Vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator and manufacturing method therefor, active fluid-filled vibration-damping device and active vibration-damping device with the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator

Abstract

Vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator, comprising: a tubular stator (68); a movable element (70) which is displaceable in an axial direction relative to the stator (68) and is inserted into the stator (68); a housing (86) attached to the stator (68); an elastic support rubber body (30) which elastically connects the movable element (70) to the housing (86) and elastically positions the movable element (70) in a direction perpendicular to the axis with respect to the housing (86); a coil element (72) with a coil (74) generating a magnetic field by energizing, arranged on a section separated from the stator (68) and the movable element (70); and an armature displaceable relative to the coil element (72) by the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil (74) with arrangement on the other side of the stator (68) and the movable element (70), wherein the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator (10) is characterized in that: the enclosure (86) includes a tubular perimeter wall (88); an outer circumferential surface of the stator (68) is arranged relative to an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall (88) such that it is located away from an inner circumferential side, so that the stator (68) is arranged in an inner circumference of the circumferential wall (88); and a gap (118) is provided between the circumferential wall (88) and the stator (68) in the perpendicular direction, so that the stator (68) is offset relative to the housing (86) in the perpendicular direction in order to be aligned with respect to the movable element (70), which is elastically positioned with respect to the housing in the perpendicular direction, wherein: the enclosure (86) has the form of a bottom-equipped bowl with a bottom wall (90), a support element (32) is secured to the elastic support rubber body (30), the support element (32) is fixed to the housing (86), and The stator (68), which is aligned with the movable element (70) in the axial direction, is clamped in the axial direction between the bottom wall (90) of the housing (86) and the support element (32) in such a way that it is fixed to the housing (86) in a non-movable position relative to the housing (86) in the axial direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator that generates a driving force of a movable element with respect to a stator by energizing a coil, and to a method for manufacturing such a device. The present invention further relates to an active fluid-filled vibration-damping device that exerts the force generated by the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator on a fluid chamber to reduce vibration in a staggered manner, and to an active vibration-damping device that reduces vibration of an element undergoing vibration damping in a staggered manner by means of the force generated by the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator.

[0002] In the past, an active fluid-filled vibration damping device, or the like, was a vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator that generates an oscillating force. The vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator comprises a tubular stator housed within an enclosure and a movable element inserted into the stator in a position displaceable relative to it. One of the stator and the movable element has a coil element containing a coil that generates a magnetic field by energizing it, while the other has an armature that is displaced relative to the coil element by a force generated by the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil. Note that the device in Japanese Patent No.The vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator shown in JP-B-3845421 (Patent Publication 1) has a structure in which a tubular stator, provided with a coil element, is arranged from the outside around a movable element provided with an armature.

[0003] According to patent specification 1, an outer yoke attached to a coil is positioned in contact with a circumferential wall of an enclosure in the perpendicular direction such that the enclosure adjusts the position of the stator in the perpendicular direction. The movable element, however, is elastically positioned relative to the enclosure in the perpendicular direction by an elastic support rubber body. Because the stator and the movable element are each aligned with the enclosure in the perpendicular direction with a high degree of accuracy, the stator and the movable element are aligned relative to each other in the perpendicular direction.

[0004] Nevertheless, deviations in the relative position of the stator and the moving element due to dimensional errors in the components, contraction of the elastic support rubber body after molding, or similar factors are almost unavoidable. This can cause problems with regard to variability in the output characteristics, abrasion due to the forced contact between the side facing the stator and the side facing the moving element on part of the circumference, and furthermore, stress on the elastic support rubber body, or similar issues. State-of-the-art publication (patent publication)

[0005] Patent publication 1: JP 3 845 421 B2

[0006] DE 600 07 584 T2 discloses an active hydraulic vibration-damping bearing for arrangement between two rigid elements in an automobile to dampen and filter vibrations between these two elements, wherein this bearing comprises at least the following: a first and a second rigid armature that can be connected to the first and second rigid element, respectively; a wall made of elastomer that connects the first and second armatures together and defines a working chamber filled with fluid; a piston that has at least one surface in contact with the fluid and that is attached to the first armature in such a way that it can move along an axis of vibration, wherein this piston is loaded by hyperelastic means in the direction of a rest position;and an electromagnetic actuator comprising: an electromagnet with an electric coil associated with a metallic housing, and a movable magnetic core which is movable under the influence of the electromagnet and which is connected to the piston to generate counter-oscillations in the liquid, characterized in that the electromagnetic actuator is an electromagnet proportional actuator and that the housing of the electromagnet and the movable core are designed such that when the coil is energized by an electric current of a value which is within a normal operating range, and it is in a certain position range which corresponds to the normal operating range of the electromagnetic actuator, the movable core experiences a force which depends only on this current.

[0007] German patent application DE 11 2010 004 747 T5 describes an electromagnetic actuator comprising a stator with a magnetic path associated with the stator, provided by yoke elements arranged along the circumference of a coil, and a movable element located in a central hole of the coil. The movable element is actuated axially along the coil by the action of a magnetic field generated by energizing the coil. An annular support element, secured to the stator, and an oscillator element, secured to the movable element, are arranged in opposite positions across a gap perpendicular to the axis. A support rubber element in the form of an annular plate is positioned between the opposite positions.The opposing surfaces of the annular support element and the oscillator element are arranged in an axis-perpendicular direction, and the oscillator element is elastically coupled to the annular support element by the support rubber elastic body. One axial surface of the support rubber elastic body is equipped with an inner circumferential recessed section and an outer circumferential projecting section, while another axial surface of the support rubber elastic body is provided with an inner circumferential projecting section and an outer circumferential recessed section, such that an elastic central axis is established in the support rubber elastic body, which extends along a winding path of an alternately connected raised segment and recessed segment with a position between the opposite or opposite surfaces.Curves in a perpendicular direction between the opposing surfaces of the ring-shaped support element and the oscillator element. Summary of the invention; Problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] The present invention was developed with the aforementioned circumstances in mind. One object of the present invention is to provide a vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator with a novel structure capable of stably providing a desired output while simultaneously achieving operational stabilization, improved durability, or the like through a simple structure, and also to provide a method for manufacturing such a device.

[0009] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an active fluid-filled vibration-damping device and an active vibration-damping device with a novel structure that includes the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator that has the effect described above. Means to solve the problem

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] The aforementioned and / or optional problems of the invention are solved according to at least one of the following modes of the invention. The following modes and / or elements, which are used in each mode of the invention, can be employed in any possible optional combination.

[0012] In particular, a first mode of the present invention provides a vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator comprising: a tubular stator; a movable element that is axially displaceable relative to the stator and inserted into the stator; a housing attached to the stator; an elastic support rubber body that elastically connects the movable element to the housing; a coil element with a coil that generates a magnetic field by energizing it and is arranged at one end of the stator and the movable element; and an armature that is displaceable relative to the coil element by the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil and is arranged at the other end of the stator and the movable element, wherein the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator is characterized in that: the housing includes a tubular circumferential wall;the stator is arranged in an inner circumference of the circumferential wall; a gap is provided between the circumferential wall and the stator in a direction perpendicular to the axis; and the stator is attached to the housing in a state of alignment with the movable element by means of a displacement of the stator relative to the housing in the direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0013] In the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator with a design according to the first mode of the present invention, a relative displacement between the stator and the circumferential wall of the housing is enabled by providing a gap between the stator and the circumferential wall in the direction perpendicular to the axis. In this arrangement, by adjusting the position of the stator relative to the housing such that it is aligned with the position of the movable element, which is elastically positioned with respect to the housing by the elastic support rubber body, the stator, which is arranged in the inner circumference of the circumferential wall, can be aligned with the movable element.As a result, when the movable element is inserted into the stator, it is possible to reduce the introduction of a load into the elastic support rubber body and thereby avoid an increase in the abrasion of the stator and the movable element due to the fact that they are pressed against each other in the axis-perpendicular direction, and to avoid operational failure due to sticking or the like.

[0014] A second mode of the present invention provides the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to the first mode, wherein the stator, aligned with the movable element in the axis-perpendicular direction, is fixed to the housing in a non-movable position relative to the housing in the axis-perpendicular direction.

[0015] According to the second mode, by fixing the stator, aligned with the moving element, to the housing, the stator and the moving element are held in a state of relative positioning in the axis-perpendicular direction. Furthermore, noise and similar disturbances resulting from movement of the stator relative to the housing can be avoided.

[0016] A third mode of the present invention provides the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to the second mode, wherein the housing has the form of a bottom-equipped shell with a bottom wall, a support element is secured to the elastic support rubber body, the support element is fixed to the housing, and the stator, aligned with the movable element in the axial direction, is clamped between the bottom wall of the housing and the support element in the axial direction such that it is fixed to the housing in a position not movable relative to the housing in the axial direction.

[0017] According to the third mode, by clamping the stator between the bottom wall of the housing and the support element in the axial direction, even in a structure where the gap between the stator and the circumferential wall of the housing is opposite each other in the axis-perpendicular direction, the stator can easily be positioned and fixed in relation to the housing.

[0018] A fourth mode of the present invention provides the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to one of the first to third modes, wherein an output element secured to the elastic support rubber body is inserted into the movable element and a position adjustment means is provided such that it enables an adjustment of an axial position of the movable element in relation to the output element.

[0019] According to the fourth mode, the stator and the moving element can be aligned not only perpendicular to the axis but also axially. This makes it possible to prevent variability in the output characteristics due to errors in the relative position of the stator and the moving element, thus ensuring a stable output.

[0020] A fifth mode of the present invention provides a manufacturing method for the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to one of the first to fourth modes, characterized in that it comprises: an alignment step of arranging the stator in the inner circumference of the circumferential wall of the housing and aligning the stator with the movable element in the axis-perpendicular direction; and a fixing step of fixing the stator aligned with the movable element in the axis-perpendicular direction to the housing in a manner that is non-movable relative to the housing in the axis-perpendicular direction.

[0021] According to the fifth mode, the stator, which is located on the inner circumference of the housing's perimeter wall, is positioned with the movable element in the direction perpendicular to the axis, after which the stator is fixed to the housing. This allows the stator to be held in a state of alignment with the movable element and prevents any displacement of the stator relative to the housing. This prevents the occurrence of noise or similar issues.

[0022] A sixth mode of the present invention provides an active fluid-filled vibration-damping device comprising: a first mounting element; a second mounting element; an elastic main rubber body elastically connecting the first mounting element and the second mounting element; a fluid chamber, the wall of which is partially formed by the elastic main rubber body containing a non-compressible fluid sealed therein; an oscillation element forming a further part of the wall of the fluid chamber; and the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to one of the first to fourth modes, which is attached to the oscillation element via the movable element of the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator such that an oscillation force generated by the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator is exerted on the fluid chamber by the oscillation element.

[0023] According to the sixth mode, the alignment of the stator and the moving element of the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator makes it possible to maintain a stable oscillation force exerted on the fluid chamber. Furthermore, since wear is minimized due to the sliding contact between the stator and the moving element, excellent durability is achieved.

[0024] A seventh mode of the present invention provides an active vibration-damping device comprising the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to one of the first to fourth modes, wherein the housing is designed to be attached to an element experiencing vibration damping, and the stator and the movable element are elastically connected to each other by the elastic support rubber body.

[0025] According to the seventh mode, the alignment of the stator and the moving element of the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator makes it possible to maintain a stable oscillation force on the element undergoing vibration damping. Furthermore, since wear is minimized due to the sliding contact between the stator and the moving element, excellent durability is achieved. Effect of the invention

[0026] According to the present invention, a gap is provided between the stator and the circumferential wall of the housing. This allows the stator to be mounted on the housing in a state aligned with the movable element by means of a displacement of the stator relative to the housing in the perpendicular direction. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the stator relative to the housing such that it is aligned with the position of the movable element, which is elastically positioned with respect to the housing by the elastic support rubber body.Accordingly, when the movable element is inserted into the stator, it is possible to reduce the load introduced into the elastic support rubber body and thereby avoid an increase in the abrasion of the stator and the movable element due to the fact that they are pressed against each other in the axis-perpendicular direction, and to prevent operational failure due to jamming or the like. Brief description of the drawing Fig. Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an active fluid-filled vibration-damping device in the form of a motor mount as a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a main part of the motor mount of Fig. 1 to represent part A of Fig. 1 in magnification. Embodiments for carrying out the invention

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawing.

[0028] As a first embodiment of the present invention Fig. 1. A motor mount 11 as an active fluid-filled vibration-damping device, which is provided with a vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 according to the invention. The motor mount 11 comprises a first mounting element 12, a second mounting element 14, and an elastic main rubber body 16, which elastically connects these to one another. The following description assumes that the upward-downward direction is the upward-downward direction in Fig. 1 is, that is, the direction of the displacement of a movable element 70 relative to a stator 68, which is described below, unless otherwise stated.

[0029] In detail, this means that the first mounting element 12 is a high-strength element made of a metal, a synthetic resin, or another material in the form of a block extending in an upward-downward direction approximately in the shape of a circular cross-section. The first mounting element 12 integrally includes an attachment piece 18 with a projecting shape and a bolt hole 20 formed by this.

[0030] The second mounting element 14 is a high-strength element, similar to the first mounting element 12, extending circumferentially with a concave longitudinal cross-section that opens towards the outer circumference. The entire second mounting element 14 essentially has the form of a thin-walled, large-diameter circular tube. The upper end of the second mounting element 14 is a tapered section 22 that widens towards the top, while the lower end of this is a caulking plate 24 in the form of an annular plate.

[0031] The first mounting element 12 is arranged above the second mounting element 14, with the elastic main rubber body 16 positioned between the first mounting element 12 and the second mounting element 14. The elastic main rubber body 16 is essentially in the shape of a thin-walled truncated cone. The end section of the elastic main rubber body 16 corresponding to the side with the small diameter is vulcanized to the first mounting element 12, while the end section corresponding to the side with the large diameter is vulcanized to the second mounting element 14. The elastic main rubber body 16 of the present embodiment has the form of an integrally vulcanized component that incorporates the first mounting element 12 and the second mounting element 14.

[0032] The elastic main rubber body 16 has a large-diameter recess 26. This large-diameter recess 26 has a circular transverse cross-section with an opening at its axial end surface on the large-diameter side of the elastic main rubber body 16, and its upper base wall surface has a tapered shape with a diameter that decreases upwards. The diameter of the large-diameter recess 26 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second mounting element 14, so that the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting element 14 is covered with a rubber layer approximately in the shape of a circular tube, which is integrally formed with the elastic main rubber body 16.Furthermore, the upper end of the second mounting element 14, which includes the tapered part 22, is covered with the elastic main rubber body 16 up to the outer circumferential side, so that it is connected to the elastic main rubber body 16 in the form of an embedding therein.

[0033] An elastic support rubber body 30 is attached to the integrally vulcanized component of the elastic main rubber body 16. The elastic support rubber body 30 has approximately the shape of an annular plate, with an annular support element 32 made of metal being vulcanized to its outer circumferential end portion. Within the support element 32, the inner circumferential portion is connected to the outer circumferential end portion of the elastic support rubber body 30 in the form of a groove, while the outer circumferential portion overlaps the crimping plate 24 of the second mounting element 14 from below, forming an approximately annular plate. Furthermore, an output element 34, acting as an oscillation element, is vulcanized to the inner circumferential end portion of the elastic support rubber body 30, thereby closing the central hole of the elastic support rubber body 30.The dispensing element 34 comprises an upper part, roughly in the form of a bowl, and a lower part in the form of a rod extending axially downwards from the upper part. Furthermore, the lower end part of the dispensing element 34 has an external threaded section 35 with a screw thread formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0034] The elastic support rubber body 30, which includes the support element 32 and the dispensing element 34, is attached to the integrally vulcanized component of the elastic main rubber body 16, thereby fluid-tightly covering the large-diameter recess 26 of the elastic main rubber body 16 with the elastic support rubber body 30. Thus, the elastic main rubber body 16, the elastic support rubber body 30, and the dispensing element 34 define a primary fluid chamber 36 using the large-diameter recess 26. In the primary fluid chamber 36, part of the wall is formed by the elastic main rubber body 16, while another part of the wall is formed by the elastic support rubber body 30 and the dispensing element 34, sealing in a non-compressible fluid within it.The non-compressible fluid, which is sealed in the primary fluid chamber 36, is not limited to a specific fluid. Preferably, the fluid used is, for example, water, ethylene glycol, alkylene glycol, polyalkylene glycol, silicone or silicon oil, or a mixture thereof. Furthermore, a low-viscosity fluid with a viscosity of 0.1 Pa·s or less is desirable to advantageously achieve a vibration-damping effect based on the fluid flow process described below.

[0035] In the present embodiment, a subdividing insert 38 is arranged between the elastic support rubber body 30 and the elastic main rubber body 16. The subdividing insert 38 essentially has the shape of a thin circular plate, with the outer circumferential portion placed on the upper surface of the support element 32 above the elastic rubber body, while the inner circumferential portion is positioned higher than the outer circumferential portion and further upwards from the elastic support rubber body 30 and the dispensing element 34. The subdividing insert 38 also has a plurality of filter openings 40, which are small-diameter circular holes formed in the inner circumferential portion with passage through them in the thickness direction.

[0036] Furthermore, a flexible film 42 is fixed to the integrally vulcanized component of the elastic main rubber body 16. The flexible film 42, which is a thin rubber film that can readily undergo bending deformation, essentially has the shape of a ring that extends continuously in the circumferential direction, with the shape of its longitudinal cross-section being convex towards the outer circumference. The flexible film 42 is vulcanized to an inner, associated fitting 44 at its upper end (inner circumferential end) and to an outer, crimping fitting 46 at its lower end (outer circumferential end).

[0037] The inner associated fitting piece 44 is an annular metal fitting piece that extends continuously over the entire circumference, with the cross-sectional shape of a groove opening towards the outer circumference. The upper end portion of the flexible film 42 is vulcanized to the outer surface of the inner associated fitting piece 44. The inner associated fitting piece 44 is fitted onto the first mounting element 12 from the outside such that the upper end portion of the flexible film 42 is attached to the first mounting element 12.

[0038] The outer crimping piece 46 essentially has the shape of a large-diameter circular tube, with the flexible film 42 bonded to its inner circumferential surface by vulcanization. The upper end of the outer crimping piece 46 integrally incorporates a flange 48 extending towards the outer circumferential side. The lower end of the outer crimping piece 46 has a step and a crimping element 50 projecting downwards from the outer circumferential end of the step. The crimping element 50 of the outer crimping piece 46 is crimped to the crimping plate 24 of the second mounting element 14, thereby fixing the lower end of the flexible film 42 to the second mounting element 14. The upper end of the second mounting element 14 rests against the outer crimping piece 46 in the axis-perpendicular direction over the elastic rubber bodies.This creates a fluid-tight seal between the upper end of the second mounting element 14 and the outer crimping piece 46. Furthermore, the outer circumferential part of the support element 32, connected to the elastic support rubber body 30, is attached to the second mounting element 14 by crimping the crimping piece 50 of the outer crimping piece 46, thus fixing it to the second mounting element 14.

[0039] The upper end of the flexible film 42 is attached to the first mounting element 12, while the lower end of the flexible film 42 is attached to the second mounting element 14. Consequently, the flexible film 42 is positioned on the outer circumference of the elastic main rubber body 16. The flexible film 42, together with the elastic main rubber body 16, defines an auxiliary fluid chamber 52 and fluid-tightly divides the chamber from the outside. The auxiliary fluid chamber 52, which can readily change its volume since its wall is partially formed by the flexible film 42, is filled with the same incompressible fluid as the primary fluid chamber 36.

[0040] The motor mount 11 further includes a tunnel-shaped passage that extends continuously around its circumference between the axially central cut surfaces of the second mounting element 14 and the outer crimping piece 46, which are opposite or opposite each other in the perpendicular direction. The tunnel-shaped passage communicates with the primary fluid chamber 36 through a first communication passage 54, which is formed on one part of the circumference. This passage communicates with the auxiliary fluid chamber 52 through a second communication passage 56, which is formed on another part of the circumference, thereby providing an outlet passage 58 that connects the primary fluid chamber 36 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 52 between the second mounting element 14 and the outer crimping piece 46.The tuning frequency of the orifice 58, which is the resonance frequency of the flowing fluid, is suitably adjusted by adapting the ratio (A / L) of the orifice cross-sectional area (A) to the orifice length (L) using the wall spring stiffness for the primary fluid chamber 36 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 52. In the present embodiment, the tuning frequency is adjusted to approximately 10 Hz according to an engine vibration. Note that a partition wall (not shown), which is integrally formed with the elastic main rubber body 16, is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the second mounting element 14. The length of the tunnel-shaped orifice is correspondingly shorter than one circumference in the circumferential direction, with the communication orifices 54 and 56 each being formed at the respective circumferential ends of the tunnel-shaped orifice.

[0041] Furthermore, a mounting piece 60 is fixed to the outer crimping fitting 46. The mounting fitting 60 essentially has the shape of a large-diameter circular tube, with its upper end section provided with a flange-shaped connecting plate 62 and its lower end section with a flange-shaped mounting plate 64. The connecting plate 62 is crimped to the crimping piece 50 of the outer crimping fitting 46 to connect the mounting piece 60 to the outer crimping fitting 46. Thus, the outer crimping fitting 46 and the mounting fitting 60 form the outer bracket. The connecting plate 62 of the mounting fitting 60 is crimped together with the crimping plate 24 of the second mounting element 14 and the outer circumferential part of the support element 32 using the crimping piece 50.As a result, the mounting adapter 60 is fixed to the second mounting element 14 and the support element 32.

[0042] In the motor assembly 11 of the present embodiment, the fluid-filled section is manufactured, for example, as follows. In particular, the integrally vulcanized component of the elastic main rubber body 16 and the integrally vulcanized component of the flexible film 42 are first assembled within the fluid to be sealed or at atmospheric level. At this point, the air remaining in the orifice 58 or the auxiliary fluid chamber 52 can be removed, for example, using a jet stream or nozzle jet within the incompressible fluid.

[0043] Next, the integrally vulcanized component of the elastic support rubber body 30 is attached to the assembled assembly. By press-fitting the support element 32 into the crimping piece 50 of the outer crimping fitting 46 within the non-compressible fluid to be sealed, it is possible, for example, to fill the non-compressible fluid and temporarily seal it by using the sealing rubber, fixed to the second mounting element 14, the outer crimping fitting 46, or the like, to achieve fluid tightness. This makes it possible to remove the assembled assembly, into which the non-compressible fluid has been filled, from the fluid and to attach the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 to it in the atmosphere.It is also acceptable, of course, to fill the non-compressible fluid into the primary fluid chamber 36 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 52 and keep it sealed there by assembling the components in the atmosphere and then injecting the fluid to be kept sealed through a through-hole provided on the first mounting element 12 in order to seal the through-hole.

[0044] The vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the mounting piece 60. The vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 has a structure in which the movable element 70 is positioned by being inserted into the stator 68 in a displaceable manner relative to it in the axial direction.

[0045] The stator 68 has two coil elements 72, 72, arranged one above the other. Coil element 72 comprises a coil 74 formed by a drum, which in turn is made of a resin wound with a metal wire, with an outer yoke 76 attached to the coil 74. The coil element 72 as a whole essentially has the shape of a large-diameter circular tube. The outer yoke 76, made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, comprises a first yoke 78, which is to overlap with the axial outer surface of the coil 74, and a second yoke 80, which is to overlap with the axial inner surface of the coil 74. In particular, the first yoke 78 is attached to the coil 74 in the manner of an overlap of the axial outer surface, the outer circumferential surface, and the axial outer edge section of the inner circumferential surface.Meanwhile, the second yoke 80 is arranged in the coil 74 in a manner that overlaps the axial inner surface and the axial inner edge section of the inner circumferential surface. As a result, the outer yoke 76 forms a magnetic path that guides a magnetic flux generated by energizing the coil 74 around the coil 74. The first yoke 78 and the second yoke 80 are spaced apart in an upward-downward direction on the inner circumferential side of the coil 74, thereby forming a magnetic gap 82.

[0046] As a result of a power supply to the coils 74, 74, a magnetic flux is generated around the coils 74, 74 and guided through the magnetic path formed by the outer yokes 76, 76. Accordingly, the outer yoke 76 has a magnetic pole formed at the formation section of the magnetic gap 82. The coil 74 of the coil element 72 on the upper side and the coil 74 of the coil element 72 on the lower side are formed with a continuous wire wound around the drums in opposite directions relative to each other, thereby generating magnetic fluxes in opposite directions as a result of energization. Furthermore, the upper and lower coil elements 72, 72 are essentially symmetrical in structure, except that the lower coil element 72 is provided with a downwardly projecting coil terminal 84, which is electrically connected to the coil 74.

[0047] The stator 68 is housed within a casing element 86, which serves as an enclosure. The casing element 86, which overall has approximately the shape of a bottom-mounted shell, is integrally provided with a circumferential wall 88 in approximately the form of a circular tube, a bottom wall 90 in approximately the form of a circular disk, and a flange-shaped support piece 92 formed at the opening thereof. The stator 68 is arranged on the inner circumference of the circumferential wall 88 as well as above the bottom wall 90 of the casing element 86. In the present embodiment, the bottom wall 90 of the casing element 86 has the form of a stepped plate, which is positioned gradually higher towards the outer circumference, with the outer circumferential edge section of this plate forming a stator support element 94 in the form of an annular plate that abuts the stator 68.

[0048] A guide sleeve 98 is inserted and positioned in the central hole of the stator 68. The guide sleeve 98 is an element approximately in the form of a thin-walled, circular tube made of non-magnetic stainless steel or the like. The surface of the guide sleeve 98 is preferably treated with a low-friction surface treatment, such as a coating with fluoropolymer resin. Furthermore, the lower end section of the guide sleeve 98 is provided with a fixing element in the form of a large-diameter tube to which an elastic support body 102 is attached such that it projects towards the outer circumference. Because the elastic support body 102 is clamped in the axial direction between the coil element 72 and the bottom wall 90 of the housing element 86, the guide sleeve 98 is elastically supported by the stator 68.

[0049] The movable element 70 is inserted into the guide sleeve 98 located in the central hole of the stator 68. The movable element 70 has an armature containing a permanent magnet 104, as well as an upper yoke 106 and a lower yoke 108, which overlap the upper and lower sides of the permanent magnet 104, respectively. The permanent magnet 104, which is essentially in the form of an annular plate, is magnetized in the axial direction, thereby forming one of the two magnetic poles on each of the upper and lower surfaces. It should be noted that, in addition to the use of a ferrite-based or alnico-based magnet, a rare-earth cobalt-based magnet, such as a samarium-cobalt magnet, which exhibits a high coercivity regardless of its size and weight, the permanent magnet 104 can preferably be a rare-earth cobalt-based magnet.

[0050] The upper yoke 106 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, which has undergone a low-friction surface treatment, including a coating with fluorinated resin. The upper yoke 106 essentially has the overall shape of an annular plate. The lower surface of the upper yoke 106 is a flat surface extending in the perpendicular direction, while the upper surface has a weight-reduced portion 110 in the form of a recess on its inner circumferential portion. Thus, in the upper yoke 106, the outer circumferential portion is a thick-walled portion 112, which is large with respect to its axial dimension, while the inner circumferential portion is a thin-walled portion 114, which is smaller with respect to its axial dimension than the thick-walled portion 112. The lower yoke 108 has a structure in which the upper yoke 106 is inverted.For this reason, no further explanation is necessary due to the use of the same reference symbols in the drawing.

[0051] The upper yoke 106 overlaps the upper surface of the permanent magnet 104, while the lower yoke 108 overlaps the lower surface of the permanent magnet 104. The permanent magnet 104 and the upper and lower yokes 106, 108 are connected to each other by a position-adjusting nut 116 being press-fitted in the central hole. As a result, the upper and lower yokes 106, 108 are magnetized by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 104, thereby providing the opposite magnetic poles on the outer circumferential surface of the upper yoke 106 and the outer circumferential surface of the lower yoke 108, respectively. The position-adjusting nut 116 is essentially in the form of a small-diameter circular tube with a screw head on the inner circumferential surface. Such a position-adjusting nut 116 has a larger diameter in its axially lower section than in its upper section.The lower section of the positioning nut 116, with the larger diameter, axially contacts a step formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower yoke 108. This positions the positioning nut 116 axially with respect to the permanent magnet 104 and the upper and lower yokes 106 and 108.

[0052] The output element 34 is inserted into the movable element 70 such that the movable element 70 is attached to the output element 34. Specifically, the movable element 70 is fixed in a predetermined axial position relative to the output element 34 by screwing the external threaded section 35, provided on the lower end of the output element 34, onto the position-adjusting nut 116, while a locking bolt is screwed into the position-adjusting nut 116 from below. Furthermore, by fixing the housing element 86 to the second mounting element 14, as described below, the support element 32, which is connected to the elastic support rubber body 30, is fixed to the housing element 86, so that the movable element 70 is elastically connected to the housing element 86 through the elastic support rubber body 30.Therefore, the movable element 70, which is attached to the output element 34, is elastically positioned with respect to the housing element 86 by the elastic support rubber body 30.

[0053] The stator 68, in the form of a tube, is arranged around the movable element 70 from the outside such that the movable element 70 is displaceable relative to the stator 68 in the axial direction. A suitable adjustment of the thread engagement of the position-adjusting nut 116, positioned relative to the external thread section 35 on the movable element 70, allows for axial adjustment of the movable element 70 relative to the output element 34, thereby forming a position-adjusting means. Accordingly, a variable axial position of the output element 34 has no effect on the alignment of the movable element 70 in a predetermined axial position with the stator 68.The movable element 70 is positioned axially with respect to the stator 68 such that the axial center of the thick-walled part 112 of the upper yoke 106 is aligned with the axial center of the magnetic gap 82 of the upper coil element 72, while the axial center of the thick-walled part 112 of the lower yoke 108 is aligned with the axial center of the magnetic gap 82 of the lower coil element 72.

[0054] A gap 118 is provided between opposite surfaces of the stator 68 and the circumferential wall 88 of the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction. In particular, the outer diameter dimension of the coil elements 72, 72, which form the stator 68, is designed to be smaller than the inner dimension of the circumferential wall 88 of the housing element 86, so that the outer circumferential surfaces of the coil elements 72, 72 are opposite the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 88 and thus located away from it, thereby providing the gap 118. This allows the stator 68 to be displaced relative to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction and aligned with the movable element 70, which is elastically positioned with respect to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction by means of a displacement of the stator 68 relative to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction.

[0055] Furthermore, when the stator 68 is aligned relative to the movable element 70, the stator 68 is clamped axially between the inner circumferential portion of the support element 32 and the stator support portion 94 of the bottom wall 90 of the housing element 86, thus fixing the stator 68 in a position relative to the housing element 86 that is immovable. In the present embodiment, the lower surface of the inner circumferential portion of the support element 32 is covered in the form of a groove with a clamped rubber 120, which is integrally formed with the elastic support rubber body 30. Accordingly, the first yoke 78 of the upper coil element 72 bears indirectly against the support element 32 via the clamped rubber 120, thereby preventing noise or damage to the outer yoke 76 and the support element 32 resulting from their direct contact.

[0056] It should be evident that the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 can be manufactured by a process that includes, for example, an alignment step and a fixing step as described below. Specifically, the coil elements 72, 72, which form the stator 68 and the guide sleeve 98, are first arranged around the movable element 70 from the outside. Then, the position-adjusting nut 116 of the movable element 70 is screwed onto the external threaded section 35 of the output element 34. Next, the stator 68 is placed in the housing element 86 and offset relative to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction. This completes the alignment step of aligning the stator 68 with the movable element 70 in the perpendicular direction.The support piece 92 of the housing element 86, together with the support element 32, is then fixed to the outer crimping fitting 46 by crimping, whereby the stator 68, which is aligned with the movable element 70, is clamped axially between the bottom wall 90 of the housing element 86 and the support element 32. This completes the fixing step of securing the stator 68 to the housing element 86 in a non-movable position relative to the housing element 86. The vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 can be manufactured according to the present embodiment by the steps described above.

[0057] Furthermore, the coil terminal 84, which is provided on the stator 68, is connected to a connector 122, which is attached to the housing element 86. The connector 122 is mounted in a connecting hole formed in the outer circumferential section of the bottom wall 90 of the housing element 86, extending downwards from there and bending at its central part such that it projects laterally. The connector 122 is provided with a connector end 124, one end of which is in conductive contact with the coil terminal 84, while the other end is exposed to the outside. The coils 74, 76 are powered by a power supply device (not shown) connected to the connector 122, thereby generating a magnetic field to magnetize each of the outer yokes 76, 76.This generates a magnetic force between the upper and lower yokes 106, 108 of the movable element 70 and the respective outer yokes 76, 76. Therefore, the movable element 70 is displaced relative to the stator 68 in the axial upward-downward direction. A control device (not shown) switches the direction of the current supplied to the coils 74, 74 from the power supply device at a set frequency, thereby controlling the direction of the displacement of the movable element 70 relative to the stator 68, i.e., the oscillation frequency.

[0058] Furthermore, the connection-side ends of the coil terminal 84 and the connector terminal 124 both extend in the perpendicular direction, while the ends of the coil terminal 84 and the connector terminal 124 are in planar contact with each other. This allows for a deviation in the relative position between the coil terminal 84 and the connector terminal 124 in the perpendicular direction. Therefore, even if the stator 68 is displaced relative to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction due to the gap 118 for relative alignment with the movable element 70, the connection between the coil terminal 84 and the connector terminal 124 is maintained.

[0059] The housing element 86 is attached to the outer crimping fitting 46. Specifically, with regard to the housing element 86, the support piece 92, which is provided at its upper end opening, is inserted axially between the connecting plate 62 of the mounting fitting 60 and the outer circumferential part of the support element 32. The outer circumferential parts of the connecting plate 62 and the support element 32 are fixed by crimping with the crimping piece 50 of the outer crimping fitting 46 such that the support piece 92 is fixed to the outer crimping fitting 46. This attaches the housing element 86, which is provided with the support piece 92, to the second mounting element 14 via the outer crimping fitting 46.The mounting adapter 60 is designed to be mounted on a vehicle body not shown, which will be described below, and therefore the housing element 86 is supported on the side of the vehicle body.

[0060] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a gap is provided between the circumferential wall 88 of the housing element 86 and the support element 32. As a result of this gap, when the fastening fitting 60 is fixed to the outer riveting fitting 46 by riveting, it is possible, even in a case where, for example, the fastening fitting 60 impacts the riveting fitting 50 due to deformation or the like of the riveting fitting 50 during the riveting process and displaces it in the perpendicular direction, to prevent the housing element 86 from being integrally displaced with the fastening fitting 60, thereby holding the housing element 86, which is positioned relative to the movable element 70.In particular, in the structure where the housing element 86 and the stator 68 are positioned and fixed before the housing element 86 and the mounting piece 60 are fixed together by the outer crimping piece 46, a gap is provided between the circumferential wall 88 of the housing element 86 and the mounting piece 60 to prevent displacement of the housing element 86 together with the mounting piece 60. This prevents displacement of the stator 68 relative to the movable element 70 after alignment. Furthermore, the housing element 86 can be designed with a low weight, since the strength or thickness required for it is lower than that of the mounting piece 60.This means that, compared to the case in which the axis of the housing element 86 is aligned with that of the movable element 70 together with the large, heavy mounting piece 60, the axis alignment is also carried out with higher accuracy and more easily.

[0061] In the motor mount 11 with this structure, the first mounting element 12 is mounted to a power unit (also not shown) via an inner bracket (not shown) which is fixed to the mounting part 18 by a bolt, while the second mounting element 14 is mounted to the vehicle body (also not shown) via the mounting adapter 60. As a result, the motor mount 11 is positioned between the power unit and the vehicle body in such a way that the power unit is supported by the vehicle body in a vibration-damping manner.Note that because the relative positional relationship between the mounting position of the first mounting element 12 on the power unit and the mounting position of the mounting plate 64 of the mounting adapter 60 on the vehicle body on the vehicle side has been predetermined, the mounting adapter 60 is positioned in a prescribed position relative to the first mounting element 12.

[0062] When a low-frequency vibration with a large amplitude, corresponding to an engine vibration, is introduced, an internal pressure fluctuation is induced in the primary fluid chamber 36. A relative pressure difference between the primary fluid chamber 36 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 52 causes fluid flow between the two chambers 36 and 52 through the outlet 58. This generates a vibration-damping effect based on a fluid resonance process similar to a flow-process.

[0063] When a medium- to high-frequency vibration with a small amplitude is introduced, such as an idle vibration (approximately a few dozen Hertz) or vibration during operation (approximately 30 Hz to 200 Hz), the outlet 58 is essentially closed by the counter-resonance. Meanwhile, the output element 34, which forms part of the wall of the primary fluid chamber 36, is set into axial oscillation by the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10, thereby exerting an oscillatory force on the primary fluid chamber 36. As a result, the actively exerted oscillatory force cancels out the introduced vibration, thus achieving the intended vibration-damping effect.In the present embodiment, the oscillation force is exerted on the primary liquid chamber 36 through the filter openings 40, thereby achieving an even more effective active vibration damping effect as a result of the oscillation.

[0064] In the motor mounting 11 with a structure according to the present embodiment, the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10, which exerts an oscillating force on the primary fluid chamber 36, has a gap 118 between the opposite surfaces of the coil elements 72, 72, which form the stator 68 and the circumferential wall 88 of the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction. This allows the stator 68 to be displaced relative to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction, so that the stator 68 housed in the housing element 86 can be aligned with the movable element 70, which is elastically positioned with respect to the housing element 86.As a result, even if there is a variability in the relative positions of the output element 34 and the housing element 86 in the axis-perpendicular direction, the movable element 70, which is connected to the output element 34, is aligned coaxially with the stator 68, thereby effectively obtaining the desired output.

[0065] Furthermore, when the stator 68 is aligned with the movable element 70, the coil elements 72, 72 are clamped axially between the bottom wall 90 of the housing element 86 and the support element 32. This fixes the stator 68 to the housing element 86 and prevents any relative displacement in the perpendicular direction. After the stator 68 is aligned with the movable element 70, its displacement relative to the movable element 70 in the perpendicular direction is limited, thus keeping the stator 68 and the movable element 70 aligned in the perpendicular direction. This makes it possible to maintain the desired output stably and also prevents the stator 68 from moving relative to the housing element 86, thereby avoiding noise or damage to the components.In particular, since the stator 68 is clamped and positioned in the axial direction between the housing element 86 and the support element 32, the stator 68 can be easily fixed to the housing element 86 by attaching the support element 32 and the housing element 86 to the outer crimping fitting 46.

[0066] Furthermore, by adjusting the screw-in degree of the position-adjusting nut 116 relative to the external thread section 35 of the output element 34, the mounting position of the movable element 70 relative to the output element 34 can be adjusted in the axial direction, thereby aligning the movable element 70 with the stator 68 in a prescribed axial position. Therefore, even if, for example, there is variability in the relative positions of the output element 34 and the housing element 86 in the axial direction, the movable element 70 connected to the output element 34 is aligned with the stator 68 in the direction of the oscillation displacement, effectively achieving the desired output.

[0067] Since the mutual alignment of the stator 68 and the movable element 70 is possible according to the preceding description, a desired active oscillation force is effectively exerted on the primary fluid chamber 36 in the motor mounting 11, thereby advantageously achieving the elimination of the vibration-damping effect against an introduced vibration. Furthermore, excessive contact between the stator 68 and the movable element 70 due to axial deviation between the two is avoided, which improves durability and prevents jamming or similar issues.

[0068] An embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to this specific description. In the embodiment described above, a structure has been presented in which the gap 118 between the coil elements 72, 73 and the housing element 86 is designed to allow the stator 68 to be displaced relative to the housing element 86 in the perpendicular direction. Nevertheless, the structure that allows a relative displacement between the stator 68 and the housing is not limited to the specific structure described in this embodiment. In a specific example, it is also acceptable if the gap between the opposite or opposite coil elements 72 and 73 is configured differently.Opposing surfaces of the outer circumferential surface of the housing element 86 and the inner circumferential surface of the mounting adapter 60 are provided to allow the housing element 86 to be displaced relative to the mounting adapter 60 in the perpendicular direction, thereby enabling a displacement of the stator 68 relative to the mounting adapter 60 in the perpendicular direction. This allows the stator 68 to be aligned with the movable element 70. This, in turn, means that it is also possible to use a structure in which the mounting adapter 60 is considered an enclosure, with the alignment of the stator 68 and the movable element 70 being achieved by a relative displacement between the stator 68 and the mounting adapter 70.Note that it is also acceptable if the gap between the housing element 86 and the mounting piece 60 as described above and the gap 118 between the coil element 72 and the housing element 86 are both designed in such a way that a relative displacement between the stator 68 and the housing in the perpendicular direction is possible.

[0069] Furthermore, the fixing means that positions and fixes the stator 68 relative to the housing element 86 after the stator 68 has been aligned with the movable element 70 is not necessarily limited to a structure in which the coil elements 72, 72 are clamped axially between the support element 32 and the bottom wall 90 of the housing element 86. In a specific example, it is also acceptable if the coil elements 72, 72 are clamped axially between other components supported by the support element 32 or the housing element 86, or if the stator 68 and the housing element 86 are positioned by inserting another component into the gap 118. Note that the fixing means is not essential in the present invention and the stator 68 can be mounted on the housing element 86 in a displaceable manner relative to the housing element 86.

[0070] The vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 according to the present invention can be used for an active fluid-filled vibration-damping device, as shown in the embodiment described above. In addition, the actuator is preferably also used for an active vibration-damping device as described in the publication of unexamined Japanese patent no. JP-A-2013-060963 and also in other publications. In particular, according to the present invention, in the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator 10 used in the active vibration-damping device, the output element 34, which is attached to the movable element 70, and the housing element 86, which is attached to the stator 68, are elastically connected to each other by the elastic support rubber body 30.The stator 68 and the movable element 70 are therefore indirectly connected to each other elastically via the elastic support rubber body 30. The stator 68 is attached to a vibration-damping element, such as the vehicle body, via the housing element 86, whereby the oscillation force generated by energizing the coil 74 is exerted on the vibration-damping element via the housing element 86. Consequently, the active oscillation force reduces the vibration transmission to the vibration-damping element in a delayed manner.

[0071] Furthermore, the specific structures of the stator 68 and the movable element 70, as shown in the embodiment described above, are merely examples and are not intended to imply any structural limitations with respect to the stator and the movable element. The structure disclosed in Japanese Patent No. JP-B-4186217 and other structures may also be used, for example. In addition, it is possible to use a structure in which the coil element forms the movable element, while the armature forms the stator. Reference symbol list 10 vibration-damping electromagnetic actuators 11 Motor mounting (active fluid-filled vibration damping device) 12 first mounting element 14 second mounting element 16 elastic main rubber bodies 30 elastic support rubber bodies 32 support element 34 Output element (oscillation element) 36 primary fluid chamber (fluid chamber) 68 Stator 70 movable element 72 coil element 74 coil 86 Housing element (enclosure) 88 Perimeter wall 90 Floor wall 116 Position adjustment nut (position adjustment device) 118 gap

Claims

[1] Vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator comprising: a tubular stator (68); a movable element (70) which is displaceable in an axial direction relative to the stator (68) and is inserted into the stator (68); a housing (86) attached to the stator (68); an elastic support rubber body (30) which elastically connects the movable element (70) to the housing (86) and elastically positions the movable element (70) in a direction perpendicular to the axis with respect to the housing (86); a coil element (72) with a coil (74) generating a magnetic field by energizing, arranged on a section separated from the stator (68) and the movable element (70); and an armature displaceable relative to the coil element (72) by the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil (74) arranged on the other side of the stator (68) and the movable element (70), wherein the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator (10) characterized by is that: the enclosure (86) includes a tubular perimeter wall (88); an outer circumferential surface of the stator (68) is arranged relative to an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall (88) such that it is located away from an inner circumferential side, so that the stator (68) is arranged in an inner circumference of the circumferential wall (88); and a gap (118) is provided between the circumferential wall (88) and the stator (68) in the perpendicular direction, so that the stator (68) is offset relative to the housing (86) in the perpendicular direction in order to be aligned with respect to the movable element (70), which is elastically positioned with respect to the housing in the perpendicular direction, wherein: the enclosure (86) has the form of a bottom-equipped bowl with a bottom wall (90), a support element (32) is secured to the elastic support rubber body (30), the support element (32) is fixed to the housing (86), and The stator (68), which is aligned with the movable element (70) in the axial direction, is clamped in the axial direction between the bottom wall (90) of the housing (86) and the support element (32) in such a way that it is fixed to the housing (86) in a non-movable position relative to the housing (86) in the axial direction. [2] Vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1, wherein an output element (34) secured to the elastic support rubber body (30) is inserted into the movable element (70) and a position adjustment means (116) is provided such that it enables an adjustment of an axial position of the movable element (70) in relation to the output element (34). [3] Manufacturing method of the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that it includes: an alignment step of arranging the stator (68) in the inner circumference of the circumferential wall (88) of the housing (86) and aligning the stator (68) with the movable element (70) in the axially perpendicular direction; and a fixing step of fixing the stator (68) aligned with the movable element (70) in the axis-perpendicular direction to the housing (86) in a non-movable position relative to the housing (86) in the axis-perpendicular direction. [4] Active fluid-filled vibration damping device comprising: a first mounting element (12); a second mounting element (14); an elastic main rubber body (16) which elastically connects the first mounting element (12) and the second mounting element (14) together; a fluid chamber, the wall of which is partially formed by the elastic main rubber body (16) containing a non-compressible fluid sealed therein; an oscillating element that forms another part of the wall of the fluid chamber; and the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, which is attached to the oscillation element via the movable element (70) of the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator (10) in such a way that an oscillation force generated by the vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator (10) is exerted on the fluid chamber by the oscillation element. [5] Active vibration damping device comprising the vibration damping electromagnetic actuator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the housing (86) is designed to be attached to an element that experiences vibration damping, and the stator (68) and the movable element (70) are elastically connected to each other by the elastic support rubber body (30).

Images