Vehicle suspension device

Abstract

A vehicle coil spring and shock absorber connected directly to the front wheel by a mounting tube having a removable bottom through which the shock absorber may be removed. .Iadd.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts, detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of said vehicle, a tube removably supporting the other of said telescopic parts, said tube being connectable to a wheel spindle and having a removable end portion whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable through the end of said tube having said removable end portion upon detaching said detachable means. 
     
     
       2. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts, detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of sadi vehicle, a tube removably supporting the other of said telescopic parts, said tube being connectable to a wheel spindle and having a threaded member forming a closure for one end thereof connectable to and supportable by a suspension arm, whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable through said one end upon detaching said detachable means and removing said threaded member. 
     
     
       3. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts, detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of said vehicle, a tube removably supporting the other of said telescopic parts, a compression spring sleeved over said tube, said spring caged between a first support fixed to said tube and a second support supportable by said body portion, said tube being connectable to a wheel spindle and having a threaded member in one end thereof, universally supportable on a suspension arm, whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable upon detaching said detachable means and removing said threaded member. 
     
     
       4. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts, detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of said vehicle, a tube connectable to a wheel spindle and removably receiving the other of said telescopic parts, said tube having a ball member threaded into its lower end, said ball member supporting the other of said telescopic parts and receivable in a socket connectable to a suspension arm whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable upon detaching said detachable means and removing said ball member from said tube lower end. 
     
     
       5. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a piston rod and piston slidably disposed in a cylinder assembly, detachable means on said piston rod connectable to a body portion of said vehicle, said detachable means including a bearing supportable in said body portion and receiving a reduced end of said piston rod and a nut threaded on said reduced end, a tube connectable to a wheel spindle and removably receiving said cylinder assembly, said tube having a ball member threaded into its lower end, said ball member supporting said cylinder assembly and receivable in a socket connectable to a suspension arm whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable upon detaching said nut and removing said ball member from said tube lower end. 
     
     
       6. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a piston rod and piston slidably disposed in a cylinder assembly, detachable means on said piston rod connectable to a body portion of said vehicle, said detachable means including a bearing resiliently supportable in said body portion and receivng a reduced end of said piston rod and a nut thread on said reduced end, a tube connectable to a wheel spindle and removably receiving said cylinder assembly, a compression spring sleeved over said tube, said spring caged between a first support fixed to said tube and a second support held between said bearing and a shoulder on said piston rod adjacent said reduced end, said tube having a ball member threaded into its lower end, said ball member supporting said cylinder assembly and receivable in a socket connectable to a suspension whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable upon detaching said nut and removing said ball member from said tube lower end. 
     
     
       7. In an independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts, detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of said vehicle, a tube mounted in and fixed to a sleeve connectable to a wheel spindle and removably receiving the other of said telescopic parts, said tube having a ball member threaded into its lower end, said ball member supporting the other of said telescopic parts and receivable in a socket connectable to a suspension arm whereby said shock absorber is removable and replaceable upon detaching said detachable means and removing said ball member from said tube lower end. .Iadd. 8. In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of said vehicle,   a tube removably supporting the other of said telescopic parts,   said tube having a wheel spindle mounted thereon and having an opening in one end thereof through which said shock absorber is removable and replaceable, said tube being provided with a removable end member which when mounted on said tube retains said shock absorber therein, and when removed, permits removal of said shock absorber upon detaching said detachable means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 9. In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions,   said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   one of said parts comprising a cylinder and the other of said parts comprising a piston and piston rod reciprocably disposed in said cylinder, with said piston rod extending longitudinally from one end of said cylinder,   detachable means on said one telescopic part comprising said piston rod connectable to the sprung body portion of said vehicle,   a tube removably supporting said cylinder,   said tube being connectable to a wheel spindle and having a removable end portion wherein said shock absorber is removable and replaceable as a cartridge unit through the end of said tube having said removable end portion upon detaching said detachable means.   one of said parts comprising a cylinder and the other of said parts comprising a piston and piston rod reciprocably disposed in said cylinder, with said piston rod extending longitudinally from one end of said cylinder,   said piston rod being connected to said sprung portion of the vehicle,   detachable means on said one telescopic part comprising said piston rod connectable to the sprung body portion of said vehicle so as to provide for relative rotational movement between said piston rod and said sprung body portion,   a tube removably supporting said cylinder,   said tube having a wheel spindle fixedly secured adjacent the lower end thereof and having a removable end portion said shock absorber is removable and replaceable as a cartridge unit through the end of said tube having said removable end portion upon detaching said detachable means.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd. 10.  The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein the longitudinal axis of said device defines a pivotal axis about which a wheel mounted on said spindle is pivotable during steering movement thereof, first and second guide means located at longitudinally spaced apart positions along said pivotal axis for guiding said first and second parts for longitudinal sliding movement. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 11. The invention as set forth in claim 10 wherein said first and second guide means comprise said piston and cylinder, and said piston rod and a rod guide assembly located adjacent the upper end of said cylinder. .Iaddend. 
     
     
         2. The invention as set forth in claim 9 which includes a coil spring extending around the upper end of said device and supported at one end by a first spring support located on said tube and at the opposite end thereof by a second spring support located adjacent the connection of said 
     
     
        piston rod with said sprung vehicle portion. 13. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein the longitudinal axis of said device defines a pivotal axis about which a wheel mounted on said spindle is pivotable during steering movement thereof, first and second guide means located at longitudinally spaced apart positions along said pivotal axis for guiding said first and second parts for longitudinal sliding movement, and a coil spring extending around said device and supported at one end by a first spring support located on said tube and at the opposite end thereof by a second spring support located adjacent the connection of said piston rod with said sprung vehicle portion. .Iadd. 14. The invention as set forth in claim 13 wherein said coil spring is arranged coaxially of said suspension strut. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 15. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said piston rod is rotatably connected to said sprung vehicle portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 16. In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   one of said parts comprising a cylinder and the other of said parts comprising a piston and piston rod reciprocably disposed in said cylinder, with said piston rod extending longitudinally from one end of said cylinder,   said piston rod being directly connected to said sprung portion of the vehicle,   detachable means on said one telescopic part comprising said piston rod connectable to the sprung body portion of said vehicle,   the longitudinal axis of said device defining a pivotal axis about which a wheel mounted on a wheel spindle is pivotable during steering movement thereof, first and second guide means located at longitudinally spaced apart positions along said pivotal axis for guiding said first and second parts for longitudinal sliding movement,   a tube removably supporting said cylinder,   said tube being connectable to a wheel spindle and having a removable end portion wherein said shock absorber is removable and replaceable as a cartridge unit through the end of said tube having said removable end   
     
     
        portion upon detaching said detachable means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 17.  In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   one of said parts comprising a cylinder and the other of said parts comprising a piston and piston rod reciprocably disposed in said cylinder, with said piston rod extending longitudinally from one end of said cylinder,   said piston rod being connected to said sprung portion of the vehicle,   detachable means on said one telescopic part comprising said piston rod connectable to the sprung body portion of said vehicle,   a tube removably supporting said cylinder,   a coil spring extending around said device and supported at one end by a first spring support located on said tube and at the opposite end thereof by a second spring support located adjacent the connection of said piston rod with said sprung vehicle portion,   said tube being connectable to a wheel spindle and having a removable end portion wherein said shock absorber is removable and replaceable as a cartridge unit through the end of said tube having said removable end   
     
     
        portion upon detaching said detachable means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 18.  The invention as set forth in claim 17 wherein said first and second guide means comprise said piston and cylinder, and said piston rod and a rod guide assembly located adjacent the upper end of said cylinder. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 19. In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   one of said parts comprising a cylinder and the other of said parts comprising a piston and piston rod reciprocably disposed in said cylinder, with said piston rod extending longitudinally from one end of said cylinder,   said piston rod being connected to said sprung portion of the vehicle,   detachable means on said one telescopic part comprising said piston rod connectable to the sprung body portion of said vehicle so as to provide for relative rotational movement between said piston rod and said sprung body portion,   a tube removably supporting said cylinder,   said tube having a wheel spindle fixedly secured adjacent the lower end thereof and having a removable end portion wherein said shock absorber is removable and replaceable as a cartridge unit through the end of said tube having said removable end portion upon detaching said detachable means.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd. 20.  The invention as set forth in claim 19 wherein said coil spring is arranged coaxially of said suspension strut. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 21. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said tube has said wheel spindle fixedly secured thereto at the lower end thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 22. The invention as set forth in claim 21 which includes a coil spring extending around said device and supported at one end by a first spring support located on said tube and at the opposite end thereof by a second spring support located adjacent the connection of said piston rod with said sprung vehicle portion. .Iadd. 23. The invention as set forth in claim 21 wherein said piston rod is rotatably connected to said sprung vehicle portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 24. The invention as set forth in claim 21 wherein said tube has said wheel spindle fixedly secured thereto at the lower end thereof. .Iaddend..Iadd. 25. The invention as set forth in claim 17 wherein said tube has said wheel spindle fixedly secured thereto at the lower end thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 26. The invention as set forth in claim 25 wherein said first and second guide means comprise said piston and cylinder, and said piston rod and a rod guide assembly located adjacent the upper end of said cylinder. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 27. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein the longitudinal axis of said device defines a pivotal axis about which a wheel mounted on said spindle is pivotable during steering movement thereof, first and second guide means located at longitudinally spaced apart positions along said pivotal axis for guiding said first and second parts for longitudinal sliding movement, and wherein said tube has said wheel spindle fixedly secured thereto at the lower end thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 28. The invention as set forth in claim 27 wherein said coil spring is arranged coaxially of said suspension strut. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 29. The invention as set forth in claim 27 wherein said piston rod is rotatably connected to said sprung vehicle portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 30. The invention as set forth in claim 16 wherein said tube has said wheel spindle fixedly secured thereto at the lower end thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 31. The invention as set forth in claim 9 which includes a coil spring extending around said device and supported at one end by a first spring support located on said tube and at the opposite end thereof by a second spring support located adjacent the connection of said piston rod with said sprung vehicle portion and wherein said tube has said wheel spindle fixedly secured thereto at the lower end thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 32. In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   one of said parts comprising a cylinder and the other of said parts comprising a piston and piston rod reciprocably disposed in said cylinder, with said piston rod extending longitudinally from one end of said cylinder,   said piston rod being connected to said sprung portion of the vehicle,   detachable means on said one telescopic part comprising said piston rod connectable to the sprung body portion of said vehicle so as to provide for relative rotational movement between said piston rod and said sprung body portion,   a tube removably supporting said cylinder,   said tube having a wheel spindle fixedly secured adjacent the lower end thereof and having a removable end portion wherein said shock absorber is removable and replaceable as a cartridge unit through the end of said tube having said removable end portion upon detaching said detachable means,   the longitudinal axis of said device defining a pivotal axis about which a wheel mounted on said spindle is pivotable during steering movement thereof, first and second guide means located at longitudinally spaced apart positions along said pivotal axis for guiding said first and second parts for longitudinal sliding movement, and   a coil spring extending substantially coaxially around the upper end of said device and supported at one end by a first spring support located on said tube and at the opposite end thereof by a second spring support located adjacent the connection of said piston rod with said sprung   
     
     
        vehicle portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 33.  The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said coil spring is arranged coaxially of said suspension strut. .Iaddend..Iadd. 34. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said first and second guide means comprise said piston and cylinder, and said piston rod and a rod guide assembly located adjacent the upper end of said cylinder. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 35. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said removable end portion is threadably connected to said tube and selectively removable therefrom to permit said removal and replacement of said cartridge unit. .Iaddend..Iadd. 36. In a MacPherson-type independent wheel suspension device for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung portions, said suspension device comprising a hydraulic tubular shock absorber having a pair of relatively movable telescopic parts,   detachable means on one of said telescopic parts connectable to a body portion of said vehicle and providing for relative rotational movement therebetween,   a tube removably supporting the other of said telescopic parts,   said tube having a wheel spindle mounted thereon and a removable end member at one end thereof which when mounted on said tube retains said shock absorber therein, and when removed, permits removal of said shock absorber through said one end of said tube upon detaching said detachable means.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd. 37.  The invention as set forth in claim 36 wherein said removable end member is threadably connected to said tube. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 38. The invention as set forth in claim 36 wherein said removable end member is located at the lower end of said tube. .Iaddend.