FR2988369A1 - Tool for handling ratchet mechanism of directional system of vehicle i.e. car, has immobilization unit plated against external face of casing after introduction of coupling axes so as to immobilize ratchet mechanism on coupling axes - Google Patents

Abstract

The tool (O) has a casing (CM) that is provided on an external face (FE) with two protuberances (PR) that are approximately aligned according to a selected direction. Each protuberance is arranged with a definite hole (TT) crossing a direction perpendicular to another direction. An immobilization unit (MI) is suitable to be plated against the external face of the casing after introduction of coupling axes (AC) so as to immobilize a ratchet mechanism (MD) on the coupling axes. The immobilization unit is provided with an immobilization leg (PI).

Description

The invention relates to vehicle steering systems, possibly of the automotive type, and more specifically to the handling of such systems. systems on assembly lines. It should be noted that the invention relates to any type of steering rack system, whether assisted or unassisted. Since some vehicle steering systems are quite bulky and relatively heavy, and may additionally have an off-centered center of gravity and / or fragile components, particularly in the case of assisted steering, it is preferable, and sometimes even regulatory, that the assembly of their constituents as their installation in a vehicle is done by means of a handling tool. This makes it possible to minimize the risk of joint pathology and accidents for assembly technicians or installers, especially on assembly lines where rates can be high.

To facilitate this manipulation, the Applicant has proposed, in the patent document filed in France under the number FR 11 56701, to define on the outer face of the housing of the rack mechanism of a steering system at least two substantially aligned protuberances following the same first direction chosen and each having a through hole defined in a second direction perpendicular to this first direction. The term "rack mechanism" herein means an assembly comprising at least one housing housing at least a portion of a steering rack.

These protuberances are intended to allow the coupling of the rack mechanism to a handling tool comprising two coupling axes. It will be understood that once the two coupling pins have been introduced through the through-holes protuberances, the rack mechanism (or rack-and-pinion system of which it is part) can be moved by means of a suspended hoist whose movement can be remotely controlled by a technician, for example at a station of an assembly line, for assembly or installation in a vehicle being assembled. This type of handling tool certainly makes it easier to move a rack mechanism or a rack-and-pinion steering system, but it does not guarantee its maintenance on the coupling pins during all its movements. It may therefore happen that a rack mechanism or a rack-and-pinion steering system is shocked, or even falls, when it is handled too abruptly, for example when it is removed from a container.

The invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawback. It proposes for this purpose a tool for facilitating the manipulation of rack mechanisms which are intended to form part (or part) of vehicle steering systems and comprise a casing provided on an outer face with at least two protuberances, substantially aligned in the same first direction selected and each having a through hole defined in a second direction perpendicular to this first direction. This tool is characterized in that it comprises a structure comprising: - two coupling axes adapted to be introduced respectively into the through holes of a rack mechanism, and - immobilizing means capable of being pressed against the face external housing, after introduction of the coupling pins in the through holes, to immobilize this rack mechanism on these coupling pins. With such a handling tool, each rack mechanism or rack and pinion steering system can be moved without fear that it moves on the coupling pins, or it is completely decoupled from them. The tool according to the invention may comprise other features that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: its immobilization means may comprise an immobilization lug comprising a first end mounted to rotate on the structure and a second end clean to be pressed against the outer face; the second end may comprise a curved end portion which defines a concave recess adapted to house a part of a projecting edge 1 o of the housing; its immobilization means may comprise repulsion means secured to the structure and to the immobilization lug, and arranged to closely press the second end of the latter against the outer face of the casing; The repulsion means may be arranged in the form of a jack; alternatively its immobilization means may comprise a bar having a first end rotatably mounted on the structure and a second end secured to an intermediate portion of the immobilizing lug, and adapted to be manually driven in rotation in order to plate the second end of the locking tab against the outer face of the housing; its structure may comprise i) a mast to which at least a portion of the immobilizing means is secured and comprising a lower end and an upper end adapted to be secured to automated support means, ii) a foot secured to this end lower and to which are secured the coupling pins, and iii) a first handling bar secured to the mast at a first level; the immobilization lug may be rotatably mounted on the foot, preferably substantially equidistantly between the two coupling axes; its structure may comprise a second handling bar secured to the mast at a second level different from the first level; the coupling pins may be spaced from each other by a distance that is between about 10 centimeters and about 30 centimeters. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an example of a power steering system comprising an exemplary embodiment of a rack mechanism adapted to be handled by a handling tool according to the invention, Figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a handling tool according to the invention capable of manipulating a steering system of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a portion of the handling tool of FIG. 2 coupled to a similar rack mechanism to that which includes the steering system of figure 1. The annexed drawings will not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its defeat. inition, if any.

The object of the invention is to propose a manipulation tool O intended to allow the manipulation (almost) without risk of MD rack mechanisms or vehicle SD steering systems comprising an MD rack mechanism. In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle is automotive type. This is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns indeed any type of vehicle having at least one SD steering system, assisted or not, and MD rack mechanism. Therefore, it also concerns buses (or buses), commercial vehicles, trucks, handling equipment and construction equipment, for example. Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the handling tool O is intended to allow the manipulation of vehicle steering systems SD for storage in a container, or in view of their removal from a container and their installation in vehicles being assembled. But it could also be intended to allow the manipulation of rack mechanisms MD for storage in a container, or for their assembly to other elements to form SD steering systems. In Figures 1 to 3, the direction X is a so-called "longitudinal" direction because it is intended to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is a so-called "transverse" direction because it is intended to be substantially parallel to the transverse direction of a vehicle, which is substantially perpendicular to the lateral sides having the side doors, and the Z direction is a so-called vertical direction because it is intended to be substantially parallel to the vertical direction of a vehicle, which is substantially perpendicular to the floor. FIG. 1 schematically shows a non-limiting example of a power steering system SD comprising a rack mechanism MD according to the invention and intended to control the pivoting of wheels (front or rear). This is more precisely a power steering system type said electrical. But the invention relates to any type of power steering system or not assisted and rack (steering). As illustrated, this power steering system SD comprises in particular a rack mechanism MD having a housing CM housing at least a portion of a steering rack (and therefore a portion of the wheel pivot control mechanism). This housing CM is also provided, on the one hand, first coupling means MC1 which are intended to ensure its coupling to the lower part of the steering column of a vehicle, and, on the other hand, means of GF attachment, such as studs, intended to allow its attachment to a structural part or carrier of the vehicle, such as a cradle. In the illustrated example, the housing CM also comprises electrical assistance means MC3 intended to assist in the operation. This casing CM comprises an outer face FE having at least two protuberances PR which are substantially aligned in the same first direction chosen and which each comprise a through hole TT defined in a second direction perpendicular to this first direction. In the embodiment shown non-limitatively in FIGS. 1 and 3, the mechanism MD comprises two protuberances PR each equipped with a single through-hole TT. But it could have more than two PR protuberances each equipped with a through hole TT. It will be noted that two protuberances PR make it possible to block the mechanism MD according to all its degrees of freedom. It will also be noted that the protuberances PR are preferentially defined in an area of the housing CM which is devoid of equipment, in order to facilitate the coupling / decoupling with the (handling) tool O, and without risk of damaging equipment. In the illustrated example, the two protuberances PR are defined in the central part of the housing CM which is devoid of sensitive equipment. On the other hand, the protuberances PR can be an integral part of a part of the housing CM. In this case, they may be in the form of bosses (or ears) obtained by stamping, the through holes TT then being obtained by milling or drilling, or bosses made directly in the "raw" foundry with TT through holes. Alternatively, the protuberances PR could be attached to the outer face FE of the housing CM, for example by gluing or welding. In the embodiment illustrated non-limitatively in FIGS. 1 and 3, the protuberances PR are substantially aligned in the first direction, which is here the transverse direction Y, and the through-holes TT are defined in the second direction, which is here the longitudinal direction X. The distance separating the centers (or spacings) of the through holes TT, in the transverse direction Y, is here referenced d. This distance d is for example between about 10 centimeters and about 30 centimeters. For example, it is equal to about 16 centimeters. Furthermore, the diameter of the through holes TT is for example between about 8 millimeters and about 15 millimeters. For example, this diameter is chosen equal to about 10 millimeters.

It should be noted that the housing CM may, for example, be made of a metallic material such as aluminum. But it could also be made of plastic or synthetic material. Note also that the MD mechanism can also and possibly include one or more electrical harnesses, one or more sensors, a computer and one or more threads, not referenced. The steering system (here assisted) SD also comprises second coupling means MC2 which are coupled to the two opposite ends of the wheel pivot control mechanism and are intended to be respectively coupled to the pivot linkages of the wheels in order to control them. These second coupling means MC2 may be, for example, steering rods. In order to allow the manipulation of the steering system SD, the (handling) tool O comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a structure S comprising two coupling axes AC and immobilization means MI. These two coupling axes AC are arranged to be introduced respectively into the through holes TT of an MD mechanism of the type described above. The distance separating the centers (or centers) of the coupling axes AC, in the transverse direction Y, is equal to the distance d. The immobilization means MI are arranged to be pressed against the outer face FE once the coupling pins AC have been respectively introduced into the through holes TT, in order to immobilize the rack mechanism MD on these coupling axes. AC.

It will be understood that the plating of a part of the immobilization means MI against the outer face FE of the housing CM advantageously makes it possible to immobilize the mechanism MD on the coupling axes AC and thus to prevent it from moving, or even when it is displaced by the tool O, it falls. As illustrated by non-limitingly, these immobilization means MI may comprise an immobilization tab PI comprising, on the one hand, a first end El rotatably mounted on the structure S, and, secondly, a second end E2 clean to be pressed against the outer face FE to immobilize the rack mechanism MD. This second end E2 may, for example and as illustrated without limitation, include an end portion PT which is curved so as to define a concave housing adapted to house a portion of a salient edge BS of the housing CM. This projecting edge BS is here substantially defined in the transverse direction Y. The end portion PT thus defines a transverse stop in the second direction (here the longitudinal direction X) which prevents the protuberances PR from decoupling from the coupling axes AC.

The first end E 1 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation, be rotatably mounted in the transverse direction Y on a base PD defining a foot of the structure S. Moreover, and as illustrated without limitation, the immobilization means MI may advantageously comprise MR repulsion means secured to the structure S and the PI immobilization lug, and arranged to tightly press the second end E2 of the latter (PI) against the outer face FE. The term "repulsion" here means repelling toward the outer face FE.

By way of nonlimiting example, these repulsion means MR can be arranged in the form of a jack, for example of pneumatic type. In this case, the axis AP of the jack comprises a lower end which is secured to an intermediate portion of the immobilization leg PI (as shown), and the head of the jack is secured to the structure S. But, it could more simply be a spring installed under stress (so as to ensure repulsion) and coupled to a rod secured to an intermediate portion of the immobilization leg PI. In this embodiment, the technician presents the AC coupling axes of the tool O in front of the through holes TT of an MD mechanism, then he introduces the coupling axes AC of the tool O into the through-holes TT, which temporarily and slightly restores the immobilization leg PI which is under stress. Once the protuberances PR have reached substantially abutting against the supports of the coupling pins AC, the end portion PT of the immobilization leg PI is placed in front of the projecting edge BS and houses a small portion of the latter (BS). in its concave housing. The steering system SD is then tightly immobilized on the AC coupling axes of the tool O, and the latter (0) can then be moved by the suspended hoist which is remotely controlled by the technician. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the MI immobilization means may comprise a bar which comprises, on the one hand, a first end rotatably mounted on the structure S, and, secondly, a second end secured to a intermediate part of the immobilization leg PI. This bar can thus be driven manually in rotation to press the second end E2 of the immobilization tab PI against the outer face FE. Note that this bar may optionally be secured to a gripping rod to facilitate its recovery and its folding towards the outer face FE.

As illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the structure S may comprise a mast MS, which is secured to at least a portion of MI immobilizing means, a foot PD, and at least a first handling bar B1. The mast MS comprises a lower end E 1 to which is secured the foot PD, and an upper end ES adapted to be secured to automated support means (such as a suspended hoist). In order to allow this securing, the upper end ES may comprise fixing means MF which may, for example and as illustrated in a nonlimiting manner, be arranged in the form of a ring intended to be gripped by a hook. The AC coupling pins are secured to the PD foot. For this purpose the foot PD can be made in the form of a bar or a substantially transverse base. As illustrated without limitation, the immobilization leg PI may be mounted on the foot PD, preferably substantially equidistant between the two coupling axes AC. Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the head of the MR cylinder is preferably secured (possibly rotated) to an intermediate portion of the mast MS. The first handling bar B1 is secured to the mast MS at a first level, for example intermediate between the upper ES and lower ends El. This first handling bar B1, preferably transverse and centered on the mast MS, is intended to enable a technician to precisely manipulate the tool O in the vicinity of the SD direction system, then to remove from a possible container the tool O with its SD direction system. It will be noted, as shown in non-limiting manner in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the structure S may optionally comprise a second handling bar B2 secured to the mast MS at a second level which is different from the first level. Here the second level is located higher than the first level. It is more precisely located on the upper end ES of the mast MS. This second handling bar B2, preferably transverse and centered on the mast MS, is intended to allow a technician to precisely manipulate the tool O in the vicinity of the SD direction system when the latter (SD) is temporarily stored in a container at least two floors. In this case, the technician uses either the second handling bar B2 to perform the coupling of the tool O to an SD directional system stored in a lower level of the container, or the first handling bar B1 to perform the coupling of the O tool to an SD management system stored in a higher level of the container. The invention is not limited to the manipulation tool embodiments described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all variants that may be considered by those skilled in the art within the context of the claims herein. -after.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. A tool (0) for manipulating rack-and-pinion (MD) systems of vehicle steering systems (SD), comprising a housing (CM) provided on one outer face (FE) with at least two protuberances (PR) substantially aligned in accordance with a same first direction chosen and each having a through hole (TT) defined in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, characterized in that it comprises a structure (S) comprising i) two coupling axes (AC) adapted to be introduced respectively in said through holes (TT) of a rack mechanism (MD), and ii) immobilization means (Ml) adapted to be pressed against said outer face (FE), after introduction of said coupling pins (AC) , in order to immobilize this rack mechanism (MD) on these (AC). 2. Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that said immobilization means (Ml) comprise an immobilization lug (PI) having a first end (El) rotatably mounted on said structure (S) and a second end ( E2) adapted to be pressed against said outer face (FE). 3. Tool according to claim 2, characterized in that said second end (E2) comprises a curved end portion (PT) defining a concave housing adapted to house a portion of a projecting edge (BS) of said housing (CM). 4. Tool according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said immobilization means (Ml) comprise repulsion means (MR) secured to said structure (S) and said immobilization tab (PI) , and arranged to tightly press said second end (E2) of the latter (PI) against said outer face (FE). 5. Tool according to claim 4, characterized in that said repulsion means (MR) are arranged in the form of a jack. 6. Tool according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said immobilizing means (Ml) comprises a bar having a first end rotatably mounted on said structure (S) and a second end secured to an intermediate portion of said immobilization tab (PI), and adapted to be manually rotated to press said second end (E2) of the immobilization tab (PI) against said outer face (FE). 7. Tool according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said structure (S) comprises i) a mast (MS) which is secured at least a portion of said immobilizing means (Ml) and comprising a lower end (El) and an upper end (ES) adapted to be secured to automated support means, ii) a foot (PD) secured to said lower end (El) and to which said coupling pins (AC) are secured, and iii ) a first handling bar (B1) secured to said mast (MS) at a first level. 8. Tool according to claim 7 in combination with one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said immobilization tab (PI) is rotatably mounted on said foot (PD). 9. Tool according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said structure (S) comprises a second handling bar (B2) secured to said mast (MS) at a second level different from said first level. 10. Tool according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said coupling axes (AC) are spaced apart from each other by a distance which is between about 10 centimeters and about 30 centimeters.