JP2004263773A

JP2004263773A - Strut type thrust sliding bearing mounting structure and its thrust sliding bearing

Info

Publication number: JP2004263773A
Application number: JP2003054246A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuyuki Miyata; 和幸宮田; Ryohei Kaneko; 亮平金子
Original assignee: Oiles Industry Co Ltd
Current assignee: Oiles Industry Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-28
Filing date: 2003-02-28
Publication date: 2004-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-28
Also published as: JP4329363B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mounting structure for mounting a strut type suspension for a vehicle such as a four-wheel automobile on a vehicle body via a thrust sliding bearing, maintaining smooth steering force for a longer period during steering operation by preventing the entry of dust, rainwater and muddy water from the outside into a space where a thrust sliding bearing piece is arranged without providing a dust cover or the like separately and producing less degradation of sliding property resulting from the entry of dust, rainwater and muddy water. <P>SOLUTION: The mounting structure 64 having the thrust sliding bearing 1 arranged between a mounting means 63 and an upper spring supporting means 66 for a coil spring 61 comprises a synthetic resin lower side case 2, an synthetic resin upper side case 3 superimposed on the lower side case 2, and the synthetic resin annular plate thrust sliding bearing piece 4 arranged between the upper and lower side cases 3, 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、スラスト滑り軸受に関し、更に詳しくは四輪自動車等の車両のストラット型サスペンション（マクファーソン式）をスラスト滑り軸受を介して車体に取り付ける取付構造に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
四輪自動車の前輪に用いられるストラット型サスペンションは、一般に、主軸と一体となった外筒の中に油圧式ショックアブソーバを内蔵したストラットアッセンブリにコイルばねを組合わせた構造をもっている。斯かるサスぺンションにおいては、ステアリング操作においてストラットアッセンブリがコイルばねと共に回る際に、ストラットアッセンブリのピストンロッドが回る形式のものと、ピストンロッドが回らない形式のものとがあるが、いずれの形式においてもストラットアッセンブリの円滑な回動を許容するべく、車体の取付部材とコイルばねの上部ばね座部材との間に、ころがり軸受に代えて、合成樹脂製のスラスト滑り軸受が使用される場合がある。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−２５７１４６号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
合成樹脂製の滑り軸受は、通常、合成樹脂製の下側ケースと、この下側ケースに重ねられた合成樹脂製の上側ケースとを具備し、これら下側ケースと上側ケースとの間の空間にスラスト滑り軸受片又はスラスト滑り軸受突部を配してなるが、この空間に塵埃、泥水等が侵入すると、所望の軸受機能が得られなくなってしまう虞がある。一方、ストラット型サスペンションは、車両走行中に塵埃、雨水、泥水などが直接作用する部位に装着されるため、車体の取付部材とコイルばねの上部ばね座部材との間に装着される滑り軸受の使用環境も極めて過酷なものとなる。したがって、スラスト滑り軸受片又はスラスト滑り軸受突部が配された空間の外周側及び内周側が直接外部に開口していると、ここからの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の空間への侵入の危険が極めて高くなり、ここでの密封性が極めて重要になる。特に、空間での水分の滞留を防止するために、空間の内周側を下方に開口させて下側ケース及び上側ケースを形成した合成樹脂製の滑り軸受では、上記の危険がますます高くなる。
【０００５】
そこで、特開２００２−２５７１４６号公報に記載のような合成樹脂製の滑り軸受が提案されており、斯かる滑り軸受によれば上記の問題は効果的に解決されるのであるが、スラスト滑り軸受片が配された空間が外周側において外部に連通しているために、ここから空間への塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を更に防止する場合には、必然的にコストアップを招来するダストカバー等を別途設置せざるを得ない。
【０００６】
また滑り軸受は、ころがり軸受に比べて摩擦トルクが高いので、スラスト荷重が大きくなると摩擦トルクが大きくなり、ステアリング操作を重くする上に、合成樹脂の組合せによっては、スティックスリップ現象を生じ、往々にして当該スティックスリップ現象に起因する摩擦音を発生するという問題があるので、通常、滑り軸受にはグリース等の潤滑剤が適用されるのであるが、斯かる潤滑剤が摺動面に所望に介在する限りにおいては、上記のような摩擦音は殆ど生じないのであるが、長期の使用による潤滑剤の消失等で摩擦音が生じ始める場合もあり得る。
【０００７】
本発明は、前記諸点に鑑みてなされたものであって、四輪自動車等の車両のストラット型サスペンションをスラスト滑り軸受を介して車体に取り付ける取付構造であって、コストアップを招来するダストカバー等を別途設けなくても、スラスト滑り軸受片が配された空間への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を防止でき、塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入に起因する摺動特性の低下をより少なくし得て、ステアリング操作時の円滑な操舵力を更に長期間にわたって維持できる取付構造を提供することを目的とするものである。
【０００８】
本発明の他の目的は、グリース等の潤滑剤を長期に亘って摺動面に介在させることができる上に、斯かる潤滑剤をスラスト荷重受けにも利用でき、而して、スラスト荷重が大きくなっても摩擦トルクはほとんど変わらず、低い摩擦トルクをもって摺動面を構成できて、長期の使用でも斯かる低い摩擦係数を維持できる上に、摺動面での摩擦音の発生がなく、ころがり軸受と同等の滑らかなステアリング操作を確保し得るスラスト滑り軸受を用いた取付構造を提供することにある。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の第一の態様の取付構造は、油圧式ショックアブソーバ及びこの油圧式ショックアブソーバを取り囲んで配されたコイルばねを具備した車両のストラット型サスペンションをスラスト滑り軸受を介して車体に取り付けるものであって、ここで、スラスト滑り軸受は、油圧式ショックアブソーバのピストンロッドを車体に取り付ける取付手段とコイルばねを受ける上部ばね受手段との間に配されており、当該スラスト滑り軸受は、合成樹脂製の下側ケースと、この下側ケースに重ねられた合成樹脂製の上側ケースと、上側及び下側ケース間に配された合成樹脂製の円板状のスラスト滑り軸受片とを具備しており、下側ケースは、下側環状板部と、この下側環状板部の内周面側の上面に一体的に形成された内側環状突起部と、下側環状板部の外周面側の上面に一体的に形成された外側環状突起部と、下側環状板部の外周面側の下面に一体的に形成された下側筒部とを具備しており、上側ケースは、上側環状板部と、上側環状板部の内周面側の下面に一体的に形成された内側環状垂下部と、下側筒部よりも径方向の外側において上側環状板部の外周面側の下面に一体的に形成された上側筒部とを具備しており、スラスト滑り軸受片は、内側環状突起部よりも径方向の外側であって外側環状突起部よりも径方向の内側において下側環状板部の上面と上側環状板部の下面との間に配されており、下側筒部の円筒状の外周面と上側筒部の円筒状の内周面とは互いに摺動自在に直接当接可能に又は互いの間に微小隙間のみを介在させて直接対面しており、取付手段は、上側ケースの上側筒部を取り囲むと共に上側ケースの上側筒部の下端部を越えて下方に伸びた円筒部を有した取付部材を具備しており、上部ばね受手段は円筒部の下端が臨む環状溝を形成する凹部を有したばね座板を具備している。
【００１０】
第一の態様の取付構造によれば、下側筒部の下端部と上側筒部の下端部と間の隙間の外部開口端がばね座板の凹部によって外部に対して覆われ、しかも、斯かる外部開口端が凹部及び円筒部で形成されるラビリンスを介して外部に連通されることになる結果、外部開口端を介する下側筒部の外周面と上側筒部の内周面との間の空間への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の直接的な侵入をコストアップを招来するダストカバー等を別途設けなくても防ぐことができ、而して、下側筒部の外周面と上側筒部の内周面との間の空間に連通すると共にスラスト滑り軸受片が配された下側環状板部の上面と上側環状板部の下面との間の空間への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を効果的に防ぐことができ、塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入に起因する摺動特性の低下を更に少なくし得て、ステアリング操作時の円滑な操舵力を更に長期間にわたって維持できる。
【００１１】
本発明の第二の態様の取付構造では、第一の態様の取付構造において、下側ケースは、下側筒部の外周面に一体的に形成されている環状係合突起部を具備しており、上側ケースは、上側筒部の内周面に一体的に形成されていると共に環状係合突起部に係合された環状被係合突起部を具備している。
【００１２】
本発明の第三の態様の取付構造では、第一又は第二の態様の取付構造において、ばね座板はその凹部に少なくとも一つの貫通孔を具備しており、斯かる態様の取付構造によれば、円筒部の下端が臨む環状溝に飛来した外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等を貫通孔を介して排出できるために、環状溝が塵埃、雨水、泥水等で一杯になり、これにより、下側筒部の外周面と上側筒部の内周面との間の空間に塵埃、雨水、泥水等が侵入するような事態を防ぎ得る。
【００１３】
本発明の第四の態様の取付構造では、第一から第三のいずれかの態様の取付構造において、下側ケースは、内側環状突起部よりも径方向の外側であって下側環状板部の内周面側の上面に一体的に形成された中間環状突起部を更に具備しており、内側環状垂下部は、径方向において内側環状突起部よりも内側に配されており、上側ケースは、径方向において内側環状垂下部の外側でかつ径方向において内側環状突起部と中間環状突起部との間であって上側環状板部の内周面側の下面に一体的に形成された外側環状垂下部を更に具備しており、スラスト滑り軸受片は、中間環状突起部よりも径方向の外側であって外側環状突起部よりも径方向の内側において下側環状板部の上面と上側環状板部の下面との間に配されており、外側環状垂下部は、内側環状突起部と中間環状突起部とで形成された環状の凹所内まで伸びており、内側環状垂下部、外側環状垂下部、内側環状突起部及び中間環状突起部により内側のラビリンスが形成されている。
【００１４】
第四の態様の取付構造によれば、内側にラビリンスが形成されているために、内側からの下側環状板部の上面と上側環状板部の下面との間の空間への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を効果的に防ぐことができ、上記と相俟って塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入に起因する摺動特性の低下を更に大幅になくし得る。
【００１５】
本発明によれば、その第五の態様の取付構造のように、スラスト滑り軸受片は、下側ケースの上面と上側ケースの下面とに夫々摺動自在に接触して当該上面及び下面の間に配されていてもよいが、これに代えて、その第六の態様の取付構造のように、取付構造は、スラスト滑り軸受片に重ね合わされてスラスト滑り軸受片と下側ケースとの間に介在された弾性リングを更に具備していてもよく、ここで、スラスト滑り軸受片は、環状板部と、この環状板部の一方の面に一体的に形成されていると共に上側ケースの下面に当該下面に対して摺動自在であって当該下面と協働して密閉環状空間を形成するように接触する少なくとも二つの環状突起部とを具備しており、弾性リングは、スラスト滑り軸受片の環状板部の他方の面と下側ケースの上面とに接触してスラスト滑り軸受片と下側ケースとの間に介在されており、密閉環状空間には潤滑剤が充填されていてもよい。
【００１６】
第六の態様の取付構造によれば、二つの環状突起部により形成された密閉環状空間に潤滑剤が密封充填されているために、潤滑剤を二つの環状突起部と上側ケースの下面との間の摺動面に必要微小量だけ供給でき、しかも、密閉環状空間の潤滑剤でもってもスラスト荷重を受けることができるために、上側ケースの下面に接する潤滑剤の面もまた上側ケースに対する下側ケースの回転での摺動面となり、而して、更に低い摩擦トルクをもって摺動面を構成できて、摺動面での摩擦音の発生がなく、ころがり軸受と同等の滑らかなステアリング操作を確保し、その上、二つの環状突起部に偏荷重が加わっても弾性リングにその厚みを小さくする弾性変形を先に生じさせて二つの環状突起部に撓み変形が生じることを防止し、二つの環状突起部の撓み変形による密閉環状空間の容積減少に起因する密閉環状空間から外部への潤滑剤の漏出を効果的に防止できる結果、密閉環状空間に配された潤滑剤を長期に亘って維持でき、密閉環状空間に維持された潤滑剤を二つの環状突起部と上側ケースの下面との間の摺動面に微小量だけ供給できて潤滑剤を長期に亘って安定に摺動面に介在させることができ、而して、上記の作用と相俟ってスラスト荷重が大きくなっても摩擦トルクはほとんど変わらず、低い摩擦トルクをもって摺動面を構成できる。
【００１７】
好ましい例では、本発明の第七の態様の取付構造のように、スラスト滑り軸受片は、環状板部の他方の面に一体的に形成された少なくとも二つの他の環状突起部を更に具備しており、弾性リングは、径方向において二つの他の環状突起部間に配されており、斯かる態様のスラスト滑り軸受によれば、弾性リングをスラスト滑り軸受片に対して常時正規の位置に位置決めでき、スラスト滑り軸受片と弾性リングとの互いの正常な重ね合わせを常時維持できる。
【００１８】
また本発明の第八の態様の取付構造のように、スラスト滑り軸受片は、径方向において二つの環状突起部間であって環状板部の一方の面に一体的に形成されていると共に上側ケースの下面に当該下面に対して摺動自在であって密閉環状空間を分割して当該下面及び二つの環状突起部と協働して複数の互いに分離された分割密閉環状空間を形成するように接触する少なくとも一つの中間環状突起部を具備していてもよく、第八の態様の取付構造によれば、中間環状突起部でもスラスト荷重を分散して受けることになる結果、二つの環状突起部の撓み変形の生起を更に確実に回避できる上に、複数の分割密閉環状空間のうちの一つの分割密閉環状空間に充填された潤滑剤が多量に漏出したとしても、この漏出が他の分割密閉環状空間に影響することを阻止して、残る他の分割密閉環状空間で上記の作用を行わせることができる結果、フェールセーフなものとなる。
【００１９】
弾性リングは、好ましくは本発明の第九の態様の取付構造のように、天然ゴム、合成ゴム又は熱可塑性エラストマーからなっており、弾性リングの断面形状は略矩形であっても略長楕円状であってもよい。
【００２０】
潤滑剤は、好ましくは本発明の第十の態様の取付構造のように、スラスト荷重下で密閉環状空間を隙間なしに満たしており、場合により、本発明の第十一の態様のスラスト滑り軸受のように、スラスト無荷重下で密閉環状空間を隙間なしに満たしていてもよい。
【００２１】
潤滑剤は、本発明の第十二の態様の取付構造のように、グリース及び潤滑油のうちの少なくとも一つを含んでおり、好ましくは本発明の第十三の態様の取付構造のように、シリコーン系グリースからなる。
【００２２】
本発明の取付構造では、上側ケース及び下側ケース間に収容されるスラスト滑り軸受片を構成する合成樹脂は、特に自己潤滑性を有することが好ましく、上側ケース及び下側ケースを構成する合成樹脂は、耐摩耗性、耐衝撃性、耐クリープ性等の摺動特性及び剛性等の機械的特性に優れていることが好ましく、具体的には、上側ケース及び下側ケースは、ポリアセタール樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂、ポリエステル樹脂、ポリオレフィン樹脂、ポリカーボネート樹脂及びフッ素樹脂のうちの少なくとも一つを含む合成樹脂からなっているとよく、より好ましくは、上側ケースは、ポリアセタール樹脂からなっており、下側ケースは、ポリアセタール樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂、ポリオレフィン樹脂及びフッ素樹脂のうちの少なくとも一つを含む合成樹脂からなっているとよく、また、スラスト滑り軸受片は、ポリアセタール樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂、ポリブチレンテレフタレート、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン及びポリカーボネート樹脂のうちの少なくとも一つを含む合成樹脂からなっているとよい。上側ケース及び下側ケースには、スラスト滑り軸受片を構成する合成樹脂と同様の合成樹脂が使用され得るが、特にスラスト滑り軸受片に使用される合成樹脂と摩擦特性の良好な組合わせの合成樹脂が使用され、その望ましい組合わせについて例示すると、スラスト滑り軸受片と上側ケース及び下側ケースとに対して、ポリアセタールとポリアミドとの組合わせ、ポリエチレンとポリアセタールとの組合わせ、ポリアセタールとポリブチレンテレフタレート（ＰＢＴ）との組合わせ及びポリアセタールとポリアセタールとの組合わせがある。
【００２３】
次に本発明を、図に示す好ましい実施の形態の例に基づいて更に詳細に説明する。なお、本発明はこれら例に何等限定されないのである。
【００２４】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１において、本例のスラスト滑り軸受１は、合成樹脂製の下側ケース２と、下側ケース２に重ねられた合成樹脂製の上側ケース３と、上側及び下側ケース３及び２間に配された合成樹脂製の円環板状のスラスト滑り軸受片４とを具備している。
【００２５】
下側ケース２は、円筒状の内周面１１及び外周面１２を有した下側環状板部１３と、下側環状板部１３の内周面１１側の上面１４に一体的に形成された内側環状突起部１５と、下側環状板部１３の外周面１２側の上面１４に一体的に形成された外側環状突起部１６と、下側環状板部１３の外周面１２側の下面１７に一体的に形成された下側筒部１８と、下側筒部１８の外周面１９に一体的に形成されている環状係合突起部２０と、内側環状突起部１５よりも径方向の外側でかつ外側環状突起部１６よりも径方向の内側であって下側環状板部１３の内周面１１側の上面１４に一体的に形成された中間環状突起部２１と、下側筒部１８の内周面２２に一体的に形成されていると共に円周方向に互いに等間隔に離間して配された複数個、本例では四個の爪部２３とを具備している。
【００２６】
上側ケース３は、円筒状の内周面３１及び外周面３２を有した上側環状板部３３と、内側環状突起部１５よりも径方向の内側において上側環状板部３３の内周面３１側の下面３４に一体的に形成された内側環状垂下部３５と、下側筒部１８よりも径方向の外側において上側環状板部３３の外周面３２側の下面３４に一体的に形成された上側筒部３６と、上側筒部３６の内周面３７に一体的に形成されていると共に環状係合突起部２０に係合された環状被係合突起部３８と、径方向において内側環状垂下部３５よりも外側でかつ径方向において内側環状突起部１５と中間環状突起部２１との間であって上側環状板部３３の内周面３１側の下面３４に一体的に形成された外側環状垂下部３９とを具備している。
【００２７】
内側環状垂下部３５は、内周面３１と面一の円筒状の内周面４０を有しており、内側環状突起部１５は、内側環状垂下部３５と外側環状垂下部３９とで形成された環状の凹所内まで伸びており、外側環状垂下部３９は、内側環状突起部１５と中間環状突起部２１とで形成された環状の凹所内まで伸びており、こうして、内側環状垂下部３５、外側環状垂下部３９、内側環状突起部１５及び中間環状突起部２１により内側のラビリンス４４が形成されている。
【００２８】
下側筒部１８の円筒状の外周面１９と上側筒部３６の円筒状の内周面３７とは互いに摺動自在に直接当接可能に又は互いの間に微小隙間のみを介在させて直接対面している。
【００２９】
断面略矩形状のスラスト滑り軸受片４は、内側環状突起部１５及び中間環状突起部２１よりも径方向の外側であって外側環状突起部１６よりも径方向の内側において下側環状板部１３の上面１４と上側環状板部３３の下面３４との間に、当該上面１４及び下面３４に夫々その下面５１及び上面５２で摺動自在に接触して配されている。
【００３０】
下面５１及び上面５２の夫々にはグリース（潤滑油材）溜め用の溝を設けてもよい。
【００３１】
下側ケース２は、下側環状板部１３の内周面１１で規定される中央孔５５を有しており、上側ケース３は、上側環状板部３３の内周面３１及び内側環状垂下部３５の内周面４０で規定される中央孔５６を有している。
【００３２】
以上のスラスト滑り軸受１では、環状被係合突起部３８への環状係合突起部２０の合成樹脂の撓み性を利用したスナップフィット式の係合でもって上側ケース３と下側ケース２とが互いに重ね合わされており、軸心Ｘの周りの上側ケース３に対する下側ケース２の相対的なＲ方向の回転において、スラスト滑り軸受片４の下面５１と下側環状板部１３の上面１４との間の低摩擦の摺動又はスラスト滑り軸受片４の上面５２と上側環状板部３３の下面３４との間の低摩擦の摺動を生じさせ、而して、軸心Ｘの周りの上側ケース３に対する下側ケース２の相対的なＲ方向の回転を極めて低い摩擦抵抗をもって行わせる。
【００３３】
斯かるスラスト滑り軸受１は、図２及び図３に示すように、油圧式ショックアブソーバ（図示せず）及び油圧式ショックアブソーバを取り囲んで配されたコイルばね６１を具備した車両のストラット型サスペンション６２を取付手段６３を介して車体に取り付ける際に用いられる。
【００３４】
ストラット型サスペンション６２をスラスト滑り軸受１を介して車体に取り付けるための取付構造６４では、スラスト滑り軸受１は、油圧式ショックアブソーバのピストンロッド６５を車体に取り付ける取付手段６３とコイルばね６１の上部ばね受手段６６との間に配されており、取付手段６３は、互いに重ね合わされていると共にボルト６７を介して車体に固着される一対の固定部材６８及び６９と、油圧式ショックアブソーバのピストンロッド６５のねじが切られた上端部７０を固定部材６８及び６９に連結固定するための連結固定手段７１と、上側ケース３の上側筒部３６を取り囲むと共に上側ケース３の上側筒部３６の下端部７２を越えて下方に伸びた大径の円筒部７３を有した取付部材７４とを具備している。
【００３５】
固定部材６８は、略三角形状の環状の板部７５と、板部７５から湾曲部７６を介して一体的に伸びた円筒部７７とを具備しており、固定部材６９は、板部７５と同形であって板部７５に重ね合わされた略三角形状の環状の板部８１と、板部８１から一体的に伸びた円筒部８２と、円筒部８２から一体的に伸びた環状板部８３とを具備している。
【００３６】
連結固定手段７１は、湾曲部７６及び円筒部７７が埋め込まれた略円筒状の弾性部材８５と、弾性部材８５を挟持すると共に夫々の内周端部８６及び８７でナット８８を介して上端部７０に固着された一対の固定部材８９及び９０とを具備している。
【００３７】
取付部材７４は、円筒部７３に加えて、円筒部７３から一体的に伸びた環状板部９１と、環状板部９１から一体的に伸びていると共に環状板部８３の内周面に嵌着された小径の円筒部９２とを具備して、固定部材６９に溶接等により固着されている。
【００３８】
円筒部７３は、その円筒状の内周面で上側筒部３６の円筒状の外周面９３にぴったりと接触しており、環状板部９１は、その環状の下面で上側環状板部３３の上面９４にぴったりと接触している。
【００３９】
上部ばね受手段６６は、円筒部７３の下端９５が臨む環状溝９６を形成する凹部９７を有したばね座板９８と、爪部２３により下側ケース２に保持された環状のスペーサ板９９とを具備しており、ばね座板９８は、凹部９７に加えて、凹部９７から径方向の外側に一体的に伸びた大径の環状ばね受板部１０１と、凹部９７から径方向の内側に一体的に伸びた環状板部１０２とを具備しており、凹部９７は、同心の大径及び小径の円筒部１０３及び１０４と、円筒部１０３及び１０４の間に一体的に介在した底部１０５とを具備しており、ばね座板９８はその凹部９７の底部１０５に複数個の貫通孔１０６を具備しており、ばね座板９８の環状ばね受板部１０１にコイルばね６１の上端部１０７が当接しており、スペーサ板９９は、下側環状板部１３と環状板部１０２との間において下側環状板部１３と環状板部１０２とに挟持されている。
【００４０】
ストラット型サスペンション６２は、油圧式ショックアブソーバのピストンロッド６５を取り囲んで配されたバンプストッパ１１１を具備しており、バンプストッパ１１１の上面は、貫通孔１０６よりも内側における底部１０５並びに凹部９７の環状板部１０２及び円筒部１０４にぴったりと接触している。
【００４１】
図２及び３に示す取付構造６４において、コイルばね６１の軸心Ｘの周りでのＲ方向の回転は、ばね座板９８及びスペーサ板９９を介して下側ケース２に伝達されるようになっており、取付部材７４の内周面にスラスト滑り軸受１の上側ケース３が嵌装されており、上側ケース３は、取付部材７４を介して固定部材６９に軸心Ｘの周りでＲ方向に回転しないように保持されている。
【００４２】
ステアリング操作によりコイルばね６１が軸心Ｘの周りでＲ方向に回動されると、上側ケース３に対して下側ケース２が回転され、下側ケース２のこの回転は、下側ケース２及び上側ケース３間に配されたスラスト滑り軸受片４により滑らかになされ、したがってステアリング操作も抵抗なく行われる。
【００４３】
取付構造６４によれば、下側筒部１８の下端部１１２と上側筒部３６の下端部７２と間の隙間の環状の外部開口端１１３がばね座板９８の凹部９７によって外部に対して覆われ、しかも、斯かる外部開口端１１３が凹部９７及び円筒部７３で形成されるラビリンスを介して外部に連通されることになる結果、外部開口端１１３を介する下側筒部１８の外周面１９と上側筒部３６の内周面３７との間の空間への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の直接的な侵入をコストアップを招来するダストカバー等を別途設けなくても防ぐことができ、而して、下側筒部１８の外周面１９と上側筒部３６の内周面３７との間の空間に連通すると共にスラスト滑り軸受片４が配された下側環状板部１３の上面１４と上側環状板部３３の下面３４との間の空間１１４への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を効果的に防ぐことができ、塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入に起因する摺動特性の低下を更に少なくし得て、ステアリング操作時の円滑な操舵力を更に長期間にわたって維持できる。
【００４４】
また取付構造６４によれば、内側にラビリンス４４が形成されているために、内側からの空間１１４への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を効果的に防ぐことができ、上記と相俟って塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入に起因する摺動特性の低下を更に大幅になくし得、また円筒部７３の下端９５が臨む環状溝９６に飛来した外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等を貫通孔１０６を介して排出できるために、環状溝９６が塵埃、雨水、泥水等で一杯になり、これにより、下側筒部１８の外周面１９と上側筒部３６の内周面３７との間の空間を介して空間１１４に塵埃、雨水、泥水等が侵入するような事態を防ぎ得る。
【００４５】
ところで、取付構造６４においては図４に示すようなスラスト滑り軸受１を介してストラット型サスペンション６２を車体に取り付けるようにしてもよい。図４に示すスラスト滑り軸受１は、スラスト滑り軸受片４に加えて、スラスト滑り軸受片４に重ね合わされてスラスト滑り軸受片４と下側ケース２の下側環状板部１３との間に介在された弾性リング１２１を更に具備しており、本例でのスラスト滑り軸受片４は、環状板部１２２と、環状板部１２２の一方の面１２３に径方向において離間して一体的に形成されていると共に上側ケース３の上側環状板部３３の下面３４に当該下面３４に対して摺動自在であって当該下面３４と協働して密閉環状空間１２４を形成するように接触する同心の小径及び大径の環状突起部１２５及び１２６と、環状板部１２２の他方の面１２７に径方向において離間して一体的に形成された同心の小径及び大径の環状突起部１２８及び１２９とを具備しており、その径方向の環状の内周面１３２及び外周面１３３で中間環状突起部２１及び外側環状突起部１６の夫々に摺動自在に接触されており、密閉環状空間１２４にはシリコーン系グリースからなる潤滑剤１３１が密封充填されている。
【００４６】
密閉環状空間１２４にはスラスト無荷重下で密閉環状空間１２４を隙間なしに満たす量の潤滑剤１３１が充填されており、斯かる量の潤滑剤１３１は、スラスト荷重下でも密閉環状空間１２４を隙間なしに満たす量となり、密閉環状空間１２４に隙間なしに満たされた潤滑剤１３１は、環状突起部１２５及び１２６と共に下面３４に接触してスラスト荷重を受けるようになっている。
【００４７】
天然ゴム、合成ゴム又は熱可塑性エラストマーからなって断面略矩形状の弾性リング１２１は、環状板部１２２の面１２７と下側ケース２の上面１４とに接触してスラスト滑り軸受片４及び下側ケース２の間に介在されていると共に径方向において環状突起部１２８及び１２９間に配されており、しかも、内側環状突起部１５及び中間環状突起部２１よりも径方向の外側に配されていると共に外側環状突起部１６よりも径方向の内側に配されており、斯かる弾性リング１２１は、スラスト荷重下で撓み変形してその厚みを薄くするようになっている。
【００４８】
図４に示すスラスト滑り軸受１を介してストラット型サスペンション６２を車体に取り付けるようにした取付構造６４によれば、環状突起部１２５及び１２６により形成された密閉環状空間１２４に潤滑剤１３１が密封充填されているために、潤滑剤１３１を環状突起部１２５及び１２６と下面３４との間の摺動面に必要微小量だけ供給でき、しかも、密閉環状空間１２４の潤滑剤１３１でもってもスラスト荷重を受けるようにようになっているために、下面３４に接する潤滑剤１３１の面もまた上側ケース３に対する下側ケース２のＲ方向の回転での摺動面となり、而して、更に低い摩擦トルクをもって摺動面を構成できて、摺動面での摩擦音の発生がなく、ころがり軸受と同等の滑らかなステアリング操作を確保し、その上、環状突起部１２５及び１２６に偏荷重が加わっても弾性リング１２１にその厚みを小さくする弾性変形を先に生じさせて環状突起部１２５及び１２６に撓み変形が生じることを未然に防止し、環状突起部１２５及び１２６の撓み変形による密閉環状空間１２４の容積減少に起因する密閉環状空間１２４から外部への潤滑剤１３１の漏出を効果的に防止できる結果、密閉環状空間１２４に配された潤滑剤１３１を長期に亘って維持でき、密閉環状空間１２４に密封維持された潤滑剤１３１を環状突起部１２５及び１２６と下面３４との間の摺動面に微小量だけ常時供給できて潤滑剤１３１を長期に亘って安定に摺動面に介在させることができ、而して、上記の作用と相俟ってスラスト荷重が大きくなっても摩擦トルクはほとんど変わらず、低い摩擦トルクをもって摺動面を構成できる。
【００４９】
また図４に示すスラスト滑り軸受１によれば、弾性リング１２１は径方向において環状突起部１２８及び１２９間に配されているため、弾性リング１２１をスラスト滑り軸受片４に対して常時正規の位置に位置決めでき、スラスト滑り軸受片４と弾性リング１２１との互いの正常な重ね合わせを常時維持でき、しかも、スラスト滑り軸受片４及び弾性リング１２１を中間環状突起部２１よりも径方向の外側に配していると共に外側環状突起部１６よりも径方向の内側に配しているため、斯かる中間環状突起部２１及び外側環状突起部１６によりスラスト滑り軸受片４及び弾性リング１２１を径方向に関して位置決めできる上に、スラスト滑り軸受片４を径方向の内周面１３２及び外周面１３３で中間環状突起部２１及び外側環状突起部１６の夫々に摺動自在に接触させているために、スラスト荷重下でのスラスト滑り軸受片４の撓みを防止できる。
【００５０】
図４に示すスラスト滑り軸受１では、環状板部１２２の面１２７に環状突起部１２８及び１２９を設けたスラスト滑り軸受片４を用いたが、これに代えて、図５に示すように面１２７に環状突起部１２８及び１２９を設けないスラスト滑り軸受片４を用いてもよく、更に、環状突起部１２５及び１２６に加えて、径方向において環状突起部１２５及び１２６間であって環状板部１２２の面１２３に一体的に形成されていると共に上側ケース３の下面３４に当該下面３４に対して摺動自在であって密閉環状空間１２４を分割して当該下面３４並びに環状突起部１２５及び１２６と協働して複数（本例では二つ）の互いに分離された同心の分割密閉環状空間１３５及び１３６を形成するように接触する中間環状突起部１３７を具備してスラスト滑り軸受片４を構成してもよく、この場合にも上記と同様に、分割密閉環状空間１３５及び１３６の夫々に隙間なしに潤滑剤１３１を充填するとよい。
【００５１】
図５に示すスラスト滑り軸受１では、スラスト荷重を中間環状突起部１３７でも分散して受けることになる結果、環状突起部１２５及び１２６の撓み変形の生起を更に確実に回避できる上に、分割密閉環状空間１３５及び１３６のうちの一方の分割密閉環状空間に充填された潤滑剤１３１が多量に漏出したとしても、この漏出が他方の分割密閉環状空間に影響することを阻止して、残る他方の分割密閉環状空間で上記の作用を行わせることができる結果、フェールセーフなものとなる。
【００５２】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、四輪自動車等の車両のストラット型サスペンションをスラスト滑り軸受を介して車体に取り付ける取付構造であって、コストアップを招来するダストカバー等を別途設けなくても、滑り軸受片が配された空間への外部からの塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入を防止でき、塵埃、雨水、泥水等の侵入に起因する摺動特性の低下をより少なくし得て、ステアリング操作時の円滑な操舵力を更に長期間にわたって維持できるストラット型サスペンションの取付構造を提供できる。
【００５３】
また本発明によれば、グリース等の潤滑剤を長期に亘って摺動面に介在させることができる上に、斯かる潤滑剤をスラスト荷重受けにも利用でき、而して、スラスト荷重が大きくなっても摩擦トルクはほとんど変わらず、低い摩擦トルクをもって摺動面を構成できて、長期の使用でも斯かる低い摩擦係数を維持できる上に、摺動面での摩擦音の発生がなく、ころがり軸受と同等の滑らかなステアリング操作を確保し得るスラスト滑り軸受を用いた取付構造を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に用いるスラスト滑り軸受の好ましい一例の断面図である。
【図２】図１に示すスラスト滑り軸受を用いた本発明の実施の形態の好ましい一例の断面説明図である。
【図３】図２に示す例の平面図である。
【図４】スラスト滑り軸受の好ましい他の例の断面図である。
【図５】スラスト滑り軸受の好ましい更に他の例の一部の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１スラスト滑り軸受
２下側ケース
３上側ケース
４スラスト滑り軸受片
１２外周面
１３下側環状板部
１４上面
１５内側環状突起部
１６外側環状突起部
１７、３４下面
１８下側筒部
３３上側環状板部
３５内側環状垂下部
３６上側筒部
３７内周面
６１コイルばね
６２ストラット型サスペンション
６３取付手段
６４取付構造
６５ピストンロッド
６６上部ばね受手段
７２下端部
７３円筒部
７４取付部材
９５下端
９６環状溝
９７凹部
９８ばね座板[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a thrust slide bearing, and more particularly, to a mounting structure for attaching a strut type suspension (MacPherson type) of a vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle to a vehicle body via the thrust slide bearing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A strut type suspension used for a front wheel of a four-wheeled vehicle generally has a structure in which a coil spring is combined with a strut assembly having a hydraulic shock absorber built in an outer cylinder integrated with a main shaft. In such a suspension, when the strut assembly rotates together with the coil spring in the steering operation, there are a type in which the piston rod of the strut assembly rotates and a type in which the piston rod does not rotate. In order to allow smooth rotation of the strut assembly, a thrust slide bearing made of synthetic resin may be used instead of the rolling bearing between the mounting member of the vehicle body and the upper spring seat member of the coil spring. .
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-257146 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A sliding bearing made of a synthetic resin usually includes a lower case made of a synthetic resin and an upper case made of a synthetic resin stacked on the lower case, and a space between the lower case and the upper case. A thrust slide bearing piece or a thrust slide bearing protrusion is disposed in the space, but if dust, muddy water or the like enters this space, a desired bearing function may not be obtained. On the other hand, the strut type suspension is mounted on a part where dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. act directly while the vehicle is running, so the sliding bearing mounted between the mounting member of the vehicle body and the upper spring seat member of the coil spring is used. The use environment becomes extremely severe. Therefore, if the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the space in which the thrust slide bearing piece or the thrust slide bearing protrusion is disposed are directly opened to the outside, there is a danger of dust, rainwater, muddy water and the like entering the space. It becomes extremely high, and the sealability here becomes extremely important. Particularly, in the case of a synthetic resin sliding bearing in which the lower case and the upper case are formed by opening the inner peripheral side of the space downward to prevent the retention of moisture in the space, the above danger is further increased. .
[0005]
Therefore, a synthetic resin sliding bearing as described in JP-A-2002-257146 has been proposed. According to such a sliding bearing, the above problem can be effectively solved. Since the space in which the pieces are arranged communicates with the outside on the outer peripheral side, if dust, rainwater, muddy water and the like are further prevented from entering the space from here, the dust cover inevitably leads to an increase in cost. Etc. must be installed separately.
[0006]
Also, sliding bearings have a higher friction torque than rolling bearings.As the thrust load increases, the friction torque increases, making the steering operation heavier and, depending on the combination of synthetic resins, stick-slip phenomena. Therefore, a lubricant such as grease is usually applied to the sliding bearing because of the problem of generating a frictional noise due to the stick-slip phenomenon. Such a lubricant is desirably interposed on the sliding surface. As far as possible, the above-mentioned friction noise hardly occurs, but the friction noise may start to be generated due to the disappearance of the lubricant due to long-term use.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a mounting structure for mounting a strut-type suspension of a vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle to a vehicle body via a thrust slide bearing. Without the need to separately provide a thrust slide bearing piece, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. from the outside into the space where the thrust slide bearing piece is arranged, and to reduce the sliding characteristics due to the intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting structure which can be reduced and can maintain a smooth steering force at the time of steering operation for a longer period.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is that a lubricant such as grease can be interposed on the sliding surface for a long period of time, and such a lubricant can also be used for receiving a thrust load. Even if the frictional torque increases, the frictional torque hardly changes, the sliding surface can be configured with a low frictional torque, the low frictional coefficient can be maintained even when used for a long time, and no friction noise is generated on the sliding surface. An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure using a thrust slide bearing that can ensure a smooth steering operation equivalent to that of a bearing.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A mounting structure according to a first aspect of the present invention mounts a strut-type suspension of a vehicle including a hydraulic shock absorber and a coil spring disposed around the hydraulic shock absorber on a vehicle body through a thrust slide bearing. Here, the thrust slide bearing is disposed between mounting means for attaching the piston rod of the hydraulic shock absorber to the vehicle body and upper spring receiving means for receiving a coil spring. Lower case, a synthetic resin upper case stacked on the lower case, and a synthetic resin disk-shaped thrust sliding bearing piece disposed between the upper and lower cases. The lower case includes a lower annular plate portion, an inner annular protrusion integrally formed on an upper surface on an inner peripheral surface side of the lower annular plate portion, and a lower annular plate portion. An outer annular projection integrally formed on the upper surface on the outer peripheral surface side, and a lower cylindrical portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the lower annular plate portion, and the upper case has An upper annular plate portion, an inner annular hanging portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the inner peripheral surface side of the upper annular plate portion, and an outer peripheral surface side of the upper annular plate portion radially outside the lower cylindrical portion. And an upper cylindrical portion integrally formed on the lower surface of the thrust slide bearing piece, and the thrust slide bearing piece is located radially outside the inner annular projection and radially inside the outer annular projection. It is arranged between the upper surface of the side annular plate portion and the lower surface of the upper annular plate portion, and the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion are slidable with each other. Directly contactable or directly facing each other with only a small gap between them, the mounting means is an upper cylindrical portion of the upper case A mounting member having a cylindrical portion surrounding and extending downward beyond the lower end of the upper cylindrical portion of the upper case is provided, and the upper spring receiving means has a concave portion forming an annular groove facing the lower end of the cylindrical portion. Spring seat plate.
[0010]
According to the mounting structure of the first aspect, the outer opening end of the gap between the lower end of the lower cylinder and the lower end of the upper cylinder is covered with the recess of the spring seat plate from the outside. As a result, the outer open end is communicated to the outside through the labyrinth formed by the concave portion and the cylindrical portion, so that the outer circumferential surface of the lower tubular portion and the inner circumferential surface of the upper tubular portion through the outer open end are connected. Direct entry of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. from the outside into the space can be prevented without separately providing a dust cover or the like which leads to an increase in cost. Dust from the outside, which communicates with the space between the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion and the space between the upper surface of the lower annular plate portion and the lower surface of the upper annular plate portion where the thrust slide bearing piece is arranged, Intrusion of rainwater, muddy water, etc. can be effectively prevented, and sliding characteristics caused by ingress of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. And obtained by further reducing the decrease in can be maintained smooth steering force during steering operation further long period of time.
[0011]
In the mounting structure according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the mounting structure according to the first aspect, the lower case includes an annular engaging projection integrally formed on an outer peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion. The upper case includes an annular engaged projection integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion and engaged with the annular engagement projection.
[0012]
In the mounting structure according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the mounting structure according to the first or second aspect, the spring seat plate has at least one through hole in a concave portion thereof. For example, since the external dust, rainwater, muddy water, and the like that have flown into the annular groove facing the lower end of the cylindrical portion can be discharged through the through hole, the annular groove becomes full of dust, rainwater, muddy water, and the like. It is possible to prevent dust, rainwater, muddy water, and the like from entering the space between the outer peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion.
[0013]
In the mounting structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the mounting structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, the lower case is located radially outside the inner annular projection and is located on the lower annular plate. Further, an intermediate annular projection integrally formed on the upper surface on the inner peripheral surface side is further provided, the inner annular hanging portion is disposed radially inward of the inner annular projection, and the upper case is An outer annular portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the inner peripheral surface side of the upper annular plate portion between the inner annular projection portion and the intermediate annular projection portion in the radial direction outside the inner annular hanging portion in the radial direction. The thrust slide bearing piece further includes a hanging portion, and the upper surface of the lower annular plate portion and the upper annular plate are radially outside the intermediate annular projection portion and radially inside the outer annular projection portion. And the lower part of the outer ring It extends into the annular recess formed by the annular projection and the intermediate annular projection, and an inner labyrinth is formed by the inner annular hanging portion, the outer annular hanging portion, the inner annular projecting portion, and the intermediate annular projecting portion. .
[0014]
According to the mounting structure of the fourth aspect, since the labyrinth is formed inside, dust from the outside into the space between the upper surface of the lower annular plate portion and the lower surface of the upper annular plate portion from the inside. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent intrusion of rainwater, muddy water, and the like, and in combination with the above, it is possible to further greatly reduce the sliding characteristics due to intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, and the like.
[0015]
According to the present invention, as in the mounting structure of the fifth aspect, the thrust slide bearing piece is slidably in contact with the upper surface of the lower case and the lower surface of the upper case, respectively, and is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. However, instead of this, as in the mounting structure of the sixth aspect, the mounting structure is superimposed on the thrust sliding bearing piece and is located between the thrust sliding bearing piece and the lower case. It may further include an interposed elastic ring, wherein the thrust slide bearing piece is formed integrally with the annular plate portion and on one surface of the annular plate portion and on the lower surface of the upper case. At least two annular projections slidable relative to the lower surface and cooperating with the lower surface to form a sealed annular space, wherein the elastic ring comprises a thrust slide bearing piece. The other surface of the annular plate and the upper surface of the lower case Is interposed between the thrust sliding bearing piece and the lower case in contact with the lubricant may be filled in the hermetically sealed annular space.
[0016]
According to the mounting structure of the sixth aspect, since the lubricant is hermetically filled in the sealed annular space formed by the two annular projections, the lubricant is applied between the two annular projections and the lower surface of the upper case. The small amount of lubricant required can be supplied to the sliding surface between the upper case and the lubricant in the closed annular space can receive the thrust load. It becomes a sliding surface when the side case rotates, so that the sliding surface can be configured with a lower friction torque, there is no generation of friction noise on the sliding surface, and a smooth steering operation equivalent to a rolling bearing is secured. In addition, even if an unbalanced load is applied to the two annular projections, the elastic ring is first subjected to elastic deformation to reduce its thickness, thereby preventing the two annular projections from being bent and deformed. Of annular projection As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the leakage of the lubricant from the closed annular space to the outside due to the decrease in the volume of the closed annular space due to the deformation, so that the lubricant disposed in the closed annular space can be maintained for a long time, and the closed annular space can be maintained. A small amount of lubricant maintained in the space can be supplied to the sliding surface between the two annular projections and the lower surface of the upper case, and the lubricant can be stably interposed on the sliding surface for a long period of time. Thus, even when the thrust load increases in combination with the above-described operation, the friction torque hardly changes, and the sliding surface can be configured with a low friction torque.
[0017]
In a preferred example, as in the mounting structure according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the thrust slide bearing piece further includes at least two other annular projections integrally formed on the other surface of the annular plate. The elastic ring is disposed between the two other annular projections in the radial direction, and according to the thrust slide bearing of such an embodiment, the elastic ring is always in a regular position with respect to the thrust slide bearing piece. The positioning can be performed, and the normal superposition of the thrust slide bearing piece and the elastic ring can be always maintained.
[0018]
Further, as in the mounting structure according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the thrust slide bearing piece is integrally formed on one surface of the annular plate portion between the two annular protrusions in the radial direction, and On the lower surface of the case, the closed annular space slidable with respect to the lower surface is divided to form a plurality of divided closed annular spaces separated from each other in cooperation with the lower surface and the two annular protrusions. At least one intermediate annular projection may be provided so as to be in contact therewith. According to the mounting structure of the eighth aspect, the intermediate annular projection also receives the thrust load in a dispersed manner, and as a result, the two annular projections In addition to being able to more reliably avoid the occurrence of flexural deformation, even if a large amount of lubricant filled into one of the plurality of divided sealed annular spaces leaks out, this leakage will not affect other divided sealed annular spaces. Affect the annular space By preventing, as a result of it being possible to perform the above actions in other division sealed annular space that remains, becomes a fail-safe.
[0019]
The elastic ring is preferably made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, as in the mounting structure according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, and the cross-sectional shape of the elastic ring is substantially oblong even if it is substantially rectangular. It may be.
[0020]
The lubricant preferably fills the sealed annular space without a gap under a thrust load like the mounting structure of the tenth aspect of the present invention, and optionally, the thrust sliding bearing of the eleventh aspect of the present invention. As described above, the closed annular space may be filled without a gap under thrust no load.
[0021]
The lubricant contains at least one of grease and lubricating oil, as in the mounting structure of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, and preferably, as in the mounting structure of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention. , Made of silicone grease.
[0022]
In the mounting structure of the present invention, the synthetic resin forming the thrust sliding bearing piece housed between the upper case and the lower case preferably has a self-lubricating property, and the synthetic resin forming the upper case and the lower case. It is preferable to have excellent sliding properties such as abrasion resistance, impact resistance and creep resistance and mechanical properties such as rigidity. Specifically, the upper case and the lower case are made of polyacetal resin, polyamide Resin, polyester resin, polyolefin resin, it is good to be made of a synthetic resin containing at least one of a polycarbonate resin and a fluorine resin, more preferably, the upper case is made of polyacetal resin, the lower case, Synthetic resin containing at least one of polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, polyolefin resin and fluororesin Well the lines cover to have, also, the thrust sliding bearing piece, polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene, may consist of synthetic resin including at least one of polypropylene and polycarbonate resin. For the upper case and the lower case, a synthetic resin similar to the synthetic resin constituting the thrust slide bearing piece can be used. In particular, a combination of the synthetic resin used for the thrust slide bearing piece and a good combination of friction characteristics is provided. When a resin is used and its preferable combination is exemplified, for the thrust slide bearing piece and the upper case and the lower case, a combination of polyacetal and polyamide, a combination of polyethylene and polyacetal, a combination of polyacetal and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and a combination of polyacetal and polyacetal.
[0023]
Next, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples of preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, a thrust sliding bearing 1 of the present embodiment includes a lower case 2 made of a synthetic resin, an upper case 3 made of a synthetic resin stacked on the lower case 2, and an upper case 3 and a lower case 3. And an annular plate-shaped thrust slide bearing piece 4 made of synthetic resin.
[0025]
The lower case 2 is formed integrally with a lower annular plate portion 13 having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 11 and an outer peripheral surface 12 and an upper surface 14 on the inner peripheral surface 11 side of the lower annular plate portion 13. The inner annular protrusion 15, the outer annular protrusion 16 integrally formed on the upper surface 14 on the outer peripheral surface 12 side of the lower annular plate 13, and the lower surface 17 on the outer peripheral surface 12 side of the lower annular plate 13 A lower cylindrical portion 18 formed integrally, an annular engaging projection 20 integrally formed on an outer peripheral surface 19 of the lower cylindrical portion 18, and a radially outer portion than the inner annular projecting portion 15. An intermediate annular projection 21 formed radially inside the outer annular projection 16 and on the upper surface 14 on the inner peripheral surface 11 side of the lower annular plate 13; Plural pieces, four in this example, integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface 22 and arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. It is and a claw portion 23 of the.
[0026]
The upper case 3 includes an upper annular plate portion 33 having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 31 and an outer peripheral surface 32, and an inner peripheral surface 31 side of the upper annular plate portion 33 radially inside the inner annular protrusion 15. An inner annular hanging portion 35 integrally formed on the lower surface 34, and an upper cylinder integrally formed on the lower surface 34 on the outer peripheral surface 32 side of the upper annular plate portion 33 radially outside the lower cylindrical portion 18. Portion 36, an annular engaged projection 38 integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface 37 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 and engaged with the annular engagement projection 20, and a radially inner annular hanging portion 35. An outer annular hanging portion integrally formed on the lower surface 34 on the inner peripheral surface 31 side of the upper annular plate portion 33 between the inner annular projecting portion 15 and the intermediate annular projecting portion 21 in the outer side and in the radial direction. 39.
[0027]
The inner annular hanging portion 35 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 40 flush with the inner peripheral surface 31, and the inner annular projecting portion 15 is formed by the inner annular hanging portion 35 and the outer annular hanging portion 39. The outer annular hanging portion 39 extends into the annular recess formed by the inner annular projecting portion 15 and the intermediate annular projecting portion 21. Thus, the inner annular hanging portion 35, An inner labyrinth 44 is formed by the outer annular hanging portion 39, the inner annular protrusion 15, and the intermediate annular protrusion 21.
[0028]
The cylindrical outer peripheral surface 19 of the lower cylindrical portion 18 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 37 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 can be slidably contacted directly with each other or directly with only a small gap therebetween. Face to face.
[0029]
The thrust slide bearing piece 4 having a substantially rectangular cross section has a lower annular plate portion 13 radially outside the inner annular protrusion 15 and the intermediate annular protrusion 21 and radially inside the outer annular protrusion 16. The upper surface 14 and the lower surface 34 of the upper annular plate 33 are slidably disposed on the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 34 at the lower surface 51 and the upper surface 52, respectively.
[0030]
A groove for storing grease (lubricating oil material) may be provided on each of the lower surface 51 and the upper surface 52.
[0031]
The lower case 2 has a central hole 55 defined by the inner peripheral surface 11 of the lower annular plate portion 13, and the upper case 3 includes the inner peripheral surface 31 of the upper annular plate portion 33 and the inner annular hanging portion. 35 has a central hole 56 defined by the inner peripheral surface 40.
[0032]
In the thrust slide bearing 1 described above, the upper case 3 and the lower case 2 are connected to each other by the snap-fit type engagement utilizing the flexibility of the synthetic resin of the annular engagement projection 20 to the annular engagement projection 38. When the lower case 2 rotates relative to the upper case 3 in the R direction around the axis X, the lower surface 51 of the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and the upper surface 14 of the lower annular plate portion 13 overlap each other. A low-friction sliding or low-friction sliding between the upper surface 52 of the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and the lower surface 34 of the upper annular plate portion 33, thereby producing an upper case around the axis X. The rotation of the lower case 2 in the R direction relative to the lower case 3 is performed with extremely low frictional resistance.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the thrust slide bearing 1 is a strut-type suspension 62 for a vehicle including a hydraulic shock absorber (not shown) and a coil spring 61 disposed around the hydraulic shock absorber. Is attached to the vehicle body via the attaching means 63.
[0034]
In the mounting structure 64 for mounting the strut type suspension 62 to the vehicle body via the thrust slide bearing 1, the thrust slide bearing 1 includes mounting means 63 for mounting the piston rod 65 of the hydraulic shock absorber to the vehicle body and an upper spring of the coil spring 61. The mounting means 63 is disposed between the receiving means 66 and a pair of fixing members 68 and 69 which are overlapped with each other and fixed to the vehicle body via bolts 67, and a piston rod 65 of a hydraulic shock absorber. Connecting and fixing means 71 for connecting and fixing the threaded upper end portion 70 to the fixing members 68 and 69, and the lower end portion 72 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 of the upper case 3 while surrounding the upper cylindrical portion 36 of the upper case 3 And a mounting member 74 having a large-diameter cylindrical portion 73 extending downward beyond the above.
[0035]
The fixing member 68 includes a substantially triangular annular plate portion 75 and a cylindrical portion 77 integrally extending from the plate portion 75 via a curved portion 76. A substantially triangular annular plate portion 81 having the same shape and superimposed on the plate portion 75, a cylindrical portion 82 integrally extending from the plate portion 81, and an annular plate portion 83 integrally extending from the cylindrical portion 82; Is provided.
[0036]
The connecting and fixing means 71 has a substantially cylindrical elastic member 85 in which the curved portion 76 and the cylindrical portion 77 are embedded, and an upper end portion which sandwiches the elastic member 85 and which has an inner peripheral end portion 86 and 87 via a nut 88. A pair of fixing members 89 and 90 fixed to 70 are provided.
[0037]
The attachment member 74 is, in addition to the cylindrical portion 73, an annular plate portion 91 integrally extending from the cylindrical portion 73, and extends integrally from the annular plate portion 91 and is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the annular plate portion 83. And is fixed to the fixing member 69 by welding or the like.
[0038]
The cylindrical portion 73 is in close contact with the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 93 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 at its cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and the annular plate portion 91 has its annular lower surface at the upper surface of the upper annular plate portion 33. It is in close contact with 94.
[0039]
The upper spring receiving means 66 includes a spring seat plate 98 having a concave portion 97 forming an annular groove 96 facing the lower end 95 of the cylindrical portion 73, an annular spacer plate 99 held on the lower case 2 by the claw portion 23, and The spring seat plate 98 has, in addition to the recess 97, a large-diameter annular spring receiving plate portion 101 integrally extending radially outward from the recess 97, and radially inward from the recess 97. An annular plate portion 102 extending integrally is provided, and the concave portion 97 has concentric large-diameter and small-diameter cylindrical portions 103 and 104, and a bottom portion 105 integrally interposed between the cylindrical portions 103 and 104. The spring seat plate 98 has a plurality of through holes 106 at the bottom portion 105 of the concave portion 97, and the upper end portion 107 of the coil spring 61 is formed in the annular spring receiving plate portion 101 of the spring seat plate 98. The spacer plate 99 is in contact with the lower annular plate. It is sandwiched and lower annular plate portion 13 and the annular plate portion 102 between the 13 and the annular plate portion 102.
[0040]
The strut type suspension 62 includes a bump stopper 111 disposed so as to surround the piston rod 65 of the hydraulic shock absorber. The upper surface of the bump stopper 111 has an annular bottom 105 and a recess 97 inside the through hole 106. It is in close contact with the plate portion 102 and the cylindrical portion 104.
[0041]
In the mounting structure 64 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, rotation in the R direction about the axis X of the coil spring 61 is transmitted to the lower case 2 via the spring seat plate 98 and the spacer plate 99. The upper case 3 of the thrust slide bearing 1 is fitted on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting member 74, and the upper case 3 is attached to the fixing member 69 via the mounting member 74 in the R direction around the axis X. It is held so that it does not rotate.
[0042]
When the coil spring 61 is rotated in the R direction around the axis X by the steering operation, the lower case 2 is rotated with respect to the upper case 3, and this rotation of the lower case 2 Smoothness is achieved by the thrust slide bearing piece 4 disposed between the upper case 3 and, therefore, steering operation is also performed without resistance.
[0043]
According to the mounting structure 64, the annular external opening end 113 of the gap between the lower end portion 112 of the lower cylindrical portion 18 and the lower end portion 72 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 is covered with the concave portion 97 of the spring seat plate 98 from the outside. In addition, the outer opening end 113 is communicated with the outside through a labyrinth formed by the concave portion 97 and the cylindrical portion 73. As a result, the outer peripheral surface 19 of the lower cylindrical portion 18 through the outer opening end 113 is formed. It is possible to prevent direct entry of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. from the outside into the space between the inner peripheral surface 37 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 without the need of separately providing a dust cover or the like which increases costs. Thus, the upper surface of the lower annular plate portion 13 communicating with the space between the outer peripheral surface 19 of the lower cylindrical portion 18 and the inner peripheral surface 37 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 and having the thrust slide bearing piece 4 disposed thereon. 14 and the space 11 between the lower surface 34 of the upper annular plate 33 Can effectively prevent the intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. from the outside, and can further reduce the decrease in sliding characteristics due to the ingress of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. Steering force can be maintained for a longer period of time.
[0044]
Further, according to the mounting structure 64, since the labyrinth 44 is formed inside, it is possible to effectively prevent dust, rainwater, muddy water, and the like from entering the space 114 from the inside, so that the above-described configuration is achieved. In addition, a decrease in sliding characteristics due to intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, and the like can be further largely prevented, and dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. from the outside that has flown into the annular groove 96 facing the lower end 95 of the cylindrical portion 73. Can be discharged through the through-hole 106, so that the annular groove 96 becomes full of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc., so that the outer peripheral surface 19 of the lower cylindrical portion 18 and the inner peripheral surface 37 of the upper cylindrical portion 36 Dust, rainwater, muddy water and the like can be prevented from entering the space 114 via the space between them.
[0045]
By the way, in the mounting structure 64, the strut type suspension 62 may be mounted on the vehicle body via the thrust slide bearing 1 as shown in FIG. The thrust slide bearing 1 shown in FIG. 4 is superposed on the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and interposed between the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and the lower annular plate portion 13 of the lower case 2 in addition to the thrust slide bearing piece 4. Further, the elastic ring 121 is further provided, and the thrust slide bearing piece 4 in this example is formed integrally with the annular plate portion 122 and one surface 123 of the annular plate portion 122 so as to be spaced apart in the radial direction. And a concentric small diameter slidable with respect to the lower surface 34 of the upper annular plate portion 33 of the upper case 3 and in contact with the lower surface 34 to form a closed annular space 124. And large-diameter annular projections 125 and 126, and concentric small-diameter and large-diameter annular projections 128 and 129 formed integrally on the other surface 127 of the annular plate 122 so as to be spaced apart in the radial direction. And that The intermediate annular projection 21 and the outer annular projection 16 are slidably contacted on the radially inner circumferential surface 132 and outer circumferential surface 133, respectively, and the sealed annular space 124 has a lubricant made of silicone-based grease. 131 is hermetically filled.
[0046]
The sealed annular space 124 is filled with an amount of the lubricant 131 that fills the sealed annular space 124 without a gap under no thrust load. The lubricant 131 filled without any space and filled in the closed annular space 124 without any gap is brought into contact with the lower surface 34 together with the annular projections 125 and 126 to receive a thrust load.
[0047]
An elastic ring 121 made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer and having a substantially rectangular cross section is brought into contact with the surface 127 of the annular plate portion 122 and the upper surface 14 of the lower case 2 so as to contact the thrust sliding bearing piece 4 and the lower side. It is interposed between the cases 2 and is radially arranged between the annular projections 128 and 129, and is further arranged radially outward than the inner annular projection 15 and the intermediate annular projection 21. At the same time, the elastic ring 121 is disposed radially inward of the outer annular projection 16, and the elastic ring 121 bends and deforms under a thrust load to reduce its thickness.
[0048]
According to the mounting structure 64 in which the strut suspension 62 is mounted on the vehicle body via the thrust slide bearing 1 shown in FIG. 4, the lubricant 131 is hermetically filled in the closed annular space 124 formed by the annular projections 125 and 126. As a result, the lubricant 131 can be supplied to the sliding surface between the annular projections 125 and 126 and the lower surface 34 only in a necessary small amount, and the lubricant 131 in the closed annular space 124 can also reduce the thrust load. As a result, the surface of the lubricant 131 that is in contact with the lower surface 34 also serves as a sliding surface of the lower case 2 with respect to the upper case 3 when the lower case 2 rotates in the R direction. The sliding surface can be configured with no friction noise on the sliding surface, ensuring smooth steering operation equivalent to that of a rolling bearing. Even if an unbalanced load is applied to 25 and 126, the elastic ring 121 is first elastically deformed to reduce its thickness, thereby preventing the annular projections 125 and 126 from being bent and deformed. The leakage of the lubricant 131 from the closed annular space 124 to the outside due to the decrease in the volume of the closed annular space 124 due to the bending deformation of 126 can be effectively prevented, so that the lubricant 131 disposed in the closed annular space 124 can be used for a long time. And a small amount of the lubricant 131, which is sealed and maintained in the sealed annular space 124, can be constantly supplied to the sliding surface between the annular projections 125 and 126 and the lower surface 34, and the lubricant 131 can be supplied for a long time. The frictional torque can be stably interposed on the sliding surface, so that the friction torque hardly changes even when the thrust load increases in combination with the above-described operation, and the friction torque is low. It has can be configured the sliding surface.
[0049]
Further, according to the thrust slide bearing 1 shown in FIG. 4, the elastic ring 121 is disposed between the annular projections 128 and 129 in the radial direction, so that the elastic ring 121 is always positioned at a regular position with respect to the thrust slide bearing piece 4. And the normal overlapping of the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and the elastic ring 121 with each other can be maintained at all times, and the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and the elastic ring 121 are positioned radially outside of the intermediate annular projection 21. Since they are arranged and are arranged radially inward of the outer annular projection 16, the thrust slide bearing piece 4 and the elastic ring 121 are radially moved by the intermediate annular projection 21 and the outer annular projection 16. In addition to being able to be positioned, the thrust slide bearing piece 4 is formed by the radially inner peripheral surface 132 and the outer peripheral surface 133 of the intermediate annular projection 21 and the outer annular projection 16. S because they are slidably contacted so on, it can be prevented deflection of the thrust sliding bearing piece 4 under thrust load.
[0050]
In the thrust slide bearing 1 shown in FIG. 4, the thrust slide bearing piece 4 in which the annular projections 128 and 129 are provided on the surface 127 of the annular plate 122 is used. Instead, as shown in FIG. The thrust slide bearing piece 4 without the annular projections 128 and 129 may be used. Further, in addition to the annular projections 125 and 126, the annular plate 122 between the annular projections 125 and 126 in the radial direction is used. And is slidable with respect to the lower surface 34 on the lower surface 34 of the upper case 3 so as to divide the sealed annular space 124 into the lower surface 34 and the annular projections 125 and 126. The thrust slide includes an intermediate annular projection 137 that cooperates to form a plurality (two in this example) of separated concentric divided enclosed annular spaces 135 and 136. May constitute bearing piece 4, in the same manner as described above even in this case, it may be filled with a lubricant 131 without a gap to each of the divided enclosed annular space 135 and 136.
[0051]
In the thrust slide bearing 1 shown in FIG. 5, the thrust load is also dispersed and received by the intermediate annular projection 137. As a result, it is possible to more reliably avoid the occurrence of the bending deformation of the annular projections 125 and 126, and furthermore, it is possible to separately seal the bearing. Even if the lubricant 131 filled in one of the divided closed annular spaces of the annular spaces 135 and 136 leaks in a large amount, the leakage is prevented from affecting the other divided closed annular space, and the other remaining sealed annular space is prevented. As a result of performing the above-mentioned action in the divided sealed annular space, fail-safe operation is achieved.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a mounting structure for attaching a strut type suspension of a vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle to a vehicle body through a thrust slide bearing is provided. Can prevent the intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. from the outside into the space where is arranged, and can reduce the decrease in sliding characteristics caused by the intrusion of dust, rainwater, muddy water, etc. It is possible to provide a strut-type suspension mounting structure that can maintain a proper steering force for a longer period of time.
[0053]
Further, according to the present invention, a lubricant such as grease can be interposed on the sliding surface for a long period of time, and such a lubricant can also be used for receiving a thrust load. The frictional torque hardly changes even when the sliding surface can be configured with a low frictional torque, so that such a low coefficient of friction can be maintained even when used for a long period of time. Thus, it is possible to provide a mounting structure using a thrust slide bearing that can ensure a smooth steering operation equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a preferred example of a thrust slide bearing used in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional explanatory view of a preferred example of an embodiment of the present invention using the thrust slide bearing shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the example shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another preferred example of a thrust slide bearing.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a part of still another preferred example of the thrust slide bearing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Thrust slide bearing
2 Lower case
3 Upper case
4 Thrust slide bearing piece
12 Outer surface
13 Lower annular plate
14 Top
15 Inner annular protrusion
16 Outer annular projection
17, 34 lower surface
18 Lower cylinder
33 Upper annular plate
35 Inner annular hanging part
36 Upper cylinder
37 Inner circumference
61 Coil spring
62 strut type suspension
63 Mounting means
64 Mounting structure
65 piston rod
66 Upper spring receiving means
72 Lower end
73 cylindrical part
74 Mounting member
95 bottom
96 annular groove
97 recess
98 spring seat plate

Claims

A mounting structure for mounting a strut-type suspension of a vehicle having a hydraulic shock absorber and a coil spring disposed surrounding the hydraulic shock absorber to a vehicle body through a thrust slide bearing, wherein the thrust slide bearing comprises a hydraulic shock absorber. The thrust slide bearing is disposed between the mounting means for attaching the piston rod of the absorber to the vehicle body and the upper spring receiving means for receiving the coil spring. An upper case made of synthetic resin, and a disk-shaped thrust sliding bearing piece made of synthetic resin disposed between the upper and lower cases, the lower case has a lower annular plate portion, An inner annular projection integrally formed on the upper surface on the inner peripheral surface side of the lower annular plate portion, and an inner annular projection integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the lower annular plate portion. A side annular projection, and a lower cylindrical portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the lower annular plate portion, the upper case includes an upper annular plate portion and an upper annular plate portion. An inner annular hanging portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the inner peripheral surface side, and an upper cylindrical portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the upper annular plate portion radially outside the lower cylindrical portion. The thrust slide bearing piece is radially outside the inner annular projection and radially inward from the outer annular projection, and the upper surface of the lower annular plate and the upper annular plate are The cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion are slidably and directly contactable with each other or a small gap between each other. The mounting means surrounds the upper cylindrical portion of the upper case and the upper cylindrical portion of the upper case. The upper spring receiving means includes a spring seat plate having a concave portion forming an annular groove facing the lower end of the cylindrical portion, the mounting member having a cylindrical portion extending downward beyond the lower end portion. Mounting structure.

The lower case has an annular engaging projection integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion, and the upper case is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion. The mounting structure according to claim 1, further comprising an annular engaged projection engaged with the annular engagement projection.

3. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the spring seat plate has at least one through hole in a concave portion thereof.

The lower case further includes an intermediate annular projection integrally formed on the upper surface on the inner peripheral surface side of the lower annular plate on the outer side in the radial direction from the inner annular projection. The hanging part is disposed radially inward of the inner annular protrusion, and the upper case is located outside the inner annular hanging part in the radial direction and between the inner annular protrusion and the intermediate annular protrusion in the radial direction. The upper annular plate portion further includes an outer annular hanging portion integrally formed on the lower surface on the inner peripheral surface side of the upper annular plate portion, wherein the thrust slide bearing piece is located radially outside of the intermediate annular projection. The inner annular projection is disposed between the upper surface of the lower annular plate and the lower surface of the upper annular plate radially inward of the outer annular projection. And extends into the annular recess formed by the inner annular droop , Outer annular depending portion, the mounting structure according to claims 1, inner labyrinth is formed in any one of 3 by an inner annular projection and the intermediate annular projection.

The thrust slide bearing piece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thrust slide bearing piece is slidably contacted with an upper surface of the lower case and a lower surface of the upper case, and is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. Mounting structure.

An elastic ring superposed on the thrust slide bearing piece and interposed between the thrust slide bearing piece and the lower case is provided. The thrust slide bearing piece has an annular plate portion and one surface of the annular plate portion. And at least two annular protrusions formed integrally with the lower case of the upper case and slidable with respect to the lower surface and in contact with the lower surface to form a closed annular space. The elastic ring is interposed between the thrust slide bearing piece and the lower case in contact with the other surface of the annular plate portion of the thrust slide bearing piece and the upper surface of the lower case, and is hermetically sealed. The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the annular space is filled with a lubricant.

The thrust slide bearing piece further includes at least two other annular projections integrally formed on the other surface of the annular plate, and the elastic ring is provided between the two other annular projections in the radial direction. The mounting structure according to claim 6, wherein

The thrust slide bearing piece is integrally formed on one surface of the annular plate portion between the two annular protrusions in the radial direction, and is slidable on the lower surface of the upper case with respect to the lower surface. At least one intermediate annular projection that divides the enclosed annular space and cooperates with the lower surface and the two annular projections to form a plurality of separated enclosed annular spaces. Item 8. The mounting structure according to Item 6 or 7.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the elastic ring is made of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the lubricant fills the closed annular space without a gap under a thrust load.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the lubricant fills the closed annular space without a gap under thrust no load.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the lubricant includes at least one of grease and lubricating oil.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the lubricant comprises a silicone grease.

A thrust slide bearing for use in the mounting structure according to claim 1.