CN111615483B

CN111615483B - Hydraulic body mount with compressible bumper

Info

Publication number: CN111615483B
Application number: CN201980008790.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯科特·W·罗林斯; 杰伊·桑希尔; 佐伦·E·加斯帕
Original assignee: Pullman Co
Current assignee: Pullman Co
Priority date: 2018-02-14
Filing date: 2019-02-14
Publication date: 2022-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-14
Also published as: DE112019000802T5; CN111615483A; WO2019161090A1

Abstract

A hydraulic body mount includes a first support member adapted to engage a body of a vehicle and a second support member adapted to engage a frame of the vehicle. The second support member includes a cup portion disposed radially inward of the second support surface, the cup portion extending axially away from both the first support surface and the second support surface. The body mount also includes a hydraulic damping system disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface, a gasket, and a travel limiting cup engaged to the cup portion of the second support member. The travel limiting cup surrounds the washer and includes a compressible limiting member that limits axial movement of the inner tube when the washer contacts the compressible limiting member.

Description

Hydraulic body mount with compressible bumper

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 15/896,648 filed on day 14, 2/2018, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 15/667,941 filed on day 3, 8/2017. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to body mounts, subframe mounts, engine mounts or other similar mounting systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a body mount for systems requiring low profile and limited packaging space.

Background

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Fluid-filled vibration damping mounts are used for automotive engine mounts, sub-frame mounts and body mounts. These damping mounts couple two components together while damping vibrations between the components. Typically, there are two support surfaces pre-pressed against each other before a work load is applied to the mounting system. Typically, the amount of packaging space for such mounts is limited. A mount is needed that fits into such confined packaging spaces while providing the desired damping and travel limiting characteristics.

Disclosure of Invention

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a complete disclosure of the full scope of the invention or all of its features.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hydraulic body mount for connection between a body and a frame of a vehicle includes a first support member defining a first support surface adapted to engage the body of the vehicle. The mount also includes a cover member. The cover member includes a rigid cover, an inner tube, and a first elastomeric spring. The inner tube is connected to the first support member and extends axially away from the first support surface along the central axis.

In this embodiment, the mount further comprises a connector member. The connector member includes a connector plate, a second elastomeric spring, and a channel support. The channel support is engaged to a connector plated by a second elastomeric spring and a connector plate, and the connector plate includes a central bore received over the inner tube.

The mount also includes a second support member. The second support member includes a sleeve, a third elastomeric spring, and a rigid base. The rigid base is connected to the sleeve by a third elastomeric spring and defines a second support surface adapted to engage a frame of the vehicle. The mount also includes a travel limiting cup engaged to the second support member at an axial distance away from the second support surface. The travel limiting cup is disposed on a side of the second support member away from the first support surface and includes an elastomeric limiting member and a washer. An elastomeric restraining member is attached to the washer.

The foregoing embodiment of the mount further includes a channel defined by a channel support connected to the second support member. The mount includes a first chamber defined by a first elastomeric spring and a second chamber defined by a second elastomeric spring and a third elastomeric spring. The first and second chambers of the mount are fluidly connected via an aperture in the channel support to allow fluid to flow in the channel between the first and second chambers.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel limiting cup of the hydraulic body mount includes a rigid carrier and the elastomeric limiting member includes an inner portion and an outer portion. An inner portion of the elastomeric restraining member is connected to an inner surface of the rigid carrier, and an outer portion of the elastomeric restraining member is connected to the gasket to define a cavity therebetween.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second chambers of the hydraulic body mount are disposed between the first and second support surfaces.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the rigid base of the second support member includes a cup portion. The cup portion is disposed radially inward of the second support surface and extends axially away from the second support surface. The travel limiting cup is joined to the cup portion of the second support member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel limiting cup surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the cup portion of the second support member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the third elastomeric spring includes a radial elastomeric member disposed in the cup portion of the second support member and defining a void between the cup portion and the sleeve.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the axial height of the voids varies in at least two orthogonal directions around the sleeve.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elastomeric restraining member is V-shaped.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner wall of the outer portion of the elastomeric restraining member and an outer wall of the inner portion of the elastomeric restraining member are angled toward each other such that the cavity is tapered.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the inner portion of the elastomeric restraining member is disposed between the washer and the lower support surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the mount may include a compressible restriction member in the travel limiting cup. The compressible restraining member may have an annular shape and be axially separated from the washer when the mount is in the nominal position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the compressible restriction member is joined to an inner surface of the travel restriction cup, and the compressible restriction member includes an annular platform projecting axially from a base flange of the travel restriction cup toward the washer.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the compressible restraining member is made of a microcellular urethane having a collapsible internal void that allows the compressible restraining member to be compressed without bulging radially outward when a force is applied to the compressible restraining member through the washer.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mount of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of the mount of fig. 1, shown attached to a body and frame of a vehicle.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the mount of fig. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the mount of FIG. 1 cut along two orthogonal planes.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a channel support of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the channel support of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a partially exploded view of the mount of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a mount of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

One example mount 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in fig. 1. Mount 10 may include a first support member 16, a cover member 20, a connector member 30, a second support member 40, a travel limiting cup 50, and a damping system 86. One exemplary use of mount 10 is shown in fig. 2. As shown, the mount 10 may be connected to the vehicle between the body 12 and the frame 14 of the vehicle. In other applications, mount 10 may be placed between other abutting components in order to provide vibration damping as will be explained in more detail below.

The mount 10 includes a first support member 16 connected to the body 12 of the vehicle. The first support member 16 includes a first support surface 18. The first support surface 18 is a surface of the first support member 16 adjacent the body 12. The first support surface 18 is a substantially flat surface, and in this example is an annular surface. In the orientation shown in fig. 2, the first support surface 18 is disposed at the top of the mount 10, and other elements extend away or downward from the first support surface 18.

As further shown in fig. 2 and 3, a second support member 40 is connected to the frame 14. The surface of the second support member 40 that is positioned adjacent to the frame 14 is a second support surface 48. The second support surface 48 is provided on the underside of the second support member 40. As shown, the second support surface is substantially parallel to the first support surface 18. In this configuration, the hydraulic damping system 86 is positioned between the first and second support surfaces 18, 48 such that the hydraulic damping system 86 is also positioned between the first and second support surfaces 18, 48. In this way, when a load is applied to the mount 10 through the body 12 or the frame 14 through the connection point at the first support surface 18 or the second support surface 48, respectively, a vibration damping function of the mount 10 can be achieved.

As further seen in fig. 1-4, the second support member 40 includes a cup portion 72. The cup portion 72 extends below and away from the second support surface 48. The travel limiting cup 50 is joined to the cup portion 72 at the bottom of the cup portion 72 at an overlap region 74. Thus, the travel limiting cup 50 is also positioned below and away from the second support surface 48. As will be explained in more detail below, this configuration of mount 10 allows elements of mount 10 to be positioned below second support surface 48 such that they are not located in the area between first support surface 18 and second support surface 48. In some applications, the amount of packaging space that exists between body 12 and frame 14 may be limited. By positioning the elements of mount 10 outside the area between first support surface 18 and second support surface 48, the amount of space required for mount 10 may be advantageously reduced.

As shown in fig. 3 and as previously described, the first support surface 18 and the second support surface 48 are substantially parallel to each other. The axial distance between the first support surface 18 and the second support surface 48 is shown as height H. In existing designs of the mount, the height H may typically be 50mm or greater. The size of the mount is not suitable for all applications and a mount with a smaller height is required. Height H may be reduced by positioning one or more elements of mount 10 outside of the area between first support surface 18 and second support surface 48. In the examples shown and described herein, the height H may be reduced to 41mm in the free, unloaded state and to 38mm in the loaded state. This reduction is accomplished in part by positioning the cup portion 72 and the travel limiting cup 50 of the second support member 40 below the second support surface 48.

Referring now to fig. 4, a cross-sectional view of mount 10 is shown. The inner tube 24 extends down the center of the mount 10 and is connected to the first support member 16 at a proximal end 88. The inner tube 24 extends downwardly away from the first support surface 18 to a distal end 90. The washer 54 of the travel limiting cup 50 is engaged to the end 90 of the inner tube 24. In this arrangement, the inner tube 24 is the central member to which many of the other elements of the mount 10 are connected and arranged. The inner tube 24 is a substantially cylindrical member having a central axis 28.

The first support member 16 is connected to the inner tube 24 and is located on the inner tube 24 at the first shoulder 92. This allows the load applied on the first support member 16 to be efficiently transferred to the inner tube 24 and then to other elements of the mount 10. The first elastomeric spring 26 is joined to the outer surface of the inner tube 24 at a location axially below the first shoulder 92. A first elastomeric spring 26 extends radially outwardly from the central axis 28 and surrounds the inner tube 24. The first elastomeric spring 26 also extends downwardly and away from the first support surface 18. This results in a tapered shape of the first elastomeric spring 26, as shown.

As further shown in fig. 4, the rigid cover 22 is connected to a radially outward edge of the first elastomeric spring 26. In one example, the rigid cover 22 may include an inner flange 27 overmolded by and secured to the first elastomeric spring 26. The rigid cover 22 extends radially outward before rotating downward and away from the first support surface 18. The outer lower edge 114 (fig. 7) of the rigid cover 22 is connected to the rigid base 46 of the second support member 40. It can be seen that the rigid cover 22 and the rigid base 46 enclose many other elements of the mount 10, as will be further described.

The connector plate 32 is also connected to the inner tube 24. The connector plate 32 includes a central opening 38 that is received over the inner tube 24 such that the connector plate rests on the inner tube 24 at a second shoulder 94 that is axially below the first shoulder 92. The connector plate 32 is a rigid member of the mount 10 and extends radially outward from the central axis 28. The second elastomeric spring 34 is joined to the outer peripheral edge 98 of the connector plate 32. As shown, the outer peripheral edge 98 of the connector plate 32 is located radially inward of the location where the rigid cover 22 is downwardly away from the first support surface 18. This profile of the connector plate 32 allows the second elastomeric spring 34 to extend radially outward and downward from the outer peripheral edge 98. The second elastomeric spring 34 is then engaged to the channel support 36.

Channel support 36 is also a rigid element of mount 10. The channel support 36 extends radially outward of the second elastomeric spring 34 and is connected and compressed between the rigid cover 22 and the rigid base 46. The channel support 36 includes a raised track 100 that defines the channel 56, as will be explained in more detail below.

As further shown in fig. 4, the mount 10 also includes a sleeve 42 surrounding the inner tube 24. The sleeve 42 is a substantially cylindrical element received over the inner tube 24. Thus, the inner diameter of the sleeve 42 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube 24. A third elastomeric spring 44 is engaged to the outer diameter of the sleeve 42 and extends radially outward and is further engaged to the second support member 40.

Certain elements of mount 10 combine to form a hydraulic damping system 86. Specifically, the first elastomeric spring 26, the rigid cover 22, the channel support 36, the second elastomeric spring 34, and the connector plate 32 combine to define a first chamber 58. The connector plate 32, the second elastomer spring 34 and the third elastomer spring 44 combine to define a second chamber 60. A portion of the volume defined by first and

second chambers

58, 60 is filled with an incompressible fluid that is allowed to travel between first and

second chambers

58, 60 to provide damping of vibrations applied on mount 10 by its connection at first and second support surfaces 18, 48.

Fluid is allowed to travel between the first chamber 58 and the second chamber 60 via the passage 56 defined by the passage support 36. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the channel support 36 includes a rail 100 that is a raised portion of the channel support 36 formed into the channel support 36. The channel support 36 also includes a slot 102 and an aperture 62. The slot 102 is a gap in the rail 100 that fluidly connects the second chamber 60 to the passage 56. The bore 62 is an opening in the channel support 36 that fluidly connects the channel 56 to the first chamber 58. It will be appreciated that when the pressure in the second chamber 60 is higher than the pressure in the first chamber 58, fluid located in the second chamber 60 flows into the passage 56 via the slot 102. The fluid then flows through the channel 56 around the channel support 36 before reaching the aperture 62. Upon reaching the aperture 62, the fluid may further flow into the first chamber 58. As can be further appreciated, if the pressure in the first chamber 58 is higher than the pressure in the second chamber 60, the fluid may flow in the opposite direction.

The damping characteristics of mount 10 may be varied and tuned by varying various aspects of hydraulic damping system 86. Some aspects of the system that may be changed or varied to tune or modify the damping characteristics include the length of the channel 56 and the size, number, and location of the one or more slots 102 and one or more apertures 62. As shown in fig. 6, fluid in mount 10 is forced to flow around the length of channel 56 defined by rail 100 in channel support 36. Since a channel barrier 96 (shown in fig. 7) may be included in second support member 40, fluid flows in the direction shown. In the example shown, the channel barrier 96 is a projection of the elastomeric material filling the channel 56 in the region between the slot 102 and the hole 62. During assembly of mount 10, channel barrier 96 is pressed into channel 56 and fluid is forced to flow around channel 56 in the direction indicated by the arrow in fig. 6. It will be appreciated that the length of the passage 56 between the slot 102 and the bore 62 affects the flow of fluid from the first chamber 58 to the second chamber 60, which in turn affects the damping characteristics of the mount 10. In other embodiments of mount 10, the length of channel 56 may vary or additional slots 102 and/or additional holes 62 may be included in channel support 36 to vary the damping effect of hydraulic damping system 86.

As previously described, the rigid base 46 of the second support member 40 includes the second support surface 48 and the cup portion 72. The cup portion 72 is the portion of the rigid base 46 that is radially inward of the second support surface 48, which extends downward and away from the second support surface 48. The cup portion 72 extends downwardly, but does not extend beyond the distal end 90 of the inner tube 24.

As shown in fig. 4, the radial elastomeric member 76 is located in the cup portion 72 of the rigid seat 46 below the third elastomeric spring 44. The radial elastomeric member 76 is connected to the sleeve 42 and the cup portion 72 of the rigid base 46. The inner surface of the radial elastomeric member 76 and the outer surface of the sleeve 42 define voids 78 (shown as 78a and 78 b). As shown in FIG. 4, the size of the void 78 may vary about the central axis 28. In the example mount 10 shown, the axial height of the void 78 varies about the central axis 28. The height of the void 78 transitions from the height shown at 78a to a longer height shown at 78 b. The height at void 78a is substantially less than the height at void 78 b. In this example, the different heights are oriented orthogonal to each other and are oriented substantially in a forward and transverse direction relative to the vehicle to which mount 10 is attached. This orientation provides a desired damping effect in response to inputs transmitted to mount 10 forward and laterally of a vehicle attached along mount 10. The size of the voids 78 may be varied from the example shown to provide other desired damping effects, such as in different directions or varying the amplitude of such damping effects.

As further shown in fig. 4, the travel limiting cup 50 is positioned at the bottom of the mount 10 opposite the first support surface 18. The travel limiting cup 50 includes a rigid carrier 64, an elastomeric limiting member 52, and a washer 54. The rigid carrier 64 includes a cylindrical body portion 65 and a flange 67. The body portion 65 has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the cup portion 72 of the rigid base 46. The body portion 65 of the rigid carrier 64 surrounds the cup portion 72 and is connected thereto at an overlap region 74. The travel limiting cup 50 includes an elastomeric limiting member 52 attached to an inner surface of a rigid carrier 64. The elastomeric restraining member 52 is also connected to a washer 54. The washer 54 is a ring-shaped member having a hole at the center thereof. The cavity of the washer 54 fits over and connects to the end 90 of the inner tube 24. The washer 54 is connected to the elastomeric restraining member 52 at a location axially upward of the flange 67 of the rigid carrier 64. In this way, the washer 54 is connected to the mount 10 at a location between the second support surface 48 and the bottom of the rigid carrier 64.

Elastomeric restraining member 52 includes an inner portion 66 and an outer portion 68. The inner portion 66 is substantially cylindrical having a first end 69 connected to the flange 67 of the rigid carrier 64 and a second opposite end 71 connected to the washer 54. The outer portion 68 is fixed to the body portion 65. As shown, an inner wall 82 of the outer portion 68 and an outer wall 84 of the inner portion 66 define the cavity 70. The cavity 70 is a tapered space between the inner portion 66 and the outer portion 68 that resides circumferentially around and below the gasket 54.

The travel limiting cup 50 is configured to limit the amount of travel allowed by the mount 10. As can be appreciated, the elastomeric element of mount 10 allows first support surface 18 to move toward second support surface 48 (oriented downward in fig. 2) when a load is applied at first support surface 18. When such an event occurs, the washer 54 moves downward and away from the second support surface 48. As the washer 54 moves downward and away from the second support surface 48, the inner portion 66 of the elastomeric restraining member 52 is compressed between the washer 54 and the flange 67 of the rigid carrier 64. If the load is sufficiently large and the travel of the washer 54 in the axial direction toward the flange 67 of the rigid carrier 64 reaches a threshold level, the tapered annular column of the inner portion 66 of the elastomeric restraining member 52 is allowed to buckle toward the outer portion 68. In this way, the inner portion 66 of the buckle of the elastomeric restraining member 52 fills the cavity 70 and such movement of the washer 54 is restrained from further axial downward movement. The size and shape of the rigid base 46, the elastomeric restraining member 52, and the cavity 70 may be varied and tuned according to the desired vibration damping characteristics and the desired travel limiting characteristics of the mount 10.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary mount 10 of the present disclosure. In this view, the previously described components are shown in various subassemblies as they may be arranged during an exemplary assembly process of mount 10. As described above, the first support member 16 may be an annular member having a central aperture that fits over the inner tube 24. The inner tube 24 may be sub-assembled as part of the cover member 20. In this example, the cover member 20 includes, in addition to the inner tube 24, a first elastomeric spring 26 and a rigid cover 22. In the pre-assembled state, the rigid cover 22 may include one or more fingers or flanges 104 that may then be crimped around the abutting members, such as the connector member 30 and the second support member 40.

As also shown, the connector member 30 may be mounted over the inner tube 24. The connector member 30 includes a connector plate 32, a second elastomeric spring 34 and a channel support 36. The connector member 30 is compressed between the cover member 20 and the second support member 40.

As shown, the second support member 40 includes a sleeve 42, a third elastomeric spring 44, and a rigid base 46. As also shown, the second support member 40 may also include one or more studs 108 that may be welded or otherwise joined to the rigid base 46 to connect the second support surface 48 to the frame 14 or other mounting location. As previously described, the fingers or flanges 104 of the rigid cover 22 may be crimped over and around the second support member 40 with the connector member 30 positioned therebetween to secure the subassembly in place.

The travel limiting cup 50 is also shown in fig. 7. As previously described, the travel limiting cup 50 includes the rigid carrier 64, the elastomeric limiting member 52 and the washer 54. The travel limiting cup 50 may be engaged to the mount 10 by installing the washer 54 over the end 90 of the inner tube 24 and crimping, swaging, or otherwise securing the washer to the inner tube 24. This in turn secures the upper edge of the rigid carrier 64 in place around the outer circumferential surface of the cup portion 72 of the second support member 40.

As seen in fig. 1 and 7, mount 10 may be configured to have an elongated profile that is asymmetric about a central axis 28. In other embodiments, other profiles may be used. As also shown, mount 10 may include one or more relief structures or one or more protrusions that provide clearance between mount 10 and an adjacent component. One or more relief structures or protrusions may also be included on various components of mount 10 to provide clearance between adjacent components. It should be appreciated that when mount 10 is subjected to loading and vibration, the various components may move relative to one another due to elastic deformation that may occur. For example, stud relief 110 is included in connector plate 32 to provide clearance for stud 108 so that connector member 30 does not contact second support member 40 when the two members are moved relative to each other. Similarly, the rigid cover 22 includes one or more connector ridges 112 that provide clearance between the first support member 16 and the connector member 30, which are movable relative to each other, during loading and vibration of the mount 10.

As mentioned above, mount 10 includes components described as elastomeric and rigid. For purposes of this disclosure, these terms are used in a relative manner and generally refer to a rigid component that does not undergo significant elastic deformation during normal use, while an elastomeric component is intended to undergo elastic deformation during normal use. In the example shown, the rigid component may be stamped or otherwise formed from a high strength steel, such as SAE J2340 grade steel. The elastomeric components may be made of a suitable natural or synthetic rubber, such as natural rubber having a hardness between 50 and 60. Other suitable materials may be used. The elastomeric component may be secured or joined to the rigid component using any number of methods including adhesive bonding, overmolding, mechanical fastening, and the like.

In another example, as shown in fig. 8, exemplary mount 200 may include all or some of the previously described features, structures, and/or elements of mount 10. As shown, exemplary mount 200 may include a first support member 202, a rigid cover 204, a connector plate 206, a channel support 208, and a second support member 210. Mount 200 may also include a sleeve 212 and an inner tube 214. Sleeve 212 and inner tube 214 are centrally located and define a central axis 216 of mount 200.

As further shown (and as previously described with respect to exemplary mount 10), mount 200 may include a hydraulic damping system 250. Hydraulic damping system 250 includes similar elements and performs the same or similar operations as hydraulic damping system 86 previously described. The hydraulic damping system 250 may include a first elastomeric spring 218, a second elastomeric spring 220, and a third elastomeric spring 222. A first elastomeric spring 218 may be connected to and couple the rigid cover 204 to the inner tube 214. A second elastomeric spring 220 may be connected to the connector plate 206 and couple the connector plate to the channel support 208. A third elastomeric spring 222 may be connected to and couple the second support member 210 and the sleeve 212. The aforementioned subassemblies may be assembled and secured together with the rigid cover 204 crimped or otherwise secured to the second support member 210 with the connector plate 206 and channel support 208 positioned therebetween, as previously described. In other examples, the second support member 210 may be crimped or otherwise secured to the rigid cover 204. Mount 200 also includes a washer 224. The gasket 224 may be secured to the inner tube 214 at an end of the inner tube 214 located opposite the first support member 202.

The travel limit cup 226 may be fixed to a lower portion of the second support member 210. In the example shown, the travel limiting cup 226 includes a compressible limiting member 228 and a rigid carrier 230. The rigid carrier 230 is a cylindrical cup-shaped member having a sidewall 232 positioned circumferentially around the lower cup portion 238 of the second support member 210. The rigid carrier 230 may also include a base flange 234 axially separated from a lower flange 236 of the second support member 210.

In the example shown, the compressible restraining member 228 includes a sidewall 240 and an annular land 242. A sidewall 240 extends axially along the inner surface of the rigid carrier 230 from the base flange 234 toward the second support member 210. The annular land 242 is a layer of material that projects axially from the base flange 234 toward the washer 224. The annular platform 242 has an annular shape. The annular platform 242 and/or the base flange 234 may define an opening 244. In the example shown, the diameter of the opening 244 is smaller than the outer diameter of the washer 224. This allows a user to access the washer 224 to secure the mount 200 in place while still providing the travel limiting function of the travel limiting cup 226, as will be described further below.

The travel limiting cup 226 is secured to the lower cup portion 238 of the second support member 210 such that the washer 224 is positioned inside the compressible limiting member 228. In the nominal position (as shown in fig. 8), the washer 224 is spaced apart from the compressible restraining member 228 and the bumper 248. The bumper 248 may be connected to the third elastomeric spring 222 and may be formed in combination therewith such that the bumper 248 has a circular annular shape that projects axially away from the lower cup portion 238 toward the washer 224.

When mount 200 is subjected to loading, a hydraulic damping system 250 (as described above) positioned between first support member 202 and second support member 210 may dampen movement of body 12 relative to frame 14 of the vehicle when mount 200 is secured in place between body 12 and frame 14. The travel limiting cup 226 limits movement of the first support member 202 relative to the second support member 210 when the washer 224 contacts the compressible limiting member 228.

For example, when a load is applied to the mount 200 in an axial direction along the central axis 216, the washer 224 may move axially toward the compressible restraining member 228. The washer 224 may contact the compressible restraining member 228. When such contact occurs, the washer 224 compresses the compressible restraining member 228. Because the compressible restraining member 228 is made of a compressible material, the compressible restraining member 228 may be compressed from an initial height H to a compressed height (not shown) that is less than the initial height H. The compressible restraining member 228 may have a height H that may vary for different applications. In one example, the compressible restraining member 228 has an initial height of 6 mm. In another example, the compressible restraining member 228 has an initial height H in the range of 4mm to 8 mm. In other examples, the compressible restraining member 228 may have an initial height H that is greater than 8mm or less than 4 mm.

In the example shown, the compressible restraining member 228 may compress without radially protruding into the opening 244. Further, the annular platform 242 may have a continuous or smooth inner surface without depressions, valleys, or other shapes. Such depressions, valleys, or other shapes may not be included in the example travel limiting cup 226 because the compressible limiting member 228 does not require a cavity in which the compressible limiting member needs to expand or bulge during loading. For example, the compressible restraining member 228 does not require a cavity 70, as previously described with respect to the elastomeric restraining member 52 of the example mount 10. Since no such cavity is required, the axial height X of the travel limiting cup 226 may be less than other heights required in other designs.

The bumper 248 is positioned axially above the washer 224, as shown in this example, and the sidewall 232 is positioned circumferentially around the washer 224. Thus, the bumper 248 and the sidewall 232 may prevent the gasket 224 from contacting the cup portion 238 and the rigid carrier 230, respectively.

Mount 200 may be made from the materials previously described with respect to exemplary mount 10. In this example, the compressible restraining member 228 is made of a compressible material that may collapse due to internal voids in the material. One such exemplary compressible material is a microcellular urethane. Such materials may include open or closed pore structures that allow the material to collapse upon itself when subjected to loading. Such microcellular urethanes can be used to form compressible restraining members 228 at different initial heights H and different densities in order to achieve a desired dynamic range of mount 200 and to restrain mount 200 within a desired range of travel. In one example, microporous urethanes having a density in the range of 100kg/m3 to 560kg/m3 may be used. In another example, microporous urethanes having a density greater than 200kg/m3 may be used. In other examples, microcellular urethanes having other densities may be used.

In other examples, microcellular polyurethane elastomers may be used. Such microcellular polyurethane elastomers may have different densities in order to achieve the desired dynamic range and/or axial travel of mount 200. In one example, microcellular polyurethane elastomers having a density in the range of 300kg/m3 to 700kg/m3 may be used. In another example, microcellular polyurethane elastomers having a density greater than 350kg/m3 may be used. In other examples, microcellular polyurethane elastomers having other densities may be used.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable, and can be used in a selected embodiment even if not specifically shown or described. The same elements or features may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical values when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (such as "inner," "outer," "below," "lower," "upper," and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other directions) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A hydraulic body mount for connection between a body and a frame of a vehicle, comprising:

a first support member defining a first support surface adapted to engage a body of the vehicle;

an inner tube comprising a proximal end and a tip, the inner tube connected to the first support member at the proximal end and extending axially away from the first support surface along a central axis;

a second support member defining a second support surface adapted to engage the frame of the vehicle, the second support member including a cup portion disposed radially inward of the second support surface and extending axially away from both the first support surface and the second support surface toward the distal end of the inner tube;

a hydraulic damping system disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface;

a washer engaged to the end of the inner tube; and

a travel limiting cup joined to the cup portion of the second support member, the travel limiting cup surrounding the washer and including a compressible limiting member that limits axial movement of the inner tube when the washer contacts the compressible limiting member.

2. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the compressible restraining member is annular in shape and is axially separated from the washer when the hydraulic body mount is in a nominal position.

3. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 or 2, wherein the compressible restraining member is engaged to an inner surface of the travel restraining cup and includes an annular platform projecting axially from a base flange of the travel restraining cup toward the washer.

4. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the compressible restraining member is made of a micro-porous urethane material.

5. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein:

the compressible restraining member has an initial height measured axially from a base flange of the travel limiting cup toward the gasket; and is

The compressible restraining member has a compressed height that is less than the initial height when the washer applies an axial force to the compressible restraining member.

6. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the compressible restraining member does not project radially outward when the compressible restraining member is contacted by the washer.

7. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the travel limiting cup surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the cup portion of the second support member.

8. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the first and second support surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and an axial distance from each other is less than or equal to 41 mm.

9. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, further comprising a radial elastomeric member and a sleeve coaxially disposed about the inner tube and connected to the second support member by the radial elastomeric member disposed in the cup portion of the second support member, the radial elastomeric member defining a void between an inner surface of the radial elastomeric member and the sleeve.

10. A hydraulic body mount as claimed in claim 9 wherein the axial height of the void varies in at least two orthogonal radial directions around the sleeve.