AU632375B2

AU632375B2 - Portable shock absorber test instrument

Info

Publication number: AU632375B2
Application number: AU64872/90A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nathan Needleman
Original assignee: Ime Werkzeuge und Apparatebau Vertriebs GmbH
Current assignee: Ime Werkzeuge und Apparatebau Vertriebs GmbH
Priority date: 1990-10-22
Filing date: 1990-10-22
Publication date: 1992-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2010-10-22
Also published as: AU6487290A

Description

AUSTRALIA i 2 Patent Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: i Names(s) of Applicant(s): I.M.E WERKZEUGE UND APPARATEBAU VERTRIEBS GmbH Address(s) of Applicant(s): SLessingstrasse 19, 6501 Ober-01m, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY i Our Address for service is: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street MELBOURNE, Australia 3000 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: PORTABLE SHOCK ABSORBER TEST INSTRUMENT The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): 1 0804N 1 la- The invention concerns a portable shock absorber test instrument with electronic units for measurement of the oscillating motions of the car body add for signal processing and evaluation.

Shock absorbers in motor cars catch accelerated masses which are generated by the relaxation of springs so that they are dampened.

It is, therefore, necessary to reliably test the secure operation of such shock absorbers.

*o For this purpose a multiplicity of shock absorber test instruments are known which register the oscillations of the vehicle on so-called test stands. The traditional constructions are, however, conceived in a very lavish manner and are, therefore, very expensive.

Furthermore, the known test instruments tend to be impractical and complex in operation. The measurement results are frequently inaccurate as well as difficult to assign and evaluate.

For the purpose of testing shock absorbers, portable instruments are also known which are independent from the electrical supply network by being supplied from a storage battery respectively a battery.

The disadvantage of these battery buffered instruments consists in the fact that the units which are stored after production and again in the sale room, already consume electric current without their having been taken irlo operation, i.e there can be the danger of imperfect function on taking it into operation.

2 Furthermore the disadvantage of the known instruments consists in the fact that the peripheral instruments, which have to be maintained as well as the battery which has to be exchanged from time to time, are integrated within the shock absorber test instrument, so that the electronics might be damaged during exchange or maintenance.

The present invention is based on the task of creating a shock absorber test instrument to achieve, by suitable measures, that the battery, respectively the connection to current can only take place by way of deliberate action so that no further -urrnt; consumption can occur o during storage apart from the energy losses caused by physics.

Furthermore, all the parts, units and peripheral instruments which are subject to maintenance, respectively exchange, -s -*be installed outside the instrument, i.e. insulated from the electronics of the instrument.

This tsk is solved according to tho invntion by a .hc. bor.

test instr ent according to claim 1 and the subsidiary claims 2 to t. ,17.

In this, for example, a pushed-in button which is wired in series with the battery, interr ts the connection between the battery and the consuming units.

For preference the button is sprin loaded so that it closes the circuit between battery and consuming its when not in action.

i. Through this design it is, for example, pos ble for the manufacturer of the instrument to push in the button prior to packing, respectively dispatch and secure it with adhesive tape against th ide of the instrument or its rear wall depending on the location of e button 'so t-hat- 'it remains puhd in qnd the battery, t-hresfnre, remains

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6. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim wherein said display includes a diagram of a motor vehicle.

7. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim 6 According to the present invention there is provided portable shock absorber test apparatus adapted to measure oscillating motions of a car body, including power consuming units and a storage battery for supplying power to said power consuming units, wherein: said battery can be separated from said power consuming units by means of a push button operated interrupter which is wired in series between said battery and said power consuming units; said interruptor creates a connection between the battery and said power consuming units when said push button is not actuated; and said interrupter is spring biased, such that the latter interrupts supply of power when pressure sufficient to overcome the spring bias is applied to said push button, and restores supply of power when said pressure is removed from said push button.

In this, for example, a pushed-in button which is wired in series with the battery, interrupts the connection between the battery and the power consuming units.

20 For preference the button is spring loaded so that it closes the circuit between battery and consuming units when not in action. Through this design it is, for example, possible for the manufacturer of the instrument to push in the button prior to packing, respectively flit 25 dispatched and secure it with adhesive tape against the tr side of the instrument or its rear wall depending on the V location of the button so that it remains pushed in and K the battery, therefore, remains 39 2a si

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-3- |j separated from the consuming units. In this simple design only the user will remove the adhesive tape and the circuit between battery and consuming units is closed by returning the interrupter button i: by, spring loading into its starting position.

This measure is, of course, also possible with a switch which can be switched on/off but suitable indications (on/off) are then required as well as suitable technical measures for correct switch position.

Furthermore, the battery of the shock absorber test instrument according to the invention, which needs to be exchanged from time to time, jo arranged outside the housing containing the electronics.

Similarly the corresponding peripheral instruments, for example Si printers for printing the measurement data, where the ribbon has to S 'be exchanged from timt to time. This results in the advantage that during maintenance and handling with a screw driver the electronics cannot be damaged.

A further ."hartefristicof the invention consists in the fact that the shock absorber test instrument for measuring the oscillating m-y kcvemotions of the car body 4eb&at least one sensor, for preference a piezo sensor or a microsensor for the processing and evaluation of signals, at least one measurement value amplifier each and a microprocessor as well as a keyboard, a display and several suitable connection points for the connection of further peripheral instruments.

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i The display -kas a diagram of the motor car where the measurement values indications are arranged at the four corners of the diagram.

The- keyboard for feeding in instructions conists of fat least 5 keys.

N41 A further characteristic of the invention is the fact that energy supply may come from a battery respectively a storage battery. A further preferred property of the invention is characterised by the fact that a storage unit may be incorporated in the test instrument. A further special characteristic of the invention consists in the fact that the sensor may comprise a microsensor respectively a piezo sensor. For recording results the shock absorber test instrument may include a printer. A further special characteristic of the invention is characterised by the fact that the display may show separate measurement value indications.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:- Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the interrupter button Figure 2 a schematic picture of the test instrument according to the invention Figure 3 the display Figure 4 a wiring diagram of the test instrument Figure 5 a wiring diagram of the test instrument in Sa further example of execution

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V za;r Figure 6 the shock absorber test instrument in perspective representation i i Figure 7 an example of design of the keyboard Figure 8 the arrangement of the interrupter element SAt first the general operation of the instrument is described by means of figures 2 to 7.

*'Figure 2 shows a diagram of the shock absorber test instrument 1 0 according to the invention.

The idea of the invention furthermore encompasses the fact that the elements used are encapsulated partially or totally in a housing 12, i with the exception of the units requiring maintenance such as battery printer 7, etc...

The sensor 2, in this example of execution a piezo sensor, takes up the oscillating motions of a motor car body placed on a test stand.

i A measuring value amplifier 3 and a microprocessor 4 are wired in series with the piezo sensor 2 for signal processing and evaluation.

Instructions are entered by way of keyboard 5 and the evaluated results 3I Further peripheral instruments 7 as, for example printers can be connected at the connection point.

Figure 3 shows the display 6 Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of the test instrument according to the invention.

L IIf -6- The instrument is switched on by means of the key ("on/next"). For the purpose of aiding operation the display 6 shows the diagram 8 of a motor vehicle body indicating the measurement values 9 on its corners 8a to 8d.

After operation of the key 5a ("on/next") the last measurement values are displayed.

A flashing decimal point marks the measurement point which is selected for the next measurement.

By a further pressing of key 5a ("on/next") the instrument is switched to the next measuring point.

If no key is pressed during 50 seconds, the instrument switches off automatically without losing the data. The key 5e ("clear") erases all stored measurement values, resets all measurement value indications 9 to "00" and selects the measurement point of front left as seen from the car body. With operation of key 5b ("test") the selected measurement point is measured. The mechanical car body oscillations which are induced by a push, are measured, evaluated and subsequently displayed on a 7-segment display. The measurement can be repeated as often as desired. The state of the shock absorbers can be read from the evaluation tables.

The key 5d ("print") serves for printing out of the measurement result by way of a serial connection point. This option exists so that all service work can be documented.

The key 5c ("page") serves for the storage of up to 4 measurement series. By pressing this key the next page is switched on which can again receive the measurement values for 4 shock absorbers. While the key is being pressed the display indicates the page number (1 to 4).

After page 4 page 1 is switched on again and the former measurement values are displayed.

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i~ -7- The electrical supply for the instrument comes from a 9 volt battery or from a 9 volt storage battery.

Whien the battery voltage drops below an admissible value, this is indicated by flashing of the three decimal points of the non-gelected measuring points.

The battery has to be exchanged and the stored measurement values have to be erased by means of key 5e ("clear"). The display is preferably a liquid crystal display.

The measurements are indicated from 1 to 4, for example from left front to left rear. Each measurement carried out is stored and remains Son the display until it is erased again by pushing a special button.

i If a measurement has obviously not been carried out correctly through human carelessness, the measurement just carried out can be erased again by pressing a button and can be repeated in a correct manner.

Sii The other measurements remain in storage.

Finally the tester can read all four measurements together from the display.

Even if the measurements are erased automatically after some time, they can be again called up and read even the next day.

Figure 5 shows a wiring diagram of a further variant of execution of this shock absorber test instrument 1 according to the 1 invention.

[i tL S'L Figure 6 shows the shock absorber test instrument 1 in a further example of execution, ir a perspective representation.

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8 In connection with figures 6 and 7 the function of this example of execution will now be explained. The instrument is switched on by pressing the key "ON/Batt." A column is displayed on the display for about 3 seconds the length of which gives an indication of the battery voltage. After that the display switches over to the main diagram.

By renewed pressing of this key the battery voltage is displayed again.

If no further key is pressed for 30 seconds the instrument switches off automatically.

With keys "time>" and "time<" and ""enter" time and day can be entered.

1 0 9 t 9 0 0 o 01 o t00 a q0 o, a 4 a o o o 0 0009 p 09a 04 0 .040 *I 0 0 0 0( 0(6 00 04 so o o c a 0 f o,* After pressing the key "time>" or "time<" the display shows for example: Time 19:27 The first number flashes.

If the key is pressed once more then the first number changes in a positive direction. When operating the key "Time" the number alters in a negative direction. By pressing the "clear" key all figures are erased. As soon as the correct figure has been entered the "Enter" key is pressed. The value is stored and the next number flashes. After the fourth number the display flips over and now shows for example: Date 14.09.1987 The adjustment is carried out exactly as before and after the last number the main diagram reappears.

By pressing the key "Next Page" information on the actual page follows.

The display looks, for example, as follows:

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SPage S KL-U-5688 By further pressing the page is increased. Entering of the car 2 registration number or another characteristic is done as before with the key "Time>" or "Time<". First the numbers appear and then the letters. By pressing the "Clear" key all figures of the page are t erased. After entering all points the main diagram appears.

By pressing the key "Next Wheel" the indication of the shock absorber valid in each case, varies in the main diagram.

a If the "Clear" key is pressed while the main diagram is displayed,then the following display appears: Press "Clear" for all clear i With "Enter" one returns to the main diagram. If no key is pressed Sfor more than 30 seconds, the instrument switches off.

By pressing the key "test" the actual page (Auto) appears in the Sdisplay. With this there exists the possibility to check whether the correct motor car and the correct shock absorber have been selected.

In addition there is the possibility to still alter the data in the display. If the key is pressed for a second time the test procedure proper is being started. For this the car must, by a -rong downward pressure, be set to oscillate at the corresponding shock absorbe.

If the pressure is too small no test is carried out. Only starting with a certain force does the instrument react automatically and displays a two digit number value for this shock absorber in the main diagram.

i The next shock absorber to be tested now flashes in the display and so forth.

SIn order to obtain the print-out of the values of a certain motor vehicle the key "Print" should be pressed. There appears in the display, as previously with the "Test" key, the display of the actual page. in case it is not the correct one, press the key "Page", and that continuously until the desired page appears. It is also possible to still alter the data in the display. The second pressing of the "print key" starts the printing process. After completion of the print process the main diagram reappears.

The measurement value indication is characterised by the reference symbol 9 in the display.

Figure 1 shows the arrangement of the interrupter element 19 in the arrangement according to the invention.

In this example of execution it is a push button 19 which is wired in series with the battery 10. When actuated it interrupts the connection between battery 10 and consuming device 20. That means, therefore that the button has been pressed. This can be done in the simplest manner by means of an adhesive tape strip which is applied by the manufacturer. The user removes the adhesive tape and the push button 19 is returned to its starting position by its spring loading.

The circuit between battery 10 and consumer 20 is closed.

Figure 8 shows a representation in perspective of the shock absorber test instrument according to the invention from which the arrangement of the interrupter button 19 as well as the insulated arrangement of the battery 10 and the printer 7, can be seen.

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I 11 The present invention has created x shock absorber test instrument which has increased to a maximum the operational r!iability, respectively the operating security by designing the current supply I interruption, as well as the arrangement proper of the elements subject to maintenance outside the instruemnt, i.e separated from the electronics of the instrument.

i l i t S. I S 1 t ii i i t I i 12 List of reference symbols 1. shock absorber test instrument 2. sensor 3. measurement value amplifier 4. microprocessor keyboard keyboard 6. display 7. peripheral instruments (printer) 8. diagram 8a-8d corner points 9. measurement value indicator battery/storage battery 11. storage unit 12. housing 13.

14. upper side 16. side wall 17. floor area 18. side indicator 19 interrupter element (push button) consumer

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Claims

1. Portable shock absorber test apparatus adapted to measure oscillating motions of a car body, including power consuming units and a storage battery for supplying power to said power consuming units, wherein: said battery can be separated from said power consuming units by means of a push button operated interrupter which is wired in series between said battery and said power consuming units; said interruptor creates a connection between the battery and said power consuming units when said push button is not actuated; and said interrupter is spring biased, such that the latter interrupts supply of power when pressure sufficient to overcome the spring bias is applied to said push button, and restores supply of power when said pressure is removed from said push button.

2. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes a housing and wherein 20 peripheral instruments which are subject to maintenance are installed outside the housing.

3. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said battery is installed outside the housing. 25

4. Shock absorber test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein instrument electronics are installed insulated from units requiring maintenance.

5. Shock absorber test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one sensor for measuring oscillating motions of said car body, and at least one measurement value amplifier associated with each sensor, a microprocessor for processing signals and evaluating measured data, a keyboard for entering commands and a display and several suitable connection points for connecting further peripheral instruments. i I i I lil 22 K 1i 22 2

6. S wherein

7. S 5 wherein corners

8. S 6, 7 or

9. S of the install current

10. S of the install 20

11. S of cla microse

12. S 25 of clai sensor.

13. Sh of the p

14. Sh of clai pluralit 39 MJP MJP" t mip ovj 13 II 4 4 444 4' 44r 6. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim wherein said display includes a diagram of a motor vehicle. 7. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim 6 wherein a measurement value indication is arranged on four corners of the diagram. 8. Shock absorber test apparatus according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the keyboard includes at least 5 keys. 9. Shock absorber test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said storage battery is installed on said apparatus for supplying electrical current. Shock absorber test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a storage unit is installed in said apparatus. 11. Shock absorber test apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10 wherein said sensor comprises a microsensor. 12. Shock absorber test instrument according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein said sensor comprises a piezo sensor. 13. Shock absorber test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a printer. 14. Shock absorber test apparatus according to *any one of claims 5 to 13 wherein said display includes a plurality of separate measurement value indications. 14 MJP Portable shock absorber test apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 9 October 1992. PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: I.M.E. WERKZEUGE UND APPARATEBAU VERTRIEBS GmbH Ii C C C 1:4 f~C 4*11 U 2445V

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