Stabilizer bar bearing

Abstract

Bearing (20) for 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; 55; 56) provided in said cavity portion, embedded in the polymer coating (60) so as to at least partially surround the stabilizer bar (10), said at least one insert (50; 55; 56) having a monobloc structure and at least one extension (45; 46; 47; 48), preferably at least two extensions, passing through the polymer coating (60) so as to extend outside the cavity, said at least one extension (45; 46; 47; 48) being arranged so as to secure the bearing (20) with at least one retaining element (30; 90). Figure for the abridged version: 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, 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 rigidity determines the extent to which the bearing can maintain the stabilizer bar in a stable position relative to the vehicle chassis. Insufficient radial rigidity can lead to undesirable movement of the stabilizer bar, which can negatively impact the vehicle's handling and stability when cornering.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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 thus acts as 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 to support loads applied perpendicularly, while allowing lower torsional stiffness to generate deformations due to rotation or bending. This essential compromise makes it possible to find a balance between compressive strength and flexibility.

[0011] When mounting such a bearing intended to secure the stabilizer bar in the vehicle, a common problem arises when the bearing, which is ultimately meant to be attached to the flange, cannot be secured due to the loss of the corresponding flange. Indeed, without a fastener, the flange or the bearing can fall off and be lost. This situation not only complicates the installation process but can also lead to delays and additional costs due to the replacement of the lost parts.

[0012] One solution to this problem is often the integration of a plywood piece, which is positioned in contact with the flange and the bearing. This reduces the risk of premature disassembly by preventing the flange from moving before it is permanently fixed. However, this approach has several technical and practical drawbacks that must be taken into consideration. Indeed, adding a plywood piece increases the complexity of the assembly process by requiring that the plywood be correctly aligned and fixed. This necessitates additional steps in the assembly line, thus increasing production time and the risk of error. Furthermore, adding a plywood piece increases the overall weight of the system as well as its size, which can be very problematic when transporting the parts, where space is limited and weight must be minimized. By Furthermore, the presence of plywood can create spaces where dirt, moisture, or other contaminants can accumulate. This can then increase the risk of corrosion or premature wear, thus affecting the longevity of the assembly.

[0013] Another commonly used solution to prevent the loss of parts during transport is, for example, punching between the flange and the bearing. More specifically, punching is a mechanical technique that creates a localized deformation on the surface of the flange and the bearing, forming a protrusion or a recess that serves to temporarily hold the two parts together before their final attachment to the stabilizer bar. However, although this method seems to offer a practical short-term solution, it has several technical drawbacks. For example, the punching process entails additional costs in terms of tooling and production time. Implementing this technique requires specific equipment and skilled labor, thus increasing manufacturing expenses.Furthermore, once the punching has been completed, it can be difficult to disassemble the flange and bearing because the punching creates a near-permanent bond between the two parts. Also, the punching creates areas of deformation that can weaken the material structure. These deformations can affect the mechanical strength of the bearing and flange, particularly in environments subject to high vibrations such as those found in a vehicle.

[0014] 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

[0015] 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 said part of cavity, embedded in the polymer coating so as to at least partially surround the stabilizer bar, said at least one insert having a monobloc structure and at least one extension, preferably at least two extensions, passing through the polymer coating so as to extend outside the cavity, said at least one extension being arranged so as to secure the bearing with at least one retaining element.

[0016] As mentioned above, such an insert is designed to provide additional structural reinforcement to the bearing. The addition of the insert also makes it possible to do without The use of chemical additives, often employed to make the polymer more rigid, can have negative environmental impacts, such as the release of toxic substances and increased recycling complexity. Furthermore, it features a monolithic structure, meaning it is made from a single piece, thus ensuring greater mechanical uniformity and leading to a more even distribution of stress.

[0017] The insert is integrated into the bearing structure, and at least one extension is designed to protrude through the polymer coating, creating a reliable assembly interface with at least one retaining element, such as a flange or any other support interface intended to support the bearing. The advantages of this approach are numerous: first, unlike punching, which deforms the material, at least one extension does not damage the structure of the bearing or the retaining element. Furthermore, at least one extension is designed to provide temporary but secure retention with the retaining element before final tightening, without creating additional areas of weakness.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, which one said at least one insert: - has a surface that is at least partially undulating and includes at least one hollow, and / or - is made either in a material deformed so as to introduce a prestress in said at least one insert, or in a shape memory material.

[0019] When the insert has a surface that is at least partially corrugated and includes at least one indentation, such an indentation is similar to a fold, allowing the insert to fold back on itself. This enables the insert to absorb mechanical stresses more effectively. Furthermore, this folding back on itself also creates a stronger mechanical connection with the other components, thereby filling any undesirable gaps or clearances.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the insert can be made of a material that has been deformed to introduce pre-stress. 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. 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 deformation, as it allows the bearing to adapt to the dynamic movements of the stabilizer bar while maintaining its structural function.

[0021] More specifically, when the shape-memory material is installed in the bearing cavity, 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 specific behavior. For example, the insert will close around the stabilizer bar, maintaining constant and firm contact. Simultaneously, another part of the insert, made of shape memory material, may have been designed to open outwards, that is, towards the inner wall of the flange. This ability to expand or open towards the flange allows the insert to ensure good contact and prevent any unwanted movement, thus guaranteeing optimal adhesion between the bearing and the flange.

[0022] 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.In other words, by maintaining the insert under tension, whether through the use of a deformed material to introduce a pre-stress in the insert itself, or through the use of a shape-memory material, the insert minimizes the play between the components (between flange and bearing or between bearing and stabilizer bar) and thus ensures a better distribution of loads between the components.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 cavity." In this case, the cavity, coated with the polymer, is configured to completely enclose the stabilizer bar. The insert also completely surrounds the stabilizer bar in this way.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the openings include through holes and / or partial windows.

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the bearing has a cylindrical shape, a U-shaped shape, a conical shape, or an elliptical shape, or a combination of at least two of these shapes.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the insert is made of a metallic, composite, or hybrid material.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 or glass fibers, short (e.g., a few micrometers to a few millimeters in length) or long (e.g., several centimeters in length), integrated into a resin matrix. A hybrid material, on the other hand, combines characteristics of different materials, for example metallic and composite materials. An insert can then have a metal base reinforced by layers of composite.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the insert has a substantially vertical relief on its surface, the relief being positioned in the center of the insert, its end being oriented towards the stabilizer bar.

[0035] 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 can 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. Naturally, the raised pattern can vary in shape and height.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the cavity part comprises first and second cavity elements, each cavity element being lined with said polymer coating.

[0037] More specifically, the first and second cavity elements form a split-type bearing, which therefore has a mechanical structure with a mechanism for installing it around the chassis or removing it 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, for example, either of a deformed material so as to introduce a prestress within the insert itself, or of a shape-memory material.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the insert has a circular, elliptical, or spline shape.

[0039] 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.

[0040] According to certain embodiments, said at least one extension has a corrugated surface, so that the joining between said at least one retaining element and the bearing is achieved by interlocking.

[0041] In other words, this corrugated geometry makes it possible to create said interlocking mechanism, that is to say, the extension fits snugly into a corresponding opening in the retaining element such as a flange. This corrugated surface increases the contact area between the extension and the retaining element, thus generating increased friction which allows for a solid connection without requiring additional screws or bolts. Furthermore, the crest of the corrugated surface acts as a mechanical lock preventing any axial or lateral movement once the fitting is complete.

[0042] Thus, assembly is simplified by avoiding the need for complex tools or fastening methods, as well as additional fastening parts, since at least one extension of the insert is used. The design is therefore more streamlined, which is particularly advantageous in environments where space and weight are critical constraints.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the insert is pre-treated with an adhesive so as to be adhered in said cavity.

[0044] The insert is then covered or coated with an adhesive before being inserted into the mold intended to form part of the cavity, which helps to hold it in place. Furthermore, this facilitates its adhesion to the polymer during vulcanization, thus optimizing the integration of the insert into the overall material.

[0045] The present exposition further relates to a support assembly, comprising at least: - a bearing as defined above; and - at least one support element intended to be secured to the landing, said at least one retaining element being a flange suitable for covering said bearing and / or a plate intended to support said bearing.

[0046] The stabilizer bar can be solid or hollow, painted or unpainted.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, said at least one retaining element has at least one opening configured to receive said at least one extension of the insert.

[0048] When the extension of the insert is inserted into the corresponding opening of the retaining element, it fits securely into place, thus ensuring a reliable mechanical connection between the bearing and the retaining element.

[0049] According to certain embodiments, said at least one retaining element is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

[0050] The present description further relates to a stabilizing assembly, comprising: - at least one stabilizer bar, and - at least one support assembly as defined above, the stabilizer bar passing through the bearing cavity and being attached to the bearing via its polymer coating.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the stabilizer bar is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

[0052] 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

[0053] 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 flange of the [Fig.2]; [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the flange of the [Fig.2]; [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view of the flange of [Fig. 2] including an insert according to the invention; [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a bottom and cross-sectional view of a support assembly according to the invention; [Fig. 7A], [Fig. 7B], [Fig. 7C] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C each illustrate a cross-sectional view of a solid bearing according to the invention, and [Fig.7D] Fig.7D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a split-type bearing according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] More particularly, the stabilizer assembly 1 includes a stabilizer bar 10, solid or hollow, painted or unpainted, the central part of which 11 is equipped with two bearings 20. Such bearings 20 are intended to be fixed to the chassis of the vehicle 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In this example, the bearing 20 is solid and has a general U-shaped form, but alternatively, it may be cylindrical, conical, or elliptical, or a combination of at least two of the shapes listed above. Thus, since the flange 30 also conforms to the shape of the bearing 20, its cavity may be cylindrical, conical, or elliptical so as to completely surround the stabilizer bar 10.

[0061] Conversely, the cavity portion can be semi-cylindrical, semi-conical, or semi-elliptical in shape 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 brought together. Each cavity element is then lined with the polymer coating 60, together forming a cavity enclosed by the flange 30.

[0062] 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.

[0063] As illustrated, the flange 30 comprises at least one retaining portion 31 extending laterally to axis A, as shown in [Fig. 4] by a cross-sectional view along axis B. Each retaining portion 31 has a bearing surface 32 forming the bearing surface of the flange 30 and, more broadly, of the bearing 20, and a through bore 33 perpendicular to axis A and therefore perpendicular to the bearing surface of the flange 30. Each bore 33 is provided 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.

[0064] It should be noted that the bearing 20 and the flange 30, as a retaining element, together constitute a support assembly. Such a retaining element can also be made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum. It can also be made of a composite material, combining, for example, fibers of carbon or glass with a polymer matrix, in order to obtain a good compromise between lightness and structural strength.

[0065] 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).

[0066] Fig. 5 is a simplified view of the preceding figures so as to highlight light an insert 50 according to the invention, embedded in the polymer coating 60, as well as the stabilizer bar 10.

[0067] As illustrated, the insert 50 extends over substantially the entire length of the cavity portion coated with the polymer 60. 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.

[0068] Such an insert 50 has the advantage, in this example, 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. 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 30, which is not visible in this figure. This ability to expand or open towards the flange 30 allows the insert 50 to ensure good contact and prevent any unwanted movement, thus guaranteeing optimal adhesion between the bearing 20 and the flange 30.

[0071] 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. Among Among its other characteristics, the insert 50 can have a circular, elliptical, or spline shape.

[0072] Said insert 50 further comprises at least one extension, preferably at least two extensions 45 and 46 as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. These two extensions 45 and 46 pass through the polymer coating 60 so as to extend outside the cavity. As can be seen, each extension 45 and 46 has a slightly corrugated surface so that each allows for joining, by interlocking for example, between a retaining element and the bearing 20.

[0073] To this end, [Fig. 6] illustrates a plate 90, viewed from below, which is an example of a retaining element. More precisely, such a plate 90 is intended to support said bearing 20 and is positioned here in contact with the flange 30, by means of fastening means 93, and the bearing 20, as illustrated in the same figure in a cross-sectional view of the assembled unit. As can be seen, the plate 90 has two openings 91 and 92 configured to each receive an extension 45, 46 of the insert 50.

[0074] In this way, when the extension 45, 46 of the insert 50 is inserted into the corresponding opening 91, 92 of the retaining element 90, it fits securely, thus ensuring a reliable mechanical connection between the bearing 20 and the retaining element 90.

[0075] Obviously, the flange 30 can be substituted for the plate 90 as a retaining element and have at least one opening intended to fit with at least one extension 45, 46 of the insert 50. This is the example illustrated in [Fig.7A] in which the insert 50 is provided with two extensions 45 and 46 which pass through the side walls ZI and Z2 of the polymer coating 60.

[0076] Other possible, but not limiting, configurations of the arrangement of the extension(s) of the insert 50 are illustrated in the figures described below. For example, in [Fig. 7B], there is a first lateral extension 45, extending from a side wall Z3 of the polymer coating 60, intended to be secured (by interlocking, for example) with the flange 30 not visible in the figure, and a second and third extension 46 and 47 intended to be inserted into the openings 91 and 92 of the plate 90 not visible in the figure.

[0077] It should also be noted that the first lateral extension 45 corresponds here to a volumetric expansion which was created from the implementation of a polymer injection process 60 to manufacture the bearing 20, the insert 50 being positioned in the cavity upstream of the injection.

[0078] For the sake of completeness, the polymer 60 is injected inside the insert 50 because the latter has a plurality of openings which include through holes and / or through windows. More specifically, the through holes are openings which completely cross the insert 50 from one side to the other, whereas partial windows are openings that do not completely cross the insert 50.

[0079] 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 30 suitable for covering said bearing 20.

[0080] Another possible and non-limiting configuration is shown in [Fig.7C]. In this case, there are two lateral extensions 45 and 48, highlighted by zones Z4 and Z5, intended to be joined (by interlocking for example) with the flange 30 not visible in the figure.

[0081] These two lateral extensions 45 and 48 each have a volumetric expansion and are constructed following a first folding of the insert 50 on itself at the level of a hollow 80 which is similar to a fold allowing the insert 50 to fold back on itself, then following the implementation of said polymer injection process 60.

[0082] Thus, the folded insert 50 can absorb mechanical stresses more effectively. Furthermore, folding it back on itself also allows it to create a reinforced mechanical connection with the other components, thereby filling any undesirable gaps or play.

[0083] Furthermore, in this example, the insert 50 has a single, 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.

[0084] Such a relief 100 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.

[0085] If the bearing 20 is of the split type as illustrated in [Fig.7D], the assembly of the stabilizer bar 10 is facilitated by the fact that two cavity elements, namely a first cavity element 61 and a second cavity element 62, can be mounted separately around the stabilizer bar 10. In this case, the presence of the relief 100 is not particularly advantageous for guiding the stabilizer bar 10.

[0086] Thus, when the bearing 20 is of the split type, a first insert 55 is disposed in the first cavity element 61, and a second insert 56 is disposed in the second cavity element 62. Obviously, the first insert 55 and the second insert 56 each have a one-piece structure. Each insert 55, 56 can also be made either of a deformed material so as to introduce a prestress in the insert itself, or of a shape-memory material, and have the characteristics described above.

[0087] As can be seen, only the insert 55 in this example has two extensions 46 and 47 designed to fit into the plate 90, which is not visible in the figure. Obviously, when the bearing 20 is of the split type, this does not preclude the possibility for a person skilled in the art to use other arrangement configurations of the extension(s) at the level of the first and second inserts 55 and 56. The examples described above are then fully applicable to the split-type bearing 20.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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) for vehicle stabilizer bar (10), comprising: - a cavity portion lined with a polymer coating (60) and configured to receive at least partially the stabilizer bar (10); and - at least one insert (50; 55; 56) provided in said part of cavity, embedded in the polymer coating (60) so as to at least partially surround the stabilizer bar (10), said at least one insert (50; 55; 56) having a monobloc structure and at least one extension (45; 46; 47; 48), preferably at least two extensions, passing through the polymer coating (60) so as to extend outside the cavity, said at least one extension (45; 46; 47; 48) being arranged so as to secure the bearing (20) with at least one retaining element (30; 90).

2. Bearing (20) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one insert (50; 55; 56): - has a surface at least partially corrugated comprising at least one hollow (80), and / or - is made either of a material deformed so as to introduce a prestress in said at least one insert (50; 55; 56), or of a shape memory material.

3. Bearing (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert (50; 55; 56) 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) and the stabilizer bar (10) and / or between the bearing (20) and a flange (30) suitable for covering said bearing (20).

4. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings include through holes and / or partial windows.

5. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a cylindrical shape, a U-shaped shape, a conical, or an elliptical shape, or a combination of at least two of these shapes.

6. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (50; 55; 56) is made of a metallic, composite, or hybrid material.

7. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (50) has a 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).

8. Bearing (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cavity portion comprises first and second cavity elements (61; 62), each cavity element (61; 62) being lined with said polymer coating (60).

9. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (50; 55; 56) has a circular, elliptical, or spline shape.

10. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one extension (45; 46; 47; 48) has a corrugated surface, so that the joining between said at least one retaining element (30; 90) and the bearing (20) is effected by interlocking.

11. Bearing (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (50; 55; 56) is pretreated with an adhesive so as to be adhered in said cavity.

12. Support assembly, comprising at least: - a bearing (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and - at least one retaining element (30; 90) intended to be secured to the bearing (20), said at least one retaining element (30; 90) being a flange (30) suitable for covering said bearing (20) and / or a plate (90) intended to support said bearing (20).

13. Support assembly according to claim 12, wherein said at least one retaining element (30; 90) has at least one opening (93) configured to receive said at least one extension (45; 46; 47; 48) of the insert (50; 55; 56).

14. Support assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said at least one retaining element (90; 30) is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

15. Stabilizer assembly, comprising: - at least one stabilizer bar (10), and - at least one support assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, the stabilizer bar (10) passing through the cavity of the bearing (20) and being integral with the bearing (20) by means of its polymer coating (60).

16. Stabilizer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the stabilizer bar (10) is made of a metallic material, a composite material, or a hybrid material.

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