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ALL SHOCKS
ABSORBED
CV DAMPER TECHNOLOGY
Contents
2
ALL SHOCKS ABSORBED –
CV DAMPER TECHNOLOGY FROM ZF
page4
PRODUCT RANGE FOR AXLE DAMPING page PCV® – PREMIUM COMFORT VALVE page8
N-DAMPER FOR TRUCKS page 10
N-DAMPER FOR BUSES page11
VARIO DAMPER page12
LDM – AIR SPRING DAMPER MODULE page13
CDC® – CONTINUOUS DAMPING CONTROL
FOR AXLES
page14
6
PRODUCT RANGE FOR CABIN DAMPING page18
STEEL SPRING MODULE
page20
AIR SPRING MODULE
page21
CALM® – CABIN AIR LEVELING MODULE
page22
CDC® – FOR THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CABIN page23
INTELLIGENT LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
page24
EVERYTHING IN SIGHT: ZF OVERALL EXPERTISE
FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
page26
Reliable and innovative. Commercial
vehicle manufacturers worldwide have
relied on vibration damping solutions by
ZF for more than 60 years. Our engineers
are rising to tomorrow's challenges today.
Technological megatrends like weight reduction, comfort improvements, and noise
absorption drive the further development
of damping technology and increase the
efficiency of commercial vehicles. Be it a
component, a module, or an entire system:
ZF damping technology always provides
significant benefits in comfort, driving
stability, and safety. Thanks to intelligent,
modular concepts ZF has become the
leading specialist worldwide for vibration
damping in trucks, buses, trailers, agricultural and construction machinery.
3
ALL SHOCKS ABSORBED –
CV DAMPER TECHNOLOGY
The demands placed on damping technology in modern commercial vehicles
are high. Vehicle manufacturers and fleet owners throughout the world count on
the reliability and quality of vibration damping components, modules, and systems
from ZF. They guarantee maximum comfort, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
FOR THE GLOBAL TRANSPORT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS OF THE FUTURE
To bring people and goods safely, reliably, and
Safety and comfort without compromises
cost-effectively to their destinations worldwide,
Shock absorbers must, on the one hand, support
ZF is facing the challenges of the global commer-
the functions necessary for driving safety, such
cial vehicle market also in the area of damping
as lateral guidance, braking, and acceleration.
technology:
On the other hand, they must also keep vibrations to a minimum to provide passengers with
Managing complexity
the expected level of comfort and to protect the
Regardless of whether the chassis is meant for a
vehicle and the cargo load. ZF valve and system
truck, bus, tractor, or van, shock absorbers cannot
technology guarantees optimal results for vehicle
be considered in isolation. The various chassis
handling, comfort, and safety – precisely tailored
parameters mutually influence each other during
to the requirements of our customers and their
vehicle operation. Kinematics, elasticities, and
vehicles.
their interaction play a decisive role in vehicle
handling alongside springs, spring-loaded stops,
Reliability and flexibility – worldwide
shock absorbers, and stabilizers.
The modular shock absorber kit used worldwide,
in conjunction with the ZF production and logis-
ZF chassis engineers manage these complex
tics system, ensures flexibility and reliability in
correlations in the vehicle and precisely know
supply. Our customers can rely on that – world-
the significance of the shock absorber within the
wide, day after day, millions of times over.
system. Their expertise guarantees outstanding
results for our customers.
4
5
PRODUCT RANGE
Axle Damping
N-DAMPER for trucks and buses
Vibration damping in the vehicle
PCV® – Premium Comfort Valve
The depicted vibration characteristics
show how a shock absorber reduces the
vibrations caused by uneven roads (orange
curve: undamped; blue curve: damped).
1
1
Cabin
2
Chassis
3
Axle
1
2
3
N-damper for medium
and heavy-duty
commercial vehicles
N-damper for buses
LDM – AIR SPRING DAMPER MODULE
PCV® technology for a new feeling of comfort
The primary suspension absorbs excitations originating
from the road. The suspension enables the wheel to follow
the unevenness of the road. However, the stored energy is
released again by the suspension system when the wheel is
rebounding. The chassis needs shock absorbers to dampen
vibrations caused by this as quickly as possible.
Sprung and unsprung masses vibrate in different frequency
ranges. Shock absorbers aligned with vehicle suspension
basically prevent the body from rocking and vibrating. They
ensure permanent road grip of the wheels and thus good
lateral guidance and braking effects. Damping plays a decisive role in driving safety and ride comfort.
CDC® – CONTINUOUS DAMPING CONTROL
DAMPER SIZES
Vehicle category
Light commercial vehicles
Special
applications
Light trucks
Medium and and heavy-duty trucks and buses
Damper sizes
S27(1)
S30(1)
N30 N36
N45
N50 T70(2)
Rebound [N]
3,500
4,500
6,000
11,000
16,000
20,000
30,000
Compression [N]
1,500
1,500
1,800
3,500
6,000
10,000
20,000
Maximum permissible nominal damping power with a piston speed of 0.52 m/s
(1) Standard shock absorbers for light commercial vehicles and light trucks
(2) Standard shock absorbers for special applications
The selection of the ideal damper size depends on the forces
acting on the damper and the entire suspension system as
they determine the required damping forces. In addition, the
Is applied in innovative suspension concepts
for heavy trucks and buses.
6
length and diameter define the heat dissipating surface area.
The larger the shock absorber, the larger is the surface area
and the higher is the thermal load capability.
The electronically controlled CDC® damping system
ensures perfect damping of the vehicle in every situation.
7
PCV
®
PCV® allows for a new feeling
of comfort by means of an even
more variable valve characteristic.
Premium Comfort Valve – PCV®
When stability simply feels good.
The PCV® technology opens up new possibilities for conventional
shock absorbers and allows for significantly higher comfort
without compromising stability.
At medium velocities, the PCV®
low compression speeds and from a
the oil flow between rod guide and
with modified oil feed system
very harmonic transition to the next
piston. The bypasses thus created
provides a moderate increase in
force levels that are needed at higher
control the oil flow to the bleeder
the damping force. The slope of
speeds.
valve, pre-valve, or main valve. In
the damper characteristic is flatter,
conjunction with various springs,
which is perceived as a softer, more
Smooth flow
valves and orifices, this results in
comfortable suspension response.
The PCV® can lay claim to yet an-
numerous additional possibilities
To keep the vehicle uniformly stable
other plus with regard to ride comfort:
for the shock absorber setting. As a
and to prevent the vehicle body
Thanks to the new valve geometry,
result, the damper characteristic can
from rocking and vibrating, the
the oil flow is smooth and calm in
be even more precisely defined to
damping force increases again
comparison to traditional twin-tube
match customer requirements and
with PCV® at higher piston speeds.
dampers. This allows ZF to minimize
the vehicle’s field of application.
High speed generate high damp-
the hydraulic flow noises and the
ing forces via fluid friction, thus
transmission of non-damper noises
A significant increase in damping
contributing to increased safety in
to adjacent components.
force at low damper velocities re-
vehicle operation.
duces rolling and pitching motions
8
to a minimum. This increases the
The new sense of comfort provided
safety of drivers and passengers
by PCV® results from the robust
during braking and acceleration.
damping of the axle movements at
low
Damping force F [N]
The heart of the PCV® technology is
medium
high
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
Characteristic curve of
conventional shock absorbers
2,000
Characteristic curve of the PCV
0
-2,000
0
0.13
0.26
0.52
0.39
Speed V [m/s]
HIGHLIGHTS
Improved comfort
More precise adjustment of the damper characteristics
No external control systems
Significant minimization of the noise situation in the vehicle
Available for mechanical and air springs
Independent of ride height
Outstanding cost/performance ratio
9
N-DAMPER FOR TRUCKS
N-Damper for Buses
The N-damper was specially developed for modern
ZF has optimized the established N-damper generation
air and parabolic springs. It has proven itself in longdistance trucks and under extreme conditions in
heavy terrain.
N-dampers by ZF operate on a twin-tube principle.
ADVANTAGES
Long service life
Great tire comfort
Low friction
Multi-stage piston and base valves
Perfect for modern air suspension concepts
especially for bus applications. New piston and base
valve concepts take into account the special resonance
properties of buses, significantly minimizing the transmission of noise. Combined with newly developed
comfort joints, passengers enjoy ideal drivability and
When the suspension is compressed, the piston rod
maximum noise isolation. Adjusting the correct ride
moves in (compression stage). This pushes a quantity
height is facilitated by the well-proven knurling of ZF
of oil corresponding to the volume of the piston rod
dampers. The new heavy-duty lower stud offers high
through the damper base valve into the outer tube.
load-carrying capacity and long service life, especially
At the same time, the annular volume of oil is pushed
on difficult roads.
ADVANTAGES
Minimized noise transmission
Optimized piston and bottom valves
Mounts optimized for comfort
Increased service life
Reinforced bottom stem mounts
Zinc-nickel coated joint parts
Knurling to ensure correct ride height
Further increase in comfort through VARIO technology
from the lower into the upper working chamber
through the piston valve.
Thanks to a high-quality zinc-nickel coating, the metallic surfaces have an exceptionally long service life. That
When the axle load is released, the piston rod extends
way, they are protected against corrosion. In addition,
(rebound). The annular volume flows back through
they ensure the well-known long service life of ZF's N-
the piston valve. A quantity of oil corresponding to
dampers, even under extreme environmental conditions.
Zinc-nickel coated
joint kits
the volume of the piston rod is sucked from the oil
reservoir in the outer tube through the base valve.
APPLICATION
The N-damper is used in all truck and
semitrailer applications.
Seal and guide unit
Hydraulic end stop
Viton®-Seals for high
temperature resistance
and long service life
Hydraulic end stop
Viton®-Seals for high
temperature resistance
and long service life
Piston rod
DAMPING FORCE AND CHARACTERISTIC CURVES
Pressure tube
Oil reservoir
Piston valve
Progressive-linear characProgressiv-linearer
Progressiv-linearer
teristic curve development
Kennlinienverlauf
Kennlinienverlauf
for leaf spring vehicles.
Degressive
of the
Degressivercourse
Kennlinienverlauf
Degressiver
Kennlinienverlauf
characteristic curve: ideal for
parabolic spring and pneumatic spring vehicles thanks
to patented piston system.
In general, the damping force of the shock absorber depends on the
piston speed: The damping force increases with increasing piston
speed. The valves define to which extent this happens. The special
design, arrangement, and combination of the valves make it possible
to achieve all desired damping characteristics (characteristic curves)
that are required and ideal for the respective use.
Wear-optimized
contact surface pairing
Knurling on the reservoir
tube for easy adjustment and
check of the ride height
VARIO technology for
comfortable traveling
Noise-optimized
piston valve
Base valve
One-piece, heavy-duty
reservoir bottom with
integrated joint pin
Advanced base valve
specifically for bus
requirements
The damping force characteristic is individually adjusted for each
vehicle series. The characteristic is defined in close cooperation with
the vehicle manufacturer. Thus, full driving stability is guaranteed
even when the vehicle is fully loaded.
10
11
VARIO DAMPER –
STROKE-DEPENDENT DAMPING
LDM – AIR SPRING DAMPER MODULE
Control grooves in the cylinder tube, which create
The LDM air spring damper module is an alternative
a hydraulic bypass, are used to implement strokedependent damping. The hydraulic bypass works
on the piston valve. It is mechanically formed in the
cylinder tube of the shock absorber.
ADVANTAGES
Enhanced comfort
Economical
Integration into standard shock absorbers possible
Can replace existing shock absorbers
No control elements needed
The piston travels over the control groove depending
on the shock absorber position and stroke. When oil
flows over the groove, hydraulic resistance is reduced
and therefore the damping force as well. The damping
ADVANTAGES
to the established concept of installing dampers and
air springs next to one another in the suspension. It is
a compact unit consisting of both an air spring and a
damper.
By reducing the number of individual components and
APPLICATION
VARIO technology is used primarily for cabin damping in trucks
and on axle dampers in buses to improve comfort. It also has
numerous applications in light commercial vehicles.
saving installation space, the LDM significantly contributes to the new front axle requirements. This design is
in a way similar to air spring damper modules for cabin
forces are significantly higher outside the grooves – for
suspension. They are ideally suited for the innovative
even more driving safety.
axle designs of the future.
Improved anti-roll stability – especially important
if body has high center of gravity
With the respective axle kinematics, larger spring
travels result, e.g. when swap trailers and semitrailers
are attached
Reduced installation space
The combination of spring and shock absorber enables
a wide spring track
Sizing of the outside dimensions of the bellows
and rolling piston make high axle loads possible
LDM can be combined with the continuous damping control
system, CDC®
Careful design of the transition profile between the
groove and the smooth part of the cylinder prevents
Top connection with
integrated air connection
abrupt changes in vehicle damping.
Integrated
compression stop
APPLICATION
Air spring damper modules are used in trucks and
buses for independent wheel suspensions and for
conventional suspensions on the front axle.
Additional air volume
Support flange
Electromagnetic
CDC® control valve
(optional)
Bottom connection
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13
CDC
®
CDC® – Continuous Damping Control
Perfect Damping Anytime
CDC® is the damping control system for buses and
commercial vehicles that combines uncompromising
comfort and driving safety – from a single source,
from ZF.
The CDC® electronically controlled
The feeling of comfort is higher and
Usually that is the rear axle, since
damping system permanently
the driver can concentrate better on
the largest axle load differences
monitors all relevant influences on
his task: driving the vehicle.
occur there due to vehicle loading.
The performance of the new CDC®
the driving situation, such as load
condition, driver activities, vehicle
ZF develops CDC® as a system for
control concept is already clearly
movements, etc. The CDC® opti-
commercial vehicles and delivers
visible with this limited application.
mally sets the damping force within
significant advantages in compari-
a few milliseconds. The vehicle
son to previous solutions. This is
To achieve optimal vehicle handling
should receive as much damping as
primarily thanks to the use of the
for the overall vehicle, we continue
needed in the given situation, but
skyhook control principle. Both
to recommend the full CDC® system
basically as little as possible. It is
ride comfort and driving stability
which appropriately controls all
no longer necessary to compromise
are noticeably improved, especially
shock absorbers.
between safety and comfort with
in partially loaded conditions. The
the shock absorber setting.
ZF system can be used both as a
complete system and as the CDC1XL
With CDC®, the vehicle remains
single-axle solution.
stable and safe to control in all situ-
14
ations. Damage to load, packaging,
CDC1XL is a particularly efficient
and vehicle are kept to a minimum.
variant of the CDC®. The shock
Driver and passengers experience
absorbers on only one vehicle axle
significantly reduced vibrations.
are controlled and damped.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
HIGHLIGHTS
Stability even in critical driving situations
Safe handling during dynamic driving maneuvers
Comfort for driver and passengers
Protection of cargo, packaging, and vehicle body
Reduced vehicle wear
Reduction in road damage
Increase in cost-effectiveness
THE CDC® MODULAR KIT –
SOLUTIONS FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF REQUIREMENTS
Full CDC® version
CDC1XL
Sensor
systems
CAN data and
possibly separate sensor
system
Sensor cluster
integrated in ECU
A-CAN (if suitable)
Control unit
Independently by wheel
Independently by axle
Application
For all trucks and buses,
18 wheels can be
dampened independently
Primarily rear
suspension
due to load differences
www.zf.com/trucks
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.zf.com/buses
15
THE CDC® SYSTEM
CDC1XL – THE SOLUTION FOR ONE AXLE
CDC® is an intelligent control system composed of system
sensors, control unit, and CDC® dampers.
The CDC1XL is a cost-optimized variant of the CDC® damping
system from ZF. Concentrating on one axle (with greatly
varying load conditions) while adapting the controller
concept clearly reduces system costs. At the same time,
significant benefits are generated. The controller developed
by ZF is decisive for the high performance of the CDC1XL.
The sensors determine the current driving situation. CDC®
uses the data of the sensor cluster integrated into the ECU
as well as the information available on the CAN bus.
An important component of the CDC® damper is an electronically controlled proportional valve. The oil flow rate is increased
or decreased depending on the demand. The required valve
position is permanently re-calculated and continuously adjusted.
Conventional damping
Controlled damping
CDC1xl CONTROL LOOP (EXAMPLE)
External influence (street, crosswind, etc.)
The system can adjust the damping force in just a few milliseconds and can do so independently for each axle and wheel.
The use of the skyhook principle makes the CDC® clearly
noticeable.
1XL
Brake pressure
Driver
hard
Pedal position
Speed
CONTROLLED DAMPING
CONTROLLED
DAMPING
soft
Rebound
Steering input
STABILITY
Load
Air spring pressure
Wheel speed
front axle
Damping force [N]
Vehicle reaction
CAN bus data
1
The CDC1XL uses the sensor cluster integrated into the controller to determine the relevant control variables itself. Thus,
it can be easily integrated into existing vehicle concepts.
Electromagnetically
controlled
proportional valve
COMFORT
ECU
with integrated
sensor cluster
In addition to the load signal, steering input via the CAN bus
can be used in order to increase the roll resistance of the
vehicle during cornering.
Piston speed [m/s]
Damping force adjustment ranges
ADVANTAGES WITH CDC®
Safety
Vehicle remains stable in terms of driving dynamics and is
easy to keep under control even in challenging situations
Greater safety and better handling
in highly critical maneuvers:
1. Braking: Potentially shorter braking distances
2. Lane changes: Better control and handling
due to lower roll angle
3. Steering: Smaller steering angle
4. Acceleration: Less pitching, better wheel control
Cargo protection
Less damage to cargo and packaging; cargo remains
securely fixed on load floor
16
Vehicle wear
Vehicle components are subject to less stress;
maintenance costs decrease
Ride comfort
Reduced vehicle body and seat acceleration;
CDC® lowers driver fatigue;
passengers have a more pleasant trip
Road protection
Reduction in damage caused by dynamic loads
Cost effectiveness
Vehicle components are subject to less wear,
maintenance costs decrease, less tire wear;
potentially lower insurance premiums
The data show, that CDC1XL uses the damping force range
to the best benefit.
Unloaded/partially loaded
Fully loaded
9090
[dB]
[dB]
1
The subjective improvement is verified by objective measurements. A frequency analysis shows objective improvements
in the relevant frequencies.
9090
[dB]
1
[dB]
Compression
NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT with CDC1xl
8585
8585
8080
8080
7575
7575
7070
7070
6565
6565
6060
6060
Controlled CDC1XL
Conventional shock absorbers
5555
5555
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 1010
[Hz][Hz]
In unloaded and partially loaded vehicles, vibrations and
motions are noticeably reduced – this means more comfort.
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 1010
[Hz][Hz]
In a fully loaded vehicle, driving stability remains on the same
level compared with conventional shock absorbers – at very
good comfort.
17
PRODUCT RANGE
Cabin Damping
STEEL SPRING MODULE
VIBRATION DAMPING for the driver's cab
AIR SPRING MODULE
The depicted vibration characteristics
show how a shock absorber reduces the
vibrations caused by uneven roads (orange
curve: undamped; blue curve: damped).
1
2
1
Cabin
2
Chassis
3
Axle
1
2
3
Is used in all types of commercial vehicle cabins.
Significantly increases ride comfort in trucks, tractors,
and special vehicles.
CALM® – CABIN AIR LEVELING MODULE
CDC® – CONTINUOUS DAMPING CONTROL
ZF cab dampers provide greater safety, comfort, and stability. Improved comfort levels reduce driver fatigue, increasing
performance and thereby driving safety.
Vehicle cabs differ in size, equipment, and weight depending
on their application. Each different cabin design requires an
individual spring/damper solution.
Ride comfort in commercial vehicles is considerably enhanced by cabin suspension and cabin damping that is
separate from the chassis.
ZF offers a range of products from lateral dampers (nearly
horizontal installation position), steel spring, and air spring
modules to CALM® Cabin Air Leveling Modules and CDC®
controlled damping.
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CABIN
Regardless of the type, size, and equipment of the driver's cab,
ZF offers the best solution for cabin damping and suspension.
The range extends from medium and heavy trucks of all application
categories through to off-road and agricultural machinery.
Air spring module with integrated height leveling.
No external components for height leveling are required.
18
The electronically controlled damping system CDC® provides the
cabin with ideal damping in every situation. In particular, pitching
motions are reduced significantly.
19
STEEL SPRING MODULE
AIR SPRING MODULE
The steel spring is mounted concentrically on the
Pneumatic suspension allows for ride height control.
damper. It is designed in various spring characteristics
depending on the use case. The cabin level is independent of the system and is not controlled. It depends
on the load. Different cabin weights require the steel
spring suspension to have different load carrying
ADVANTAGES
Independent from other systems, such as air supply
Outstanding cost/benefit ratio
Small installation space required
The robust design enables rough-terrain
applications, e.g. for construction vehicles
It compensates load differences resulting from different
cabin weights/equipment and cabin movements while
the vehicle is operated. As good ride comfort is based on
low natural frequency, cabin suspensions – especially
ADVANTAGES
Ride height control with different cabin equipment/loading
Constant, comfortable characteristic frequency
Increased ride comfort
Small installation space required
in medium and heavy-duty vehicles – are equipped with
pneumatic suspension.
capacities to maintain ride height levels. This can be
achieved by different spring rates, different preload, or
a mechanical height adjustment known as spring mount
Loads between 2,000 N and 4,000 N can be supported
adjustment.
with an internal pressure of 5 bar in the air spring
bellow.
A special air spring piston shape for the air spring yields
low spring rates in mid stroke, but a very strong progression towards the end stops. Thus the driver cab remains
APPLICATION
stable at a high level of ride comfort.
The steel spring module is used with all types of commercial vehicles with limited load differences. This
includes primarily construction and delivery vehicles as
well as tractors and special vehicles – precisely where
robustness takes center stage.
SPRING MOUNT ADJUSTMENT
APPLICATION
The air spring module is used for driver cabs with
high comfort requirements and for trucks, tractors,
construction vehicles, and special vehicles.
Seal and guide unit
Seal and guide unit
Piston rod
Piston rod
STEEL SPRING Module AND
AIR SPRING MODULE IN COMPARISON
Piston valve
The same spring damper modules can be used for
different cabin weights by adjusting the spring mount.
Coil spring
Base valve
Requirements
Steel spring
Air spring
■
■
Typical natural frequency
of the driver's cabin
1.8 - 3.0 Hz
1.0 - 1.4 Hz
Low natural frequency at design
height and progressive spring
forces at the stroke end stops
To a limited
extent
■
■
■
Hydraulic damper or suspension
strut with concentrically aligned
spring element.
Dampers with VARIO design
with stroke-dependent
characteristics possible
Piston valve
Tailored piston
Base valve
Horizontal dampers reduce the infamous "cabin shake"
syndrome and thus increase safety and comfort.
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21
CALM® – CABIN AIR LEVELING MODULE
CDC®– FOR THE CABIN
With CALM® (Cabin Air Leveling Module), ZF has de-
CDC® eliminates the trade-off between comfort and
As a result, cabin suspension is soft and comfortable.
stability in the cabin. It solves the conflicting demands
As soon as excitation of the cabin changes due to lane
for higher suspension and damping comfort on the one
changes, braking maneuvers, or gear shifts, CDC® keeps
hand, and for good cabin stability while accelerating,
the cabin stable by increasing damping forces.
veloped a unique air spring damper module. This module contains the leveling system for the driver's cabin.
CALM® appears very similar to conventional air spring
modules. Height leveling is no longer controlled via an
external valve but is directly implemented in CALM®.
The module also replaces a number of additional
ADVANTAGES
Damping and air suspension
with integrated height leveling
Low susceptibility of the height leveling
to external influences such as dirt and damage
Modular design
Smaller installation space required
No adjusting during assembly
Fewer individual components
braking and cornering on the other.
The system also contributes to fuel efficiency by enThe damping forces are adjusted to the optimum level
abling shorter gear-shifting times and reducing tractive
within milliseconds on the basis of data provided by the
force interruption without compromising ride comfort,
external components. Depending on the ride height,
vehicle's sensors. At straight-ahead driving on average-
e.g. due to stronger cabin pitch.
the valve regulates the pressure in the air springs and
quality roads, the electronics reduces damping forces.
provides a constant ride height of the driver's cabin.
CALM® has proven its worth under the toughest conditions – also in construction vehicles and tractors. Thus,
the driver can rely on the advantages of an air suspended cab even with demanding applications.
APPLICATION
CALM® is used in all types of air spring cabins that
require high comfort levels and are subject to a wide
range of different load conditions. Areas of application include trucks, agricultural tractors, construction
vehicles, and special vehicles.
Piston rod
Compression
stop buffer
Leveling valve
CALM® SOLUTION
1
5
Piston
2
7
6
3
8
4
Minimum pressure
valve
CDC ® CONTROL LOOP (EXAMPLE)
CDC®
1 3 5
2 4 6
1
2
3
4
Air line
CALM®
Air supply line
Conventional
air spring module
5 Air distributor
6 External level control valve
7 Linkage and adjusting mechanism
8 Air supply line
Driving activity
22
External components for height leveling
have largely been eliminated.
hard
Transmission control
soft
Control
Speed
y
Steering angle
x
Nm
X
Brake pressure
Engine torque
z
Cabin reaction
23
INTELLIGENT LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
In developing new components and systems, ZF always strives for
efficiency and resource conservation. This applies equally to products
in the areas of axle and cabin suspension.
Good reasons to lose weight
The weight reduction in comparison to a corresponding
The basic conditions are clear: Commercial vehicles
volume production shock absorber of size N36 is about
must lose weight in the future. Customers benefit from
40 % or 1.5kg.
ADVANTAGES
Resource conservation in production
Fuel savings
Increase in payload
Greater comfort potential
by reducing the unsprung masses
Improvement in corrosion resistance
Use of innovative materials and procedures
from the ZF technology portfolio
reduced curb weight with increased payloads. Weight
reduction also helps to achieve the demanding targets
Lightweight design for cabin damper modules
for reduced fuel consumption. In addition, reducing
Not only are alternative materials such as aluminum
the weight of unsprung masses (axles, wheels, brakes,
and fiber composites being used in cabin damper mod-
shock absorbers, etc.) creates additional potential for
ules; there is also a further integration of functions, for
improving comfort.
instance into the outer tube of the damper. This reduces
complexity during assembly and allows for resource
Lightweight design for axle dampers
conservation during manufacturing.
ZF lightweight axle dampers combine various materials and technologies from the existing ZF technology
As with axle dampers, corrosion characteristics are also
portfolio. Hollow piston rods, aluminum containers
being significantly improved with cabin applications.
– with reduced wall thicknesses in some case – and a
redesigned plastic protective tube are used in the lightweight versions of dampers sizes N36 and N45.
The intelligent combination of innovative materials and procedures
allows for weight reductions of up to 40%.
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25
Everything in Sight: ZF Overall
Expertise for Commercial Vehicles
ZF technology is the standard for commercial vehicles in all categories.
Whether driveline or chassis technology, ZF has the entire vehicle in view
as the systems supplier.
Safe and reliable on the road:
ZF technology for cost-effectiveness
ZF driveline and chassis technology in modern
and efficiency
commercial vehicles
ZF driveline and chassis technology is the first
ZF technology in commercial vehicles draws
choice for trucks and buses of all categories.
upon a long volume-production experience and
ZF components and systems have proven them-
are consistently developed further. Thanks
selves a million times over and set standards
to its use, engine power is translated into real
regarding cost-effectiveness, safety, and com-
performance on the road. It develops its full
fort. They preserve the chassis, driveline, and
potential in perfectly harmonized interaction
the body. They reduce stress on driver and the
with ZF components for wheel suspension,
vehicle, help preserve resources, and make an
axle guidance, damping, and spring suspension
intelligent and sustainable contribution to the
as well as with complete ZF chassis systems.
commercial vehicles' cost-effectiveness and
They ensure safety and reliability in all driving
efficiency.
situations.
Obtain technical details and experience
Working better: ZF technology for comfort
our products in action online at
in commercial vehicles
www.zf.com/trucks.
Comfort in commercial vehicles does not mean
extravagance. It supports the driver's concentration and improves his working conditions.
At the same time, intelligent assistance systems
ensure that drivers can rely on the performance
MORE INFORMATION ON TRUCKS
www.zf.com/trucks
of their trucks in all driving situations. These
are the prerequisites to ensure that driver, passengers, vehicle, and load are always safe on the
road and arrive on time.
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MORE INFORMATION ON BUSES
www.zf.com/buses
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EN 0000 750 182 - 2014
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Ernst-Sachs-Straße 62
97424 Schweinfurt
Germany
Phone +49 9721 98-0
Fax
+49 9721 98-2290
www.zf.com