Vibration damping device

Abstract

Vibration damping device (1) comprising: - a body (70) having an opening (76) delimited by a wall (76A); - a ring (60) which bears, on one side, against the wall (76A) of the opening (76) and, on a second side, against a compressible element (50), such that the ring (60) compresses the compressible element (50) around a central portion (41); and - an adjustment device configured to decrease a cross-section of the opening (76) so that the ring (60) further compresses the compressible element (50) around the central portion (41). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Vibration damping device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration damping device. Technological background

[0002] Document EP 3 948 009 B1 relates to a vibration damping device which includes, among other things, a cage intended to surround a ball joint of a gear lever and a compressible elastomer element to dampen the vibrations that the driver could feel in the gear lever when he controls a gear change by means of the gear lever.

[0003] A vibration damping device of this type can provide a satisfactory level of driver comfort provided that the compressible element has properties adapted to the vibration profile. However, between different vehicle models or between different configurations of the same vehicle model, the vibration profile is likely to be different and / or the expected level of driver comfort is likely to be different. Therefore, a specific model of compressible element is usually provided for each vehicle model and for each configuration of the same vehicle model. But this necessitates designing different models of compressible elements and then maintaining stocks of these different models, which is not desirable from an economic and industrial standpoint. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a vibration damping device.

[0005] According to the invention, the vibration damping device comprises: - a body having an opening delimited by a wall; - a ring which is supported, on one side, against the wall of the opening and, on the other side, against a compressible element, so that the ring compresses the compressible element around a central portion; and - an adjustment device configured to decrease a cross-section of the opening so that the ring further compresses the compressible element around the central portion. Thanks to the adjustment mechanism, it is possible to vary the compression of the compressible element via the ring. Therefore, a single model of compressible element can be used, the compression of which can be adjusted during vehicle assembly, depending on the vehicle model and configuration. A vibration damping device according to the invention thus makes it possible to avoid designing and store a compressible element template for each vehicle model and for each configuration of the same vehicle model.

[0006] According to a possible feature of the invention, the vibration damping device further comprises a cage for surrounding a ball joint and a retaining member comprising said central portion, the central portion extending into the opening and being configured to hold the cage in the opening, and the compressible element surrounding said central portion.

[0007] According to a possible feature of the invention, the compressible element is made of elastomer.

[0008] According to one possible feature of the invention, the ring consists of a metal strip, in particular made of spring steel, the metal strip having a first end and a second end, and the metal strip being wound upon itself so as to present an overlap between the first end and the second end, said overlap increasing as the adjusting device decreases the cross-section of the opening. Thanks to the overlap, the compressible element is completely surrounded by the ring and is therefore held securely in place by the ring. Furthermore, the compressible element is not at risk of being pinched locally between the ends, which could damage it.

[0009] According to one possible feature of the invention, the compressible element has a plurality of through holes. With these through holes, the compressible element has a greater compression range than if it were solid in cross-section.

[0010] According to one possible feature of the invention, the compressible element comprises a plurality of peripheral projections, the ring bearing against these peripheral projections. These peripheral projections are separated by gaps. They can be arranged regularly around a central portion of the compressible element from which they project. With these peripheral projections and gaps, the compressible element exhibits a greater compression range than if it were solid in cross-section.

[0011] According to one possible feature of the invention, the body comprises two facing cheeks, the opening leading through a gap formed between the two cheeks, and the adjustment device comprises a screw passing through both cheeks and at least one nut screwed onto said screw. The adjustment device is then particularly simple to use, since it is sufficient to tighten or loosen said nut to vary the compression of the compressible element by the ring.

[0012] According to one possible feature of the invention, the adjustment device comprises two nuts screwed onto said screw. The presence of an additional nut tends to prevent a single nut from loosening under the effect of vibrations during use in the vehicle.

[0013] According to one possible feature of the invention, the screw comprises a screw head and one of the cheeks comprises a housing in which the screw head is at least partially housed, the housing and the screw head having complementary shapes. This prevents the screw from rotating when the nut or both nuts are screwed onto the threaded shank of the screw.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting such a vibration damping device.

[0015] According to the invention, the method comprises acting on the adjustment device of the vibration damping device so as to decrease a cross-section of the opening so that the ring compresses the compressible element more around the central portion.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a gearbox and a gear lever.

[0017] According to the invention, the gearbox and the gear lever are connected by a linkage interface comprising a ball joint and a cable, the assembly includes a vibration damping device as described above, the cage of the vibration damping device surrounding the ball joint, the body of the vibration damping device being disposed on a first end of a rod, and the cable being overmolded on a second end of the rod opposite the first end.

[0018] According to a possible feature of the invention, the body of the vibration damping device is made of polymer and is overmolded onto the first end of the rod.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting such an assembly, which can be implemented during the assembly of a vehicle comprising the assembly.

[0020] According to the invention, the method comprises acting on the adjustment device of the vibration damping device so as to decrease a cross-section of the opening so that the ring compresses the compressible element more around the central portion.

[0021] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an assembly. Brief description of the figures

[0022] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

[0023] [Fig. 1] is a very schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a gearbox and a gear lever,

[0024] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of a linkage interface that connects the gearbox and the gear lever,

[0025] [Fig.3] is another partial perspective view of the linking interface,

[0026] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of a vibration damping device which is included in detail A of [Fig.3],

[0027] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the vibration damping device,

[0028] [Fig.6] is a top view of the vibration damping device,

[0029] [Fig.7] is another top view of the vibration damping device,

[0030] [Fig.8] is yet another top view of the vibration damping device,

[0031] [Fig.9] is yet another top view of the vibration damping device, in a first state of a vibration damping device adjustment device,

[0032] [Fig. 10] is a top view analogous to [Fig.9], in a second state of the adjustment device. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0033] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0034] For the purposes of the description, reference will be made to a direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system classically used in automotive design, in which the X axis designates the front-to-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle, the Z axis designates the vertical direction, and is oriented upwards.

[0035] Figure 1 schematically represents a vehicle 1000 comprising a gearbox 1020 and a gear lever 1002. The gear lever 1002 is located inside the passenger compartment 1001 of the vehicle 1000, while the gearbox 1020 is located outside the passenger compartment 1001. As is known per se, the gearbox 1020 and the gear lever 1002 are connected by a linkage interface which includes, among other things, a cable 1019. This linkage interface converts a movement of the gear lever 1002, such as a rotation RI, into a translation T of the cable 1019, this translation T actuating the gearbox 1020. In the example shown, without limitation, the rotation RI of the gear lever 1002 is in a plane orthogonal to the Y-axis and the translation T is parallel to the X-axis.

[0036] Figures 2 and 3 show various elements of the connecting interface that links the gearbox 1020 and the gear lever 1002. Referring to [Fig. 2], this connecting interface comprises a plate 1004 integral with a pivot shaft 1003 connected to the gear lever 1002. The plate 1004 has a protrusion 1010 terminating in a ball joint 1011, which is in particular spherical. Referring to [Fig. 3], a vibration-damping device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the device 1" for convenience) is disposed on one side on the ball joint 1011 (see reference A in [Fig. 3]), and on the other side on one end 87 of a rod 80. The cable 1019 is overmolded onto the other end 89 of the rod 80. In this way, the rotation RI of the Gear lever 1002 causes a rotation R2 of the articulation shaft 1003 and thereby a translation T of the cable 1019 and the rod 80. In the example shown, without limitation, the cable 1019 extends in a sheath 1018 ending in a tip 1017 held in place by a bracket 1016.

[0037] The device 1 is now described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The device 1 comprises a body 70 which has a cavity 78 for receiving the end 87 of the rod 80, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Advantageously, the body 70 is made of polymer and is overmolded onto the end 87 of the rod 80 so as to form the cavity 78.

[0038] Furthermore, the body 70 has an opening 76 delimited by a wall 76A (see [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7]). The device 1 includes a retaining member 40 which has a central portion 41 and an end flange 42. The central portion 41 projects from the end flange 42 so as to extend into the opening 76. The central portion 41 has a central hole 43 into which a cage 30 is inserted. The cage 30 has a recess 31, in particular hemispherical, for receiving the ball joint 1011. It is understood that in this way, the cage 30 can surround the ball joint 1011 (not shown in [Fig. 5]).

[0039] A cover 10 covers the retaining member 40 so as to close the opening 76 while forming one end of the device 1. Opposite the cover 10, the end flange 42 also closes the opening 76 while forming another end of the device 1. A compression spring 20, here a helical spring, is arranged between the cover 10 and the cage 30 so as to hold the cage 30 in the central hole 43. Preferably, as shown in [Fig. 5], the central hole 43 is frustoconical and the cage 30 has a corresponding frustoconical outer contour, which tends to hold the cage 30 securely in its position in which it surrounds the ball joint 1011.

[0040] With reference to [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the device 1 further comprises a compressible elastomer element 50 and a ring 60. The compressible element 50 and the ring 60 are arranged in the opening 76 between the cover 10 and the end flange 42. The compressible element 50 and the ring 60 can rest on the end flange 42, and can even be held against the end flange 42 by the cover 10, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0041] Referring to [Fig. 7], the ring 60 bears, on one side, against the wall 76A of the opening. Furthermore, referring to [Fig. 8], the ring 60 bears, on a second side, against the compressible element 50. Moreover, the compressible element 50 is arranged around the central portion 41 of the retaining member 40, between the central portion 41 and the ring 60, such that the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 against the central portion 4L.

[0042] With reference to [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 7], it is preferable that the ring 60 consist of a metal strip, in particular made of spring steel, having two ends 61, 62. As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 7], the metal strip is wound upon itself so as to present an overlap 63 between the ends 61, 62. Moreover, thanks to the overlap 63, the compressible element 50 is completely surrounded by the ring 60 and is thus held securely in place by the ring 60. Furthermore, the compressible element 50 is not at risk of being pinched locally between the ends 61, 62, which could damage the compressible element 50. To further prevent damage to the compressible element 50, it is advantageous that the ends 61, 62 be beveled as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0043] It will be understood, by referring to [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], that the greater the overlap 63, the more the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 against the central portion 41. This provides a simple and safe way of varying the compression of the compressible element 50. The advantage of varying the compression of the compressible element 50 will be explained below.

[0044] Alternatively, the ring 60 could be made in other ways, for example in elastomer.

[0045] Various geometries are conceivable for the compressible element 50. In a very simple embodiment not shown in the figures, the compressible element 50 can have the shape of a ring or a torus. However, it is preferable that the compressible element 50 comprise, as shown in [Fig.8]: - a plurality of through holes 52, 56; and / or - a plurality of peripheral projections 55 each in contact with the ring 60, projecting from a central cylindrical portion 51 which is not in contact with the ring 60, and separated from each other by empty spaces 54. When the compressible element 50 has through holes 52, 56 and / or open spaces 54 between the peripheral projections 55, the compressible element 50 exhibits a greater compression range than if it were a solid cross-section, as would be the case if it were in the shape of a ring or a torus. Again, the advantage of varying the compression of the compressible element 50 will be explained below. It should therefore be noted that it is even more preferable for the compressible element 50 to have both through holes 52, 56 and peripheral projections 55 separated by open spaces 54.In this case, through holes 52 can be made in the central portion 51, while other through holes 56 can be made entirely in the peripheral projections 55 (variant not shown in the figures) or in the junction between the peripheral projections 55 and the central portion 51 (variant shown in figures 8 to 10).

[0046] The compressible element 50 is made of a suitable elastomer, for example by molding. Preferably, the peripheral protrusions 55 are arranged regularly around the central portion 51, which simplifies both the manufacture of the compressible element 50 and the assembly of the compressible element 50 in the device 1.

[0047] The device 1 further includes an adjustment device that allows the cross-section of the opening 76 to be modified. Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, the body 70 has two facing cheeks 72, the opening 76 opening through a gap 74 formed between the two cheeks 72, and the adjustment device includes a screw 90 that passes through the two cheeks 72 via aligned through holes 73 (see [Fig. 6]). At least one nut 100 is screwed onto the threaded shank 92 of the screw 90, so as to bear against the cheek 72 opposite the screw head 91 of the screw 90.

[0048] Thus: (A) By loosening the nut 100 on the threaded rod 92, the two cheeks 72 are moved apart, and the cross-section of the opening 76 is increased, so that the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 less against the central portion 4L. Such a state of the adjustment device is shown in [Fig. 9], where L1 denotes a distance between the cheeks 72, Del denotes an outside diameter of the compressible element 50, and Di denotes an outside diameter of the central portion 4L. (B) Conversely, by tightening this nut 100 further on the threaded rod 92 (reference S on [Fig. 10]), the two cheeks 72 are brought closer together, and the cross-section of the opening 76 is reduced, so that the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 more against the central portion 4L. Such a state of the adjustment device is represented on [Fig. 10], where it can be seen that since the cheeks 72 have been brought together to a distance L2 < L1, and since Di is practically unchanged due to the rigidity of the central portion 41, the overlap 63 has increased and the outside diameter of the compressible element 50 has decreased to a value De2 < Del, in other words the compressible element 50 is more compressed.

[0049] By comparing Figures 9 and 10, it will be understood that, thanks to the adjustment device shown, it is particularly simple to vary the compression of the compressible element 50: a single tightening or loosening operation of the nut 100 is sufficient. Furthermore, the compression of the compressible element 50 can be precisely controlled by knowing the properties of the compressible element 50 and the tightening torque of the nut 100, this tightening torque being determined, for example, using a torque wrench.

[0050] When used in the vehicle 1000, the compressible element 50 (and therefore the device 1) dampens the vibrations that the driver could feel in the gear lever 1002 when he controls a gear change by means of the gear lever 1002.

[0051] However, between different vehicle models 1000 or between different configurations of the same vehicle model 1000, the vibration profile is likely to be different and / or the expected level of driver comfort is likely to be different. One solution would be to provide a model of compressible element 50 for each vehicle model 1000 and for each configuration of the same vehicle model 1000. But since the adjustment device allows the compression of the compressible element 50 to be varied, it is possible to avoid providing different models of compressible element 50. Instead, a single model of compressible element 50 can be provided, the compression of which can be adjusted during the assembly of the vehicle 1000, depending on the model and configuration of the vehicle 1000.It will therefore be understood that device 1 is particularly advantageous from an economic and industrial point of view, since it makes it possible to eliminate stocks of different models of compressible element 50, each of which would require a dedicated design approach and a separate supply chain.

[0052] In light of the foregoing, it will be understood that a method for adjusting device 1 comprises acting on the adjustment device of device 1 so as to decrease the cross-section of the opening 76 so that the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 more around the central portion 41. Similarly, a method for adjusting an assembly comprising the gearbox 1020 and the gear lever 1002 comprises acting on the adjustment device of device 1 so as to decrease the cross-section of the opening 76 so that the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 more around the central portion 41. Such an adjustment method can be implemented during the assembly of the vehicle 1000, depending on the model and configuration of the vehicle 1000.

[0053] It will also be understood that the device 1 is all the more advantageous as the compressible element 50 has a greater compression range, thanks to the through holes 52, 56 and / or thanks to the peripheral projections 55 separated by the empty spaces 54.

[0054] Advantageously, instead of a single nut 100, two nuts 100 are screwed onto the threaded rod 92 as shown in Figures 6 to 10. The presence of an additional nut 100 tends to prevent a single nut 100 from loosening under the effect of vibrations during use in the vehicle 1000.

[0055] With reference to [Fig. 6], the screw head 91 is advantageously housed partially or totally in a housing 79 which has a shape complementary to that of the screw head 91. This prevents the screw 90 from rotating when the nut 100 or the two nuts 100 are screwed onto the threaded rod 92. In the example shown in [Fig. 6], the housing 79 is a counterbore, in other words the housing 79 has a flat bottom. Of course, depending on the shape of the screw head 91, the housing 79 can also be a countersink, in other words the housing 79 can also have a conical bottom.

[0056] The adjustment device can be made in ways other than with the cheeks 72, the screw 90 and the nuts 100. Any embodiment of the adjustment device is suitable for device 1, as long as the adjustment device allows a cross-section of the opening 76 to be reduced so that the ring 60 compresses the compressible element 50 more around the central portion 41.

Claims

Demands

1. Vibration damping device (1) comprising: - a body (70) having an opening (76) delimited by a wall (76A); - a ring (60) which is supported, on a first side, against the wall (76A) of the opening (76) and, on a second side, against a compressible element (50), so that the ring (60) compresses the compressible element (50) around a central portion (41); and - an adjustment device configured to decrease a cross-section of the opening (76) so that the ring (60) further compresses the compressible element (50) around the central portion (41).

2. Vibration damping device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ring (60) consists of a metal strip, in particular of spring steel, the metal strip having a first end (61) and a second end (62), and the metal strip being wound on itself so as to have an overlap (63) between the first end (61) and the second end (62), said overlap (63) increasing when the adjustment device decreases the cross-section of the opening (76).

3. Vibration damping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the body (70) has two facing cheeks (72), the opening (76) leading through a gap (74) formed between the two cheeks (72), and the adjustment device has a screw (90) passing through the two cheeks (72) and at least one nut (100) screwed onto said screw (90).

4. Vibration damping device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment device comprises two nuts (100) screwed onto said screw (90).

5. Vibration damping device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the screw (90) has a screw head (91) and one of the cheeks (72) has a housing (79) in which the screw head (91) is housed at least partially, the housing (79) and the screw head (91) having complementary shapes.

6. Method for adjusting a vibration damping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising acting on the adjustment device of the damping device of vibrations (1) so as to decrease a cross-section of the opening (76) so that the ring (60) further compresses the compressible element (50) around the central portion (41).