Tool for mounting a spring shock absorber leg

Abstract

Tool for mounting a spring damper strut of a motor vehicle, in particular comprising a shock absorber and a coil spring arranged coaxially to the shock absorber, with a support unit for a lower end of the spring damper strut, in particular of the shock absorber of the spring damper strut, in the intended installation position in the motor vehicle, and a clamping unit, wherein the clamping unit has a mounting plate with a first receptacle for bearing against an outer surface of the spring damper strut, in particular of the shock absorber, and a locking device with a second receptacle for bearing against the outer surface of the spring damper strut, in particular of the shock absorber, and wherein the locking device is movable relative to the mounting plate between an open position and a closed position, in particular pivotable about a pivot point on the mounting plate, characterized in that each receptacle is formed in a clamping piece (33, 34).wherein the clamping piece (33) is attached to the locking device (12) and the clamping piece (34) is attached to the mounting plate (24) and wherein the clamping pieces (33, 34) have contact surfaces (35, 36) for bearing in the closed position on the outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular the shock absorber.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for receiving a spring damper leg of a motor vehicle, in particular comprising a shock absorber and a coil spring arranged coaxially to the shock absorber, with a support unit for a lower end of the spring damper leg, in particular of the shock absorber of the spring damper leg, in the intended installation position in the motor vehicle, and a clamping unit, wherein the clamping unit has a mounting plate with a first receptacle for bearing against an outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular of the shock absorber, and a locking unit with a second receptacle for bearing against the outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular of the shock absorber, and wherein the locking unit is movable relative to the mounting plate between an open position and a closed position, in particular pivotable about a pivot point on the mounting plate.

[0002] In spring damper struts, a shock absorber cylinder is formed at one end with a bearing eye containing a bushing, which can be mounted in a designated bearing on a vehicle axle in a specific axial direction. A mounting component located at the upper end of the shock absorber, featuring mounting elements in the form of holes and / or pins, also assumes a specific position when installed due to the mounting points provided in the vehicle chassis. This ensures that, for example, the axis of a mounting sleeve of the mounting component, or the line connecting two holes of the mounting component, forms a specific angle with the axis of a bearing eye located at the lower end of the shock absorber cylinder. This angle is referred to as the adapter angle.

[0003] To install such a shock absorber strut as a complete assembly in a motor vehicle, the adapter angle between the axis of the shock absorber cylinder's bearing eye and the axis of the mounting sleeve, or the line connecting two holes of the mounting component on the shock absorber strut, must be set before installation. Different shock absorber struts exist, with adapter angles of, for example, 90°, 21°, or 51°. This adapter angle must be set when the coil spring is compressed using a spring compressor, allowing the two spring plates, on which the spring ends normally rest, to rotate freely relative to each other.Furthermore, it should be taken into account that both spring plates are also provided with circumferentially offset stops for the blunt spring ends of the coil spring, so that these can also assume certain angular positions relative to each other.

[0004] Accordingly, the spring damper struts described above consist of a damper tube to which a fixed spring plate for holding a coil spring is attached. This damper tube contains a shock absorber with an axially movable piston rod, which in turn can be fitted with a second spring plate at its free end protruding from the damper tube. In the assembled state, the coil spring is held under preload between the two spring plates. Furthermore, the upper spring plate of the piston rod can be equipped with a swivel bearing, allowing the spring damper strut to be rotatably attached to the body of a motor vehicle.

[0005] For repair purposes, whether for replacing the shock absorber or the coil spring, devices with tools for tensioning the coil spring are known. Different support elements have now become known for tensioning different coil springs from different shock absorber legs. What these different designs have in common is that, although they can be used for differently dimensioned shock absorber legs with differently dimensioned coil springs due to differently sized sets of gripping elements or support elements, a disadvantage of these designs is that, as a rule, several sets of differently dimensioned support elements must be provided for such different shock absorber legs.

[0006] From EP 1 810 791 B1, a tool for tensioning a coil spring of a shock absorber strut is known which already avoids the features of the prior art described above. This prior art tool for tensioning a coil spring of a shock absorber strut includes an actuator and two support elements. The distance between the support elements can be changed by actuating the actuator. The support elements engage with a part of the shock absorber strut or with the coil spring held under preload in the shock absorber strut between a lower and an upper spring plate, with one of the support elements having two retaining elements which are adjustable relative to each other and connected to the actuator.The holding elements are rotatably mounted on an adjusting rail to adapt their position and orientation to the geometry of a spring coil or part of the spring damper strut being held, and are also slidably mounted along the respective adjusting rail. The adjusting rails are adjustably mounted on a common support element, and the support element is rotatably mounted on a bearing element connected to the adjusting element. Such a tool has generally proven effective. However, there is still room for improvement.

[0007] The previously known tool comprises a clamping unit, wherein the clamping unit includes a mounting plate with a first receptacle for contact with an outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular the shock absorber, and a locking unit with a second receptacle for contact with the outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular the shock absorber, and wherein the locking unit is movable relative to the mounting plate between an open position and a closed position, in particular pivotable about a pivot point on the mounting plate. The receptacles are thus formed directly in the mounting plate and in the locking unit. Adjusting the clamping unit to a specific shock absorber, for example, is only possible to a very limited extent. This can lead to uneven surface loads on the outer surface of the shock absorber and thus to damage. In particular, adaptation to different shock absorbers is only possible to a limited extent.

[0008] Other tools are known from the prior art for installing and removing shock absorber struts from vehicles and are generally referred to as external spring compressors. These external spring compressors are attached directly to the vehicle, specifically to the installed shock absorber strut. The spring of the shock absorber strut is held by the external spring compressor before the strut is detached from the vehicle and then removed. Repairing the shock absorber strut, for example, separating the spring and shock absorber, is then carried out in a suitable stationary tool, such as to replace a defective shock absorber. Since different external spring compressors can be used for different shock absorber struts, using a single tool is not always possible.

[0009] Based on this prior art, the invention is therefore based on the TASK of further developing a generic tool in such a way that it is structurally simplified, yet still enables precise handling and thus holding of different spring damper legs and / or external spring compressors in order to be able to carry out necessary work on different workpieces, whereby the adaptation of the tool to these tasks should be easy to carry out.

[0010] The SOLUTION to this problem in a tool according to the invention provides that the receptacles are formed in two clamping pieces, wherein the clamping piece is attached to the locking unit and the clamping piece to the mounting plate, and wherein the clamping pieces have contact surfaces for contact in the closed position on the outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular the shock absorber.

[0011] The tool according to the invention thus makes it possible to accommodate spring damper struts of different designs in an optimal orientation in order to carry out necessary repairs on the spring damper struts. For this purpose, the spring damper strut is removed from the vehicle using a suitable tool, for example, an external spring compressor. This tool is positioned on the spring damper strut in such a way that the coil spring is fixed before the connection of the spring damper strut to the vehicle is released and the spring damper strut is then removed from the vehicle. The spring damper strut, or the unit consisting of the spring damper strut and the external spring compressor, can then be arranged in a tool according to the invention such that one end of the spring damper strut is placed on the device for support in the support unit.The connection of the spring damper leg to the locking device in the tool provides a secure arrangement of the external spring compressor and the spring damper leg within the tool, enabling machining of the spring damper leg. The movement of the locking device relative to the mounting plate allows for a secure arrangement of the spring damper leg in the tool according to the invention, so that both the external spring compressor and the spring damper leg are arranged in the tool with as little tension as possible. Such tension can create a hazardous situation for both the operator and the spring damper leg during repair. The spring damper leg can also be removed before being fixed in the tool. The shock absorber is then placed in the tool for removal and / or assembly with the other components of the spring damper leg.

[0012] The clamping unit of the tool according to the invention comprises a mounting plate for direct or indirect attachment to the support device and a locking device movable relative to the mounting plate. The spring damper leg or shock absorber is clamped between the mounting plate and the locking device. The spring damper leg can be received into the clamping unit with or without the external spring compressor such that the mounting plate, for example, rests directly against the outer circumference of the shock absorber. The spring damper leg is fixed in the clamping unit by means of the locking device, which is movable relative to the mounting plate. For this purpose, the locking device is, for example, pivotally mounted on the mounting plate at one end and can be pivoted towards the mounting plate at its other end and closed, for example, with a toggle lock.This clamps, for example, the shock absorber between two clamping pieces of the clamping unit.

[0013] Both the mounting plate and the locking device are equipped with a clamping piece that makes contact with an outer surface of the spring damper leg, particularly the shock absorber. These clamping pieces can be adapted to the outer surface to prevent damage. The clamping pieces form a clamping holder and are also interchangeable on the mounting plate and the locking device to easily adapt the tool for different applications. In particular, clamping pieces with differently shaped contact surfaces can be used to ensure secure clamping of the spring damper leg in the clamping device by providing sufficient contact area between the clamping pieces and, for example, the shock absorber.

[0014] Preferably, the clamping unit has at least one pivotable clamping element. The pivotable clamping element can be pivoted about an axis of rotation parallel to the support device, allowing it to flexibly conform to the outer surface of, for example, a shock absorber. This enables optimal surface loading of the outer surface, rather than a high point load. The clamping element is thus pivotably mounted about an axis.

[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, the clamping pieces are made of a tough, hard plastic. The clamping pieces made of tough plastic better protect the outer surface, particularly of the shock absorber, from damage, especially scratches, in the contact area.

[0016] Furthermore, the clamping piece attached to the mounting plate is designed to be displaceable relative to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate and to be fixed in different positions. This design allows the clamping piece to be positioned at a variable distance from an end face of the mounting plate oriented towards the locking device. For this purpose, the mounting plate can have bores for receiving bolts, and the bolts can pass through corresponding openings in the clamping piece. Preferably, the clamping piece has two parallel rows of, for example, three openings each, through which the distance to the end face of the mounting surface is adjusted.

[0017] In conjunction with the adjustability of a device for supporting the spring damper leg, advantages arise with regard to a largely stress-free arrangement of the spring damper leg in the tool.

[0018] In a further development of the tool according to the invention, each clamping element has two contact surfaces aligned at an angle to each other, the angle being between 30° and 60°, in particular 45°. This design offers the possibility of utilizing a sufficiently large contact area on the shock absorber in order to largely avoid point loading.

[0019] By allowing the device for supporting the spring damper leg, or the spring damper leg held in the external spring compressor, to move in two directions orthogonal to each other relative to the tool's support device, the spring damper leg can be received and arranged in the tool in an optimal and / or intended configuration for machining or repair. The tool according to the invention thus reduces or eliminates stresses in the clamped spring damper leg, particularly during repair work.

[0020] In a further development of the tool according to the invention, the device for the supporting fixture is movable, and in particular adjustable, in its distance from the support device. This design has the advantage that spring damper legs of different diameters can be machined with the tool according to the invention without adjusting the device for the supporting fixture. This also applies to different adapter angles.

[0021] To further develop the tool according to the invention, a further feature provides that the device for the supporting receptacle is arranged on the support device in a manner that is relatively adjustable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the support device. This movement direction of the device for the supporting receptacle is orthogonal to the support device at a distance from it, so that fine adjustment of the spring damper leg within the tool can also be implemented in a structurally simple manner.

[0022] Preferably, the device for supporting the spring damper leg has a housing in which a slide is movably guided. The housing is movably guided relative to a bracket connecting the device for supporting the spring damper leg and the support device. The directions of movement of the slide relative to the housing and of the housing relative to the support device are perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane. The device for supporting the spring damper leg has a plate-shaped foot element connected to the slide, allowing the spring damper leg to be placed onto the foot element. This plate-shaped foot element, on which the spring damper leg rests, can be arranged parallel to the height of the support device, and in particular, its height can be adjusted by means of a spindle.Consequently, the spring damper leg can be easily adjusted in three mutually perpendicular directions to achieve optimal positioning within the tool. Furthermore, the plate-shaped foot element can be detachably connected to the slide.

[0023] The device for the supporting mount is movable in two orthogonal directions via two spindle drives, each with a hexagonal end. On the one hand, this moves the base element of the device, which serves as the supporting rest on which the spring damper leg sits, towards or away from the support device. On the other hand, the second spindle drive moves the housing with the slide and the attached base element horizontally laterally relative to the support device.

[0024] Preferably, the housing has a U-shaped receiving area bounded by two webs, into which a T-shaped retaining block, having a web and connected to the support device, engages. The web of the retaining block has a width smaller than the distance between the webs of the housing. Designed in this way, the housing can be spindle-driven between the two webs relative to the retaining block. The spindle drive allows for fine adjustment of the housing's position relative to the retaining block, depending on the thread pitch.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawing.

[0026] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a tool for recording spring damper legs of motor vehicles in perspective view; Fig. 2 a device for supporting the mounting of a spring damper leg or an external spring compressor with a spring damper leg as part of the tool according to Fig. 1 in perspective view; Fig. 3 the device according to Fig. 2 in a first position, Fig. 4 the device according to Fig. 2 in a second position; Fig. 5 the device according to Fig. 2 in a third position; Fig. 6 a clamping unit of the tool according to Fig. 1 in perspective view; Fig. 7 the clamping unit according to Fig. 6 in top view; Fig. 8 the clamping unit according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in a first detailed view in top view; Fig. 9 the clamping unit according to the Fig. 1, 6 to 8 in a detailed perspective view; Fig. 10 the clamping unit according to the Fig. 1, 6 to 8 in a further detailed view in perspective view; Fig. 11 the clamping unit according to Fig. 10 in another position in perspective view; Fig. 12 a sliding adapter mount of the clamping unit according to the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 in a bottom view; Fig. 13 the clamping unit according to Fig. 12 in a cutaway side view; Fig. 14 the clamping unit according to Fig. 13 in a detailed view; Fig. 15 the clamping unit according to Fig. 13, in a further detailed view; Fig. 16 the clamping unit according to Fig. 13, in a further detailed view in a first position; Fig. 17 the clamping unit according to Fig. 16 in a second position; Fig. 18 an external spring compressor in perspective view for use with a tool according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17; Fig. 19 a first adapter for a tool according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 in a first perspective view; Fig. 20 the adapter according to Fig. 19 in a view rotated by 90°; Fig. 21 a second embodiment of an adapter in a first perspective view; Fig. 22 the adapter according to Fig. 21 in a second view rotated by 90°; Fig. 23 a third embodiment of an adapter in a first perspective view in which the external spring tensioner is shown in section; Fig. 24 the adapter according to Fig. 23 in a second view rotated by 90°; Fig. 25 a fourth embodiment of an adapter in a first perspective view; Fig. 26 the adapter according to Fig. 25 in a second view rotated by 90° in which the external spring compressor is shown in section and Fig. 27 a fifth embodiment of an adapter in a first perspective view.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a tool 1 for arrangement in a stationary unit for receiving a spring damper leg or external spring compressor 2, the design of which - known in itself from the prior art - consists of Fig. 18 results. The tool 1 has a support device 6 on which a support unit 7 for arranging the spring damper leg or external spring compressor 2 with a spring damper leg (not shown) in the tool 1 is arranged in a height-adjustable manner.

[0028] A clamping unit 5 is arranged at one end of the support device 6, which will be described below.

[0029] On a surface 8 of the clamping unit 5, an adapter receptacle 9 for connection with different adapters 10a, 10b, 10c or 10d is slidably arranged. Furthermore, the clamping unit 5 has a receptacle 11 for supporting the spring damper strut with / without external spring compressor 2 between an end face of the clamping unit 5 and a pivotable locking device 12 that can be locked to the clamping unit 5.

[0030] The support unit 7 is height-adjustable and mounted on the support device 6. For this purpose, the support device 6, which is formed from a profile 25 with a square cross-section, has coaxially arranged bores in two parallel surface elements of the profile 25, which serve to receive a locking pin. Corresponding bores for receiving the locking pin are also arranged in a connecting element between the support unit 7 and the support device 6.

[0031] The support unit 7 has a device 11 for supporting the spring damper strut with or without the external spring compressor 2. For this purpose, the device 11 for supporting the strut has a plate-shaped foot element 3, which, for example, has a circular surface and a web 4 extending axially over a partial area. The foot element 3 can be designed differently and, in particular, can be interchangeable. Furthermore, it can be seen that the foot element is adjustable via a spindle drive 13 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support device 6. This involves a fine adjustment of the foot element 3 in combination with a coarse adjustment of the foot element 3 via the support device 6.

[0032] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows part of the support unit 7. The support unit 7 has a housing 14 in which a slide 14a is movably guided in the longitudinal direction of the housing 14. The slide 14a is connected to the base element 3, which is interchangeably connected to the slide 14a via a screw or plug connection. The movement of the slide 14a is effected by a spindle 15, one end of which is located on the slide 14a, while the other end of the spindle 15 protrudes from an end plate 16 of the housing 14 and has a hexagonal profile 17. A standard wrench, such as an open-end or ring wrench, can be attached to this profile to actuate the spindle 15 and thus move the slide 14a relative to and within the housing 14. Instead of a standard wrench, a socket wrench can also be used for connection to a torque wrench and / or a ratchet.

[0033] The housing 14 has a U-shaped receptacle 18 at its end opposite the end plate 16, in which a T-shaped retaining element 19 is arranged and connected to a guide of the support unit which is arranged vertically displaceable on the support device 6, wherein the connection of one leg of the retaining element 19 between two legs of the receptacle 18 which run parallel to each other is effected by two guide pins 20, which allow a relative movement of the support unit 7 relative to the support device 6 in a horizontal plane, the surface normal of which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the support device 6.

[0034] For the movement of the support unit 7 relative to the support device 6 in this direction of movement, a spindle 21 is provided, which is formed from a threaded rod, which is formed at each end with a hexagonal profile, wherein the two hexagonal profiles 22 bear against outer wall surfaces of the receptacle 18 and the threaded rod is guided in a thread in the web of the retaining element 19.

[0035] The support unit 7 can be moved into different positions via the two hexagonal profiles 22 according to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 can be adjusted. Fig. Figure 3 shows a central position in which the distance of the web of the retaining element 19 is arranged centrally between the webs of the receptacle 18. By rotating the spindle 21, the support unit 7 can be moved into a position according to Fig. 4 can be adjusted, in which the bridge of the retaining element 19 rests on a right-hand bridge of the receptacle 18 on the inside. Fig. Figure 5, in contrast, shows the further extreme position of the support unit 7 relative to the support device 6, in which the web of the retaining element 19 rests on the inside of a second left web of the receptacle 18.

[0036] Depending on the requirements or intended use of the tool 1, the support unit 7 can be adjusted laterally relative to the support device 6, and the slide 14a with its associated foot element 3 can be moved towards or away from the support device 6 via the spindle 15. This allows movement of the support unit 7, or of a slide 14a connected to the support unit 7 and its associated foot element 3, in two directions of movement perpendicular to each other and arranged in a horizontal plane, in order to precisely position the support unit 7 of the tool 1 for use in a specific application.

[0037] The housing 14 of the support unit 7 has a U-shaped cross-section and a receiving area 23 in the form of an elongated hole.

[0038] The Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows the clamping unit 5. The clamping unit 5 has a mounting plate 24 for direct or indirect attachment to the support device 6. An adapter 10a, movable relative to the mounting plate 24, serves to connect an external spring compressor 2, as described below.

[0039] The adapter 10a is slidably arranged in two guides 27, designed as elongated holes or grooves, via two bolts 26. The corresponding design will be described below with regard to the Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 described in detail.

[0040] Out of Fig. Figure 6 further shows that the clamping unit 5 has, in addition to the mounting plate 24, another plate 29, arranged at a distance from the mounting plate 24 and connected to the mounting plate 24 via bolts 28. The mounting plate 24 and plate 29 are arranged at a distance from each other determined by spacer sleeves 28a through which the bolts 28 pass. Both the mounting plate 24 and the plate 29 have two projections on their front end face, which faces a clamping bracket 30. A locking spindle 31 and a cantilever arm 32 are pivotally mounted in these projections.The clamping bracket 30 is also pivotably mounted on the cantilever arm 32. After the locking spindle 31 is opened, the clamping bracket 30 can be pivoted into a position that allows part of a spring damper leg to be brought into contact with a first clamping element 33 before the clamping bracket 30 is pivoted back towards the end face of the clamping unit 5 and locked by means of the locking spindle 31. The clamping bracket 30 is also formed with a clamping element 34, with the clamping elements 33 and 34 being arranged opposite each other when the clamping bracket 30 is in the closed position. Both clamping elements 33 and 34 have contact surfaces 35 and 36 that are aligned towards each other and formed in a V-shape.At least the clamping piece 34 in the clamping holder 30 is pivotably mounted about an axis 37 in the clamping holder 30, so that when the clamping holder 30 is closed, the clamping piece 34 rests on a workpiece to be received, such as a part of the spring damper leg, in the intended position and thus with uniform surface pressure.

[0041] The clamping pieces 33, 34 are made of a tough, hard plastic, thus preventing damage to the surface of the workpiece being clamped. The locking spindle 31 consists of a threaded rod, one end of which is pivotably held between the plate 29 and the mounting plate 24, and which has a knurled nut 38 at its free end.

[0042] The clamping piece 33 is arranged between the mounting plate 24 and the plate 29 such that it is adjustable relative to the mounting plate 24 and plate 29 and can be connected to the mounting plate 24 and / or the plate 29 in various positions. For this purpose, the clamping piece 33 has two rows of openings 65 arranged in parallel edge regions of the clamping piece 33, which serve to allow the passage of screw bolts 66. The screw bolts 66 pass through the clamping piece 33, the plate 29, and the mounting plate 29. The openings 65 are keyhole-shaped and are arranged in the region of material thickenings 67 of the clamping piece 33, wherein the clamping piece 33 has a material thickness in the region of the material thickenings 67 that corresponds to the distance between a bottom surface of the mounting plate 24 and a top surface of the plate 29.

[0043] As previously described, the clamping unit 5 has two guides 27 in the area of ​​the mounting plate 24, each serving to receive a bolt 26 by means of which the profile 25 is slidably guided in the guides 27 of the mounting plate 24. The guides 27 are open at their ends located in the area of ​​the clamping element 33, so that the adapter 10a can be removed from the mounting plate 24 via these ends of the guides 27 and replaced, for example, by another adapter 10b, 10c, 10d, or 10e. To prevent the bolts 26 from unintentionally being pulled out of the elongated holes 27 during the use of the tool 1, both open ends of the guides 27 are closed with a stop element 39 each. Fig. Figure 10 shows the clamping unit 5 with inserted stopper elements 39, while Fig. Figure 11 shows the clamping unit 5 after removing the stop elements 39 and the adapter 10a. The stop elements 39 can be frictionally and / or positively engaged in the guides 27.

[0044] The stop elements 39 are T-shaped and arranged with a first part 68 between the mounting plate 24 and the plate 29, while a second part 69 of the stop elements 39 engages in the guide 27 and closes the guide 27. Each stop element 39 is connected by screw bolts 70 at least to the mounting plate 24, but preferably also to the plate 24, so that the stop elements 39 can be removed and pulled out of the guides 27 after removing the screw bolts 70. With the stop elements 39 removed, the adapter 10a can be taken out of the clamping unit 5 and replaced by, for example, an adapter 10b to 10e.

[0045] Fig. Figure 12 shows the underside of the mounting plate 24 with the two guides 27. It can be seen that racks 40 are attached to the mounting plate 24 on both sides of the guides 27 and extend almost the entire length of the guides 27. Detent elements 41 engage with the racks 40 and are located at the ends of the bolts 26. The bolts 26 are arranged to be displaceable in their axial direction against a spring force. If the bolt 26 is moved against the spring force within the bore in the adapter 10a that receives the bolt, the detent element 41 is moved away from the rack 40 and thus disengages from the rack 40. In this position, the connecting element 24 can then be moved within the guides 27.

[0046] The racks 40 are screwed to the mounting plate 24 with screws 42.

[0047] The bolt 26 ( Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 16 and Fig. 17) has a cylinder 45 which has sections of different diameters distributed along its length. The cylinder 45 is connected to the locking element 41 via a first section located in the area between the mounting plate 24 and the plate 29, and extends through a bore 49 in the adapter 10a via a second section located above it. The cylinder is connected at its upper end to a cap 71 which serves as a finger attachment. The cap 71 has a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the bore 49, which is designed as a blind hole, so that the cap 71 can be slid into the bore 49.The diameter of the cylinder in the area of ​​the bore 49 is smaller than the diameter of the bore 49, so that a gap 72 is formed in which a coil spring 44 is arranged, which is supported at one end on the cap 71 and is connected to the cap 71 and is supported at one opposite end on a collar 73 formed in the bore 49.

[0048] The cylinder 45 has a section 74 with an enlarged diameter. Section 74 is supported with an annular surface on a lower side of the adapter 10 and with a second annular surface on a top side of the detent element 41, so that when the cap 71 is moved towards the detent element 41 against the spring tension of the coil spring 44, the detent element 41 is disengaged from the rack 40, and the adapter 10a can subsequently be moved towards the guides 27. When the pressure on the cap 71 is released, the coil spring 44 moves the cap out of the opening 49 and the detent element 41 back into engagement with the rack 40.

[0049] From the Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 further shows that the adapter 10a is held in the guides 27 by means of hollow cylindrical bushings 43 and screws 42 guided therein and screwed into bores in the adapter 10. For this purpose, the bushings 43 have a radial projection 46 in the form of a circumferential collar, the diameter of which is larger than the width of the guide 27 receiving the bushing 43, so that the bushing 43, with the projection 46, bears against the mounting plate 24 laterally to the rack 40. The bushings 43 prevent the adapter 10a from being lifted off the mounting plate 24. At the same time, the bushings 43 also serve to guide the connecting element 25 in the guides 27.

[0050] The Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. Figure 17 shows details of the constructive design of the underside of the mounting plate 24 and the connection between the mounting plate 24 and the adapter 10a. Fig. 16 and Fig. Figures 17 show the bolt 26 in different positions, namely a latched position according to Fig. 16, in which the adapter 10a is fixed in its position relative to the mounting plate 24. In contrast, shows Fig. 17 a release position in which the adapter 10a is movable relative to the mounting plate 24, namely slidable.

[0051] Fig. Figure 15 shows a detailed view of the rack 40 with the detent element 41 engaging in the rack 40, which is connected to the bolt 26 or formed integrally with the bolt 26, so that the detent element 41 can be moved via the bolt 26 from a position engaging in the rack 40 to a position extending out of the rack 40 and thus allowing the displacement of the adapter 10a and vice versa.

[0052] In the Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23, Fig. 24, Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27 to Fig. Figure 28 shows different embodiments of the adapter 10.

[0053] One in the Fig. 19 and Fig. The first embodiment of adapter 10a, as illustrated in Figure 20, has a cuboid base plate 47 with a surface 48. The base plate 47 can also be block-shaped. Holes 49 are arranged in the base plate 47 extending from the surface 48. The holes 49 serve to receive the bolts 26. An adapter element 50 for connection to an external spring compressor 2 is located on the surface 48 of the base plate 47. Fig. 18 arranged. Adapter element 50 and base plate 47 form the adapter 10a. The adapter element 50 is block-shaped and has a U-shaped undercut 51 in cross-section, which is oriented open towards the surface 48 in order to engage a corresponding collar on the external spring tensioner 2 in a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0054] In the Fig. 21 and Fig. Figure 22 shows a second embodiment of adapter 10b. In this embodiment, the adapter element 50 of adapter 10b differs from the adapter element 50 according to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 is designed in such a way that the adapter element 50 has a receiving opening 52 which in the illustrated embodiment is circular and serves to receive a cylindrically designed part of the external spring tensioner 2.

[0055] A friction element 53, radially movable within the receiving opening 52, is arranged and spring-loaded against an outer surface of a part of the external spring compressor 2. The friction element 53 is connected to an actuating device 54, which is accessible outside the receiving opening 52. This device allows the friction element 53 to be retracted into a recess within the receiving opening 52 before the part of the external spring compressor 2 is inserted, thus simplifying the insertion of the external spring compressor 2. After releasing the actuating device 54, the friction element 53 is then pushed by a spring (not shown) towards the outer surface of the external spring compressor 2.

[0056] Alternatively, a first part of a bayonet fitting can be formed in the receiving opening 52. A second part of the bayonet fitting is formed on the external spring tensioner 2. A screw connection can also be provided instead of the bayonet fitting.

[0057] Another embodiment of an adapter 10c is described in the Fig. 23 and Fig. Figure 24 illustrates this embodiment of the adapter 10c. In this embodiment, the adapter element 50 is designed as a C-shaped clamp and thus has two arms 55, which have a semicircular inner surface for contact with an external spring compressor 2. The arms 55 are spaced apart from each other such that the external spring compressor 2 can be inserted into the opening over the distance between the free ends of the arms 55. The arms 55 preferably have a certain degree of elasticity, ensuring that the distance between them is sufficient to securely hold the external spring compressor 2 in the operating state and to allow the insertion and removal of the external spring compressor 2 with minimal force and minimal material damage. The adapter element 50, and in particular the arms 55, are made of a slightly elastically deformable metal, especially steel.

[0058] Another embodiment of the adapter 10d is made from the Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. This embodiment differs in particular from the embodiment according to the Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 by the fact that two arms 55 are also present, which, however, have parallel and flat guide surfaces 56 in an area oriented towards the external spring compressor 2 to be received, which, when the external spring compressor 2 is inserted, bear against corresponding and also parallel surfaces of the external spring compressor 2. These surfaces of the external spring compressor 2 are designed as undercuts in a substantially round area of ​​the external spring compressor 2, so that, in this embodiment, the external spring compressor 2 is also arranged in a non-rotatable manner in the adapter 10d.

[0059] Another embodiment of the adapter 10e is described in the Fig. Figure 27 shows that in this embodiment, the adapter element 50 has a hollow cylindrical receptacle 57 for the external spring compressor 2. The receptacle 57 is connected to the adapter element 50 via a cantilever arm 58 and screwed in place by a screw 59. A bayonet fitting or a screw connection can be used to fasten the external spring compressor 2 in this retaining element 50.

[0060] Fig. Figure 18 shows an external spring compressor 2, consisting of a cylindrical support column 60 and two spring retainers 61, 62 arranged thereon and extending radially to the support column 60. The spring retainers are connected to the support column 60 via hollow cylinders 63, which receive the support column 60, and are designed in a disc-like manner. The distance between the two spring retainers 61 and 62 can be adjusted relative to each other by means of a tool, such as a ratchet, via a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, tool projection 64.

[0061] The lower spring retainer 61 can be removed from the external spring compressor 2 to create a connection point for the adapter element 50, designed as adapter 10a. In addition to the external spring compressor 2 shown, other spring compressors can also be used, which ensure safe disassembly of the shock absorber strut, particularly by allowing the spring under preload to be released in a controlled manner during disassembly. It is also possible to use the external spring compressor used during disassembly of the shock absorber strut for the controlled release of the spring and then to use a different spring compressor to, for example, re-compress the spring in the tool before fixing it in a compressed position, for example, by spring retainers.

[0062] The connection between tool 1 and external spring compressor 2 is made via the support column 60, which can be connected to one of the adapters 10a to 10e. The spring strut is positioned within the external spring compressor 2. Tool 1 allows for a stationary arrangement of the combination of external spring compressor 2 and spring strut within the tool, enabling repairs to be carried out on the spring strut. Different external spring compressors 2 can be connected to tool 1 via the adapters 10a to 10e. Reference sign 1 tool 2 external spring compressors 3 Foot element 4 Bridge 5 clamping unit 6 Support device 7 Support unit 8 surface 9 Adapter mount 10a adapter 10b adapter 10c adapter 10d adapter 10e adapters 11 Device for supporting mounting 12 Locking device 13 Spindle drive 14 cases 14a Sled 15 spindles 16 Front plate 17 Hexagonal profile 18 Bridge 19 Holding block 20 guide pins 21 Spindle 22 Hexagonal profile 23 Recording area 24 Mounting plate 25 Profile 26 bolts 27 Leadership 28 bolts 28a Spacer sleeve 29 plate 30 clamp holder 31 Locking spindle 32 Cantilever 33 clamping piece 34 clamping piece 35 m² of installation area 36 Plant area 37 axle 38 knurled nut 39 Stopper element 40 Rack and pinion 41 Latching element 42 screw 43 socket 44 coil spring 45 cylinders 46 lead 47 Base plate 48 surface 49 bore 50 adapter elements 51 Undercut 52 Intake opening 53 Friction element 54 Actuating device 55 Arm 56 guide surface 57th entry 58 Cantilever 59 screw 60 support column 61 spring holders 62 spring holders 63 hollow cylinders 64 Tool approach 65 Opening 66 screw bolts 67 Material thickening Part 68 Part 69 70 screw bolts 71 cap 72 gap space 73 collars Area 74 QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 810 791 B1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Tool for mounting a spring damper strut of a motor vehicle, in particular comprising a shock absorber and a coil spring arranged coaxially to the shock absorber, with a support unit for a lower end of the spring damper strut in the intended installation position in the motor vehicle, in particular of the shock absorber of the spring damper strut, and a clamping unit, wherein the clamping unit has a mounting plate with a first receptacle for bearing against an outer surface of the spring damper strut, in particular of the shock absorber, and a locking device with a second receptacle for bearing against the outer surface of the spring damper strut, in particular of the shock absorber, and wherein the locking device is movable relative to the mounting plate between an open position and a closed position, in particular pivotable about a pivot point on the mounting plate, characterized by, that each receptacle is formed in a clamping piece (33, 34), wherein the clamping piece (33) is attached to the locking device (12) and the clamping piece (34) is attached to the mounting plate (24), and wherein the clamping pieces (33, 34) have contact surfaces (35, 36) for contact in the closed position on the outer surface of the spring damper leg, in particular the shock absorber. [2] Tool according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second clamping piece (34) and / or the first clamping piece (33) is arranged to pivot about an axis in the locking device (12) or the mounting plate (24). [3] Tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the clamping pieces (33, 34) are made of a tough, hard plastic. [4] Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the clamping piece (33) is arranged on the mounting plate (24) in such a way as to be displaceable relative to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate (24) and to be fixed in different positions. [5] Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that each clamping piece (33, 34) has two contact surfaces (35, 36) aligned at an angle to each other, the angle being a value between 30° and 60°, in particular 45°. [6] Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the clamping piece (33) is screwed to the mounting plate (24) and has several screw receptacles to screw the clamping piece (33) to the mounting plate (24) in different positions. [7] Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the support unit (7) has a device (11) for supporting the lower end of the spring damper leg and that the device (11) for supporting the lower end is movable in two directions orthogonal to each other relative to the support device (6). [8] Tool according to claim 7, characterized by, that the device (11) for supporting the mounting is movable in its distance to the support device (6), in particular adjustable. [9] Tool according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the device (11) for supporting the device is arranged on the support device (6) in a relatively adjustable manner in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the support device (6). [10] Tool according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the device (11) for the supporting receptacle has a housing (14) in which a slide (14a) is movably guided, wherein the housing (14) is movably guided relative to a holder as a connection between the device (11) for the supporting receptacle and the support device (6), and the directions of movement of the slide (14a) to the housing (14) and of the housing (14) to the support device (6) are aligned perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane. [11] Tool according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by , that the housing (14) or the slide (14a) in the housing (14) can be moved in the two orthogonal directions via two spindle drives (15, 21) each with a hexagon (17, 22) arranged at its end. [12] Tool according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the housing (14) has a receiving area in cross-section u-shaped, bounded by two webs, into which a retaining block (19) in cross-section T-shaped, having a web (18) and connected to the support device (6) engages, wherein the web (18) of the retaining block (19) has a width which is smaller than a distance between the webs (18) of the housing (14).

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