Abstract:
A device with at least a supporting arrangement is coupled to a movement-system making the upper-plate moving. The device is characterized in that it includes a mechanism by which the supporting arrangement may be moved vertically thanks to the operation of a movement-system, whereby this mechanism comprises at least the following elements: a ball-housing with a ball; a threshold-block with a bearing surface on which the ball rests.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device for generating a movement of a support in three orthogonal directions X,Y,Z (universal X,Y,Z mechanism), for example, a device generating a movement of a support for a wheel to detect the play of wheels of vehicles and/or of air planes. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Belgium Published Patent Application No. 772697 refers to a device having at least one upper-plate intended to support a wheel and linked to a movement-system to make this upper-plate move, so that at least a moment or momentum is generated on the wheel, according to the transversal or longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or the plane. 
     Although the device may be suited to examine the play of wheel-parts, it is believed that the examination of the play of some parts was insufficient. 
     There was therefore a need for simple and safe mechanism for generating a movement of a supporting arrangement or support plate in the three orthogonal directions. 
     The device according to the invention enables precise movement in the three directions, as well as in a combination thereof. 
     The device of the invention, when used for examining a play of a movable or rotating elements, such as the play of wheel or piece connected to a wheel, enables a more efficient examination by the use of an additional movement-dimension. This third dimension has a vertical variable amplitude, generating a progressive operation between the actuator plate and the tire. As a result of the creation of this new device, the subject of which corresponds to the above disclosed, i.e. a first purpose of the invention, new application possibilities are brought about. 
     Other possible purposes of the invention are the following: 
     a second possible purpose of the invention consists in a device capable of directing a vehicle to a measuring instrument in a conform direction. 
     a third possible purpose of the invention consists in a device capable of examining plays on parts of the steering-gear. 
     a fourth possible purpose of the invention consist in a device capable of measuring braking-forces on a wheel. 
     a fifth possible purpose of the invention consists in device capable of realising at least two of the above mentioned possible purposes of the invention. 
     A sixth possible purpose of the invention consists in device capable of making precise adjustment (horizontal, vertical and longitudinal) of a working table. 
     So, the device of this invention is capable of detecting several plays of parts which make wheels rotate or pivotment (swing) around respectively a fixed axle or a steering shaft. 
     Those plays are: 
     play in the transversal direction of a wheel: the upper-plate follows the transversal direction; 
     play in the longitudinal direction of a wheel: the upper-plate follows the longitudinal direction; 
     play in the vertical direction of a wheel: the upper-plate follows the vertical direction. 
     In the device of the invention the supporting arrangement (especially the upper-plate) may move in two orthogonal directions (for example, in a horizontal plane) with or without displacement in a third orthogonal direction (for example, vertical displacement). The displacement in the third orthogonal direction of the supporting arrangement or upper-plate is obtained by a specific mechanism causing the movement as a result of one or more movements in the first and/or second orthogonal direction (for example, transversal and/or longitudinal direction). 
     The device includes a supporting arrangement, such as an upper-plate, which is movable in the third orthogonal direction (direction perpendicular to the two other perpendicular directions) by one or several operations of the movement-system, whereby the mechanism contains at least following elements: 
     a ball-housing with a ball; 
     a threshold-block with a bearing-surface, on which the ball rests, whereby the bearing-surface of the threshold-block has at least an inclined surface (for example, a plurality of surfaces) so that, by an operation of the movement-system, the ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces. The inclined surface(s) is (are) designed so that there is a slope causing a movement in the third orthogonal direction (variable Z, more specifically vertical direction) of the supporting arrangement. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the inclined surface(s) is (are) designed so that there is a slope causing the movement of the upper-plate in the third orthogonal direction (such as vertical), as well as in the first and/or second direction (such as transversal and/or longitudinal direction). 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the mechanism (by which the supporting arrangement or upper-plate may be moved in the third orthogonal direction) comprises at least the following elements: 
     a first ball-housing with a first ball; 
     a second ball-housing with a second ball; 
     a first threshold-block with a bearing surface on which the first ball rests, and 
     a second threshold-block with a bearing surface on which the second ball rests, whereby the bearing surfaces of the first and second threshold-block have inclined surfaces so that, by an operation of the movement-system, the first ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces of the first threshold-block, while the second ball is moving on one or several inclined surfaces of the second threshold-block, and whereby the inclined surfaces present a suitable slope so that the supporting arrangement or upper-plate is movable in the third orthogonal direction, for example, in the first and second direction (such as transversal and longitudinal direction) as well. This movement of the supporting arrangement or upper-plate in the third orthogonal direction may be coupled with a rotation or a pivotment of the supporting arrangement or upper-plate, for example, with respect to an axis perpendicular to a vertical plane. To obtain this rotation or pivotment, the slope of, e.g. the bearing surface, of the first threshold-block is different from the slope of the bearing surface of the second threshold-block. 
     For example, the mechanism (by which the supporting arrangement or upper-plate may be moved in the third orthogonal direction) comprises at least following elements: 
     a first ball-housing with a first ball; 
     a second ball-housing with a second ball; 
     a third ball-housing with a third ball; 
     a fourth ball-housing with a fourth ball; 
     a first threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the first ball; 
     a second threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the second ball; 
     a third threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the third ball; 
     a fourth threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the fourth ball, whereby the bearing surfaces of the threshold-blocks have inclined surface(s) so that, by an operation of the movement-system, each ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces of one threshold-blocks, and whereby the inclined surfaces of the threshold-blocks are designed in so that a slope is present in the first and second direction (such as in the transversal and longitudinal direction), said slope causing the movement in the third orthogonal direction (variable Z, such in the vertical direction) of the supporting arrangement or upper-plate, as well as the movement in the first and second orthogonal direction, such as in the transversal and longitudinal direction (with or without rotation or pivotment of the supporting arrangement or upper-plate). 
     The mechanism of a supporting arrangement or upper-plate may also comprise more than 4 ball-housings and more than 4 threshold-blocks. The use of more than 4 ball-housings may be advantageous for a supporting arrangement or upper-plates intended to support heavy charges, for example for detecting the play of wheels from heavy vehicles. 
     With another exemplary embodiment comprising more than two supporting arrangements or plates (e.g. 4 or more) one may simultaneously or separately move the supporting arrangement or upper-plates, for example, in the third orthogonal direction (such as in the vertical direction), as well as in the first and second orthogonal direction (such as the transversal and longitudinal direction), with or without rotation or pivotment. Herewith the base of a piece, such as a heavy piece, for example of a wheelbase of a vehicle may be adjusted so that an appropriate position of the piece or vehicle may be obtained for the check of a characteristic, such as height, position of holes, etc. but, for example, for checking head- and cross-lights. 
     If each bottom-plate or supporting arrangement is mounted on a rotating base plate or if the bottom-plates (e.g. the four bottom-plates) or supporting arrangement are mounted on a rotating base-plate, the possibility to introduce an additional movement (rotation-movement) also exists. In this way, one may rotate the four plates or supporting arrangement so that, e.g. a piece or vehicle may be positioned or adjusted perpendicularly with respect to a predetermined axis or a symmetry axis. 
     The mechanism of an upper-plate or supporting arrangement may also comprise more than 4 ball-housings and more than 4 threshold-blocks. The use of more than 4 ball-housings depends on the dimensions of the device, as well as on the extent of the load, such as the wheel-load. The dimensions of the device may be chosen according to the kind of controls to be done: Control of passenger-cars, trucks or air-planes. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the inclined surfaces of the threshold-blocks show a suitable slope, so that the upper-plate remains almost horizontal during a vertical movement of the upper-plate. 
     To detect the play of wheels on the same axle, the device has at least two upper-plates (e.g. four upper-plates: front-axle+rear axle) each coupled to a mechanism with threshold-blocks and ball-housings. 
     According to still another exemplary embodiment, at least one or several balls and ball-housings bear the upper-plate or supporting arrangement, said balls moving on their respective threshold-blocks, whereby any movement of the upper-plate or supporting arrangement follows the relief of the threshold-blocks. 
     The movement-system comprise e.g. at least one cylinder acting on the ball-housing or on an element connected to the ball-housing, to move the ball on the threshold-block. 
     For example, the movement-system comprises two cylinders. A first cylinder acts on a gliding-frame in a first direction, for example, the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the symmetry-axis of a vehicle). Inside the gliding-frame there is a middle- or intermediate plate, following the same direction. 
     A second cylinder is carried by the above mentioned gliding-frame and is directly coupled to the intermediate plate, that may move in a second direction, for example, perpendicular to the first direction, for example, in the transversal direction. 
     In the holes, for example, the circular holes, of the intermediate plate, the ball-housings of the upper-plate move in a vertical direction, in accordance with the place of the balls which they occupy on the threshold-blocks. 
     According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the movement-system has a pneumatic circuit with two pneumatic cylinders, effecting the movement of the gliding-frame and the movement of the intermediate plate. The device may be equipped with an oil-circuit with at least one cylinder acting as a blocking-arrangement, for example, so that the balls, in any given position on an inclined plane, may maintain their position in the transversal and/or longitudinal direction. 
     By moving the supporting arrangement or upper-plate exclusively horizontally in the longitudinal direction, an interesting use may be made of this movement to measure braking-forces on a wheel. It is sufficient to provide the supporting arrangement or upper-plate with a material with a high friction-coefficient. The braking forces may be measured in different ways as for example hydraulically or electronically. 
     In addition the supporting arrangement or upper-plate may be provided with a buffer-rib. By a transversal movement of the supporting arrangement or upper-plate, one may obtain a changing swing-position of the wheels, that may be used to examine the play on parts of the steering-gear of a vehicle. Here also a progressive effect is a positive element. 
     Characteristics and details of the invention are given in the annexed conclusions and/or will result from the following description, in which reference is made to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an upper-view of a mounting of two devices: a device  1  and  2  for front-axle position; a device  3  and  4  for the rear-axle position. 
         FIG. 2  is an upper-view of parts making up the movement-mechanism of the upper-plate; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the movement-mechanism of  FIG. 2  along the line III—III. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the movement-mechanism of  FIG. 2  along the line IV—IV. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a threshold-block. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a threshold-block with two different profiles (A) and (B). 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view along the line III—III with the upper-plate between the lowest and highest position. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-section view along the line IV—IV with the upper-plate in the highest position. 
         FIG. 9  is an electro-pneumatic diagram for the operation of the device. 
         FIG. 10  is an electrical diagram for the operation of the electro-pneumatic valves. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The devices shown in  FIG. 1  have four distinct supporting arrangements, namely in the present example four upper-plates  1 , 2 , 3 , 4  movable with respect to the floor or to a bottom-plate  5 . A device intended for the examination of the wheels of a vehicle is composed of at least two plates, one for a left wheel and one for a right wheel. To lift the mass, supported by one wheel, the device is provided with a jack  50  or a lifting-equipment. 
     Each upper-plate  1 , 2 , 3 , 4  has rows of ball-housings  6 . Each ball of the ball-housings is intended to contact the surfaces of the threshold-blocks  7 . The threshold-blocks are fixed on the bottom-plate  5 . The base of the threshold-block is mounted in a cavity  10  of the bottom-plate, so that the threshold-block may partly be immersed in an oil-bath so that a lubrication of the ball and the threshold-block takes place. 
     The mechanism to move the upper-plate in the three different orthogonal directions X (longitudinal), Y (transversal), Z (vertical) is composed of: 
     a gliding-frame  11  with a central rectangular opening  12  from which two parallel sides are provided with a linear bearing  13 ; 
     a middle or intermediate plate  14  from which two sides  15  are coupled to the linear bearings  13  of the frame, whereby the intermediate plate may be moved in the transversal Y direction with respect to the frame  11 , the intermediate plate having cavities or guiding-holes  16 , in which are put the ball-housings of the upper-plate, so that each ball is touching one threshold-block; 
     linear bearings  17  located between the frame  11  and the bottom-plate, by which the frame may move in the longitudinal direction X; 
     a first cylinder  18  mounted on the frame and the shaft  19  of said cylinder acts on the intermediate plate to obtain a movement of the intermediate plate in the transversal direction Y; and 
     a second cylinder  20  mounted on the bottom-plate and the shaft  21  of said cylinder is coupled to the frame to obtain the movement in the longitudinal direction of the frame and thus of the intermediate plate  14  by the action of the cylinder  20 . 
     So, by the working of cylinder  18 , the upper-plate  1 , 2 , 3 , 4  is moved in the transversal direction Y, while by the working of cylinder  20 , the upper-plate is moved in the longitudinal direction X. During this movement, the balls glide on the surfaces of the threshold-blocks. As those surfaces present a slope with respect to the horizontal planes X,Y, the upper-plate is moved in the vertical direction Z during the working of cylinder  18  and/or  20 . 
     A major characteristic of the device shown in the drawings, is that, while remaining horizontally, the upper-plate may follow any given direction (thus also an arched course), and may be combined with a vertical variable amplitude. The movement-cycle may be used to put a progressive pressure on the contact-surface of the upper-plate with a tire. 
     The movement in the vertical direction, e.g. may be adjusted continuously between 0 and 12 mm ( FIG. 5 ). This occurs in the transversal direction (Y) with a maximal stroke (L 1 ) of, e.g., 50 mm. This results in a vertical movement between 0 and 4 mm. In the longitudinal direction (X) with a stroke (L 2 ) of 100 mm, it results in a vertical movement (Z) between e.g. 0 and 8 mm. 
     The threshold-block  7  is provided with edges R 1  and R 2 . These edges have horizontal surfaces, so that by the gliding of the balls over those horizontal surfaces a movement in the longitudinal direction (X) or in the transversal direction (Y) is possible without a vertical displacement. 
     The number of threshold-blocks in the device may be adapted. It depends e.g. from the dimensions of the upper-plate and the mass of the wheel-load. 
     Threshold-blocks may be built so that they may perform more than one function.  FIG. 6  is an example of a threshold-block with a double function. The part A of the profile is analogous to the  FIG. 5  and may be used to identify a play. The other part B of the profile may be used for positioning the axles of a vehicle in a suitable way. The separated slope B of the threshold-block from  FIG. 6  brings a height-variation of the wheels and a transversal displacement to the axles. Thanks to the height-variation of the plates  1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , the wheels of a vehicle may be pressed on four plates lying in the same horizontal plane. By the transversal displacement of the plates  1 – 2  and/or  3 – 4 , the front- and/or rear-axles may be moved, so that the symmetrical axis or the longitudinal axis of the vehicle may be directed parallel or perpendicular to the reference-axes, proper to a measuring equipment. The form, height, length and width of the profile of the threshold-block are adapted to a specific function or functions for which the device should be used. 
     The profile of the threshold-block may be modified to adapt, e.g., the maximal vertical movement of the upper-plate. The transversal and/or longitudinal movement in function of the vertical displacement of the upper-plate influences the progressive working of the upper-plate and is determined by the slope-angle of the threshold-block. By the use of the threshold-block, as shown in the drawings, a swing-moment may be developed on the wheel. This is efficient for the examination of the wheel-bearings and ball-articulations of a suspension and is an advantage of the shown device. 
     The geometry or stereometry or the spatial form (three dimensional form) of the threshold-block(s) may be modified or adapted in function of the requested working of the device. 
     The device allows to identify even small plays in an early stage. This basic configuration is designated for the connection of peripheral equipment to measure the order of magnitude of specific play. 
     The electro-pneumatic diagram for the working or operation of the device is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     This circuit-diagram is realized for the operation of the movement of two upper-plates. It comprises: 
     pneumatic and/or hydraulic components, but may also be operated by electrical servo-motors; 
     a pneumatic cylinder  18 A put in parallel to cylinder  18 B connected to the valves  42  and  43  by pipes  23  and  24 ; 
     the operation of the switch  31  powers electrically K 3  and K 3 ′ by which the cylinders  18 A and  18 B move the upper-plate in the transversal direction Y; 
     a pneumatic cylinder  20  A put in parallel to cylinder  20  B connected to valves  40  and  41  by pipes  21  and  22 ; 
     the operation of the alternating switch  30  powers electrically K 1  and K  1 ′ or K  2  and K  2 ′ by which the cylinders  20  A and  20  B move the upper-plate in the longitudinal direction X. 
     The device may include an oil-circuit with two oil-cylinders  32 , 33  (one for each upper-plate  1 , 2 ). The chambers of each oil-cylinder are connected to each other by the pipes  32 A– 32 C,  33 A– 33 C. A stop-valve  32 B, 33 B is mounted between the conduits  32 A– 32 C,  33 A– 33 C to control the oil-supply between the two chambers of each cylinder  32 , 33 . One part of the double alternating switch powers electrically the coils K 4 ,K 4 ′ of the valves  32 B and  33 B. 
     The operation of the stop-valves  32 B  33 B is such that, the stop-valves  32 B, 33 B are closed as soon as the supply of compressed air from the compressor to a chamber of the cylinders  20 A, 20 B is stopped by the double alternating switch  30 . By this, the supply of oil between the chambers of the cylinders  32 , 33  through the conduits  32 A and  33 A is stopped. The oil-cylinders are used as a blocking-arrangement to maintain the position of the upper-plate as soon as the supply of compressed air to the cylinders  20 A, 20 B is stopped. 
     The device may be provided with a jack ( 50 ) or a lifting-equipment of a lifting-bridge to free one or several wheels. The operation of the lifting-equipment allows one (or several) wheel(s) to be put in a position, where the wheel may barely turn around. This is of advantage for examinations searching for plays which may be identified according to the transversal direction of the wheel, as well as according to the vertical movement of the wheel. 
     The operation of cycles will be described hereafter. 
     The switch  31  is put in a first position ( FIG. 10 ) (to admit compressed air to the cylinders  18 A and  18 B through the pipe  24 ) causing the upper-plates  1 , 2  to be moved in the transversal direction Y so that the upper-plates  1 , 2  are moved away from each other. The upper-plates follow the rising slope of the threshold-blocks  7 . When the distance between the tire and the plate  1 , 2  (distance obtained by the lifting-equipment) is smaller than the maximal height of the threshold-block, the plate  1 , 2  will press to a maximum against the tire in the central position of the threshold-block. Beyond this central position, the plate will follow the declining slope of the threshold-block and progressively relief the tire. By this a first optimal swing-moment is created 
     When the switch  31  is switched off, to admit compressed air in the cylinders  18 A and  18  B through the pipe  23 , the upper-plates  1 , 2  will move toward each other in the transversal direction Y. The upper-plates follow the rising slope of the threshold-blocks  7 . When the distance between the tire and the plate  1 , 2  (distance obtained by the lifting-installation) is smaller than the maximum height of the threshold-block, the plate  1 , 2  will press at a maximum against the tire in the central position of the threshold-block. Beyond this central position the plate will follow the declining slope of the threshold-block and progressively relief the tire. Hereby, a reverse swing-moment is originated (with respect to the first swing-moment). 
     To increase the vertical pressure on the tire, the switch  30  may be switched on, thus activating the cylinders  20 A and  20 B. By those cylinders  20 A,  20 B the plates  1 , 2  are moved in the longitudinal direction. The upper-plates  1 , 2  follow the rising slope in the longitudinal direction of the threshold-blocks. The plates  1 , 2  take vertically a position, that is increased, between 0 mm and the maximal height-variation of the threshold-block in the longitudinal direction (e.g. 8 mm). By further movement in the longitudinal direction beyond the central position on the threshold-block, the upper-plates go down according the declining slope (in the longitudinal direction) of the threshold-blocks. 
     In practice the switch  30  may be pushed in a first position to allow the supply of compressed air to the cylinders  20 A, 20 B, so that the upper-plates are moved forwards. During this movement the upper-plates rise to a maximum. Afterwards those upper-plates go down to a minimum. 
     By pushing the switch  30  in a second position, the compressed air will activate the cylinders  20 A, 20 B in the reverse direction so that the upper-plates  1 , 2  are moved backwards. 
     The oil-cylinders  32 , 33  follow the movement of the air-cylinders  20 A, 20 B and block immediately the movement of the plates  1 , 2  when the switch  30  is moved into the central position ( FIG. 10 ) (in this central position there is no compressed air supplied to the cylinders  20 A, 20 B). 
     Concretely, with the switch  30  the upper-plates  1 , 2  may be adjusted on any given level by a movement in the longitudinal direction of the plates  1 , 2 . 
     For example, the ratio height-variation compared to the movement in the longitudinal and/or transversal direction fluctuates between 1/20 and 1/3. In a specific version this ratio is equal to 1/6 (a displacement of the plate on 1 mm in the longitudinal and/or transversal direction results in vertical displacement of the upper-plates  1 , 2  on 0.16 mm (1/6). 
     The variation of 3-dimensional forces (vertical—longitudinal direction—transversal direction) is a result of the combination of two variable height-levels of the threshold-blocks. 
     So, the device may generate amplitudes from which the order of magnitude may be brought in accordance with the order of magnitude characterising vertical plays. 
     The operation of the apparatus may also be automated, at least partly. E.g. by replacing the switch  31  by a continuous control (with a make and break-contact) by which the forward and backward transversal displacement is realized automatically. 
     In the example the plate follows in the transversal direction a height, variable between 0 and 4 mm and this from the starting-point of the plate in the longitudinal direction to the end-point in the longitudinal direction. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the upper plates  1 , 2 , 3 , 4  of the device shown in the figures may be replaced by a plate provided with a supporting rod adapted for supporting an axle, such as the axle or rod on which a wheel is mounted. 
     The device of the invention may also be used for other purposes than the check of parameters of a vehicle, air-plane, etc. For example, the device of the invention may be used for analyzing the position of holes in a piece, for ensuring an exact position for a piece, for analyzing mechanical parameters or resistance or stability for beams, construction elements, houses (for example on reduced scale), structure, for analyzing the impact of vibration, etc.