Bushing

Abstract

A bushing (1) for resisting vibrations between two components, such as an engine and a chassis of a vehicle, is insertable into a housing (100). In one embodiment, the bushing comprises: an outer anchor member (10) having a tubular sidewall (11) defining a bore (12); an inner anchor member (20) located within the bore; a first resilient portion (30) extending between the outer anchor member (10) and the inner anchor member (20) and operably engaged with the outer anchor member (10) and the inner anchor member (20) to isolate vibrations therebetween; a second resilient portion (40) positioned on an outer surface (13) of the side wall (11) and configured to contact the housing (100) in use; an intermediate elastic portion (50a) provided between the first elastic portion (30) and the second elastic portion (40); wherein the outer anchor member (10) comprises a cavity (15a) extending through the side wall (11), and the intermediate resilient portion (50a) extends through the cavity (15a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bushing for resisting vibrations between two components, such as an engine and a chassis of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Typically, an anti-vibration bushing consists of two anchoring parts connected by an elastic material, such as rubber. One anchoring part is attached to one part of the vibrating machine, while the other anchoring part is attached to the other part. When the two parts vibrate relative to each other, the elastic material provides isolation between the vibrating part and the other part. Therefore, while this bushing allows some relative movement, it can prevent excessive movement between the parts.

[0003] GB2364558 discloses an example of a bushing in which an anchoring member for one part of a vibrating machine is in the form of a hollow sleeve and another anchoring member is in the form of a rod or tube extending substantially coaxially along the centre of the sleeve. An elastomer (e.g. made of rubber or other suitable elastic material) is arranged in an annular volume between the sleeve and the rod. The elastomer may be fixed in place, for example by (chemical) bonding or by crimping the sleeve radially towards the rod.

[0004] The elastomer between the sleeve and rod represents a spring element for isolating vibrations. The dynamic stiffness of this spring element varies with the frequency of vibration and depends on many factors, including the elastic material used and the shape and configuration of the connection between the sleeve and rod. However, in any given arrangement, the elastomer will exhibit one or more characteristic modes in which the dynamic stiffness increases and the vibration isolation between the interconnected components decreases.

[0005] Ideally, the increase in dynamic stiffness due to the eigenmodes of the elastomer is reduced in the frequency range relevant for normal operation of two interconnected components (eg, engine and chassis in a vehicle).

[0006] As described above, one anchoring member, the external anchoring member, can be in the form of a hollow sleeve through which the other anchoring member extends. The hollow sleeve can be inserted into a housing of a component of the vibrating machine (e.g., the chassis of a vehicle). In some examples, the external anchoring member can be made of plastic.

[0007] In order to ensure that the bushing is securely retained in the housing, it is desirable to apply a radially outward force (a "push-out force") to the housing via the bushing, which may be achieved by an interference fit between the bushing's anchor and the housing.

[0008] The present invention is designed based on the above considerations. Summary of the invention

[0009] Most generally, the present disclosure relates to a bushing for insertion into a housing, wherein the bushing includes a cavity in a tubular sidewall of an outer anchor member.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a bushing for insertion into a housing, the bushing comprising: an outer anchor member having a tubular sidewall defining a hole; an inner anchor member located within the hole; a first resilient portion extending between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member and operably engaging the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to isolate vibrations therebetween; a second resilient portion positioned on an outer surface of the sidewall and configured to contact the housing when in use; and an intermediate resilient portion disposed between the first and second resilient portions; wherein the outer anchor member comprises a hole extending through the sidewall, and the intermediate resilient portion extends through the hole.

[0011] By providing a hole extending through the side wall of the outer anchor member, the elastic material can be passed between the inner anchor member and the outer anchor member and through the hole to the outer surface of the outer anchor member, thereby producing the second elastic portion on the outer surface of the side wall. This can improve the manufacturability of the bushing, and in particular, the formation of the second elastic material (i.e., the outer anchor member) on the outer surface of the bushing can be improved compared to directly molding the second elastic material onto the outer surface. For example, this structure is conducive to forming the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion in one piece. In addition, the advantages of this structure are not limited to the integral formation of the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion. For example, the formation of the second elastic portion alone can be improved because the elastic material can flow in via the hole (i.e., from the inside of the outer anchor (e.g., from the back)). In this way, rubber overflow can be more easily avoided because a more reliable barrier can be provided on the outer surface of the outer anchor member.

[0012] By providing a second resilient portion on the outer surface of the side wall of the outer anchor, movement of the bushing during use can be reduced and the second resilient portion can help to securely hold the bushing in the housing. The above-mentioned second resilient portion helps to provide the push-out force. With some prior art bushings, there is a risk of the bushing moving (e.g., moving axially within the housing) when in use, for example due to the outer part of the plastic hollow sleeve being set due to heat over time. According to the present aspect, this risk can be mitigated because the second resilient portion fills the gap created by this arrangement.

[0013] The bushing includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A longitudinal axis may extend between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal direction may be defined along the longitudinal axis. A radial direction may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first end may be configured to be inserted into the housing first. For example, the first end may include a chamfer, for example, the outer anchor member may include a chamfer at the first end.

[0014] The second elastic portion is located on the outer surface of the side wall of the outer anchor member. In other words, the second elastic portion is located on the surface of the side wall facing away from the inner anchor member, that is, on the radial outer surface.

[0015] The second resilient portion is configured to contact the housing when in use. In other words, the second resilient portion is configured to contact the housing when in use, for example, when the bushing is inserted into the housing and / or after the bushing is inserted into the housing.

[0016] The second resilient portion may protrude above part or all of the outer surface of the side wall of the outer anchor member (e.g., in the radial direction). For example, the second resilient portion may have a protruding portion that protrudes above part or all of the outer surface of the side wall (e.g., in the radial direction), and the protruding portion is configured to contact the housing when in use. The second resilient portion (e.g., the protruding portion) may have a first radial height that is greater than the radial height of the outer surface of the side wall of the outer anchor member (e.g., the maximum radial height of the outer surface). The maximum value may be global, i.e., the maximum value considering the entire bushing, or local, i.e., the maximum value considering only the portion (e.g., half, one third, or one quarter) of the bushing where the second radial portion (e.g., the protruding portion) is located. The radial height herein may be measured from the longitudinal axis.

[0017] The second elastic portion (e.g. the protruding portion) may protrude beyond the outer surface of the outer anchor member (e.g. the maximum radial extension of the outer surface) in the radial direction by 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, such as 0.35 mm to 1.4 mm, such as 0.4 mm to 1.3 mm, such as 0.45 mm to 1.2 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm, such as 0.55 mm to 1 mm, such as 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm, such as 0.65 mm to 0.8 mm, such as 0.7 mm to 0.75 mm, preferably about 0.75 mm.

[0018] One or more of the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion and the intermediate elastic portion may be molded (eg, injection molded) onto the bushing.

[0019] The first elastic portion may include a first elastic material, such as rubber, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, EPDM). The second elastic portion may include a second elastic material, such as rubber, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber (e.g., EPDM). The intermediate elastic portion may include a third elastic material, such as rubber, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber (e.g., EPDM).

[0020] The first elastic material may have a Shore A hardness between 40 and 58, such as between 42 and 56, such as between 44 and 54, such as between 44 and 52, such as between 44 and 50, such as between 44 and 48, preferably about 45.

[0021] The second elastic material may have a Shore A hardness between 40 and 58, such as between 42 and 56, such as between 44 and 54, such as between 44 and 52, such as between 44 and 50, such as between 44 and 48, preferably about 45.

[0022] The third elastic material may have a Shore A hardness between 40 and 58, such as between 42 and 56, such as between 44 and 54, such as between 44 and 52, such as between 44 and 50, such as between 44 and 48, preferably about 45.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first elastic material can be the same material as the second elastic material and / or the third elastic material. In some embodiments, the second elastic material can be the same as the third material. For example, the first elastic material, the second elastic material and the third elastic material can be the same material.

[0024] The middle elastic portion may be directly connected to the first elastic portion.The middle elastic portion may be directly connected to the second elastic portion.In other words, the middle elastic portion may be directly connected to the first elastic portion and / or the second elastic portion.

[0025] The first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion can be different components. For example, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion can be inserted or molded on the bushing in a separate manufacturing step. In some embodiments, the first elastic portion can be formed integrally with the intermediate elastic portion. In some embodiments, the second elastic portion can be formed integrally with the intermediate elastic portion. The first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion can be formed integrally. In other words, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion can form a single piece of elastic material, such as a continuous piece or a monolithic piece.

[0026] By providing a bushing in which the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion are integrally formed, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion can be manufactured in separate steps. For example, an elastic material can be injected into the bushing between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to form the first elastic portion, the intermediate elastic portion, and the second elastic portion in sequence. Therefore, the manufacturability of the bushing can be improved and simplified, thereby reducing costs and time.

[0027] The outer anchor member may be a hollow sleeve. The inner anchor member may be a rod or tube extending coaxially approximately along the center of the sleeve. The first elastic portion may be arranged in a volume between the sleeve and the rod. Although the cross-sections of the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member are generally circular, in some embodiments, one or both of the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member may have a non-circular cross-section, for example, a cross-section having: a square, a rounded square, an octagon, etc. In one embodiment, the tubular sidewall of the outer anchor member has an annular cross-section so that it defines a hole, i.e., an annular cross-section that crosses the longitudinal axis. The hole may extend the entire length of the outer anchor member in the longitudinal direction. The hole may have a hole diameter. In some embodiments, the hole diameter may be substantially uniform along the outer anchor member (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the bushing). In some embodiments, the hole diameter may vary along the outer anchor member, i.e., along the longitudinal length of the bushing. The hole diameter may be between 30 mm and 110 mm, such as between 40 mm and 100 mm, such as between 50 mm and 90 mm, such as between 60 mm and 80 mm. The outer anchor may have an outer diameter of between 40 mm and 120 mm, such as between 50 mm and 110 mm, such as between 60 mm and 100 mm, such as between 70 mm and 90 mm, such as between 80 mm and 90 mm, preferably about 100 mm. The bushing (e.g., outer anchor member) may have a longitudinal length of between 50 mm and 120 mm, such as between 60 mm and 110 mm, such as between 70 mm and 100 mm, such as between 80 mm and 90 mm, preferably about 80 mm. The bushing may be suitable for use in an electric vehicle (EV).

[0028] The outer anchor member can be substantially cylindrical. For example, the tubular sidewall can be a substantially cylindrical tubular sidewall. The bore of the outer anchor member can be substantially cylindrical. In other words, the tubular sidewall can have a substantially circular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the outer anchor member can have other shapes, for example, the tubular sidewall can have a non-circular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis. For example, the tubular sidewall can have a substantially oval cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0029] The second resilient portion may extend around the periphery of the outer anchor member. For example, the second resilient portion may extend around the entire periphery of the outer anchor member or may extend around only a portion of the periphery. In embodiments where the outer anchor member is substantially cylindrical, the second resilient portion may extend circumferentially around the outer anchor member, such as completely or partially around the outer anchor member.

[0030] By providing a second resilient portion that extends (e.g., fully extends) around the perimeter of the outer anchor member, the engagement of the bushing with the housing may be improved. Additionally, when the second resilient portion extends fully around the perimeter of the outer anchor member, the bushing may center itself within the housing during insertion of the bushing into the housing. Furthermore, when the second resilient portion extends fully or entirely around the perimeter of the outer anchor member, the required tolerances between the bushing and the housing do not need to be as tight because the second resilient material of the second resilient portion "absorbs" any differences in tolerances.

[0031] The hole in the sidewall extends from the inner surface (e.g., radial inner surface) of the sidewall to the outer surface (e.g., radial outer surface) of the sidewall. The hole may extend generally radially, i.e., generally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bushing. In one embodiment, the hole may extend between the radial innermost surface and the radial outermost surface, but in some other embodiments, the hole may not extend as far as the radial innermost surface and / or the radial outermost surface. The hole may be an eyelet, i.e., a circular hole. The hole may be a through hole in the sidewall, e.g., through the thickness of the sidewall. The hole may define a second hole of the bushing, wherein the second hole is fluidically connected to the first hole defined by the tubular shape of the sidewall. In one embodiment, the second hole may be substantially perpendicular to the first hole. The diameter of the hole may be between 2 mm and 15 mm, e.g., between 3 mm and 13 mm, e.g., between 4 mm and 11 mm, e.g., between 5 mm and 9 mm, e.g., between 6 mm and 7 mm. In some embodiments, the hole may be a groove having a groove width and a groove length. The groove width may be between 1 mm and 4 mm, such as between 2 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2.5 mm. The groove length may be between 2 mm and 15 mm, such as between 4 mm and 12 mm, such as between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

[0032] The outer surface of the sidewall may include a peripheral groove, such as a circumferential groove. The peripheral groove (such as a circumferential groove) may include a cavity. The peripheral groove (such as a circumferential groove) may extend partially or completely around the periphery (such as the circumference) of the outer anchor member. In one embodiment, the cavity may be formed in the radially innermost portion of the groove.

[0033] By providing a peripheral groove (eg a circumferential groove), the formation of the second resilient portion on the outer surface of the side wall may be improved. In particular, the second resilient material forming the second resilient member may be more easily distributed around the circumference of the outer anchor component during the molding process.

[0034] The peripheral groove may include a step. In other words, a first portion of the peripheral groove may be recessed a first radial depth from the outer surface of the sidewall, and a second portion of the peripheral groove may be recessed a second radial depth from the outer surface of the sidewall. The first radial depth may be greater than the second radial depth.

[0035] The first portion and / or the second portion of the peripheral groove may extend partially or completely around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the outer anchor member. The first portion of the peripheral groove may be toward the second end of the bushing, for example, between the second portion of the peripheral groove and the second end of the bushing. The second portion of the peripheral groove may be toward the first end of the bushing, for example, between the first portion of the peripheral groove and the first end of the bushing.

[0036] The hole in the sidewall can extend between an inner surface (e.g., a radial inner surface) of the sidewall and an outer surface (e.g., a radial outer surface) of the first radial portion. The hole in the sidewall can be in fluid communication with the peripheral groove, for example, the hole can be in fluid communication with the first portion of the peripheral groove (e.g., the hole can open to the innermost surface of the first portion).

[0037] The length of the peripheral groove in the longitudinal direction may be between 2 mm and 12 mm, such as between 2 mm and 10 mm, such as between 2 mm and 8 mm, such as between 4 mm and 6 mm. The radial depth of the peripheral groove may be between 1 mm and 15 mm, such as between 2 mm and 12 mm, such as between 3 mm and 10 mm, such as between 4 mm and 8 mm, such as between 5 mm and 6 mm, preferably 5 mm. The length of the first part of the peripheral groove in the longitudinal direction may be between 1 mm and 8 mm, such as between 2 mm and 6 mm, such as between 3 mm and 4 mm, and the first radial depth of the first part of the peripheral groove may be between 2 mm and 6 mm, such as between 3 mm and 5 mm, such as about 4 mm. The length of the second part of the peripheral groove in the longitudinal direction may be between 1 mm and 8 mm, such as between 2 mm and 6 mm, such as between 3 mm and 4 mm, and the second radial depth of the second part of the peripheral groove may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, such as between 1 mm and 4 mm, such as between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0038] The bushing may include a plurality of intermediate elastic portions disposed between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion. The outer anchor may include a plurality of holes extending through the side wall. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions extends through a corresponding (ie, different) one of the plurality of holes.

[0039] Each of the plurality of holes may be the same as the holes described above. For example, each of the plurality of holes may extend substantially radially. In addition, the peripheral groove may include a plurality of holes.

[0040] Each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions may be the same as the intermediate elastic portion described above. For example, each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions may be directly connected to one or both of the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion. Similarly, each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions may be a component different from the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

[0041] The plurality of intermediate elastic portions may each comprise a third elastic material, such as rubber. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions may comprise an elastic material different from one or more other portions of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions.

[0042] One or more of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions may be integrally formed with the first elastic portion and / or the second elastic portion. In some embodiments, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the plurality of intermediate elastic portions are integrally formed. In other words, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the plurality of intermediate elastic portions may form a single piece of elastic material, such as a continuous piece or a monolithic piece.

[0043] By providing a bushing in which the first resilient portion, the second resilient portion and the plurality of intermediate resilient portions are integrally formed, the formation of the second resilient portion around the periphery of the outer anchor can be improved. In particular, when the resilient material is injection molded into the bushing, the flow of the material to the outer surface of the side wall can be improved. Furthermore, the manufacturing time and cost can be reduced. Thus, the manufacturability of the bushing can be improved and simplified.

[0044] The plurality of holes may include 2 to 8 holes, more preferably, 3 to 6 holes, such as 4 holes. The number of holes may also be more than 8.

[0045] The plurality of intermediate elastic portions may include a corresponding number of intermediate elastic portions. For example, there may be 2 to 8 intermediate elastic portions, more preferably, there may be 3 to 6 intermediate elastic portions, for example, 4 intermediate elastic portions. The number of intermediate elastic portions may be more than 8.

[0046] The plurality of holes may be substantially evenly or uniformly spaced around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the outer anchor member. Thus, the corresponding plurality of intermediate elastic portions may be substantially evenly spaced around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the outer anchor member. For example, in an embodiment having four holes, each hole may be spaced approximately 90 degrees apart in a peripheral direction (e.g., circumferential direction) (when viewed from the first end of the bushing). Thus, in this example, the corresponding plurality of intermediate elastic portions will be spaced approximately 90 degrees apart in a peripheral direction (e.g., circumferential direction) (when viewed from the first end of the bushing).

[0047] The second resilient portion (e.g., protrusion) may include an outer surface, i.e., a surface facing away from the outer surface of the outer anchor member. In other words, a radially outer or outermost surface. The outer surface of the second resilient portion (e.g., protrusion) may include one or more ribs, such as ribs. A rib here refers to a ridge or protrusion in the second resilient portion, which may be an elongated ridge or protrusion. In other words, the outer surface of the second resilient portion may be ribbed.

[0048] The one or more ribs may extend in a direction around the periphery of the outer anchor member (e.g., circumferentially). Alternatively, the one or more ribs may extend in a longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second resilient portion may include one or more ribs extending around the periphery of the outer anchor member, e.g., in a circumferential direction, and one or more ribs extending in a longitudinal direction. There may be 2 to 6 ribs, more preferably 3 to 5 ribs, e.g., 4 ribs. The number of ribs may be more than 6.

[0049] One or more ribs may have an inclined profile. In some embodiments, one or more ribs may have an inclined profile in a cross section substantially transverse (e.g., perpendicular to) the circumferential direction. The inclined profile may be angled toward the second end of the bushing such that the one or more ribs are angled toward the second end of the bushing.

[0050] By providing one or more ribs on the outer surface of the second resilient portion, in particular ribs angled towards the second end of the bushing, the installation of the bushing in the housing can be improved. Such a bushing is easier to insert (i.e., less insertion force) and has greater resistance when withdrawn (i.e., movement opposite to the insertion direction).

[0051] The outer anchor component may include an outer anchor material. The outer anchor material may be a metal, such as cast aluminum. The outer anchor material may include a plastic or a plastic composite material, such as glass reinforced nylon 6-6. For example, the outer anchor material may be a nylon plastic with a glass reinforcement content between 0 and 50%.

[0052] The outer anchor material may be stiffer than the first elastic material, the second elastic material and / or the third elastic material.

[0053] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a bushing for insertion into a housing, the bushing comprising: an outer anchor member having a tubular sidewall defining a hole; an inner anchor member located in the hole; a first elastic portion extending between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member and operably engaging the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to isolate vibration therebetween; a second elastic portion positioned on an outer surface of the sidewall and having a protruding portion, the protruding portion protruding above the outer surface of the sidewall and configured to contact the housing when in use; wherein the outer surface of the sidewall comprises a push-out surface adjacent to the protruding portion, wherein the push-out surface is exposed before the bushing is inserted into the housing, and wherein the second elastic portion is configured such that when the bushing is inserted into the housing, a portion of the protruding portion moves onto the push-out surface, such that the push-out surface applies a push-out force to the housing via a portion of the protruding portion.

[0054] In one embodiment, "exposed push-out surface" means that the protruding portion (e.g., the second elastomer) does not contact the push-out surface. In another embodiment, "exposed push-out surface" means that no elastic material or portion is in contact with the push-out surface, thereby exposing the surface. In a further embodiment, "exposed push-out surface" means that the material of the outer anchor is exposed, for example, no other features (e.g., materials) cover the material of the outer anchor in the push-out surface area.

[0055] Therefore, in one embodiment, the second elastic portion is configured such that before the bushing is inserted into the housing, the protruding portion (eg, the second elastic portion) does not contact the push-out surface, so that the push-out surface is exposed.

[0056] By providing such a bushing, the push-out force exerted on the housing by the push-out surface of the outer anchor member by the portion of the protrusion that moves onto the push-out surface is surprisingly increased compared to bushings without the protrusion and exposed push-out surface. The increased push-out force improves the retention of the bushing within the housing and reduces the likelihood of the bushing becoming detached from the housing during use.

[0057] The bushing of the second aspect may be a bushing according to the first aspect. Therefore, the features and advantages discussed above for the first aspect are equally applicable to the second aspect and are reiterated here for the second aspect. For example, in one embodiment, the outer anchor component may include a hole extending through the side wall, and an intermediate elastic portion extending through the hole. In some other embodiments, there may be no such hole, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion may be completely separated by the outer anchor. In some further embodiments, there may be no such hole, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion may be connected by an intermediate elastic portion, which, for example, does not extend through the hole, but surrounds the end of the outer anchor.

[0058] The bushing includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A longitudinal axis may extend between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal direction may be defined along the longitudinal axis. A radial direction may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first end may be configured to be inserted into the housing first. For example, the first end may include a chamfer, for example, the outer anchor member may include a chamfer at the first end.

[0059] The second elastic portion is located on the outer surface of the side wall of the outer anchor member. In other words, the second elastic portion is located on the surface of the side wall facing away from the inner anchor member, that is, on the radial outer surface.

[0060] The protruding portion protrudes (eg radially) above the outer surface of the sidewall. In other words, the radial height of the protruding portion is greater than the radial height of the outer surface of the sidewall, eg the maximum radial height of the outer surface of the sidewall. The radial height herein can be measured from the longitudinal axis.

[0061] The protrusion may protrude from all or part of the outer surface of the sidewall. For example, the protrusion may protrude above the push-out surface. In other words, the radial height of the protrusion may be greater than the radial height of the push-out surface, such as the maximum radial height. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion protrudes from the outer surface of the entire sidewall before the bushing is inserted into the housing, and after the bushing is inserted into the housing, it protrudes from a portion of the outer surface (e.g., the push-out surface).

[0062] The protruding portion may protrude beyond the outer surface of the side wall (e.g. the maximum radial extension of the outer surface of the side wall) in the radial direction by 0.3mm to 1.5mm, for example 0.35mm to 1.4mm, for example 0.4mm to 1.3mm, for example 0.45mm to 1.2mm, for example 0.5mm to 1.1mm, for example 0.55mm to 1mm, for example 0.6mm to 0.9mm, for example 0.65mm to 0.8mm, for example 0.7mm to 0.75mm, preferably about 0.75mm.

[0063] The second resilient portion is configured such that upon application of a force (eg, a shear force), a portion of the protruding portion moves onto the push-out surface.

[0064] For example, the protrusion is configured to contact the housing when in use (i.e., when the bushing is inserted into the housing, or after the bushing is inserted into the housing). Therefore, when an insertion force is applied to the bushing in the longitudinal direction, the housing applies an opposite shear force on the protrusion. Therefore, when the bushing is inserted into the housing, a portion of the protrusion moves onto the push-out surface under the action of the opposite shear force. For example, due to its elastic properties, a portion of the protrusion may move onto the push-out surface when a shear force is applied (e.g., a shear force applied by the housing when the bushing is inserted into the housing). A portion of the protrusion is then maintained on the push-out surface by opposite radial forces, such as radial forces applied by the housing (e.g., radially inward forces) and the push-out surface (e.g., radially outward forces). These opposite radial forces act to resist the natural rebound tendency of the elastic properties of a portion of the protrusion.

[0065] In other words, the bushing is configured to change from a first configuration (in which the push-out surface is exposed) to a second configuration (in which a portion of the protruding portion of the second elastic portion covers or contacts at least a portion of the push-out surface) when the bushing is inserted into the housing.

[0066] After the bushing is inserted into the housing, the portion of the protruding portion that moves onto the push-out surface remains on the push-out surface, between the housing and the push-out surface. In use, the bushing applies a radially outward force (push-out force) to the housing so that the bushing remains in the housing during use. Specifically, the outer surface of the outer anchor member applies a push-out force to the housing, and in the region of the push-out surface, this force is applied by the portion of the protruding portion that is supported by (i.e., moves onto) the push-out surface.

[0067] The push-out surface may also be defined as the area of ​​the outer surface of the outer anchor member that supports the portion of the protrusion that moves onto the push-out surface after the bushing is inserted into the housing. In other words, the push-out surface may be considered (and may also be interchangeably referred to as) a support surface or support area or support platform of the outer surface of the side wall of the outer anchor member.

[0068] The push-out surface is adjacent to the protrusion, such as longitudinally adjacent. In other words, the push-out surface can extend, such as longitudinally, from the protrusion so that an area of ​​the outer surface of the sidewall having the second resilient portion is adjacent to an area of ​​the outer surface of the sidewall that is the push-out surface. For example, the push-out surface can extend longitudinally from the protrusion toward the second end of the bushing. The push-out surface can be located (e.g., longitudinally located) between the protrusion and the second end of the bushing.

[0069] The second elastic portion (e.g., a protrusion) may be spaced apart from the second end of the bushing. In other words, the second elastic portion may be proximate to the first end of the bushing. In some embodiments, the second elastic portion (e.g., a protrusion) may be spaced apart from the first end of the bushing. In other words, the second elastic portion may be proximate to the second end of the bushing. The second elastic portion may be a thin ring, for example, a ring having a longitudinal length less than about 50% of the longitudinal length of the bushing, for example, less than about 40% of the longitudinal length of the bushing, for example, less than about 30% of the longitudinal length of the bushing, for example, less than about 20% of the longitudinal length of the bushing, for example, less than about 10% of the longitudinal length of the bushing.

[0070] By providing a second resilient portion spaced from the second end of the bushing and being a thin ring, less resilient material is required to retain the bushing in the housing. In other words, the local push-out force is provided by a local area of ​​rubber.

[0071] The protruding portion may extend around the periphery of the outer anchor member. For example, the protruding portion may extend partially or completely around the periphery of the outer anchor member. In embodiments where the outer anchor member is substantially cylindrical, the protruding portion may extend circumferentially around the outer anchor member, such as completely or partially extending circumferentially around the outer anchor member.

[0072] Similarly, the push-out surface may extend around the periphery of the outer anchor member, such as to the extent that the protrusion extends around the periphery of the outer anchor member. In embodiments where the outer anchor member is substantially cylindrical, the push-out surface may extend circumferentially around the outer anchor member, such as to the extent that the protrusion extends circumferentially around the outer anchor member.

[0073] The push-out surface may include a recess, such as a depression or a pocket. The recess may be used to partially receive a portion of the protrusion that moves onto the push-out surface. In other words, the protrusion may be configured so that when the bushing is inserted into the housing, the portion of the protrusion that moves onto the push-out surface is partially received in the recess.

[0074] The recess in the push-out surface may be spaced apart from the protrusion, e.g. longitudinally. In other words, a certain area of ​​the push-out surface may separate the recess and the protrusion. Alternatively, the recess in the push-out surface may be adjacent to the protrusion, i.e. not spaced apart from the protrusion. In embodiments where the recess is spaced apart from the protrusion, the area of ​​the push-out surface between the recess and the protrusion may be a radially extending wall, e.g. extending radially from the bottom surface of the recess.

[0075] The spacing distance between the recess and the protrusion in the push-out surface can be between 1mm and 8mm, such as between 1mm and 6mm, such as between 1mm and 4mm, such as between 2mm and 3mm, preferably about 2mm. The radial depth of the recess can be 0.2mm or greater. For example, the radial depth of the recess can be between 0.2mm and 15mm, such as between 1mm and 14mm, such as between 2mm and 13mm, such as between 3mm and 12mm, such as between 4mm and 11mm, such as between 5mm and 10mm, such as between 6mm and 9mm, such as between 7mm and 8mm. For example, in some embodiments, the radial depth of the recess is 0.2mm, and in other embodiments, the radial depth of the recess is 11mm. The recess can extend longitudinally by 5mm to 15mm, such as 7mm to 13mm, such as 9mm to 11mm, such as 10mm to 11mm, preferably 11mm.

[0076] The recess may extend to the second end of the bushing, for example the recess may extend to a radially extending end wall at the second end of the bushing, or in some embodiments there may be no such end wall at the second end.

[0077] The recess may be substantially rectangular. The recess may extend partially or completely around the periphery of the outer anchor member, for example, around the outer anchor member in a circumferential direction. The recess may include one or more partition walls. The partition walls may divide the recess into a plurality of pockets. The partition walls may extend longitudinally and / or circumferentially (for example, circumferentially). The longitudinally extending partition walls may be substantially uniformly or consistently spaced around the periphery of the outer anchor member (for example, around the circumference). In other embodiments, the longitudinally extending partition walls may be spaced around the periphery and have different spacings between them. The circumferentially extending partition walls may be spaced longitudinally, for example, uniformly or consistently spaced. The partition walls may have a draft angle to facilitate manufacturing by molding. Some or all of the partition walls may be spaced 10 mm to 30 mm, for example 12 mm to 28 mm, for example 14 mm to 26 mm, for example 16 mm to 24 mm, for example 18 mm to 22 mm, preferably about 20 mm.

[0078] The recess in the push-out surface may be spaced apart from the protrusion by a first distance (eg, longitudinally spaced apart). The protrusion may have a protrusion length in the longitudinal direction. The protrusion length may be greater than the first distance between the recess and the protrusion.

[0079] By providing a protruding portion length that is greater than the first distance between the recess and the protruding portion, the portion of the protruding portion that moves onto the push-out surface may be more easily received in the recess.

[0080] The projection may include a projection material. The projection material may be the same material as the second elastic portion, i.e., the projection material may be the second elastic material. The projection material may be rubber. The Shore A hardness of the projection material may be between 40 and 58, such as between 42 and 56, such as between 44 and 54, such as between 44 and 52, such as between 44 and 50, such as between 44 and 48, preferably about 45.

[0081] Any feature of the first aspect may be combined with the second aspect, and any feature of the second aspect may be combined with the first aspect.

[0082] For example, the bushing of the first aspect may have a second elastic portion, which includes a protrusion that protrudes above the outer surface of the side wall and is configured to contact the shell when in use, wherein the outer surface of the side wall includes a push-out surface adjacent to the protrusion, wherein the push-out surface is exposed before the bushing is inserted into the shell, and wherein the protrusion is configured so that when the bushing is inserted into the shell, a portion of the protrusion moves onto the push-out surface so that the push-out surface applies a push-out force to the shell via a portion of the protrusion.

[0083] The bushing of the first aspect may have a first end configured to be inserted into the housing, wherein the push-out surface is located between the projection and the second end of the bushing.

[0084] The bushing of the first aspect may have a push-out surface including a recess for partially receiving a portion of the protruding portion moved onto the push-out surface.

[0085] The bushing of the first aspect may have a recessed portion spaced apart from the protruding portion.

[0086] The bushing of the first aspect may have a recessed portion longitudinally spaced a first distance from the protruding portion, wherein a length of the protruding portion in the longitudinal direction is greater than the first distance.

[0087] The bushing of the first aspect may have a protruding portion formed from a material having a Shore A hardness between 40 and 58, for example between 42 and 56, for example between 44 and 54, for example between 44 and 52, for example between 44 and 50, for example between 44 and 48, preferably about 45.

[0088] In a third aspect, a method of manufacturing a bushing for insertion into a housing is provided. The method comprises the following steps: providing an outer anchor member having a tubular sidewall defining a bore and including a hole extending through the sidewall; providing an inner anchor member located within the bore; providing one or more elastic materials to form: a first elastic portion extending between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member and operably engaging the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to isolate vibrations therebetween; a second elastic portion positioned on an outer surface of the sidewall and configured to contact the housing when in use; and an intermediate elastic portion disposed between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion and extending through the bore.

[0089] In one embodiment, "in use" refers to when the bushing is inserted into the housing, and / or after the bushing is inserted into the housing.

[0090] By providing the method described in the third aspect, the second elastic portion on the outer surface of the side wall can be manufactured by flowing the elastic material through the inner anchor component and the outer anchor component and through the hole on the outer surface of the outer anchor. This can improve the manufacturability of the bushing, and in particular, the formation of the second elastic material (i.e., the outer anchor component) on the outer surface of the bushing can be improved compared to directly molding the second elastic material onto the outer surface. For example, this structure is conducive to forming an integral first elastic portion, a second elastic portion, and an intermediate elastic portion. In addition, the advantages of this structure are not limited to the integral formation of the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the intermediate elastic portion. For example, the formation of the second elastic portion can be improved alone because the elastic material can flow in through the hole (i.e., from the inside of the outer anchor (e.g., from the back)). In this way, rubber overflow can be more easily avoided because a more reliable barrier can be provided on the outer surface of the outer anchor component.

[0091] The step of providing one or more elastic materials may include inserting one or more elastic materials between the inner anchor member and the outer anchor member so that the one or more elastic materials flow between the inner anchor member and the outer anchor member and through the holes in the side wall to form the first elastic portion, the middle elastic portion, and the second elastic portion.

[0092] For example, the step of providing one or more elastic materials may include inserting an elastic material between the inner anchor member and the outer anchor member such that the elastic material flows between the inner anchor member and the outer anchor member and passes through the holes in the sidewall to integrally form the first elastic portion, the intermediate elastic portion, and the second elastic portion.

[0093] By providing a bushing in which the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion and the intermediate elastic portion are integrally formed, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion and the intermediate elastic portion can be manufactured in separate steps. Therefore, the manufacturability of the bushing can be improved and simplified, thereby reducing costs and time.

[0094] The method of the third aspect can be used to manufacture the bushing according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0095] The bushings according to the first and second aspects and the bushings manufactured according to the third aspect may include additional components. For example, the first elastic portion may include additional elements, such as an adjustment element. The adjustment element may be integrally formed with the first elastic portion and configured to reduce the increase in dynamic stiffness associated with the characteristic mode of the first elastic portion within a predetermined operating vibration frequency range. The adjustment element may be similar to an upright wall or wing on the outer surface of the first elastic portion, for example, a longitudinally facing or radially facing outer surface. For example, the adjustment element may be as described in PCT patent application PCT / EP2019 / 076458, which has publication number WO2020 / 070069A.

[0096] In another example, the first elastic portion may include an inertial mass to provide a flat dynamic stiffness distribution within a predetermined operating vibration frequency range. In this example, an additional elastic portion may be provided between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member. For example, such a configuration may be as described in PCT patent application PCT / EP2019 / 058691, which has publication number WO2019 / 197294A.

[0097] The first resilient portion may include one or more longitudinally extending holes extending from the first end to the second end of the bushing. For example, the first resilient portion may include four longitudinally extending holes. In some embodiments, the longitudinal holes form a plurality of radially extending spokes in the first resilient portion to be interposed between the inner anchor member and the outer anchor member.

[0098] The present invention includes any combination of the above-described aspects and preferred features, unless such a combination is expressly impermissible or should be explicitly avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] Figure 1 A perspective view of a bushing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0101] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Front view of the bushing in.

[0102] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The bushing along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG.

[0103] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Side view of the bushing 1 in FIG.

[0104] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the bushing after it has been inserted into the housing.

[0105] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the outer surface of the bushing after it has been inserted into the housing. The housing has been removed to illustrate the features discussed herein.

[0106] Figure 7 An embodiment of a bushing according to the present disclosure is shown, which is Figures 1 to 6 The embodiment shown in is essentially the same, but the radially outer surface of the projection has ribs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0108] Figure 1 A bushing 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The bushing 1 is for insertion into a housing (not shown). The bushing 1 includes an outer anchor member 10 having a tubular sidewall 11 defining a bore 12; an inner anchor member 20 located within the bore 12; a first resilient portion 30 extending between the outer anchor member 10 and the inner anchor member 20 and operably engaging the outer anchor member 10 and the inner anchor member 20 to isolate vibrations therebetween. A second resilient portion 40 is located on an outer surface 13 of the sidewall 11 and is configured to contact the housing when in use.

[0109] In use, the housing is part of a vibrating machine component. In use, the outer anchor component 10 is attached to the housing and another component of the vibrating machine is attached to the inner anchor component 20.

[0110] The bushing 1 comprises a first end 2 and a second end 3 opposite the first end 2. A longitudinal axis 4 extends between the first end 2 and the second end 3. The longitudinal direction is defined as a direction along the longitudinal axis 4. The radial direction is defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 4. Thus, the outer surface 13 is a radial outer surface.

[0111] The first end 2 is configured to be inserted into the housing first. The outer anchor member 10 at the first end 2 includes a chamfer 14 extending around the entire circumference of the first end 2. In other embodiments, the chamfer 14 may extend only partially around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the first end 2. The chamfer 14 facilitates the insertion of the bushing 1 into the housing.

[0112] Figure 2 The diagram shows the Figure 1 View of bushing 1 in FIG. Figure 2 Used in Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the inner anchor member 20 has a longitudinal extension (i.e., extending out of the inner anchor member 20). Figure 2 The center hole 21 of the page in the figure.

[0113] The first resilient portion 30 includes four longitudinally extending holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, which extend longitudinally through the first resilient portion 30. These longitudinally extending holes form a plurality of radially extending spokes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d in the first resilient portion 30 between the inner anchor member 20 and the outer anchor member 10. In other embodiments, the first resilient portion 30 may have a different form. For example, in some other embodiments, a different number of spokes and / or longitudinally extending holes are provided. In some further embodiments, the first resilient portion 30 may not have spokes or longitudinally extending holes so as to form a substantially solid resilient structure between the first anchor member and the second anchor member.

[0114] The outer anchor member 10 is a hollow sleeve. The inner anchor member 20 is a tube extending coaxially approximately at the center of the outer anchor member 10. The first elastic portion is arranged in the volume between the sleeve and the tube. The cross-section of the outer anchor member 10 and the inner anchor member 20 is generally circular.

[0115] like Figure 2 As shown, the tubular side wall 11 of the outer anchor member 10 has a circular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis 4. The hole 12 defined by the tubular side wall 11 extends the entire length of the outer anchor member 10 in the longitudinal direction. The hole diameter of the hole 12 is 60 mm and is substantially uniform along the length of the outer anchor member 10 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). The outer diameter of the tubular side wall 11 is 100 mm. The longitudinal length of the outer anchor member 10 is 80 mm. The bushing shown in the figure is suitable for electric vehicles (EV).

[0116] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be clearly seen that the outer anchor member 10 is substantially cylindrical, i.e. the tubular side wall 11 is substantially cylindrical and the hole 12 of the outer anchor member 10 is substantially cylindrical. The second elastic portion 40 extends completely around the circumference of the outer anchor member 10 (see FIG. Figure 2).

[0117] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the bushing 1 is shown along line AA. Figures 1 to 3 The bushing 1 is shown before being inserted into a housing. Figure 3 Used in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used for the features shown. Since the bushing 1 is substantially cylindrical, Figure 3 The components shown in FIG. 4 extend rotationally about the longitudinal axis 4 such that components visible above the longitudinal axis 4 are identical (ie, mirror images) to components shown below the longitudinal axis 4 , unless otherwise stated.

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of intermediate elastic portions 50a, 50b are disposed between the first elastic portion 30 and the second elastic portion 40. The outer anchor member 10 includes a plurality of holes 15a, 15b that extend radially through the side wall 11. Each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions 50a, 50b extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b. Each of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b extends radially from the outer surface 13 to the inner surface of the side wall 11. Each of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b is a through hole on the side wall 11. Each of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b is in fluid communication with the hole 12 and each is substantially perpendicular to the hole 12. Each of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b is a circular hole having a diameter of about 6 mm.

[0119] Although not visible in the figure, there are four holes in this embodiment, of which only two (15a, 15b) of the plurality of holes are shown. Although only two of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions (50a, 50b) are shown, there are also four corresponding intermediate elastic portions. The plurality of holes are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer anchor member 10. The corresponding plurality of intermediate elastic portions are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer anchor member 10. In this embodiment, each of the four holes (e.g., 15a, 15b) is circumferentially spaced about 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis 4 when viewed from, for example, the first end 2. In the same manner, the corresponding intermediate elastic portions are circumferentially spaced about 90 degrees.

[0120] Each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions (e.g., 50a, 50b) is directly connected to the first elastic portion 30 and the second elastic portion 40. The first elastic portion 30, the plurality of intermediate elastic portions (e.g., 50a, 50b), and the second elastic portion 40 are integrally formed, i.e., are a single piece of elastic material, such as a continuous piece or a unitary piece, for example, formed by a molding or injection molding process.

[0121] When manufacturing the bushing 1 shown in the figure, the first elastic portion 30, the plurality of intermediate elastic portions (e.g., 50a, 50b), and the second elastic portion 40 are manufactured in a single step. The elastic material is injected between the outer anchor member 10 and the inner anchor member 20 of the bushing 1 to form the first elastic portion 30. The elastic material flows through the plurality of holes (e.g., 15a, 15b) and flows onto the outer surface 13 of the side wall 11. Here, the second elastic portion 40 is formed by this manufacturing process, and the plurality of intermediate portions (e.g., 50a, 50b) are formed to connect the first elastic portion 30 and the second elastic portion 40.

[0122] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Side view of the bushing 1 in FIG. Figure 4 Used in Figures 1 to 3 Features shown have the same reference numerals. Figure 4 A different hole 15c is shown among the holes in the outer anchor member 10. Figure 4 , the second elastic portion 40 and a plurality of intermediate elastic portions (eg, 50a, 50b) are removed for clarity.

[0123] Figure 4 The outer surface 13 of the side wall 11 is shown to include a circumferential groove 60 extending around the entire outer anchor member 10. The circumferential groove 60 includes a plurality of holes (e.g., 15a, 15b, 15c). In other words, there are a plurality of holes (e.g., 15a, 15b, 15c) within the circumferential groove 60. During the molding process, the elastic material flows out of the plurality of holes (e.g., 15a, 15b, 15c) and around the circumferential groove 60, which helps to form the second elastic portion 40 (not shown). The circumferential groove 60 includes a step so that the circumferential groove 60 has a first portion 61 that is recessed from the outer surface 13 of the side wall 11 to a first radial depth, and the circumferential groove 60 has a second portion 62 that is recessed from the outer surface 13 of the side wall 11 to a second radial depth. The first radial depth is 6 mm and the second radial depth is 3 mm. The first portion 61 of the circumferential groove 60 is toward the second end 3 of the bushing 1, and the second portion 62 of the circumferential groove 60 is toward the first end 2 of the bushing 1. The length of the circumferential groove in the longitudinal direction is 10 mm, the length of the first portion 61 in the longitudinal direction is 6 mm, and the length of the second portion in the longitudinal direction is 4 mm.

[0124] Each of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b is formed in the first portion 61, i.e., the radially innermost portion, of the circumferential groove 60. Each of the plurality of holes 15a, 15b extends between the inner surface of the sidewall 11 and the outer surface of the first portion 61 of the circumferential groove 60, so that the plurality of holes 15a, 15b are in fluid communication with the circumferential groove 60.

[0125] Back to Figure 3, the second resilient portion 40 protrudes above the outer surface 13 of the tubular side wall 11. The second resilient portion 40 has a first radial height, which is greater than the maximum radial height of the outer surface 13. The portion of the second resilient portion 40 that radially protrudes above the outer surface 13 of the side wall 11 can be referred to as a protruding portion 41. In other words, the protruding portion 41 has a radial height that is greater than the maximum radial height of the outer surface 13. The second resilient portion 40, i.e., the protruding portion 41, protrudes beyond the maximum radial extension of the outer surface 13 by about 0.75 mm. The second resilient portion 40, and more specifically the protruding portion 41, is configured to contact a housing into which the bushing 1 is inserted when in use.

[0126] Like the second elastic portion 40 , the protruding portion 41 extends around the entire circumference of the outer anchor member 10 .

[0127] The outer surface 13 of the side wall 11 includes a push-out surface 16 longitudinally adjacent to the protruding portion 41 of the second elastic portion 40, such that the push-out surface 16 extends longitudinally from the protruding portion toward the second end 3 of the bushing 1. The push-out surface 16 is located between the protruding portion 41 and the second end 3 of the bushing 1. The push-out surface 16 extends around the entire circumference of the outer anchor member 10.

[0128] The protruding portion 41 protrudes above the push-out surface 16 (because it is a part of the outer surface 13 ). The radial height of the protruding portion 41 is greater than the maximum radial height of the push-out surface 16 .

[0129] Before the bushing 1 is inserted into the housing, the push-out surface 16 is exposed (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 3 ). The second elastic portion 40 is configured so that the application of shear force causes a portion of the protrusion 42 to move. When the bushing 1 is inserted into the housing, the shear force is applied to the second elastic portion 40, more specifically the protrusion 41. This is because when in use, the second elastic portion 40 (more specifically the protrusion 41) contacts the housing (when the bushing 1 is inserted into the housing), and the insertion force applied in the longitudinal direction necessarily causes the housing to apply an opposite shear force on the second elastic portion 40 (more specifically the protrusion 41).

[0130] Therefore, when the bushing 1 is inserted into the housing, a portion 42 of the protruding portion moves onto the push-out surface 16, so that a push-out force (i.e., radial force) is applied to the housing by the push-out surface 16 through the portion 42 of the protruding portion moving onto the push-out surface 16. Accordingly, the push-out surface 16 can also be defined as a support surface or support area of ​​the outer surface 13 of the side wall 11. This is because it supports the moving portion 42 of the protruding portion.

[0131] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 The bushing 1 is inserted into the housing 100. Figure 5Used in Figures 1 to 4 The same reference numerals are used for the features shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, a portion 42 of the protruding portion is located on the pushing surface 16 , so that the pushing surface 16 applies a pushing force to the housing 100 through the portion 42 of the protruding portion. Figure 5 The middle push-out surface 16 is no longer exposed.

[0132] After the bushing 1 is inserted into the housing 100, Figure 5 The protruding portion 41 (including a portion 42 of the protruding portion) protrudes from the push-out surface, but does not necessarily protrude from the entire outer surface 13 of the side wall 11.

[0133] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bushing 1 is configured to provide a radially outward force (push-out force) on the housing by means of an interference fit. Specifically, the outer surface 13 exerts the push-out force, and in the region of the push-out surface 16, the push-out force is exerted by a portion 42 of the protrusion supported by the push-out surface 16 (i.e., moved onto the push-out surface 16).

[0134] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer surface 13 of the side wall 11 includes a plurality of recesses, for example, 70. Specifically, the push-out surface 16 includes a recess 71. The recess is longitudinally spaced about 2 mm from the protruding portion 41, so that the area of ​​the push-out surface 16a separates the recess 71 from the protruding portion 41. The longitudinal length of the protruding portion 41 is 10 mm, so that it is longer than the spacing between the protruding portion 41 and the recess 71. The recess 71 is generally rectangular. The recess 71 has a depth of about 20 mm and extends about 11 mm in the longitudinal direction.

[0135] The recess 71 extends around the entire circumference of the outer anchor member 10 and includes a plurality of longitudinally extending partition walls, such as 72a, 72b, which are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer anchor member 10. The partition walls, such as 72a, 72b, divide the recess 71 into a plurality of pockets. The partition walls have a draft angle between 0.5 degrees and 5 degrees, such as between 1 degree and 4 degrees, such as between 1.5 degrees and 3 degrees, such as 2 degrees.

[0136] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of the bushing 1 in use. The housing 100 has been removed for clarity. Figure 6 The features shown in Figures 1 to 5 Same reference numerals. Figure 6 The second elastic portion 40 , the protruding portion 41 and a portion 42 of the protruding portion which has moved onto the push-out surface 16 are shown. Figure 6 A detailed view of the recess 71 and the partition walls 72a and 72b is also shown. Figure 6As shown, the recess partially receives a portion 42 of the protrusion that moves onto the ejection surface 16 when the bushing 1 is inserted into the housing.

[0137] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first resilient portion 30 , the plurality of intermediate portions such as 50 a , 50 b and the second resilient portion 40 (including the protruding portion 41 ) are injection molded onto the bushing 1 and are integrally formed of a rubber having a Shore A hardness of 45.

[0138] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outer surface 43 (see for example Figure 1 ) in which the second elastic portion 40 is featureless. Figure 7 An embodiment of a bushing 1 is shown, which is Figures 1 to 6 The embodiment shown is essentially the same, but the radially outer surface 43 is ribbed. Figure 7 Used in Figures 1 to 6 The ribs (e.g. 80) on the outer surface 43 of the second resilient portion 40 extend circumferentially around the entire circumference of the outer anchor member 10. Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ribbed outer surface 43 has four ribs. When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, the ribs (e.g., 80) have an inclined profile and are angled toward the second end 3 of the bushing 1. In this way, the inclined ribs 80 act in a similar manner to the chamfers 14 to facilitate easier entry of the bushing into the housing. In addition, the inclined ribs 80 act to prevent the bushing from being removed from the housing (in a direction opposite to the insertion direction).

[0139] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer anchor member 10 is made of glass-reinforced nylon 6-6 and is stiffer than the first elastic portion 30 , the plurality of intermediate elastic portions (eg, 50 a , 50 b ), and the second elastic portion 40 .

[0140] The features disclosed in the above description, the attached claims or the drawings, appropriately expressed in their specific form, or in the form of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may be used alone or in any combination of these features to realize the invention in its various forms.

[0141] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given the present disclosure. Therefore, the above exemplary embodiments of the present invention are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0142] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0143] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described. Throughout the specification, including the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "comprising" and variations such as "comprises," "including," and the like should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0144] It must be noted that throughout the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by using the antecedent "approximately," it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional, for example to indicate + / -10%.

Claims

1. A bushing for inserting into a housing, the bushing comprising: an outer anchor member having a tubular sidewall defining a bore; an inner anchor component, the inner anchor component being located in the hole; a first resilient portion extending between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member and operably engaging the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to isolate vibration therebetween; a second resilient portion positioned on an outer surface of the side wall and configured to contact the housing in use; an intermediate elastic portion, the intermediate elastic portion being disposed between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion; Wherein the outer anchor member includes a hole extending through the side wall, and the intermediate elastic portion extends through the hole. 2 . The bushing according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate elastic portion is directly connected to the first elastic portion and / or the second elastic portion.

3. The bushing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion and the middle elastic portion are integrally formed.

4. A bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second resilient portion extends around the periphery of the outer anchor member.

5. The bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the side wall comprises a peripheral groove and wherein the peripheral groove comprises the cavity.

6. The bushing according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of intermediate elastic portions arranged between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion, wherein the outer anchor member comprises a plurality of holes extending through the side wall; wherein each of the plurality of intermediate elastic portions extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of holes.

7. The bushing according to claim 6, wherein the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the plurality of intermediate elastic portions are integrally formed.

8. The bushing of claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is substantially evenly spaced around the periphery of the outer anchor member.

9. A bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the second resilient portion comprises ribs.

10. A bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: wherein the second elastic portion comprises a protruding portion, the protruding portion protruding above the outer surface of the side wall and configured to contact the housing when in use; wherein the outer surface of the side wall includes a push-out surface adjacent to the protruding portion, wherein the push-out surface is exposed before the bushing is inserted into the housing, and The second elastic portion is configured such that when the bushing is inserted into the housing, a portion of the protruding portion moves onto the pushing surface, so that the pushing surface applies a pushing force to the housing via a portion of the protruding portion.

11. The bushing of claim 10, wherein a first end of the bushing is configured to be inserted into the housing, and wherein the push-out surface is located between the projection and a second end of the bushing, the second end being opposite the first end.

12. The bushing according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the push-out surface comprises a recess for receiving the portion of the protruding portion moved onto the push-out surface.

13. The bushing of claim 12, wherein the recess is spaced apart from the protruding portion.

14. The bushing of claim 13, wherein the recess is longitudinally spaced apart from the protruding portion by a first distance, and the protruding portion has a length in the longitudinal direction greater than the first distance.

15. A bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection is formed from a material having a Shore A hardness of 40 to 58.

16. A method for manufacturing a bushing for insertion into a housing, the method comprising the following steps: providing an outer anchor member having a tubular sidewall defining a bore and including an aperture extending through the sidewall; providing an inner anchor member positioned within the bore; One or more elastic materials are provided to form: a first resilient portion extending between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member and operably engaging the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to isolate vibration therebetween; a second resilient portion positioned on an outer surface of the side wall and configured to contact the housing in use; A middle elastic portion is disposed between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion and extends through the aperture.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 16, wherein the step of providing one or more elastic materials comprises: One or more elastic materials are inserted between the inner and outer anchor members such that the one or more elastic materials flow between the inner and outer anchor members and through the apertures in the sidewall to form the first elastic portion, the intermediate elastic portion, and the second elastic portion.

18. A method of manufacturing according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the step of providing one or more elastic materials comprises: An elastic material is inserted between the inner and outer anchor members such that the elastic material flows between the inner and outer anchor members and through the holes in the sidewall to integrally form the first elastic portion, the middle elastic portion, and the second elastic portion.

19. A bushing for insertion into a housing, the bushing comprising: an outer anchor member having a tubular sidewall defining a bore; an inner anchor component, the inner anchor component being located in the hole; a first resilient portion extending between the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member and operably engaging the outer anchor member and the inner anchor member to isolate vibration therebetween; a second elastic portion positioned on the outer surface of the side wall and having a protruding portion that protrudes above the outer surface of the side wall and is configured to contact the housing when in use; wherein the outer surface of the side wall includes a push-out surface adjacent to the protruding portion, wherein the push-out surface is exposed before the bushing is inserted into the housing, and The second elastic portion is configured such that when the bushing is inserted into the housing, a portion of the protruding portion moves onto the pushing surface, so that the pushing surface applies a pushing force to the housing via a portion of the protruding portion.

20. The bushing of claim 19, wherein a first end of the bushing is configured to be inserted into the housing, and wherein the push-out surface is located between the projection and a second end of the bushing, the second end being opposite the first end.

21. The bushing according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the push-out surface comprises a recess for partially receiving the portion of the protruding portion moved onto the push-out surface.

22. The bushing of claim 21, wherein the recess is spaced apart from the protruding portion.

23. The bushing of claim 21, wherein the recess is longitudinally spaced apart from the protruding portion by a first distance, and the protruding portion has a length in the longitudinal direction greater than the first distance.

24. The bushing according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the projection is formed from a material having a Shore A hardness of 40 to 58.

25. The bushing according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the longitudinal length of the second resilient portion is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the bushing.

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