socket with actuator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bushing (1) comprising an inner part (10), an outer part (12), and an elastic element (11) which is arranged at least radially to provide spring damping between the inner part (10) and the outer part (12). The bushing (1) according to the invention is characterized by at least, preferably exactly, one actuator (13) which is arranged and configured to exert forces in the radial direction (R).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bushing with actuator.

[0002] The electrification of the powertrain leads to a change in the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) behavior of a vehicle. Instead of excitations in the low to mid-single- to triple-digit hertz range, electric motors exhibit an excitation spectrum extending into the kilohertz range. This leads to new NVH phenomena such as whistling, etc. Other NVH phenomena, such as road surface excitation, are becoming more of a focus for customers due to the elimination of traditional combustion engine excitation.

[0003] In the past, these phenomena have been addressed with passive solutions. These sometimes require complex designs, which can lead to higher costs, increased installation space, etc.

[0004] An active solution is the integration of an electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator, as described in EP 4 015 271 A1. EP 4 015 271 A1 describes an elastic bearing, preferably a motor mount, which is designed to be arranged in a vibration-transmitting manner between a first connecting element and a second connecting element of an oscillatory device, with at least one rubber-elastic spring element, wherein an electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator is designed to act in a vibration-exciting manner on the rubber-elastic spring element, and wherein the rubber-elastic spring element is designed to be arranged in the force flow between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. The electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator is designed to be only partially in the force flow, ieonly in a part of the force flow, between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0005] The active solution described in EP 4 015 271 A1 is capable of improving NVH behavior, but it has several disadvantages. For example, the integration of a (preloaded) actuator requires additional installation space. Support for the actuator is also necessary. Furthermore, the integration of the actuator should be simple and cost-effective.

[0006] Another trend is the primary use of bushings for engine mounts, etc. This leads to problems and challenges for the actuator, as it must be integrated into a (often) press-fit, curved component with the smallest possible installation space and low cost.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a bushing of the type described above so that vibration damping can be improved, particularly when used in electric vehicles. This should be as simple, compact, lightweight, flexible, and / or cost-effective as possible. At the very least, an alternative to the known possibilities should be created.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by various bushings and by a vehicle having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0009] Thus, the present invention relates to a bushing comprising an inner part, an outer part, and an elastic element arranged between the inner part and the outer part to provide at least radial damping. The elastic element can also provide axial damping.

[0010] The bushing according to the invention is characterized by at least, preferably precisely, one actuator, which is arranged and configured to exert forces in the radial direction. The actuator can preferably be arcuately configured to match the cylindrical shape of the bushing or its components. However, the actuator can also be configured at specific points or linearly along the longitudinal axis in order to thereby adapt to the shape or contour of the bushing or its components.

[0011] In this way, according to the invention, a radial force or pressure in the radial direction can be introduced into the spring-damping force transmission by means of the bushing or its actuator, which can be exerted by the bushing between two connecting partners. This can increase or improve the damping and / or isolation options. Due to the integration of the actuator into the bushing, this can be achieved in a compact manner. Such a bushing according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways for different vibration damping and / or vibration isolation applications.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially on the outside of the outer part and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the outer part and a bushing receptacle. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially inward in an external actuator receptacle, preferably in an external actuator recess, of the outer part. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is configured radially on the outside to be arranged in an actuator receptacle, preferably in an actuator recess, of the bushing receptacle. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially on the inside of the outer part and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the outer part and the elastic element. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially on the outside in an inner actuator receptacle, preferably in an inner actuator recess, of the outer part. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially inward in an outer actuator receptacle, preferably in an outer actuator recess, of the elastic element. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially in a continuous actuator receptacle, preferably in a continuous actuator recess, of the outer part and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the elastic element and a bushing receptacle. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially inward in an outer actuator receptacle, preferably in an outer actuator recess, of the elastic element. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is configured radially on the outside to be arranged in an actuator receptacle, preferably in an actuator recess, of the bushing receptacle. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially on the outside of the inner part and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the inner part and the elastic element. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially on the outside in an external actuator receptacle, preferably in an external actuator recess, of the inner part. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially inward in an internal actuator receptacle, preferably in an internal actuator recess, of the elastic element. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0024] The invention also relates to a bushing with an inner part and an elastic element, wherein the elastic element is designed to be arranged at least radially spring-damping between the inner part and a bushing receptacle, wherein the actuator is arranged radially on the outside of the elastic element and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the elastic element and the bushing receptacle. This can represent an alternative approach to the present invention, in which an outer part can be dispensed with. Instead, the bushing according to the invention can be arranged directly in a bushing receptacle and, in particular, exert radial forces directly on the bushing receptacle, which also applies to the actuator.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged radially inward in an outer actuator receptacle, preferably in an outer actuator recess, of the elastic element. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is configured radially on the outside to be arranged in an actuator receptacle, preferably in an actuator recess, of the bushing receptacle. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is an electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator. This may represent a concrete implementation option.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator is arranged under radial preload. This may represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, preferably an electric vehicle, with at least one socket as described above. The vehicle can be, in particular, a land vehicle, and most particularly a passenger car (car) or a truck (lorry). In this case, a socket according to the invention can be used in such vehicles, and its properties and advantages can be utilized there.

[0030] In other words, an electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator according to the invention can have a soft, or moving, or exciting side and a stiff, or non-moving, or isolated side. The actuator can act on a portion of an elastic element. The actuator can introduce a force or displacement onto or into an elastic element. The required preload force can be generated entirely or partially by the assembly or installation of the component and maintained during operation. The actuator can be used entirely or partially (geometrically, temporally) as a sensor.

[0031] A product according to the invention or the proposed solution is preferably intended for use in electric cars to improve the comfort and NVH behavior of the vehicles. However, the solution can also be used in other areas of vibration isolation or, if necessary, vibration generation in the high-frequency range. Examples include the aviation industry, the shipping industry, and applications in buildings and houses. The technology can potentially be transferred to other industries.

[0032] In any case, this enables high-frequency excitation and the recording of the corresponding system response, so that information or conclusions can be drawn from the recorded system response for planned maintenance or repair (predictive maintenance). The condition of the bushing according to the invention can also be monitored (condition monitoring).

[0033] For example, the present invention can be implemented as follows: Fit / mounting of the bushing and the elastic element (e.g. bushing without outer part or without an opening in the outer part):

[0034] The actuator can be preloaded between a snug fit or a bushing receptacle (e.g., a hole in the chassis) and the elastomer or elastic element. This can be done through an opening in the outer part, into which the actuator is inserted (with an oversize). During the press-in process, the preload force is generated between the elastic element and the bushing receptacle.

[0035] An alternative solution, if an outer part is missing (determined by the design), can be achieved by positioning it on the rubber (e.g., in a rubber groove) or the elastic element and then pressing it in to apply the preload force. The actuator's oversize can be created by additional components (e.g., metal plates or springs) or the actuator itself to adjust the preload force. Actuator positioned between the fit / receiver of the bushing and a partially elastic outer part, acting indirectly on the elastic element (e.g. weakened cross-section, groove):

[0036] Alternatively, the cross-section of the outer part can be partially weakened (e.g., by creating a recess). The actuator can be inserted into this recess before pressing in.

[0037] The inserted actuator may have an excess which can be generated by the actuator itself or by additional components (e.g., metal plates or springs). The weakened cross-section represents here a soft or a moving side. This side can be directly connected to the elastic element. This can offer the advantage that the bonding surface between the outer part and the elastic element is not reduced and the actuator can still indirectly introduce a force (by deforming the outer part). This can offer advantages with regard to the service life of the component. Additionally, the actuator can be protected against shear forces and overloads. Actuator positioned between the outer part and the elastic element:

[0038] A third design variant involves positioning the actuator between the elastic element and the outer part. This arrangement can be fully assembled before final assembly. This also allows the actuator to be protected from the elements. This offers advantages in handling during assembly. With the other variants, this aspect could be achieved through encapsulation or a protective film.

[0039] This variant can be achieved either by inserting the actuator during the assembly process (joining the elastic element and outer part) or by inserting the actuator into a non-bonded area between the elastic element and outer part. The non-bonded area can be created mechanically (inserting a dummy element during vulcanization or separating the bond after vulcanization) or chemically (removing a partial area with an adhesion promoter or targeted non-stick coating). Another thermal variant, similar to tire tread cutting, would be conceivable. Actuator positioned between inner part and elastic element:

[0040] Another design variant results from preloading the actuator between the inner part and the elastic element, similar to the preloading of the actuator between the outer part and the elastic element. This configuration can offer the advantage of isolating vibrations closer to the source, allowing the subsequent isolation effect of the elastic element to be utilized. A disadvantage may be that higher excitations or forces are to be expected overall.

[0041] In any case, the elastic element can be a rubber element. The elastic element can completely or partially fill the volume between the outer and inner parts (solid rubber bushing or web-shaped bushing). The outer part, the inner part, and the bushing support are stiffer than the elastic element and can be weakened in cross-section (to integrate the actuator). Multiple actuators can be integrated per bushing to further improve NVH behavior. The actuator can be used entirely or partially (geometrically, temporally) as a sensor.

[0042] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in conjunction with the following figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a bushing according to the invention with an actuator according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic cross section through a bushing according to the invention with actuator according to a second embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic cross section through a bushing according to the invention with actuator according to a third embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section through a bushing according to the invention with an actuator according to a fourth embodiment; and Fig. 5 a schematic cross section through a bushing according to the invention with actuator according to a fifth embodiment.

[0043] The description of the above figures is given in cylindrical coordinates with a longitudinal axis X, a radial direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and a circumferential direction U circulating around the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X, the radial direction R and the circumferential direction U can also be referred to together as spatial directions X, R, U or as cylindrical spatial directions X, R, U.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a bushing 1 according to the invention with an actuator 13 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The bushing 1 has an inner part 10, an outer part 12, and an elastic element 11, which is arranged between the inner part 10 and the outer part 12 in a radially spring-damping manner. The elastic element 11 can also be referred to as a spring element 11 and is designed as an elastomeric element 11. The bushing 1 is arranged in a bushing receptacle 2 in the form of a snug fit.

[0045] In the bushings 1 according to the invention of all embodiments, an actuator 13 is arranged and designed to exert forces at least substantially in the radial direction R. In each case, the actuator 13 is an electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator 13. Furthermore, the actuator 13 is in each case arranged under radial prestress.

[0046] In the first execution game of the Fig. 1, the actuator 13 is arranged radially on the inside, i.e., pointing toward the longitudinal axis X, in an outside actuator receptacle 12a in the form of an outside actuator recess 12a of the outer part 12 and radially opposite in an actuator receptacle 2a in the form of an actuator recess 2a of the bushing receptacle 2 or the fit 2. There, the actuator 13 is radially preloaded by preload forces F, as already mentioned. The actuator 13 can be operated to apply forces in the radial direction R against the preload forces F and thus influence the damping of the bushing 1.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section through a bushing 1 according to the invention with actuator 13 according to a second embodiment.

[0048] In this case, the actuator 13 is arranged radially inward in an outer actuator receptacle 11a in the form of an outer actuator recess 11a of the elastic element 11 and radially opposite in an inner actuator receptacle 12b in the form of an inner actuator recess 12b of the outer part 12.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross section through a bushing 1 according to the invention with actuator 13 according to a third embodiment.

[0050] In this case, the outer part 12 has a radially continuous actuator receptacle 12c in the form of a continuous actuator recess 12c, in which the actuator 13 is arranged. Furthermore, the actuator 13 is arranged radially inwardly in the outer actuator receptacle 11a in the form of the outer actuator recess 11a of the elastic element 11 and radially opposite in the actuator receptacle 2a in the form of the actuator recess 2a of the bushing receptacle 2 or the fit 2.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section through a bushing 1 according to the invention with actuator 13 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0052] In this case, the actuator 13 is arranged radially inward in an outer actuator receptacle 10a in the form of an outer actuator recess 10a of the inner part 10 and radially opposite in an inner actuator receptacle 11b in the form of an inner actuator recess 11b of the elastic element 11.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross section through a bushing 1 according to the invention with actuator 13 according to a fifth embodiment.

[0054] In this case, no outer part 12 is present. Accordingly, the actuator 13 is arranged radially inward in the outer actuator receptacle 11a in the form of the outer actuator recess 11a of the elastic element 11 and radially opposite in the actuator receptacle 2a in the form of the actuator recess 2a of the bushing receptacle 2 or the fit seat 2. List of reference symbols (part of the description) F Preload forces R radial direction U circumferential direction X Longitudinal axis 1 socket 10 inner part 10a external actuator receptacle or external actuator recess of the inner part 10 11 elastic element; spring element; elastomeric element 11a External actuator receptacle or external actuator recess of the elastic element 11 11b Internal actuator receptacle or internal actuator recess of the elastic element 11 12 Outdoor part 12a external actuator receptacle or external actuator recess of the outer part 12 12b Internal actuator receptacle or internal actuator recess of the outer part 12 12c Continuous actuator receptacle or continuous actuator recess of the outer part 12 13 (electrostrictive or magnetostrictive) actuator 2 socket receptacle; snug fit 2a Actuator receptacle or actuator recess of the socket receptacle 2 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 015 271 A1 [0004, 0005]

Claims

[1] Socket (1) with an inner part (10), with an outer part (12) and with an elastic element (11) which is arranged at least radially spring-damping between the inner part (10) and the outer part (12), characterized by at least, preferably exactly, one actuator (13) which is arranged and designed to exert forces in the radial direction (R). [2] Bushing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially on the outside of the outer part (12) and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the outer part (12) and a bushing receptacle (2). [3] Bushing (1) according to claim 2, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially inwardly in an outer actuator receptacle (12a), preferably in an outer actuator recess (12a), of the outer part (12). [4] Bushing (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the actuator (13) is designed radially on the outside to be arranged in an actuator receptacle (2a), preferably in an actuator recess (2a), of the bushing receptacle (2). [5] Bushing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially on the inside of the outer part (12) and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the outer part (12) and the elastic element (11). [6] Bushing (1) according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially on the outside in an inside actuator receptacle (12b), preferably in an inside actuator recess (12b), of the outer part (12). [7] Bushing (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially inwardly in an outer actuator receptacle (11a), preferably in an outer actuator recess (11a), of the elastic element (11). [8] Bushing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially in a continuous actuator receptacle (12c), preferably in a continuous actuator recess (12c), of the outer part (12) and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the elastic element (11) and a bushing receptacle (2). [9] Bushing (1) according to claim 8, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially inwardly in an outer actuator receptacle (11a), preferably in an outer actuator recess (11a), of the elastic element (11). [10] Bushing (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the actuator (13) is designed radially on the outside to be arranged in an actuator receptacle (2a), preferably in an actuator recess (2a), of the bushing receptacle (2). [11] Bushing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially on the outside of the inner part (10) and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the inner part (10) and the elastic element (11). [12] Bushing (1) according to claim 11, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially on the outside in an outside actuator receptacle (10a), preferably in an outside actuator recess (10a), of the inner part (10). [13] Bushing (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially inwardly in an inner actuator receptacle (11b), preferably in an inner actuator recess (11b), of the elastic element (11). [14] Socket (1) with an inner part (10) and with an elastic element (11), wherein the elastic element (11) is designed to be arranged at least radially spring-damping between the inner part (10) and a bushing receptacle (2), wherein an actuator (13) is arranged radially on the outside of the elastic element (11) and is designed to exert forces in the radial direction between the elastic element (11) and the bushing receptacle (2). [15] Bushing (1) according to claim 14, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged radially inwardly in an outer actuator receptacle (11a), preferably in an outer actuator recess (11a), of the elastic element (11). [16] Bushing (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the actuator (13) is designed radially on the outside to be arranged in an actuator receptacle (2a), preferably in an actuator recess (2a), of the bushing receptacle (2). [17] Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (13) is an electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuator (13). [18] Bushing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (13) is arranged under radial prestress. [19] Vehicle, preferably electric vehicle, with at least one socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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