REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle and to a vehicle having such a rear suspension system.

Claims

1. A rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle, the suspension system comprising a leading lower link.

2. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following, (a) or (b), applies: (a) the suspension system is a five-link suspension system; or (b) the suspension system comprises at least one of a transverse lower link, a rear upper link, a front upper arm or links, or a track rod.

3. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein a chassis-side hard point of at least one of the leading lower link, a rear upper link, or a transverse lower link is arranged, respectively, at or behind the wheel center with respect to a specific direction, such as when the suspension system is installed on the vehicle, wherein the specific direction points from the front to the rear of the vehicle parallel to the vehicle's center axis, such as for the suspension system being installed on the vehicle.

4. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein a chassis-side hard point of at least one of the front upper arm or links or of the track rod is, respectively, before the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

5. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein each of one or more of the links has a bushing at one of its ends for coupling the link to a chassis of the vehicle, wherein the bushing provides the respective chassis-side hard points.

6. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the suspension system is designed such, such as the leading lower link and the transverse lower link are arranged such, that for the suspension system a separation of longitudinal compliance for comfort and side stiffness for roadholding and handling is obtained.

7. The suspension system according to claim 6, wherein the transverse lower link comprises a stiff and pivoting bushing, such as for setting at least one of a roadholding response or a side stiffness.

8. The suspension system according to claim 6, wherein the leading lower link comprises an at least one of large or soft bushing, such as aimed at setting a longitudinal impact comfort, such as thanks to a longitudinal compliance up to 20 mm at the wheel.

9. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the suspension system comprises a spring, to which at least one of the following, (a) or (b), applies:(a) the spring at least one of is located or extends behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction; or (b) the spring has a center axis, wherein at least that section of the spring's center axis which extends within the spring has a minimal distance from a vertical extending diameter-line of the wheel mid plane, such as so as to create a motion ratio of the spring deflection compared to wheel vertical motion of more than 0.6, and ideally more than 0.70.

10. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the suspension system comprises a damper, to which at least one of the following, (a) or (b), applies: (a) the damper at least one of is located or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction; or (b) the damper is mounted with its bottom on the knuckle.

11. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the track rod at least one of is located or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

12. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a kinematic point of the leading lower link or a kinematic point of the transverse lower link is located behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

13. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a kinematic point of the rear upper link or a kinematic point of the front upper arm or links is located in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

14. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein a kinematic point of the track rod is arranged at a side front of the knuckle.

15. An automotive vehicle, such as an electric automotive vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, comprising a rear suspension system for a rear wheel of the vehicle, the suspension system comprising a leading lower link.

16. The vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the vehicle comprises a rear subframe which is hard-mounted to a vehicle chassis.

17. A rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle, such as an automotive vehicle, wherein the suspension system for the rear wheel is a leading link suspension system.

18. The suspension system according to claim 17, wherein the leading link suspension system is a suspension system comprising one or more lower links, wherein among all lower links of the suspension system a link having a greatest distance between a chassis-side hard point and a knuckle-side kinematic point of the respective link in a direction parallel to a specific direction of the vehicle is a leading link.

19. A rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle, wherein the suspension system comprises a plurality of lower links and wherein a chassis-side hard point of at least one rear lower link, in particular a rear lower leading link, among the plurality of lower links is located rearwards from a center axis of the rear wheel by a greater distance than a distance between a chassis-side hard point of any other lower link, in particular including at least one front lower link, among the plurality of lower links and the center axis of the rear wheel.

20. The suspension system according to claim 19, wherein the leading link suspension system is a suspension system comprising one or more lower links, wherein among all lower links of the suspension system a link having a greatest distance between a chassis-side hard point and a knuckle-side kinematic point of the respective link in a direction parallel to a specific direction of the vehicle is a leading link.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] For a better understanding of embodiments of the disclosure and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0080] In the accompanying drawings:

[0081] FIG. 1 shows a three-quarter front inboard view of a rear suspension system;

[0082] FIG. 2 shows a three-quarter rear inboard view of the system;

[0083] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the system;

[0084] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the system;

[0085] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the system;

[0086] FIG. 6 shows a vehicle; and

[0087] FIG. 7 shows the vehicle with an increased battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0088] Various examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail by virtue of the following embodiments illustrated in the figures and/or described below.

[0089] FIG. 1 shows a three-quarter front inboard view of a rear suspension system 1 according to the first aspect of the disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a three-quarter rear inboard view of the system 1. FIGS. 3-5, respectively, show a top view, a bottom view and a rear view of the system 1. The same features are labeled with same numerals throughout the Figures.

[0090] The system 1 can be used with a rear wheel of a vehicle, a contact line with the ground W of which wheel is partly indicated in FIGS. 1 and 5 for illustration purposes only. Actually, the shown system 1 is designed for a left-handed side rear wheel of the vehicle. Furthermore, also a disc brake 3 with a caliper 5a and a brake disc 5b are shown for illustration purposes only.

[0091] The system 1 has a leading lower link 7, a transverse lower link 9, a rear upper link 11, a front upper arm 13 and a track rod 15. Hence, the system 1 is a five-link suspension system. Each of the links 7, 9, 11 and 13 and the track rod 15 has a bushing 17 at one of its ends for coupling the respective link or track rod to a chassis of the vehicle.

[0092] The bushing 17 of the transverse lower link 9 is a stiff and pivoting bushing. The bushing 17 of the leading lower link 7 is a large and/or soft bushing.

[0093] The leading lower link 7 has a chassis-side hard point 19, the transverse lower link 9 has a chassis-side hard point 21, the rear upper link 11 has a chassis-side hard point 23. Likewise has the front upper arm 13 a chassis-side hard point 25 and the track rod 15 a chassis-side hard point 27. The chassis-side hard points are provided by the respective bushings 17.

[0094] In FIGS. 3 and 4 a horizontal line A parallel to a direction Y indicates the rear wheel's center axis in form of a projection on top of the drawing plane for the system 1 being installed on the vehicle (that axis here indicates at the same time also the axis of the brake disc 5b). It is clear, that the center axis of the wheel actually is offset a certain distance into the drawing planes of FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the line A is intended just for illustrating purposes of the course of the wheel's center axis.

[0095] It is apparent from these Figures, that the chassis-side hard points of the leading lower link 7, of the rear upper link 11 and of the transverse lower link 9 are, respectively, at or behind the wheel center with respect to a direction X. The direction X points from the front to the rear of the vehicle parallel to the vehicle's center axis and may be regarded as a specific direction to which can be referred to. The directions Y and Z are perpendicular to each other and to the X direction. The Z direction points from bottom to top and the Y direction from left to right, for the system being installed on the vehicle.

[0096] In other words, along the direction X, the (center of gravities of the) chassis-side hard points of the leading lower link 7, of the rear upper link 11 and of the transverse lower link 9 are passed, respectively, not before the wheel center is passed or reached.

[0097] It is likewise apparent from these Figures that the (center of gravities of the) chassis-side hard points of the front upper arm 13 and/or of the track rod 15 are, respectively, before the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (direction X). Furthermore, the track rod 15 is located and extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (direction X).

[0098] As can be best seen from FIG. 4, a kinematic point 29 of the leading lower link 7 and a kinematic point 31 of the transverse lower link 9 are located behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (X direction). Contrary, a kinematic point 33 of the rear upper link 11 and a kinematic point 35 of the front upper arm 13 are located in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (X direction). A kinematic point 37 of the track rod is arranged at a side front of the knuckle.

[0099] As can be best seen from FIG. 3, the rear link 11 and the front link 13 extends such in space that they do cross each other within a projective view of the suspension system on the ground when installed on the vehicle.

[0100] As can be best seen from FIG. 4, the center lines C, respectively, of the leading lower link 7, the transverse lower link 9 and the front upper arm 13 do cross at a single position P, which is located behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (X direction).

[0101] The center line C of each link 7, 9, 13 is defined, in a projective view of the suspension system on the ground when installed on the vehicle, as a line extending from the center of gravity of the kinematic coupling point 29, 31, 35 to the center of gravity the bushing 17, respectively, of the respective link 7, 9, 13.

[0102] The system 1 further comprises a spring 39 which is located and extends behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (X direction). The spring 39 also has a center axis L. The section of the spring's center axis which extends within the spring 39 has a minimal distance d from a vertical extending diameter-line D of the wheel mid plane so as to create a motion ratio of the spring deflection compared to wheel vertical motion of more than 0.6, and ideally more than 0.70.

[0103] The system 1 further comprises a damper 41 which is located and extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction (X direction) and which is mounted with its bottom on a knuckle 43 of the system 1. Also the links 7, 9, 11, 13 and the track rod 15 are arranged at the system's knuckle 43.

[0104] The rear suspension system 1, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 5, constitutes what can be regarded as a leading link suspension system. Specifically, among the lower links 7, 9 of system 1 a link having a greatest distance between a chassis-side hard point 19 and a knuckle-side kinematic point 29 of the respective link 7 in the specific direction (X direction) is a leading link.

[0105] Furthermore, a chassis-side hard point 19 of at least one rear lower link 7 among the plurality of lower links 7, 9 of the system 1 is located rearwards (according to a direction of travel of the vehicle) from the center axis A of the wheel by a greater distance than a distance between a chassis-side hard point 21 of any other lower link, in particular including at least one front (transverse) lower link 9, among the plurality of lower links 7, 9 and the center axis A of the rear wheel.

[0106] FIG. 6 shows a rear part of a vehicle 45 according to the second aspect of the disclosure. The vehicle 45 has a rear suspension system 1 for the left-handed rear wheel and a rear suspension system 1′ for the right-handed rear wheel. The system 1 the system as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5.

[0107] The system 1′ might be similar to system 1, however, mirrored about the vertically extending longitudinal center plane of the vehicle 45 (i.e. a plane which is extending perpendicular to the drawing plane of FIG. 6 and crosses the illustrated center line of the vehicle). Each suspension system 1, 1′ is represented by its leading lower link 7, ‘7 and its front upper arm 13, 13’.

[0108] The vehicle 45 also has a battery 47. Since the proposed rear suspension systems 1, 1′ are used, additional space is freed, as indicated by a hatched area 49.

[0109] In FIG. 7 the use of a larger battery 43 is illustrated by respective arrows.

[0110] The following numbered clauses form part of the disclosure.

[0111] Clause 1. A rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle, the suspension system comprising a leading lower link.

[0112] Clause 2. The suspension system according to Clause 1, wherein the suspension system is a five-link suspension system and/or comprises a transverse lower link, a rear upper link, a front upper arm or links and/or a track rod.

[0113] Clause 3. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein the chassis-side hard points of the leading lower link, of the rear upper link and/or of the transverse lower link is or are arranged, respectively, at or behind the wheel center with respect to a specific direction, especially when the suspension system is installed on the vehicle, wherein the specific direction points from the front to the rear of the vehicle parallel to the vehicle's center axis, especially for the suspension system being installed on the vehicle.

[0114] Clause 4. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 2 to 3, wherein the chassis-side hard points of the front upper arm or links and/or of the track rod is or are, respectively, before the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0115] Clause 5. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of one or more of the links has a bushing at one of its ends for coupling the link to a chassis of the vehicle, wherein preferably the bushing provides the respective chassis-side hard points.

[0116] Clause 6. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein the suspension system is designed such, especially the leading lower link and the transverse lower link are arranged such, that for the suspension system a separation of longitudinal compliance for comfort and side stiffness for roadholding and/or handling is obtained.

[0117] Clause 7. The suspension system according to Clause 6, wherein the transverse lower link comprises a stiff and pivoting bushing, especially for setting a roadholding response and/or a side stiffness.

[0118] Clause 8. The suspension system according to any one of the Clauses 6 to 7, wherein the leading lower link comprises a large and/or soft bushing, especially aimed at setting a longitudinal impact comfort, especially thanks to a longitudinal compliance up to 20 mm at the wheel.

[0119] Clause 9. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein the suspension system comprises a spring, which preferably (a) is located and/or extends behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction and/or (b) has a center axis, wherein at least that section of the spring's center axis which extends within the spring has a minimal distance from a vertical extending diameter-line of the wheel mid plane, especially so as to create a motion ratio of the spring deflection compared to wheel vertical motion of more than 0.6, and ideally more than 0.70.

[0120] Clause 10. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein the suspension system comprises a damper, which preferably (a) is located and/or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction and/or (b) is mounted with its bottom on the knuckle.

[0121] Clause 11. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein the track rod is located and/or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0122] Clause 12. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein a kinematic point of the leading lower link and/or a kinematic point of the transverse lower link is or are located behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0123] Clause 13. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein a kinematic point of the rear upper link and/or a kinematic point of the front upper arm or links is or are located in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0124] Clause 14. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein a kinematic point of the track rod is arranged at a side front of the knuckle.

[0125] Clause 15. A rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle, wherein the suspension system for the rear wheel is a leading link suspension system.

[0126] Clause 16. The suspension system according to Clause 15, wherein the leading link suspension system is a suspension system comprising one or more lower links, wherein among all lower links of the suspension system a link having a greatest distance between a chassis-side hard point and a knuckle-side kinematic point of the respective link in a direction parallel to a specific direction of the vehicle is a leading link.

[0127] Clause 17. The suspension system according to Clause 15, wherein the suspension system is a five-link suspension system and/or comprises a transverse lower link, a rear upper link, a front upper arm or links and/or a track rod.

[0128] Clause 18. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17, wherein the chassis-side hard points of the leading lower link, of the rear upper link and/or of the transverse lower link is or are arranged, respectively, at or behind the wheel center with respect to a specific direction, especially when the suspension system is installed on the vehicle, wherein the specific direction points from the front to the rear of the vehicle parallel to the vehicle's center axis, especially for the suspension system being installed on the vehicle.

[0129] Clause 19. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 17 or 18, wherein the chassis-side hard points of the front upper arm or links and/or of the track rod is or are, respectively, before the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0130] Clause 20. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 19, wherein each of one or more of the links has a bushing at one of its ends for coupling the link to a chassis of the vehicle, wherein preferably the bushing provides the respective chassis-side hard points.

[0131] Clause 21. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 20, wherein the suspension system is designed such, especially the leading lower link and the transverse lower link are arranged such, that for the suspension system a separation of longitudinal compliance for comfort and side stiffness for roadholding and/or handling is obtained.

[0132] Clause 22. The suspension system according to Clause 21, wherein the transverse lower link comprises a stiff and pivoting bushing, especially for setting a roadholding response and/or a side stiffness.

[0133] Clause 23. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 21 or 22, wherein the leading lower link comprises a large and/or soft bushing, especially aimed at setting a longitudinal impact comfort, especially thanks to a longitudinal compliance up to 20 mm at the wheel.

[0134] Clause 24. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 23, wherein the suspension system comprises a spring, which preferably (a) is located and/or extends behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction and/or (b) has a center axis, wherein at least that section of the spring's center axis which extends within the spring has a minimal distance from a vertical extending diameter-line of the wheel mid plane, especially so as to create a motion ratio of the spring deflection compared to wheel vertical motion of more than 0.6, and ideally more than 0.70.

[0135] Clause 25. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 24, wherein the suspension system comprises a damper, which preferably (a) is located and/or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction and/or (b) is mounted with its bottom on the knuckle.

[0136] Clause 26. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 25, wherein the track rod is located and/or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0137] Clause 27. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 26, wherein a kinematic point of the leading lower link and/or a kinematic point of the transverse lower link is or are located behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0138] Clause 28. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 27, wherein a kinematic point of the rear upper link and/or a kinematic point of the front upper arm or links is or are located in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0139] Clause 29. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 15 to 28, wherein a kinematic point of the track rod is arranged at a side front of the knuckle.

[0140] Clause 30. A rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle, wherein the suspension system comprises a plurality of lower links and wherein a chassis-side hard point of at least one rear lower link, in particular a rear lower leading link, among the plurality of lower links is located rearwards from a center axis of the rear wheel by a greater distance than a distance between a chassis-side hard point of any other lower link, in particular including at least one front lower link, among the plurality of lower links and the center axis of the rear wheel.

[0141] Clause 31. The suspension system according to Clause 30, wherein the leading link suspension system is a suspension system comprising one or more lower links, wherein among all lower links of the suspension system a link having a greatest distance between a chassis-side hard point and a knuckle-side kinematic point of the respective link in a direction parallel to a specific direction of the vehicle is a leading link.

[0142] Clause 32. The suspension system according to Clause 31, wherein the suspension system is a five-link suspension system and/or comprises a transverse lower link, a rear upper link, a front upper arm or links and/or a track rod.

[0143] Clause 33. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 32, wherein the chassis-side hard points of the leading lower link, of the rear upper link and/or of the transverse lower link is or are arranged, respectively, at or behind the wheel center with respect to a specific direction, especially when the suspension system is installed on the vehicle, wherein the specific direction points from the front to the rear of the vehicle parallel to the vehicle's center axis, especially for the suspension system being installed on the vehicle.

[0144] Clause 34. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 32 or 33, wherein the chassis-side hard points of the front upper arm or links and/or of the track rod is or are, respectively, before the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0145] Clause 35. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 34, wherein each of one or more of the links has a bushing at one of its ends for coupling the link to a chassis of the vehicle, wherein preferably the bushing provides the respective chassis-side hard points.

[0146] Clause 36. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 35, wherein the suspension system is designed such, especially the leading lower link and the transverse lower link are arranged such, that for the suspension system a separation of longitudinal compliance for comfort and side stiffness for roadholding and/or handling is obtained.

[0147] Clause 37. The suspension system according to Clause 36, wherein the transverse lower link comprises a stiff and pivoting bushing, especially for setting a roadholding response and/or a side stiffness.

[0148] Clause 38. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 36 or 37, wherein the leading lower link comprises a large and/or soft bushing, especially aimed at setting a longitudinal impact comfort, especially thanks to a longitudinal compliance up to 20 mm at the wheel.

[0149] Clause 39. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 38, wherein the suspension system comprises a spring, which preferably (a) is located and/or extends behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction and/or (b) has a center axis, wherein at least that section of the spring's center axis which extends within the spring has a minimal distance from a vertical extending diameter-line of the wheel mid plane, especially so as to create a motion ratio of the spring deflection compared to wheel vertical motion of more than 0.6, and ideally more than 0.70.

[0150] Clause 40. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 39, wherein the suspension system comprises a damper, which preferably (a) is located and/or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction and/or (b) is mounted with its bottom on the knuckle.

[0151] Clause 41. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 40, wherein the track rod is located and/or extends in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0152] Clause 42. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 41, wherein a kinematic point of the leading lower link and/or a kinematic point of the transverse lower link is or are located behind the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0153] Clause 43. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 42, wherein a kinematic point of the rear upper link and/or a kinematic point of the front upper arm or links is or are located in front of the wheel center with respect to the specific direction.

[0154] Clause 44. The suspension system according to any one of Clauses 30 to 43, wherein a kinematic point of the track rod is arranged at a side front of the knuckle.

[0155] Clause 45. Vehicle, especially an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, having at least one suspension system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 44.

[0156] Clause 46. Vehicle according to Clause 45, wherein the vehicle comprises a rear subframe which is hard-mounted to a vehicle chassis.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0157] 1, 1′ Rear Suspension System

[0158] 3 Brake system

[0159] 5a caliper

[0160] 5b Brake disc

[0161] 7, 7′ Leading lower link

[0162] 9 Transverse lower link

[0163] 11 Rear upper link

[0164] 13, 13′ Front upper arm

[0165] 15 Track rod

[0166] 17 Bushing

[0167] 19 Hard point

[0168] 21 Hard point

[0169] 23 Hard point

[0170] 25 Hard point

[0171] 27 Hard point

[0172] 29 Kinematic point

[0173] 31 Kinematic point

[0174] 33 Kinematic point

[0175] 35 Kinematic point

[0176] 37 Kinematic point

[0177] 39 Spring

[0178] 41 Damper

[0179] 43 Knuckle

[0180] 45 Vehicle

[0181] 47 Battery

[0182] 49 Area

[0183] A, A′ Wheel's center axis

[0184] C Center line

[0185] L Center Axis

[0186] d Distance

[0187] D Diameter

[0188] W Contact line

[0189] X Direction

[0190] Y Direction

[0191] Z Direction