Ball and socket mount for shock absorber of torsion beam axle suspension

• US 7,427,113 B2
• Filed: 12/31/2003
• Issued: 09/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/11/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Choi, Min-Seok
• Primary Examiner(s): Stormer; Russell D
• Application Number:
  US10/748,244
• Publication Number:
  US 20050099060A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,728 Days
• Field of Search: 301/124.1, 301/127, 301/137, 280/124.106, 280/124.11, 280/124.128, 280/124.13, 280/124.157, 267/2, 267/64.11, 403/56, 403/76, 403/90, 403/141, 403/142
• US Class Current: 301/124.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 35/04 straight
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 13/005 characterised by the mounting on the axle or suspension arm of the damper unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 21/051 Trailing arm twist beam axles
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/1244 on a suspension arm
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/129 Damper mount on wheel suspension or knuckle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/416 Ball or spherical joints
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2206/10 Constructional features of arms
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 7/005 Ball joints B60G7/006 takes precedence; for steering linkage B62D7/16; ball joints per se F16C11/06
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32311 Ball and socket
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32795 Bifurcated socket

Abstract

A torsion beam axle suspension is provided, in which a shock absorber is directly mounted on right and left trailing arms and is further mounted to the mount by a ball joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the weight and production expenses, thus to enhance productivity. Further, it is possible to considerably decrease a friction caused by movement of the shock absorber even though the transverse force is applied, thus to enhance the riding comfort.

Claims

1. A torsion beam axle suspension, comprising:

left and right trailing arms disposed in a longitudinal direction of a body;

a wheel connector provided on each of the left and right trailing arms; and

a torsion beam coupled to the left and right trailing arms,

wherein the left and right trailing arms are each provided with a mount provided inside of the outermost end of the left and right trailing arms that mounts a shock absorber, and wherein the shock absorber is mounted rearward of the wheel connector in a longitudinal direction of each of the left and right trailing arms, the mount comprising;

a ball joint having a generally cylindrical socket, insertion holes provided on opposing surfaces of the socket, and fasteners inserted into the insertion holes, the fasteners being provided on opposing surfaces of the socket such that longitudinal axes of opposing fasteners are co-axially aligned with each other, the fasteners being configured to adjust a position of the shock absorber.

2. The torsion beam axle suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball joint further comprises a ball stud including a ball pivotably fitted in the socket and a stud that mounts to the shock absorber.

3. The torsion beam axle suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the left and right trailing arms includes a portion configured as a mount that receives the shock absorber.

4. A torsion beam axle suspension, comprising:

left and right trailing arms disposed along a longitudinal direction of a body;

a wheel connector provided on each of the left and right trailing arms; and

a torsion beam coupled to the left and right trailing arms,

wherein a mount that receives a shock absorber is provided inside of the outermost end of the left and right trailing arms, and wherein the shock absorber is mounted rearward of the wheel connector in a longitudinal direction of each of the left and right trailing arms, the mount comprising;

a ball joint having a generally cylindrical socket, insertion holes provided on opposing surfaces of the socket, and fasteners inserted into the insertion holes, the fasteners being provided on opposing surfaces of the socket such that longitudinal axes of opposing fasteners are co-axially aligned with each other, the fasteners being configured to adjust a position of the shock absorber.

5. The torsion beam axle suspension as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ball joint further comprises a ball stud including a ball pivotably fitted in the socket and a stud that mounts to the shock absorber.

6. A torsion beam axle suspensions comprising:

left and right trailing arms disposed along a longitudinal direction of a body;

a wheel connector provided on each of the left and right trailing arms; and

a torsion beam coupled to the left and right trailing arms,

wherein a mount that receives a shock absorber is formed in the outermost end of the left and right trailing arms and wherein the shock absorber is mounted rearward of the wheel connector in a longitudinal direction of each of the left and right trailing arms, the mount comprising;

a ball joint having a generally cylindrical socket, insertion holes provided on opposing surfaces of the socket, and fasteners inserted into the insertion holes, the fasteners being provided on opposing surfaces of the socket such that longitudinal axes of opposing fasteners are co-axially aligned with each other, the fasteners being configured to adjust a position of the shock absorber.

7. The torsion beam axle suspension as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ball joint further comprises a ball stud including a ball pivotably fitted in the socket and a stud that mounts to the shock absorber.