IP Library Granted Patent US 7,731,266
Granted Patent B2
US 7,731,266 · App. 10/599,686 · Granted Jun 8, 2010

Bushing and hinged joint comprising such a bushing

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,731,266
App. No.
10/599,686
Granted
Jun 8, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

An articulated connection of at least two elements of a folding top mechanism of a convertible vehicle is provided, with a pivot pin, on which at least two elements are mounted next to one another rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, wherein at least one bushing is located on the pivot pin on which a first element is mounted on its hollow cylindrical section, and for which an elastically formed collar extending in the radial direction is formed with an undulating profile in the axial direction, which is designed to compensate for axial and/or radial play between the first element and a second element. The collar has at least one recess forming a material lug extending from the outer edge to the hollow cylindrical section.

Claims (17)

1. A folding top mechanism for a convertible car with an articulated connection, the mechanism comprising:

a pivot pin ( 30 , 30 ′, 30 ″), on which at least two elements ( 18 , 27 ; 18 , 25 ; 27 , 23 ) are mounted next to one another rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin ( 30 , 30 ′, 30 ″); and

at least one bushing ( 1 ) located on the pivot pin ( 30 , 30 ″, 30 ″), wherein the at least one bushing includes a hollow cylindrical section ( 2 ) on which a first element ( 23 , 27 , 33 ) is mounted for prevention of rattling noises during driving, and an elastically formed collar ( 3 , 3 ′) extending in the radial direction including an undulating profile in the axial direction, which is designed to compensate for at least one of an axial play and a radial play between the first element ( 23 , 27 , 33 ) and a second element ( 18 , 27 ),

characterized in that the collar ( 3 , 3 ′) has at least one recess ( 6 , 7 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) extending from an outer edge of the collar ( 3 , 3 ′) to the hollow cylindrical section ( 2 ) to define a material lug ( 4 , 4 ′, 5 , 5 ′).

2. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that two recesses ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) extending essentially in the radial direction each form a respective material lug.

3. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one recess ( 6 , 7 ) includes a first section ( 6 A, 7 A) extending from the outer edge of the collar ( 3 ), at least approximately radially over the collar ( 3 ), and wherein the at least one recess further includes a second section ( 6 B, 7 B) extending at least approximately in the circumferential direction to form the material lug ( 4 , 5 ).

4. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one bushing includes at least two recess's defining at least two material lugs ( 4 , 4 ′, 5 , 5 ′), which are provided on regions of the collar ( 3 , 3 ′) that are oppositely situated relative to a longitudinal axis ( 8 ) of the bushing ( 1 , 1 ′).

5. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that the material lug ( 4 , 4 ′, 5 , 5 ′) includes at least one bulge ( 9 , 10 , 15 , 16 ) in the axial direction of the collar.

6. A folding top mechanism according to claim 5 , characterized in that the bulge ( 9 , 10 ) has a groove-like design in the radial direction of the collar ( 3 ).

7. A folding top mechanism according to claim 5 , characterized in that the bulge is provided in a groove-like manner on the collar in the circumferential direction thereof.

8. A folding top mechanism according to claim 5 , characterized in that the bulge has a hemispherical design.

9. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that one of the elements is an articulated arm ( 23 ).

10. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that one of the elements is a hydraulic cylinder ( 27 ).

11. A folding top mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that one of the elements is a main bearing ( 18 ), fixed to a vehicle body.

12. A bushing for an articulated connection, the bushing comprising:

a hollow cylindrical section ( 2 , 2 ′) extending in the axial direction for accepting a shaft or a pin ( 30 , 30 ′, 30 ″) and with a collar ( 3 , 3 ′) that is formed elastically extending in the radial direction, that is formed with a profile that is undulating in the axial direction, which is designed to compensate for at least one of an axial play and a radial play,

characterized in that a recess ( 6 , 7 ) in a first section ( 6 A, 7 A) running from an outer edge of the collar ( 3 ), at least approximately radially over the collar ( 3 ), and in a second section ( 6 B, 7 B) extending at least approximately in the circumferential direction forms a respective material lug ( 4 , 5 ).

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 24, 2013
From: WILHELM KARMANN GMBH
To: VALMET AUTOMOTIVE OY
Reel/Frame 031485/0597 →