Bearings and load-bearing structures

Abstract

To provide a bearing that can simplify the suspension structure. [Solution] This bearing 10 is interposed between an inner member 100 and an outer member 200 and includes an annular lower case 30, an annular upper case 50, a first transmission member 60 positioned between the lower case 30 and the upper case 50 that transmits a proximity load F1 in the direction of bringing the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 closer together to the outer member 200, and a second transmission member 70 positioned between the lower case 30 and the outer member 200 that transmits a separation load in the direction of separating the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 to the outer member 200.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing for supporting a load and a load support structure using the bearing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a suspension structure for wheels of automobiles and the like, there is a structure having a shock absorber and a coil spring. However, there is also a suspension structure using a spring filled with a gas such as air instead of the coil spring.

[0003] The above structure includes a shaft portion of a shock absorber, a connector housing disposed on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the shaft portion, having a ceiling portion closed and a flange portion, a chamber connected to the connector housing and filled with air, a top mount disposed on the outer periphery of the connector housing above the flange portion, an end plate disposed on the outer periphery of the connector housing below the flange portion, a first bearing interposed between the flange portion and the top mount, and a second bearing interposed between the flange portion and the end plate.

[0004] Then, the proximity load (compressive load) in the direction of bringing the connector housing and the top mount closer to each other, which is transmitted from the movable part side, is supported by the first bearing and the top mount via the flange portion of the connector housing. On the other hand, the separation load (tensile load) in the direction of separating the connector housing and the end plate from each other is supported by the second bearing and the end plate via the flange portion of the connector housing.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a suspension system that includes a gas spring and damper assembly, comprising a first end plate, a second end plate fixed to the first end plate, a cavity disposed between them, a connector housing partially disposed within the cavity, a first bearing assembly disposed above the flange wall, and a second bearing assembly disposed below the flange wall. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] EP4010210B1 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Incidentally, in the suspension structure described above, if the second bearing located below the flange portion of the connector housing is omitted, the end plate and the connector housing will slide directly against each other, causing friction between the two components, which raises concerns such as deterioration of the vehicle's steering performance and the generation of abnormal noises. This concern is also the same for the suspension system described in Patent Document 1. For this reason, two bearings are essential in the above suspension structure and the suspension system described in Patent Document 1, and their structure is complex.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bearing that can simplify the suspension structure, and a load support structure using the bearing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the bearing according to the present invention is A bearing interposed between an inner member and an outer member arranged to at least partially surround the inner member, The annular lower case, An annular upper case to be assembled to the lower case, A first transmission member is positioned between the lower case and the upper case, and is intended to allow relative rotation between the lower case and the upper case, and to transmit a proximity load to the outer member in a direction that brings the inner member and the outer member closer together. The present invention is characterized by having a second transmission member which is disposed between the lower case and the outer member, or between the lower case and the upper case, and which facilitates relative rotation between the outer member and the lower case, and transmits a separating load to the outer member in a direction that separates the inner member and the outer member from each other.

[0010] According to the above invention, when a proximity load is applied to the lower case via the inner member in a direction that brings the inner member and the outer member closer together, the proximity load is transmitted from the first transmission member to the outer member via the upper case, thereby securing a transmission path for the proximity load and enabling appropriate support of the proximity load.

[0011] On the other hand, when a separating load is applied to the inner member in a direction that separates the inner and outer members from each other, the separating load is transmitted from the second transmission member to the outer member, or from the lower case to the upper case via the second transmission member, and then transmitted to the outer member via the upper case. This ensures a transmission path for the separating load and allows the separating load to be properly supported.

[0012] As described above, the bearing of the present invention can appropriately support both proximity loads and separation loads. Therefore, for example, when the bearing of the present invention is applied to an assembly of a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring that is subjected to both proximity loads and separation loads, only one bearing is required, thus simplifying the suspension structure and the like to which the bearing is applied.

[0013] In the bearing according to the present invention, The aforementioned lower case is The lower case side base supports the first transmission member, and the extension extends from the lower case side base in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis of the bearing, The second transmission member may be positioned between the extension portion of the lower case and the outer member.

[0014] In the bearing according to the present invention, The aforementioned bearing is The system further includes a sub-lower case, which is separate from the lower case, is positioned opposite the extension of the lower case, and supports the second transmission member. The second transmission member may be indirectly positioned between the extension of the lower case and the outer member via the sub-lower case.

[0015] According to the two embodiments described above, the extension portion of the lower case can be used to arrange the first transmission member and the second transmission member in roughly parallel positions in a direction intersecting the direction along the bearing axis, thereby making the entire bearing more compact in the direction along the bearing axis.

[0016] In the bearing according to the present invention, The aforementioned lower case is The lower case side base supporting the first transmission member, A lower case side erecting portion erected from the lower case side base, The lower case side erected portion has a projection that extends from the tip in the vertical direction toward the bearing axis and is positioned opposite the upper case, The second transmission member may be configured to be positioned between the protrusion on the lower case side and the upper case.

[0017] According to the above aspect, since the first transmission member and the second transmission member can be arranged so as to approach or overlap each other in the radial direction in the direction along the axis of the bearing, the entire bearing can be made compact in the direction intersecting the direction along the axis of the bearing.

[0018] Moreover, the load support structure according to the present invention is used for a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring, and includes an inner member, an outer member arranged so as to at least partially surround the inner member, and a shaft portion arranged inside the inner member. It is a load support structure that supports a proximity load in a direction to bring the inner member and the outer member closer to each other and a separation load in a direction to separate the inner member and the outer member, the bearing is interposed between the inner member and the outer member, the lower case is arranged on the inner member, and the upper case is arranged so as to contact the outer member, characterized in that the proximity load and the separation load are configured to be input to the lower case via the inner member.

[0019] According to the above invention, by applying one bearing to an assembly to which a proximity load and a separation load are applied in a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring, both the proximity load and the separation load can be supported, and the suspension structure can be simplified.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, since both the proximity load and the separation load can be appropriately supported, when applied to an assembly to which a proximity load and a separation load are applied in a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring, only one bearing is required, so that the suspension structure to which the bearing is applied can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] This figure shows a first embodiment of a bearing according to the present invention and an embodiment of a load-supporting structure according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of its main parts. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view from one side of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a load-supporting structure and its surrounding members according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of its main part. [Figure 4] This shows a deformation of the bearing arrangement according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of one side thereof. [Figure 5] This shows a second embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Figure 6] This shows a third embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Figure 7] This shows a fourth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Figure 8] This shows a fifth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Figure 9] This shows a sixth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Figure 10] This shows a seventh embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Figure 11] This shows an eighth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one side of its main part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] (First embodiment of a bearing) Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a first embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention and an embodiment of a load-supporting structure according to the present invention using the bearing will be described.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1-3, the bearing 10 in this embodiment is interposed between an inner member 100 and an outer member 200 that is positioned to at least partially surround the inner member 100. Furthermore, the bearing 10 in this embodiment is applied to a suspension structure having a MacPherson strut structure and a gas-filled spring.

[0024] The springs used are air springs filled with air, or gas springs filled with gases other than air. The suspension structure described above has an assembly that includes an inner member 100, an outer member 200, and a shaft portion 110 positioned inside the inner member 100.

[0025] Furthermore, the bearing 10 of this embodiment includes an annular lower case 30, an annular upper case 50 assembled above the lower case 30, a first transmission member 60 positioned between the lower case 30 and the upper case 50 to facilitate relative rotation between the lower case 30 and the upper case 50, and to transmit a proximity load to the outer member 200 in a direction that brings the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 closer together, and a second transmission member 70 indirectly positioned between the lower case 30 and the outer member 200 to facilitate relative rotation between the outer member 200 and the lower case 30, and to transmit a separation load to the outer member 200 in a direction that moves the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 further apart.

[0026] Furthermore, the bearing 10 includes an annular sub-lower case 40 separate from the lower case 30, and a radial load transmission member 80 that transmits radial loads, which are loads in a direction perpendicular to the direction along the axis of the bearing 10.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the axis of the bearing 10, that is, the line segment passing through the radial center of the bearing 10 and along the axis of the shaft portion 110 located on the inner member 100, is represented by the symbol "C". In the following explanation, "axial direction" means the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10, and "radial direction" means the direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the proximity load that brings the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 closer together is referred to as "proximity load F1," and is shown in Figure 2 with an upward-pointing solid arrow. This proximity load F1 can also be called a "compressive load." In addition, the separation load that moves the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 further apart is referred to as "separation load F2," and is shown in Figure 2 with a downward-pointing dashed arrow. This separation load F2 can also be called a "tensile load." Note that the directions in which the proximity load F1 and separation load F2 act are along the axis C of the bearing 10.

[0029] Furthermore, the load in a direction perpendicular to the direction along the axis C of bearing 10 is defined as the "radial load F3," and is shown in Figure 2 as a horizontal, dashed-dot arrow. However, in Figure 2, since only one cross-section to the right of the axis C of bearing 10 is shown, the arrow is unidirectional (to the right in this case). However, the direction of the radial load F3 may be opposite to the arrow in Figure 2 (to the left in this case).

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first transmission member 60 and the second transmission member 70 are annular plate-like bodies with a radial width greater than the axial thickness. On the other hand, the radial load transmission member 80 is a cylindrical member.

[0031] First, the inner member 100 and the outer member 200 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the inner member 100 is positioned on the wheel side of the vehicle, and the outer member 200 is fixed to the vehicle body side. The inner member 100 is also movable relative to the outer member 200 due to proximity load F1 and separation load F2, and can therefore be considered a movable member. On the other hand, the outer member 200 can also be considered a fixed member fixed to the vehicle body side.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the inner member 100 has a housing 120 that is substantially cylindrical overall, and the shaft portion 110, which is the rod of the shock absorber, is arranged radially inside it. The housing 120 has a substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 121, an outer flange portion 122 that protrudes radially outward in an annular shape from a point near the upper end of the cylindrical portion 121 in the axial direction, and an inner flange portion 123 that protrudes radially inward in an annular shape from a point near the lower end of the cylindrical portion 121 in the axial direction.

[0033] Furthermore, a mount 130 is positioned on the inner flange portion 123 to support the shaft fixing portion 131, which is fixed to the upper end of the shaft portion 110. In addition, a retaining portion 140 is positioned on the upper inner side of the cylindrical portion 121 via a seal ring 141. The mount 130 is sandwiched between this retaining portion 140 and the inner flange portion 123, thereby preventing the shaft fixing portion 131 from coming loose and securing it to the housing 120.

[0034] Furthermore, a cover portion 150 is attached to the outer circumference of the housing 120, below the outer flange portion 122, via a seal ring 151. A retractable bellows 160 is fixed to this cover portion 150.

[0035] Furthermore, a bearing retaining portion 125 is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 121, which is separate from or integrated with the housing 120 and protrudes for a predetermined length radially outward from the cylindrical portion 121.

[0036] On the other hand, the outer member 200 consists of a first end plate 210 and a second end plate 220 fixed to the lower side of the first end plate 210.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the first end plate 210 has a substantially annular base portion 211, a substantially cylindrical upright portion 212 erected axially upward from the radially inner end of the base portion 211, and a projection portion 213 projecting radially inward from the upright tip of the upright portion 212.

[0038] On the other hand, the second end plate 220 has a base portion 221 which is substantially annular in shape and is positioned opposite the base portion 211 of the first end plate 210 at a predetermined distance, and a fixed end portion 223 which is bent from the radially outer end of the base portion 221 via a bent portion 222 so as to spread outward (radially outward) in a flange shape in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10 and is fixed to the outer end of the base portion 211 of the first end plate 210 by welding or other means.

[0039] Furthermore, the outer member 200 is located on the outer side of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120 of the inner member 100, and the first end plate 210 is positioned facing the outer flange portion 122 of the housing 120 in the axial direction.

[0040] Next, the lower case 30 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2, the lower case 30 has a lower case side base 31 that supports the first transmission member 60, a lower case side erected portion 32 that is erected from the lower case side base 31, and an extended portion 33 that extends from the lower case side base 31 in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10.

[0041] More specifically, the lower case base portion 31 is substantially annular in shape extending radially from the bearing 10, and a substantially cylindrical lower case upright portion 32 is erected from its radial inner end via a curved R-shaped portion 32a, extending upward along the axial direction of the bearing 10. The lower case upright portion 32 is positioned radially inward of the upper case upright portion 52 of the upper case 50. Furthermore, a stepped portion 32b is formed on the radial outer circumference of the lower case upright portion 32, and the radial load transmission member 80 is supported on this stepped portion 32b.

[0042] Furthermore, an inner member contact portion 32c is provided on the end face of the tip (upper end) of the lower case side upright portion 32 in the upright direction, either integrally with the lower case side upright portion 32 or separately, and is capable of contacting the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100. In this embodiment, the inner member contact portion 32c has an annular projection shape and is integrally formed with the end face of the tip of the lower case side upright portion 32. When a proximity load F1 or separation load F2 is applied to the lower case 30, this inner member contact portion 32c comes into contact with the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100, preventing looseness between the inner member 100 and the lower case 30.

[0043] Furthermore, an extension portion 33 extends radially outward from the radially outer end of the lower case base portion 31, and is positioned close to the upper case 50 via a bent portion 33a. The extension portion 33 is positioned above the bearing 10 in the axial direction relative to the lower case base portion 31.

[0044] The lower case side erecting portion 32 is positioned in contact with the outside of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100, the lower case side base portion 31 is supported by the outer flange portion 122 of the inner member 100, and the inner member contact portion 32c is in contact with the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100, thereby positioning the lower case 30 on the inner member 100. In this state, the extension portion 33 is positioned to protrude radially outward from the outer end of the outer flange portion 122 of the inner member 100.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower case 30 is positioned such that, in the radial direction where a radial load F3 acts, the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 is press-fitted or inserted with a small gap into the lower case side upright portion 32, and in the thrust direction where a proximity load F1 and a separation load F2 act, the lower case side base portion 31 is positioned on the outer flange portion 122 of the inner member 100, and the inner member contact portion 32c is positioned relative to the inner member 100 so that it can contact the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100.

[0046] The relationship between the lower case-side upright portion 32 and the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 inserted into the lower case-side upright portion 32 can be any well-known press-fitting / insertion structure, such as press-fitting or insertion with a tolerance, and is not particularly limited. For example, a pressure-contact portion such as a protrusion can be provided on either the inner circumference of the lower case-side upright portion 32 or the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100, and this pressure-contact portion such as a protrusion can be pressure-contacted to the other inner circumference of the lower case-side upright portion 32 or the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100.

[0047] Specifically, the lower case side erecting portion 32 may be configured such that a protrusion with a curved outer surface extending in the axial direction is provided on the inner circumference of the lower case side erecting portion 32 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the lower case side erecting portion 32, and these multiple protrusions are pressed against the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100, thereby fitting the lower case side erecting portion 32 and the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 with an overlap. In this case, a predetermined clearance will be created between the inner circumference of the lower case side erecting portion 32 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100. Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100, and this protrusion may be pressed against the inner circumference of the lower case side erecting portion 32, thereby fitting the lower case side erecting portion 32 and the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 with an overlap.

[0048] The sub-lower case 40 has a substantially annular base 41 positioned facing downward from the extension 33 of the lower case 30, a substantially cylindrical outer wall 42 erected from the radial outer end of the base 41 so as to be located outside the tip 33b of the extension 33 of the lower case 30 in the extension direction, and an annular projection-shaped anti-detachment projection 43 projecting from the outer circumference of the upper end in the direction of erection of the outer wall 42. The base 41 is supported by the base 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200 and also supports the second transmission member 70.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sub-lower case 40 has a base 41 which is positioned directly or indirectly via an elastic body (not shown) on the base 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200. Alternatively, for example, a cylindrical portion (not shown) may be provided which is inserted from the radial inner peripheral edge of the base 41 of the sub-lower case 40 to the radial inner peripheral edge of the base 221 of the second end plate 220, and a fitting space may be provided between this cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral edge of the base 221 of the second end plate 220 to allow for interference.

[0050] Next, the upper case 50 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2, the upper case 50 has an upper case side base 51 and an upper case side erected portion 52 that is erected from the upper case side base 51.

[0051] More specifically, the upper case side base portion 51 is substantially annular in shape extending radially from the bearing 10, and a substantially cylindrical upper case side upright portion 52 is erected from its radial inner end, extending upward along the axial direction of the bearing 10. Furthermore, a projection 53 is provided that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumference of the tip of the upper case side upright portion 52 in the upright direction, and is positioned opposite the upper end of the radial load transmission member 80 at a predetermined distance.

[0052] Furthermore, an outer wall portion 54, which is substantially cylindrical in shape, is provided extending downward along the axial direction of the bearing 10 from the radial outer end of the upper case side base portion 51. In addition, an annular projection-shaped anti-detachment projection portion 55 is provided protruding from the inner circumference of the tip (lower end) in the extending direction of this outer wall portion 54.

[0053] In this embodiment, in the thrust direction where proximity load F1 and separation load F2 act, the upper case side base 51 is positioned to overlap the lower case side base 31 and the first transmission member 60 axially above the bearing 10, and in the radial direction where radial load F3 acts, the upper case side upright portion 52 is positioned to overlap the lower case side upright portion 32 and the radial load transmission member 80 radially outward.

[0054] The relationship between the upper case side erected portion 52 and the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210 inserted into the upper case side erected portion 52 can be any well-known press-fitting / insertion structure, such as press-fitting or insertion with a tightening allowance, and is not particularly limited. For example, a pressure-contact portion such as a protrusion can be provided on either the outer circumference of the upper case side erected portion 52 or the inner circumference of the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210, and this pressure-contact portion such as a protrusion can be pressure-contacted to the other outer circumference of the upper case side erected portion 52 or the inner circumference of the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210.

[0055] Specifically, in order for the upper case side upright portion 52 to be press-fitted or inserted with a small gap into the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210, for example, multiple protrusions, which have a curved outer surface and extend in the axial direction, may be provided on the outer circumference of the upper case side upright portion 52 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper case side upright portion 52, and these multiple protrusions may be pressed against the inner circumference of the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210, thereby fitting the upper case side upright portion 52 and the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210 with an overlap. In this case, a predetermined clearance will be created between the outer circumference of the upper case side upright portion 52 and the inner circumference of the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210. Note that the portion of the upper base portion 51 that is radially outward on the upper surface side is positioned so that there is a slight clearance with respect to the base portion 211 of the first end plate 210. Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided on the inner circumference of the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210, and this protrusion may be pressed against the outer circumference of the upper case side upright portion 52, thereby creating a fitting space between the upper case side upright portion 52 and the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210 with an overlap.

[0056] Furthermore, the upper case side base portion 51 is positioned in contact with the upper surface of the first transmission member 60 supported by the lower case side base portion 31, the upper case side upright portion 52 is positioned so as to be able to contact the outer circumferential surface of the radial load transmission member 80 supported by the stepped portion 32b of the lower case side upright portion 32, and the outer wall portion 54 is positioned outside the outer wall portion 42 of the sub-lower case 40.

[0057] As a result, the bearing 10 is assembled with the first transmission member 60 positioned between the lower case side base 31 and the upper case side base 51, the second transmission member 70 positioned between the base 41 of the sub-lower case 40 and the extension 33 of the lower case 30, and the radial load transmission member 80 positioned between the lower case side upright portion 32 and the upper case side upright portion 52.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the extension 33 of the lower case 30 abuts against the upper surface of the second transmission member 70, and the base 41 of the sub-lower case 40, which is supported by abutting against the base 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200, abuts against the lower surface of the second abutting member 70. In other words, the second transmission member 70 is indirectly positioned between the extension 33 of the lower case 30 and the outer member 200 via the sub-lower case 40.

[0059] Furthermore, in the assembled state of the bearing 10 described above, the anti-detachment projection 43 of the sub-lower case 40 and the anti-detachment projection 55 of the upper case 50 are positioned close together in the axial direction of the bearing 10, allowing them to engage with each other when the sub-lower case 40 and the upper case 50 are separated, thereby maintaining the assembled state of both cases 40 and 50.

[0060] Furthermore, the base portion 211 of the first end plate 210 is positioned opposite to the upper surface of the upper case side base portion 51, and the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210 is positioned opposite to the radial outer circumference of the upper case side upright portion 52.

[0061] Furthermore, as the material for the lower case 30 described above, for example, a predetermined synthetic resin material, a synthetic resin material with added glass fiber reinforcement, a synthetic resin material with added reinforcing materials such as carbon fiber reinforcement, aramid fiber reinforcement, or cellulose nanofiber reinforcement, or a metal material can be used. In addition, for the sub-lower case 40 and the upper case 50, for example, a synthetic resin material such as polyoxymethylene (POM) can be used.

[0062] Furthermore, the first transmission member 60, the second transmission member 70, and the radial load transmission member 80 in this embodiment are sliding bearings, and as materials for them, materials with excellent sliding properties can be used, such as polyolefin-based, polyester-based, polyurethane-based, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), metals such as iron and aluminum, or materials to which lubricants such as lubricating oil and silicone have been added.

[0063] Next, a load-supporting structure according to the present invention will be described. This load-supporting structure is used in a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring and is a structure that supports proximity load F1 and separation load F2 applied to an assembly including an inner member 100, an outer member 200, and a shaft portion 110 disposed inside the inner member 100.

[0064] In this load-supporting structure, the bearing 10 configured as described above is interposed between the inner member 100 and the outer member 200. The lower case 30 is positioned on the inner member 100, and the upper case 50 is positioned in contact with the outer member 200. The proximity load F1 and separation load F2 are configured to be input to the lower case 30 via the inner member 100. The arrangement of each component, such as the lower case 30, sub-lower case 40, upper case 50, inner member 100, and outer member 200, in this load-supporting structure is as described in paragraphs 0045, 0046, 0048, 0052, and 0053, and therefore will not be explained here.

[0065] (modified version) The shapes, structures, and layouts of the lower case, sub-lower case, upper case, first transmission member, second transmission member, load receiving member, inner member, outer member, etc., which constitute the bearing and load support structure in the present invention, are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower case side upright portion 32 of the lower case 30, the outer wall portion 42 of the sub-lower case 40, the upper case side upright portion 52 and outer wall portion 54 of the upper case 50, etc., extend in a direction along the axis C of the bearing 10, that is, they extend parallel to the axis C of the bearing 10. However, these upright portions and walls may be inclined with respect to the axis C of the bearing 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second transmission member 70 is indirectly positioned between the lower case 30 and the outer member 200 via the sub-lower case 40 (see Figure 2). However, the second transmission member may also be positioned between the lower case and the upper case, or directly between the lower case and the outer member, as long as it can transmit the separation load F2 to the outer member via the second transmission member (these will be explained in the embodiments described later).

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer member 200 has the fixed end 223 of the second end plate 220 fixed to the outer end of the base 211 of the first end plate 210 by welding or the like. However, the fixing structure for both end plates may be, for example, a screw fastening structure (which will be explained in the embodiment described later) or a crimping structure (rivet crimping, wrap crimping, etc.).

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner member contact portion 32c is integrally formed with the end face of the tip of the lower case side erected portion 32. However, the inner member contact portion may also be an elastic body separate from the lower case side erected portion 32, and this elastic body may be placed between the tip of the lower case side erected portion 32 and the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100. Even if the inner member contact portion is an elastic body, when a proximity load F1 or separation load F2 is applied to the lower case 30, it will come into contact with the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100, making it possible to prevent rattling between the inner member 100 and the lower case 30.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the lower case side erected portion 32 and the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 are fitted together with an overlap, creating a clearance between the inner circumference of the lower case side erected portion 32 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121. Additionally, the upper case side erected portion 52 and the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210 are fitted together with an overlap, creating a clearance between the outer circumference of the upper case side erected portion 52 and the inner circumference of the erected portion 212. However, it is also possible to have a clearance between the inner circumference of the lower case side erected portion 32 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121, or between the outer circumference of the upper case side erected portion 52 and the inner circumference of the erected portion 212.

[0071] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100, the lower case side erected portion 32, the radial load transmission member 80, the upper case side erected portion 52, and the erected portion 212 of the outer member 200 may be configured in the following relationship. That is, the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120 constituting the inner member 100, the inner and outer circumferences of the lower case side erected portion 32 of the lower case 30, the inner and outer circumferences of the radial load transmission member 80, the inner and outer circumferences of the upper case side erected portion 52 of the upper case 50, and the inner circumference of the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210 constituting the outer member 200 are configured so that no protrusions or the like are provided on either the inner or outer circumference of each member.

[0072] Furthermore, the configuration may be such that there is no clearance between the outer circumference of the lower case side erected portion 32 and the inner circumference of the radial load transmission portion 80, and no clearance is provided between the outer circumference of the radial load transmission portion 80 and the inner circumference of the upper case side erected portion 52, while a clearance is provided around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction between the inner circumference of the lower case side erected portion 32 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120, and a clearance is provided around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction between the outer circumference of the upper case side erected portion 52 and the inner circumference of the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210.

[0073] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide protrusions or the like at one or more locations on the inner and outer circumferences of the lower case side erected portion 32 of the lower case 30, the inner and outer circumferences of the radial load transmission member 80, the inner and outer circumferences of the upper case side erected portion 52 of the upper case 50, the inner circumference of the erected portion 212 of the first end plate 210 constituting the outer member 200, and the inner and outer circumferences of each member, thereby providing clearance at any location between radially adjacent members.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer member 200 is located on the outer side of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120 of the inner member 100, and the first end plate 210 is positioned axially opposite to the outer flange portion 122 of the housing 120, with the bearing 10 positioned between the outer flange portion 122 of the inner member 100 and the outer member 200. However, the position of the bearing is not limited to this embodiment.

[0075] For example, Figure 4 shows a modified configuration of the bearing 10's placement. In this modified configuration, the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120 of the inner member 100 does not have an outer flange portion 122 as shown in Figure 1. Instead, the bearing 10 is positioned between the lid portion 150 and the outer member 200, which is located on the outside of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 121.

[0076] The lid portion 150 includes a support member 153 (details of which will be described later) that receives the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120, a flange portion 154 of the support member 153 that protrudes radially inward from an axially lower side than the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120, and a raised ceiling surface 152 on the radially inward portion of the lid portion 150. The lower case side base portion 31 of the lower case 30 is positioned on this ceiling surface 152.

[0077] Furthermore, the lid portion 150 is supported by a support member 153. Specifically, this support member 153 is substantially cylindrical in shape into which the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 is inserted, and its upper part supports the lid portion 150, and is integrally formed with the lid portion 150. In other words, the lid portion 150 is supported by the support member 153 which is integrated with the lid portion 150. Note that a stepped locking portion 121a is formed on the upper outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100, and the cylindrical portion 121 inserted into the support member 153 is supported by the locking portion 121a locking onto the upper inner peripheral edge of the lid portion 150. Furthermore, a flange portion 154 is provided on the lower inner circumference of the support member 153, extending radially inward. Below this flange portion, a bump stopper 155, which acts as a cushioning material, is positioned, and the impact and load received by the bump stopper 155 are absorbed by the flange portion 154 of the support member 153.

[0078] Furthermore, as a fixing structure for the lid portion 150 to the inner member 100, the following structure may be used, utilizing the inner member 100 without providing a support member 153 to support the lid portion 150. That is, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, a bump stopper 155 is placed below the inner flange portion 123 of the housing 120 that constitutes the inner member 100, and a female thread portion is formed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120. Then, by tightening a fixing member 157 such as a nut (see dashed line in Figure 4) placed below the lid portion 150 to the female thread portion of the cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120, the lid portion 150 is sandwiched between the locking portion 121a of the housing 120 and the fixing member 157, thereby fixing the lid portion 150 to the inner member 100 via the fixing member 157, and the lid portion 150 is supported by the fixing member 157.

[0079] (Effects and Benefits) Next, the effects of the bearing 10 and the load support structure based on the above configuration will be explained.

[0080] First, we will explain the case where a proximity load F1 is applied to the inner member 100.

[0081] In other words, as shown in Figure 2, when a proximity load F1 is applied to the inner member 100, the proximity load F1 is applied from the outer flange portion 122 of the inner member 100 to the lower case side base portion 31. Then, the proximity load F1 is transmitted to the first transmission member 60, and then transmitted via the upper case side base portion 51 to the base portion 211 of the first end plate 210 of the outer member 200. In this way, the bearing 10 can secure a transmission path for the proximity load F1 and can properly support the proximity load F1.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, when a separation load F2 is applied to the inner member 100, the separation load F2 is transmitted from the bearing retaining portion 125 via the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 to the lower case side upright portion 32 via the inner member contact portion 32c.

[0083] Subsequently, the separation load F2 passes through the lower case side base 31 where the first transmission member 60 is located, is transmitted to the second transmission member 70 via the extension 33, then transmitted to the base 41 of the sub-lower case 40 via the second transmission member 70, and further transmitted to the base 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200.

[0084] In other words, the separation load F2 transmitted to the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30 is indirectly transmitted from the second transmission member 70 to the outer member 200 via the sub-lower case 40, thereby ensuring a transmission path for the separation load F2 and allowing the separation load F2 to be properly supported.

[0085] As described above, the bearing 10 of the present invention can appropriately support both proximity load F1 and separation load F2. Therefore, for example, when the bearing 10 of the present invention is applied to an assembly of a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring to which proximity load F1 and separation load F2 are applied, only one bearing 10 is required, thus simplifying the suspension structure and the like to which the bearing 10 is applied.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower case 30 has a lower case side base 31 that supports the first transmission member 60, and an extension 33 that extends from the lower case side base 31 in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10. The bearing 10 is separate from the lower case 30 and is positioned opposite the extension 33 of the lower case 30, and further has a sub-lower case 40 that supports the second transmission member 70. The second transmission member 70 is indirectly positioned between the extension 33 of the lower case 30 and the outer member 200 via the sub-lower case 40.

[0087] According to the above embodiment, by utilizing the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30, the first transmission member 60 and the second transmission member 70 can be arranged in roughly parallel positions in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10, thereby making the entire bearing 10 compact in the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10.

[0088] When the radial load F3 and proximity load F1 are applied to the inner member 100, the radial load F3 is sequentially transmitted to the lower case side upright portion 32, the radial load transmission member 80, and the upper case side upright portion 52, as shown in Figure 2, and finally transmitted to the upright portion 212 of the first end plate 210 of the outer member 200, thereby properly supporting the radial load F3.

[0089] Furthermore, the load-supporting structure according to the present invention is used in a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring, and is a structure that supports a proximity load F1 and a separation load F2 applied to an assembly including an inner member 100, an outer member 200 arranged to at least partially surround the inner member 100, and a shaft portion 110 arranged inside the inner member 100, wherein a bearing 10 having the above configuration is interposed between the inner member 100 and the outer member 200, a lower case 30 is arranged on the inner member 100 and an upper case 50 is arranged to be in contact with the outer member 200, and the proximity load F1 and the separation load F2 are configured to be input to the lower case 30 via the inner member 100.

[0090] According to the above invention, by applying a single bearing to the assembly of a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring that is subjected to both proximity loads and separation loads, both proximity loads and separation loads can be supported, thereby simplifying the suspension structure.

[0091] (Second embodiment of the bearing) Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0092] In this embodiment, the bearing 10A differs from the previous embodiment in the shape of the lower case 30A and the upper case 50A, and in the layout of the second transmission member 70.

[0093] In other words, the lower case 30A has a projection 36 that protrudes from the tip of the lower case side upright portion 32 in the upright direction away from the axis of the bearing 10, and is positioned opposite the tip of the upper case side upright portion 52 in the upright direction. An inner member contact portion 36a is provided protruding from the upper surface of the projection 36. Similar to the inner member contact portion 32c described above, this inner member contact portion 36a contacts the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100 when a proximity load F1 or separation load F2 is applied to the lower case 30A, thereby preventing looseness between the inner member 100 and the lower case 30A, and may also be an elastic body as described in paragraph 0069.

[0094] Furthermore, a substantially cylindrical outer wall portion 34 is provided extending from the outer end of the lower case side erected portion 32, positioned inside the outer wall portion 54 of the upper case 50A. A detachment prevention projection 35 is provided on the outer circumference of this outer wall portion 34, which is capable of engaging with the detachment prevention projection 55 of the upper case 50.

[0095] On the other hand, the upper case 50A has a stepped portion 52a formed on the radial inner circumference of the upper case side upright portion 52, and the radial load transmission member 80 is supported on this stepped portion 52a. In addition, the base portion 211 of the first end plate 210 of the outer member 200 abuts against the upper surface of the upper case side base portion 51 without any gap, and the tip portion (lower end) in the extending direction of the outer wall portion 54 abuts against the base portion 221 of the second end plate 220, so that the upper case 50A is sandwiched between the outer member 200.

[0096] Furthermore, the upper case side base 51 of the upper case 50A is formed to be shorter in radial length than the upper case side base 51 of the upper case 50 in the first embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the lower case 30A is positioned on the inner member 100 with the inner member contact portion 36a on the upper surface of the projection 36 of the lower case 30A in contact with the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100, and the lower case side upright portion 32 is positioned in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the radial load transmission member 80 supported by the stepped portion 52a of the upper case side upright portion 52. The second transmission member 70 is positioned between the tip of the upper case side upright portion 52 in the upright direction and the projection 36 of the lower case 30A.

[0098] The load transmission path of the second embodiment with the above configuration is as follows. Note that the transmission path for the adjacent load F1 is the same as in the first embodiment and is therefore omitted.

[0099] In other words, as shown in Figure 5, when a separation load F2 is applied to the inner member 100, the separation load F2 is first transmitted from the bearing retaining portion 125 via the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 to the projection 36 of the lower case 30A via the inner member contact portion 36a. Subsequently, the separation load F2 is transmitted to the upper case side upright portion 52 via the second transmission member 70, and then transmitted to the base portion 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200 via the upper case side base portion 51 and the outer wall portion 54.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, the separation load F2 is transmitted to the lower case 30A, then to the upper case 50A via the second transmission member 70, and finally to the outer member 200 via the upper case 50A. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, a transmission path for the separation load F2 can be secured, and the separation load F2 can be appropriately supported.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first transmission member 60 and the second transmission member 70 are arranged in a direction along the axis C of the bearing 10A, so the entire bearing 10A can be made compact in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10A.

[0102] (Third embodiment of the bearing) Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0103] The bearing 10B in this embodiment is basically the same as the bearing 10A in the second embodiment, but the shape of the upper case 50B is different.

[0104] In other words, the upper case 50B of this embodiment has an extension 56 that extends radially outward from the outer wall portion 54 of the upper case side base portion 51, and an insertion hole 56a is formed through this extension 56.

[0105] On the other hand, the outer member 200A consists only of the first end plate 210, with a threaded hole 214 formed through its inner circumference. Therefore, the upper case 50B can be fixed to the outer member 200A by inserting a fastener 215 such as a bolt through the insertion hole 56a and screwing it into the threaded hole 214.

[0106] For example, the upper case 50B can also be fixed to the outer member 200A by forming a simple through hole in the first end plate 210 instead of a screw hole with a female threaded portion formed on its inner circumference, inserting a bolt (not shown) through the insertion hole 56a of the upper case 50B and the through hole of the first end plate 210, respectively, and tightening and fixing the shaft of the bolt with a nut (not shown) placed on the first end plate 211.

[0107] The load transmission path of the third embodiment, which has the above configuration, is basically the same as that of the second embodiment, but the separation load F2 is transmitted to the upper case side erected portion 52 via the second transmission member 70, and then transmitted to the fixing device 215 that constitutes the outer member 200 via the upper case side base portion 51 and extension portion 56. Therefore, as with the first and second embodiments, a transmission path for the separation load F2 can be secured, and the separation load F2 can be appropriately supported.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer member 200A can be made into a structure that does not require the second end plate 220, thus simplifying the outer member 200A.

[0109] (Fourth embodiment of the bearing) Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0110] The bearing 10C in this embodiment is basically the same as the bearing 10 in the first embodiment, but it has a configuration in which the sub-lower case 40 is absent.

[0111] In other words, the second transmission member 70 is positioned between the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30 and the base portion 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200.

[0112] The load transmission path of the fourth embodiment with the above configuration is as follows. Note that the transmission path for the adjacent load F1 is the same as in the first embodiment and is therefore omitted.

[0113] That is, as shown in Figure 7, when a separation load F2 is applied to the inner member 100, it is first transmitted from the bearing retaining portion 125 via the cylindrical portion 121 of the inner member 100 to the lower case side upright portion 32 via the inner member contact portion 32c. Subsequently, the separation load F2 passes through the lower case side base portion 31 and is transmitted to the second transmission member 70 via the extension portion 33, and then directly transmitted to the base portion 221 of the second end plate 220 of the outer member 200 via the second transmission member 70. Therefore, similar to the first to third embodiments, a transmission path for the separation load F2 can be secured, and the separation load F2 can be appropriately supported.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower case 30 has a lower case side base 31 that supports the first transmission member 60, and an extension 33 that extends from the lower case side base 31 in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10, and the second transmission member 70 is arranged between the extension 33 of the lower case 30 and the outer member 200.

[0115] According to the above embodiment, by utilizing the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30, the first transmission member 60 and the second transmission member 70 can be arranged in roughly parallel positions in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10, thereby making the entire bearing 10 compact in the direction along the axis C of the bearing 10.

[0116] (Fifth embodiment of the bearing) Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0117] The bearing 10D in this embodiment is basically the same as the bearing 10 in the first embodiment, but the lower case 30D has an extension portion 33 that extends linearly radially outward from the lower case side base portion 31, unlike the extension portion 33 that extends via the bent portion 33a as in the first embodiment.

[0118] Furthermore, the first transmission member 60D extends to the extension portion 33, and is longer than the first transmission member 60 in other embodiments. In addition, the load support structure is configured such that the lower case 30D is positioned on the inner member 100 and the upper case 50 is in contact with the outer member 200.

[0119] The load transmission path in the fifth embodiment, which has the above configuration, is the same as in the first embodiment and will therefore be omitted. In this fifth embodiment as well, as in the first to fourth embodiments, a transmission path for the separation load F2 can be secured, and the separation load F2 can be appropriately supported.

[0120] In this embodiment, even if bending stress is applied to the upper case 50 via the inner member 100 or the outer member 200, the bending stress can be received by the portion of the first transmission member 60D that extends to the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30D.

[0121] (Sixth embodiment of the bearing) Figure 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] The bearing 10E in this embodiment is basically the same as the bearing 10A in the second embodiment, but the shape of the upper case 50E is different from that of the upper case 50A in the second embodiment.

[0123] In other words, the upper case 50E in this embodiment has a shape that does not have an upper case side erected portion 52, and the second transmission member 70 is arranged between the radially inner upper surface of the upper case side base portion 51 and the projection 36 of the lower case 30.

[0124] The load transmission path in the sixth embodiment, which has the above configuration, is the same as in the second embodiment and will therefore be omitted. In this sixth embodiment as well, as in the first to fifth embodiments, a transmission path for the separation load F2 can be secured, and the separation load F2 can be appropriately supported.

[0125] (Seventh embodiment of the bearing) Figure 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0126] The bearing 10F in this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the first and second transmission members are rolling bearings.

[0127] The first transmission member 60F is a well-known angular contact bearing capable of receiving radial and thrust loads, and the second transmission member 70F is a well-known thrust bearing capable of receiving thrust loads.

[0128] Furthermore, a concave retaining recess 38 is formed in the lower case side base 31 of the lower case 30F, while a retaining projection 58 is provided in the upper case side base 51 of the upper case 50F, projecting toward the retaining recess 38. The first transmission member 60F, which is an angular contact bearing, is positioned between the retaining recess 38 and the retaining projection 58 such that its outer circumference abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the retaining recess 38 and the inner circumferential surface of the retaining projection 58.

[0129] Furthermore, a second transmission member 70F, which is a thrust bearing, is positioned between the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30F and the base portion 41 of the sub-lower case 40. An inner member contact portion 32c is provided on the upper surface of the radially inner end of the lower case side base portion 31, which is capable of contacting the bearing retaining portion 125 of the inner member 100.

[0130] The load transmission path of the seventh embodiment having the above configuration is as follows. That is, as shown in Figure 10, when a radial load F3 is input to the inner member 100, the radial load F3 is transmitted to the lower case side base 31, then to the first transmission member 60F via the retaining recess 38, and further transmitted to the upper case side base 51 via the retaining protrusion 58, and then to the first end plate 210 via the upper case side upright portion 52.

[0131] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, when a proximity load F1 is applied to the inner member 100, the proximity load F1 is transmitted to the lower case side base 31, then to the upper case side base 51 via the first transmission member 60F, and then to the first end plate 210 via the upper case side base 51.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, when a separation load F2 is applied to the inner member 100, the separation load F2 is transmitted from the bearing retaining portion 125 to the lower case side base portion 31 via the inner member contact portion 32c, then to the second transmission member 70F via the extension portion 33, and subsequently to the sub-lower case 40 via the second transmission member 70F, and further to the second end plate 220.

[0133] As described above, in this bearing 10F, both radial load F3 and proximity load F1 can be appropriately supported by the transmission path interposed by the first transmission member 60F, which is an angular contact bearing, and separation load F2 can be appropriately supported by the transmission path interposed by the second transmission member 70F, which is a thrust bearing.

[0134] (Eighth embodiment of the bearing) Figure 11 shows an eighth embodiment of the bearing according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0135] In this embodiment, the bearing 10G, like the bearing 10F of the seventh embodiment, has first and second transmission members that are rolling bearings, but the type and layout of the rolling bearings are different from those of the bearing 10F of the seventh embodiment.

[0136] Specifically, the first transmission member 60G is a thrust bearing, and the second transmission member 70G is an angular contact bearing. Furthermore, the upper case 50G has a configuration without an upper case side upright portion 52. The first transmission member 60G, which is a thrust bearing, is positioned between the retaining recess 38 provided in the lower case side base portion 51 of the lower case 30F and the upper case side base portion 51 of the upper case 50G.

[0137] Furthermore, a curved retaining portion 41a is formed on the upper inner circumference of the base portion 41 of the sub-lower case 40G, while a curved retaining portion 33c is formed on the outer circumference of the extension portion 33 of the lower case 30G. The second transmission member 60G, which is an angular contact bearing, is positioned between the retaining portion 41a and the retaining portion 33c such that its outer circumference abuts against the inner surface of the retaining portion 41a and its inner circumference abuts against the outer surface of the retaining portion 33c. In addition, a projection 41b is provided protruding from the inner circumference of the base portion 41 of the sub-lower case 40G, which engages with the inner peripheral edge of the base portion 221 of the second end plate 220.

[0138] The load transmission path of the eighth embodiment having the above configuration is as follows. That is, as shown in Figure 11, when a radial load F3 is input to the inner member 100, the radial load F3 is transmitted to the lower case side base 31, then to the second transmission member 70G via the holding part 33c, and further transmitted to the sub-lower case 40G via the holding part 41a, and then to the first end plate 210 via the protrusion 41b.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, when a proximity load F1 is applied to the inner member 100, the proximity load F1 is transmitted to the lower case side base 31, then to the upper case side base 51 via the first transmission member 60G, and then to the first end plate 210 via the upper case side base 51.

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, when a separation load F2 is applied to the inner member 100, the separation load F2 is transmitted from the bearing retaining portion 125 to the lower case side base portion 31 via the inner member contact portion 32c, then to the second transmission member 70G via the extension portion 33, and subsequently to the sub-lower case 40G via the second transmission member 70G, and further to the second end plate 220.

[0141] As described above, in this bearing 10G, both radial load F3 and separation load F2 can be appropriately supported by the transmission path interposed by the second transmission member 70G, which is an angular contact bearing, and proximity load F1 can be appropriately supported by the transmission path interposed by the first transmission member 60G, which is a thrust bearing.

[0142] (Additional notes) In the bearings of the embodiments described above, grooves may be formed in the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the radial load transmission member, allowing for the filling of a lubricant such as grease. These grooves may be, for example, continuous annular grooves in the circumferential direction, or intermittently extending in an arc shape rather than an annular shape, and the number of grooves may be one or more; there are no particular limitations. When such grooves are formed in each member, a lubricant such as grease can be filled into these grooves, thereby increasing the durability of the bearings.

[0143] Furthermore, in the bearings of each embodiment described above, a lubricating sheet may be interposed between the lower case and the first transmission member, between the lower case and the second transmission member, between the lower case and the radial load transmission member, between the sub-lower case and the second load transmission member, between the upper case and the first transmission member, between the upper case and the second transmission member, and between the upper case and the radial load transmission member.

[0144] Furthermore, in the bearings of each embodiment described above, rolling bearings having rolling elements, such as angular contact bearings, radial bearings, and thrust bearings, may be used as the first transmission member, second transmission member, and radial load transmission member.

[0145] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modified embodiments are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and such embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0146] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G... Bearings, 30, 30A, 30D, 30F, 30G... Lower case, 31... Lower case side base, 32... Lower case side upright part, 33... Extension part, 40, 40G... Sub-lower case, 50, 50A, 50B, 50E, 50F, 50G... Upper case, 51... Upper case S-side base, 52... Upper case side erection part, 60, 60D, 60F, 60G... First transmission member, 61... Groove, 70, 70F, 70G... Second transmission member, 80... Radial load transmission member, 100... Inner member, 110... Shaft part, 120... Housing, 200... Outer member, 210... First end plate, 220... Second end plate.

Claims

1. A bearing interposed between an inner member and an outer member arranged to at least partially surround the inner member, The annular lower case, An annular upper case to be assembled to the lower case, A first transmission member is positioned between the lower case and the upper case, and facilitates relative rotation between the lower case and the upper case, while also transmitting a proximity load to the outer member in a direction that brings the inner member and the outer member closer together. A bearing characterized by having a second transmission member which is disposed between the lower case and the outer member, or between the lower case and the upper case, and which facilitates relative rotation between the outer member and the lower case, and transmits a separating load to the outer member in a direction that separates the inner member and the outer member from each other.

2. The aforementioned lower case is The lower case side base supports the first transmission member, and the extension extends from the lower case side base in a direction intersecting the direction along the axis of the bearing, The bearing according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission member is disposed between the extension portion of the lower case and the outer member.

3. The aforementioned bearing is The system further includes a sub-lower case, which is separate from the lower case, is positioned opposite the extension of the lower case, and supports the second transmission member. The bearing according to claim 2, wherein the second transmission member is indirectly arranged between the extension portion of the lower case and the outer member via the sub-lower case.

4. The aforementioned lower case is The lower case side base supporting the first transmission member, A lower case side erecting portion erected from the lower case side base, The lower case side erected portion has a projection that extends from the tip in the vertical direction toward the bearing axis and is positioned opposite the upper case, The bearing according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission member is disposed between the projection of the lower case side erected portion and the upper case.

5. A load-supporting structure for use in a suspension structure having a gas-filled spring, which supports a proximity load applied to an assembly including an inner member, an outer member disposed to at least partially surround the inner member, and a shaft portion disposed inside the inner member, in a direction that brings the inner member and the outer member closer together, and a separation load that moves the inner member and the outer member further apart from each other, A bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is interposed between the inner member and the outer member, the lower case is positioned on the inner member, and the upper case is positioned in contact with the outer member. A load support structure characterized in that the proximity load and the separation load are configured to be input to the lower case via the inner member.

Images