The present invention relates to mounting apparatus. The present invention is in particular intended to be used for attaching a spring element to a connection arm which is part of the wheel suspension of a vehicle.
At present, various types of suspension systems are used for the axles of vehicles, e.g. cars. In a known manner, such wheel suspensions are arranged to permit mounting and springing motion of the wheels of the vehicle, which in turn results in a more comfortable ride for the occupants and improves the vehicle""s road-holding while prolonging its life.
A number of different types of wheel suspensions are known, and are included in systems with, for example, rigid or divided axles which can be provided with spring elements, shock absorbers and other components. In addition, force-absorbing connection arms are often used to connect the vehicle""s wheels and its body, and stabilizers are used to suppress swaying of the vehicle.
A known wheel suspension for vehicles is described in published International Application No. WO 96/12897. This suspension comprises a U-shaped spring element which is manufactured from a tube of composite material. Each end of the spring element is attached to a connection arm, which in turn is attached between one of the vehicle""s wheel bearings and part of the vehicle body in the form of a structural framework element. In addition, the wheel suspension is designed so that the framework element supports the spring element. The spring element acts partly as a spring, absorbing vertical and lateral forces and partly as a stabilizer. As the spring element is manufactured of composite material, the wheel suspension thus has a lower weight than when known technology is used.
In the arrangement according to WO 96/12897, attachment of the spring element to the respective connection arm is carried out using a special mounting arrangement. The spring element is thus designed with one end having an external diameter which increases gradually in the direction of that end, and which is located on a tapering nose element protruding out of the connection arm.
Although the known apparatus works satisfactorily in principle there are certain problems associated therewith. In particular, it should be noted that the spring element is rigidly attached to the connection arm which means that no forces are absorbed at the point of attachment. This can, in turn, result in the attachment not providing the suspension which is required in order to provide a comfortable ride for the occupants of the vehicle. In addition, there are strong bending forces at the attachment point of the spring element.
An object of the present invention is to achieve an improved mounting arrangement for connection of two components in particular for attaching a spring element of the above-mentioned type to a connection arm, which mounting arrangement provides a secure connection and an optimal load absorption.
In accordance with the present invention, this and other objects have now been realized by the discovery of apparatus for mounting a spring element having an end to a connecting arm forming a portion of a vehicle wheel suspension, the apparatus comprising a connector fixed to the end of the spring element and disposed on one side of the connecting arm, a locking member disposed on the other side of the connecting arm, and fastening means extending through the connecting arm for attaching the connector to the locking member. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting arm includes at least one bushing, and wherein the locking member is attached to the connector through the at least one bushing. Preferably, the fastening means attaches the connector, to the locking member through the at least one bushing.
In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the end of the spring element has a diameter which increases in a direction towards the connecting arm. Preferably, the end of the spring element includes an inner diameter, and the locking member includes a tapered portion adapted to pressingly engage the inner diameter of the end of the spring element when. the connector is fastened to the locking member. In a preferred embodiment, the tapered portion of the locking member is flexible.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the connector includes an inner diameter, and the end of the spring element and the inner diameter of the connector include non-circular cross-sections.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the end of the spring element extends in a longitudinal direction, and the apparatus includes a pair of flexible bushings disposed on the connecting arm on opposite sides of the longitudinal direction.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the spring element comprises a composite material.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical stabilizer extending within the spring element. Preferably, the stabilizer includes an end, and the end of the stabilizer includes external splines, the locking member including an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the locking member including internal splines, the external splines of the stabilizer and the internal splines of the locking member cooperatively interacting with each other.
The present invention is intended for connecting a first, essentially tubular element and a second element, comprising a connection element which is fixed to the first element and a locking element. The present invention is characterized in that the connection element and the locking element are arranged on each side of the second element and are connected by means of at least one fastening component extending through the second element. This provides a secure connection suitable for large compression and torsion forces for attaching a tubular element, for example a spring element in a vehicle.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second element has at least one bushing. In addition, that locking element is attached to the connection element by means of the bushing. This provides a number of benefits. In particular, it can be mentioned that the bushing helps to remove the load from the attachment of the spring element to the connection arm. In addition the bushing provides a function that ensures that loads can be absorbed in the direction of the axis, as well as turning and bending moments.
In addition the arrangement according to the present invention means that a stabilizer (for example in the form of a flexible shaft of steel or fiber material) can be arranged extending within the spring element. This has the advantage of saving space.