Flexible joint for a vehicle suspension device and process for stabilizing the mechanical operating characteristics of a flexible joint for a vehicle suspension device
AssigneeCompagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & Cie
InventorsMichel Blondelet, Jean Coue, Patrick Pennequin, Marie-Héle{grave over (n)}e Vantal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A process for stabilizing the mechanical operating characteristics of an elastomeric flexible joint which acts as a spring in a vehicle suspension device by subjecting the joint, before it is put into service, to a deformation corresponding substantially to the maximum deformation intended in service.
Claims19
A process for stabilizing mechanical operating characteristics of an elastomeric flexible joint intended for use as a spring in a suspension device for a vehicle, said vehicle having a body and wheels, said elastomeric flexible joint vein intended to take up a given rated load, said suspension device permitting movement as far as maximum compression limit, said process comprising, before putting the vehicle into normal service, subjecting said elastomeric flexible joint to a deformation R comparable to a maximum deformation M corresponding to the deformation undergone by said joint when said suspension reaches said maximum compression limit.
An elastomeric flexible joint for use as a spring for a suspension device for a vehicle, said elastomeric flexible joint bearing a substantial part of the load of the vehicle, said elastomeric flexible joint comprising a deformable elastomeric element intended to be subjected to a vehicle type of deformation caused by the load and means for keeping the deformable, elastomeric element in a temporary state of preselected deformation, said preselected deformation being of the same type as a deformation caused by said load, wherein said elastomeric flexible joint further comprises cutouts in the elastomeric material and wedging means inserted into said cutouts.
An elastomeric flexible joint for use as a spring for a suspension device for a vehicle, said elastomeric flexible joint bearing a substantial part of the load of the vehicle, said elastomeric flexible joint comprising a deformable elastomeric element intended to be subjected to a type of deformation caused by the load and means for keeping the deformable, elastomeric element in a temporary state of preselected deformation, said preselected deformation being of the same type as a deformation caused by said load, wherein said elastomeric flexible joint further comprises rigid parts which are mobile relative to each other and in which said elastomeric flexible joint is kept in said temporary state of preselected deformation by temporarily clamping said rigid parts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.