Stabilizer bar bearing

Abstract

Bearing (20; 104; 105) for a vehicle stabilizer bar (10), comprising: a cavity portion lined with a polymer coating (60) and configured to at least partially receive the stabilizer bar (10); and at least one insert (50; 51; 52) provided in the cavity portion, embedded in the polymer coating (60) so as to at least partially surround the stabilizer bar (10), the insert (50; 51; 52) having a one-piece structure, and: - having a surface at least partially corrugated having at least one recess (80), and / or - is made either of a material deformed so as to introduce a prestress in the insert (50; 51; 52) itself, or of a shape-memory material. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Stabilizer bar bearing technical field

[0001] The present exposition relates to a vehicle stabilizer bar bearing and its manufacturing process, a support assembly, and a stabilizer assembly.

[0002] Such a stabilizer assembly can be suitable for any type of stabilizer bar and any type of vehicle, in order to limit vehicle roll. In particular, such a stabilizer assembly can be used for any axle of the vehicle. Prior art

[0003] In a vehicle with axles, the two wheels of the same axle are generally connected by a stabilizer bar. Such a stabilizer bar, also called an anti-roll bar, is a suspension component of the vehicle. This bar acts as a spring that connects the two wheels of the same axle. It thus reduces body roll during cornering and dampens the deformations experienced by the suspension, in order to maintain optimal contact between the tires of said wheels and the road surface, ensuring maximum grip.

[0004] Each end of the stabilizer bar is thus fixed to the suspension triangle of a wheel, by means of ball-jointed links, while its central part is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle using at least two bearings.

[0005] These bearings are designed to allow the stabilizer bar to be fixed to the vehicle chassis while offering some flexibility, the stabilizer bar needing to be able to move slightly relative to the chassis.

[0006] For this purpose, the bearings generally comprise a metal flange and an elastic ring interposed between the stabilizer bar and the flange. This elastic ring, often made of polymer, is thus generally placed around the stabilizer bar and then clamped by the flange, creating a compression that holds the ring in place.

[0007] However, it is crucial to ensure sufficient, or even optimal, adhesion between the bearing and the stabilizer bar. Indeed, weak adhesion can cause the stabilizer bar to slip or move relative to the bearing, thus compromising the bar's functionality and the vehicle's stability.

[0008] Similarly, weak adhesion between the bearing and a potential stirrup (or flange) intended to cover it can lead to relative movements between these two elements, thus impairing the stability of the assembly.

[0009] These relative movements, whether between the bearing and the stabilizer bar or between the bearing and the caliper, cause friction and undesirable noises which can impair driving comfort.

[0010] Poor adhesion can also create gaps where moisture and contaminants can penetrate. These gaps promote corrosion of the stabilizer bar and / or caliper surface. The resulting corrosion weakens the components, reducing their load-bearing capacity and affecting the overall performance of the suspension system. The presence of corrosion can also lead to premature failure of parts, requiring more frequent maintenance and costly replacements.

[0011] It is therefore essential to produce bearings with optimal adhesion between all components in order to guarantee their functionality, durability, and performance.

[0012] However, in addition to ensuring adequate adhesion, it is also crucial to address another simultaneous problem: radial stiffness. Such bearings are not sufficiently radially rigid. In other words, they do not exhibit good resistance to deformation or movement along a radial axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the bearing. Radial stiffness determines the extent to which the bearing can maintain the stabilizer bar in a stable position relative to the vehicle chassis. Insufficient radial stiffness can lead to undesirable movement of the stabilizer bar, which can negatively impact the vehicle's handling and stability when cornering.

[0013] On the other hand, such bearings may alternatively or additionally exhibit excessive torsional rigidity. These bearings are then too rigid with respect to rotational movements around their longitudinal axis. Consequently, the bearing transmits vehicle vibrations and shocks more directly to the passengers because it does not deform sufficiently to absorb such shocks. Driving becomes uncomfortable and generates unpleasant sensations for the vehicle occupants. Furthermore, excessive torsional rigidity can lead to premature wear of certain parts of the bearing due to high stress concentrations.

[0014] Thus, it is essential to design bearings for a stabilizer bar that offer an appropriate balance between radial stiffness and torsional stiffness to ensure stable, safe and comfortable driving.

[0015] To this end, manufacturers have designed a bearing comprising an insert that extends substantially along the entire length of the flange cavity and is embedded in its polymer coating. Such an insert is thus a reinforcing element intended to provide additional structural support, increasing the overall resistance of the bearing to loads and vibrations. It is also known that a rigid insert can provide High radial stiffness is required to support loads applied perpendicularly, while lower torsional stiffness is necessary to accommodate deformations due to rotation or bending. This essential compromise allows for a balance between compressive strength and flexibility.

[0016] However, although adding an insert strengthens the structure, it does not resolve the adhesion problem explained above. Therefore, it is essential to continue addressing the adhesion challenges to ensure that the bearing functions effectively, while still benefiting from the advantages of adding an insert.

[0017] There is therefore a real need for a vehicle stabilizer bar bearing, a support assembly, and a vehicle stabilizer assembly that are free, at least in part, from the disadvantages inherent in the aforementioned known configurations. Description of the invention

[0018] The present description relates to a vehicle stabilizer bar bearing, comprising: - a cavity section lined with a polymer coating and configured to at least partially receive the stabilizer bar; and - at least one insert provided in the cavity area, embedded in the polymer coating so as to at least partially surround the stabilizer bar, the insert having a one-piece structure, and: - having a surface that is at least partially undulating and has at least one hollow, and / or - is made either in a deformed material so as to introduce a prestress in the insert itself, or in a shape memory material.

[0019] As mentioned above, such an insert is designed to provide additional structural reinforcement to the bearing. The addition of the insert also eliminates the need for chemical additives often used to make the polymer more rigid, but which can have negative environmental impacts, such as the release of toxic substances and increased recycling complexity.

[0020] In addition, it has a monobloc structure, meaning that it is made of a single piece, thus ensuring better mechanical uniformity and leading to a homogeneous distribution of stresses.

[0021] The insert according to the invention can be made of a material that has been deformed to introduce a prestress. This means that, when integrated into the bearing, the material is already under tension, which increases its resistance to external forces, such as vibrations or radial loads.

[0022] Alternatively, the insert can be made from a shape-memory material, capable of returning to its original shape after being deformed. This type of material is particularly useful in environments subject to repetitive deformations, as it allows the bearing to adapt to the dynamic movements of the stabilizer bar while maintaining its structural function.

[0023] More specifically, when the shape-memory material is installed in the cavity portion of the bearing, the material activates its shape memory and seeks to return to its pre-programmed configuration. In this case, this shape memory causes the insert to adopt a certain behavior. For example, the insert will close around the stabilizer bar, maintaining constant and firm contact. Simultaneously, another portion of the shape-memory material insert may have been designed to open outwards, i.e., towards the inner wall of the flange. This ability to expand or open towards the yoke allows the insert to ensure good contact and prevent any unwanted movement, thus guaranteeing optimal adhesion between the bearing and the flange.

[0024] As for the introduction of a prestress in the insert material, it can also advantageously allow it to close around the bar and open towards the flange. The prestress creates a permanent internal tension in the insert, which causes it to return to its initial shape once installed, thus facilitating these closing and opening movements in this example. This configuration is particularly beneficial for adhesion, as it ensures permanent and optimal contact between the bearing and the stabilizer bar on the one hand, and between the bearing and the flange on the other.

[0025] In other words, by keeping the insert under tension, whether through the use of a deformed material to introduce a pre-stress in the insert itself, or by using a shape memory material, the insert minimizes the gaps between the components (between flange and bearing or between bearing and stabilizer bar) and thus ensures a better distribution of loads between the components.

[0026] Furthermore, the bearing may comprise two one-piece inserts as defined above, each placed in a separate cavity portion. These cavity portions, which may be slotted or solid, are each coated with a polymer designed to receive an insert. Thus, each insert is embedded in the polymer coating of the corresponding cavity, so as to partially surround the stabilizer bar.

[0027] When the bearing is of the "solid" type, it therefore comprises a single insert placed in the cavity portion, which is thus considered here as "a single cavity." In this case, the polymer-coated cavity is configured to completely enclose the stabilizer bar. The insert also completely surrounds the stabilizer bar in this direction.

[0028] Said at least one hollow is similar to a fold, allowing the insert to fold back on itself. Thus, the insert can absorb mechanical stresses more effectively. Furthermore, this folding back on itself also allows it to create a reinforced mechanical connection with the other components, thereby filling any undesirable gaps or clearances.

[0029] According to certain embodiments, the insert is provided with a plurality of openings whose number, size and arrangement are a function of a predefined stiffness of the bearing, preferably its stiffness in compression, or in torsion, or are a function of the pressure distribution between the bearing and the stabilizer bar and / or between the bearing and a flange suitable for covering said bearing.

[0030] The openings and their characteristics can be chosen according to a predefined stiffness of the bearing, that is, its ability to resist deformation under specific loads. For example, if the objective is to make the bearing more resistant to compression, a reduced number of openings, smaller sizes, and an arrangement that enhances this property will be chosen.

[0031] Openings also play a role in how pressure is distributed among the different components of the bearing. If the pressure is too concentrated in certain areas, this can cause premature wear or malfunctions. Thus, without openings, the insert has a uniform rigidity that can create pressure concentration points in certain areas where contact is more pronounced. These openings modify this uniform rigidity, allowing the material around the openings to deform more easily. This localized deformation redistributes the pressure over a larger area, avoiding pressure peaks in certain critical zones.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the openings include through holes and / or partial windows.

[0033] Through holes are openings that go completely through the insert from one side to the other. This means that there is a complete perforation of the material. Partial windows, on the other hand, are openings that do not go completely through the insert. These are notches that only affect part of the thickness of the material, leaving a portion of the material intact.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the bearing has a cylindrical shape, a U-shaped shape, a conical shape, an elliptical shape, or a combination of at least two of these shapes.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the insert is made of a metallic, composite, or hybrid material.

[0036] Metallic material refers to a pure metal or a metallic alloy. Examples include steel or aluminum, and alloys designated according to standardized nomenclatures such as S355MC, S420MC, and S460MC. These nomenclatures are used in the metallurgy industry to designate, in particular, specific types of high-strength low-alloy steel (HSL). The European standard EN 10149-2 is an example.

[0037] A composite material is defined as a mixture of two or more distinct materials, combined to take advantage of the best properties of each component. Examples include carbon fibers or glass fibers, short (e.g., a few micrometers to a few millimeters in length) or long (e.g., several centimeters in length), embedded in a resin matrix. A hybrid material, on the other hand, combines the characteristics of different materials, for example, metallic and composite materials. An insert may then have a metal base reinforced by layers of composite.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the insert has at least one substantially vertical relief on its surface, the relief being positioned in the center of the insert, its end being oriented towards the stabilizer bar.

[0039] This raised feature, which is optional within the scope of the invention, is therefore in the form of a projection or elevation extending substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the insert, for example at an angle of 180°. This raised feature may be located midway between the lateral edges of the insert, preferably at its central point. This central position is advantageous for facilitating the assembly of the stabilizer bar in the cavity created for this purpose.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the insert has a circular, elliptical, or spline shape.

[0041] The spline shape, known to those skilled in the art, refers to a profile having several notches or ribs, often in the form of teeth or grooves.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the cavity part comprises first and second cavity elements, each cavity element being lined with said polymer coating.

[0043] More specifically, the first and second cavity elements form a split-type bearing which therefore has a mechanical structure equipped with a mechanism allowing it to be installed around the chassis or removed from its position. In this case, a first insert can be placed in the first cavity element and a second insert can be placed in the second cavity element. Obviously, the first and second inserts each have a one-piece structure. Each insert can also be made of a deformed material of in order to introduce a prestress in the insert itself, or in a shape memory material.

[0044] The present exposition further relates to a support assembly, comprising at least: - a bearing as defined above; and - a flange suitable for covering said bearing.

[0045] The flange is a known component designed to protect the bearing from external elements, wear, and damage. The flange also holds the bearing in place by attaching it to a part of the vehicle chassis.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the flange is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

[0047] Such a flange can be made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum. It can also be made of a composite material, combining, for example, carbon fibers with a polymer matrix, in order to obtain a good compromise between lightness and structural strength. Finally, it can be designed from a hybrid material composed of several types of materials with complementary properties, generally combining metallic elements and composites to take advantage of the strengths of each component. As an example, a hybrid material may combine a metallic base, such as aluminum, with a composite layer (such as carbon fibers).

[0048] The present description further relates to a stabilizing assembly, comprising: - a stabilizer bar, and - at least one bearing as defined above, or a support assembly as defined above, the stabilizer bar passing through the cavity part of the bearing and being attached to the bearing by means of its polymer coating.

[0049] The stabilizer bar can be solid or hollow, painted or unpainted. It can thus pass through the cavity part of the bearing with or without a flange.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the stabilizer bar is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

[0051] The present description further relates to a method for manufacturing a bearing as defined above, the method comprising the following steps: 1) a step of positioning the insert in said part of the cavity; 2) a step of injecting the heated and pressurized polymer, or of melt-depositing polymer filament, inside the cavity part so as to constitute said polymer coating; 3) a vulcanization step of the injected polymer; 4) a demolding step for the bearing; 5) a step of assembling the demolded bearing with the stabilizer bar so that the stabilizer bar passes through the cavity part of the bearing and is attached to the bearing by means of its polymer coating.

[0052] The step of positioning the insert inside the cavity part ensures that it is well centered and correctly aligned with the cavity part.

[0053] Since it is a cavity part, this means that there is a first cavity element and a second cavity element, each of which may include an insert according to the invention, distinct in its respective cavity, or that there is a single cavity, intended to completely surround the stabilizer bar, and comprising a single insert according to the invention.

[0054] Similarly, the step of assembling the molded bearing with the stabilizer bar will be understood in this case as a step of assembling a first split bearing with the stabilizer bar, and a second split bearing with the stabilizer bar, the first and second split bearings thus assembled being intended to completely surround the stabilizer bar.

[0055] Of course, steps 1) and 2) may be successive but may not be. For example, when it comes to the step of melt-depositing polymer filament inside the cavity, this step is carried out, for example, partially before the insert is positioned, and then, once the insert is positioned, the deposition step can be continued until the deposit is sufficient to form the polymer coating. Obviously, melt-depositing polymer filament refers to a step carried out by "additive manufacturing," technical terms well known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] It should be noted that when step 2 concerns the injection of the polymer, the latter can be heated by induction or by conduction so that it has a certain degree of viscosity which allows it to penetrate inside the cavity part.

[0057] According to certain embodiments, the insert is pre-treated with an adhesive so as to be adhered to said cavity part of the implementation of step 1)

[0058] The insert is then covered or coated with an adhesive before its insertion into the flange, which helps to hold it in place and allow its adhesion with the polymer during its vulcanization, thus optimizing the integration and retention of the insert within the material as a whole.

[0059] According to certain embodiments, the process includes an additional step of bonding a flange intended to cover said cavity part, the bonding step being carried out after or simultaneously with said assembly step 5).

[0060] Thus, the flange, like the stabilizer bar, is not fixed beforehand to the mold used to form the bearing; it can then be glued to the bearing after its demolding and possibly simultaneously with the assembly of the stabilizer bar. This bonding process is carried out using either hot or cold methods, and may or may not involve the use of solvents. The absence of solvents is advantageous because it significantly reduces the environmental impact by limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds and decreasing the risk of pollution.

[0061] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent from the following detailed description, examples of embodiments of the vehicle stabilizer bar bearing, and the proposed support and stabilizer assembly. This detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0062] The accompanying drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the exposition. On these drawings, from one figure to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference symbols. [Fig.1] The [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a stabilizing assembly; [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an example of a landing; [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the landing of the [Fig.2]; [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the landing of the [Fig.2]; [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bearing in Fig. 2, including an insert according to the invention; [Fig.6] Fig.6 illustrates a flowchart of a manufacturing process for said solid or split bearing according to an implementation method of the invention; [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] Figures 7A and 7B each illustrate a cross-sectional view of the solid bearing according to the invention, during its manufacture; [Fig. 8A] and [Fig. 8B] Figures 8A and 8B each illustrate a cross-sectional view of two split bearings according to the invention, during its manufacture; and [Fig.9] Fig.9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bearing of Fig.2 comprising an insert according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0063] To make the explanation more concrete, an example of a stabilizing assembly is described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this example.

[0064] Fig. 1 represents a stabilizer assembly 1 for a vehicle, which is understood to mean any mobile structure, preferably an automobile such as a truck or a car or a utility vehicle, designed for the transport of persons or goods.

[0065] More particularly, the stabilizer assembly 1 comprises a stabilizer bar 10, solid or hollow, painted or unpainted, the central part 11 of which is equipped with two bearings 20. Such bearings 20 are intended to be fixed to the vehicle chassis while The ends 12 of the stabilizer bar 10 are intended to be fixed to parts of the vehicle attached to each wheel of the same axle, in particular the suspension triangle of each wheel of the axle.

[0066] The bearings 20 can be solid or in the form of two split bearings intended to be assembled together. More specifically, a solid bearing is characterized by a unitary mechanical structure without significant slots, openings or discontinuities in its structure, whereas a split bearing (or half-bearing) has a mechanical structure with an opening or a slot, allowing it to be installed around the chassis and assembled with another split bearing or to be removed from around the chassis.

[0067] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the bearing 20, whether split or solid, is mounted on a section 13 of the stabilizer bar 10 and includes a flange 30 having a cavity portion lined with a polymer coating 60 and intended to receive at least partially the stabilizer bar 10.

[0068] By way of example, when the bearing 20 is solid, it can completely enclose the stabilizer bar 10 along an axis A corresponding to the direction of extension of the stabilizer bar 10 when the bearing 20 is mounted. Conversely, when the bearing 20 is split, it can only enclose the stabilizer bar 10 on one side of the axis A, while another split bearing 20 encloses the stabilizer bar 10 on the other side of the axis B.

[0069] In this example, the bearing 20 is solid and generally U-shaped, but alternatively, it may be cylindrical, conical, or elliptical. Since the flange 30 also conforms to the shape of the bearing 20, its cavity portion may be cylindrical, conical, or elliptical so as to completely surround the stabilizer bar 10. In this case, the cavity portion corresponds to a single cavity. Conversely, the cavity portion may be semi-cylindrical, semi-conical, or semi-elliptical when the bearing 20 is split and thus partially surrounds the stabilizer bar 10. In this latter case, the cavity portion comprises first and second cavity elements configured to be joined together. Each cavity element is then a cavity portion, each lined with the polymer coating 60, together forming said cavity portion.

[0070] Figures 3 and 4 show this portion of the cavity (or cavity in this example) of the solid bearing 20 in perspective and in section along its median plane, respectively. Of course, a person skilled in the art can adapt the examples of embodiments described below to a split bearing.

[0071] The flange 30 here comprises at least one retaining portion 31 extending laterally to axis A as illustrated in [Fig. 4] by a cross-sectional view along axis B. Each retaining portion 31 has a bearing surface 32 forming the the bearing surface of the flange 30 and more broadly of the bearing 20, and a through bore 33 perpendicular to the axis A and therefore perpendicular to the bearing surface of the flange 30. Each bore 33 is fitted with a metal bushing 34. This metal bushing 34 is here shouldered, i.e. T-shaped. However, in other examples, it could simply be cylindrical.

[0072] It should be noted that the bearing and the flange 30 together constitute a support assembly.

[0073] Such a flange can be made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively, it can be made of a composite material, combining, for example, carbon fibers or glass fibers, short (e.g., a few micrometers to a few millimeters in length) or long (e.g., several centimeters in length), with a polymer matrix, in order to obtain a good compromise between lightness and structural strength.

[0074] Finally, it can be designed from a hybrid material composed of several types of materials with complementary properties, generally combining metallic elements and composites to take advantage of the benefits of each component. For example, a hybrid material can combine a metallic base, such as aluminum, with a composite layer (such as carbon fibers).

[0075] Figure 5 is a simplified view of the preceding figures to highlight the advantages of the invention. Thus, Figure 5 illustrates only the polymer coating 60 in which an insert 50 is embedded, as well as the stabilizer bar 10.

[0076] The insert 50 extends over substantially the entire length of the cavity portion. It also has a monobloc structure, meaning that it is made of a single piece, thus ensuring better mechanical uniformity and a homogeneous distribution of stresses.

[0077] Such an insert 50 has the advantage of being made of a deformed material so as to introduce a prestress within the insert 50 itself. This means that, when it is integrated into the bearing 20, the material of the insert 50 is already under tension, which increases its resistance to external forces, such as vibrations or radial loads.

[0078] Alternatively, the insert 50 has the advantage of being made of a shape memory material, capable of returning to its original shape after being deformed.

[0079] By maintaining the insert 50 under tension, whether through the use of a deformed material to introduce a pre-stress in the insert 50 itself, the insert 50 is designed so as to have the ability to close around the stabilizer bar 10 (partially in the case of a split bearing), as shown by the referenced arrows 51, maintaining a constant and firm contact.

[0080] Simultaneously, another portion of the insert 50 is designed to open outwards, as shown by the reference arrows 52, i.e., towards the inner wall of the flange not visible in this figure. This ability to expand or open towards the flange allows the insert 50 to ensure good contact and prevent any unwanted movement, thus guaranteeing optimal adhesion between the bearing 20 and the flange.

[0081] The insert 50 may have other characteristics. For example, it may be made of a metallic, composite, or hybrid material. Obviously, all these exemplary materials may be materials deformed so as to introduce a prestress in the insert 50 or shape-memory materials.

[0082] Among its other features, the insert 50 may have a circular, elliptical, or spline shape. In this example, the corrugated surface also has a substantially vertical relief 100 on the surface of the insert 50, for example at an angle of 180°. The relief 100 is positioned here at the center of the insert 50 with its end 101 directed towards the stabilizer bar 10.

[0083] Such a relief 100, as illustrated in [Fig.5], is located midway between the lateral edges of the insert 50. This central position is advantageous for facilitating the assembly of the stabilizer bar 10 in the cavity created for this purpose when the bearing 20 is of the solid type.

[0084] Thus, if the bearing 20 is of the split type, the assembly of the stabilizer bar is facilitated by the fact that the two cavity parts, namely a first cavity element and a second cavity element, can be mounted separately around the stabilizer bar 10. In this case, the presence of the relief 100 is not specifically advantageous for guiding the stabilizer bar 10.

[0085] The surface of the insert 50, whether the bearing 20 is split or solid, may have a recess 80, as illustrated in [Fig. 9], which is similar to a fold allowing the insert 50 to fold back on itself following the implementation of the process S0 described below. Thus, the insert 50, folded back on itself, can absorb mechanical stresses more effectively. Furthermore, this folding also allows it to create a reinforced mechanical connection with the other components and thereby fills any undesirable gaps or clearances.

[0086] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the different stages of a process S0 for manufacturing said bearing 20 comprising an insert 50 in the cavity portion. More particularly, the process S0 comprises the following successive stages:

[0087] A step SI of positioning the insert 50 in the cavity portion of the bearing 20 to be manufactured. The stabilizer bar 10 (nor any flange) is positioned before the start of process S0. In this case, tooling 103, as illustrated in [Fig. 7A], known to those skilled in the art, can be used to create the portion of cavity around the shape intended for the stabilizer bar 10, without the latter being physically present during the molding.

[0088] These tools 103, such as a mold, are specifically designed to reproduce the geometry of the stabilizer bar 10. They will then be removed by ejecting the molded part, for example. Thus, these tools 103 have the advantage of preventing damage to the stabilizer bar 10 during the implementation of process S0.

[0089] As can also be seen in [Fig.7A], this is the manufacture of a solid bearing 20.

[0090] The process S0 continues with a step S2 of injecting the heated and pressurized polymer into the cavity part so as to constitute said polymer coating 60. More particularly, the polymer can be heated by induction or conduction so that it has a certain degree of viscosity which allows it to penetrate into the cavity part.

[0091] Still following [Fig.7A], the arrows referenced 53 indicate the direction of propagation of the polymer flow injected into the mold 103, which then forms the polymer coating 60. As can also be seen in this figure, the polymer is also injected inside the insert 50. This is due to the fact that the insert 50 has a plurality of openings which include through holes and / or through windows.

[0092] As explained above, through holes are openings that go completely through the insert 50 from one side to the other, whereas partial windows are openings that do not go completely through the insert 50.

[0093] The number, size and arrangement of these openings are chosen according to a predefined stiffness of the bearing 20, preferably its stiffness in compression, or in torsion, or according to the distribution of pressure between the bearing 20 and the stabilizer bar 10 and / or between the bearing 20 and the possible flange suitable for covering said bearing 20.

[0094] The S0 process continues with a step S3 of vulcanization of the injected polymer. This means that the polymer, once injected in step S2, is subjected to a heat treatment that causes a chemical reaction. This process strengthens the molecular network of the polymer, thereby increasing its strength and flexibility.

[0095] Next, the process S0 continues with a demolding step S4 of the bearing 20 comprising said insert 50. As illustrated in [Fig.7B], the polymer coating 60 does not include a stabilizer bar 10 after demolding.

[0096] The bearing 20 is then prepared for the insertion of the stabilizer bar 10. The process S0 thus includes a final assembly step S5 of the molded bearing 20 with the stabilizer bar 10 so that it passes through the cavity of the cavity part of the bearing 20 and that it is attached to bearing 20 by means of its polymer coating 60.

[0097] To this end, thanks to the presence of the relief 100 positioned in the center of the insert 50, assembly is facilitated. More precisely, the relief 100, which is substantially vertical on the surface of the insert 50, guides the stabilizer bar 10 during its insertion into the cavity of the bearing 20.

[0098] The stabilizer bar 10 is assembled here by bonding it to the cavity portion of the bearing 20. The adhesion is particularly effective due to the nature of the insert 50, as explained above. Indeed, the insert 50 tends to close around the stabilizer bar 10 once inserted. This characteristic allows the insert 50 to exert pressure on the surface of the stabilizer bar 10, thus improving the contact and adhesion between the polymer coating 60 and the stabilizer bar 10.

[0099] This bonding is carried out hot or cold, and may or may not involve the use of solvents. The absence of solvents is advantageous in that it significantly reduces the environmental impact by limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds and decreasing the risk of pollution.

[0100] When manufacturing a split bearing 20, the process S0 reproduces the same steps. As illustrated in [Fig. 8A], the tooling 103 allows for the production of a first split bearing 104 (or half-bearing) and a second split bearing 105 (or half-bearing). The positioning step SI then comprises the positioning of a first insert 51 according to the invention in the first split bearing 104, and the positioning of a second insert 52 according to the invention in the second split bearing 105. Similarly, the polymer injection and vulcanization steps are carried out in each split bearing 104 and 105. The first insert 51 and the second insert 52 are then both of monobloc structure. Each insert 51, 52 can also be made either in a deformed material so as to introduce a prestress in the insert itself, or in a shape memory material.

[0101] Furthermore, following the demolding of the first split bearing 104 and the second split bearing 105, two split bearings are obtained, as illustrated in [Fig.8B], ready to be assembled, in particular by gluing, around the stabilizer bar 10 during step S5.

[0102] Optionally, whether for manufacturing a split or solid bearing, the process S0 includes a further step S6 of assembling, in particular by bonding, a flange intended to cover the cavity portion (or the first and second cavity elements). Step S6 can be carried out simultaneously with or after step S5 of assembling the stabilizer bar 10 with the molded bearing 20 (or with the first split bearing 104 and the second split bearing 105).

[0103] This bonding is carried out hot or cold, and may or may not involve the use of solvents. The absence of solvents is advantageous in that it significantly reduces the environmental impact by limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds and decreasing the risk of pollution.

[0104] It should also be noted that the insert 50 (or the first and second inserts 51 and 52) can be pre-treated with an adhesive so as to be bonded to said cavity prior to the implementation of step SI. In other words, before its insertion into this part, the insert 50 is then covered or coated with an adhesive, which helps to hold it in place and allow its adhesion with the polymer during its vulcanization, thus optimizing the integration and retention of the insert 50 within the overall material.

[0105] Furthermore, when step S2 involves the fusion deposition of polymer filament inside the cavity portion to form said polymer coating 60, this constitutes a 3D fabrication of the polymer coating. In this case, step S2 is implemented, for example, partially before the positioning of the insert 50 (or the first and second inserts 51 and 52), and can be continued until the deposition is sufficient to form said polymer coating 60.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0107] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

Demands

1. Bearing (20; 104; 105) for a vehicle stabilizer bar (10), comprising: - a cavity portion lined with a polymer coating (60) and configured to at least partially receive the stabilizer bar (10); and - at least one insert (50; 51; 52) provided in the cavity portion, embedded in the polymer coating (60) so as to at least partially surround the stabilizer bar (10), the insert (50; 51; 52) having a one-piece structure, and: • having a surface at least partially corrugated having at least one hollow (80), and / or • is made either of a material deformed so as to introduce a prestress in the insert (50; 51; 52) itself, or of a shape-memory material.

2. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to claim 1, wherein the insert (50; 51; 52) is provided with a plurality of openings the number, size and arrangement of which are a function of a predefined stiffness of the bearing, preferably its stiffness in compression, or in torsion, or are a function of the pressure distribution between the bearing (20; 104; 105) and the stabilizer bar (10) and / or between the bearing (20; 104; 105) and a flange (30) suitable for covering said bearing (20; 104; 105).

3. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to claim 2, wherein the openings have through holes and / or partial windows.

4. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a cylindrical shape, a U-shaped shape, a conical shape, an elliptical shape, or a combination of at least two of these shapes.

5. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (50; 51; 52) is made of a metallic, composite, or hybrid material.

6. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to claim 6, wherein the insert (50) has at least one substantially vertical relief (100). on its surface, the relief (100) being positioned at the center of the insert (50), its end (101) being oriented towards the stabilizer bar (10).

7. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (50; 51; 52) has a circular, elliptical, or spline shape.

8. The bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity portion comprises first and second cavity elements, each cavity element being lined with said polymer coating (60).

9. Support assembly, comprising at least: - a bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and - a flange (30) suitable for covering said bearing (20; 104; 105).

10. Support assembly according to claim 9, wherein the flange (30) is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

11. Stabilizer assembly, comprising: - a stabilizer bar (10), and - at least one bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or a support assembly according to any one of claims 9 and 10, the stabilizer bar (10) passing through the cavity portion of the bearing (20; 104; 105) and being integral with the bearing (20; 104; 105) by means of its polymer coating (60).

12. Stabilizer assembly according to claim 11, wherein the stabilizer bar (10) is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

13. A method for manufacturing a bearing (20; 104; 105) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the following steps: 1) a step of positioning (S1) the insert (50; 51; 52) in said cavity portion; 2) a step of injecting (S2) the heated and pressurized polymer, or of melt-depositing polymer filament, inside the cavity portion so as to constitute said polymer coating (60); 3) a step of vulcanizing (S3) the injected polymer;

14.

15. 4) a demolding step (S4) of the bearing (20; 104; 105); 5) an assembly step (S5) of the bearing (20; 104; 105) demolded with the stabilizer bar (10) so that the stabilizer bar (10) passes through the cavity part of the bearing (20; 104; 105) and that it is integral with the bearing (20; 104; 105) by means of its polymer coating (60). A method according to claim 13, wherein the insert (50; 51; 52) is pre-treated with an adhesive so as to be adhered in said part of the cavity upstream of the implementation of step 1). A method according to claim 13 or 14, comprising an additional step of bonding (S6) a flange (30) intended to cover said cavity part, the bonding step being carried out after or simultaneously with said assembly step 5).