Patent Description:
The suspensions for motor vehicles are complex mechanical structures that connect the wheels to the chassis of a motor vehicle, or of a vehicle in general. The suspensions comprise one or more damping devices that reduce the transmission of vibrations from the wheels to the chassis. The chassis is then suspended thanks to the damping devices.

The damping devices are mounted on a set of arms and structures of the suspension, which can assume different configurations generally known to a person skilled in the art. The position of some of these arms and structures determines the camber angle of the wheels.

The camber angle indicates how far the wheel deviates from a vertical orientation. It is positive if the upper part of the wheel is tilted towards the outside of the vehicle, and it is negative if it is tilted towards the inside. This has consequences on the distribution of forces in the wheel and on the grip, especially when cornering.

In particular, the camber angle is determined by the reciprocal position between the axle of the wheels and one of the suspension arms, based on how these are connected to the hub assembly of a wheel, at different heights, different lateral distances and/or inclinations with respect to the centre of the vehicle. The camber angle is therefore commonly adjusted by regulating the position of the arm of interest with respect to a reference structure.

In accordance with the prior art, one end of the arm has a hole in which the stem of an adjusting device is inserted. The reference structure has two brackets on two sides of this end of the arm. Each bracket has a slot, also crossed by the stem of the adjusting device. The adjusting device then connects the arm to the reference structure.

The adjusting device has a head assembly and a tightening assembly, on the two ends that protrude from the brackets. The head assembly is formed as one piece with the stem, while the tightening assembly is tightened on the stem, so as to lock the head assembly and the tightening assembly against the respective brackets.

Both head and tightening assemblies have respective eccentric elements, which engage abutment portions of the respective brackets. By rotating the stem around its axis, the eccentric elements act as cams on the brackets. This causes a sliding of the stem within the slots of the brackets. Together with the stem, the entire suspension arm is moved with respect to the brackets, up to the desired position and to the correct camber angle value.

<CIT>, which discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose adjusting devices.

The adjusting device is usually located in a position of the vehicle that is difficult to access, especially with reference to its innermost end with respect to the vehicle.

If necessary, the operator in charge of the adjustment must loosen the tightening assembly, rotate the stem with the eccentric elements, and clamp the tightening assembly again. Therefore, the tightening assembly must be located towards the outside of the vehicle, on the most accessible side. Conversely, the head assembly is on the inner least accessible side.

Since the head assembly is formed as one piece with the stem, during assembly or special maintenances, the stem must necessarily be inserted into the holes and into the slots of the arm and of the reference structure of the suspension from the rear side. The movements of insertion and removal of the stem in such a small and inaccessible space entails considerable difficulties, and imposes limitations on the possibility of placing other parts of the suspension or of the vehicle in the maneuver area of the stem.

The object of the present invention is to simplify the assembly and disassembly of a suspension adjusting device.

This and other objects are achieved by an adjusting device for adjusting the camber angle for a suspension, by a suspension, and by a method for assembling and adjusting a suspension, according to any one of the appended claims.

The invention provides that the head assembly is not formed as one piece with the stem, but it is removably mounted thereon. In the head assembly, an eccentric element is held in place by a locking assembly.

This allows the operator to insert the stem into the holes and into the appropriate slots starting from the most accessible side, and not from the rear side. The eccentric element and the locking assembly are then fitted onto the stem when it is already in place, for which a much smaller rear operating space is necessary, and the designer can freely arrange other suspension or vehicle components closer to the arm.

The invention further provides that a portion of an elastic member of the locking assembly, for example a clip, snap engages into a locking seat of the stem. This allows the operator to mount the adjusting device in a particularly simple way even from behind, and then to dismount it by disengaging the elastic member from the seat. As long as the locking seat is engaged by the elastic member, the axial sliding and removal of the eccentric element from the stem is prevented.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be recognisable by a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

The accompanying figures schematically show, by way of non-limiting example, examples useful for understanding some embodiments of the invention, and in particular:.

The figures show some parts of an example of suspension, indicated as a whole with the number <NUM>. Other parts of the suspension <NUM> have not been illustrated as they can be readily reconstructed or configured in various ways known to a person skilled in the art.

The suspension <NUM> comprises a suspension arm <NUM> and a suspension support <NUM>. The suspension <NUM> further comprises an adjusting device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. The suspension arm <NUM> and the suspension support <NUM> are connected to each other by the adjusting device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the suspension arm <NUM> is configured to be connected, directly or indirectly, to a hub assembly of a wheel of a vehicle (not illustrated). Further, the suspension support <NUM> is configured to be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle chassis. Preferably, a damping device (not illustrated) of the suspension <NUM> is connected directly or indirectly to the arm <NUM>.

The arm <NUM> has a first side <NUM>, which in use is preferably a front side, i.e. a side turned towards the periphery of the vehicle. Furthermore, the arm <NUM> has a second side <NUM>, which in use is preferably a rear side. The rear side is generally opposite with respect to the position of other moving mechanical members of the vehicle, such as its half-axles. It is common for other cumbersome parts of the vehicle to be located near the rear side of the arm <NUM>, and therefore the rear side is more difficult for an operator to reach.

The arm <NUM> also has an axial hole (not illustrated). The axial hole extends mainly along an axial direction X-X, between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>.

The suspension support <NUM> has a first and a second bracket <NUM>, <NUM>, spaced from each other in the axial direction X-X. The first and the second bracket <NUM>, <NUM> are fixed to a central portion (not illustrated) of the support <NUM>.

The first bracket <NUM> has a first wall <NUM> in which a first slot (not illustrated) is formed, and the second bracket <NUM> has a second wall <NUM> in which a second slot (not illustrated) is formed. The first and the second wall <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged transverse to the axial direction X-X.

The arm <NUM> is at least partially positioned between the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. In more detail, the first bracket <NUM> (precisely, the first wall <NUM>) faces the first side <NUM> of the suspension arm <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> (precisely, the second wall <NUM>) faces the second side <NUM> of the suspension arm <NUM>. The axial hole is aligned in the axial direction X-X to at least a portion of the first and of the second slot.

The adjusting device <NUM> for the suspension <NUM> comprises a stem <NUM>. The stem <NUM> is inserted into the axial hole of the suspension arm <NUM>, and extends mainly in the axial direction X-X.

The stem <NUM> has a first end portion <NUM> and an opposite second end portion <NUM>. The first end portion <NUM> extends through the first slot of the first bracket <NUM>, and the second end portion <NUM> extends through the second slot of the second bracket <NUM>.

The adjusting device <NUM> comprises a head assembly <NUM> and a tightening assembly <NUM>.

In use, the head assembly <NUM> is positioned at the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>, while the tightening assembly <NUM> is positioned at the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. Therefore, in use, the first and the second bracket <NUM>, <NUM> of the suspension support <NUM>, as well as the suspension arm <NUM>, are at least partially located between the head assembly <NUM> and the tightening assembly <NUM>.

When tightening the tightening assembly <NUM>, according to the methods described below, the head assembly <NUM> abuts against the second wall <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>, while the tightening assembly <NUM> abuts against the first wall <NUM>.

The head assembly <NUM> comprises a first eccentric element 5a, removably mounted on the stem <NUM>, precisely on the second end portion <NUM>. When assembled, the first eccentric element 5a protrudes radially from the stem <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first eccentric element 5a has a hole <NUM>, and the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> is insertable into the hole.

The stem <NUM> and the first eccentric element 5a are shaped to prevent, when assembled, their reciprocal rotation about the axis of the stem <NUM>. Therefore, when the stem <NUM> is rotated with respect to the arm <NUM> or to the support <NUM> of the suspension <NUM>, the first eccentric element 5a rotates jointly with the stem <NUM>.

Preferably, for this purpose, the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> has a guide <NUM> extending maily in the axial direction X-X. In a complementary manner, the first eccentric element 5a has a slider <NUM>, for example shaped as a protrusion oriented towards the centre of the hole <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is shaped to engage the guide <NUM> and to slide along the guide <NUM> along the axial direction X-X.

The first eccentric element 5a has an outer profile shaped to act as a cam, e.g. a rounded profile not coaxial with respect to the stem <NUM>. In more detail, the second bracket <NUM> has a first abutment portion <NUM>, fixed to the second wall <NUM>. The first eccentric element 5a is configured to act as a cam engaging the first abutment portion <NUM>, during the rotation of the stem <NUM> about its axis.

Thus, the angular position of the stem assembly <NUM> and the first eccentric element 5a, with respect to the suspension support <NUM>, determines the position of the stem <NUM> with respect to the first and to the second slot. In fact, the contact between the first eccentric element 5a and the first abutment portion <NUM> prevents the stem <NUM> from sliding in the slots, in a first direction.

It is also worth noting that in use the stem <NUM> is pressed by the arm <NUM> in the first direction, and therefore does not move along the slots, in an opposite second direction. The pressure on the stem <NUM> in the first direction can, for example, be originated by the weight of the chassis or by elastic elements of the suspension that are known to those skilled in the art.

The head assembly <NUM> comprises a locking assembly <NUM>, adapted to be removably fitted on the stem <NUM>, precisely on the second end portion <NUM>. In assembled condition, the locking assembly <NUM> is configured to prevent the removal in the axial direction X-X of the first eccentric element 5a from the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. The first eccentric element 5a is thus located between the second wall <NUM> and the locking assembly <NUM>.

The second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> has a locking seat <NUM>. Complementarily, the locking assembly <NUM> comprises an elastic member <NUM> having at least one locking portion <NUM> snap engageable in the locking seat <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking seat <NUM> comprises a groove formed circumferentially in the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. Preferably, such a groove extends along an entire circumference around the stem <NUM>.

Furthermore, the elastic member <NUM> comprises a clip having two arms and a connecting portion <NUM> between the two arms. The locking portion <NUM> is defined by a portion of an arm of the clip. Preferably, the clip has two locking portions <NUM>, one per arm.

In the illustrated embodiment, the two arms are shaped to elastically retain the stem <NUM> between them, at the locking seat <NUM>. In more detail, between the two arms there are two narrowings <NUM>, on opposite sides of the stem <NUM>.

Preferably, the locking assembly <NUM> comprises a locking support <NUM>, shaped like a nut, for example. The locking support <NUM> has an axial hole <NUM> into which the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> is insertable.

In the preferred embodiment, the second end portion <NUM> is at least partially threaded. Further, the axial hole <NUM> of the locking support <NUM> is internally threaded to screw the locking support <NUM> onto the second end portion <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking support <NUM> has an outer knurl <NUM> to facilitate an operator grasping the locking support <NUM> and screwing it onto the stem <NUM>. In other embodiments, the locking support <NUM> may also be externally smooth, or it may have a polygonal outer shape, preferably complementary to a known tool, for being screwed onto the stem <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> is coupled to the locking support <NUM>. Preferably, the locking support <NUM> for this purpose has at least one slot <NUM>, which extends circumferentially around the locking support <NUM> and is open on the axial hole <NUM>.

The at least one slot <NUM> does not cover an entire circumference of the locking support <NUM>. In fact, the locking support <NUM> has at least one bridge <NUM>, circumferentially delimiting the at least one slot <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> thus connects parts of the locking support <NUM> which are located at axially opposed sides of the slot <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, two slots <NUM> and two bridges <NUM> are provided, and the circumferential ends of each slot <NUM> are placed at distinct bridges <NUM>. Each slot <NUM> can be obtained by milling the locking support <NUM> along a circumference thereof, excluding each bridge <NUM>.

The clip engages the slot(s) <NUM> in such a way that it is retained with respect to the axial direction X-X.

In the preferred embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> is graspable and manually operable to disengage from the locking seat <NUM>. For example, the clip may protrude at least in part from the locking element <NUM>, and in particular from the slot(s) <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion <NUM> of the clip protrudes outside the locking member <NUM>, precisely outside a bridge <NUM>, so that it can be grasped and pulled. The arms of the clip simultaneously engage the slots <NUM> of the locking element <NUM>, on opposite sides of the bridge <NUM>, and the locking seat <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. As the connecting portion <NUM> is pulled, the arms elastically spread apart, and the clip is removed from the locking seat <NUM> and from the slots <NUM>.

Preferably, the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> has a tapered portion <NUM>. The tapered portion <NUM> is shaped to deform and preload the elastic member <NUM>, while the locking assembly <NUM> is fitted onto the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>.

It is worth noting that the locking seat <NUM> is located between the tapered portion <NUM> and the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. Thus, the locking assembly <NUM>, while it is fitted on the second end portion <NUM>, first encounters the tapered portion <NUM>, and then the locking seat <NUM>, in which the previously preloaded elastic member <NUM> snap engages.

In this operation, the clip is initially already retained by the slot <NUM> of the locking support <NUM>. The tapered portion <NUM> wedges between the two arms of the clip, spreading them apart and thus elastically preloading them. When the locking seat <NUM> is reached, i.e. when the groove of the stem <NUM> is aligned with the slot <NUM> of the locking support <NUM>, the arms of the clip snap elastically towards each other engaging the locking seat <NUM>.

Subsequently, the engagement of the locking portion <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> in the locking seat <NUM> prevents the axial sliding of the locking assembly <NUM> with respect to the stem <NUM>.

It is worth noting that the threaded coupling between the stem <NUM> and the locking support <NUM> is optional, but particularly advantageous, as it reduces the force the operator requires to fit the locking assembly <NUM> on the stem <NUM>, while the elastic member <NUM> is being preloaded. At the same time, thanks to these threads, the axial loads on the locking assembly <NUM> are mainly balanced by the threads, and not by the elastic member <NUM>, which can therefore be dimensioned with a reduced mechanical resistance.

On the opposite side of the stem <NUM>, the tightening assembly <NUM> is configured to be tightened with a predefined tightening torque value on the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>, against the first wall <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM> of the suspension support <NUM>.

The illustrated example of tightening assembly <NUM> comprises a threaded nut <NUM>. The first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> is at least partially threaded, and the nut <NUM> is screwable on the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. The nut <NUM> preferably has an outer profile complementary to a tightening tool, for example a polygonal profile. While the nut <NUM> is being tightened, the head assembly <NUM> is also tightened against the second wall <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM> of the suspension bracket <NUM>.

Preferably, for an even distribution of the mechanical stresses, the tightening assembly <NUM> comprises a second eccentric element 5b that is entirely similar to the first eccentric element 5a. The second eccentric element 5b is located between the first wall <NUM> and the threaded nut <NUM>.

In addition, the first bracket <NUM> has a second abutment portion (not illustrated), completely similar to the first abutment portion <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>. In fact, the second eccentric element 5b is configured to act as a cam, with the rotation of the stem <NUM>, on the second abutment portion.

Still similarly to the second end portion <NUM> and to the first eccentric element 5a, the first end portion <NUM> has a guide <NUM>, similar to the guide <NUM>, and the second eccentric element 5b has a hole <NUM>, a slider <NUM> slidable along the guide <NUM>, and an outer profile shaped to act as a cam.

As described so far herein, the adjustment of the reciprocal position of the suspension arm <NUM> and of the suspension support <NUM> takes place by selecting the desired angular position for the stem <NUM> and the eccentric elements 5a, 5b, and consequently by setting the position of the first and second end portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the stem <NUM> with respect to the first and second slot. To facilitate the rotation of the stem <NUM>, preferably the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM> has a gripping portion <NUM>, shaped to be complementary to a gripping tool, such as a mechanical spanner. For example, the gripping portion may have a polygonal section.

A method for assembling and adjusting a suspension according to one aspect of the invention is now described.

The suspension arm <NUM>, the suspension support <NUM> and the adjusting device <NUM> are provided in disassembled condition. Then, the stem <NUM> of the adjusting device <NUM> is inserted through the first slot, the axial hole of the suspension arm <NUM>, and the second slot. The insertion preferably takes place precisely in this order, i.e. from the front side towards the rear side of the arm <NUM>.

The stem <NUM> is inserted oriented such that the first end portion <NUM> is on the side of the first bracket <NUM>, and the second end portion <NUM> is on the side of the second bracket <NUM>.

The first eccentric element 5a is mounted on the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly <NUM> is assembled by mounting the elastic member <NUM> to the locking support <NUM>. In this step, the arms of the clip are inserted into at least one slot <NUM> of the locking support <NUM>, on opposite sides of a bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> prevents the clip from being so far fitted as the connecting portion <NUM> engages the locking seat <NUM>. Thus, the connecting portion <NUM> remains graspable from the outside.

The locking assembly <NUM> is fitted on the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. In this step, the clip is elastically preloaded by axially passing along the tapered portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>.

The locking assembly <NUM> is fitted until the locking portion <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> snap engages in the locking seat <NUM> of the stem <NUM>.

In this condition, that is before the tightening assembly <NUM> is tightened on the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>, the stem <NUM> and the first eccentric element 5a (and preferably also the second eccentric element 5b) are rotated, bringing the first eccentric element 5a into contact with the first abutment portion <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>, and preferably the second eccentric element 5b into contact with the second abutment portion of the first bracket <NUM>.

In this way, a sliding of the stem <NUM> with respect to the first and second slot is obtained, until a predetermined position of the stem <NUM> is reached with respect to the first and second slot.

Without leaving the obtained angular position, the tightening assembly <NUM> is tightened on the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>, against the first wall <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM> of the suspension <NUM>, bringing the head assembly <NUM> into abutment against the second wall <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM> of the suspension <NUM>.

In a method for disassembling the suspension <NUM>, after having loosened the tension present in the device by acting on the tightening assembly <NUM>, a preferred step is represented by grasping the elastic member <NUM> and disengaging it from the locking seat <NUM>. A next step is to remove the head assembly <NUM> from the second end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. Finally, as a step that may precede or follow those already described, the tightening assembly <NUM> is separated from the first end portion <NUM> of the stem <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Adjusting device (<NUM>) for adjusting the camber angle for a suspension (<NUM>) of a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a stem (<NUM>) extending mainly in an axial direction (X-X), having a first end portion (<NUM>) and a second end portion (<NUM>),
- a tightening assembly (<NUM>), configured to be tightened on the first end portion (<NUM>) of the stem (<NUM>) and configured to abut against a first wall (<NUM>) of a suspension (<NUM>), and
- a head assembly (<NUM>), positioned at the second end portion (<NUM>) of the stem (<NUM>) and configured to abut against a second wall (<NUM>) of the suspension (<NUM>) upon tightening the tightening assembly (<NUM>),
wherein the head assembly (<NUM>) comprises a first eccentric element (5a), removably mounted on the stem (<NUM>) and radially protruding from the stem (<NUM>), configured to act as a cam, upon rotation of the stem (<NUM>), on a first abutment portion (<NUM>) of the suspension (<NUM>),
characterised in that:
- the head assembly (<NUM>) comprises a locking assembly (<NUM>), adapted to be removably fitted on the stem (<NUM>) and configured to prevent removal of the first eccentric element (5a) from the second end portion (<NUM>) of the stem (<NUM>),
- the second end portion (<NUM>) of the stem (<NUM>) has a locking seat (<NUM>), and
- the locking assembly (<NUM>) comprises an elastic member (<NUM>) having at least one locking portion (<NUM>) adapted to be snap engaged in the locking seat (<NUM>).