Abstract:
A vibration isolation apparatus comprises an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, an elastic member disposed between the outer and inner cylinders and deforming when vibration is generated, a main fluid chamber able to expand and contract according to deformation of the elastic member, an auxiliary fluid chamber able to expand and contract according to deformation of a membrane, and a restricted path communicating between the main and auxiliary fluid chambers. The main and auxiliary fluid chambers are communicated with each other around the inner cylinder. The restricted path is disposed at sides in the axial direction of main and auxiliary fluid chambers. Therefore, the restricted paths can be connected to the main and auxiliary fluid chambers at the positions where the fluid chambers are separated farthest from each other. As a result, the restricted paths can be extended.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a fluid filled-type vibration isolation apparatus which absorbs vibration form a vibration generating portion such as an engine. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A vibration isolation apparatus is disposed as an engine mount between an engine and a vehicle body in the vehicle engine room. The vibration isolation apparatus inhibits transmission of vibration from the engine to the vehicle body. The engine vibrates in various modes of vibration. For example, shake vibration has a frequency of less than 15 Hz. Idle vibration has a frequency range in the vicinity of 20 to 40 Hz. High-frequency vibration has a frequency of greater than or equal to 80 Hz. A fluid filled-type vibration isolation apparatus having a plurality of fluid chambers is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2-42226 and 2-42227 as a vibration isolation apparatus which absorbs vibrations of a wide range of frequencies such as those listed above. 
     This vibration isolation apparatus has three fluid chambers layered one after another and disposed at one side of an inner cylinder. A communication path, i.e., a restricted path, is disposed on the other side of the inner cylinder to communicate the fluid chambers with each other. Therefore, the complex internal structure of the apparatus complicates assembling. To effectively absorb idle vibration from the engine, it is necessary to increase flow resistance and resonance of the fluid which are both caused when the fluid flows through the communication path. Thus, the communication path should be extended in order top increase the flow resistance and resonance of the fluid. In this vibration isolation apparatus, however, the fluid chambers should be provided so as not to interfere with each other. Therefore, it is impossible to extend the length of the communication path. As a result, flow resistance and resonance of the fluid cannot be increased much more. Of course, the communication path can be lengthened by separately mounting an other member to form the communication path. Such an extension, however, results in an even more complex structure and difficult assembly of the vibration isolation apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the facts set forth above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration isolation apparatus having an extended communication path which communicates with fluid chamber to improve absorption of vibrations, and having a simple structure. 
     According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention the vibration isolation apparatus comprises an inner cylinder connected to one of a vibration generating portion and a vibration receiving portion, an outer cylinder connected to the other of the vibration generating portion and the vibration receiving portion, an elastic member provided between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and deforming when vibration is generated, at least one first fluid chamber able to expand and contract according to deformation of the elastic member, at least one second fluid chamber able to expand and contract according to deformation of a diaphragm or a membrane or the like, and a restricted path disposed between the elastic member and the outer cylinder and communicating the first and second fluid chambers with each other. The fluid chambers are provided around the inner cylinder so as to communicate with each other. The restricted paths are axially disposed adjacent to the fluid chambers. 
     In the vibration isolation apparatus constructed as set forth above, for example, the outer cylinder is connected to the vibration receiving portion, and the inner cylinder is connected to the vibration generating portion. Thus, vibration generated by the vibration generating portion can be transmitted to the outer cylinder through the elastic member. The vibration is absorbed by frictional resistance in the elastic member. The vibration is further absorbed by flow resistance or resonance of the fluid which are generated when the fluid flows through the restricted paths which communicate between the first and second fluid chambers. In addition, the restricted paths are provided adjacent to the first and second fluid chambers which communicate with each other. Thus, connecting portions of the restricted paths, which communicate with the first and second fluid chambers, can be separated farthest form each other on the side of the fluid chambers. Consequently, the restricted path is extended to increase flow resistance or resonance of the fluid. Further, because the restricted paths are provided adjacent to the first and second fluid chambers, the vibration isolation apparatus has a simple internal structure. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vibration isolation apparatus comprises an inner cylinder connected to one of a vibration generating portion and a vibration receiving portion, an outer cylinder connected to the other of the vibration generating portion and the vibration receiving portion, an elastic member disposed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and deforming when vibration is generated, a main fluid chamber having the elastic member serving as at least a part of a wall thereof and able to expand and contract, an auxiliary fluid chamber communicated with the main fluid chamber, and disposed on one side of a predetermined axis of symmetry extending across an axis of the outer cylinder and an axis of the inner cylinder as viewed in the axial direction of the outer and inner cylinders, the auxiliary fluid chamber being defined by the outer cylinder and a first concave portion formed in the elastic member and opening toward the side of the outer cylinder, and a first membrane provided at the outer cylinder and facing the auxiliary chamber and elastically deforming. The vibration isolation apparatus also comprises a second concave portion disposed at the side opposite to the first concave portion with respect to the axial of symmetry and formed in the elastic member and opening toward the side of the outer cylinder, and a second membrane provided at the outer cylinder on a side opposite to the first membrane with respect to the axis of symmetry and having a form symmetrical to that of the first membrane with respect to the axis of symmetry. 
     In the vibration isolation apparatus having the above-mentioned construction, for example, the outer cylinder is connected to the vibration receiving portion, and the inner cylinder is connected to the vibration generating portion. Thus, vibration generated by the vibration generating portion is transmitted to the outer cylinder through the elastic member. The vibration is absorbed by frictional resistance in the elastic member. The vibration is further absorbed by flow resistance or resonance of the fluid which are generated when the fluid flows between the main fluid chamber and auxiliary fluid chamber. 
     In addition, the elastic member has the first concave portion and the second concave portion disposed on opposite sides with respect to the axis of symmetry. The outer cylinder has the first membrane and the second membrane disposed on opposite sides with respect to the axis of symmetry. Thus, when the elastic member is inserted into the outer cylinder, it is not necessary to first the respective right and left sides of the elastic member with those of the outer cylinder. Accordingly, special attention is not necessary during assembly. Further, it is possible to avoid having to reassemble the parts due to incorrect assembly. 
     As a result, the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention has a simple structure and provides a superior effect in that absorption of vibration can be improved by means of an extended communication path. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1, illustrating an outer cylinder and a thin rubber layer of the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3A is a sectional view taken along line 3A--3A of FIG. 3B, illustrating an intermediate cylinder of the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B--3B of FIG. 3A, illustrating the intermediate cylinder of the first embodiment of he vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 5, illustrating the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4, illustrating the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, illustrating the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6, illustrating the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 6, illustrating the first embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 10, illustrating a second embodiment of a vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention 
     FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view illustrating the second embodiment of the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, a first embodiment of a vibration isolation apparatus 10 of the present invention will be described. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration isolation apparatus 10 has a mounting frame 12 which is used for mounting the vibration isolation apparatus 10 on a vehicle body (not shown). An outer cylinder 16 is inserted into an annular portion 14 of the mounting frame 12. In this embodiment, the outer cylinder 16 may either be forced into or inserted without pressure into the annular portion 14. Thereafter, the outer cylinder 16 is secured to the annular portion 14 by applying caulking on inner sides of both ends of the annular portion 14. The outer cylinder 16 may be fixed in the annular portion 14 simply by being forced therein. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer cylinder 16 has a pair of rectangular openings 18 on the upper left and right sides thereof (left and right being denoted by arrows A, B) with respect to an axis of symmetry 11. The axis of symmetry 11 extends across an axis of the outer cylinder 16 and longitudinally extends up and down in FIG. 1 (in the directions of arrows E, F in FIG. 1). The outer cylinder 16 has a small rectangular opening 21 which is provided on the lower side thereof and to the left with respect to the axis of symmetry 11 (in the direction of the arrow A). Additionally, the outer cylinder 16 has a small rectangular opening 20 which is provided on the lower side thereof and to the right with respect to the axis of symmetry 11 (in the direction of the arrow B). Further, a thin rubber membrane 22 is bonded by vulcanization to an inner periphery of the outer cylinder 16. The thin rubber membrane 22 protrudes inward at each portion corresponding to the rectangular openings 18 and is defined as a diaphragm 24. Furthermore, the thin rubber membrane 22 protrudes inward at a portion corresponding to the small rectangular opening 20 and is defined as a membrane 26 serving as a first membrane. The thin rubber membrane 22 protrudes inward at a portion corresponding to the small rectangular opening 21 and is defined as a membrane 27 serving as a second membrane. The membranes 26, 27 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry 11. In addition, the membranes 26, 27 have thicker walls than those of the diaphragms 24 and are more rigid than the diaphragms 24. 
     An intermediate cylinder 28 is inserted coaxially into the outer cylinder 16. The intermediate cylinder 28 is formed of a steel plate. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, the intermediate cylinder 28 has a pair of rings with substantially U-shaped cross sections. The pair of rings are connected with each other by means of a connecting plate having a substantially semicircular form. 
     As shown in FIG. 4, an elastic member 30 is bonded by vulcanization to the inner periphery of the intermediate cylinder 28. An inner cylinder 31 is axially disposed at a substantially intermediate position of the elastic member 30. Additionally, the intermediate cylinder 28 is inserted into the outer cylinder 16 and is pressed. Thereafter, both ends of the outer cylinder 16 are caulked so that the intermediate cylinder 28 is secured in the outer cylinder 16. 
     A concave portions 34 is formed in the elastic member 30 under the inner cylinder 31 at an axially intermediate position of the elastic member 30. The concave portion 34 and the outer cylinder 16 define a pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 serving as a main fluid chamber. As shown in FIG. 5, a bottom surface 35 of the concave portion 34 has a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the axis. 
     A movable body 64, which is formed of an elastic member such as rubber, is disposed in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36. The movable body 64 has a movable portion 65, a pair of supporting legs 66 extending from the lower section of the movable portion 65. A top surface of the movable portion 65 has a configuration which substantially corresponds to the bottom surface 35 of the concave portion 34 as viewed in the axial direction. Further, as the top surface of the movable portion 65 moves toward side walls 39 of the concave portion 34, the top surface is gradually separated from the bottom surface 35. End portions of the supporting legs 66 are inserted and fixed into concave portions 68. The concave portions 68 are provided in the vicinity of the opening portion of the concave portion 34 of the elastic member 30. The movable portion 65 is urged toward the bottom surface 35 side of the concave portion 34 by an urging force of the supporting legs 66. The top surface of the movable portion 65 is lightly pressed at a central portion thereof by the bottom surface 35. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, both side surfaces of the movable portion 65 in the axial direction are spaced at predetermined intervals from the side walls 39 of the concave portion 34. 
     The elastic member 30 has a concave portion 38 extending along the circumference at an axially intermediate portion above the elastic member 30 as shown in FIG. 4. A first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 is defined by the concave portion 38, the intermediate cylinder 28, and the diaphragm 24. A space between the diaphragm 24 and the outer cylinder 16 is defined as an air chamber. The air chamber may communicate with the outside by means of a hole (not shown) which is provided in the annular portion 14 of the mounting frame 12. 
     A small concave portion 42, serving as a first concave portion, is formed between the concave portions 34 and 38 at an outer periphery of the elastic member 30 on the right side of FIG. 5. The membrane 26 is fitted into the small concave portion 42. A second auxiliary fluid chamber 44, serving as an auxiliary fluid chamber, is defined by the small concave portion 42, the outer cylinder 16, and the membrane 26. Further, a small concave portion 43, serving as a second concave portion is formed between the concave portions 34 and 38 at the outer periphery of the elastic member 30 on the left side of FIG. 5. The membrane 27 is fitted into the small concave portion 43. The small concave portion 43, the membrane 27, and the outer cylinder 16 define a dummy fluid chamber 46 which does not communicate with any other fluid chamber. 
     A space between the membrane 26 and the outer cylinder 16 is defined as an air chamber. The air chamber may communicate with the outside by means of a hole (not shown) which is provided in the annular portion 14 of the mounting frame 12. 
     As shown in FIG. 6, annular grooves 48, 50 provided by the rings of the intermediate cylinder 28 are provided on both sides in the axial direction of the concave portions 34, 38, and the small concave portion 42. The annular grooves 48, 50 are blocked by the outer cylinder 16 and are sealed off from the outside. Thus, the annular groove 48 is defined as a first communication path 52, serving as a first restricted path, on the left side of FIG. 6 (on the side in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 6). The annular groove 50 is defined as a second communication path 54, serving as a second restricted path, on the right side of FIG. 6 (on the side in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 6). 
     As shown in FIG. 7, the first communication path 52 is partially blocked by the elastic member 30 and has a C=-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axis. One of the ends of the first communication path 52 communicates with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 through a hole 56. The hole 56 is provided at an end of the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 at the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 side. The other end of the first communication path 52 communicates with the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 through a hole 58. The hole 58 is provided at an end of the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 at the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 side. 
     As shown in FIG. 8, the second communication path 54 is partially blocked by the elastic member 30 and has a C-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axis. One of the ends of the second communication path 54 communicates with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 through a hole 60. The hole 60 is provided at an end of the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 at the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 side. The other end of the second communication path 54 communicates with the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 through a hole 62. The hole 62 is provided at an end of the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 at the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 side. 
     Fluid such as water or oil is filled into the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36, the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44, the first communication path 52, and the second communication path 54. 
     Next, the order of assembly of the vibration isolation apparatus 10 will be described. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the inner cylinder 31, the elastic member 30, and the intermediate cylinder 28 are integrally assembled into a block. The block is inserted into the outer cylinder 16 in the fluid. In addition, the elastic member 30 has the small concave portions 42, 43 which are opposed to each other with respect to the axis of symmetry 11. The outer cylinder 16 has the membranes 26, 27 which are opposed to each other with respect to the axis of symmetry 11. Thus, when the elastic member 30 is inserted into the outer cylinder 16, it is not necessary to fit the respective right and left sides of the elastic member 30 with those of the outer cylinder 16. Accordingly, special attention is not necessary during assembly. Further, it is possible to avoid having to reassemble the parts due to incorrect assembly. The fluid such as water or oil is filled all throughout the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36, the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44, the first communication path 52, and the second communication path 54 so that no air is included. Next, the outer cylinder 16 is pressed, and thereafter, both ends of the outer cylinder 16 are caulked. The caulked outer cylinder 16 may be forced into or inserted without pressure into the annular portion 14 of the mounting frame 12. Both ends of the annular portion 14 are caulked to complete the vibration isolation apparatus 10. When the outer cylinder 16 is forced into the annular portion 14, it is not necessary to caulk both ends of the annular portion 14. 
     Operation of the first embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
     The mounting frame 12 is mounted on a vehicle body (not shown), and the inner cylinder 31 is connected to an unillustrated vehicle engine. Accordingly, the engine vibration is transmitted to the vehicle body (not shown) through the inner cylinder 31, the elastic member 30, the outer cylinder 16, and the mounting frame 12. At this time, the elastic ember 30 is elastically deformed so that the engine vibration is absorbed by damping based on frictional resistance in the elastic member 30. 
     When the vibration of the engine is of a comparatively low frequency (for example, shake vibration of less than 15 Hz and an amplitude of approximately ±1 mm), the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 flows back and forth between the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 and the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 through the first communication path 52. At this time, the membrane 26 of the second auxiliary chamber 44 barely deforms. The volume of the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 varies slightly. Thus, the fluid does not flow through second communication path 54 since the membrane 26 of the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 is more rigid than the diaphragms 24 of the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40. Therefore, the shake vibration is absorbed by flow resistance or resonance of the fluid which are caused when the fluid flows through the first communication path 52. 
     When the vibration of the engine is of a comparatively high frequency (for example, idle vibration of 20 to 40 Hz), the first communication path 52 is set in a blocked condition. Consequently, the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 flows through the second communication path 54 to deform the membrane 26. The fluid flows back and forth between the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 and the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44. As a result, the idle vibration can be absorbed by flow resistance or resonance of the fluid which are caused when the fluid flows through the second communication path 54. 
     Further, when the vibration of the engine is of a higher frequency (for example, high-frequency vibration of greater than or equal to 80 Hz which causes a booming sound), the second communication path 54, as well as the first communication path 52, are set in the blocked condition. However, resonance of the fluid is caused between the movable body 64 and the inner periphery of the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 to decrease amplification of vibration in the high frequency band. 
     As can be understood from the above description, two fluid chambers can communicate with each other through a communication path while other fluid chambers have no effect on the communication path. Further, because the communication path is disposed at the side of the fluid chamber, the communication path can be connected to the two fluid chambers at positions at which the fluid chambers are separated the most from each other. Accordingly, this vibration isolation apparatus can have a communication path which is longer than that of apparatus in the prior art by at least a length corresponding to the length of the fluid chamber. Therefore, it is possible to increase flow resistance and resonance of the fluid which are caused when the fluid flows through the communication path. Further, shake vibration and idle vibration can be effectively absorbed as compared to conventional vibration isolation apparatus. Additionally, the elastic member 30 has the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36, the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44, the first communication path 52, and the second communication path 54, all on the side of the outer periphery of the elastic member 30. Therefore, the vibration isolation apparatus of the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a second embodiment of a vibration isolation apparatus 110 of the present invention will be described. For structures which are identical to those shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and descriptions of the similar structures are omitted. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, a first communication path 70 of the second embodiment has a C-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axis. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, one of the ends of the first communication path 70 communicates with the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 through a hole 72. The hole 72 is provided at the end of the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 at the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 side. The other end of the first communication path 70 communicates with the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 through a hole 74. The hole 74 is provided at the end of the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 at the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 side. 
     Namely, in the second embodiment, the vibration isolation apparatus 110 has the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 which communicates with the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 through the second communication path 54, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44, and the first communication path 70 in that order. 
     Operation of the second embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
     When the vibration of the engine is of a comparatively low frequency (for example, shake vibration of less than 15 Hz and an amplitude of approximately ±1 mm), the vibration causes pressure in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 to increase. Consequently, the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 flows back an forth between the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 and the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 through the second communication path 54, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44, and the first communication path 70. Thus, the shake vibration an be absorbed by flow resistance or resonance of the fluid which are caused when the fluid flows between the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 and the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40. Since the length from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 to the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40 is made longer, the shake vibration can be much more effectively absorbed than in the vibration isolation apparatus 10 in the first embodiment. 
     When the vibration of the engine is of a comparatively high frequency (for example, idle vibration of 20 to 40 Hz), the first communication path 70 is set in the blocked condition. Consequently, the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 flows back and forth between the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 and the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 through the second communication path 54. As a result, the idle vibration is absorbed by flow resistance or resonance of the fluid which are caused when the fluid flows through the second communication path 54. 
     Further, when the vibration of the engine is of a higher frequency (for example, high-frequency vibration of greater than or equal to 80 Hz which causes a booming sound), the second communication path 54, as well as the first communication path 70, are set in the blocked condition. However, the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 flows back and forth between the movable body 643 and the inner periphery of the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36. As a result, amplification of vibration in the high frequency band can be decreased. 
     Sectional areas of the first and second communication paths 70, 54 are variable in order to adjust resonance characteristics of the fluid. 
     In the present embodiment, the movable body 64 is disposed in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 so as to decrease the amplification of vibration in high frequency band. However, it must be noted that the present invention should not be omitted to the present embodiment and may employ any other means, such as a diaphragm for absorbing high frequency. 
     In the first and second embodiments, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 communicates with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 yet does not do so through the other fluid chamber (the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40). In the present invention, however, the second auxiliary fluid chamber 44 may communicate with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 36 through the other fluid chamber (the first auxiliary fluid chamber 40). 
     As can be understood from the above first and second embodiments, the vibration isolation apparatus of the invention has superior effects in that special attention is not required during assembly and in that assembly can be performed efficiently.