Stabilizer bar and vehicle linking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stabilizer bar linking device for automotive vehicles, comprising a pin with a geometry configured to allow the application of torque by means of an open-end wrench or an automatic tool with an anti-rotation mechanism. The device also includes a flush support and a fitting geometry compatible with different tools, promoting flexibility in assembly and standardization across different production lines. The invention aims to reduce costs, increase production efficiency and ensure durability, even under cyclical operating conditions.

Description

STABILIZER BAR AND VEHICLE LINKING DEVICE Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention is situated in the field of stabilizer bar linking devices for automotive vehicles, more specifically in the development of solutions aimed at unifying assembly methods in different production lines.Background of the Invention

[0002] Stabilizer bar linking devices play a fundamental role in vehicle suspension systems, being responsible for connecting the stabilizer bar to the vehicle structure, reducing lateral tilt during turns and providing greater stability. The reliability and efficiency of these devices are essential to meet the stringent performance and safety standards required by the automotive industry.

[0003] Currently, most stabilizer bar linking devices are designed to meet a specific assembly method, using manual or automatic tools for torque application. This limitation represents a significant challenge when the same components need to be used in different production plants. For example, while some plants use manual tools for torque application, others rely on automatic tools with anti-rotation mechanisms. This incompatibility often results in adaptations to the assembly line or the development of plant-specific parts, generating high costs and reducing operational efficiency.

[0004] Conventional production methods cannot reconcile, in a single device, the demands for flexibility and standardization. Furthermore, the introduction of new manufacturing processes or adjustments to assembly plants often implies additional costs, both in terms of infrastructure investment and implementation time. This is especially problematic in an industry where cost reduction and increased efficiency are constant priorities.

[0005] Although some existing solutions seek to improve the versatility and strength of fastening devices, the integration of multiple torque methods into a single component has not yet been widely adopted. The difficulty in designing a pin geometry that meets different tool requirements while maintaining the necessary durability, accuracy, and strength is one of the main factors preventing standardization.

[0006] Thus, there is a growing need for solutions that allow the application of different assembly methods in a single connecting device, promoting cost reduction and the unification of production processes in different manufacturing plants. The present inventionaims to fill this gap, offering an innovative device that combines flexibility, efficiency and standardization, meeting the demands of the automotive sector without compromising the reliability and durability of the system.

[0007] Some prior art documents have attempted to solve this problem as can be seen below:CN211844014 - This document discloses a utility model relating to an anti-rotation mounting structure for the connecting rod of a suspension stabilizer bar, belonging to the technical field of automotive design and manufacturing. The structure comprises a stabilizer bar, a stabilizer bar connecting rod and a suspension component; The two ends of the stabilizer bar connecting rod are equipped with ball heads, the rod of each ball head having a flanged surface, and the outer side of each flanged surface has a hexagonal boss. The end of the stabilizer bar includes a mounting surface, where one side of this surface, in contact with the flanged surface of the ball head, has a hexagonal recess.CN205417076 - This document discloses a utility model that presents a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly in a first embodiment that includes: the stabilizer bar, wherein the stabilizer bar has a mounting hole, in which a first rotation prevention section is formed on the side wall of the mounting hole; the suspension connecting rod, wherein one end of the connecting rod has a double-bolted ball pin, the side wall of which includes a second rotation prevention section; The double-screw ball pin is cooperatively inserted into the mounting hole, with the first rotation prevention section and the second rotation prevention section configured to adapt in order to prevent rotation of the double-screw ball pin inside the mounting hole.

[0008] Existing solutions have limitations in providing stabilizer bar linking devices that combine flexibility in assembly, standardization across different production lines, and high durability under severe operating conditions. In addition, these solutions are generally not compatible with multiple torque application methods, resulting in additional adaptation costs or the need to develop specific components, compromising both production efficiency and the economic viability of the project.Object of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a stabilizer bar linking device that allows the application of torque using different methods, promoting flexibility and standardization in the assembly process.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs by eliminating the need for adjustments to production lines to accommodate different torque tools.

[0011] Additionally, the present invention aims to ensure high durability and resistance of the device, even under cyclical operating conditions, meeting the quality requirements of the automotive industry.Brief Description of the Invention

[0012] The present invention discloses a stabilizer bar connecting device comprising a pin. Said pin comprises a flush support and a fitting geometry.

[0013] Furthermore, said flush support is configured to fit an open-end wrench. And said fitting geometry is configured to fit an automatic coupling tool.

[0014] Said flush support has parallel surfaces configured to prevent the open-end wrench from slipping during torque application.

[0015] Moreover, said fitting geometry is compatible with automatic coupling tools that have an anti-rotation mechanism.

[0016] It is also important to highlight that said pin is manufactured from metallic material, more specifically 41Cr4 heat-treated to 940 - 1120 MPa.

[0017] In addition, said flush support is dimensioned to withstand applied torque between 40 Nm and 100 Nm.

[0018] The fitting geometry is also configured to accommodate automatic tools of different sizes.

[0019] Said pin comprises an additional cylindrical section to facilitate alignment during assembly.

[0020] Said stabilizer bar linking device is configured to withstand cyclic stresses arising from vehicle operating conditions.

[0021] Furthermore, the pin comprises a marking configured to facilitate identification of the correct alignment during assembly.

[0022] The present invention also discloses a vehicle comprising at least one stabilizer bar linking device (100), as described in any of the preceding claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail after the presentation of the figures, which contain a preferred configuration. The Figures show:- Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of said stabilizer bar linking device.- Figure 2 illustrates a top view of said stabilizer bar.- Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of said pin.- Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of said fitted stabilizer bar linking device fitted into an open-end wrench and an automatic coupling tool.

[0024] The reference elements present in the figures are: 100 - stabilizer bar linking device; 1 - pin; 2 - flush support; 3 - fitting geometry; 10 - open-end wrench; 11 - automatic coupling tool.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Before the invention is detailed, it is important to understand that it is not limited to the specific components of the described device, as these may vary. It is also relevant to emphasize that the terminology employed serves only to describe particular embodiments and should not be seen as limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this descriptive report and in the associated claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" may refer to both singular and plural elements, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when ranges of numerical parameters are provided, they are considered to include limiting values.

[0026] It should also be understood that the embodiments presented here should not be viewed in isolation or disconnected. The characteristics described for one embodiment are also applicable to the other embodiments mentioned. If a specific characteristic is mentioned in one embodiment but not in another, the person skilled in the art would understand that this does not necessarily imply that the characteristic should not be considered for the other embodiment. The expert would understand that the purpose of this application is to disclose the feature for other embodiments as well, but for the sake of clarity and conciseness, this has not been explicitly stated in each case.

[0027] The present invention discloses a stabilizer bar linking device 100 comprising a pin (1). Said pin 1 comprises a flush support 2 and a fitting geometry 3. It is further noted that the flush support 2 is configured to fit an open-end wrench 10 and said fitting geometry 3 is configured to fit an automatic coupling tool 11.

[0028] The present invention further discloses that said flush support 2 has parallel surfaces configured to prevent slippage of the open-end wrench 10 during torque application.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said pin comprises an additional cylindrical section to facilitate alignment during assembly.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said device is configured to withstand cyclic stresses arising from the vehicle's operating conditions.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pin 1 includes a marking to facilitate identification of the correct alignment during assembly.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said pin 1 is made of metallic material, more specifically 41Cr4 heat-treated to 940 - 1120 MPa.

[0033] Alternatively, said pin 1 is made of at least one of the following materials: DIN 41Cr4, SAE 5140, DIN 23MnB4.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said stabilizer bar linking device 100 has a total length between 150 mm and 350 mm, even more preferably, said stabilizer bar linking device 100 has a total length of 300 mm.

[0035] Also in a preferred embodiment, said pin 1 has a diameter between 8 mm and 15 mm, even more preferably, said pin 1 has a diameter of 10 mm.

[0036] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the geometry of the fitting 3 of said pin 1 is dimensioned for compatibility with automatic torque tools with heads between 8 mm and 15 mm, with 9 mm heads.

[0037] In a preferred configuration, said face support 2 is dimensioned to withstand an applied torque of up to 100 Nm, more preferably between 40 Nm and 100 Nm, even more preferably, withstanding a torque of 50 Nm.

[0038] In yet another preferred configuration, the thickness of said face support 2 is between 15 mm and 25 mm, even more preferably, with a thickness of 17 mm.

[0039] Still in its preferred configuration, the contact surface area of said face support 2 with the open-end wrench 10 is between 40 mm2and 60 mm2, even more preferably with an area of 45 mm2.

[0040] The length of the fitting geometry 3 on said pin 1 is preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm, even more preferably with a length of 9 mm.

[0041] The thickness of the anti-corrosion protection layer applied to said pin 1 is between 8 micrometers and 12 micrometers, even more preferably with a thickness of 10 micrometers.

[0042] Still regarding the same preferred configuration of the present invention, the shear strength of said stabilizer bar linking device 100 is comprised between 700 MPa and 1000 MPa, even more preferably, with a strength of 700 MPa.

[0043] The present invention further discloses a vehicle comprising said stabilizer bar linking device 100 as described previously in this descriptive report.

[0044] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, said vehicle is a passenger car. In an alternative configuration of the present invention, said vehicle is a truck, bus or pickup truck.

[0045] The present invention fulfills the proposed objectives by presenting a stabilizer bar linking device with an innovative pin geometry, which allows the application of torque by both manual tools and automatic tools with an anti-rotation mechanism. This configuration eliminates the need for specific adaptations in production lines, reducing costs and promoting standardization between different assembly plants. In addition, the robust design and the use of resistant materials guarantee the durability and efficiency of the device, even under severe operating conditions, meeting the high quality and safety standards required by the automotive industry.

[0046] All combinations of elements that perform the same function in a substantially similar way, using equivalent methods and producing the same results as the elements specified in the claims, are included within the scope of this invention. This means that, even if a variation of elements performs the function in a slightly different way, as long as the result is essentially the same, these variations are also protected by the patent. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the scope of protection conferred by this invention is not limited only to the literal content of the claims described, but also includes variations or modifications that may be considered equivalent.

[0047] It is necessary to observe that the attached drawings, although representing the ideas and concepts of the invention, have not necessarily been drawn to scale and serve only to illustrate conceptually the possible configurations of the elements. This choice aims only to facilitate the understanding of the invention and not to restrict the interpretation of the claims to a specific or exact dimension. Furthermore, all combinations of elements that perform the same function in an essentially equivalent way, even if they operate slightly differently, are protected by the scope of the invention. The patent protection, therefore, covers a wide range of potential variations that may differ in their specific characteristics,but which achieve the same results. This flexibility allows the invention to protect not only the exact forms described, but also other possible variations and modifications, including so-called "equivalents," which fall within the broader scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), characterized by comprising a pin (1); wherein said pin (1) comprises a flush support (2) and a fitting geometry (3); wherein said flush support (2) is configured to fit an open-end wrench (10);wherein said fitting geometry (3) is configured to fit an automatic coupling tool (11).

2. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to claim 1, wherein said flush support (2) has parallel surfaces configured to prevent the open-end wrench (10) from slipping during torque application.

3. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said fitting geometry (3) is compatible with automatic coupling tools (11) that have an antirotation mechanism.

4. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pin (1) is made of metallic material, more specifically 41Cr4 tempered to 940 - 1120 MPa.

5. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said face support (2) is dimensioned to withstand applied torque between 40 Nm and 100 Nm.

6. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting geometry (3) is configured to couple automatic tools of different sizes.

7. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pin (1) comprises an additional cylindrical section to facilitate alignment during assembly.

8. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to resist cyclic stresses arising from the vehicle's operating conditions.

9. Stabilizer bar linking device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pin (1) comprises a marking configured to facilitate the identification of the correct alignment during assembly.

10. Vehicle, characterized by comprising at least one stabilizer bar linking device (100), as described in any of the preceding claims.

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