Patent Description:
The teachings of the present disclosure can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the present disclosure will focus on a heavy-duty vehicle, the general inventive concept is not restricted to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles such as cars.

In vehicle suspensions where a rigid axle is located and controlled by leaf springs, many compromises have to be made. Such compromises can adversely reflect on the suspension performance under various loading conditions to which it is subjected during the operation of the vehicle. Examples of such a loading condition is vehicle roll about the longitudinal roll centre which occurs when the vehicle is negotiating a bend or is subjected to forces induced by strong winds in the transverse direction. A further loading is termed "bump steer", which occurs when one or two sides of the axle are deflected upwards by an obstacle on the road surface.

<CIT> discloses a vehicle suspension in which an elastic stop element is provided to improve the handling and driving comfort during vertical loads (such as the above mentioned "bump steer"). The elastic stop element is deformed and provides a higher effective spring constant after a limit load is exceeded and the elastic stop element becomes involved. The elastic stop element also prevents the vehicle axle and the U-shaped leaf spring from striking against the vehicle structure under large vertical load.

The documents <CIT>, <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> show leaf spring arrangements for use in a vehicle suspension.

However, another frequently occurring loading condition is during braking, at which the wheel axle is subjected to a brake torque moment. The above-identified prior art arrangement is not configured to handle such brake torque loads. Thus, there is still room for improvement when it comes to handling characteristics.

An object of the invention is to provide a leaf spring arrangement with improved handling characteristics, in particular when it comes to loading condition caused by braking of a vehicle. This and other objects, which will become apparent in the following discussion, are achieved by a leaf spring arrangement according to the accompanying independent claim. Some non-limiting exemplary embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

The inventors have realized that by providing a vehicle suspension in which the leaf spring extends downwardly from a shackle connected to one end of the leaf spring, but upwardly from the other end of the leaf spring, an improved handling of loading conditions caused by braking may be accomplished. Such a shape of a leaf spring is appropriate for taking up braking torque moments provided at a wheel axle to which the leaf spring may be connected. However, the inventors have also realized that such a shape of the leaf spring, because of its superior ability to extend at a braking load, it may also become subjected to high and repeated local stresses, which may reduce the life time of the leaf spring. In particular, an area of the leaf spring between the wheel axle and the shackle may be subjected to high stresses upon braking. Therefore, in order to provide a leaf spring arrangement which is good at taking up braking torque moments and at the same time can have a long life expectancy, the inventors have provided a stop member to limit the extension of the leaf spring. Hereby, braking loads can be at least partly absorbed without overstressing the leaf spring. It should be understood that the stop member of this disclosure has a stress reducing purpose, which is different from the purpose of the prior art elastic stop element, which was provided for improving vertical load handling and for providing a further restoring force based on the elastic deformation of the elastic stop element.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a leaf spring arrangement for use in a vehicle suspension, comprising:.

By having one end of the leaf spring extending upwardly from its first end, and having the other end of the leaf spring extending downwardly from the shackle, which is connected to the second bracket, and restricting the pivoting movement of the shackle, a leaf spring arrangement is provided which can take up brake torque loads without overstressing the leaf spring.

Furthermore, in contrast to a U-shaped leaf spring, by having one end of the leaf spring extending upwardly and one end extending downwardly, a leaf spring resembling to an S-shape can be provided. When subjected to braking loads, a horizontal force component may extend/stretch the S-shape as the second end is moved backwards upon such braking. Thus, the effective length (i.e. the straight line distance) between the first end and the second end will becomes longer during such braking.

It should be understood that the stop member may be any stop member that has the capability to restrict the pivoting movement of the shackle. Indeed it should be understood that it is the limitation of the stresses induced in the leaf spring that is of importance, i.e. the limitation of the stretching of the leaf spring during braking, and therefore the specific manner in which such limitation is achieve is of secondary importance. Just to mention a few examples, the stop member may be in the form of a physical abutment which the shackle hits when pivoting, or it may be in the form of a torsional limitation in the actual suspension of the shackle to the second bracket, or it may be in the form of a track in which a matching portion of the shackle is guided to an end of the track, etc..

The leaf spring is intended to be mounted to a vehicle such that the first end is closer to the front of the vehicle, while the second end of the leaf spring is closer to the rear of the vehicle. Thus, the first end of the leaf spring may also be referred to as a front end, and the second end of the leaf spring may also be referred to as a rear end. Similarly, the first frame position and the second frame position may suitably be regarded, relative to each other, as a front frame position and a rear frame position, respectively. Thus, the first bracket may in such case be referred to as a front bracket and the second bracket may be referred to as a rear bracket.

In addition, as understood from above, the leaf spring also has an intended orientation relative to the ground when properly mounted. The lower surface is intended to face the ground, while the upper surface is intended to face away from the ground, when the leaf spring is properly mounted to the vehicle as part of a vehicle suspension. Suitably, the lower surface of the leaf spring may be in contact with a vehicle axle when the leaf spring is in its mounted position. From the above, it should thus also be understood that directional terms such as downwardly, lower, below, etc. are terms relative to the ground on which a vehicle stands. Thus, downwardly is in a direction towards the ground, while upwardly is in a direction away from the ground. Similarly, if a first component is located at a lower level than a second component, then the first component is located closer to the ground.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the stop member is configured to prevent the shackle from reaching an instability position in which the shackle would lose its bearing capacity with respect to the leaf spring.

The instability position may, for instance, be a horizontal extension of the shackle from its connection to the second bracket. In such case, as long as the shackle extends downwardly from the second bracket, the shackle will have a bearing force on the leaf spring. But if the shackle would pivot up to a completely horizontal position, or beyond, then it will no longer have such a bearing/carrying capacity with respect to the leaf spring. By allowing the shackle to pivot almost all the way to its instability position, the vertical stiffness of the spring can be lowered significantly. This is advantageous from a driving comfort perspective, while still maintaining the bearing capacity of the shackle.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the leaf spring of the leaf spring arrangement comprises:.

By having a first upwardly facing convex portion formed between the first end and the axle attachment portion, in combination with a second upwardly facing concave portion formed between the axle attachment portion and the second end, the wind-up centre can be higher when the leaf spring is mounted as part of a vehicle suspension, even though the distance to the datum line is increased compared to other vehicle suspensions. This allows for improved handling characteristics.

In vehicle suspensions, the above mentioned "datum line" is referred to as an imaginary reference line between the front and rear leaf spring end eyes. A common design goal is to maximize the distance between the datum line and the axle attachment portion of the leaf spring, since a large distance enables increased wheel motion, improved comfort and increased packaging space for an air spring. However, the inventors have realized that the handling properties are compromised if said distance from the datum line is increased, because the wind-up centre will be at a too low level. The wind-up centre is the imaginary point on the leaf spring centre part standing relatively still during braking. The ball joint of the steering arm (attached to the steering knuckle) should desirable be located at the wind-up centre. However, if the wind-up centre is located at a too low level, then it is very difficult to find a steering arm that does not conflict with the axle. By providing a convex leaf spring portion on one side of the axle attachment portion and a concave leaf spring portion on the other side of the axle attachment portion, the wind-up centre can be provided at a high level (i.e. far from the ground) even though said distance to the datum line is increased compared to the distance that is practically possible in the prior art leaf springs. Hereby, improved handling characteristics are obtainable even with a large distance to the datum line.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the stop member is configured to prevent the shackle from pivoting beyond a predefined angle, wherein, when the shackle is pivoted to said predefined angle and thereby extends the leaf spring, the second upwardly facing concave portion of the leaf spring maintains an upwardly facing concave shape although presenting a larger radius of curvature than its original upwardly facing concave shape.

In line with the above discussions, this is advantageous, as the upwardly facing convex portion and the upwardly facing concave portion in combination with the stop member provides good handling of braking loads while avoiding high stresses in the leaf spring.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the axle attachment portion is the thickest portion of the leaf spring. This reduces the risk of undesirable stress in the axle attachment portion when the leaf spring forms part of a vehicle suspension subjected to loads. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the lower surface of the axle attachment portion of the leaf spring is planar in order to match a corresponding planar portion of the axle. Suitably, the first upwardly facing convex portion is void of any planar subportion. Similarly, the second upwardly facing concave portion is suitably void of any planar subportion. Thus, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the first upwardly facing convex portion extends in a continuous curved path from the axle attachment portion to the first end. Similarly, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the second upwardly facing concave portion extends in a continuous curved path from the axle attachment portion the second end.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the second upwardly facing concave portion extends upwardly from the axle attachment portion to the second end. This is advantageous as it allows the wind-up centre to be positioned at a high level.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the second upwardly facing concave portion is formed by:.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the second subportion has a steeper slope from said lowest point to the second end compared to the slope of the first subportion from the lowest point to the axle attachment portion.

Since the second subportion is configured to lean upwards in order for the leaf spring to get back to the datum line from said lowest point, it may advantageously be configured with a steep slope. By providing a steep slope of the second subportion a shorter offset is obtainable between the leaf spring end eye at the second end and the frame of the vehicle. This in turn allows the shackle, which may be configured to engage the leaf spring eye, to be made smaller and therefore the bracket to which the shackle is attachable can be made lighter.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the extension of the second subportion forms a curved path from said lowest point to the second end, wherein the smallest radius of curvature of the second subportion is smaller than any radius of curvature of the first subportion. This too provides the advantage of allowing for a smaller shackle and lighter bracket to be used in a vehicle suspension.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first end comprises a first end eye and the second end comprises a second end eye, wherein the shortest distance between said first and second end eyes defines a geometrical datum line, wherein.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the relationship between said distance C, said predetermined first length A, and said predetermined second length B is: C > (A+B)/X where X is <NUM>, suitably <NUM>, more suitably <NUM>.

By increasing the distance C, an increased wheel motion is enabled. Furthermore, driver comfort is improved and the packaging space for an optional air spring is increased. The above relationship may also be expressed as the distance (A+B) between the first and second eyes divided by said shortest distance (C) between the centre of the axle attachment portion and the datum line is less than <NUM>, suitably less than <NUM>, more suitably less than <NUM>.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a first straight imaginary geometrical line is drawable between the end points of the first upwardly facing convex portion, from the first end to the axle attachment portion, wherein perpendicularly to the first straight imaginary geometrical line the largest distance a between the first straight imaginary geometrical line and the first upwardly facing convex portion is defined as a > A/Y where Y is <NUM>, suitably <NUM>, more suitably <NUM>.

By configuring the first upwardly facing convex portion with a large distance a, positive handling characteristics are achievable. The distance a can be regarded as a measure of how much the first upwardly facing convex portion bulges upwardly.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a second straight imaginary geometrical line is drawable between the end points of the second upwardly facing concave portion, from the second end to the axle attachment portion, wherein perpendicularly to the second straight imaginary geometrical line the largest distance b between the second straight imaginary geometrical line and the second upwardly facing concave portion is defined as b > B/Z wherein Z is <NUM>, suitably <NUM>, more suitably <NUM>. By configuring the second upwardly facing concave portion with a large distance b, positive handling characteristics are achievable. The distance b can be regarded as a measure of how much the second upwardly facing concave portion bulges downwardly.

The above discussed distances a, b and C have been found to result in an advantageous leaf spring when in use in a vehicle suspension of a vehicle. In particular, such a leaf spring having the geometry with the above discussed distances a, b and C reduces the reaction forces that deform the axle and the leaf spring of prior art vehicle suspensions. The present leaf spring provides axle steer effects which give a desirable understeering behaviour. Because of this advantageous effects, when the present leaf spring is used in a vehicle suspension there is no need for a large rear spring anchorage with large offset, thus saving both weight and cost, and additionally providing ample space for an optional auxiliary spring. Together with the stop member, it provides highly desirable handling properties, in particular when it comes to taking up braking loads without overstressing the leaf spring.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle suspension comprising a leaf spring arrangement according to the first aspect, including any embodiment thereof.

The advantages of the vehicle suspension of the second aspect are largely analogous to the advantages of the leaf spring arrangement of the first aspect, including any embodiment thereof.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the vehicle suspension of the second aspect, said leaf spring arrangement is a first leaf spring arrangement, the vehicle suspension further comprising:.

The first and the second leaf spring arrangements may suitably have corresponding features.

It should be understood that the vehicle suspension may, in at least some exemplary, embodiments comprise a stack of leaf springs in the first leaf spring arrangement (at one end of the axle) and a stack of leaf springs in the second leaf spring arrangement (at the other end of the axle), wherein the lowermost leaf spring in each stack is in contact with the axle.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle comprising a leaf spring arrangement according to the first aspect (including any embodiment thereof) or a vehicle suspension according to the second aspect (including any embodiment thereof).

The advantages of the vehicle of the third aspect are largely analogous to the advantages of the leaf spring arrangement of the first aspect, including any embodiment thereof.

All references to "a/an/the portion, element, apparatus, component, arrangement, device, means, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the portion, element, apparatus, component, arrangement, device, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further features of, and advantages with, the teachings of the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The general inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects are shown. The general inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present general inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates a vehicle <NUM> according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary illustration in <FIG> shows a heavy-duty vehicle <NUM>. More specifically <FIG> shows a vehicle in the form of a tractor unit for towing a trailer unit (not shown), which together may make up a semitrailer vehicle. However, the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to other types of vehicles as well. For instance, the vehicle may be a different type of vehicle for cargo transport, such as a truck, or a truck with a dolly unit arranged to tow a trailer unit, etc. Other exemplary vehicles include buses, construction equipment, and even passenger cars. The vehicle <NUM> may be operated by a driver or it may be an autonomous vehicle.

The illustrated vehicle <NUM> is supported on wheels <NUM>, some of which are driven wheels. The front wheels <NUM> may suitably be steered wheels. The wheels <NUM>, such as the wheels at the front axle, may be associated with a vehicle suspension in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Such a vehicle suspension may in its turn comprise a leaf spring arrangement in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates in a perspective view a vehicle suspension comprising two leaf springs in connection with which the teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a side or cross-sectional view of a leaf spring arrangement according to at least one exemplary embodiment, when mounted as part of a vehicle suspension. The illustration in <FIG> may, for instance, show one of the leaf springs <NUM> in the vehicle suspension <NUM> of <FIG>.

With reference to both <FIG> and <FIG>, each leaf spring <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is connected to a first bracket <NUM> configured to be attached rigidly to a vehicle frame <NUM> at a first frame position (see <FIG>). More specifically, the first end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> comprises a first end eye <NUM> for engaging with the first bracket <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of each leaf spring <NUM> is connected to a shackle <NUM>. More specifically, the second end <NUM> comprises a second end eye <NUM> for engaging with the shackle <NUM>. The shackle <NUM> is pivotally connected to a second bracket <NUM> configured to be attached rigidly to the vehicle frame <NUM> at a second frame position (see <FIG>). The connection between the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> and the shackle <NUM> is made in order to compensate for length changes of the leaf spring <NUM> in response to brake torque loads on the leaf spring <NUM>. <FIG> also shows a drag link <NUM> which interconnects a pitman arm <NUM> with a steering arm <NUM> for controlling a steerable wheel (these components do not form part of the vehicle suspension <NUM> as such). It can therefore be understood that, in this example, the first end <NUM> is intended to be arranged forwardly of the second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of each leaf spring <NUM> may thus be regarded as a front end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM>, while the second end <NUM> may be regarded as a rear end of the leaf spring <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the vehicle suspension <NUM> further comprises a rigid axle <NUM> extending transversely of the vehicle frame <NUM>, which axle <NUM> is mounted to the two leaf springs <NUM> at an axle attachment portion <NUM> of the respective leaf spring <NUM>. As shown in the example in <FIG>, each leaf spring <NUM> may suitably be fastened/clamped (at each axle attachment portion <NUM>) to the axle <NUM> by means of brackets or similar. For instance, a pair of U-shaped dowel pins <NUM> may be placed over the leaf spring <NUM> to hold down the leaf spring <NUM>, wherein the dowel pins <NUM> may further extend through bores in the axle <NUM> and be tightened. Continuing with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the axle attachment portion <NUM> may suitably be the thickest portion of the leaf spring <NUM>. Furthermore, at the axle attachment portion <NUM> the lower side <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> may suitably be substantially flat/planar in order to mate with a similarly flat/planar plate portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the axle <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the leaf spring <NUM> comprises a lower surface <NUM> configured to face downwardly towards the ground when used in a vehicle suspension. As illustrated, the lower surface <NUM> may face and be in contact with the axle <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> comprises an upper surface <NUM> which is located opposite to the lower surface <NUM> and which is configured to face upwardly when used in a vehicle suspension. As illustrated, the upper surface <NUM> may face away from the axle <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> as well as the lower surface <NUM> extend longitudinally from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM>. The axle attachment portion <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> is located between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The axle attachment portion <NUM> is configured to be attached to the axle <NUM> such that the longitudinal extension of the upper surface <NUM> and lower surface <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> is directed transversely to main direction of extension of the axle <NUM>.

In <FIG> a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) is illustrated. The x-axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The x-axis may also be referred to as the roll axis. The longitudinal extensions of the leaf springs <NUM> in <FIG> are substantially parallel to the roll axis. The y-axis may also be referred to as the pitch axis. The longitudinal extension (i.e. the main direction of extension) of the axle <NUM> is substantially parallel with the pitch axis. The z-axis may also be referred to as the yaw axis. The upper surface <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> is thus intended to be separated from the lower surface <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> along the z-axis (more specifically along a direction parallel to the z-axis).

As best seen in <FIG>, the leaf spring <NUM> comprises a first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM> formed between the first end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> and the axle attachment portion <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM>. The first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM> can be seen to bulge upwardly (i.e. bulge upwardly in a direction parallel with the z-axis). As can be seen in <FIG>, the leaf spring <NUM> extends upwardly from the first end <NUM>. This is illustrated by an upwardly extending portion <NUM> which may form part of the first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> also comprises a second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> formed between the axle attachment portion <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. This second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> can be seen as a downwardly projecting bulge, i.e. bulging in the opposite direction compared to the first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM> in relation to the z-axis. As can be seen in <FIG>, the leaf spring <NUM> extends downwardly from the shackle <NUM>. This is illustrated by a downwardly extending portion <NUM> which may form part of the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM>. As can also be seen in <FIG>, since the leaf spring <NUM> extends downwardly from the shackle <NUM>, it also extends downwardly from its second end <NUM>.

<FIG> also illustrates a stop member <NUM>. Although the stop member is not illustrated in the vehicle suspension <NUM> in <FIG>, it should be understood that such a stop member <NUM> may, in accordance with the present disclosure, form part of a leaf spring arrangement which comprises at least one of the leaf springs <NUM> and associated shackle <NUM> in <FIG> as well as the first bracket <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM>. The stop member <NUM> restricts the pivoting movement of the shackle <NUM>.

Thus, in a general sense, the present disclosure relates to a leaf spring arrangement for use in a vehicle suspension <NUM>, comprising:.

By having one end of the leaf spring <NUM> extending upwardly from its first end <NUM>, and having the other end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> extending downwardly from the shackle <NUM>, which is connected to the second bracket <NUM>, and restricting the pivoting movement of the shackle <NUM> by means of the stop member <NUM>, a leaf spring arrangement is provided which can take up brake torque loads without overstressing the leaf spring <NUM>.

As will later be discussed in connection with <FIG>, the combination of a first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM> and a second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> allows for the wind-up centre to be at a higher level (as seen in relation to the z-axis) compared to known leaf springs, even if the distance to the datum line is increased. This allows for improved handling properties.

From the previous discussion, as well as from the drawings, it can be understood that according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal extension of the leaf spring <NUM> may follow an S-shaped path. In more general terms, in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments, the leaf spring <NUM> is S-shaped. When subjected to braking loads a horizontal force component may extend/stretch the S-shape as the second end <NUM> is moved backwards upon such braking.

As already understood from previous explanations in this disclosure, the stop member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is just one example of various possible configurations of a stop member. The stop member may be any suitable device or component that has the capability to restrict the pivoting movement of the shackle <NUM>, i.e. so that the shackle <NUM> cannot pivot as much as it would without the stop member. The main purpose of the stop member <NUM>, or any other configuration of a stop member, is to limit the stresses that are induced in the leaf spring <NUM>, and this is done by restricting the pivoting movement of shackle <NUM>. This will now be discussed in more detail in connection with <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a technical effect of implementing the teachings of the present disclosure. In each one of <FIG>, the leaf spring is illustrated in the two different states. The lower illustration is the same for each one of <FIG> and it represents the shape of the leaf spring at static axle load, e.g. when the vehicle is at a standstill/parked. The upper illustration is different in each one of <FIG> and represents the changed shape of the leaf spring due to brake torque loads. The black area in each one of the upper illustrations is the area where the peak stresses occur.

<FIG> illustrates a scenario in which there is no stop member that restricts the shackle. When the leaf spring is subjected to a brake torque load, the shackle pivots unrestrictedly and makes a relatively large "pendulum swing". The shackle has in <FIG> been swung to a position in which it forms a small angle α<NUM> relative to the vehicle frame. This results in a high peak stress σ<NUM>,max in an area between the axle attachment portion and the second end of the leaf spring.

<FIG> illustrates the effect of using a stop member in accordance with the present disclosure. The shackle is restricted to a smaller swing. The stop member restricts the shackle from pivoting beyond the position where it forms an angle α<NUM> relative to the vehicle frame, wherein α<NUM> is greater than α<NUM>. For the same brake torque load as in <FIG>, the resulting peak stress σ<NUM>,max will be lower in <FIG> because of the restricted swing. For example, the peak stress σ<NUM>,max in the corresponding area of the leaf spring in <FIG> may, because of the stop member, have now been reduced to approximately <NUM>% compared to the peak stress σ<NUM>,max without the stop member in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the allowed swing is even smaller, i.e. maintaining an even larger angle α<NUM>, wherein α<NUM> > α<NUM> > α<NUM>. This will further reduce the peak stress. For instance, the peak stress σ<NUM>,max in <FIG> may, for the same brake torque load, be approximately <NUM>% compared to the peak stress σ<NUM>,max in <FIG>. As will be readily understood, providing a stop member, and thereby limiting the peak stress, has a large effect on fatigue life and decreases the risk for the threshold values being exceeded. Thus, the effective lifetime of the leaf spring can be extended. The specific shape of the leaf spring and the rotational stop angle may be tuned to appropriately balance the limitation of the peak stresses with the handling characteristics of the leaf spring.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a side or cross-sectional view of a leaf spring arrangement according to at least one other exemplary embodiment, when mounted as part of a vehicle suspension. As shown in <FIG>, the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> is formed by a first subportion <NUM>, which extends downwardly from the axle attachment portion <NUM> to a lowest point <NUM> of the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM>, and a second subportion <NUM> which extends upwardly from said lowest point <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the lowest point <NUM> represents a global minimum of the leaf spring <NUM>. In contrast, there is a highest point <NUM>, i.e. a global maximum of the leaf spring <NUM>, formed by the first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM>.

In contrast to <FIG>, in the previously discussed embodiment in <FIG>, the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> does not have such a first subportion which extends downwardly from the axle attachment portion <NUM>. Rather, in <FIG>, the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> extends upwardly from the axle attachment portion <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. Furthermore, as indicated in <FIG>, the axle <NUM> may be slightly tilted relative to the ground and the vehicle frame <NUM>. In particular, the axle <NUM> may be slightly tilted relative to the pitch axis, such that the axle attachment portion <NUM> is inclined upwardly in a direction towards the second end <NUM>. In contrast, in <FIG>, the axle <NUM> is not tilted, and the axle attachment portion <NUM> is substantially parallel with the vehicle frame <NUM>.

Continuing with <FIG>, it can be seen that the second subportion <NUM> may have a steeper slope from said lowest point <NUM> to the second end <NUM> compared to the slope of the first subportion <NUM> from the lowest point <NUM> to the axle attachment portion <NUM>. Hereby, a shorter offset is obtainable between the second end eye <NUM> and the vehicle frame <NUM>. This in turn allows the shackle <NUM>, which is configured to engage the second end eye <NUM>, to be made smaller and therefore the second bracket <NUM> to which the shackle <NUM> is attachable can be made lighter. Furthermore, the extension of the second subportion <NUM> may form a curved path from said lowest point <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, wherein the smallest radius of curvature of the second subportion <NUM> is smaller than any radius of curvature of the first subportion <NUM>.

In the following certain dimensions, separating distances and relationships, will be explained in connection with the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. It should however be understood that these dimensions, separating distances and relationships are implementable for other embodiments as well, in particular for the previously discussed embodiment of <FIG>.

Thus, with reference to the example in <FIG>, as mentioned previously, the first end <NUM> comprises a first end eye <NUM> and the second end <NUM> comprises a second end eye <NUM>. The shortest distance between the first end eye <NUM> and the second end eye <NUM> defines a geometrical datum line D. The datum line D is thus understood to extend substantially in parallel with the x-axis (roll axis). An intermediate point on the datum line D is separated from the centre of the axle attachment portion by a distance C, which is the shortest distance between the centre of the axle attachment portion <NUM> and the datum line D. The first end eye <NUM> is separated from the intermediate point by a predetermined first length A along said datum line D. The second end eye <NUM> is separated from the intermediate point by a predetermined second length B along said datum line D.

The relationship between said distance C, said predetermined first length A, and said predetermined second length B may suitably be C > (A+B)/X where X is <NUM>, suitably <NUM>, more suitably <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the example in <FIG> there is indicated a first straight imaginary geometrical line E drawn between the end points of the first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM>, from the first end <NUM> to the axle attachment portion <NUM>. Perpendicularly to this first straight imaginary geometrical line E the largest distance a between the first straight imaginary geometrical line E and the first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM> may be defined as a > A/Y where Y is <NUM>, suitably <NUM>, more suitably <NUM>. The largest distance a extends to a point on the first upwardly facing convex portion <NUM> which may coincide with the previously mentioned highest point <NUM> (global maximum).

Furthermore, in the example of in <FIG> there is also indicated a second straight imaginary geometrical line F drawn between the end points of the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM>, from the second end <NUM> to the axle attachment portion <NUM>. Perpendicularly to this second straight imaginary geometrical line F the largest distance b between the second straight imaginary geometrical line F and the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> may be defined as b > B/Z wherein Z is <NUM>, suitably <NUM>, more suitably <NUM>. The largest distance b extends to a point on the second upwardly facing concave portion <NUM> which may coincide with the previously mentioned lowest point <NUM> (global minimum).

<FIG> also indicates that the vehicle suspension <NUM> may optionally include an air spring <NUM>, such as an air bellow extending between the leaf spring <NUM> and the vehicle frame <NUM>. It should be understood that on the one hand, it may be desirable to reduce the spacing between the datum line D and the vehicle frame <NUM> as that will allow a reduction of the size, and thus the weight, of the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> and reduce reaction forces in the vehicle frame <NUM>. On the one hand, to increase the packaging space for the air spring <NUM>, it may be desirable to increase the distance C. Increasing the distance C also allows for increased wheel motion and improved comfort.

Instead of having the stop member <NUM> of <FIG>, against which the shackle <NUM> can impinge in its swing, the leaf spring arrangement in <FIG> is illustrated as having a torsional stop member 23a mounted to the shackle <NUM> for restricting the pivoting motion of the shackle <NUM>. It should, however, be understood that in both exemplary embodiments, you may implement either one of the exemplified stop members <NUM>, 23a, or any other suitable configuration of a stop member that restricts the swing of the shackle <NUM>. Regardless of the specific selection of stop member, it may suitably be configured to prevent the shackle <NUM> from reaching an instability position in which the shackle <NUM> would lose its bearing capacity with respect to the leaf spring <NUM>, as has been previously discussed in this disclosure.

Furthermore, either one of the stop members <NUM>, 23a, or any other suitable stop member, may be configured to prevent the shackle <NUM> from pivoting beyond a predefined angle, wherein, when the shackle is pivoted to said predefined angle and thereby extends the leaf spring, the second upwardly facing concave portion of the leaf spring maintains an upwardly facing concave shape although presenting a larger radius of curvature than its original upwardly facing concave shape. This can for example be seen in the illustrations in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic comparison between the leaf spring <NUM> in <FIG> and a conventional leaf spring <NUM> (illustrates with dashed line). <FIG> also indicates the respective wind-up centre, WC, for the two leaf springs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the respective Ross point, RP, for the two leaf springs <NUM>, <NUM>. The wind-up centre, WC, is an imaginary point standing relatively still during a braking manoeuvre. The Ross point, RP, is an imaginary point in space about which a leaf spring under vertical load will arc. The imaginary line between the Ross point and the wind-up centre is referred to as the Ross line. The angle between the Ross line and the datum line D is referred to as the Ross angle.

Good handling characteristics are generally reached when the drag link <NUM> is connected between the Ross point, RP, and the wind-up centre, WC, i.e. the Ross line should suitably match the extension of the drag link. It is therefore desirable to have the steering gear with the pitman arm at the Ross point, RP, and the steering arm at the wind-up centre, WC.

With the conventional U-shaped leaf blade <NUM> it is difficult to position the steering gear (close to the Ross point, RP) and the steering arm (close to the wind-up centre, WC) because of packing limitations. Even if you succeed in positioning the conventional U-shaped leaf blade <NUM> with respect to the Ross point, RP, and the wind-up centre, WC, the shorter Ross line and larger Ross angle (cf. indicated dashed drag link/Ross line <NUM>) will have negative impact on handling characteristics compared to the handling characteristics of the leaf spring <NUM> (solid line) of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A leaf spring arrangement (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 23a, <NUM>), for use in a vehicle suspension (<NUM>), comprising:
- a leaf spring (<NUM>) which comprises:
• a lower surface (<NUM>) configured to face downwardly towards the ground,
• an upper surface (<NUM>) which is located opposite to the lower surface and which is configured to face upwardly,
• a first end (<NUM>),
• a second end (<NUM>),
wherein the upper surface and the lower surface extend longitudinally from the first end to the second end,
- a first bracket (<NUM>) configured to be attached rigidly to a vehicle frame (<NUM>) at a first frame position,
- a second bracket (<NUM>) configured to be attached rigidly to the vehicle frame at a second frame position,
- a shackle (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the second bracket, and
- a stop member (<NUM>, 23a) restricting the pivoting movement of the shackle,
wherein the stop member limits the extension of the leaf spring,
wherein the first end of the leaf spring is connected to the first bracket,
wherein the second end of the leaf spring is connected to the shackle in order to compensate for length changes of the leaf spring in response to brake torque loads on the leaf spring, wherein the leaf spring arrangement at least partly absorbs brake torque loads without overstressing the leaf spring due to the stop member limiting the extension of the leaf spring, wherein the leaf spring extends downwardly (<NUM>) from the shackle, and
wherein the leaf spring extends upwardly (<NUM>) from its first end.