Device for measuring the geometry of a motor vehicle wheel axle

Abstract

Device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, with a wheel hub support (10, 110) for the defined positioning of a wheel hub (20, 120) of the wheel axle (18, 118), characterized in that the wheel hub support (10, 110) has a wheel hub bell (22, 122) formed corresponding to an outer surface of the wheel hub (20, 120) and precisely encompassing the wheel hub (20, 120), that means for generating a pressing force (14, 114) acting axially on the wheel hub bell (22, 122) are provided, so that the wheel hub bell (22, 122) is pressed axially against the wheel axle (18, 118), and that a contact surface (28) for bearing the wheel hub support (10, 110) is provided on the wheel hub support (10, 110). is formed on a brake disc attached to the wheel hub (20, 120).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle (motor vehicle) according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] DE 26 58 117 A1 discloses a device for aligning the wheels of a vehicle, which is loosely pushed onto a wheel axle of a vehicle. To ensure that this device for aligning the wheels of a vehicle is held on the wheel axle, a cylindrical sleeve is attached, the inside diameter of which corresponds to the outer diameter of the wheel hub. Furthermore, a contact surface is formed inside the sleeve, against which one end face of the wheel hub rests. Due to the precisely fitting design of the sleeve and the large-area contact of the end face of the hub with the contact surface, the wheel hub tilts within the sleeve due to the weight of the device for aligning the wheels of a vehicle, so that this device is thereby held to the wheel hub.Depending on the accuracy of the fit of the sleeve relative to the wheel hub, the device for aligning the wheels of a vehicle sinks slightly when tilted, with the result that the measured values ​​recorded for adjusting the camber, toe and axial runout are not very precise.

[0003] DE 11 2004 000 871 B4 discloses a device for measuring the geometry of a motor vehicle's wheel hub. As the wheel hub approaches the device, it is moved into the correct position via tapered pins, and then connected to the device via three screw bolts. This creates a firm connection between the wheel axle and the device, allowing the wheel axle to be driven by the measuring device and transferring the vertical forces occurring during driving to the device for measuring the geometry. At the same time, the device supports the wheel axle's own weight, optimally simulating a natural driving situation.However, due to manufacturing tolerances, it may happen that the position of the wheel hub cannot be determined exactly, with the result that the toe, camber or axial runout to be adjusted are also recorded with these tolerances.

[0004] EP 1 128 157 A1 discloses a device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, in which the wheel flange sensor is designed as a chuck with three radially movable clamping jaws, wherein the clamping jaws hold the wheel axle to the device by radially gripping the hub and correspondingly fixing the hub. This fixed position allows the wheel hub and thus also the wheel axle of the motor vehicle to be rotated in order to measure the geometry of the wheel axle. To measure the geometry, up to three measuring probes are moved towards the brake disc, so that up to three measuring points are recorded on the surface of the brake disc, from which the toe, camber and axial runout of the wheel axle to be measured can then be determined.The clamping jaws hold the hub so tightly that the wheel contact forces occurring at the wheel axle are transferred to the device for measuring the wheel axle geometry. This makes it possible to record the actual driving situation and measure the toe, camber, and runout relative to the driving situation.

[0005] In practice, it can happen that the chuck grips the hub in an oblique position, resulting in incorrect measurements.

[0006] Wheel axles with segmented hubs are also increasingly being manufactured, which cannot be reliably gripped by the chuck because there is a risk that a single clamping jaw will not exactly hit a segment of the wheel hub.

[0007] Another problem is that a single segment of the segmented hub must absorb the entire holding force exerted by a clamping jaw, which can lead to deformation or damage of the segment.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create a device of the type mentioned at the outset which holds the wheel axle in a precisely defined position.

[0009] As a technical solution to this problem, the invention proposes a device of the type mentioned above with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of this device can be found in the subclaims.

[0010] A device designed according to this technical teaching for measuring the geometry of the wheel axle has the advantage that the wheel hub bell according to the invention accommodates the wheel hub with a precise fit, so that the wheel hub on the one hand rests in the wheel hub bell and is thus supported and on the other hand cannot slip because the wheel hub fits precisely in the wheel hub bell in all directions.

[0011] A further advantage is that the axial pressure force presses the wheel hub bell housing with its contact surface against the brake discs attached to the wheel hub. In this precisely defined position, the toe, camber, and axial runout can then be determined via the brake disc in a conventional manner.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a support surface is provided on the wheel hub bell housing, which extends circumferentially on the inside of the wheel hub bell housing and faces the wheel hub. As soon as the device for measuring the geometry of a motor vehicle wheel axle has detected the wheel axle to be measured, the outer side of the wheel hub rests against the support surface of the wheel hub bell housing, thus ensuring a precise fit. There is still enough play between the wheel hub and the support surface that the wheel hub can be inserted and removed from the wheel hub bell housing without great effort.

[0013] This has the advantage that the wheel hub is held precisely and in a defined position in the wheel hub bell, so that precise measurement can be carried out, for example on the brake disc of the wheel axle.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, an insertion phase for gripping the wheel hub and / or for inserting the wheel hub into the wheel hub bell is provided on an area of ​​the wheel hub bell facing the wheel hub. The insertion phase is inclined at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis of the wheel axle. In another embodiment, the angle can be between 30° and 60°. This insertion phase, which is designed similar to a countersink, enlarges the entry area of ​​the wheel hub bell. The advantage is that when the wheel axle approaches the wheel hub support, the entry area of ​​the wheel hub bell, enlarged by the insertion phase, finds the wheel hub even if the wheel axle is not exactly aligned with the wheel hub support. Once the wheel hub bell has found the wheel hub, it is gripped by the insertion phase and guided into the wheel hub bell until the outer side of the wheel hub rests against the support surface.This has the advantage that the wheel axle can be quickly and reliably guided into the correct position within the wheel hub bell, thus keeping cycle times for measuring the wheel axle's geometry short. Furthermore, such a wheel hub bell is very cost-effective to manufacture.

[0015] To ensure the wheel hub is reliably held in the wheel hub housing, it is advantageous if the support surface has a minimum size that varies depending on the design. For some wheel axles, there is not enough space available to create a sufficiently large support surface and a sufficiently large insertion phase on the wheel hub housing. In this case, the insertion phase is designed accordingly smaller, and in addition, a wheel hub mandrel is provided in the wheel hub support, preferably within the wheel hub housing, for gripping the wheel hub and / or inserting the wheel hub into the wheel hub housing.

[0016] In an advantageous further development, an insertion bevel is formed on the wheel hub mandrel on its side facing the wheel hub for gripping the wheel hub and / or for inserting the wheel hub into the wheel hub bell. This insertion bevel is inclined at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis of the wheel axle. In another embodiment, the angle can be between 30° and 60°. Such a quasi-sharpened wheel hub mandrel grips the wheel hub of the wheel axle even if the wheel axle is not exactly on the ideal line of the wheel hub support. As soon as the front edge of the wheel hub mandrel touches the wheel hub, the wheel hub is guided over the insertion bevel into the desired, centered position and the wheel hub is then inserted into the hub bell such that an outer side of the wheel hub comes into contact with a support surface of the wheel hub bell. In this position, the wheel axle is held in a defined position and can be measured.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, a number of segment teeth are formed inside the wheel hub bell housing. The size, shape, and number of the segment teeth correspond to the wheel hub, so that the segment teeth positively transmit the rotational movement of the device to the segmented wheel hub. This has the advantage that the wheel axle rotates synchronously and without slippage with the device, for example, to perform a radial runout measurement.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the segment teeth are integrally formed on the wheel hub bell. This has the advantage that the device can be easily assembled and that the manufacturing costs of the wheel hub bell are reduced.

[0019] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, a driving pin is provided on the device for measuring the geometry of a motor vehicle's wheel axle next to the wheel hub support and parallel to the longitudinal axis. In its rest position, this driving pin is located within the device, but can be axially displaced from this rest position into an opening in the wheel axle. This has the advantage that the wheel axle is driven by the driving pin as soon as the device for measuring the geometry is rotated. In this way, the wheel axle is rotated without slip and at the same speed as the device, for example to perform a radial runout measurement.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the drive pin is preloaded with a spring. This has the advantage that the spring reliably holds the drive pin in engagement with the wheel axle, preventing it from accidentally slipping out.

[0021] Further advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below. Likewise, the above-mentioned and further-described features can be used individually or in any combination with one another. The embodiments mentioned are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature. They show: Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the wheel axle of a motor vehicle in an exploded view with a part of a sectional first embodiment of a wheel axle; Fig. 2 the device according to Fig. 1 with the wheel axle held in the wheel hub support; Fig. 3 a detailed enlargement of the device according to Fig. 1 and the wheel axle according to Fig. 1 along line III; Fig. 4 is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the wheel axle of a motor vehicle in an exploded view with a part of a sectional second embodiment of a wheel axle; Fig. 5 the device according to Fig. 4 with the wheel axle held in the wheel hub support; Fig. 6 a detailed enlargement of the device according to Fig. 4 and the wheel axle according to Fig. 4 along line VI. Fig. 7 is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the wheel axle of a motor vehicle in an exploded view with a part of a sectional wheel axle according to Fig. 1 illustrated first embodiment of the wheel axle; Fig. 8 the device according to Fig. 7 with the wheel axle held in the wheel hub support without engagement of the segment teeth; Fig. 9 the device according to Fig. 7 with the wheel axle held in the wheel hub support in engagement of the segment teeth with the wheel hub; Fig. 10 a sectioned side view of the wheel hub bell according to Fig. 7, cut along line X - X in Fig. 11; Fig. 11 a front view of the wheel hub support according to line XI - XI in Fig. 7; Fig. 12 a sectioned side view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the wheel axle of a motor vehicle in an exploded view with a part of a sectioned second embodiment of a wheel axle according to Fig. 4; Fig. 13 the device according to Fig. 12 with the wheel axle held in the wheel hub support; Fig. 14 a front view of the wheel hub support according to line XIV - XIV in Fig. 12.

[0022] In the Fig. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle (motor vehicle) is shown, which is intended to measure a first embodiment of a wheel axle. This device comprises a wheel hub support 10, a drive for rotating the device 12, and means 14 for pressing the wheel hub support 10 against the wheel axle 18. This entire device for measuring the geometry of the wheel axle of the motor vehicle is arranged coaxially to a longitudinal axis 16 of the wheel axle 18, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The device is moved along the longitudinal axis 16 onto the wheel axle 18 in such a way that the wheel hub support 10 grasps a wheel hub 20 of the wheel axle 18 and holds it precisely, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0023] As is particularly evident from Fig. 3, the wheel hub support 10 comprises a bell-shaped wheel hub bell 22, on the inside of which an insertion phase 24 and a support surface 26 are formed. The insertion phase is inclined by 45° relative to the longitudinal axis 16 and serves to additionally grip the wheel hub 20 into the wheel hub bell 22, even if the device is not aligned exactly coaxially with the longitudinal axis 16 of the wheel axle 18. After the wheel hub bell 22 has gripped the wheel hub 18 via the insertion phase 24, the wheel hub 18 is guided into the wheel hub bell 22 along the insertion phase 24 until the brake disc comes into contact with a contact surface 28 of the device.

[0024] The support surface 26 is arranged on the inside of the wheel hub bell 22 and is formed circumferentially within this wheel hub bell 22. The contour, the bevel, and other geometric features of the support surface 26 are designed to correspond to the corresponding outer surface of the wheel hub 20, so that the wheel hub 20 fits precisely into the wheel hub bell 22. Sufficient play remains between the wheel hub 20 and the wheel hub bell 22 that the wheel axle 18 can be inserted and removed from the wheel hub support 10 without great effort.

[0025] In another embodiment, not shown here, the insertion phase can also assume an angle between 30° and 60° relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] The Fig. 1 to 3 further comprises means not shown in detail here for generating a pressing force 14 acting axially on the wheel hub bell 22, by means of which the wheel hub bell 22 is pressed against the wheel axle 18 in order to reliably guide the wheel hub 20 deep into the wheel hub bell 22 and, if necessary, to hold it in this position during the measuring process.

[0027] The wheel hub 20 shown in this first embodiment is designed as a segmented wheel hub. As can be seen from the Fig. 1 to 3, this segmented wheel hub 20 can also be easily received by the wheel hub bell 22 and held therein in a precisely defined manner. In another embodiment, however, the wheel hub can be designed to be closed, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0028] In the Fig. 4 to 6, a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle is shown, which is intended to measure a second embodiment of a wheel axle. The wheel axle 118 of this embodiment differs from that shown in the Fig. 1 to 3 in that the wheel hub 120 is rotationally symmetrical and has no lamellae. Furthermore, there is no free space directly adjacent to the wheel hub 120 to accommodate the insertion phase of the wheel hub bell. Otherwise, the wheel axle 118 is identical to the wheel axle 18 of the first embodiment.

[0029] In this second embodiment, the wheel hub support 110 is provided with a wheel hub bell 122, which has a shortened insertion phase 124. In addition to the wheel hub bell 122, a wheel hub mandrel 130 is provided inside the wheel hub bell 122. Analogous to the first embodiment, a circumferential support surface 126 for supporting the wheel hub 120 is formed on the inside of the wheel hub bell 122. This support surface 126 is designed to correspond to the outer contour of the wheel hub 120 in order to precisely accommodate the wheel hub 120. This support surface directly adjoins the insertion phase 124, viewed in the axial direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the insertion phase 124 is also arranged at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal axis 116. In another embodiment, not shown here, the insertion phase 124 is inclined between 30° and 60° relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0031] In the second embodiment shown here, means for pressing 114 the wheel hub bell 122 against the wheel hub 120 are also provided in order to reliably guide the wheel hub 120 deep into the wheel hub bell 122 and, if necessary, to hold it in this position during the measuring process. In this final position, the wheel hub support 110 rests against the wheel axle 118 with its spacers 142.

[0032] The wheel hub mandrel 130 is arranged coaxially with the wheel hub bell 120 and has an insertion bevel 132 on its outer side, via which the wheel hub 120 is guided into the desired position. The insertion bevel 132 of the wheel hub mandrel 130 interacts with the shortened insertion phase 124 of the wheel hub bell 122, so that the wheel hub 120 is reliably gripped and guided into the desired position within the wheel hub bell 122, while the device is moved toward the wheel axle 118 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 116.

[0033] In the embodiment shown here, the insertion bevel 132 is inclined by 45° relative to the longitudinal axis 116. In other embodiments, the insertion bevel can also be inclined between 30° and 60° relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0034] In another embodiment, not shown here, the wheel hub bell housing has no insertion phase at all. In this case, the wheel hub is gripped exclusively by the wheel hub mandrel and guided into the wheel hub bell housing.

[0035] The second embodiment also includes a drive 112 for rotating the device for measuring the geometry of the wheel axle.

[0036] In the Fig. 7 to 11, a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle is shown, which has a wheel axle 18 of a first embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 3 with a segmented wheel hub 20. The wheel hub support 210 of this third embodiment corresponds to the Fig. 1 to 3, except that a number of segment teeth 234 are additionally provided inside the wheel hub bell 222. These segment teeth 234 are designed to correspond to the segmented wheel hub 20 such that the segment teeth 234 engage in the wheel hub 20 in order to positively transmit the rotational movement of the device to the wheel axle 18, provided that the device is engaged with the wheel axle 18, as is particularly shown in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0037] The segment teeth 234 rest directly against the support surface 226 of the wheel hub bell 222. In the embodiment shown here, the segment teeth 234 are even formed integrally with the wheel hub bell 222.

[0038] In the Fig. 12 to 14, a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle is shown, which has a wheel axle 118 of a second embodiment according to the Fig. 4 to 6 with a rotationally symmetrical wheel hub 120. This fourth embodiment is identical to the one in the Fig. 4 to 6, but additionally comprises a driving pin 336 arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 116. This driving pin 336 is held on the device in such an axially displaceable manner that the driving pin 336 can be inserted into an opening 138 in the wheel axle 118. With this driving pin 336 engaging in the opening 138, the rotational movement of the device for measuring the geometry of a motor vehicle is positively transmitted to the wheel axle 118, so that the wheel axle is moved synchronously with the device. This is particularly advantageous for axial runout measurements. The driving pin 340 is held in position by a spring 340.

[0039] As in particular Fig.As can be seen in Figure 14, a number of spacers 142 are provided on the wheel hub support 110, distributed around the circumference. These spacers 142 are made of a plastic, preferably a low-friction plastic. During the measurement of the geometry of the wheel axle 118, the wheel hub support 110, with its spacers 142, rests against the wheel axle 118, usually against the brake disc. Because these spacers are made of plastic, scratching of the wheel axle 118, in particular the brake disc, is prevented.

Claims

[1] Device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, with a wheel hub support (10, 110) for the defined positioning of a wheel hub (20, 120) of the wheel axle (18, 118), characterized by in that the wheel hub support (10, 110) has a wheel hub bell (22, 122) which is designed to correspond to an outer side of the wheel hub (20, 120) and which precisely fits around the wheel hub (20, 120), in that means are provided for generating a pressing force (14, 114) acting axially on the wheel hub bell (22, 122) so that the wheel hub bell (22, 122) is pressed axially against the wheel axle (18, 118), and in that a contact surface (28) is formed on the wheel hub support (10, 110) for the wheel hub support (10, 110) to bear against a brake disc attached to the wheel hub (20, 120). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat a support surface (26, 126) facing the wheel hub (20, 120) is provided on the wheel hub bell (22, 122) and that the support surface (26, 126) is formed circumferentially on an inner side of the wheel hub bell (22, 122). [3] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an insertion phase (24, 124) facing the wheel hub (20, 120) is provided on the wheel hub bell (22, 122) for gripping the wheel hub (20, 120) and / or for inserting the wheel hub (20, 120) into the wheel hub bell (22, 122), wherein the insertion phase (24, 124) is inclined by an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°, relative to a longitudinal axis (16, 116) of the wheel axis (18, 118). [4] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a wheel hub mandrel (130) is provided in the wheel hub support (110) for gripping the wheel hub (120) and / or for inserting the wheel hub (120) into the wheel hub bell (122). [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the wheel hub mandrel (130) has, on its side facing the wheel hub (120), an insertion bevel (132) for gripping the wheel hub (120) and / or for inserting the wheel hub (120) into the wheel hub bell (122), wherein the insertion bevel (132) is inclined at an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°, relative to a longitudinal axis (116) of the wheel axis (118). [6] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a number of segment teeth (234) are provided in the wheel hub bell (222), which are designed to correspond to a segmented wheel hub (20) in order to positively transmit a rotational movement of the device to the wheel axle (18). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that the segment teeth (234) are integrally attached to the wheel hub bell (222). [8] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that next to the wheel hub support (110) parallel to a longitudinal axis (116) of the wheel axle (118) there is provided an axially displaceable driving pin (336) which can be inserted into an opening (138) in the wheel axle (118). [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by that a spring (340) acts on the driving pin (336) to keep the driving pin (336) engaged.

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