WO2008056092A1

WO2008056092A1 - Vehicle engine removal system

Info

Publication number: WO2008056092A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/004174
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valerian Dare-Bryan; William Alban Davis; Anthony Geoffrey Hall; Edward Anthony Wilcock
Original assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Priority date: 2006-11-08
Filing date: 2006-11-08
Publication date: 2008-05-15

Abstract

An engine and transmission removal assembly for a vehicle having an engine and a transmission. There is a roller follower assembly including a roller (42) for mounting to a vehicle engine system and a track assembly (32) for mounting to a vehicle chassis (34) and having an upwardly and forwardly extending track for the roller to follow when moved forward, the track having an entrance and an exit for the roller. There is also a height changing assembly (40) for raising the roller follower assembly to a position for the roller to enter the track entrance .

Description

VEHICLE ENGINE REMOVAL SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates generally to the vehicle art, and, more particularly to a system for rapidly removing and /or installing vehicle parts, such as engines, transmission, batteries and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[002] The present invention provides assistance in the rapid removal and replacement of a front-mounted truck engine, transmission, or related parts for servicing.

[003] To allow the truck engine to be rapidly removed, the entire front of the truck is designed to either fold down or be completely removed using a few easily accessible bolts. Once folded down or removed, extraction and replacement of the engine is significantly simplified. In addition to the fold down front end, a lift-out radiator is provided to further simplify the overall removal process, as well as rapid disconnects for engine coolant, electrical connections, pneumatics and hydraulics. The system is designed so that engine removal is accomplishe'd with tools, cranes and other items normally found in a truck maintenance workshop and no special tools are required.

[004] Quick change systems have been proposed in the past, but all rely on the use of highly specialized tooling fixtures and techniques. Such systems are normally impractical and very expensive.

[005] The engine removal system of the present invention can be implemented without special fixtures and tooling. The approach is entirely practical for existing engines and transmissions.

[006] A track system is provided which facilitates the removal of a front mounted truck engine. The invention enhances the serviceability of the vehicle, and [005] The engine removal system of the present invention can be implemented without special fixtures and tooling. The approach is entirely practical for existing engines and transmissions.

[006] A track system is provided which facilitates the removal of a front mounted truck engine. The invention enhances the serviceability of the vehicle, and dramatically reduces the amount of time required for engine removal and replacement operations.

[007] To implement this invention, a track system is added to the chassis that is coupled with the engine and transmission. The engine and transmission are fitted with corresponding guide wheels designed to move along the track to guide these components out of the vehicle. A ball screw arrangement is used to lift the engine and transmission up off of their respective mountings and onto the track. Depending on the specific details of the design, a crane may be needed to assist with the removal of the engine. In an alternative embodiment, a co-joining section of track, on a separate fixture outside of the vehicle can be used to facilitate engine removal. This external track is designed to align with the vehicle track system allowing the engine and transmission to be transferred to the external fixture.

[008] The traditional approach relies on the skill and experience of the operators. The use of the track takes the guesswork out of the removal path the engine needs to take as it is extracted from the vehicle. In addition, the use of the ball screws and the associated mounting features speed engine alignment with the mounting flanges and brackets during the installation process. [009] This invention allows a pintle hook, winch, ball hitch or other hardware to be quickly and easily attached to either the front or the back of a vehicle, or interchanged between the front and the back of the vehicle. [0010] The invention includes a cassette system that allows various attachment hardware and components to be added to either the front or the rear of a vehicle. The cassette mounting locations are standard and fixed for all interchangeable equipment. In addition to mechanical mounting, the cassette can include electrical, air or hydraulic connections that align with corresponding connections on the vehicle itself. Equipment envisioned for use with this system includes pintle connections, ball hitch type connections and winches. Other items that may be added to the vehicle using the cassette system include supplementary lighting or antennas. For example, a radar proximity antenna used for collision avoidance or range sensing cruise control can be added using the cassette interface. In some configurations the cassette can be reversed, so that the pintle or tow hitch is turned in towards the truck - this provides a smooth surface so the vehicle can either push other disabled vehicles or so it can be pushed by other vehicles. Also, a cam locking device may be used for firmly locking the cassette in place.

[0011] The removable cassette provides maximum flexibility for adding components and tow connections to a vehicle. The invention simplifies mechanical connections as well electrical, air and hydraulic connections. [0012] The present invention together with the above and other advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric diagrammatic view of the front of a vehicle. [0014] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the front of a vehicle showing the front end in its lowered position.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an isometric view similar to figures 1 and 2 in which the hood has been removed to show the engine which is to be removed. [0016] FIG. 4 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the side showing the roller near the entrance to the engine track while the engine is in its mounted position. [0017] FIG.5 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the front showing the roller near the entrance to the engine track when the engine is in its mounted position. [0018] FIG. 6 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the side showing the roller near the entrance to the engine track while the engine is in raised position and slightly lifted from its mount.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the front showing the roller near the entrance to the engine track while the engine is in raised position and slightly lifted from its mount.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the side showing the roller in the engine track while the engine has been moved up the track and in the beginning of its mid-lift position.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the front showing the roller in the engine track while the engine has been moved up the track and in the beginning of its mid-lift position.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the side showing the roller in the engine track while the engine has been moved up the track and in the end of its mid-lift position.

[0023] FIG. 11 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the front showing the roller in the engine track while the engine has been moved up the track and in the end of its mid-lift position.

[0024] FIG. 12 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the side showing the roller in the engine track while the engine has been moved up the track and in the end of its engine removal position and is ready to be removed.

[0025] FIG. 13 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the front showing the roller in the engine track while the engine has been moved up the track and in the end of its engine removal position and is ready to be removed.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the front showing the front bumper and grill assembly without the cassette assembly in place.

[0027] FIG. 15 is an isometric diagrammatic view showing the front bumper grill assembly with a pintle cassette in place.

[0028] FIG. 16 is an isometric diagrammatic view showing the front bumper grill assembly with a winch cassette in place, with the winch removed.

[0029] FIG. 17 is an isometric diagrammatic view from the rear showing the rear bumper with a pintle cassette in place.

[0030] FIG. 18 is an isometric diagrammatic view showing the rear bumper with the pintle cassette reversed.

[0031] FIG. 19 is an isometric diagrammatic view showing the rear bumper with a winch cassette in place with the winch removed.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a side view of the cassette showing the cam lock feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] A track system is provided which facilitates the removal of a front mounted truck engine. The invention enhances the serviceability of the vehicle, and dramatically reduces the amount of time required for engine removal and replacement operations.

[0034] The track system 42 is added to the chassis 34 that is coupled with the engine and transmission. The engine and transmission are fitted with corresponding guide wheels 42 designed to move along the track to guide these components out of the vehicle. A ball screw arrangement 40 is used to lift the engine and transmission up off of their respective mountings and onto the track. Depending on the specific details of the design, a crane (not shown) may be needed to assist with the removal of the engine. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) , a co-joining section of track, on a separate fixture outside of the vehicle can be used to facilitate engine removal. This external track is designed to align with the vehicle track system allowing the engine and transmission to be transferred to the external fixture. [0035] Figs. 2 and 3 show the grill and front end moved down to expose the engine and transmission and related parts. Figs 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 show the engine and cam follower or roller in its mounted position and then in various positions during the raising of the engine along the track. Figs. 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 show the cam follower or roller in its various positions with respect to the track during the engine removal process. When the engine is in its position as shown in Figs. 12 and 13 it is ready to be lifted out of the chassis and vehicle using suitable means such as a crane.

[0036] To allow the truck engine 14 to be rapidly removed, the entire front of the truck is designed to either fold down as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, or be completely removed using a few easily accessible bolts. Once folded down or removed, extraction and replacement of the engine 14 is significantly simplified. In addition to the fold down front end 12, a lift-out radiator (not shown) is provided to further simplify the overall removal process, as well as rapid disconnects for engine coolant, electrical connections, pneumatics and hydraulics. There is a grille mounting structure 28 which permits the folding down of the front end, for example, by being pivoted using a hinge system. 0

[0037] The system is designed so that engine removal is accomplished with tools, cranes and other items normally found in a truck maintenance workshop and no special tools are required.

[0038] Quick change systems have been proposed in the past, but all rely on the use of highly specialized tooling fixtures and techniques. Such systems are normally impractical and very expensive.

[0039] The vehicle includes a front end having an engine compartment with a cover 10, a front grille 12, a cassette system 16 and tires 18. The grille 12 has an opening in the form of a grate 24 to allow cooling air to enter the engine compartment. There is a grille mounting structure 28 and left and right bumpers 26 and 22. As shown in Fig 3 there is an engine 14 and a section 30 in which the cooling system is installed and which is disconnected and removed prior to engine removal.

[0040] Figs. 4 - 13 show the engine 14 and tracks or guide rails 32 in various positions of removal with respect to each other and to the chassis 34, the tracks

32 being mounted to the chassis 34. The engine 14 has an engine mounting plate

36 with mounting holes 38 which are used to bolt the mounting plate of the engine to the chassis 34. There is a ball screw 40 which is used to raise the engine

14 and thus the mounting plate 36 and the cam follower or roller 42 into position to enter the track 32. During the removal process the cam follower 42 rides up the inclined track and raises the front of the engine into a position where it can be moved by a crane (not shown). While a ball screw is disclosed, other means know in the art can be used to accomplish this task.

[0041] Figs. 4 and 5 show the engine removal assembly of the invention prior to removal or post replacement. The engine 14 is in its mounted position. Follower roller 42 is up, as well as the ball screw mechanism 40. These are attached to a mount 36 that is attached to the engine or power pack 14, the mount 36 being removably attached to the chassis part 37, for example. The guide rails or tracks

32 are the only components that stay with the chassis 34 during engine movement.

[0042] Figs. 6 and 7 show the ball screw 40 being activated, causing the wheels 42 to come in contact with guide rails 32. The weight of the engine or power pack

14 is supported on these rollers 42, and the engine mounts 36 are lifted a short distance from the chassis mounts 37 (Fig. 7).

[0043] Figs. 8 and 9 show the engine or power pack 14 being moved on the rollers 42, following the contour of the rails 32 that are attached to the chassis 34.

[0044] Figs. 10 and 11 show the engine or power pack 14 in a position further guided up the rails or tracks 32.

[0045] Figs. 12 and 13 show engine 14 at the end of its travel and ready for removal by being lifted upwardly by a crane or the like so that the rollers 42 are lifted up through the opening 44 at the top of the tracks. Fig. 12 shows the roller 42 as it is being lifted upwardly through the opening 44 at the top of the track 32. Fig. 12 shows the steering gear 46 (cannot see the number in the picture. I am supplying a picture with the gear clearly identified, just to remove any confusion.) which is omitted from other figures in order to show details of the engine removal mechanism.

[0046] A crane or other type of hoisting mechanism (not shown) may now be connected to the engine and /or engine and transmission assembly to hoist the assembly out of the vehicle in a manner which is known in the art. [0047] The present invention allows a pintle hook, winch, ball hitch or other hardware to be quickly and easily attached to either the front or the back of a vehicle, or interchanged between the front and the back of the vehicle. [0048] This aspect of the present invention includes the cassette system 16 that allows various attachment hardware and components to be added to either the front or the rear of a vehicle. The cassette mounting locations are standard and fixed for all interchangeable equipment. In addition to mechanical mounting, the cassette can include electrical, air or hydraulic connections that align with corresponding connections on the vehicle itself. Equipment envisioned for use with this system includes pintle connections, ball hitch type connections and winches. Other items that may be added to the vehicle using the cassette system include supplementary lighting or antennas. For example, a radar proximity antenna used for collision avoidance or range sensing cruse control can be added using the cassette interface. In some configurations the cassette can be reversed, so that the pintle or tow hitch is turned in towards the truck - this provides a smooth surface so the vehicle can either push other disabled vehicles or so it can be pushed by other vehicles. An example of this is shown in Fig. 18. Also, a cam locking device may be used for firmly locking the cassette in place. An example of this is shown in FIG. 20.

[0049] FIGS. 14-20 show various aspects of the cassette system 16. Fig. 14 shows the front bumpers 22 and 26 and grill assembly 24 without the cassette assembly 16 in place. FIG. 15 shows the front bumper grill assembly with a pintle cassette 16P in place. FIG. 16 shows the front bumper grill assembly with a winch cassette 16W in place, with the winch removed.

[0050] FIG. 17 shows the rear bumper with a pintle cassette 16P' in place. FIG. 18 shows the rear bumper with the pintle cassette 16P' reversed. FIG. 19 shows the rear bumper with a winch cassette 16W in place with the winch removed. [0051] FIG. 20 shows the cassette 16 with its cam lock assembly 48. The bolt head 58 on the cam shaft can be turned, causing the cassette to 'pinch' against the shaft 60. The winch/pintle cassettes have identical mounting, allowing multiple configurations. For removal, the cassette is "un-pinched,", the cotter pin 59 is removed from the hitch pin or shaft 60, the shaft 60 is removed and then the cassette can be removed.

[0052] This assembly allows for the cassette to be mounted in place. There is a bracket 50 on the cassette and it is mounted on a shaft 60 which extends through holes in the b racket and through holes in mounting plates 62 on the vehicle which can be part of the bumper or bumper support. The shaft 60 has a handle 52 for removing it when the cassette is to be removed. There is a cam shaft 54 having cams 56 and a head 58 for turning it. Cam shaft 54 extends through holes in plates 62. When the cam shaft 54 is rotated the cams engage the bracket so that it prevents any movement of the cassette.

[0053] The removable cassette provides maximum flexibility for adding components and tow connections to a vehicle. The invention simplifies mechanical connections as well electrical, air and hydraulic connections. [0054] It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are simply illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various and other modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. In an engine and transmission removal system, the improvement comprising:

A. a roller follower assembly including a roller for mounting to a vehicle engine system; and

B. a track assembly for mounting to a vehicle chassis and having an upwardly and f orwardly extending track for the roller to follow when moved forward, said track having an entrance and an exit for said roller.

2. The improvement as defined in claim 1, further comprising a height changing assembly for raising the roller follower assembly to a position for the roller to enter the track entrance.

3. The improvement as defined in claim 2 wherein said height changing assembly is a ball screw assembly.

4. The improvement as defined in claim 2 wherein said track entrance is near the lower rear portion of the track assembly.

5. The improvement as defined in claim 2 wherein said exit is near the upper forward portion of the track assembly.

6. The improvement as defined in claim 3 wherein said exit is near the upper forward portion of the track assembly.

7. In a vehicle having an engine and a transmission, the improvement comprising an engine and transmission removal system comprising: A. a roller follower assembly including a roller for mounting to a vehicle engine system; and

B. a track assembly for mounting to a vehicle chassis and having an upwardly and forwardly extending track for the roller to follow when moved forward, said track having an entrance and an exit for said roller.

8. The improvement as defined in claim 7, further comprising a height changing assembly for raising the roller follower assembly to a position for the roller to enter the track entrance.

9. The improvement as defined in claim 8 wherein said height changing assembly is a ball screw assembly.

10. The improvement as defined in claim 8 wherein said track entrance is near the lower rear portion of the track assembly.

11. The improvement as defined in claim 8 wherein said exit is near the upper forward portion of the track assembly.

12. The improvement as defined in claim 9 wherein said exit is near the upper forward portion of the track assembly.

13. The improvement as defined in claim 8 further comprising a cassette system for attachment to the front or rear of the vehicle and including a pintle, winch or other working assembly.

14. The improvement as defined in claim 7 further comprising a front end which folds down to provide access to the engine.