[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a vibration attenuation mechanism, and a vehicle with the vibration attenuation mechanism mounted thereon, wherein the vibration attenuation mechanism has an improved vibration attenuation effect.

[Background art]

In many technical fields, in order to improve user experience, it is necessary to provide a vibration attenuation mechanism to attenuate vibration from certain devices which generate vibration. Taking the field of motor vehicles as an example, the vibration generated by a compressor in a motor vehicle is considerable, therefore it is necessary to provide a vibration attenuation mechanism to attenuate the vibration of the compressor. Chinese utility model patent no. CN203879703U has disclosed a compressor cushioning mechanism for onboard air- conditioning of a four-wheeled leisure mobility scooter; the compressor cushioning mechanism comprises a cushioning plate disposed between the compressor and a compressor mounting base, a first cushioning assembly disposed between the compressor and the cushioning plate and constituting primary cushioning of the compressor, and a second cushioning assembly disposed between the cushioning plate and the compressor mounting base and constituting secondary cushioning of the compressor. The cushioning mechanism is disposed completely between the compressor and the compressor mounting base; hence, even though the cushioning mechanism attenuates vibration in two stages, the cushioning mechanism can only effectively attenuate vibration of the compressor in a vertical direction, being unable to effectively attenuate vibration of the compressor in a rotation direction, so the vibration attenuation effect of the cushioning mechanism is poor, and unable to satisfy the ever higher demands of users with regard to comfort.

Thus, it is hoped that a new technical solution will be proposed to satisfy the

abovementioned demand.

[Content of the invention]

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: to provide a vibration attenuation mechanism, and a vehicle with the vibration attenuation mechanism mounted thereon, wherein the vibration attenuation mechanism has an improved vibration attenuation effect.

To solve the abovementioned problem, the present invention may employ the following technical solution: a vibration attenuation mechanism, for subjecting a compressor to vibration attenuation, the compressor having a center of mass; the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a number of elastic elements, each of the elastic elements having an elastic center, the number of elastic centers being not completely located in the same plane and together forming a three-dimensional cushioning space, with the center of mass of the compressor being located in the cushioning space.

In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning space has a geometric center; the center of mass and the geometric center coincide exactly.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of elastic centers are all located at an edge of the cushioning space.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is a rubber member or a spring.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a first support and a second support which are fitted together; the compressor is mounted to the first support; the vibration attenuation mechanism is provided with the elastic element at a point of connection between the first support and the second support, for the purpose of constituting primary vibration attenuation of the compressor, and the elastic element is disposed on the second support, for the purpose of constituting secondary vibration attenuation of the compressor.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a mounting seat, and a first support and a second support which are fitted together; the compressor is mounted to the first support, and the second support is mounted to the mounting seat; the vibration attenuation mechanism is provided with the elastic element at a point of connection between the first support and the second support, for the purpose of constituting primary vibration attenuation of the compressor, and the vibration attenuation mechanism is provided with the elastic element at a point of connection between the second support and the mounting seat, for the purpose of constituting secondary vibration attenuation of the compressor.

In a preferred embodiment, the quantity of the elastic element(s) disposed at the secondary vibration attenuation is greater than the quantity of the elastic element(s) disposed at the primary vibration attenuation.

In a preferred embodiment, the compressor has a rotation shaft; at least one of the elastic element(s) used to form the primary vibration attenuation comprises an inner layer and an outer layer which extend perpendicularly to the rotation shaft, and two spaced-apart connecting parts connecting the outer layer to the inner layer; one of the inner layer and outer layer is directly or indirectly connected to the first support, and the other of the inner layer and outer layer is directly or indirectly connected to the second support; relative movement is possible between the outer layer and the inner layer, and in an extension direction of the rotation shaft, the two connecting parts and the rotation shaft are parallel or coincident.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a support and a cushioning assembly mounted to the support; the cushioning assembly comprises the elastic element, a bolt, a core disposed in the elastic element, and a limiting spacer; the core has a through-hole running from end to end and a limiting slot disposed at one side of the through-hole; the limiting spacer has a protruding part extending into the limiting slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the protruding part and the limiting slot are in an interference fit.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a support and a cushioning assembly mounted to the support; the cushioning assembly comprises a core, an outer ring fixed to the support, the elastic element disposed between the outer ring and the core, a bolt and a limiting spacer; the elastic element has an outer layer fixed to the outer ring, an inner layer fixed to the core, and a connecting part connected to the outer layer and the inner layer; two ends of the core protrude outward beyond the outer ring, and the limiting spacer is provided with a spacer hole and a laterally extending restricting part.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a support and a cushioning assembly mounted to the support; the cushioning assembly comprises an outer ring fixed to the support, and the elastic element disposed in the outer ring; the outer ring has an end face and an outer surface; at the end face, the elastic element is provided with an isolating cushioning part extending beyond the end face; the outer ring is provided with a projection protruding beyond the outer surface, the projection having an auxiliary support face for supporting the isolating cushioning part.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a support and a cushioning assembly mounted to the support; the cushioning assembly comprises an outer ring fixed to the support, and the elastic element disposed in the outer ring; the outer ring has an end face; at the end face, the elastic element is provided with an isolating cushioning part configured as a structure of multiple sections spaced apart from one another.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a support and a cushioning assembly mounted to the support; the support has a mounting hole; the cushioning assembly comprises an outer ring fixed to the mounting hole, and the elastic element disposed in the outer ring; the outer ring has an end face; at the end face, the elastic element is provided with an isolating cushioning part; the isolating cushioning part is formed with a number of notches, and the end face is partly exposed in the notches.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration attenuation mechanism comprises a support and a cushioning assembly mounted to the support; the support has a mounting hole open at two ends; the mounting hole is provided with a guide face at two ends thereof, the guide face being an inclined face or a curved face; the cushioning assembly comprises an outer ring fixed to the mounting hole, and the elastic element disposed in the outer ring; the outer ring has an outer surface, and is provided with a projection at two ends thereof, the projection protruding beyond the outer surface in order to form an interference fit with the guide face. In a preferred embodiment, the support has a mounting part, the mounting part being provided with the mounting hole and having two end faces; two end faces of the outer ring are flush with the two end faces of the mounting part.

To solve the abovementioned problem, the present invention may also employ the following technical solution: a vehicle, with a compressor and the vibration attenuation mechanism as described in any one of the embodiments above being mounted on the vehicle.

Compared with the prior art, the present invention at least has the following beneficial effects: the number of elastic centers are not completely located in the same plane, and together form a three-dimensional cushioning space, with the center of mass of the compressor being located in the cushioning space; with this arrangement, the vibration attenuation mechanism is not only able to effectively attenuate vibration of the compressor in a vertical direction, but also able to effectively attenuate vibration of the compressor in a rotation direction; thus, the effectiveness of vibration attenuation of the compressor by the vibration attenuation mechanism is greatly improved.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a vibration attenuation mechanism of the present invention with a compressor mounted thereon, wherein bolts are not shown on an upper support.

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the vibration attenuation mechanism shown in fig. 1 , wherein bolts are not shown on the upper support.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the vibration attenuation mechanism shown in fig. 2, wherein bolts are not shown on the upper support.

Fig. 4 is a partial three-dimensional exploded view of the vibration attenuation mechanism shown in fig. 1, wherein bolts are not shown on the upper support.

Fig. 5 is a partial three-dimensional exploded view of the upper support shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view along line A-A of the vibration attenuation mechanism shown in fig. 2, including a partial enlarged view. Fig. 7 is a three-dimensional view of the cushioning assembly used to form primary vibration attenuation as shown in fig. 1, wherein a bolt is not shown.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view along line B-B of the cushioning assembly shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a partial enlarged exploded view of the cushioning assembly shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a further exploded view of the cushioning assembly shown in fig. 9, wherein the limiting spacer is not shown.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the cushioning assembly of the vibration attenuation mechanism in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a bolt is not shown.

[Detailed Description of Embodiments]

The technical solution in embodiments of the present invention is explained and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the present invention. However, the embodiments below are merely preferred embodiments, not all embodiments, of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art on the basis of embodiments in the present invention without expending inventive effort are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Referring to figs. 1 to 3, the present invention provides a vibration attenuation mechanism 100; the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 is used for, but not limited to, subjecting a compressor 200 to vibration attenuation. The compressor 200 has a center of mass, which has the general meaning in the art, i.e. is the center of mass of the compressor 200. The compressor 200 has a rotation shaft (not shown); the direction of extension of the rotation shaft is S. In general, the compressor 200 mainly generates vibration in two directions during operation: vibration in a vertical direction V, and vibration in a rotation direction R.

Continuing to refer to figs. 1 to 3, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 comprises a number of elastic elements 1; each of the elastic elements 1 has an elastic center, which has the general meaning in the art. The number of elastic centers are not completely located in the same plane, and together form a three-dimensional cushioning space 10; the center of mass of the compressor 200 is located in the cushioning space 10, i.e. the cushioning space 10 is used to accommodate the centre of mass of the compressor 200. With this arrangement, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 is not only able to effectively attenuate vibration of the compressor 200 in the vertical direction V, but also able to effectively attenuate vibration of the compressor 200 in the rotation direction R; thus, the effectiveness of vibration attenuation of the compressor 200 by the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 can be greatly improved. The elastic element 1 is a rubber member or a spring. The number of elastic centers are all located at an edge of the cushioning space 10. The cushioning space 10 has a geometic center; the center of mass and the geometric centre coincide exactly. The closer the center of mass of the compressor 200 is to the geometric center of the cushioning space 10, the more effective the vibration attenuation of the compressor 200 is; when the two coincide exactly, the vibration attenuation effect is optimal.

Referring to figs. 1 to 4, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 comprises a mounting seat 3 and a support 2; the support 2 comprises a first support 21 and a second support 22 which are fitted together. In this embodiment, the first support 21 is an upper support, and the second support 22 is a lower support; in other embodiments, the positional relationship of the first and second supports 21 and 22 must be determined according to specific requirements. The compressor 200 is mounted to the first support 21, the second support 22 is mounted to the mounting seat 3, and the mounting seat 3 is mounted to e.g. a vehicle chassis. The vibration attenuation mechanism 100 is provided with the elastic elements 1 at points of connection between the first support 21 and the second support 22, for the purpose of constituting primary vibration attenuation of the compressor 200; the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 is provided with the elastic elements 1 at points of connection between the second support 22 and the mounting seat 3, for the purpose of constituting secondary vibration attenuation of the compressor 200. The elastic elements 1 constituting the primary vibration attenuation may be disposed on the first support 21, could also be disposed on the second support 22, and could also be partly disposed on the first support 21 and partly disposed on the second support 22, as long as a vibration attenuation effect can be achieved. Similarly, the elastic elements 1 constituting the secondary vibration attenuation may be disposed on the second support 22, could also be disposed on the mounting seat 3, and could also be partly disposed on the second support 22 and partly disposed on the mounting seat 3. With this arrangement, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 forms two-stage vibration attenuation. Vibration generated by the compressor 200 is first transmited to the first support 21; when the vibration is transmitted to the elastic elements 1 at the points of connection between the first support 21 and the second support 22, the vibration is attenuated a first time (primary vibration attenuation); when the vibration is transmitted to the elastic elements 1 at the points of connection between the second support 22 and the mounting seat 3, the vibration is attenuated a second time (secondary vibration attenuation). The elastic elements 1 used to form the secondary vibration attenuation are also able to filter vibration excitation generated on the ground. Of course, in other embodiments, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 may also not comprise the mounting seat 3, but instead have the second support 22 directly mounted to e.g. the vehicle chassis, in which case the elastic elements 1 used to form the secondary vibration attenuation are disposed on the second support 22. In some other embodiments, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 may also form three- stage vibration attenuation or even a greater number of stages of vibration attenuation, in which case the second support 22 must be connected to another support; the elastic elements 1 used to form the secondary vibration attenuation may be disposed on the second support 22, could also be disposed on the other support, and could also be partly disposed on the second support 22 and partly disposed on the other support.

Furthermore, the quantity of the elastic elements 1 disposed at the secondary vibration attenuation is greater than the quantity of the elastic elements 1 disposed at the primary vibration attenuation. Referring to fig. 3, in this embodiment, the elastic elements 1 are rubber members, and a total of 7 are provided; the quantity of the elastic elements 1 used for the primary vibration attenuation is 3, and the quantity of the elastic elements 1 used for the secondary vibration attenuation is 4.

Referring to figs. 4 to 6, the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 comprises a cushioning assembly 4 mounted to the support 2; in this embodiment, the cushioning assembly 4 is intended to be mounted on the first support 21, but of course, in other embodiments, the cushioning assembly 4 may also be intended to be mounted on the second support 22. In this embodiment, a cushioning structure used on the second support 22 is not described in detail here. The cushioning assembly 4 comprises an outer ring 6 fixed to the support 2, the elastic element 1, a bolt 41, a limiting spacer 42, and a core 5 disposed in the elastic element 1. The support 2 has a mounting part 23; the mounting part 23 is provided with a mounting hole 20 open at two ends, and the cushioning assembly 4 is fixed in the mounting hole 20 by means of the outer ring 6. It can be seen from the description above that in this embodiment, the mounting part 23 is disposed on the first support 21. The outer ring 6 is preferably made of a nylon material. The limiting spacer 42 has a spacer hole 420 for the bolt 41 to pass through, and the core 5 has a through-hole 51 running from end to end; the second support 22 is provided with a threaded hole 221; the bolt 41 passes through the spacer hole 420 and the through-hole 51, and is then mated with the threaded hole 221. Of course, in other embodiments, the bolt 41 could also be replaced with another fastener.

Referring to figs. 3 to 6, 8 and 9, at least one of the elastic elements 1 used to form the primary vibration attenuation comprises an inner layer 11 and an outer layer 12 which extend perpendicularly to the rotation shaft, and two spaced-apart connecting parts 13 connecting the outer layer 12 to the inner layer 11. In this embodiment, the cushioning assembly 4 is fixed to the first support 21 by means of the outer ring 6; the elastic element 1 is a rubber member, formed by vulcanization between the outer ring 6 and the core 5; the inner layer 11 is formed by vulcanization on the core 5, and the outer layer 12 is formed by vulcanization on the outer ring 6; the bolt 41 passes through the core 5 in order to be fixed to the second support 22. Thus, the inner layer 11 is indirectly connected to the second support 22 via the core 5 and the bolt 41, and the outer layer 12 is indirectly connected to the first support 21 via the outer ring 6. Of course, in other embodiments, the cushioning assembly 4 could also be not provided with the outer ring 6, and the outer layer 12 could be formed by vulcanization directly on the first support 21; the cushioning assembly 4 could also be not provided with the core 5 and the bolt 41, the inner layer 11 being formed by vulcanization directly on the second support 22. Thus, the inner layer 11 is directly or indirectly connected to the second support 22, and the outer layer 12 is directly or indirectly connected to the first support 21. In some other embodiments, the outer layer 12 could also be directly or indirectly connected to the second support 22, with the inner layer 11 being directly or indirectly connected to the first support 21. Relative movement is possible between the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 11, and in the extension direction S of the rotation shaft, the two connecting parts 13 and the rotation shaft are parallel or coincident. By arranging at least one of the elastic elements 1 in the primary vibration attenuation in the manner described above, the rigidity of the compressor 200 in the rotation direction R can be reduced effectively, improving the vibration isolation effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic elements 1 could also be fixed to the core 5 and/or the outer ring 6 in another manner, using another material.

Referring to figs. 5 and 7 - 9, the core 5 has a limiting slot 52 disposed at one side of the through-hole 51, and the limiting spacer 42 has a protruding part 421 extending into the limiting slot 52. In the process of mounting the bolt 41, the bolt 41 passes through the through-hole 51 and is fixed to the second support 22 by turning; by providing the protruding part 421 and the limiting slot 52, the limiting spacer 42 can be prevented from turning with the bolt. Preferably, the limiting slot 52 is smaller than the through-hole 51. Preferably, the limiting slot 52 is in communication with the through-hole 51. In this embodiment, there are two said limiting slots 52, disposed on two opposite sides of the through-hole 51 respectively, and in communication with the through-hole 52. Furthermore, the protruding part 421 and the limiting slot 52 are in an interference fit, and the bolt 41 will generally not be mounted before the compressor 200 is mounted. Arranging the limiting slot 52 and the protruding part 421 to be in an interference fit makes it possible for the limiting spacer 42 to be fixed to the core 5 and not fall off, even without the bolt 41 being mounted; this can facilitate transportation of a product.

Referring to figs. 7 - 10, in a preferred embodiment, two ends of the core 5 protrude outward beyond the outer ring 6, and the limiting spacer 42 is provided with a laterally extending restricting part 422. Preferably, the restricting part 422 is V-shaped. When movement of the inner layer 11 along with the core 5 relative to the outer layer 12 is large, the restricting part 422 will directly or indirectly strike the outer ring 6, thereby preventing excessive displacement between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12; this arrangement can prevent the elastic element 1 from being damaged by excessive pulling. In this embodiment, the outer ring 6 has an end face 61, and the elastic element 1 is provided with an isolating cushioning part 14 at the end face 61; when large relative movement occurs between the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 11, then at the side where the restricting part 422 is located, the restricting part 422 strikes the isolating cushioning part 14, and at the side where the second support 22 is located, the second support 22 strikes the isolating cushioning part 14. The isolating cushioning part 14 can improve the vibration attenuation effect.

Referring to figs. 7 - 9, the isolating cushioning part 14 is configured as a structure of multiple sections spaced apart from one another. Due to the configuration of the isolating cushioning part 14 as a structure of multiple sections spaced apart from one another, the rigidity of the elastic element 1 can be smoothed out, improving somewhat a vehicle with gear-change shock or harsh acceleration/harsh deceleration problems.

Continuing to refer to figs. 7 - 9, the isolating cushioning part 14 is formed with a number of notches 141, and the end face 61 is partly exposed in the notches 141. Since the isolating cushioning part 14 is disposed at the end face 61, press-fitting process equipment cannot act directly on the outer ring 6, and can only act on the elastic isolating cushioning part 14, hence it is very difficult to press-fit the cushioning assembly 4 into place. Due to the provision of the notches 141, the outer ring 6 has a larger area exposed to the outside for process equipment to act on directly; this arrangement helps the process equipment to press-fit and locate the cushioning assembly 4. Furthermore, the parts of the elastic element 1 which are located in the notches 141 are flush with the end face 61; this facilitates the placement of process equipment, further helping the process equipment to press-fit and locate the cushioning assembly 4. In this embodiment, gaps in the multi-section isolating cushioning part 14 form the notches 141. The position of the restricting part 422 must correspond to the isolating cushioning part 14; the smaller a portion corresponding to the gaps 141, the better, and preferably, no portion should correspond to the gaps. The protruding part 421 and the limiting slot 52 can ensure that this correspondence relationship will not change due to vibration.

Referring to figs. 5 and 8, the mounting hole 20 is provided with a guide face 201 at two ends thereof; the guide face 201 is an inclined face or a curved face. The outer ring 6 has an outer surface 62, and is provided with a projection 7 at two ends thereof, the projection protruding beyond the outer surface 62 in order to form an interference fit with the guide face 201. With this arrangement, the outer ring 6 and the mounting hole 20 both form inverse retainers at two ends; during use, this can prevent the cushioning assembly 4 from detaching from the support 2 due to excessive vibration. Compared with the case where an inclined or curved guide face is provided on the outer ring 6 and an interference- fitting projection is provided on the support 2, the strength of the outer ring 6 can be ensured, helping to protect the cushioning assembly 4, and extending the product service life. Furthermore, the mounting part 23 has two end faces 231; the two end faces 61 of the outer ring 6 are flush with the two end faces 231 of the mounting part 23. With this arrangement, the movement stroke of the limiting spacer 42 can be increased; this helps to improve the vibration attenuation effect. Preferably, the projection 7 has a conical mating part, having stronger interference capability.

Referring to fig. 11, the present invention also provides a vibration attenuation mechanism in another embodiment; the vibration attenuation mechanism in this embodiment has substantially the same shape and structure as the vibration attenuation mechanism 100 in the embodiment described above, the main difference being that this embodiment provides another cushioning assembly 4’. It must be explained that apart from the cushioning assembly 4’, the labels of other elements are the same as in the embodiment described above.

The cushioning assembly 4’ comprises an outer ring 6’ fixed to the support 2, and an elastic element 1’ disposed in the outer ring 6’; the outer ring 6’ has an end face 6G and an outer surface 62’; at the end face 6G, the elastic element G is provided with an isolating cushioning part 14’ extending beyond the end face 6G; the outer ring 6’ is provided with a projection 7’ protruding beyond the outer surface 62’; the projection 7’ has an auxiliary support face 63 G for supporting the isolating cushioning part 14’. In a preferred embodiment, the projection 7’ has an annular structure, and the end face 61’ is flush with the auxiliary support face 63 G. The isolating cushioning part 14’ is used to prevent the outer ring 6’ from colliding directly with other components, e.g. a limiting spacer 42’ or the second support 22, and helps to improve the vibration attenuation effect. A larger force-bearing area can be provided through the provision of the auxiliary support face 63 G; with this arrangement, the isolating cushioning part 14’ can obtain a larger support area, and the isolating cushioning part 14’ can be made larger, so that the vibration attenuation mechanism is more effective at attenuating the vibration of the compressor 200. In this embodiment, the projection 7’ has the same structure as the projection 7, mating with the support 2, in the embodiment described above. Of course, in other embodiments, the projections could also be designed with two separate structures.

The present invention also provides a vehicle (not shown), with the compressor 200 and the vibration attenuation mechanism as described in any one of the abovementioned embodiments being mounted on the vehicle. The compressor 200 is mounted between the first and second supports 21, 22, and the compressor 200 is at least partly located in the cushioning space 10 so that the center of mass of the compressor 200 is located in the cushioning space 10.

It can be understood that in the absence of conflict, the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other to obtain further embodiments. The various specific technical features described in the particular embodiments above may, in the absence of contradiction, be combined in any suitable manner.

In the description of the present invention, it must be understood that directional or positional relationships indicated by the terms “center”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal”,“top”,“bottom”,“inner”,“outer ”,“clockwise” and“anticlockwise”, etc. are based on directional or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are merely intended to facilitate description of the present invention and simplify description; they do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or element referred to must have a specific direction and be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be interpreted as restrictions on the present invention. In addition, the terms“first” and“second” are merely used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the technical feature indicated. Thus, a feature for which“first” and “second” are defined may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of“multiple” is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms such as “mount”,“connect”,“join” and“fix” should be interpreted in a broad sense, e.g. they may indicate a fixed connection, or a removable connection, or an integral connection; they may indicate a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; they may indicate a direct connection, or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can interpret the specific meaning of the abovementioned terms in the present invention according to particular circumstances.