A tool and method for simulating the on-board operation of a coil spring.

Abstract

This invention provides a tool and method for simulating the on-board operation of a coil spring, including a clamping device and a loading device. The clamping device includes a swing arm head, a connecting rod, a bracket, and a lower mounting plate. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the swing arm head. An upper tray is fixed below the swing arm head. The lower mounting plate is provided with an angle adapter plate whose top surface is either flat or inclined. The lower tray is fixed to the top surface of the angle adapter plate. An upper mounting component is provided on the upper tray for mounting one end of the coil spring. A lower mounting component is provided on the lower tray for mounting the other end of the coil spring. The loading device is provided with a loading plate capable of providing vertical loading force. The advantage of this invention is that the tool can directly compress the actual coil spring, and the trajectory of the coil spring during compression is an arc, simplifying the simulation of the on-board operation of the coil spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts testing technology, and more specifically, to a tool and method for simulating the on-board operating state of a coil spring. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive suspension is a crucial structure used for vibration reduction and improving ride comfort, and the coil spring is a vital component of the suspension. Compared to MacPherson strut front axle coil springs, multi-link rear axle coil springs have a single geometric center of rotation, but their operation on a vehicle remains more complex. Generally, both pre- and post-installation checks are performed on the coil springs' operational status. Pre-installation checks can identify problems early, preventing interference between the coil spring and surrounding components during spring movement. Post-installation checks verify compliance with design specifications and facilitate rapid troubleshooting, providing a foundation for problem resolution.

[0003] Methods for testing coil springs generally include simulation testing, bench testing, and vehicle-mounted testing. In a typical process, the coil spring needs to be tested in 3D using software simulation on a computer, simulating its operation in a virtual environment. However, this method is limited to the design phase and cannot address issues after vehicle installation, making it impossible to test actual coil springs. Some companies offer bench testing solutions, typically fixing the coil spring to a bench and testing it through the linear relative movement of a swing arm on the bench. However, this method provides a linear compression method, which does not match the actual state of the coil spring. Under vehicle-mounted conditions, the spring is tested by compressing the tires and vehicle body using a lifting device, allowing for testing of the coil spring's state in a real vehicle environment. However, due to obstructions from surrounding components, only partial detection is possible, and some critical testing points may be completely undetectable. Therefore, designing a tool to simulate the on-vehicle operation of coil springs would be beneficial for coil spring testing and could improve testing accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a tool and method for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring. The tool simulates the on-board operating state of the spring, causing the helical spring to compress in an arc, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0005] The present invention solves the technical problem by adopting the following technical solution:

[0006] A tool for simulating the on-board operation of a coil spring includes a clamping device and a loading device; wherein,

[0007] The clamping device is used to clamp a helical spring and includes a swing arm, a bracket, and a lower mounting plate. The bracket is disposed at one end of the lower mounting plate, and the swing arm is disposed at the end of the bracket away from the lower mounting plate.

[0008] The swing arm includes a swing arm head and a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the bracket and has a simulated rotation center point to simulate the geometric rotation center point of the coil spring in the actual vehicle state. The other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the swing arm head. An upper tray is fixed below the swing arm head so that the upper tray and the swing arm head rotate with the connecting rod.

[0009] An angle adapter plate is provided at the other end of the lower mounting plate opposite to the bracket. The angle adapter plate and the bracket are installed on the same side of the lower mounting plate. The top surface of the angle adapter plate is flat or inclined. The z-axis thickness of the end of the angle adapter plate away from the bracket is less than the z-axis thickness of the end closer to the bracket. A lower tray is fixed on the top surface of the angle adapter plate.

[0010] The upper tray is provided with an upper mounting component for mounting one end of the helical spring; the lower tray is provided with a lower mounting component for mounting the other end of the helical spring.

[0011] During the simulation of compression of a real vehicle coil spring, when the upper tray rotates with the swing arm to the simulated preparation height, the line connecting the center points of both ends of the coil spring and the simulated rotation center point forms a first triangle. The first triangle and the second triangle formed by the line connecting the center points of both ends of the real vehicle coil spring and the rotation center point of the real vehicle when the real vehicle coil spring is at the real vehicle preparation height are consistent, so that the coil spring can simulate the vehicle's operating state.

[0012] The loading device is equipped with a loading plate, which can provide a vertical loading force to the helical spring.

[0013] Furthermore, the tilt angle α of the angle adapter plate is 0-30°.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper and lower mounting parts are tapered truncated bodies, and the bottom of the upper and lower mounting parts are clearance-fitted with the inner wall of the end ring of the helical spring, so that the two ends of the helical spring can be respectively fitted onto the upper and lower mounting parts, making installation convenient.

[0015] Furthermore, the top of the swing arm head is provided with a plurality of cylindrical balls arranged along the x-direction and protruding from the top surface of the swing arm head. The axis of the cylindrical balls extends along the y-direction, and the cylindrical balls can rotate around their axis, so that the loading plate abuts against the side wall of the cylindrical balls, ensuring that the pressure applied to the swing arm head by the loading device is always vertically downward, so that the swing arm head can press down smoothly.

[0016] Furthermore, the top surface of the swing arm head is an inclined surface. The end of the swing arm head away from the connecting rod is the small end, and the end closer to the connecting rod is the large end. The z-axis thickness of the small end is less than that of the large end. A first groove is provided on the top surface of the swing arm head. A small cylindrical ball is provided in the first groove at the small end, and a large cylindrical ball is provided in the first groove at the large end. The diameter of the small cylindrical ball is smaller than that of the large cylindrical ball, so that the loading plate can contact the small cylindrical ball and the large cylindrical ball in sequence during the pressing process, realizing a smooth transition between the small cylindrical ball and the large cylindrical ball.

[0017] Furthermore, the bracket includes a base and a support component disposed on the base. The support component is provided with a second groove penetrating its top surface. A rotating pin connected to the support component is disposed in the second groove. The connecting rod is sleeved on the rotating pin. The simulated rotation center point is the geometric center point of the rotating pin covered by the connection part between the connecting rod and the rotating pin.

[0018] Furthermore, the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the rotating pin, and a first bearing is provided between the two ends of the rotating pin and the supporting component, so that the connecting rod and the rotating pin rotate synchronously; or the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rotating pin, and the two ends of the rotating pin are fixed to the supporting component, so that the connecting rod rotates around the rotating pin.

[0019] Furthermore, the tool also includes a measuring device for measuring the distance between the upper and lower trays; the measuring device includes an infrared rangefinder, a coordinate measuring machine, an optical scanning deformation measurement system, or a measuring ruler.

[0020] Furthermore, the loading device also includes a lead screw, an operating panel, a support rod, a top crossbeam, a middle crossbeam, and a base plate, wherein...

[0021] One end of the lead screw passes through the operating panel and the top crossbeam, and connects to the middle crossbeam; the middle of the operating panel is provided with a threaded hole adapted to the lead screw, and the lower part of the operating panel is provided with a circular first receiving cavity; the middle position of the upper part of the top crossbeam is provided with a stepped protrusion adapted to the first receiving cavity, and the stepped protrusion is received in the first receiving cavity with a clearance fit; this allows the operating panel to rotate, driving the lead screw to rotate, thereby allowing the lead screw to drive the middle crossbeam to move up and down;

[0022] The loading plate is fixedly connected to the middle position of the lower part of the central crossbeam;

[0023] The two support rods pass through the middle crossbeam, and their two ends are fixedly connected to the bottom plate and the top crossbeam, respectively. A second bearing is provided between the support rods and the middle crossbeam to reduce the friction between the support rods and the middle crossbeam and ensure that the middle crossbeam moves smoothly up and down.

[0024] The lower mounting plate is fixedly connected to the base plate.

[0025] Furthermore, a method for simulating the on-board operating state of a coil spring, using the aforementioned tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a coil spring, includes the following steps:

[0026] S1. Obtain the set height for testing the helical spring according to the design drawings of the tool;

[0027] S2. Install the lower end of the coil spring onto the lower mounting piece;

[0028] S3. Rotate the operating panel to make the swing arm rotate, so that the upper mounting part is engaged with the end ring at the upper end of the helical spring, and the upper mounting part and the lower mounting part clamp the two ends of the helical spring.

[0029] S4. Rotate the operating disc to make the loading plate move downwards, compressing the helical spring in an arc. Use a measuring device to detect whether the helical spring has been compressed to a set height. When the measuring device detects that the helical spring has been compressed to the set height, keep the helical spring at the set height.

[0030] Furthermore, when using a measuring ruler to check whether the coil spring is compressed to the set height, the following steps are also included:

[0031] Set a measurement reference on the tool. Before installing the helical spring, rotate the operating disc to make the loading plate move downwards so that the distance between the upper and lower trays is the set height. Record the reference scale corresponding to the measurement reference on the measuring ruler at this time.

[0032] After installing the helical spring, in step S4, when the helical spring is compressed and the corresponding scale on the measuring ruler reaches the reference scale, the helical spring is kept at the set height. This makes it easier to read the value and quickly find the set height when measuring after installing the helical spring.

[0033] Furthermore, the set height includes the set height corresponding to the helical spring being at the top dead center, bottom dead center, and ready height.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0035] 1. This tool can be used to directly compress and test the actual coil spring. It can be used for pre-approval testing and trial assembly, as well as for troubleshooting after approval.

[0036] 2. The running trajectory of the helical spring during the compression process is an arc, which simplifies and simulates the on-board operation of the helical spring, allowing the helical spring to be quickly compressed to the set height that needs to be tested, and enabling unobstructed, interference-free, and all-round intuitive testing in subsequent testing processes.

[0037] 3. This tool has a simple structure, low cost, low maintenance cost, and small footprint. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tool used in this invention to simulate the on-board operation of a helical spring.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping device structure of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the design drawings for the tool used in this invention to simulate the on-board operation of a helical spring.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the helical spring of the present invention during installation.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the helical spring of the present invention when compressed to a set height.

[0043] In the diagram: 1-Swing arm; 101-Swing arm head; 1011-Small cylindrical ball bearing; 1012-Large cylindrical ball bearing; 1013-First groove; 102-Connecting rod; 2-Bracket; 201-Base; 202-Support component; 203-Second groove; 204-Rotating pin; 205-First bearing; 3-Lower mounting plate; 4-Upper tray; 401-Upper mounting component; 5-Angle adapter plate; 6-Lower tray; 601-Lower mounting component; 7-Helical spring; 8-Loading plate; 9-Lead screw; 10-Operating panel; 11-Support rod; 12-Top crossbeam; 13-Middle crossbeam; 14-Base plate; 15-Second bearing; 16-Measuring ruler. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this invention is usually placed in during use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0046] This invention provides a tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a coil spring, combined with Figures 1-5As shown, the device includes a clamping device and a loading device. The clamping device, used to clamp the helical spring 7, includes a swing arm 1, a bracket 2, and a lower mounting plate 3. The bracket 2 is located at one end of the lower mounting plate 3, and the swing arm 1 is located at the end of the bracket 2 away from the lower mounting plate 3. The swing arm 1 includes a swing arm head 101 and a connecting rod 102. One end of the connecting rod 102 is rotatably connected to the bracket 2 and has a simulated rotation center point to simulate the geometric rotation center point of the helical spring 7 in a real vehicle state. The other end of the connecting rod 102 is fixedly connected to the swing arm head 101. An upper tray 4 is fixed below the swing arm head 101, allowing the upper tray 4 and the swing arm head 101 to rotate with the connecting rod 102. An angle transition plate 5 is provided on the other end of the lower mounting plate 3 opposite to the bracket 2 to simulate the tilt angle of the tray relative to the horizontal plane in a real vehicle. The angle transition plate 5 and the bracket 2 are mounted on the same surface of the lower mounting plate 3. The top surface of the angle transition plate 5 is either a plane or an inclined surface. When the top surface of the angle adapter plate 5 is inclined, the z-direction thickness of the end of the angle adapter plate 5 away from the bracket 2 is less than the z-direction thickness of the end closer to the bracket 2, giving the angle adapter plate 5 an inclination angle α. Preferably, the inclination angle α of the angle adapter plate 5 is 0-30°. A lower tray 6 is fixed on the top surface of the angle adapter plate 5, so that the inclination direction of the angle adapter plate 5 is consistent with that of the actual vehicle, thereby making the inclination direction of the lower tray 6 consistent with that of the actual vehicle. An upper mounting part 401 is provided on the upper tray 4 for mounting one end of the coil spring 7; a lower mounting part 601 is provided on the lower tray 6 for mounting the other end of the coil spring 7. The angle adapter plate 5 and the lower tray 6 together simulate the actual vehicle tray. Optionally, the actual vehicle tray used for mounting the coil spring 7 can also be used directly. The upper mounting part 401 and the lower mounting part 601 are tapered truncated bodies. The upper tray 4 and the upper mounting part 401 are integrally formed, and the lower tray 6 and the lower mounting part 601 are integrally formed. The bottom of the upper mounting part 401 and the bottom of the lower mounting part 601 are clearance-fitted with the inner wall of the end ring of the helical spring 7, so that the two ends of the helical spring 7 can be respectively fitted onto the upper mounting part 401 and the lower mounting part 601, making the installation of the helical spring 7 convenient.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket 2 includes a base 201 and a support member 202 disposed on the base 201. The support member 202 is provided with a second groove 203 penetrating its top surface. A rotating pin 204 connected to the support member 202 is disposed in the second groove 203. The connecting rod 102 is sleeved on the rotating pin 204. The simulated rotation center point is the geometric center point of the rotating pin 204 covered by the connection portion between the connecting rod 102 and the rotating pin 204. The connecting rod 102 and the rotating pin 204 are rotatably connected. The two ends of the rotating pin 204 are fixed to the support member 202, so that the connecting rod 102 rotates around the rotating pin 204. Preferably, the connecting rod 102 and the rotating pin 204 can also be fixedly connected. The two ends of the rotating pin 204 are provided with a first bearing 205 between them and the support component 202, so that the connecting rod 102 and the rotating pin 204 rotate synchronously, making the rotation of the rotating pin 204 more stable, avoiding the connecting rod 102 from deviating along the axial direction of the rotating pin 204, and making the position of the simulated rotation center point more accurate.

[0048] In a real vehicle, the upper part of the coil spring 7 is connected to the vehicle body, and the lower part of the coil spring 7 is connected to the wheel via a lower control arm. To reduce vehicle bumps and improve comfort, vehicle stability is required. The upper part of the coil spring 7 is a fixed end, fixedly connected to the vehicle body; the lower part of the coil spring 7 is a free end, moving up and down with the wheel. The upper tray 4 of the tool rotates with the connecting rod 102, while the lower tray 6 remains stationary. Therefore, when using this tool to simulate the vehicle-mounted operation of the coil spring 7, the lower part of the coil spring 7 remains stationary, simulating the vehicle body end of the coil spring 7, while the upper part of the coil spring 7 rotates and compresses with the connecting rod 102, simulating the wheel end of the coil spring 7. During the simulation of the compression of the real vehicle coil spring 7, when the upper tray 4 rotates with the control arm 1 to the simulated curb height, the line connecting the center points of both ends of the coil spring 7 and the simulated rotation center point forms a first triangle. This first triangle coincides with the second triangle formed by the lines connecting the center points of both ends of the real vehicle coil spring 7 and the actual vehicle rotation center point when the real vehicle coil spring 7 is at the actual vehicle curb height, enabling the coil spring 7 to simulate the vehicle-mounted operation. In other words, the settings for the length of the connecting rod 102, the angle between the connecting rod 102 and the upper tray 4, the tilt angle α of the angle adapter plate 5, and the distance between the second tray and the simulated rotation center point need to ensure that the second triangle formed by the lines connecting the center points of both ends of the actual vehicle coil spring 7 and the actual vehicle rotation center point when the first triangle is at the curb height is consistent with the second triangle formed by the lines connecting the center points of both ends of the actual vehicle coil spring 7 and the actual vehicle rotation center point, in order to simplify the simulated vehicle-mounted operating state of the coil spring 7. The curb height is the height of the free end of the coil spring 7 after compression when the trunk is empty, the fuel tank is full, and there is no one in the vehicle.

[0049] The loading device is equipped with a loading plate 8, which can provide a vertical loading force to the helical spring 7. During the compression of the helical spring 7, the loading plate 8 presses the swing arm head 101 downward to rotate, thereby compressing the helical spring 7. The swing arm head 101 moves in an arc, and the contact position between the loading plate 8 and the swing arm head 101 moves from one end of the loading plate 8 to the other end.

[0050] To ensure the force direction of the swing arm head 101 and allow it to rotate in an arc, the top of the swing arm head 101 is provided with multiple cylindrical balls arranged along the x-direction and protruding from the top surface of the swing arm head 101. The axis of the cylindrical balls extends along the y-direction. Preferably, the cylindrical balls can be connected to the swing arm head 101 by pins passing through their axes. The cylindrical balls can rotate around the pin, that is, around the axis of the cylindrical balls, so that the loading plate 8 always abuts against the side wall of the cylindrical balls, ensuring that the pressure applied to the swing arm head 101 by the loading device is always vertically downward, allowing the swing arm head 101 to press down smoothly.

[0051] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the top surface of the swing arm head 101 is an inclined surface. The end of the swing arm head 101 away from the connecting rod 102 is the small end, and the end closer to the connecting rod 102 is the large end. The z-direction thickness of the small end is less than the z-direction thickness of the large end. A first groove 1013 is provided on the top surface of the swing arm head 101. A small cylindrical ball 1011 is provided in the first groove 1013 at the small end, and a large cylindrical ball 1012 is provided in the first groove 1013 at the large end. The diameter of the small cylindrical ball 1011 is smaller than the diameter of the large cylindrical ball 1012, so that the loading plate 8 can contact the small cylindrical ball 1011 and the large cylindrical ball 1012 in sequence during the pressing process, realizing a smooth transition between the small cylindrical ball 1011 and the large cylindrical ball 1012.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, the loading device also includes a lead screw 9, an operating panel 10, a support rod 11, a top crossbeam 12, a middle crossbeam 13, and a base plate 14. One end of the lead screw 9 passes through the operating panel 10 and the top crossbeam 12, and is connected to the middle crossbeam 13. The loading plate 8 is fixedly connected to the middle position of the lower part of the middle crossbeam 13. The middle part of the operating panel 10 is provided with a threaded hole adapted to the lead screw 9, and the lower part of the operating panel 10 is provided with a circular first receiving cavity. The middle position of the upper part of the top crossbeam 12 is provided with a stepped protrusion adapted to the first receiving cavity. The stepped protrusion is clearance-fitted with the first receiving cavity, and the first receiving cavity is sleeved on the stepped protrusion, thereby connecting the operating panel 10 to the top crossbeam 13. By rotating the operating panel 10, the lead screw 9 is driven to rotate, thereby causing the lead screw 9 to drive the middle crossbeam 13 to move up and down, thereby causing the loading plate 8 to move up and down. Two support rods 11 pass through the central crossbeam 13, and their ends are fixedly connected to the base plate 14 and the top crossbeam 12, respectively. Each support rod 11 is a smooth rod with external threads and nuts adapted to the threads at its upper and lower ends. It is fixedly connected to the base plate 14 and the top crossbeam 12 via threaded connections, or by conventional methods such as insertion or welding. A second bearing 15 is provided between the support rod 11 and the central crossbeam 13. Specifically, two holes are provided on the left and right sides of the central crossbeam 13, and the second bearing 15 is installed in the holes, allowing the support rod 11 to pass through. When the central crossbeam 13 moves up and down along the support rods 11, the friction between the support rods 11 and the central crossbeam 13 is reduced, ensuring linear vertical movement of the central crossbeam 13. The lower mounting plate 3 is fixedly connected to the base plate 14. The top crossbeam 12, the two support rods 11, and the base plate 14 are fixed in position, providing frame support for the entire tool and ensuring its stability and firmness during the compression of the helical spring 7. Feet can also be installed on the lower part of the base plate 14 for support and height adjustment.

[0053] Of course, other power sources such as motor drive or cylinder drive can also be used to drive the lead screw 9 to rotate, thereby driving the loading plate 8 to move up and down.

[0054] During the compression process of the helical spring 7, in order to determine the degree of compression of the helical spring 7, that is, to determine the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6, a measuring device can be set up to measure the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6. Measuring devices such as infrared rangefinders, coordinate measuring machines, and optical scanning deformation measurement systems can be used, or measuring rulers 16, such as rulers, vernier calipers, and feeler gauges, can be used to measure the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6.

[0055] To improve safety, a protective cover can be installed on the outside of the tool, with doors that can be opened on one or both sides of the cover for testing.

[0056] The present invention also provides a method for simulating the on-board operating state of a coil spring, wherein the coil spring 7 is compressed using the tool described above for simulating the on-board operating state of a coil spring, comprising the following steps:

[0057] S1. Obtain the set height for testing the helical spring 7 according to the design drawings of the tool;

[0058] S2. Install the lower end of the coil spring 7 onto the lower mounting piece 601;

[0059] S3. Rotate the operating disk 10 to make the swing arm 1 rotate, so that the upper mounting part 401 is engaged with the end ring at the upper end of the helical spring 7, and the upper mounting part 401 and the lower mounting part 601 clamp the two ends of the helical spring 7.

[0060] S4. Rotate the operating disk 10 to make the loading plate 8 move downwards, compressing the helical spring 7 in an arc. Use a measuring device to detect whether the helical spring 7 is compressed to a set height. When the measuring device detects that the helical spring 7 is compressed to the set height, keep the helical spring 7 at the set height.

[0061] When compressing the coil spring 7, it is first necessary to determine the degree of compression required before testing it; that is, to obtain the set height for testing the coil spring 7. The parameters of the tool, such as the length of the connecting rod 102, the angle between the connecting rod 102 and the upper tray 4, the inclination angle α of the angle adapter plate 5, and the distance between the second tray and the simulated rotation center point, are designed to match the design requirements of the coil spring 7 or its design drawings. This ensures that the coil spring 7 meets the requirements at the set height. Therefore, the set height for testing the coil spring 7 can be obtained from the tool's design drawings. Generally, the coil spring 7 is tested at three height points: the top dead center, the bottom dead center, and the ready height. The ready height is the height of the free end of the coil spring 7 after compression when the trunk is empty, the fuel tank is full, and no one is in the vehicle. The top dead center and the bottom dead center are the highest and lowest points where the free end of the coil spring 7 is allowed to operate when the vehicle goes over potholes or bumps, causing the vehicle to bounce up and down.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 3As shown, the design drawing for a tool using a specific helical spring 7 provides the distance R between the upper center point (point A) and the rotation center point (point O) of the helical spring 7 at the prepared height (distance H3 between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6), which represents the rotation radius R of the helical spring 7. It also provides the distance L2 between the lower center point (point B) of the helical spring 7 and point O, the angle β between the line L1 connecting points A and B and the line R connecting points A and O, the angle γ between L1 and the line L2 connecting points B and O, the distance H1 between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 when the upper end of the helical spring 7 is at the top dead center, and the distance H2 between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 when the upper end of the helical spring 7 is at the bottom dead center. Based on triangle ABO, the distance H3 between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 when the upper end of the helical spring 7 is at the prepared height can be calculated (H3 = R * cosθ). β+L2*cosγ) gives the distance between the two ends of the helical spring 7 at the top dead center, bottom dead center, and preparation height. The set height can be obtained directly from the design drawing or through simple calculation.

[0063] When compressing the helical spring 7, one end of the helical spring 7 is fitted onto the lower mounting part 601 of the lower tray 6. At this time, the end ring of the helical spring 7 is in contact with the lower mounting part 601. To prevent the helical spring 7 from falling off, the operator can hold and support the helical spring 7 by hand. Then, the operating disc 10 is rotated to rotate the swing arm 1, causing the upper mounting part 401 to engage with the end ring at the upper end of the helical spring 7, so that the upper mounting part 401 and the lower mounting part 601 clamp the two ends of the helical spring 7. As the swing arm 1 rotates, the end rings at both ends of the helical spring 7 are pressed tightly against the bottom of the upper mounting part 401 and the lower mounting part 601, as shown. Figure 4 As shown, to prevent the coil spring 7 from popping out during compression and causing a hazard, continue rotating the operating disk 10 to move the loading plate 8 downwards, compressing the coil spring 7. After compressing the coil spring 7 to the set height, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, by maintaining the helical spring 7 at the set height, the geometric properties of the helical spring 7 at that height can be measured. For example, as needed, the geometric deformation of the helical spring 7 at that set height, the gap between adjacent coils, and the gap between the end coils at both ends and the upper tray 4 or lower tray 6 at the top and bottom dead centers can be measured. A settlement test can also be performed, where the helical spring 7 is compressed at the set height for 48 hours, and the change in stiffness before and after compression is detected. Using this method, the helical spring 7 can be conveniently maintained at the set height.

[0064] When using non-contact measuring devices such as infrared rangefinders or optical scanning deformation measurement systems to detect whether the helical spring 7 is compressed to a set height, the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 can be measured in real time.

[0065] When using the measuring ruler 16 to check whether the coil spring 7 is compressed to the set height, the following steps are also included to simplify the measurement process:

[0066] Set a measurement reference on the tool. Before installing the helical spring 7, rotate the operating disk 10 to make the loading plate 8 move downwards, so that the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 is the set height. Record the reference scale corresponding to the measurement reference on the measuring ruler 16 at this time.

[0067] After installing the helical spring 7, in step S4, when the helical spring 7 is compressed and the corresponding scale on the measuring ruler 16 reaches the reference scale, the helical spring 7 is kept at the set height, so that when measuring after installing the helical spring 7, it is convenient to read the value and quickly find the set height.

[0068] Preferably, the loading plate 8 is rectangular, and one edge on the top or bottom surface of the loading plate 8 that facilitates reading the measuring ruler 16 can be set as the measurement reference. One measuring ruler 16 can be used to first measure whether the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 reaches the set height. When the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 reaches the set height, the measuring ruler 16 is placed perpendicular to the base plate 14, and the reference scale corresponding to the measurement reference on the measuring ruler 16 is recorded. Alternatively, two measuring rulers 16 can be used simultaneously. One measuring ruler 16 is used to measure whether the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 reaches the set height, and the other measuring ruler 16 is fixed vertically on the base plate 14. The reference scale corresponding to the measurement reference on the measuring ruler 16 when the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 reaches the set height is directly recorded. Using two measuring rulers 16 makes operation more convenient. When it is necessary to check whether the helical spring 7 has been compressed to the set height after the helical spring 7 has been installed, it is no longer necessary to measure whether the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 has reached the set height. It is only necessary to check whether the measurement reference has reached the reference scale. If the measurement reference has reached the reference scale, then the distance between the upper tray 4 and the lower tray 6 has reached the set height. This avoids interference with the measurement operation after the helical spring 7 has been installed and simplifies the measurement operation process.

[0069] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7), characterized in that, Includes a clamping device and a loading device; wherein, The clamping device is used to clamp the helical spring (7), including a swing arm (1), a bracket (2) and a lower mounting plate (3). The bracket (2) is disposed at one end of the lower mounting plate (3), and the swing arm (1) is disposed at the end of the bracket (2) away from the lower mounting plate (3). The swing arm (1) includes a swing arm head (101) and a connecting rod (102). One end of the connecting rod (102) is rotatably connected to the bracket (2) and has a simulated rotation center point. The other end of the connecting rod (102) is fixedly connected to the swing arm head (101). An upper tray (4) is fixed below the swing arm head (101). The top of the swing arm head (101) is provided with a plurality of cylindrical balls arranged along the x-direction and protruding from the top surface of the swing arm head (101). The axis of the cylindrical balls extends along the y-direction, and the cylindrical balls can rotate around their axis. The swing arm head (101) 1) The top surface is an inclined surface. The end of the swing arm head (101) away from the connecting rod (102) is the small end, and the end closer to the connecting rod (102) is the large end. The z-direction thickness of the small end is less than the z-direction thickness of the large end. The top surface of the swing arm head (101) is provided with a first groove (1013). The first groove (1013) at the small end is provided with a small cylindrical ball (1011), and the first groove (1013) at the large end is provided with a large cylindrical ball (1012). The diameter of the small cylindrical ball (1011) is less than the diameter of the large cylindrical ball (1012). An angle adapter plate (5) is provided on the other end of the lower mounting plate (3) opposite to the bracket (2). The angle adapter plate (5) and the bracket (2) are installed on the same side of the lower mounting plate (3). The top surface of the angle adapter plate (5) is a plane; or, the top surface of the angle adapter plate (5) is an inclined surface. The z-direction thickness of the end of the angle adapter plate (5) away from the bracket (2) is less than the z-direction thickness of the end closer to the bracket (2). A lower tray (6) is fixed on the top surface of the angle adapter plate (5). The upper tray (4) is provided with an upper mounting part (401) for mounting one end of the helical spring (7); the lower tray (6) is provided with a lower mounting part (601) for mounting the other end of the helical spring (7); During the compression of the simulated real vehicle helical spring (7), when the upper tray (4) rotates with the swing arm (1) to the simulated preparation height, the line connecting the center points of both ends of the helical spring (7) and the simulated rotation center point forms a first triangle. The first triangle is consistent with the second triangle formed by the line connecting the center points of both ends of the real vehicle helical spring (7) and the real vehicle rotation center point when the real vehicle helical spring (7) is at the real vehicle preparation height. The loading device is equipped with a loading plate (8) which can provide a vertical loading force to the helical spring (7).

2. The tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt angle α of the angle adapter plate (5) is 0-30°.

3. The tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper mounting part (401) and the lower mounting part (601) are tapered truncated bodies, and the bottom of the upper mounting part (401) and the bottom of the lower mounting part (601) are in clearance fit with the inner wall of the end ring of the helical spring (7).

4. The tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (2) includes a base (201) and a support component (202) disposed on the base (201). The support component (202) is provided with a second groove (203) penetrating its top surface. A rotating pin (204) connected to the support component (202) is disposed in the second groove (203). The connecting rod (102) is sleeved on the rotating pin (204). The simulated rotation center point is the geometric center point of the rotating pin (204) covered by the connection part of the connecting rod (102) and the rotating pin (204).

5. The tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting rod (102) is fixedly connected to the rotating pin (204), and a first bearing (205) is provided between the two ends of the rotating pin (204) and the support component (202); or the connecting rod (102) is rotatably connected to the rotating pin (204), and the two ends of the rotating pin (204) are fixed on the support component (202).

6. The tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool also includes a measuring device for measuring the distance between the upper tray (4) and the lower tray (6); the measuring device includes an infrared rangefinder, a coordinate measuring machine, an optical scanning deformation measurement system, or a measuring ruler (16).

7. The tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The loading device also includes a lead screw (9), an operating panel (10), a support rod (11), a top crossbeam (12), a middle crossbeam (13), and a base plate (14), wherein, One end of the lead screw (9) passes through the operating plate (10) and the top crossbeam (12) and is connected to the middle crossbeam (13); the middle part of the operating plate (10) is provided with a threaded hole that matches the lead screw (9), the lower part of the operating plate (10) is provided with a circular first receiving cavity, and the middle part of the upper part of the top crossbeam (12) is provided with a stepped protrusion that matches the first receiving cavity. The stepped protrusion is accommodated in the first receiving cavity and is in clearance fit with the first receiving cavity. The loading plate (8) is fixedly connected to the middle position of the lower part of the middle crossbeam (13); The two support rods (11) pass through the middle crossbeam (13), and their two ends are fixedly connected to the bottom plate (14) and the top crossbeam (12) respectively. A second bearing (15) is provided between the support rods (11) and the middle crossbeam (13). The lower mounting plate (3) is fixedly connected to the base plate (14).

8. A method for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7), characterized in that, Using the tool for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) as described in claim 7, the following steps are included: S1. Obtain the set height for testing the helical spring (7) according to the design drawings of the tool; S2. Install the lower end of the helical spring (7) onto the lower mounting piece (601); S3. Rotate the operating disk (10) to make the swing arm (1) rotate, so that the upper mounting part (401) is engaged with the end ring at the upper end of the helical spring (7), and the upper mounting part (401) and the lower mounting part (601) clamp the two ends of the helical spring (7). S4. Rotate the operating disk (10) to make the loading plate (8) move downwards and compress the helical spring (7) so that the helical spring (7) is compressed in an arc. Use a measuring device to detect whether the helical spring (7) is compressed to the set height. When the measuring device detects that the helical spring (7) is compressed to the set height, keep the helical spring (7) at the set height.

9. The method for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 8, characterized in that, When using a measuring ruler (16) to check whether the helical spring (7) is compressed to the set height, the following steps are also included: Set a measurement reference on the tool. Before installing the helical spring (7), rotate the operating disk (10) to make the loading plate (8) move downwards, so that the distance between the upper tray (4) and the lower tray (6) is the set height. Record the reference scale corresponding to the measurement reference on the measuring ruler (16) at this time. After installing the helical spring (7), in step S4, when the helical spring (7) is compressed and the scale corresponding to the measuring reference on the measuring ruler (16) reaches the reference scale, the helical spring (7) is kept at the set height.

10. The method for simulating the on-board operating state of a helical spring (7) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The set height includes the set height corresponding to the helical spring (7) being at the top dead center, bottom dead center, and ready height.

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