Tool kit for vehicles

Abstract

A tool kit for vehicles, for dismounting, mounting and/or separating components associated with transmission assemblies and/or suspension assemblies. The tool kit includes a tool yoke including an elongated body, a threaded central through hole and a slit arranged on each side of the central through hole. Each slit is arranged to receive at least one threaded jaw fastener to extend there through. Further, the tool kit includes a pair of jaw units attachable to the tool yoke and arranged to engage one of the components in order to perform an operation thereon. The jaw units are securable to the tool yoke at different positions along the tool yoke by the jaw fasteners.

Claims

1. A tool kit for vehicles for dismounting, mounting or separating components associated with transmission assemblies or suspension assemblies, comprising: a tool yoke including: an elongated body extending along a first axis, a central through hole having a hole axis perpendicular to said first axis, wherein said central through hole is threaded, and two slits, one slit arranged on each side of said central through hole, each slit being enclosed within the elongated body and having a main extension along said first axis, wherein each of said slits is arranged to receive at least one threaded jaw fastener extending therethrough; and a pair of jaw units attachable to said tool yoke by means of said threaded jaw fasteners extending through the slits, said jaw units being securable to the tool yoke at different positions along the first axis.

2. The tool kit according to claim 1, wherein said tool yoke further includes: a pair of threaded securing holes arranged on a flank surface of each side of the tool yoke, said threaded securing holes having a central axis parallel to said first axis; and wherein each of said threaded securing holes is arranged to receive a correspondingly threaded securing fastener having a bottom surface configured to abut against said jaw fastener within said slit, in order to block said jaw units from moving away from each other during operation of the tool kit.

3. The tool kit according to claim 1, wherein said tool yoke further includes a recessed groove arranged on a bottom surface which is facing said jaw units when the jaw units are attached to the tool yoke, and wherein each of said jaw units comprises at least one protruding guide portion insertable into the recessed groove, for allowing a non-rotational, sliding movement of the jaw units along the tool yoke.

4. The tool kit according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of threaded jaw fasteners arrangeable to extend through each slit so to engage correspondingly threaded openings in each jaw unit; a single washer for each pair of threaded jaw fasteners for supporting a pair of threaded jaw fastener heads during a pulling operation.

5. The tool kit according to claim 1, further comprising a sleeve having an outer threading and being configured to engage and be mounted in the threaded central through hole in order to shield the threads during operation of the tool kit.

6. The tool kit according to claim 1, wherein the pair of jaw units are each formed as an L- or T-shaped structure having a stem section and a foot section, each stem section comprising at least one threaded bore hole formed on a top surface of the stem section and extending along a main extension axis of the stem section; and wherein the extension axis of the stem sections is parallel to the central axis of the central through hole when the jaw units are attached to the tool yoke.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For exemplifying purposes, the invention will be described in closer detail in the following with reference to embodiments thereof illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein:

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two different perspective views of a tool yoke of a tool kit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 1C illustrates a straight bottom view of the tool yoke in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

(4) FIG. 1D illustrates a straight top view of the tool yoke in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

(5) FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a tool kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 2B illustrates a different perspective view of the tool kit illustrated in FIG. 2A;

(7) FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a tool kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 3B illustrates a different perspective view of the tool kit illustrated in FIG. 3A;

(9) FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a tool kit in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 4B illustrates a different perspective view of the tool kit illustrated in FIG. 4A;

(11) FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a tool kit in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 5B illustrates a different perspective view of the tool kit illustrated in FIG. 5A;

(13) FIG. 5C illustrates a side view perspective of the tool kit in FIGS. 5A and 5B in a mounting operation;

(14) FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a tool kit in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 6B illustrates a different perspective view of the tool kit illustrated in FIG. 6A;

(16) FIG. 6C illustrates a side view perspective of the tool kit in FIGS. 6A and 6B in a dismounting operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention. The tool kits to be discussed and presented in the following along with its components are preferably made from a rigid material such as any metal or alloys, it can however be made from other materials depending on the desired application as will be obvious for one skilled in the art. The method for manufacturing such a tool using a metallic material is considered to be well known in the art and for the sake of brevity omitted in the following.

(18) FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate different perspective views of a tool yoke 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tool yoke 2 has an elongated body which extends along a first axis (ref. 101 in FIGS. 1C and 1D). Further, there are two slits 6 arranged on each side of a threaded central through hole 5, the slits are enclosed within the elongated body and have a main extension along the first axis 101. The slits 6 form a passage from a top side 22 of the tool yoke 2 through the tool yoke and to a bottom side 11 of the tool yoke, same as the central through hole 5.

(19) Further the tool yoke 2 has a pair of threaded securing holes 23 arranged on a flank surface 21 of each side of the tool yoke. A flank surface is in the present context to be interpreted as the side surface arranged on the short side of the elongated body. The threaded securing holes 23 have a central axis parallel to the first axis 101, in this embodiment, the central axis of the securing holes extends along the first axis 101. Moreover, the threaded securing holes 23 provide a passage from the flank surface (short side surface), through the tool yoke, into each slit 6.

(20) In the following, several different embodiments of the inventive tool kit 1 will be disclosed in reference to FIGS. 2-6. However, the operational principles regarding how to use the different tool kit embodiments will for the sake of brevity not be described in any greater detail for all of the different embodiments and are instead considered to be readily understood by the skilled artisan. Furthermore, the following is considered to serve a purpose, among others, of elucidating the versatility of the tool kit in how it can easily be reconfigured to be suitable for various vehicle repair/maintenance applications.

(21) FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustration of a tool kit 1 including a pair of jaw units 3a to be attached to the tool yoke 2 (illustrated from a different perspective in FIG. 2B). The tool kit 1 in this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2A, operable to be used in dismounting operations of compact wheel bearings. The jaw units 3a, here in the form of T-shaped structures/abutments, are attachable to a bottom surface 11 of the tool yoke by means of a threaded jaw fastener 4, here in the form of a threaded bolt, which is to engage a correspondingly threaded hole 12 in the jaw units. Further, each of the jaw units 3a has a protruding guide portion 13a which is insertable into a recessed groove 14 arranged on the bottom surface of the tool yoke 2. The groove 14 is an elongated groove extending along the extension axis of the tool yoke, so that the jaw units 3a can move along a length thereof in a non-rotational sliding manner. This feature aids to ensure that the pair of jaw units are centered in reference to each other but also in reference to the vehicle component around which the jaw units are intended to engage, thereby optimizing pressure distribution.

(22) The tool yoke further has a pair of slits 6 arranged on each side of the central through hole 5. The jaw units 3a can accordingly secured by the jaw fastener 3a at varying position along the elongated extension axis of the tool yoke, which consequently translated to adaptability to various radii of e.g. wheel bearings or wheel hubs.

(23) In operation the jaw units 3a are loosely attached to the tool yoke 2 whereby the jaw units 3a are subsequently positioned around a wheel hub of a car. More specifically the foot portions 15a are arranged to abut against a circumference of the seat holding the wheel bearing. The jaw fasteners 4 are then tightened in order to secure the position of the jaw units 3a, and one can also further secure the position of the jaw units by tightening the securing fasteners 17. The securing fasteners 17 ensure that the jaw units 3a cannot move away from each other during operation, thereby reducing the risk of injury or damaging to the tool kit 1 and/or the vehicle.

(24) Next, a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) and in particular, the pulling rod of a hydraulic cylinder is inserted through the central through hole 5 and further through the wheel bearing and secured by means of a bolt behind the wheel bearing. Upon actuation of the hydraulic cylinder, the tool kit will act as a counter-hold while the hydraulic cylinder pulls the pulling rod and consequently the wheel bearing out of its seat. Preferably, a sleeve 16 having an outer threading is inserted into the central through hole 5 in order to facilitate operation by e.g. reducing the risk of the pulling rod of the hydraulic cylinder engaging the threads of the central through hole 5. An example of such a hydraulic cylinder is disclosed in the currently unpublished and pending European Patent Application No. 15189415.1, by the same Applicant, incorporated herein by reference.

(25) FIGS. 3A-B illustrate different perspective views of a tool kit 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the versatility of the tool yoke 2 is shown. In more detail, by attaching a pair of jaw units 3b, here in the form of T-shaped structures/abutments, that are designed for dismounting 4-bolted wheel bearings/hubs. Accordingly, the tool kit 1 is now operable to be used for a different dismounting operating as compared to the one described in reference to FIGS. 2A-B. The operational principles are analogous to the previously described and the skilled person readily realizes how to apply and use the tool kit 1 based on the foregoing.

(26) FIGS. 4A-B illustrate different perspective views of a tool kit 1 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The tool kit 1 comprises a tool yoke 2 and a pair of jaw units 3c, here in the form of T-shaped structures/abutments, attached thereto. The jaw units 3c are designed such that the tool kit 1 can be used to dismount 3-bolted wheel bearings/hubs. The operational principles are analogous to the dismounting operation previously described in reference to FIGS. 2A-B and the skilled person readily realizes how to apply and use the tool kit 1 based on that disclosure.

(27) FIGS. 5A-B illustrate different perspective views of a tool kit 1 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The tool kit 1 comprises a tool yoke 2 and a pair of jaw units 3d, here in the form of L-shaped structures, attached thereto. The jaw units 3d are arranged such that the tool kit 1 can be used to mount compact wheel bearings, with or without locking rings. These types of assemblies are also known as a hub bearing unit (HBU) or hub bearing assembly, wheel hub bearings etc. An example of such a bearing is the HBU generation 2.1 wheel bearing by SKF AB.

(28) FIG. 5C is a schematic side view illustration of a tool kit illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, arranged on a wheel bearing assembly 60 together with a pressing device, here in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 30. The jaw units 3d are illustrated in an operating position where the foot sections 15d of the jaw units 3d are arranged in an intermediate space between the inner ring flange 62 (sometimes called a hub) and the outer bearing ring 61. The jaw units are then fastened to the tool yoke 2 by the treaded jaw fasteners 4, here in the form of a pair of bolts, one for each jaw unit 3d. Each of the bolts 4 engages a correspondingly threaded hole 12 in each jaw units 3d (see FIG. 5A). The jaw fasteners 4 are preferably left loose initially in order to properly arrange the jaw units 3d relative to the wheel bearing assembly 60, after which the jaw fasteners 4 are tightened. The tool kit 1 further has securing fasteners 17 arranged to enter through securing holes arranged on a flank surface 21 (see e.g. FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the tool yoke 2 in order to further secure the jaw units 3d, and more specifically to ensure that the jaw units 3 to not succumb to the pressing forces and move away from each other. The jaw units 3d are also provided with protruding guide portions 13 which engage a matching recessed groove 14 arranged on a bottom surface of the tool yoke, in order to align the jaw units 3d along a central axis of the tool yoke 2 and thereby ensure that the force exerted on the edge surface of the outer bearing ring 61 is evenly spread.

(29) Further, the tool yoke has a threaded central through hole 5, into which a tubular protective sleeve 16 is arranged in order to protect the threading in the central through hole 5. Moreover, a tension/pulling rod 33 of the hydraulic cylinder 30 is provided through the central through hole, through the bearing assembly and through a bearing seat 63 (schematically illustrated) of an axle body of a vehicle. A pressing plate is arranged around the rod 33 on the opposite side of the bearing seat 63, as viewed from the tool kit 1, and the pressing plate is secured by means of a nut 34. Accordingly, once the hydraulic cylinder 30 is actuated the pressing plate and nut 34 will act as a counter-stay or counter-hold, i.e. when the hydraulic cylinder 30 pulls the rod 33 and thereby applies a compressing force (as indicated by arrows F), which translates to a pressing force onto the mounting tool which then transfers that pressing force to a surface of the outer bearing ring 61 via the foot sections 15d of the jaw units 3d. The tool yoke 2 and jaw units 3d are preferably made of a material having a tensile strength larger than 1200 N/mm.sup.2 in order to be compatible with a hydraulic cylinder 30 capable of delivering a pressing force of 22 metric ton (roughly 220 kN of pressing force) and accordingly to withstand such a pressing force. The tool yoke 2 and jaw units 3d may for example be made from toughened or hardened steel. However, the components can be made from weaker materials capable of withstanding pressing forces of up to 7 metric ton (roughly 70 kN of pressing force), depending on the desired application.

(30) FIGS. 6A-B illustrate different perspective views of a tool kit 1 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The tool kit 1 comprises a tool yoke 2 and a pair of jaw units 3e attached thereto. The jaw units 3e are designed such that the tool kit 1 can be used to dismount wheel hubs. In more detail, a hydraulic cylinder can be secured to the tool yoke 2 by means of the threaded screw hole, e.g. by threading a portion of the hydraulic cylinder and thereby applying a pulling force to the tool kit 1 and consequently to the wheel hub via the jaw units 3e. Thus, having a threaded central through hole 5 the tool kit 1 can be used as a pulling tool as well instead of acting as a counter hold during dismounting operations. This is advantageous in dismounting operations where it is desirable to apply pressure to a surface of the vehicle component that is in contact with the upper surface 21e instead of the opposite bottom surface 22e when the tool kit 1 is acting as a counter hold, see for example FIG. 6C.

(31) Further, the jaw units 3e are secured to the tool yoke 2 by two jaw fasteners 18a, 18b. Moreover, the two jaw fasteners share a common washer 19. This increases the robustness of the tool kit 1 since the risk of a jaw fastener breaking during operation is diminished. Also, by using a single common washer 19 for each jaw unit 3e, the size of the jaw unit 3e is reduced since two separate washers would translate into a larger distance between the jaw fasteners 18a, 18b and therefore require the corresponding holes 20a, 20b to be further separated. Furthermore, the two jaw fasteners, which are arranged along the first axis (ref. 101 FIG. 1C or FIG. 1D) aid in making sure the jaw units 3e are centered and in good alignment relative to each other.

(32) FIG. 6C is a schematic side view illustration of a tool kit illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, arranged on e.g. a cardan shaft assembly 51 in order to dismount a support bearing 50 (schematically illustrated) together with a pressing device, here in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 30. The jaw units 3e are illustrated in an operating position where the foot sections 15e of the jaw units 3e are arranged to abut against an annular back surface (as viewed from the tool kit) of the support bearing 50. The cylinder has a press rod 31 with a punching socket 32 mounted on a distal end thereof (relative the cylinder main body). The press rod 31 extends through a center hole of the support bearing 50 and in order to abut against a central part of the cardan shaft assembly 51. Subsequently an operator may actuate the hydraulic cylinder and apply a pressing force 40 which will translate into a pulling force 41 exerted on the support bearing 50 by the jaw fasteners 3e.

(33) The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting to the claim. The word comprising does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claim. The word a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.