WO2002040220A1

WO2002040220A1 - Method and device for mounting and dismantling a suspension system

Info

Publication number: WO2002040220A1
Application number: PCT/FR2001/003628
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thierry Barriere; Claude Lefevre
Original assignee: Facom
Priority date: 2000-11-20
Filing date: 2001-11-19
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: FR2816863B1; AU2002220798A1; FR2816863A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a method and a device for mounting and dismantling a motor vehicle suspension system (6, 11) comprising a spring (7) combined with a shock absorber (8, 12) adapted to be engaged in a hub carrier, said device comprising means for compressing said suspension system (6, 11). The invention is characterised in that the compression means are designed to act directly on the shock absorber (8, 12), so as to engage or to release the suspension system (6, 11) with or from the hub carrier. The invention is applicable, for example, to a McPherson strut suspension.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING A SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a method for mounting and dismounting a suspension strut, as well as to a device making it possible to implement the steps of said method.

More particularly, the invention relates to a method and a device making it possible to engage and disengage the suspension element of a vehicle from the hub carrier.

Indeed, among the different types of suspensions, some have a suspension element consisting of a spring-shock absorber combination, linked to a hub carrier acting as a pivot through the body of the shock absorber.

The hub carrier is itself associated with a hub on which the vehicle wheel is mounted.

When the suspension element is worn or damaged (and more particularly the shock absorber), it should be replaced.

According to known methods, this operation is long and complex because it requires the disassembly and reassembly of a certain number of parts, of difficult access, and sometimes requires the intervention of several people seen the masses handled.

A method is known which requires the removal of the suspension element and of the hub carrier itself, in order to be able to extract said suspension element, which requires time and a lot of effort. Other known methods provide for the use of specific tools, such as retaining rods capable of cooperating with buttonholes of the suspension element or spring compressors fitted with cups.

These cups are shaped as stirrups so as to engage on the spring in order to compress it to disassemble the suspension element of the vehicle.

These known tools, developed specifically, are not adaptable to all types of vehicles, which leads to a multiplication of tools to be able to cover the different suspension architectures. In addition, in the case of cup spring compressors, the assembly / disassembly tool remains integral with the suspension element when the latter is removed from the vehicle, implying a very significant physical effort for the operator.

In this context, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a method as well as a device making it possible, easily, to release and then engage a suspension element in its pivot by dismantling a minimum of peripheral organs and for all types of vehicle.

To this end, according to the invention, the method of mounting and dismounting a vehicle suspension system comprising a spring combined with a shock absorber capable of being engaged in a hub carrier, said method comprising a step of compressing said system of suspension, is characterized in that ^"It compresses the suspension system by acting directly on the shock absorber, in order to engage or disengage the suspension system from the hub carrier. Advantageously, the compression step includes a temporary fixing step, directly on the damper. In addition, compression is performed relative to a fulcrum independent of the suspension system.

The invention also relates to a device capable of allowing the mounting and dismounting of a vehicle suspension system comprising a spring combined with a shock absorber capable of being engaged in a hub carrier, said ^" device comprising means for compressing said system suspension, characterized in that the compression means are capable of acting directly on the shock absorber.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises temporary fixing means able to cooperate with the shock absorber, as well as means for relative movement of said temporary fixing means relative to a fixed base.

Preferably, the temporary fixing means comprise jaws shaped so as to directly carry the shock absorber, and the displacement means comprise at least two tubes associated in a telescopic manner and moving in translation relative to one another by through a screw-nut system.

Advantageously, the displacement means are substantially perpendicular to the temporary fixing means.

According to a particular embodiment, the displacement means comprise means for positioning the said displacement means in a direction substantially parallel to that of the damper, the said positioning means comprising a ball joint. In addition, the device comprises means for immobilizing the displacement means comprising a removable flange, capable of cooperating with the ball of the positioning means, as well as means for blocking the said flange comprising a cam.

The invention will be better understood in the light of the description which follows, relating to an illustrative embodiment but in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a side section of the device according to the invention;

- Figures 3 to 14 are perspective views detailing the different steps of the method according to the invention.

Throughout the description, the term "proximal" defines an element being close to the ground or the surface where the device according to the invention rests, opposite to an element defined by the term "distal".

In addition, within the framework of the present invention, the expression “suspension system” is understood to mean a suspension element comprising a shock absorber associated with a spring, the said shock absorber possibly being of cartridge, crimped monoblock, etc.

FIG. 1 represents, in perspective of three quarters, an embodiment of the devices according to the invention, capable of implementing the method of the invention. The device 1 comprises, in its lower part, a base 2 having substantially the shape of an "H" seen from above which is associated, by means described later, a substantially vertical upright 3 perpendicular to the base 2. The distal end 3a of the amount 3 is connected to an arm 4 substantially perpendicular to said amount 3 and comprising means capable of gripping the damper.

The base 2 consists of two feet 2a, 2b parallel to each other, in the form of a hollow tube, for example metallic, and of substantially quadrangular section.

The two feet 2a, 2b of the base 2 are interconnected by a central crosspiece 2c, also of tabular shape of substantially quadrangular section, and arranged transversely between the two feet 2a, 2b. The two feet 2a, 2b and the central crosspiece 2c of the base 2 are rigidly connected to each other using any known means such as welding for example.

Under each of the two feet 2a, 2b and of the central crosspiece 2c of the base 2 is disposed a mat 21 made of a material such (rubber for example) that said mat 21 ensures sufficient adhesion to the device 1 when the latter is disposed on the ground, or any other support such as a lift for motor vehicles.

On the central crosspiece 2c of the base 2 is disposed the upright 3 constituting displacement means making it possible to vary the height of the arm 4 disposed at the distal end 3a of said displacement means 3. The displacement means 3 comprise an inner tube 31, hollow and substantially cylindrical, mounted concentrically in an outer tube 32 of complementary shape.

The inner 31 and outer 32 tubes of the displacement means 3 extend in a direction X, substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the base 2.

The outer tube 32 has, at its proximal end 32a, an external thread capable of cooperating with the internal thread of an actuating nut 33 of substantially cylindrical shape.

Said maneuvering nut 33 is capable of coming into contact with a roller stopper 34, of substantially annular shape and of axis X, making it possible to facilitate actuation of the maneuvering nut 33.

The inner tube 31 has, over almost its entire length, series of pairs of holes 31a, the holes of a pair being diametrically opposite so as to be able to cooperate with a pin 35 passing through the inner tube 31.

Said pin 35 allows rough adjustment of the displacement means 3 and supports the roller stop 34 as well as the outer tube 32 with which the operating nut 33 is associated.

The proximal end 31b of the inner tube 31 is integral with a ball joint 36 disposed in a housing 37 of substantially complementary shape and integral with the central cross member 2c of the base 2. The details of the relative arrangements of the inner tube 31, the ball joint 36, the housing 37 and the central leg 2c will be seen in connection with FIG. 2.

The central cross member 2c of the base 2 also supports immobilization means 5 making it possible to remove any degree of freedom from the displacement means 3.

To this end, the immobilization means comprise a flange 51 mounted for rotation on a bearing 52 along an axis 52a substantially parallel to the plane of the base 2.

The flange 51 has a bore 51 traversed by the ball 36 as well as the proximal end 31b of the inner tube 31.

The end of the flange 51, opposite to that with which the bearing 52 is associated, is capable of cooperating with a stirrup 53 in the shape of a "U". Said end of the flange 51 in fact has recesses 51b capable of allowing it to fit into the recess defined by the branches 53a and 53b of the "U" defined by the stirrup 53.

Said branches 53a and 53b of the stirrup 53 each have a through hole capable of receiving an axis supporting a cam 54 passing through the two branches 53a and 53b right through, and associated with a handle 55.

The description of the subsequent figures shows that the profile of the cam 54 allows, by being actuated in rotation by the handle 55, to act on the flange 51 which acts on the ball 36 and thus allows to immobilize in position the means of displacement 3. The arm 4, constituting the temporary fixing means of the device 1, is rigidly connected to the distal end 3a of the displacement means 3 by any known method such as welding.

Said temporary fixing means 4 comprise a first hollow tube 41 which is substantially cylindrical and disposed concentrically inside a second tube 42 of complementary shape, of axis Y perpendicular to the axis X of the upright 3.

The first tube 41, movable inside the second tube 42 which is fixed to it on the upright 3, comprises, substantially at the junction of the outer tube 32 with the second tube 42, an external thread capable of cooperating with the thread inside of a clamping nut 43.

The relative arrangements of the first and second tubes 41 and 42, as well as of the clamping nut 43, will be seen in more detail in connection with FIG. 2.

The arm 4 has, at its distal end (away from the upright 3), jaws 44 comprising two clamping plates 45 and 46 which, in the working position, are arranged opposite one another.

The first clamping plate 45, substantially planar and of quadrangular shape, is integrally associated with the distal end of the first tube 41.

The second clamping plate 46, also shaped. substantially quadrangular, is integrally associated with the distal end of the second tube 42, opposite to that where the nut 43 is located. Said second clamping plate 46 has, on its face disposed opposite the first clamping plate 45, two V-shaped elements 46a and 46b parallel to each other. The second clamping plate 46 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the axes X and Y.

The relative arrangement of the openings of the two ves 46a and 46b is such that the jaws 44 make it possible to effectively clamp a cylindrical piece of longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the axis X, such as a damper body.

The relative movement of the first tube 41 relative to the second tube 42, via the clamping nut 43, thus allows the relative movement of the first plate 45 relative to the second plate 46 in order to open or close the jaws 44.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the device 1 of FIG. 1.

The clamping nut 43 has an annular recess 43a in which the second tube 42 is able to abut thanks to its complementary dimensions.

Thus, when the tightening nut 43 is actuated clockwise with reference to the positive direction given to the axis Y in FIG. 2, the first tube 41 moves in the direction of the arrow f, having the effect of bringing together the jaws 44.

In a relatively similar manner, when the maneuvering nut 33, disposed on the outer tube 32 of the displacement means 3, is rotated counterclockwise by reference to the positive direction given to axis X in FIG. 2, said outer tube 32 moves in the direction of arrow g, having the effect of raising the temporary fixing means 4.

Thereafter, the clockwise and counterclockwise directions of rotation of the maneuvering nuts 33 and tightening nuts 43 are always defined by reference to the positive direction given to the corresponding axis (X or Y) in FIG. 2

The actuating nut 33 is in contact against the roller stop 34, itself in abutment on the pin 35 inserted in the holes 31a of the inner tube 31.

FIG. 2 illustrates in detail the complementary shapes of the ball 36 as well as of the housing 37 and of the flange 51.

Indeed, the flange 51 cooperates with the ball joint 36 by means of a bore 51 a which has a shape complementary to that of the ball joint 36, just like the housing 37 which has a shape of bowl substantially also complementary to that of the ball 36.

Thus, as mentioned in connection with FIG. 1, the cooperation between the flange 51, the ball joint 36 and the housing 37 makes it possible to immobilize in space the displacement means 3 and temporary fixing means 4.

This immobilization is obtained by means of blocking means comprising the cam 54 whose profile is such that, depending on its position, it presses on the distal surface 51c of the flange 51 so as to block the ball joint 36 between said flange 51 and the housing 37 fixed on the central leg 2c of the base 2. The profile of said cam 54 may, for example, be such that a rotation of the handle 55 by 180 ° (FIG. 1) makes it possible to release or block the ball joint 36.

With reference to FIGS. 3 to 14, the method according to the invention is implemented in the following manner:

The case considered here is that of the change of a Mac herson type suspension element on a motor vehicle placed for example on a lift.

For the sake of clarity of the figures, only the suspension element is shown in Figures 4 to 14.

Once the vehicle is lifted and chocked, the wheel corresponding to the suspension element to be changed is removed. In the same way, all the peripheral members to be removed are removed or removed from their housing (nut for fixing the stabilizer bar, cables and hoses ...).

In addition, the clamping screw of the shock absorber on the pivot constituted by the hub holder (not shown in the figures) must be unscrewed and the lips of the pivot separated using an ad hoc tool. The damper thus remains secured to the pivot by friction and can be released by the device 1 according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 3, before installing the device 1 next to the vehicle (in this case on the lift), the clamping nut 43 must be unscrewed (rotation counterclockwise) in order '' spread jaws as far as possible 44. At the same time, the maneuvering nut 33 is rotated clockwise to the maximum of its travel so as to place it at the end of travel on the outer tube 32.

As for the ball 36, it is released by actuating the handle 55, which has the effect of canceling the pressure exerted by the flange 51 on said ball 36. The pin 35, on which the roller stop 34 rests, is arranged in the pair of holes 31 a of the inner tube 31 located closest to the base 2.

With reference to FIG. 4, the device 1 is then placed on the bridge, near the vehicle (engine or hub).

The suspension element 6 of the vehicle comprises a spring 7 combined with a damper 8 comprising a body 8a and a rod 8b. The spring 7 is mounted in a known manner on the damper 8, between lower 9 and upper cups 10. The suspension element 6 is mounted in a known manner in the wheel arch of a vehicle not shown in the various figures.

When the device 1 is put in place, the two v-shaped elements 46a and 46b of the second fixed plate 46 are brought into contact with the body 8a of the damper 8, in abutment against the lower cup 9.

The clamping nut 43 is then actuated clockwise in order to bring the first movable plate 45 closer to the second plate 46 so that the jaws 44 come to clamp the body 8a of the damper 8. Once this tightening has taken place, the base 2 resting on the bridge is arranged in the most stable manner possible, so that the axis X of the inner tubes 31 and outer 32 is substantially parallel to the axis Z of the damper 8 for avoid the risks of blocking the damper 8 in the pivot during compression.

With reference to FIG. 5, the roller stop 34 is then brought into contact with the operating nut 33, the pin 35 being placed in the pair of holes 31a closest to the roller stop 34.

It should be noted that, in the case where the maneuvering nut 33 is screwed completely onto the external thread of the external tube 32, the roller stop 34 is in direct contact on the proximal end 32a of said external tube 32.

The handle 55 is then pivoted 180 ° so that the cam 54 comes to exert a pressure on the upper surface 51c of the flange 51 in order to block the ball 36 (FIG. 6).

Referring to Figure 7, the maneuvering nut 33, in abutment against the roller stop 34, is rotated counterclockwise so as to raise the outer tube 32 and the temporary fixing means 4 related to it. This upward movement causes the suspension element 6 to be compressed due to the compression of the shock absorber 8 on which the jaws 44 are clamped.

The nut 33 is actuated to move on its entire stroke in order to disengage the pivot ^"Car body 8a of the damper 8. Compared to the devices and methods of the prior art, the compression of the suspension element 6 is effected with respect to a fixed and independent fulcrum of the said suspension system 6.

5 Once released, said pivot is shifted to the right or to the left of the suspension element 6 then, advantageously, hung in the wheel arch of the vehicle so as not to dislodge either the differential transmission or the tripod of the constant velocity joint ( front traction vehicle).

The maneuvering nut 33 is then rotated clockwise over its entire travel in order to slide the movable outer tube 32 downwards to decompress the suspension element 6 (FIG. 8).

With reference to FIG. 9, once the suspension element 6 is completely free, the tightening nut 43 is unscrewed, in order to separate the jaws 44 from the body 8a of the damper 8.

The suspension element 6 is thus held on the vehicle only by its upper end 6a, associated with the body. Said suspension element 6 is then separated from the body and the defective parts are replaced (spring, shock absorber, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 10, the new suspension element 11 25 (comprising, in our example, a new shock absorber 12) is then secured to the vehicle body by means of its upper end 11a, in known manner.

As in the step described in FIG. 4, the tightening nut 43 is then rotated clockwise in order to tighten the jaws 44 on the body 12a of the shock absorber 12 of the new suspension element 11.

The new shock absorber 12 is then compressed by actuating the maneuvering nut 33 anti-clockwise (FIG. 11), which causes the movable outer tube 32 to move upwards and causes the new suspension element 11 to be compressed.

Once the shock absorber 12 has been compressed, the pivot of the vehicle is unhooked from the wheel arch to be engaged on the body 12a of the shock absorber 12. Said body 12a of the shock absorber 12 comprises a stop and polarizing pins (not shown) so to correctly position the pivot on said body 12a.

With reference to FIG. 12, once the body 12a of the shock absorber 12 is engaged in the pivot of the vehicle, the maneuvering nut 33 is actuated clockwise in order to completely decompress the new suspension element 11. If necessary, the pivot is pushed completely upwards on the body 12a of the damper 12 until it stops.

The clamping nut 43 is then actuated in the counterclockwise direction to the maximum of its stroke, in order to loosen the jaws 44 of the body 12a of the damper 12 of the new suspension element 11 (FIG. 13).

Referring to Figure 14, the locking handle 55 can then be rotated 180 ° to remove the pressure exerted by the flange 51 on the ball 36, and thus restore degrees of freedom to the displacement means 3 and temporary fixing 4 to remove the device 1 from the lift. Finally, the pivot clamping screw is replaced to secure the pivot on the body 12a of the shock absorber 12 as well as the various peripheral members such as the fixing nut of the stabilizer bar as well as the various cables and hoses .

Thus, thanks to the method and the device of the invention, the removal as well as the fitting of a vehicle suspension system proves to be easy, rapid, and this for any type of known vehicle since said device 1 is adaptable to ^" each type of vehicle The invention applies particularly well, for example, to the Mac Pherson type suspension system.

Claims

1. Method for mounting and dismounting a suspension system (6, 1 1) of a vehicle comprising a spring (7) combined with a shock absorber

(8, 12) capable of being engaged in a hub carrier, said method comprising a step of compressing said suspension system (6, 1 1), characterized in that the suspension system (6, 1 1) is compressed ) in ^'acting directly on the damper (8, 12) to engage or disengage the suspension system (6, 1 1) of the hub carrier.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the compression step comprises a temporary fixing step, directly on the damper (8, 12).

3. Method for mounting and dismounting a suspension system (6, 1 1) of a vehicle comprising a spring (7) combined with a shock absorber (8, 12) capable of being engaged in a hub carrier, said method comprising a compression step of said suspension system (6, 1 1), characterized in that said compression is carried out with respect to a fulcrum independent of the suspension system (6, 1 1).

4. Device capable of allowing the mounting and dismounting of a suspension system (6, 1 1) of a vehicle comprising a spring (7) combined with a shock absorber (8, 12) capable of being engaged in a hub carrier, said device comprising means for compressing said suspension system (6, 11), characterized in that the compression means are capable of acting directly on the damper (8, 12).

5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises temporary fixing means (4) able to cooperate with the damper (8, 12).

6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises displacement means (3) relative to said temporary fixing means (4) relative to a base (2) fixed.

7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the temporary fixing means (4) comprise jaws (44) shaped so as to directly carry the damper (8, 12).

8. Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the displacement means (3) comprise at least two tubes (31, 32) associated telescopically.

9. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said tubes (31, 32) are moved in translation relative to one another by means of a screw-nut system.

10. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the displacement means (3) comprise positioning means, in a direction substantially parallel to that of the damper (8, 12), of said means displacement (3).

11. Device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the displacement means (3) are substantially perpendicular to the temporary fixing means (4).

12. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said positioning means comprise a ball joint (36).

13. Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that it comprises means for immobilizing the displacement means

(3).

14. Device according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the immobilization means comprise a removable flange (51), capable of cooperating with the ball joint (36) of the positioning means, as well as of the said blocking means. flange (51).

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the clamping means of the flange (51) comprise a cam (54).

16. Device capable of allowing the mounting and dismounting of a suspension system (6, 1 1) of a vehicle comprising a spring (7) combined with a shock absorber (8, 12) capable of being engaged in a hub carrier, said device comprising means for compressing said suspension system (6, 11), characterized in that the compression means are capable of compressing said suspension system (6, 11) with respect to a point of support independent of the system suspension (6, 11).