PLAY DETECTOR

Abstract

The utility model relates to equipment for diagnosing the suspension and steering of vehicles. The device comprises a fixed (1) and a movable (4) vertical base, a lower (2) and upper (5) fixing base with lower (3) and upper (6) saw-toothed blunt metal grips, a handle (7) for transmitting force to the wheel, a central (8) and an additional lower unit (9) for fastening the handle (7), as well as a unit for adjusting the angle of the handle relative to the vertical axis (10). The movable vertical base is connected to the fixed one by means of a screw mechanism; movement is accomplished by rotating a nut (11), which fixes the selected position in the range of wheel diameters from 532 to 840 mm. The grips are spaced 450 mm horizontally.The lower position of the handle and its adjustable tilt allow a single operator to simultaneously apply load to the wheel and visually inspect for play, adapting the tool to various types of lifts, inspection pits, overpasses, and the mechanic's individual anthropometric measurements. The device is suitable for diagnostics both on a lift (with wheels raised) and under load (with the vehicle in a pit or overpass). The technical result is increased functionality by enabling single-operator operation with individual handle angle adjustment. 7 fig.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to equipment for monitoring and diagnosing suspension and steering components of vehicles, in particular to hand-held mechanical devices - play detectors, temporarily attached to a vehicle wheel and designed to detect play, wear and hidden defects in articulated joints, levers, steering rods and other chassis components.

[0002] The prior art includes stationary stands for determining backlash, comprising a movable platform with a pneumatic or hydraulic drive that ensures the movement of a wheel in mutually perpendicular directions [see patent for utility model RU 105447 U1, G01M 17 / 04, published 10.06.2011; see patent for utility model RU 217054 U1, G01M 17 / 04, published 16.03.2023]. Such devices require the vehicle to be driven onto the stand, are cumbersome, and require the participation of two operators, one of whom sets the mechanism in motion, and the second visually assesses the backlash.

[0003] A device for detecting and identifying play is known [see US Patent 20230316241 A1, 2023], comprising a linearly movable carriage and a rotating support plate, wherein the carriage includes a rotatable structure for rotating the plate about an axis of rotation. The device also comprises first and second guides, a transmission mechanism, and measuring means for quantitatively assessing play. A disadvantage of this device is its stationary nature, the complexity of its design, and the need to use two such devices for one axle of the vehicle.

[0004] A system for detecting vehicle play is also known [see patent for invention RU 2796221 C1, IPC G01M 17 / 04, published 18.05.2023], comprising play detector devices, each of which has a base and a movable table capable of movement along mutually perpendicular axes X and Y. Each axis is equipped with two pneumatic cylinders capable of synchronous operation, as well as U-shaped guides. This design reduces table skew, but the system remains stationary, bulky, and requires a compressed air supply.

[0005] Manual play detectors are also known, which are attached directly to the wheel disk and are activated by the muscular force of the operator.

[0006] The closest analogue (prototype) to the claimed device in terms of technical essence and purpose is the NORDBERG NTE20 play detector [see, for example, https: / / ozon.ra / t / ho5vJTt]. This well-known play detector comprises a frame with upper and lower clamps for securing the device to the wheel, and a rigidly attached handle. This play detector allows for reciprocating wheel movements in the transverse and longitudinal directions to detect gaps. The clamps can be adjusted to suit wheel diameters from 530 to 800 mm.

[0007] Disadvantages of the known prototype:

[0008] 1. A complete diagnosis requires two mechanics: one to rock the wheel, applying force to the handle, while the other visually inspects the joints for play. The operator holding the handle cannot simultaneously inspect all inspection points, as their position and visibility are limited by the need to apply force to the wheel. Working alone with this device is virtually impossible.

[0009] 2. The handle has only one fixed position, which does not allow the tool to be adapted to different types of lifts (two-post, four-post, inspection pit), or to the individual anthropometric data of the mechanic (height, arm length).

[0010] 3. Although the wheel grips have a rubberized working surface with spikes, they also have a small contact area, which does not provide sufficient grip when applying lateral forces. This means that effective force can be applied almost exclusively in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the device along the frame. Attempting to apply force in other directions may cause the grips to slip relative to the wheel rim.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a universal hand-held backlash detector that ensures confident operation by one operator, ergonomic adaptation to various diagnostic conditions and reliable fixation on the wheel under any loading direction.

[0012] The technical problem that the claimed utility model is aimed at solving is expanding the functional capabilities of a manual play detector, increasing the ease of its operation and ensuring the possibility of high-quality diagnostics of the suspension and steering by one mechanic without the involvement of an assistant.

[0013] The technical result is an increase in the functional capabilities of the device due to the implementation of the possibility of operation by one operator with individual adjustment of the handle angle.

[0014] The specified technical result is achieved in that in a play detector comprising a fixed vertical base, on which a lower fixing base with lower clamps is fixed, a movable vertical base installed with the possibility of movement relative to the fixed base, an upper fixing base fixed on the movable vertical base, with upper clamps, a handle for transmitting force to a wheel, and a central handle fastening unit, a lower handle fastening unit is additionally installed, allowing the handle to be installed on the inner side of the play detector, as well as a handle installation angle adjustment unit, providing for a change in the angle of inclination of the handle relative to the vertical axis.

[0015] The essence of the utility model is explained by drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a general view of the play detector, where 1 is a fixed vertical base; 2 is a lower fixing horizontal base, rigidly fixed to (1); 3 are two lower blunt saw-toothed clamps of the vehicle wheel, rigidly fixed to (2); 4 is a movable vertical base; 5 is an upper fixing horizontal base, rigidly fixed to (4); 6 are two upper blunt saw-toothed clamps of the vehicle wheel, rigidly fixed to (5); 7 is a handle, by means of which a transverse movement of the wheel is created in order to determine play; 8 is a central fastening unit of the handle (7); 9 is a lower fastening unit of the handle (7); 10 is a unit for adjusting the angle of installation of the handle (7) in the lower position; 11 is a nut with an internal thread, the rotation of which leads to the movement of the movable vertical base (4) along the fixed base (1) due to a screw mechanism; Tightening the nut ensures a rigid fixation of the selected position.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows a general view of the play detector with the handle (7) installed in the lower position, where 3 are two lower blunt saw-toothed clamps of the car wheel, rigidly fixed to (2); 7 is the handle, by means of which the transverse movement of the wheel is created in order to determine the play; 9 is the lower fastening unit of the handle (7); 10 is the unit for adjusting the angle of installation of the handle (7) in the lower position.

[0018] Fig. 3 shows a play detector (side view), where 7 is a handle by means of which a transverse movement of the wheel is created in order to determine play; 8 is a central fastening unit of the handle (7); 9 is a lower fastening unit of the handle (7); 10 is a unit for adjusting the angle of installation of the handle (7) in the lower position; 11 is a nut with an internal thread, the rotation of which leads to the movement of the movable vertical base (4) along the fixed base (1) due to a screw mechanism; tightening the nut ensures rigid fixation of the selected position.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows the backlash detector (bottom view).

[0020] Fig. 5 shows the backlash detector (front view).

[0021] Fig. 6 shows the play detector (rear view - LD in the “slid” position).

[0022] Fig. 7 shows the play detector (rear view - LD in the "spread" position).

[0023] The play detector (Fig. 1-7) comprises a fixed vertical base (1), which serves as the base support post. A lower fixing base (2) is rigidly mounted at the bottom of the vertical base (1), to which two lower, blunt, saw-toothed clamps (3) are symmetrically attached. The clamps (3) have a working surface in the form of alternating teeth (a blunt saw-tooth profile) and are spaced 450 mm horizontally, ensuring a secure grip on the wheel rim at two spaced points.

[0024] The lower clamps (3) and upper clamps (6) are made in the form of blunt saw-toothed grips, each 204 mm long, spaced 450 mm apart horizontally, which ensures secure fastening of the device to the wheel and the ability of the operator to apply force in any direction without shifting the grips.

[0025] The movable vertical base (4) is mounted with a screw mechanism for translational movement relative to the fixed base (1). Rotating the nut (11) moves the movable base (4) along the fixed base (1). The movable part has a stroke of 368 mm, allowing for infinitely adjustable distance between the upper and lower clamps and securely clamping wheels with diameters from 532 to 840 mm. Tightening the nut (11) after installation locks the selected position.

[0026] A movable vertical base (4) is installed in a fixed vertical base (1) with the ability to move vertically. The upper fixing base (5) is rigidly fixed to the upper part of the base (4) with two upper blunt saw-tooth clamps (6), which are located similarly to the lower clamps (3), in pairs symmetrically relative to the vertical plane of the device. Moving the base (4) relative to the base (1) allows you to change the distance between the lower (3) and upper (6) clamps, adapting the play detector to a specific wheel diameter. The selected position is fixed by tightening the nut (11), which pulls together the movable and fixed bases, ensuring a rigid connection without play. The adjustment range is from 532 to 840 mm, which covers most passenger cars, crossovers and commercial vehicles.

[0027] A central handle fastening unit (8) is made on a fixed base (1). It is a reinforced screw-type seat into which the handle (7) can be inserted and secured by tightening. In addition, a lower handle fastening unit (9) is provided in the lower zone of the device (see Figs. 2, 3), which is located significantly below the center of gravity of the play detector secured to the wheel. The lower fastening unit (9) is structurally combined with the handle installation angle adjustment unit (10). The lower fastening unit (9) is designed in such a way as to ensure the installation of the handle (7) on the inner side of the play detector. The unit (10) is made in the form of an adjustable sector with a lock, which provides the ability to change the angle of inclination of the handle (7) relative to the vertical axis and fix the selected position.Thus, the handle (7) is removable and can be installed in the central unit (8) from the outside, or in the lower unit (9) from the inside, depending on the selected operating mode.

[0028] Furthermore, the proposed play detector allows for chassis diagnostics not only on a lift with the wheels off the ground, but also under load. For example, when the car is positioned on an inspection pit, on a ramp, or when jacked up with the wheels in contact with the ground. Diagnostics under load reveals hidden defects and play that may not be apparent when the vehicle is off the ground (for example, in silent blocks, springs, and suspension arms). This expands the device's functionality and improves the accuracy of the suspension and steering system condition assessment.

[0029] Application example.

[0030] The proposed play detector is operated as follows. The device is installed on the vehicle wheel to be diagnosed. By loosening the nut (11), the screw mechanism is set in motion and the movable vertical base (4) is moved so that the upper sawtooth clamps (6) and lower clamps (3) tightly grip the wheel rim from the top and bottom. The adjustment range (368 mm stroke) allows for clamping wheels with a diameter of 532 to 840 mm. Then, by tightening the nut (11), the selected position of the movable base (4) is fixed, ensuring a rigid attachment of the play detector to the wheel. The sawtooth shape of the clamps (3) and (6), as well as their significant spacing, ensures a reliable clamping, eliminating slippage when applying loads in any radial direction.

[0031] If two people are required, insert the handle (7) into the central mounting point (8). One mechanic, holding the handle, rocks the wheel laterally and / or longitudinally, while the other visually checks for play in the ball joints, tie rods, silent blocks, and other components.

[0032] When performing diagnostics by a single operator, the handle (7) is installed in the lower mounting point (9) and the adjustment unit (10) is used to set the optimal handle angle for ergonomics. The lower position of the handle and the ability to adjust its angle allow the mechanic to hold the handle with one hand and apply the required cyclic force to the wheel, while simultaneously maintaining a comfortable position and visually observing potential play areas. The angle adjustment also allows the tool to be adapted to specific conditions: working on a two-post lift, a four-post lift, an inspection pit (including during diagnostics under load), or an overpass, as well as to the individual anthropometric parameters of the specialist. This allows diagnostics to be successfully performed without an assistant. After completing the test, loosen the nut (11), move the sliding base (4) to its original position, and remove the play detector from the wheel.

[0033] Thus, the stated technical result is achieved.

[0034] The utility model is industrially applicable, as it can be used in the field of vehicle maintenance and repair, in particular for diagnosing play in suspension and steering components at service stations, in service centers and during independent technical inspection, including in conditions when the vehicle is under load (inspection pit, overpass).

[0035] The utility model is new, since the set of its essential features, including fixed and movable vertical bases, upper and lower clamps, as well as a removable handle with the possibility of installing it in a central or lower fastening unit and a unit for adjusting the angle of inclination of the handle relative to the vertical axis, is not known from the prior art in this area.

Claims

1. A play detector comprising a fixed vertical base on which a lower fixing base with lower locks is secured, a movable vertical base mounted with the possibility of movement relative to the fixed base, an upper fixing base secured on the movable vertical base with upper locks, a handle for transmitting force to a wheel and a central handle fastening unit, characterized in that it additionally comprises a lower handle fastening unit allowing the handle to be installed on the inner side of the play detector, as well as a handle installation angle adjustment unit ensuring a change in the angle of inclination of the handle relative to the vertical axis.

2. A play detector according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the lower and upper clamps are made in the form of saw-toothed grips, spaced horizontally at a distance of 450 mm, ensuring the fixation of the wheel and the ability to apply force in any direction.

3. The play detector according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the distance between the upper and lower clamps is adjustable in the range from 532 to 840 mm.

4. A play detector according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the unit for adjusting the angle of the handle is made in the form of a sector mechanism with a lock that ensures rigid fixation of the selected angle of inclination.

5. A play detector according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the saw-tooth grips are made of metal and are not sharp.

6. A backlash detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed and movable vertical bases are connected with the possibility of translational movement by means of a screw mechanism, and the fixation of the selected position is carried out by tightening the nut, the rotation of which moves the movable base along the fixed one.

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