Modular rear axle suspension and drive arrangement for trucks
AssigneeCaterpillar Tractor Co.
InventorRobert N. Stedman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A truck comprises a main frame having a U-shaped subframe, including a pair of side beams and a forward cross-beam, universally mounted thereon by a ball and socket connection. A rearward end of each side beam is mounted under the main frame of the truck by a suspension cylinder pivotally interconnected therebetween. A drive motor is mounted on each of the side beams and has an output shaft thereof drivingly connected to at least one roadwheel, rotatably mounted on a spindle secured to a rearward end of each side beam. A rearward cross-beam is preferably secured between the rearward ends of the side beams in axial alignment with the spindles.
Claims12
A modular axle suspension and drive arrangement adapted for attachment to the main frame of a vehicle comprising
- a generally U-shaped sub-frame having a pair of laterally spaced side beams secured together at forward ends thereof by a forward cross-beam disposed transversely relative thereto,
- a drive motor, having an output shaft, mounted on each of said side beams,
- a spindle secured on a rearward end of each of said side beams and extending laterally outwardly therefrom, the drive motor mounted on each of said side beams being disposed longitudinally between said spindle and said cross-beam,
- at least one roadwheel rotatably mounted on each of said spindles, and
- drive means drivingly interconnected between the output shaft of each drive motor and a respective roadwheel for selectively driving the same.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.