Claims:We claim:
1. An anti-roll bar assembly (100) for a suspension system (100a) of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a torsion bar (10) defined with a plurality of splines (11) in at least a portion of a first end (10a) and a second end (10b); and
a pair of arms (20a, 20b), each defined with a connecting provision (21c, 22c) at a first end (21a, 22a) and a second end (21b, 22b), wherein, the connecting provision (21c,22c) in the first end (21a, 22a) of each of the pair of arms (20a and 20b) is configured to receive the torsion bar (10); and
the connecting provision (21d, 22d) in the second end (21b, 22b) of each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) is connectable to an axle (200) of the vehicle for allowing twisting moment of the assembly (100) and prevent rolling of the vehicle, wherein, each arm of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) is defined with a hollow cross section.

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sleeve coupling (23) disposed in the connecting provision in the first end (21a, 22a) of each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sleeve coupling (23) is defined with a plurality of internal splines co-operating with the plurality of splines (11) defined on at least a portion of the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one mounting bush (30) mounted on either ends of the torsion bar (10) and adjacent to the plurality of splines (11) defined on at least one portion of the first end (10a) and second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10).

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the at least one mounting bush (30) is removably connectable to the axle (200) of the suspension system (100a) of the vehicle through a bracket (220).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one mounting bush (30) receives and transmit a rolling motion generated by the axle (200) of the vehicle to the torsion bar (10).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one mounting bush (30) comprises:
a plurality of damping layers (31), and
a plurality of metallic inserts (32) provided in between the plurality of damping layers (31) to reinforce the plurality of damping layers (31).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) are connectable to the frame (210) of the vehicle by at least one frame mounting bush (40) disposed in the connecting provision (21d, 22d) in the second end (21b, 22b) of the each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the torsion bar (10) is connected to the axle (200) of the vehicle to receive and transfer torque generated to the pair of arms (20a, 20b) connected to the frame (210) of the vehicle through the frame mounting bush (40).

10. A suspension system of a vehicle comprising an anti-roll bar assembly as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a suspension system of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose an anti-roll bar assembly for the suspension system of the vehicle for preventing body roll of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In general, suspension system of vehicles such as commercial vehicles including light duty vehicles, pick-up trucks, buses and trucks etc, comprises anti-roll bars. The anti-roll bars are provided in the suspension system to prevent body roll of the vehicle as the vehicle is taking a turn or braking. Conventionally, the anti-roll bar is designed as a rigid bar, which connects the left and right side wheels of the vehicle via two lever arms. One end of the anti-roll bar is connected to the wheels of the vehicle and another end is coupled to a frame or chassis of the vehicle. The anti-roll bars are typically disposed between a pair of top torque rods and a pair of bottom torque rods of the suspension system of the vehicle. These top and bottom torque rods are a link between axle and chassis of the vehicle and transmit longitudinal forces between vehicle body and wheels of the vehicle during banking or steering of the vehicle. For instance, when the vehicle oversteers or understeers, the pair of torque rods are subjected to lateral forces that is transmitted within the structure of the torque rod that affects the direction of travel of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the anti-roll bar resists the torsional forces thereby preventing the body rolling of the vehicle.
Conventionally, there exists various types of anti-roll bar assemblies. However, the assembly comprises of multiple components and linkages with the axle and frame of the vehicle. The additional components and couplings in suspension requires high degree of maintenance, thereby increasing the capital and operational cost. Also, the provision of multiple torque rods in the vehicles may limit the rolling stability of the vehicle. This may be due to the inherent limitation of weight of the torque rods.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more above limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of method of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an anti-roll bar assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a torsion bar and a pair of arms. The torsion bar is defined with a plurality of splines on at least a portion of a first end and a second end of the torsion bar. Each of the pair of arms is defined with a connecting provision in a first end and a second end. Further, the connective provision in the first end of each of the pair of arms is configured to receive the torsion bar. Furthermore, the connecting provision in the second end of each of the pair of the arms is connectable to a frame of the vehicle for allowing twisting moment of a suspension system and prevent rolling of the vehicle. Further, each of the pair of arms is defined with a hollow cross section.
In an embodiment, a sleeve coupling is disposed in the connecting provision in the first end of the pair of arms.
In an embodiment, the sleeve coupling is defined with a plurality of internal splines co-operating with the plurality of splines defined on at least a portion of first end and the second end of the torsion bar.
In an embodiment, the assembly of the present disclosure includes at least one mounting bush, mounted on either ends of the torsion bar and adjacent to the plurality of the splines defined on at least one portion of the first end and second end of the torsion bar.
In an embodiment, each of the at least one mounting bush is removably connectable to an axle of a suspension system of the vehicle through a bracket.
In an embodiment, at least one mounting bush assembly is configured to receive and transmit a rolling motion generated by the axle of the vehicle to the torsion bar.
In an embodiment, the mounting bush assembly comprises a plurality of damping layers and a plurality of metallic inserts arranged in between the plurality of damping layers to reinforce the plurality of damping layers.
In an embodiment, each of the arms are connectable to the frame of the vehicle by at least one frame mounting bush disposed in the connecting provision in the second end of each of the pair of arms.
In another embodiment, the torsion bar is connected to the axle of the vehicle to receive and transfer torque generated to the pair of arms connected to the frame of the vehicle through the frame mounting bush.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an anti-roll bar assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a torsion bar of the anti-roll bar assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.;

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an arm of the anti-roll bar assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.;

Figures 4a and 4b illustrates a schematic view of a mounting bush and detailed view of the mounting bush having a plurality of metallic inserts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 5 illustrates schematic view of a suspension system of the vehicle employed with anti-roll bar assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Embodiments of the disclosure disclose an anti-roll assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle. The anti-roll bar assembly of the present disclosure prevents body rolling of a vehicle, typically when the vehicle tends to turn in either left or right direction, more specifically, during cornering of the vehicle . The assembly may be configured in vehicles ranging from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles. Generally, in case of accelerated steering towards left/right direction, the vehicle may be subjected to torsional forces which is resisted by the anti-roll bar to prevent rolling of the body of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle as it passes over uneven road surfaces is subjected to torsional loads which is transmitted to multiple torque rods arranged in the suspension system. The arrangement of multiple torque rods in the suspension system leads to additional weight and requires additional components to provide a link between an axle and a chassis of the vehicle. Accordingly, the system of the present disclosure is configured to overcome the problems associated with the conventional assemblies.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating an anti-roll bar assembly (100) for a suspension system (100a) of a vehicle (100) to prevent body rolling of the vehicle.
The system (100) includes a torsion bar (10) which is fixed to an axle (200) of the vehicle. The torsion bar (10) may be an elongated member and is defined by a first end (10a) and a second end (10b). In an embodiment, the torsion bar (10) forms a link between a pair of opposite wheels (left and right) of the vehicle. Further, the torsion bar (10) is defined with a plurality of splines (11) in at least a portion of the first end (10a) and second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10) respectively. In an embodiment, the plurality of splines (11) is provided on an outer circumference of the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10). In another embodiment, a portion between the plurality of the splines (11) at the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10) is configured to resist twisting moment and lateral forces and longitudinal forces generated when the vehicle steers to take a turn at high speeds .

Referring to Figure 1, the assembly (100) comprises a pair of the arms (20a, 20b) defined with a connecting provision in at a first end (21a, 22a) and a second end (21b, 22b). The connecting provision in the first end (21a, 22a) of the each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) is configured to receive the torsion bar (10). In an embodiment, the connecting provision at the first end and second end may be a slot, an aperture or hole or any other provision that is capable of receiving the ends of the torsion bar (10). Further, the connecting provision in the second end (21b, 22b) of each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) are connectable to the axle (200) of the vehicle. This configuration allows twisting movement of the suspension system and prevents rolling of a body of the vehicle. In an embodiment, a sleeve coupling (23) is disposed in the connecting provision (21c, 22c) in the first end (21a, 22a) and the second end (21b, 22b) of each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b). In an embodiment, the sleeve coupling (23) is configured within the connecting provision (21c, 22c) at the first end (21a, 22a) of the each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) by any thermal or mechanical means. In another embodiment, an inner surface of the sleeve coupling (23) is defined with plurality of splines. These splines provided on the inner surface of the sleeve coupling (23) are complementary to or co-operating with the plurality of splines (11) provided on an outer surface of the torsion bar (10). The torsion bar (10) is connected to the pair of the arms (20a, 20b) such that, the plurality of splines (11) of the torsion bar (10) is receivable and co-operating with the plurality of internal splines of the sleeve coupling (23). In an embodiment, the plurality of internal splines comprises at least one circlip [not shown in figures] to prevent any sliding and/or side to side movement of the torsion bar (10).
Referring to Figure 3, each arm of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) are designed as hollow structured members. This configuration or design of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) thereby reduces overall weight of the anti-roll bar assembly (100) and in turn the suspension system (100a), in comparison with longitudinal torque rods present in the conventional anti-roll bar suspension system. In an embodiment, the reduction in weight of the assembly (100) due to hollow pair of arms (20a, 20b) improves the ability to resist the twisting moment and further contributes to a rolling stiffness of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the hollow pair of arms (20a, 20b) are configured with uniform thickness and are manufactured by a hydroforming process. The anti-roll bar assembly (100) effectively aids in allowing twisting moment of the anti-roll bar assembly (100). This aids in stabilizing the vehicle at various scenarios such as high speed turns, abrupt/sudden braking of the vehicle.

Referring to Figures. 4a and 4b in conjunction with Figures. 1 to 3, the assembly (100) also includes at least one mounting bush assembly (30). In an embodiment, the torsion bar (10) is coupled with the axle (200) of the vehicle by at least one mounting bush (30). In an embodiment, the mounting bush (30) is removably connected to the axle (200) of the suspension system of the vehicle through a bracket (220). The mounting bush (30) is mounted on either sides of the torsion bar (10) and disposed at the first end (10a) and second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10). In another embodiment, the mounting bush assembly (30) is mounted adjacent to the plurality of splines (11) defined on at least one portion of the first end (10a) and second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10). The mounting bush assembly (30) is configured to receive and transmit a rolling motion generated by the axle (200) of the vehicle and also resist higher radial forces along a length of the vehicle . In another embodiment, the mounting bush (30) comprises a plurality of damping layers (31) that encloses a portion of first end (10a) and second end (10b) of the torsion bar (10). Further, the plurality damping layers (31) are provided with a plurality of metallic inserts (32) in between the plurality of damping layers (31). In an embodiment, the plurality of damping layers (31) may be manufactured by a material which is at least one of rubber, EPDM, Polyurethane or any other material that serves the purpose. The plurality of damping layers (31) forms an interface with the surface of the torsion bar (10) to absorb the vibrations due to continuous twisting moment and longitudinal forces generated by the vehicle. In an embodiment, this interface of the plurality of damping layers (31) also allows rotation of the torsion bar (10) within the mounting bush (30). In certain embodiments, the plurality of metallic inserts (32) defined on an inner portion of at least one mounting bush assembly (30) provides reinforcement to the plurality of damping layers (31). In an embodiment, the plurality of inserts (32) is manufactured by any metal, non-metal or composite materials. In an embodiment, a provision of plurality of inserts (32) enhances an ability of the mounting bush (30) to resist radial loads. In certain embodiment, the mounting bush (30) further includes a housing (33) to enclose the plurality of the damping layer (31), thereby facilitating secured fastening of the mounting bush (30) with the axle (200) of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the pair of arms (20a, 20b) are connectable to the frame (210) of the vehicle by at least one frame mounting bush (40) disposed in the connecting provision (21d, 22d) in the second end (21b, 22b) of each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b). The frame mounting bush (40) assembly is provided to enable a connecting means between the frame (210) and each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b). Further, at least one torsion bar (10) is connected to the axle (200) and is configured to receive and transfer torque to the pair of arms (20a, 20b) connected to the frame (210) through the at least one frame mounting bush assembly (40). The suspension system also comprises of plurality of air bellows (230) or shock absorbing struts (240) in order to absorb shocks and vibrations during vehicle movement.

In an embodiment, the frame mounting bush (40) comprises an outer sleeve (41) and at least one inner sleeve (42) with a pin (43) for securement. In an embodiment, an outer circumference of the outer sleeve (41) abuts an inner surface of the connecting provision (21d, 22d) of the each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b). Further, at least one inner sleeve (42) is configured with one or more damping layers that is in contact with an inner surface of the outer sleeve (41). In an embodiment, the pin (43) is receivable axially within the inner sleeve (42) such that, a portion of the pin (43) is enclosed by the inner sleeve (42) having at least one damping layer. In an embodiment, the pin (43) is defined by first end (43a) and a second end (43b). The first end (43a) and second end (43b) are defined by a flat portion thereby providing an ability of the frame mounting bush (40) to withstand high radial loading. The pin (43) abuts the damping layer of the inner sleeve (42) of the frame mounting bush (40). Further, the flat portion of the pin (43) includes at least one hole (44) to receive an associated fastening means to mount each of the pair of arms (20a, 20b) to the frame (210) of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the antiroll bar assembly (100) of the suspension system (100a)of the vehicle according to present disclosure is designed to distribute and transmit the external forces at opposing sides of the vehicle to lower or rise to similar heights and thereby reducing the body roll of the vehicle on curves, sharp corners, or over large bumps. In an embodiment, during the steering of the vehicle the torsion bar (10) rotates about its own axis as the axle (200) of the vehicle rotates. During steering the of the vehicle towards a right/left direction the assembly (100) is subjected to higher longitudinal force that is transmitted to the torsional bar (10) thereby resisting the twisting moment and further transmitting to the pair of arms (20a, 20b) connected to the torsion bar (10) via mounting bush (30). The resistance to the twisting moment by the hollow structure pair of arms (20a, 20b) results in preventing rolling of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the antiroll bar assembly (100) according to present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution for stabilizing, balancing and preventing body rolling of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the size, configuration of the components of bar assembly (100) can be varied according to the application requirement.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an assembly (100) that is simple, robust and compact, wherein the components are easy to install.

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) of the present disclosure eliminates the usage of multiple torque rods that provides a link between anti-roll bar assembly (100) of the suspension system (100a) to the axle and frame (210) of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) of the present disclosure reduces number of components for coupling and fastening means thereby reducing the maintenance and operation cost.

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) of the present disclosure with hollow structured pair of arms leads to reduction of weight of the suspension system thereby decreasing fuel consumption from the vehicle.

In the detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
Reference Number Description
100 Anti-roll bar assembly
100a Suspension System
10 Torsion bar
10a First end of torsion bar
10b Second end of torsion bar
11 A plurality of splines on torsion bar
20a, 20b Pair of arms
21a, 22a First end of pair of arms
21b, 22b Second end of pair of arms
21c, 22c Connecting provision at first end of pair of arms
21d, 22d Connecting provision at second end of pair of arms
23 Sleeve coupling
30 Mounting bush
31 A plurality of damping layers
32 A plurality of metallic insert
33 Housing
40 Frame mounting bush
41 Outer sleeve
42 Inner sleeve
43 pin
43a First end of pin
43b Second end of pin
44 Holes
200 Axle
210 Frame
230 Air bellow
220 Bracket
240 Struts