| 摘要 |
A leaf spring suspension assembly (12) for a truck or trailer (18) includes a plurality of leaf springs (20) arranged in a vertical relationship. The leaf springs (20) are mounted to a vehicle through a trunnion assembly (28) which permits for flexure of the ends of the springs (20) to which wheels (16, 18) are attached. The ends of the leaf springs (20) are mounted in an axle connection (26) comprising a housing. The lower leaf (64) of the leaf spring assembly (20) is seated against a base plate (52) of the axle connection (26) and is restrained against movement relative thereto by pairs of pins (90) or cups (72) disposed between the spring (64) and the base plate (52). Cups (74) or pins are also disposed between adjacent springs of the leaf spring assembly (20) to restrain longitudinal movement therebetween. In this way, pivoting of the ends of the leaf springs (20) relative to the axle (16, 18) is minimized which reduces the stressing on the springs as well as the axle connection during turning or braking of the vehicle. Additionally, the double pin (90) or cup (72) arrangement provides a means for retaining the leaf springs within the housing (50). In an alternate embodiment, the center portions of the leaf springs are provided with pairs of cups (90, 92) which prevent fanning or spreading of the leaves. |
