US20110146362A1

US20110146362A1 - Device for straightening up deformed metal and/or plastic elements after undergoing an excessive mechanical stress

Info

Publication number: US20110146362A1
Application number: US12/991,193
Authority: US
Inventors: Christian Sarrion Sanchez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-05
Filing date: 2009-04-30
Publication date: 2011-06-23
Also published as: WO2009141520A3; FR2930737B1; ES2536726T3; EP2303485B1; EP2303485A2; JP2011522701A; WO2009141520A2; FR2930737A1; CA2723027A1; CN102015140A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for straightening up deformed metal and/or plastic elements after having undergone an excessive mechanical stress such as, for example, a shock. It comprises at least one supporting element (1) provided with means (17 to 20) for temporarily fixing, to the rigid structure of the vehicle and/or its body, a counter-brace element to which an actuator (14) may be fastened, said actuator being optionally provided with a jig (16) or the like and a positionally and/or orientationally adjustable mechanical linkage between said supporting element (1) and said counter-brace element, this linkage being designed so that at least a fraction of the force exerted by the actuator (14) on the counter-brace element is retransmitted onto the supporting element (1).

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for straightening out deformed or even damaged metal and/or plastic members, as a result of a excessive mechanical stress such as for example an impact.
It is notably but not exclusively applied to the straightening out of a body member of a motor vehicle, deformed for example as a result of an accident.
Generally, it is known that for carrying out such straightening-out, different solutions are proposed at the present time.
Thus, notably, according to a process currently used by body repairers, a portion of the deformed metal sheet is exposed and small studs, recessed on a point of their periphery, are welded on the latter. A tool, one hook-shaped end of which is engaged into the recess of a stud, is then used. This tool is provided with a slide hammer with which hammer blows may be given on the end of the tool opposite to the hook, in order to carry out traction pulses on the metal sheet in order to cause its straightening. After having completed the straightening out, the studs are removed by means of the tool, by performing a rotation, and the weld spot is removed, for example with a deburring disc, and filler is applied to the metal sheet. This solution proves to be relatively long and delicate to perform. Further, it leads to substantial reduction in the thickness of the metal sheet, and therefore to its embrittlement.
With the purpose of simplifying this straightening-out process, without altering the coatings of the metal sheet such as paint, primer, galvanization or electrolytic galvanization, the Applicant has proposed a method consisting of exerting on the deformed member a pressure generated by an actuator, a balloon or the like, inflated by means of a fluid, the pressure of which is controlled. This method further involves two jigs having the original shape of the deformed member which sandwich said deformed member. One of these jigs is placed inside the deformed member while the other one is positioned on the outside of the latter.
It is found that in its present embodiment, this method is difficult to apply to all the portions of an automotive vehicle body.
This notably depends on the fact that the rigid structure of the vehicle body does not always comprise members on which the actuators or balloons used by this method may be supported, opposite to the surface, the straightening out of which is desired.
The object of the invention therefore is more particularly to solve this problem.
For this purpose, it proposes an apparatus involving at least one supporting member equipped with means for temporary fastening onto the rigid structure of the vehicle and/or its body, a counter-brace member on which may be fastened an actuator optionally equipped with a jig or the like and a mechanical link which may be adjusted in position and/or in orientation between said supporting member and said counter-brace member, this connecting member being designed so as to retransmit onto the supporting member at least one fraction of the force exerted by the actuator on the counter-brace member.
Preferably, the aforesaid actuator may be of the pneumatic type and comprise a pneumatic actuator, an inflatable balloon or bellows or the like.
The invention particularly advantageously applies to the straightening-out of deformations of the body top (roof) of a motor vehicle, in particular but not exclusively, deformations due to hail: it is known that during certain thunderstorms, hailstones with relatively large dimensions are formed, the impacts of which on a body cause a multiplicity of deformations in the form of pits. The straightening-out of a body having undergone such damage is very long and costly: the price of the repair may be greater than the price of the vehicle, so that very often, the owner abandons the idea of having his car repaired if he is not properly insured.
With the invention it is possible to solve this problem by means of tooling of the aforesaid type wherein:

- the supporting member consists in an extensible frame including two parallel girders, this frame being equipped with hooking and/or hanging means on the side reinforcements of the body top (roof) of the vehicle;
- the connecting member comprises a translationally mobile cross-bar on both girders of the supporting member;
- the counter-brace member comprises a column, preferably adjustable in length, on one of the ends of which said actuator may be attached, and including, at its other end, a mobile carriage guided along said cross-bar.

By means of this arrangement, the extensible frame may be positioned inside the vehicle and hung from the side reinforcements of the body top, substantially parallel to the latter.
The counter-brace member bearing the actuator equipped with a jig may be brought at right angles of each deformation by sliding the cross-bar along the girders and the carriage along the cross-bar.
The actuator is then fed with pressurized fluid in order to allow the jig to bring the metal sheet back to its initial shape. This process may be easily repeated in order to carry out the straightening-out of all the deformations present on the body top. Considering the nature of the deformations produced by hail, this type of straightening-out is sufficient for bringing the body top back to its initial shape without having to carry out any additional treatment. The cost of the repair is therefore considerably reduced and becomes acceptable, even in the case of a vehicle with a not very high value. With this solution it is possible to straighten out members which are impossible to straighten out with conventional tools. Of course, it may be useful for other (notably vertical) portions of the body of a vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the supporting member may comprise means for fastening it to the body such as a suction cup or even a permanent magnet (or even an electromagnet) as well as a column on which a carriage may slide and be locked, carriage on which a lever provided with a handle is jointed. On this lever which forms the aforesaid connecting member, a counter-brace member is slidably mounted, on which an actuator optionally equipped with a jig may be fastened. Of course, the lever may be of any order.
Optionally, the connecting member may comprise two branches jointed through one of their ends, both branches bearing at their other ends two supporting parts, at least one of which forms a jig, an actuator being positioned between both branches so as to be able to have them pivot around the joint axis.

Embodiments of the invention will be described hereafter, as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus suitable for straightening-out deformations of a body top of a vehicle;

FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively illustrate in a transverse and elevational sectional view, an extensible cross-bar which may be used in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a jointed extensible connecting member which may be mounted on a tubular structure;

FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention using a circular magnet as a supporting member;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the mounting of an actuator on a ball-joint counter-brace member;

FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus according to the invention involving a lever;

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention specially adapted to the straightening-out of deformations of a vehicle wing;

FIG. 9 is a side view showing an apparatus involving two levers jointed to each other through one of their ends.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus is more particularly intended for straightening out deformations produced on a roof or vehicle body top for example by impacts of hailstones of large dimensions.
This apparatus involves an extensible frame 1 with a square or rectangular shape intended to be positioned inside the vehicle, under the body top or the roof.
In this example, the sides C₁to C₄of the frame 1 each comprise two segments T₁, T₂which telescopically engage into each other, these segments T₁, T₂may be tubular or even consist in profiles with a closed and/or open section.
Locking means (not shown) may be used for locking both segments making each side C₁to C₄with the desired length.
By these arrangements, it is therefore possible to adjust the length of the sides C₁to C₄and therefore the section of the frame 1 to the dimensions of the inner volume of the vehicle and/or of the body top, the straightening-out of which is desired.
On both opposite sides of the frame 1, an extensible cross-bar TE is slidably mounted, on which a carriage 6 slides, the length of this cross-bar being adapted to the dimensions of the frame.
In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, this cross-bar TE comprises two tubular segments 7, 8 of rectangular section which telescopically fit into a third tubular segment 9, the outer section of the segments 7 and 8 being slightly smaller than the inner section of the third segment 9.
This cross-bar may be removable and used independently of the frame in order to serve as a support for an actuator/jig assembly which may be used in locations such as for example inside a car door.
The carriage as for it consists in a segment with a substantially C-shaped profile 10 delimiting a sectional volume slightly larger than the outer section of the segment 9.
This profile segment 10 is provided on its face (core) opposite to its longitudinal aperture 11, with a threaded rod 12, with an axis perpendicular to the plane of the frame 1, on which a column 13 bearing a pneumatic actuator 14 or even directly the pneumatic actuator may be attached. The face of the actuator 14 opposite to the column 13 is itself provided with a rod 15 which extends coaxially with the column 13 and which supports a jig 16 used for straightening out the body roof.
The fastening of the frame onto the rigid structure of the vehicle is obtained with four hooks 17-20 respectively positioned at the four angles of the frame 1.
These hooks 17-20 are intended to be introduced into bore holes or edges present in the structure or specially made for this purpose.
Of course, the invention is not limited to this arrangement: the hooks 17-20 may be replaced with rods of adjustable length, cables or even chains. The hooking-up of these rods, cables or chains on the fixed structure of the vehicle may be achieved by any known hooking and/or fastening means.
The application of this apparatus is particularly efficient: once the frame 1 is installed in the vehicle, the operator may bring the actuator 14/jig 16 assembly into a suitable location (under a deformation) by displacing the extensible cross-bar TE along the sides and the carriage 6 along the cross-bar TE. After having carried out a height adjustment of this assembly, he proceeds with admission of pressurized gas, preferably compressed air, into the actuator 14. Under the effect of the pressure of the gas, the jig 16 will exert a thrust on the deformation until it again assumes its initial shape.
The operator then repeats these operations on the other deformations until the body top or roof is totally straightened out.
Optionally, the cross-bar TE may be jointed so as to allow modifications of the orientation of the actuator 14 and better adaptation of the jig to the shape of the metal sheet which is intended to be straightened out.
Thus, FIG. 4 shows a cross-bar TE′ comprising a central member formed by fitting two tubular segments 21, 22 into each other. Both ends of this central member are connected to guiding and/or fastening members 23, 24 via two respective joints 25, 26. These guiding and/or fastening members 23, 24 consist in a profile segment with a section shaped as an inverted Ω, both ends of which are provided with bore holes into which clamping screws 27, 28 engage.
On the central member, a carriage 29 intended to bear an actuator 30, for example of the type of the one described earlier, is slidably mounted. Axial blocking of this carriage 29 both as well as that of the two tubular segments is ensured by means of respective cone-point set screws with knurled heads 31, 32.
The guiding and/or fastening members 23, 24 may be slidably mounted on both parallel sides of a frame 1 of the type of the one illustrated in FIG. 1 or even of a cradle, or even on the structure of the vehicle. The fixing in position of these guiding members 23, 24 on the frame or cradle is obtained by carrying out tightening of the screws 27, 28.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the apparatus consists of a ring-shaped magnetized structure 34 (a ring-shaped permanent magnet or one or several permanent magnets mounted on a ring-shaped structure). This ring-shaped member 34 bears a coaxial cylindrical drum 35 with an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the ring-shaped structure 34. This drum 35 comprises a bottom 36 and a circular aperture 37 opposite to the bottom 36, this aperture 37 being located at the height of the application face of the ring-shaped member 34.
Inside the drum 35, a pneumatic actuator with bellows 38 bearing upon the bottom 36 is housed and bears, opposite to the bottom 36, a rod 39 equipped with a jig 40 of circular shape provided with a slightly convex supporting face 41.
The adjustment of the height of the jig 40 is obtained by the fact that the rod 39 is threaded in its lower portion and will be screwed into a tapped tubular sleeve 42 coaxial with the actuator 38 and firmly attached to the face of the latter opposite the bottom.
In order to straighten out a deformation 43 on a metal (ferromagnetic) sheet 44, the ring-shaped member 34 is applied onto the metal sheet, coaxially with the deformation 43. After having optionally adjusted the position of the jig 40 by screwing/unscrewing the rod 39 in the sleeve 42, it is then proceeded with admission of pressurized gas into the actuator 38. The jig 40 then exerts on the deformation 43 a force tending to straighten it out. Because of its convex shape, the jig 40 may bring the metal sheet slightly beyond its original position by generating within the metal sheet a mechanical stress capable of unfolding possible folds. When admission of the pressurized fluid into the actuator 38 is interrupted, the slightly convex metal sheet portion (contrary to the initial deformation) returns to its original position, by its elasticity.
Advantageously, the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 may be mounted on a frame like the actuator illustrated in FIG. 1.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the apparatus involves a lever 45 one of the ends of which bears a handle 46 while the other end is jointed on a tubular sleeve 47 slidably mounted on a rod 48 firmly attached through one of its ends to a suction cup 49 (or even a magnet or electromagnet).
Along this lever 45, a carriage 50 is slidably mounted, formed by a tubular segment on which a pneumatic actuator 52 bearing a jig 53 may be fastened via an attachment column 51. Blocking of the carriage 50 in a position on the lever 45 is ensured by means of the cone-point set screw 54 which will be screwed into a tapped bore hole provided on the carriage 50.
By these arrangements, with view to straightening out a deformation of a metal sheet, the suction cup 49 is attached onto a metal sheet portion which may consist but not necessarily in the metal sheet bearing the deformation.
By sliding the carriage 50 along the lever 45 and by optionally having the latter pivot, the jig 53 borne by the apparatus 52 is brought against the deformation. The actuator 52 is then actuated so that the jig exerts a force on the deformation until the sought straightening-out is obtained. This force is spread by the suction cup 49 and by the operator who exerts an antagonistic force on the handle 46 of the lever 45.
Optionally, in order to allow better adjustment of its orientation, the actuator used in the examples described earlier may be mounted on its support (counter-brace member) via a ball joint connection.
This solution is illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein the actuator 60 (of the bellow type) is mounted in a tubular body 61 at least partly closed on one side by a bottom 62 firmly attached to an end of the actuator 60. The other end of the actuator 60 is extended with a threaded rod 63 emerging from the body 61 through a coaxial orifice and on which rod a jig 64 will be able to be screwed in.
The bottom 62 bears a tapped coaxial tubular sleeve 65 into which the rod 66 of a ball joint 67 may be screwed ensuring a ball joint connection with a supporting part 68, which may for example consist in a carriage of the type of those used in the previous examples.
An advantage of this solution consists in that the operator may hold the tubular body in his/her hand while having his/her hand protected by circular coaxial flanges with which the ends of said body are equipped.
The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8 is specially designed for straightening out deformations produced on a wing 70 of an automobile. It involves a lever 71 bent at right angles bearing at one of its ends, a handle 72 and at its other end, a jig 73, optionally interchangeable (in order to be adapted to the shape to be straightened out).
This lever 71 is jointed at its bend by a clevis mounting 74 on a supporting part 75 delimiting a concavity, for example a C-section part into which the upper portion of the tyre 76 of the vehicle located at the wing 70 may closely engage. The core 77 of this supporting part 75 comprises, opposite to the tyre 76, a plate 78 which extends at right angles. On this plate 78 is attached an actuator 79, here a concertina-type actuator, which acts on the arm 80 of the lever 71 bearing the jig 73.
In order to straighten out the deformation of the wing 70, the operator, first of all, positions the supporting part 75 on the tyre 76 and fastens it thereto, optionally in the desired angular position, by fastening means not shown. The actuator 79 is then retracted. The operator then tips over the lever 71 until the jig 73 will bear upon the wing 70 in the region where the deformation is located: the operator then controls the actuation of the actuator 79 by retaining the handle 72 until the deformed portion is straightened out.
Optionally, the lever described earlier may be used without the actuator or even without the supporting part 75.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the apparatus appears as an elongated claw having two arms 81, 82 jointed to each other through an end (joint 83). Both of these arms at their other ends bear two respective fastening means 84, 85 intended to receive, either a supporting element, or a jig (elements 86, 87).
This claw may be handled by means of a handle 88 borne by a third arm 89 jointed around the axis of the joint 83 of the arms 81, 82.
Between both arms 81, 82 is positioned a pneumatic actuator 90 formed by an elastomeric balloon connected to a pressurized gas admission circuit.
Due to its elongated shape, this apparatus may be engaged in narrow passages, for example between the metal sheet of the body and the stiffeners associated with this metal sheet.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described earlier.
Thus, for example, the actuator may further comprise means with which vibrations may be generated facilitating the return of the deformed metal sheet to its initial position.
These vibrations may be obtained by variable frequency percussion.
Also, the jig may be mounted on the actuator via an easily connectable/disconnectable fastening device such as for example a Velcro™ fastener.
Further, the member for supporting the apparatus according to the invention may involve a plastic foam cushion bearing upon a structural member of the vehicle. The density of the foam (for example polyurethane foam) will be provided so as to ensure transmission of the forces while following the shape of the supporting part. Better distribution of the pressures exerted on this supporting part is then achieved. Moreover, the travel of the actuator will be shortened.

Claims

1. An apparatus for straightening out plastic and/or metal members deformed as the result of an excessive mechanical stress such as for example an impact,

comprising at least one supporting member equipped with temporary fastening means on the rigid structure of the vehicle and/or of its body, a counter-brace member on which may be fastened a pneumatic actuator optionally equipped with a jig or the like exerting a thrust on the deformation of the members to be straightened out, and a mechanical link adjustable in position and/or in orientation between said supporting member and said counter-brace member, this connection member being designed so as to retransmit onto the supporting member at least one fraction of the force exerted by the actuator on the counter-brace member.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aforesaid actuator comprises a pneumatic actuator, an inflatable balloon or bellows or the like.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the supporting member consists of an extensible frame including two parallel girders this frame being equipped with hooking and/or hanging means on the side reinforcements of the body top (roof) of the vehicle; and the connecting member forms the adjustable mechanical link comprises a translationally mobile cross-bar on two segments of each girder of the supporting member.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the counter-brace member comprises a column on one of the ends of which may be fastened said actuator, and including at its other end, a mobile carriage guided along said cross-bar.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the aforesaid column is adjustable in length.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said temporary fastening means are positioned at the four angles of the aforesaid frame and comprise hooks, rods of adjustable length, cables or chains capable of being introduced into bore holes or edges present in the rigid structure of the vehicle or of its body.

7. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sides of the frame each comprise two segments telescopically engaging into each other, these segments may be tubular or even consist in profiles with a closed and/or open section.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, comprising locking means capable of locking both segments making each of the sides, with the desired length.

9. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the aforesaid cross-bar comprises two tubular segments of rectangular section which telescopically fit into a third tubular segment, the outer section of the segments being slightly smaller than the inner section of the third segment, and wherein the carriage comprises a substantially C-shaped profile segment, delimiting a volume with a section slightly greater than the outer section of the segment.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the profile segment forming the aforesaid carriage is provided on its face (core) opposite to its longitudinal aperture, with a threaded rod, with an axis perpendicular to the plane of the frame, on which a column bearing a pneumatic actuator may be fastened.

11. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the aforesaid cross-bar is jointed so as to allow modifications of the orientation of the actuator and better adaptation of the jig to the shape of the metal sheet intended to be straightened out.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the aforesaid cross-bar comprises a central member formed by fitting two tubular segments into each other, both ends of this central member being connected to guiding and/or fastening members via two respective joints.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the aforesaid guiding and/or fastening members have substantially a shape of an inverted Ω, both ends of which are provided with bore holes into which engage clamping screws.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein on the central member a carriage is slidably mounted, intended to bear an actuator, the axial blocking of this carriage as well as that of the two tubular segments being ensured by means of respective cone-point set screws with a knurled head.

15. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the aforesaid cross-bar is removable and is designed so as to be able to be used independently of the frame.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a ring-shaped magnetized structure bearing a cylindrical drum comprising a bottom and a circular aperture located opposite the bottom, at the height of the application face of the ring-shaped member, this drum housing an actuator bearing upon said bottom and bearing a jig opposite to said bottom.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the aforesaid jig is mounted on the actuator by means of a threaded rod which will be screwed into a tapped tubular sleeve firmly attached to a face of the actuator opposite to the bottom.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aforesaid jig has a slightly convex supporting face so as to bring the metal sheet to be straightened out to beyond its original position.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises means for fastening to the body, such as a suction cup or even a permanent magnet (or even an electromagnet), these fastening means being firmly attached to a column on which a carriage may slide and be locked on which is jointed a lever provided with a handle, and in that on this lever which forms the aforesaid connecting member, a counter-brace member is slidably mounted, on which may be fastened an actuator optionally equipped with a jig.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the aforesaid actuator is mounted on the counter-brace member, via a ball joint connection.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the aforesaid actuator comprises an actuator including a tubular body which may be held by hand, this body having ends provided with flanges used for protecting the hand of the operator.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, for straightening-out deformations produced on a wing of a vehicle, comprising a bent lever bearing at one of its ends a handle and at its other end, a jig, this lever being jointed at its bend on a supporting part delimiting a concavity intended for receiving the upper portion of the tyre of the vehicle located at said wing, the core of this supporting part comprising, opposite the tyre, a plate on which is fastened an actuator which acts on the arm of the lever bearing the jig.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises means allowing vibrations so as to facilitate the return of the metal sheet to its initial position.

24. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the aforesaid vibrations are obtained by percussion at a variable frequency.

25. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jig is mounted on the actuator via an easily connectable/disconnectable fastening means, comprising a hook and loop fastener.

26. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supporting member includes a plastic foam cushion, designed for following the shape of a supporting part and ensuring better distribution of the forces on this supporting part.