Centrifugal Force Transmission Linkage Patents (Class 280/124.107)
-
Publication number: 20130234412Abstract: Injection molding is performed such that the reinforced resin is injected into the cavity and the space. The fixing portion shown is formed at the bottom portion side of the side surface portion of the main body portion by the injection molding. In this case, the fixing protrusion stripe portion, which is fitted to the fixing groove portion of the main body portion, is formed at the fixing portion. The projection portion projecting from the hole portion of the housing to an external portion is formed at the bottom portion of the fixing portion, and the projection portion is formed to have the shape engaging with the outer surface of the bottom portion of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
-
Patent number: 8517404Abstract: To provide a toe correct bush having excellent durability and a novel structure, the toe correct bush effectively achieving improvement in running stability during steering with a toe correction function and improvement in straight line performance with an intermediate restraining plate. A first intermediate restraining member is provided between opposing surfaces of an inner inclined portion and an outer inclined portion and is fixed to a compression rubber, the first intermediate restraining member spreading and being isolated from the opposing surfaces of the inner inclined portion and the outer inclined portion. A second intermediate restraining member is provided independent from the first intermediate restraining member between opposing surfaces of an inner flange and an outer flange and is fixed to a connecting rubber, the second intermediate restraining member spreading and being isolated from the opposing surfaces of the inner flange and the outer flange.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Ryusuke Yamada, Yorikazu Nakamura
-
Patent number: 8505938Abstract: A sway bar assembly includes a sway bar, a biasing member, and a winder assembly. The sway bar includes a central portion, a left end portion, and a right end portion. The central portion is configured for pivotal coupling to a frame of a vehicle. The left end portion is configured for coupling with a left support arm. The right end portion is configured for coupling with a right support arm. The biasing member is configured to be fixed to a frame of a vehicle. The winder assembly is coupled with the biasing member and configured to facilitate selective movement of the biasing member with respect to the sway bar.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Darin D. King
-
Patent number: 8500148Abstract: A device for reducing roll in motor vehicles. The device includes a first and second traction mechanism and at least a first and second deflecting and rebounding suspension part connected to different vehicle sides of a vehicle body, the first and second traction mechanisms connected at one end to the first suspension part at a first connecting point and at the other end to the second suspension part at a second connecting point. Furthermore, the first traction mechanism is guided deflectably between the first and second connecting points by a first guide means mounted on the vehicle body above the first connecting point and below the second connecting point, and the second traction mechanism is guided deflectably between the first and second connecting points by a second guide means mounted on the vehicle body below the first connecting point and above the second connecting point.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen
-
Patent number: 8490987Abstract: There is provided a stabilizer bar in which through holes are not positionally offset even if the attachment portions are bent after the through holes are formed therein. A stabilizer bar is composed of a steel pipe material bent to an approximate U-shape and has attachment portions formed by deforming the free ends of the steel material in a flat plate shape. Through holes are formed in the attachment portions to fix them to a vehicle body, and each of the attachment portions has a cross section configured as a three-layer structure that is partitioned by first and second overlapping surfaces of a folded hollow portion. That is, the three-layered structure is composed of an upper layer portion positioned on the first overlapping surfaces, an intermediate layer portion positioned between the first and second overlapping surfaces, and a lower layer portion positioned under the first overlapping surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetaka Narishima, Yukio Yamagishi, Naoki Tokita
-
Patent number: 8485539Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system includes a fixed housing having a canister and end caps forming an enclosure. A rod moves axially relative to the housing. Abutment members on the rod are separated by a spring and confront or telescope into end stops in the housing, depending upon a rotated position of the end stops relative to the abutment members.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Christopher F. Bidlake, Dennis M. Mark
-
Patent number: 8485541Abstract: A suspension for use on two front/rear wheels of a tricycle includes a linking assembly comprising two H-shaped lower supports, two H-shaped upper supports, two coupling members each secured to a hub of the front/rear wheel, and a plurality of internally threaded linkages for pivotably securing the upper supports together, pivotably securing the lower supports together, and pivotably fastening each coupling member between the upper support and the lower support at the same side together; and an elongated shock absorber having both ends secured the upper supports.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Inventor: Nicola Pozio
-
Patent number: 8480101Abstract: An anti-roll device for a vehicle may include a lower arm disposed at both sides of a sub-frame, a rotation mounter formed at a middle portion of the sub-frame, a spring unit of which the middle portion is rotatably disposed at the rotation mounter, and a push rod connected to both sides of the spring unit and the lower arm, wherein the spring unit includes a plate spring of which both end portions are bent in opposite directions, an engagement portion having an engagement hole in the middle portion thereof is formed, and a bolt hole is formed at both ends thereof, an assistant spring that is disposed at both sides of the engagement portion and an assemble hole is formed in the middle portion corresponding to the engagement hole, and an engagement yoke engaged with the plate spring and the assistant spring and disposed on the rotation mounter.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Daesik Ko, Jong Min Kim
-
Publication number: 20130147144Abstract: An anti-roll device for a vehicle may include a lower arm disposed at both sides of a sub-frame, a rotation mounter formed at a middle portion of the sub-frame, a spring unit of which the middle portion is rotatably disposed at the rotation mounter, and a push rod connected to both sides of the spring unit and the lower arm, wherein the spring unit includes a plate spring of which both end portions are bent in opposite directions, an engagement portion having an engagement hole in the middle portion thereof is formed, and a bolt hole is formed at both ends thereof, an assistant spring that is disposed at both sides of the engagement portion and an assemble hole is formed in the middle portion corresponding to the engagement hole, and an engagement yoke engaged with the plate spring and the assistant spring and disposed on the rotation mounter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae JANG, Daesik KO, Jong Min KIM
-
Publication number: 20130113176Abstract: It is an object to effectively enhance rigidity of a subframe installed to couple a pair of right and left wheel suspension members, with a simple structure, and allow a stabilizer to be adequately installed. A subframe (3) installed to couple a pair of right and left wheel suspension members (2) together comprises a cross member (31) provided with a lateral-link support portion (14, 18) supporting an end of the lateral link (5, 6), a pair of right and left side members (33) each extending from a respective one of opposite vehicle-widthwise outer ends of the cross member (31), in a vehicle longitudinal direction; and a pair of right and left reinforcing members (35) each reinforcing a coupling section between the lateral-link support portion (14, 18) of the cross member (31) or a vicinity thereof, and a respective one of the side members (33).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroaki Eguchi, Masaaki Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20130099460Abstract: It is an object to obtain excellent suspension performance and effectively enhance steering stability during vehicle turning, with a simple configuration. A vehicle suspension apparatus comprises an upper lateral link (5) and a lower lateral link (6) each having one end (5a, 6a) swingably mounted to a wheel carrying member (1) and the other end (5b, 6b) swingably supported by a vehicle body, while being installed to extend in a vehicle widthwise direction, and a lower link (7) having one end mounted to a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at a position rearward of a rotary shaft of a wheel, and the other end swingably supported by the vehicle body. The one ends (5a, 6a) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are mounted, respectively, to an upper portion and a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at positions frontward of the rotary shaft of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Shin Murata
-
Patent number: 8424891Abstract: Semi-tubular portions of two partition members partitioning a bushing body into an outer rubber portion and an inner rubber portion are asymmetrically arranged with respect to a reference plane containing a central axis of the bushing body and parallel to two attachment surfaces of a bracket. In addition, each of the semi-tubular portions is configured to have a length equal to or larger than a diameter of a stabilizer bar, the length being from one end to the other end in a circumferential direction of the semi-tubular portion in a projection view obtained by projecting the semi-tubular portion to a horizontal surface in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Nagai, Hideo Yanagino, Kouichi Kobayashi, Yuji Homma
-
Patent number: 8424890Abstract: A connection device for the torque transmitting connection of a connection component (2) to a hollow shaft (1). The connection component (2) comprises a penetrating recess (8) corresponding in shape to the outside cross section of the hollow shaft (1) for receiving one end of the hollow shaft (1), and the hollow shaft comprises a press-fit plug (9) in the area of the connection to the connection component (2) that forms an interference fit with the inner cross section of the hollow shaft (1). Preferably, the connection device is a press-fit plug (9) additionally designed as a bearing seat (10, 11) for at least one bearing (13, 14) assigned to the hollow shaft. The connection device allows durable and reliable transmission of high torques and it is possible to connect further components to the connection between the hollow shaft and the connection component. The connection device allows a reduction in construction space, mass and costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jens Eismann, Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst
-
Publication number: 20130093153Abstract: A method of coating an automotive stabilizer bar having a curved portion and a straight portion includes electrically heating the stabilizer bar such that a surface temperature of the straight portion increases at a rate of 10-30° C./sec and then coating a surface of the electrically pre-heated stabilizer bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toru Ito, Yoshitaka Ukei
-
Patent number: 8382129Abstract: A stabilizer bar is intended for use in a vehicle, and a torsion part of the stabilizer bar is fixed to the vehicle body by a fixing member. A resin sheathing is provided integrally on an outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar. The fixing member is composed of the sheathing, a rubber bush disposed on the outer periphery of the sheathing, and a mounting fixture for mounting the rubber bush on the vehicle body side so as to cover the outer periphery of the rubber bush. The sheathing and the rubber bush are immovably assembled to each other. Thus, there may be provided a vehicle stabilizer, highly durable, easily mountable and replaceable, low-cost, and highly operable.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., NHK International CorporationInventors: Hironobu Sugiura, Shigeru Kuroda, Kiyoshi Kurimoto, Yurika Goto, Shinichi Nishizawa
-
Publication number: 20130009374Abstract: A divided roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle between whose two stabilizer parts (2a) an actuator (1) can be arranged for a torsion of the stabilizer parts (2a). At least one of the stabilizer parts (2a) is provided with a torsion transmitting connecting part (4a) for connection to the actuator (1), and the connecting part (4a) is magnetically coded.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Bernd Wittmann, Ralf Mayer, Andrea Lottes, Norbert Hofmann
-
Publication number: 20120299261Abstract: Semi-tubular portions of two partition members partitioning a bushing body into an outer rubber portion and an inner rubber portion are asymmetrically arranged with respect to a reference plane containing a central axis of the bushing body and parallel to two attachment surfaces of a bracket. In addition, each of the semi-tubular portions is configured to have a length equal to or larger than a diameter of a stabilizer bar, the length being from one end to the other end in a circumferential direction of the semi-tubular portion in a projection view obtained by projecting the semi-tubular portion to a horizontal surface in a vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hiroaki NAGAI, Hideo YANAGINO, Kouichi KOBAYASHI, Yuji HOMMA
-
Patent number: 8317208Abstract: Vehicle suspension having arms (6) and (7) for each wheel (14) and (15) respectively, each arm (6) having more than one sprung strut (18) and (19) of which two such struts each operates exclusively between two different arms. Each arm's rotational axis (28) and (38) respectively intersects a vertical longitudinal plane through the center of road contact with the wheel at a point (45) and (46) respectively on a straight lines (47) and (48) respectively between the center of contact with the road and a point at or near the anticipated center of gravity (49) of the suspended mass projected onto the plane. Preferably, the vehicle transmission avoids applying a moment about the arm's rotation axis, braking is attached to the arm and steering linkage is passed through or near the arm's axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Alan Bryn Bird
-
Patent number: 8292312Abstract: A stabilizer bushing is provided which effectively reduces a torsional friction between a bushing body and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bushing includes a bushing body 16 made of a tubular elastic body, a sliding member 42 fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the tubular elastic body, and two partition members 26, 26 embedded in and bonded to a radially middle area of the bushing body 16. The partition members 26, 26 divide the bushing body 16 into an inner rubber portion 38 that is thin enough not to be elastically-deformed by a load applied thereto and an outer rubber portion 40 that is thicker than the inner rubber portion 38. Further, each of the partition members 26, 26 includes through holes 36a, 36b, 36c that are located so as to divide the partition member into a plurality of sections both in the axial and circumferential directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiko Kato, Hiroaki Nagai, Hideo Yanagino, Katsuzo Okada, Kouichi Kobayashi, Yuji Homma, Shinji Hayashi
-
Patent number: 8240688Abstract: Forming a recess in an intermediate section in an axis direction of an outer peripheral face of a stabilizer bush allows the contact surface pressure between an inner peripheral face thereof and an outer peripheral face of a torsion portion to be low in a section where the recess is formed. Therefore, when the torsion portion twistedly deforms, slipping against the torsion portion starts from the intermediate section in the axis direction of the stabilizer bush, and the slipping spreads to opposite end parts in the axis direction, thus enhancing the ride comfort of a vehicle. Moreover, open ends of axially opposite end parts of the stabilizer bush, where no recess is formed, are put in intimate contact with the outer peripheral face of the torsion portion, thus preventing sand and mud from entering therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuo Miyamoto
-
Publication number: 20120193885Abstract: A stabilizer coupling for use in a roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle has at least one actuator, with the actuator being formed by an outer profile element and an inner profile element. An elastically deformable body is arranged between the outer profile element and the inner profile element. The outer profile element is formed as a hollow profile component, in particular a hollow profile component constructed as an extruded profile and made from a light metal alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: OLIVER SEIBT, Jürgen Krogmeier, Igor Illg, Friso Berheide, Andreas Janzen
-
Patent number: 8220807Abstract: An antiroll device for the suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a torsion bar and two lateral links articulated to this bar and to two lateral shock absorbers. At least one of the links (9) is telescopic and includes a piston (13) mounted so it can slide in a piston tube (14) via a rod (15) connected to the hinge connecting the link to the adjacent shock absorber, the piston being mobile due to the movement of this connection and cooperating in compression with return means (17) housed inside the said tube. The return means include two compressible stop components (18 and 19) which are designed to impart to the link a progressive stiffness which increases with the amplitude of the movements of the axis of the adjacent wheel (2a), so that this wheel is substantially uncoupled from the torsion bar or coupled to it for small or large-amplitude movements respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: HutchinsonInventors: Cédric Lorenzon, Jérôme Le Saint, Thierry Beauvilain, Christine Faure
-
Patent number: 8220808Abstract: The rear suspension of a vehicle may include trailing arms connected by a torsion beam at both sides thereof, an in-wheel motor case attached to an outer lateral side of the trailing arm, a brake caliper fixed to the in-wheel motor case, a shock absorber having a lower end fixed to the in-wheel motor case, and a hub bearing fixed to an outer lateral side of the in-wheel motor case.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sangil Kim
-
Publication number: 20120153591Abstract: An improved traction device for a motor vehicle provides a rear support assembly positioned proximate to a rear axle and an adjacent portion of a leaf spring and a front rocker support assembly. The front rocker support assembly includes a front leaf spring bracket assembly attached to a selected portion of the leaf spring between the axle and the front leaf spring mount, a rocker pivotally attached to the front leaf spring bracket assembly, and a rocker head connected to an end of the rocker for engaging a lower surface of the leaf spring to limit pivotal movement of the front rocker support assembly relative to the front end of the leaf spring, and. An adjustable rigid link extends between the rear support assembly and the front rocker support assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Kim H. Smith
-
Patent number: 8177245Abstract: A suspension is provided for non-steered wheels on a motor vehicle body. The suspension includes, but is not limited to a twist-beam rear axle with a Watt linkage. A top rocker arm of the Watt linkage is mounted on the motor vehicle body. The Watt linkage prevents the motor vehicle from oversteering during cornering. The damping bushes can be disconnected in part from wheel-guiding functions as the Watt linkage performs a major part of the wheel guiding functions, which leaves some freedom for designing the characteristics so as to significantly increase motoring comfort.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gerd Bitz, Werner Brinker, Dirk Ehrlich, Michael Harder, Matthew S. Purdy, Wolfgang Stoff
-
Patent number: 8172244Abstract: A rear axle for a motor vehicle has two longitudinal links, each pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a cross member that connects the links to each other in the transverse vehicle direction and is coupled to each of the links in a rigid manner, and a Panhard rod extending substantially in the transverse direction that is joined on one end to a link or to the cross member, and on the other end to a joining point on the body side. The rear axle further has a longitudinal strut substantially extending in the longitudinal vehicle direction that is connected to the body at a forward end section in a rigid manner and forms the joining point for the Panhard rod on a free rear end section. The rear axle has an installation space requirement corresponding to a four-link rear axle.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Ingo Winter
-
Patent number: 8109522Abstract: A stabilizer bar system that includes a first stabilizer bar, a second stabilizer bar and a clutch having a clutch housing and a plurality of coupling members housed in the clutch housing. The first stabilizer bar is received in the clutch housing for rotation relative to the clutch housing about a rotational axis. The second stabilizer bar is fixedly coupled to the clutch housing. The coupling members are configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the first stabilizer bar to the clutch housing such that the clutch housing is employed to transmit torque between the first and second stabilizer bars.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
-
Publication number: 20120018972Abstract: A device for reducing roll in motor vehicles. The device includes a first and second traction mechanism and at least a first and second deflecting and rebounding suspension part connected to different vehicle sides of a vehicle body, the first and second traction mechanisms connected at one end to the first suspension part at a first connecting point and at the other end to the second suspension part at a second connecting point. Furthermore, the first traction mechanism is guided deflectably between the first and second connecting points by a first guide means mounted on the vehicle body above the first connecting point and below the second connecting point, and the second traction mechanism is guided deflectably between the first and second connecting points by a second guide means mounted on the vehicle body below the first connecting point and above the second connecting point.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen
-
Publication number: 20110291377Abstract: A stabilizer bushing is provided which effectively reduces a torsional friction between a bushing body and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bushing includes a bushing body 16 made of a tubular elastic body, a sliding member 42 fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the tubular elastic body, and two partition members 26, 26 embedded in and bonded to a radially middle area of the bushing body 16. The partition members 26, 26 divide the bushing body 16 into an inner rubber portion 38 that is thin enough not to be elastically-deformed by a load applied thereto and an outer rubber portion 40 that is thicker than the inner rubber portion 38. Further, each of the partition members 26, 26 includes through holes 36a, 36b, 36c that are located so as to divide the partition member into a plurality of sections both in the axial and circumferential directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko KATO, Hiroaki NAGAI, Hideo YANAGINO, Katsuzo OKADA, Kouichi KOBAYASHI, Yuji HOMMA, Shinji HAYASHI
-
Patent number: 8065056Abstract: A vehicle roll control system, comprising a front torsion bar(22), attached to the front hydraulic actuator (34) and a rear torsion bar (24) attached to the rear hydraulic actuator (34?). A pressure control valve (99) is fluidly connected between a pressure source (80) and a reservoir (81). A directional valve (82) is fluidly connected between the pressure control valve (99) and the hydraulic actuators (34,34?). A pressure relief valve (83,84) fluidly connects the directional valve to the pressure source (80) or the reservoir (81) and is actuated to create pressure differential between first fluid chambers (58,58?) of the hydraulic actuators (34,34?)and/or to create pressure differential between second fluid chambers (60,60?) of the hydraulic actuators (34,34?).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.Inventors: Philippe Germain, Christophe Cardon, Bruno Perree, Frederic Sauvage
-
Patent number: 7988164Abstract: An arrangement of a roll stabilization system equipped with a split lateral stabilizer and an arrangement of a steering system on a double track motor vehicle is provided. A gear of the roll stabilization system is arranged essentially coaxially between two halves of the lateral stabilizer rotatable with respect to one another, and a motor for introducing a stabilization torque is arranged at the side of this gear and the lateral stabilizer. The steering system has, in addition to a steering gear, with which steering arms can be moved essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, a motor, which is arranged at the side of the steering gear and a movement axis defined by the movable steering arms.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Schmidt, Stephan Ertlmaier
-
Patent number: 7984918Abstract: A stabilizer bar includes a parallel bar which is secured with respect to a frame via fasteners in each of which a bush is fitted, and leg bars which extend from both ends of the parallel bar with distal ends of the leg bars connected to suspension arms. Each leg bar is tapered from an upper end toward a lower end thereof to continuously decrease a section modulus of the leg bar from the upper end toward the lower end thereof so that the stress generated by a load applied to the lower end of the leg bar is not concentrated on a bent part of the stabilizer bar and is distributed over the entire leg bar so as to prevent the stabilizer bar from being broken at the bent part.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Dae Won Kang Up Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chan-Gi Jung
-
Publication number: 20110175315Abstract: There is provided a stabilizer bar in which through holes are not positionally offset even if the attachment portions are bent after the through holes are formed therein. A stabilizer bar is composed of a steel pipe material bent to an approximate U-shape and has attachment portions formed by deforming the free ends of the steel material in a flat plate shape. Through holes are formed in the attachment portions to fix them to a vehicle body, and each of the attachment portions has a cross section configured as a three-layer structure that is partitioned by first and second overlapping surfaces of a folded hollow portion. That is, the three-layered structure is composed of an upper layer portion positioned on the first overlapping surfaces, an intermediate layer portion positioned between the first and second overlapping surfaces, and a lower layer portion positioned under the first overlapping surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: MITSUBISHI STEEL MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidetaka Narishima, Yukio Yamagishi, Naoki Tokita
-
Patent number: 7980574Abstract: There is provided a torque rod bracket assembly for an axle assembly of a motor vehicle. The torque rod bracket assembly has a torque rod mounting bracket engaging plates with a plate connector. The torque rod mounting bracket has a base, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. A receiver wall located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a centrally located recess. Slots are located in the receiver wall between the recess and the sidewalls. Axle mounts mount the torque rod bracket assembly to the axle housing of the axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Kevin Johnson, Jonathan D. Batdorff, Qiang Zhang, James J. Korson
-
Patent number: 7967307Abstract: The present invention provides a heavy duty suspension system including a frame and a pair of spaced apart trailing arms. The trailing arms have at least a portion with an open bottom and flanges extending away from the opening. The trailing arm preferably has a generally U-shaped cross-section over a substantial portion of its length. An axle has opposing end portions pivotally supported respectively on the trailing arms. A V-rod includes first and second spaced apart ends extending to a common third end with the first and second ends preferably pivotally attached to the frame. The third end is preferably pivotally attached to the axle. The V-rod provides lateral stability and defines a pinion angle with the trailing arms. The trailing arms extend longitudinally from the forward portion to a rearward portion. An anti-roll bar includes opposing end portions and a central portion transverse to and extending between the end portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Benjamin R. Reineck
-
Patent number: 7959168Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle having a hollow suspension member including first and second spaced apart sidewalls and a pivot pin. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot pin is a locking assembly that includes a first retainer partially insertable through a first window formed in the first sidewall and a second retainer partially insertable through a second window formed in the second side wall. The first retainer engages the second retainer to present a pivot that receives a pivot arm between the sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Gregory P. Kiselis, Jeffrey W. Nichols
-
Patent number: 7946600Abstract: In a torsion beam wheel suspension system, a stabilizer bush made of resilient material is received in a hollow interior of a torsion beam that connect intermediate points of a pair of trailing arms, and retains an intermediate part of the stabilizer to the torsion beam. A bracket including a pair of vertical walls opposing lateral sides of the stabilizer bush is attached to a part of the torsion beam to prevent the lateral shifting of the stabilizer bush without any part of the bracket or stabilizer bush restraining the torsional deformation of the stabilizer or torsion beam. The vertical walls may be spaced apart from the stabilizer bush. The structure is not costly and does not cause any complication or difficulty in the assembly work of the rear wheel suspension system. The bracket may have dual purposes of retaining the stabilizer bush and supporting a dynamic damper.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Kobayashi
-
Publication number: 20110101630Abstract: A method of reducing peak stress and distributing stress experienced in bends of anti-roll bars that involves configuring the shape of the bends so that they do not have uniform radii of curvature. Generally the shapes of the bends have greater radii of curvature at central portions than other portions of the bends. Also the shapes of the bends may be symmetrical or non-symmetrical. According to one embodiment the shapes of the bends include a combination of curved and straight portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Tadashi Sakai, Shinichi Nishizawa, Akitoshi Hamamoto
-
Patent number: 7931281Abstract: A variable stiffness stabilizer device (1) has a stabilizer bar (2) and actuators (3). The stabilizer bar (2) has a torsion bar (4) extending in the lateral direction (X1) of a vehicle and arms (6) connected through bend portions (5) to the ends (4a, 4b) of the torsion bar (4) and bendingly deformed according to the strokes of wheel supporting members (11). Variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) of the arms (6) are rotatable about the axes (C1) of the arms (6), so that the bending stiffness of the arms (6) can be changed according to their rotational positions. The actuators (3) rotationally drive the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) about the axes (C1) to adjust the rotational positions of the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130).Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Shingo Maeda, Sadahiro Kawahara, Masanori Arima, Kosuke Yamanaka
-
Patent number: 7922185Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: William E. Worman, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7914019Abstract: A countersteering rear vehicle axle, which under the effect of a lateral force upon the wheel that is outside during cornering and is fastened to a wheel carrier, causes a rotating movement of this wheel carrier about a virtual steering axle inclination in the toe-in direction. The wheel carrier is supported by supporting elements on an axle body extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Above and below the wheel center, in each case, two torsionally soft but bend-resistant supporting elements are provided which are essentially equally inclined with respect to the vertical direction. An upper linkage supporting element is supported, on the one side, on the wheel carrier and, on the other side, on an upper torsion supporting element which is supported on the axle body. A lower linkage supporting element is supported on the wheel carrier, on the one side, and on a lower torsion supporting element, on the other side.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Benjamin Jakob
-
Patent number: 7909339Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
-
Patent number: 7909342Abstract: Coupling mechanism for a vehicle anti-roll bar comprising a first piece able to be fixed to a first half-bar, a second piece able to be fixed to a second half-bar, the second piece being so arranged as to be moveable in rotation about an axis of rotation A relative to the first piece. The mechanism includes at least one elastically deformable elongate element coupled to the first and second pieces so that relative rotation of the first and second pieces about the axis of rotation A causes elastic flexion deformation of the at least one elongate element, the mechanism including an actuator able to position the at least one elongate element in a first state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a first flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation, and a second state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a second flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.Inventors: Laurent Barth, Xavier Delayre
-
Patent number: 7900941Abstract: A suspension system for providing a suspension between wheels and a frame of a vehicle is provided. The system includes an arm beam pivotally mounted to the frame at its proximate end and coupled at its distal end to a guiding assembly enabling the arm beam to pivot in a vertical direction and to be restrained in lateral directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. The arm beam includes: (a) a spring and damper assembly near its distal end for providing a dampened resilient mount for the suspension; (b) a wheel axle beam coupled to the arm beam for bearing a load borne by the wheels transmitted directly in-line with a central axis of the spring and damper assembly; and (c) a stabilizer coupled between the arm beam and the frame, the stabilizer resisting a lateral rolling motion of the vehicle. The stabilizer is included between the proximate end of the arm beams and their damper and spring assemblies for rendering the system more compact.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Andreas Lundmark
-
Patent number: 7887072Abstract: A disconnectable link may include a first link member having a generally tubular portion, a first ball joint disposed on the first link member and adapted to engage a first suspension member; a second link member slidably receivable within the first link member; a second ball joint disposed on the second link member and adapted to engage a second suspension member; a lock shaft engaged with the second link member; and a lock element disposed within an aperture in the second link member. Movement of the lock shaft into a first position may cause the lock element to engage the first link member to prevent relative axial movement between the first and second link members, and movement of the lock shaft into a second position may cause the lock element to disengage the first link member to allow relative axial movement between the first and second link members.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Hauser, Thomas E. Gansenhuber, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
-
Patent number: 7883097Abstract: A sway bar assembly has a center spacer bar which is attached at each end to a lever arm. An elastomeric bushing assembly is disposed between the center spacer bar and each lever arm. At the end of the lever arms opposite to the center sway bar, an elastomeric bushing assembly is attached to each lever arm to facilitate attachment to the vehicle. The elastomeric bushing assembly between the lever arms and the center spacer bar includes an inner metal defined by the center spacer bar, an outer metal defined by the respective lever arm and an elastomeric bushing disposed between the inner and outer metals.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventors: Brent Johnston, Ronald McLaughlin
-
Patent number: 7878518Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle flexible axle comprising two longitudinal arms (20) connected by a cross bracing (10) with open cross-section whereof the flanks (11), (21) have each an edge (1), (2) extending between docking zones (4) with the ends of said cross bracing. The invention is characterized in that said edges (1), (2) have a non-rectilinear shape enhancing their tensioning when said cross member is subjected to torsion, said tensioning enabling said docking zones (4) to be relieved of stresses due to said torsion.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Auto Chassis International SNCInventor: Alexis De Pompignan
-
Patent number: 7871092Abstract: A motor vehicle axle system including two longitudinal arms made of molded material and a torsionally flexible cross bracing made of high strength material different from the material of the arms, each arm including a lug for assembling by structural bonding the cross bracing to the arms. Each lug has an assembling edge configured to be assembled to one end of the cross bracing by generating self-binding with a surface of the cross bracing, an adhesive layer being applied between the assembling edge and the surface of the cross bracing, and the assembling edge of each lug has a variable thickness along its periphery and in the direction of the lug axis, the thickness being selected so as to minimize stresses exerted on the adhesive in the assembling zone. A method assembles the motor vehicle axle system.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Jacques Renard, Alexis De Pompignan, Bernard Criqui, Julien Berson, Samuel Fays
-
Publication number: 20100327550Abstract: A method for producing a tubular bar, more particularly a stabilizer bar, is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular bar of desired size having an outer and inner surface, heating the bar to an elevated temperature, quenching the bar by application of a cooling fluid to the surfaces of the bar, and forming the tube to a desired shape without annealing. The method further provides for the composition of a high-strength, high formability carbon steel alloy to be used in conjunction with the method. Advantageously, the bar is formable without thermal processing subsequent to quenching. In this fashion, metal tubular bars, such as stabilizer bars, may be formed at reduced cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Tenaris Connections LimitedInventors: Edgardo Oscar López, Lorenzo Vito Caserta, Hernán Juan Desimone, Cuauhtémoc Martinez Salazar
-
Patent number: 7841602Abstract: The present invention relates to an active, divided stabilizer for of motor vehicle having an installed electric pivot motor for roll regulation, which comprises at least one actuating drive made of electric motor and pivot motor transmission and a housing, at least one housing part being connected to an associated stabilizer part for torque transmission. The present invention is distinguished in that the housing part has an axially oriented, central recess, into which the stabilizer part extends essentially up to its end, and the connection for torque transmission between the housing part and the associated stabilizer part is located there.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Reinhard Simkovics