Axially limited shock absorber joint

Abstract

Axial abutment shock absorber joint (1) comprising an inner frame (3) extending longitudinally along a first axis (X1), an outer frame (2) in the form of a ring surrounding the inner frame, an elastomer (4) connecting the inner frame and the outer frame, the elastomer allowing the inner frame (3) to rotate axially along the first axis, radially and angularly around a point (O) located on the first axis to produce a certain displacement. The axial displacement is limited by the abutment between a first stop surface (6a) integral with the inner frame and a resilient first stop (4a) integral with the outer frame, the general shape of the first stop surface (6a) being cylindrical or spherical with the point (O) as center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This description relates to a vibration damping joint with axial limiting. Background Technology

[0002] According to its abstract, document FR2849907A1 proposes a hydraulic anti-vibration joint comprising a coaxial inner frame and an outer frame connected by an elastomer, the elastomer defining two hydraulic chambers communicating with each other via a contraction channel. The intermediate frame, embedded in the elastomer, has two rigid rings, and the outer frame is clamped around these two rigid rings and has flanges extending from this frame. The outer frame is locked between the two flanges, enabling it to withstand axial forces without any chance of disengaging from the joint. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this description is to propose a shock-absorbing joint with axial limiting, which improves operability.

[0004] Therefore, this specification proposes a vibration-damping joint with axial limiting, comprising:

[0005] -Inner frame, which extends longitudinally along the first axis.

[0006] - An outer frame having a ring centered on a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, the outer frame surrounding the inner frame.

[0007] - An elastomer that connects the inner frame and the outer frame.

[0008] The elastic body allows the inner frame to undergo a certain axial displacement relative to the outer frame along the first axis, a certain radial displacement relative to the outer frame perpendicular to the first axis, and a certain angular displacement relative to the inner frame by rotating approximately around a point located on the first axis.

[0009] The axial displacement in the first direction is limited by the abutment between the first stop surface and the elastic first stop member, one of which is integral with the inner frame and the other with the outer frame (or the first stop surface is integral with the inner frame and the elastic first stop member is integral with the outer frame, or the first stop surface is integral with the outer frame and the elastic first stop member is integral with the inner frame).

[0010] Furthermore, the first stop surface has the following approximate shape:

[0011] - A portion of a cylinder centered on a rotation axis passing through the point and perpendicular to the first axis.

[0012] - Or basically a part of a sphere centered at a point.

[0013] The axial displacement in the second direction opposite to the first direction is further restricted by the abutment between the second stop surface (7a) and the elastic second stop (4b), one of which is integral with the inner frame and the other with the outer frame.

[0014] The second stop surface has the following approximate shape:

[0015] - is a part of a cylinder centered on the axis of rotation.

[0016] - or essentially a part of a sphere centered at the point mentioned.

[0017] Through these arrangements, although angular displacement is permitted between the first and second axes, similar contact between the first stop and the first stop surface is always ensured. Therefore, despite angular displacement, the contact area between the first stop and the first stop surface remains substantially constant, and the deformation rate of the first stop remains uniform, thus avoiding excessive stress on only a portion of the first stop. This makes the axial force / displacement curve of the joint essentially unaffected by angular displacement, and improves the service life of the joint.

[0018] In various implementations of the anti-vibration joint, one or more of the following arrangements may be employed (alone or in any combination thereof).

[0019] - The first stop surface is integrated with the inner frame, and the first stop element is integrated with the outer frame.

[0020] - An outer frame extends axially between a first end and a second end. The outer frame is fitted into an outer ring having an inner collar. A first stop surface is part of a flange that is axially clamped between the first end of the outer frame and the inner collar. A second stop surface is part of a flange that is axially held against the second end of the outer frame by at least one retaining portion integral with the outer ring.

[0021] - The fixing part is selected from the welded parts and limiting parts of the outer ring.

[0022] - The first stop surface is continuously curved.

[0023] - The first stop surface has a surface that approximates a portion of a cylinder or a portion of a sphere.

[0024] - The general shape is part of a sphere, and the first stop surface has a cone shape that approximates the general shape.

[0025] - The first stop has a surface facing the first stop surface, the surface being substantially parallel to the first stop surface.

[0026] - The first stop is supported by a rigid first support surface integral with the frame, the frame supporting the first stop, the first support surface facing the first stop surface and substantially parallel to the first stop surface.

[0027] The first stop surface is formed by a flange integral with the inner frame;

[0028] - A point is positioned opposite the first stop surface and the elastic body, and the first stop surface is convex, with its convexity facing the first stop member.

[0029] - The point is positioned relative to the elastic body and the first stop surface, and the first stop surface is concave, with the concave side facing the first stop member.

[0030] -The first stop is part of an elastic body.

[0031] - The first stop forms a ring centered on the second axis.

[0032] -The first stop surface and the first stop member are separated by a gap.

[0033] - The first stop surface is connected to the first stop member.

[0034] - The radial range of the first stop surface is greater than that of the first stop member, so that the first stop member always faces the first stop surface throughout the entire range of the angular displacement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame.

[0035] - The second stop surface is integral with the inner frame, and the second stop element is integral with the outer frame.

[0036] - The second stop surface is continuously curved.

[0037] - The second stop surface has a surface that approximates a portion of a cylinder or a portion of a sphere.

[0038] - The approximate shape of the second stop surface is part of a sphere, and the second stop surface has a cone shape that approximates the approximate shape.

[0039] - The second stop has a surface facing the second stop surface, which is substantially parallel to the second stop surface.

[0040] - The second stop is supported by a rigid second support surface integral with the frame. The frame supports the second stop, and the second support surface faces and is substantially parallel to the second stop surface.

[0041] - The second stop surface is formed by a flange integral with the inner frame.

[0042] - The point is positioned opposite the second stop surface and the elastic body, and the second stop surface is convex, with the convexity facing the second stop member.

[0043] - The point is positioned relative to the elastic body and the second stop surface, and the second stop surface is concave, with the concave side facing the second stop member.

[0044] -The second stop is part of an elastic body.

[0045] - The second stop forms a ring centered on the second axis.

[0046] -The second stop surface and the second stop member are separated by a gap.

[0047] - The second stop surface is connected to the second stop member.

[0048] - The radial range of the second stop surface is greater than that of the second stop member, so that the second stop member always faces the second stop surface throughout the entire range of the angular displacement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame.

[0049] - A point is positioned relative to the first stop surface and the elastic body. The first stop surface is convex, with its convexity facing the first stop member. The second stop surface is concave, with its concavity facing the second stop member. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the axially abutting anti-vibration joint will become apparent from the following description of two embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples.

[0051] In the diagram:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the shock-absorbing joint according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 2 It shows the view from the first observation point. Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the anti-vibration joint.

[0054] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The image is viewed from a second angle that is essentially opposite to the first observation angle.

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 Axial sectional view of the anti-vibration joint.

[0056] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 An axial sectional view of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] In each figure, the same reference numerals designate the same or similar elements.

[0058] Figures 1 to 4 An axially abutting anti-vibration joint 1 according to a first embodiment is shown, which is particularly used to connect two parts of a motor vehicle to each other for the purpose of vibration damping.

[0059] The anti-vibration joint 1 can be specifically used for the connection between motor vehicles and the ground, such as in front or rear axle systems, but other applications are also possible.

[0060] The anti-vibration joint 1 includes...

[0061] - A rigid inner frame 3, for example made of metal and / or plastic, extends longitudinally along the first axis X1.

[0062] - A rigid outer frame 2, for example made of metal and / or plastic, having a ring centered on a second axis X2 that is substantially parallel to the first axis X1, surrounds the inner frame 3.

[0063] - Elastomer 4 connects the inner frame 3 and the outer frame 2.

[0064] The elastomer 4 can be injection molded into the inner frame 3 and the outer frame 2 and bonded together with them.

[0065] The first axis X1 can be the central axis of the inner frame.

[0066] As shown in the specific example, the inner frame 3 can have an annular shape centered on the first axis X1, particularly a sleeve shape.

[0067] The inner frame 3 may be integral with two flanges 6 and 7, each flange 6 and 7 extending substantially radially outward and axially framing the outer frame 2 and the elastomer 4. The flanges 6 and 7 have inner surfaces 6a and 7a facing each other and facing the outer frame 2 and the elastomer 4 along a first axis X1. The flanges 6 and 7 may be metallic.

[0068] In the specific example shown in the figure, the inner frame 3 can be integrally formed with the central insert 5 of metal or other materials, for example, by inserting the central insert 5 into the inner frame 3, which can be integrally formed with the flange 6.

[0069] The central insert 5 can optionally be connected to the front or rear axle system of a vehicle.

[0070] The flange 7 may optionally be integral with one end of the inner frame 3, for example by crimping or similar means.

[0071] The outer frame 2 can be approximately cylindrical with the second axis X2 as its center.

[0072] When the elastic body 4 does not undergo elastic deformation, the second axis X2 can be parallel to the first axis X1 (X1 and X2 are parallel to the same direction X, and may or may not coincide).

[0073] In a particular example as shown in the figure, the outer frame 2 may optionally, particularly by means of a mating insertion, be received in the outer ring 2a, which may, for example, be connected to the body of the vehicle.

[0074] The elastomer 4 is elastically deformable and allows:

[0075] -according to Figure 4 The double arrow Tx indicates that the inner frame 3 undergoes a certain axial displacement relative to the outer frame 2 along the first axis X1.

[0076] - The inner frame 3 undergoes a certain radial displacement relative to the outer frame 2 along the first axis X1 (especially in the Y and Z directions, which are substantially perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the aforementioned direction X).

[0077] -at least according to Figure 4 The double arrow Ry in the figure indicates that the inner frame 3 undergoes a certain angular displacement relative to the outer frame 2, and rotates approximately around point O located on the first axis X1.

[0078] This angular displacement causes an angular offset within an angular range between the first axis X1 and the second axis X2, which can be a few degrees in each angular direction, for example, less than 5 degrees.

[0079] In addition to the angular displacement, the inner frame 3 can also rotate relative to the outer frame 2 within a few degrees of angular displacement in each angular direction around the first axis X1, for example, less than 15 degrees.

[0080] When the anti-vibration joint 1 is installed in a vehicle, the displacement between the inner frame 3 and the outer frame 2 is permissible or not permissible, and is limited by the installation of the anti-vibration joint 1 between the two vehicle components it connects.

[0081] According to this installation, the angular displacement of the rotation about point O can be based on one or more rotation axes, in particular.

[0082] - Around a single axis of rotation (e.g., parallel to the Y direction), which is perpendicular to the first axis X1 and passes through point O.

[0083] -Or around two or three mutually perpendicular axes of rotation, at least one of which is perpendicular to the first axis X1 (for example, the two axes of rotation are parallel to the Y and Z directions when at rest, or the two axes of rotation are parallel to the X and Y (or X and Z) directions when at rest, or the three axes of rotation are parallel to the X, Y, and Z directions when at rest), and pass through point O, which is the center of rotation.

[0084] The axial displacement of the inner frame 3 relative to the outer frame 2 along the first axis X1 is limited, at least in the first direction, by the abutment between the first stop surface 6a and the elastic first stop member 4a, one being integral with the inner frame 3 and the other integral with the outer frame 2. For example, the first stop surface 6a is integral with the inner frame 3, and the first stop member 4a is integral with the outer frame 2.

[0085] The first stop surface may be the inner surface 6a of the flange 6.

[0086] The first stop 4a is configured to face the first stop surface 6a.

[0087] The first stop 4a may be part of the elastic body 4.

[0088] The first stop 4a can form a continuous or discontinuous ring centered on the second axis X2.

[0089] The first stop 4a can be injection molded into the axial end of the outer frame 2 and combined with it.

[0090] The approximate shape of the first stop surface 6a is as follows:

[0091] - When there is only one axis of rotation passing through point O, it is part of a cylinder that is essentially centered on the axis of rotation (e.g., an axis of rotation parallel to the Y direction).

[0092] - Or essentially a part of a sphere centered at point O (the center of rotation), especially when at least two axes of rotation pass through point O (this variation can also be used when a single axis of rotation passing through point O causes angular displacement).

[0093] This always ensures similar contact between the first stop 4a and the first stop surface 6a, although angular displacement is allowed between the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. Therefore, despite the aforementioned angular displacement, the contact area between the first stop 4a and the first stop surface 6a remains substantially constant, and the deformation rate of the first stop 4a remains uniform, thereby avoiding the generation of undue stress only on a portion of the first stop.

[0094] The first stop surface 6a may be continuously curved.

[0095] Alternatively, the first stop surface 6a may have a surface that may or may not be planar (e.g., at least two small planes in the case of a cylinder, at least four small planes in the case of a sphere), approximating the general shape of a portion of the cylinder or a portion of the sphere.

[0096] According to another option, the first stop surface 6a is generally shaped as part of a sphere, and the first stop surface 6a has a cone shape that approximates the general shape.

[0097] Optionally, the first stop 4a has a surface facing the first stop surface 6a, which is substantially parallel to the first stop surface 6a (therefore the surface may have a general shape similar to the first stop surface).

[0098] Optionally, the first stop 4a can be supported by a rigid first support surface 2b integral with the frame (e.g., the outer frame 2), which supports the first stop 4a. The first support surface 2b faces the first stop surface 6a and is substantially parallel to the first stop surface 6a (in other words, the first support surface 2b has a general shape similar to the first stop surface 6a). In the example shown in the figure, the rigid first support surface 2b is formed from the axial end of the outer frame 2, which may form a radially outwardly extending flange.

[0099] Point O can be positioned relative to the first stop surface and the elastic body 4. The first stop surface 6a is a convex surface, and the convexity faces the first stop member 4a.

[0100] The first stop surface 6a can be separated from the first stop member 4a by a gap, as shown in the example in the figure.

[0101] Alternatively, the first stop surface 6a may be connected to the first stop 4a, wherein the elasticity subsequently allows displacement between frames 2 and 3.

[0102] The first stop surface 6a preferably has a larger radial range than the first stop member 4a, such that the first stop member 4a always faces the first stop surface 6a throughout the entire range of the angular displacement of the inner frame 3 relative to the outer frame 2.

[0103] The axial displacement of the inner frame 3 relative to the outer frame 2 is further restricted in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the abutment between the second stop surface 7a and the second stop 4b, one of which is integral with the inner frame 3 and the other of which is integral with the outer frame 2.

[0104] In the example shown in the figure, axial displacement is restricted in two directions by the inner surfaces 6a and 7a (which then form the first and second stop surfaces, respectively) abutting against the stops 4a and 4b (which form the first and second stops, respectively). The first and second stops 4a and 4b are supported by the support surfaces 2b and 2c (which are the first and second support surfaces, respectively). The above description concerns the first stop surface, the first stop, and the first support surface when defining one direction. It also applies to the second stop surface, the second stop, and the second support surface, except that the second stop surface 7a is concave.

[0105] In the example shown, point O is positioned relative to flange 6 and the elastic body. The inner surface 6a of flange 6 is convex (convexity faces stop 4a), and the inner surface 7a of flange 7 is concave (concavity faces stop 4b).

[0106] The second embodiment of the present invention is as follows Figure 5 As shown, similar to the first embodiment, it will not be described in detail again. The following only describes the differences compared with the first embodiment.

[0107] The difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the first stop surface 6a and the second stop surface 7a are integral with the outer frame 2, and the first stop member 4a and the second stop member 4b are integral with the inner frame 3.

[0108] The inner frame 3 may, for example, have an axial end, and the first and second stops 4a, 4b may optionally be secondary injection molded to and combined with said end.

[0109] The outer frame 2 extends axially between the first end and the second end, and the outer ring 2a that mates with the outer frame 2 may have an inner ring 2d at one end.

[0110] The first stop surface 6a is part of the flange 6, which is axially clamped between the first end of the outer frame 2 and the inner ring 2d.

[0111] The second stop surface 7a is part of the flange 7 and axially abuts against the second end of the outer frame 2 via at least one internal retaining part 2e integral with the outer ring 2a.

[0112] The retaining part 2e may be, for example, a weld (continuous or dotted) made inside the ring 2a, or a restriction on the outer ring 2a, such as a reduction or punching.

Claims

1. An axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1), comprising: The inner frame (3) extends longitudinally along the first axis (X1). An outer frame (2) having a ring centered on a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1), the outer frame (2) surrounding the inner frame (3). An elastomer (4) connects the inner frame (3) and the outer frame (2). The elastic body (4) allows the inner frame (3) to have a certain axial displacement relative to the outer frame (2) along the first axis (X1), the inner frame (3) to have a certain radial displacement relative to the outer frame (2) perpendicular to the first axis (X1), and the inner frame (3) to have a certain angular displacement relative to the outer frame (2) by rotating around a point (O) located on the first axis (X1). The axial displacement in the first direction is limited by the abutment between the first stop surface (6a) and the elastic first stop member (4a). One of the first stop surface (6a) and the elastic first stop member (4a) is integral with the inner frame (3), while the other is integral with the outer frame (2). The first stop surface (6a) has the following shape: A portion of a cylinder centered on a rotation axis passing through the point (O) and perpendicular to the first axis (X1). Or a part of a sphere centered at the point (O), The axial displacement in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, is further restricted by the abutment between the second stop surface (7a) and the elastic second stop member (4b). One of the second stop surface (7a) and the elastic second stop member (4b) is integral with the inner frame (3), while the other is integral with the outer frame (2). Furthermore, the second stop surface (7a) has the following shape: It is a part of a cylinder centered on the axis of rotation. Or a part of a sphere centered at the point (O), Furthermore, the point (O) is positioned relative to the first stop surface (6a) and the elastic body (4), the first stop surface (6a) is a convex surface, the convexity of the convex surface faces the first stop member (4a), and the second stop surface (7a) is a concave surface, the concaveness of the concave surface faces the second stop member (4b).

2. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop surface (6a) and the second stop surface (7a) are integral with the inner frame (3), and the first stop (4a) and the second stop (4b) are integral with the outer frame (2).

3. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop surface (6a) and the second stop surface (7a) are integral with the outer frame (2), and the first stop (4a) and the second stop (4b) are integral with the inner frame (3).

4. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer frame (2) extends axially between a first end and a second end. The outer frame (2) is mounted in an outer ring (2a) having an inner ring (2d). The first stop surface (6a) is part of a first flange (6) which is axially clamped between the first end of the outer frame (2) and the inner ring (2d). The second stop surface (7a) is part of a second flange (7) which is axially held against the second end of the outer frame (2) by at least one fixing part (2e) integral with the outer ring (2a).

5. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing part (2e) is selected from the welded part and the limiting part of the outer ring (2a).

6. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first stop surface (6a) and the second stop surface (7a) are continuously curved.

7. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop surface (6a) and the second stop surface (7a) each have a surface that is a portion of a cylinder or a portion of a sphere of the shape described above.

8. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape is part of a sphere, and both the first stop surface (6a) and the second stop surface (7a) have a conical shape.

9. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop (4a) has a surface facing the first stop surface (6a) and parallel to the first stop surface (6a), and the second stop (4b) has a surface facing the second stop surface (7a) and parallel to the second stop surface (7a).

10. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop (4a) is supported by a rigid first support surface (2b) integral with the inner frame (3) and the outer frame (2). The inner frame (3) and the outer frame (2) support the first stop (4a). The first support surface (2b) faces the first stop surface (6a) and is parallel to the first stop surface (6a). Furthermore, the second stop (4b) is supported by a rigid second support surface (2c) integral with the inner frame (3) and the outer frame (2), the inner frame (3) and the outer frame (2) support the second stop (4b), and the second support surface (2c) faces the second stop surface (7a) and is parallel to the second stop surface (7a).

11. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop (4a) and the second stop (4b) each form a ring centered on the second axis (X2).

12. The axially abutting anti-vibration joint (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stop surface (6a) has a larger radial range than the first stop member (4a), such that the first stop member (4a) always faces the first stop surface (6a) throughout the entire range of the angular displacement of the inner frame (3) relative to the outer frame (2). Furthermore, the radial range of the second stop surface (7a) is greater than that of the second stop member (4b), such that the second stop member (4b) always faces the second stop surface (7a) throughout the entire range of the angular displacement of the inner frame (3) relative to the outer frame (2).

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