Bushing bearing

The bushing bearing design addresses the issue of stiffness adjustment and tilting by incorporating an angled stop and spring system, enabling independent stiffness progression and improved stability through non-linear elastomer behavior, facilitating compact and stable operation.

DE102025116541A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-07NBJX EURO GMBH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
NBJX EURO GMBH
Filing Date
2025-04-29
Publication Date
2026-05-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing bushing bearings lack the ability to adjust the progression of stiffness independently of axial stiffness and are prone to tilting during installation.

Method used

A bushing bearing design featuring an inner part, outer part, and a spring system with a radially extending stop that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis, allowing for independent adjustment of stiffness progression without tilting, utilizing a combination of radial and axial springs and inserts to enhance stability and adjustability.

Benefits of technology

The design achieves a compact, stable bushing bearing that maintains orientation and allows for greater rotational movement while adjusting stiffness progression without relative movement, enhancing service life and stability by leveraging the non-linear behavior of elastomers.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a bushing bearing comprising an inner part, an outer part defining a bushing body, a spring arranged at least partially between the inner part and the outer part, and at least one stop extending radially from the inner part towards the outer part, wherein the stop is oriented obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the inner part.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bushing bearing comprising an inner part, an outer part defining a bushing body and a spring arranged at least partially between the inner part and the outer part, which is also referred to as a support spring.

[0002] Such bushing bearings are generally known and are used, for example, in vehicles, e.g., for mounting components of the engine and / or the chassis.

[0003] For example, EP 4 056 864 A1 discloses a corresponding bushing bearing.

[0004] However, a different objective is pursued here. For example, with the bushing known from EP 4 056 864 A1, the progression, i.e. the non-linear behavior of the stiffness, cannot be adjusted independently of the axial stiffness.

[0005] DE 20 2024 106 385 A1 discloses a bushing bearing with a stop inside the bushing body. The content of DE 20 2024 106 385 A1 is incorporated into this application – for example, with regard to its feasibility and / or possible embodiments.

[0006] A disadvantage of the DE 20 2024 106 385 A1 is that it can become tilted under certain installation situations.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to create a bushing bearing in which the progression can be set at least substantially independently of the axial stiffness, preferably avoiding tilting.

[0008] This problem is solved by a bushing bearing having the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to the invention, the bushing bearing has an inner part.

[0010] The inner part can, for example, be elongated.

[0011] For example, the inner part can be made of one piece or of multiple pieces.

[0012] Preferably, the inner part can have or consist of a sword, also referred to as a bone. Optionally, the sword can be surrounded by an inner core. For example, the inner core can in turn be surrounded by inserts.

[0013] The sword can, for example, be designed as a flat, preferably axially symmetrical, component. An opening can be provided at each end, for example.

[0014] For example, the inner part and / or the insert may comprise or consist of a metal and / or plastic material.

[0015] The bushing bearing has an outer part which defines a bushing body.

[0016] The outer part may, for example, have an outer sleeve, which may also be referred to as a bearing outer sleeve, and / or an outer ring.

[0017] Preferably, the outer part is elongated.

[0018] For example, the outer part can form a hollow cylinder and / or a ring. The outer part can be made of one piece or multiple pieces, e.g., two pieces.

[0019] Preferably, the outer part is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bushing bearing.

[0020] For example, the outer part may include or consist of a metal and / or plastic material.

[0021] Preferably, the outer part surrounds the inner part. The outer part and the inner part are preferably arranged coaxially and / or concentrically with respect to a common longitudinal axis.

[0022] The inner part, preferably the sword, can, for example, be longer than the bushing body and protrude beyond the bushing body, for example on both sides.

[0023] Loads and / or vibrations can, for example, be introduced into the inner part. The outer part then transmits the dampened vibrations. Alternatively or additionally, loads and / or vibrations can be introduced into the outer part. The inner part then transmits the dampened vibrations. The force introduction and / or transmission can also occur simultaneously from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside.

[0024] The bushing bearing has a spring arranged at least partially between the inner part and the outer part.

[0025] The spring can be, for example, a radial spring, an axial spring, or a combination of both. It is preferable to use multiple springs.

[0026] The effect of the radial spring in the radial direction is greater than the effect in the axial direction.

[0027] The main purpose of the radial spring is therefore radial stiffness.

[0028] The term spring is to be understood broadly and also includes plastics with springy and / or elastic properties.

[0029] Preferably, the spring is designed as an elastomer.

[0030] Preferably, the spring is connected to the inner part and / or the outer part, for example by vulcanization. This creates a secure connection between the inner and outer parts.

[0031] The bushing bearing has at least one stop extending radially from the inner part towards the outer part, wherein the stop, preferably a stop axis, is oriented obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the inner part.

[0032] Due to the angled stop, the bushing bearing can also be called a swept-back bushing bearing.

[0033] For example, the stop is preferably located completely inside the bushing bearing.

[0034] Preferably, the stop works in both radial and axial directions.

[0035] The axial stop geometry can, for example, create a track-correcting effect in a vehicle.

[0036] The bushing bearing can, for example, be installed at an angle in a vehicle, i.e., in a swept-back orientation. This orientation, predetermined by the vehicle, results in a helpful tracking-correcting effect, for example, for compound link axles.

[0037] For example, under a superimposed six-axis load on the bushing bearing during operation, the internal structure does not "tilt" relative to the outer components, which could potentially occur with a non-swiped orientation of the stop. According to the invention, tilting is avoided.

[0038] For example, the stop can comprise or consist of a metal and / or plastic material. Preferably, the stop can be a stop plate.

[0039] Preferably, the stop is arranged axially inside. For example, the stop is located inside with respect to the end faces of the bushing body, i.e., the stop does not form an end face of the bushing body, but is offset axially inwards with respect to the end faces.

[0040] The space-saving internal arrangement allows for a compact design of the bushing bearing. It also permits, for example, greater rotation. The progression can be adjusted without relative movement and, at least essentially, independently of the axial stiffness. For instance, the axial stiffness can be increased only slightly.

[0041] The reaction force builds up within the elastomer bridges without any relative movement, exceeding the usual level. This is comparable to hard impacts and is achieved, for example, through a space-restricting geometry (e.g., inserts to the outer ring or inner part).

[0042] The stop also works on both sides. For example, springs can be supported on either side of the stop. It was surprising that a single component could achieve an effect in both axial directions.

[0043] For example, exactly one stop may be provided. Alternatively, several stops may be provided, e.g., at least or exactly two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more.

[0044] Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the stop forms an angle of less than 90° with the longitudinal axis.

[0046] The angle here refers to the smaller angle that the stop, preferably the stop axis, forms with the longitudinal axis.

[0047] The stop is therefore not arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, but at an angle.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the angle is between 50° and 80°, preferably 65°.

[0049] The larger angle that the stop, preferably the stop axis, encloses with the longitudinal axis can accordingly be between 130° and 100°, preferably 115°.

[0050] According to another embodiment, at least or exactly two springs are provided, which are arranged on different sides of the stop.

[0051] For example, the springs can be asymmetrical, but joined by 180° and mirrored. The geometries of the springs can therefore be identical.

[0052] In another embodiment, the springs have slanted stop sides.

[0053] The stop faces of the springs can also be swept forward. The angle can correspond to the angle that the stop, preferably the stop axis, forms with the longitudinal axis.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the stop is arranged in the center of the bushing body.

[0055] The central arrangement is advantageous with regard to uniform rotation behavior.

[0056] For example, a central stop reduces the lever arm compared to an externally mounted or externally acting stop. This significantly reduces the space requirement and also allows for considerably more rotational movement. External stops, due to their greater distance from the elastomeric center, reduce the maximum possible gimbal and rotation angles while maintaining the same installation space. Therefore, an internal stop geometry is advantageous with regard to the maximum possible gimbal and rotation angles.

[0057] In another embodiment, the stop is plate-shaped.

[0058] This allows the stop to offer, for example, a large stop surface.

[0059] The shape of the stop is basically arbitrary. For example, the stop can be axially and / or rotationally symmetrical.

[0060] Preferably, the stop is square, round and / or oval.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the stop is disc-shaped.

[0062] A disc, for example, has the advantage that the entire area between the inner part and the outer part is covered evenly.

[0063] The disc can be, for example, solid or have recesses, such as deep-drawn and / or pocket-shaped cutouts and / or openings, such as through-holes. For example, the disc can be designed as spokes, such as with a circumferential ring. The spokes can have a constant width. Alternatively, the width of the spokes can increase from the inside out, for example, in a wing-like pattern.

[0064] In another embodiment, the stop is cross-shaped.

[0065] This allows for material savings. Furthermore, the spring can, for example, extend partially through the gaps and past the stop, which can be advantageous depending on the application.

[0066] Optionally, the cross-shaped struts can be surrounded by a circumferential ring.

[0067] The struts can have a constant width. Alternatively, the width of the struts can increase from the inside out, e.g., in a wing-like shape.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the stop is connected to the inner part in a rotationally fixed, frictionally locked and / or positively locked manner.

[0069] For example, the stop may be clamped, jammed and / or welded to the inner part.

[0070] The stop and the inner part can also be formed as a single, integrated component.

[0071] In another embodiment, the inner part has or consists of a sword. Optionally, the inner part can also have an inner core in addition to the sword. For example, the inner core can in turn be surrounded by inserts.

[0072] Preferably, the stop is rotationally fixed, frictionally locked and / or positively locked to the sword.

[0073] For example, the sword attachment may be jammed, jammed and / or welded shut.

[0074] The striker and the sword can also be formed as a single, integrated component.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the spring has at least one elastomer.

[0076] The elastomer is preferably firmly bonded to the inner part, e.g. the sword.

[0077] According to another embodiment, the spring comprises at least two different elastomers. These different elastomers are also referred to as compounds.

[0078] For example, at least or exactly two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more compounds may be provided.

[0079] The compounds can be separate from each other, adjacent to each other and / or merge into each other.

[0080] For example, it is conceivable to use four different elastomer compounds in one bushing (e.g., two springs, each with two compounds). It is also possible to use three compounds each, meaning six different compounds in one bushing.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the spring is designed to bulge out under axial load, preferably at least twice.

[0082] The progression is thus adjustable, preferably essentially independent of the radial and / or axial stiffness.

[0083] For example, a free path can be provided linearly, which allows for bulging.

[0084] In a conventional design, the progression is set by a suitable spring, e.g., an elastomer structure, which is compressed by the inner part against a metal structure. The inner part moves relatively freely, depending on the stiffness of the connected spring, until the core structure touches the elastomer structure.

[0085] Thus, a linear component in the force-displacement relationship is overcome, in order to then transition into a non-linear, progressive area in which a continuous increase in force takes place, until finally no further increase in distance can occur.

[0086] Traditionally, this relative movement is present to adjust the progression.

[0087] In this case, the spring is subjected to bending and / or compression. Due to the tendency to buckle and / or flex, the spring's spatial extension is limited by a previously set linear free movement, generating a reaction force with a progressive characteristic. There is no relative movement of the inner part to the spring, as both are rigidly connected.

[0088] The design of the spring, e.g., of radial lugs, is structured similarly. Here, there is no free relative movement. The generation of the reaction force, and thus the progression, arises from the spring's resistance to further deformation. Overall, several measures are combined to further emphasize and utilize the inherently nonlinear material behavior of elastomers.

[0089] An axial spring can be formed by a rubber track between the inner part and the structure of the outer part. The angle between the inner and outer parts, along with the length of the track (distance), determines the stiffness.

[0090] The radial and / or axial springs can be adjusted largely independently of each other in their stiffness and / or progression characteristics, although some crosstalk may occur.

[0091] By incorporating inserts, increased stiffness can be achieved, while simultaneously lengthening external tendons. This contributes to increased service life and / or stability. At the same time, the inserts promote the desired non-linear build-up of reaction forces for adjusting the progression curve.

[0092] The inserts can, for example, be integrated into the spring, but otherwise be freely movable.

[0093] All aspects, embodiments, and features of the invention described herein can be combined with one another, preferably also independently of the specific embodiment in which they are mentioned. Preferably, all subject matter of the dependent claims can be combined with each other and with the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0094] It is generally noted that terms like "ein" (a) and "eine" (a / an) do not necessarily mean "exactly one" or "exactly one," although this is also possible. The terms "ein" and "eine" can therefore be understood as "at least one" or "exactly one." The use of the singular preferably includes the possibility of the components being plural, and vice versa.

[0095] It is noted that "vorzugsweise" and "bevorzugt" can be translated as "preferably" in English. A feature introduced by "vorzugsweise" or "bevorzugt" is purely optional, can be omitted, and does not constitute a limitation, for example, of claims.

[0096] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a bushing bearing according to the invention, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the bushing bearing according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the bushing bearing according to Fig. 1 without outer sleeve, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the bushing bearing according to Fig. 1 without outer sleeve and without first spring, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the bushing bearing according to Fig. 1 without outer part and without springs, and Fig. 6 a sectional view of the bushing bearing along line AA in Fig. 2,

[0097] It should first be noted that the embodiments shown are purely exemplary. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also individually or in other technically feasible combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined with features of another embodiment in any way. The number, size, shape, angle, and / or position of the stops are, in principle, arbitrary.

[0098] If a figure contains a reference numeral that is not explained in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or subsequent explanations in the figure description. Thus, the same reference numerals are used for identical or comparable components in the figures and are not explained again.

[0099] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a bushing bearing with an inner part 10.

[0100] The inner part 10 has a plate-shaped sword 12 with optional openings 14 at the end regions and an inner body 16.

[0101] An outer part 18, which for example has an outer sleeve 19, defines a bushing body 20. The outer part 18 virtually surrounds the bushing body 20, except for the end faces.

[0102] The bushing body 20 can, for example, form a cylindrical volume.

[0103] Two springs 22, 24 are arranged between the inner part 10 and the outer part 18.

[0104] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first spring 22 and the second spring 24 each have slanted stop sides.

[0105] The springs 22, 24 are surrounded by an outer ring 26 of the outer part 18. Preferably, the springs 22, 24 can be fixedly and / or immovably connected to the outer ring 26. Preferably, the outer ring 26 is fixedly and / or immovably connected to the outer sleeve 19.

[0106] However, a relative movement, e.g. axial or translational, between outer part 18, e.g. outer sleeve 19 and / or outer ring 26, and inner part 10 is possible.

[0107] In Fig. For better visibility, the first spring 22 is omitted in 4.

[0108] A stop designed as a disc 28 is provided, extending radially from the sword 12 of the inner part 10 towards the outer part 18. The stop 28 is preferably rotationally fixed and frictionally connected to the sword 12.

[0109] The stop 28 is preferably arranged, e.g. centrally, inside the bushing body 20.

[0110] The stop 28 can cover the stop areas of the springs 22, 24, but also provides a travel limit in the radial directions. This function is fulfilled in both axial directions.

[0111] The stop 28 is oriented obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the inner part 10 or of the sword 12.

[0112] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the stop 28 forms an angle W with the longitudinal axis of less than 90°, e.g. 65°.

[0113] In the section view according to Fig. Figure 6 shows that the springs 22, 24 enclose the stop 28. The stop areas of the springs 22, 24 can also be swept forward, e.g. by an angle of less than 90°, e.g. 65°.

[0114] During the manufacture of the bushing bearing, the two springs 22, 24 can be pressed onto the inner part 10, e.g., the blade 12. A load-bearing spring assembly is now present (see figure). Fig.3), which can be crimped with an outer sleeve 19. Reference symbol list 10 Inner part 12 Sword 14 Opening 16 inner bodies 18 Outdoor part 19 Outer sleeve 20 bushing bodies 22 first spring 24 second spring 26 outer ring 28 disc, stop W angle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 4 056 864 A1 [0003, 0004] DE 20 2024 106 385 A1 [0005, 0006]

Claims

[1] Bushing bearings comprising an inner part (10), an outer part (18) defining a bushing body (20), at least one spring (22, 24) arranged at least sectionally between the inner part (10) and the outer part (18), and at least one stop (28) extending radially from the inner part (10) towards the outer part (18), wherein the stop (28) is oriented obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the inner part (10). [2] Bushing bearing according to claim 1, characterized by , that the stop (28) forms an angle (W) of less than 90° with the longitudinal axis. [3] Bushing bearing according to claim 2, characterized by , that the angle (W) is between 50° and 80°, preferably 65°. [4] Bushing bearings according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that two springs (22, 24) are provided which are arranged on different sides of the stop (28). [5] Bushing bearing according to claim 4, characterized by , that the springs (22, 24) have slanted stop sides. [6] Bushing bearings according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop (28) is arranged inside the bushing body (20). [7] Bushing bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop (28) is arranged centrally in the bushing body (20). [8] Bushing bearings according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop (28) is plate-shaped, disc-shaped and / or cross-shaped. [9] Bushing bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop (28) is connected to the inner part (10) in a rotationally fixed, frictionally locked and / or positively locked manner. [10] Bushing bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spring (22, 24) has at least one elastomer.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    DE102005003945A1

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    DE102021118974B3

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    DE2347446A1

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