Stabilizer bush

Abstract

To provide a stabilizer bush capable of, with a simple structure, effectively inhibiting entry of muddy water, dust, or the like, and efficiently discharging the muddy water, dust, or the like which has entered, thereby suppressing occurrence of sliding noise and ensuring a self-lubricating function.SOLUTION: A stabilizer bush 10 is provided between a stabilizer bar 3 connecting left and right suspensions of a vehicle and a holding member 2. In the stabilizer bush, there is formed a through-hole 10a for allowing the stabilizer bar to pass therethrough. The stabilizer bush elastically holds the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bush includes brush parts 11 and a dust lip 10b. The brush parts each include: a plurality of projection parts 11a which are arranged side by side within a predetermined range along an inner peripheral edge of the through-hole in a partial area of an inner peripheral edge of an axial direction end part opening of the through-hole, and are provided so as to project in an inner periphery radial direction; and a plurality of groove parts 11b each formed between the projection parts adjacent to each other. The brush parts are provided in a plurality of areas. The dust lip is formed in an inner area relative to the brush parts in an axial direction of the through-hole, and is formed over the whole periphery so as to project from an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole toward a center of the through-hole and outward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stabilizer bushing for holding a stabilizer bar in a vehicle such as an automobile, and more particularly to a stabilizer bushing structure capable of suppressing the intrusion of muddy water, dust, etc., and suppressing abnormal sliding noise. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in vehicles such as automobiles, stabilizer bars that connect the left and right suspensions of a vehicle are used as components for suppressing body rolling and ensuring steering stability while the vehicle is running. The stabilizer bar is elastically held in place at each end by stabilizer bushings attached to fixed portions of the vehicle.

[0003] Generally, a stabilizer bushing is made of an elastic body and has a through-hole through which a stabilizer bar passes. With the stabilizer bar inserted into the through-hole of the stabilizer bushing, the outer surface of the stabilizer bushing is fitted into a fixed bracket. In this state, the bracket is fixed to a fixed portion of the vehicle. With this configuration, the stabilizer bushing is disposed between the stabilizer bar and the bracket and elastically holds the stabilizer bar.

[0004] Generally, stabilizer bushings are used with a stabilizer bar inserted through a through hole. At this time, muddy water, dust, etc. may get in between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar. If muddy water, dust, etc. gets in between the stabilizer bushing and the stabilizer bar, and if a force is applied to the stabilizer bar in a torsional direction (a direction of rotation around the axis) while the vehicle is running, an abnormal sliding noise may occur.

[0005] Therefore, various methods have been proposed for suppressing the intrusion of muddy water, dust, etc. and suppressing the generation of abnormal sliding noise in stabilizer bushings, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-91474 and 2009-274606.

[0006] The stabilizer bushing disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-91474 and the like is configured by forming a large number of two or more types of protrusions with different protrusion heights on the inner peripheral surface of the stabilizer bushing that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar.

[0007] With this configuration, the technology disclosed in the publication can provide a structure that allows dust and other particles to be easily discharged through the gaps between adjacent protrusions. In addition, when the stabilizer bar is displaced in the twisting direction, the outer peripheral surface of the bar and the inner peripheral surface of the bushing do not slide simultaneously over the entire surface, thereby preventing the generation of abnormal sliding noise.

[0008] The stabilizer bushing disclosed in JP 2009-274606 A and the like has a fitting surface portion that fits into the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar at the axial center of the peripheral wall surface of the through hole, through which the stabilizer bar is inserted, and both axial sides of the fitting surface portion form upper and lower gaps with a crescent-shaped cross section between them and the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar on both the upper and lower sides of the stabilizer bar, the cross section of the through hole is polygonal and grooves extending in the axial direction are provided at the corners of the polygonal shape, and further the peripheral wall surface of the through hole is formed in an inverse tapered shape that widens outward as it extends from the fitting surface portion to both axial ends.

[0009] With this configuration, the technology disclosed in the publication has the effect of making it easier for dust and other particles to be expelled from the upper and lower gaps when the stabilizer bar is displaced in the prying direction, thereby preventing the generation of abnormal sliding noise.

[0010] In addition to the above-mentioned conventional technology, a well-known means for preventing the intrusion of muddy water, dust, etc. into the stabilizer bushing and suppressing abnormal sliding noise is, for example, a technology for bonding the inner surface of the stabilizer bushing to the outer surface of the stabilizer bar. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-91474 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-274606 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] However, in the prior art disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-91474, the protrusions cannot follow when the stabilizer bar is displaced in the prying direction, resulting in a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the bar and the inner peripheral surface of the bush, which results in an inability to adequately prevent the intrusion of dust and other particles.

[0013] Furthermore, in the conventional technology disclosed in JP 2009-274606 A and the like, the shape of the through hole in the stabilizer bushing is complex, which poses a problem in that production costs may become high.

[0014] Furthermore, the well-known technique of gluing stabilizer bushings to stabilizer bars has the problem that it requires a large work area on the production line, and also has the problem that ride comfort and handling stability may be degraded due to the influence of torsional reaction forces received during in-phase vibration.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a stabilizer bushing with a simple structure that can effectively prevent the intrusion of muddy water, dust, etc., or efficiently expel intruding muddy water, dust, etc., thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal sliding noise while ensuring self-lubricating function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a stabilizer bushing that is arranged to extend in the width direction of a vehicle, and is provided between a stabilizer bar connecting left and right suspensions of the vehicle and a holding member that holds the stabilizer bar to the vehicle body, and that is made of an elastic body in which a through hole is formed, the through hole having an inner peripheral surface that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar, and that elastically holds the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bushing has a plurality of protrusions that are arranged in a row within a predetermined range along the inner peripheral edge of the through hole in a partial region of the inner peripheral edge of the axial end opening of the through hole, and each of the protrusions is provided so as to protrude in the inner radial direction, and a plurality of grooves that are formed between adjacent protrusions among the plurality of protrusions, and that are provided in a plurality of regions; and a dust lip that is formed in a region more inward than the brush portion in the axial direction of the through hole, and that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole toward the center and outside of the through hole, and is formed around the entire circumference. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stabilizer bushing with a simple structure that can effectively prevent the intrusion of muddy water, dust, etc., or efficiently expel intruding muddy water, dust, etc., thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal sliding noise while ensuring self-lubricating function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a stabilizer bushing according to an embodiment of the present invention, conceptually illustrating a state in which the stabilizer bushing is attached to a vehicle; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing only a stabilizer bushing according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] A plan view of the stabilizer bushing in Figure 2 as seen from the direction of arrow [3] in Figure 2. [Figure 4] An enlarged view of the area indicated by the arrow [4] in Figure 3; [Figure 5] A partial cross-sectional view showing the left half of the cross section along the line [5]-[5] in Figure 3; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the stabilizer bushing of one embodiment of the present invention when a twisting force is applied to the stabilizer bar; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a stabilizer bar in a direction along the central axis thereof, in a state in which a stabilizer bushing according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed; [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the action of the stabilizer bush when a force in a prying direction is applied to the stabilizer bar while the vehicle is traveling in the state shown in FIG. 7; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, in these drawings, each component is shown at a size that allows it to be recognized on the drawing. For this reason, the dimensional relationships and scales of the components in the drawings may be different for each component. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments with respect to the quantities, shapes, size ratios, relative positional relationships, etc. of the components shown in the drawings.

[0020] The stabilizer bush of one embodiment of the present invention is arranged to extend in the width direction of the vehicle, and is provided between a retaining member (fixed bracket member) that holds a stabilizer bar connecting the left and right suspensions of the vehicle to the vehicle body, and is a member that elastically holds the stabilizer bar.

[0021] Here, the arrangement of the stabilizer bushing in the vehicle will be briefly explained. Figure 1 shows an example of a stabilizer bushing according to one embodiment of the present invention, and conceptually shows the state of attachment to the vehicle.

[0022] 1, the stabilizer bushing 10 is formed with a through hole 10a through which the stabilizer bar 3 is inserted. When the stabilizer bar 3 is inserted into the through hole 10a, the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a. Then, with the stabilizer bar 3 inserted into the through hole 10a, the fixing bracket 2 is arranged so as to cover the outer surface of the stabilizer bushing 10.

[0023] The fixed bracket 2 is fixed to a fixed portion 1 (e.g., a cross member, a frame, etc.) of a vehicle by means of screws or the like. The fixed bracket 2 is formed to have a main body portion 2a formed to fit the shape of the outer periphery of the stabilizer bushing 10, and flange portions 2b extending in a predetermined horizontal direction from both end edges of the main body portion 2a. Here, the predetermined horizontal direction is a direction approximately perpendicular to a direction along the central axis Ax (see FIG. 1 ) of the through hole 10a (stabilizer bar 3) of the stabilizer bushing 10 attached to the fixed bracket 2. The fixed bracket 2 is fixed to the fixed portion 1 at the flange portions 2b by means of bolts or the like.

[0024] At this time, the stabilizer bushing 10 is disposed between the fixed bracket 2 and the stabilizer bar 3, and elastically holds the stabilizer bar 3.

[0025] Next, the detailed configuration of the stabilizer bushing 10 of this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing only the stabilizer bushing of this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the stabilizer bushing of Fig. 2 as seen from the direction of arrow [3]. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the area indicated by arrow [4] in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the left half of the cross section taken along line [5]-[5] in Fig. 3.

[0026] The stabilizer bushing 10 is formed as a whole using an elastic body (elastic member) such as rubber material. As described above, the stabilizer bushing 10 is formed to have the through hole 10a through which the stabilizer bar 3 is inserted (see FIGS. 1 and 2, etc.).

[0027] The planar shape of the stabilizer bushing 10 when viewed from the direction of arrow [3] in Fig. 2 is a generally U-shape as a whole, with the opening of the U-shape being closed, as shown in Fig. 3. A through hole 10a is formed in the approximate center region of the U-shape.

[0028] A plurality of brush portions 11 are formed in predetermined regions on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a. In this case, the brush portions 11 are formed in upper and lower regions on both end peripheral edges in a direction along the central axis Ax (see FIG. 2) of the through hole 10a. Here, the upper and lower sides of the stabilizer bushing 10 refer to, for example, the approximately U-shaped opening closing portion as the upper side, and the portion on the opposite side of the opening closing portion across the through hole 10a as the lower side.

[0029] In other words, the upper and lower regions of the periphery of both ends of the through-hole 10a refer to the directions in which the stabilizer bar 3 strokes while the vehicle is running.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, each brush portion 11 is configured to have a plurality of protrusions 11a and a plurality of grooves 11b. The protrusions 11a are provided in a partial region of the inner periphery of the end opening in a direction along the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a. The protrusions 11a are formed to protrude radially from the periphery of the through hole 10a in the inner periphery direction. The protrusions 11a are arranged in a plurality of rows in the circumferential direction within a predetermined range along the inner periphery of the through hole 10a. The protrusions 11a have a predetermined width D (see FIG. 5) in the direction along the central axis Ax from the peripheries of both ends of the through hole 10a.

[0031] 2 to 4, the protrusion 11a has a substantially triangular cross section, but is not limited to this shape. For example, the cross section of the protrusion 11a may be substantially rectangular.

[0032] The brush portion 11 having this type of configuration serves to collect invading muddy water, dust, etc. in the groove portion 11b, and when an external force is applied to the stabilizer bar 3, the protrusion portion 11a deforms, thereby having the function of expelling the muddy water, dust, etc. that has accumulated in the groove portion 11b to the outside.

[0033] 3 also shows a state in which the stabilizer bar 3 is disposed in the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bushing 10. In FIG. 3, the outline of the cross section of the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0034] At this time, although detailed illustration is omitted, the tip portion of the protrusion 11a is actually crushed in a complex manner by the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3. As a result, the vicinity of the tip of the protrusion 11a forms a tightening margin when the stabilizer bar 3 is inserted into the through-hole 10a. In order to avoid complicating the drawings, in Figures 3 and 4, the shape of the protrusion 11a in this state is omitted and only the shape is shown as it is.

[0035] The grooves 11b are groove-shaped portions formed by the spaces between adjacent protrusions 11a among the plurality of protrusions 11a. A plurality of grooves 11b are provided corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 11a. The grooves 11b also have inclined portions S (see FIG. 5) that are inclined radially outward from the openings at both end edges along the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a. The grooves 11b are dust discharge grooves that facilitate the discharge of muddy water, dust, and the like that have entered the gaps between the protrusions 11a (described in detail below).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, a dust lip 10b, a grease lip 10c, and a grease dimple 10d are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a in an approximately central region in the direction along the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a.

[0037] Here, the line indicated by the symbol C in Fig. 5 (dash line) is a plane perpendicular to the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a, and is a center line included in a plane that passes through the approximate center region of the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bushing 10. Therefore, Fig. 5 shows only half of the cross section of the stabilizer bushing 10, with the center line C as the reference.

[0038] The dust lip 10b is formed in a region inside the position where the brush part 11 is disposed in the direction along the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a. The dust lip 10b is formed to have a cross section (so-called wedge shape) in which the tip extending from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a protrudes in the inner radial direction of the through hole 10a and outward in the axial direction. The dust lip 10b is formed around the entire inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a.

[0039] The dust lip 10b is disposed in the inner region of the through hole 10a, so there is little deformation that occurs when the stabilizer bar 3 strokes. Therefore, the dust lip 10b is always kept in contact with the outer periphery of the stabilizer bar 3, ensuring good followability.

[0040] The grease lip 10c is formed in an area more inward than the position of the dust lip 10b in the direction along the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a. The grease lip 10c is formed to have a cross section (so-called wedge shape) in which the tip extending from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a protrudes radially inward and axially inward of the through hole 10a. As shown in FIG. 5, the cross section of the grease lip 10c is formed line-symmetrically with the cross section of the dust lip 10b. The grease lip 10c is formed around the entire inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a.

[0041] The grease lip 10c is disposed in a region further inside the through hole 10a than the dust lip 10b, and therefore is subject to even smaller deformation during the stroke of the stabilizer bar 3. Therefore, the grease lip 10c is also always kept in contact with the outer periphery of the stabilizer bar 3, ensuring good followability.

[0042] The grease dimples 10d are formed in a concave shape capable of storing grease. The grease dimples 10d are provided in a middle region of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10a in the direction along the central axis Ax. A plurality of the grease dimples 10d are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The grease dimples 10d are formed in a row around the entire inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10a.

[0043] The grease stored in the grease dimple 10d is assumed to be, for example, grease that is applied during the process of attaching the stabilizer bushing 10 to the stabilizer bar 3 on the manufacturing line. In other words, the grease dimple 10d is intended to retain, as much as possible, the grease that is applied during the stabilizer assembly process on the manufacturing line inside the stabilizer bushing 10.

[0044] In this way, the grease and the like held inside the stabilizer bushing 10 are stored in the grease dimples 10d. By providing multiple grease dimples 10d in this way, it is possible to hold the applied grease and prevent it from leaking from the sliding surface. In addition, the presence of the grease dimples makes it possible to secure a larger surface area in the central region of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10a, which increases the area over which the self-lubricating agent inside the rubber deposits, contributing to improved self-lubricating function.

[0045] At the same time, the provision of the grease lip 10c keeps the grease in the approximate center region of the stabilizer bushing 10, preventing it from leaking out.

[0046] The operation of the stabilizer bushing of this embodiment configured as described above will be briefly described below. Figures 6 to 8 are views showing the operation of the stabilizer bushing of this embodiment. Of these, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the stabilizer bushing of this embodiment when a twisting force is applied to the stabilizer bar while the vehicle is traveling. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along the central axis of the stabilizer bar in a state in which the stabilizer bar is inserted through the stabilizer bushing of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the stabilizer bushing of this embodiment when a twisting force is applied to the stabilizer bar while the vehicle is traveling in the state shown in Figure 7.

[0047] Here, the twisting direction of the stabilizer bar 3 refers to the direction in which the stabilizer bar 3 is rotated around the central axis Ax (the direction of arrow R in FIG. 6). When an external force in the twisting direction is applied to the stabilizer bar 3 in this way, the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 slides against the inner peripheral surface of the stabilizer bushing 10.

[0048] The prying direction of the stabilizer bar 3 refers to the direction of an external force applied in a direction (the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the central axis Ax of the stabilizer bar 3. When an external force in the prying direction is applied to the stabilizer bar 3 in this way, the stabilizer bar 3 moves in the rotational direction, with the contact point between the outer circumferential surface of the stabilizer bar 3 and the inner circumferential surface of the stabilizer bushing 10 as a fulcrum.

[0049] First, it is assumed that the stabilizer bar 3 is mounted in a predetermined position on the vehicle in a predetermined state. At this time, the stabilizer bar 3 is inserted into the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bushing 10. Figure 3 shows this state.

[0050] In the state shown in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bushing 10. Here, as described above, the brush portion 11 is formed on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bushing 10. In the area where this brush portion 11 exists, the tips of the multiple protrusions 11a of the brush portion 11 are in a crushed state and contact the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3. Therefore, at this time, a certain amount of muddy water, dust, etc. can enter the groove portion 11b. However, the muddy water, dust, etc. that enters from the groove portion 11b is prevented from penetrating further into the inner area by the action of the dust lip 10b.

[0051] Suppose that an external force in a twisting direction (for example, a rotational force in the direction of arrow R1 in FIG. 6) is applied to the stabilizer bar 3 in this state as the vehicle travels. The state at this time is shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] At this time, the stabilizer bar 3 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 around the central axis Ax. As a result, the tips of the multiple protrusions 11a of the brush portion 11 of the stabilizer bushing 10 are dragged by the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 and deformed as shown in FIG. 6. That is, at this time, the tips of the protrusions 11a sweep the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3. As a result, the protrusions 11a slide along the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3, and muddy water, dust, etc. adhering to the sliding surface are brushed off and temporarily collected in the grooves 11b.

[0053] As the protrusions 11a continue to slide on the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3, the protrusions 11a are further deformed. This causes the gaps in the grooves 11b between adjacent protrusions 11a to be compressed. As a result, the muddy water, dust, etc. that have entered and temporarily accumulated in the grooves 11b are discharged to the outside. Here, the grooves 11b are provided with inclined portions S that are formed radially outward. Therefore, the inclined portions S allow the muddy water, dust, etc. to be discharged to the outside more efficiently, quickly, and smoothly.

[0054] Next, Figure 7 shows the state when the stabilizer bar 3 is attached to the vehicle in a predetermined position and in a predetermined state, similar to the state in Figure 3, and the stabilizer bar 3 is inserted into the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bushing 10.

[0055] It is assumed that an external force in a twisting direction (for example, one of the directions of arrow Y in FIG. 7) is applied to the stabilizer bar 3 in the state shown in FIG. 7 as the vehicle travels. Here, if an external force in the direction of arrow Y1 in FIG. 8 is applied, for example, the stabilizer bar 3 will be in the state shown in FIG. 8.

[0056] At this time, the stabilizer bar 3 is displaced in a direction tilting relative to the central axis Ax of the through hole 10a. As a result, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 is pressed against a portion of the brush portion 11 of the stabilizer bushing 10 so as to compress it. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 presses against the groove portion 11b, for example, as shown by the symbol [A] in Figure 8. As a result, the muddy water, dust, etc. that has entered the groove portion 11b is discharged to the outside. In this case as well, the inclined portion S allows the muddy water, dust, etc. to be discharged to the outside efficiently, quickly, and smoothly.

[0057] Also, although not shown in the drawings, in this case too, the tip of the protrusion 11a of the brush part 11 sweeps the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3, and the deformation of the protrusion 11a compresses the gaps of each groove 11b, so that muddy water, dust, etc. that has entered each groove 11b is discharged to the outside. Here too, the inclined part S allows the muddy water, dust, etc. to be discharged to the outside efficiently, quickly, and smoothly.

[0058] As described above, according to the above embodiment, a brush portion 11 is provided in a portion (upper and lower regions) of the inner peripheral edge of both end openings of the through hole 10a of the stabilizer bush 10, and a dust lip 10b is provided in the internal region of the through hole 10a, thereby preventing muddy water, dust, etc. from entering inside the dust lip 10b.

[0059] Furthermore, by providing the brush portion 11 outside (on the opening side) of the dust lip 10b, the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 slides and compresses the brush portion 11 every time the stabilizer bar 3 strokes. This allows the brush portion 11 to reliably expel any intruding muddy water, dust, etc. to the outside.

[0060] The brush portion 11 is disposed in an area that comes into contact with the stabilizer bar 3 when it strokes, and is configured with the assumption that muddy water, dust, etc. will enter the tip of the protrusion 11a of the brush portion 11. Therefore, even if muddy water, dust, etc. does enter the brush portion 11, it can be efficiently, reliably, quickly, and smoothly discharged to the outside, and further, it can more reliably prevent muddy water, dust, etc. from entering the interior than the dust lip 10b.

[0061] The brush portion 11 is configured with the protrusions 11a and the grooves 11b, and is therefore capable of collecting muddy water, dust, etc. that has entered the grooves 11b. On the other hand, when the stabilizer bar 3 strokes, the brush portion 11 repeatedly slides and compresses, thereby reliably discharging the muddy water, dust, etc. that has entered to the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, the groove 11b is provided with an inclined portion S facing in the direction in which the opening of the through hole 10a widens (diametrically outward), so that muddy water, dust, etc. can be more efficiently discharged to the outside. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar 3 (the sliding surface with the stabilizer bushing 10) can be kept clean at all times. This effectively prevents the occurrence of abnormal sliding noise.

[0063] A dust lip 10b is arranged inside the through hole 10a, and this dust lip 10b always maintains a tight contact state with the outer periphery of the stabilizer bar 3 with a predetermined amount of force, thereby preventing muddy water, dust, etc. from entering the central area of ​​the through hole 10a.

[0064] In addition, a grease lip 10c is disposed inside the dust lip 10b, and like the dust lip 10b, this grease lip 10c always maintains a state of tight contact with the outer periphery of the stabilizer bar 3 with a predetermined amount of force, so that the grease inside can be maintained in the central region, and at the time of stroking the stabilizer bar 3, an appropriate amount of grease can be circulated from the grease dimples 10d to the outer periphery (entire sliding region) of the stabilizer bar 3. This ensures the self-lubricating function of the stabilizer bushing 10.

[0065] Furthermore, the stabilizer bushing 10 of this embodiment can reliably discharge intruding muddy water, dust, etc. to the outside and does not allow muddy water, dust, etc. to accumulate inside, thereby suppressing wear of the stabilizer bushing 10. This makes it possible to reduce the initial interference.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The present invention is not limited by specific embodiments other than as limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1…Fixed part 2...Fixed bracket (holding member) 2a...Body part 2b...Flange part 3...Stabilizer bar 10...Stabilizer bush 10a...Through hole 10b...Dust Trip 10c...Grislip 10d...Grease dimple 11...Brush section 11a...Protrusion 11b...Groove Ax…center axis C…Center line D: Width dimension S…Slope part R...Twist direction Y...Prying direction

Claims

1. A stabilizer bushing is provided between a stabilizer bar that is disposed to extend in the width direction of a vehicle and connects left and right suspensions of the vehicle and a holding member that holds the stabilizer bar to a vehicle body, the stabilizer bushing being made of an elastic body having a through hole formed therein, the through hole having an inner peripheral surface that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar and through which the stabilizer bar passes, and elastically holds the stabilizer bar, The stabilizer bushing is a plurality of protrusions arranged side by side within a predetermined range along the inner peripheral edge of the through hole in a partial region of the inner peripheral edge of the axial end opening of the through hole, each of which protrudes in an inner peripheral radial direction; a plurality of grooves formed between adjacent protrusions among the plurality of protrusions; and a brush portion provided in a plurality of regions; a dust lip formed in an area more inward than the brush portion in the axial direction of the through hole, protruding from an inner peripheral surface of the through hole toward the center and outside of the through hole and formed around the entire circumference; A stabilizer bushing comprising:

2. A grease lip is formed in an inner region of the dust lip in the axial direction of the through hole, protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole toward the center and inside of the through hole, and formed around the entire circumference. The stabilizer bushing according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. A plurality of grease dimples are provided along the circumferential direction at an axially intermediate position on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole, and are formed into a concave shape capable of storing grease. The stabilizer bushing according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The stabilizer bushing according to claim 1, wherein the brush portion is disposed on an inner peripheral edge of an axial end opening of the through hole in a stroke direction of the stabilizer bar.

5. The stabilizer bushing according to claim 1, wherein the groove portion further has an inclined portion that extends radially outward from the axial end opening of the through hole.

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