SUPPORT DEVICE TO PREVENT BREAKAGE AND DEFORMATION IN THE SIDE EXTERIOR PANELS OF COMMERCIAL BUSES AND MINIBUSES.

Abstract

This invention relates to a support device designed to prevent cracking, bulging, dents, and similar deformations caused by pressure and thermal effects during cataphoresis coating and high-temperature baking processes of the outer side panels used in commercial buses and minibuses. The device consists of a modular support bracket mounted to existing connection points on the vehicle body via special countersunk bushings, a threaded bushing that adjusts the side panel clearances, and an ergonomic chain-link retaining knob. The perforated bracket structure increases panel stability without hindering the flow of the cataphoresis liquid, while the special bushing structure provides ease of assembly, coating efficiency, and the advantage of not damaging the body surface. The invention reduces mechanical stresses that may occur during the process, prevents sheet metal deformations, and improves production quality and efficiency. Figure 1.

Description

1 TARIFF BREAKAGE IN THE SIDE EXTERIOR PANELS OF COMMERCIAL BUSES AND MINIBUSES. DEFORMATION PREVENTION SUPPORT DEVICE TECHNICAL AREA 5 This invention has great potential for the automotive industry, particularly large commercial vehicles such as buses and Assembly technologies of the outer body sheets used in the production processes of minibuses. It relates to the field. More specifically, the invention concerns the cataphoresis coating process and high-performance methods. Fractures that may occur in the outer side sheets during the high-temperature baking stages, A support that prevents deformations such as bulging, dents and similar damage. 10 It is related to the apparatus. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE In motor vehicle manufacturing processes, especially the exterior body of large commercial vehicles... assembly 15 where the sheets are subjected to cataphoresis coating and baking processes in the lines, temporary fixing of the side panels and against process conditions Protection is an important requirement. In current practices, the side panels are cataphoresis. It is fixed to the body with spot welding at certain points beforehand, but the bottom Since a bonding process will be applied in these areas, welding will be applied to these parts. This is not possible. Therefore, the lower sections of the side panels cannot be made without welding. entering the electrophoresis pool and the liquid pressure inside the pool, geometric tolerances and due to the large surface area of ​​the panel, it is prone to cracking, bulging, dents and veining. This can lead to deformations. In addition, after the cataphoresis process, the vehicles reach a temperature of approximately 180°C. The material is placed in furnaces, and the thermal expansion occurring in the sheet metal causes spot welding. causing permanent damage to certain areas of the sheet metal by exceeding its local strength. This is possible. To remedy these deformations, the sheet metal must be removed and replaced with a new one. re-installation, assembly processes, costs and production time This increases costs and also causes fluctuations in product quality. 30 In the known state of the art, panel fastening or body fastening elements Various solutions exist regarding this. For example, the publication number is US10391954B2. The application states that the gaps between the trim panels and the vehicle body are within tolerance limits. 2 A mounting bracket for protection is described. The bracket is manufactured. It aims to reduce alignment errors caused by tolerances. The relief slot structure allows for controlled deformation of the connection area. However, this system: - It does not provide panel stabilization against the pressure of the cataphoresis pool, 5 - It does not offer support for high-temperature furnace conditions. - features include a perforated structure, a special bushing, and a chain-linked retaining knob. It is not. Therefore, this document is about assembly tolerance management, process 10. Since the current invention does not target deformation accelerating conditions caused by induced deformation, They do not technically overlap. In another file with publication number US12233948B2, there is an upper body column and a lower one. Mounting brackets that reinforce the structural connection between the body elements and 15 It includes support units. The solution aims to increase body rigidity and load capacity. It is aimed at regulating the transfer. However, it does not provide temporary process support. a structure designed to protect the side panels from the liquid pressure of the cataphoresis pool Does not include a knob or threaded bushing combination for external panel clearance adjustment. It does not offer a special 20 that prevents panel deformation caused by thermal expansion. It does not have a modular structure. Therefore, its working principle is completely different. In another file with publication number US11548380B2, the fuel system is mentioned. A connector for quick and secure mounting of components to the vehicle. The mechanism is explained. The targeted technical problems reduce the assembly time by 25 The system aims to shorten the panel and provide secure locking. It also prevents panel deformation. It is not intended to prevent, or to address any issues related to cataphoresis or baking processes. It does not offer protection; special bushings, perforated panel structure, or chain linkage. It does not contain a retaining knob. Therefore, the invention has the same technical problem. It does not solve it. 30 In the literature and existing patent documents, the wide range of pressure in the cataphoresis pool is discussed. to reduce the cracking and bulging effects it creates on sheet metal surfaces, The panel is stable against thermal expansion in both cataphoresis and 180°C oven processes. 3 It has a special threadless-countersunk head bushing structure that offers easy mounting / dismounting, A perforated system adjusts the sheet metal clearance using a chain-link knob + toothed bushing combination. A system that does not obstruct the flow of coating fluid thanks to its modular bracket structure. It is not available. Solutions using known techniques are either permanent body joining or trim / panel tolerance adjustment, or focuses on the assembly of different components, such as the fuel system. Therefore, current technical solutions are suitable for the process conditions of commercial vehicle side exterior sheet metal. It is unable to resolve the deformation problems it has suffered as a result. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The main purpose of this invention is to improve the side-mounted external components in the production processes of commercial buses and minibuses. during the cataphoresis coating and high-temperature baking processes of the sheets Fractures, bulges, and collapses caused by the pressure and thermal effects to which it is exposed. The aim is to prevent deformations such as veining. The invention; side panels 15 stable under production tolerances, missing weld areas and process conditions. It aims to offer a modular support bracket that ensures it stays in place. Another purpose of the invention is to increase the liquid pressure generated in the cataphoresis pool over a large surface area. to prevent deformations caused by the side panels, thus improving the surface quality of the sheet metal by 20 and to maintain geometric accuracy. Another purpose of the invention is to bake sheet metal at a temperature of approximately 180°C during the firing process. by controlling the mechanical stress caused by the expansion of the material, The purpose is to prevent spot welds from breaking or the sheet metal from deforming. 25 Another purpose of the invention is to enable welding in the lower regions of the side panels where welding is not possible. to provide a safe and non-damaging temporary fixation method in the affected areas to make it possible. Another purpose of the invention is to enable assembly using special bushings that are toothless and have countersunk heads. to facilitate disassembly, prevent damage to the body, cataphoresis The goal is to minimize the uncoated area in the coating. 4 One aim of the invention is to create an ergonomic combination of chain link knob and toothed bushing. by adjusting the gaps between the side panels in a controlled manner, thus the process eliminates the risk of ripples or movements that may occur on the sheet metal surface during the process. to remove. Another purpose of the invention is to enable cataphoresis coating thanks to its perforated support bracket structure. to ensure panel stability and coating quality without obstructing the flow of the liquid It is to protect. By improving production line processes, the need for reworked labor and parts replacement can be reduced by 10. to reduce, lower costs, increase overall production efficiency and all of these to perform functions with a modular, durable and reusable structure that is intended. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 15 Figure 1 shows the special side outer sheet metal deformation prevention support apparatus, which is the subject of the invention. A perspective showing its integrated structure with the bushings and ergonomic knob. It is the appearance. Figure 2, Support bracket body connection surfaces, threaded / non-threaded bushing. 20 showing the placements and the retaining knob mechanism in the upper part of the apparatus. It is a detailed perspective view. Figure 3 shows the support bracket mounted on the commercial vehicle body and its side view. showing the positional relationship between the body area where the outer sheets are located It is the appearance. REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURES 1- Vehicle body 2- Side outer sheet metal 3- Support device / support bracket 4- Body connection bushing 30 5- Fastener 6- Toothed bushing 7- Ergonomic chain-link knob DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention involves the cataphoresis of the outer side panels used in commercial buses and minibuses. mechanical properties to which it is exposed during coating and high-temperature baking processes deformations caused by stress, fluid pressure, and thermal expansion effects It relates to a support device (3) developed to prevent. The support device (3) 5 side outer sheet metal mounted on the connection areas located on the vehicle body (1). (2) It is a modular structure that provides effective pressure and stabilization. This modular structure, with the constant reference plane provided by the body connection bushings (4) the adjustable second pressure plane formed by the toothed bushing (6) and knob (7) By using them together, the outer side sheet metal can be held in a controlled manner from two different points. 10 This makes it possible. Thus, all elements of the apparatus work together to process the sheet metal both axially. It also balances against radial forces. As seen in Figure 1 and Figure 3, the support bracket (3) is connected to the body connection surfaces, side sheet metal support surface, mounting holes and a 15 located on the top of the apparatus. It consists of an adjustment mechanism. The support apparatus (3) is attached to the vehicle body (1) the contact areas do not damage the side outer sheet metal (2) and cataphoresis It maintains its efficiency in coating. Support apparatus (3), cataphoresis liquid Coating with multiple holes in it so as not to obstruct the flow It prevents the integrity of the coating on the surface from being compromised. 20 The perforated structure (8) allows liquid flow while also increasing the rigidity of the apparatus itself. It acts as a support surface that distributes the load evenly to the fuselage connection points. Thus, the pressure transferred to the outer side sheet is distributed throughout both the body and the apparatus. It will be balanced. The connection of the support bracket (3) to the vehicle body (1) is via a special bushing with a threadless and countersunk head. This is provided through body connection bushings (4) which have a body structure. connection bushings (4) damage the surface of the vehicle body (1) with a countersunk geometry It has no teeth, therefore it is not located on the vehicle body (1) during assembly / disassembly. The area reduces the risk of scratching, twisting or wear on the outer sheet metal (2). 30 To minimize the unpainted area in cataphoresis coating, proper contact is required. It forms the surface. Body connection bushings (4) provide the positional reference of the support apparatus (3). Since it was determined, it is true that all the load-bearing elements of the apparatus are formed by these bushings. 6 It works on the axis. This situation causes the pressure applied by the toothed bushing (6) to the apparatus. causing unwanted deformation or localized load accumulation on the sheet metal. It prevents it from opening. The connecting elements (5) that pass through the body connection bushings (4) are modular 5 the support bracket (3) must be securely fixed to the vehicle body (1) This connection provides resistance to the pressure and thermal expansion that occurs during the process. It serves as a reliable anchor against these effects. The clamping force created by the connecting elements (5) causes the bushings (4) to countersink. By working together with its geometry, the device's contact surfaces with the body may slip or 10 It prevents rotational movement. Thus, the counterforce transmitted through the toothed bushing (6) It is distributed evenly and controllably throughout the trunk. The system that provides support and pressure on the outer side sheet metal (2); toothed bushing (6) and It consists of an ergonomic chain-link knob (7). 15 as seen in Figure 1. ergonomic chain link knob (7) can be easily tightened by hand by the operator It has the form. The pressure on the outer side sheet (2) is applied by turning it onto the toothed bushing (6). It adjusts the quantity. Thanks to the chain link, it eliminates the risk of loss. It removes. The gear bushing (6) and the knob (7) work together, the apparatus body connection bushings (4) 20 It produces a controlled compressive force against the fixed plane it creates. This force, laterally... limiting the back-and-forth oscillation of the sheet metal (2) which causes deformation during the process It creates a counter-pressure field. The toothed bushing (6) covers any gaps that may occur between the outer side sheet (2) and the support apparatus (3). by adjusting the liquid pressure inside the cataphoresis pool on the outer side sheet (2) This structure prevents the creation of local deformation, especially at the source. In the sub-regions where no application is made, the outer side sheet (2) can move freely during the process. It prevents it from doing so. Thanks to the precise gap adjustment, 30° can be applied to the sheet metal via the knob (7). The applied pressure forms a force triangle between the body connection points and the bushings (4). It forms a triangle that ensures the sheet metal is balanced from all directions. 7 When the vehicle body (1) enters the cataphoresis pool, the wide surface side panels (2) are liquid It is subjected to pressure. This pressure causes bulging, especially in non-welded sub-regions. It causes deformations such as cracking or inward collapse. Support apparatus (3); vehicle by optimally suppressing the gaps between the body (1) and the side outer sheet (2), Side outer 5 with combination of toothed bushing (6) and ergonomic chain link knob (7). by preventing the sheet metal (2) from moving back and forth, thanks to its modular form, the load by spreading these deformations to the skeleton of the vehicle body (1) It prevents the liquid from passing freely. The perforated structure of the support apparatus (3) allows the liquid to pass freely. Because of this, it does not impair the coating quality in the cataphoresis process. At this stage, the liquid pressure taken from the front surface of the support apparatus (3) is measured in body 10 It is transferred directly to the body carrier profile via the connecting bushings (4). Thus The compressive force acting on the sheet metal is reduced, and the sheet metal's load-bearing capacity is eliminated. He gets up. After cataphoresis, the instruments are placed in ovens at approximately 180°C. At this stage, 15 The outer side sheet metal (2) undergoes thermal expansion and stress at the spot welding points. This causes the accumulation of loads. The support device (3) absorbs the loads that occur in the direction of expansion. to distribute homogeneously to the body (1), outwards or inwards to the outer side sheet (2) It prevents deformation and overloading of the welding points. By preventing breakage, it reduces the likelihood of cracking. This allows for visible cracking on the sheet metal surface. No bulging, undulation, or collapse is occurring. The axial force on the outer surface of the sheet metal (2) increases during thermal expansion, affecting the apparatus. It generates counterforce at the lower connection surfaces; this causes the bending moment of the sheet metal. This prevents the formation of expansion force safely towards the body profile. is directed. 25 The entire structure of the support apparatus (3) is designed for quick assembly and disassembly on mass production lines. It is designed appropriately. Body connection bushings (4) and ergonomic chain The connected knob (7) allows the operator to use any additional equipment for a short time. This allows for assembly within a short time. When the process is complete, the support bracket is 30 (3) It can be easily disassembled and reused. Furthermore, the modularity of the bushing-ball combination allows the device to be used with different body types. or allows it to work with different sheet metal thicknesses using the same principle.

Claims

8 REQUESTS 1- This invention is for the side outer sheets (2) used in commercial buses and minibuses. formed during cataphoresis coating and baking processes It is a structured support apparatus (3) to prevent deformations, 5 feature; - a modular support body that can be mounted on the vehicle body (1), - at least one threadless and countersunk head body that connects to the vehicle body (1) to the connecting bushing (4), - adjusting the gap between the support bracket (3) and the side outer sheet metal (2) by at least 10 to a toothed bushing (6), - a toothed bushing (6) that creates pressure on the outer side sheet (2) by being tightened onto it. ergonomic chain-link knob (7) - and a support consisting of multiple holes that allow the passage of the electrophoresis fluid. It is characterized by having a surface. 15 2- The invention is a support apparatus (3) according to claim 1, and its feature is; body connection. Thanks to the toothless structure of the bushings (4), during assembly and disassembly not causing rotation, scratching or wear on the vehicle body (1) surface It is characterized by having a connection geometry. 20 3- The invention is a support apparatus (3) according to claim 1, and its feature is; body connection. Thanks to the fact that its (4) constellations have a countersunk structure, cataphoresis It has a contact surface that minimizes the unpainted area in its coating. It is characterized by its being. 4- The invention is a support apparatus (3) according to claim 1, the feature of which is; the side 25 of the toothed bushing (6). By adjusting the gap formed between the outer sheet metal (2) and the support bracket (3), the outer a pressure adjustment mechanism that limits the back-and-forth oscillation of the sheet (2) It is characterized by having certain qualities. 5- The invention is a support apparatus (3) according to claim 1, and its feature is; perforated support 30 on the surface (8) so as not to obstruct the flow of the cataphoresis liquid It is characterized by having at least one positioned multiple passage hole. It is done.

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