TRUCK SUSPENSIONS INCORPORATING ASYMMETRIC LEAF SPRINGS

摘要

A suspension system for supporting fore- and aft extending frame members of a vehicle chassis on a hollow axle, the system on one side of the vehicle being duplicated on the opposite side. Included in the suspension on each side are: (1) a frame bracket for pivotally supporting the fore or leading end of an asymmetric leaf spring; (2) a spring end support mounted on the frame side member for supporting the aft or trailing end of the leaf spring, and (3) a suitable assembly for attaching the leaf spring at a location intermediate its opposite ends to the axle so that the spring is divided into two cantilever limbs extending in opposite directions from the center line of the axle. The spring is formed so that one of the cantilever limbs has a stiffness substantially greater than the stiffness of the other limb. In all forms, at least one leaf of the asymmetric spring extends the full length of the spring. In one particular form the spring has a shorter leaf with an end portion extending over the axle with an air spring mounted either directly over the axle or on one side of the axle. Instead of having two leafs, the asymmetric spring may be formed as a tapered convolute single-leaf spring.