Method of accommodating stepping movement in a walking beam assembly that has air suspension, and a walking beam assembly with air suspension

摘要

A method of accommodating stepping movement in a walking beam assembly that has air suspension and a walking beam assembly with air suspension which includes a saddle and a pair of walking beams pivotally mounted in parallel spaced apart relation to the saddle. Supports for air bags are positioned on the saddle. A frame bracket is provided which is adapted for mounting to a chassis of a vehicle. The saddle is pivotally mounted to the frame bracket by a pivot bearing. In accordance with the teachings of the invention, the pivot bearing includes a housing and a ball having integral support shafts extending outwardly in opposed relation. The ball is supported within the housing for limited omnidirectional movement. In addition to accommodating up and down pivotal movement of the saddle, this configuration of pivot bearing accommodates limited yaw and limited roll.