Mounting frame for vehicle

Abstract

A mount for a vehicle is disclosed, in which the mount includes: an outer tube made of a plastic material, the outer tube having a slit, one end and the other end of the slit facing and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the outer tube; the inner pipe and the outer pipe are coaxially arranged, and the inner pipe is arranged in the outer pipe; a main rubber member coupled to the inner tube and mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube; and a bracket formed therein with a press-fit hole into which the outer tube is configured to be press-fitted when one end and the other end of the slit are connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a mounting bracket for a vehicle. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a mounting bracket for a vehicle that reduces weight and cost and solves quality problems such as corrosion by using an outer tube made of plastic material. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, electric vehicles are equipped with a power electronics (PE) module as the power source for the electric motor and gearbox. PE modules are characterized by not exhibiting the idling conditions found in internal combustion engine vehicles and by operating at high frequencies.

[0003] Considering the operating conditions of the high-frequency band, the PE module is mounted on the vehicle body using a tubular mounting bracket and a three-point or four-point mounting method to control static and dynamic behavior.

[0004] A typical PE module mounting bracket, or PE mounting bracket, is manufactured as follows: the main rubber components are vulcanized on an outer and inner steel tube, and then the outer tube is forged and press-fitted into the bracket.

[0005] However, when the material of the outer tube is changed to plastic in order to reduce the weight and cost of the PE mounting bracket, the disadvantages in shape and structure caused by the material change can be overcome. It may also be advantageous in terms of quality issues such as corrosion, as well as cost and weight, because the design freedom in shape realization is greater than that of a typical outer tube made of steel. However, there is the problem of deterioration in durability.

[0006] In other words, when using a steel outer tube to manufacture a PE mounting bracket, the main rubber components are vulcanized on the outer and inner tubes, and then the outer tube is forged to press-fit into the bracket. This allows for the pre-application of compressive residual stress to the main rubber components, which is advantageous in terms of durability.

[0007] However, when using a plastic outer tube to manufacture a PE mounting bracket, after the main rubber components are vulcanized on the outer and inner tubes, the outer tube is immediately press-fitted into the bracket at high temperature, and the outer tube is forged to such an extent that pre-applying compressive residual stress to the main rubber components would cause the plastic outer tube to crack before plastic deformation and thus cannot be applied.

[0008] Therefore, when using an outer tube made of plastic to manufacture a PE mounting bracket, it is impossible to pre-compensate for excessive stress and strain caused by external loads, because the residual compressive stress from the forging cannot be pre-applied to the main rubber components, thus deteriorating the durability of the main rubber components.

[0009] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems related to the prior art. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a mount for a vehicle, wherein an outer tube, which serves as a component of the mount and is configured to interconnect an insulator and a bracket, is made of plastic and has a partially open structure to prevent damage such as bending or folding of the outer tube during swaging, regardless of material properties. The outer tube also has snap-fit ​​structures protruding at its front and rear to prevent axial separation when assembled in the bracket.

[0011] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a mounting bracket for a vehicle, wherein the mounting bracket may include an outer tube made of a plastic material, and the outer tube has a slit formed therein, one end of the slit facing each other and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the outer tube. The mounting bracket may further include an inner tube arranged coaxially with and disposed within the outer tube, and a main rubber component coupled to the inner tube and mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube. The mounting bracket may also include a support having a press-fit hole formed therein, the outer tube being configured to press-fit into the press-fit hole with one end of the slit connected to the other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outer tube may include a first catch protruding from one end of the outer tube to engage in a press-fit hole on the front side of the bracket, and a second catch protruding from the other end of the outer tube to engage in a press-fit hole on the rear side of the bracket.

[0013] In another embodiment, each of the first and second fasteners can be formed upright and have a predetermined length in the vertical direction. A portion of the first fastener can be inclined downward in the direction in which the outer tube is pressed into the press-fit hole.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the outer tube may include a first mating portion defined at one end of the slit, and a second mating portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the first mating portion and defined at the other end of the slit.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the first mating portion may include a mounting groove, while the second mating portion may include a locking projection protruding therefrom and configured to insert into the mounting groove.

[0016] In another embodiment, the first matching part and the second matching part may each include a toothed member, wherein the toothed members may have corresponding shapes.

[0017] In another embodiment, the first mating portion may include a first locking member formed in a stepped manner, and the second mating portion may include a second locking member formed and configured to engage with the first locking member.

[0018] Other aspects and implementations of this disclosure are discussed below.

[0019] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and vessels, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As described herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0020] The above-mentioned features and other features of this disclosure are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other features of this disclosure are described in detail with reference to certain embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are given hereinafter by way of example only and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a view showing a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a view showing the outer tube of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view showing the initial state of the outer tube of the mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view showing the press-fit state of the outer tube of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a view showing the outer tube press-fitted into a vehicle mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 8This is a view showing a first fastener and a second fastener of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Figures 9A-9C These are views showing embodiments of a first mating portion and a second mating portion of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and therefore present a somewhat simplified representation of the various features illustrating the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of this disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, and throughout the various figures, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent portions of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing this disclosure, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is defined only by the class of the claims.

[0034] In describing this disclosure, detailed explanations of relevant known functions or constructions are omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the essential points of this disclosure, but will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0035] When a component, device, element, etc., of this disclosure is described as having a certain purpose or performing an operation or function, the component, device, or element shall be regarded herein as being "constructed" to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a view showing a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a view showing the outer tube of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view showing the initial state of the outer tube of the mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view showing the press-fit state of the outer tube of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a view showing the outer tube press-fitted into a vehicle mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a view showing the first and second fasteners of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 9A-9C These are views showing embodiments of a first mating portion and a second mating portion of a mounting bracket for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Electric vehicles are typically heavier than internal combustion engine vehicles due to the weight of specialized components such as batteries, and energy efficiency decreases with increasing vehicle weight. Therefore, applying lightweight technologies to electric vehicles is a crucial task for the future automotive market.

[0042] Recently, interest in lightweight materials has increased significantly due to the limitations and declining efficiency of traditional lightweighting technologies (such as structural lightweighting and simplification of construction methods).

[0043] In other words, although material lightweighting, which is a method of replacing steel with lightweight materials or partially fusing lightweight materials with steel, is more effective than lightweighting through structural or engineering improvements, material lightweighting requires changes in manufacturing methods and design, and has the disadvantage of deteriorating mechanical properties, such as stiffness.

[0044] Therefore, this embodiment provides a mounting bracket for a vehicle, such as... Figure 1 As shown, there is an outer tube 100, an inner tube 200, a main rubber component 300, and a support 400. The outer tube 100 is made of plastic material instead of the steel traditionally used, in order to address these issues.

[0045] In one example, the outer tube 100 is made of plastic material and has a cylindrical shape.

[0046] The inner tube 200 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or steel and has a cylindrical shape. The main rubber component 300 (or insulator) is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 200.

[0047] When the main rubber component 300 is assembled into the outer tube 100, the inner tube 200 is arranged coaxially with the outer tube 100 in the outer tube 100.

[0048] The inner tube 200 is connected to the power electronics (PE) module or power system via a separate fastening member (not shown) and transfers the load of the PE module or power system to the main rubber component 300.

[0049] By utilizing the properties of rubber materials, the main rubber component 300 is configured to support the load of the component, i.e., the PE module or power system connected to the inner tube 200, and to isolate vibration. In this respect, the main rubber component 300 may also be referred to herein as an insulator or an insulating component.

[0050] The main rubber or insulating component 300 can be vulcanized on the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 200 and assembled onto the outer tube 100 while being placed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 200.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an outer tube 100 has a slit 110 formed therein, and one end (i.e., the first end) and the other end (i.e., the second end) of the slit 110 face each other and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 100.

[0052] Typically, the outer tube 100 is a structure that connects the insulator, including the inner tube 200 and the main rubber component 300, to the support 400. To prevent the insulator from separating from the support 400, residual stress in the main rubber component 300 should be removed by a forging process. However, since the outer tube 100 is made of plastic, damage such as breakage or tearing may occur during the forging process due to the material properties.

[0053] More specifically, since the main rubber component 300 is made of rubber material, residual stress will be generated due to shrinkage when the main rubber component 300 is cooled after injection molding. The residual stress may cause cracks in the main rubber component 300.

[0054] Therefore, the outer tube 100 forms a slit 110 therein in the circumferential direction, such as Figure 5 As shown, during the forging process, the slit 110 is closed to allow selective contact between one end and the other end, thereby preventing bending or folding by utilizing the mutual thrust acting between the two ends (see...). Figure 1 (The direction of the arrow in the image).

[0055] The slit 110 structure of the outer tube 100 can prevent the outer tube 100 from bending or folding and allow the outer tube 100 to be press-fit into the bracket 400, while eliminating residual stress in the main rubber component 300, thereby ensuring the durability of the main rubber component 300.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer tube 100 may include a first mating part 120 and a second mating part 130.

[0057] The first matching part 120 is defined at one end of the slit 110.

[0058] The second matching part 130 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first matching part 120 and is defined at the other end of the slit 110.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the first mating part 120 may include a mounting groove 122, and the second mating part 130 may include a locking protrusion 132 protruding toward the mounting groove 122.

[0060] The mounting groove 122 and the locking protrusion 132 can guide the first mating part 120 and the second mating part 130 to align with each other when they come into contact during the forging process of the outer tube 100, and can also prevent misalignment of the first mating part 120 and the second mating part 130 by fixing the outer tube 100 in place when it is press-fitted into the bracket 400.

[0061] The outer tube 100 may shrink or deform due to the limitations of the plastic material, and the contact surface between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 100 and the main rubber component 300 may become uneven when the main rubber component 300 is vulcanized. Therefore, the insulator may not be securely fixed in the press-fit hole H in the bracket 400 (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0062] Therefore, the first mating part 120 and the second mating part 130, which are opposite to each other through the slit 110, are respectively provided with a mounting groove 122 and a locking protrusion 132, and as shown... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the outer tube 100 is press-fitted into the press-fit hole H by a forging, the mounting groove 122 and the locking protrusion 132 are coupled to each other. Therefore, even if the outer tube 100 shrinks or deforms, or the contact surface between the main rubber component 300 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 100 is not flat, the position of the mating surface between the first mating part 120 and the second mating part 130 can be effectively guided.

[0063] The structure of the mounting groove 122 and the locking protrusion 132 allows the first mating part 120 and the second mating part 130 to be fixed in place while mating with each other, thereby preventing the first mating part 120 and the second mating part 130 from mismatching.

[0064] Figure 1 , 3 The structure of the mounting groove 122 and locking protrusion 132 in section 4 is only one embodiment, but the structure can have different shapes to achieve the same purpose.

[0065] In one implementation, such as Figure 9A As shown, the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130 may include toothed members 124 and 134 having corresponding shapes to each other.

[0066] Therefore, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the outer tube 100 is press-fitted into the press-fit hole H by a die forging, the toothed members 124 and 134 engage with each other, thereby guiding the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130 to match each other and preventing vertical mismatch of the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130.

[0067] In another implementation, such as Figure 9B As shown, the first mating part 120 may include a first locking member 126 formed in a stepped manner, and the second mating part 130 may include a second locking member 136 formed to engage with the first locking member 126 (i.e., in the opposite stepped manner).

[0068] Therefore, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the outer tube 100 is press-fitted into the press-fit hole H by a forging, the first locking member 126 and the second locking member 136 are coupled to engage with each other, thereby guiding the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130 to match each other and preventing vertical mismatch of the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130.

[0069] In yet another implementation, such as Figure 9C As shown, the first mating portion 120 may include an inlet hole 128 at its central portion, and the second mating portion 130 may include a protrusion 138 formed to be inserted into the inlet hole 128.

[0070] Therefore, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the outer tube 100 is press-fitted into the press-fit hole H by inserting the protrusion 138 into the inlet hole 128, the inlet hole 128 and the protrusion 138 engage with each other, thereby guiding the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130 to match each other and preventing lateral mismatch of the first matching part 120 and the second matching part 130.

[0071] The shapes of the first matching portion 120 and the second matching portion 130 for preventing mismatch are not limited to these embodiments (see [link]). Figures 9A-9C (and can be varied to achieve the same purpose.)

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer tube 100 may include a first fastener 140 and a second fastener 150.

[0073] The first fastener 140 protrudes from one end of the outer tube 100 so as to engage in the press-fit hole H on the front side of the bracket 400.

[0074] The second fastener 150 protrudes from the other end of the outer tube 100 so as to engage in the press-fit hole H on the rear side of the bracket 400.

[0075] The first fastener 140 and the second fastener 150 have a predetermined length in the vertical direction and are formed upright at a 90° angle (i.e., each of the first fastener 140 and the second fastener 150 extends outward from the outer surface of the outer tube 100 relative to the outer surface of the outer tube 100), thereby preventing the outer tube 100 from moving back and forth when pressed into the press-fit hole H.

[0076] The shapes of the first fastener 140 and the second fastener 150 can be different from each other.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the first fastener 140 (or a portion thereof) may be inclined downward in the direction in which the outer tube 100 is pressed into the press-fit hole H.

[0078] In other words, by tilting a portion of the first fastener 140 as described above, the outer tube 100 can be easily inserted into the press-fit hole H in the pressing direction while sliding on the tilted surface, thereby improving the assemblability of the outer tube 100 and the bracket 400.

[0079] As a result, since the first fastener 140 of the outer tube 100 is formed upright at one end of the outer tube 100 including the inclined surface, and the second fastener 150 is formed upright at the other end of the outer tube 100, facing the first fastener 140 and forming a 90° angle, one end of the outer tube 100 can improve assemblability, and the other end of the outer tube 100 can maximize disassembly force.

[0080] As can be clearly seen from the above description, this disclosure provides the following effects.

[0081] According to this disclosure, the outer tube used for interconnecting the insulator and the support is made of plastic material and has a partially open structure to prevent damage such as bending or folding of the outer tube during forging, regardless of material properties. The outer tube has snap-fit ​​structures at its front and rear to prevent axial separation when assembled into the support.

[0082] By using plastic as the outer tube material instead of the steel traditionally used, weight and cost can be reduced compared to using steel, and quality problems such as corrosion can be solved.

[0083] In addition, for the open structure of the outer tube, the shape of the matching area is processed and formed to prevent mismatch, thereby preventing problems such as insulator loosening and movement within the support due to insufficient fixing force.

[0084] In the foregoing, one or more embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that various modifications can be made thereto, and all or part of the above-described embodiments can be selectively combined. Therefore, the true scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mounting bracket for a vehicle, the mounting bracket comprising: The outer tube is made of plastic material and has a slit, one end of which and the other end of which face each other and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the outer tube; An inner tube, which is coaxially arranged with the outer tube and disposed inside the outer tube; The main rubber component, which is coupled to the inner tube and mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube; and A support having a press-fit hole therein, wherein the outer tube is configured to press-fit into the press-fit hole when one end of the slit and the other end of the slit are connected to each other.

2. The mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The outer tube includes: A first fastener, protruding from one end of the outer tube, is designed to engage in a press-fit hole on the front side of the bracket; and The second fastener protrudes from the other end of the outer tube to engage in a press-fit hole on the rear side of the bracket.

3. The mounting bracket according to claim 2, wherein, Both the first fastener and the second fastener are formed upright and have a predetermined length in the vertical direction.

4. The mounting bracket according to claim 3, wherein, A portion of the first fastener is inclined downward in the direction in which the outer tube is pressed into the press-fit hole.

5. The mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The outer tube includes: A first mating portion, the first mating portion being defined at one end of the slit; and The second matching portion has a shape corresponding to that of the first matching portion and is defined at the other end of the slit.

6. The mounting bracket according to claim 5, wherein: The first mating part includes a mounting slot; and The second mating part includes a locking protrusion that protrudes from it and is configured to insert into the mounting slot.

7. The mounting bracket according to claim 5, wherein, The first matching part and the second matching part each include toothed members, wherein the toothed members have shapes corresponding to each other.

8. The mounting bracket according to claim 5, wherein: The first matching part includes a first locking member formed in a stepped manner; and The second mating part includes a second locking member, which is formed and configured to engage with the first locking member.

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