Hydraulic bushing and front lower control arm

Abstract

The invention discloses a hydraulic bushing and a front lower control arm. The hydraulic bushing comprises an inner pipe, an elastic main spring, two runner arc plates and an outer pipe which are coaxially arranged, the elastic main spring is arranged outside the inner pipe in a sleeving mode, and the elastic main spring and the inner pipe form an integrated structure. The two runner arc plates are clamped outside the elastic main spring and are in interference fit with the elastic main spring, and an inner cavity is formed between the runner arc plates and the elastic main spring; the runner arc plate is sleeved with the outer pipe, an outer cavity is formed between the runner arc plate and the outer pipe, and after the inner cavity and the outer cavity are filled with fluid, the outer pipe is connected with the runner arc plate in a sealed mode; a first liquid channel is arranged on the side, facing the outer pipe, of each flow channel arc plate. A first flow channel hole is formed in the first liquid channel, and a decoupling film is arranged on the side, opposite to the first liquid channel, of the first flow channel hole; a plurality of protruding structures are arranged on the surface of at least one side of the decoupling film. The invention discloses a hydraulic bushing and a front lower control arm. The problem that abnormal sound is generated by a hydraulic bushing in an existing suspension system under the vibration working condition is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive chassis suspension technology, and more specifically, to a hydraulic bushing and a front lower control arm. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry, users' demands for vehicle comfort are constantly increasing. Road vibrations are transmitted to the vehicle body through the suspension system, and hydraulic bushings absorb vibration energy through their internal channels. However, under special road conditions, the hydraulic bushings currently used are prone to producing abnormal noises such as "chattering" or "thumping," affecting the overall NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance of the vehicle.

[0003] Currently, traditional control arms use pure rubber bushings, with a rubber layer coated on the inner wall of the bushing to improve shock absorption. However, this type of structure has limited damping and is difficult to effectively suppress front wheel shimmy and high-frequency vibrations. To address the shortcomings of rubber bushings, hydraulic bushings have emerged. Typical designs employ multi-layer structures and radial flow channels, increasing the damping angle to over 60°. However, under high-frequency conditions, the dynamic stiffness is too high, leading to a decrease in vibration isolation performance. Studies have shown that hydraulic bushings have a 32% better vibration reduction capability than pure rubber bushings, but abnormal noise remains a major bottleneck, affecting the overall NVH performance of the vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, a new type of hydraulic bushing and front lower control arm is needed to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to propose a hydraulic bushing and a front lower control arm, which can effectively solve the problem of abnormal noise generated by the hydraulic bushing in the existing suspension system under vibration conditions.

[0006] Based on the above objectives, this application provides a hydraulic bushing comprising: an inner tube, an elastic main spring, two flow channel arc plates, and an outer tube arranged coaxially; the elastic main spring is sleeved outside the inner tube and forms an integral structure with the inner tube; the two flow channel arc plates are clamped outside the elastic main spring and are interference-fitted with the elastic main spring, forming an inner cavity between the flow channel arc plates and the elastic main spring; the outer tube is sleeved outside the flow channel arc plates, forming an outer cavity between the flow channel arc plates and the outer tube; after fluid is filled into the inner cavity and the outer cavity, the outer tube is sealed and connected to the flow channel arc plates; wherein, each flow channel arc plate has a first liquid channel on the side facing the outer tube; the first liquid channel has a first flow channel hole, and a decoupling membrane is provided on the side of the first flow channel hole facing away from the first liquid channel; wherein, at least one surface of the decoupling membrane has a plurality of protrusion structures.

[0007] Optionally, a plurality of protrusion structures are provided on each of the opposite sides of the decoupling membrane, and the protrusion structures on each side of the decoupling membrane may be different.

[0008] Optionally, each side surface of the protrusion structure includes multiple protrusions arranged in an array or in an irregular manner; and / or the protrusion structure includes multiple protrusions arranged side by side or in an alternating manner.

[0009] Optionally, the decoupling membrane includes at least a support layer, a damping layer, and an elastic buffer layer arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside, and the protruding structure is disposed on the elastic buffer layer.

[0010] Optionally, a mounting groove is provided around the side of the first flow channel hole facing away from the first liquid channel, and the decoupling membrane is movably disposed in the mounting groove to connect or disconnect the first flow hole.

[0011] Optionally, a cover plate is provided on the side surface of the flow channel arc plate facing the elastic main spring, and the cover plate is provided with a plurality of through holes, which are provided corresponding to the first flow channel hole; the decoupling membrane can cover the through holes.

[0012] Optionally, the flow channel arc plate and the cover plate are an integral structure.

[0013] Optionally, a second liquid channel is further provided on the side surface of the flow channel arc plate facing the outer tube, and the second liquid channel is spaced apart from the first liquid channel along the axial direction of the flow channel arc plate; a second flow channel hole is provided on the second liquid channel, and the second flow channel hole penetrates the inner cavity and the outer cavity.

[0014] Optionally, the diameter of the first flow channel hole and the diameter of the second flow channel hole are gradually changing, with the diameter increasing from small to large along the direction from the inner cavity to the outer cavity.

[0015] In addition, this application also provides a front lower control arm, including the aforementioned hydraulic bushing, wherein the inner tube of the hydraulic bushing is mounted on the arm body of the front lower control arm.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the hydraulic bushing and front lower control arm provided in this application have the following advantages: the decoupling membrane can control the opening and closing of the path. By setting the decoupling membrane and optimizing its structure, including adding multiple protrusions on the decoupling membrane, the concentrated collision energy is converted into multi-point elastic deformation by dispersing the contact stress. When the decoupling membrane is excited and displaced, the protrusions will preferentially form a progressive contact with the flow channel arc plate. More than 90% of the impact energy is absorbed through material deformation, which can effectively solve the problem of abnormal noise caused by the direct collision between the decoupling membrane and the flow channel arc plate in the suspension system under vibration conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above features and technical advantages of this application will become clearer and easier to understand from the following description of its embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the hydraulic bushing used in a specific embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel arc plate used in a specific embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupling membrane used in a specific embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the hydraulic bushing used in a specific embodiment of this application.

[0022] In the attached figures, the following reference numerals are used: 10: inner tube; 20: elastic main spring; 30: flow channel arc plate; 31: first liquid channel; 32: first flow channel hole; 33: mounting groove; 34: through hole; 35: cover plate; 36: second liquid channel; 37: second flow channel hole; 40: outer tube; 50: inner cavity; 60: decoupling membrane; 61: protruding structure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the specific embodiments of this application are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions of embodiments are intended to aid in understanding this application but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the hydraulic bushing used in a specific embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel arc plate used in a specific embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupling membrane used in a specific embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydraulic bushing used in a specific embodiment of this application. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the hydraulic bushing includes an inner tube 10, an elastic main spring 20, two flow channel arc plates 30, and an outer tube 40 arranged coaxially.

[0025] The elastic main spring 20 is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 10 and forms an integrated structure with the inner tube 10; for example, the elastic main spring 20 and the inner tube 10 are integrated through vulcanization. Two flow channel arc plates 30 are clamped on the outside of the elastic main spring 20, and the two flow channel arc plates 30 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the elastic main spring 20; both flow channel arc plates 30 are interference-fitted with the elastic main spring 20, and an inner cavity 50 is formed between the flow channel arc plates 30 and the elastic main spring 20. An outer tube 40 is sleeved on the outside of the flow channel arc plate 30, forming an outer cavity between the flow channel arc plate 30 and the outer tube 40. After the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity are filled with fluid, the outer tube 40 is sealed and connected to the flow channel arc plate 30. Each flow channel arc plate 30 has a first liquid channel 31 on the side facing the outer tube 40. The first liquid channel 31 has a first flow channel hole 32, and a decoupling membrane 60 is provided on the side of the first flow channel hole 32 facing away from the first liquid channel 31. At least one side surface of the decoupling membrane 60 has a plurality of protrusion structures 61.

[0026] The inner tube 10 and outer tube 40 can be made of the same material, including but not limited to 6082 aluminum. The elastic main spring 20 is made of natural rubber (NR). Using natural rubber to form the elastic main spring 20 allows it to better absorb impact and reduce vibration. The integrated structure formed by vulcanization of the elastic main spring 20 and the inner tube 10 effectively ensures the structural stability and thus better withstands mechanical loads. The flow channel arc plate 30 is made of PA66 material (thermoplastic). The outer layer and protruding structure 61 of the decoupling membrane 60 are made of natural rubber (NR). Using natural rubber to form the decoupling membrane 60 allows it to better absorb impact and reduce vibration. The fluids filled in the inner cavity 50 and outer cavity include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol solutions. Using ethylene glycol solution as the hydraulic fluid offers advantages such as good stability across the entire temperature range. The dynamic viscosity of ethylene glycol solution changes little at both high and low temperatures, which helps reduce damping coefficient fluctuations. In addition, ethylene glycol solution has a large specific heat capacity, which can absorb most of the frictional heat during localized temperature rise during braking, thus preventing rubber thermal aging.

[0027] Hydraulic fluid can flow through the outer cavity, the first liquid channel 31, the first flow channel hole 32, and the inner cavity 50. When a decoupling membrane 60 is provided between the first flow channel hole 32 and the inner cavity 50, under normal conditions, the decoupling membrane 60 isolates the liquid flow from the outer cavity, the first liquid channel 31, the first flow channel hole 32, and the inner cavity 50. When the hydraulic bushing operates under conditions of small amplitude and high frequency, the decoupling membrane 60 is relatively displaced, thereby opening the path and allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow between the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity through the decoupling membrane 60.

[0028] Using the aforementioned hydraulic bushing, the decoupling membrane 60 can control the opening and closing of the path. By setting the decoupling membrane 60 and optimizing its structure, including adding multiple protrusions 61 to the decoupling membrane 60, the concentrated collision energy is converted into multi-point elastic deformation by dispersing contact stress. When the decoupling membrane 60 is excited and displaced, the protrusions 61 will preferentially form a progressive contact with the flow channel arc plate 30, absorbing the impact energy through material deformation. This can effectively solve the problem of abnormal noise caused by the direct collision between the decoupling membrane 60 and the flow channel arc plate 30 under vibration conditions in the suspension system.

[0029] Optionally, multiple protrusions 61 are provided on both opposite sides of the decoupling membrane 60, and the protrusions 61 on each side of the decoupling membrane 60 can be different. Multiple protrusions 61 are provided on the side of the decoupling membrane 60 facing the outer tube 40 and the side facing the elastic main spring 20, respectively. By adding multiple protrusions 61 on both sides of the decoupling membrane 60, the concentrated collision energy can be converted into multi-point elastic deformation by dispersing contact stress during the reciprocating movement of the decoupling membrane 60. During the reciprocating movement, the protrusions on both sides will preferentially form progressive contact with the flow channel arc plate 30, absorbing impact energy through material deformation, thereby reducing collision noise.

[0030] Depending on different requirements, the arrangement of the multiple protrusions 61 can be varied. Optionally, each side surface of the protrusions 61 may include multiple protrusions arranged in an array or in a random pattern; and / or the protrusions 61 may include multiple protrusions arranged in parallel or staggered patterns. For example, the decoupling membrane 60 has 24 protrusions 61 on each side. The protrusions 61 on both sides can adopt different structures. Under small amplitude and high frequency operating conditions, the collision noise between the decoupling membrane 60 and the flow channel arc plate 30 can be eliminated, thereby reducing collision noise.

[0031] Optionally, the decoupling membrane 60 includes at least a support layer, a damping layer, and an elastic buffer layer arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside, with protruding structures 61 disposed on the elastic buffer layer. The stiffness of the support layer, damping layer, and elastic buffer layer gradually decreases. The support layer includes, but is not limited to, a stainless steel support mesh; the damping layer includes, but is not limited to, a honeycomb structure; and the elastic buffer layer is made of natural rubber (NR), with protruding structures 61 disposed on the elastic buffer layer. Using the above-mentioned decoupling membrane, a dual structural optimization of the decoupling membrane 60 is achieved. First, an array of protruding structures 61 with specific geometric parameters is added to both sides of the membrane body to convert concentrated collision energy into multi-point elastic deformation by dispersing contact stress. Second, the composite layered structure of the decoupling membrane 60 is reconstructed, employing a gradient stiffness design to give the surface layer elastic buffering characteristics, while the bottom layer maintains supporting strength. This design ensures that when the decoupling membrane 60 is excited and displaced, the protruding structures 61 preferentially form progressive contact with the flow channel arc plate 30, absorbing more than 90% of the impact energy through material deformation. Based on the honeycomb damping characteristics of the intermediate damping layer, its high-frequency vibration isolation performance is approximately 8% better than that of conventional decoupling membranes. Furthermore, the introduction of a stainless steel support mesh increases the overall fatigue life of the decoupling membrane 60 to 2.3 times that of traditional structures, solving the performance degradation problem caused by material creep after long-term use. Through optimization of the decoupling membrane 60 structure, including its geometry and material composition, collision noise is significantly reduced, high-frequency vibration isolation performance and mechanical durability are improved, and the overall NVH performance and service life of the vehicle are significantly enhanced.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the decoupling membrane 60 should be designed with a structural stiffness that is as soft as possible while still meeting performance requirements, thereby reducing the valve opening pressure on both sides. Generally, the valve opening pressure is less than 1.0 bar.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, two first flow channel holes 32 are symmetrically arranged on the first liquid channel 31, and a decoupling membrane 60 is provided in each first flow channel hole 32. The fluid impact is dispersed by the two first flow channel holes 32, and the displacement is dispersed by the two decoupling membranes 60, thereby reducing the displacement distance, reducing the contact force with the flow channel arc plate 30, and reducing collision noise.

[0034] Optionally, a mounting groove 33 is provided around the periphery of the first flow channel hole 32 on the side opposite to the first liquid channel 31. The decoupling membrane 60 is movably disposed within the mounting groove 33 to connect or disconnect the first flow channel hole 32. When the hydraulic bushing operates under small amplitude and high frequency conditions, the decoupling membrane 60 displaces relative to the flow channel arc plate 30, thereby opening the path and allowing hydraulic fluid to flow between the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity via the decoupling membrane 60. Through multiple protrusions 61 on both sides, the decoupling membrane 60 can eliminate the risk of abnormal noise from impact between the decoupling membrane 60 and the flow channel arc plate 30 under small amplitude and high frequency conditions.

[0035] To further reduce the impact of hydraulic fluid on the decoupling membrane 60, optionally, a cover plate 35 is provided on the surface of the flow channel arc plate 30 facing the elastic main spring 20, and the cover plate 35 is provided with multiple through holes 34; the multiple through holes 34 are corresponding to the first flow channel hole 32, and the decoupling membrane 60 can cover the through holes 34 on the cover plate 35. By providing a cover plate 35 with through holes 34 on one side of the decoupling membrane 60, the through holes 34 on the cover plate 35 connect the decoupling membrane 60 and the inner cavity 50, which can buffer and disperse the flowing hydraulic fluid, so that the impact energy of the hydraulic fluid contacts the decoupling membrane 60 in a dispersed manner, thereby reducing the displacement of the decoupling membrane 60 and reducing the abruptness of the displacement, making the contact between the decoupling membrane 60 and the flow channel arc plate 30 more gentle, thereby reducing noise.

[0036] Optionally, the flow channel arc plate 30 and the cover plate 35 are an integral structure. The portion of the flow channel arc plate 30 facing the elastic main spring 20 and corresponding to the first flow channel hole 32 is the cover plate 35. By using a portion of the flow channel arc plate 30 as the cover plate 35, the structural strength of the cover plate 35 is ensured while making the structure more compact.

[0037] Optionally, a second liquid channel 36 is also provided on the surface of the flow channel arc plate 30 facing the outer tube 40. The second liquid channel 36 is spaced apart from the first liquid channel 31 along the axial direction of the flow channel arc plate 30. A second flow channel hole 37 is provided on the second liquid channel 36, which penetrates the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity. Under small amplitude and high frequency operating conditions, the hydraulic fluid will flow between the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity through the decoupling membrane 60 and the first flow channel hole 32. Under large amplitude and low frequency operating conditions, the hydraulic fluid will flow between the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity through the second flow channel hole 37 on the second liquid channel 36. In some feasible embodiments of this application, at least a portion of the first liquid channel 31 has a height difference with the first flow channel hole 32 along the axial direction, and at least a portion of the second liquid channel 36 has a height difference with the second flow channel hole 37. When the hydraulic fluid flows between the liquid channel and the flow channel hole, a damping effect can be generated based on the height difference, effectively absorbing minor vibrations.

[0038] Optionally, the diameters of the first flow channel orifice 32 and the second flow channel orifice 37 are gradually changing, with the orifice diameter decreasing from small to large along the direction from the inner cavity 50 to the outer cavity. This gradual increase in diameter can include a flared design, such as a bell-shaped structure, or a flow channel orifice consisting of two sections, one with a smaller diameter and the other with a larger diameter. Using a gradual increase in diameter structure for the flow channel orifice can effectively reduce the flow velocity impacting the decoupling membrane 60.

[0039] The following section further describes the specific usage process of hydraulic bushings.

[0040] Hydraulic fluid can flow through the outer cavity, the first liquid channel 31, the first flow channel hole 32, and the inner cavity 50. When a decoupling membrane 60 is provided between the first flow channel hole 32 and the inner cavity 50, under normal conditions, the decoupling membrane 60 isolates the liquid flow from the outer cavity, the first liquid channel 31, the first flow channel hole 32, and the inner cavity 50. When the hydraulic bushing operates under small amplitude and high frequency conditions, the decoupling membrane 60 is relatively displaced, thereby opening the path and allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow between the inner cavity 50 and the outer cavity through the decoupling membrane 60. During the reciprocating movement of the decoupling membrane 60, the protruding structures 61 on both sides of the decoupling membrane 60 can convert concentrated collision energy into multi-point elastic deformation by dispersing contact stress. During reciprocating movement, the protrusions on both sides will preferentially form progressive contact with the flow channel arc plate 30, absorbing impact energy through material deformation, thereby reducing collision noise.

[0041] In addition, this application also provides a front lower control arm, including the hydraulic bushing described above, wherein the inner tube 10 of the hydraulic bushing is mounted on the arm body of the front lower control arm. The implementation of the hydraulic bushing can be referred to the implementation of the hydraulic bushing in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] In summary, based on the above description and practice, the hydraulic bushing and front lower control arm provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art: the decoupling membrane 60 can control the opening and closing of the path. By setting the decoupling membrane 60 and optimizing its structure in two ways, firstly, multiple protruding structures 61 are added to the decoupling membrane 60. By dispersing the contact stress, the concentrated collision energy is converted into multi-point elastic deformation. When the decoupling membrane 60 is excited and displaced, the protruding structures 61 will preferentially form a progressive contact with the flow channel arc plate 30. Through material deformation, more than 90% of the impact energy is absorbed, thereby effectively solving the problem of abnormal noise caused by the direct collision between the decoupling membrane 60 and the flow channel arc plate 30 under vibration conditions in the suspension system.

[0043] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the scope of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hydraulic bushing characterized by, The hydraulic bushing comprises an inner tube, an elastic main spring, two flow channel arc plates and an outer tube, the elastic main spring is sleeved outside the inner tube and forms an integrated structure with the inner tube, the two flow channel arc plates are clamped outside the elastic main spring and are assembled with the elastic main spring in interference, an inner cavity is formed between the flow channel arc plates and the elastic main spring, the outer tube is sleeved outside the flow channel arc plates, an outer cavity is formed between the flow channel arc plates and the outer tube, and the outer tube is connected with the flow channel arc plates in a sealed manner after the inner cavity and the outer cavity are filled with fluid, wherein a first liquid channel is arranged on each flow channel arc plate towards the outer tube, a first flow channel hole is arranged on the first liquid channel, a decoupling film is arranged on the side of the first flow channel hole away from the first liquid channel, and a plurality of protruding structures are arranged on at least one side surface of the decoupling film. The decoupling film is provided with a plurality of protruding structures on opposite sides, and the protruding structures on each side surface of the decoupling film can be different.

2. The hydraulic bushing of claim 1, wherein, Each side surface of the protruding structure comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged in an array or in a random manner, and / or the protruding structure comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged in parallel or staggered.

3. The hydraulic bushing of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The decoupling film comprises, from inside to outside, a supporting layer, a damping layer and an elastic buffer layer, and the protruding structure is arranged on the elastic buffer layer.

4. The hydraulic bushing of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The side of the first flow channel hole away from the first liquid channel is provided with a mounting groove, and the decoupling film is movably arranged in the mounting groove to connect or cut off the first flow hole.

5. The hydraulic bushing of claim 1 or 2, wherein, A cover plate is arranged on the side surface of the flow channel arc plate towards the elastic main spring, the cover plate is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the first flow channel hole, and the decoupling film can cover the through holes.

6. The hydraulic bushing of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flow channel arc plate and the cover plate are an integrated structure.

7. The hydraulic bushing of claim 6, wherein, A second liquid channel is further arranged on the side surface of the flow channel arc plate towards the outer tube, the second liquid channel is arranged in a spaced manner with the first liquid channel along the axial direction of the flow channel arc plate, the second liquid channel is provided with a second flow channel hole, and the second flow channel hole penetrates the inner cavity and the outer cavity.

8. The hydraulic bushing of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The diameters of the first flow channel hole and the second flow channel hole are gradually changed, and the diameters are first small and then large along the direction from the inner cavity to the outer cavity.

9. The hydraulic bushing of claim 8, wherein, The hydraulic bushing comprises an inner tube, an elastic main spring, two flow channel arc plates and an outer tube, the elastic main spring is sleeved outside the inner tube and forms an integrated structure with the inner tube, the two flow channel arc plates are clamped outside the elastic main spring and are assembled with the elastic main spring in interference, an inner cavity is formed between the flow channel arc plates and the elastic main spring, the outer tube is sleeved outside the flow channel arc plates, an outer cavity is formed between the flow channel arc plates and the outer tube, and the outer tube is connected with the flow channel arc plates in a sealed manner after the inner cavity and the outer cavity are filled with fluid, wherein a first liquid channel is arranged on each flow channel arc plate towards the outer tube, a first flow channel hole is arranged on the first liquid channel, a decoupling film is arranged on the side of the first flow channel hole away from the first liquid channel, and a plurality of protruding structures are arranged on at least one side surface of the decoupling film.

10. A front lower control arm characterized by, ​

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