Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
Means for the flexible co~ 1;on of at least two
components
The invention relates to a means for the flexible connection of at least
two components, in particular of a shock absorber to a structure of a
vehicle, having a flexible element arranged in a housing.
To avoid the Ll~n~"~ ion of vibrations of a first component to a second
component, it is known to connect the two components by means of a
vibration-d~pillg element. Such a vibration~i~g element may be, for
example, a shock abso-l~r. A shock absorber converts vibrational energy
into heat and con~eqllently causes vibrations to die away. Shock abso~ s
are used in particular in motor vehicles. Such shock absorbers have a
si nifi~nt influence on the vibrational behavior of axles and the vehicle
~~ structure, in particular bodywolll., of a motor vehicle. The vibration-
damping el~m~nt is conn~cted for this purpose to the structure of avehicle. The connection b~lween the shock absorber and the structure of
the motor vehicle should be design~cl such that no vibrations are
tr~n~mitt~d via the shock absorber itself into the structure. To avoid such
~ n~",i~sion~ it is known to connect the shock absorber flexibly to the
30 stlucture of the vehicle.
Various embod;lnf ~ of flexible f~ ing of a shock absol~., in
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
particular the piston rod of the shock absorber, to a structure of a motor
vehicle are known. Such embodiments are known from
DE 43 19 689 Al. For the fastening, DE 43 19 689 A1 proposes a
means which has a flexible element which is arranged in a housing.
Through the flexible element there extends a piston rod of a shock
absorber. The housing for the flexible element is of a cup-shaped design.
Even during assembly, the flexible element undergoes a prestressing. Since
the ela~lomeiic materials of which such an element may consist are
already brought into a pro~,ssive region of their characteristic stress-
o strain curve by this pl~sl~essing, such f~ ;n~ is less soft than whennon-ple~ ssed supporting elem~nt~ are used.
It is an object of the present invention to specify a means for the
aexible coMection of at least two colllpO~lllS, in particular of a shock
absorber to a structure of a vehicle, by which the flexible co~eclion is
initially soft and hardens with increasing loading.
We have found that this object is achieved by a means for the flexible
connection of at least two co~pon~nts having the fealul~s of claim 1.
20 Advantageous develop~ue~t~ of the means are the subject of the subcl~im~.
The means accor~ing to the invention for the flexible co~clion of at
least t,vo culllpo~ is ~ ed by a first conn~ part, which is
con~U~t~ to the flexible cl~ t and is arranged sllbst~nti~lly coaxially
2s with respect to a huu~ing o~ning. The flexible elF n- n~ may consist of
an e1s~lo~ r, in particular of a cellular pol~ul~lhane el~lùlllcr. The
connfc~ g part serves for con~ g, for example, to a piston rod of a
shock absoll,cr. A second con~ part, which is connfc~ to the
housing, is provided for cQ~n~t;~ the means to a second colupo~nl.
30 This second col-nf~';ng part serves, for e~l)le, for fi~cing the means on
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
a structure of a vehicle. The means is designed such that the tlexible
element has at least one region, Iying at least in the vicinity of the first
coMecting part, which is a prestressing-free region and has no or
signific~ntly less prc~ ssillg than at least one further region, a
5 pre;,ll~ssing region, of the element. This further region forms a
p.~sllcssillg region of the element.
This design of the means achieves the effect that it initially has a
relatively soft springing region, which hardens prvgl~ssively with
o inclcasing loading. In an actual case, the flexible el~ t is compiessed
in its pr~ sing-free region, for example by the movement of a piston
rod of a shock absorber conn~cle~l to the first COnniCl;.-g part. The
element has a desired initial sorLIRss. The progl~ssive hardening of the
element, desired with incleasing loading, results from the suitable choice
of the el~lolllelic material of which the element consists.
For forrning the p~ L,~,~sing region of the e!em~nt, it is proposed that the
element has in the p~ sing-free state of the pl~ .,ssillg region a
height which is greater than a clear ~ ~e bel~n wall portions of the
20 ~hvusing ~t~e~,n which tbe ple~ ssing region of the elen,~ .l lies. When
the el~n~ t is introduced into the hvu~ing, it is co~l~,ss~d bct~n the
wall portions of the hv-~s;ng, thereby achic~i~g the fo,...~1ion of a pre-
sllessing region of the e1~n-~ .l
25 Acconling to a further alv~t~eous development of the means, it is
plopo~d that the elem~-nt should have in the p~sllcssing-frce region
predo...inz~ y a height which cv~ o~ds at most to a clear tlict-q-nr,e
~ .een wall portions of the housing ~t.~n which the sub~ l;q11y
p,.,~.,ssing-free region of the el~n~ t lies. This design leaves at least
30 one region of the cle~ .Jb~ t;q11y free from pl~hes~g after it has
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
been assembled in the housing.
In a further advantageous design of the means, the element has in the
substantially pre~lressillg-free region at least one elevation, so that the
element with the elevation has in the substqnti~lly ~lc~llessing-free region
a height which may be greater than the clear ~ictqn~e between the wall
portions. This design achieves the effect that the at least one elevation is
pl~LI~ssed, without re~lltin~ in a presll~ssing of the s~1bst~nti-q-lly
pfes~ sing-free region itself. In the case of a defol~Lion of the elemPnt
o in one direction, there does not occur on the opposi~ side of the cle~ n~
a clear gap ~ ee;n the elem~nt and the neighboring wall portion.
A structurally favorable design of the means is achieved by the
plcs~ sing region ~ullo~l~ding the sl-bstAnti~lly pleallc~sillg-free region at
15 least partially, in particular peripherally. As a result, a UlliÇOllU
introduction of the forces into the el~ is also achieved. A ullifollll
introduction of the forces is further improved if the ple~ ssing region is
formed ~ t;Ally coaxially with respect to the pl~ essing-free region.
20 Acco~iing to a further adv~tag~us design, it is plul)osed that the
elernPnt should be of a sllbst-q-ntiqlly plate-shaped, in particular disk-
shaped, design. In the case of a disk-shaped design ûf the clem~nt, it is
proposed that the sl1~s~ 11y p~slles~mg-free region is formed
substAnti-q-lly in the center of the clç~
Accol-ling to a further advantageous design of the means, the elem~nt has
in at least one end face at least one groove which lies ~t..xn the
p~e~ sing region and the sl)bsPntiq1ly p.~ ssing-free region and into
which there e~len~s at least one pç~j~Lion which is connf~ in the
k.,.,~;.~. This achieves the effect that the cl, .. fnl is ~l~god ~ y
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
immovably in the housing. Atter assembly, the element is not substantially
compressed within the peripheral groove. In the region of the groove, the
element does not have any prestressing, or only very little. The amount
of prestressing which may be provided in the region of the groove is
substantially dependent on the dimensioning of the element, of the groove
and of the projection extending into the groove.
It is expedient if the projection has an outer contour which corresponds
subst~nti~lly to an inner contour of the groove. This achieves the effect
o of fixing the element sllbst~nti~lly immovably within the housing.
To sirnplify the production of the means, it is proposed that the
projection should be produced by a bead formed in the housing.
The housing is preferably forrned by a first and a second housing shell.
The first and the second housing shells are, in particular, of a cup-shaped
design. For the secure connection of the housing shells, it is proposed
that the housing shells should be conl,rclr~l to each other by fl~ngir~
along a border.
In a further advantageous design of the means, it is proposed that the
first conl~cl;ng part and the second Col~l~fC~ g part should be arranged in
line with each other. As a result, in particular, the assembly of the
means on the conlpolle~ is simplified. An eccentlic a~ ge.llent of the
first and the second conn~l;~g parts may also be ex~i~nt. The position
of the first and the second connf~cting parts with respect to each other
may be adapted to the inten~ purpose of the means.
In particular in the case of a plate-shaped design of the flexible clement,
it is ploposed that the first con~cling part and the second con.-~l;~
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
part should be arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the
element.
For the secure connection of the element to the first connecting part, it
iS proposed that the con~ting part should be f~mly anchored in the
element.
Auor~ing to a further advantageous idea, it is proposed that the cle "Pn~
should consist of a cellular pol~ e e~ o~l~r~. Such an element
o i,l~li"sically has a sllongl~ plog~ssi~e spring cha~gç~ ;c. The cellular
polyul~th&ne elaslolll ~ also allows, during its process;ng, the co~ ect;ng
part to be en~ap~ ted in a firmly bonding "~ r.
Further details and advantages of the invention are explained with
~cfelel~ce to the exemplary embo~ F~ eplese,lled in the drawing, in
which:
Figure 1 shows a first exe~pl~ e~bo~ .l of a means
diagl;~n....~;r~lly and in an exploded lep~-n~l;on,
Figure 2 shows the means accor~-ng to Figure 1 in the assembled
state,
Figure 3 shows a second e~empla~y e.,lbo~;n..-nl of a means.
The means for the flexible conn~;lion of at least two col.lpon~nls, in
particular a shock absollJcl to a ~ ule of a vehicle, has a flexible
el.~n~nl 2. The flexible el ~.~ l 2 consists of an elasto~.ic ~ate~ial, in
particular of a cell~ r ~ cllalle el~sto~ r. I~ the exemplary
30 c~ .f ~t ~lC5l'n~t~ the e~ n.~ 2 is of a ~.Jb~ lly disk-shaped
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
desi~n. ArTange(l in th~ center of the element 2 is a tlrst connecting part
3, which is firmly embedded in the tlexible element 2. The connecting
part 3 has a portion 24, which extends substantially in the axial direction
and is formed with an internal thread 25. The internal thread 25 serves
s for connecting, for example, to a piston rod 26, such as is ~l~esent~d in
Figure 2, which has a corresponding external thread.
l~e flexible element 2 l~se.l~ed in Figure 1 has a p~e~LIessing region
7, which is of a subst~nti~lly peripheral design. In the exemplary
o embodiment, the pre~ ssillg region 7 is of an annular design. The
ple~ ssillg region 7 ~ullounds a subst~nti~lly pl~slressing-free region 6.
The first conn~eting part 3 is arranged in the substantially ~;,l~essiDg-
free region 6. The flexible ele~n~nt 2 has two end faces 12, 13. Formed
in each end face 12, 13 is a peripheral groove 14 and 15, ~s~cli~ely.
The groove 14 or 15 lies btl~.~ell the ple~lltssing region 7 and the
subst~nti~lly p~ .,s~ihlg-free region 6.
The ele,l-ellt 2 can be arranged in a housing 1. The housing 1 is formed
by a first and a second housing shell 21, 22. In the exemplary
embodiment ~sell~ed, each housing shell 21, 22 is of a cup-shaped
design. The connection of the first and the second housing shells 21, 22
takes place by a fl~nging 20 along a border 23 of the housing shells 21,
22, as can be seen in particular from Figure 2. Formed in the housing
shell 22 is a housing open,ng 4, through which the first connrcli~g part
2S 3 extends at least partially. Conn~cLe~ to the housing shell 21 is a second
conn~ct;ng part 5. The second conn~c~ g part 5 is, for example, a
threaded bolt. The first conne~l;ng part 3 and the second conn~cting part
5 are arranged in line with each other. They extend su~st~nti~lly perpen-
dicularly away from the el~ 2.
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
The first ~nd th~ se~on(l housing shells l, 22 h~ve in each c~se a
projection 16, 17 directed toward the element 2. Each projection 16, 17
is of a peripheral design. Each projection 16, 17 has an outer contour
which corresponds substantially to an inner contour of the groove 14 and
15, respectively. In the assembled state, the projection 16 protrudes into
the groove 14 and the projection 17 protrudes into the groove 15 of the
element.
Figure 2 shows the fully-assembled components of the means from Figure
o 1. As can be seen from Figure 2, the first and the second housing shells
21, 22 are connected to each other by fl~nging 20 along a border 23.
The first connecting part 3 extends through the housing opening 4. The
first co.-.-ecting part 3 is connect~d to a piston rod 26 of a shock
absorber.
The p~ ssing region 7 of the cle,l-el~t 2 has in the pl~sl,~,s~ g-free
state a height H. The height H is greater than a clear ~ t~nre A
between wall portions 8, 9 of the joined-together housing 1, ~t~een
which the ~ ssing region 7 of the elP~ I 2 lies.
~n the subst~n~i~lly pQ~LI~ssing-free region 6, the element 2 has
predo...i~ ly a height h which co-l~yo~ds at most to a clear ~ hnre A
between the wall portions 18, 19 of the housing 1, ~h.~xn which the
s~bst~nti~lly ~ ssiug-free region 6 of the etem~-nt 2 lies.
2S
In the assembly of the means, the flexible element 2 is placed ~l',.
the first and the second housing shells 21, 22. The two housing shells
21, 22 are then joined together under pr~saule, until they butt against
each other, in order then to be securely con.lPcl~ to each other by
30 fl~nging along the outer border 23. In this c,pel.~on, the flexible 21~ P-.It
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
is compressed in the prestressing region 7, as a result of which the
flexible element 2 is seated securely in the housing 1. The prestressing
region 7 has a predetermined prestressing. The region 6 is substantially
free from pl~sl~ssing.
ln the case of an up-and-down movement of the first connecting part 3,
brought about subst~nti~lly along the axis 27 by the movement of the
piston rod 26, the region 6 of the flexible element 2 is colllyl~ssed and
has the desired initial softness. On account of the suitable choice of the
o elastomeric material of the flexible element 2, there occurs a desired
progressive hardening of the flexible ele..~ 2, which coll~ellces when
there is increased loading of the element 2.
Figure 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a means for the
flexible connection of at least two co~poncnl~, in particular of a shock
absorber to a structure of a vehicle. The basic co~.lction of the
hollcing 1 of the means coincides subst~nti~lly with the construction of
the first exemplary embodiment of the means, repr~scnted in Figures 1
and 2. To this extent, lefe.e~ce is made to the description of Figures 1
and 2.
The exe.ll~ embodiment of a means ~ s~nled in Figure 3 differs
from the exemplary embodiment l~ se.ll~d in Figures 1 and 2 by the
design of the flexible elem~nt 2. The element 2 has elevations 10, 11 in
2S the pl~ ssihlg-free region 6. The elem~nt 2 with elevations 10, 11 has a
height which collc~ponds subst~nti~lly to the clear ~ t~n~e ~l-.~,cn the
wall portions 18, 19 of the housing 1. The elevation 10 is formed on the
end face 12 and subst~nti~lly in the center of the flexible ele~llc.ll 2. The
el~ation 10 has a sul~s~ t:~lly ~ oidal cross section. The elevation 10
30 is di~-,t~d toward the walling of the housing shell 21. Formed on the
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
- 10 -
end face 13 of the flexible element 2 is a peripheral elevation 11. The
elevation 11 bears against the wall portion 19 of the housing shell 22.
Instead of a peripheral elevation 11, there may also be provided a
plurality of elevations, which lie on the circumference of an im~gin~ry
5 circle which is sub~ y conc~ ic to the axis 21. In the c~ of an
up-and-down movement of the piston rod 26 of a shock abso,l,c~, initially
only the elevation 11 or 10 is cumpl~ d, before a colll~lession of the
elc "- --t 2 itself occurs if there is further mo~eme,ll. Less force is
~uilod for the co~ ssion of the elevations 10, 11 than for
o co.~,~,ession of the c~ 2 itself. As a result, the flexible conn~c~lo,~
of ~vo parts using the means is initially even softer.
CA 02237966 1998-06-17
List of reference numerals
Housing
2 Flem~ont
3 Pirst con~-e;l;,)g part
o 4 Housing openillg
Second conn~cl;l.~ part
6 Pl~slle~ g-free region
7 ~l.e;.si~ region
8, 9 Wall portion
10, 11 Elevation
12, 13 End face
14, 15 Groove
16, 17 Projection
18, 19 Wall portion
20 Flanging
21, 22 Housing shell
23 Border
24 Portion
25 Tntern~l thread
26 Piston rod
27 A~cis
