FR2880933A1 - Elastic movable units e.g. case, articulating device for e.g. automobile, has core mounted inside outer frame, and elastic mass with pairs of blocks, connecting frame and core, where one pair has shape of removable inserts with axial fit - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a central tubular core (2) connected to a movable unit and mounted inside an axial tubular outer frame (1) that is fitted in another unit. An elastic mass (3) is constituted of pairs of different blocks (30, 31, 32, 33) diametrically opposite to each other, and connects the frame and the core. An empty space (E) separates the blocks two by two. One pair of blocks has the shape of removable inserts with axial fit.

Description

i

  The present invention relates to an elastic articulation device.

  This type of device is intended to ensure the connection between two movable elements relative to each other.

  It is used in particular in the field of transport and more particularly in the axles, suspensions, engine anti-torque devices of an automobile, a truck or any other rolling vehicle, for example a locomotive or a railway wagon. iron. More specifically, it finds a particular application in the field of the ground connection, particularly in the case of the connection between the body and a cradle, a deformable axle or a triangle of an automobile.

  In the usual manner, an elastic hinge device as described for example in document FR-A-2 715 702, comprises a tubular outer frame surrounding a central core which is also tubular and coaxial, this frame being made integral with the core by a mass of elastic material, of the natural rubber or elastomer type.

  The function of such a device is to ensure the connection and filtering of vibrations between two elements, for example between the body of a vehicle and the wheel. For this purpose, the core is traversed by an axial central opening which makes it integral with the body of a vehicle, while the outer sleeve is connected to the hub of one of the vehicle wheels. Reverse mounting is also possible.

  The road behavior of a vehicle requires a level of value of high dynamic and static stiffness of the elastic material, for each direction of the vehicle.

  To improve the vibratory behavior, it is necessary to increase the level of damping (at the frequency of the mode to be damped), in particular for the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

  Acoustically, the desire is to lower the level of stiffness, to reduce rolling noise and preferably for the vertical direction of the vehicle.

  The difficulty is to reconcile the level of dynamic stiffness and the damping level, which compromise is different according to the main directions of the articulation device.

  Dynamic stiffness and damping depend on amplitude level and frequency. On the other hand, the higher the value of an elastomer with a high damping value, the more the dynamic stiffness increases according to the aforementioned parameters. Indeed, there is no material with high damping value, which stiffens little.

  Therefore, the choice of an elastomer is often the compromise between a high damping and a slight stiffening, which is inconsistent with the nature of the elastomer.

  Another solution is to choose to opt for a first satisfactory value (for example in terms of damping) by accepting that the second value is degraded.

  Yet another solution is to use two elastomers having different properties, by assembling several hinge devices mounted concentrically. But this translates into a high cost.

  French patent application No. 04 00727 describes, in the name of the present applicant, a method of manufacturing an elastic hinge device of the aforementioned type, the mass of elastic material interconnecting said outer armature and said central core comprises from minus a first block of a first material having a high damping value and at least a second block of a second material having a low stiffness value, these first and second blocks being contiguous and having a contact surface which extends exclusively in a direction essentially transverse.

  Thus, the device thus manufactured has at least one block of elastic material (for example rubber) damping in the direction in which one seeks to dampen and at least one block of elastic material which stiffens little, if one wishes to mitigate this increase in stiffness for reduce the noise.

  But, when developing new joints, during which it is proposed to test different compositions of elastic material, for example in order to adjust and / or refine the parameters of the final joint, it is necessary to manufacture as many prototypes that there are different compositions to test.

  These additional fabrications require additional time, which is generally incompatible with the schedule of the specifications provided by the customer.

  In addition, to perform the tests of the different versions of the joint, it is necessary to implement assembly / disassembly operations that are time consuming and require specific tools.

  The present invention aims to solve these problems.

  In other words, it aims to provide a hinge device that allows to implement different qualities of elastic material structures, this without having to proceed each time to additional manufacturing.

  It is therefore an elastic articulation device intended to allow the articulation of two elements relative to each other, which comprises an axial tubular outer armature adapted to be fitted into the first element, a core central tubular adapted to be connected to the second element, mounted inside said frame and axis parallel thereto, and a mass of elastic material interconnecting said outer frame and said central core, said mass being constituted at least one pair of distinct and diametrically opposed blocks, an empty space separating said blocks in pairs.

  This device is essentially characterized in that at least one pair of blocks has the form of removable inserts with axial fitting, so that one and / or the other of these blocks can be dismounted (s). ), in particular to be replaced by another block (s) exhibiting different behavior characteristics, in particular of stiffness and damping.

  Thus, in a development phase of a hinge device structure, it is dispensed with having to manufacture as many prototypes as qualities of different elastic material.

  You just have to have a device and games removable inserts.

  In this way, both time and money are saved.

  Thanks to the invention, it is even possible, while the device is mounted on a vehicle, to disassemble the inserts of the device and replace them with others, if the behavior of the suspension of the vehicle does not meet the wishes and to waiting for his user.

  According to other advantageous but non-limiting characteristics of this device: said mass consists of four equidistant blocks angularly; two of the four blocks are in the form of removable inserts; the four blocks are in the form of removable inserts; said inserts comprise means of connection with one and / or the other of said reinforcement and core, which engage in arrangements of complementary shape provided in the latter; said inserts comprise only means of connection with said core, the contact with said reinforcement being done by compression; said inserts comprise only means of connection with said armature, the contact with said core being made by compression; said connection means and the complementary shape arrangements are of the tenon and mortise type, or vice versa; said connection means are in one piece with said inserts; said inserts enclose, in the immediate vicinity of the connection means, at least one stiffening element; said stiffening element is a metal element embedded in said insert; it comprises means for axially locking said inserts with respect to said reinforcement and core; said blocking means are axially movable on said core; said locking means cooperate with said arrangements; - Said locking means have an extra thickness protruding on their outer face, which limits the radial movement.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, in a sectional plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis; FIG. 2 is a plan view of an insert-shaped elastic material block which is an integral part of a device such as that shown in FIG. 1; - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, the inserts-shaped blocks being this time not represented; - Figure 4 is a view of the device of Figure 1, according to the sectional plane Z-Z 'of Figure 1, which also shows the axial locking means of the inserts; FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 4, the blocks in the form of removable inserts being represented according to a variant in which a thin metal plate is integrated substantially at mid-thickness; FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing a second embodiment of the device; FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of this second device; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 7.

  The device represented in FIG. 1 comprises an outer reinforcement 1, a central core 2 and an elastomer mass 3.

  The outer armature 1 has an elongated tubular shape, of axis Y-Y ', the sectional section is circular. It is intended to be fitted into the bore of a first of the two elements to be articulated with respect to one another.

  The body of this frame is referenced 10.

  At its upper end, it has a peripheral flange 20 11 constituted by a flap at right angles directed outwards.

  The central core 2 consists of a tube whose section is in a circle, mounted coaxially inside the frame 1. It is intended to be connected to the second element to isolate vibrations, for example by means of a screed.

  Its length is slightly greater than that of the frame and it is positioned so that its ends coming out of the frame have substantially the same dimension.

  This tube has a central and axial bore 20 which constitutes the center of a central body 21 of circular section.

  To this body are connected two "legs" 22 which extend diametrically opposite one another. They have a section in the general shape of "T", the transverse branch 23 is curved to fit in the aforementioned circle.

  Thus, between the two "legs" 22, the body 21 is accessible by its outer faces 210. These elements constitute arrangements 24 whose function will be explained later.

  The outer frame 1 is made of thermoplastic material or metal, especially steel or aluminum.

  The central core 2 is made of a material able to withstand the mechanical stresses that the joint undergoes during use. It is advantageously a metal, such as steel or aluminum.

  The mass of elastic material 3, rubber type elastomeric material, interconnects the two aforementioned parts and ensures the articulation and filtering of vibrations.

  In the embodiment described here, the mass of elastic material extends essentially in the middle part of the surface of the walls facing the armature 1 and the core 2, so that two spaces, of identical volume, are arranged axially (that is to say along the Y-Y 'axis) on either side of the elastomer mass. In other words, these annular spaces communicate on the one hand with the elastomer mass and with the outside by the opposite ends of the armature.

  The elastomer mass here consists of two blocks 30 and 31 of a first material having for example a high damping value and two blocks 32 and 33 of a second material having a low stiffness value.

  These blocks are distributed in substantially identical angular sectors (90) and are organized so that the blocks of the same material are diametrically opposed.

  According to a variant not shown, these blocks can be distributed in different angular sectors, for example respectively 110 and 70.

  According to the invention, the blocks 30 to 33 are distinct blocks, a longitudinal empty space E separating them two by two.

  This means that there exists within the articulation device areas, in this case four, in which no material connects the armature 1 to the core 2.

  In the embodiment of Figure 1, a pair of blocks in the form of removable insert axial fit.

  These are blocks 30 and 31 while 32 and 33 are traditional blocks, that is to say they are linked to the frame 1 and the core 2, in particular by bonding.

  These blocks 32 and 33, which are also diametrically opposite each other, extend along the axis X-X ', which means that they are connected to the armature 2 at the outer face. of the transverse branch 23 of the tabs 22 mentioned above.

  As mentioned above, the pair of blocks 30 and 31a are in the form of removable inserts with axial fitting.

  The insert 30 has been shown in FIG. 2. The description that will be given hereinafter is also valid for the second block 31, of the same nature.

  This insert 30 consists of a mass of elastomeric material which bears the reference numeral 300.

  It has a convex outer face 301 which has a curvature 10 similar to that of the inner face of the body 10 of the frame 1.

  In contrast, the block has a concave inner face 306 whose curvature corresponds to that of the outer faces 210 of the body 21 of the core 2.

  The two lateral faces of the block are referenced 302 and 303 and these are connected to the inner face 306 by two lateral lugs 304 and 305 which have a curvature identical to that of said face 306. They constitute the extension thereof.

  Inside the body of this block is provided a stiffening element 4 which here consists of a longitudinal element preferably metal embedded in the insert.

  This metal element is located in the immediate vicinity of the inner face 306 and has a curvature identical to that of this face.

  It may be provided, in some places, perforations in which engage the elastomer. This makes it possible to further improve the cohesion of the whole.

  Finally, the blocks 30 and 31 have a shape that allows them to be placed in play, by axial fitting, inside the hinge device.

  To do this, each block is presented above or below the hinge device so as to approach their faces 306 of the outer faces 210 of the core 2, to engage the ears 304 and 305 in the separation zones of the transverse branch 23 of the legs 22, of the central body 21.

  The presence of the stiffening element 4 allows a precise and easy engagement of the insert. In doing so, the outer face 301 slides inside the armature 1 against which it is compression contact. 25

  A device as shown in FIG. 1 is then obtained, the cooperation between the blocks 30 and 31 and the core 2 being effected by means of connection and complementary means of the aforementioned form, which are of the tenon and mortise type.

  This assembly is completed by axial locking means of the inserts 30 and 31 with respect to the armature 1 and the core 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, these are parts 5 in the form of a half-moon which are axially movable on the core 2.

  These parts have a body 50 and an extra thickness 51 forming a projection, which extends on their outer faces so as to limit the radial stroke of the joint (adjustment of the saturation). The body 50 has a curvature identical to the face 306 of the blocks 30 and 31 so that it can engage on both sides of said inserts, with the clearance, in a manner similar to that described in FIG. reference to the establishment of these inserts.

  Their blocking takes place by taking in a yoke during the installation on the vehicle.

  As mentioned above, the perspective view of FIG. 5 shows the device with blocks in the form of removable inserts shown according to a variant in which a thin metal plate 6 is integrated, substantially at mid-thickness, whose function is to allow to play on the ratio axial stiffness / radial stiffness.

  In an embodiment that is not described here, one could deal with blocks in the form of removable inserts comprising only connection means with the outer armature 1, the contact with the central core 2 being made only by compression.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 8, we are dealing here with a hinge device that comprises four equidistant blocks angularly, referenced 30 to 33.

  These blocks are all four provided in the form of removable inserts, which have connection means with both the frame 1 and the core 2, which engage in complementary shaped arrangements provided therein.

  In this case, each of the blocks have stiffening elements 4 and 4 ', respectively 7 and 7' at its inner and outer faces.

  The general shape of these blocks varies from one pair to another. However, we always deal with the profiles in the form of tenons, which engage in complementary arrangements in the form of mortise, which form an integral part of the frame 1 and the core.

  The described embodiments show how easily the device according to the invention can be mounted and disassembled, thus leaving the possibility of replacing the insert-shaped blocks by others.

  Thus, a pair of blocks defines a first radial stiffness, that is to say along a first radial axis, while a second pair defines a second stiffness. If this second pair is that consisting of inserts, then this second stiffness that can be changed by changing inserts.

Claims (14)

  1. Elastic articulation device intended to allow the articulation of two elements relative to each other, which comprises an axial tubular outer armature (1) adapted to be fitted into the first element, a central tubular core ( 2) adapted to be connected to the second element, mounted inside said armature (1) and having an axis parallel thereto, and a mass (3) of elastic material interconnecting said outer armature (1) and said central core (2), said mass consisting of at least one pair of distinct blocks (30, 31; 32, 33) and diametrically opposed, a void space (E) separating said blocks in pairs, characterized by the at least one pair of blocks (30, 31; 32, 33) is in the form of axially-fitting removable inserts, so that one and / or the other of these blocks (30, 31; , 33) can be disassembled, in particular to be replaced by another block (s) presenting characteristics of behavior, in particular stiffness and damping, different.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said mass (3) consists of four blocks (30, 31; 32, 33) equidistant angularly.   3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that two of the four blocks (30, 31; 32, 33) have the form of removable inserts.   4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the four blocks (30, 31; 32, 33) have the form of removable inserts.   5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said inserts (30, 31; 32, 33) comprise connection means (304, 305, 306) with one and / or the other of said reinforcement (1) and core (2), which engage in arrangements (24) of complementary shape provided in the latter.   6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said inserts (30, 31; 32, 33) comprise only connecting means (304, 305, 306) with said core (2), contact with said frame ( 1) by compression.   7. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said inserts (30, 31; 32, 33) comprise only connection means (304, 305, 306) with said armature (1), the contact with said core ( 2) being done by compression.   8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said connecting means (304, 305, 306) and complementary shaped arrangements (24) are of the type mortise and tenon, or vice versa.   9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said connecting means (304, 305, 306) are integral with said inserts.   10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that said inserts (30, 31; 32, 33) contain, in the immediate vicinity of the connection means (304, 305, 306), at least one element stiffener (4; 4 '; 7; 7').   11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said stiffening element (4; 4 '; 7; 7') is a metal element embedded in said insert.   12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (5) for axially locking said inserts (30, 31; 32, 33) relative to said frame (1) and core (2). ).   13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said locking means (5) are movable axially on said core (2) and cooperate with said arrangements (24).   14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said locking means (s) have an extra thickness (51) projecting on their outer face, which limits the radial stroke of the joint (adjustment of saturation).