Single-screw attachment of a shock absorber to a wheel support

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (26) for a motor vehicle suspension system. The assembly comprises: a shock absorber (24) with a lower base (50); a wheel support (22), such as a steering knuckle, with a fixing branch (30) and a connecting zone (54) for a wheel; a connecting piece (28) for connecting the lower base of the shock absorber to the wheel support, said connecting piece (28) comprising a fixing recess (32) with an internal surface (56) housing the fixing branch. The assembly comprises a single fixing axis (34) fixing the fixing branch in the fixing recess. The fixing branch (30) comprises rotation locking means (60) around the single fixing axis (34), said rotation locking means (60) cooperating with said internal surface (56) in order to maintain the orientation of the shock absorber (24) relative to the wheel support (22). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Single-screw attachment of a shock absorber to a wheel support

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle suspensions. The invention relates to the attachment of a motor vehicle shock absorber, and more particularly to the attachment between the shock absorber and the wheel support. The subject of the invention is an assembly for a motor vehicle suspension system. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle.

[0002] Currently, it is known that the majority of motor vehicles have a front wheel set with independent suspensions, for example of the MacPherson type or derivative. Each half-set may in particular include a shock absorber, which is connected to the wheel support, itself connected to the wheel on the one hand and to the steering system on the other hand. The shock absorber can be attached to the wheel support by means of a connecting piece located at the base of the shock absorber and which is fixed to the wheel support using two screws tightened by two nuts. As a result, the shock absorber is made integral with the wheel support in all directions, while allowing it to be easily removed and replaced.

[0003] Such an arrangement is for example presented in document FR3045501B1 which describes a wheel set comprising a suspension arm connected to the steering knuckle on one side and to deformable shims on the other side. This attachment uses two screws, two nuts and requires as many holes machined in the connecting part. The cost of such an assembly becomes significant when it is used in large series, such as in the context of motor vehicle production.

[0004] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to reduce the cost of an assembly for a motor vehicle suspension system. The invention also aims to optimize the positioning accuracy, strength, safety and assembly costs of an assembly for independent suspension for a motor vehicle.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a motor vehicle suspension system, said assembly comprising: a shock absorber with a lower base; a wheel support with a fixing branch and a connection zone for a wheel of said motor vehicle; a connecting piece of the lower base of the shock absorber to the wheel support, said connecting piece comprising a fixing recess with an internal surface housing the fixing branch; remarkable in that the assembly comprises a single fixing axis fixing the branch fixing in the fixing recess; and in that the fixing branch comprises rotation locking means around the single fixing axis, said rotation locking means cooperating with said internal surface in order to maintain the orientation of the shock absorber relative to the wheel support.

[0006] The invention simplifies the fixing thanks to a single fixing axis. This saves time and limits the operations necessary for fixing. Furthermore, the cooperation between the rotation locking means and the internal surface of the fixing recess compensates for the presence of a single fixing axis in order to maintain the robustness of the assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the fixing branch comprises a lower section extending mainly vertically and a horizontal section extending from the lower section and forming the rotation locking means; preferably, the lower section extends vertically to the internal surface.

[0008] Preferably, the rotation locking means comprise an upper surface; the upper surface being against the internal surface of the fixing recess in order to ensure rotation locking; preferably the upper surface is horizontal.

[0009] Preferably, the rotation locking means comprise a vertical surface transversely against the connecting part in order to ensure rotation locking; preferably the vertical surface forms a transverse end of the fixing branch.

[0010] Preferably, the rotation locking means comprise a lower surface; the lower surface being against the internal surface of the fixing recess in order to ensure rotation locking; preferably the lower surface is horizontal.

[0011] Preferably, the single fixing axis passes longitudinally through the fixing branch; the rotation locking means are at a distance from the single fixing axis.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting piece comprises a block of material surrounding the internal surface; preferably, the block of material surrounds the fixing branch.

[0013] Preferably, the single fixing axis passes through the internal surface and the block of material.

[0014] Preferably, the rotation locking means are vertically at the level of the lower base and / or transversely at a distance from the lower base.

[0015] Preferably, vertically at the level of the horizontal section, the connecting part comprises clamping surfaces capable of cooperating with the single fixing axis.

[0016] Preferably, the upper surface is at the top of the fixing branch, and / or at the top of the horizontal section.

[0017] Preferably, the lower section extends from the horizontal section to the connecting zone.

[0018] Preferably, the vertical surface connects the lower surface to the upper surface.

[0019] Preferably, the single fixing axis is vertically spaced from the lower surface and the upper surface and / or the vertical surface.

[0020] Preferably, the single fixing axis is parallel to the upper surface and / or to the lower surface; and / or to the vertical surface.

[0021] Preferably, the single fixing axis is centered relative to the upper surface and / or the lower surface; and / or the vertical surface.

[0022] Preferably, the rotation locking means are at a distance from the single fixing axis.

[0023] Preferably, the fixing branch comprises longitudinally opposite lateral cheeks against the internal surface of the fixing recess, the single fixing axis passing through said lateral cheeks.

[0024] Preferably, the transverse end is formed by the horizontal section.

[0025] Preferably, the transverse end has a rectangular profile and the internal surface has a complementary shape.

[0026] Preferably, the fixing branch extends mainly vertically.

[0027] Preferably, the internal surface is mechanically adjusted to the fixing branch.

[0028] Preferably, the lower section extends transversely to the internal surface.

[0029] Preferably, the internal surface comprises five faces.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a suspension system with an assembly, remarkable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention.

[0031] Preferably, the suspension system comprises a suspension arm pivotally connected to the wheel support.

[0032] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a steering system coupled to the wheel support.

[0033] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0034] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0035] [Fig.l] is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] is a side view of an assembly for a vehicle suspension system automobile according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] [Fig. 3] shows an exploded view of the various elements of an assembly in the attachment region between the shock absorber and the wheel support, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig.4] shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connecting piece containing the horizontal section of the fixing branch inside the fixing recess, of an assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.5] shows a cross-sectional view of the attachment between the shock absorber and the wheel support of an assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of".

[0041] In the present description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0042] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0043] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0044] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly configuration of the assembly, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0045] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0046] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms a outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the loading trunk, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 can be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0048] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems 14, the steering system 16, the braking systems (not shown). Suspension systems 14 and the steering system 16 are generally associated with the front wheels, also called steered wheels. Generally, the steering system can be associated with any wheel 18 of the motor vehicle. Each braking system commonly comprises a disc housed in a wheel, and a caliper cooperating by friction with the disc.

[0049] Each suspension system 14 comprises at least one suspension arm 20, generally called a suspension wishbone. The suspension arm 20 is pivotally mounted to the structure 12 and connected to the wheel support 22. The wheel support 22 is connected to the suspension arm in a rotatable manner, in particular with a ball joint in order to allow the movements of the steering system 16.

[0050] The suspension system 14 also comprises a shock absorber 24, which is also connected to the wheel support 22. The shock absorber 24 is a device capable of dissipating the energy of the oscillations of the wheel support 22. The wheel support 22 may be a hub carrier. The shock absorber 24 is generally associated with a suspension spring 25. The suspension spring 25 may be a helical spring. The structure 12 bears on said suspension spring 25.

[0051] The suspension system 14 is an independent wheel suspension system, for which the left half-wheel set is physically decoupled from the right half-wheel set, and where the shock absorber 24 is mounted on the wheel support 22. The suspension system 14 may for example be of the type designated by the Anglo-Saxon term "MacPherson", or derived such as a "pseudo-MacPherson" suspension. The wheel support 22 may be a steering pivot, or a steering knuckle. It has in its center a circular passage for the axis of a wheel 18, or of a wheel knuckle. Several branches surround this circular passage, and are connected respectively to the steering system 16, to the suspension arm 20, and to the shock absorber 24.

[0052] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0053] [Fig. 2] illustrates an assembly 26 for a motor vehicle suspension system according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0054] The assembly 26 comprises a shock absorber 24 carrying a connecting piece 28 which is connected to the wheel support 22 via a fixing branch 30. The connecting piece 28 is arranged at the lower base 50 of the shock absorber 24, i.e. in the lower part. The connecting piece 28 comprises a fixing recess 32 with an internal surface housing the fixing branch 30. The assembly comprises a single fixing axis 34 passing through the fixing branch 30 in the fixing recess 32.

[0055] The fixing branch 30 comprises rotation locking means 60 around the single fixing axis 34. The rotation locking means 60 cooperate with said internal surface of the fixing recess 32 in order to maintain the orientation of the connecting part 28 relative to the fixing branch 30; and therefore between the shock absorber 24 relative to the wheel support 22. The fixing branch 30 comprises an external surface, said external surface forms the rotation locking means 60.

[0056] The connecting piece 28 is integral with the shock absorber 24. It can be fixed to an external tube forming the lower base 50 of the shock absorber 24, or be fitted to the lower base 50 of the latter. It comprises, for example, a horizontal flange for fixing equipment such as sensors.

[0057] The fixing branch 30 is elongated. It forms a connecting branch. It allows a vertical and / or transverse offset of the shock absorber 24 relative to a connecting zone 54 of a wheel (not shown). The connecting zone 54 comprises, for example, a bore for mounting bearings. It may comprise a mounting surface for a spindle. It receives an axle.

[0058] The single fixing axis 34 passes longitudinally through the fixing branch 30. According to one embodiment of the invention, the single fixing axis 34 is horizontal. This single fixing axis 34 is closed by reversible fixing means 48.

[0059] The shock absorber 24 comprises a sheath forming its lower base 50, and a rod above. The lower base 50 forms its lower end. The rod is capable of retracting into the sheath. It is an upper rod. Its upper end is intended to be fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle. The shock absorber 24 may be a gas shock absorber. It opposes a force against the movements of the telescopic rod, said force being proportional to the speed of movement of the telescopic rod. The shock absorber 24 further comprises a cup 52 intended to receive the suspension spring (not shown). The cup is horizontal, and secured to the lower base 50. The cup 52 surrounds the shock absorber, in particular the sheath.

[0060] [Fig. 3] shows in exploded view the different elements of the assembly 26 for a motor vehicle, according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0061] The fixing branch 30 extends mainly vertically. It comprises a lower section 36 extending mainly vertically, and a horizontal section 38 extending from the lower section 36. It extends it. They each comprise a profiled shape according to their main direction. The horizontal section 38 is inclined relative to the lower section 36, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°.

[0062] The horizontal section 38 forms the rotation locking means 60. The lower section 36 extends vertically to the internal surface 56 formed by the fixing recess 32. The lower section 36 extends transversely to said internal surface 56. The horizontal section 38 extends into the fixing recess 32. The latter envelops it. The horizontal section 38 is delimited longitudinally by lateral cheeks 46 which are connected by a fixing orifice 58.

[0063] The wheel support 22 is a single piece. The fixing branch 30 is made of a single piece simultaneously with the lower and front branches of the wheel support 22. Preferably, the wheel support 22 is made of metal, for example steel or aluminum. It can be cast or forged.

[0064] The rotation locking means 60 comprise an upper surface 40, preferably at the top of the fixing branch 30. The upper surface 40 is formed by the horizontal section 38. The upper surface 40 is horizontal. It is flat. The upper surface 40 is intended to be against the internal surface 56 of the fixing recess 32 in order to ensure rotation locking around the single fixing axis 34. The internal surface 56 has five faces. The upper surface 40 is intended to match one of the faces of the internal surface 56. These faces are preferably orthogonal. The fixing recess 32 has an open face.

[0065] The rotation locking means 60 comprise a vertical surface 42 transversely against the connecting piece 28 in order to ensure rotation locking. The vertical surface 42 forms a transverse end of the fixing branch 30. It is materialized by the horizontal section 38. It extends above and below the single fixing axis 34 in order to ensure locking in both directions of rotation.

[0066] The rotation locking means 60 comprise a lower surface 44. The lower surface 44 is against the internal surface 56 of the fixing recess 32 in order to ensure rotation locking. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower surface 44 is horizontal. It forms the lower side of the end of the fixing branch 30, materialized by the horizontal section 38. The single axis of rotation is centered relative to the upper surface 40 and to the lower surface 44.

[0067] The rotation locking means 60 are vertically at the level of the lower base 50 and / or transversely at a distance from the lower base 50 of the shock absorber 24. This optimizes compactness and ease of assembly. The arrangement at the same level reduces the mechanical torque around the single fixing axis 34 between the shock absorber 24 and the fixing branch 30.

[0068] Fixing orifices 58 pass through the fixing branch 30, at the level of its horizontal section 38, as well as in the connecting part 28. In the mounting configuration, they are aligned in order to allow the single fixing axis 34 to pass. According to one embodiment of the invention, these fixing orifices 58 are cut by machining.

[0069] The fixing orifices 58 receiving the single fixing axis 34 are used to insert the reversible fixing means 48. The reversible fixing means 48 lock the assembly between the wheel support 22 and the shock absorber 24 in its translational movement along the Y axis in the direction opposite to that of the assembly. In general, the single fixing axis 34 secures the transverse position of the fixing branch 30 in the fixing recess 32 by removing a degree of freedom.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reversible fixing means 48 comprise a screw and a nut, or a bolt and a nut, or a stud and a nut, or another reversible fixing assembly based on a rod which will pass through the fixing holes 58.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external faces of the connecting piece 28 around the fixing orifices 58 housing the single fixing axis 34 can be flat so as to facilitate the tightening of the reversible fixing means 48.

[0072] According to an alternative of the invention, the single fixing axis is vertical. The fixing holes are vertical.

[0073] According to an alternative of the invention, the upper surface comprises a longitudinal notch receiving the single fixing axis in order to transversely block the fixing branch.

[0074] [Fig. 4] shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connecting piece 28 containing the horizontal section 38 of the fixing branch 30 inside the fixing recess 32 for a motor vehicle assembly 26, according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 3. The section is along the fixing orifices 58.

[0075] The connecting piece 28 comprises a block of material 62. The block of material 62 is made in one piece. The block of material 62 comprises a solid area with a thickness of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm. It delimits the fixing recess 32. It surrounds the internal surface 56. The block of material 62 surrounds the fixing branch at its horizontal section 38. The block of material 62 is against the shock absorber.

[0076] The single fixing axis (not shown) passes through the internal surface 56 and the block of material 62. The fixing orifices 58 pass through the block of material 62, preferably longitudinally. They delimit a through passage.

[0077] The fixing branch comprises at its horizontal section 38 cheeks lateral cheeks 46 longitudinally opposed and against the internal surface of the fixing recess 32, the single fixing axis passing through said lateral cheeks 46. The lateral cheeks 46 are opposed along the single fixing axis.

[0078] Vertically at the level of the horizontal section 38, the connecting piece 28 has clamping surfaces 64. The clamping surfaces 64 are flat and parallel. They are intended to surround the single fixing axis (not shown). The reversible fixing means bear against the clamping surfaces 64. They are extended in order to lighten the connecting piece 28 while optimizing rigidity.

[0079] According to an alternative of the invention, the rotation locking means comprise asperities formed on the side cheeks.

[0080] According to an alternative of the invention, the rotation locking means comprise transverse ribs on the lateral cheeks. The internal surface comprises complementary ribs. These ribs are in the direction of insertion of the fixing branch.

[0081] [Fig. 5] shows a cross-sectional view of the interlocking interface between the shock absorber 24 and the wheel support 22 of an assembly 26 for a motor vehicle, according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 4. The section is perpendicular to the single fixing axis 34.

[0082] The rotation locking means 60 are enclosed in the fixing recess 32. They fit the internal surface 56. The vertical surface 42 vertically connects the lower surface 44 to the upper surface 40 at the level of the horizontal section 38. These surfaces fit the internal surface 56 of the fixing recess 32. The surfaces are combined in order to provide supports and therefore rotation locking. The fixing recess 32 masks the horizontal section 38.

[0083] The connecting piece 28, via the fixing recess 32, forms a female piece receiving the fixing branch 30, and which is therefore the male piece. The invention proposes a rotational locking by engagement of material. The fixing branch 30 is thus fitted into the connecting piece 28. The connecting piece 28 comprises flanges 66 enclosing the lower base 50. The flanges 66 surround the sheath of the shock absorber 24. They extend from the block of material 62.

[0084] The single fixing axis 34 is vertically spaced from the lower surface 44 and the upper surface 40. It is transversely spaced from the vertical surface 42. The lower surface 44 and the upper surface 40 are parallel in order to facilitate the introduction of the fixing branch 30 into the fixing recess 32.

[0085] The fixing branch 30 connects the connection zone 54 to the shock absorber 24. The horizontal section 38 forms an elbow on the lower section 36. The connection zone 54 is connected to the horizontal section 38 via the lower section 36. It is crossed by the axis rotation 72 of the associated wheel. The connecting zone 54 is a bore passing through the wheel support 22. The connecting zone 54 is intended to be crossed by a transmission shaft. It comprises fixing grooves 68.

[0086] The fixing branch 30 comprises a transverse end 70 formed by its horizontal section 38 and fixed in the fixing recess 32 by the single fixing axis 34. The transverse end 70 is a portion of the horizontal section 38 which is delimited by the vertical surface 42. Preferably, the transverse end 70, and therefore the horizontal section 38, has a rectangular profile. The internal surface 56 of the fixing recess 32 has a complementary shape, in particular a complementary profile.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said internal surface 56 comprises five faces (three visible). It is mechanically adjusted to the fixing branch 30 at the horizontal section 38. By mechanical adjustment is meant a set of the two dimensions of the assembly of the wheel support 22 and the fixing branch 30; such that these parts have the same nominal dimension but different tolerances in order to provide tightening.

[0088] Thus, the wheel support 22 is fixed to the shock absorber 24 by simply fitting the horizontal section 38 of the fixing branch 30 into the fixing recess 32. The wheel support 22 is then locked in rotation in all directions and in translation along the three axes with the exception of the transverse axis, in the opposite direction to that of the assembly. The introduction of the single fixing axis 34 makes it possible to eliminate this latter movement and to completely fix the assembly, while preserving a simple possibility of detaching the assembly in order to change an element, for example the shock absorber 24.

[0089] The rotation locking means 60 are at a distance from the single fixing axis 34. The single fixing axis 34 is parallel to at least one of the surfaces chosen from the upper surface 40, the vertical surface 42 and the lower surface 44; preferably parallel to each of its surfaces. The arrangement optimizes rotation locking and ease of assembly.

[0090] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0091] Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (26) for a suspension system (14) of a motor vehicle (10), said assembly (26) comprising: a shock absorber (24) with a lower base (50); a wheel support (22) with a fixing branch (30) and a connecting zone (54) of a wheel (18) of said motor vehicle (10); a connecting piece (28) of the lower base (50) of the shock absorber (24) to the wheel support (22), said connecting piece (28) comprising a fixing recess (32) with an internal surface (56) housing the fixing branch (30); characterized in that the assembly (26) comprises a single fixing axis (34) fixing the fixing branch (30) in the fixing recess (32);and in that the fixing branch (30) comprises rotation locking means (60) around the single fixing axis (34), said rotation locking means (60) cooperating with said internal surface (56) in order to maintain the orientation of the shock absorber (24) relative to the wheel support (22).;

2. Assembly (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing branch (30) comprises a lower section (36) extending mainly vertically and a horizontal section (38) extending from the lower section (36) and forming the rotation locking means (60); preferably, the lower section (36) extends vertically to the internal surface (56).

3. Assembly (26) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the rotation locking means (60) comprise an upper surface (40); the upper surface (40) being against the internal surface (56) of the fixing recess (32) in order to ensure rotation locking; preferably the upper surface (40) is horizontal.

4. Assembly (26) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotation locking means (60) comprise a vertical surface (42) transversely against the connecting piece (28) in order to ensure rotation locking; preferably the vertical surface (42) forms a transverse end (70) of the fixing branch (30).

5. Assembly (26) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotation locking means (60) comprise a lower surface (44); the lower surface (44) being against the internal surface (56) of the fixing recess (32) in order to ensure rotation locking; preferably the lower surface (44) is horizontal.

6. Assembly (26) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the single fixing axis (34) passes longitudinally through the fixing branch (30); the rotation locking means (60) are at a distance from the single fixing axis (34).

7. Assembly (26) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting piece (28) comprises a block of material (62) surrounding the internal surface (56); preferably, the block of material (62) surrounds the fixing branch (30).

8. Assembly (26) according to claim 7, characterized in that the single fixing axis (34) passes through the internal surface (56) and the block of material (62).

9. Assembly (26) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotation locking means (60) are vertically at the level of the lower base (50) and / or transversely at a distance from the lower base (50).

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a suspension system (14) with an assembly (26), characterized in that the assembly (26) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9; preferably, the suspension system (14) comprises a suspension arm (20) pivotally connected to the wheel support (22).

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