Damper rod mount

Abstract

A damper rod mount (1A) is configured to connect a damper rod and a vehicle body. The mounting member (1A) is formed as a metal plate spring. The mount (1A) comprises: a central portion (2) configured to attach a damper rod thereto; a ring portion (3) surrounding the central portion (2); and a plurality of arm portions (4) each connecting the central portion (2) and the ring portion (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a damper rod mount.This application claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-157035, filed on Sep. 29, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] It is known that a conventional damper rod mount is composed of a composite spring combining a metal spring and a rubber elastic body in order to achieve high vibration damping performance at low frequencies and good microvibration absorption performance at high frequencies (see, for example, Patent Document PTL 1).

[0003] Patent Literature

[0004] PTL 1:JP 2009-85300A Summary of the invention

[0005] (Technical Issues)

[0006] The aforementioned conventional damper rod mount has a structure in which input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod (piston rod) is absorbed by a rubber elastic body. Therefore, the conventional damper rod mount requires peripheral components (e.g., internal components, upper plates, and lower plates) to attach the rubber elastic body to the damper rod together with the metal leaf spring. Such a rubber elastic body and peripheral components increase the number of parts and the number of assembly steps, resulting in an increase in cost.

[0007] Therefore, it would be helpful to provide a damper rod mount that can reduce the number of components and absorb input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod.

[0008] (Solution to the problem)

[0009] (1) A damper rod mount according to the present disclosure is a damper rod mount configured to connect a damper rod and a vehicle body and formed as a metal leaf spring, the damper rod mount including: a center portion configured to attach a damper rod thereto; a ring portion surrounding the center portion; and a plurality of arm portions each connecting the center portion and the ring portion. The damper rod mount according to the present disclosure can reduce the number of parts and absorb input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod.

[0010] (2) In the damper rod mounting member according to (1), the arm portion preferably includes a bent portion bent downward. In this case, input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod can be more effectively absorbed.

[0011] (3) In the damper rod mounting member according to (1) or (2), at least one of the center portion and the arm portion may have an opening. Therefore, input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod can be absorbed more effectively.

[0012] (4) The damper rod mount according to any one of (1) to (3) may further include a high-viscoelastic member covering at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm portion. In this case, the damper rod mount can be prevented from resonating.

[0013] (5) The damper rod mount according to (4) may further include a flexible member covering the high viscoelastic member. In this case, resonance of the damper rod mount can be further prevented.

[0014] (6) The damper rod mount according to any one of (1) to (5) may further include: a stopper provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm portion; and a stopper receiving portion capable of contacting the stopper. In this case, the damper rod mount can suppress an excessive stroke that may occur in the up-down direction.

[0015] (7) In the damper rod mounting member according to any one of (1) to (6), the plurality of arms may be three or four arms. In this case, the number of components can be reduced and input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod can be absorbed by a relatively simple structure.

[0016] (Beneficial Effects)

[0017] Therefore, it is possible to provide a damper rod mounting member capable of reducing the number of parts and absorbing input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the attached picture:

[0019] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically showing a damper rod mounting member according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 The cross section X1-X1 in FIG. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fastened state between a damper rod mounting member and a damper rod;

[0021] Figure 3A is Figure 1 The cross section X1-X1 in FIG. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the state of the damper rod mounting member during the impact stroke (bump stroke);

[0022] Figure 3B is Figure 1 The cross section X1-X1 in FIG. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the state of the damper rod mounting member during the rebound stroke;

[0023] Figure 3C is Figure 1 The section X1-X1 in FIG. 2 schematically shows that when the damper rod moves irregularly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a state of a damper rod mounting member in FIG.

[0024] Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing a damper rod mounting member according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 4 The cross section X2-X2 in FIG. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a damper rod mounting member in FIG.

[0026] Figure 6 is a plan view schematically showing a damper rod mounting member according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 6 The cross section X3-X3 in FIG. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a damper rod mounting member in FIG.

[0028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a damper rod mounting member according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 9A It is schematically shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the state of the damper rod mounting member during the impact stroke;

[0030] Fig. 9B It is schematically shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the damper rod mounting member during a rebound stroke; and

[0031] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fastened state between a damper rod mount and a damper rod according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The damper rod mounting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the following definitions will be used, and substantially the same components will be given the same reference numerals.

[0033] The terms "up" or "upper", "down" or "lower", "front", "rear", "left" and "right" are based on the state in which the damper rod mounting member is arranged on the vehicle. Reference numeral O1 is the center axis of the damper rod mounting member. The extension direction of the center axis O1 of the damper rod mounting member (hereinafter also referred to as "center axis O1") is also referred to as the axial direction, and may coincide with the up-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the center axis O1 is also referred to as the radial direction. The side closer to the center axis O1 in the radial direction is also referred to as the radial inner side, and the side farther from the center axis O1 in the radial direction is also referred to as the radial outer side. The expression "initial state of the damper rod mounting member" refers to the state of the damper rod mounting member when the vehicle is stopped.

[0034] Figure 1 The damper rod mount 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is shown as viewed from above. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The cross section X1-X1 is a plane including the central axis O1 and passing through two arm portions 4 described later.

[0035] The damper rod mounting member 1A (hereinafter also referred to as "mounting member 1A") connects the damper rod and the vehicle body (not shown). The mounting member 1A is formed as a metal leaf spring, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mounting member 1A is made of spring steel. For example, a spring steel material (SUP material) specified in JIS G 4801 can be used as the spring steel. Other spring steel materials, such as SUS spring materials specified in JIS G 4313, can also be used. Therefore, in this embodiment, the material of the mounting member 1A is not limited as long as the mounting member 1A is made of a metal that can be used as a leaf spring.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 , the mounting member 1A includes a central portion 2 to which the damper rod 100 is to be attached. In this embodiment, the central portion 2 has a mounting hole A2 for mounting the damper rod. In this embodiment, the mounting hole A2 is a through hole formed through the central portion 2 in the axial direction, such as Figure 2 In this embodiment, the damper rod 100 is fixed to the mounting member 1A by inserting its tip pin 101 through the mounting hole A2 and tightening it with a nut 102. In this embodiment, the central axis of the central portion 2 (mounting hole A2) coincides with the central axis O1.

[0038] refer to Figure 1, the mounting member 1A further includes a ring portion 3 surrounding the central portion 2. The central portion 2 and the ring portion 3 are spaced apart in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the central axis of the ring portion 3 also coincides with the central axis O1. In this embodiment, the ring portion 3 has a mounting hole A3 for mounting the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the mounting hole A3 is a through hole formed through the ring portion 3 in the axial direction, such as Figure 2 In this embodiment, the mounting member 1A is fixed to the vehicle body by a fastening element such as a bolt inserted through the mounting hole A3. In this embodiment, for example, the ring portion 3 has three mounting holes A3, such as Figure 1 In this embodiment, the radial outer edge of the ring portion 3 is connected to the side wall portion 5, and the side wall portion 5 surrounds the tamper spring (not shown). The side wall portion 5 and the radial outer edge of the ring portion 3 extend in a ring shape along the circumferential direction around the central axis O1. In this embodiment, the side wall portion 5 extends downward from the radial outer edge of the ring portion 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , the mounting member 1A further includes a plurality of arm portions 4, each of which connects the central portion 2 and the ring portion 3. The plurality of arm portions 4 extend radially from the central portion 2. A gap C is formed between the arm portions 4 adjacent in the circumferential direction around the central axis O1. Specifically, the gap C is defined by the adjacent arm portions 4, the central portion 2, and the ring portion 3. In this embodiment, the central portion 2 and the ring portion 3 are flat (horizontal) portions extending in the radial direction, and the arm portions 4 extend so as to be inclined downward from the ring portion 3 toward the central portion 2 in the initial state of the mounting member 1A, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 In other words, in this embodiment, the mounting member 1A has a tapered outer shape inclined in the downward direction toward the central axis O1, in which the horizontal ring portion 3 and the horizontal central portion 2 located radially inside the ring portion 3 and also located below the ring portion 3 are connected by a plurality of arm portions 4. Therefore, the mounting member 1A is formed as a metal leaf spring, and is composed of the central portion 2 to which the damper rod 100 is to be attached, the ring portion 3 surrounding the central portion 2, and the plurality of arm portions 4 each connecting the central portion 2 and the ring portion 3.

[0040] In this embodiment, each arm portion 4 includes a bent portion 4a bent downward. Figure 2 Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, each bent portion 4a has an inverted U-shaped cross section, in which a portion of the arm portion 4 is bent downward and then bent upward. Figure 1In the plan view shown, the curved portion 4a extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the arm portion 4. In this embodiment, each arm portion 4 includes a plurality of curved portions 4a spaced apart in the radial direction. Specifically, each arm portion 4 includes two curved portions 4a. In this embodiment, one of the two curved portions 4a is positioned closer to the central portion 2 than the ring portion 3, and the other of the two curved portions 4a is positioned closer to the ring portion 3 than the central portion 2.

[0041] Figure 3A The state of the mounting part 1A during the impact stroke is schematically shown in section X1-X1. Figure 3A As shown, when the wheel approaches the vehicle body, the mounting 1A is able to absorb the input caused by the upward movement of the damper rod due to the deformation of the arm 4.

[0042] Figure 3B The state of the mounting part 1A during the rebound stroke is schematically shown in section X1-X1. Figure 3B As shown, when the wheel is separated from the vehicle body, the mounting member 1B is able to absorb the input caused by the downward movement of the damper rod due to the deformation of the arm 4.

[0043] Figure 3C exist Figure 1 The section X1-X1 in FIG. 1 schematically shows the state of the mounting member 1A when the damper rod moves irregularly. Figure 3C As shown, when the damper rod 100 moves irregularly, the mounting member 1A is able to absorb the input force associated with the movement due to the deformation of the arm 4. Figure 3C In the embodiment, the arms 4 facing each other on both sides of the center axis O1 are displaced in opposite phases, thereby absorbing the input force associated with the twisting of the damper rod 100. Here, "twisting of the damper rod 100" means that the damper rod 100 rotates around the center axis O1 of the mount 1A in a state where the center axis O100 of the damper rod 100 is tilted relative to the center axis O1 of the mount 1A.

[0044] The mounting member 1A is composed of a single leaf spring. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of assembly steps of the damper rod mounting member can be reduced compared with a conventional damper rod mounting member combining a metal spring and a rubber elastic body.

[0045] Therefore, the mounting member 1A can reduce the number of parts and the number of assembly steps, and absorb input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod.

[0046] In particular, in this embodiment, each arm 4 includes a bent portion 4a that is bent downward. Specifically, each bent portion 4a has an inverted U-shape that protrudes downward. In this case, opening and closing (stretching and contracting) the bent portion 4a in the radial direction can change the radial length of the arm 4 more. In other words, in this embodiment, the mounting member 1A can be changed more between the center portion 2 and the ring portion 3 by the bent portion 4a. In this case, the input from the damper rod 100, especially the input caused by the irregular movement of the damper rod 100, can be absorbed more effectively. In particular, in this embodiment, one of the two bent portions 4a is positioned closer to the center portion 2, and the other of the two bent portions 4a is positioned closer to the ring portion 3. This can alleviate the stress concentration that may occur at the connection portion between the center portion 2 and the arm 4 and the connection portion between the ring portion 3 and the arm 4. In this embodiment, each arm 4 includes a plurality of bent portions 4a. By increasing or decreasing the number of bent portions 4a, the amount of change in the radial length of the arm 4 can be adjusted. However, in the present disclosure, the number of bent portions 4a is at least one.

[0047] The number of the arms 4 may be four. Figure 4 A damper rod mounting member 1B (hereinafter also referred to as “mounting member 1B”) according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure is schematically shown as viewed from above. Figure 5 exist Figure 4 The mounting member 1B is schematically shown in the section X2-X2 in FIG. The mounting member 1A according to Embodiment 1 includes three arms 4, while the mounting member 1B according to the present embodiment includes four arms 4. The mounting member 1B can achieve the same function as the mounting member 1A. In other words, the mounting members 1A and 1B can each reduce the number of parts and absorb input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod 100 by a relatively simple structure. The number of the arms 4 may be two or more.

[0048] In the present disclosure, instead of providing the bent portion 4a in the arm portion 4, an opening may be provided in at least one of the center portion 2 and the arm portion 4. In this case, input from the damper rod 100, particularly input caused by irregular movement of the damper rod 100, can be more effectively absorbed, as in the case where the bent portion 4a is provided in the arm portion 4.

[0049] Figure 6 A damper rod mounting member 1C (hereinafter also referred to as “mounting member 1C”) according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure is schematically shown as viewed from above. Figure 7 exist Figure 6 The section X3-X3 in FIG. 1 schematically shows the fastening state between the mounting member 1C and the damper rod 100 .

[0050] The mounting member 1C includes openings 21 and 41 in the center portion 2 and the arm portion 4, respectively, at positions different from the mounting holes A2 and A3. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the center portion 2 includes a protrusion 22 that protrudes into a gap C formed between the arm portions 4 adjacent in the circumferential direction around the center axis O1. In this embodiment, the opening 21 is formed in the protrusion 22. In this embodiment, Figure 6 In the plan view shown, the opening 21 extends across the radially inner side of the arm 4 in the circumferential direction toward the protrusions 22 located on both sides of the arm 4 in the circumferential direction. As an example, the mounting member 1C includes four openings 21. Please refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, the opening 41 is formed in the arm portion 4. In this embodiment, the opening 21 is located radially outside the arm portion 4, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown. Figure 7 As shown, the opening 21 is a through hole formed through the protrusion 22 in the axial direction, and the opening 41 is a through hole formed through the arm portion 4 in the axial direction.

[0051] The mounting member 1C can also be changed more between the center portion 2 and the ring portion 3 by respectively providing the protrusion 22 of the center portion 2 and the openings 21 and 41 in the arm portion 4. In this case, the input from the damper rod 100, especially the input caused by the irregular movement of the damper rod 100, can be absorbed more effectively, as in the case where the bend 4a is provided in the arm portion 4.

[0052] Metal springs have low vibration damping. Therefore, in the case where the damper rod mount is formed of only the metal spring in the present disclosure, there is a problem that when vibration is input to the damper rod mount, the damper rod mount resonates with the input vibration and thus generates noise.

[0053] In view of this, the damper rod mount according to the present disclosure may further include a high viscoelastic member 6 covering at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm 4. In the present disclosure, the high viscoelastic member 6 may cover all or part of at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm 4. This can suppress the resonance of the damper rod mount. The high viscoelastic member 6 is made of a material having a higher viscoelasticity than the damper rod mount according to the present disclosure. The high viscoelastic material is, for example, a material having a loss tangent (loss coefficient) tanδ of 0.2 or more as viscoelasticity. A specific example is butyl rubber (IIR).

[0054] The damper rod mount according to the present disclosure may further include a flexible member 7 covering the high viscoelastic member 6. In the present disclosure, the flexible member 7 covers the entirety or a portion of the high viscoelastic member 6. This can further suppress the resonance of the damper rod mount. The flexible member 7 is made of a highly flexible material having a flexibility greater than or equal to that of a metal spring forming the damper rod mount according to the present disclosure. The highly flexible material is, for example, a material having a loss tangent (loss factor) tanδ of 0.2 or more as viscoelasticity. A specific example is butyl rubber (IIR).

[0055] Figure 8 A damper rod mount 1D according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as “mount 1D”) is schematically shown in a cross section including a center axis O1 .

[0056] As an example, the mounting member 1D includes the mounting member 1B as a base. In the mounting member 1D, the upper surface of the mounting member 1B is covered with a high-viscosity elastic member 6. In this embodiment, the high-viscosity elastic member 6 covers the entire upper surface of the arm 4. The high-viscosity elastic member 6 is bonded to the upper surface of the arm 4 by, for example, bonding. In this case, the high-viscosity elastic member 6 is deformed after the arm 4 moves. This increases the vibration damping of the mounting member 1B compared to when only the mounting member 1B is present. Therefore, covering the mounting member 1B with the high-viscosity elastic member 6 can prevent the mounting member 1B from resonating.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexible member 7 is located above the mounting member 1B. In this embodiment, the flexible member 7 is a plate member extending in the radial direction, such as Figure 8 As shown. In this embodiment, a gap in which the high-viscosity elastic member 6 is placed is formed between the flexible member 7 and the arm portion 4. In this embodiment, the radially outer portion of the flexible member 7 is joined to the ring portion 3. At the same time, the gap is formed between the radially inner portion of the flexible member 7 and the arm portion 4. In this embodiment, the high-viscosity elastic member 6 is connected to the upper surface of the arm portion 4 and the lower surface of the flexible member 7 by, for example, adhesion. In this embodiment, the flexible member 7 covers a portion of the upper surface of the high-viscosity elastic member 6. Specifically, the flexible member 7 covers the arm portion 4 from the ring portion 3 side (excluding the bent portion 4a) on the side of the center portion 3.

[0058] Fig. 9A The state of the mounting 1D during the impact stroke is schematically shown in a section equivalent to the section X2 - X2 . Fig. 9B The state of the mounting member 1D during the rebound stroke is schematically shown in a section equivalent to the section X2-X2. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9BAs shown, when the mounting member 1D is subjected to a stroke, the highly viscoelastic member 6 and the flexible member 7 bend together following the arm 4, thereby undergoing shear deformation in the radial direction between the arm 4 and the flexible member 7. This increases the vibration damping of the mounting member 1B compared to when only the mounting member 1B is present. Therefore, with the structure of the mounting member 1D, it is possible to further prevent the damper rod mounting member from resonating. The base of the mounting member 1D may not be the mounting member 1B, but may be another damper rod mounting member composed only of a metal spring according to the present disclosure, such as the mounting member 1A or 1C.

[0059] The damper rod mount according to the present disclosure may further include a stopper 8 provided on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the arm 4 and a stopper receiving portion 9 capable of contacting the stopper 8. In this case, the damper rod mount can suppress an excessive stroke that may occur in the up-down direction.

[0060] Fig.10 A fastened state between the damper rod mount 1E and the damper rod 100 according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure is schematically shown in a cross section including the central axis O1 .

[0061] The mounting member 1E includes, for example, the mounting member 1B from which the side wall portion 5 is removed as a base. In the present embodiment, the stopper 8 is located radially inside the arm portion 4. For example, the stopper 8 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin. In the present embodiment, the stopper receiving portion 9 is made of, for example, metal. In this embodiment, the stopper receiving portion 9 is joined to the ring portion 3.

[0062] In detail, Fig.10 , reference numeral 8a is an upper stopper provided on the upper surface of the arm portion 4. The upper stopper 8a protrudes upward from the upper surface of the arm portion 4. Reference numeral 9a is an upper stopper receiving portion provided above the upper stopper 8a. For example, in the case of an excessive impact stroke, the upper stopper 8a can suppress the excessive impact stroke by contacting the upper stopper receiving portion 9a.

[0063] exist Fig.10 , reference numeral 8b is a lower stopper provided on the lower surface of the arm 4. The lower stopper 8b protrudes downward from the lower surface of the arm 4. Reference numeral 9b is a lower stopper receiving portion provided below the lower stopper 8b. For example, in the case of an excessive rebound stroke, the lower stopper 8b can suppress the excessive rebound stroke by contacting the lower stopper receiving portion 9b.

[0064] Therefore, the mounting member 1E can suppress an excessive stroke that may occur in the up-down direction.

[0065] Only some embodiments of the damper rod mounting member according to the present disclosure are disclosed above, in which the center portion attachable to the damper rod and the ring portion attachable to the vehicle body are connected by a plurality of arms, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. The various structures used in the above embodiments can be used in combination. In the embodiment, the bend 4a or the openings 21 and 41 are used to facilitate the movement of the arm 4 between the center portion 2 and the ring portion 3. Alternatively, the elastic modulus of the arm 4 can be locally reduced, for example, the thickness of the arm 4 can be locally reduced to facilitate the movement of the arm 4 between the center portion 2 and the ring portion 3.

[0066] Description of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1A: Damper rod mounting (Example 1)

[0068] 1B: Damper rod mounting (Example 2)

[0069] 1C: Damper rod mounting (Example 3)

[0070] 1D: Damper rod mounting (Example 4)

[0071] 1E: Damper rod mounting (Example 5)

[0072] 2: Center

[0073] 21: Opening

[0074] 22: Protrusion at the center

[0075] 3: Ring

[0076] 4: Arm

[0077] 4a: Bend

[0078] 41: Opening

[0079] 5: Side wall

[0080] 6: Highly viscous elastic components

[0081] 7: Flexible components

[0082] 8: Stopper

[0083] 8a: Upper stopper

[0084] 8b: Lower stopper

[0085] 9: Stopper receiving part

[0086] 9a: Upper stopper receiving portion

[0087] 9b: Lower stopper receiving portion

Claims

1. A damper rod mounting member, the damper rod mounting member being configured to connect a damper rod and a vehicle body and being formed as a metal leaf spring, the damper rod mounting member comprising: a center portion configured to have the damper rod attached thereto; a ring portion surrounding the central portion; as well as A plurality of arm portions, each arm portion connecting the central portion and the ring portion.

2. The damper rod mount of claim 1, wherein: The arm portion includes a bent portion that bends downward.

3. The damper rod mount of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the central portion and the arm portion has an opening.

4. The damper rod mount of claim 1 further comprising A highly viscous elastic member covers at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm portion.

5. The damper rod mount of claim 4 further comprising A flexible member covers the highly viscoelastic member.

6. The damper rod mount of claim 1 , further comprising: a stopper disposed on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the arm; as well as A stopper receiving portion is capable of contacting the stopper.

7. The damper rod mounting according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The plurality of arms are three or four arms.

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