinal frame rails.
A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame having first and second longitudinal frame rails, comprising:
- a body coupled to an axle beam of said steer axle assembly;
- and,
- a first arm extending from said body, said first arm coupled to said frame at one end and pivotable about a pivot axis disposed proximate said one end and extending transversely to said first and second longitudinal frame rails;
- and,
- means for limiting lateral movement while permitting vertical movement of said body and said axle beam relative to said first and second longitudinal frame rails.
A steer axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle including a vehicle frame having first and second longitudinal frame rails, comprising:
- a steer axle assembly including:
- an axle beam extending transversely to said first and second frame rails, said axle beam defining a bore at one end;
- a kingpin disposed within said bore;
- and,
- a steering knuckle supported on said kingpin;
- and,
- a suspension including
- a body coupled to said axle beam of said steer axle assembly;
- a first arm extending from said body, said first arm coupled to said frame at one end and pivotable about a pivot axis disposed proximate said one end and extending transversely to said first and second longitudinal frame rails;
- and,
- a first guide member connected to said body and received within an aperture defined by a bracket of said frame wherein said aperture is configured to limit lateral movement of said first guide member and said axle beam relative to said first and second longitudinal frame rails, but allow vertical movement of said first guide member and said axle beam relative to said first and second longitudinal frame rails.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.