Integral axle with disconnected axle suspension

The trailer axle is one of the key components on the vehicle chassis, which is related to the performance of the vehicle body load-bearing, auxiliary braking and shock absorption. There are many types of trailer axles, such as drive axles, steering axles, drive steering axles, and support axles. From the structural form, they can be divided into two types: integral trailer axles and disconnected trailer axles.

The integral trailer axle is easier to understand. Like the trucks we usually see, most of them use the integral trailer axle. It looks a bit like a barbell in shape, with a shaft in the middle and two ends connected to the wheels.

The disconnected axle is more complicated. The middle axle is non-integral, and the wheels at both ends are connected through a joint structure, so relative movement can be realized.

From the point of view of their respective characteristics, the design of the integral axle is simple, the daily maintenance is relatively convenient, and the load-bearing capacity and torque provided by the one-piece axle beam are also greater;

The disconnected axle is the opposite. Because it has no intermediate axle-beam connection, its load-bearing capacity is relatively poor, but the independent movement of the wheels on both sides can deal with complex and harsh road conditions more calmly. To a certain extent, it can also lower the position of the engine and lower the vehicle. Center of gravity, improve driving stability.

So, what kind of suspension is suitable for integral axles and split axles?

To put it simply, the suspension system mainly plays the role of shock absorption, in addition to supporting the height of the vehicle body and improving the handling of the vehicle. There are many types of vehicle suspension systems, such as leaf spring suspension, air suspension, oil-pneumatic suspension, etc. From a structural point of view, the suspension is the same as the trailer axle, and can be divided into independent suspension and non-independent suspension.

In general, integral trailer axles are often used in conjunction with non-independent suspensions, and are more commonly used in trucks, buses, some SUVs or small cars. This combination has the advantages of simple structure, high strength, and convenient maintenance. , firm grip, small change in front wheel alignment during driving, and durability, etc., but the unsprung weight of the non-independent suspension is relatively heavy, and the comfort is relatively inferior. In addition, the trafficability to deal with complex road conditions is relatively poor. Difference.

The disconnected axle is often used in conjunction with an independent suspension. The wheels on both sides are respectively installed and connected to the body through an independent suspension. When one wheel crosses obstacles and bumps, the other wheel can not be affected. The unsprung weight is small enough, the wheel rises and falls quickly, the driving comfort is greatly improved, and the vehicle's ability to get out of trouble is also enhanced, so it is widely used in various military vehicles or off-road vehicles. However, because the connecting rods are independent and there are many joint structures, the durability and load-bearing are relatively disadvantaged. If the inclination angle of the vehicle is not well designed, it will also affect the handling.