A variable stiffness energy regenerative subframe bushing

Abstract

The application provides a variable stiffness energy feedback subframe bushing, which comprises a first part and a second part, the first part comprises a metal inner tube, a first rubber inner tube, a second rubber inner tube, a third rubber inner tube, a first coil, a second coil, a first ring-shaped magnet, a second ring-shaped magnet, a third ring-shaped magnet, a fourth ring-shaped magnet and a first wire, and the second part comprises an outer tube which is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second rubber inner tube and abuts against the first rubber inner tube and the third rubber inner tube at two axial ends respectively. The bushing can realize two modes of driving and generating electricity, can provide axial stiffness adjustment when driving, can recycle energy into the system when generating electricity, and is flexible and efficient to meet the needs of users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and more specifically, to a variable stiffness energy-recharge subframe bushing. Background Technology

[0002] Subframe bushings are a key component of the automotive chassis structure, primarily functioning to transfer and distribute road loads and vehicle body vibrations, thereby supporting and protecting the subframe. Traditional subframe bushings typically have fixed stiffness, making them unsuitable for various driving conditions and prone to causing excessive vibration, noise, and instability under extreme conditions. With the continuous improvement of living standards, people's demand for extreme automotive performance, especially ultimate comfort, is becoming increasingly urgent. To meet this demand, the automotive engineering field has introduced variable stiffness subframe bushing technology.

[0003] For example, the Chinese patent application "A Bushing with Multi-Level Variable Stiffness (Application No.: CN202222993406.7)" includes a cylindrical elastomer, an inner support ring, and an outer support ring. The elastomer has an axially penetrating central hole in its middle. The inner support ring is fixed to the inner wall of the central hole, and the outer support ring is fixed to the outer wall of the elastomer. The elastomer has multiple axially penetrating linear control holes, which are arranged at intervals along the radial direction of the elastomer. This patent achieves variable bushing stiffness to a certain extent, making it suitable for various road surface amplitudes and frequencies. However, it only provides a segmented stiffness adjustment scheme, and the range of bushing stiffness adjustment is not wide.

[0004] For example, the Chinese patent application "Magnetorheological elastomer bushing for automotive subframe (application number: CN202211728586.4)" includes a first part and a second part. The first part includes a metal inner tube, multiple plastic inner tubes, multiple coils, a magnetorheological elastomer, an axial limiting plate, and wires. The axial limiting plate is fixedly disposed at one end of the axial direction of the metal inner tube. The plastic inner tubes are sleeved on the metal inner tube and distributed along the axial direction of the metal inner tube. A coil placement space is formed between adjacent plastic inner tubes. The coils are wound one-to-one in the coil placement space. The magnetorheological elastomer covers the outer circumference of the plastic inner tubes and the coils. The wires are connected to the coils and extend beyond the axial limiting plate. The second part includes a plastic outer tube sleeved outside the first part. This patent can achieve active stiffness adjustment by adjusting the input current. Compared with the Chinese patent application "A bushing with multi-level variable stiffness (application number: CN202222993406.7)," it has improved in terms of stiffness adjustment range and active adjustment. However, the automotive subframe magnetorheological elastomer bushing only operates in a unidirectional mode, that is, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to achieve variable stiffness, but it has not yet achieved energy feedback function and cannot recycle energy in the system. This unidirectional operating mode is undoubtedly energy-intensive.

[0005] In summary, existing subframe bushings have made some improvements in stiffness adjustment and vibration and noise reduction, which can improve vehicle comfort to a certain extent. However, there is still considerable room for improvement in terms of stiffness adjustment range and energy consumption. Therefore, it is urgent to design a subframe bushing with a wide stiffness adjustment range that can balance stiffness adjustment and energy recovery. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing that can operate in both drive and power generation modes. When driving, it provides axial stiffness adjustment, and when generating electricity, it allows energy to be recycled back into the system, thus flexibly and efficiently meeting user needs.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing, comprising a first part and a second part; the first part includes a metal inner tube, a first rubber inner tube, a second rubber inner tube, a third rubber inner tube, a first coil, a second coil, a first annular magnet, a second annular magnet, a third annular magnet, a fourth annular magnet, and a first wire; the first rubber inner tube, the second rubber inner tube, and the third rubber inner tube are sequentially sleeved on the metal inner tube along the axial direction; the first coil and the second coil are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the metal inner tube at intervals along the axial direction and are both located inside the second rubber inner tube; the first coil and the second coil are connected in series. The coils are wound in opposite directions and have the same number of turns. The first annular magnet is connected to one end of the first rubber inner tube along the axial direction and is spaced apart from the first coil along the axial direction. The second annular magnet is connected to one end of the third rubber inner tube along the axial direction and is spaced apart from the second coil along the axial direction. The third annular magnet is connected to the second rubber inner tube and is radially spaced apart from the first coil. The fourth annular magnet is connected to the second rubber inner tube and is radially spaced apart from the second coil. The first wire is connected to the first coil and extends beyond the bushing. The second part includes an outer tube, which is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second rubber inner tube. The two ends of the outer tube along the axial direction abut against the first rubber inner tube and the third rubber inner tube, respectively.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Electricity is input to the first coil and the second coil via the first conductor. The first coil generates magnetic force acting on the first annular magnet, which axially compresses the first inner rubber tube. The second coil generates magnetic force acting on the second annular magnet, which axially compresses the third inner rubber tube. The first and third inner rubber tubes together compress the outer tube, achieving axial stiffness adjustment. When the power is cut off, the outer tube vibrates axially, causing the second inner rubber tube to move axially. The second inner rubber tube causes the third and fourth annular magnets to move axially. The third annular magnet generates electricity in the first coil, and the fourth annular magnet generates electricity in the second coil. The electricity is output through the first conductor, thereby recovering the energy from the axial vibration of the outer tube and recycling it back into the system to replenish power and reduce power loss. The first and second coils are connected in series, with opposite winding directions and equal number of turns, so that the armature reactions generated by the two sets of coils cancel each other out to a certain extent.

[0009] In some embodiments, a first iron sheet is embedded inside the first rubber inner tube, and the first iron sheet is fixedly connected to a first annular magnet; a second iron sheet is embedded inside the third rubber inner tube, and the second iron sheet is fixedly connected to a second annular magnet. By adopting the above structure, the first and third rubber inner tubes are subjected to uniform force, thereby improving the reliability of stiffness adjustment of the first and third rubber inner tubes.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the metal inner tube is provided with two annular grooves, which are spaced apart axially. A portion of the first coil is wound in one of the annular grooves, and a portion of the second coil is wound in the other annular groove. By adopting the above structure, the installation stability of the first coil and the second coil is improved.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second rubber inner tube includes an upper inner tube and a lower inner tube, with the upper inner tube located above the lower inner tube. A power generation section is provided between the upper and lower inner tubes. The power generation section includes a third coil, a rotor core, a fifth annular magnet, and a second wire. The fifth annular magnet is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the metal inner tube. The third coil is wound around the rotor core. The rotor core is positioned radially outside the fifth annular magnet and fixedly connected between the upper and lower inner tubes. The second wire is connected to the third coil and extends beyond the bushing. The second rubber inner tube, composed of the upper and lower inner tubes, facilitates the installation of the rotor core into the second rubber inner tube. When the outer tube tends to rotate circumferentially, the outer tube drives the second rubber inner tube to rotate, which in turn drives the rotor core to rotate. The third coil interacts with the fifth annular magnet, and the power generated by the third coil is output through the second wire, thereby recovering the energy from the circumferential rotation of the outer tube and further improving the efficiency of energy recovery and utilization, thus reducing power loss.

[0012] In some embodiments, an annular groove is provided on the outer wall of the inner metal tube, and the fifth annular magnet is fixedly disposed within the annular groove. This structure improves the installation stability of the fifth annular magnet.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the first and third rubber inner tubes are provided with wire grooves, and the first and second wires are both disposed within the wire grooves. By adopting the above structure, interference of the wires with other components is avoided, thereby improving operational reliability.

[0014] In some embodiments, both the first and second conductors are fitted with insulating sleeves. This structure protects the conductors and provides additional safety isolation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the third annular magnet is fixedly embedded in the upper inner tube, and the fourth annular magnet is fixedly embedded in the lower inner tube. Both the third and fourth annular magnets are composed of multiple magnetic tiles. This structure facilitates installation and improves assembly efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first rubber inner tube is provided with an upper limit step that abuts against the upper end of the outer tube, and the third rubber inner tube is provided with a lower limit step that abuts against the lower end of the outer tube. By adopting the above structure, the contact stability between the first rubber inner tube and the third rubber inner tube and the outer tube is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part of the image;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metal inner tube;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention in use;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Partial cross-sectional view;

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1. Metal inner tube; 11. Annular groove; 12. Annular recess; 2. First rubber inner tube; 21. Upper limit step; 3. Second rubber inner tube; 31. Upper inner tube; 32. Lower inner tube; 4. Third rubber inner tube; 41. Lower limit step; 5. First coil; 6. Second coil; 7. First annular magnet; 8. Second annular magnet; 9. Third annular magnet; 10. Fourth annular magnet; 20. First conductor; 30. Outer tube; 40. First iron sheet; 50. Second iron sheet; 60. Generator; 601. Third coil; 602. Rotor core; 603. Fifth annular magnet; 604. Second conductor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this embodiment provides a variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing, comprising a first part and a second part; the first part includes a metal inner tube 1, a first rubber inner tube 2, a second rubber inner tube 3, a third rubber inner tube 4, a first coil 5, a second coil 6, a first annular magnet 7, a second annular magnet 8, a third annular magnet 9, a fourth annular magnet 10, and a first wire 20; the first rubber inner tube 2, the second rubber inner tube 3, and the third rubber inner tube 4 are sequentially sleeved on the metal inner tube 1 along the axial direction of the metal inner tube 1, that is, the first rubber inner tube 2 is located above the second rubber inner tube 3, and the third rubber inner tube 4 is located below the second rubber inner tube 1. Below the inner rubber tube 3, the first coil 5 and the second coil 6 are fixedly installed axially on the outer wall of the metal inner tube 1, both located inside the second rubber inner tube 3. The first coil 5 is located above the second coil 6. The first coil 5 and the second coil 6 are connected in series, with opposite winding directions and equal number of turns. That is, the magnetic force generated by the first coil 5 and the magnetic force generated by the second coil 6 are opposite in direction and the same in magnitude. The first annular magnet 7 is connected to one axial end of the first rubber inner tube 2 and is axially spaced from the first coil 5. The second annular magnet 8 is connected to one axial end of the third rubber inner tube 4 and... The third annular magnet 9 is axially spaced from the second coil 6 and radially spaced from the first coil 5, connected to the second rubber inner tube 3. The fourth annular magnet 10 is also axially spaced from the second coil 6. The first wire 20 is connected to the first coil 5 and extends beyond the bushing. The second rubber inner tube 3 includes an upper inner tube 31 and a lower inner tube 32. The upper inner tube 31 is located above the lower inner tube 32. A power generation section 60 is provided between the upper inner tube 31 and the lower inner tube 32. The power generation section 60 includes a third coil 601, a rotor core 602, a fifth annular magnet 603, and a second... The conductor 604, the fifth annular magnet 603 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the metal inner tube 1, the third coil 601 is wound on the rotor core 602, the rotor core 602 is correspondingly located outside the fifth annular magnet 603 through a radial gap and is fixedly connected between the upper inner tube 31 and the lower inner tube 32, the second conductor 604 is connected to the third coil 601 and extends outside the bushing; the second part includes an outer tube 30, the outer tube 30 is fixedly sleeved (interference fit) on the outer wall of the second rubber inner tube 3, and the two ends of the outer tube 30 in the axial direction abut against the first rubber inner tube 2 and the third rubber inner tube 4 respectively.

[0028] In this embodiment, a first iron sheet 40 is embedded in the first rubber inner tube 2, and the first iron sheet 40 is fixedly connected to the first annular magnet 7; a second iron sheet 50 is embedded in the third rubber inner tube 4, and the second iron sheet 50 is fixedly connected to the second annular magnet 8, so that the first rubber inner tube 2 and the third rubber inner tube 4 are subjected to uniform force, thereby improving the reliability of stiffness adjustment of the first rubber inner tube 2 and the third rubber inner tube 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the metal inner tube 1 is provided with two annular grooves 11, which are spaced apart along the axial direction. A portion of the first coil 5 is wound in one of the annular grooves 11, and a portion of the second coil 6 is wound in the other annular groove 11, thereby improving the installation stability of the first coil 5 and the second coil 6.

[0030] In this embodiment, an annular groove 12 is provided on the outer wall of the metal inner tube 1, and the fifth annular magnet 603 is fixedly disposed in the annular groove 12 to improve the installation stability of the fifth annular magnet 603.

[0031] In this embodiment, both the first rubber inner tube 2 and the third rubber inner tube 4 are provided with wire grooves, and the first wire 20 and the second wire 604 are both disposed in the wire grooves to avoid interference of the wires with other components and improve the reliability of operation.

[0032] In this embodiment, both the first conductor 20 and the second conductor 604 are fitted with insulating sleeves to protect the conductors and provide additional physical or electrical safety isolation.

[0033] In this embodiment, the third annular magnet 9 is fixedly embedded in the upper inner tube 31, and the fourth annular magnet 10 is fixedly embedded in the lower inner tube 32. Both the third annular magnet 9 and the fourth annular magnet 10 are composed of multiple magnetic tiles, which facilitates installation and improves assembly efficiency.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first rubber inner tube 2 is provided with an upper limit step 21 that abuts against the upper end of the outer tube 30, and the third rubber inner tube 4 is provided with a lower limit step 41 that abuts against the lower end of the outer tube 30, thereby improving the contact stability between the first rubber inner tube 2 and the third rubber inner tube 4 and the outer tube 30.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first rubber inner tube 2, the second rubber inner tube 3, and the third rubber inner tube 4 are all made of nitrile rubber. By using nitrile rubber, the robustness, reliability, and comfort of the subframe bushing can be improved, and the vibration and noise levels transmitted from the vehicle to the body can be significantly reduced.

[0036] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0037] I. Dual-Mode Operation: This invention achieves dual-mode operation—drive and power generation—by incorporating a variable-stiffness energy-recharge subframe bushing. In drive mode, the bushing provides axial stiffness adjustment, effectively adapting to different road conditions and driving situations, thus improving vehicle ride comfort. In power generation mode, the bushing converts energy into electrical energy, which is then recycled back into the system, achieving energy reuse and sustainable development. The bushing combines stiffness adjustment and energy recovery, improving the overall system efficiency and performance.

[0038] II. Bidirectional Vibration Energy Recovery: This invention utilizes the axial translational vibration or circumferential rotational vibration of the outer tube to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby achieving bidirectional vibration energy recovery. This innovative design can simultaneously recover energy from the relative axial translational motion and relative circumferential rotational motion occurring at the connection between the subframe and the vehicle chassis components, resulting in a wider energy recovery range and reduced energy waste.

[0039] While the disclosure is as stated above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing, characterized in that, Includes Part One and Part Two; The first part includes a metal inner tube (1), a first rubber inner tube (2), a second rubber inner tube (3), a third rubber inner tube (4), a first coil (5), a second coil (6), a first ring magnet (7), a second ring magnet (8), a third ring magnet (9), a fourth ring magnet (10), and a first wire (20); The first rubber inner tube (2), the second rubber inner tube (3), and the third rubber inner tube (4) are sequentially sleeved on the metal inner tube (1) along the axial direction. The first coil (5) and the second coil (6) are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the metal inner tube (1) at intervals along the axial direction and are both located inside the second rubber inner tube (3). The first coil (5) and the second coil (6) are connected in series, and the coil winding directions are opposite and the number of turns is equal. The first annular magnet (7) is connected to one end of the first rubber inner tube (2) along the axial direction and is spaced apart from the first coil (5) along the axial direction. The second annular magnet (8) is connected to one end of the third rubber inner tube (4) along the axial direction and is spaced apart from the second coil (6) along the axial direction. The third annular magnet (9) is connected to the second rubber inner tube (3) and is radially spaced apart from the first coil (5). The fourth annular magnet (10) is connected to the second rubber inner tube (3) and is radially spaced apart from the second coil (6). The first wire (20) is connected to the first coil (5) and extends outside the bushing. The second part includes an outer tube (30), which is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second rubber inner tube (3), and the two ends of the outer tube (30) abut against the first rubber inner tube (2) and the third rubber inner tube (4) respectively.

2. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rubber inner tube (2) is embedded with a first iron sheet (40), which is fixedly connected to the first annular magnet (7); the third rubber inner tube (4) is embedded with a second iron sheet (50), which is fixedly connected to the second annular magnet (8).

3. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the metal inner tube (1) is provided with two annular grooves (11), which are spaced apart along the axial direction. Part of the first coil (5) is wound in one of the annular grooves (11), and part of the second coil (6) is wound in the other annular groove (11).

4. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second rubber inner tube (3) includes an upper inner tube (31) and a lower inner tube (32). The upper inner tube (31) is located above the lower inner tube (32). A power generation part (60) is provided between the upper inner tube (31) and the lower inner tube (32). The power generation part (60) includes a third coil (601), a rotor core (602), a fifth annular magnet (603), and a second wire (604). The fifth annular magnet (603) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the metal inner tube (1). The third coil (601) is wound on the rotor core (602). The rotor core (602) is located on the outside of the fifth annular magnet (603) through a radial gap and is fixedly connected between the upper inner tube (31) and the lower inner tube (32). The second wire (604) is connected to the third coil (601) and extends beyond the bushing.

5. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the metal inner tube (1) is provided with an annular groove (12), and the fifth annular magnet (603) is fixedly disposed in the annular groove (12).

6. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first rubber inner tube (2) and the third rubber inner tube (4) are provided with wire grooves, and the first wire (20) and the second wire (604) are both disposed in the wire grooves.

7. A variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 6, characterized in that, Insulating sleeves are fitted on both the first conductor (20) and the second conductor (604).

8. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third annular magnet (9) is fixedly embedded in the upper inner tube (31), and the fourth annular magnet (10) is fixedly embedded in the lower inner tube (32). Both the third annular magnet (9) and the fourth annular magnet (10) are composed of multiple magnetic tiles.

9. The variable stiffness energy-feeding subframe bushing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rubber inner tube (2) is provided with an upper limit step (21) that abuts against the upper end of the outer tube (30), and the third rubber inner tube (4) is provided with a lower limit step (41) that abuts against the lower end of the outer tube (30).

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