JP5085442B2 - Upper support - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an upper support that elastically connects an upper end portion of a piston rod of a suspension device including a coil spring and a shock absorber as elements and a vehicle body side to insulate the vibration.

  Conventionally, this type of upper support has been used in various forms and structures, one of which is an inner bracket (rigid inner member) that is fixed to the upper end of the piston rod and a fixed fastening to the vehicle body. A rigid outer metal fitting and an elastic vibration-proof member interposed between the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting. A housing is constituted by a cup-shaped portion composed of a cylindrical peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion, and an annular portion projecting radially inward from the peripheral edge of the opening at the upper end of the cup-shaped portion in the upper metal fitting. Is known in which the elastic vibration-proof member and the inner member are housed inside the housing.

  In this form of the upper support, the inner member has a tubular portion and a flange portion projecting radially outward from the tubular portion over the entire circumference, and the elastic vibration-proof member is a flange portion of the inner member. Enclose at least the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion in contact with the upper surface, the lower surface, and the outer peripheral end surface, and bring the outer peripheral surface into contact with the peripheral wall portion of the housing, the upper surface with the upper wall portion, and the lower surface with the bottom wall portion. The housing is accommodated together with the inner member while being compressed in the vertical direction.

In this type of upper support, conventionally, a rubber elastic body is used as an elastic vibration-proof member, and vibration absorption is performed based on elastic deformation of the rubber elastic body.
For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a rubber elastic body as an elastic vibration-proof member.

However, there is a problem that the rubber elastic body is heavy. Therefore, the elastic vibration isolator is lighter than the rubber elastic body and can be expected to improve the vibration isolating characteristic (for example, the damping performance is increased, and the dynamic spring constant is decreased). It has been proposed to use foamed polyurethane moldings that can be set.
For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a material using a polyurethane foam molded body as an elastic vibration-proof member.

  By the way, when using the polyurethane foam molded body as an elastic vibration-proof member, if this is configured as a molded product integral with the inner metal fitting, that is, the inner metal fitting is set as an insert in the mold cavity of the polyurethane foam molded article, If a polyurethane foam stock solution is injected and foamed and integrated with the inner metal fitting at the same time, the mold structure of the molded polyurethane mold becomes complicated, and the inner metal fitting is molded once during molding. An operation for setting in the cavity of the mold is required, and the molding operation of the polyurethane foam molding is complicated.

Therefore, it is conceivable that the foamed polyurethane molded body is molded separately from the inner metal fitting and is assembled to the inner metal fitting.
However, in this case, when the polyurethane foam molded body is formed as an integrated single molded body, it is molded into a shape that wraps around the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion so as to be in contact with the upper surface, the lower surface, and the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion of the inner metal fitting. It is technically difficult to assemble this to the inner metal fitting.

When the foamed polyurethane molded article is a molded article having such an integral structure, it is difficult to remove the molded article from the molding die, or damage such as cracks may be caused in the foamed polyurethane molded article.
Moreover, there is a possibility that the same problem may occur when this is assembled to the inner metal fitting.

Therefore, when the elastic vibration-proof member is composed of a foamed polyurethane molded body, it is conceivable that the foamed polyurethane molded body has a divided structure of a plurality of divided bodies and is assembled to the inner metal fitting.
In making a foamed polyurethane molded body into a divided structure of a plurality of divided bodies, it is usually considered to have a vertically divided structure with the flange portion of the inner metal fitting as a boundary.

FIG. 21 specifically shows this.
In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes an inner metal fitting, 202 denotes a cylindrical portion of the inner metal fitting 200, 204 denotes a flange portion projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion 202, and 206 denotes an elastic vibration-proof member made of a polyurethane foam molded body. , 206-1 and 206-2 are an upper divided body and a lower divided body in the polyurethane foam molded body 206, respectively.
The upper divided body 206-1 and the lower divided body 206-2 are divided into upper and lower parts with the vertical center position of the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 204 in the inner metal fitting 200 as a divided position.

  When the polyurethane foam molding is divided into upper and lower parts with such a divided structure, the upper divided body 206-1 and the lower divided body 206-2 can be easily aligned with each other. Can also be easily combined.

However, when the polyurethane foam molding has such a divided structure, the following problems occur.
That is, when an input in a direction perpendicular to the axis with respect to the inner metal fitting 200 is applied to the left in the figure in the direction of the arrow, the flange portion 204 of the inner metal fitting 200 causes the upper divided body 206-1 and the lower divided body 206-2 to be divided surfaces. The spring characteristic in which the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 204 finally hits the peripheral wall portion of the outer metal fitting 208 and generates a hitting sound, that is, abnormal noise, or the spring characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the axis is set by the biting. This causes a problem that the spring characteristics become unstable or the spring characteristics become unstable.

  In the case of the divided structure shown in FIG. 21, the upper divided body 206-1 and the lower divided body 206 when the upper divided body 206-1 and the lower divided body 206-2 are assembled to the inner metal fitting 200. -2 is weakly held, and there is a possibility that the upper divided body 206-1 and the lower divided body 206-2 may fall off in the process until they are assembled to the outer metal fitting 208 together with the inner member 200. In addition, there is a problem that this hinders the production.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-58252 JP 2003-184937 A

  The present invention is based on the above circumstances, and when a foamed polyurethane molded product is used as an elastic vibration-proof member, the molded polyurethane molded product can be easily molded and has good assemblage to the inner member, and the shaft is added to the inner member. Polyurethane foam assembled to the inner member that can solve the problem of abnormal noise caused by the contact between the inner member and the outer metal fitting due to the force in the perpendicular direction, or the unstable spring characteristics in the axial perpendicular direction. Provided is an upper support using a foamed polyurethane molded body as an elastic vibration-proof member, with which there is no fear that each divided body of the molded body will fall off, and the overall weight can be further increased compared to the conventional one. It was made for the purpose.

  Accordingly, the first aspect of the present invention is an upper support that elastically connects the upper end portion of the piston rod and the vehicle body side of the suspension device including the coil spring and the shock absorber as elements, and insulates and vibrates, the upper end portion of the piston rod. A rigid inner member fixed to the vehicle body, an outer metal fitting as a rigid outer member fastened and fixed to the vehicle body side, and an elastic vibration isolating member interposed between the inner member and the outer metal fitting. The outer metal fitting is superposed vertically and has an upper metal fitting and a lower metal fitting that form a housing that accommodates the elastic vibration isolating member and the inner member in a superposed state. A cup-shaped portion having a peripheral wall portion and a bottom wall portion and constituting a part of the housing is provided, and the upper metal fitting opens the upper end of the cup-shaped portion. An annular portion projecting inward in the radial direction from the peripheral edge of the housing, and the annular portion constitutes the upper wall portion of the housing. The inner member includes a tubular portion and the tubular portion. The elastic vibration-proof member is made of a polyurethane foam molded body, and the upper surface, the lower surface, and the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion of the inner member. Wrapping at least the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion in a state of being in contact with the housing, and being compressed in the vertical direction in the housing state, the outer peripheral surface is the peripheral wall portion of the housing, the upper surface is the upper wall portion, The lower surface is brought into contact with the bottom wall portion, and the elastic vibration-proof member is formed separately from the inner member and assembled to the inner member, and each of the inner member is It is divided into a plurality of divided bodies that form a ring around the line, and at least one of the first divided bodies covers the entire outer peripheral end surface in a state of being in contact with and fitted to the entire outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion, and The other divided body is contact-fitted to the first divided body with a divided surface extending in the vertical direction from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion or / and the vertical outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the inner member. It is characterized by being in contact fitting.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the dividing surface of the first divided body and the other divided body is vertically moved from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion to the axial end of the elastic vibration-proof member. It extends in the direction, and is contact-fitted to the first divided body at the divided surface until the other divided body reaches the axial end.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first and second aspects, the elastic vibration-proof member has a shape having a plurality of concave portions recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction. In addition, the peripheral wall portion of the outer fitting protrudes inward in the radial direction corresponding to the concave portion, and is provided with a plurality of protruding portions that engage with the concave portion in the circumferential direction. In the flange portion, flange-side recesses recessed inward in the radial direction at positions corresponding to the recesses are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, and the flange of the inner member of the elastic vibration-proof member and the outer bracket The wall thickness between the peripheral wall portions is uniform throughout the entire circumference.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the upper metal fitting protrudes radially outward over the entire circumference from the position of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion in the cup-shaped portion. The upper bolt hole is formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the flange portion, while the lower metal fitting is made of an aluminum alloy and corresponds to each of the upper bolt holes. A plurality of fixing portions extending from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion so as to protrude away from the outer peripheral surface at a circumferential position are provided, and a circumferential portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion is entirely void. The fixing portion has a lower bolt hole penetrating therethrough corresponding to the upper bolt hole, and the outer metal fitting is fastened to the vehicle body side in the lower bolt hole and the upper bolt hole. Tightening with a caulking shaft on the head side. The upper caulking shaft portion in which the bolt is inserted in the caulking shaft portion is caulked in the axial direction, and the flange portion and the lower metal fitting are compressed in the axial direction by the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting. It is characterized by being fixed by caulking up and down at the fixed portion.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the upper metal fitting is an iron press metal fitting formed by pressing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fourth and fifth aspects, a part of the flange portion is partially directed downward at a portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion in the upper metal part. While the caulking claws formed by bending are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, a plurality of locking recesses are provided at positions corresponding to the claws on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the lower metal fitting. The upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting are caulked and fixed vertically by caulking in a state of being engaged with the locking recess.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the lower bracket is provided with projections protruding upward from the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. A state in which fixing holes penetrating in the vertical direction are provided at positions corresponding to the protrusions, and the protrusion protruding upward from the fixing hole is crushed and expanded in the axial direction after the protrusions are inserted upward into the fixing holes. The upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting are caulked and fixed vertically by caulking.

Effects and effects of the invention

  As described above, according to the present invention, the elastic vibration-proof member is formed of a foamed polyurethane molded body, and is molded separately from the inner member and then assembled to the inner member. And a split structure of a plurality of split bodies having an annular shape around the axis of the inner member, and at least one of the first split bodies is in a state of being in contact fitting with the entire outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion of the inner member. The outer peripheral end surface of the part is entirely covered, and the other divided body is contact-fitted to the first divided body at the divided surface in the vertical direction or / and the vertical direction of the cylindrical portion of the inner member It is designed to be brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface.

  In the upper support of the present invention, since the elastic vibration-proof member that has been conventionally formed of a rubber elastic body is formed of a foamed polyurethane molded body, the weight of the upper support can be reduced.

  In addition, the foamed polyurethane molded product has a split structure of a plurality of divided bodies, and each divided body can be molded independently. Therefore, the foamed polyurethane molded body is damaged as compared with the case of molding the foamed polyurethane molded body as an integral molded body. It is possible to easily mold and take out the foamed polyurethane molded body without causing the above.

  Here, the polyurethane foam molded body has a divided structure in which the portion located above the upper surface of the flange portion of the inner member and the portion located below the lower surface are separate divided bodies. Can be kept.

  In the present invention, at least one of the first divided bodies is contact-fitted to the entire outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion of the inner member, and the divided surface is not located at the radially outer position of the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion. Therefore, even when a force in the direction perpendicular to the axis is applied to the inner member, the flange portion of the inner member does not bite into the split surface between the split body and the split body, and therefore the flange portion of the outer outer metal fitting There is no possibility of hitting the peripheral wall portion, that is, generating abnormal noise.

  Furthermore, the problem that the spring characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the axis becomes lower than the set spring characteristic or becomes unstable due to the flange portion of the inner member biting into the split surface can be solved.

  In addition, the first divided body is assembled to the inner member in contact with and fitted to the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion of the inner member, and the other divided body is attached to the first divided body and / or the cylindrical portion of the inner member. Since the inner member is assembled to the inner member in a state of being contact-fitted with the outer peripheral surface, each divided body can be favorably held with a predetermined holding force in the assembled state to the inner member.

  Therefore, after assembling the elastic vibration-proof member made of a polyurethane foam molded body to the inner member, either in the process until it is assembled with the outer metal fitting, or at the time of its assembly, any of the divided bodies will fall off the inner member. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the upper support from being assembled or manufactured without causing any troubles due to dropping off of the divided bodies.

  In this case, the dividing surface of the first divided body and the other divided body is extended in the vertical direction from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion of the inner member to the axial end of the elastic vibration-proof member, and the other divided body is pivoted. It can be made to contact-fit with the 1st division object in the division surface until it reaches a direction end (Claim 2).

If it does in this way, the retention strength by the contact fitting of a 1st division body and another division body can be strengthened, and it will become possible to prevent the drop-off of a division body still more effectively.
Here, the dividing surface that reaches the axial end can be a vertical dividing surface that extends in parallel with the axis of the inner member.

  Next, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the elastic vibration-proof member is formed into a shape having a plurality of concave portions recessed inward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction. Protrusions projecting inward in the radial direction corresponding to the recesses and provided in a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction to engage with the recesses, while the flange portion of the inner member is radially inward at a position corresponding to the recesses The flange-side recesses that are recessed are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, and the thickness of the elastic vibration-proof member between the flange portion of the inner member and the peripheral wall portion of the outer bracket is made uniform over the entire circumference. It is.

  According to the third aspect, even when a torsional force is applied to the inner member, the elastic vibration-proof member made of the polyurethane foam molded body slides in the rotational direction between the inner member and the outer metal fitting, Since it is possible to effectively prevent displacement, and the wall thickness between the peripheral wall portion of the elastic vibration-proof member and the flange portion is uniform over the entire circumference including the concave portion, The spring characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the elastic vibration-proof member can be made uniform in each direction around the axis of the inner member.

On the other hand, the lower metal fitting in the outer metal fitting is made of aluminum alloy.
Specifically, the upper metal fitting has a shape having a flange portion projecting radially outward over the entire circumference from the position of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion in the cup-shaped portion of the lower metal fitting, and the circumferential direction of the flange portion is While forming the upper bolt hole penetrating at a plurality of locations, the lower metal fitting is made of an aluminum alloy, and away from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion at the circumferential position corresponding to the upper bolt hole. Providing a plurality of fixing portions extending in a projecting manner, and forming a circumferential portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion as a whole, and forming a lower bolt hole corresponding to the upper bolt hole in each fixing portion. The caulking shaft portion of the fastening bolt that fastens the outer metal fitting to the vehicle body side is inserted into the lower bolt hole and the upper bolt hole, and the caulking shaft portion is caulked in the axial direction. And press the elastic vibration-proof member in the axial direction Up and down portions of the fixed portion above the flange portion in a state that is obtained without as caulking.

  In the present invention, the lower metal fitting is made of an aluminum alloy, and the circumferential portion between the plurality of fixed portions extending from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the cup-shaped portion and the fixed portion is entirely void. Therefore, that is, since the lower metal fitting has a shape that does not substantially have a flange portion, the lower metal fitting and thus the upper support can be further reduced in weight.

  On the other hand, for the fixed part that protrudes and extends from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part, that is, the fixed part where stress is concentrated when vibration load is input, it is necessary for the lower bracket by configuring this to the required thickness High strength can be ensured.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a caulking shaft portion is provided on a fastening bolt for fastening and fixing the outer metal fitting, that is, the upper support to the vehicle body side, and the caulking shaft portion is caulked in the axial direction so that the lower metal fitting, the upper metal fitting, Are fixed to each other.
Therefore, according to this claim, before attaching the upper support to the vehicle body side, the lower metal fitting and the upper metal fitting can be fixed in advance and assembled together with the elastic vibration-proof member and the inner member.

Specifically, the lower metal fitting and the upper metal fitting can be fixed in advance with fastening bolts in a state in which the elastic vibration-proof member is housed in a compressed state together with the inner member inside the housing. The support can be fastened and fixed to the vehicle body with fastening bolts.
Therefore, the work of attaching the upper support to the vehicle body side can be easily performed.

  Further, in this fourth aspect, since the lower metal fitting and the upper metal fitting are fixed by the fastening bolt between the fixing portion of the lower metal fitting and the flange portion of the upper metal fitting, the circumferential portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion of the lower metal fitting is provided. It can be made into a void, that is, the lower metal fitting itself can be formed into a shape that does not substantially have a flange portion, and further weight reduction can be realized as described above.

In the fourth aspect, the upper metal fitting in the outer metal fitting can also be made of an aluminum alloy.
However, the flange part of the upper bracket is a part necessary as a spring seat that receives the upper end of the coil spring in the suspension device, and this part is a part that directly applies the load on the vehicle body side to the coil spring. Therefore, the upper bracket is made of an aluminum alloy. In order to ensure strength, the thickness must be increased.

  However, depending on the vehicle model, there may be a case where a space for increasing the thickness of the upper metal fitting cannot be secured due to space restrictions. Therefore, if the upper metal fitting is made of an aluminum alloy, it may not be attached to the vehicle body.

Accordingly, the upper metal fitting can be used as an iron press metal fitting if necessary (Claim 5).
As a result, the upper support can be made compact while ensuring the necessary strength and weight reduction.

In the fourth aspect, it is not always necessary to fix the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting at a portion of the lower metal fitting between the fixing portion and the fixing portion in the circumferential direction.
However, if the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting are not fixed at the portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion in the circumferential direction, the portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion in the circumferential direction is input by the input of the load accompanying traveling of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a concern that the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting may be temporarily separated.
In this case, there is a possibility that a hitting sound (abnormal noise) is generated when the metal fittings once separated from each other make contact with each other.
Therefore, it is desirable to fix the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting by the fixing means even at the portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion in the circumferential direction.

  As the fixing means, according to claim 6, a part of the flange portion of the upper metal part is bent downwardly at a portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion to form a claw for caulking. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the lower metal fitting, a plurality of locking recesses are provided at positions corresponding to the caulking claws, and the caulking claws are engaged with the locking recesses. Thus, the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting can be fixed by caulking up and down.

  In this way, the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting can be easily fixed at a portion other than the fixed portion, that is, at a portion between the fixed portion and the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the generation of the abnormal noise can be effectively prevented.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, in accordance with claim 7, protrusions protruding upward from the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, and the upper metal fitting is provided with through-holes at positions corresponding to the protrusions, After inserting the fixing hole upward, the portion protruding upward from the fixing hole can be crimped and expanded in the axial direction, so that the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting can be caulked and fixed.

  According to the seventh aspect, the lower metal fitting and the upper metal fitting are overlapped so that the elastic vibration-proof member is accommodated in the housing while being compressed in the axial direction, and the fastening bolt is inserted into the lower bolt hole and the upper bolt hole. In addition, the projections can be caulked almost simultaneously with the caulking shaft portion, and the advantage that the projections can be easily fixed by caulking is obtained.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, 10 is a metal coil spring in a vehicle suspension device, and 12 is a shock absorber.
The shock absorber 12 has a cylinder 14 and a piston rod 16 extending upward therefrom, and an upper end portion of the piston rod 16 is elastically connected to the vehicle body side by an upper support 17 as a vibration insulating member. .

The upper support 17 includes a rigid inner metal fitting (inner member) 18 fixed to the upper end portion of the piston rod 16, a rigid outer metal fitting 20 fixed to the vehicle body side, and an elastic vibration isolation interposed therebetween. It has the member 22 as a component.
The upper support 17 absorbs vibration between the piston rod 16 and the vehicle body side based on the elastic deformation of the elastic vibration-proof member 22.

In this embodiment, the outer stopper 20 of the upper support 17 holds the bound stopper 24 made of an elastic material.
The bound stopper 24 abuts on the cylinder 14 when the shock absorber 12 attempts to contract excessively, and prevents the shock absorber 12 from excessively contracting due to the stopper action.
The bound stopper 24 has a cylindrical shape, and the above-described piston rod 16 is inserted upward into a through-insertion hole 26 at the center thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner metal fitting 18 includes a cylindrical portion 27 having a short cylindrical shape and a flange portion 28 projecting radially outward from the upper end thereof. Here, the flange portion 28 has a circular shape in plan view.
The inner metal fitting 18 is provided with an insertion hole 30 penetrating vertically at the center thereof.
The piston rod 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 30 upward, and a nut 34 is screwed into a portion of the male thread protruding upward from the inner fitting 18, whereby the piston rod 16 is fixed to the inner fitting 18.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the piston rod 16 is fixed to the inner metal fitting 18 in a state where the flange-like holding portion 36 provided on the piston rod 16 and the nut 34 hold the inner metal fitting 18 in the vertical direction. Is done.

  In addition, a pair of flat cut-out engagement surfaces 38 are provided in the insertion hole 30 of the inner metal member 18 with a 180 ° separation in the circumferential direction, and these engagement surfaces 38 are formed on the piston rod 16 side. The piston rod 16 and the inner metal fitting 18 are prevented from rotating relative to each other by the engaging action with the corresponding flat cut-off engaging surface.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer metal fitting 20 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 40, a bottom wall portion 44 having a circular opening 42 at the center, and an upper wall portion 48 having a circular opening 46 at the center. The elastic vibration-proof member 22 is assembled and held together with the inner metal fitting 18 in a state of being precompressed in the axial direction and the radial direction.

In this embodiment, the outer metal fitting 20 is composed of an upper metal fitting 20-1 and a lower metal fitting 20-2 which are separate from each other and a holding metal fitting 20-3 for the bound stopper 24.
In this embodiment, the upper metal fitting 20-1, the lower metal fitting 20-2, and the holding metal fitting 20-3 are all made of an iron press metal fitting formed by pressing a plate material.
As shown in FIG. 2, the upper metal fitting 20-1 has an annular annular portion projecting radially inward over the entire circumference from the opening at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 40. Constitutes the upper wall portion 48 of the housing 49.

The upper metal fitting 20-1 also has a flange projecting radially outward from the position of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 of the housing 49 over the entire circumference following the annular annular portion constituting the upper wall portion 48. A portion 52 is provided.
The flange portion 52 is provided with a penetrating upper bolt hole 64.
The upper metal fitting 20-1 has its outer peripheral edge bent downward over the entire circumference. In FIG. 2, 60 represents the bent portion.

On the other hand, the lower metal fitting 20-2 includes a cup-shaped portion 62 that constitutes a part of the housing 49. The cup-shaped portion 62 is composed of the peripheral wall portion 40 and the bottom wall portion 44 that form the cylindrical shape described above.
The lower metal fitting 20-2 also has a flange portion 54 projecting radially from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40, and the flange portion 54 is vertically overlapped with the flange portion 52 of the upper metal fitting 20-1. Thus, it is joined to the upper metal fitting 20-1 by spot welding.

A lower bolt hole 66 penetrating vertically is provided in the flange portion 54 of the lower metal fitting 20-2, and the fastening bolt 68 is directed upward from below with respect to the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64. It is inserted.
The fastening bolt 68 is for fastening and fixing the outer metal fitting 20, that is, the upper support 17 to the vehicle body side, and is formed between the male screw portion 70, the large-diameter head portion 74, and the head portion 74 and the male screw portion 70. And a serration unit 72.

  Engaging teeth extending in the axial direction are formed on the serration portion 72 over the entire circumference at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction. The engaging teeth of the serration portion 72 are formed on the inner surfaces of the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64. The rotation is prevented with respect to the outer metal fitting 20 by biting.

  The pair of flange portions 52 and 54 of the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 serve as a spring seat for receiving the upper end of the coil spring 10 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the upper end of the coil spring 10 shown in FIG.

The holding metal fitting 20-3 in the outer metal fitting 20 has an inverted cup shape, and the upper wall 56 and the upper wall 56 are overlapped with the bottom wall 44 of the lower metal fitting 20-2. It is joined to the lower metal fitting 20-2 by spot welding with the bottom 56.
An opening 55 having a shape matching the opening 42 at the center of the bottom wall portion 44 is formed at the center of the upper bottom portion 56.
As shown in FIG. 1, the holding metal fitting 20-3 is fitted to the upper end portion of the bound stopper 24 in an externally fitted state and holds it.

Here, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is made of a polyurethane foam molded body.
As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of this polyurethane foam molded body is an upper portion located above the flange portion 28 at a position radially inward of the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 28 in the inner metal fitting 18. 76, a lower portion 78 positioned on the lower side, and an outer peripheral side portion 80 positioned on the outer peripheral side of the flange portion 28.

The elastic vibration isolator 22 has an upper portion 76 with respect to the upper surface of the flange portion 28, a lower portion 78 with respect to the lower surface of the flange portion 28, and an outer peripheral portion 80 with respect to the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28. The flange portion 28 is wrapped in a state of contacting each other.
Here, the upper portion 76, the lower portion 78 and the outer peripheral portion 80 all have an annular shape around the axis of the inner metal fitting 18.

Here, the upper portion 76 covers the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface, leaving the inner peripheral portion of the flange portion 28.
The upper portion 76 has a hook-like portion 81 projecting radially inward over the entire circumference at the lower portion. The upper surface of the bowl-shaped portion 81 is a tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter toward the lower side.
On the other hand, the lower portion 78 covers the entire lower surface of the flange portion 28 from below.

The lower portion 78 has a hook-like portion 82 projecting radially inward at an upper portion thereof.
The flange portion 82 extends inward to a position reaching the cylindrical portion 27 in the inner metal fitting 18, and has an inner peripheral surface thereof elastically contacted with an outer peripheral surface in the vertical direction of the cylindrical portion 27. That is, the inner peripheral surface is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 27 under a predetermined frictional force.
The lower inner peripheral surface of the lower portion 78 is an inversely tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter as it progresses upward.

On the other hand, the outer peripheral side portion 80 is formed over the entire length in the axial direction of the elastic vibration-proof member 22, that is, the foamed polyurethane molded body.
The outer peripheral side portion 80 has a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is a straight surface parallel to the axis of the inner metal fitting 18.
The shape of the elastic vibration-proof member 22 shown in FIG. 3A represents the original shape before the assembled state shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 includes two divided bodies, a divided body (first divided body) 22-1 and a divided body (second divided body) 22-2. That is, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 has a two-divided structure of a divided body 22-1 and a divided body 22-2.
The entire upper portion 76 and the entire outer peripheral portion 80 are integrally formed with the divided body 22-1, and the entire lower portion 78 is configured as a divided body 22-2 alone.

In FIG. 3A, P1 represents a dividing surface between the divided body 22-1 and the divided body 22-2.
This dividing surface P1 is linear from the position of the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 28 in the inner metal fitting 18 to the lower end of the elastic vibration-proof member 22 in the drawing parallel to the axis of the inner metal fitting 18, that is, to the axial end. It extends.
In addition, as for the division | segmentation surface P1, the planar view shape has comprised the circle around the axis line of the inner metal fitting 18 as shown in FIG.3 (B).
The circular shape of the dividing surface P1 is basically the same shape as the circular shape of the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18.

As a result, the divided body 22-1 is fitted into the entire outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18 in an elastic contact state and covers the entire outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28.
The other divided body 22-2 is contact-fitted to the divided body 22-1 under a predetermined elastic force on the divided surface P1.
Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the divided body 22-2 extends over the entire length in the axial direction of the divided body 22-2 with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the portion protruding below the flange portion 28 of the divided body 22-1. Contact fit (over the entire height).

  The divided body 22-1 is fitted downward in the figure with a predetermined allowance in the radial direction with respect to the inner metal fitting 28, and the divided body 22-2 is inner with a predetermined allowance in the radial direction. The metal fitting 18 is fitted to the cylindrical portion 27 and the divided body 22-1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of this foamed polyurethane molded product is compressed in the vertical direction while being incorporated in the housing 49 (compression rate is about 20 to 50%). The outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 in the housing 49, the upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the upper wall portion 48 in the housing 49, and the lower surface is in contact with the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 44.

Each of the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 is foam-molded by a corresponding molding die.
In the foam molding, a stock solution is injected into a cavity of a corresponding molding die, and then foamed and polymerized to form a shape corresponding to the cavity.

In this embodiment, each of the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 has a foaming magnification of 2.2, the specific gravity is 0.55, and the hardness of the solid portion of the foam is JIS K 6301 (A type). 80).
Most of the bubbles in the molded body are closed cells.

  In this embodiment, the separately molded divided bodies 22-1 are fitted downward with respect to the inner metal fitting 18 in the figure, and the separately molded divided bodies 22-2 are fitted upward, respectively. It can be assembled to the inner metal fitting 18.

In the assembled state, the divided body 22-1 is in a state in which the outer peripheral side portion 80 is in contact with the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18, and the inner surface of the divided body 22-2 is inner. A state in which the outer peripheral surface of the metal fitting 18 is contact-fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 27 and the inner peripheral surface of the portion that protrudes below the flange portion 28 in detail with respect to the divided body 22-1. As a result, the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 are favorably held in the assembled state to the inner metal fitting 18 with a predetermined holding force based on the contact fitting.
Therefore, unless any special external force is applied, the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 do not fall off during subsequent storage or handling.

In this way, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of the foamed polyurethane molded body assembled to the inner metal fitting 18 moves the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 up and down in the outer metal fitting 20 under the assembled condition. When superposed in the direction, it is incorporated into the housing 49 while being compressed in the axial direction.
Then, the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 superposed on each other are welded and integrated at the flange portions 52 and 54, respectively.

  As described above, in the upper support 17 of the present embodiment, since the elastic vibration-proof member 22 that has been conventionally formed of a rubber elastic body is formed of a foamed polyurethane molded body, the weight of the upper support 17 is reduced. The weight can be reduced.

  The foamed polyurethane molded body is divided from the lower part located on the lower side of the split body 22-1 having the upper part 76 and the outer peripheral part 80 located above the flange part 28 in the inner metal fitting 18. When the foamed polyurethane molded body is molded as an integral molded body because each of the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 can be molded independently, with the split body 22-2 being composed. As compared with the above, it is possible to easily mold and take out the foamed polyurethane molded body without causing damage, and to easily assemble it to the inner metal fitting 18.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the divided body 22-1 is contact-fitted to the entire outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18, and the dividing surface is located at the radially outer position of the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28. Therefore, even when a force in a direction perpendicular to the axis is applied to the inner metal fitting 18, the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18 does not bite into the dividing surface between the divided body and the flange portion 28. It is also possible to eliminate the possibility of hitting, that is, abnormal noise, hitting the peripheral wall portion 40 of the outer outer metal fitting 20.

  Furthermore, the problem that the spring characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the axis becomes lower than the set spring characteristic or becomes unstable due to the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18 biting into the split surface can be solved.

  In addition, the first divided body 22-1 is assembled to the inner metal fitting 18 so as to be in contact with and fitted to the outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18, and the other divided bodies 22-2 are arranged in the first divided body 22-2. 1 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 27 of the inner metal fitting 18 are assembled to the inner metal fitting 18 in a state of being contact-fitted with each other, so that the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 are assembled to the inner metal fitting 18. Can be held with a strong holding force.

  Therefore, after assembling the elastic vibration-isolating member 22 made of a foamed polyurethane molded body to the inner metal fitting 18, either of the divided bodies drops off from the inner metal fitting 18 in the process until it is assembled with the outer metal fitting 20 or during the assembly. Thus, the upper support 17 can be assembled or manufactured without causing any trouble due to the falling off of the divided bodies 22-1 and 222-2.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the dividing surface P1 between the divided body 22-1 and the divided body 22-2 is vertically moved from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18 to the axial end of the elastic vibration-proof member 22. Since the divided body 22-2 is contact-fitted to the divided body 22-1 at the dividing surface P1 until the divided body 22-2 reaches the end in the axial direction, the holding force by the contact fitting can be increased. It is possible to more effectively prevent the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 from falling off.

When the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of a foamed polyurethane molded product is divided into two parts, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 can be divided into various other divided structures different from the above example.
5 and 6 show one specific example thereof.
Of these, in the example of FIG. 5A, the dividing plane P1 in the above embodiment is divided into a vertical dividing plane P2 parallel to the axis of the inner metal fitting 18 and a dividing plane P3 perpendicular to the axis. It is divided into divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 in P3.

Here, the dividing surface P <b> 2 extends downward in the figure in parallel with the axis of the inner metal fitting 18 from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 28 in the inner metal fitting 18.
However, in this embodiment, the split surface P2 does not reach the lower end of the elastic vibration isolator member 22, that is, the shaft end, and the split surface P3 extends outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis from the middle of the elastic antivibration member 22 It reaches to the outer peripheral edge.
Therefore, in this embodiment, most of the outer peripheral side portion 80 is integrally formed on the divided body 22-1 side, and the remaining small part is integrally formed on the divided body 22-2 side.
Other points are the same as in the above embodiment.

Next, the example of FIG. 5 (B) is an example in which the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is divided into the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 at the dividing plane P4.
Here, the split surface P4 is a split surface extending in the vertical direction, but here the split surface P4 is slightly inclined with respect to the axis of the inner metal fitting 18.
Specifically, the dividing surface P4 is a diagonally divided portion that moves from the position of the outer peripheral end and the lower end of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18 to the radially outer side as it goes downward from the lower end and the lower surface of the elastic vibration-isolating member 22. It is considered as a surface.

Also in this embodiment, most of the outer peripheral side portion 80 is integrally formed on the divided body 22-1 side, and the remaining small part is integrally formed on the divided body 22-2 side.
Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the embodiment shown in FIG.

  In these embodiments, all of the divided bodies 22-2 are fitted in contact with the divided body 22-1 on the outer circumferential surface thereof, and are fitted on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 27 of the inner metal fitting 18. Accordingly, the divided body 22-2, more specifically, the lower portion of the elastic vibration-proof member 22 below the flange portion 28 in the assembled state in the housing 49 shown in FIG. And the cylindrical portion 27 of the inner metal fitting 18 can be compressed in the direction perpendicular to the axis, and further, the compression rate in the direction perpendicular to the axis can be changed variously by changing the original shape of the lower part, and As a result, the spring characteristics in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the elastic vibration-proof member 22 can be easily tuned to required and various spring characteristics.

However, in the present invention, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 can be divided into two parts so as to create a gap between the divided body 22-2 and the cylindrical part 27 of the inner metal fitting 18.
FIG. 6C shows one specific example.
As shown in the figure, here, the hook-like portion 82 of the divided body 22-2 does not reach the cylindrical portion 27 of the inner metal fitting 18, and the inner peripheral surface of the hook-like portion 82 and the cylindrical portion 27 A gap S is formed between the outer peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface.
Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Next, FIGS. 7 to 11 show still another embodiment of the present invention.
In this example, a polyurethane foam molded body having a divided structure shown in FIG. 6 is used as the elastic vibration-proof member 22, and an aluminum alloy member is used as the lower metal fitting 20-2.

In this embodiment, the outer metal fitting 20 is composed of an upper metal fitting 20-1 and a lower metal fitting 20-2 which are separate from each other.
In this embodiment, the upper metal fitting 20-1 is an iron press metal fitting formed by pressing a plate material, and the upper metal fitting 20-1 is more than the opening at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 40 as shown in FIG. An annular portion extending radially inward over the circumference is formed, and the annular portion constitutes the upper wall portion 48 in the housing 49.

The upper metal fitting 20-1 also extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 over the entire circumference following the annular annular portion constituting the upper wall portion 48. A flange portion 52 is provided.
The flange 52 receives the upper end of the coil spring 10 via the rubber sheet 58 shown in FIG. That is, the flange portion 52 functions as a spring seat.
As shown in FIG. 8, the flange portion 52 has a shape having projecting top portions 84 at three locations separated by 120 ° in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 8.

Here the top 84 is an arc shape with a radius R _1.
The portion between the circumferential direction between these top 84 and 84, has a shape that bulges radially outward in an arc shape with a radius R ₂ over a range S.
Here, R ₂ > R ₁ is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 9, the flange portion 52 has three upper bolt holes 64 penetrating therethrough at the circumferential position where the top portion 84 is located.
In this embodiment as well, the outer peripheral edge of the upper metal fitting 20-1 is bent downward over the entire circumference as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 60 represents the bent portion.

  On the other hand, the annular portion constituting the upper wall portion 48 has a shape protruding slightly upward as shown in FIG. 7, and a recess 85 is formed on the lower surface thereof, and the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is formed there. The upper part of is partially fitted in a compressed state.

On the other hand, the lower metal fitting 20-2 is made of an aluminum alloy (the material is an ADC 10 made of an aluminum alloy die-casting here). The holding part 88 of the form which fell downward from 1 is integrally provided.
The holding portion 88 is elastically fitted to the upper end portion of the bound stopper 24 and holds the bound stopper 24 based on the elastic fitting.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the lower metal fitting 20-2 is formed from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 at circumferential positions corresponding to the three upper bolt holes 64 of the upper metal fitting 20-1. There are three fixed portions 89 that protrude in the direction of separation (here, radially outward) and are separated from each other by 120 ° in the circumferential direction.

In the lower metal fitting 20-2, the circumferential portion between the fixing portions 89 and 89 is stealed as a whole, and the circumferential portion between the fixing portions 89 and 89 is entirely void. It is said that.
That is, in this embodiment, the lower metal fitting 20-2 has a shape that does not substantially have a flange portion.
A lower bolt hole 66 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in each fixing portion 89.
Here, the lower bolt hole 66 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 and the upper bolt hole 64 of the upper metal fitting 20-1 are formed at the same position in the circumferential direction with the same diameter.

  In this embodiment, a fastening bolt 68 is inserted upward into the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64 from the lower side in the figure, and the lower fitting 20-2 is attached to the upper fitting 20 at each fixing portion 89 by the fastening bolt 68. It is fixed to -1.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 11, each fastening bolt 68 includes a male screw portion 70, a large-diameter head 74, and a male screw formed on the head 74 side and following the head 74. It has a serration portion 72 as a caulking shaft portion slightly larger in diameter than the portion 70 (engagement teeth extending in the axial direction are continuously formed in the circumferential direction at a minute pitch in the serration portion 74. ), Each of the three fastening bolts 68 is press-fitted into the lower bolt hole 66 of the lower bracket 20-2 and the upper bolt hole 64 of the upper bracket 20-1 at the serration portion 72, and each engaging tooth of the serration portion 72 By biting into the inner surfaces of the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64, the rotation is stopped with respect to the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64, that is, with respect to the lower metal fitting 20-2 and the upper metal fitting 20-1. Yes.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 (III), portions of the serration portion 72 of each fastening bolt 68 press-fitted into the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64 project upward from the upper bolt hole 64. The lower metal fitting 20-2 is caulked and fixed to the upper metal fitting 20-1 at each fixing portion 89 by being crushed downward and axially.
In FIG. 7 and FIG. 11, 86 indicates the caulking portion.

The fastening bolt 68 is used to fasten and attach the upper support 17 to the vehicle body side. The male screw portion 70 is screwed into the mating female screw portion, and the upper support 17 is fixed to the vehicle body side.
That is, the upper support 17 is fastened and fixed to the vehicle body side by the fastening bolts 68 at the three fixing portions 89 in the circumferential direction provided on the lower metal fitting 20-2.

Here, each fixing portion 89 has a shape in which the shape in plan view gradually becomes wider toward the peripheral wall portion 40, that is, toward the root side of the fixing portion 89.
In this embodiment, the fixing portions 89 thickness t ₂ of FIG. 7 is a thick relative to the thickness t ₁ of the upper bracket 20-1.
The fixed portion 89 is formed with the same thickness (the thickness in the vertical direction) from the tip to the root. However, it is also possible to gradually increase the thickness toward the root side.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the portion between the fixing portions 89 and 89 in the circumferential direction of the lower metal fitting 20-2, specifically, the portion within the range of S in the circumferential direction in FIG. Caulking claws 100 formed by partially bending a part of the flange portion 52 of the metal fitting 20-1 downward are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction.

The claw 100 is formed by making a U-shaped cut in the flange portion 52 and bending the portion surrounded by the cut downward.
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 102 denotes a rectangular opening remaining on the flange portion 52 side by bending the claw 100 downward.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 and 10, the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 is locked in a radially inward position at a position corresponding to the claws 100. The recesses 104 are provided at a plurality of locations (six locations in this case) in the circumferential direction, and the claw 100 is bent radially inward so as to engage with the locking recesses 104, and is caulked to the locking recesses 104. It has been.
As a result, the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 are fixed up and down even at the portion between the three fixing portions 89 and 89 in the circumferential direction formed on the lower metal fitting 20-2. Yes.

  For example, when an input in a direction in which the piston rod 16 of the shock absorber 12 of FIG. 1 moves relatively upward with respect to the upper support 17 is applied to the upper support 17, the upper metal fitting 20-1 is interposed via the elastic vibration-proof member 22. An upward force acts on the upper wall portion 48.

At this time, if the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 are in the non-fixed state at the part between the fixing parts 89 and 89 in the circumferential direction, the upper metal part 20-1 and the lower metal part 20-2 are at the upper part at the part between the fixing parts 89 and 89. There is a risk that the metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 may move away from each other temporarily or come into contact again.
At this time, the contact sound between the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 may be generated as abnormal noise.

  However, in this embodiment, since the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 are fixed to each other by caulking of the claws 100 in the circumferential portion between the fixing portions 89 and 89, such a problem occurs. Can be prevented.

In this embodiment, since the opening 102 is formed in the flange portion 52 by forming the caulking claw 100, the strength of the flange portion 52 of the upper metal fitting 20-1 tends to decrease at the opening 102 portion. Become.
Therefore, here, in order to make up for the strength reduction due to the opening 102, in the portion where the opening 102 is formed, in order to ensure a large radial width of the portion outside the opening 102 of the flange portion 52, the portion in the range S in FIG. The flange portion 52 has a shape that bulges outward in the radial direction.

In this embodiment, an elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of polyurethane foam is assembled to the inner metal fitting 18 in advance, and this is axially placed in a housing 49 constituted by a lower metal fitting 20-2 and an upper metal fitting 20-1. The lower metal fitting 20-2 and the upper metal fitting 20-1 are vertically superposed so as to be pushed in.
At that time, the lower bolt hole 66 formed in the fixing portion 89 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 is matched with the upper bolt hole 64 formed in the upper metal fitting 20-1.
In this state, the serration portion 72 of the fastening bolt 68 is press-fitted upward from below in the figure into the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64 at three locations in the circumferential direction.

  At this time, each engagement tooth of the serration portion 72 of the fastening bolt 68 is in a state of being bitten into the inner surfaces of the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64, and each fastening bolt 68 is in contact with the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper bolt hole 64. The rotation is prevented (FIG. 11 (I)).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 (II), the serration portion 72 as the caulking shaft portion of each fastening bolt 68 protruding upward from the upper bolt hole 64 is crushed by pushing the caulking jig 106 downward in the drawing. Then, this is expanded in the radial direction to caulk the serration portion 72, and the fixing portion 89 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 and the portion around the bolt hole 56 of the upper metal fitting 20-1 are caulked and fixed.

In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 10, the claw 100 for caulking that protrudes downward from the upper metal fitting 20-1 is bent toward the locking recess 104 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 to engage the claw 100. Caulking into the stop recess 104.
As a result, the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 are fixed at a portion between the fixing portions 89 and 89 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 in the circumferential direction.
Here, an assembly of the upper support 17 is configured in which the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is assembled in the housing 49 in a state where it is precompressed in the axial direction and the radial direction.

  In this embodiment, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is made of a lightweight foamed polyurethane, and the lower metal fitting 20-1 is made of an aluminum alloy, and further protrudes and extends from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 in the cup-shaped portion 62. Since the circumferential portion between the plurality of fixing portions 89 and the fixing portion 89 is entirely void, that is, the lower metal fitting 20-1 has a shape that does not substantially have a flange portion. The upper support 17 can be further reduced in weight.

  On the other hand, the fixing portion 89 that protrudes and extends from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 40, that is, the fixing portion 89 that is a portion where stress is concentrated when a vibration load is input, is configured to have a required thickness. The strength required for the metal fitting 20-1 can be ensured.

In this embodiment, a serration portion 72 as a caulking shaft portion is provided on a fastening bolt 68 that fastens and fixes the outer metal fitting 20, that is, the upper support 17 to the vehicle body side, and the serration portion 72 is caulked in the axial direction. The lower metal fitting 20-1 and the upper metal fitting 20-2 are fixed to each other.
Therefore, according to this embodiment, before attaching the upper support 17 to the vehicle body side, the lower metal fitting 20-2 and the upper metal fitting 20-1 are fixed in advance and assembled together with the elastic vibration-proof member 22 and the inner metal fitting 18. be able to.

Specifically, the lower metal fitting 20-1 and the upper metal fitting 20-2 may be fixed in advance by the fastening bolts 68 so that the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is housed in the housing 49 together with the inner metal fitting 18 in a compressed state. In such an assembled state, the upper support 17 can be fastened and fixed to the vehicle body side with the fastening bolts 68.
Therefore, the work of attaching the upper support 17 to the vehicle body side can be easily performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the lower bracket 20-1 and the upper bracket 20-2 are fixed by the fastening bolt 68 between the fixing portion 89 of the lower bracket 20-1 and the flange portion 28 of the upper bracket 20-2. The circumferential portion between the fixed portion 89 and the fixed portion 89 in 20-2 can be made a void, that is, the lower metal fitting 20-2 itself can be formed into a shape having substantially no flange portion. Thus, further weight reduction can be realized.

  On the other hand, the upper metal fitting 20-1 is an iron press metal fitting, and this makes it possible to make the upper support 17 compact while ensuring the necessary strength and weight reduction.

Next, FIGS. 12 to 14 show other embodiments of the present invention.
This example is different from the above example as a fixing means for fixing the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 at a portion between the fixing portions 89 and 89 in the circumferential direction of the lower metal fitting 20-2. This is an example using the fixing means.

As shown in FIG. 13, in this example, the lower metal fitting 20-2 has a protrusion 90 protruding upward from the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 40 in the state before being assembled with the upper metal fitting 20-1. They are integrally provided at intervals (60 ° intervals here).
On the other hand, the upper metal fitting 20-1 is provided with a through-hole fixing hole 92 at a position corresponding to these protrusions 90.

In this embodiment, when the upper metal fitting 20-1 and the lower metal fitting 20-2 are superposed vertically, each protrusion 90 of the lower metal fitting 20-2 is inserted into the fixing hole 92 of the upper metal fitting 20-1, and 14, the portions of the protrusions 90 protruding from the fixing holes 92 of the upper metal fitting 20-1 are crushed downward by a caulking jig 94 and crushed.
As a result, the protrusion 90 is plastically deformed at the upper end and expands in the radial direction, and is caulked against the upper metal fitting 20-1.
FIG. 12 shows a state in which the lower metal fitting 20-2 and the upper metal fitting 20-1 are assembled together with the elastic vibration-proof member 22 and the inner metal fitting 18 in this way.
In FIGS. 12 and 14, reference numeral 96 denotes a caulking portion of the protrusion 90 described above.

In this embodiment, unlike the above embodiment, since the opening 102 generated by forming the claw 100 for caulking does not remain on the flange portion 52 side, as shown in FIG. The flange portion 52 does not have a radially outward bulging shape.
In this embodiment, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the above embodiment, and only the reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding portions are shown, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  According to this embodiment, the lower metal fitting 20-1 and the upper metal fitting 20-2 are overlapped so that the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is accommodated in the housing 49 while being compressed in the axial direction, and the lower bolt hole 66 and the upper The projection 90 can be caulked at almost the same time as the fastening bolt 68 is inserted into the bolt hole 64 and the serration portion 72 as the caulking shaft portion is caulked, and the projection 90 is easily fixed by caulking. The advantage that can be obtained.

Next, FIGS. 15 and 16 show still another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in these drawings, in this embodiment, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 having the same divided structure as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to 14 is used.

  In this embodiment, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 has a plurality of concave portions (here, arc-shaped concave portions) 108 that are recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface along the circumferential direction. A projecting portion 110 having a circular arc cross section projecting radially inward corresponding to the recess 108 is formed on the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall portion 40 of the lower metal fitting 20-2. It is provided in a plurality of locations (three locations) in the direction, and the recesses 108 and the projections 110 are engaged in the circumferential direction.

  Further, on the outer peripheral surface side of the flange portion 28 in the inner metal fitting 18, a concave portion (flange-side concave portion) 112 having an arc-shaped cross section that is recessed radially inward at a position corresponding to the concave portion 108 is provided. The radial thickness of the vibration member 22 between the flange portion 28 of the inner metal fitting 18 and the peripheral wall portion 40 of the outer metal fitting 20 is made uniform over the entire circumference.

In this embodiment, a concave portion 114 having a shape corresponding to the concave portion 112 of the inner metal fitting 18 is provided at a corresponding position on the divided body 22-2 side. Here, the recess 114 is provided over the entire height of the divided body 22-2.
On the other hand, on the divided body 22-1 side, a corresponding protrusion 116 is provided on the inner peripheral side thereof, that is, on the dividing surface P1, and the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2 are formed of the protrusion 116 and the recess 114. And in a contact state.
That is, the planar view shape of the dividing surface P1 has an uneven shape along the circumferential direction.
The protruding portion 116 is also provided over the entire height of the dividing surface P1.

  By doing in this way, the divided body 22-1 can be satisfactorily fitted downward with respect to the inner metal fitting 18, and the other divided body 22-2 is favorably fitted to the divided body 22-1. Can be fitted upwards. Further, it is possible to prevent the positional deviation in the rotational direction between the divided bodies 22-1 and 22-2.

  According to this embodiment, even when a force in the twisting direction is applied to the inner metal member 18, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of a foamed polyurethane molded body rotates between the inner metal member 18 and the outer metal member 20. It is possible to effectively prevent slippage in the direction and displacement, and to make the wall thickness between the peripheral wall portion 40 and the flange portion 28 of the elastic vibration-proof member 22 uniform over the entire circumference including the concave portion 108. Therefore, the spring characteristics in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the elastic vibration-proof member 22 can be made uniform in each direction around the axis of the inner metal fitting 18.

17 to 19 show still another embodiment of the present invention.
In this example, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of a foamed polyurethane molded body has substantially the same shape as that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to 14, and only the divided structure is basically different (however, Unlike the above-described embodiment, the upper surface 76 of the hook-shaped portion 81 has an upper surface forming a surface perpendicular to the axis, and the inner peripheral ends of the hook-shaped portions 81 and 82 of the upper portion 76 and the lower portion 78 have a diameter. The shape is slightly different from the above embodiment in that it is located at the same position in the direction).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer peripheral side portion 80 is configured as a divided body (first divided body) 22-1 and the lower side portion 78 is configured as a divided body 22-2. The portion 76 is configured as a divided body 22-3.
That is, in this embodiment, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is divided into the outer peripheral side portion 80, the upper portion 76 and the lower portion 78.
Therefore, the split surface P5 shown in the drawing is formed in the direction parallel to the axis of the inner metal fitting 18 over the entire height of the elastic vibration-proof member 22.

In this embodiment, the divided body 22-1 including the outer peripheral side portion 80 is contact-fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 28 of the inner metal member 18, and the divided body 22-2 is divided into the divided body 22-2 on the outer peripheral surface. 1 is fitted in contact with the inner peripheral surface.
Further, the divided body 22-3 is contact-fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the divided body 22-1 on the outer peripheral surface.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, this is merely an example.
For example, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 made of a polyurethane foam molded body can have various structures other than the above example, and the divided structure can be a divided structure different from the above example. is there.

  As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 20, the elastic vibration-proof member 22 is moved up and down on a split surface P5 extending outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 28 and the lower end in the drawing. The upper divided body 22-1 is integrated with a part of the upper portion 76 and the outer peripheral side portion 80, and the lower divided body 22-2 is divided into the lower portion 78 and the outer peripheral portion 80. It is also possible to make the remaining part of the unitary.

In this case, the cylindrical portion 27 of the inner metal fitting 18 is protruded to the upper side of the flange portion 28, and the flange-shaped portion 81 on the divided body 22-1 side and the flange-shaped portion 82 on the divided body 22-2 side are Any of them can be extended radially inward until reaching the cylindrical portion 27 of the inner metal fitting 18, and each can be contact-fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 27 in an externally fitted state.
In addition, this invention can be comprised in the form which added the various change in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

It is sectional drawing shown in the state which assembled | attached the upper support of one Embodiment of this invention to the suspension apparatus. It is side surface sectional drawing of the upper support of FIG. It is the figure which showed the elastic vibration isolator in the same embodiment with the inner metal fitting. It is the cross-sectional perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the elastic vibration-proof member of FIG. It is the figure which showed the other example of the form of the elastic vibration isolator of FIG. It is the figure which showed the further another example of the elastic vibration isolator. It is a figure of the upper support of other embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view of the upper support of FIG. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles the outer metal fitting in the same embodiment into each component, and shows with a fastening bolt. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the assembly | attachment procedure of the upper support of the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the assembly | attachment procedure different from FIG. It is a figure of the upper support of other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure of the outer metal fitting in the upper support of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the assembly | attachment procedure of the upper support of FIG. It is the figure which showed the elastic vibration isolator in other embodiment of this invention with the inner metal fitting. It is the figure which decomposed | disassembled the elastic vibration-proof member of FIG. 15 into each division body, and showed it with the inner metal fitting. It is a figure of the upper support of other embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the elastic vibration isolator of FIG. 17 with the inner metal fitting. It is the figure which decomposed | disassembled the elastic vibration-proof member of FIG. 18 into each division body, and showed it with the inner metal fitting. It is a figure of the principal part of other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the division | segmentation structure where the malfunction of an upper support generate | occur | produces.

Explanation of symbols

10 Coil spring 12 Shock absorber 16 Piston rod 17 Upper support 18 Inner fitting (inner member)
20 Outer metal fitting 20-1 Upper metal fitting 20-2 Lower metal fitting 22 Elastic vibration isolation member 22-1, 22-2, 22-3 Divided body 27 Cylindrical part 28 Flange part 40 Peripheral wall part 44 Bottom wall part 48 Upper wall part 49 Housing 52, 54 Flange part 62 Cup-like part 64 Upper bolt hole 66 Lower bolt hole 68 Fastening bolt 72 Serration part 74 Head 89 Fixing part 90 Protrusion 92 Fixing hole 100 Claw 104 Locking concave part 108, 112 Concave part 110 Protruding part P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 Dividing surface

Claims (7)

An upper support that elastically couples and isolates the upper end of a piston rod of a suspension device including a coil spring and a shock absorber as elements and the vehicle body side,
A rigid inner member fixed to the upper end portion of the piston rod, an outer metal fitting as a rigid outer member fastened and fixed to the vehicle body side, and an elastic vibration isolation interposed between the inner member and the outer metal fitting A member, and
The outer metal fitting is superposed vertically and has an upper metal fitting and a lower metal fitting that form a housing that accommodates the elastic vibration isolating member and the inner member inside in a superposed state. And a cup-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the housing, and the upper metal fitting is radially inward from the peripheral edge of the upper end opening of the cup-shaped portion. An overhanging annular portion, and the annular portion constitutes the upper wall portion of the housing;
The inner member has a cylindrical portion and a flange portion projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion over the entire circumference.
The elastic vibration-proof member is made of a foamed polyurethane molded body and wraps at least a portion on the outer peripheral side of the flange portion so as to be in contact with an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer peripheral end surface of the flange portion in the inner member, Compressed in the vertical direction in the housing state, the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the peripheral wall portion of the housing, the upper surface is in contact with the upper wall portion, and the lower surface is in contact with the bottom wall portion,
The elastic vibration-proof member is molded separately from the inner member, and is assembled to the inner member, and each is divided into a plurality of divided bodies that form a ring around the axis of the inner member. Then, at least one of the first divided bodies covers the entire outer peripheral end face in a state of being in contact with and fitted to the entire outer peripheral end face of the flange portion, and the other divided bodies are attached to the first divided body. Contact fitting is performed on a split surface extending in the vertical direction from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion, and / or contact fitting is performed on the vertical outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion of the inner member. Upper support.   In Claim 1, the dividing surface of the first divided body and the other divided body extends vertically from the outer peripheral end of the flange portion to the axial end of the elastic vibration-proof member, An upper support characterized in that the other divided body is contact-fitted to the first divided body at the divided surface until it reaches the axial end. In any one of Claims 1 and 2, the elastic vibration-proof member is shaped to have a plurality of concave portions recessed inward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction.
The peripheral wall portion of the outer metal fitting protrudes inward in the radial direction corresponding to the recess, and is provided with protrusions that engage with the recess at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction.
Further, the flange portion of the inner member is provided with a plurality of flange-side recesses recessed inward in the radial direction at positions corresponding to the recesses, in the inner member of the elastic vibration isolation member. An upper support characterized in that the thickness between the flange and the peripheral wall portion of the outer metal fitting is uniform over the entire circumference. In any one of Claims 1-3, the said upper metal fitting has comprised the shape which has the flange part which protruded radially outward over the perimeter rather than the position of the outer peripheral surface of the said surrounding wall part in the said cup-shaped part. The upper bolt hole is formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the flange portion.
On the other hand, the lower metal fitting is made of an aluminum alloy, and has a plurality of fixing portions that extend from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion in a direction away from the outer peripheral surface at circumferential positions corresponding to the upper bolt holes. , The circumferential portion between the fixed portion and the fixed portion is entirely vacant,
The fixing portion has a lower bolt hole penetrating therethrough corresponding to the upper bolt hole, and a caulking shaft that fastens the outer metal fitting to the vehicle body side in the lower bolt hole and the upper bolt hole. A fastening bolt having a portion on the head side is inserted in the caulking shaft portion, the caulking shaft portion is caulked in the axial direction, and the upper metal fitting and the lower metal fitting connect the elastic vibration-proof member in the axial direction. An upper support that is fixed by caulking up and down at a portion of the flange portion and the fixing portion in a compressed state.   The upper support according to claim 4, wherein the upper metal fitting is an iron press metal fitting formed by pressing. The crimping device according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the upper metal fitting is formed by partially bending a part of the flange portion downward at a portion between the fixing portion and the fixing portion in a circumferential direction. While providing nails at multiple locations in the circumferential direction,
On the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the lower metal fitting, a plurality of engagement recesses are provided at positions corresponding to the claws, and the upper metal fitting and the upper metal fitting are caulked in a state of being engaged with the engagement recesses. Upper support characterized by caulking and fixing the lower bracket up and down. In any one of Claims 4-6, while providing the protrusion which protrudes upwards from the upper surface of the said surrounding wall part in the said lower metal fitting in several places of the circumferential direction,
The upper metal fitting is provided with a fixing hole penetrating in the vertical direction at a position corresponding to each of the protrusions, and the protrusion protruding upward from the fixing hole is axially inserted through the fixing hole. The upper support is characterized in that the upper and lower metal fittings are caulked up and down by caulking them into a state where they are crushed and expanded.

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