Liquid-filled damping device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid-filled damping device and a manufacturing method thereof. The liquid-filled damping device includes a first member having a first surface and a second member having a second surface facing the first surface. The first surface of the first member is provided with a storage recess configured to store a liquid, and a fitting recess continuously formed with the storage recess and provided on a top surface of the storage recess. The second surface of the second member is provided with a fitting portion configured to be fitted into the fitting recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid-filled vibration damping device and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a liquid-filled vibration damping device was known, which had a space configured to store liquid. As a technique for storing liquid in the space, JPH11-125297A discloses a technique of pre-pressurizing the space to negative pressure using a vacuum pump and then filling the space with liquid.

[0003] However, in the aforementioned prior art, the pressure in the space needs to be negative beforehand, which may increase the time required to store the liquid. Furthermore, when storing high-viscosity liquids (i.e., liquids with poor flowability) in the space, the liquid may not be stored efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above background, the object of the present invention is to provide a liquid-filling vibration damping device and a method thereof that can efficiently store liquids regardless of the viscosity of the liquid and can reduce the working time for storing liquids.

[0005] To achieve this objective, one aspect of the present invention provides a liquid-filled vibration damping device, the liquid-filled vibration damping device comprising: a first member having a first surface; and a second member having a second surface facing the first surface, wherein the first surface of the first member is provided with: a storage recess configured to store liquid; and a fitting recess continuously formed with and disposed on the top surface of the storage recess, the fitting recess being continuously formed with and disposed on the top surface of the storage recess, and the second surface of the second member is provided with a fitting portion configured to fit into the fitting recess.

[0006] To achieve this objective, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid-filled vibration damping device, the method comprising: a filling process, filling the storage recess and the fitting recess with the liquid; and a fitting process, fitting the fitting portion into the fitting recess, wherein, after the filling process is completed and while performing the fitting process, vacuum defoaming of the liquid is initiated.

[0007] To achieve this objective, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid-filled vibration damping device, the method comprising: a filling process, filling the storage recess and the fitting recess with the liquid; and a fitting process, fitting the fitting portion into the fitting recess, thereby causing the liquid in the fitting recess to overflow and defoam.

[0008] Therefore, based on the above aspects, it is possible to provide a liquid-filled vibration damping device and its manufacturing method that can efficiently store liquids regardless of their viscosity and reduce the working time required for liquid storage. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid-filled vibration damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the first component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a partially cut perspective sectional view of the first component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the second component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 5A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the filling process in a method for manufacturing a liquid-filled vibration damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the vacuuming process in the manufacturing method of the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 6A This is an explanatory diagram showing the start of the fitting process in the manufacturing method of the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 6B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the completion of the fitting process in the manufacturing method of the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of a vehicle that uses the fluid-filled vibration damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view showing the mounting member and its surroundings in a vehicle to which the hydrostatic damping device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; and

[0019] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid-filled vibration damping device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the liquid-filled vibration damping device and its manufacturing method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] <Liquid-filled vibration damping device 1>

[0022] First, the liquid-filled vibration damping device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "vibration damping device 1") will be described. In the following text, for ease of explanation, it will be based on... Figure 1 The orientation of the vibration damping device 1 (i.e., its orientation when manufactured) is indicated using directional terms such as "up" and "down". However, the orientation of the vibration damping device 1 during actual use is not limited to... Figure 1 The posture of the vibration damping device 1 can be freely changed according to the layout of the vibration damping device 1.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 The vibration damping device 1 has an annular shape centered on a central axis C. Hereinafter, the side closer to the central axis C will be referred to as the "inner circumferential side," and the side farther from the central axis C will be referred to as the "outer circumferential side." Hereinafter, the simple term "radial direction" refers to the radial direction centered on the central axis C, and the simple term "circumferential direction" refers to the circumferential direction centered on the central axis C. The vibration damping device 1 includes a first member 2 and a second member 3 attached to the first member 2.

[0024] <First Component 2>

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The first component 2 includes a first annular portion 10 having an annular shape centered on a central axis C, a first cylindrical portion 11 protruding downward from the end of the inner circumferential side of the first annular portion 10 and having a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on the central axis C, and an inner circumferential wall 12 protruding from the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 11 toward the inner circumferential side and having an annular shape centered on the central axis C.

[0026] The first annular portion 10 of the first component 2 includes a base component 15, a membrane 16 (an example of an elastic component) and a ring 17 attached to the base component 15. The base component 15, the membrane 16 and the ring 17 are disposed separately from each other.

[0027] The base member 15 of the first annular portion 10 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The base member 15 is provided with a plurality of openings 20 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each opening 20 extends through the base member 15 from the upper surface 21 to the lower surface 22. The base member 15 is made of a metal such as iron.

[0028] The membrane 16 of the first annular portion 10 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The membrane 16 covers a portion of the upper surface 21 of the base member 15, a portion of the lower surface 22 of the base member 15, and a plurality of openings 20 of the base member 15. The membrane 16 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The rigidity of the membrane 16 is lower than that of the base member 15.

[0029] The ring 17 of the first annular portion 10 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The ring 17 is attached to the end of the outer peripheral side of the upper surface 21 of the base member 15. The ring 17 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the membrane 16.

[0030] The upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10 (an example of the first surface of the first member) is provided with a fitting recess 25. The fitting recess 25 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The fitting recess 25 is formed continuously with the storage recess 40 described later and is provided on the upper surface (an example of the top surface) of the storage recess 40. The fitting recess 25 is formed of a membrane 16. The outer peripheral portion 27 and the inner peripheral portion 28 of the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25 are respectively provided with upwardly raised annular protrusions 29. The outer peripheral surface 25B of the fitting recess 25 is provided with a laterally protruding annular protrusion 30, and the inner peripheral surface 25C of the fitting recess 25 is provided with a laterally protruding annular protrusion 31.

[0031] The upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10 has a peripheral protrusion 35 on the outer periphery of the fitting recess 25. The peripheral protrusion 35 is continuously formed with the fitting recess 25. The inner peripheral surface of the peripheral protrusion 35 defines the outer peripheral surface 25B of the fitting recess 25. The peripheral protrusion 35 protrudes perpendicularly to the upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10. The peripheral protrusion 35 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The peripheral protrusion 35 is formed by the base member 15 and the membrane 16.

[0032] The upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10 has an inner peripheral protrusion 36 on the inner peripheral side of the fitting recess 25. The inner peripheral protrusion 36 is continuously formed with the fitting recess 25. The outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral protrusion 36 defines the inner peripheral surface 25C of the fitting recess 25. The inner peripheral protrusion 36 protrudes perpendicularly to the upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10. The inner peripheral protrusion 36 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The inner peripheral protrusion 36 is formed by the base member 15 and the membrane 16.

[0033] A storage recess 40 is provided on the upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10. The storage recess 40 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The storage recess 40 is recessed downward from the radial center of the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25. The storage recess 40 is configured to store a magnetic fluid 41 (an example of a liquid). In another embodiment, the storage recess 40 can be configured to store a non-magnetic fluid. The outer peripheral surface 40A and the inner peripheral surface 40B of the storage recess 40 are formed by a membrane 16. The bottom surface 40C of the storage recess 40 is provided with a plurality of rigid portions 42 formed by the base member 15 and a plurality of elastic portions 43 formed by the membrane 16. The plurality of rigid portions 42 and the plurality of elastic portions 43 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. A portion of each elastic portion 43 is received in each opening 20 of the base member 15. A portion of each elastic portion 43 (i.e., the portion received in each opening 20 of the base member 15) is provided with a downwardly recessed groove 44. The bottom surface 44A of the groove 44 has an uneven shape.

[0034] The first cylindrical portion 11 and the inner peripheral wall 12 of the first component 2 are integrally formed with the base component 15 of the first annular portion 10. The first cylindrical portion 11 and the inner peripheral wall 12 are separately formed from the membrane 16 and the ring 17 of the first annular portion 10.

[0035] <Second Component 3>

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The second component 3 includes a second annular portion 50 having an annular shape centered on a central axis C, a second cylindrical portion 51 protruding downward from the end of the inner circumferential side of the second annular portion 50 and having a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on the central axis C, a connector 52 attached to the second annular portion 50 and the second cylindrical portion 51, and a coil 53 held by the connector 52.

[0037] The lower surface 50A of the second annular portion 50 of the second member 3 (an example of the second surface of the second member) faces the upper surface 10A of the first annular portion 10. The second annular portion 50 does not contact the base member 15 of the first annular portion 10, but contacts the membrane 16 and ring 17 of the first annular portion 10.

[0038] The lower surface 50A of the second annular portion 50 is provided with a fitting portion 55. The fitting portion 55 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The lower surface 55A of the fitting portion 55 abuts against the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25 of the first member 2 to cover the upper surface (example of the top surface) of the storage recess 40 of the first member 2. The lower surface 55A of the fitting portion 55 abuts against a protrusion 29 provided on the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25, thereby causing the protrusion 29 to elastically deform. The outer peripheral surface 55B of the fitting portion 55 fits into the outer peripheral surface 25B of the fitting recess 25. The outer peripheral surface 55B of the fitting portion 55 abuts against a protrusion 30 provided on the outer peripheral surface 25B of the fitting recess 25, thereby causing the protrusion 30 to elastically deform. The inner peripheral surface 55C of the fitting portion 55 fits into the inner peripheral surface 25C of the fitting recess 25. The inner peripheral surface 55C of the fitting portion 55 abuts against the protrusion 31 provided on the inner peripheral surface 25C of the fitting recess 25, thereby causing the protrusion 31 to elastically deform.

[0039] The lower surface 50A of the second annular portion 50 has an outer peripheral recess 56 on the outer peripheral side of the fitting portion 55. The outer peripheral recess 56 is continuously formed with the fitting portion 55. The outer peripheral recess 56 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The outer peripheral protrusion 35 of the first member 2 fits into the outer peripheral recess 56.

[0040] The lower surface 50A of the second annular portion 50 has an inner circumferential recess 57 on the inner circumferential side of the fitting portion 55. The inner circumferential recess 57 is continuously formed with the fitting portion 55. The inner circumferential recess 57 has an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The inner circumferential protrusion 36 of the first member 2 fits into the inner circumferential recess 57.

[0041] A through hole 60 is provided at the radial center of the second annular portion 50. The through hole 60 extends from the lower surface 50A (an example of the second surface of the second member) of the second annular portion 50 to the upper surface 50B (an example of the surface of the second member facing away from the second surface) of the second annular portion 50. The lower end of the through hole 60 (the end closer to the second surface) opens toward the storage recess 40 of the first member 2. The through hole 60 is closed by a plug 61. The plug 61 is made, for example, a screw or a ball bearing. A connecting hole 62 is provided at the inner circumferential end of the second annular portion 50. The connecting hole 62 extends from the lower surface 50A to the upper surface 50B of the second annular portion 50.

[0042] The second cylindrical portion 51 of the second component 3 is integrally formed with the second annular portion 50. The outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is fitted into the inner peripheral wall 12 of the first component 2. The inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 defines a central hole 4.

[0043] The connector 52 of the second component 3 has a main body 65 disposed along the upper surface 50B of the second annular portion 50, a coil holding portion 66 disposed on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 51, and a connecting portion 67 that connects the main body 65 and the coil holding portion 66 through a connecting hole 62 passing through the second annular portion 50. The main body 65 is provided with a fitting groove 68 for fitting a power terminal (not shown). The fitting groove 68 is provided with a power receiving terminal 69 for connecting to the power terminal.

[0044] The coil 53 of the second component 3 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on the central axis C. The coil 53 is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical portion 11 of the first component 2 and the second cylindrical portion 51 of the second component 3. The coil 53 is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the first cylindrical portion 11 and the outer circumferential side of the second cylindrical portion 51. The coil 53 is held by the coil holding portion 66 of the connector 52. The coil 53 and the storage recess 40 of the first component 2 are aligned in the radial direction.

[0045] Coil 53 is connected to the power receiving terminal 69 of connector 52 via wiring 70. When current is supplied to coil 53 from power receiving terminal 69 via wiring 70, coil 53 generates a magnetic field. This applies a magnetic field to the magnetic fluid 41 in storage recess 40, causing the metal particles in the magnetic fluid 41 to align in the direction of the magnetic field. Consequently, the viscous resistance of the magnetic fluid 41 increases in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field, and the rigidity of the vibration damping device 1 increases.

[0046] <Manufacturing Method of Vibration Damping Device 1>

[0047] Next, the manufacturing method of the vibration damping device 1 configured as described above will be explained.

[0048] refer to Figure 5A The operator first performs the filling process. During the filling process, the operator uses the filling device 71 to fill the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25 of the first component 2 with magnetic fluid 41. By filling the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25 with magnetic fluid 41 in this way, it is possible to fill the first component 2 with magnetic fluid 41 in a larger capacity than that of the storage recess 40.

[0049] refer to Figure 5B After the filling process is completed, the operator performs a vacuuming process. During the vacuuming process, the operator places the first component 2 in the sealed space S and evacuates the sealed space S. As a result, the buoyancy of the bubbles in the magnetic fluid 41 increases, thereby releasing the bubbles from the upper surface of the magnetic fluid 41. That is, the magnetic fluid 41 is defoamed.

[0050] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BAfter the vacuuming process is completed, the operator performs the fitting process. During the fitting process, the operator connects the discharge pipe 72 to the through hole 60 of the second component 3. Furthermore, the operator positions the second component 3 above the first component 2 and presses it towards the first component 2, causing the fitting portion 55 of the second component 3 to fit into the fitting recess 25 of the first component 2 from above. Thus, when the fitting portion 55 fits into the fitting recess 25, the magnetic fluid 41 in the fitting recess 25 overflows and is discharged through the through hole 60 to the discharge pipe 72. Consequently, air bubbles in the magnetic fluid 41 are discharged from the upper surface of the magnetic fluid 41 to the discharge pipe 72. That is, the magnetic fluid 41 is defoamed.

[0051] In this embodiment, at the beginning of the fitting process (see...) Figure 6A ) and the completion of the chimera process (see Figure 6B Between filling and fitting processes, the operator begins to evacuate the magnetic fluid 41 using a vacuum device (not shown) connected to the discharge pipe 72. That is, in this embodiment, the operator begins vacuum defoaming of the magnetic fluid 41 after the filling process is completed and simultaneously with the fitting process. As a result, the pressure in the space defined by the storage recess 40, the fitting recess 25, and the fitting portion 55 (i.e., the space storing the magnetic fluid 41) becomes negative, generating a force that pulls the fitting portion 55 downwards (towards the storage recess 40). Thus, the fitting portion 55 can fit into the fitting recess 25 with a smaller force.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 When the fitting process is complete, the operator removes the discharge pipe 72 from the through hole 60 and seals the through hole 60 with the plug 61. Thus, the manufacturing of the vibration damping device 1 is completed. In another embodiment, part or all of the above-described manufacturing method of the vibration damping device 1 can be performed automatically by a manufacturing apparatus including a computer.

[0053] <Effect>

[0054] The capacity of the liquid chamber between the first component 2 and the second component 3 at the start of the fitting process (i.e., the total volume of the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25: see...) Figure 6A The volume of the liquid chamber between the first component 2 and the second component 3 is greater than the volume of the storage recess 40 when the fitting process is completed (i.e., the volume of the storage recess 40: see...). Figure 6B Therefore, during the fitting process, a portion of the magnetic fluid 41 stored in the liquid chamber between the first component 2 and the second component 3 overflows. This effectively defoams the magnetic fluid 41.

[0055] Another possible method for filling the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25 with magnetic fluid is to attach the second member 3 to the first member 2 within the magnetic fluid 41. However, when applying such a method, the magnetic fluid 41 adheres to the entire vibration damping device 1, and if the viscosity of the magnetic fluid 41 is high, cleaning the vibration damping device 1 becomes troublesome. In contrast, according to this embodiment, since the magnetic fluid 41 is only partially filled into the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25 (see reference...), Figure 5A Therefore, the magnetic fluid 41 will not adhere to the entire vibration damping device 1. As a result, even if the magnetic fluid 41 has a high viscosity, it is easy to clean the vibration damping device 1.

[0056] <Application Example of Vibration Damping Device 1>

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As an example of the application of the vibration damping device 1, a vehicle 80 in which the vibration damping device 1 is applied will be described. Figure 7 The arrow Fr in the image indicates the front of vehicle 80.

[0058] Reference Figure 7 The vehicle 80 includes a body 81 extending in a longitudinal direction, a subframe 82 arranged along the lower surface 81A of the rear of the body 81, left and right rear wheels 83 arranged on the left and right sides of the subframe 82, left and right arms 84 connecting the subframe 82 to the left and right rear wheels 83, left and right suspensions 85 arranged between the left and right arms 84 and the body 81, and four mounting members 86 attached to the four corners (i.e., the left front corner, the right front corner, the left rear corner and the right rear corner) of the subframe 82.

[0059] refer to Figure 8 The subframe 82 is spaced apart from the lower surface 81A of the rear portion of the vehicle body 81. The subframe 82 is provided with an attachment hole 88 extending in the vertical direction. The attachment hole 88 has a columnar shape centered on the central axis C.

[0060] refer to Figure 8 Each mounting component 86 is arranged between the vehicle body 81 and the subframe 82. Each mounting component 86 has an inner cylinder 90, an outer cylinder 91 arranged on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 90, an elastic body 92 arranged between the inner cylinder 90 and the outer cylinder 91, the aforementioned damping device 1 attached to the lower end of the inner cylinder 90 and the elastic body 92, and a cover 93 arranged on the outer periphery of the damping device 1. Figure 8 In the middle, vibration damping device 1 is relative to Figure 1 The pose (i.e., the pose when it is finished) is arranged upside down.

[0061] The inner cylinder 90 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on the central axis C. The inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 90 defines a shaft hole 94. The shaft hole 94 is arranged above and coaxial with the central hole 4 of the second cylindrical portion 51 of the second member 3. The inner cylinder 90 and the second cylindrical portion 51 are fastened to the vehicle body 81 by bolts 95 and nuts 96. The bolts 95 pass through the shaft hole 94 and the central hole 4.

[0062] The outer cylinder 91 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on the central axis C. The outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 91 fits into the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 88 of the sub-frame 82. Thus, the outer cylinder 91 is attached to the sub-frame 82.

[0063] The elastomer 92 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on its central axis C. The elastomer 92 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. A primary liquid chamber 97 is defined inside the elastomer 92. The primary liquid chamber 97 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape) centered on its central axis C. The primary liquid chamber 97 is separated from the storage recess 40 of the vibration damping device 1 by a membrane 16. The primary liquid chamber 97 is configured to store installation liquid 98. The primary liquid chamber 97 communicates with filling ports (not shown) respectively provided in the second member 3 and the membrane 16, through which the installation liquid 98 can be filled.

[0064] <Other variations>

[0065] Reference Figure 1 In the above embodiment, the radial length of the storage recess 40 is shorter than the radial length of the fitting recess 25, and a step is formed between the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25. (See reference...) Figure 9 According to another embodiment, the radial length of the storage recess 40 may be the same as the radial length of the fitting recess 25, and no step may be formed between the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the second component 3 includes a coil 53. In another embodiment, the first component 2 may include a coil 53.

[0067] In the above embodiment, both the outer peripheral surface 25B and the inner peripheral surface 25C of the fitting recess 25 are provided with protrusions 30 and 31. In another embodiment, only one of the outer peripheral surface 25B and the inner peripheral surface 25C of the fitting recess 25 may be provided with a protrusion.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a mounting member 86 including the damping device 1 is arranged between the vehicle body 81 and the subframe 82. In another embodiment, the mounting member 86 including the damping device 1 may be arranged in a location other than the above-described location of the vehicle 80 (e.g., left and right suspensions 85, engine mounts or motor mounts), or may be arranged on a structure other than the vehicle 80.

[0069] <Implementation Overview>

[0070] According to one aspect, the liquid-filled vibration damping device 1 includes: a first member 2 having a first surface 10A; and a second member 3 having a second surface 50A facing the first surface 10A, wherein the first surface 10A of the first member 2 is provided with: a storage recess 40 configured to store liquid 41; and a fitting recess 25 continuously formed with and provided on the top surface of the storage recess 40, and the second surface 50A of the second member 3 is provided with a fitting portion 55 configured to fit into the fitting recess 25.

[0071] According to this aspect, after the storage recess 40 is filled with liquid 41, it is fitted into the fitting recess 25 by the fitting part 55, which enables the liquid 41 to be efficiently stored in the storage recess 40 regardless of its viscosity. In addition, the liquid 41 can be stored in the storage recess 40 without first depressurizing the storage recess 40 using a vacuum pump, thus reducing the time required to store the liquid 41.

[0072] Preferably, both the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55 have an annular shape, and at least one of the inner peripheral surface 25C and the outer peripheral surface 25B of the fitting recess 25 is provided with protrusions 30 and 31, and the fitting portion 55 abuts against the protrusions 30 and 31.

[0073] According to this aspect, when the fitting portion 55 is fitted into the fitting recess 25, it is possible to prevent the liquid 41 from leaking through the gap between the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55.

[0074] Preferably, both the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55 have an annular shape. The first surface 10A of the first member 2 is provided with an outer peripheral protrusion 35 on the outer periphery of the fitting recess 25, and the second surface 50A of the second member 3 is provided with an outer peripheral recess 56 on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 55, and the outer peripheral protrusion 35 is fitted into the outer peripheral recess 56.

[0075] In this respect, in addition to fitting the fitting portion 55 into the fitting recess 25, the outer peripheral protrusion 35 is also fitted into the outer peripheral recess 56, thus more firmly securing the first member 2 and the second member 3. Furthermore, by providing the fitting structure of the outer peripheral protrusion 35 and the outer peripheral recess 56 near the storage recess 40, leakage of liquid 41 through the gap between the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55 can be prevented when the fitting portion 55 is fitted into the fitting recess 25.

[0076] Preferably, both the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55 have an annular shape. The first surface 10A of the first member 2 is provided with an inner peripheral protrusion 36 on the inner periphery of the fitting recess 25, and the second surface 50A of the second member 3 is provided with an inner peripheral recess 57 on the inner periphery of the fitting portion 55, and the inner peripheral protrusion 36 is fitted into the inner peripheral recess 57.

[0077] In this respect, in addition to fitting the fitting portion 55 into the fitting recess 25, the inner peripheral protrusion 36 is also fitted into the inner peripheral recess 57, thus more firmly securing the first member 2 and the second member 3. Furthermore, by providing the fitting structure of the inner peripheral protrusion 36 and the inner peripheral recess 57 near the storage recess 40, leakage of liquid 41 through the gap between the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55 can be prevented when the fitting portion 55 is fitted into the fitting recess 25.

[0078] Preferably, the first component 2 includes: a first annular portion 10 having an annular shape centered on a central axis C; and a first cylindrical portion 11 protruding from the first annular portion 10 and having a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C, the first annular portion 10 being provided with a storage recess 40 and a fitting recess 25. The second component 3 includes: a second annular portion 50 having an annular shape centered on a central axis C; and a second cylindrical portion 51 protruding from the second annular portion 50 and having a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C, the second annular portion 50 being provided with a fitting portion 55.

[0079] According to this aspect, the storage recess 40 can be formed into an annular shape centered on the central axis C, so that the liquid 41 stored in the storage recess 40 can efficiently suppress vibration throughout the entire circumferential region.

[0080] Preferably, the storage recess 40 is configured to store a magnetic fluid 41 as a liquid 41, and either the first member 2 or the second member 3 includes a coil 53 having a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C, the coil 53 and the storage recess 40 being aligned in a radial direction centered on the central axis C.

[0081] According to this arrangement, the coil 53 and the magnetic fluid 41 can be aligned radially with respect to the central axis C. With this arrangement, when current flows through the coil 53, the magnetic field formed around the coil 53 is applied to the magnetic fluid 41, causing changes in the viscosity and stiffness of the magnetic fluid 41. Therefore, the damping force of the vibration damping device 1 can be controlled using the current flowing through the coil 53, thereby effectively damping vibrations.

[0082] Preferably, the second component 3 further includes a connector 52 having a power receiving terminal 69. The connector 52 includes a coil holding portion 66 disposed on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 51, and the coil 53 is held by the coil holding portion 66.

[0083] According to this aspect, the coil 53 can be mounted on the vibration damping device 1 by fixing the first component 2 and the second component 3. As a result, compared with the case where the process of mounting the coil 53 on the vibration damping device 1 is performed separately from the process of fixing the first component 2 and the second component 3, the working time can be reduced.

[0084] Preferably, the first component 2 further includes an inner peripheral wall 12 protruding from the first cylindrical portion 11 toward the inner peripheral side, and the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is fitted into the inner peripheral wall 12.

[0085] According to this aspect, in addition to fitting the fitting portion 55 into the fitting recess 25, the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is also fitted into the inner peripheral wall 12, thus enabling the first component 2 and the second component 3 to be more firmly fixed.

[0086] Preferably, the first annular portion 10 includes: a base member 15 integrally formed with the first cylindrical portion 11; and an elastic member 16 attached to the base member 15, and the fitting recess 25 is formed by the elastic member 16.

[0087] According to this aspect, when the fitting portion 55 is fitted into the fitting recess 25, the fitting portion 55 can be made to contact the fitting recess 25 more tightly. As a result, when the fitting portion 55 is fitted into the fitting recess 25, leakage of liquid 41 through the gap between the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55 can be prevented.

[0088] Preferably, the storage recess 40 is recessed from a portion of the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25, and the fitting portion 55 abuts against the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25 to cover the top surface of the storage recess 40.

[0089] According to this aspect, the fitting portion 55 abuts against the bottom surface 25A of the fitting recess 25, thereby preventing the liquid 41 from leaking through the gap between the fitting recess 25 and the fitting portion 55.

[0090] Preferably, the second member 3 is provided with a through hole 60 extending from the second surface 50A to a surface 50B opposite to the second surface 50A, and the end of the through hole 60 near the second surface 50A opens toward the storage recess 40.

[0091] According to this aspect, when the fitting portion 55 is fitted into the fitting recess 25, the liquid 41 can overflow through the through hole 60, thereby defoaming the liquid 41.

[0092] According to another aspect, the manufacturing method of the liquid-filled vibration damping device 1 includes: a filling process of filling the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25 with liquid 41; and a fitting process of fitting the fitting portion 55 into the fitting recess 25, wherein, after the filling process is completed and while the fitting process is being performed, vacuum defoaming of the liquid 41 is started.

[0093] According to this aspect, by defoaming the liquid 41 under vacuum, the pressure in the space formed by the storage recess 40, the fitting recess 25, and the fitting portion 55 (i.e., the space for storing the liquid 41) becomes negative, which generates a force that pulls the fitting portion 55 toward the storage recess 40. As a result, the fitting portion 55 can be fitted into the fitting recess 25 with a smaller force.

[0094] According to another aspect, the manufacturing method of the liquid-filled vibration damping device 1 includes: a filling process of filling the storage recess 40 and the fitting recess 25 with liquid 41; and a fitting process of fitting the fitting portion 55 into the fitting recess 25, thereby causing the liquid 41 in the fitting recess 25 to overflow and defoam.

[0095] Based on this, it is possible to defoam liquid 41 while it overflows.

[0096] Preferably, after the filling process is completed and before the fitting process begins, the sealed space S in which the first component 2 is arranged is evacuated to defoam the liquid 41.

[0097] According to this aspect, liquid 41 can be defoamed before defoaming during the interlocking process, thus enabling more reliable defoaming of liquid 41. In addition, the defoaming time during the interlocking process can be shortened.

[0098] The description of the specific embodiments ends here. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments or variations, and can be implemented in a wide range of ways.

Claims

1. A liquid-filled vibration damping device, the liquid-filled vibration damping device comprising: A first component, the first component having a first surface; as well as The second component has a second surface facing the first surface. The first surface of the first component is provided with: A storage recess configured to store liquid; as well as A fitting recess is continuously formed with the storage recess and disposed on the top surface of the storage recess. The second surface of the second member is provided with a fitting portion, which is configured to fit into the fitting recess.

2. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein, Both the fitting recess and the fitting portion have an annular shape. At least one of the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the fitting recess is provided with a protrusion, and The fitting portion abuts against the protrusion.

3. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein, Both the fitting recess and the fitting portion have an annular shape. The first surface of the first component has a peripheral protrusion on the outer periphery of the fitting recess. The second surface of the second member has an outer peripheral recess on the outer periphery of the fitting portion, and The peripheral protrusion fits into the peripheral recess.

4. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein, Both the fitting recess and the fitting portion have an annular shape. The first surface of the first component has an inner circumferential protrusion on the inner periphery of the fitting recess. The second surface of the second member has an inner circumferential recess on the inner periphery of the fitting portion, and The inner circumferential protrusion fits into the inner circumferential recess.

5. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first component includes: A first annular portion, the first annular portion having an annular shape centered on a central axis; and A first cylindrical portion protrudes from the first annular portion and has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis. The first annular portion is provided with the storage recess and the fitting recess. The second component includes: The second annular portion has an annular shape centered on the central axis; and The second cylindrical portion protrudes from the second annular portion and has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis. The second annular portion is provided with the fitting portion.

6. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 5, wherein, The storage recess is configured to store a magnetic fluid, which is the liquid. Either the first component or the second component includes a coil having a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis, and The coil and the storage recess are aligned in a radial direction centered on the central axis.

7. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 6, wherein, The second component further includes a connector, the connector including power receiving terminals. The connector includes a coil holding portion disposed on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion, and The coil is held by the coil holding part.

8. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 5, wherein, The first component further includes an inner peripheral wall that protrudes from the first cylindrical portion toward the inner peripheral side, and The outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion is fitted into the inner peripheral wall.

9. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 5, wherein, The first annular portion includes: A base member, said base member being integrally formed with the first cylindrical portion; and An elastic member is attached to the base member, and The fitting recess is formed by the elastic member.

10. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The storage recess is recessed from a portion of the bottom surface of the fitting recess, and The fitting portion abuts against the bottom surface of the fitting recess to cover the top surface of the storage recess.

11. The liquid-filled vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second component is provided with a through hole, the through hole extending from the second surface to a surface opposite to the second surface, and The end of the through hole near the second surface opens toward the storage recess.

12. A method for manufacturing the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 1, the method comprising: During the filling process, the liquid is filled into the storage recess and the fitting recess; as well as During the fitting process, the fitting part is fitted into the fitting recess. After the filling process is completed and while the fitting process is being performed, vacuum defoaming of the liquid is initiated.

13. The method for manufacturing the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 12, wherein, After the filling process is completed and before the fitting process begins, the sealed space where the first component is disposed is evacuated to defoam the liquid.

14. A method for manufacturing the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 1, the method comprising: During the filling process, the liquid is filled into the storage recess and the fitting recess; as well as During the fitting process, the fitting part is fitted into the fitting recess, thereby causing the liquid in the fitting recess to overflow and the liquid to defoam.

15. The method for manufacturing the liquid-filled vibration damping device according to claim 14, wherein, After the filling process is completed and before the fitting process begins, the sealed space where the first component is disposed is evacuated to defoam the liquid.

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