Hydraulic mount with fluid track and method

Abstract

A hydraulic mount and method having a fluid track includes an inner tubular assembly, first and second elastomeric bodies, and a fluid track. The first and second elastomeric bodies are attached to the inner tubular assembly and cooperate to define a first fluid chamber. The second elastomeric body also defines a second fluid chamber that is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber via the fluid track. The fluid track is attached to the inner tubular assembly that is disposed partially in the first fluid chamber. The fluid track includes a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a passage. The peripheral portion extends radially outward from a periphery of the central portion. The passage provides fluid communication between the first and second fluid chambers. A gap is positioned between the peripheral portion and a wall of one of the first and second elastomeric bodies. The peripheral portion is configured to contact the wall during loading of the inner tubular assembly to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic mount having a fluid track and methods. BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Damping mounts are commonly used to couple two components of a vehicle while dampening vibrations between the components. For example, damping mounts can be used in automotive engine mounts, subframe mounts, and body mounts.

[0004] To limit vibrational movement between the two components, a damping mount can include two separate mount assemblies. The damping mount can include, for example, an elastomeric mount member and a hydraulic mount member. The elastomeric mount member can be disposed between the two components of the vehicle. The hydraulic mount member can be coupled with the elastomeric mount member such that one of the components is disposed therebetween. The elastomeric mount member absorbs vibrations between the first component and the second component. Further, the elastomeric mount member can impart a load onto the hydraulic mount member, which transfers fluid between two chambers to dampen vibrations of the components. SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and not a complete description of the application or its all features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure can provide a hydraulic mount for coupling a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component. The mount includes an inner tubular assembly, a first elastomeric body, a second elastomeric body, and a fluid track. The first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body are attached to the inner tubular assembly and cooperate with each other to define a first fluid chamber. The second elastomeric body also defines a second fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber. The fluid track is attached to the inner tubular assembly and is at least partially disposed in the first fluid chamber. The fluid track includes a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a channel. The peripheral portion surrounds a periphery of the central portion and extends radially outward from the periphery of the central portion. The channel provides fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. A gap is positioned between the peripheral portion and a wall of one of the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body. The peripheral portion is configured to contact the wall during loading of the inner tubular assembly to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track.

[0007] In some configurations of the mount of the above paragraph, the peripheral portion includes a first set of opposing sidewalls and a second set of opposing sidewalls. The first set of opposing sidewalls extends further radially outward than the second set of opposing sidewalls.

[0008] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the load of the inner tubular assembly is a radial load. One of the first set of opposing sidewalls is configured to contact a wall of the second elastomeric body during the radial load to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track in a radial direction.

[0009] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the first set of opposing sidewalls are curved and the second set of opposing sidewalls are straight.

[0010] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the wall is an inner wall of the second elastomeric body. The gap is positioned between the first set of opposing walls and the inner wall of the second elastomeric body.

[0011] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the perimeter portion includes a pair of elongated protrusions extending upwardly from a surface of the perimeter portion at opposing sides thereof.

[0012] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the pair of elongated protrusions extend along opposing sides of the perimeter portion and adjacent respective sidewalls of the first set of opposing sidewalls.

[0013] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the wall is an upper wall of the first elastomeric body. The gap is positioned between the pair of elongated protrusions and the upper wall of the first elastomeric body.

[0014] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the load of the inner tubular assembly is an axial load. The pair of elongated protrusions are configured to contact the upper wall of the first elastomeric body during the axial load to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track in an axial direction.

[0015] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the central portion includes an opening having an interior surface. The channel is formed adjacent the interior surface.

[0016] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the fluid track is made of a polymeric material.

[0017] In another form, the present disclosure can provide a hydraulic mount for coupling a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component. The mount can include an inner tubular assembly, a first elastomeric body, a second elastomeric body, and a fluid track. The first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body are attached to the inner tubular assembly and cooperate with one another to define a first fluid chamber. The second elastomeric body also defines a second fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber. The fluid track is at least partially disposed in the first fluid chamber and includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion includes an opening that receives the inner tubular assembly. The peripheral portion extends radially outward from a periphery of the central portion. The central portion includes a passage that provides fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.

[0018] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the inner tubular assembly includes a post and an inner ring. The inner ring is attached to an end of the post, and the fluid track is attached to an end of the inner ring.

[0019] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the end of the post and the end of the inner ring are flared to reinforce the attachment between the post and the inner ring, respectively.

[0020] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the opening includes a first interior surface and a second interior surface. The first interior surface contacts the end of the inner ring, and the second interior surface engages a portion of the second elastomeric body positioned therebetween and the end of the inner ring.

[0021] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the fluid track includes a flexible clip that extends downward from the central portion and through first and second openings formed in the inner ring and the second elastomeric body, respectively. The flexible clip snaps into engagement with the second elastomeric body.

[0022] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a gap is positioned between the peripheral portion and a wall of one of the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body. The peripheral portion is configured to contact the wall during loading of the inner tubular assembly to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track.

[0023] In some configurations of the mount of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the fluid track is made of a polymeric material.

[0024] In yet another form, the present disclosure provides a method comprising molding a first elastomeric body around an inner tubular member; molding a second elastomeric body around an inner ring and a post; attaching an asymmetric fluid track to the inner ring; attaching the inner tubular member to the post to couple the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body; crimping an outer shell onto the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body; and crimping the outer shell into a vehicle component. The first elastomeric and the second elastomeric cooperate to define a first fluid chamber. The second elastomeric body further defines a second fluid chamber that is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber via the asymmetric fluid track. At least one of the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body includes an ear to facilitate orienting the asymmetric fluid track relative to the vehicle component prior to crimping the outer shell into the vehicle component.

[0025] In some configurations of the method of the above paragraph, attaching the fluid track to the inner ring comprises crimping the fluid track onto the inner ring.

[0026] Other applicable fields will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hydraulic mount disposed between vehicle components in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the hydraulic mount of

[0030] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic mount of

[0031] Figure 4 is Figure 2 another cross-sectional view of the hydraulic mount of

[0032] Figure 5 is Figure 2 yet another cross-sectional view of the hydraulic mount of

[0033] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of one of the hydraulic mounts attached to one of the vehicle components;

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fluid track of the hydraulic mount;

[0035] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the fluid track of the hydraulic mount; and

[0036] Figure 9 is yet another perspective view of the fluid track of the hydraulic mount.

[0037] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] With reference to Figures 1 to 6 , a plurality of hydraulic mounts 10 are provided. The hydraulic mounts 10 can be crimped into respective openings 11 of a first vehicle component 12 (e.g., subassembly, arm, etc.) at opposite ends thereof. The first vehicle component 12 can be coupled to a second vehicle component 14 via at least one of the hydraulic mounts 10. That is, a fastener 15 can extend through an opening 16 of a respective hydraulic mount 10 and an opening 17 of the second vehicle component 14. Another fastener, such as a nut (not shown), can be positioned on an opposite side of the hydraulic mount 10 and engaged with the fastener 15 to couple the first vehicle component 12 to the second vehicle component 14. The hydraulic mounts 10 can dampen vibrations of the first vehicle component 12 and the second vehicle component 14.

[0040] For simplicity and clarity, only one hydraulic mount 10 will be described in detail. The hydraulic mount 10 can include an inner tubular assembly 18, first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22, a cylindrical outer housing 24, and a fluid track 26. The inner tubular assembly 18 can include an inner tubular member 28, a post 30, and an inner ring 31. The inner tubular member 28 can be made of a metallic material (e.g., steel) and can define an opening 16 extending therethrough that is adapted to receive the fastener 15. The inner tubular member 28 can be attached (e.g., crimped) to the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22 to couple the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22 to one another. The inner tubular member 28 can include an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 34. As shown, the first elastomeric body 20 can be disposed about the upper portion 32 and the second elastomeric body 22 can be disposed about the lower portion 34. The upper portion 32 can have an outer diameter D that is greater than an outer diameter d of the lower portion 34. Figures 3 to 5

[0041] ​The cylindrical post 30 can be made of a metallic material (e.g., steel) and can be fixedly coupled to the lower portion 34 of the inner tubular member 28. For example, the lower portion 34 of the inner tubular member 28 can be crimped into the post 30 along the zone 35. In this way, the inner tubular member 28 and the post 30 move together as one. The upper end 36 of the post 30 is positioned to engage the annular surface 37 of the inner tubular member 28.

[0042] The inner ring 31 can be made of a metallic material (e.g., steel) and can have a generally J-shaped cross-section. The inner ring 31 can be attached to the upper end 36 of the post 30. For example, the inner ring 31 can be crimped onto the upper end 36 of the post 30. In this way, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 move together as one. For example, if the inner tubular member 28 moves in the axial direction, the post 30 and the inner ring 31 will move in the axial direction with the inner tubular member 28. Similarly, if the inner tubular member 28 moves in the radial direction, the post 30 and the inner ring 31 will move in the radial direction with the inner tubular member 28. As shown, the end 36 of the post 30 and the end 38 of the inner ring 31 flare apart, thereby strengthening the attachment of the post 30 and the inner ring 31 to each other. Figures 3 to 5

[0043] The first elastomeric body 20 can be bonded to and molded around the upper ring 40. The upper ring 40 can have a generally U-shaped or possibly J-shaped cross-section and can be made of a metallic material (e.g., steel). The upper ring 40 supports the first elastomeric body 20 when the vehicle components exert shear and / or compression forces.

[0044] The first elastomeric body 20 can also be bonded to and molded around the upper portion 32 of the inner tubular member 28. The first elastomeric body 20 can also be disposed between the outer housing 24 and the inner tubular member 28. The first elastomeric body 20 can cooperate with the second elastomeric body 22 to define the upper fluid chamber 42.

[0045] As shown, the annular protrusion 43 can extend upwardly from the upper end of the first elastomeric body 20 and past the outer housing 24. The protrusion 43 can be configured to contact the second vehicle component 14, thereby limiting or restraining any movement of the mount 10 (e.g., the first elastomeric body 20 and the second elastomeric body 22 and / or the outer housing 24) in the first axial direction Y1. For example, the axial loads experienced by the mount 10 and / or the vehicle components (e.g., the first vehicle component 12 and the second vehicle component 14) can cause the mount 10 to move in the first axial Y1. By limiting or restraining the movement of the mount 10 in the first axial direction Y1, damage to the mount 10 and / or the vehicle components is prevented. Figures 2 to 6

[0046] ​​The second elastomer body 22 may be bonded to and molded around the first outer ring 44 and the second outer ring 46. The first outer ring 44 and the second outer ring 46 may provide structural support for the second elastomer body 22. The first outer ring 44 may be made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum), and the second outer ring 46 may also be made of a metallic material (e.g., steel). The second outer ring 46 may have a J-shaped cross-section. In some configurations, the first outer ring 44 and the second outer ring 46 may be a single piece, rather than two separate pieces.

[0047] The second elastomer body 22 may also be bonded to the inner ring 31 and the post 30 and molded around the inner ring and the post. The second elastomer body 22 may be positioned below the first elastomer body 20. The second elastomer body 22 may be disposed between the outer housing 24 and the post 30. The second elastomer body 22 may define a lower fluid chamber 48 and may cooperate with the first elastomer body 20 to define an upper fluid chamber 42. The lower fluid chamber 48 and the upper fluid chamber 42 may be connected by a fluid track 26.

[0048] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, an annular protrusion 49 may extend downward from the lower end of the first elastomer body 20 and pass through the outer housing 24. The protrusion 49 may be configured to contact a third vehicle component (not shown), thereby limiting or constraining any movement of the mounting bracket 10 (e.g., the first elastomer body 20 and the second elastomer body 22 and / or the outer housing 24) in the second axial direction Y2. For example, axial loads experienced by the mounting bracket 10 and / or vehicle components (e.g., the first vehicle component 12, the second vehicle component 14, and / or the third vehicle component (not shown)) may cause movement of the mounting bracket 10 in the second axial direction Y2. By limiting or constraining the movement of the mounting bracket 10 in the second axial direction Y2, damage to the mounting bracket 10 and / or the vehicle components is prevented.

[0049] The cylindrical outer shell 24 can be made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) and can be crimped onto the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22 such that the outer shell 24 houses the inner tubular member 28, the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22, and the fluid track 26. The outer shell 24 can also be crimped onto the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22 such that the upper ring 40 supports the first elastomeric body 20 and the first and second outer rings 44, 46 support the second elastomeric body 22. In this way, the outer shell 24, the first and second outer rings 44, 46, and the upper ring 40 move together as one unit. When the outer shell 24 is crimped onto the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22, the outer portion 50 of the first elastomeric body 20 acts as a cushion between the upper ring 40 and the outer shell 24 and the outer portion 52 of the second elastomeric body 22 acts as a cushion between the first and second outer rings 44, 46 and the outer shell 24. The outer shell 24 can also be attached to the first vehicle component 12. For example, the outer shell 24 can be crimped into the opening 11 of the first vehicle component 12.

[0050] The outer shell 24 can include a body 54 and first and second flanges 56, 58. The first flange 56 can extend radially inward (i.e., perpendicular to the central axis 55 of the inner tubular member 28) from an upper end of the body 54 such that the first flange 56 extends above the perimeter of the first elastomeric body 20. The second flange 58 can extend radially inward (i.e., perpendicular to the central axis 55 of the inner tubular member 28) from a lower end of the body 54 such that the second flange 58 extends above the perimeter of the second elastomeric body 22. In this way, the first and second flanges 56, 58 cooperate to limit movement of the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22 in the axial direction.

[0051] The fluid track 26 can be made of, for example, a polymeric material and can be attached to the inner ring 31. For example, the fluid track 26 can be crimped onto the end 38 of the inner ring 31. In this way, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, the inner ring 31, and the fluid track 26 move together as one unit. For example, if the inner tubular member 28 moves in the axial direction, the post 30, the inner ring 31, and the fluid track 26 will move in the axial direction with the inner tubular member 28. Similarly, if the inner tubular member 28 moves in the radial direction, the post 30, the inner ring 31, and the fluid track 26 will move in the radial direction with the inner tubular member 28. The fluid track 26 is also attached to the inner ring 31 such that the fluid track 26 is at least partially disposed within the inner ring 31 and at least partially disposed within the upper fluid chamber 42. The fluid track 26 can provide fluid communication between the lower fluid chamber 48 and the upper fluid chamber 42.

[0052] The fluid track 26 may be asymmetrical and may include a central portion 60, a peripheral portion 62, and a flexible fastener 64. The central portion 60 includes a stepped opening 65, an upper end 66, and a lower end 68. The stepped opening 65 receives the end 36 of the post 30 and the end 38 of the inner ring 31, respectively. The stepped opening 65 includes an inner cylindrical surface 70 and a larger diameter cylindrical surface 71. The inner surface 70 may contact the end 38 of the inner ring 31. Surface 71 engages a portion of the second elastomer body 22 positioned between itself and the end 38 of the inner ring 31. The upper end 66 may be disposed within the upper fluid chamber 42, and the lower end 68 may be disposed within the inner ring 31.

[0053] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a circumferentially extending channel 72 may be formed adjacent to the inner surface 70. The channel 72 may be in fluid communication with the upper fluid chamber 42 via an opening 74 formed at the upper end 66. The channel 72 may also be in fluid communication with the lower fluid chamber 48 via an opening 76 formed at the lower end 68. In this way, fluid sealed within the mounting bracket 10 may flow between the upper fluid chamber 42 and the lower fluid chamber 48 via the channel 72.

[0054] Mounting bracket 10 can suppress vibration via fluid track 26. That is, when vehicle components (e.g., first vehicle component 12 and second vehicle component 14) move, mounting bracket 10 deflects, thereby compressing and / or extending the first elastomer body 20. The first elastomer body 20 can absorb some of the load transmitted by the vehicle components. Mounting bracket 10 can be adapted to suppress vibrations of predetermined frequencies for different amplitudes. Specifically, when mounting bracket 10 is compressed and / or extended, one of the upper fluid chamber 42 or the lower fluid chamber 48 rises to a pressure higher than the other of the upper fluid chamber 42 or the lower fluid chamber 48. Therefore, fluid is propelled from the higher-pressure fluid chamber to the lower-pressure fluid chamber via channel 72. It should be understood that opening 76 can be respectively associated with openings 79, 81 defined in the inner ring 31 and the second elastomer body 22. Figure 4 Fluid communication is provided to provide access to the lower fluid chamber 48.

[0055] The peripheral portion 62 may surround and extend radially outward from the periphery of the upper end 66 of the central portion 60, and may include a first set of opposing sidewalls 78 and a second set of opposing sidewalls 80. For example... Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the first set of opposing sidewalls 78 may be curved, and the second set of opposing sidewalls 80 may be straight. The first set of opposing sidewalls 78 may be at a 90-degree angle relative to the second set of opposing sidewalls 80. The first set of opposing sidewalls 78 may extend in a greater radial range than the second set of opposing sidewalls 80. The gap 82 may be positioned between the second set of opposing sidewalls 80 and the inner wall 84 of the second elastomer body 22. Figure 4). The gap 82 can be wider than a gap 86 positioned between the first set of opposing sidewalls 78 and an inner wall 84 of the second elastomeric body 22 Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0056] The first set of opposing sidewalls 78 can limit or constrain any movement of the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 in the first radial direction X1 by the width of the gap 86. For example, the fluid track 26 can be attached to the inner ring 31 such that the first set of opposing sidewalls 78 extend in the first radial direction X1. The mount 10 can experience a higher radial load in the first radial direction X1 than in a second radial direction X2, for example, where the second set of opposing sidewalls 80 extend in the second radial direction. The second radial direction X2 can be perpendicular or 90 degrees relative to the first radial direction X1. When the mount 10 is subjected to a radial load, the radial load can cause the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 to move in the first radial direction X1. When the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 move in the first radial direction X1, one of the first set of opposing sidewalls 78 is configured to contact the inner wall 84 of the second elastomeric body 22, thereby limiting or constraining movement of the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 in the first radial direction X1 by the distance of the gap 86. By limiting or constraining movement of the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 in the first radial direction X1 by the distance of the gap 86, damage to the mount 10 and / or the first vehicle component 12 and the second vehicle component 14 is prevented.

[0057] A pair of elongated protrusions 88 can extend upwardly from a surface 89 of the perimeter portion 62 at opposing sides thereof. The pair of elongated protrusions 88 can also extend along the opposing sides of the perimeter portion 62 proximate respective sidewalls 78 of the first set of opposing sidewalls 78. A gap 90 can be positioned between the protrusions 88 and an upper wall 92 of the first elastomeric body 20 Figure 3 and Figure 5). The pair of protrusions 88 can limit or restrict movement of the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 in the first axial direction Y1 by the distance of the gap 90. For example, the fluid track 26 can be attached to the inner ring 31 such that the pair of protrusions 88 extend in the first axial direction Y1. The mount 10 can be subjected to an axial load in the first axial direction Y1. When the mount 10 is subjected to an axial load in the first axial direction Y1, the axial load can cause the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 to move in the first axial direction Y1. When the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 move in the first axial direction Y1, the pair of protrusions 88 are configured to contact the upper wall 92 of the first elastomeric body 20, thereby limiting or restricting movement of the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 in the first axial direction Y1 by the distance of the gap 90. By limiting or restricting movement of the fluid track 26, the inner tubular member 28, the post 30, and the inner ring 31 in the first axial direction Y1 by the distance of the gap 90, damage to the mount 10 and / or a vehicle component is prevented.

[0058] The flexible fastener 64 can extend downwardly from the lower end 68 of the center portion 60 and through openings 79, 81 formed in the inner ring 31 and the second elastomeric body 22, respectively. The flexible fastener 64 can be snapped into engagement with the second elastomeric body 22. That is, when the fluid track 26 is crimped to the inner ring 31, the flexible fastener 64 contacts a bottom surface 98 of the middle portion 100 of the second elastomeric body 22 to prevent the fluid track 26 from separating from the second elastomeric body 22. In this way, the fluid track 26 is also attached to the second elastomeric body 22.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 The rib 101 can extend downwardly from the lower end 68 of the center portion 60 adjacent the flexible fastener 64 and can form a seal for the fluid track 26. That is, the rib 101 cooperates with the inner ring 31 to form a seal that prevents fluid in the fluid chambers 42, 48 from flowing directly from one of the openings 74, 76 to the other of the openings 74, 76 (i.e., bypassing the passage 72). Rather, fluid in the fluid chambers 42, 48 must flow from one of the openings 74, 76 to the other of the openings 74, 76 via the passage 72.

[0060] With continued reference to Figures 1 to 9 assembly of the mount 10 will be described in detail. First, the inner ring 31 is crimped onto the end 36 of the post 30. Next, the first elastomeric body 20 is bonded to and molded around the upper ring 40 and the upper portion 32 of the inner tubular member 28, and the second elastomeric body 22 is bonded to and molded around the first outer ring 44 and the second outer ring 46, the inner ring 31, and the post 30.

[0061] Next, the fluid track 26 is crimped onto the end 38 of the inner ring 31 such that the interior surface 70 contacts the end 38 of the inner ring 31 and the surface 71 engages a portion of the second elastomeric body 22 positioned therebetween. When the fluid track 26 is crimped onto the end 38 of the inner ring 31, the bottom surface 104 of the peripheral portion 62 sealingly engages the upper annular wall 106 of the middle portion 100, the exterior cylindrical surface 108 of the central portion 60 sealingly engages the cylindrical wall 110 of the middle portion 100, and the end face 112 of the central portion 60 sealingly engages the lower annular wall 114 of the middle portion 100.

[0062] Next, the inner tubular member 28 is crimped into the post 30, thereby coupling the first elastomeric body 20 and the second elastomeric body 22 to one another. When the first elastomeric body 20 and the second elastomeric body 22 are coupled to one another to define the upper fluid chamber 42, the second elastomeric body 22 defines the lower fluid chamber 48 and cooperates with the first elastomeric body 20. The lower fluid chamber 48 and the upper fluid chamber 42 are in fluid communication with one another via the passage 72 and the openings 74, 76 of the fluid track 26. That is, the rib 101 forms a seal between the openings 74, 76 of the fluid track 26, thus preventing fluid in the fluid chambers 42, 48 from flowing directly from one of the openings 74, 76 to the other of the openings 74, 76 (i.e., bypassing the passage 72). Additionally, the sealing engagement of the bottom surface 104 of the peripheral portion 62 with the upper annular wall 106 of the middle portion 100, the sealing engagement of the exterior cylindrical surface 108 of the central portion 60 with the cylindrical wall 110 of the middle portion 100, and the sealing engagement of the end face 112 of the central portion 60 with the lower annular wall 114 of the middle portion 100 prevent fluid in one of the fluid chambers 42, 48 from flowing to the other of the fluid chambers 42, 48 and bypassing the openings 74, 76 and the passage 72.

[0063] Finally, the outer shell 24 is crimped onto the first elastomeric body 20 and the second elastomeric body 22. Once assembly of the mount 10 is complete, the mount 10 is crimped into the opening 11 of the first vehicle component 12. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 6The ears 102 can extend from the first and second elastomeric bodies 20, 22 to facilitate positioning of the mount 10 within the opening 11 of the first vehicle component 12. This ensures that the first set of opposing sidewalls 78 extend in the direction of high radial loads. For example, the ears 102 can be positioned at 90 degrees to the direction of high radial loads. In this way, when crimping the mount 10 within the opening 11 of the first vehicle component 12, the installer knows to position the mount 10 such that the ears 102 are at 90 degrees to the direction of high radial loads, which ensures that the first set of opposing sidewalls 78 extend in the direction of high radial loads. It will be appreciated that the angle at which the ears 102 can be positioned relative to the direction of high radial loads can vary.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments are provided so as to convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art fully and entirely, and clearly to give the scope of the range to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that the specific details need not be used to practice the exemplary embodiments, and that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced in a number of different forms. Both the phrasing "comprises about" and the phrasing "comprising about" and the like should be understood to allow for a great deal of variation, including incorporating the recited elements, only incorporating the recited elements, departing from the recited elements and so forth.

[0065] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order

[0066] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0067] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0068] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, can be used herein for the purpose of describing the orientation of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0069] The foregoing description of implementations has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Various elements or features of a specific implementation can be partially or fully implemented by other elements or features of the specific implementation. Even if not specifically described or shown herein, it is understood that an implementation can include or make use of, for example, electro-mechanical systems, software, firmware and / or virtualization mechanisms within the scope of the disclosure. Many modifications, variations, alterations, and equivalents can be made to a particular implementation without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A hydraulic mount for coupling a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component, the hydraulic mount comprising: an inner tubular assembly; a first elastomeric body and a second elastomeric body attached to the inner tubular assembly and cooperating with one another to define a first fluid chamber, the second elastomeric body further defining a second fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber; and a fluid track disposed at least partially in the first fluid chamber and including a central portion and a peripheral portion, the central portion including a stepped opening receiving the inner tubular assembly, the peripheral portion extending radially outward from a periphery of the central portion, wherein the stepped opening includes a first inner cylindrical surface contacting an inner ring and a second inner cylindrical surface engaging a portion of the second elastomeric body positioned therebetween, the central portion including a passage providing fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber; wherein a gap is positioned between the peripheral portion and a wall of one of the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body, and wherein the peripheral portion is configured to contact the wall during loading of the inner tubular assembly to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track.

2. The mount of claim 1, wherein the inner tubular assembly includes a post and the inner ring, and wherein the inner ring is attached to an end of the post and the fluid track is attached to an end of the inner ring.

3. The mount of claim 2, wherein the end of the post and the end of the inner ring are flared to reinforce the attachment between the post and the inner ring, respectively.

4. The mount of claim 1, wherein the fluid track is made of a polymeric material.

5. A hydraulic mount for coupling a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component, the hydraulic mount comprising: an inner tubular assembly; a first elastomeric body and a second elastomeric body attached to the inner tubular assembly and cooperating with one another to define a first fluid chamber, the second elastomeric body further defining a second fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber; and a fluid track disposed at least partially in the first fluid chamber and including a central portion and a peripheral portion, the central portion including an opening receiving the inner tubular assembly, the peripheral portion extending radially outward from a periphery of the central portion, wherein the central portion includes a passage providing fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, wherein the fluid track includes a flexible clip shaped as a cantilevered finger, the flexible clip extending downward from the central portion and through first and second openings formed in an inner ring and the second elastomeric body, respectively, the flexible clip including a radially outward extending portion snapped into engagement with the second elastomeric body. wherein a gap is positioned between the perimeter portion and a wall of one of the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body, and wherein the perimeter portion is configured to contact the wall during loading of the inner tubular assembly to limit movement of the inner tubular assembly and the fluid track.

6. A method of manufacturing the mount of claim 1 or 5, comprising: molding the first elastomeric body around an inner tubular member; molding the second elastomeric body around the inner ring and post; attaching an asymmetric fluid track to the inner ring; attaching the inner tubular member to the post to couple the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body, the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body cooperating to define the first fluid chamber, the second elastomeric body further defining the second fluid chamber, the second fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber via the asymmetric fluid track; crimping an outer shell onto the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body; and and crimping the outer shell into a vehicle component, wherein at least one of the first elastomeric body and the second elastomeric body includes an elastomeric ear to facilitate orienting the asymmetric fluid track relative to the vehicle component prior to crimping the outer shell into the vehicle component.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein attaching the fluid track to the inner ring comprises crimping the fluid track onto the inner ring.

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