UPPER STOP ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE STRUT AND STRUT WITH SUCH ARRANGEMENT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of motor vehicle suspensions.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to an upper bump stop assembly of a motor vehicle suspension comprising a filtering sub-assembly, and to a suspension leg incorporating such a bump stop assembly. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The suspension struts of motor vehicles, which include a coil spring wrapped around a telescopic shock absorber, are connected to the vehicle body via a multifunctional interface known as the upper strut mount. This mount incorporates several functions, including securing the strut to the body, guiding the rotation of the upper end of the coil spring and / or the strut during wheel steering, retaining the telescopic shock absorber rod (possibly with vibration damping), and providing support for a shock absorber at the end of the telescopic shock absorber body's travel. Such a mount requires a significant number of parts, some of which can be pre-assembled before vehicle installation, while others must be assembled during vehicle attachment.

[0004] An example of a strut upper bump stop of the preceding type is given in document EP1591691A1. This bump stop comprises a bearing housing with an upper washer, a lower washer, and balls running on raceways formed on the upper and lower washers, as well as a rigid multi-purpose component consisting of a stamped sheet metal part and an elastomer filter block positioned between the upper washer and the multi-purpose component. The multi-purpose component has multiple mounting holes, each opening onto a downward-facing support wall. Nuts are welded to the multi-purpose component at the support walls, extending from the mounting holes. The upper bump stop can thus be attached to the vehicle body using bolts that pass through the mounting holes and screw into the nuts. Before being mounted on the vehicle, the bump stop is not a single, coherent assembly.Furthermore, precautions must be taken to protect the multifunctional metal part against corrosion.

[0005] The upper strut stop assembly illustrated in document DE 10 2009 059 168 A1 differs from the previous one primarily in that the multi-function part is made of molded plastic and has threaded metal inserts at the mounting holes. Such a part is potentially lighter than a sheet metal part and is relatively corrosion-resistant, except at the metal inserts. Manufacturing the multi-function part in an injection mold with its overmolded metal inserts results, in practice, in low resistance of the plastic to shock-absorbing forces.

[0006] Document FR 3 112 101 A1, which shows the preamble of claim 1, describes a strut upper bump stop assembly that minimizes final mounting steps on the vehicle while remaining compatible with high production rates. This configuration is achieved through mounting interfaces on the multifunction part, each comprising a mounting slot open on a peripheral wall of the multifunction part and each configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener in a direction inclined relative to the mounting axis of the strut. The arrangement of the slots ensures that the fasteners will not escape from the slots during mounting. The configuration described in this document eliminates the need for a permanent fastening step of the fasteners to the multifunction part, such as welding or overmolding, prior to mounting on the vehicle.

[0007] Document JP2010014133 describes a filter subassembly for a non-steering suspension strut of a motor vehicle. This subassembly comprises a pre-stressed filter block between a lower support and a cover, as well as fasteners passing through the lower support and the cover. These fasteners secure the lower support to the cover and pre-stress the filter block before mounting on the vehicle. The assembly is then secured to a vehicle body panel. Such a device requires dual-function fastener studs. The studs have a head that acts as a rivet to secure the lower support to the cover, while the body has a thread for a nut positioned on the upper side of the vehicle body panel. This design is not suitable for a steering suspension strut, which requires a plain or roller bearing between the filter subassembly and the strut spring.

[0008] A similar assembly is proposed in document EP1564037A2, but with simple screws for fixing elements, which only allow the filter block to be loaded when the assembly is fixed to the vehicle.

[0009] Document DE102014218800A1 discloses a filter subassembly for a motor vehicle suspension strut, comprising a filter block arranged without preload between a lower support and a cover, as well as snap-fit ​​fasteners between the lower support and the cover, and fixing screws for attaching the cover to a vehicle body component. This device is not, however, designed to incorporate a bearing.

[0010] Documents EP 2 428 697 A1 and WO 2019 / 155149 A2 show other upper bump stop assemblies of a motor vehicle suspension strut. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention aims to provide an upper stop assembly for a motor vehicle suspension leg, comprising a plain or rolling bearing and a filtering sub-assembly whose filter block can be pre-stressed before mounting on the vehicle.

[0012] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, an upper stop assembly for a motor vehicle suspension leg is proposed, the assembly comprising: a plain or rolling bearing and a filtering sub-assembly, directly or indirectly supported against the bearing, the bearing defining an axis of rotation, the filtering sub-assembly comprising: an annular bearing support forming a bearing face for a helical spring, the bearing face being turned away from the bearing; a filter block made of elastomer material, the filter block extending along a reference axis and having an interface for securing one end of a rod of a shock absorber of the suspension leg; a lower filter block support located between the filter block and the bearing and having a central annular portion bearing against an underside of the filter block and traversed axially by a passage for the end of the shock absorber rod, the lower filter block support having an annular peripheral portion surrounding the central portion, the lower filter block support further having an upper face turned towards the filter block and an opposite lower face bearing for a shock absorber of the suspension;a filter block cover comprising a central portion bearing against an upper face of the filter block, a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion and bearing against the annular peripheral portion of the lower support, the peripheral portion of the cover being provided with fixing openings arranged radially outside the bearing and configured to fix the filter sub-assembly to a body element of the motor vehicle, the filter block cover forming an external protective skirt located radially outside and at least partially opposite an external peripheral face of the bearing support to delimit a sealing baffle; and fixing means ensuring the fixing of the cover to the lower filter block support independently of the fixing openings, the filter block being preloaded between the lower support and the filter block cover.

[0013] The assembly allows the cover to be attached to the lower support using the fastening means independently of the cover's attachment to the vehicle body, which uses fastening elements inserted into the mounting openings. Positioning the mounting openings outside the bearing frees up space to accommodate the bearing.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing openings are arranged radially outside the lower support of the filter block.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the lower support of the filter block has: a cylindrical skirt configured to fit snugly with a cylindrical portion of an intermediate support piece or bearing of the assembly; and an external transverse shoulder to bear against an upper face of said intermediate support piece or bearing of the assembly.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the lower support of the filter block is a single piece and metallic.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the filter block cover is made of plastic material(s), possibly with reinforcements or inserts.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fastening means for securing the cover to the lower support of the filter block include: at least one lower support fixing flap protruding from the annular peripheral portion of the lower support; and at least one fixing hole on the peripheral portion of the cover associated with the lower support fixing flap and traversed by a proximal portion of the associated fixing flap along an axial direction, a distal portion of the associated fixing flap extending at least along a component perpendicular to the axial direction overlapping with a bearing surface on one side of the cover opposite the peripheral portion of the lower support to secure the cover to the lower filter block support.

[0019] In one embodiment, each fastening flap of the fasteners used to secure the cover to the lower filter block support is crimped against the cover on the side opposite the filter block. This results in fastening flaps whose distal portion is bent relative to the proximal portion, this bend being achieved by a crimping process. Preferably, when there are multiple fastening flaps, all of them are crimped.

[0020] Alternatively, and according to another embodiment, the fastening means for securing the cover to the lower support of the filter block comprise a locking washer, a first element of the lower support and the cover being located axially between the locking washer and a second element of the lower support and the cover, flaps and notches being formed on the locking washer and the second element, each of the flaps formed on a part of the locking washer and the second element being associated with one of the notches formed on another part of the locking washer and the second element, the locking washer being movable relative to the second element between: a relative approach position and a relative interpenetration position by relative translational movement between the locking washer and the second element along the reference axis such that, in the relative interpenetration position, each of the fixing flaps penetrates into the associated notch, the relative interpenetration position and a relative assembly position by relative rotational movement between the locking washer and the second element around the reference axis such that, in the relative assembly position, each of the fixing flaps is housed in a circumferential extension of the associated notch and is held axially in axial support against a rim of the associated notch.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the fastening means for securing the cover to the lower support of the filter block include at least one threaded fastening.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the peripheral portion surrounds the lower support.

[0023] The axis of rotation defined by the bearing can be secant with the reference axis, or parallel to the reference axis, in particular coinciding with the reference axis.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the upper stop assembly includes a rigid intermediate support piece bearing on the bearing and forming a support cradle supporting the filtering subassembly.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the intermediate support piece and the bearing support together at least partially define an annular volume for the bearing.

[0026] According to the invention, the filter block cover forms an outer protective skirt located radially outside and at least partially opposite an outer peripheral face of the bearing support to define a sealing baffle. Preferably, the baffle ensures elastic cohesion between the bearing support and the cover before mounting on the vehicle body component.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the intermediate support piece or bearing support includes an inner skirt positioned radially inside the bearing, the inner skirt preferably having a hook shape for an upper end of the shock absorber.

[0028] The invention also relates to a suspension leg for a motor vehicle, comprising a helical spring, a telescopic shock absorber, and a shock buffer, notable in that it further comprises an upper stop assembly as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the attached figures, which illustrate: [ Fig. 1 ] : a cross-sectional view of the upper part of a motor vehicle suspension strut, and of an upper suspension bump stop assembly of this suspension strut, according to a first embodiment; [ Fig. 2 ] : an isometric perspective view of the assembly of the figure 1 ; Fig. 3] : an isometric perspective and exploded view of an upper part of a motor vehicle suspension strut, and of the upper suspension bump stop assembly of this suspension strut according to a second embodiment; ] Fig. 4 ] : a cross-sectional view of the upper part of the suspension strut of a motor vehicle, and of the upper suspension bump stop assembly of this suspension strut according to this second embodiment; ] Fig. 5 ] : a cross-sectional view of an isometric perspective of the upper suspension stop assembly of this suspension leg according to this second embodiment before the lower support is attached to the cover; ] Fig. 6] : a cross-sectional view of an isometric perspective of the upper suspension stop assembly of this suspension leg according to this second embodiment where fixing flaps of the lower support pass through associated fixing holes of the cover in the free position, before crimping; ] Fig. 7 ] : a cross-sectional view of an isometric perspective of the upper suspension stop assembly of this suspension leg according to this second embodiment where the fixing flaps are crimped against the cover on the side of the cover opposite the filter block to ensure the fixing of the cover with the lower support of the filter block.; ] Fig. 8 ] : a view of the lower support according to this second embodiment, before crimping the fixing flaps; ] Fig. 9 ]: a view of the lower support of the figure 8 , after crimping the fixing flaps; [ Fig. 10] : a view of an alternative embodiment of a lower support suitable for this second embodiment, before crimping of the fixing flaps; ] Fig. 11 ] : a view of the lower support of the Figure 10 , after crimping the fixing flaps.

[0030] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference symbols across all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0031] On the figure 1 The upper part of a suspension leg is illustrated, resting on an element 103 The vehicle body is shaped like an inverted truncated cone. The suspension strut incorporates a coil spring. 105, a telescopic shock absorber 106 located inside the helical spring 105, and an assembly 100 upper suspension stop, creating an interface between the body 103 on the one hand, and the helical spring 105and the telescopic shock absorber 106 on the other hand.

[0032] The assembly 100 upper stop, also illustrated on the figure 2 includes a level 2 resting on a bearing support 80 annular bearing supported by a spring filter element itself supported by the upper coil of the helical spring 105, and a shock absorber 104. The assembly 100 includes a hook piece, positioned radially inside the bearing support 80, this hanging piece includes an inner skirt 84 also positioned radially inside the bearing 2, the inner skirt 84 including a hook-like attachment for the upper end of a protective bellows (not shown) of the shock absorber 106.

[0033] The assembly 100 the upper stop also includes a filtering sub-assembly 10also forming a cover for the bearing 2, the filtering subset 10 consisting of a filter block 20 made of elastomer material located radially and axially within the filter subassembly 10, of a lower support 30 rigid monoblock of the filter unit 20, the support 30 the lower part being located between, in particular here interposed between, the filter block 20 and the landing 2, and a lid 40 filter block 20.

[0034] The landing 2 Its function is to allow the upper coil of the helical spring 105 to rotate when the helical spring 105 contracts and relaxes, or when the wheels are turned, by guiding the bearing support 80 rotating around an axis of rotation A2. The landing 2 This is a bearing housing and includes a lower washer 4made of stamped sheet metal, a top washer 5 stamped sheet metal defining the axis of rotation A2 and rolling bodies 6, in this case, balls rolling on raceways 7, 8 formed on the lower washers 4 and superior 5 to guide the lower washer 4 rotating relative to the upper washer 5 around the axis of rotation A2. The landing 2 the rolling element has angular contact, and the rolling bodies 6 are in contact with a radially outer area of ​​the raceway 8 of the top washer 5 and with a radially inner zone of the raceway 7 of the lower washer 4, the inner zone being radially inside the outer zone, with respect to the axis of rotation A2.The marbles are separated and kept approximately equidistant using a cage 6'.

[0035] The suspension leg is oriented in such a way that the assembly 100 is located generally "under" the cash register 103 and the helical spring 105 is located at least partially "under" the assembly 100.

[0036] The bearing support 80 The annular material can be made, for example, of plastic or metal alloy, such as die-cast aluminum, with or without a reinforcing insert, and forms a flat, rotated annular bearing surface, axially with respect to the axis of rotation. A2, opposite the landing 2, as well as a cylindrical guide face facing radially outwards.

[0037] The support 30 filter block and bearing support 80 together define a confined annular volume for the landing2. The lid 40 The filter block itself forms an outer protective skirt 49 located radially on the outside and at least partially opposite an outer peripheral face 82 bearing support 80.

[0038] The filter block 20 is made of elastomeric material and extends along a reference axis A1, the filter block 20 presenting a solidarity interface 21 at one end of a stem 102 shock absorber 106 telescopic suspension leg, which passes through a gap formed in the shock absorber 104 and a passage 33 support 30.

[0039] The support 30 The filter block can be made of a metal alloy, for example, die-cast steel or aluminum, and preferably in one piece, i.e., monobloc. Preferably, the support 30is made of steel, from a stamped sheet. The support 30 The filter block includes a wall 34 presenting an upper surface 35 facing the filter block and an underside 36 opposite, support for a shock absorber 104 of the suspension. More specifically, the support 30 the filter block has a central portion 31 annular bearing against an inferior face 22 of the filter block 20 and traversed axially by the passage 33 for the end of the stem 102 shock absorber 106, the lower support 30 presenting a peripheral portion 32 annular surrounding the central portion 31 annular.

[0040] In this embodiment, the support 30 rigid monoblock of the filter unit 20 consists of a stamped sheet metal that forms a recess to house the filter block20, arranged radially inside the bearing 2, in radial contact with said bearing 2, and a collar surrounding the bowl, placed on the landing 2. More specifically, the lower support 30 The filter block has a cylindrical skirt 39A configured to fit snugly with a cylindrical portion 5A of the landing 2 of the assembly 100 and a transverse shoulder 39B exterior to come to rest against an upper surface 5B said level 2 so that the filtering subset 10 is in direct contact with the landing 2.

[0041] The cylindrical skirt 39A and the transverse shoulder 39B external components are supported by an intermediate annular portion 312 connecting the central portion 31 annular and peripheral portion 32annular between them, the cylindrical skirt 39A forming a cylindrical centering portion and the transverse shoulder 39B forming a flat portion of direct or indirect support for the bearing 2.

[0042] The housing for the filter block 20, presents a background 35 forming an intermediate wall between the filter block 20 and the shock absorber 104. One lower face of this intermediate wall provides support for the shock absorber 104 of the suspension. The upper face of the intermediate wall is in contact with the filter block. 20, the bottom 35 receiving the filter block 20 axially supported against an inferior face 22 said filter block 20.

[0043] The support 30 of filter block, in particular here the sheet metal forming the support 30The rigid monobloc is annular and the bottom 35 the basin has a circular opening forming the passage 33 for the end of the stem 102 of the shock absorber 106 Telescopic. The support 30 the filter block exhibits rotational symmetry around the reference axis A1 which also corresponds to a reference axis for the shock absorber 106 telescopic in its reference position, the shock absorber 104 and the filter block 20. This axis of symmetry A1 is here parallel, and coincident, with the axis of rotation A2 of the landing 2, although other configurations are possible, including a configuration in which the reference axis A1 is intersecting with the axis of rotation A2 of the landing 2 (see for example the illustrated implementation method with reference to the figure 3 ).

[0044] The lid 40The filter block allows the filter block to be compressed. 20 at the latest at the time of installation on the vehicle, so that the filter block 20 is preloaded between the lower support 30 and the lid 40 of filter block. The lid 40 can be made, for example, of rigid plastic, possibly with reinforcements or inserts. The lid 40 The filter block has a central portion 41 leaning against an upper surface 23 of the filter block 20, and a peripheral portion 42 surrounding the central portion 41 and supported against the peripheral portion 32 lower support annular 30. The lid 40 The filter block also features an outer protective skirt 49 located radially on the outside and at least partially opposite an outer peripheral face 82bearing support 80 to delimit a dispute 83 sealing to protect the bearing 2.

[0045] A fixing between the lid 40 and the support 30 is ensured by fastening means securing the cover 40 with the lower support 30 of filter block. In this first embodiment, the means of fastening to secure the cover 40 with the lower support 30 The filter block includes flaps. 50 fixings attached to the lower support 30 protruding from the peripheral portion 32 lower support annular 30. These flaps 50 are distributed, and preferably equally distributed, over the peripheral portion 32 ring of the support 30 and there are six of them. These flaps 50Each is shaped like a hook and is configured to enter the fixing holes in the fixing position. 60 of the lid 40. These mounting holes 60 are located on the peripheral portion 42 of the lid 40 and associated with the flap 50 lower bracket fixing 30. More specifically, in the fixing position these fixing holes 60 are traversed by a proximal portion 51 flap 50 associated fixing along an axial direction. Each flap 50 It also features a distal portion 52 flap 50 associated fixing extending at least along a component perpendicular to the axial direction and which overlaps a bearing surface on one side of the cover 40 opposite to the peripheral portion 32 of the lower support 30to ensure, despite an effort to pre-charge the filter block 20, the lid attachment 40 with the lower support 30 filter block.

[0046] The filtering subset 10 It also includes a locking washer 90. This locking washer 90 is metallic here, formed from a stamped sheet of metal. In an assembled position, the lid 40 is located axially between the locking washer 90 and the lower support 30, pairs of flaps 50 and notches 96 being formed on the locking washer 90 and the lower support 30. It should be noted that, according to a variant not illustrated here, a configuration could be obtained in which the lower support 30 is located axially between the locking washer 90 and the lid 40.

[0047] The lid attachment 40 with the lower support 30 is ensured through the cooperation of the rabbes 50 fixing with the notches 96, in the manner of a bayonet fitting. Indeed, the assembly of the filter sub-assembly 10 is ensured following a mechanical sequence of adapted movements.

[0048] In particular, the filtering subset 10 includes a plurality of flaps 50 mounting brackets configured to cooperate with notches 96 associated. Each of the flaps 50 the fixing is integral with one of the elements, including the locking washer 90 and the second element while the notches 96 are formed on the other of the elements among the locking washer 90 and the second element: In this way, the cooperation of each of the flaps 50 fixing with a notch 96The associated assembly allows the two elements to be joined together, the first element being placed on the lower support. 30 and the lid 40 being interposed between the locking washer 90 and the second element among the lower support 30 and the lid 40.

[0049] The cooperation of the flaps 50 fixing with the notches 96 associated allows for at least axial blocking of the filter sub-assembly 10, Rotational blocking is ensured by specially adapted elastic blocking means.

[0050] In this embodiment, each of the flaps 50 The fixing point is formed on the lower support. 30 and is associated with one of the notches 96, formed on the locking washer 90. The filtering subset 10 It therefore includes as many flaps 50 fixing notches 96.

[0051] Initially, during assembly, the lid 40 is positioned so as to be axially between the locking washer 90 and the lower support 30. The locking washer 90 and the lower support 30 are movable relative to each other between a relative approach position and a relative interpenetration position. This displacement is obtained by a relative translational movement between the locking washer 90 and the lower support 30 along the reference axis A1 such that, in the relative position of interpenetration, each of the flaps 50 the fastener enters the notch 96 associate.

[0052] Secondly, to finalize the assembly and once the relative position of interpenetration has been achieved, the locking washer 90 and the lower support 30are movable relative to each other between the relative position of interpenetration and a relative position of assembly. This displacement is obtained by a relative rotational movement between the locking washer 90 and the support 30 lower filter block around the reference axis A1 in such a way that, in the relative assembly position, each of the flaps 50 The fixing point is housed in a circumferential extension of the notch. 96 associated and is held axially in axial support against an edge of the associated notch.

[0053] The notches 96 They can take various forms. However, each of them has a first part 961 extending parallel to the reference axis A1 and whose opening is configured in its dimensions to be traversed by an axial template of the flap 50 associated fastening, and a second part962 of the notch 96 extending circumferentially with respect to the reference axis A1 of the filtering subset 10 from the first part 961.

[0054] During the movement from the relative approach position to the relative interpenetration position, the distal portion 52 of each flap 50 forming a hook head is moved axially through a fixing hole 60 associated with the flap 50 lower bracket fixing 30 then through the first part 961 associated with each of the notches 96. In the interpenetration position, the proximal part 51 of each flap 50 The fixing piece forming a hook base is placed through the first part 961 associated with each of the notches 96.

[0055] Next, during the movement from the relative interpenetration position to the relative assembly position, the proximal portion 51 of each flap 50 is rotated and comes to rest in the circumferential extension 962 of the notch 96 associated with a reduced cross-section compared to the template of each flap 50 of fixation and in particular to the template of each distal portion 52 associated. The reduced section of the circumferential extension forming the second part 962 of the notch 96 compared to the first part 961 offers axial support for the distal portion 52 flap 50 associated fixation. In this way, in the relative assembly position, the distal portion 52 of each flap 50The associated fixing extends at least along a component perpendicular to the axial direction and overlaps with an associated bearing surface on the lid side. 40 opposite to the peripheral portion 32 of the lower support 30.

[0056] The bearing surface is supported here by the locking washer. 90 so that each flap 50 The fixing point is held axially by the locking washer. 90 in relative assembly position thus ensuring the lid is fixed 40 with the lower support 30 filter block.

[0057] Of course, the mounting holes 60 of the lid 40 are dimensioned so as not to constrain this rotational movement during the movement of the filter sub-assembly 10 from the relative position of interpenetration to the relative position of assembly, the peripheral portion 42of the lid 40 bearing the fixing holes 60 being located axially between the peripheral portion 32 lower support annular 30 and the locking washer 90.

[0058] The filtering subassembly 10 further includes blocking means 59 by rotating the relative assembly position so as to prevent reverse rotation. In this embodiment, the locking means 59 The rotating parts are fixed to the piece not carrying the flaps. 50 the fixing, namely the cover 40.

[0059] These blocking methods 59 rotating components include at least one elastic slat, preferably a plurality of elastic slats, and preferably as many elastic slats as flaps. 50 fixing.

[0060] Each of the elastic strips is positioned circumferentially adjacent to one of the flaps. 50 of attachment, and extends from a base to a blade head extending circumferentially and along an axial component so as to be axially projecting, on the flap side 50 associated. At the same time as the flap penetrates axially into the opening 60 lid fixing 40 then into the notches 96, each associated lamella extending circumferentially from a circumferential edge of said orifice 60 the corresponding fixing also fits into the notch 96 combined in such a way as to form an obstacle to the rotation of the locking washer 90 when it is in its relative assembly position. The strips are formed by stamping.

[0061] In the interpenetration position, each flap 50 enters the first part 961 of the notch 96associated, the elastic strip being constrained in support against a lower surface of the locking washer 90. During the rotational movement around the reference axis A1 from the position of interpenetration to the relative position of assembly, the proximal portion 51 of each flap 50 is rotated and comes to rest in the second part 962 of the notch 96 releasing in the first part 961 of the notch 96 a surface in which the elastic lamella is positioned relative to the assembly, and whose elastic release places the corresponding lamella in the space delimited by the first part 961 of the notch 96. In this position, the heads of each blade 59 The blocking elements create an obstruction in the notches. 96 associated and each fits into the thickness of the locking washer 90blocking any rotation that would tend to move it from the relative assembly position to the interpenetration position.

[0062] During the assembly process, during the step of transitioning from the relative approach position to the relative interpenetration position, the translation of the cover 40 and support 30 is such that the parts move closer together, the filter block 20 being located between these two parts. It is during this step that the filter block is brought in. 20 under compression by the lid 40 and the support 30 lower, so that the filter block 20 is preloaded between the lower support 30 and the lid 40 of the filter block. The relative rotation of the lid 40 and support 30The lower position, when moving from the relative interpenetration position to the relative assembly position, then allows the filter sub-assembly to be axially locked. 10 and the compressed position of the filter block 20 allowing for preloading.

[0063] Thus, and generally speaking, the filtering subset includes a first element from the lower support 30 and the lid 40 located axially between the locking washer 90 and a second element among the lower support 30 and the lid 40, flaps 50 and notches 96 being formed on the locking washer 90 and the second element, each of the flaps 50 fixing formed on a part among the locking washer 90 and the second element being associated with one of the notches 96, formed on another part among the locking washer90 and the second element, the assembly process of the filter sub-assembly 10 including at least the following steps: the transition from the relative approach position to the relative interpenetration position by relative translational movement between the first and second elements along the assembly axis A1 in order to allow the fixing flaps to penetrate 50 in notches 96 associated, each of the notches 96 being associated with one of the elements from the first and second elements and with one of the flaps 50 of fixed attachment to the other of the elements between the first and second elements, the transition from the relative position of interpenetration and the relative position of assembly by relative rotational movement between the first and second elements around the assembly axis A1 so that in the relative assembly position, each of the fixing flaps50 is housed in a circumferential extension of the notch 96 associated with the relative position of interpenetration and is held axially there to ensure the fixing of the cover 40 with the lower support 30 filter block.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the first element is the lid 40 and the second element is the support 30 lower. However, in an unillustrated variant, the first element could be the support 30, and the second element would be the lid 40 of filter block. In this case, the annular portion 1031 of the cash register element 103 the motor vehicle is axially clamped between the annular peripheral portion of the cover 40, and the locking washer 90.

[0065] In other, also unillustrated, variants, the flaps 50fixing points and notches 96 can be distributed over either of the first and second elements.

[0066] Depending on the embodiment, the final assembly of the filter sub-assembly 10 is carried out concurrently with the fixing of said filter sub-assembly 10 with a cash register element 103. For this, a partial assembly of the filter sub-assembly 10 is performed beforehand, and held in place by radial interference between external peripheral surfaces of the flaps 50 and the internal peripheral surfaces of the fixing holes 60 of the lid 40.

[0067] The fixing between the lid 40 and the support 30 is ensured here independently of that of the filtering sub-assembly 10 to the cash register element 103 of the motor vehicle through openings 44mounting brackets arranged radially outside the bearing 2, and preferably outside the lower support 30 of filter block (in the sense that in any axial plane passing through one of the openings 44 the lower support 30 is positioned between the reference axis A1 and the opening 44 considered).

[0068] The lid 40 is suitable for fixing the assembly 100 upper stop at the crate 103 of the vehicle. For this purpose, it includes a plurality of fastening interfaces distributed around the perimeter of the cover. 40, In this embodiment, there are three such interfaces, but this number may vary. Each of these mounting interfaces has an opening 44,In this embodiment, the threaded hole serves the functional role of a nut configured to receive a fixing screw, but can also be a hole for receiving another fastening means, such as a rivet, or a screw / nut assembly. To ensure rigid fastening of the fixing screws, the threaded interface acting as a nut is formed from metal by an insert attached locally at each opening. 44 in the plastic material of the lid 40.

[0069] In this embodiment, the nuts forming the fasteners are shaped into a "T" within the cross-section to maximize the structural strength of the nut embedded in the plastic material of the cover. 40. Alternatively, one can consider fixing elements of different shapes, for example parallelepipeds.

[0070] THE figures 3 to 11illustrate a second embodiment. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the fastening flaps 50 are no longer designed to be fixed by following a specific sequence of movements, but are instead crimped against the lid 40 on the lid side 40 opposite the filter block 20 to secure the lid 40 with the lower support 30 filter block.

[0071] In this embodiment as well, the assembly 100 the upper strut stop of the motor vehicle suspension, similarly includes a bearing 2 smooth or rolling, defining an axis of rotation A2 and the filtering subset 10 this time indirectly supported against the landing 2.

[0072] Indeed, in this second embodiment, the assembly 100includes an intermediate support piece 70, rigid, resting on the bearing 2 and forming a support cradle for the filter sub-assembly 10. In particular, the lower support 30 The filter block has a cylindrical skirt 39A configured to fit snugly with a cylindrical portion 72, of the intermediate support piece 70 of the assembly 100 and a transverse shoulder 39B exterior to come to rest against an upper surface 73 of said intermediate support piece 70 of the assembly 100.

[0073] The intermediate support piece 70 is made in one piece from plastic, preferably without a metal insert, and rests on the upper washer 5 of the landing 2, and serves as a support for the stand 30lower one-piece annular filter block 20, so that it defines the relative positioning of the axis of symmetry of revolution A1 of the lower support 30 of the filtering subset 10 of the axis of rotation A2 of the landing 2. Preferably, the upper face of the intermediate support piece 70 which serves as a support for the lower support 30 of the filter block 20, and, if applicable, for the lid 40 of filter block, is made without undercut to allow axial demolding, following the same demolding axis coinciding with the axis of symmetry of revolution.

[0074] As with the previous embodiments, the assembly 100 includes the bearing support 80 annular forming a support surface 81 direct or indirect for a helical spring 105 of the suspension, the support face 81being rotated axially opposite to the bearing 2.

[0075] Due to the presence of the intermediate piece 70, the annular volume 3 for the landing 2 is delimited at least in part between the intermediate support piece 70 and the bearing support 80.

[0076] The intermediate support piece 70 also includes an inner skirt 71 positioned radially inside the bearing 2, the inner skirt 71 preferably including a hook-like feature for the upper end of the shock absorber 104.

[0077] The filtering subset 10 also includes fastening means ensuring the lid is secured 40 with the lower support 30 filter block.

[0078] These fastening methods always include flaps. 50fixing but obtained here by a crimping process.

[0079] More specifically, the filtering subset 10 includes a plurality of flaps 50 eight fixing points in the illustrated embodiment, evenly distributed over the peripheral portion 32 lower support annular 30. It should be noted that, regardless of the method of construction, the number of these flaps can vary. There are at least three flaps. 50, preferably with at least six flaps 50, and at most twelve flaps 50, preferably with no more than ten flaps 50 of the fixing. In this way, a reliable and simple assembly is maintained.

[0080] Each flap 50 the fixing is crimped against the lid 40 on the lid side 40 opposite the filter block 20 to secure the lid 40 with the lower support 30of filter block. This results in fixation flaps whose distal portion 52 is angled relative to the proximal portion 51, this elbow being formed by crimping.

[0081] The lid 40 includes, for each flap 50 a fixing point, a housing 43 flap configured to completely house at least the distal portion 52 flap 50 associated fixing in the lid 40 in the folded position. In one configuration, the lid 40 The filter block has a supporting upper surface 45 against a cash register element 103 of the vehicle, which then covers the lid 40 of the filter block by leaning on it. Thanks to the housings 43 flaps 50 fixing, the lower support 30 The filter block remains recessed relative to this upper support face. 45.

[0082] The lid 40 The filter block also includes a peripheral portion 42 equipped with fixing openings 44 positioned radially outside the bearing 2 and configured to fix the filtering subset directly or indirectly 10 to a cash register element 103 of the motor vehicle. The mounting openings 44 are independent of the fixing holes here 60 associated with flaps 50 lower bracket fixing 30. The filter block 20 is still here in preload between the lower support 30 and the lid 40 filter block.

[0083] The central portion 41 of the lid 40 The filter block forms a bowl with a bottom 47 axially supported against the upper surface 23 of the filter block 20 and an annular lateral wall 48,preferably cylindrical, conical or frustoconical, it comes, where appropriate, to bear radially against a peripheral annular face 24 of the filter block 20. This radial support can be localized or even occasional and notably allows self-centering relative to the reference axis. A1.

[0084] Similarly, the support 30 The lower portion also has a central annular portion 31 forming a bowl with a bottom 35 axially supported against the lower face 22 of the filter block 20 and an annular lateral wall, preferably cylindrical, radially supported against a peripheral annular face 24 of the filter block 20.

[0085] Thus, the assembly process of the filter sub-assembly 10 includes at least the following steps: the transition from the relative approach position to the relative interpenetration position by relative translational movement between the support 30 and the lid 40 along the assembly axis A1 in order to allow the fixing flaps to penetrate 50 in the fixing holes 60 lid partners 40 in free position, before crimping, in which the proximal portions 51 and distal 52 of each fixing flap 50 are substantially aligned in pairs along an axis parallel to the reference axis, the passage from the relative position of interpenetration and the relative position of assembly by crimping of each of the fixing flaps, each of the distal portions 52 flap 50 associated fixing fitting into the housing 43 associated with the lid 40 by being folded down against the support surface carried by the lid 40,the lid 40 being held axially to ensure the lid is fixed 40 with the lower support 30 filter block.

[0086] Naturally, the invention described above is by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is capable of carrying out different embodiments of the invention without departing from its scope.

[0087] The shape of the notches can, for example, vary without changing their function.

Claims

1. A top mount assembly (100) of a motor vehicle suspension strut, the assembly comprising: a sliding or rolling bearing (2) and a filtering sub-assembly (10) in direct or indirect abutment against the bearing (2), the bearing (2) defining an axis of rotation (A2), the filtering sub-assembly (10) comprising: - an annular bearing support (80) forming a mating face (81) for a coil spring (105) of the suspension, the mating face (81) facing away from the bearing (2); - a filter block (20) made of elastomeric material, the filter block (20) extending along a reference axis (A1) and having an interface for securing (21) one end of a rod (102) of a damper (106) of the suspension strut; - a filter block lower support (30) located between the filter block (20) and the bearing (2) and having an annular central portion (31) abutting a lower face (22) of the filter block (10) and traversed axially by a passage (33) for the end of the rod (102) of the damper (106), the filter block lower support (30) having an annular peripheral portion (32) surrounding the central portion (31), the filter block lower support (30) further having an upper face (35) facing the filter block (20) and an opposing lower face (36) for a shock pad (104) of the suspension; - a filter block cover (40) comprising a central portion (41) abutting an upper face (23) of the filter block (20), a peripheral portion (42) surrounding the central portion (41) and abutting the annular peripheral portion (32) of the lower support (30), the peripheral portion (42) of the cover (40) being provided with fastening openings (44) arranged radially outside the bearing (2) and configured to fasten the filtering sub-assembly (10) to a body element (103) of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the filter block cover (40) forms an outer protective skirt (49) located radially outside and at least partially opposite an outer peripheral face (82) of the bearing support (80) to delimit a sealing zigzag (83); and in that the filtering sub-assembly further comprises: - fastening means that secure the cover (40) to the filter block lower support (30) independently of the fastening openings (44), the filter block being pre-stressed between the lower support (30) and the filter block cover (40).

2. The top mount assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter block lower support (30) has: - a cylindrical skirt (39A) configured to be fitted in an adjusted manner with a cylindrical portion (72, 5A) of an intermediate support part (70) or the bearing (2); and - an outer transverse shoulder (39B) to abut an upper face (73, 5B) of said intermediate support piece (70) or the bearing (2).

3. The top mount assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter block lower support (30) is made of a single piece of metal.

4. The top mount assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter block cover (40) is made of plastic material(s), where appropriate with reinforcements or inserts.

5. The top mount assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means for securing the cover (40) with the filter block lower support (30) comprise: - at least one flap (50) for fastening the lower support (30) protruding from the annular peripheral portion (32) of the lower support (30); and - at least one fastening orifice (60) on the peripheral portion (42) of the cover (40) associated with the fastening flap (50) of the lower support (30) and crossed by a proximal portion (51) of the associated fastening flap (50) in an axial direction, a distal portion (52) of the associated fastening flap (50) extending at least along a component perpendicular to the axial direction overlapping with a mating surface on one side of the cover (40) opposite the peripheral portion (32) of the lower support (30) to ensure the fastening of the cover (40) with the lower support block support (30).

6. The top mount assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means for securing the cover (40) with the filter block lower support (30) comprise at least one fastening per threading.

7. The top mount assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral portion (42) surrounds the lower support (30).

8. The top mount assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a rigid intermediate support part (70) abutting the bearing (2) and forming a support cradle supporting the filtering sub-assembly (10).

9. The top mount assembly (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises the intermediate support part (70) and the bearing support (80) delimit at least partly an annular volume (3) for the bearing (2).

10. The top mount assembly (100) according any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the baffle (83) provides a resilient attachment of cohesion between the bearing support (80) and the cover (40) before mounting on the body element (103) of the motor vehicle.

11. The top mount assembly (100) according to claim 8 or 9, or claim 10 as dependent on at least claim 8, characterized in that the intermediate support part (70) or the bearing support (80) comprises an inner skirt (71, 84) positioned radially inside the bearing (2), the inner skirt (71, 84) preferably comprising a hooking shape for an upper end of the shock pad (104).

12. A suspension strut for a motor vehicle, comprising a coil spring (105), a telescopic damper (106), and a shock pad (104), characterized in that it further comprises a top mount assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.