Toe correct bush and toe correct bush structure

Abstract

To provide a toe correct bush capable of exhibiting a toe correct function while suppressing rigidity in an axis straight direction.SOLUTION: A toe correct bush comprises an outer cylinder 2, an inside member 3, an elastic member 4, a slope member 6, an axial stopper F82 that contacts the outer cylinder 2 and the inside member 3 at a position displaced in an axial direction so that they approach each other, and an axial stopper F83 that can contact the outer cylinder 2 and the inside member 3 at a position displaced in the axial direction so that they approach each other. An inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 2 has an inclined surface F21 that is inclined outward in an axis straight direction as it approaches one side in the axial direction. The slope member 6 faces the inclined surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2, and has a slope surface F61 that is inclined outward in the axis straight direction as it approaches one side in the axial direction. The slope surface F61 or the outer cylinder 2 is not connected to an elastic covering part 5 or to each other. They are arranged in the axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toe correct bush and a toe correct bush structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Known conventional toe correct bushings include those used in suspensions for the purpose of improving vehicle responsiveness and stability (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the toe correct bushing, an inclined bent portion provided on an outer cylinder and an inclined protruding portion provided on an inner cylinder are connected by an inclined connecting portion made of a rubber elastic body, so that the inclined connecting portion is subjected to compressive and tensile forces. This provides a toe correcting function and can reduce oversteer when the vehicle is cornering. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-280718 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional toe correct bushing, the inclined bent portion on the outer cylinder and the inclined protruding portion on the inner cylinder are both connected by an inclined connecting portion of a rubber elastic body. Therefore, even when the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are only displaced relative to each other in the front-to-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the axis), the rigidity between the inclined bent portion on the outer cylinder and the inclined protruding portion on the inner cylinder (the inclined connecting portion of the rubber elastic body) affects the relative displacement in the front-to-rear direction.

[0005] In response to this, in the above-mentioned conventional toe correct bushing, it is conceivable to keep the rigidity in the front-rear direction low in order to improve the ride comfort.

[0006] However, in the conventional toe correcting bushing, if the rigidity in the front-rear direction is kept low, the toe correcting function for improving the driving stability is also reduced. In other words, with the conventional bushing, it is difficult to achieve both improved ride comfort and improved driving stability.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a toe-correcting bush and a toe-correcting bush structure that can exert a toe-correcting function while suppressing rigidity in the axial direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A toe correct bushing of the present invention includes an outer tube, an inner member disposed inside the outer tube, an elastic member connecting the outer tube and the inner member, a slope member embedded in the elastic member, an axial stopper with which one axial side portion of the slope member comes into contact when the outer tube and the inner member are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other, and an axial stopper with which an inner portion of the slope member in the axial direction can come into contact when the outer tube and the inner member are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other, and The slope member faces the inclined surface of the outer cylinder and has a slope surface that slopes outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis as it approaches one side in the axial direction, and when the slope member faces the inclined surface of the outer cylinder via an elastic covering part that covers the slope surface or the inclined surface of the outer cylinder, the slope surface or the outer cylinder is not connected to the elastic covering part, and when the slope surface directly faces the inclined surface of the outer cylinder, the slope surface is not connected to the inclined surface of the outer cylinder. The toe-correcting bushing according to the present invention can exhibit a toe-correcting function while suppressing rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0009] (2) In the toe correct bushing of (1) above, it is preferable that the slope member has a notched recess formed by an axial surface and an axial-perpendicular surface, and the axial stopper and the axial-perpendicular stopper are respectively formed by an axial surface and an axial-perpendicular surface of a step portion that mates with the notched recess. In this case, the axial stopper and the axial-perpendicular stopper can be realized with a simple structure.

[0010] (3) The toe correct bushing of (1) or (2) above is preferably provided with an elastic protrusion on one axial side portion of the slope member. In this case, it is possible to reduce the impact when the slope member comes into contact with the axial stopper.

[0011] (4) In any one of the toe correcting bushings (1) to (3) above, it is preferable to provide an auxiliary axial stopper that can come into contact with another axial side portion of the slope member after the axial side portion of the slope member comes into contact with the axial stopper. In this case, the toe correcting function can be more reliably exerted when the lateral force generated by the turning of the vehicle reaches the desired lateral force.

[0012] (5) In the toe correct bushing of any one of (1) to (4) above, the slope surface may face the inclined surface of the outer cylinder via the elastic covering portion and may be unconnected to the elastic covering portion. In this case, the toe correct bushing has excellent vibration and noise damping properties.

[0013] (6) In the toe correcting bushing of any one of (1) to (4) above, the slope surface may be directly opposed to the inclined surface of the outer cylinder and may be unconnected to the inclined surface of the outer cylinder. In this case, the toe correcting function has excellent follow-up ability to the turning operation of the vehicle.

[0014] (7) It is preferable that the toe correct bushing of any one of the above (1) to (6) has a through hole extending in the axial direction between the inner member and the slope member. In this case, the relative displacement between the slope member and the elastic member can be made with a greater degree of freedom.

[0015] (8) A toe-correcting bush structure according to the present invention has two toe-correcting bushes according to any one of (1) to (7) above arranged in a pair in the axial direction. The toe-correcting bush structure according to the present invention can exert a toe-correcting function while suppressing rigidity in the axial direction. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toe-correcting bush and a toe-correcting bush structure that can exert a toe-correcting function while suppressing rigidity in the axial direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a toe correct bushing according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the toe correct bushing of FIG. 1 along the line XX. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a toe correcting bush body from which a composite stopper has been removed from the toe correcting bush of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view showing the toe correct bush body of FIG. 3 from one side in the axial direction. [Diagram 5] 4 is a side view showing the toe correct bush body of FIG. 3 from the other axial side. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the toe correct bush body of FIG. 3 in a YY cross-sectional view. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a plan view showing a composite stopper of the toe correct bushing of FIG. 1 from the mating surface side with the toe correct bushing body of FIG. 3. [Figure 8]1 is a plan view, partially in cross section, illustrating an example of a rear suspension in which a toe correct bush according to the present invention can be used. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toe-correcting bush structure including the toe-correcting bush of FIG. 2 is assembled to the vehicle right side sleeve of the rear suspension of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic state of a toe correct bush structure for the vehicle right side sleeve of the rear suspension of FIG. 9 during a forward and backward stroke. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a first half state of a toe correct bush structure for a left turning stroke associated with the vehicle right side sleeve of the rear suspension of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a toe correct bush structure for the vehicle right side sleeve of the rear suspension of FIG. 9 in a latter half state during a left turning stroke. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toe-correcting bush structure including the toe-correcting bush of FIG. 9 is assembled to the vehicle left side sleeve of the rear suspension of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A toe correct bush and a toe correct bush structure, which are exemplary embodiments of the present invention, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] In the following description, the term "axial direction" refers to the direction in which the axis extends, and the term "direction perpendicular to the axis" refers to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a side view that shows a schematic diagram of a toe correcting bush 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the toe correcting bush 1 is shown from the side where a composite stopper 7 described later is arranged.

[0021] In the following description, when the central axis O1 (hereinafter also referred to as "axis O1") of the toe correct bushing 1 is used as a reference, the direction perpendicular to the axis, in which the side on which the inclined surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2 described later is located, is one side in the axis perpendicular direction, is referred to as the "front-rear direction". In addition, in the following description, when the axis O1 is used as a reference, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the axial direction is referred to as the "up-down direction".

[0022] Fig. 2 shows the toe correct bushing 1 in a schematic cross section taken along line XX in Fig. 1. Here, the cross section XX is a cross section extending in the front-rear direction and including the axis O1.

[0023] 2, the toe correct bush 1 includes an outer tube 2, an inner member 3 arranged inside the outer tube 2, an elastic member 4 connecting the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3, a slope member 6 embedded in the elastic member 4, an axial stopper F82 with which one axial side portion of the slope member 6 comes into contact when the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other, and an axial stopper F83 with which an axial inner portion of the slope member 6 can come into contact when the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other.

[0024] Here, the axial stopper F82 is disposed in the axial direction. The axial stopper F82 extends in the axial direction and in the axial-perpendicular direction. The axial-perpendicular stopper F83 is disposed in the axial-perpendicular direction. The axial-perpendicular stopper F83 extends in the axial direction and in the axial-perpendicular direction.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a toe correcting bush body in which the composite stopper 7 has been removed from the toe correcting bush 1 of FIG.

[0026] 3, the inner peripheral surface of the one axial end 2a of the outer cylinder 2 has an inclined surface F21 that is inclined toward the outer side in the front-rear direction (outer side in the direction perpendicular to the axis) as it approaches one axial side. In this embodiment, the inclined surface F21 is the inner peripheral surface on one side in the front-rear direction (one side in the direction perpendicular to the axis) of the inner peripheral surface of the one axial end 2a of the outer cylinder 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the inclined surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2 is covered by an elastic covering portion 5. In this embodiment, the elastic covering portion 5 is continuous with the elastic member 4.

[0028] The slope member 6 has a slope surface F61 facing the slope surface F21 of the outer tube 2. In this embodiment, the slope surface F61 faces the slope surface F21 of the outer tube 2 via an elastic covering portion 5 that covers the slope surface F21 of the outer tube 2. The slope surface F61 is inclined toward the outer side in the front-rear direction (outer side in the direction perpendicular to the axis) as it approaches one side in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the slope surface F61 is inclined toward one side in the front-rear direction (one side in the direction perpendicular to the axis) as it approaches one side in the axial direction. It is preferable that the slope surface F61 is parallel to the slope surface F21 of the outer tube 2. However, the slope surface F61 does not have to be parallel to the slope surface F21 of the outer tube 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the slope surface F61 faces the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2 via the elastic covering portion 5 that covers the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2. In this embodiment, the slope surface F61 is not connected to the elastic covering portion 5.

[0030] As described later, at a position where the slope member 6 is displaced together with the outer tube 2 to one side in the axial direction, the slope surface F61 comes into contact with the elastic covering portion 5 when the slope surface F61 and the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2 approach each other in a direction perpendicular to the axis. However, the slope surface F61 may be in contact with the elastic covering portion 5 in advance.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a side view showing the toe correct bush body of Fig. 3 from one axial side, and Fig. 5 is a side view showing the toe correct bush body of Fig. 3 from the other axial side.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the other axial end 2b of the outer cylinder 2 has a cylindrical shape. Also, in this embodiment, the inner member 3 is an inner cylinder disposed inside the outer cylinder 2. The inner member 3 also has a cylindrical shape. However, the outer cylinder 2 and the inner member 3 can be polygonal cylindrical. Furthermore, the inner member 3 can be a solid member with a solid interior, not a hollow member such as a cylinder. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer cylinder 2 and the inner member 3 are joined around the entire circumference around the axis O1 on the side of the other axial end 2b of the outer cylinder 2.

[0033] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a slope member 6 is provided at one axial end 2a of the outer tube 2. In this embodiment, the slope member 6 has two connecting portions 6a arranged at an interval in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the axis). In this embodiment, the two connecting portions 6a provided on the slope member 6 are embedded in at least one of the elastic member 4 and the elastic covering portion 5 connected to the elastic member 4. In this embodiment, the slope member 6 is connected to at least one of the elastic member 4 and the elastic covering portion 5 only at both sides of the slope surface F61. That is, in this embodiment, the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 is not connected to the elastic covering portion 5 (elastic member 4). As a result, in this embodiment, the slope member 6 can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the elastic covering portion 5 and the elastic member 4, with the two connecting portions 6a as base points.

[0034] In this embodiment, the slope member 6 has a cutout recess D1 formed in the outermost surface F64 on one axial side. In this embodiment, the cutout recess D1 is cut out so that the other side in the front-rear direction (the other axial side) is open. The cutout recess D1 is formed by an axial surface F62 and an axial-perpendicular surface F63. The axial surface F62 is disposed in the axial direction. The axial surface F62 extends in the axial direction and in the axial-perpendicular direction. The axial-perpendicular surface F63 is disposed in the axial direction. The axial-perpendicular surface F63 extends in the axial direction and in the axial-perpendicular direction.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, an elastic protrusion 10 is provided on the axial surface F62 of the cutout recess D1. In this embodiment, the elastic protrusion 10 is connected to the elastic covering portion 5 (elastic member 4). That is, in this embodiment, the elastic protrusion 10 is formed integrally with the elastic member 4. However, the elastic protrusion 10 can be provided independently on the axial surface F62 of the cutout recess D1, separate from the elastic covering portion 5 (elastic member 4). Note that FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic YY cross-sectional view of the toe correct bush main body of FIG. 3.

[0036] Also, for example, referring to FIG. 4, the toe correct bush 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a first through hole 11 extending in the axial direction between the inner member 3 and the slope member 6. In this embodiment, the first through hole 11 is formed in the elastic member 4. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the outermost surface F65 on the other side in the front-rear direction (the outermost surface on the other side in the direction perpendicular to the axis) of the slope member 6 is exposed in the first through hole 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a part of the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 is exposed in the first through hole 11. Furthermore, the toe correct bush 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a second through hole 12 extending in the axial direction between the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3. In this embodiment, the second through hole 12 is also formed in the elastic member 4. The first through hole 11 and the second through hole 12 are also called "currants". 5, the first through hole 11 and the second through hole 12 are each formed so as to surround one side in the front-rear direction of the inner member 3 when viewed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first through hole 11 and the second through hole 12 are disposed at positions opposing each other in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the axis) with the inner member 3 therebetween.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the toe correct bush 1 according to this embodiment includes a composite stopper 7. In this embodiment, the composite stopper 7 is attached to one axial end of the inner member 3. In this embodiment, the composite stopper 7 includes a main stopper 8 and an auxiliary stopper 9. In this embodiment, the composite stopper 7, i.e., the main stopper 8 and the auxiliary stopper 9, are fixed to the inner member 3 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 is provided with an axial stopper F82 with which one axial side portion (F62) of the slope member 6 comes into contact when the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 are displaced axially so as to approach each other.

[0039] Here, "the position where the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other" refers to the relative relationship in the axial direction between the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, "the position where the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other" includes both "the position where the outer tube 2 is displaced to one axial side toward the one axial end of the inner member 3" and "the position where the inner member 3 is displaced to the other axial side toward the one axial end 2a of the outer tube 2."

[0040] In this embodiment, the axial stopper F82 is provided on the main stopper 8. The main stopper 8 is disposed at a position axially adjacent to the slope member 6. In this embodiment, the axial stopper F82 and one axial side portion of the slope member 6, specifically, the axial surface F62 of the cutout recess D1 formed in the slope member 6 (hereinafter also referred to as the "cutout recess axial surface F62") are axially opposing surfaces that face each other in the axial direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the axial stopper F82 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the initial position of the slope member 6 by a predetermined distance C1 toward one side in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the predetermined distance C1 is the distance between the axial surface F62 of the notched recess of the slope member 6 and the axial stopper F82. For example, in this embodiment, if the slope member 6 is displaced toward one side in the axial direction together with the outer tube 2 by an amount exceeding the predetermined distance C1, the axial surface F62 of the notched recess of the slope member 6 can come into contact with the axial stopper F82. That is, in this embodiment, the axial stopper F82 does not function until the slope member 6 is displaced toward one side in the axial direction together with the outer tube 2 by an amount exceeding the predetermined distance C1. As a result, if the slope member 6 is displaced in one axial direction together with the outer tube 2 by an amount exceeding the predetermined distance C1, the slope member 6 can be positioned at a predetermined axial position (in this embodiment, a position where the slope member 6 is displaced in one axial direction by the predetermined distance C1 from the initial position in Figure 2).

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 is provided with an axial stopper F83 that can be contacted by the axial inner portion (F63) of the slope member 6 when the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other.

[0043] In this embodiment, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 is also provided on the main stopper 8. In this embodiment, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 and the axis-perpendicular inner portion of the slope member 6, specifically, the axis-perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess D1 formed in the slope member 6 (hereinafter also referred to as the "cutout recess axis-perpendicular surface F63") are axis-perpendicular opposing surfaces that face each other in the axis-perpendicular direction.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 is disposed at the same position as the axis-perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess in the axis-perpendicular direction, or at a position that forms a gap between the axis-perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess in the axis-perpendicular direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 is disposed at a position that is a predetermined gap C2 away from the initial position of the slope member 6 in the axial direction on one side in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the predetermined gap C2 is the gap between the outermost surface F64 on one axial side of the slope member 6 and the axis-perpendicular stopper F83. For example, in this embodiment, if the outermost surface F64 on one axial side of the slope member 6 is displaced together with the outer cylinder 2 by an amount that exceeds the predetermined gap C2 to one axial side, the axis-perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess of the slope member 6 can come into contact with the axis-perpendicular stopper F83. That is, in this embodiment, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 begins to function only when the slope member 6 is displaced to one side in the axial direction by an amount that exceeds the predetermined distance C2 together with the outer tube 2. As a result, when the slope member 6 is displaced to one side in the axial direction by an amount that exceeds the predetermined distance C2 together with the outer tube 2, the slope member 6 can be positioned at a predetermined position in the axis-perpendicular direction (in this embodiment, a position where the slope member 6 is displaced from the initial position in FIG. 2 to the position of the axis-perpendicular stopper F83).

[0045] However, the toe correct bushing 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an elastic protrusion 10 on one axial side portion of the slope member 6. In this embodiment, the elastic protrusion 10 can be brought into contact with the axially perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess of the slope member 6 prior to the axially perpendicular surface F82 of the axially perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess of the slope member 6.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 is provided with an axial auxiliary stopper F94 that can come into contact with another axial side portion (F64) of the slope member 6 after the axial side portion (F62) of the slope member 6 comes into contact with the axial stopper F82.

[0047] In this embodiment, the axial auxiliary stopper F94 is provided on the auxiliary stopper 9. The auxiliary stopper 9 is disposed at a position on one axial side of the main stopper 8. In this embodiment, the axial auxiliary stopper F94 and another portion on one axial side of the slope member 6, specifically, the outermost surface F64 on one axial side of the slope member 6, are axially opposing surfaces that face each other in the axial direction.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the axial auxiliary stopper F94 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the initial position of the slope member 6 by a predetermined distance C3 toward one axial direction side. In this embodiment, the predetermined distance C3 is the distance between the outermost surface F64 of the slope member 6 on one axial direction side and the axial auxiliary stopper F94. For example, in this embodiment, if the slope member 6 is displaced toward one axial direction side together with the outer tube 2 by an amount exceeding the predetermined distance C3, the outermost surface F64 of the slope member 6 on one axial direction side can come into contact with the axial auxiliary stopper F94. That is, in this embodiment, the axial auxiliary stopper F94 only functions when the slope member 6 is displaced toward one axial direction side together with the outer tube 2 by an amount exceeding the predetermined distance C3. As a result, even if the slope member 6 is displaced toward one axial direction side together with the outer tube 2 by an amount exceeding the predetermined distance C3, the slope member 6 will not fall toward one axial direction side beyond the axial auxiliary stopper F94.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the composite stopper 7 of the toe correct bush 1 of FIG. 1 from the side of the mating surface with the toe correct bush main body of FIG.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, the auxiliary stopper 9 is formed in a sector shape protruding to one side in the front-rear direction when viewed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the axial auxiliary stopper F94 is formed by the other axial side surface of the auxiliary stopper 9 (the surface on the near side in Fig. 7). In this embodiment, the axial auxiliary stopper F94 is formed by a sector-shaped flat surface. In this embodiment, the auxiliary stopper 9 is formed with a through hole 9h.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the main stopper 8 has an annular cylindrical shape protruding from the other axial side surface of the auxiliary stopper 9. In this embodiment, the main stopper 8 is formed with a through hole 8h having a diameter larger than that of the through hole 9h of the auxiliary stopper 9. In this embodiment, the inner member 3 is inserted into the through hole 8h of the main stopper 8. In this embodiment, the through hole 9h of the auxiliary stopper 9 is disposed on the same axis (axis O1) as the through hole 8h of the main stopper 8. In this embodiment, the inner member 3 inserted into the through hole 8h abuts against the auxiliary stopper 9, thereby being positioned in the axial direction.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment, the axial stopper F82 is formed by the other axial side surface of the columnar shape of the main stopper 8 (the surface on the front side of the drawing in FIG. 7) when viewed in the axial direction, as shown in Fig. 7. That is, in this embodiment, the axial stopper F82 is an annular flat surface when viewed in the axial direction, as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, in this embodiment, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 is formed by the columnar side surface of the main stopper 8. In this embodiment, the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 is a columnar side surface extending annularly around the axis O1.

[0053] Here, an example of the use of the toe correct bush 1 will be described using the rear suspension of an FR vehicle as an example.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing an example of a rear suspension that can employ the toe correct bushing according to the present invention. The following explanation will be given by taking as an example a case where the vehicle is turned to the left while moving forward, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 8.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a rear suspension 100 to which a toe correct bush 1 can be attached. The rear suspension 100 according to this embodiment includes a suspension frame 110. The suspension frame 110 includes a torsion beam 111 extending in the vehicle width direction, and two trailing arms 112. In this embodiment, the two trailing arms 112 are attached to the outer ends of the torsion beam 111 in the vehicle width direction. The trailing arms 112 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. A sleeve 113 to which the toe correct bush 1 is attached is attached to the front end of the trailing arm 112. In addition, a knuckle 114 for mounting a tire 200 is attached to the rear end of the trailing arm 112.

[0056] Here, in the rear suspension 100 of Fig. 8, the sleeve 113 arranged on the right side of the rear suspension 100 in the vehicle width direction is also referred to as the "right sleeve 113." Additionally, in the rear suspension 100 of Fig. 8, the sleeve 113 arranged on the left side of the rear suspension 100 in the vehicle width direction is also referred to as the "left sleeve 113."

[0057] The dashed line region R in Fig. 8 is shown enlarged in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toe correct bush structure 1A including a toe correct bush 1 is assembled to the right sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 in Fig. 8. Fig. 9 shows the initial state before the vehicle starts moving.

[0058] The rear suspension 100 according to this embodiment includes a toe correct bush structure 1A in which two toe correct bushes 1 are arranged in a pair in the axial direction. The toe correct bush structure 1A is arranged in one sleeve 113. In this embodiment, the two toe correct bushes 1 are arranged in series on the same axis. In this embodiment, the two toe correct bushes 1 are attached inside the sleeve 113 such that the axis O1 is coaxial with the central axis O2 of the sleeve 113. Furthermore, the two toe correct bushes 1 are attached such that the slope members 6 are located on the outside of each other in the axial direction.

[0059] 9, in this embodiment, one of the two toe correct bushes 1 attached to one sleeve 113 is arranged so that the slope member 6 is located on the front side of the vehicle and on the inside of the vehicle (when turning left, on the inner wheel side (the left tire 200 side)). In addition, in this embodiment, the other of the two toe correct bushes 1 is arranged so that the slope member 6 is located on the rear side of the vehicle and on the outside of the vehicle (when turning left, on the outer wheel side (the right tire 200 side)). That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the slope members 6 of the two toe correct bushes 1 are arranged at opposite positions in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) in top view. In other words, in this embodiment, the two toe correct bushes 1 are attached to one sleeve 113 so that the two slope members 6 are arranged at diagonal positions in top view as shown in FIG. 9.

[0060] In this embodiment, the sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 is attached to the vehicle body via the toe correct bush structure 1A. In this embodiment, the vehicle body includes two vehicle body mounting frames 300 spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 is disposed between the two vehicle body mounting frames 300. In this embodiment, the two toe correct bushes 1 are attached to the vehicle body mounting frames 300 using fastening elements 301 that pass through the toe correct bushes 1 while being attached to the sleeves 113. In this embodiment, the fastening elements 301 are formed of bolts and nuts. However, the toe correct bushes 1 can be attached to the vehicle body by a method other than the fastening elements 301.

[0061] Here, in Fig. 9, of the two toe correct bushes 1 arranged in the right sleeve 113, the toe correct bush 1 arranged on the left side of the vehicle (inside of the vehicle) is also referred to as the "right sleeve inner toe correct bush 1." Also, in Fig. 9, the toe correct bush 1 arranged on the right side of the vehicle (outside of the vehicle) is also referred to as the "right sleeve outer toe correct bush 1."

[0062] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic state of the toe correct bush structure 1A associated with the right sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 during a forward and backward stroke.

[0063] FIG. 10 shows an example of a front-rear stroke that occurs when the tire 200 goes over a step (e.g., a protrusion or a depression) formed on the road surface while the vehicle is moving forward. When the tire 200 goes over a step on the road surface, the toe correct bush structure 1A displaces the entire rear suspension 100 toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the vehicle body while bending the elastic members 4 of each toe correct bush 1. This allows the toe correct bush structure 1A to reduce the shock that may occur when going over a step. In this embodiment, when the displacement when going over a step is excessive, the displacement is limited to the extent that the gap (gap) of the first through holes 11 (gouging) disappears (until the elastic members 4 between the first through holes 11 come into contact) as shown in FIG. 10.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 10, when the displacement of the vehicle body (vehicle body mounting frame 300) and the rear suspension 100 is substantially only the displacement in the front-rear direction, the interval C2 between the outermost surface F64 on one axial side of the slope member 6 provided in each of the two toe correct bushes 1 and the axial stopper F82 (axis-perpendicular stopper F83) attached to the inner member 3 is maintained. Therefore, when the vehicle is simply climbing over a step while moving forward, as shown in Fig. 10, the axis-perpendicular surface F63 of the cutout recess of the slope member 6 provided in the elastic member 4 does not interfere with (contact with) the axis-perpendicular stopper F83 of the main stopper 8 provided in the inner member 3. That is, when the vehicle is moving forward, the vibration-proof function of the toe correct bush structure 1A is substantially exerted only by the elastic members 4 provided in each toe correct bush 1.

[0065] On the other hand, the toe correct bush structure 1A associated with the rear suspension 100 exerts a toe correcting function as well as a vibration damping function when the vehicle is turning.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic first half state of the toe correct bush structure 1A during a left turning stroke associated with the right sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic second half state of the toe correct bush structure 1A during a left turning stroke associated with the right sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100.

[0067] When the vehicle turns, the sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 displaces the toe correct bush structure 1A arranged on the sleeve 113 toward the front of the vehicle on the outer wheel side (outside of the turn), while displaces the toe correct bush structure 1A arranged on the sleeve 113 toward the rear of the vehicle on the inner wheel side (inside of the turn).

[0068] 11 and 12 show an example of a turning stroke when the vehicle turns left while moving forward. When the vehicle starts turning left, as shown in FIG. 11, on the right sleeve 113 side of the rear suspension 100, the outer cylinder 2 of the toe correct bush structure 1A is displaced toward the rear of the vehicle together with the sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 while moving toward the left turning direction of the vehicle (toward the inside of the vehicle) with respect to the vehicle body (vehicle body mounting frame 300). As a result, the slope member 6 provided on the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle is displaced toward the rear of the vehicle together with the elastic member 4 attached to the outer cylinder 2 of the toe correct bush 1 while moving toward the inside of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body mounting frame 300 arranged on the inside of the vehicle. As a result, in the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle, the interval C2 between the outermost surface F64 on one axial side of the slope member 6 and the axial stopper F83 (axial stopper F82) is reduced.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the vehicle further turns leftward, the elastic projection 10 provided on the slope member 6 comes into contact with the axial stopper F82, and then the notched recessed axial direction surface F63 of the slope member 6 of the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle is displaced to a position overlapping with the axial direction stopper F83 of the main stopper 8 of the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, so that the slope member 6 on the inside of the vehicle can come into contact with the axial direction stopper F83 of the main stopper 8 as shown in FIG. 12. As a result, the slope member 6 on the inside of the vehicle is fixed to the inner member 3 via the main stopper 8 on the inside of the vehicle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the elastic covering portion 5 provided on the inclined surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2 in the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle approaches the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 in the vehicle front-rear direction, the outer cylinder 2 can slide forward along the slope surface F61 together with the elastic covering portion 5 by the reaction force received from the slope surface F61.

[0070] Specifically, referring to Fig. 12, in the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle of the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A, when the left turning of the vehicle continues even after the axially perpendicular surface F63 of the notched recess of the slope member 6 on the inside of the vehicle comes into contact with the axially perpendicular stopper F83 of the main stopper 8 on the inside of the vehicle, the space between the outer tube 2 and the inner member 3 is elastically supported by the elastic member 4 at the other axial end 2b of the outer tube 2 of the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle. On the other hand, at the one axial end 2a of the outer tube 2 of the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle, the elastic covering portion 5 provided on the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2 and the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 are not joined. Therefore, at the one axial end 2a of the outer tube 2 of the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle, the outer tube 2 is displaced toward the front of the vehicle along the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 toward the inside of the vehicle along the elastic covering portion 5. As a result, in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A of FIG. 12, the toe correct bush 1 on the vehicle inner side can exert a toe correct function during left turning while suppressing rigidity in the vehicle front-rear direction (axis perpendicular direction).

[0071] That is, in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 on the vehicle inner side can rotate and displace the entire rear suspension 100 in the turning inner direction while suppressing the rigidity in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A, the toe correct bush 1 on the vehicle inner side can orient the tire 200 to the turning inner side while suppressing the rigidity in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, according to the toe correct bush 1 on the vehicle inner side in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the ride comfort and the handling stability even when the vehicle is turned to the left.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 12, the toe correct bush 1 on the outside of the vehicle in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A basically cannot exert a toe correct function when turning left. However, since the elastic covering portion 5 provided on the inclined surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2 and the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 are not connected in the toe correct bush 1 on the outside of the vehicle, it is effective in suppressing the rigidity in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle when turning left.

[0073] 10 and 11, in the right sleeve-side toe-collecting bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, the slope member 6 on the vehicle inner side comes into contact with the axial stopper F82 of the main stopper 8 on the vehicle inner side through the elastic protrusion 10 provided on the axial surface F62 of the notched recess of the slope member 6 on the vehicle inner side at a position where the distance C2 is C2=0. That is, in the right sleeve-side toe-collecting bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, when the slope member 6 on the vehicle inner side is displaced toward the vehicle inner side, the displacement of the slope member 6 toward the vehicle inner side is limited by the elastic protrusion 10 of the slope member 6 coming into contact with the axial stopper F82 of the main stopper 8 on the vehicle inner side. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, in the right sleeve-side toe-collecting bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, excessive displacement in the vehicle front-rear direction is limited by closing the second through hole 12.

[0074] 10, during a longitudinal stroke of the rear suspension 100, that is, during a longitudinal stroke of the rear suspension 100 while the vehicle is moving forward or backward, the outer tube 2 only displaces in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (direction perpendicular to the axis) relative to the inner member 3, and the slope member 6 provided on the elastic member 4 does not come into contact with the elastic covering portion 5 connected to the elastic member 4. In other words, when the outer tube 2 only displaces in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the inner member 3, and the slope member 6 does not substantially displace to the left side of the vehicle, the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 does not affect the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2.

[0075] 11 and 12, for example, during a turning stroke when the vehicle turns left, the outer cylinder 2 of the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A slides along the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 on the inside of the vehicle together with the elastic covering portion 5, and is displaced toward the front of the vehicle by the reaction force received from the slope surface F61. As a result, in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle can exert a toe correcting function when turning left while suppressing rigidity in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction (direction perpendicular to the axis).

[0076] In the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A in Fig. 9, the toe correct function of the toe correct bush 1 on the outer side of the vehicle mainly functions during right-side turning. That is, in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A in Fig. 9, in the toe correct bush 1 on the outer side of the vehicle, during the longitudinal stroke of the rear suspension 100 while the vehicle is moving forward or backward, the outer cylinder 2 is only displaced in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (direction perpendicular to the axis) relative to the inner member 3, and the slope member 6 provided on the elastic member 4 does not come into contact with the elastic covering portion 5 connected to the elastic member 4. That is, when the outer cylinder 2 is only displaced in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the inner member 3 and the slope member 6 is not substantially displaced to the right side of the vehicle, the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 does not affect the inclined surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2.

[0077] On the other hand, for example, during a turning stroke when the vehicle turns right, the outer cylinder 2 of the toe correct bush 1 (toe correct bush structure 1A) slides along the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6 on the outside of the vehicle together with the elastic covering portion 5, and is displaced toward the rear of the vehicle by the reaction force received from the slope surface F61. As a result, in the right sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 on the outside of the vehicle can exert a toe correcting function when turning right, while suppressing rigidity in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction (direction perpendicular to the axis).

[0078] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toe correct bush structure 1A including a toe correct bush 1 is assembled to the left sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 of Fig. 8. Fig. 13 shows an initial state before the vehicle starts. In the left sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A (hereinafter also referred to as "left sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A"), the toe correct bush 1 on the inside of the vehicle is also arranged so that the slope member 6 is located on the front side of the vehicle and also on the inside of the vehicle. Also, in the left sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A, the toe correct bush 1 on the outside of the vehicle is also arranged so that the slope member 6 is located on the rear side of the vehicle and also on the outside of the vehicle.

[0079] When the vehicle turns left, on the left sleeve 113 side of the rear suspension 100, in the toe correct bush 1 arranged on the outer wheel side (inner side of the vehicle) during turning in the left sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A, the outer cylinder 2 is displaced toward the rear side of the vehicle together with the sleeve 113 of the rear suspension 100 while moving toward the outer wheel side (inner side of the vehicle) during left turning with respect to the vehicle body (vehicle body mounting frame 300). Therefore, in the left sleeve side toe correct bush structure 1A according to this embodiment, the toe correct bush 1 on the inner side of the vehicle can maintain the toe correct function during left turning while suppressing the rigidity in the vehicle front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the axis). Also, in this embodiment, when the vehicle turns right, the toe correct bush 1 (toe correct bush structure 1A) arranged on the sleeves 113 on both the left and right sides of the rear suspension 100 can exert the toe correct function during right turning while suppressing the rigidity in the vehicle front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the axis).

[0080] In this way, the toe correct bushing 1 according to the present invention can exert a toe correcting function during cornering while suppressing the rigidity in the vehicle longitudinal direction (axial direction). Therefore, the toe correct bushing 1 exerts a toe correcting function while suppressing the rigidity in the vehicle longitudinal direction (axial direction), thereby making it possible to achieve both improved ride comfort and improved handling stability.

[0081] Moreover, the toe correct bushing 1 is provided with an axial stopper F82. In this case, when the vehicle turns, the outer cylinder 2 can be displaced toward the inside of the vehicle (one side in the axial direction) within a predetermined range relative to the inner member 3. Therefore, in this case, by bringing the slope member 6 into contact with the axial stopper F82, the toe correct function can be exerted when the lateral force generated by the turning of the vehicle (for example, turning due to driving operation) reaches a desired lateral force.

[0082] The toe correct bushing 1 also includes an axial stopper F83. In this case, the slope member 6 is fixed at a desired position in the vehicle front-rear direction (axial direction) by the axial stopper F83. As a result, even while the outer tube 2 is sliding along the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6, the slope surface F61 can stably generate a reaction force that pushes the outer tube 2 against the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2. Therefore, in this case, the toe correct function can be more stably exhibited.

[0083] In the toe correct bush 1, the slope member 6 has a notched recess D1 formed by an axial surface F62 and an axial-perpendicular surface F63. In the toe correct bush 1, the axial stopper F82 and the axial-perpendicular stopper F83 are respectively formed by the axial surface and the axial-perpendicular surface of the circumferential outer edge portion (step portion) of the main stopper 8, which are aligned with the notched recess D1. In this case, the axial stopper F82 and the axial-perpendicular stopper F83 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0084] Moreover, the toe correct bushing 1 is provided with an elastic protrusion 10 on one axial side portion (F62) of the slope member 6. In this case, it is possible to soften the impact when the slope member 6 comes into contact with the axial stopper F82.

[0085] Furthermore, the toe correct bushing 1 is provided with an auxiliary axial stopper F94 with which the other axial side portion (F64) of the slope member 6 can come into contact after the axial side portion (F62) of the slope member 6 comes into contact with the axial stopper F82. In this case, it is possible to prevent the slope member 6 from falling outward in the axial direction. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to more reliably exert the toe correct function when the lateral force generated by the turning of the vehicle reaches the desired lateral force.

[0086] In the toe correct bushing 1, the slope surface F61 faces the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2 via the elastic covering portion 5, and is not connected to the elastic covering portion 5. In this case, the elastic covering portion 5 functions as a buffer material between the slope member 6 and the outer tube 2. Therefore, in this case, the vibration damping and sound damping properties are excellent. However, the elastic covering portion 5 can also cover the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6, and the inclined surface F21 of the outer tube 2 can be not connected to the elastic covering portion 5 that covers the slope surface F61.

[0087] Alternatively, in the toe correct bushing 1, the slope surface F61 may be directly opposed to the slope surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2 and not coupled to the slope surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2. In this case, the slope surface F21 of the outer cylinder 2 can be slid relative to the slope surface F61 while being in direct contact with the slope surface F61 of the slope member 6. Therefore, in this case, the toe correct function has excellent follow-up ability in response to the turning operation of the vehicle.

[0088] Moreover, in the toe correct bushing 1, the elastic member 4 has a first through hole 11 extending in the axial direction between the inner member 3 and the slope member 6. In this case, the relative displacement between the slope member 6 and the elastic member 4 becomes possible with a greater degree of freedom.

[0089] In the rear suspension 100, a pair of toe correct bushes 1 are arranged in the axial direction of the sleeve 113 as a toe correct bush structure 1A. The toe correct bush structure 1A according to this embodiment can maintain the toe correct function while suppressing rigidity in the axial direction.

[0090] The above merely discloses an exemplary embodiment of the method for manufacturing a bush according to the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above exemplary embodiment, the rear suspension 100 is used as a reference, but when the vehicle body (vehicle body mounting frame 300) is used as a reference, the composite stopper 7 is displaced together with the inner member 3 so as to approach the slope member 6 when the vehicle turns. Although it is preferable to use two toe correct bushes 1 as in this embodiment, it is also possible to use only one toe correct bush 1. The elastic member 4 and the elastic covering portion 5 can be made of rubber. Also, the slope member 6 can be made of a resin such as nylon. A specific example of the resin is fiber reinforced plastic, more specifically, glass fiber reinforced nylon. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: toe correct bush, 1A: toe correct bush structure, 2: outer cylinder, 2a: one axial end of the outer cylinder, F21: inclined surface of the outer cylinder, 2b: other axial end of the outer cylinder, 3: inner member, 4: elastic member, 5: elastic covering portion, 6: slope member, F61: slope surface, F62: axial surface of a notched recess formed in the slope member (axial surface of the notched recess), F63: axial surface of a notched recess formed in the slope member (axial surface of the notched recess), F64: outermost surface on one axial side of the slope member, 7: composite stopper, 8: main stopper, F82: axial stopper, F83: axial stopper, 9: auxiliary stopper, 10: elastic protrusion, 100: rear suspension, 110: suspension frame, 111: torsion beam, 112: Trailing arm, 113: Sleeve, 114: Knuckle, 200: Tire, 300: Vehicle body mounting frame, F94: Axial direction auxiliary stopper, 10: Elastic protrusion, D1: Notch recess

Claims

1. the coupling device comprises an outer tube, an inner member disposed inside the outer tube, an elastic member connecting the outer tube and the inner member, a slope member embedded in the elastic member, an axial stopper with which one axial side portion of the slope member comes into contact when the outer tube and the inner member are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other, and an axial stopper with which an inner portion of the slope member in the axial direction can come into contact when the outer tube and the inner member are displaced in the axial direction so as to approach each other, an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at one axial end portion includes an inclined surface inclined toward an outer side in a direction perpendicular to the axis as the inner peripheral surface approaches the one axial end portion, the slope member faces the inclined surface of the outer cylinder and has a slope surface that is inclined outward in a direction perpendicular to the axis as it extends toward one side in the axial direction, When the inclined surface of the outer cylinder is opposed to the inclined surface of the outer cylinder via an elastic covering part that covers the inclined surface or the inclined surface of the outer cylinder, the inclined surface or the outer cylinder is not coupled to the elastic covering part, A toe-correcting bushing, wherein the slope surface is non-coupled to the slope surface of the outer cylinder when the slope surface directly faces the slope surface of the outer cylinder.

2. 2. The toe-correcting bush according to claim 1, wherein the slope member has a cutout recess formed by an axial surface and an axial-perpendicular surface, and the axial stopper and the axial-perpendicular stopper are respectively formed by an axial surface and an axial-perpendicular surface of a step portion that mates with the cutout recess.

3. 2. A toe correcting bush according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic projection on one axial side portion of said slope member.

4. 2. The toe correct bushing according to claim 1, further comprising an axial auxiliary stopper that is capable of contacting another axial side portion of the slope member after the axial side portion of the slope member comes into contact with the axial stopper.

5. 2. The toe correct bushing according to claim 1, wherein the slope surface faces the inclined surface of the outer cylinder via the elastic covering portion and is not connected to the elastic covering portion.

6. 2. The toe correct bushing of claim 1, wherein the slope surface is directly opposite the inclined surface of the outer cylinder and is not joined to the inclined surface of the outer cylinder.

7. 2. The toe correct bushing of claim 1, further comprising an axially extending through hole between said inner member and said slope member.

8. A toe correct bush structure comprising a pair of toe correct bushes according to any one of claims 1 to 7 arranged in an axial direction.

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