Mounting bracket for a leaf spring on an automotive vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing flange (1) for a leaf spring (10) for a motor vehicle, the fixing flange (1) comprising a plate (11) forming a base for the leaves (10) of the leaf spring (10), and at least one assembly bracket (12) comprising a U-shaped clamping rod (120) of which a first end (121) is fixed securely to the plate (11) through a hole provided on said plate (11). According to the invention, a second end (124) of the clamping rod (120) of at least one assembly bracket (12) comprises a retaining element (123) forming a protrusion extending from the clamping rod (120) and configured to form a shoulder against the lower side (111) of the plate (11), the clamping rod (120) extending – at its second end (124) – through an opening (13) leading to a lateral edge (112) of the plate (11). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Mounting bracket for a leaf spring for a motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of the connecting elements of a motor vehicle wheel to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and in particular its shock absorbers. More specifically, the invention relates to a mounting bracket for a leaf spring for a motor vehicle.

[0002] The scope of the present invention is limited to shock absorbers for motor vehicles equipped with a leaf spring. A leaf spring is formed of several metal leaves stacked one on top of the other and having different lengths, such that, for a given longitudinal position, the leaf spring exhibits a progressive stacking of leaves. Thus, the progressive stacking of the metal leaves results in the leaf spring having a variable and progressive thickness, which leads to variable and progressive flexibility: the portion of the leaf spring formed by the largest stacking of metal leaves is stiffer than the portion of the leaf spring formed by just one or a few metal leaves. Consequently, this flexibility allows for elastic deformation of the leaf spring and enables its use as a shock absorber for motor vehicles to absorb mechanical energy.

[0003] In the context of the present invention, the metal blades are rectangular and flat. The metal blades are generally straight and have a straight, trapezoidal, or parabolic end, for example. The metal blades are all clamped to each other and then assembled to a frame by means of one or two fixing clamps.

[0004] In the prior art, for example, document KR10033591 IB 1 is known, which describes a mounting bracket for a leaf spring for a motor vehicle, the mounting bracket comprising:

[0005] - a plate intended to accommodate a stack of flat blades of the leaf spring;

[0006] - two mounting brackets for attaching the mounting flange to a chassis element of the For a motor vehicle, each assembly bracket has a U-shaped clamping rod, the two ends of which are inserted into the mounting plate through a hole in the plate and held against the plate by tightening with a nut that engages with a threaded portion of the clamping rod. Thus, the clamping of the mounting bracket, and in particular of each assembly bracket on the plate, is achieved by inserting the end of the clamping rod into the corresponding hole and then tightening the nut against the threaded portion of the clamping rod and against the... lower side of the turntable.

[0007] The drawback of this fastening bracket lies in its complexity of implementation and the large number of operations required to attach each assembly bracket to the plate. This results in an increase in assembly time and, ultimately, a lengthening of assembly operations on the assembly lines.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a new fixing flange in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to facilitate the mounting of the fixing flange while retaining the mechanical properties of known fixing flanges.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to reduce the number of operations required to assemble such a fixing flange.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a mounting bracket for a leaf spring for a motor vehicle, the mounting bracket comprising:

[0012] - a plate intended to accommodate a stack of flat blades of the leaf spring;

[0013] - at least one mounting bracket for the fixing flange on a chassis element of the motor vehicle, each at least one assembly bracket comprising a U-shaped clamping rod, one end of which is engaged in the plate through a hole provided on the plate, the clamping rod being fixed securely to the plate by a clamping means.

[0014] According to the invention, a second end of the clamping rod of at least one assembly bracket has a retaining element forming a protrusion which extends projecting from the clamping rod, and the plate has an opening leading to a lateral edge of said plate, so that the clamping rod can be engaged through the opening and from the lateral edge, the second end being located on a lower side of the plate and the clamping rod being located on a higher side of said guide plate.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the plate forms a base for attaching each assembly bracket. Once attached to the plate, each assembly bracket extends outward from the plate and forms a loop beyond it, with a second free end of the clamping rod also attached to the plate. The plate has a general plate-like shape, for example, a rectangular shape. In the context of the present invention, the plate can be made of any material, and in particular of a metallic material.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the assembly bracket forms an assembly loop for connecting the mounting flange to a chassis element of the motor vehicle. Each assembly bracket is attached to the plate and fixed securely. clearly to it by detachable fastening means, that is to say, each assembly bracket can be successively mounted on the plate and then detached from the plate. Each assembly bracket is made of a rigid material, preferably metallic, such as steel. The assembly bracket includes the clamping rod, which is formed by a metal rod shaped to form a loop. Advantageously, the clamping rod comprises three consecutive linear segments, each linear segment being perpendicular to the next.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the plate has a hole through which the clamping rod is inserted to be secured to said plate. More particularly, the clamping rod is inserted into the hole at its first end. The first end is located at a free edge of the first linear segment forming the clamping rod.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the clamping means is configured to cooperate with the first end of the clamping rod and with the plate, so as to maintain the first end of said clamping rod against the plate. The retaining element is, for example, of the type of a clamping element against the plate.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the through-opening is an opening formed in the plate and which passes completely through the plate between its lower and upper sides, so as to allow the clamping rod to be inserted, at its second end, through the through-opening and the plate. Cleverly, the through-opening is delimited by an open peripheral contour, that is to say, opening onto the lateral edge of the plate, so that the clamping rod can be inserted into the through-opening by a translational movement of the clamping rod perpendicular to itself.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the retaining element is configured to collaborate with the second end of the clamping rod and with the plate, so as to keep the second end of said clamping rod in contact with the plate, once the second end has been engaged through the opening.

[0021] Thus, the mounting flange according to the first aspect of the invention allows for easier assembly through a simpler and less complex mounting of the clamping rod in the corresponding opening. More specifically, the mounting flange according to the first aspect of the invention eliminates the need for the nuts and washers known to interact with each end of the clamping rod, replacing them—at the second end, with the retaining element and, at the plate, with the opening—in order to allow the clamping rod to be engaged in the opening by a lateral movement and to prevent its extraction. the clamping rod out of the opening by a translational movement parallel to the clamping rod taken at its second end.

[0022] The mounting flange according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0023] - the retaining element extends radially beyond the clamping rod, so that form a bearing surface against the underside of the plate. In particular, a radial dimension of the retaining element is greater than a diameter of the opening provided in the plate. This advantageous configuration prevents the second end of the clamping rod from being extracted from the opening by a translational movement perpendicular to the plate;

[0024] - a shape and / or lateral dimensions of the retaining element - taken in a The plane parallel to the elongation plane of the plate is greater than that of the through hole in the plate, measured in the same plane. This advantageous configuration prevents the retaining element from being extracted from the through opening by a translational movement perpendicular to the plate. For example, the retaining element has a circular cross-section with a diameter greater than that of the through opening in the plate. Alternatively, the retaining element has a cross-section with a different shape than the through opening, so as to prevent the retaining element from passing through the through opening.

[0025] - for example, the retaining element forms a prismatic span and / or a span conical located in the extension of the clamping rod, at the level of the second end;

[0026] - the through opening is delimited by an open peripheral contour which opens onto the lateral edge of the plate. Thus, the through hole has, at the lateral edge of the plate, an insertion channel for the clamping rod. At the lateral edge, a dimension of the insertion channel is greater than a diameter of the clamping rod, so as to allow the passage of the clamping rod from the lateral edge - through the insertion channel - towards the through hole;

[0027] - according to a first embodiment, the prismatic span is made of material with the clamping rod. In the context of the present invention, “made of material” means that the retaining element and the clamping rod are made from the same manufacturing process and that they cannot be separated from each other without one and / or the other being totally or partially damaged or destroyed;

[0028] - according to a second embodiment, the prismatic span is reported on the clamping rod and fixed securely to the second end in a non-deformable manner stainable. More generally, the retaining element is attached to the clamping rod and fixed securely to the second end in a non-removable manner. By non-removable fixing, it is understood that the retaining element and the clamping rod are not intended to be able to be separated from each other without being partially or totally damaged. By non-removable fixing, it is understood, for example, that the retaining element is glued or welded to the second end of the clamping rod;

[0029] - the fixing flange has two assembly riders, each rider The assembly features an opening that leads to the same lateral edge of the plate. The two assembly brackets are located on either side of the plate. The openings associated with the assembly brackets are both located near the same lateral edge of the plate. This advantageous configuration simplifies the mounting of the assembly brackets on the plate, depending on the available space around it.

[0030] - the means for clamping the first end of the clamping rod onto the plate includes at least one clamping nut collaborating with a threaded part of the clamping rod at its second end, the clamping nut being placed against the lower side of the plate.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a damping assembly is proposed comprising a leaf spring having a plurality of flat leaves stacked one on top of the other and held stacked by a fixing flange according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising at least one damping assembly conforming to the second aspect of the invention, each damping assembly being associated with a wheel of the motor vehicle.

[0033] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of a flange of fixation conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0036] [Fig.2] illustrates a detailed view of the second end of the assembly rider of the fixing flange illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0037] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic view of the assembly of the fixing flange shown in [Fig.1],

[0038] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0039] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0040] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0041] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, the invention relates to a mounting flange 1 for a leaf spring 10 for a motor vehicle, the mounting flange 1 comprising:

[0042] - a plate 11 intended to accommodate a stack of flat spring blades 10 blades 10;

[0043] - at least one assembly bracket 12 of the mounting flange 1 on an element of chassis of the motor vehicle, each at least one assembly bracket 12 comprising a U-shaped clamping rod 120, the first end of which 121 is engaged in the plate 11 through a hole 14 provided on the plate 11, the clamping rod 120 being fixed securely to the plate 11 by a clamping means.

[0044] The plate is a flat, plate-like shape. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, the plate is a general rectangular shape, delimited by lateral edges on one side, and by a lower side 111 and an upper side 113.

[0045] Each assembly jumper 12 extends beyond the plate 11, that is, beyond the upper side 113. In particular, each assembly jumper 12 is configured to be inserted through the plate 11.

[0046] To this end, each assembly bracket 12 has a "U" shape or, more generally, an open frame shape. In other words, each assembly bracket 12 extends in a plane and in a generally rectangular shape, while retaining an open side through which it interacts with the plate 11.

[0047] As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, each assembly bracket 12 has a clamping rod 120 which includes:

[0048] - a first linear segment configured to collaborate with the turntable 11. The The first linear segment has a first free end 121 configured to be engaged in a hole 14 provided on the plate 11. When the clamping rod 120 is assembled on the plate 11, the first linear segment extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the plate 11;

[0049] - a second linear segment which extends in line with the first linear segment inclined relative to said first linear segment. The second linear segment forms, for example, a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular angle with the first linear segment;

[0050] - a third linear segment which extends in line with the second The first linear segment is inclined relative to the second linear segment. The first linear segment, the second linear segment, and the third linear segment together form a single plane. The third linear segment extends parallel to the first linear segment. The third segment has a second free end 124 configured to engage in an opening 13 provided in the plate 11. When the clamping rod 120 is assembled onto the plate 11, the third linear segment extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the plate 11.

[0051] Thus, the linear segments forming the clamping rod 120 together form an arch which extends beyond the plate 11 in order to allow the fixing flange 1 to be fixed with a chassis element of the motor vehicle.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the mounting flange 1 comprises exactly two assembly brackets 12, each assembly bracket 12 interacting with the plate 11 at its first end 121 and its second end 124. In particular, at its first end 121, the clamping rod 120 is engaged in a hole 14 provided on the plate 11. The first end 121 of the clamping rod 120 of each assembly bracket 12 is advantageously threaded to allow interaction with a clamping nut 122. The clamping nut 122 bears against the lower side 111 of the plate 11 and holds the clamping rod 120 in contact at its first end 121.

[0053] In a particularly advantageous manner, the invention provides for a different assembly of the second end 124 of the clamping rod 120 with the mounting plate 11. Thus, rather than implementing a device similar to that implemented at the first end 121, the second end 124 of the clamping rod 120 of each assembly bracket 12 has a retaining element 123 configured to cooperate with the associated opening 13 formed on the plate 11.

[0054] The through opening 13 forms an oblong opening 13 in the plate 11, passing through the plate 11 between its upper side 113 and its lower side 111, so as to allow the clamping rod 120 to pass through said through opening 13. However, the invention provides that the shape of the through opening 13 does not allow the retaining element 123 to pass through said opening 13. through: only the passage of the bridle rod 120 – and in particular its third segment – ​​is made possible. For this purpose, the retaining element 123 formed at the second end 124 of the bridge rod has a protrusion that extends outward from the bridle rod 120. In particular, the shape and dimensions of the retaining element 123 are such that it is not possible for it to pass through the through opening 13.

[0055] As can be seen in more detail in [Fig.2], the retaining element 123 forms a cylindrical and / or conical bearing surface formed directly from the second end 124, so as to form a shoulder collaborating with the lower side 111 of the plate 11.

[0056] In order to allow the engagement of the clamping rod 120 through the opening 13, said opening 13 opens onto the lateral edge 112 of the plate 11. In particular, the opening 13 is delimited by a peripheral contour which opens at the level of the lateral edge 112 of the plate 11. Thus, the opening 13 has an insertion channel 131 which opens, on one side, at the level of the lateral edge 112 of the plate 11 and, on the other side, into the opening 13 through which the clamping rod 120 is engaged when the fixing flange 1 is assembled.

[0057] The dimensions of the insertion channel 131 are such that it is possible to pass the clamping rod 120 through it by a translational movement towards the opening 13. However, the dimensions of the insertion channel 131 are such that it is not possible to pass the retaining element 123 through it.

[0058] Thus, the fixing flange 1 is configured to make the second end 124 of the clamping rod 120, the opening 13 and the retaining element 123 collaborate in order to form a shoulder allowing the clamping rod 120 - at the level of its second end 124 and its retaining element 123 - to be stopped in translation against the lower side 111 of the plate 11.

[0059] Advantageously, as can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, the through openings 13 of the plate 11 are arranged near the same lateral edge 112 of said plate 11.

[0060] With reference to [Fig.3], the fixing flange 1 according to the invention now allows for simplified assembly:

[0061] - during a first step, the bridle rod 120 of each rider The assembly 12 is engaged – at its second end 124 – in the opening 13 from the plate 11. For this purpose, the third linear segment of the clamping rod 120 is engaged in the insertion channel 131 by a translational movement perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the third linear segment. Then, the clamping rod 120 is translated into the opening 13 leading out so that the retaining element 123 is placed against the lower side 111 of the plate 11;

[0062] - then, in a second step, the first end 121 of the stem of clamping 120 of each assembly rider 12 is engaged in the hole 14 opening from the plate 11;

[0063] - finally, during a third step, the first end 121 of the stem of clamping 120 of each assembly rider 12 is clamped against the lower side 111 of the plate 11 by tightening with a clamping nut 122 accompanied by a thrust washer.

[0064] This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for a simplified and faster assembly of the assembly jumpers 12 on the plate 11.

[0065] In summary, the invention relates to a mounting bracket 1 for a leaf spring 10 for a motor vehicle, the mounting bracket 1 comprising a plate 11 forming a base for the leaves 10 of the leaf spring 10, and at least one assembly bracket 12 comprising a U-shaped clamping rod 120, a first end 121 of which is fixed rigidly to the plate 11 through a hole 14 provided on said plate 11. According to the invention, a second end 124 of the clamping rod 120 of the at least one assembly bracket 12 comprises a retaining element 123 forming a protrusion that extends projecting from the clamping rod 120 and is configured to form a shoulder against the lower side 111 of the plate 11, the clamping rod 120 extending – at its second end 124 – to through an opening 13 leading onto a lateral edge 112 of the plate 11.

[0066] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. Mounting bracket (1) for a leaf spring (10) for a motor vehicle, the mounting bracket (1) comprising: - a plate (11) intended to receive stacked flat leaves (10) of the leaf spring (10); - at least one assembly bracket (12) for mounting the mounting bracket (1) on a chassis element of the motor vehicle, each at least one assembly bracket (12) comprising a U-shaped clamping rod (120) of which a first end (121) is engaged in the plate (11) through a hole (14) provided on the plate (11), the clamping rod (120) being fixed securely to the plate (11) by a clamping means; characterized in that a second end (124) of the clamping rod (120) of at least one assembly rider (12) has a retaining element (123) forming a protrusion which extends projecting from the clamping rod (120);and in that the plate (11) has an opening (13) leading to a lateral edge (112) of said plate (11), so that the clamping rod (120) can be engaged through the opening (13) and from the lateral edge (112), the second end (124) being located on a lower side (111) of the plate (11) and the clamping rod (120) being located on an upper side (113) of said guide plate (11).

2. Fixing flange (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining element (123) extends radially beyond the clamping rod (120), so as to form a bearing surface against the lower side (111) of the plate (11).

3. Fixing flange (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining element (123) forms a prismatic bearing surface and / or a conical bearing surface located in the extension of the clamping rod (120), at the level of the second end (124).

4. Fixing flange (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the prismatic bearing surface is formed from material with the clamping rod (120).

5. Fixing flange (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the prismatic bearing surface is attached to the clamping rod (120) and fixed securely to the second end (124) in a non-detachable manner.

6. Fixing flange (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing flange (1) comprises two assembly riders (12), each assembly rider (12) collaborating with an opening (13) leading to the same lateral edge (112) of the plate (11).

7. Fixing flange (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means of the first end (121) of the clamping rod (120) on the plate (11) comprises at least one clamping nut (122) cooperating with a threaded portion of the clamping rod (120) at its second end (124), the clamping nut (122) being pressed against the lower side (111) of the plate (H).

8. Damping assembly (2) comprising a leaf spring (10) having a plurality of flat leaves (10) stacked one on top of the other and held stacked by a fixing flange (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Motor vehicle comprising at least one damping assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, each damping assembly (2) being associated with a wheel of the motor vehicle.

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