阅读说明：本技术 用于弹性支承减震支柱或减震器的支承系统以及减震支柱或减震器 (Support system for the elastic support of a shock strut or shock absorber and shock strut or shock absorber ) 是由 P·维尔纳 H·卡尔多斯 M·梅斯 A·格斯兰 于 2019-01-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于将减震支柱(12)或减震器弹性地支承在车身(14)上的车身侧支承杯中的支承系统(10),包括可安放入所述支承杯(22)中的单元(86)以及用于使固定单元(86)免于从所述支承杯(20)中拉出的固定装置(22),其中所述单元(86)具有支承单元(16)和减震支柱(12)或减震器的活塞杆(18),其中所述支承单元(16)包括至少一个用于弹性地支撑活塞杆(18)的弹性体支承(34)以及至少一个环件(42),该弹性体支承具有用于容纳所述活塞杆(18)的芯部(40)和弹性体主体(46),所述环件是一个单独件或者是以形状配合、摩擦配合和/或材料配合连接到所述弹性体主体(46),其中,所述单元(86)和所述固定装置(22)从远离车身的一侧被安放入支承杯(22),其中在安装状态下,所述固定装置(22)接合在设于支承杯(20)的侧凹(30)的后面,所述环件(42)被支撑在所述固定装置(22)上,所述弹性体主体(46)被预紧并将所述环件(42)压靠至所述固定装置(22)。(The invention relates to a bearing system (10) for elastically bearing a shock strut (12) or a shock absorber in a vehicle-body-side bearing cup on a vehicle body (14), comprising a unit (86) which can be placed in the bearing cup (22) and a fastening device (22) for securing the fastening unit (86) against being pulled out of the bearing cup (20), wherein the unit (86) has a bearing unit (16) and a piston rod (18) of the shock strut (12) or shock absorber, wherein the bearing unit (16) comprises at least one elastomer bearing (34) for elastically supporting the piston rod (18) and at least one ring (42) having a core (40) for receiving the piston rod (18) and an elastomer body (46), the ring being connected to the elastomer body (46) either in a separate piece or in a form-fitting, friction-fitting and/or material-fitting manner, wherein the unit (86) and the fastening device (22) are placed into the support cup (22) from the side facing away from the vehicle body, wherein in the installed state the fastening device (22) engages behind an undercut (30) provided on the support cup (20), the ring (42) is supported on the fastening device (22), and the elastomer body (46) is prestressed and presses the ring (42) against the fastening device (22).)

1. A bearing system (10) for the elastic mounting of a shock strut (12) or a shock absorber in a body-side bearing cup (20) on a vehicle body (14), comprising a unit (86) which can be placed in the bearing cup (22) and a fastening device (22) for fastening the unit (86) in a manner preventing extraction from the bearing cup (20), wherein the unit (86) has a bearing unit (16) and a piston rod (18) of the shock strut (12) or shock absorber, wherein the bearing unit (16) has at least one elastomer bearing (34) for the elastic mounting of the piston rod (18) and at least one ring (42) which has a core (40) for receiving the piston rod (18) and an elastomer body (46) and which is connected to the elastomer body (46) either in one piece or in a form-fitting, friction-fitting and/or material-fitting manner, wherein the unit (86) and the fastening device (22) are inserted into a support cup (22) from the side facing away from the vehicle body, wherein in the installed state, after the fastening device (22) engages in an undercut (30) provided on the support cup (20), the ring (42) supports itself on the fastening device (22) and the elastomer body (46) is prestressed and presses the ring (42) against the fastening device (22).

2. The bearing system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the piston rod (18) is connected with the core (40) in a form-fit, friction-fit and/or material-fit manner before being mounted into the bearing cup (20).

3. A support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support cup (20) has an opening (28) which in the mounted state allows assembly or disassembly of the piston rod (18) with the core (40).

4. Support system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (22) are designed as a positioning ring (62).

5. The support system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the undercut (30) is designed as a circumferential groove (32) opening in the support cup (20).

6. The support system (10) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the undercut (30) is designed as a flange (78) that projects into the support cup (20).

7. Support system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support unit (16) has a secondary spring receptacle (36), which secondary spring receptacle (36) is connected to the ring (42) before the unit (86) is installed into the support cup (20) in a friction-fit, form-fit and/or material-fit manner, or the secondary spring receptacle (36) is connected to the ring (42) after the unit (86) is installed into the support cup (20) in a friction-fit and/or form-fit manner.

8. Support system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the ring (42) and the secondary spring receiving means (36) are connected to each other by means of a snap connection (68).

9. The support system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device (22) reduces in diameter when installed into the support cup (20).

10. Support system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (42) and/or the secondary spring receiving means (36) have a circumferential groove (64), wherein the fixing device (22) can be pressed into the circumferential groove (64) when being mounted into the support cup (20).

11. Support system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary spring receiving means (36) and the ring (42) form mutually engaging form-fitting profiles (50), the mutually engaging form-fitting profiles (50) being movable from a first position to a second position when the elastomer support (34) and the fixing device (22) are mounted into the support cup (20).

12. The support system (10) of claim 11, wherein the form-fitting profile (50) is designed as a stop-motion mechanism (52).

13. Support system (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the form-fitting contour (50) is formed by a projection (54) which projects from the secondary spring receiving means (36) and a corresponding recess (56) which is provided in the ring (42).

14. The support system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomeric support (34) has a first ring member (42) and a second ring member (44).

15. The bearing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a support structure (66) is provided which abuts against the fixing means (22) to prevent the fixing means (22) from jumping out of the undercut (30).

16. The bearing system (10) according to claim 15, wherein the support structure (66) is formed by a portion of the secondary spring containment mechanism (36) or by the ring (42).

17. The support system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support cup (20) is connected to the vehicle body (14) in a form-fitting, friction-fitting and/or material-fitting manner.

18. a shock strut (12) or shock absorber having a bearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a support system for elastically supporting a shock absorber strut or a shock absorber in a vehicle body-side support cup on a vehicle body. The invention also relates to a shock strut or shock absorber having such a bearing system.

Background

Shock-absorbing struts or shock absorbers of the above-mentioned type are used in the vehicle chassis to damp vibrations caused by road bumps. For this purpose, it is known to connect the shock absorber or shock absorber to the vehicle body via a so-called dome bearing. The dome shaped support allows rotational movement of the shock strut or damper relative to the vehicle body and compensates for angular displacement of the shock strut or damper relative to the vehicle body. The dome-shaped bearing is usually designed as a rubber-metal bearing. The rubber-metal bearing is typically located in a bearing block (top mount housing) that is threaded to the vehicle body.

In order to attach the shock strut or damper to the vehicle body, the piston rod of the shock strut or damper is screwed to the core of the rubber-metal bearing. Usually, the screw connection is made from above, so that sufficient space must be reserved for assembly. This often presents a challenge to design engineers, especially when the roof is mounted on the rear axle.

German patent document DE 3713699C2 discloses the mounting of a shock strut or a spring damper on the vehicle body side, wherein a rubber-metal bearing is pre-mounted on the free end of the damper piston rod by means of a nut and is inserted from below into a bearing cup of the vehicle body. In order to keep the rubber-metal bearing and thus also the suspension strut in the sprung state, the rubber-metal bearing is locked together with the body fitting in the bearing cup. For this purpose, a clamping ring or a spring ring is inserted into a receptacle in the edge region of a section of the sheet metal outer cup supported by rubber metal. The engagement is formed after the clamping ring or spring ring is inserted into the socket of the support cup.

Furthermore, a quick connection between the connecting portion of the elastic joint connected to the piston rod of the shock strut and the projection from the sheet metal of the vehicle body is disclosed from DE 19758524C 2. The body is provided with upwardly bent tongues and recesses, while in the region of the cylindrical section of the connecting piece there is an annular groove into which the clamping ring can be inserted. During assembly, the cylindrical section of the connecting piece engages in the resilient opening formed by the tongue until the clamping ring engages into the recess of the tongue. Subsequently, the metal cover is pressed from the outside onto the tongues, so that a radially and axially fixed connection of the connecting piece to the body is obtained.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a support system for elastically supporting a shock strut or damper on a vehicle body and to provide a shock strut or damper which has an improved and less costly mounting, so that no mounting from above is required in the process.

In order to solve this problem, a bearing system having the features of claim 1 and a shock strut or shock absorber having the features of claim 18 are proposed.

Advantageous embodiments of the support system are subject matter of the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a bearing system for the elastic mounting of a suspension strut or a suspension damper in a support cup on the vehicle body side, comprising a unit which can be placed in the support cup and a fastening device for securing the unit against being pulled out of the support cup, the unit comprising a support unit and a piston rod of the suspension strut or suspension damper, wherein the support unit comprises at least one elastomer mount for the elastic mounting of the piston rod and at least one ring, the elastomer mount having a core for receiving the piston rod and an elastomer body, the ring being connected to the elastomer body in a separate piece or in a form-fitting, friction-fitting and/or material-fitting manner, the unit and the fastening device being placed into the support cup from the side remote from the vehicle body, wherein the fastening device engages behind an undercut formed on the support cup in the mounted state, the ring itself is supported on the fixing means and the elastic body is pretensioned and presses the ring against the fixing means.

according to the bearing system of the invention, it is possible to use a bearing unit in the bearing cup and at the same time fix the bearing unit by means of the fixing means against being pulled out of the bearing cup, while it is possible to connect the piston rod with the elastically supported core in a friction, material or form-fitting manner before insertion into the bearing cup.

This will provide a support unit which allows for a simplified and cost-effective installation. In particular, the bearing system is designed such that the entire shock strut, including the bearing unit and the fixing device, is inserted from below, in particular can be pressed into the bearing cup. The fixing device is moved from a mounting position, in which the elastomer bearing is inserted into the bearing cup and the fixing device is positioned on the bearing unit, to a fixing position, in which the elastomer bearing is fixed in the bearing cup during insertion or pressing into the bearing cup. Thus, a preassembly of the shock strut or shock absorber with the elastomeric bearing is possible and no further assembly step is required to fix the bearing unit before it is pulled out of the bearing cup. In particular, it is not necessary to ensure the accessibility of the assembly tool that can mount the support system from above (i.e. on the vehicle body side).

It is also possible in the support system in the case of the invention that disassembly from the other side of the body is not necessary. In this way, in the case of maintenance, the shock strut or the shock absorber together with the bearing unit can be disassembled by disengaging the fixing device from below the bearing cup without the need for an assembly tool from above. In addition, undercuts can be easily and inexpensively produced in the bearing cup by means of a molding process. At least one elastomer-supported elastomer body of the support unit is composed of an elastic polymer material, for example a natural rubber or a foam spring (e.g. PU) based on a composite material of TPE (thermoplastic) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). The elastomeric support may also include one or more elastomeric bodies.

When the bearing unit is inserted into the bearing cup, the elastomer bearing and fastening device is initially subjected to an excessive pretensioning force in the axial direction by means of the ring. The elastomeric support and securement device is then moved to a secured position. By means of the pretensioning, an axial pretensioning force is generated in the elastomer body of the elastomer bearing. In the securing position, the securing device engages behind an undercut formed in the bearing cup, the ring is supported on the securing device, and the elastomer body presses the ring against the securing device on the basis of its pretensioning force. In the installed position, the support unit is placed in the support cup and the fixing device is positioned such that it is placed in the support cup during a further insertion or pressing-in process. This is then usually related to the change in diameter of the fixation device.

When moving from the installation position into the fastening position, an intermediate position occurs in which the elastomer bearing initially rests on the cup bottom of the support cup and is free of axial pretensioning forces. The fixing means has a reduced diameter in the intermediate position compared to the mounting position. The reduction in diameter is due to the force of inserting the support unit into the support cup. The elastomer bearing is only axially preloaded by pressing the elastomer bearing further into the bearing cup. By axial pretension, the elastomer body is compressed. The ring can be connected to the elastomer body of the spring bearing in a material-locking manner. Further, the ring member may be a separate member. By "looking from below" is meant that the support cup is currently viewed from below in the axial direction.

Advantageously, the fixing means are moved from the mounting position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the fixing position when the support unit is placed into the support cup. Further advantageously, the fixing means has a first diameter at the mounting location. In the intermediate position, the fixation device may have a second diameter different from the first diameter. In the secured position, the fixation device has the first diameter or a third diameter that is slightly less than or equal to the first diameter. In order to change the diameter, a force is required which is generated, for example, when the bearing device is pressed into the bearing cup. Preferably, the bearing means is inserted into the bearing cup in the compression direction of the shock strut or shock absorber.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastomer bearing and fixing device can be inserted into the bearing cup from the side facing away from the vehicle body. This allows the shock strut or shock absorber with the bearing unit comprising at least one elastomer bearing, the fixing device and the piston rod which has been connected to the elastomer bearing in a form-fitting, friction-fitting or material-fitting manner to be placed from below into the bearing cup. The side remote from the vehicle is understood here to be the vehicle outside.

In an advantageous embodiment, the piston rod is connected with the core in a form-fitting, friction-fitting and/or material-fitting manner before insertion into the bearing cup. As a result, a preassembled unit is provided which can be inserted into the bearing cup, in particular from the side remote from the vehicle body. As a result, after the pre-assembled unit is inserted into the bearing cup, no assembly step on the vehicle body side is required to fix the piston rod to the elastomer bearing. In an advantageous embodiment, the preassembled unit further comprises a fixing means.

In an advantageous embodiment, the bearing cup has an opening which allows the piston rod to be mounted or dismounted from the core in the mounted state. Thus, the unit with the shock strut or damper and the bearing unit can first be inserted into the bearing cup, and then the shock strut or damper, in particular the piston rod of the shock strut or damper, is connected to the elastomer bearing, for example by inserting the piston rod into the opening of the core of the elastomer bearing. The opening also allows subsequent removal of the piston rod with the fixing means engaged in position in the undercut

In an advantageous embodiment, the fixing device is designed as a positioning ring. The combination of the retaining ring and the undercut ensures that the support unit is not pulled out of the receiving top in the direction of the spring-back, so that the support device is simply and inexpensively fixed in the support cup. In a preferred embodiment, the positioning ring is designed as a clamping ring. The retaining ring may be circular or angular in cross-section. An advantage of a positioning ring with a circular cross-section is that it will move the support unit axially into a fixed position once it has sufficiently axially overlapped the possibly extended undercut. The undercut is preferably provided in the inner wall of the support cup.

In an advantageous embodiment, the undercut is formed as a circumferential groove provided in the bearing block. The groove can be formed in the bearing cup by means of a forming process, like for example a rolling process, in an easy and cost-effective manner. The cross-section of the groove may have a rounded or angular profile.

In an advantageous embodiment, the undercut is designed as a segment which is arranged in the support cup. Preferably, the bead of the body, in particular the outer edge section of the bead, is used as an undercut. This eliminates the undercut forming process, resulting in a simple and inexpensive fixing of the retaining ring. For this purpose, the support cup can be designed as a separate part and welded to the vehicle body, wherein the bead of the vehicle body projects into the support cup and forms an undercut. Furthermore, the flange may also be formed by bending or flanging the outer edge section of the opening.

In an advantageous embodiment, the bearing unit has an auxiliary spring receiving means which is connected to the ring with a friction fit, form fit and/or material fit before insertion of the bearing unit into the bearing cup or with a friction fit and/or form fit after insertion of the bearing unit into the bearing cup. The secondary spring receiving means is used to secure a secondary spring, such as a PU foam spring. The auxiliary spring limits the movement of the shock strut or shock absorber relative to the vehicle body. Advantageously, the auxiliary spring is inserted into the auxiliary spring receiving means. Advantageously, the auxiliary spring has a passage through which the shock strut or the piston rod of the shock absorber can extend. If the secondary spring receptacle is connected to the ring in a friction, form and/or material-fit manner before the unit is inserted into the bearing cup, the secondary spring receptacle is part of a preassembled unit which can be inserted into the bearing cup. Further advantageously, the auxiliary spring may be a component of a pre-assembled unit comprising the elastomer support, the piston rod connected to the shock strut or shock absorber of the elastomer support and the spring housing means associated with the ring of the elastomer support.

In an advantageous embodiment, the preassembled unit can additionally have a fixing device. If the auxiliary spring receiver is connected to the ring in a friction-and/or form-fitting manner after the insertion of the bearing unit into the bearing cup, the auxiliary spring receiver is inserted into the bearing cup together with the elastomer bearing and fastening device or together with the preassembled unit, wherein the auxiliary spring receiver is connected to the ring in a form-and/or friction-fitting manner during the insertion process, in particular during pressing. Advantageously, the elastomer support, the fixing device and the auxiliary spring receptacle or the preassembled unit and the auxiliary spring receptacle are positioned before insertion such that the elastomer support faces the support cup and the auxiliary spring receptacle faces the elastomer support. The secondary spring containment mechanism may be clamped, bonded and/or welded to the ring. The secondary spring housing mechanism may be made of metal or plastic.

In an advantageous embodiment, the ring and the secondary spring receiving means are connected to each other by a snap connection. A snap connection may also be referred to herein as a clip connection. As a result, the auxiliary spring housing mechanism can be easily and inexpensively attached to the elastic body support. Preferably, the secondary spring receiving means comprises a catch or catch which engages behind the locating flange or flanges formed on the ring.

In an advantageous embodiment, the fixing device is reduced in diameter when inserted into the support cup. In an advantageous embodiment, the diameter of the positioning ring when moving from the mounting position to the fixing position differs from the diameter of the positioning ring in the mounting position and/or in the fixing position. In order to change the diameter, a force is required, which is generated when the bearing device is pressed into the bearing cup.

In an advantageous embodiment, the ring and/or the auxiliary spring receiving means have a circumferential groove into which the fastening device can be pressed when it is inserted into the bearing cup. The recess thus allows an intermediate position for the fixing device or the positioning ring, wherein the diameter of the recess is smaller than in the mounting position and in the fixing position. In order to reduce the diameter of the positioning ring, a force needs to be generated when placing the support unit in the support cup. If the cross-section of the retaining ring is circular, a preload force is introduced into the retaining ring by reducing the diameter so that it is moved axially into the final position once sufficient axial overlap of the retaining ring with the undercut has occurred.

In an advantageous embodiment, the secondary spring receiving means and the ring have interlocking form-fitting profiles which engage each other and are movable from a first position to a second position to move the securing device and the elastomer support from the mounting position to the securing position. In order to move the form-fitting contour from the first position to the second position, a force is required. For this purpose, the form-fitting contour is designed in such a way that the assembly forces required for changing the diameter of the retaining ring and for axially preloading the elastomer bearing can be transmitted. There may be friction between the interlocking connections.

In an advantageous embodiment, the form-fitting contour is formed as a stop mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is designed as a two-stage locking. In the first stop position, the secondary spring receiver is attached to the ring and the retaining ring is positioned between the secondary spring receiver and the ring. Preferably, the stop mechanisms are adjusted such that they can transmit the assembly force, thereby reducing the diameter of the positioning ring and axially pretensioning the elastic body during insertion. When pushing in the support unit, the positioning ring is first brought to an intermediate position by reducing the diameter of the positioning ring. By further insertion, the retaining ring is moved into a retaining position by engaging behind the undercut. By inserting the bearing unit further into the bearing cup, the form-fitting contour is moved into the second stop position. The stop means can be designed as a projection, in particular a circumferential projection, which projects from the spring receptacle and engages into a recess formed on the first ring member which defines the two stop positions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the positive-locking contour is formed by a projection projecting from the auxiliary spring receiving means and a corresponding recess provided in the ring. Advantageously, the projection in the fixed position acts as a support member for the clamping ring and blocks it, so that it does not spring back elastically and the shock strut or shock absorber cannot be moved out of the bearing cup. Preferably, the projection is inserted into the recess, wherein the projection has the height of the stop mechanism and the recess has the recess.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastomer bearing has a first ring member and a second ring member. The two rings are spaced apart in the axial direction. Preferably, the first ring member is connected to the retaining ring and the second ring member is supported on the bottom of the support cup. Due to the elasticity of the elastomer body, the two ring members are movable relative to each other. In particular, if the second ring member abuts against the bottom of the support cup, the first ring member may move towards the second ring member. As a result, pretension can be introduced into the elastomer body. Due to this pretensioning force, the elastomer bearing has a longer service life. In addition, due to the pre-load introduced into the elastomeric body, the second ring member exerts a force on the fixture, and thus may not move relative to each other during the intended use depending on the application. As a result, the generation of noise can be avoided.

Furthermore, the axial displacement of the two rings can compensate for the axial length tolerance of the elastomer bearing. Furthermore, the elastomer support can thereby be slightly over-pressed during assembly to provide space for moving the fixing device to the fixing position. Furthermore, it is possible to compensate for length tolerances of the elastomer bearing, wherein a ring bears against the fastening device without play. The two rings may be connected to the elastomeric body with a form fit, a friction fit, and/or a material fit.

Advantageously, the two rings bear against the cup wall in a form-fitting and/or friction-fitting manner. In particular, the outer diameter of the ring corresponds to the inner diameter of the support cup.

In an advantageous embodiment, a support structure is provided which abuts against the fixing means to prevent the latter from jumping out of the undercut. The support structure prevents the retaining ring from rebounding and prevents the shock strut or shock absorber from falling out of the bearing cup. In particular, the support structure abuts against the positioning ring in the fixed position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support structure is formed by a part of the secondary spring receiving means or the ring. It may also be implemented as a separate component.

In an advantageous embodiment, the bearing cup is connected to the vehicle body in a form-fitting, friction-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. The support cup may be riveted, glued and/or welded to the vehicle body.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support cup has a first section with a first inner diameter and a second section with a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than or equal to the second inner diameter, and wherein in the securing position the first ring member is arranged in the first section and the second ring member is arranged in the second section. As a result, the support cup has a stepped profile. Due to the stepped shape of the carrier cup, a flange is formed in the carrier cup, on which flange the first ring member can be supported, whereby a displacement of the first ring member in the compression direction is avoided. In addition, this section serves as a stop for the first ring element when the bearing unit is inserted or pressed into the bearing cup. As a result, the first ring member is locked, thereby shifting the secondary spring receiving means to the second, locked position upon further advancement.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a shock strut or shock absorber with a bearing system.

Drawings

The support system and other features and advantages will be explained in detail hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are schematically illustrated in the drawings. It is hereby shown that:

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of a bearing system with a piston rod and an auxiliary spring according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the bearing system without piston rod but with an auxiliary spring in mounted position according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the bearing system without the piston rod and the auxiliary spring in an intermediate position according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the bearing system without the piston rod and the auxiliary spring in a fixed position according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the support system in a fixed position according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a support system in a fixed position according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a support system in a fixed position according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of a support system in a fixed position according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the support system in an installed position according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the support system in an intermediate position according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of a support system according to a sixth embodiment in a fixed position;

Fig. 12 shows a cross-section of the support system in a fixed position according to a seventh embodiment.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, a support system 10 for resiliently mounting a shock strut 12 or shock absorber to a vehicle body 14 is shown.

The bearing system 10 has a bearing unit 16 for bearing the shock strut 12 or the piston rod 18 of the shock absorber, a body-side bearing cup 20 in which the bearing unit 16 can be placed, and a fixing device 22. The fixing means 22 are designed as a positioning ring 23.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the support cup is formed from a portion of the vehicle body 14. Support cup 20 has a cup wall 24 and a cup bottom 26 defining an opening 28, and a portion of piston rod 18 may extend through opening 28. The support cup 20 has an undercut 30, which in this example is designed to surround a groove 32, in which the retaining ring 23 engages to secure the support unit 16 in the support cup 20.

the support cup 20 is further provided with an outer peripheral section 33. Section 33 divides support cup 20 into a first section 82 having a first inner diameter and a second section 84 having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter. Thus, the support cup 20 is stepped.

bearing unit 16 has an elastomer bearing 34 for bearing piston rod 18 and an auxiliary spring receiving means 36, which are positively and/or frictionally engaged with one another, as will be explained in more detail below.

The secondary spring receiving mechanism 36 is made of plastic and is used to receive a secondary spring 38. The assist spring 38 limits the movement of the shock strut 12 relative to the body 14. The secondary spring receiving means has an aperture 39 through which piston rod 18 may extend. Auxiliary spring 38 surrounds piston rod 18.

Elastomeric bearing 34 has a core 40 for receiving piston rod 18, a first ring member 42, a second ring member 44, and an elastomeric body 46 interconnecting core 40 and both ring members 42, 44. The two rings 42, 44 are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction R and in the axial direction a of the core 40. The core 40 has a stop section 48 projecting in the radial direction R, which stop section 48 is arranged between the two rings 42, 44. The stop section 48 limits the movement of the core 40 relative to the two rings 42, 44.

in the state of the support unit 16 in the support cup 20 shown in fig. 1, the first ring member 42 is arranged in the first section 82 and is supported on the section 33, and the second ring member 44 is arranged in the second section 84 and is located on the cup bottom 26. The two ring elements 42, 44 are moved toward one another in the installed state in the axial direction a in order to generate a pretension in the elastomer body 46.

It can be seen in fig. 1 that the elastomeric bearing 34 and the secondary spring receiving mechanism 36 are form-fit and/or friction-fit to each other. To this end, the secondary spring containment mechanism 36 and the first ring member 42 have interlocking positive profiles 50. As can be seen in particular by comparing fig. 2 to 4, the interlocking form-fitting profile 50 can be moved from a first position into a second position.

The interlocking positive fit profile 50 is formed by a stop mechanism 52, a protrusion 54 extending from the secondary spring containment mechanism 36, and a corresponding recess 56 formed in the first ring member 42. The stop means 52 are formed by a projection 58 projecting radially inwards from the projection 54, a first recess 60 provided in a side wall of the recess 56 and a second recess 62 provided in a side wall of the recess 56, the projection 58 engaging in a form-fitting manner into the first recess 60 and the second recess 62. The projection 54 is received in the recess 56 and has a circumferential groove 64 on the outer circumference of its free end, in which the retaining ring 62 can be received.

The attachment of the support unit 16 in the support cup 20 will be described below with reference to fig. 2 to 4. First, a preassembled unit 86 is provided which comprises at least the elastomer bearing, the fixing means 22, the auxiliary spring receiving mechanism 36, the auxiliary spring 38 and the piston rod 18 (not shown in fig. 2 to 4). For this purpose, the retaining ring 23 is first inserted into the encircling groove 64. Subsequently, the secondary spring containment mechanism 36 is pre-assembled with the elastomeric support 34 by seating the protrusion 54 into the recess 56 such that the boss 58 engages into the first recess 60. Subsequently, piston rod 18 is advanced through core 40 of elastomer bearing 34 onto auxiliary spring 38 and secured there by means of a nut (not shown). Thereafter, as shown in fig. 2, a preassembled unit 86 of piston rod 18, including elastomer support 34, helper spring receiver 36 connected to elastomer support 34, positioning ring 23, helper spring 38 and shock strut 12, is introduced from below into support cup 20 in the seated position. The positioning ring 23 has a first diameter when the support unit 16 is inserted into the support cup 20.

the support unit 16 is inserted into the support cup 20 by pressing the support unit 16 into the support cup 20 by exerting a force acting in the axial direction a on the auxiliary spring receptacle 36 until the first ring member 42 abuts against the cup bottom 26. At the same time, the retaining ring 23 is moved to an intermediate position, where the retaining ring 23 is pressed into the groove 64. In the intermediate position visible in fig. 3, the positioning ring 23 has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter.

In fig. 3, an intermediate position is shown, in which the second ring member 44 abuts the cup bottom 26, shortly before the retaining ring 23 is snapped into the groove 32. When the support unit 16 is pressed further into the support cup 20, the first ring member 42 of the elastomer support 34 slides further upwards until the retaining ring 23 slides into the groove 32 and the first ring member 42 is pressed into its own top end position in which the first ring member 42 abuts against the segment 33. In this position, the elastomer body 46 is pre-tensioned and the first ring member 42 does not act on the retaining ring 33. As a result, the support unit 16 is fixed to prevent it from being pulled out of the support cup 20 in the rebound direction.

Since the first ring member 42 is supported on the section 33 of the support cup 20, pressing the support unit 16 further into the support cup 20 moves the stop means 52 into the second stop position, as shown in fig. 4, in which the projection 58 engages in the second recess 62. The detent mechanism 52 can be adjusted such that the force required to move the detent mechanism 52 from the first detent position shown in fig. 2 to the second detent position shown in fig. 4 is greater than the force required to pre-tension the elastomeric support 34 and retaining ring 23 into the groove 32.

It can also be seen from fig. 4 that the projection 54 acts as a support structure 66 in the second stop position. To this end, the projection 54 engages the retaining ring 23 radially inwardly and thereby prevents its elastic springback and dislodging the support unit 16 from the support cup 20.

In the following, further embodiments of the support system 10 will be described, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical or functionally identical components.

In fig. 5, a second exemplary embodiment of the support system 10 is shown, which differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the auxiliary spring receiver 36 has been connected to the first ring member 42 by means of a snap connection 68 or a clamping connection to form a preassembled unit 86, wherein the retaining ring 23 is thereby positioned between the ring member 42 and the auxiliary spring receiver 36. Moreover, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the support cup 20 does not have a circumferential section 33 on which the first ring member 42 can be seated.

the second embodiment does not have a support structure 66. The positioning ring is thus not supported from the inside in the end position of the groove 32, which makes the reaction force of the transferable force with respect to the mounting direction smaller than in the first embodiment, due to the risk of slipping out.

The snap connection 68 is formed by a hook 70 which projects radially from the secondary spring receptacle 36 and forms a projecting latching lug 72 on the first ring member 42. The catch 70 engages behind the locating flange 72 and thus secures the secondary spring containment mechanism 36 to the elastomeric support 34.

Referring again to fig. 5, the second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that it allows for the insertion of a groove 64 into the first ring member 42 that reduces the diameter of the retaining ring 23 in the intermediate position.

In addition, the auxiliary spring receiver 36 has a support 74, with which support 74 the positioning ring 23 is pushed into a fixed position.

In fig. 6, a third embodiment of the support system 10 is shown, which differs from the second embodiment in that the support cup 20 is formed as a separate component and is materially connected to the vehicle body 14, for example by gluing or welding, via a flange portion 76 projecting from the support cup 20.

Further, FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment, with a support structure 66 formed from a portion of the first ring member 42.

To install the support unit 16, retaining ring 23 and secondary spring receiver 36 shown in fig. 6, at least the elastomeric support 34, associated piston rod not shown, retaining ring 62 and secondary spring receiver 36 need to be pushed into the support cup 20 to form a pre-assembled unit 86. The first ring member 42 must then be subjected to a top overpressure so that the retaining ring 62 can engage in the groove 32. To this end, the retaining ring 62 is placed into the ring 42 by a slight reduction in diameter by applying a force to the secondary spring receiver 36 in the installation direction or toward the vehicle body. When reaching the groove 32, the retaining ring 62 may occupy a larger diameter and thus form the undercut 30. The overlap of the holding ring 62 and the ring 42 in the mounting direction is thus eliminated, so that the ring 42 with the top overpressure can slide down again by a few millimeters. In this case, the support structure 66 of the ring 42 is recessed into the retaining ring so that it can no longer slide out of the groove 32. In particular, it forms a fixed undercut 30. When the ring member 42 is replaced downward, the ring member 42 and the secondary spring receiving mechanism 36 are engaged simultaneously by means of the hooks 70.

In fig. 7, a fourth embodiment of the support system 10 is shown, which differs from the second embodiment in that the support cup 20, in particular the flange portion 76 thereof, is screwed to the vehicle body 14. For this purpose, the body 14 and the hole 77 of the flange portion are provided. The cup can hereby be detachably connected to the body, ensuring that a good mounting channel is provided for the connecting elements, such as screws, bolts or nuts on the side of the body as well as on the side. The integral preassembled unit 86 of the bearing unit 16 can then be mounted independently of the cup without assembly on the vehicle body side. In fig. 8, a fifth embodiment of the support system 10 is shown, which differs from the other embodiments by the embodiment of the undercut 30. The undercut 30 is formed by an inner flange 78 which projects into the support cup 20 and is formed by an edge section of a crimp bead 80.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the support cup 20 is attached to the body 14, such as by an adhesive or a weld material fit. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the retaining ring 62 is rectangular in cross-section.

Fig. 9 to 11 show a sixth embodiment of the support system 10, which differs from the previous embodiments in that the elastomer support 34 has only a first ring member 42 and a core 40 formed as a disc. The first ring member 42 is formed as a separate piece that is inserted into the cup 20 along with the elastomeric support 34. Moreover, the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the secondary spring receiving means 36 and the fixation device 22 do not have to be part of a pre-assembled unit 86, which in this embodiment is realized as a positioning ring 23 having a rectangular cross-section. Instead, it is sufficient to form the pre-assembled unit 86 from the elastomer bearing 34 and the associated, but not shown, piston rod. If the first ring member 42 is a separate member, this need not be part of a pre-assembled unit. However, it is advantageous to bring together the ring 42, the fixing means 22, the secondary spring housing means 36 and optionally other parts of the shock absorber in a pre-assembled unit 86. However, the snap connection 70 only connects the ring 42 and the secondary spring retention mechanism 36 in the final assembled position shown in FIG. 11.

The installed position is shown in FIG. 9, wherein the elastomeric bearing 34 is seated in the bearing cup 20 with the first ring member 42. The secondary spring containment mechanism 36 is not locked in the installed position by the first ring member 42. The retaining ring 23 is in the mounted position on the support 74 and must also be inserted and tapered in diameter.

In the intermediate position shown in fig. 10, the elastomeric body 46 abuts the cup bottom 26 and is axially pre-tensioned. The hooks 70 have been pressed radially inwards and the diameter of the retaining ring 23 tapers

In fig. 11, the secured position is shown with the retaining ring 23 engaged in the undercut 30. The catch 70 is similarly locked and engaged behind the first ring member 42. Due to the pretension of the elastomeric body 46 in the securing position, the first ring member 42 springs back in the securing position and presses the first ring member 42 against the retaining ring 23. The first ring member 42 also has a support structure 66 that internally blocks the retaining ring 23.

FIG. 12 shows a seventh embodiment of the bearing system 10 that differs from the sixth embodiment in that the first ring member 42 does not have a support structure 66.

The bearing system 10 is characterized in that the bearing unit 16 with the mounted piston rod 18 is inserted from below into the bearing cup 20 and is fixed to the bearing cup 20 before being pulled out by means of a positioning ring 23, which positioning ring 23 engages in a groove 32 formed on the bearing cup 20. Thereby, assembly is simplified and more available space is provided for other components in the vehicle, which results from the body side passage no longer being required in the connection of piston rod 18 with core 40 of elastomeric bearing 34. The assembly cost is thereby reduced. In the support system 10, the fixture 22 can be detached from the other side of the vehicle body 14 without access by unlocking the positioning flange 72 of the secondary spring receiving mechanism 36 and then removing it from below. As a result, in the case of repair, the shock strut 12 or the shock absorber can be easily disassembled together with the bearing unit 16.

List of reference numerals

10 bearing system

12 shock-absorbing strut

14 vehicle body

16 support unit

18 piston rod

20 support cup

22 fixing device

23 locating ring

24 cup wall

26 cup bottom

28 opening

30 side concave

32 grooves

33 section

34 elastomer bearing

36 auxiliary spring accommodation mechanism

38 auxiliary spring

39 opening hole

40 core part

42 first ring member

44 second ring member

46 elastomer body

48 stop section

50 interlocking form fit profiles

52 stop mechanism

54 projection

56 recess

58 lobe

60 first recess

62 second recess

64 grooves

66 support structure

68 snap connection

70 hook

72 positioning flange

74 support part

76 flange part

77 holes

78 Flange

80 crimping

82 first section

84 second section

86 unit

Axial direction A

R radial direction