Shock absorber with self-adjustable stopper

Abstract

To provide a buffer having a self-adjustable stopper capable of enabling simple assembling and quick mounting with a given structure.SOLUTION: A buffer (100) includes a buffer head portion (60), and a base portion (20) with a guiding contour, further includes a central main portion (40) having a groove cooperating with the contour, and has a self-adjustable stopper. In the buffer, the central main portion (40) is mounted on the base (20) by performing translational motion in a first direction (X) in a motion plane, and the central main portion (40) has the self-adjustable stopper at least partially receiving the buffer head portion. The buffer head portion is movable to the central main portion in a third direction (Z), and the buffer further includes a lock element (80) for closing the buffer head portion in the third direction in the central main portion, capable of performing the translational motion to close the central main portion in the first direction, on the base portion, and inserted to the central main portion in a second direction (Y).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of vehicle equipment, in particular of closing shock absorbers, and more particularly to a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stop intended to hold a first pivoting structure on a second fixed structure such as a motor vehicle chassis, for example, the first pivoting structure may be a side door, a rear door or a bonnet, or indeed a single / double door of a utility vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A bumper with a stop for closing a rear door typically comprises a stop fastened to the vehicle body and a complementary stop on the rear door, these two elements cooperating to hold the rear door against the body when the rear door is closed. A rear door may be equipped with multiple bumpers. To facilitate the installation of the bumper, particularly in terms of aligning these two elements, the stop on the fixed structure comprises a surface that serves as an adjustable stop. Devices of this type are known from the prior art.

[0003] GB 2410990 describes a shock absorber having a stopper including a body, a sliding element in the body, and a lock. To mount the shock absorber, the body and the sliding element are fastened to the vehicle body in a first step. The position of the sliding element is determined by closing the movable structure. The locking element is finally inserted into the sliding element to fix the position of the sliding element in the body after reopening the movable structure. The position of the sliding element can be disturbed by different strains, such as reopening the movable structure, and the locking element is introduced. In particular, the introduction of the locking element is performed using an inclined surface. Once locked, it is assumed that there is no possibility to readjust the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] British Patent No. 2410990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a shock absorber with self-adjustable stops that allows for simple assembly and quick installation in a given structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to a shock absorber, or a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stop, comprising a shock absorber head having an upper surface as a stop, and a base including a guide contour and a central main part including a groove cooperating with said contour, the central main part being mounted on the base by translational movement in a first direction in a plane of motion, the central main part partially receiving the shock absorber head by a surface relative to the surface in contact with the base, the shock absorber head being movable relative to the central main part in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of motion, the shock absorber further comprising a locking member inserted into the central main part in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first and third directions, operable by translational movement to close the shock absorber head in the central main part in the third direction and to close the central main part on the base in the first direction.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper has the following features: the locking element and the buffer head each include at least one thrust ramp and at least one housing adapted to receive said at least one ramp, said at least one thrust ramp and said at least one housing adapted to create a cam effect when the locking member is actuated in a translational movement, allowing the buffer head to be lifted. The locking element has an open position in which at least one thrust ramp is received by at least one housing within the central main part and the locking element can be depressed in a second direction, and a locked position in which the buffer head is closed in a third direction. the locking element and the base include locking means which cooperate only in the locked position to close the central main part in the first direction;

[0008] Advantageously, the bumper makes it possible to reduce noise, in particular when closing the rear door.

[0009] Advantageously, the stops are self-adjusting to effect installation of the shock absorber when mounted on a structure.

[0010] Advantageously, when locking the buffer after installation by means of the stopper, it is possible to ensure tension by lifting the stopper which holds the movable structure, and the movable structure is closed.

[0011] Advantageously, the damper makes it possible to keep the movable structure radially closed in order to reduce noise.

[0012] Advantageously, the buffer head is raised in the central main part thanks to the inclination arranged on the locking element.

[0013] Advantageously, the bumper head rests on the locking element in the locked position to prevent the locking element from unlocking while under tension.

[0014] The present invention is carried out in accordance with the embodiments and alternative embodiments disclosed hereinafter, which should be considered advantageously individually or in any technically effective combination.

[0015] In some embodiments, the top surface of the bumper head is tilted relative to a plane formed by the first direction and the second direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the central main portion is movable in a first direction and the locking member is in an open position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shock absorber having the stopper further includes means for defining a path of the central body in a first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bumper having the stopper further includes means for positioning the central main portion on the base with the locking member in the open position.

[0019] In one embodiment, the means for positioning the central body on the base includes a rack on the base and a belt including a bulge.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide profile has a T-shaped cross section.

[0021] In one embodiment, the locking means consists of at least one rack on the T-shaped guide profile and a rack on the locking element.

[0022] In an embodiment, the buffer with self-adjustable stopper further comprises means for holding the buffer head in place in a third direction in the open position, preferentially the holding means is a rod elastically connected to the locking element, so that the locking element rests on the buffer head.

[0023] In some embodiments, the central body and base are assembled by a snap fit.

[0024] In some embodiments, the shock absorber with the self-adjustable stop further includes means for returning it to the open position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the shock absorber with the self-adjusting stop cannot be removed in the open position.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of mounting a shock absorber on a first structure to separate the first structure from a second movable structure, the method comprising: -(i) fixing a buffer having a self-adjustable stop in an open position on a first structure; (ii) rotating the second structure to adjust the central main portion in a first direction relative to the base portion; -(iii) reopening the second structure; -(iv) placing the buffer in a locked position by actuating the locking member; Includes:

[0027] Advantageously, the shock absorber with stoppers according to the present invention simplifies the process of mounting the shock absorber between two structures, reducing mounting time and the number of parts.

[0028] Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pivotal structure and a fixed structure using a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper according to the present invention; [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper according to the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1 shows an exploded view of a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper according to the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 shows a schematic representation of the base of a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] 10A and 10B show the installation and locking of a pre-assembled shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper in the open position. [Figure 2B] 10 shows the installation and locking of a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper in a locked position. [Figure 3A] 2B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along the cutting plane AA′ of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3B] 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along the cutting plane BB' of FIG. 2B. [Figure 3C] 3B shows a detailed view of the thrust ramp and its housing of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3D] 3C shows a detailed view of the thrust ramp and its housing of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4A] 2B shows a bottom view of the assembly consisting of the shock absorber head, the central main part and the locking element of the shock absorber with self-adjustable stopper in the open position in FIG. 2A. [Figure 4B] 2B shows a bottom view of the assembly consisting of the shock absorber head, the central main part and the locking element of the shock absorber with self-adjustable stopper in the locked position. [Figure 5] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along the cutting plane CC' of FIG. 2A. [Figure 5A] 5A and 5B show detailed views of part A of FIG. [Figure 5B] 5A and 5B show detailed views of part B of FIG. [Figure 6A] 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along the cutting plane DD' of FIG. 2B. [Figure 6B] 2C shows an assembly diagram of the shock absorber head, central main part, and locking element of the shock absorber with self-adjustable stopper of FIG. 2B. [Figure 7A] 1 depicts a perspective view of a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stopper in a fully deployed position according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] 7B shows a detailed view of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] 2B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along the cutting plane EE' of FIG. 2A. [Figure 8B] 2C shows a partial cross-sectional view of the shock absorber along the cutting plane FF' of FIG. 2B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Elements in the same figure as well as in different figures are not necessarily drawn to the same scale. Identical elements in all of the figures have the same reference numerals.

[0031] The terminology used herein is used merely in connection with the detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting or restrictive in any way.

[0032] Throughout this specification, the terms "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "vertical," and "horizontal," as well as terms and expressions that may be associated with or derived from these terms, will be understood to have the meanings that would be given to them by an operator of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1A, unless otherwise specified or indicated. Considering the axis system (XYZ) depicted in this figure, the front and top lie along increasing X and increasing Z, respectively.

[0033] figure 1 illustrates a fixed structure 300 of a vehicle, in this case a pivoting structure 200 that closes a fixed portion of the rear trunk of the vehicle, here a single-to-double rear door of a utility vehicle. A shock absorber 100 with a self-adjustable stop is mounted on the fixed trunk portion, while an optional complementary stop 220 is mounted on the rear door 200. The complementary stop 220 comes into contact with the shock absorber head of the equipment 100 when the rear door is closed.

[0034] 1A shows a view of a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stop in an open position. In FIG. 1A, a shock absorber with a self-adjustable stop 100 according to the present invention comprises a base 20, a central main portion 40, a shock absorber head 60, and a locking element 80.

[0035] These four components can be produced by moulding known plastic materials, more particularly made from technical plastics such as polyamides, acetal resins, thermoplastic polyesters, etc.

[0036] Such a buffer with a self-adjusting stop can therefore be produced at little expense.

[0037] In this specification, the "open position" of a shock absorber having a stopper means a position in which the stopper head is adjustable and the locking element is in the open position, and the "locked position" of a shock absorber having a stopper means a position in which the stopper head is locked and the locking element is in the locked position.

[0038] The central main part 40, which receives the buffer head 60 through the top of the central main part 40 and the locking element 80 through the left face of the central main part 40, can be assembled to the base 20 by sliding mounting through the bottom of the central main part 40, for example using rails.

[0039] 1B, the base 20 has two grooves 22 of an L-shaped cross section along the axis X, the lowest portions of which face the edges 24, respectively, so that a central portion 26 formed between the two grooves 22 forms a virtually T-shaped profile including the upper surface 26. On the upper surface 26, the base 20 further includes two straight racks 30 separated by a central strip 28 substantially along the axis X. A straight rack 32 extending along the axis X is presented on said central strip 28.

[0040] The central main part 40 includes at its lower part means adapted for sliding mounting on the base 20. In one embodiment described, the central main part 40 includes a substantially T-shaped groove that cooperates with the substantially T-shaped profile of the base 20. When the central main part 40 is mounted on the base 20, the lower wall 43 of the central main part 40 can be received in the L-shaped groove 22. Advantageously, this arrangement makes it possible to prevent relative movement between the base 20 and the central main part in the direction of the axis Z. The central main part 40 further includes two grooves 426 adapted to receive the straight racks 30 of the base 20, said grooves 426 being separated by a belt 48.

[0041] 1B, the bumper 100 with a self-adjustable stop includes a bumper head 60 having an upper surface 62 that forms the stop. In one illustrated embodiment, the bumper head 60 has the shape of an optionally raised, substantially triangular block, the triangular cross section of which lies in plane XZ, and the surface 62 that slopes from rear to front. The bumper head 60 has recesses 64 on its front and rear walls that include two straight grooves 642 facing one another, and provides an opening 65 on the right side of the bumper head 60. The straight rails 642 form a rail in which the opening 65 is adapted to receive the locking element 80.

[0042] The central main portion 40 also has a recess with an opening 44 leading to the top, which is adapted to at least partially fit over the bumper head 60. The central main portion 40 has a side opening 46 on its right face that is adapted to receive a locking element 80.

[0043] On the front and rear walls of the central main part 40, the locking element has two grooves 82 delimited by a lower edge 83 and an upper edge 84, respectively, along the axis Y. The grooves 82 are adapted to receive the lower edge 644 of the groove 642 when the locking element itself is received by the buffer head.

[0044] In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, a slot 81 is also provided at the right end of the locking element 80.

[0045] 1C, the base 20 and the racks 30 and 32 are visible on the upper surface of the base 20, which are substantially straight along the direction X. Each groove 22 has a width L1 at the level of the front surface of the groove 22 and a width L2 at the level of the rear surface of the groove 22. The edge facing the bottom of the groove 22 extends along the axis X.

[0046] In one embodiment, the shock absorber assembly according to the present invention is produced as follows: (a) the central main part 40 is first mounted on the base 20 by introducing the central main part 40 onto the T-shaped profile forming the rail and sliding the central main part 40 along the axis X; (b) the shock absorber head 60 is then fitted onto the central main part 40, ensuring that the side openings 65 and 46 of the central main part 40 are on the same side; and (c) finally the locking element is introduced into the side opening 46 and also into the opening 65 via its face.

[0047] 2A and 2B illustrate a shock absorber with self-adjustable stops according to the present invention in the open and locked positions, respectively. The shock absorber with self-adjustable stops according to the present invention is pre-assembled as described above with its components 20, 40, 60, and 80. As shown in FIG. 2A, the pre-assembled shock absorber is ready to be mounted on a structure such as a vehicle chassis.

[0048] 3A and 3B respectively illustrate a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber along section AA' in FIG. 2A with the shock absorber 100 in an open position, and a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber along section BB' in FIG. 2B with the shock absorber 100 in a locked position in plane YZ.

[0049] The locking element 80 includes at least one thrust ramp 86 on the contact surface of the bumper head 60 and the locking element 80, and the bumper head 60 includes at least one housing 66 that, for its part, defines the same contour as the thrust ramp 86, the housing 66 being adapted to receive the thrust ramp 86 in the open position. The housing 66 and the thrust ramp 86 are arranged in the open position such that the thrust ramp 86 is blocked by the housing 66 when the locking element 80 is removed from the central main part 40, and such that the thrust ramp 86 emerges from the housing 66 when the locking element 80 is pressed down towards the central main part 40.

[0050] 3A and 3B, the thrust ramp 86 has a right-angled trapezoidal cross section in plane YZ, with the long base at the bottom. When the locking element is pushed by its right end toward the central main part 40, the thrust ramp emerges from the housing using an inclined surface 862 comprising the inclined side of the right-angled trapezoid and a cooperating surface 662 of the housing 66. Simultaneously, the translation of the thrust ramp 86 relative to the bumper head 60 causes, via a cam effect with the cooperating surface 662 of the housing 66, a translation along axis Z within the central main part 40 toward the top of the bumper head, including a relative lift of the bumper head 60 within the central main part 40 by a height H. The height H corresponds to the thickness of the thrust ramp along axis Z.

[0051] In one embodiment, the assembly consisting of the locking element and the shock absorber head is tightened in the locked position so that simple distortion caused, for example, by vibrations of the chassis on which the shock absorber is mounted, cannot trigger the locking element to unlock.

[0052] As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, locking element 80 includes bulges 89, and central main portion 40 includes bulges 49. Due to the elasticity of the material and the inclination of these bulges 89 and 49, when locking element 80 moves from the open position to the locked position, bulges 89 and 49 pass over each other to form an interlock. Another advantage is that it indicates when the locking element has switched to the locked position. This arrangement makes it possible to prevent unlocking by simple distortion, while allowing switching from the locked position to the open position with the expected uncoupling force.

[0053] On the other hand, the housing 66 has a vertical surface 664 that acts as a stop making it possible to prevent the thrust ramp from emerging from the housing in the opposite direction. The vertical surface 864 of the ramp presses against the vertical surface 664, knowing that the bumper head 60 itself fits into the central main part 40. Figures 3C and 3D illustrate in detail the cooperation of the ramp 86 and the housing 66 in the open and locked positions, respectively.

[0054] In one alternative embodiment, the cross section of the thrust ramp 86 in the plane YZ is a right triangle. In another alternative embodiment, the thrust ramp includes a profile that allows the stopper head to be lifted several times in succession.

[0055] FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of the assembly consisting of the shock absorber head 60, locking element 80, and central main portion 40 of the shock absorber in the open position in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom view of the same assembly of the shock absorber in the locked position in FIG. 2B.

[0056] In the embodiment of FIG. 4A , the belt 48 of the central main portion 40 includes a closure device on its underside, e.g., at least one bulge 482 that forms a notch that engages with the second rack 32 provided on the base 20 when the central main portion rests on the base 20. Advantageously, this closure device allows the central main portion 40 to be positioned on the base 20 during translational movement of the central main portion 40 relative to the base 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A , which will be described in more detail hereinafter. Given that the central main portion 20 may be made from plastic, the belt 48 has a certain elasticity. Therefore, the bulge 482 does not prevent this relative translational movement. This represents another advantage of the present invention, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, in particular during mounting of the shock absorber on the chassis.

[0057] In one embodiment, the central body 40 includes a downwardly projecting element 484 that acts as a stop at one end of the belt 48 .

[0058] 4B, it can be seen that the at least one rack 88 of the locking element 20 is exposed in a groove 426 of the base 20 that receives the rack 30. The assembly consisting of the central main part, the base and the locking element is arranged such that, by closing the central main part 40 on the axis X, the racks 30 and 88 cooperate in the locked position. More generally, the at least one rack of the locking element can take the form of a chiseled groove or interlocking channels forming a notch.

[0059] 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the buffer in the open position along the section CC' of FIG. 3A in the plane XZ, in which the system for positioning the central main part on the base 20 can be seen. A bulge is presented in the form of a tooth-like projection 482 which engages with the rack 30 with the protrusion 32.

[0060] Advantageously, this positioning means 482 and 30 makes it possible to hold the central main part 40 in a predetermined position on the base 20 about the axis X without undesired movements, for example allowing the central main part 40 to occupy in a stable manner an initial position after the buffer has been mounted on the structure in the open position, and a second position after installation in which the buffer is locked by activating the locking element 80. Advantageously, this positioning means makes it possible to prevent undesired movements of the central main part 40, for example translations caused by gravity, or indeed vibrations.

[0061] 5 and 5B, protruding element 484 forming the first closure mechanism rests on the rear surface of base 20 or, if applicable, on central strip 28 of base 20, which includes recess 282 adapted to receive stop 484. In one embodiment, recess 282 extends along rack 32 forming the stage. Thus, protrusion 482 cannot move beyond the position it occupies on rack 32 when stop 484 rests on base 20, thereby defining a first end of the path of positioning means 482.

[0062] FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber along the section plane DD′ in the plane XZ of FIG. 2B. FIG. 6B shows a view of the assembly consisting of the locking element, the shock absorber head, and the central main part of the shock absorber with the stopper in the locked position in FIG. 2B. The locking element 80 includes means intended to retain the shock absorber head in the axis Z. In one embodiment, the locking element includes at least one groove 82 extending along the axis Y, and, if applicable, on each of the front and rear faces of the locking element. When the locking element 80 is introduced into the central main part according to the invention, the shock absorber head receives the locking element 80 through the opening 65 of the shock absorber head with a T-shaped vertical cut, and the lower edge 644 is received by the at least one groove 82. Advantageously, these means make it possible to limit the movement of the shock absorber head in the axis Z.

[0063] In FIG. 7A, it can be seen that in the shock absorber with stopper according to the present invention, the assembly consisting of the central main part 40 and the base 20, viewed from below, is also characterized by an elastic interlock. FIG. 7B illustrates a second closure mechanism consisting of an element 432 on the lower wall 43 of the central main part and a second element 232 in the groove 22 of the base, these two elements being adapted to form a snap-fit ​​mounting. This snap-fit ​​allows the second end of the path of the positioning means 482 to be defined through its closure role. Advantageously, the first closure mechanism 484 and the second closure mechanisms 232 and 432 define the path of the central main part 40 on the base 20, thereby making disassembly of these two components 20, 40 impossible. In combination with the other different devices described above, the shock absorber with stopper according to the present invention cannot be disassembled without damaging the components. Advantageously, an operator adjusting the shock absorber with stopper in the open position does not risk misplacing the components.

[0064] In some embodiments, the central main portion 40 can only be introduced through the face opposite the face with the stop 484 during assembly.

[0065] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 4B and 1C, the lower wall 43 of the central main part 40 and the groove 24 of the base all have a width that increases overall along the axis Y between D1 and D2 (D1 < D2) and between L1 and L2 (L1 < L2), respectively. These values are selected such that in another plane of the base, the central main part can be mounted on the base only by the cooperative action of two defined planes of the central main part. Advantageously, this arrangement enables, for example, an operator to prevent assembly errors.

[0066] The shock absorber according to the invention further comprises means for holding the shock absorber head at a predetermined position within the central main part 40, specifically on the axis Z, even in the open position. This will be described in detail hereinafter in the present specification using FIGS. 8A and 8B, which illustrate a partial cross-sectional view of the shock absorber in the open position along the cutting plane EE' of FIG. 2A and a partial cross-sectional view of the shock absorber in the locked position along the cutting plane FF' of FIG. 2B, respectively, in the plane YZ. The locking element 80 comprises at least one rigid element 85, for example a rod. This holding element 85 is connected to the lock using, for example, a torsion spring, and as a result, it rests on the shock absorber head to hold the shock absorber head on the axis Z not only in the open position but also in the locked position. Advantageously, these means make it possible to hold, specifically, the vertical position of the shock absorber head in the open position. For example, due to the absence of relative movement between components during the path setting and / or handling of the shock absorber according to the invention, it is possible to limit the deterioration of the shock absorber within limits.

[0067] Mounting the shock absorber according to the present invention on a fixed structure, while the pivoting structure is optionally equipped with complementary stops, will be described hereinafter. The pre-assembled shock absorber with stops can be mounted on a fixed structure by (i) first fastening the shock absorber 100 with self-adjustable stops to the chassis in a known manner, using standard fastening means, such as screws, anti-creep rings, washers, etc., (ii) rotating the second structure to adjust the central main part 40 in the first direction X relative to the base 20, (iii) covering the second structure, (iv) lifting the shock absorber head 60 by pressing the locking element 80 down within the central main part 40 until it is in the locked position, with the slot 81 located outside the central main part 40, as illustrated in Figures 2B and 3B, and (v) reclosing the door, whereby a compressive stress is introduced by the lifting effect of the shock absorber head 60.

[0068] It is possible to return the buffer with the stopper to the open position by placing a tool, such as a screwdriver or special tool, in the slot 81 and pulling the slot 81 outward until the buffer is back to its open position, at which point the buffer is ready to be adjusted according to steps (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) above.

[0069] The shock absorber with stops according to the invention allows for simple and quick mounting and in particular a reduction in the time required to carry out the installation of the shock absorber. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100 Buffer with self-adjustable stopper 20 base 22 Groove 232 Snap-fit ​​elements 24 groove 26 Guide Contour 28 Central Strip 282 recess 30 racks 32 racks 40 Central main part 42 recess 426 Groove 43 Lower Wall 432 Snap-fit ​​elements 44 Opening 46 Side opening 48 Belt 49 Bulge 482 bulge 484 Protruding Elements 60 Buffer head 62 Upper surface 64 recess 642 Groove 644 Lower edge 65 Side opening 66 Case 662 Surface 664 Vertical Surfaces 80 Rock Elements 81 Slots 82 Groove 83 Lower edge 84 upper edge 85 Retention element 86 Thrust slope section 88 racks 89 Bulge 862 tilted surface 864 Vertical Surfaces

Claims

1. 1. A self-adjustable stopper shock absorber (100) comprising a shock absorber head (60) having an upper surface (62) as a stopper, and a base (20) having a guide contour (26), the central main part (40) having a groove cooperating with said contour, the central main part (40) being mounted on the base (20) by translational movement in a first direction (X) in a plane of movement, the central main part (40) at least partially receiving the shock absorber head (60) by a surface opposite to a surface in contact with the base (20), The shock absorber (100) with adjustable stopper, characterized in that the shock absorber head (60) is movable relative to the central main part (40) in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the plane of motion, and the shock absorber further comprises a locking element (80) inserted into the central main part (40) in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first and third directions, operable in translation to close the shock absorber head (60) in the central main part (40) in the third direction (Z) and to close the central main part (40) on the base (20) in the first direction (X).

2. 2. The shock absorber (100) with self-adjustable stopper according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (80) and the shock absorber head (60) respectively comprise at least one thrust ramp (86) and at least one housing (66) adapted to receive the at least one thrust ramp (86), and the at least one thrust ramp (86) and the at least one housing (66) are adapted to create a cam effect when the locking element (80) is actuated in a translational movement, allowing the shock absorber head (60) to be lifted.

3. A shock absorber (100) with a self-adjustable stopper as described in claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (80) and the shock absorber head (60) each have at least one thrust ramp (86) and at least one housing (66) adapted to receive the at least one thrust ramp (86), and the locking element (80) has an open position in which the at least one thrust ramp (86) is received by the at least one housing (66) within the central main part (40) and the locking element (80) can be pushed down in the second direction, and a locked position in which the shock absorber head (60) is locked in the third direction.

4. A shock absorber (100) with a self-adjustable stopper as described in claim 2, characterized in that the locking element (80) has an open position in which the at least one thrust ramp portion (86) is received by the at least one housing (66) within the central main portion (40) and the locking element (80) can be pushed down in the second direction, and a locked position in which the shock absorber head (60) is locked in the third direction.

5. 5. A buffer (100) with a self-adjustable stopper according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the locking element (80) and the base (20) comprise locking means (30, 88) which cooperate only in the locked position to lock the central main part (40) in the first direction.

6. 6. The buffer (100) with self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the central main part (40) is movable in the first direction and the locking element (80) is in the open position.

7. A buffer (100) with a self-adjustable stop according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means (484) for defining the path of the central main part (40) in the first direction, preferably a protruding element (484) acting as a stop.

8. A buffer (100) with a self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 3 and claims 5 to 7 which rely on claim 3, and claims 4 and claims 5 to 7 which rely on claim 4, characterized in that it comprises means (32, 482) for positioning the central main part (40) on the base (20), and the locking element (80) is in the open position.

9. 9. The buffer (100) with self-adjustable stops according to claim 8, characterized in that the means (32, 482) for positioning the central main part (40) on the base (20) comprises a rack (32) on the base (20) and a belt (48) having a bulge (482).

10. Buffer (100) with self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the guide contour (26) is a T-section.

11. Buffer (100) with self-adjustable stopper according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 10 depending on claim 5, characterized in that the locking means comprise at least one rack (30) on the T-shaped guide contour (26) and at least one rack (88) of the locking element (80).

12. A shock absorber (100) with a self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 3 and claims 5 to 11 which rely on claim 3, and claim 4 and claims 5 to 11 which rely on claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a retaining means (85) for maintaining the shock absorber head (60) in a predetermined position in the third direction in the open position.

13. 13. The shock absorber (100) with self-adjustable stopper according to claim 12, characterized in that the retaining means (85) is a rod (85) resting on the shock absorber head and elastically connected to the locking element (80).

14. Buffer (100) with self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said central main part (40) and said base (20) are assembled by snap-fitting.

15. A buffer (100) with a self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 3 and 5 to 14 which rely on claim 3, and claim 4 and claims 5 to 14 which rely on claim 4, characterized in that it has means (81) for returning itself to the open position.

16. A buffer (100) with a self-adjustable stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it cannot be disassembled.

17. 17. A method for mounting a shock absorber according to claim 3 and any one of claims 5 to 16 relying on claim 3 on a first structure so as to separate the first structure from a second pivoting structure, comprising: - (i) fixing the buffer (100) with the self-adjustable stop in the open position on the first structure; - (ii) rotating said second structure to adjust said central main part (40) in said first direction (X) relative to said base part (20); - (iii) reopening said second structure; - (iv) locking said buffer head (60) in said third orientation by actuating said locking element (80); A method of loading, comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first structure is a movable body portion of a vehicle, and the second structure is a vehicle frame.

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