Bearing-type bushings for mounting anti-roll bars on vehicles or machinery.

Abstract

To provide an improved anti-roll bar mounting bush that achieves weight reduction while obtaining robust support, and in particular minimizes load in the R direction while strengthening resistance in the Q direction. [Solution] Each pressing body 10 has a cross-shaped outer recess 11 and four outer protrusions that remain in the shape of a square after the formation of the outer recess 11. The bearing plate 20 is composed of two semicircular sections, and when they come into contact with each other, a circular shape is completed, and the pressing body 10 fits snugly into the inner surface of each bearing plate 20. An inner recess is formed that fits into the outer protrusion of the pressing body 10, and an inner protrusion is formed that fits into the outer recess 11 by utilizing the protruding portion where the inner recess is not formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bush for supporting an anti-roll bar installed in a vehicle or other various mechanical devices where movement and vibration occur. More specifically, it relates to an improved bush that achieves weight reduction and can enhance the longitudinal resistance of the anti-roll bar and minimize the load in the rotational direction.

Background Art

[0002] As is well known, anti-roll bars that play roles such as balancing left and right to prevent rolling and withstanding distortion loads are often used in vehicles and various mechanical devices. Such anti-roll bars are installed by mounting bushes made of rubber material and are installed to absorb vibrations and impacts while providing insulation.

[0003] As an example of the above anti-roll bar, a stabilizer bar installed in an automobile can be mentioned. This is installed for the purpose of suppressing and controlling vibrations and noises generated from the tires during vehicle operation or enhancing driving stability. The component that fixes the stabilizer bar to the vehicle body and is installed to suppress and control vibrations and noises is the mounting bush.

[0004] The conventional technology related to the above mounting bush is configured to play a role of fixing to the vehicle body by inserting a metal plate into the rubber bush by insert injection during molding and then pressing and engaging a metal bracket.

[0005] Conventional mounting bushings, which use metal internal plates and external brackets, are inevitably heavy, which goes against the automotive industry's pursuit of weight reduction. Furthermore, they involve numerous processes such as insert injection molding, which molds other materials simultaneously, vulcanization associated with rubber molding, and general pre-treatment processes like degreasing, shot blasting, chemical conversion coating, and adhesive application, resulting in a manufacturing process that requires a lot of time, equipment, manpower, and expense.

[0006] Furthermore, the basic function required of a mounting bushing is that the anti-roll bar controls forces in the P direction (vertical direction of the vehicle) and Q direction (longitudinal direction of the bar, lateral direction of the vehicle), and accepts forces acting in the R direction (rotational direction of the bar, rotational direction of the vehicle's Q axis, pitch direction). However, conventional mounting bushings lack the rigidity to withstand forces in the P and Q directions, and in particular, their structure makes it difficult to accept rotational forces in the R direction due to the rigidity of the rubber itself.

[0007] The difficulty in withstanding such rotational motion without load means that the load and aging of the rubber progress rapidly. As the load (rotation angle) on the rubber increases, the rigidity in the R direction also increases, which reduces the ability to withstand rotational force and ultimately leads to the problem of the rubber breaking. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a bushing that can be manufactured simply and quickly and has a reduced overall weight. In addition, it aims to withstand forces in the P and Q directions well, and in particular to improve the ability to respond to rotational movement in the R direction to be close to no load, thereby increasing the lifespan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The anti-roll bar mounting bush according to the present invention, devised to achieve the above objective, consists of a rubber pressing body that encloses the anti-roll bar, a plastic bearing plate (or other lightweight material can also be used) that encloses the pressing body, a plastic upper bracket that encloses the bearing plate from above, and a plastic lower bracket that engages with the lower part of the upper bracket and encloses the bearing plate together with the upper bracket.

[0010] The pressing body and the bearing plate were each constructed as two semicircular shapes, which then engaged with each other to form a circular shape.

[0011] In addition to this configuration, the pressing body and the bearing plate are equipped with a structure that provides mutual adhesion and anti-slip force, thereby strengthening the force preventing separation in the Q direction and enabling them to rotate together while engaged with each other.

[0012] Furthermore, the bearing plate and the upper and lower brackets are configured to allow them to rotate while sliding against each other, and a lubricant is applied to enable smooth acceptance of rotational force in the R direction.

[0013] Furthermore, another important feature of this invention is that bearing seals can be installed at both the upper and lower bracket inlets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the bearing-type bush of the present invention described above, the pressing body and the bearing plate are effectively engaged with each other, so when loads are applied in the P and Q directions while the bush is attached to an anti-roll bar, the load is first transmitted to the pressing body, and then to the bearing plate, upper bracket, and lower bracket fitted with the pressing body, thereby efficiently withstanding the load.

[0015] In particular, when a force is applied in the rotational direction (R direction), the rotational force is transmitted to the bearing plate via the pressing body through an effective engagement structure between the pressing body and the bearing plate. Furthermore, a lubricant is included between the bearing plate and the upper and lower brackets, which has the effect of allowing the anti-roll bar to receive the rotational force with almost no frictional force acting on it.

[0016] Furthermore, since the bearing plate, upper bracket, and lower bracket are all injection-molded from plastic, excluding the pressing body, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the overall weight of the mounting bushings can be significantly reduced.

[0017] In particular, this method strengthens the engagement between the rubber pressing element and the bearing plate, enhances the frictional force to reliably prevent slippage between them, and effectively transmits the rotational force of the anti-roll bar to the bearing plate.

[0018] Furthermore, the space between the bearing plate and the upper and lower brackets has the advantage of smoothly and firmly receiving the rotation of the bearing plate, firmly withstanding forces in the Q direction, and preventing detachment or impact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the overall engagement state of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of the entire invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the pressing body of the present invention. [Figure 4A] This is an internal perspective view of the bearing plate of the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is an external perspective view of the bearing plate of the present invention. [Figure 5A] This is a perspective view of the upper bracket of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view of the upper bracket of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Perspective view of the lower bracket of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Cross-sectional view of the lower bracket of the present invention. [Figure 7] Partial cross-sectional view of the state where the bearing seal of the present invention is mounted.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the bearing type bush for mounting an anti-roll bar according to the present invention will be described in detail by way of examples.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bearing type bush of the present invention includes a pressing body 10 made of a rubber material that wraps the anti-roll bar 1, a bearing plate 20 made of a plastic material that wraps the pressing body, an upper bracket 30 made of a plastic material that wraps the bearing plate 20 from above, and a lower bracket 40 that is engaged with the lower part of the upper bracket 30 and wraps the bearing plate 20 together with the upper bracket 30.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressing body 10 is composed of two semi-circularly divided parts. When these come into contact, a circle is completed while completely wrapping the anti-roll bar 1. On the outer surface of each pressing body 10, a cross-shaped outer surface recess 11 and four outer surface protrusions 12 that remain in a square shape protruding due to the formation of the outer surface recess 11 are formed.

[0023] Inside the pressing body 10, a metal plate (plate) can be insert-molded to ensure rigidity in the P direction and maintain the shape of the pressing body.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 4A and 4B, the bearing plate 20 is composed of two similarly semicircular sections, and is configured such that the pressing body 10 fits snugly into the inner surface of each bearing plate 20 as they come into contact with each other, completing the circular shape. An inner recess 22 is formed that fits into the outer protrusion 12 of the pressing body 10, and an inner protrusion 21 is formed that fits into the outer recess 11 using the protruding portion where the inner recess 22 is not formed.

[0025] By forming a grid-like embossing 23 on the inner surface of the inner recess 22, the frictional force when the outer protrusion 12 of the rubber pressing body 10 makes close contact is enhanced.

[0026] Each bearing plate 20 has two sliding protrusions 24 formed along its outer circumference, and an external friction surface 25 consisting of three surfaces is formed between and on both sides of the sliding protrusions 24. As a result, the two sliding protrusions 24 formed in the center of the bearing plate 20 act as the center of the bearing plate 20, increasing rigidity and also playing a role in strongly preventing detachment in the Q direction when engaged with the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40.

[0027] At both ends of the bearing plate 20, seal engagement projections 26 are configured in a form that is smaller in diameter than the external friction surface 25, so that the bearing seal 50 can be engaged with the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40, which will be described later. With these seal engagement projections 26, the bearing plate 20 as a whole is configured in a stepped shape with sliding projections 24, external friction surface 25, and seal engagement projections 26.

[0028] The bearing plate 20, which consists of two parts, is designed to allow for precise positioning when assembling the two parts. The fitting projection 20-1 and fitting recess 20-2 are formed at symmetrical positions on the surfaces that come into contact with each other, thus enabling assembly without regard to direction.

[0029] The upper bracket 30 of the present invention is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body by forming support portions 33 protruding from both lower ends and inserting washers 34 into the interior to integrate them, thereby utilizing the portion where the washers 34 are formed, and the lower bracket 40 is fitted onto the inner surface of the lower end of the upper bracket 30.

[0030] The upper bracket 30 has a semicircular upper assembly surface 31 on the inner surface of its upper end that encloses the outer surface of the bearing plate 20, and the lower bracket 40 has a semicircular lower assembly surface 41 formed on the inner surface of its upper end. The lower assembly surface 41 of the lower bracket 40 and the upper assembly surface 31 of the upper bracket 30 engage with each other to form a circular shape, assembling the bearing plate 20 which is engaged with the pressing body 10.

[0031] Sliding recesses 35 and 45 are formed in the upper assembly surface 31 and the lower assembly surface 41, respectively, which are fitted to the sliding projections 24 of the bearing plate 20. Internal friction surfaces 36 and 46 are formed between and on both sides of the sliding recesses 35 and 45, which are fitted to the external friction surface 25 of the bearing plate 20. Lubricant grooves 35-1 and 45-1, where lubricant is stored, are formed in the sliding recesses 35 and 45 and the internal friction surfaces 36 and 46, respectively.

[0032] The sliding projection 24 and external friction surface 25 of the bearing plate 20, and the sliding recesses 35, 45 and internal friction surfaces 36, 46 of the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40 that contact them, are configured to allow the anti-roll bar 1 to slide with almost no load when operating in the R direction by applying a lubricant (for example, grease) during assembly.

[0033] On the inner surface 37 of the lower end of the upper bracket 30, where the lower bracket 40 engages, an engaging inner projection 37-1 and an engaging inner recess 37-2 are formed in a straight line with the sliding recess 35 and the internal friction surface 36. On the outer surface 47 of the outer surface of the lower bracket 40, where the upper bracket 30 engages, an engaging outer recess 47-2 and an engaging outer projection 47-1 corresponding to the engaging inner projection 37-1 and the engaging inner recess 37-2 are formed and inter-engaged to ensure smooth engagement and rigidity in the Q direction. On the outer surface of the upper bracket 30 corresponding to the internal friction surface 36, a notched groove 32 is formed to create a zigzag cross-section, thereby reducing the overall weight and complementing rigidity by acting as a central component.

[0034] Furthermore, by forming seal engagement recesses 38, 48 and locking protrusions 39, 49 for engaging the bearing seal 50 at the inlet portions on both sides of the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40, a configuration is completed that makes it easy to stably engage the bearing seal 50 together with the seal engagement projection 26 of the bearing plate 20.

[0035] The upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40 are formed with locking grooves 30-1 and locking projections 40-1 to maintain engagement force between them when they engage with each other.

[0036] Next, the assembly process and associated operation of the bearing-type bush of the present invention, configured as described above, will be explained.

[0037] When engaging the bearing-type bush of the present invention with the anti-roll bar 1, first, the rubber pressing body 10 and the bearing plate 20 are engaged at the installation location of the anti-roll bar 1, the pressing body 10 is fixed inside the bearing plate 20 on both sides, and the outer recess 11 and outer protrusion 12 of the pressing body 10 are engaged with the inner protrusion 21 and inner recess 22 of the bearing plate 20, respectively, thereby firmly engaging the pressing body 10 and the bearing plate 20 in the R and Q directions while completely preventing sliding between them.

[0038] At this time, the outer protrusion 12 of the pressing body 10 engages with the embossing 23 of the bearing plate 20 while being in close contact with it.

[0039] As described above, the bearing plate 20 with the pressing body 10 engaged is engaged with the two bearing plates 20 facing each other, enclosing the area where the anti-roll bar 1 is to be installed, to form a circle. Then the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40 are engaged in a manner that encloses the assembled bearing plate 20. Lubricant is applied to the outer surface of the bearing plate 20, the upper assembly surface 31 of the upper bracket 30 and the lower assembly surface 41 of the lower bracket 40, before engagement.

[0040] In other words, when the bearing plate 20 is brought into close contact with the upper assembly surface 31 of the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40 is assembled to the upper bracket 30, and the engaging outer surface 47 of the lower bracket 40 is brought into close contact with the engaging inner surface 37 of the upper bracket 30, the engaging inner protrusion 37-1 and the engaging outer recess 47-2, and the engaging inner recess 37-2 and the engaging outer protrusion 47-1 are firmly engaged, and the sliding projection 24 and the outer friction surface 25 of the bearing plate 20 can fit snugly into the sliding recesses 35, 45 and the internal friction surfaces 36, 46 of the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40, respectively.

[0041] Subsequently, the installation is completed by fixing the upper bracket 30 to the vehicle body using bolts or U-bolts, and the bearing seal 50 can be installed as needed to prevent foreign matter from entering and lubricant from leaking, and to enhance the sealing performance. The bearing seal 50 can be engaged with the seal engagement projection 26 of the bearing plate 20 and the seal engagement recesses 38, 48 and locking projections 39, 49 formed on the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40.

[0042] Next, the operation of the engaged state of the present invention as described above will be explained.

[0043] In this invention, the pressing body 10 and the bearing plate 20 are effectively engaged with each other and mounted to the vehicle body by the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40. When a load in the P direction, a moving force in the Q direction, and a rotational force in the R direction are applied while mounted to the anti-roll bar 1, the load is first transmitted to the pressing body 10, and then to the bearing plate 20 fitted with the pressing body 10, the upper bracket 30, and the lower bracket 40, effectively withstanding the load. In particular, in the case of a rotational force in the R direction, a very smooth slide occurs between the bearing plate 20 and the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40 due to the lubricant, so the rotational force can be efficiently received and dissipated.

[0044] In particular, in the bearing-type bush of the present invention, when the pressing body 10 and the bearing plate 20 are engaged, the outer recess 11 and outer protrusion 12 of the pressing body 10 engage with the inner protrusion 21 and inner recess 22 of the bearing plate 20, respectively, so that the anti-roll bar 1 can firmly respond to the force acting in the Q direction.

[0045] Furthermore, since the outer protrusion 12 of the pressing body 1 is in close contact with the embossing 23 of the bearing plate 20, the frictional force at final engagement is increased, and movement between the pressing body 10 and the bearing plate 20 can be prevented even more strongly.

[0046] Furthermore, since the bearing plate 20 is in a state where its sliding projection 24 and external friction surface 25 are tightly fitted together with the sliding recesses 35 and 45 and internal friction surfaces 36 and 46 of the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40, the bearing plate 20 is engaged with the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40, preventing separation in the Q direction. At the same time, the rotational force of the anti-roll bar 1 is transmitted to the bearing plate 20 via the pressing body 10, and since the bearing plate 20 is engaged with the upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40 with a lubricant interposed between them, rotation can be accepted with almost no frictional force acting on them.

[0047] Furthermore, when bearing seal 50 is applied, it has the advantage of permanently maintaining smooth rotation by preventing the inflow of foreign matter and the leakage of lubricant. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1 Anti-roll bar 10 Pressing body 11 Outer surface recess 12 Outer protrusion 20 Bearing Plates 21 Inner protrusion 22 Inner surface recess 23 Embossed 24 Sliding projection 25 External friction surface 26 Seal engagement projection 30 Upper Bracket 31 Upper assembly surface 34 Washers 35 Sliding recess 36 Internal friction surface 37 Engaging inner surface 37-1 Engaging protrusion 37-2 Engagement recess 38 Seal engagement recess 39 Locking protrusion 40 Lower Bracket 41 Lower assembly surface 45 Sliding recess 46 Internal friction surface 47 Engagement outer surface 47-1 Engaging protrusion 47-2 Engagement outer recess 48 Seal engagement recess 49 Locking protrusion 50 Bearing seals

Claims

1. A rubber pressing body (10) encloses the anti-roll bar (1), A plastic bearing plate (20) encloses the pressing body, An upper bracket (30) made of plastic material that encloses the bearing plate from above, An anti-roll bar mounting bush is comprised of a lower bracket (40) made of plastic material that engages with the lower part of the upper bracket (30) and encloses the bearing plate (20) together with the upper bracket (30), The pressing body (10) is composed of two semicircular sections, and when these sections come into contact, a circular shape is completed, completely enclosing the anti-roll bar (1). Each of the pressing bodies (10) has a cross-shaped outer recess (11) and four outer protrusions (12) that remain in the shape of a square as a result of the formation of the outer recess 11. The bushing for mounting an anti-roll bar is characterized in that the bearing plate (20) is composed of two semicircular sections, and when they come into contact with each other, a circular shape is completed, and the pressing body (10) is fitted into the inner surface of each bearing plate (20), forming an inner recess (22) that fits into the outer protrusion (12) of the pressing body (10), and an inner protrusion (21) that fits into the outer recess (11) is formed using the protruding portion where the inner recess (22) is not formed.

2. The anti-roll bar mounting bush according to claim 1, characterized in that a grid-like emboss (23) is formed on the inner surface of the inner recess (22) so that the frictional force is strengthened when the outer protrusion (12) of the rubber pressing body (10) comes into close contact.

3. Each bearing plate (20) has two sliding projections (24) formed along its outer circumference, and an external friction surface (25) consisting of three surfaces is formed between and on both sides of the sliding projections (24). At both ends of the bearing plate (20), seal engagement projections (26) are configured in a manner that is smaller in diameter than the external friction surface (25), so that the entire structure is configured in a stepped manner by the sliding projection (24), the external friction surface (25), and the seal engagement projections (26). The upper bracket (30) has a semicircular upper assembly surface (31) on its upper inner surface that encloses the outer surface of the bearing plate (20), and the lower bracket (40) has a semicircular lower assembly surface (41) on its upper inner surface that encloses the bearing plate (20) which is engaged with the pressing body (10) during assembly. The anti-roll bar mounting bush according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper assembly surface (31) and the lower assembly surface (41) each have sliding recesses (35, 45) which are fitted to the sliding projection (24) of the bearing plate (20), and the space between and on both sides of the sliding recesses (35, 45) each have internal friction surfaces (36, 46) which are fitted to the external friction surface (25) of the bearing plate (20).

4. The anti-roll bar mounting bush according to claim 3, characterized in that seal engagement recesses (38, 48) and locking projections (39, 49) for engaging the bearing seal (50) are formed at both inlet portions of the upper bracket (30) and the lower bracket (40), thereby facilitating stable engagement of the bearing seal (50) together with the seal engagement projection (26) of the bearing plate (20).

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