Tool set
The tool set addresses the challenge of tightening nuts for shock absorbers below the mounting surface by using non-circular sockets to securely attach and tighten without rotating the piston rod, ensuring proper torque application.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TEINKK
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
Smart Images
Figure 0003255962000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a tool set for attaching a shock absorber to a top mount by fastening a nut.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, in a suspension device, a shock absorber is attached to a top mount by fastening a nut (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] In addition, there is also a suspension device in which a nut for attaching a shock absorber to a top mount is disposed below (inward) the attachment surface of the top mount to the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] By the way, when a nut for attaching a shock absorber to a top mount is disposed below the attachment surface of the top mount to the vehicle body, it has been difficult to fasten the nut with a specified torque using a general tool. Further, even if a flare nut socket of a special tool is used, fastening can be performed, but the piston rod rotates simultaneously with nut tightening, making it difficult to fasten the nut with a specified torque.
[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a tool set that allows for proper tightening of nuts for attaching shock absorbers to the top mount, even when the nuts are located below the mounting surface of the top mount to the vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In one embodiment, the tool set is for attaching a shock absorber to a top mount by fastening a nut, and comprises an outer socket having a non-circular hole on the inner surface of one end that engages with the nut and a non-circular portion for tightening on the outer surface of the other end, and an inner socket that is inserted into the outer socket and has a non-circular hole on the inner surface of one end that engages with the shock absorber and a non-circular hole for fixing on the inner surface of the other end. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the above embodiment, even if the nut for attaching the shock absorber to the top mount is located below the mounting surface of the top mount to the vehicle body, the nut can be properly fastened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view showing an outer socket in one embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view showing an inner socket in one embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a cross-sectional view (part 1) illustrating the fastening of a nut in one embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view (part 2) illustrating the fastening of a nut in one embodiment. [Figure 3C] This is a cross-sectional view (part 3) illustrating the fastening of a nut in one embodiment. [Figure 3D]This is a perspective view showing the inside of a top mount to illustrate the fastening of a nut in one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the entire shock absorber, illustrating the inside of the top mount for illustrating the fastening of a nut in one embodiment. [Figure 5] (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view showing an outer socket in a modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 6] (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view showing an inner socket in a modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 7A] This is a cross-sectional view (part 1) illustrating the fastening of a nut in a modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a cross-sectional view (part 2) illustrating the fastening of a nut in a modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 7C] This is a perspective view showing the inside of a top mount to illustrate the fastening of a nut in a modified example of one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] A tool set according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0011] Figure 1 shows (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view of the outer socket 11 in this embodiment.
[0012] Figure 2 shows (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view of the inner socket 12 in this embodiment.
[0013] The tool set according to this embodiment includes an outer socket 11 and an inner socket 12. This tool set is used to attach the shock absorber 100 (see Figure 4) to the top mount 200 by fastening a nut 130 (see Figures 3A to 3C).
[0014] The outer socket 11 shown in FIG. 1 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 1(d), the outer socket 11 is provided with a hexagonal hole 11a that meshes with the nut 130 on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end side (one end side). This hexagonal hole 11a is an example of a non-circular hole.
[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and (c), the outer socket 11 is provided with a hexagonal portion 11b for tightening on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end side (the other end side). This hexagonal portion 11b is used to tighten the nut 130 through the outer socket 11 by the first tool T1 and the third tool T3 shown in FIG. 3D described later. The hexagonal portion 11b is an example of a non-circular portion. Note that the nut 130 is screwed onto a male screw portion 111 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the piston rod 110.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and (b), the outer socket 11 has an opening 11c on the side surface through which the inner socket 12 (see FIG. 3D) inserted therein can be visually recognized. This opening 11c is provided, for example, at four locations on the front, rear, left, and right of the outer peripheral surface of the outer socket 11 in a rectangular shape that is longer vertically than horizontally.
[0017] The inner socket 12 shown in FIG. 2 has a cylindrical shape and is entirely inserted into the outer socket 11 as shown in FIG. 3C. The inner socket 12 is inserted into the outer socket 11 with a clearance fit so as not to tilt inside the outer socket 11 and to be relatively rotatable.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and (d), the inner socket 12 is provided with an elliptical hole (oval hole) 12a that meshes with the piston rod 110 (an example of the shock absorber 100) on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end side (one end side). This elliptical hole 12a meshes with the piston rod 110 on the milling surface 112 as shown in FIG. 3C. The milling surface 112 is composed of, for example, two parallel surfaces. The elliptical hole 12a is an example of a non-circular hole.
[0019] As shown in Figure 2(c), the inner socket 12 is provided with a square hole 12b for fixing on the inner circumferential surface of its upper end (other end). This square hole 12b engages with the square portion 13a (see Figure 3C) at the lower end of the extension rod 13, which will be described later, and is used to fix it with the second tool T2 shown in Figure 3D. The square hole 12b is an example of a non-circular hole.
[0020] As described above, the extension rod 13 shown in Figure 3C has a square portion 13a on the outer circumferential surface of its lower end (one end) that engages with the elliptical hole 12a of the inner socket 12. This square portion 13a is an example of a non-circular portion.
[0021] Furthermore, the extension rod 13 extends from the upper end (other end) of the outer socket 11 at its upper end (other end). A square recess 13b is provided on the upper surface of the extension rod 13.
[0022] Furthermore, the extension rod 13 is used to fix the inner socket 12 (piston rod 110) with the second tool T2 so that it does not rotate together with the nut 130. For this reason, the extension rod 13 can be considered as part of the tool set.
[0023] As shown in Figure 3A, the extension rod 13 can also be used to remove the damping force adjustment dial 120, which is fixed to the upper end of the piston rod 110. In the example in Figure 3A, since the lower end of the extension rod 13 is a square portion 13a, an adapter A is interposed between the extension rod 13 and the damping force adjustment dial 120 to clamp the hexagonal portion of the outer surface of the damping force adjustment dial 120. This adapter A has a hexagonal recess on its lower surface and a square recess on its upper surface.
[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the shock absorber 100 includes the piston rod 110, damping force adjustment dial 120, and nut 130 described above, as well as rubber bushings B1 and B2, a washer 140, a shell case 150, a dust boot 160, and a mounting bracket 170.
[0025] As shown in Figure 3A, the upper and lower pair of rubber bushings B1 and B2 are positioned on the mounting portion of the shock absorber 100 to the top mount 200.
[0026] The washer 140 is interposed between the rubber bush B2 and the nut 130 at the top of the upper rubber bush B2.
[0027] The shell case 150 shown in Figure 4 houses a cylinder (not shown) on which a piston rod 110 reciprocates.
[0028] The dust boot 160 is an elastic cover designed to prevent foreign objects such as dirt from entering the movable parts of the shock absorber 100.
[0029] The mounting bracket 170 is located at the lower end of the shell case 150.
[0030] As shown in Figure 3A, the top mount 200 has a cup shape (cylindrical shape with a bottom) that is recessed downwards, and a flange 201 is provided on the top. This flange 201 is provided with multiple mounting holes 201a for attachment to the vehicle body. Therefore, the upper surface of the flange 201 functions as the mounting surface to the vehicle body.
[0031] Next, the fastening of the nut 130 will be explained with reference to Figures 3A to 3D. Note that explanations that overlap with the above explanation will be omitted as appropriate.
[0032] First, as shown in Figure 3A, the damping force adjustment dial 120 is removed using the extension rod 13 and adapter A. The damping force adjustment dial 120 is removed in this way, for example, when the outer diameter of the damping force adjustment dial 120 is larger than the male threaded portion 111 of the piston rod 110, and the damping force adjustment dial 120 obstructs the insertion of the inner socket 12 (elliptical hole 12a) when engaging it with the milled surface 112.
[0033] Next, as shown in Figure 3B, the outer socket 11 is inserted from above the top mount 200 so that the hexagonal hole 11a on the lower end engages with the nut 130.
[0034] Next, as shown in Figure 3C, the inner socket 12 is inserted into the outer socket 11. This causes the inner socket 12 to engage with the milled surface 112 of the piston rod 110 at the elliptical hole 12a at its lower end. The extension rod 13 is connected to the inner socket 12 with its square portion 13a engaging at the aforementioned square hole 12b.
[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 3D, with the protrusion of the second tool T2, such as a ratchet handle, inserted into the square recess 13b on the upper surface of the extension rod 13, the inner socket 12 and the piston rod 110 are fixed (held in place to prevent rotation) via the extension rod 13 by the second tool T2.
[0036] Next, the hexagonal portion 11b at the upper end of the outer socket 11 (see Figures 1(a) and (c)) is held by a third tool T3 such as a spanner wrench, and the protrusion of the first tool T1 such as a torque wrench is inserted into the third tool T3. Then, the nut 130 is tightened with the first tool T1 via the third tool T3 and the outer socket 11. At this time, as described above, the piston rod 110 is held so as not to rotate, so the piston rod 110 does not rotate together with the tightening of the nut 130.
[0037] Figure 5 shows (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view of the outer socket 21 in a modified example of this embodiment.
[0038] Figure 6 shows (a) a front view, (b) a cross-sectional view, (c) a top view, and (d) a bottom view of the inner socket 22 in a modified example of this embodiment.
[0039] In the above description, the nut 130 (male threaded portion 111 of the piston rod 110) is M10 (10 mm metric thread), whereas in this modified example, the nut 130 is M12. In this modified example, the configuration differs only from the above description in terms of this size difference. Therefore, only the difference will be explained. Although examples of the nut 130 being M10 and M12 are given, the size of the nut 130 is arbitrary, and the nut 130 may be other sizes such as M14. Furthermore, the outer sockets 11, 21 and inner sockets 12, 22 should be configured to match the size of the nut 130, etc.
[0040] The outer socket 21 shown in Figure 5 has a hexagonal hole 21a, a hexagonal portion 21b, and an opening 21c, similar to the outer socket 11 shown in Figure 1. In this modified example, since the nut 130 has a larger diameter, the hexagonal hole 21a that engages with the nut 130 has a larger diameter than the hexagonal hole 11a (see Figure 7A).
[0041] The inner socket 22 shown in Figure 6 has an elliptical hole 22a and a square hole 22b, similar to the inner socket 12 shown in Figure 2. However, the inner socket 22 is longer vertically than the inner socket 12. This is because, in this modified example, the damping force adjustment dial 120 is not removed, and the square hole 22b of the inner socket 22 engages with the square portion 23a of the extension rod 23 (see Figure 7B) above the damping force adjustment dial 120.
[0042] The extension rod 23 shown in Figure 7B has a square portion 23a and a square recess 23b, similar to the extension rod 13 shown in Figure 3C.
[0043] Next, the fastening of the nut 130 will be explained with reference to Figures 7A to 7C. Note that explanations that overlap with the above explanation will be omitted as appropriate.
[0044] First, as shown in Figure 7A, the outer socket 21 is inserted from above the top mount 200 so that the hexagonal hole 21a at the lower end engages with the nut 130. In this modified example, the outer diameter of the damping force adjustment dial 120 is smaller than the male threaded portion 111 of the piston rod 110, so the damping force adjustment dial 120 does not obstruct the insertion of the inner socket 22 (elliptical hole 22a) when engaging it with the milled surface 112. Therefore, in this modified example, the damping force adjustment dial 120 is not removed.
[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 7B, the inner socket 22 is inserted into the outer socket 21. This causes the inner socket 22 to engage with the milled surface 112 of the piston rod 110 at the elliptical hole 22a at its lower end. The extension rod 23 is connected to the inner socket 22 with its square portion 23a engaging at the square hole 22b at its upper end.
[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 7C, with the protrusion of the second tool T2, such as a ratchet handle, inserted into the square recess 23b on the upper surface of the extension rod 23, the inner socket 22 and the piston rod 110 are fixed (held in place to prevent rotation) via the extension rod 23 by the second tool T2.
[0047] Next, the hexagonal portion 21b at the upper end of the outer socket 21 (see Figures 5(a) and (c)) is held by a third tool T3 such as a spanner wrench, and the protrusion of the first tool T1 such as a torque wrench is inserted into this third tool T3. Then, the nut 130 is tightened with the first tool T1 via the third tool T3 and the outer socket 21. At this time, as described above, the piston rod 110 is held so as not to rotate, so the piston rod 110 does not rotate together with the tightening of the nut 130.
[0048] In the embodiment described above, the tool set is for attaching the shock absorber 100 to the top mount 200 by fastening a nut 130, and comprises outer sockets 11, 21 and inner sockets 12, 22. The outer sockets 11, 21 are provided with hexagonal holes 11a, 21a (non-circular holes) on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end (one end) that engage with the nut 130, and hexagonal portions 11b, 21b (non-circular portions) for tightening on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end (the other end). The inner sockets 12, 22 are inserted into the outer sockets 11, 21, and are provided with elliptical holes 12a, 22a (non-circular holes) on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end (one end) that engage with the shock absorber 100 (milled surface 112 of the piston rod 110), and square holes 12b, 22b (non-circular holes) for fixing on the inner circumferential surface of the upper end (the other end).
[0049] This allows the piston rod 110 to be fixed via the inner socket 12 (extension rod 13) using the second tool T2, and the nut 130 to be tightened via the outer socket 11 using the first tool T1 (third tool T3). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the piston rod 110 from rotating together when the nut 130 is tightened. Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the nut 130 for attaching the shock absorber 100 to the top mount 200 is located below the mounting surface of the top mount 200 to the vehicle body, the nut 130 can be properly tightened.
[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer sockets 11 and 21 have openings 11c and 21c on their sides that allow the inner sockets 12 and 22 inserted inside to be seen.
[0051] This allows for visual confirmation, for example, from above the top mount 200, through the openings 11c and 21c, that the inner sockets 12 and 22 have been inserted into the outer sockets 11 and 21. Therefore, the inner sockets 12 and 22 can be securely attached, and the nuts 130 can be tightened more properly.
[0052] In this embodiment, the inner sockets 12 and 22 are entirely inserted into the outer sockets 11 and 21. The tool set may further include extension rods 13 and 23. These extension rods 13 and 23 have square portions 13a and 23a (non-circular portions) on the outer circumferential surface of their lower end (one end) that engage with the square holes 12b and 22b (non-circular holes) on the upper end (other end) of the inner sockets 12 and 22, and extend from the upper end (other end) of the outer sockets 11 and 21.
[0053] This shortens the vertical length of the inner sockets 12 and 22, making it easier to insert them into the outer sockets 11 and 21 with a gap fit. Therefore, the inner sockets 12 and 22 can be securely attached, allowing for more proper tightening of the nuts 130.
[0054] In the above explanation, the hexagonal holes 11a and 21a of the outer sockets 11 and 21, and the elliptical holes 12a and 22a and the square holes 12b and 22b of the inner sockets 12 and 22 were given as examples of non-circular holes. However, a non-circular hole can be any hole other than a perfectly round hole, and may also be a hole with other polygonal shapes or a hole having both a flat and a curved surface.
[0055] Similarly, in the above description, the hexagonal portions 11b and 21b of the outer sockets 11 and 21 and the square portions 13a and 23a of the extension rods 13 and 23 were given as examples of non-circular portions. However, a non-circular portion can be any part other than a perfectly circular portion, and may also be other polygonal portions, portions having both a flat and a curved surface, or elliptical portions.
[0056] Furthermore, as described above, the length of the inner sockets 12 and 22 can be shortened by using extension rods 13 and 23. However, the extension rods 13 and 23 may be omitted, and the inner sockets 12 and 22 may extend upwards above the outer sockets 11 and 21 while they are inserted into the outer sockets 11 and 21.
[0057] Furthermore, as described above, since the outer sockets 11 and 21 are provided with openings 11c and 21c, the insertion of the inner sockets 12 and 22 into the outer sockets 11 and 21 can be visually confirmed. However, the engagement of the elliptical holes 12a and 22a of the inner sockets 12 and 22 with the piston rod 110 (milled surface 112) can be confirmed by the feel of the fit or by sound. Therefore, the openings 11c and 21c may be omitted.
[0058] Furthermore, in the above description, the shock absorber 100 is attached to the top mount 200 by fastening a nut 130 on the piston rod 110. However, a configuration in which the shock absorber 100 is attached to the top mount 200 by fastening a nut 130 on another part of the shock absorber 100 (for example, the damping force adjustment rod) may also be adopted. Moreover, the configuration of the shock absorber 100 is not limited to the above description, and any configuration may be adopted. For example, the shock absorber 100 may have a configuration in which the damping force cannot be adjusted. [Explanation of symbols]
[0059] 11,21 Outer socket 11a, 21a Hexagonal holes (non-circular holes) 11b,21b Hexagonal part (non-circular part) 11c,21c opening 12,22 Inner socket 12a, 22a Elliptical holes (non-circular holes) 12b, 22b Square holes (non-circular holes) 13,23 Extension Rods 13a, 23a Rectangular section (non-circular section) 13b, 23b Square recess 100 Shock Absorbers 110 Piston Rod 111 Male threaded section 112 Milled surface 120 Damping force adjustment dial 130 Nut 140 Washers 150 Shell Case 160 Dust Boots 170 Mounting Bracket 200 Top Mount 201 Flange 201a Mounting hole A adapter B1, B2 Rubber Bushings T1 1st tool T2 2nd tool T3 3rd tool
Claims
1. A tool set for attaching a shock absorber to the top mount by fastening a nut, An outer socket having a non-circular hole on the inner surface of one end that engages with the nut, and a non-circular portion for tightening on the outer surface of the other end, An inner socket is inserted into the outer socket, and has a non-circular hole on the inner surface of one end that engages with the shock absorber, and a non-circular hole on the inner surface of the other end that is fixed in place. A tool set characterized by having the following features.
2. The outer socket has an opening on its side that allows the inner socket inserted inside to be seen. The tool set according to feature 1.
3. The inner socket is entirely inserted into the outer socket. The tool set further comprises an extension rod extending from the other end of the outer socket, with a non-circular portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of one end that engages with the non-circular hole on the other end of the inner socket. The tool set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.