JP2019052725A - Torque rod - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a torque rod in a novel structure capable of improving a load resistance performance or the like and improving a tuning freedom degree of a buffer rubber while attaining space saving.SOLUTION: In a torque rod 10, a rubber bush 18 is configured by including an inner shaft member 28, an outer cylinder member 30 and a rubber elastic body 32. A rod member 60 is fixed to the inner shaft member 28 and an abutting protrusion 66 is provided in the rod member 60 on the other hand. The abutting protrusion 66 is abutted through a buffer rubber 54 to the outer cylinder member 30, thereby constituting a stopper mechanism 82. The buffer rubber 54 includes a center buffer rubber 58 protruding towards a central portion of the abutting protrusion 66 in a circumferential direction, and both side buffer rubbers 56 protruding towards both side portions of the abutting protrusion 66 in the circumferential direction. When an external force acts on the rod member 60, either the central buffer rubber 58 or both the side buffer rubbers 56 is abutted to the abutting protrusion 66 earlier than the other rubber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a torque rod used for connecting a power unit to a vehicle body in, for example, an automobile, and more particularly to a torque rod having a stopper mechanism for limiting a relative displacement amount between mutually connected members. .

  Conventionally, a torque rod that connects a power unit and a body to support a torque reaction force of the power unit is known. This torque rod has a structure including rubber bushes at both ends in the length direction as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-65113 (Patent Document 1), and one rubber bush is attached to the power unit. The other rubber bush is attached to the vehicle body.

  By the way, in the torque rod having a conventional structure, as described in Patent Document 1, an outer cylinder member is integrally formed at an end portion in the length direction of the torque rod. A rubber bush provided with a shaft member is assembled. The inner shaft member is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body.

  However, in such a conventional torque rod, the central inner shaft member is fixed with respect to the vehicle body, and the outer cylindrical member having a large diameter on the outer peripheral side is relative to the vehicle body at the time of load input. It will be displaced. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a larger space around the outer cylinder member in the vehicle body to avoid interference of the outer cylinder member on the vehicle body side, and it is difficult to meet the demand for space saving. There was a problem.

  In view of such a problem, in the patent No. 4442371 (Patent Document 2), the present applicant makes the rod member a separate structure with respect to the rubber bush including the inner shaft member and the outer cylindrical member, A torque rod has been disclosed in which the end of the rod member in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the inner shaft member of the rubber bush while the outer cylinder member of the rubber bush is fixed to the vehicle body. In the torque rod having such a structure, since the outer cylinder member is fixed to the vehicle body, the problem of interference of the outer cylinder member to the vehicle body at the time of load input is avoided, and the torque rod can be saved when the torque rod is attached. Space can be achieved.

  However, in the torque rod described in Patent Document 2, since the rod member is connected to the inner shaft member of the rubber bush having a separate structure, the inner shaft member of the rubber bush and the outer cylinder member are relatively In some cases, it has been difficult to ensure the strength and reliability against a large load such as a stopper load due to an abutment.

  In addition, the stopper characteristics required for the torque rod differ depending not only on the support structure and output characteristics of the vehicle power unit, on the weight, but also on the vehicle body characteristics, so that a large degree of tuning freedom has been required.

JP 2000-65113 A Japanese Patent No. 4442371

  The present invention has been made in the background as described above, and the problem to be solved is to save space for mounting the rubber bush provided at the end of the rod member in the longitudinal direction. To provide a torque rod with a novel structure capable of improving the load bearing performance and durability performance against a large load such as a stopper load and improving the degree of freedom in tuning the characteristics of the stopper mechanism. is there.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a rubber bush is provided at an end portion in the length direction of the rod member, and a stopper mechanism for limiting a displacement amount in the length direction of the rod member in the rubber bush is provided. In the torque rod, the rubber bush includes an inner shaft member, an outer cylinder member, and a rubber elastic body that connects the inner shaft member and the outer cylinder member, and the length direction of the rod member The end of the rubber bush is fixed to the inner shaft member of the rubber bush, and the rod member has a longer direction of the rod member than the fixed portion of the rubber bush to the inner shaft member. A contact projection that is inserted between the opposed surfaces of the inner shaft member and the outer cylinder member of the rubber bush, and the corresponding projection is the length of the rod member. Pair in direction The stopper mechanism is configured to be able to abut against the arranged outer cylinder member via a buffer rubber provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member, and the corresponding protrusion Of the outer cylinder member is widened on both sides in the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder member, and the shock absorbing rubber protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder member toward the central portion in the circumferential direction of the corresponding protrusion. Central shock absorber rubber and both side shock absorber rubbers projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member toward both sides in the circumferential direction of the corresponding contact projection, and an external force action in the length direction of the rod member In some cases, one of the central cushioning rubber and the both-side cushioning rubber is brought into contact with the corresponding contact protrusion before the other.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to this aspect, since the contact portion of the stopper mechanism is configured by the rod member and the outer cylinder member, the relative displacement amount between the inner shaft member of the rubber bush and the outer cylinder member A stopper load that restricts the pressure is exerted on the rod member from the outer cylinder member without passing through the inner shaft member. Therefore, even when a large stopper load is applied, it is possible to easily ensure the strength and durability against the stopper load regardless of the strength of the fixing portion between the inner shaft member and the rod member.

  Further, at the connecting portion of the torque rod to the connected member such as a vehicle body, the outer cylindrical member of the rubber bush is fixed to the connected member, and the inner shaft member fixed to the rod member is the inner cylindrical member. It will be displaced. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a large space around the outer cylinder member at the connecting portion of the torque rod in the connected member, and the connected portion of the torque rod connected to the connected member via the rubber bush. Space saving of a connection part can be achieved, ensuring the elastic relative displacement amount with respect to a member.

  Furthermore, in this aspect, the amount of displacement in the direction of the relative separation between the connecting portions of the torque rod in two connected members such as a power unit of an automobile and a vehicle body, which are connected to each other by the torque rod, is limited. A stopper mechanism can be realized. In addition, since the stopper load due to the contact of the contact portion in the stopper mechanism is exerted in the length direction of the rod member, for example, by applying the stopper load in the axial direction of the rod member, shearing and bending stresses can be suppressed. Thus, the tensile strength of the rod member can be used more efficiently to improve the load bearing performance of the stopper mechanism.

  Further, since one of the central buffer rubber and the both side buffer rubber contacts the contact protrusion prior to the other, a stepped buffer action by the buffer rubber is exhibited in the stopper mechanism. Therefore, for example, a non-linear load-displacement characteristic such as a two-stage rising characteristic can be easily set, and the degree of freedom in the characteristic tuning of the stopper mechanism can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the torque rod according to the first aspect includes rubber bushes having different outer dimensions at both ends in the length direction of the rod member. In the rubber bush, the stopper mechanism is configured.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to this aspect, the rubber volume of the rubber elastic body constituting the rubber bush can be secured by increasing the outer size of the rubber bush. In particular, by applying the stopper mechanism having a structure according to the present invention to the rubber bush having the larger outer dimension, the relative displacement between the inner shaft member and the outer cylinder member can be ensured and the space for the connecting portion can be saved. This makes it possible to achieve a balance with the realization more effectively.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the torque rod according to the first or second aspect, the outer cylindrical member of the rubber bush has a notch window opened at an axial end edge, The rod member fixed to the inner shaft member of the rubber bush extends in and out of the outer cylinder member in a state of being inserted into the notch window, and the abutting protrusion is the rod member Is formed so as to protrude from both sides in the width direction.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to this aspect, the outer cylindrical member is formed with the notch window opened at the axial end edge, and the rod member is inserted into the notch window and fixed to the inner shaft member. Accordingly, for example, a rod member having a shape in which the central axis extends substantially linearly in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rubber bush can be fixed to the inner shaft member by being overlapped from the outside in the axial direction. Thereby, the protrusion dimension to the axial direction of the rubber bush in a torque rod can be restrained small. In addition, as the rod member, it is possible to adopt a shape in which the central axis extends substantially linearly in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rubber bush, so that space saving for mounting the rod member and improvement of load resistance performance can be achieved. Is also possible.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the torque rod according to any one of the first to third aspects, an end portion of the rod member is overlapped with an axial end surface of the inner shaft member of the rubber bush. And are bolted.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to this aspect, the rod member and the inner shaft member of the rubber bush are fixed to each other by the bolt, so that the torque rod can be easily detachably fixed with a simple structure.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the torque rod according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the rubber bush is positioned with the inner shaft member interposed therebetween in a length direction of the rod member. In both side portions, a hollow space is provided, and the abutting protrusion is inserted into the hollow space located on the center side in the length direction of the rod member with respect to the inner shaft member. It is what has been.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to this aspect, the stopper mechanism can be configured by skillfully using the empty space. Moreover, it becomes possible to adjust the spring characteristic of the rubber elastic body in the rubber bush by such a hollow space.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the torque rod according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a front end surface of the rod member in a length direction is directed to the outer cylinder member of the rubber bush. The rod member is disposed opposite to the length direction of the rod member, and the tip end surface of the rod member can be brought into contact with the outer cylinder member via a contact rubber provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member. It is what has been.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to this aspect, the front end surface of the rod member in the length direction and the outer cylinder member are in contact with each other, and are connected to each other by the torque rod, for example, a power unit of an automobile and a vehicle body. The amount of displacement in the relative approach direction between the connecting portions of the torque rod in the two connected members can be limited. Further, since the load due to the contact between the distal end surface in the length direction of the rod member and the outer cylinder member is exerted in the length direction of the rod member, for example, by applying the load in the axial direction of the rod member, shearing is performed. It is also possible to improve the load bearing performance by suppressing the bending stress and using the compressive strength of the rod member more efficiently.

  According to the torque rod having the structure according to the present invention, the load bearing performance against a heavy load such as a stopper load is reduced while saving the space for mounting the rubber bush provided at the longitudinal end of the rod member. It becomes possible to improve durability. Further, since the buffer rubber that exhibits a buffering action in the stopper mechanism is configured by the central buffer rubber and the both side buffer rubbers that are sequentially brought into contact with each other, the degree of freedom of characteristic tuning in the stopper mechanism can be improved.

The top view which shows the torque rod as one Embodiment of this invention. The front view of the torque rod shown by FIG. The bottom view of the torque rod shown by FIG. IV-IV sectional drawing in FIG. VV sectional drawing in FIG. VI-VI sectional drawing in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, the torque rod 10 as one Embodiment of this invention is shown by FIGS. The torque rod 10 is interposed between the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 and elastically connects the power unit 12 to the vehicle body 14. In general, the torque rod extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and is attached to the vehicle. In the following description, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is described as the vehicle front-rear direction, but the torque rod 10 according to the present invention is It is not limited to the one that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Moreover, in the following description, the vertical direction refers to the vertical direction in FIG. 2, and the horizontal direction refers to the downward and upward direction in FIG.

  More specifically, the torque rod 10 of the present embodiment extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a first rubber bush 16 is provided at one end in the length direction (left side in FIG. 1). At the same time, a second rubber bush 18 as a rubber bush is provided at the other end in the length direction (right side in FIG. 1).

  The first rubber bushing 16 includes a substantially cylindrical first inner shaft member 20 and a first outer cylinder member 22 that extend in the left-right direction, respectively, and a first rubber elastic body disposed between these radial directions. 24. That is, the first inner shaft member 20 and the first outer cylinder member 22 are inserted and removed substantially concentrically and elastically connected by the first rubber elastic body 24. Note that the axial dimension (vertical dimension in FIG. 1) of the first inner shaft member 20 is larger than that of the first outer cylinder member 22, and from both axial sides of the first outer cylinder member 22. The first inner shaft member 20 protrudes. Moreover, in this embodiment, the outer periphery shape of the 1st outer cylinder member 22 is made into the substantially rectangular shape.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal sleeve 26 is extrapolated with respect to the first inner shaft member 20, and the first rubber elastic body 24 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first inner shaft member 20. In addition, the first rubber elastic body 24 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the metal sleeve 26. In particular, in the present embodiment, the first rubber elastic body 24 is formed as an integrally vulcanized molded product including the first inner shaft member 20 and the metal sleeve 26. The first rubber bush 16 is configured by inserting and fixing the integrally vulcanized molded product into the first outer cylinder member 22 in a press-fitted state.

  On the other hand, the second rubber bush 18 includes a second inner shaft member 28 as a substantially cylindrical inner shaft member extending in the vertical direction and a second outer cylinder member 30 as an outer cylinder member, and their radial directions. And a second rubber elastic body 32 as a rubber elastic body disposed between the opposing surfaces. That is, the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30 are inserted into and removed from each other, and both the members 28 and 30 are elastically connected by the second rubber elastic body 32. In the present embodiment, the center axis of the second inner shaft member 28 is biased toward the vehicle rear side with respect to the center axis of the second outer cylinder member 30, and the center axes are arranged in parallel. ing.

  Further, in the second rubber elastic body 32, there are formed hollow spaces 34 and 36 penetrating in the vertical direction on both sides in the vehicle front-rear direction with the second inner shaft member 28 interposed therebetween. Each of these emptying spaces 34 and 36 has a predetermined circumferential dimension, and in this embodiment, the emptying space 34 located in the front is smaller in the circumferential direction than a half circumference, while being rearward. The positioned empty space 36 has a circumferential dimension larger than a half circumference. Thus, the second rubber elastic body 32 includes a pair of rubber arm portions 38, 38 extending diagonally forward of the vehicle from the left and right sides of the second inner shaft member 28. The left and right separation distances of 38 are gradually widened toward the front. That is, the circumferential dimension of the rubber arm portions 38, 38 can be changed by adjusting the circumferential dimension of the meat emptying spaces 34, 36, and the spring characteristics of the second rubber elastic body 32 are set appropriately. Can be done.

  Furthermore, covering rubber layers 40 and 42 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second inner shaft member 28 and the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30 over substantially the entire surface, and these rubber arm portions 38, 38 and the covering rubber layers 40 and 42 are integrally formed in the second rubber elastic body 32. In the present embodiment, the second rubber elastic body 32 is formed as an integral vulcanization molded product including the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30.

  In the present embodiment, a concave fitting groove 44 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) is formed at the central portion on the upper end surface in the axial direction of the second inner shaft member 28. The upper end surface in the axial direction of the inner shaft member 28 is made lower in the central portion than both sides by the depth of the fitting groove 44. The axial dimension of the second inner shaft member 28 is substantially equal to the axial dimension of the second outer cylinder member 30 in the maximum dimension of the portion where the fitting groove 44 is not formed. The lower end of the inner shaft member 28 and the lower end of the second outer cylinder member 30 are substantially in the same position in the axial direction, and the second inner shaft member 28 is not formed in the portion where the fitting groove 44 is formed. The upper end is substantially in the same position as the upper end of the second outer cylinder member 30 in the axial direction.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the substantial outer dimension of the first rubber bush 16 and the substantial outer dimension of the second rubber bush 18 are different from each other, compared to the first rubber bush 16. The second rubber bush 18 is made larger. That is, the inner diameter dimension of the second outer cylinder member 30 is made larger than the inner diameter dimension of the first outer cylinder member 22. Thereby, the second rubber elastic body 32 in the second rubber bush 18 is larger in overall size and rubber volume than the first rubber elastic body 24 in the first rubber bush 16.

  Further, a notch window 46 opened upward at an upper end edge serving as an axial end edge is formed in a front portion of the second outer cylinder member 30. The cutout window 46 is substantially rectangular and is formed through the second outer cylinder member 30 in the thickness direction. The depth dimension (vertical dimension) of the cutout window 46 is a dimension that does not reach the lower edge, and in this embodiment is about half the axial dimension of the second outer cylinder member 30. Accordingly, the inner peripheral surface at the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the cutout window 46 is positioned below the upper end surface of the second inner shaft member 28, more specifically, the bottom surface of the fitting groove 44. doing.

  Further, a mounting portion 48 that protrudes from the vicinity of the lower portion of the second outer cylinder member 30 to the outer peripheral side is provided. In the present embodiment, a pair of mounting portions 48, 48 projecting from the vicinity of the lower end of the second outer cylinder member 30 to both the left and right sides are provided so as to have a substantially thick plate shape and spread in a predetermined length in the circumferential direction. It has been. Two bolt insertion holes 50 penetrating in the vertical direction are formed in each of the attachment portions 48, 48.

  Furthermore, in the covering rubber layer 42 covering the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30, a rear shock absorbing rubber 52 as a contact rubber protruding toward the vehicle front side is provided from a portion located on the vehicle rear side. It has been. The rear cushioning rubber 52 is formed at a position in the axially upper portion of the second outer cylindrical member 30 in the rear portion of the covering rubber layer 42.

  Further, a front shock absorbing rubber 54 as a shock absorbing rubber protruding toward the vehicle rear side is provided from a portion of the covering rubber layer 42 located on the vehicle front side. That is, a pair of both-side cushioning rubbers 56 and 56 projecting to the vehicle rear side are provided from both sides in the circumferential direction across the notch window 46 in the portion of the covering rubber layer 42 located on the vehicle front side. The both side cushioning rubbers 56 and 56 have substantially the same shape as each other, and in the front part of the covering rubber layer 42, a predetermined axis is provided in a substantially central part in the axial direction (vertical direction) of the second rubber bush 18. It is formed with directional dimensions.

  On the other hand, in the portion of the covering rubber layer 42 located on the front side of the vehicle, below the notch window 46 between the circumferential directions of the both side cushioning rubbers 56, 56 is toward the vehicle rear side, that is, the second inner shaft member 28. A central cushioning rubber 58 is provided that protrudes toward the center. That is, the above-described front shock absorbing rubber 54 is configured to include both the shock absorbing rubbers 56 and 56 and the central shock absorbing rubber 58. The rear buffer rubber 52 and the front buffer rubber 54 (both side buffer rubbers 56 and 56 and the central buffer rubber 58) are integrally formed with the covering rubber layer 42. In the present embodiment, the projecting dimension of the central cushioning rubber 58 toward the rear side of the vehicle is larger than that of the both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56, and the rear end surface of the central cushioning rubber 58 is greater than that of the both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56. Located on the rear side.

  The first rubber bush 16 and the second rubber bush 18 having the above-described structure are attached to both end portions in the length direction of the rod member 60 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, whereby the torque rod of the present embodiment. 10 is configured. The rod member 60 is a longitudinal member having a substantially rectangular cross section, and is a highly rigid member made of metal or synthetic resin. In the present embodiment, as indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the central axis 62 of at least the vehicle rear side portion of the rod member 60 extends substantially linearly, and the central axis of the second rubber bush 18 is On the other hand, the rod member 60 extends substantially linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction in a direction substantially orthogonal to the vehicle. Further, the first outer cylinder member 22 in the first rubber bush 16 is located at the center of the rod member 60 at one end in the length direction of the rod member 60 (left side in FIG. Both the shaft 62 and the second rubber bush 18 are integrally formed with a central axis extending substantially at right angles.

  Furthermore, a bolt screw hole 64 that opens downward is formed at the other end in the length direction of the rod member 60 (the right side in FIG. 1, that is, the rear of the vehicle). Further, at the other end in the length direction of the rod member 60, the rod member 60 protrudes downward from the bolt screw hole 64 toward the center in the length direction, that is, one side in the length direction (the first rubber bush 16 side). A contact protrusion 66 is provided. The contact protrusion 66 has a substantially rectangular block shape smaller than the hollow space 34, and the protrusion dimension (vertical dimension) from the rod member 60 is the fitting in the second inner shaft member 28. The axial dimension from the bottom surface to the lower surface of the groove 44 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than that. Further, the width dimension of the contact protrusion 66 in the left-right direction is larger than the width dimension in the middle portion in the length direction of the rod member 60, and the contact protrusion 66 moves from the rod member 60 in the left-right direction (width direction). In addition to projecting on both sides, the lateral width of the abutment projection 66 is made larger than the lateral width of the cutout window 46 provided in front of the second outer cylinder member 30.

  In the vehicle front side end face 67 of the contact protrusion 66, a recess-shaped cutout 68 that opens forward and downward is formed at the center in the left-right direction.

  Then, the integrally vulcanized molded product of the first rubber elastic body 24 is pressed into the first outer cylinder member 22 provided at one end in the length direction of the rod member 60 having such a structure. The first rubber bush 16 is provided at one end in the length direction of the rod member 60 by being inserted and fixed at.

  On the other hand, at the other end in the length direction of the rod member 60, the second inner shaft member 28 in the second rubber bush 18, which is a separate component from the lower side, is overlapped, and the second inner shaft member 28. A rod member 60 is fitted into the fitting groove 44. The height dimension of the rod member 60 is substantially the same as the depth dimension of the fitting groove 44 of the second inner shaft member 28. That is, the upper end surface in the axial direction of the second inner shaft member 28 is overlapped with the rod member 60 in a contact state on the bottom surface of the fitting groove 44, The upper end surface in the axial direction of the inner shaft member 28 and the upper end surface of the rod member 60 are aligned at substantially the same height. Then, the fixing bolt 72 inserted through the inner hole 70 of the second inner shaft member 28 in the second rubber bush 18 is screwed into the bolt screw hole 64 of the rod member 60, so that the rod member 60 A second rubber bush 18 is fixedly provided at the other end in the length direction. Therefore, the fixing portion of the rod member 60 to the second inner shaft member 28 includes the bolt screw hole 64.

  In the fixed state of the rod member 60 and the second rubber bush 18, the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 60 is provided on the vehicle front side of the second outer cylinder member 30 in the second rubber bush 18. At least a part of the cross section is inserted into the cutout window 46. In particular, in this embodiment, more than half of the cross section of the rod member 60 or more than half of the height dimension is inserted into the cutout window 46. That is, the rod member 60 that extends from the outer peripheral side of the second outer cylinder member 30 on the vehicle front side extends to the inner peripheral side of the second outer cylinder member 30 through the cutout window 46, and the other end of the rod member 60. The portion is fixed to the second inner shaft member 28 on the inner peripheral side of the second outer cylinder member 30.

  And the vehicle rear side end surface 74 which becomes the other end surface of the length direction of the rod member 60 is located in the vehicle rear side rather than the 2nd inner shaft member 28, The upper part of the 2nd inner shaft member 28 , The vehicle rear side end surface 74 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30 face each other with a predetermined distance in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the axially upper portion of the second outer cylinder member 30 protrudes forward of the vehicle on the vehicle rear side of the covering rubber layer 42 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30. Since the rear shock absorbing rubber 52 is provided, the vehicle rear side end surface 74 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30 are disposed to face each other with the rear shock absorbing rubber 52 interposed therebetween. Is in contact with the second outer cylinder member 30 via the rear cushioning rubber 52.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the vehicle rear side end surface 74 of the rod member 60 is a flat surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis 62, and the width in the left-right direction as compared with the middle portion in the length direction of the rod member 60. The dimensions have been increased. Thereby, when the rod member 60 is relatively displaced toward the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the second outer cylinder member 30, the area of the portion that comes into contact with the second outer cylinder member 30 via the rear cushioning rubber 52 is sufficiently large. It can be secured.

  Further, in the fixed state of the rod member 60 and the second rubber bush 18, the contact protrusion 66 extending downward from the rod member 60 has a diameter between the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30. It is inserted into a hollow space 34 on the vehicle front side (the center side in the length direction of the rod member 60 with respect to the second inner shaft member 28) provided between the direction facing surfaces. In the present embodiment, when no external force is exerted on the torque rod 10, the contact protrusion 66 has the rubber arm portions 38, 38 positioned on the outer peripheral side of the meat emptying space 34, and the both-side buffer rubbers 56, 56. It is inserted into a substantially middle portion of the empty space 34 in a state where it does not contact any of the central cushioning rubber 58.

  That is, both the left and right end portions of the contact protrusion 66 extend from the rod member 60 to both sides in the circumferential direction of the second outer cylinder member 30, while the front cushioning rubber 54 extends rearward of the vehicle. The both-side buffer rubbers 56, 56 project toward the both circumferential side portions (the left and right direction both end portions) of the abutting protrusion 66, so that both the circumferential direction both sides of the abutting projection 66 and the both-side buffer rubbers 56, 56 Are opposed to each other with a predetermined distance in the vehicle longitudinal direction. At the same time, out of the front shock absorbing rubber 54 extending rearward of the vehicle, the central shock absorbing rubber 58 protrudes toward the circumferential central portion (left and right central portion) of the contact protruding portion 66, whereby the contact protruding portion 66 is obtained. The center portion in the circumferential direction is opposed to the central cushioning rubber 58 via the notch 68 with a predetermined distance in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  In short, the center portion in the circumferential direction of the abutment protrusion 66 is arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle front side portion (the lower portion of the notch window 46) of the second outer cylinder member 30 via the central cushioning rubber 58. (The length direction of the rod member 60) is arranged opposite to each other, and the central portion in the circumferential direction of the contact protrusion 66 is in contact with the second outer cylinder member 30 via the central cushioning rubber 58. . At the same time, both end portions in the left-right direction of the contact protrusion 66 are arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to both sides in the circumferential direction sandwiching the cutout window 46 in the second outer cylinder member 30 via both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56 ( (The longitudinal direction of the rod member 60) and the both ends of the abutting protrusion 66 abut against the second outer cylinder member 30 via the both side cushioning rubbers 56, 56. ing.

  In the torque rod 10 having such a structure, the mounting bolt 76 is inserted into the first inner shaft member 20 of the first rubber bush 16 and is screwed to the power unit 12. The mounting bolt 78 is inserted into each bolt insertion hole 50 of the second outer cylinder member 30 in the second rubber bush 18 and is screwed to the vehicle body 14 while being attached to the power unit 12. Two rubber bushings 18 are attached to the vehicle body 14. Thereby, the power unit 12 is elastically connected to the vehicle body 14 by the torque rod 10. In other words, the members to be connected to each other by the torque rod 10 are the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14, and the connection part in the power unit 12 and the connection part in the vehicle body 14 are the first rubber bushes of the torque rod 10. It is comprised by each attachment site | part of 16 and the 2nd rubber bush 18. As shown in FIG. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the second rubber bush 18 is fixed to the vehicle body 14 by the mounting portions 48 and 48 projecting on the outer peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30, for example, The degree of freedom of the structure and shape of the vehicle body 14 can be improved as compared with the press-fit structure.

  A torque rod mounted between the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 so that the relative displacement caused by the torque reaction force caused between the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle is performed. For example, the rotation of the power unit 12 with respect to the vehicle body 14 with respect to the vehicle body 14 can be efficiently suppressed. At this time, for example, when a torque reaction force is generated in a direction in which the connecting portion of the torque rod 10 to the power unit 12 and the connecting portion to the vehicle body 14 are brought close to each other, the longitudinal compression force is exerted on the rod member 60. Is affected. As a result, in the second rubber bush 18, the second inner shaft member 28 fixed to the rod member 60 is against the second outer cylinder member 30 with the elastic deformation of the rubber arm portions 38, 38. Displaces backward.

  Here, since the separation distance between the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30 is smaller than the separation distance between the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30, the rod The vehicle rear side end surface 74 of the member 60 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30, so that the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30 in the second rubber bush 18 are connected. The relative displacement amount, and thus the relative displacement amount due to the torque reaction force of the power unit 12 with respect to the vehicle body 14 is limited.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the rear shock absorbing rubber 52 is provided between the vehicle rear side end surface 74 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30, the rod member 60 is connected to the second outer cylinder. The member 30 is brought into contact with the member 30 via a rear cushioning rubber 52. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an impact and noise accompanying the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30 hitting each other.

  On the other hand, when a torque reaction force is generated in a direction in which the connecting portion of the torque rod 10 to the power unit 12 and the connecting portion to the vehicle body 14 are separated from each other, a tensile force in the longitudinal direction is exerted on the rod member 60. It is. As a result, in the second rubber bush 18, the second inner shaft member 28 fixed to the rod member 60 is against the second outer cylinder member 30 with the elastic deformation of the rubber arm portions 38, 38. Displace to the front side.

  Here, the separation distance between the contact projection 66 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30 is made smaller than the separation distance between the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30. Therefore, the vehicle front side end surface 67 of the abutting protrusion 66 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30, whereby the second inner shaft member 28 and the second inner shaft member 28 in the second rubber bush 18 are contacted. The relative displacement amount between the second outer cylinder member 30 and the relative displacement amount due to the torque reaction force of the power unit 12 with respect to the vehicle body 14 is limited.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vehicle front side end surface 67 of the contact protrusion 66 is an opposing surface that faces the second outer cylinder member 30, and the contact protrusion 66 extends from the rod member 60 to the second surface. Since the outer cylindrical member 30 has a shape that spreads on both sides in the circumferential direction, the vehicle front side end surface 67 of the contact projection 66 also spreads on both sides in the circumferential direction of the second outer cylindrical member 30.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the abutting protrusion 66 of the rod member 60 and the circumferential both sides of the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30 sandwiching the notch window 46 are the portions that abut each other. The stopper mechanism that limits the relative displacement amount between the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30 by arranging them facing each other in the empty space 34 on the vehicle front side. 82 is configured. In short, the rod member 60 connected to the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30 come into contact with each other, whereby the displacement amount of the rod member 60 in the length direction in the second rubber bush 18. A stopper mechanism 82 is provided to limit the above.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since both side buffer rubbers 56 are provided between the abutting protrusion 66 and the second outer cylinder member 30 in the vehicle front-rear direction, the circumference of the abutting protrusion 66 is reduced. Both end portions in the direction are brought into contact with the second outer cylinder member 30 via both side cushion rubbers 56, 56. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an impact or abnormal noise caused by the contact between the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the central cushioning rubber 58 projecting toward the vehicle rear side from the both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56 is provided, the abutting projection 66 and the both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56 are brought into contact with each other. Prior to this, the center portion in the circumferential direction of the contact protrusion 66 and the central cushioning rubber 58 are brought into contact with each other. Thereby, a stepwise buffering action is exhibited when an external force acts in the length direction of the rod member 60 (the vehicle front side). In particular, the central shock absorbing rubber 58 that increases deformation strain at the time of contact is in contact with the inner surface of the concave notch 68, and deformation of the central shock absorbing rubber 58 is restricted by the inner surface of the notch 68. Thus, adjustment of the spring characteristics of the central shock absorbing rubber 58 and improvement of durability are achieved.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, when an external force is applied to the torque rod 10, the rod member 60 is moved forward or backward across the second inner shaft member 28 in the length direction of the rod member 60. Since it is made to contact | abut to the cylinder member 30, the displacement amount of the 2nd inner shaft member 28 with respect to the 2nd outer cylinder member 30 is restrict | limited at both length direction sides.

  In the torque rod 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the second outer cylinder member 30 is fixed to the vehicle body 14, and the second inner shaft member 28 is displaced within the second outer cylinder member 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large space on the outer peripheral side for the displacement of the second outer cylinder member 30 as in Patent Document 1, and the second rubber bush 18 is provided in the vehicle body 14. The surrounding arrangement space required for mounting can be kept small.

  Further, in the torque rod 10 of the present embodiment, the rod member 60 and the second rubber bush 18 are separated from each other, so that one of the rod member 60 and the second rubber bush 18 can be redesigned, It is possible to make the combinations different from each other, and it is easy to improve the efficiency of characteristic tuning and to share partial parts between different vehicle types.

  In the torque rod 10 having the above-described structure, the stopper mechanism 82 is formed at the contact portion between the contact protrusion 66 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30. It can be avoided that the contact force directly acts on the fixed portion between the rod member 60 and the second inner shaft member 28. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the adverse effect exerted on the fixing portion between the second inner shaft member 28 and the rod member 60 by the large contact force exerted on the stopper mechanism 82.

  Further, when the abutting protrusion 66 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30 come into contact with each other, a buffering action is exerted by the front shock absorbing rubber 54 provided between the opposed members. In particular, the front cushioning rubber 54 is configured to include both side cushioning rubbers 56 and 56 and a central cushioning rubber 58 having different projecting dimensions from the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder member 30, and thus the abutting A stepwise buffering action is exhibited when the protrusion 66 and the second outer cylinder member 30 come into contact with each other. This avoids a sudden change in the load-displacement characteristic, and suppresses the generation of noise and vibrations and the occupant discomfort associated with the contact protrusion 66 and the front cushioning rubber 54 striking each other. Is possible. Further, the shape and size of the both side cushioning rubbers 56 and 56 and the central cushioning rubber 58, and further, the material can be adjusted and set as required. Therefore, by configuring the front shock absorbing rubber 54 to include both the shock absorbing rubbers 56 and 56 and the central shock absorbing rubber 58, the degree of freedom in tuning the stopper characteristics exhibited by the front shock absorbing rubber 54 can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when an external force in a direction in which the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 approach each other is exerted on the torque rod 10, the vehicle rear side end surface 74, which is the front end surface of the rod member 60, When the two outer cylinder members 30 come into contact with each other, the relative displacement amount of the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 can be limited. In particular, the rod member 60 extends linearly from the second rubber bush 18, and the vehicle rear side end surface 74 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central axis 62 of the rod member 60. The external force accompanying the contact with the outer cylindrical member 30 is efficiently exerted on the rod member 60 as an axial compressive force. As a result, it is possible to suppress the bending and shearing stress induced in the rod member 60 and to use the member strength of the rod member 60 more efficiently, and to further improve the load bearing performance.

  In the present embodiment, the first rubber bush 16 and the second rubber bush 18 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the torque rod 10, and the second rubber bush is more than the first rubber bush 16. No. 18 has a larger outer dimension and is given a large vibration-proof performance. In the second rubber bush 18, the fixing structure between the rod member 60 and the second inner shaft member 28 and the direct contact between the contact protrusion 66 of the rod member 60 and the second outer cylinder member 30. By adopting the stopper mechanism 82, it is possible to more efficiently enjoy the reduction of the arrangement space and the improvement of the stopper load performance in the large second rubber bush 18.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the rod member 60 is inserted into the cutout window 46 of the second outer cylinder member 30, the projecting dimension of the rod member 60 from the second rubber bush 18 and thus the arrangement of the torque rod 10 are arranged. Installation space can be kept small. Even when the rod member 60 is detached from the second rubber bush 18, the rod member 60 can be pulled out upward of the second rubber bush 18 through the cutout window 46.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this is an illustration to the last, Comprising: This invention is not limited at all by the specific description regarding this embodiment.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when an external force toward the vehicle rear side (external force in a direction in which the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 approach each other) is exerted on the torque rod 10, the distal end surface of the rod member 60. Although the vehicle rear side end surface 74 and the second outer cylinder member 30 are in contact with each other and the relative displacement amount between the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 is limited, this is limited to such a mode. It is not a thing. That is, when an external force in the above direction is exerted on the torque rod 10, the second inner shaft member 28 and the second outer cylinder member 30 come into contact with each other, so that the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 The relative displacement amount may be limited, or when an external force in the above direction is applied, the relative displacement amount between the power unit 12 and the vehicle body 14 may not be limited. Good.

  Further, in the present invention, the cutout window 46 provided in the second outer cylinder member 30 is not essential. That is, for example, the rod member 60 has a curved shape, and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 60 gets over the wall portion on the vehicle front side of the second outer tube member 30. It may be arranged in the member 30.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the first rubber bush 16 can be appropriately selected from known ones without any limitation. For example, a ball joint, a sliding sleeve, or the like can be used. In addition, the connecting structure between the rod member 60 and the second inner shaft member 28 in the second rubber bush 18 may employ various known connecting structures such as welding, rivets, and caulking, in addition to the illustrated bolt fixing. is there.

  Further, in the present invention, the first rubber bush 16 is not essential, but even when the first rubber bush 16 is provided, the first outer cylinder member 22 (rod) as in the above embodiment. The first rubber bushing 16 is not limited to a mode in which the integrally vulcanized molded product of the first rubber elastic body 24 is press-fitted into the member 60), and the first rubber bush 16 includes the first inner shaft member 20 and the first outer member. An integrally vulcanized molded product of the first rubber elastic body 24 including the cylindrical member 22 may be formed by press-fitting and fixing to a cylindrical arm eye of the rod member 60.

  In the embodiment, the first rubber bush 16 and the second rubber bush 18 are provided, and the second rubber bush 18 is larger in outer dimension than the first rubber bush 16. The first rubber bush 16 and the second rubber bush 18 may be substantially the same size, or the first rubber bush 16 may have a larger outer dimension than the second rubber bush 18. Good. The first rubber bush 16 may have the same structure as that of the second rubber bush 18. That is, the first rubber bush 16 is a separate part from the rod member 60, and the first inner shaft member 20 is fixed to the rod member 60, and the rod member 60 and the first outer cylinder member 22 are fixed. Thus, a stopper mechanism in which a relative displacement amount between the first inner shaft member 20 and the first outer cylinder member 22 is limited may be configured. Therefore, the rubber bush in which the stopper mechanism is provided in the torque rod 10 may be one of the first rubber bush 16 and the second rubber bush 18 or both.

  In the above embodiment, the buffer rubber (front buffer rubber 54) is integrally formed with the second rubber elastic body 32, but both side buffer rubbers 56, 56 and / or the central buffer constituting the front buffer rubber 54 are used. The rubber 58 may be formed separately from the second rubber elastic body 32, for example, and vulcanized and bonded to the rod member 60 or may be fixed later. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the central cushioning rubber 58 protrudes further to the rear than the both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56, but for example, the both-side cushioning rubbers 56, 56 may protrude further to the rear than the central cushioning rubber 58. Good. Furthermore, it is also possible to make the materials of the both side buffer rubbers 56, 56 and the central buffer rubber 58 different from each other, whereby the degree of freedom in tuning the buffer rubber (front buffer rubber 54) can be further improved. The shapes and sizes of the both-side cushion rubbers 56 and 56 do not have to be equal to each other, and the shapes and sizes of the both-side cushion rubbers 56 and 56 and the central cushion rubber 58 can be different from each other. For example, three or more stages of rising characteristics (load-displacement characteristics) can be set by forming the sequential contact surfaces by partially changing the protruding height of the two-sided cushioning rubber 56 and the central cushioning rubber 58 themselves. You can also

10: torque rod, 18: second rubber bush (rubber bush), 28: second inner shaft member (inner shaft member), 30: second outer cylinder member (outer cylinder member), 32: second Rubber elastic body (rubber elastic body), 34, 36: Empty space, 46: Notched window, 52: Back cushion rubber (contact rubber), 54: Front cushion rubber (buffer rubber), 56: Both side cushion rubber, 58: central cushion rubber, 60: rod member, 64: bolt screw hole (fixed portion of the rod member to the inner shaft member), 66: abutting protrusion, 67: front end surface of the vehicle (outer cylinder of the abutting protrusion) Surface facing the member), 74: vehicle rear side end surface (tip surface in the length direction of the rod member), 82: stopper mechanism

Claims (6)

In the torque rod provided with a rubber bush at the end in the length direction of the rod member and provided with a stopper mechanism for limiting the amount of displacement in the length direction of the rod member in the rubber bush,
The rubber bush includes an inner shaft member, an outer cylinder member, and a rubber elastic body that connects the inner shaft member and the outer cylinder member, and an end portion of the rod member in the length direction is formed. While being fixed to the inner shaft member of the rubber bush made of another part,
The rod member is positioned closer to the center side of the length direction of the rod member than the fixing portion of the rubber bush to the inner shaft member, and the inner shaft member of the rubber bush and the outer cylinder member An abutting protrusion that is inserted between the opposing surfaces is provided, and the corresponding abutting protrusion is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical member with respect to the outer cylindrical member that is disposed to face the rod member in the length direction. The stopper mechanism is configured by being able to come into contact via the provided cushion rubber,
Faces of the abutting protrusions facing the outer cylinder member are spread on both sides in the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder member, and the cushioning rubber extends from the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder member in the circumferential central portion of the abutting protrusion. A central cushioning rubber projecting toward the inner side, and both side cushioning rubbers projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical member toward both sides in the circumferential direction of the corresponding projecting part, and the length direction of the rod member A torque rod, wherein one of the central cushioning rubber and the two sided cushioning rubbers is brought into contact with the corresponding contact protrusion before the other when an external force is applied to the torque rod.   The torque according to claim 1, wherein rubber rods having different external dimensions are provided at both ends in the length direction of the rod member, and the stopper mechanism is configured in the rubber bush having a larger external dimension. rod. The outer cylinder member of the rubber bush has a notch window opened at an axial end edge, and the rod member fixed to the inner shaft member of the rubber bush is inserted into the notch window. The outer cylinder member is extended and arranged in the state, and
The torque rod according to claim 1, wherein the contact protrusion is formed to protrude from the rod member on both sides in the width direction.   The torque rod according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an end portion of the rod member is overlapped with an axial end surface of the inner shaft member of the rubber bush and fixed with a bolt. The rubber bush is provided with an empty space in each side portion located across the inner shaft member in the length direction of the rod member,
5. The contact protrusion according to claim 1, wherein the abutting protrusion is inserted into the hollow space located on the center side in the length direction of the rod member with respect to the inner shaft member. Torque rod.   The front end surface of the rod member in the length direction is disposed to face the outer cylinder member of the rubber bush in the length direction of the rod member, and is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member. The torque rod according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a distal end surface of the rod member can be brought into contact with the outer cylinder member via a contact rubber.

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