Upper bracket with spring bearing for a strut

Abstract

Product comprising an upper support (8) for a strut, wherein the upper support (8) comprises an upper shell section (10) and a lower shell section (12), wherein the lower shell section (12) has an integrated upper spring bearing housing (45), wherein a spring bearing (44) is accommodated between the upper spring bearing housing (45) and a lower spring bearing housing (49), wherein the upper support (8) comprises an inner strut rod fastening component (14) which is accommodated in the upper shell section (10) and in the lower shell section (12) and has a spherical shape, and wherein a strut rod bearing (16) is integrated into the strut rod fastening component (14), characterized in that the strut rod bearing (16) comprises an annular strut rod bearing (16) with roller bearing elements (18).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over preliminary US application No. 61 / 700 408, filed on September 13, 2012. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The area to which this disclosure generally relates includes products with an upper support for a strut and methods for manufacturing and using the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] A strut can be connected to a vehicle using an upper bracket. SUMMARY OF SELECTED ILLUSTRATIVE VARIANTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One variant may include a product that has an upper bracket for a strut, which has a housing with an integrated spring bearing. In one variant, the inner strut rod mounting component may be heart-shaped.

[0005] One variant may include a product that has an upper support for a strut, which has an upper shell section and a lower shell section, the lower shell section including an integrated spring bearing.

[0006] In one variant, the inner strut rod fastening component can comprise at least two parts, with a first upper inner strut rod fastening section and a first lower inner strut rod fastening section.

[0007] In one variant, the elastic or elastomeric material can be divided.

[0008] Another variant may include a product with an upper support for a strut, which may have an internal strut rod fastening component and a first damping material embedded in an elastic or elastomeric material, wherein the first damping material has a higher damping capability than the elastic or elastomeric material.

[0009] Another variant may comprise a product comprising an upper support for a strut with an inner strut rod fastening component, and an elastic or elastomeric material surrounding at least a section of the inner strut rod fastening component, wherein the elastic or elastomeric material is divided into at least four parts.

[0010] Another variant may include a product comprising an upper support for a strut with an inner strut rod fastening component and an elastic or elastomeric material surrounding at least a section of the inner strut rod fastening component, wherein the inner strut rod fastening component is spherical.

[0011] Another variant may include a product with an upper support for a strut that includes a ring bearing.

[0012] Another variant may include a product with an upper bracket for a strut, which includes a strut rod bearing and a strut spring bearing.

[0013] Another variant may include a product with an upper bracket for a strut according to one of the variants outlined above, which further includes a spring stop cap connected to the upper bracket.

[0014] Another variant may include a product comprising an upper support for a strut with an inner strut rod fastening component and an elastic or elastomeric material surrounding at least a section of the inner strut rod fastening component, wherein the elastic or elastomeric material is divided into at least three parts.

[0015] Other variants of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples disclose illustrative variants of the invention, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Illustrative versions of the invention are better understood with the help of the following brief description of the drawings.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view of an upper support for a strut with a rigid inner strut rod fastening component according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of a bearing usable according to a number of variants of the invention, with sections removed.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an upper support for a strut with an inner strut rod fastening component, comprising at least two parts with a first upper inner strut rod fastening section and a first lower inner strut rod fastening section, according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0020] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an upper support for a strut with both a split inner strut rod fastening component and a split elastic or elastomeric main element according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an upper support for a strut comprising a highly damping material and embedded in the elastic or elastomeric main element, according to a variant of the invention.

[0022] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an upper support for a strut with an elastic or elastomeric main element divided into at least four parts according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0023] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an upper support for a strut with an internal strut rod mounting component. 14 , which can be spherical, according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0024] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an upper support for a strut with an internal strut rod fastening component with an integrated ring bearing according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a ring bearing usable according to a number of variants of the invention, with sections removed.

[0026] Fig. Figure 10 illustrates an upper support for a strut with a lower shell section having an integrated second strut bearing according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 11 illustrates an upper support for a strut with an elastic or elastomeric main element divided into at least three parts according to a number of variants of the invention.

[0028] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates a variant of a strut support, in which the three strut module loads converge into a single track through the elastic or elastomeric main element.

[0029] Fig. Figure 13 illustrates a variant of a strut support, in which strut module loads converge into two paths, one through the elastic or elastomeric main element and one through the upper support housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED ILLUSTRATIVE VARIANTS

[0030] The following detailed description of selected variants is purely illustrative and is not intended to limit the claimed inventions, applications or uses in any way.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view of an upper support for a strut according to a number of variants of the invention. The upper support 8 includes a first shell section 10and a second shell section 12 , which are fastened using a number of fasteners, including a rivet, a rivet nut or a threaded bolt and a threaded nut 9 , but are not limited to being connected to each other. The upper bracket 8 can be attached to the bodywork 6 be attached to the vehicle. The first shell section 10 can an outer layer 11 include, which may be made of metal or another suitable material. Likewise, the second shell section may 12 an outer layer 13 include components that may be made of metal or another suitable material. In one variant, the upper bracket can be 8 for a strut, an inner strut fastening component 14 include, and a strut rod bearing 16It can therefore be integrated. The inner strut rod mounting component can be used in a number of variations. 14 It can be heart-shaped and can be a single piece or consist of at least two parts. The inner strut rod mounting component 14 It can be made of a material that is relatively stiff compared to the elastic or elastomeric main element described below. Suitable stiff materials for the inner strut rod fastening component 14 These include, but are not limited to, polymer materials or metals, including, but not limited to, at least one made of a metal such as aluminum, steel, or a fiber-reinforced plastic or a thermosetting material such as nylon. The strut rod bearing 16 may comprise at least two parts, each of which has a multitude of bearings. 18It houses, which may be ball bearings or a bearing of another shape, which is located in a bearing bushing. 20 are included or has been included. A first end cap may be included. 22 and a second end cap 24 intended to be used to store the warehouses 18 in the socket 20 to keep, how best in Fig. 2 shown.

[0032] The upper bracket 8 It can also be an elastic or elastomeric main element. 26 This includes elements that can be a single part or consist of several parts. The main elastic or elastomeric element. 26 It may also include any suitable compressible material designed and configured to repeatedly dampen loads, and may include, but is not limited to, a natural or synthetic rubber material. The main elastic or elastomeric element 26 can the inner strut rod mounting component14 completely or at least a section of it surrounds a strut rod. 28 can extend through an opening made by the bearing pieces 16 is provided. The strut bar 28 can a first shoulder 30 include those with a first surface 32 of each of the stock items 16 is undergoing surgery, and a mother 34 can be done via the end of the strut rod 28 be screwed on and can be placed on a second surface 36 of each of the stock items 16 sit. The camp 16 It may include a split inner ring. The inner strut rod mounting component 14 and the integrated strut rod bearing 16 allow a greater rotational movement of the strut rod 28 and lead to improved performance including load isolation, ride feel, durability and reduction of knocking noises.

[0033] Now referring to Fig. 3 includes the inner strut rod mounting component 14 in another variant at least two parts with a first upper strut rod attachment section 14A and a first lower strut rod attachment section 14B The upper inner strut rod mounting section 14A can be used with a lower inner strut rod mounting section 14B must be fitted together and may contain defined mechanical locking devices. 15 include the upper and lower strut rod mounting section 14A , 14B to secure them together. Such an arrangement allows the parts of the upper inner strut rod fastening section to be secured. 14A and the lower inner strut rod mounting section 14B It can be manufactured separately and more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the upper strut rod mounting section can be 14Ain the upper shell section 10 be included, and the lower strut rod mounting section 14B can be in the lower bowl 12 It should be included. However, the mechanical locking devices are not necessary, and the upper inner strut rod mounting section 14A and the lower strut rod mounting section 14B can simply pass through the first shell section 10 and the second shell section 12 They will be held together when they are attached to each other.

[0034] Now referring to Fig. 4. The upper bracket can be used 8 for a strut in a number of variants, both a split inner strut rod fastening component 14 as well as a split elastic or elastomeric main element 26 They may include an upper elastic or elastomeric element. 26Aand a lower elastic or elastomeric element 26B be provided. The upper elastic or elastomeric element can be axially compressed. The split inner strut rod fastening component 14 and the split elastic or elastomeric main element 26 allow the calibration of the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 and thereby improve the static and dynamic behavior of the bracket. In several variants, an outer shell or casing may be provided over the split sections of the elastic or elastomeric main element. In several variants, the outer shell or casing may be made of, but is not limited to, steel, aluminum, a plastic, or a thermoset material such as nylon. In several variants, the splitting of the elastic or elastomeric main element 26offer the advantage that one can use the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 It can be calibrated in two directions. In a number of variations, other advantages of splitting the elastic or elastomeric main element can include improved performance, including load isolation, durability, and reduction of knocking.

[0035] Now referring to Fig. In another variant, 5 can be a highly damping material. 38 such as, but not limited to, microcell urethane (MCU) 38 be provided for, and it can be in the upper elastic or elastomeric element 26 be embedded. In one variant, the highly damping material can be 38 also in the inner strut rod mounting component 14 It is embedded to absorb minor road vibrations caused by gentle road rumble and coarse road noise. The highly damping material 38can be a section of a second strut rod fastening component or a collar 40 cover through which the strut rod 28 extends. The second strut rod mounting component 40 can a flange 41 encompassing a structure that extends in a radial direction. In one variant, it is permitted that the strut rod 28 and the attached second strut rod mounting component 40 in the highly damping material 38 swing freely. In the MCU 38 can have a multitude of pores 39 It is intended to calibrate the behavior as well. The elastic or elastomeric main element 26 It may include a weakly damping, naturally elastic or elastomeric compound that may be "calibrated" with a phase angle and a kd / kd ratio. The second inner strut rod fastening component 40may be made from a rigid material, including but not limited to rigid plastic or metal.

[0036] Now referring to Fig. 6 can be the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 In another variant, it can be divided into at least four parts. In one variant, the main elastic or elastomeric element can be... 26 a radial division 42 and an axial longitudinal division 43 along the axis of the strut rod. In one variant, longitudinal voids can be found in at least one of the elastic or elastomeric main elements. 26A , 26B , 26C , 26D It is intended to reduce the longitudinal rate and improve knocking. The axial longitudinal splitting 43 can be such that the elastic or elastomeric main element 26It is compressed in the transverse direction of the vehicle to increase the ratio of axial to radial rate. The four parts of the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 allow the elastic or elastomeric element 26 to calibrate in two directions. The calibrated elastic or elastomeric element 26 Made of four parts, it exhibits optimal static and elastic behavior and excellent durability. The empty spaces 50 in the sides of the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 reduce longitudinal stiffness. An outer shell 53 can be used for any part of the elastic or elastomeric element 26A , 26B , 26C , 26D be provided for. That is, the outer shell. 53 can comprise four parts. Alternatively, the outer shell can 53 consist of at least one part, into which the parts of the elastic or elastomeric main element are incorporated.26 are used. The outer shell can be made of a metal, a polymer, or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

[0037] Referring again to Fig. 6 allows the assembly of the elastic or elastomeric main element. 26 into a horizontal and a radial division, so that a tool can be used to enter from the side through the radial division to access the inner strut rod fastening component 14 to be used. The inner strut rod mounting component 14 It can comprise several parts. Then the main elastic or elastomeric element can be... 26 can be compressed. In another variant, the inner strut rod mounting component can be 14 to be provided as a part, and the four parts of the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 can around the inner strut rod mounting component 14can be arranged around it, and then the elastic or elastomeric main element can be used. 26 be compressed.

[0038] Now referring to Fig. 7 can the inner strut rod mounting component 14 in another variant they have a spherical shape, and the upper bracket 8 can be a spherical strut rod fastening component 14 integrated storage 16 They feature a spherical shape and an integrated bearing. 16 featuring inner strut rod fastening component 14 Provides improved steering feel and reduces knocking.

[0039] Now referring to Fig. 8 can the upper bracket 8 in another variant an inner strut rod fastening component 14 with a spherical shape and integrated bearing 16 include which ring bearing 18The advantage of an upper strut rod mount with this design is the provision of improved steering feel. The ring roller bearings 18 reduce the conical rate of the inner strut rod mounting component 14 , which improves steering feel, knocking, handling characteristics and durability. Fig. 9 illustrates a camp 16 with ring roller bearings 18 .

[0040] Now referring to Fig. 10 can the lower shell section 12 In another variant, the upper bracket has an integrated upper spring bearing housing. 45 exhibit a spring bearing 44 is between the upper and lower spring bearing housing 45 , 49 Included in one version is a suspension stop boot. 46be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to a metal such as steel, and can be mechanically attached to the lower shell section 12 be attached.

[0041] Now referring to Fig. 11 can be the elastic or elastomeric main element 26 In another variant, it may be divided into at least three parts. In one variant, the main elastic or elastomeric element may be... 26 a radial division 42 include, and an axial longitudinal division 43 can be provided along the axis of the strut rod in the upper parts of the two parts after the radial division has been made.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 7. The invention can be described in a number of variants as comprising one or more intermediate layer plates (rate plates). 100include components that are inserted or incorporated into the elastic or elastomeric main element. The intermediate layers 100 They can be a thin part made of a material that may include at least one of the following: steel, aluminum, plastic, or a thermosetting material such as, but not limited to, nylon. The intermediate layer plate 100It can be positioned to increase the stiffness of the elastic or elastomeric main assembly. In several variants, the orientation of the intermediate layer plate(s) can be transverse to the vehicle within an upper support. In one variant, the intermediate layer plate(s) can be shaped as a segment of a hollow cone or sphere. In several variants, the intermediate layer plate(s) can have first and second opposing flat surfaces and first and second opposing sides. In one variant, the first and second opposing surfaces can have a first height A, which can be, for example, 12 mm.In another variant, the first and second opposing surfaces can have a second height B that is shorter than the width A in order to reduce the stiffness of the elastic or elastomeric main arrangement compared with an elastic or elastomeric main arrangement that has intermediate layers with a greater width of the first and second opposing surfaces.

[0043] Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a strut support in which three module loads converge into a single path through the elastic or elastomeric main element. The spring load, the deflection stop load, and the strut rod load all converge through the elastic or elastomeric main element.

[0044] Fig.Figure 15 illustrates a strut support in which two strut module loads converge to form two paths, one through the elastic or elastomeric main element and one through the upper support housing.

[0045] The above description of variants of the invention is purely illustrative, and therefore variants thereof should not be regarded as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Product comprising an upper support for a strut comprising an upper shell section and a lower shell section, wherein the lower shell section has an integrated spring bearing. [2] Product according to claim 1, further comprising a spring stop cap attached to the lower shell section. [3] Product according to claim 1, further comprising an inner strut rod fastening component which is received in the upper shell section and in the lower shell section. [4] Product according to claim 3, further comprising a roller bearing which is received in the strut rod fastening component. [5] Product according to claim 3, further comprising a collar which is received in the strut rod fastening component, wherein the collar is designed and arranged such that it receives a section of a strut rod. [6] Product according to claim 5, further comprising a microcellular urethane material covering at least a section of the collar. [7] Product according to claim 6, wherein the collar has a flange extending in a radial direction and wherein the microcellular urethane material covers at least a section of the flange. [8] Product according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic or elastomeric main component that surrounds at least a section of the strut rod fastening component. [9] Product according to claim 2, wherein the spring stop cap comprises a metal. [10] Product comprising an upper support for a strut which includes a housing with an integrated spring bearing.