阅读说明：本技术 支承衬套 (Support bush ) 是由 B·费斯特 O·汉姆克 U·弗尔曼斯 M·梅斯 R·德拉本 P·科克扎尔 D·罗谢尔 于 2018-05-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种支承衬套(10),其包括芯体(11)；沿周向延伸地包围所述芯体(11)的中间套筒(12)；沿周向延伸地包围所述中间套筒(12)的外套筒(16)；布置在所述中间套筒(12)和所述外套筒(16)之间的弹性体(13)；以及止挡机构(17),其在所述芯体(11)的轴端从所述芯体(11)起径向延伸并限制所述中间套筒(12)的轴向移动。所述中间套筒(12)可相对于所述止挡机构(17)在周向上转动地安装在所述芯体(11)上。所述外套筒(16)具有多个突起(21)。所述中间套筒(12)具有至少一个反向突起(12),其在径向上与所述突起(21)重叠以限制所述外套筒(16)相对于所述芯体(11)的轴向偏移。(The invention relates to a bearing bush (10) comprising a core (11); an intermediate sleeve (12) surrounding the core (11) in a circumferentially extending manner; an outer sleeve (16) surrounding the intermediate sleeve (12) in a circumferentially extending manner; an elastomer (13) arranged between the intermediate sleeve (12) and the outer sleeve (16); and a stopper mechanism (17) that extends radially from the core body (11) at an axial end of the core body (11) and restricts axial movement of the intermediate sleeve (12). The intermediate sleeve (12) is mounted on the core (11) so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the stop means (17). The outer sleeve (16) has a plurality of protrusions (21). The intermediate sleeve (12) has at least one counter-projection (12) radially overlapping the projection (21) to limit axial offset of the outer sleeve (16) relative to the core (11).)

1. A support bushing, comprising:

a core body (11) for holding the core body,

an intermediate sleeve (12) which surrounds the core (11) in a circumferentially extending manner,

an outer sleeve (16) surrounding the intermediate sleeve (12) in a circumferentially extending manner,

an elastic body (13) arranged between the intermediate sleeve (12) and the outer sleeve (16), and

a stopper mechanism (17) that protrudes radially from the core body (11) at an axial end of the core body (11) and restricts axial movement of the intermediate sleeve (12),

wherein the intermediate sleeve (12) is mounted on the core body (11) so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the stop means (17),

the outer sleeve (16) having a plurality of protrusions (21),

wherein the elastomer body (13) has a protruding region (13a) which extends axially beyond the intermediate sleeve and seals against the stop means (17).

2. A support bush according to claim 1, characterised in that the projecting region (13a) abuts against a circumferential side (17c) of the stop means (17).

3. A support bushing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate sleeve (12) has a stop projection (12a,12b) at the axial end, respectively, which projects axially from the intermediate sleeve (12).

4. A support bush according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the projecting region (13a) is arranged between the stop means (17) and the intermediate sleeve (12), in particular between the stop means (17) and the intermediate projection (12a,12 b).

5. The bearing bushing as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the intermediate sleeve (12) has a recess (28) on one axial side facing the stop means and/or the stop means (17) has a recess (28) on one axial side facing the intermediate sleeve (12), wherein the protruding region (13a) preferably rests in the recess.

6. A support bush according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the projecting region (13a) has at least one first sealing lip (14) which abuts against the stop means (17).

7. A support bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lubricant is provided to the surfaces between the intermediate sleeve (12) and the core body (11) and/or to the surfaces between the intermediate sleeve (12) and the stop means (17).

8. The support bushing according to claim 7, characterized in that the core body and/or the intermediate sleeve (12) has at least one recess (23) for receiving a lubricant, in particular in the form of an axially extending lubricant groove (23 a).

9. A support bushing according to claim 8, characterized in that the recess (23) is arranged on the axially outer side of the intermediate sleeve (12) facing the stop means (17).

10. A support bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomer (13) is vulcanized on the outer sleeve (16).

11. A support bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomer body (13) is partially spaced from the outer sleeve (16) and/or the intermediate sleeve (12) by the second gap (24).

12. The support bushing of claim 11, wherein the elastomer has a second sealing lip (15) that seals the second gap (24).

13. A support bush according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the second gap (24) is provided between two protrusions (21) and/or two counter-protrusions (22).

14. A support bush according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the elastomer body (13) has an additional cushion (26) extending into the second gap (24).

15. A support bushing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate sleeve (12) and/or the elastomer body (13) has an axially extending slit (30).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a bearing bush having a core body, an intermediate sleeve which surrounds the core body in a circumferentially extending manner, an outer sleeve which surrounds the intermediate sleeve in a circumferentially extending manner, and an elastomer which is arranged between the intermediate sleeve and the outer sleeve. A stop mechanism extends radially from the core at an axial end of the core and limits axial movement of the intermediate sleeve. The intermediate sleeve is mounted on the core so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the stop means.

Background

The bearing bush can be used for a running gear component and can be designed as a sliding bearing bush in which the outer sleeve can be rotated relative to the core. To prevent the outer sleeve from axially disengaging from the core, a stop may be provided at the end of the core shaft to limit axial movement of the outer sleeve relative to the core. Sliding bearing bushes are known, for example, from DE102004031302B4 and DE102004024269a 1. In addition, bearing bushes are also known from DE102009053592a1 and JPHO 798034A.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a support bushing, the service life of which is extended compared to prior art support bushings.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the subject matter of claim 1.

The invention relates to a support, which comprises a core body, an intermediate sleeve, an outer sleeve, an elastic body and a stop mechanism. The intermediate sleeve surrounds the core body extending in the circumferential direction. The outer sleeve surrounds the intermediate sleeve in a circumferentially extending manner. An elastomer is disposed between the intermediate sleeve and the outer sleeve. A stop mechanism projects radially from the core at an axial end of the core and limits axial movement of the intermediate sleeve. The intermediate sleeve is mounted on the core so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the stop means. The outer sleeve has a plurality of protrusions. The intermediate sleeve has at least one reverse projection radially overlapping the projection to limit axial displacement of the outer sleeve relative to the core. The elastomer has a protruding region that extends axially beyond the intermediate sleeve and seals against the stop mechanism.

The bearing bush is in particular a rubber bearing with high axial stiffness, which can be designed as a torsional sliding bearing because of its high torsional loading. The axial forces generated are preferably transmitted axially via the intermediate sleeve. Since the intermediate sleeve is arranged displaceably on the core (sliding function), a further force flow is taken into account: here in the form of an axial sliding bearing. Fouling should not occur in such sliding bearings, especially if the sliding bearings are lubricated. For this purpose, the projecting region is provided in the bearing bush.

The advantage of the invention is that, because of the provision of the projection region, the intermediate sleeve and the stop means are sealed off by the projection region in a particularly simple manner. In particular, in comparison with the prior art, no separate seals are required for sealing the intermediate sleeve and the stop means on the core.

According to the invention, the protruding area extends around the elastomer body, so that the protruding area can be manufactured in one piece with the elastomer body. It is therefore not necessary to manufacture the seal in one separate method step and attach the seal to the support bushing in the next separate method step. In the case of the bearing bush described here, the seal can be produced and attached in one method step, which is only one method step without additional method steps, since the elastomer and thus also the projecting region are provided in each case.

The unitary design of the protruding area with the material of the elastomer also avoids possible leakage compared to conventional seals, since the unitary design of the protruding area with the material of the elastomer, between which there is no leakage, and the elastomer in conventional seals between which there is leakage.

In summary, it should be pointed out that by providing a projection region, on the one hand, the production of the seal can be significantly simplified, since no additional seal has to be produced and a better sealing effect can be achieved.

The bearing bush can preferably be used as a sleeve bearing for leaf springs in pickup trucks or as a drive bearing in multi-steering and composite steering axles. In particular, the possible large torsion angles can be achieved in particular by means of the integral rotatability of the support bush in the circumferential direction of the outer sleeve relative to the core. At the same time, good insulation properties can be provided, as is known from existing rubber bearings.

By providing said protrusions and counter-protrusions a high axial stiffness of the support bush is obtained together with a rotatable mounting of the outer sleeve on the core body.

The core and the outer sleeve preferably form part of a support bush, whereby the support bush is fixed to the vehicle. In particular, the core has an axially extending bore, by means of which the core and thus the bearing bush can be fastened, for example, to a bolt. The outer sleeve can be accommodated in the bearing bore, for example. The core can be designed in one piece or in two pieces, wherein the two-piece core is split axially in comparison to the one-piece core.

The intermediate sleeve surrounds the core in a circumferentially extending manner, it being understood that the intermediate sleeve does not have to surround the core in a circumferentially extending manner completely, and therefore the intermediate sleeve has, for example, axially extending slots. In addition, the intermediate sleeve may be constituted by a plurality of portions that extend in the circumferential direction, respectively, but are spaced in the circumferential direction. For example, the portions of the intermediate sleeve are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

The circumferential direction and the axial direction form a cylindrical coordinate system, wherein basic vectors of the circumferential direction, the radial direction and the axial direction are respectively vertical to each other. The axial direction coincides in particular with the axis of rotation of the bearing bush.

An outer sleeve also circumferentially extends around the intermediate sleeve. It is also conceivable here for the outer sleeve not to extend completely in the circumferential direction around the intermediate sleeve, but rather to have one or more slots extending in the axial direction. It is also possible that the outer sleeve is in the form of a multi-piece, wherein each part is designed to extend in the circumferential direction. The outer sleeve surrounds the intermediate sleeve and the core.

The intermediate sleeve may be made of plastic. The core, stop mechanism and/or outer sleeve may be made of plastic, metal or alloy.

The elastomer is arranged between the intermediate sleeve and the outer sleeve and serves to isolate radially transmitted vibrations and to provide the elastic properties of the bearing bush. The elastomer can be designed as disclosed in the prior art. Optionally, the elastomer is connected to the intermediate sleeve in a material-bonded manner, in particular vulcanized to the intermediate sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the elastomer can also be connected to the outer sleeve in a form-fitting and/or material-bonded manner.

The stop mechanism is disposed at an axial end of the core body and projects radially from the core body. The stop means can be formed, for example, by one or more flanges which are connected to the core body at the axial ends in a material-engaging, friction-fitting or form-fitting manner. For example, during the manufacture of the bearing bush, a washer may be fitted onto the core, which washer restricts the axial movement of the intermediate sleeve from both sides. In this case, the stop mechanism is formed by two washers. The gasket is optionally made of a different material than the core, the outer sleeve and/or the intermediate sleeve. For example, the washer is made of plastic, while the remaining parts of the support bushing are made of metal.

By combining the rotational/sliding bearing with the axial rigidity, a stop mechanism, in particular in the form of a lateral washer, is necessary, which has to be sealed off accordingly, since the sliding function is also integrated here.

It is also optionally possible that the stop mechanism is formed by one or more stops projecting radially from the core, wherein the one or more stops are formed in a material-uniform manner with the core. For example, the stop can be designed in the form of a washer or as an element which projects axially in the circumferential direction.

It is also possible to provide a washer which can be slipped onto the core on one axial side of the bearing bush and a stop which is formed integrally with the bearing bush in a material-uniform manner on the other side. In the case of a stop element which is integrally formed with the core on both axial sides of the bearing bush in a material-uniform manner, the core is designed in particular in two parts, so that the two parts of the core can be inserted axially into the intermediate sleeve.

To provide the sliding bearing characteristics of the support bushing, the intermediate sleeve is rotatably mounted relative to the core and the stop mechanism. For this purpose, for example, a first gap, which is optionally filled with a lubricant, can be provided between the intermediate sleeve and/or the stop mechanism on the one hand and between the intermediate sleeve and the core on the other hand. It is also possible, however, to provide elements between the intermediate sleeve and the core body and/or between the intermediate sleeve and the stop mechanism which allow the intermediate sleeve to be rotatably mounted on the core body. This can be achieved, for example, by a thin elastomer layer.

The projection preferably projects radially inwardly from the outer sleeve. The projection is arranged in particular substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction of the bearing bush. The cross-section of the projection (that is to say viewed in the circumferential direction) can be designed as a rectangle with angular and/or rounded edges. In particular, the two protrusions may form a recess into which the counter-protrusion can be inserted. The elastomer preferably extends along the protrusion.

The counter projection of the intermediate sleeve preferably extends radially outwards, that is to say towards the outer sleeve. The counter projection can also be arranged substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Alternatively, the cross-section of the counter-projection (that is to say viewed in the circumferential direction) can also be designed as a rectangle with angular and/or rounded edges. The elastomer may also optionally extend along the reverse projection.

It is optionally provided that the projection and/or the counter projection extend substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction of the bearing bush. In particular, the axial flanks of the projections and/or counter-projections extend substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the radial direction. Basically, a deviation of up to ± 25 °, in particular up to ± 15 °, is possible. The axial flanks of the projections and counter-projections extend perpendicularly to the axial direction allowing a high axial stiffness. In particular, the axial flanks of the projections are arranged to extend parallel to one another with respect to the axial flanks of the counter-projections. An elastomeric region that contributes to axial stiffness and is compressed in a preferred design is disposed between the axial sides.

Optionally more than three protrusions and/or more than two counter protrusions may be provided. In particular, a plurality of projections and counter-projections are provided so that the outer sleeve engages the intermediate sleeve. This engagement increases the axial stiffness of the bearing bush. The elastomer preferably extends between the projection and the counter-projection in such a way that it also acts in the axial direction. It can be provided that the elastomer body is thinner at the side of the projection, i.e. at the axial side of the projection where the elastomer body acts in the axial direction, than at the bottom region of the recess formed by the two opposing projections. Provision can also be made for the elastomer to have a thickness which remains constant.

The protruding region is preferably integrally formed in a material-uniform manner with the elastomer. This means that the elastomer body and the protruding region can be manufactured in one method step, for example in the same vulcanization process step. The protruding area acts as a seal, for example to seal the first gap. The projection region is sealed against the stop means in such a way that the intermediate sleeve is movable relative to the stop means and the core. The projection region preferably seals the first gap between the intermediate sleeve and the stop means, by abutting the stop means and, due to the connection to the elastomer, also the intermediate sleeve. Or the elastomer is vulcanized to the outer sleeve. The protruding region can be provided on one or both axial ends of the bearing bush. The protruding region preferably extends completely in the circumferential direction.

The protruding region preferably abuts against a circumferential side of the stop mechanism.

The circumferential side of the catch means is the side of the catch means which, when viewed radially, faces the observer. The circumferential side is thus circumferentially extending. The circumferential side optionally has a circular profile as seen in axial direction. In particular, the circumferential side is a stop means side with a smaller area than the axial side of the stop means. In this way, the area between the protruding region and the stop mechanism can be reduced, which leads in particular to a small friction between the protruding region and the stop mechanism when the core is rotated relative to the outer sleeve.

The intermediate sleeves preferably each have a stop lug at the axial end, which projects radially from the intermediate sleeve.

The stop protrusion can be seen as a special design of the counter protrusion. By means of the stop projection, the stop area between the intermediate sleeve and the stop mechanism is increased in the axial direction to provide a better force transmission in the axial direction to limit the intermediate sleeve. In particular, the limit projection is formed parallel to the catch means on the side facing the catch means. For example, the stop lug and the stop means extend parallel to the radial direction on mutually facing sides.

The protruding region abuts against the circumferential side of the stop means with the advantage that in the case of an axial offset of the outer sleeve relative to the core and of the intermediate sleeve and thus also relative to the core, the protruding region is not subjected to any compression, whereby the life of the protruding region can be extended and the sealing action enhanced.

The projection region is preferably arranged between the stop means and the intermediate sleeve, in particular between the stop means and the stop lug.

This embodiment can be used in addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment in which the protruding region abuts against the circumferential side of the stop means. In this embodiment, for example, part or the entire projection region extends in the first gap between the stop means and the intermediate sleeve, in particular the limit projection.

Provision may be made for the projection region to be arranged between the stop means and the intermediate sleeve only at one axial end or at both axial ends. By arranging the protruding region between the stop mechanism and the intermediate sleeve, an effective alternative or supplementary sealing system can be produced in this way, although the area subjected to the friction action when the outer sleeve rotates relative to the core is reduced and thus the contact pressure is increased.

Preferably, the intermediate sleeve has a recess on an axial side facing the stop means and/or the stop means has a recess on an axial side facing the intermediate sleeve, the protruding region optionally being arranged in the recess.

The recess may be provided on one or both of the intermediate sleeve and the stop mechanism. The recess is arranged in particular on the intermediate sleeve.

In order to increase the strength of the protruding region and thereby obtain a continuous sealing effect, it is advantageous to form the protruding region with a certain thickness. The first gap provided between the intermediate sleeve and the stop means may have a thickness which is less than the thickness required for the protruding region. Thus, the recess may be provided on the intermediate sleeve and/or the stop mechanism, the protruding region being seated in the recess. In particular, the length and depth of the groove are adapted to the dimensions of the protruding area.

The protruding region preferably has at least one first sealing lip which abuts against the stop means.

One or more first sealing lips may be provided. The first sealing lip can abut against the circumferential side of the stop means or against the axial side of the intermediate sleeve and/or the stop means. The sealing lip serves in particular to reduce the contact surface of the projection region with the stop means, which improves the sealing and prolongs the service life even in the event of a twisting of the outer sleeve relative to the core body. The sealing lip is preferably formed integrally with the projection region in a material-uniform manner, but can also be designed as a separate element, although connected to the projection region.

Preferably, the surfaces between the intermediate sleeve and the core and/or between the intermediate sleeve and the stop mechanism are provided with a lubricant to optimize the sliding properties.

A first gap, which is preferably filled with a lubricant, is preferably provided between the intermediate sleeve and the core during assembly. However, when the bearing bush is installed, for example, in the receiving bore, the first gap is closed to such an extent that a play-free sliding bearing is produced between the core body and the intermediate sleeve.

The provision of the first gap serves for the rotatable mounting of the intermediate sleeve on the core body and/or for the rotatable mounting of the intermediate sleeve relative to the stop mechanism. The intermediate sleeve can thus slide over the core and/or the stop mechanism. To improve sliding performance and reduce friction on the intermediate sleeve, core and/or stop mechanism, a lubricant is provided. Fats or oils may be used as lubricants, for example. By providing the protruding area, dirt is prevented from entering the first gap on the one hand and lubricant is prevented from flowing out of the first gap on the other hand. Thus, the service life of the bearing bush is extended because of the provision of the protruding region.

The core and/or the intermediate sleeve preferably have at least one recess for receiving a lubricant, in particular in the form of an axially extending lubricant groove.

The recess for receiving the lubricant serves in particular as a lubricant pocket. By providing a recess, the volume for accommodating the lubricant can be increased so that there is more lubricant for the intermediate sleeve to be slidingly supported on the core. The recess may also be provided as a pocket in the intermediate sleeve and/or the core, that is to say a space bounded both circumferentially and axially. However, it is preferred that the recess is designed as a lubricant groove which extends in the axial direction, in particular in the axial direction along the entire length of the intermediate sleeve.

Preferably, the recess is arranged on an axially outer side of the intermediate sleeve facing the catch means.

In addition to the lubricant groove, a socket for receiving lubricant can also be provided on the axially outer side of the intermediate sleeve, in particular of the limit projection. The extension of the lubricant groove on the axially outer side of the intermediate sleeve, in particular of the limit projection, and/or the radial arrangement of a separate lubricant groove on the axially outer side and/or the arrangement of a recess on the axially outer side, also serve to improve the sliding bearing of the intermediate sleeve on the stop means, by providing a lubricant pocket on the axially outer side as well in order to improve the sliding bearing between the intermediate sleeve and the stop means. The lubricant groove thus extends radially.

Preferably the elastomer is vulcanised to the outer sleeve.

In this case, the projecting region can also abut against the axially outer side of the outer sleeve. The axially outer side of the outer sleeve refers to the side which is seen by a viewer looking axially towards the bearing bush without the provision of the protruding area. Dirt is prevented from entering between the elastomer body and the outer sleeve because of the contact of the protruding areas with the axial outer side. The protruding area is snug against the axially outer side of the outer sleeve when the elastomer is firmly coupled to the outer sleeve. For example, the protruding region may be vulcanized on the axially outer side. Alternatively, the protruding area can slide against the axial outside.

It is preferred that the elastomer is partially separated from the outer sleeve and/or the intermediate sleeve by a second gap.

The second gap extends axially at least partially along the outer sleeve and/or the core. Preferably, a plurality of second gaps are provided, which are spaced apart from one another, for example, in the axial direction. The second gap can also be considered as free space. In particular the second gap is filled with a gas such as air. The second gap optionally extends completely in the circumferential direction, wherein the second gap may also be interrupted in the circumferential direction, for example by an elastomer.

The second gap is preferably provided between the elastomer body and the outer sleeve, in particular when the elastomer body is connected to the intermediate sleeve, and the second gap is preferably provided between the intermediate sleeve and the elastomer body when the elastomer body is connected to the outer sleeve. In the case of vibrations acting in the radial direction, the provision of the second gap influences the damping behavior in the bearing bushing. In the case of small vibrations, the elastomer is not compressed at least in the region in which the second gap is provided, so that it acts only in the region in which the second gap is not provided when the vibrations act in the radial direction. In this way, in the case where the vibration is smaller than the second gap thickness, not the entire elastic body but only a part thereof is compressed. In the case of vibrations smaller than the thickness of the second gap in the radial direction, therefore, a smaller stiffness is obtained in the radial direction than when the vibrations are larger, in which case the elastomer is also compressed close to the second gap in the radial direction.

It is preferred that the elastomer has a second sealing lip that seals the second gap.

The outer sleeve preferably has an axial first end region and an axial second end region, wherein the first end region and/or the second end region is separated from the elastomer by a second gap. In particular, this is achieved in that the projection of the outer sleeve is spaced apart from the axial end of the outer sleeve, so that the outer sleeve is not axially delimited by the projection, but has a first and a second end region.

A second gap is provided between the first and second end regions on the one hand and the elastomer body on the other hand, which gap is closed either by the projecting region against the outer sleeve axially on the outside and/or by the provision of a second sealing lip. In particular, the second sealing lip projects radially outward and preferably extends completely in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the first axial end region and the second axial end region are provided when at least two of the projections radially overlap with a limit projection for limiting the axial offset of the outer sleeve relative to the core body. In this way, the stop protrusion may be inserted into the space defined by the first and/or second axial end portion and the protrusion. The second gap interacts with a corresponding stop lug in the first/or second axial end region.

It is preferred that the second gap is arranged between two protrusions and/or two counter-protrusions.

In this way, the second gap can interact with a respective counter projection inserted between the two projections and/or with a projection inserted between the two counter projections.

Preferably the elastomer has an additional cushion extending into the second gap.

Optionally, the additional cushion has a convex outer contour. The outer contour of the protuberance extends into the second gap. The cross section can be seen in particular along a plane extending in the axial direction. In this configuration of the additional cushion, the effective area of the elastomer in compression increases with the radial offset of the outer sleeve relative to the middle sleeve. In this way, the stiffness of the bearing bush increases stepwise in the radial direction.

The additional cushion may extend completely into the second gap in the circumferential direction and/or may be arranged partially in the axial direction. The additional cushion optionally corresponds to each second gap. When no additional cushion is provided, the area of the additional cushion is smaller than the second gap in axial cross section, that is, as viewed in the circumferential direction. This means that more volume of the elastomer is effective in radial direction than if the second gap were provided, and less volume of the elastomer is effective in radial direction than if the second gap were omitted.

The additional cushioning pad preferably abuts the outer sleeve or the intermediate sleeve. In this design, the resulting radial stiffness is less than if the second gap were not provided but greater than if the second gap were provided. The stiffness curve of the support sleeve is thus changed by the additional cushion.

In an alternative embodiment, the additional cushioning pad does not contact the outer sleeve proximate the second gap and/or the intermediate sleeve proximate the second gap. By providing the additional cushion pad, the rigidity of the elastic body is changed in the case of small amplitude vibration compared with the case where the additional cushion pad is not provided. In the case of vibrations having an amplitude not greater than the radial thickness of the second gap, the additional cushion is not effective first, and a low stiffness is set.

If the additional cushioning pad now contacts the intermediate and/or outer sleeve, the volume of the compressed elastomer increases and the stiffness increases. In the case of vibrations with an amplitude greater than the thickness of the second gap, the entire spring embodiment acts, so that the stiffness is further increased. Due to the additional cushion, three stiffnesses and smooth transitions between different stiffness levels are set.

The intermediate sleeve and/or the elastomer preferably have axially extending slots. The slot preferably extends completely through the intermediate sleeve and/or the elastomer. By providing the slot, the play-free contact between the intermediate sleeve and the sliding pair of the core body can be adjusted by means of a pretensioning force acting on the intermediate sleeve and/or the elastomer.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing the above-described bearing bush, wherein the elastomer body and the protruding region are produced together in a first method step. As an optional second method step, the elastomer is connected to the intermediate sleeve, in particular vulcanized to the intermediate sleeve. Alternatively, the elastomer is connected to the outer sleeve, in particular vulcanized onto the outer sleeve. In a third method step, the outer sleeve is then mounted to the elastomer. This allows a very precise design of the outer contour of the elastomer, i.e. the surface of the elastomer facing the outer sleeve. It is particularly feasible to provide additional cushions with a particularly precise outer contour. In this way, a bearing bush can be produced in which a second gap is provided between the outer sleeve and the elastomer body and the additional damping cushion projects radially outward from the elastomer body into the second gap.

Drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a support sleeve;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along section line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detail of the support bushing;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detail of a third embodiment of the support sleeve;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail of a fourth embodiment of the support sleeve;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a method of manufacturing a bearing cartridge according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of a support sleeve;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a support sleeve;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along section B-B of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a support sleeve in cross-section along section line B-B; and

fig. 11 shows a schematic view of an eighth embodiment of a support bushing.

Detailed Description

The support bush 10 has a core 11, an intermediate sleeve 12, an elastic body 13, an outer sleeve 16, and a stopper mechanism 17. The core 11 is used to attach the support bushing to a vehicle component. The core 11 has in particular an axial through hole through which a bolt for fastening the bearing bush 10 can be pushed.

The core 11 is optionally a one-piece component. The stop mechanism 17 may be pressed against the core 11. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the stop mechanism 17 is formed by a first washer 17a and a second washer 17b, which are each pressed against the core 11. The stop mechanism 17 serves to limit the axial offset of the intermediate sleeve 12 relative to the core 1.

The intermediate sleeve 12 is mounted rotatably in the circumferential direction on the core body 1 by means of a first gap 18. Furthermore, a first gap 18 extends between the intermediate sleeve 12 and the stop mechanism 17. When the bearing bushing 10 is installed, the first gap 18 is closed to such an extent that a play-free sliding bearing is produced between the core 11 and the intermediate sleeve 12. In addition, in the case of the stop mechanism 17, the first play 18 is reduced in such a way that a play-free sliding bearing can also be produced between the stop mechanism 17 and the intermediate sleeve 12. Thus, the intermediate sleeve 12 can also be rotatably mounted relative to the stop mechanism 17. The first gap 18 is therefore shown enlarged in the figure. In order to develop a low-friction sliding bearing of the intermediate sleeve 12 on the core 1 and the stop means 17 or to set the sliding properties in a targeted manner, the first gap 19 is filled with a lubricant, in particular grease. In addition, the static friction coefficient and the sliding friction coefficient can be adjusted by providing a lubricant, which may help to avoid noise.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the intermediate sleeve 12 has four opposing projections 22 that project axially toward the outer sleeve 16. Two of the reverse protrusions 22 provided at the axial ends of the intermediate sleeve 12 may be configured as a first stopper protrusion 12a and a second stopper protrusion 12 b. The axially outer sides of the first and second stopper projections 12a,12b facing the stopper mechanism 17, particularly the first washer 17a and the second washer 17b, are formed to extend parallel to the first washer 17a or the second washer 17 b.

The outer sleeve 16 has a plurality of projections 21 which project radially from the outer sleeve 16 towards the intermediate sleeve 12. The outer sleeve 16 has a first axial end region 16a and a second axial end region 16b, which are arranged at axial ends of the outer sleeve 16 and are opposed to the first stopper projection 12a and the second stopper projection 12b, respectively.

The elastic body 13 is disposed between the outer sleeve 16 and the intermediate sleeve 12. The elastomer 13 is vulcanized onto the intermediate sleeve 12. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, a second gap 24 is provided between the elastomer 13 and the outer sleeve 16, in particular in the region of the first end region 16a and the second end region 16b and between the projections 21. The second gap 24 preferably extends in the entire circumferential direction. Similarly, the projection 21 and the counter projection 22 optionally extend in the entire circumferential direction.

The elastic body 13 has a protruding region 13a integrally molded therewith in a material-uniform manner. The projecting region 13a projects beyond the intermediate sleeve 12 in the axial direction and in particular beyond the first and second limit projections 12a,12 b. The protruding areas 13a are provided on both shaft ends of the support bush 10.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the protruding region 13a abuts against a circumferential side 17c of the stop mechanism 17. In particular, the protruding region 13a has a first sealing lip 14 which abuts against a circumferential side 17c of the stop means 17. Due to the provision of the first sealing lip 14, the contact area between the protruding region 13a and the catch means 17 is reduced, which minimizes the contact area when the outer sleeve 16 and thus the intermediate sleeve 12 are rotated relative to the core 11 and thus the catch means 17 and thus allows good sealing and at the same time longer durability. The first gap 18 is sealed by means of the protruding area 13a, so that lubricant cannot escape the first gap and dirt is prevented from entering the first gap 18.

The protruding region 13a optionally has a second sealing lip 15 which abuts the outer sleeve 16, in particular at a first axial end region 16a and a second axial end region 16 b. The second sealing lip 15 seals the second gap 24 so that dirt does not enter the second gap 24. The first sealing lip 14 and/or the second sealing lip 15 are optionally integrally formed in a material-uniform manner with the protruding region 13 a.

As shown in particular in fig. 2, the outer sleeve 16 is designed in two parts. In particular, the two parts of the outer sleeve 16 are formed by two half-shells, which in the mounted state touch one another at an axially extending boundary.

The embodiment of the bearing bushing 10 shown in fig. 3 corresponds to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 with the following differences. In this embodiment, the first gap 18 is provided not only between the two protrusions 21 but also between the two reverse protrusions 22. The second gaps 24 are provided between the outer sleeves 16 and the elastic bodies 13, respectively. The elastomer body 13 also has an additional cushion 26 with a convex outer contour 26 a. Additional cushion 26 extends into second gap 24. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, additional cushions 26 are respectively disposed between the two reverse protrusions 22.

In addition, the thickness of the elastic body 13 between the projection 21 and the reverse projection 22 is selected so that the elastic body 13 is compressed between the projection 21 and the reverse projection 22. The elastomer body 13 is compressed between the projection 21 and the counter projection 22 in the area in which the elastomer body 13 extends substantially radially. This means that, in the case where the outer sleeve 16 is not provided, the thickness of the elastic body 13 is larger (see the broken line in fig. 3) than it is when the outer sleeve 16 is provided. In the axially extending region, the thickness of the elastic body 13 is greater than the distance between the axial sides of the projection 21 and the counter-projection 22.

The axial flanks of the projections 21 and/or of the counter-projections 22 extend virtually perpendicularly to the axial direction, that is to say almost parallel to the radial direction. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the deviation may be up to ± 25 °, in particular up to ± 15 °. In addition, the projection 21 and the reverse projection 22 overlap in the radial direction, so that a tooth structure is formed between the projection 21 and the reverse projection 22.

The radial overlap between the projection 21 and the counter projection 22 should be as large as possible, so that, in the event of an axial offset, as much elastomer 13 as possible acts between the projection 21 and the counter projection 22, as a result of which a high axial stiffness can be achieved. The axial stiffness of the bearing bush 10 can also be increased by providing as many projections 21 and counter-projections 22 as possible. The axial pretension of the elastomer body 13 between the projection 21 and the counter projection 22 also increases the axial stiffness.

As the axial stiffness increases, the axial stiffness of the support sleeve 10 also increases. To counteract this effect, a second gap 24 is provided. The second gap 24 acts in particular as a free-wheel mechanism, so that, in the event of an axial movement with an amplitude which is smaller than the axial thickness of the second gap 24, mainly the stiffness of the additional cushion 26 is effective. To this end, the additional cushion 26 abuts against the projection 21 and thus against the outer sleeve 16. Only when the additional cushion 26 is fully compressed will the elastomer body 13 come into contact with the outer sleeve 16 also in the region of the second gap 24 where no additional cushion is provided, so that this region of the elastomer body 13 also functions. In this process, a steady progression of the stiffness characteristic is thus set. In particular, by providing a second clearance with or without additional cushion 26, the increase in radial stiffness with the increase in axial stiffness can be compensated.

The embodiment of the bearing bush 10 shown in fig. 4 corresponds to the embodiment shown in fig. 3. The only difference is that the additional cushioning pad 26 is not arranged between the two counter protrusions 22, but between the two protrusions 21.

The embodiment of the support bushing 10 shown in fig. 5 corresponds to the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and 4, apart from the fact that the elastomer 13 is connected to the outer sleeve 16 but not to the intermediate sleeve 12. For example, the elastomer 13 may be vulcanized to the outer sleeve 16. Optionally, the protruding area 13a abuts against the axially outer side 16c of the outer sleeve 16, in particular the protruding area 13a is vulcanized onto the axially outer side 16c of the outer sleeve 16. A second gap 24 is thus provided between the elastomer body 13 and the intermediate sleeve 12, and an additional cushion 26 projects radially inwards into the second gap 24. A second sealing lip 15 also projects radially inwards from the elastomer body 13 and abuts against the intermediate sleeve 12.

The assembly of the bearing bushing 10 according to fig. 1 is shown in fig. 6. First, a core 11 is provided and an intermediate sleeve 12 is fitted over the core 11. The elastomer body 13 with the protruding areas 13a has optionally been vulcanized on the intermediate sleeve 12 before the intermediate sleeve 12 is applied. After the intermediate sleeve 12 has been slipped onto the core 11, the stop mechanism 17 is connected to the core 11, for example by pressing. Next, two portions of the outer sleeve 16 are mounted to the elastic body 13.

Alternatively, in all the embodiments shown, the elastomer 13 can be vulcanized on the intermediate sleeve 12 and the outer sleeve 16, wherein in particular the protruding areas 13a are also vulcanized on the axially outer side 16c of the outer sleeve 16. The elastomer 13 may also be vulcanized only to the outer sleeve 16.

The bearing bush 10 according to fig. 7 corresponds to the bearing bush 1 according to fig. 1, with the only difference that the projection region 13a does not abut against the circumferential side of the stop means 17. Instead, the protruding region 13a abuts against the axial side of the stop mechanism 17 facing the intermediate sleeve 12. In addition, recesses 28 are provided on the intermediate sleeve 12, in particular on the first and second limit projections 12a,12b, respectively, in which the projecting regions 13a are arranged. The projecting region 13a is thus arranged between the intermediate sleeve 12, in particular the first and second limit projection 12a and 12b, and the stop means 17, in particular the first washer 17a and the second washer 17 b. The first sealing lip 14 projects in the axial direction from the intermediate sleeve 12 to the stop means 17.

The bearing bush 10 according to fig. 8 corresponds to the bearing bush 10 according to fig. 1 with the following differences. In addition, the bearing bush 10 according to fig. 8 has a recess 23 in the form of a lubricant groove 23 a. The recess 23 serves to receive lubricant and thus serves as a lubricant reservoir. The recess 23 can also be designed as a socket. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the lubricant groove 23a is arranged in the intermediate sleeve 12 and extends over its entire axial length. In addition, the lubricant groove 23a extends in the axial direction along the first and second stopper projections 12a,12 b. As shown in fig. 9, the lubricant grooves 23a are optionally uniformly distributed in the axial direction.

The bearing bush 10 according to fig. 10 corresponds to the bearing bush 10 according to fig. 1 with the following differences. In the bearing bush 10 according to fig. 10, a slot 30 is provided, which extends in the axial direction and/or slightly obliquely with respect to the axial direction. The slot 30 extends axially through the intermediate sleeve 12 and the elastomer 13. By means of the slit 30, the outer sleeve 16 can be prestressed and the radial thickness of the first gap can be adjusted after fitting.

The bearing bush 10 according to fig. 1 corresponds to the bearing bush 10 according to fig. 1 to 10, except that the core 1 is formed in two parts. The first core portion 11a and the second core portion 11b are separated from each other by a slit in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the stop means 17 is formed in the form of a projection, which is formed integrally with the first core part 11a and the second core part 11 b.

List of reference numerals

10 supporting the bushing; 11a core body; 11a first core section; 11b a second core section; 12 an intermediate sleeve; 12a first stopper protrusion; 12b a second stopper protrusion; 13 an elastomer; 13a protruding region; 14 a first lip; 15 second lip; 16 an outer sleeve; 16a first end region; 16b a second end region; 16c axially outward; 17a stop mechanism; 17a first gasket; 17b a second gasket; 17c the circumferential side; 18 a first gap; 21, a protrusion; 22 a reverse protrusion; 23 notches; 23a lubricant sump; 24 a second gap; 26 additional cushioning pads; 26a outer contour; 28 grooves; and (6) sewing 30.