US 12,441,143 B2
Multi-link front suspension for an underground articulated dump truck
Steven Denis Springer, Naperville, IL (US); David William Holthaus, Monticello, IL (US); and Ryan P. Morge, Clinton, IL (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 13, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/507,462.
Prior Publication US 2025/0153522 A1, May 15, 2025
Int. Cl. B60G 7/00 (2006.01); B60G 9/02 (2006.01)
CPC B60G 7/001 (2013.01) [B60G 9/02 (2013.01); B60G 2300/02 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A front suspension for a front axle of a tractor of an articulated vehicle, wherein the tractor has a tractor frame, and wherein the front axle has an axle rotational axis and an axle transverse axis that is perpendicular to the axle rotational axis and positioned at an axial center of the front axle, the front suspension comprising:
an upper suspension link comprising:
an axle center mounting arm connected to the front axle at a pivotal connection proximate a top side of the front axle and positioned at the axial center of the front axle,
a first frame mounting arm extending rearward and connected to the tractor frame via a first spherical bearing, and
a second frame mounting arm extending rearward and connected to the tractor frame via a second spherical bearing, wherein the first frame mounting arm and the second frame mounting arm are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axle transverse axis;
a first lower support link pivotally connected to the front axle proximate a bottom side of the front axle, extending rearward from the front axle, and pivotally connected to the tractor frame;
a second lower support link pivotally connected to the front axle proximate the bottom side of the front axle, extending rearward from the front axle, and pivotally connected to the tractor frame, wherein the first lower support link and the second lower support link are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axle transverse axis; and
the pivotal connection between the upper suspension link and the front axle being configured to allow the front axle to move about the pivotal connection.