Suspension bushing, method of manufacture and control arm assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a suspension bushing, belonging to the technical field of vehicle suspension components. The key technical points are: it includes an outer tube, an inner tube, an elastomer, and a mounting sleeve. The outer tube has an inner cavity, and the inner tube is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity. The elastomer is disposed between the outer and inner tubes. The mounting sleeve has a flange and a first hook. The first hook engages with the flange to confine the mounting sleeve within the tube. The mounting sleeve has a deformation notch. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve increases in size towards the flange, forming a tapered shape. A second hook is provided on the inner wall of the mounting sleeve near the flange, engaging with the second hook to limit the outer tube. The mounting sleeve is positioned within the tube by the engagement of the first hook and the flange. After the outer tube is fully pressed into the mounting sleeve, the second hook engages with the tapered inner wall of the mounting sleeve to axially limit the outer tube. This suspension bushing is less prone to axial dislodgement after installation, resulting in better stability and simpler installation and removal. This invention also discloses a manufacturing method for the suspension bushing and a control arm assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of vehicle suspension components, and specifically relates to a suspension bushing, manufacturing method, and control arm assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The suspension is a general term for all force-transmitting connections between the subframe (or monocoque chassis) and the wheels of a car. Its main functions are: 1. To transmit forces and torques acting between the wheels and the frame, including vertical reaction forces (support forces), longitudinal reaction forces (traction and braking forces), and lateral forces. 2. To buffer the impact forces transmitted from uneven road surfaces to the frame or body, and reduce the resulting vibrations to ensure smooth and stable vehicle operation. 3. To maintain proper alignment between the wheels and axles under varying loads, speeds, and cornering conditions, ensuring vehicle handling stability and directional maneuverability. The car suspension and subframe are generally connected by rubber bushings, which are mainly used for vibration damping, ensuring suspension compliance, and sound insulation. In the maintenance and upkeep of a car, the inspection and replacement of rubber bushings are important maintenance items.

[0003] For example, Chinese Patent No. CN204978133U discloses a high-strength, low-torsion bushing structure, which includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a rubber layer. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are cylindrical metal tubes. The inner sleeve is located in the inner cavity of the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are coaxial. The rubber layer is located between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve and the rubber layer, and the rubber layer and the outer sleeve are tightly fitted and fixed together. The middle part of the inner sleeve forms a protrusion outward, and the two ends of the inner sleeve are columnar.

[0004] For example, Chinese Patent No. CN206968328U discloses a suspension bushing, which includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and rubber. The inner sleeve is a cylindrical body with a central through hole, and at least a portion of the outer side of the inner sleeve is a radially extending protrusion. The outer sleeve is a hollow cylindrical body, and the protrusion of the inner sleeve is fitted into the hollow part of the outer sleeve. At least a portion of the inner sleeve is exposed outside the outer sleeve, and the two ends of the cylindrical body of the outer sleeve are configured to be bent radially towards the center. The rubber is disposed in the hollow part of the outer sleeve between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.

[0005] The two types of suspension bushings mentioned above are common rubber bushings on the market. Due to their simple manufacturing process and low cost, they are used in most automotive suspension systems. However, they also have the following drawbacks: Suspension bushings need to withstand one or more of radial, torsional, and yaw loads during use. The bulge in the middle of the inner bushing reduces the thickness of the rubber layer to the bulge. While this satisfies the bushing's radial stiffness, it also reduces the vibration damping performance of the rubber layer to some extent, resulting in a limited service life. The existing bushing structure still needs improvement. Secondly, the outer sleeve of the existing bushing is cylindrical. The bushing is pressed into the control arm sleeve using a pressing tool, and the bushing and control arm sleeve only have an interference fit. With increased use and control arm movement, there is a possibility that the bushing may axially detach from the control arm sleeve. This is especially true after a second replacement, where improper disassembly and replacement by workers increases the gap between the bushing and the sleeve, making it easier for the bushing to detach during operation. This, in turn, leads to abnormal wear on the control arm and subframe. In other words, the connection between the existing suspension bushing and the control arm sleeve is not stable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing a suspension bushing. The first technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to improve the stability of the suspension bushing after installation.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing a method for manufacturing suspension bushings. The second technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to manufacture suspension bushings with high installation stability.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing a control arm assembly. The third technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to improve the installation stability of the suspension bushing on the control arm body.

[0009] The first technical objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution:

[0010] A suspension bushing includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and an elastomer. The outer tube has an inner cavity, and the inner tube is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity. The elastomer is disposed between the outer tube and the inner tube. It also includes a mounting sleeve. One end of the mounting sleeve has a flange, and the outer wall of the mounting sleeve has a first hook that engages with the flange to confine the mounting sleeve within the sleeve. The mounting sleeve has a deformation notch. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve tapers towards the flange, and a second hook is provided on the inner wall of the mounting sleeve near the flange. The outer wall of the outer tube is also tapered and adapts to the inner wall of the mounting sleeve. The outer tube is inserted into the mounting sleeve and undergoes radial deformation. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve engages with the second hook to limit the outer tube.

[0011] Through the above technical solution, the elastomer bonds the outer tube and the inner tube into a whole. Before installing this suspension bushing, the mounting sleeve is first inserted into the sleeve of the control arm or swing arm, so that the flange abuts against one end of the sleeve and the first hook abuts against the other end of the sleeve. The mounting sleeve is positioned in the sleeve by the cooperation of the first hook and the flange. Then, the outer tube is pressed into the mounting sleeve from the flange direction. The conical surface of the outer wall of the outer tube abuts against the conical surface of the inner cavity, so that the radial direction of the mounting sleeve increases. After the outer tube is completely pressed into the mounting sleeve, the second hook cooperates with the conical inner wall of the mounting sleeve to limit the outer tube, thereby realizing the installation of this suspension bushing. At this time, the outer tube is compressed by the conical surface of the inner cavity and produces elastic deformation with reduced diameter. The elastomer is in a pre-compressed state. The pre-tightening force applied by the elastomer to the outer tube will press the outer tube against the inner wall of the mounting sleeve, thereby enhancing the stability of this suspension bushing after installation and preventing it from easily axially dislodging from the sleeve.

[0012] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, the outer tube has at least one deformation hole, which is located near the flange. A groove is formed on the outer wall of the outer tube near the flange, and the sidewall of the groove can abut against the second hook. A clearance gap is formed between the groove and the inner wall of the mounting sleeve. The outer tube and the elastomer achieve radial elastic deformation through the deformation hole. After production, the outer tube does not require the diameter reduction process of traditional manufacturing. After diameter reduction, the elastomer maintains prestress, further increasing its radial stiffness and meeting the requirement of low torsional stiffness. Furthermore, the second hook can limit the end of the outer tube by hooking onto the sidewall of the groove. When the suspension bushing reaches the end of its lifespan, a disassembly tool such as pliers can be inserted into the clearance gap and the groove can be squeezed and broken towards the center of the outer tube, releasing the second hook from its limiting position. This allows the outer tube to be easily ejected from the mounting sleeve. The disassembly and assembly are simple and do not change the traditional suspension bushing assembly method. No additional installation tools are required, and this suspension bushing can directly replace older suspension bushings.

[0013] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, a reinforcing ring is provided on the side of the inner cavity away from the flange, and the reinforcing ring is wrapped by the elastomer. The reinforcing ring can improve the structural strength of the outer tube and increase the contact area between the elastomer and the inner cavity. At the same time, the reinforcing ring can limit the position of the elastomer, thereby preventing abnormal slippage of the elastomer relative to the outer tube.

[0014] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, the elastomer includes a buffer element one and a buffer element two. At least two buffer elements two are provided and distributed circumferentially along the inner tube. The outer end of the buffer element two is interference-fitted with the inner cavity, and the side end of the buffer element two is limited by the reinforcing ring. Both the buffer element two and the reinforcing ring are enclosed by the buffer element one. The outer wall of the inner tube has positioning grooves for positioning the inner end of the buffer element two, and the number of positioning grooves corresponds one-to-one with the number of buffer elements two. The buffer element two is inserted into the positioning groove, and then the buffer element two and the inner tube are inserted into the inner cavity as a whole. The reinforcing ring limits the buffer element two, and the buffer element two maintains the distance between the outer and inner tubes, thereby maintaining the coaxiality between the outer and inner tubes. Subsequent processing and production are easier, and the radial stiffness of the suspension bushing can be changed by changing the material of the buffer element two.

[0015] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, the outer wall of the inner tube is provided with ribs equal in number to the positioning grooves, with each positioning groove corresponding to a specific rib. The ribs reduce the distance between the inner and outer tubes, and the ribs and the second buffer element together maintain this distance, making it relatively easy to change the torsional stiffness and radial stiffness of the suspension bushing. Simultaneously, the ribs further increase the friction between the inner tube and the first buffer element.

[0016] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, the second buffer component has a relief groove, which is located near the inner cavity and is filled by the first buffer component. By maximizing the adhesion area between the first buffer component and the inner cavity and inner tube, the relief groove reduces the contact area between the second buffer component and the inner cavity, effectively ensuring the firmness of the adhesion between the first buffer component and the inner cavity and inner tube. Furthermore, since the second buffer component is manufactured as an independent part, replacing it with buffer components of different hardness and materials can change the radial stiffness of the suspension bushing, making subsequent adjustments and improvements to the suspension bushing easier and reducing mold development costs.

[0017] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, each of the buffer components 2 is connected by a connecting ring. The connecting ring connects each buffer component 2 into a single unit. During the radial displacement or torsion of the inner tube relative to the outer tube, it can ensure the overall deformation of buffer component 1 and buffer component 2. Buffer component 2 and the connecting ring can help improve the radial stiffness of buffer component 1.

[0018] In the aforementioned suspension bushing, buffer grooves are provided at both ends of the first buffer component, with at least two buffer grooves spaced apart. The bottom surface of each buffer groove is arc-shaped, and a rib is provided between the two buffer grooves, protruding from the end of the outer tube. The arc-shaped bottom surface of the buffer groove improves the elastic deformation performance at both ends of the first buffer component. When the first buffer component is subjected to radial loads, torsional loads, and yaw loads, cracks or damage will not occur at the bottom surface of the buffer groove, thereby ensuring the service life of the suspension bushing.

[0019] The second technical objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution:

[0020] A method for manufacturing a suspension bushing as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] S1: Turning and forming the outer tube, inner tube, and mounting sleeve, using mold to pre-form the second buffer component;

[0022] S2: Insert the second buffer into the positioning groove, and then insert the inner tube together with the second buffer into the inner cavity, so that the second buffer is limited by the reinforcing ring, and the outer end of each second buffer abuts against the inner cavity, and one of the second buffers is aligned with the deformation hole.

[0023] S3: Apply adhesive to the inner cavity, buffer component 2, and outer wall of the inner tube, and store at a constant temperature;

[0024] S4: Place the outer tube, buffer component two, and inner tube into the molding mold. The molding mold fills the space between the inner tube, outer tube, and buffer component two with fluid rubber. After the rubber cools, the buffer component one is formed, and the buffer groove is formed at both ends of the buffer component one. At this time, the buffer component one bonds the outer tube, buffer component two, and inner tube into a gapless fit.

[0025] The third technical objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution:

[0026] A control arm assembly includes a control arm body and the aforementioned suspension bushing. The control arm body has a sleeve, and the suspension bushing is installed inside the sleeve. The suspension bushing is connected to the sleeve via a mounting sleeve, making it less likely for the suspension bushing to circumferentially detach from the sleeve, thus improving stability.

[0027] In summary, the advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are as follows:

[0028] 1. The mounting sleeve is positioned inside the sleeve of the control arm or rocker arm by the cooperation of the first hook and the flange. After the outer tube is fully pressed into the mounting sleeve, the second hook cooperates with the conical inner wall of the mounting sleeve to limit the axial movement of the outer tube. This suspension bushing is not easy to come out axially after installation, has better stability, and is easy to install and remove.

[0029] 2. Due to insufficient radial stiffness of existing suspension bushings (also known as excessively soft suspension bushings), vibration damping is inadequate, resulting in excessive shaking and reduced vehicle driving comfort. This suspension bushing uses two types of buffer components, namely buffer component one and buffer component two, with different hardness and tensile strength. By changing the material of buffer component two, the overall radial stiffness and damping performance of the suspension bushing can be changed, which can meet the needs of most vehicles for suspension bushings, thereby achieving a better vehicle driving experience.

[0030] 3. Between the outer tube and the inner tube, a large-volume buffer component provides the main support and cushioning performance. Buffer component 2 serves as an auxiliary accessory to buffer component 1. The torsional and tensile loads between the outer tube and the inner tube are achieved by the cooperation of buffer component 1 and buffer component 2. The bonding area between buffer component 1 and buffer component 2 is larger, and the contact area between buffer component 1 and the inner cavity and the outer wall of the inner tube is also larger. Buffer component 1 bonds the outer tube, inner tube, and buffer component 2 into a whole, resulting in a more robust finished product that ensures the service life of this suspension bushing. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a suspension bushing.

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembled structure;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the suspension bushing.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the outer tube and mounting sleeve after the explosion.

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 2 One of the cross-sectional schematic diagrams;

[0036] Figure 6 This is another structural schematic diagram of the suspension bushing;

[0037] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The second sectional view;

[0038] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The third sectional view;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a partial exploded structure diagram of the inner tube and the elastic body II.

[0040] Figure 10 This is another structural schematic diagram of buffer component two;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the control arm assembly.

[0042] Reference numerals: 1. Control arm body; 11. Sleeve; 12. Slot; 13. Ball pin;

[0043] 100. Outer tube; 110. Inner cavity; 120. Deformation hole; 130. Groove; 131. Clearance gap; 132. Identification strip; 140. Reinforcing ring;

[0044] 200. Inner tube; 210. Rib; 211. Positioning groove;

[0045] 300. Elastomer; 310. Buffer component one; 311. Buffer groove; 312. Rib; 320. Buffer component two; 321. Relief groove; 322. Connecting ring;

[0046] 400. Mounting sleeve; 410. Flange; 420. Hook 1; 430. Deformation notch; 440. Hook 2. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0048] A type of suspension bushing, such as Figures 1-10 As shown, this suspension bushing includes an outer tube 100, an inner tube 200, an elastic body 300, and a mounting sleeve 400. The outer tube 100 has an inner cavity 110, and the inner tube 200 is coaxially disposed in the inner cavity 110. The elastic body 300 is disposed between the outer tube 100 and the inner tube 200, and the elastic body 300 bonds the outer tube 100 and the inner tube 200 into a whole. When the inner tube 200 rotates relative to the outer tube 100, the inner tube 200 can drive the elastic body 300 to rotate radially within a certain angle range. One end of the mounting sleeve 400 has a flange 410, and the other end of the mounting sleeve 400 is provided with a hook 420. The hook 420 and the flange 410 can abut against the two ends of the control arm sleeve 11 respectively, thereby cooperating to limit the mounting sleeve 400 within the sleeve 11. The mounting sleeve 400 has a deformation notch 430. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400 increases in size towards the flange 410 and becomes tapered. A hook 440 is provided on the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400 near the flange 410. The outer wall of the outer tube 100 is also tapered and fits the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400. The outer tube 100 is inserted into the mounting sleeve 400 and produces radial elastic deformation. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400 and the hook 440 cooperate to limit the outer tube 100.

[0049] The outer wall of the mounting sleeve 400 is phosphated and has an anti-slip layer, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the mounting sleeve 400 and preventing abnormal rotation of the mounting sleeve 400 relative to the sleeve 11. The deformation notch 430 is inclined, thereby improving the radial deformation performance of the mounting sleeve 400. Figures 4-6 As shown, in at least one embodiment, the first hook 420 is located in the middle of the mounting sleeve 400, and correspondingly, the inner wall of the sleeve 11 has a groove 12 adapted to the first hook 420; or, two second hooks 440 are provided at intervals, one located at the end of the mounting sleeve 400 and the other located in the middle of the mounting sleeve 400, and the two first hooks 420 together limit the mounting sleeve 400.

[0050] The outer tube 100 has at least one deformation hole 120 at its end near the flange 410, and the deformation hole 120 extends away from the flange 410. Alternatively, the outer tube 100 itself is made of elastically deformable plastic.

[0051] like Figures 4-7 As shown, further, the outer tube 100 has a groove 130 on its outer wall near the flange 410 for receiving the second hook 440, and the groove 130 communicates with the deformation hole 120. The side wall of the groove 130 can abut against the second hook 440, and a clearance gap 131 is formed between the groove 130 and the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400 for inserting a disassembly tool. The diameter of the inner end of the second hook 440 is A, the minimum diameter of the outer wall of the outer tube 100 is B, and A > B.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, a marker strip 132 is provided on the sidewall edge of the groove 130. The marker strip 132 is an adhesive with a bright color applied to the sidewall of the groove 130. After the hook 440 is inserted into the groove 130, the marker strip 132 is covered by the hook 440, and the marker strip 132 (adhesive) adheres the hook 440 to the sidewall of the groove 130. The installer determines whether the hook 440 is accurately inserted into the groove 130 by checking whether the hook 440 covers the marker strip 132. In at least one embodiment, the marker strip 132 is a ring-shaped marking strip with a bright color.

[0053] A reinforcing ring 140 is integrally formed on the side of the inner cavity 110 away from the flange 410. The reinforcing ring 140 is wrapped by the elastomer 300, thereby increasing the friction between the elastomer 300 and the inner cavity 110. The reinforcing ring 140 can also increase the adhesion area between the elastomer 300 and the inner cavity 110, while preventing abnormal slippage of the elastomer 300 relative to the outer tube 100.

[0054] like Figures 8-10 As shown, the elastic body 300 includes a first buffer 310 and a second buffer 320. At least two second buffers 320 are provided and distributed circumferentially along the outer wall of the inner tube 200. The outer end of the second buffer 320 is interference-fitted with the inner cavity 110. The side end of the second buffer 320 is limited by the reinforcing ring 140. Both the second buffer 320 and the reinforcing ring 140 are wrapped by the first buffer 310. The volume of the first buffer 310 is greater than the sum of the volumes of the second buffers 320. The outer wall of the inner tube 200 has a positioning groove 211 for the inner end of the second buffer 320 to be installed and positioned. The number of positioning grooves 211 corresponds one-to-one with the number of second buffers 320.

[0055] One of the buffer components 320 is aligned with the deformation hole 120. When producing the first buffer component 310, the flow rate of the first buffer component 310 into the deformation hole 120 can be reduced. At the same time, the alignment of the second buffer component 320 with the deformation hole 120 can also ensure the consistency of the production quality of each suspension bushing. Using the deformation hole 120 as a reference standard also facilitates subsequent assembly.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the inner tube 200 is provided with ribs 210 in the same number as the positioning grooves 211, and each positioning groove 211 is correspondingly opened on each rib 210. Each rib 210 is also wrapped by a buffer member 310; the width of the buffer member 320 is equal to the width of the rib 210.

[0057] like Figures 8-10 As shown, buffer component 2 320 has a relief groove 321, which is close to the inner cavity 110 and is filled by buffer component 1 310. The purpose of the relief groove 321 is to reduce the area occupied by the outer end of buffer component 2 320 in the inner cavity 110, and to maximize the adhesion area between buffer component 1 310 and the inner cavity 110 and the inner tube 200, thereby improving the overall firmness of buffer component 1 310 after it has adhered the inner cavity 110, the inner tube 200 and buffer component 2 320.

[0058] Buffer component 320 is manufactured as an independent modular part. Replacing buffer component 320 with different hardness and materials allows buffer component 310 and buffer component 320 to work together to change the overall radial stiffness and damping performance of the suspension bushing. This makes subsequent adjustments and improvements to the suspension bushing easier. Buffer component 320 with different hardness can be manufactured using the same tool, resulting in low mold development costs. In some embodiments, buffer component 320 has a built-in nylon mesh, thereby further altering its damping characteristics and improving its tear resistance.

[0059] In this embodiment, the material of buffer 310 is styrene-butadiene rubber or natural rubber, and the material of buffer 320 can be one or more of the following: synthetic rubber of natural rubber and butadiene rubber, wear-resistant nylon composite material, or polyurethane.

[0060] like Figure 10As shown, each second buffer element 320 is connected into a whole by a connecting ring 322. The connecting ring 322 is located at the end or middle of the second buffer element 320. The material of the connecting ring 322 is the same as that of the second buffer element 320, and the connecting ring 322 is also wrapped by the first buffer element 310. The connecting ring 322 and each second buffer element 320 help to enhance the radial stiffness of the first buffer element 310. Alternatively, the connecting ring 322 is made of metal. In at least one embodiment, a metal ring similar to the connecting ring 322 is welded between each rib 210. This ring helps to enhance the radial stiffness of the first buffer element 310, thereby omitting the connecting ring 322 between the second buffer elements 320.

[0061] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, buffer grooves 311 are provided at both ends of buffer member 310. There are at least two buffer grooves 311 spaced apart. The bottom surface of buffer groove 311 is arc-shaped. There is a rib 312 between the two buffer grooves 311. The rib 312 protrudes from the end of the outer tube 100.

[0062] The working principle of a suspension bushing:

[0063] Buffer component 310 bonds the outer tube 100, inner tube 200, and buffer component 320 into a single unit. During installation of this suspension bushing, first insert the mounting sleeve 400 into the sleeve 11 of the control arm or swing arm, so that the flange 410 abuts against one end of the sleeve 11, and the latch 420 abuts against the other end of the sleeve 11. Then, press the outer tube 100 into the mounting sleeve 400 from the direction of the flange 410. The conical surface of the outer wall of the outer tube 100 and the conical surface of the inner cavity 110... As the surfaces gradually press against each other, the radial direction of the mounting sleeve 400 increases, and the outer wall of the mounting sleeve 400 abuts against the inner wall of the sleeve 11. At this time, the mounting sleeve 400 is positioned inside the sleeve 11 by the cooperation of the first hook 420 and the flange 410. After the outer tube 100 is completely pressed into the mounting sleeve 400, the second hook 440 will be engaged in the groove 130. The second hook 440 cooperates with the conical inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400 to limit the outer tube 100, thereby realizing the installation of this suspension bushing. At this time, the outer tube 100 is compressed by the conical surface of the inner cavity 110, resulting in elastic deformation with reduced diameter. The buffer component 310 and the buffer component 320 are in a pre-compressed state. The pre-tightening force applied by the buffer component 310 and the buffer component 320 to the outer tube 100 will continuously press the outer tube 100 against the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 400, thereby enhancing the stability of the suspension bushing after installation. Even if the outer tube 100 is subjected to axial external force, the outer tube 100 will not easily fall off axially from the sleeve 11.

[0064] When the car tires are working, the force generated is transmitted through the inner tube 200 to the first buffer 310. The first buffer 310 bears the main radial load, torsional load and yaw load, thereby preventing the force from being transmitted to the subframe. Since the radial stiffness and torsional performance of the first buffer 310 are predetermined, the second buffer 320 and the rib 210 assist in changing the radial stiffness and torsional performance of the first buffer 310, which can change the overall performance of this suspension bushing, thereby improving the NVH performance of the suspension system.

[0065] Since the buffer component 2 320 is produced and assembled as an independent part, the radial stiffness of the suspension bushing can be changed accordingly by using buffer components 2 320 with different hardness and materials during production. The same production line can produce suspension bushings with different radial stiffnesses, and the other components and production processes do not need to be changed.

[0066] A method for manufacturing the above-mentioned suspension bushing includes the following steps:

[0067] S1: The outer tube 100, inner tube 200, and mounting sleeve 400 are machined and formed. The outer wall of the mounting sleeve 400 is phosphated and coated with an anti-slip layer. The second buffer part 320 is pre-formed using a mold.

[0068] S2: Insert the second buffer component 320 into the positioning groove 211, and then insert the inner tube 200 together with the second buffer component 320 into the inner cavity 110, so that the second buffer component 320 is limited by the reinforcing ring 140, and the outer end of each second buffer component 320 abuts against the inner cavity 110. One of the second buffer components 320 is aligned with the deformation hole 120. At this time, the second buffer component 320 maintains the coaxial state of the inner tube 200 and the outer tube 100. The reinforcing ring 140 simultaneously maintains the position and height of the second buffer component 320 and the inner tube 200 in the inner cavity 110.

[0069] S3: Apply adhesive to the inner cavity 110, buffer component 2 320, and outer wall of inner tube 200, and store at a constant temperature;

[0070] S4: The outer tube 100, buffer component 2 320, and inner tube 200 are placed into the molding mold as a whole. The molding mold fills the space between the inner tube 200, outer tube 100, and buffer component 2 320 with fluid rubber. After the rubber cools, it forms buffer component 1 310, and the buffer groove 311 is formed at both ends of buffer component 1 310. At this time, buffer component 1 310 bonds the outer tube 100, buffer component 2 320, and inner tube 200 into a whole with a gapless fit.

[0071] S5: Remove excess rubber that has entered the deformation hole 120.

[0072] In step S1, the outer tube 100, inner tube 200, and mounting sleeve 400 are made of 20 steel or Q235 steel, which have excellent strength and plasticity properties; the buffer component 320 is made of one or more of natural rubber and butadiene rubber, wear-resistant nylon composite material, or polyurethane. The buffer component 320 is aligned with the deformation hole 120 so that the buffer component 320 partially covers the deformation hole 120, thereby reducing the flow rate of fluid rubber into the deformation hole 120 in step S4 and reducing the loss of fluid rubber.

[0073] In step S3, the outer tube 100, buffer component 320, and inner tube 200 are kept at a temperature of 75-80°C before entering the next step, thereby accelerating the production efficiency of step S4. The adhesive is a heat-cured rubber adhesive, such as Chemlock 205 (CH205).

[0074] In step S4, the buffer element 310 is styrene-butadiene rubber or natural rubber.

[0075] A control arm assembly, such as Figure 11 As shown, it includes a control arm body 1 and the aforementioned suspension bushing. The end of the control arm body 1 has a sleeve 11 and a ball joint pin 13, and the suspension bushing is installed inside the sleeve 11.

[0076] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention; those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, but without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suspension bushing, comprising an outer tube (100), an inner tube (200), and an elastic body (300), wherein the outer tube (100) has an inner cavity (110), the inner tube (200) is coaxially disposed in the inner cavity (110), and the elastic body (300) is disposed between the outer tube (100) and the inner tube (200), characterized in that: It also includes a mounting sleeve (400), one end of which has a flange (410). A hook (420) is provided on the outer wall of the mounting sleeve (400), which engages with the flange (410) to confine the mounting sleeve (400) within the sleeve (11). The mounting sleeve (400) has a deformation notch (430). The inner wall of the mounting sleeve (400) faces the flange (410). The direction increases to a conical shape, and the inner wall of the mounting sleeve (400) near the flange (410) is provided with a second hook (440). The outer wall of the outer tube (100) is also conical and fits the inner wall of the mounting sleeve (400). The outer tube (100) is inserted into the mounting sleeve (400) and undergoes radial deformation. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve (400) cooperates with the second hook (440) to limit the outer tube (100). At least one deformation hole (120) is provided on the outer tube (100), and the deformation hole (120) is close to the flange (410); a groove (130) is provided on the outer wall of the outer tube (100) near the flange (410), the side wall of the groove (130) can abut against the second hook (440), and a clearance gap (131) is formed between the groove (130) and the inner wall of the mounting sleeve (400); A reinforcing ring (140) is provided on the side of the inner cavity (110) away from the flange (410), and the reinforcing ring (140) is wrapped by the elastomer (300).

2. The suspension bushing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastomer (300) includes a buffer element one (310) and a buffer element two (320). The buffer element two (320) is provided in at least two and distributed circumferentially along the inner tube (200). The outer end of the buffer element two (320) is interference-fitted with the inner cavity (110). The side end of the buffer element two (320) is limited by the reinforcing ring (140), and both the buffer element two (320) and the reinforcing ring (140) are wrapped by the buffer element one (310). The outer wall of the inner tube (200) has a positioning groove (211) for positioning the inner end of the buffer element two (320). The number of positioning grooves (211) corresponds one-to-one with the number of buffer elements two (320).

3. The suspension bushing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inner tube (200) is provided with ribs (210) in the same number as the positioning grooves (211), and each positioning groove (211) is correspondingly opened on each rib (210).

4. The suspension bushing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second buffer (320) has a relief groove (321) which is close to the inner cavity (110) and is filled by the first buffer (310).

5. The suspension bushing according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the buffer components (320) is connected to the other via a connecting ring (322).

6. The suspension bushing according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both ends of the buffer component (310) are provided with buffer grooves (311), and at least two buffer grooves (311) are spaced apart. The bottom surface of the buffer groove (311) is arc-shaped, and there is a rib (312) between the two buffer grooves (311). The rib (312) protrudes from the end of the outer tube (100).

7. A method for manufacturing a suspension bushing as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The manufacturing method includes the following steps: S1: The outer tube (100), inner tube (200), and mounting sleeve (400) are machined and formed, and the second buffer part (320) is pre-formed using a mold; S2: Insert the second buffer member (320) into the positioning groove (211), and then insert the inner tube (200) together with the second buffer member (320) into the inner cavity (110), so that the second buffer member (320) is limited by the reinforcing ring (140), and the outer end of each second buffer member (320) abuts against the inner cavity (110), and one of the second buffer members (320) is aligned with the deformation hole (120); S3: Apply adhesive to the outer wall of the inner cavity (110), buffer component two (320), and inner tube (200), and store at a constant temperature; S4: The outer tube (100), buffer component two (320), and inner tube (200) are placed into the molding mold as a whole. The molding mold fills the space between the inner tube (200), outer tube (100), and buffer component two (320) with fluid rubber. After the rubber cools, the buffer component one (310) is formed, and the buffer groove (311) is formed at both ends of the buffer component one (310). At this time, the buffer component one (310) bonds the outer tube (100), buffer component two (320), and inner tube (200) into a whole with a gapless fit.

8. A control arm assembly, characterized in that: The control arm assembly includes a control arm body (1) and a suspension bushing according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the control arm body (1) has a sleeve (11) and the suspension bushing is installed in the sleeve (11).

Images