JP2008256059A - Suspension device and vehicle equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a suspension device broadening the regulating range of a damping force. <P>SOLUTION: A front fork 9 (suspension device) is equipped with a damping force regulating mechanism 25 for damping expanding and contracting force. The damping force regulating mechanism 25 includes: an oil passage part 23f through which oil is distributed when an outer tube 10 and an inner tube 11 relatively expand and contract; a damping regulating rod 17 for regulating the amount of oil distributed through the oil passage part 23f by moving a needle part 17a to change the area of an opening of an upper end part 23g of the oil passage part 23f; an oil chamber 23a provided on the upper end part 23g side of the oil passage part 23f, through which oil is distributed when the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 11 relatively contract and expand; and an elastic member 19 disposed in the oil chamber 23a and regulating the amount of oil distributed through the oil chamber 23a by changing the area of the oil chamber 23a through deformation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a suspension device and a vehicle including the suspension device, and more particularly to a suspension device capable of adjusting the amount of oil flowing in an oil passage and a vehicle including the suspension device.

  Conventionally, a hydraulic shock absorber capable of adjusting the amount of oil flowing through an oil passage is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a hydraulic buffer including a rod-side oil chamber, a leak oil chamber communicating with the reservoir chamber, and a throttle oil passage formed between the rod-side oil chamber and the leak oil chamber. A vessel is disclosed. This hydraulic shock absorber is configured so that oil flows through a throttle oil passage between the rod side oil chamber and the leak oil chamber, and by adjusting the amount of oil flowing through the throttle oil passage, The damping force can be adjusted. Specifically, the throttle oil passage is provided with a piston rod along the direction in which the oil flows, and an annular elastic member is disposed around the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod. A spacer that contacts the elastic member is disposed on the leak oil chamber side of the throttle oil passage. The spacer is configured to press the elastic member so as to be adjustable in the axial direction of the piston rod by a fastening member that can be moved in the axial direction of the piston rod. As a result, when the elastic member is pressed and deformed in the axial direction of the piston rod, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member changes in an adjustable manner. The distribution amount of the distributed oil is adjusted.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-71936

  However, in the hydraulic shock absorber disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, the adjustment range of the damping force of the hydraulic shock absorber is adjusted in order to adjust the oil circulation amount only by deforming the elastic member arranged in the throttle oil passage. There is a problem that it is difficult to spread.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a suspension device capable of expanding the adjustment range of the damping force and a vehicle including the suspension device. That is.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  A suspension device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an outer tube, an inner tube that is slidably inserted into the outer tube, and a first damping mechanism that attenuates the force with which the outer tube and the inner tube relatively expand and contract. The first damping mechanism changes the area of the first oil passage through which oil flows when the outer tube and the inner tube relatively expand and contract, and the opening at one end of the first oil passage. A damping adjustment rod capable of adjusting the amount of oil flowing through the first oil passage by moving the tip portion in this manner, and one end portion side of the first oil passage, the outer tube and the inner tube are relatively The second oil passage through which oil is circulated when expanding and contracting, and the second oil passage are arranged in the second oil passage and deformed to change the area of the second oil passage Thereby comprising an adjustable elastic member the amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage.

  In the suspension device according to the first aspect, as described above, the first damping mechanism is moved to the first oil passage by moving the tip portion so as to change the area of the opening of the one end portion of the first oil passage. By providing a damping adjustment rod capable of adjusting the amount of oil flowing, and an elastic member capable of changing the area of the second oil passage by deforming and adjusting the amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage, The amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage can be adjusted by deforming the elastic member, and the first oil passage can be changed by changing the area of the opening at one end of the first oil passage by the damping adjustment rod. Since the amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage can be adjusted only by deforming the elastic member, the damping force can be adjusted. It is possible to widen the adjustment range.

  In the suspension device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first damping mechanism further includes an elastic body compression member for compressing and deforming the elastic member. If comprised in this way, the amount of oil which carries out compression deformation of an elastic member and distribute | circulates to a 2nd oil channel | path easily can be adjusted with an elastic body compression member.

  In the suspension device provided with the first damping mechanism having the elastic body compression member, preferably, the elastic body compression member is configured to be moved together with the damping adjustment rod when the damping adjustment rod is adjusted. Is configured to be deformed as the elastic body compression member is moved. If comprised in this way, the quantity of the oil which distribute | circulates to each of a 1st oil path and a 2nd oil path can be adjusted simultaneously with a damping adjustment rod.

  In this case, preferably, the elastic body compression member is integrally formed with the damping adjustment rod. If comprised in this way, it can suppress that a number of parts increases compared with the case where an elastic body compression member is provided separately from a damping adjustment rod.

  In the suspension device according to the first aspect, preferably, a case member in which an oil chamber is formed is provided inside the inner tube, and the first oil passage and the second oil passage are formed in the case member. ing. If comprised in this way, a structure can be simplified compared with the case where a 1st oil path and a 2nd oil path are each provided separately in a member different from a case member and a case member.

  In the suspension device provided with the inside of the inner tube having the case member in which the oil chamber is formed, preferably, the first damping mechanism includes an elastic body compression member for compressing and deforming the elastic member, and a case A receiving portion that is provided on the first oil passage side of the oil chamber of the member and suppresses the elastic member from blocking one end of the first oil passage when the elastic member is deformed. It arrange | positions between an elastic body compression member and a receiving part. If comprised in this way, the elastic member pinched | compressed between the elastic body compression member and the receiving part will deform | transform in the direction of the one end part of a 1st oil path, and the one end part of a 1st oil path Can be prevented from being blocked.

  In this case, it is preferable that the first portion near the one end of the first oil passage of the receiving portion has a step portion. If comprised in this way, it can suppress that the one end part of a 1st oil passage is easily plugged up by a level | step-difference part.

  Preferably, in the suspension device provided with an inner tube having a case member in which the oil chamber is formed, the first damping mechanism further includes an elastic body compression member for compressing and deforming the elastic member. The second oil passage is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the oil chamber, and when the elastic member is deformed by the elastic body compression member, the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member and the inner peripheral surface of the second oil passage. It is comprised so that the space | interval between may become small. If comprised in this way, the quantity of the oil which distribute | circulates to a 2nd oil path can be easily adjusted with an elastic member.

  In this case, preferably, the inner peripheral surface of the oil chamber of the case member is formed in a circular shape in plan view, the elastic member is formed in a spherical shape, and the second oil passage is formed in a spherical shape. It is formed in an annular shape between the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member and the circular inner peripheral surface of the case member, and the spherical elastic member is compressed, so that the radial second oil passage in the radial direction is compressed. It is comprised so that length may become small. If comprised in this way, the dispersion | variation in the quantity of the oil which distribute | circulates to a 2nd oil channel | path can be suppressed.

  In the suspension device provided with the inside of the inner tube having the case member in which the oil chamber is formed, the suspension device is preferably provided on the outer peripheral portion of the case portion, and has a force to relatively expand and contract the outer tube and the inner tube. A second damping mechanism for damping is further provided. With this configuration, the damping force can be generated not only by the first damping mechanism but also by the second damping mechanism.

  In the suspension device according to the first aspect, the damping adjustment rod includes an adjustment screw portion that can be adjusted from the outside so as to move the tip portion to the opening of one end portion of the first oil passage, and the adjustment screw portion is elastic. The amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage is adjusted by adjusting the amount of deformation when the member is deformed. If comprised in this way, the quantity of the oil which distribute | circulates to both a 1st oil path and a 2nd oil path can be easily adjusted with an adjustment screw part.

  In the suspension device according to the first aspect, the elastic member is made of rubber. If comprised in this way, an elastic member can be changed easily.

  A vehicle according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the suspension device according to any one of the above configurations. If comprised in this way, the vehicle provided with the suspension apparatus which can expand the adjustment range of damping force can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall structure of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2-6 is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the front fork of the motorcycle by one Embodiment shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a motorcycle will be described as an example of the vehicle of the present invention. In the figure, an arrow FWD indicates the front in the traveling direction of the motorcycle. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1-6, the structure of the motorcycle 1 by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

  In the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a main frame 3 is disposed behind the head pipe 2 as shown in FIG. A seat rail 4 is connected to the main frame 3. The head pipe 2, the main frame 3, and the seat rail 4 constitute a vehicle body frame.

  A handle 5 is attached to the top of the head pipe 2. A front cowl 6 that covers the front of the head pipe 2 is provided in front of the head pipe 2. A front wheel 7 and a front fender 8 disposed above the front wheel 7 are disposed below the front cowl 6. The axle 7 a of the front wheel 7 is rotatably attached to the lower ends of the pair of front forks 9. The front fork 9 has a function of absorbing an impact when the front wheel 7 and the vehicle body move relatively. The front fork 9 is an example of the “suspension device” in the present invention.

  The front fork 9 is provided so that the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 11 slide in the axial direction and can be expanded and contracted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a slide metal 12 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 10. The front fork 9 can be expanded and contracted by sliding the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 11 along the inner peripheral surface of the slide metal 12. An oil seal 13 and a dust seal 14 are disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 11.

  Further, the rod fixing member 15 is fixed to the upper end portion of the outer tube 10 of the front fork 9 so that the opening of the upper end portion of the outer tube 10 is closed. Further, the upper end screw portion 16 a of the rod portion 16 is fixed to the screw hole 15 a of the rod fixing member 15.

  Here, in this embodiment, a shaft insertion hole 16 b is formed inside the rod portion 16. A damping force adjusting rod 17 for adjusting the damping force of the front fork 9 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 16b. An adjustment screw member 18 is attached to the upper end portion of the damping force adjustment rod 17, and the adjustment screw member 18 is disposed on the rod fixing member 15. Accordingly, by rotating the adjustment screw member 18 in the X1 direction or the X2 direction with respect to the rod fixing member 15, the damping force adjustment rod 17 is moved as the adjustment screw member 18 moves upward or downward. It is possible to move upward or downward. The adjustment screw member 18 is an example of the “adjustment screw portion” in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the lower end portion of the damping force adjusting rod 17 is provided with a needle portion 17a having a tapered tip as shown in FIG. The needle portion 17a is an example of the “tip portion” in the present invention. Further, the needle portion 17a of the damping force adjusting rod 17 is configured to be moved up and down using an adjusting screw member 18 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, since it becomes possible to change the area of the opening of the upper end part 23g of the oil path part 23f mentioned later, it becomes possible to adjust the quantity of the oil which distribute | circulates to the oil path part 23f.

  In the present embodiment, a flange portion 17 b is integrally provided on the upper portion of the needle portion 17 a of the damping force adjusting rod 17 so as to expand in the outer peripheral direction of the outer peripheral portion of the damping force adjusting rod 17. The flange portion 17b is an example of the “elastic body compression member” in the present invention. The flange portion 17b is disposed in an oil chamber 23a described later, and has a function of compressing and deforming the elastic member 19 disposed in the oil chamber 23a. Further, the flange portion 17 b is configured to be moved in the vertical direction together with the damping force adjusting rod 17 when the position of the needle portion 17 a is adjusted by using the adjusting screw member 18. As a result, the elastic member 19 can be compressed and deformed in the vertical direction.

  Further, an upper mounting member 22 of a piston unit 21 disposed inside the inner cylinder portion 20 is attached to the lower end screw portion 16 c of the rod portion 16. Further, the upper mounting member 22 of the piston unit 21 is fixed by fitting the opening at the upper end of the case member 23 into the outer peripheral portion of the upper mounting member 22. A return spring unit 24 is disposed at the upper end of the upper mounting member 22. The return spring unit 24 has a function of suppressing an impact when the piston unit 21 collides with a receiving member 37 described later when the front fork 9 is extended.

  In the present embodiment, the oil chamber 23 a is formed in the case member 23 of the piston unit 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a is formed in a circular shape when viewed in plan. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 23c is formed in the inner peripheral surface 23b. The through hole 23c is formed to allow oil to flow between the oil chamber 23a and an upper oil chamber 20a described later.

  A plurality of rib portions 23d are provided at the lower portion of the oil chamber 23a. The rib portion 23d is an example of the “receiving portion” in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of rib portions 23d is formed so as to extend from the vicinity of the center portion of the bottom surface portion of the oil chamber 23a in the direction of the inner peripheral surface 23b. Further, a step portion 23e is provided on the side near the center of the bottom surface of the oil chamber 23a of the plurality of ribs 23d (on the side near one end (upper end 23g) of the first oil passage (oil passage 23f)). Is provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the elastic member 19 made of rubber is disposed inside the oil chamber 23a between the flange portion 17b and the rib portion 23d as described above. The elastic member 19 has a substantially spherical shape. The elastic member 19 is formed with a through-hole portion 19a so that the damping force adjusting rod 17 passes through the center in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the adjusting screw member 18 is rotated in the X1 direction (see FIG. 2) with respect to the rod fixing member 15, and the position of the flange portion 17b is moved downward, the elastic member 19 Are compressed and deformed in the vertical direction. In this case, since the interval (the length in the radial direction) between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a becomes small, the oil from the portion above the elastic member 19 in the oil chamber 23a It is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of oil flowing to the portion below the elastic member 19 in the chamber 23a. Further, between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a, the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a is formed in a circular shape in plan view, and the elastic member 19 is By being formed in a spherical shape, it is formed in an annular shape. The space between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a is an example of the “second oil passage” in the present invention, and the outer peripheral portion 19b is the “outer peripheral surface” of the present invention. It is an example.

  In the present embodiment, an oil passage portion 23f is formed in the lower portion of the case member 23 so as to penetrate substantially the center of the bottom surface portion of the oil chamber 23a. The oil passage portion 23f is an example of the “first oil passage” in the present invention. Further, the needle portion 17a of the damping force adjusting rod 17 is disposed in the vicinity of the opening of the upper end portion 23g (one end portion) of the oil passage portion 23f. The oil passage portion 23f is configured such that when the front fork 9 is compressed, oil flows from the lower side to the upper side of the oil passage portion 23f, and when the front fork 9 extends, The oil is configured to flow from the upper side to the lower side of the oil passage portion 23f. The damping force adjusting rod 25 is configured by the damping force adjusting rod 17, the needle portion 17a, the flange portion 17b, the oil chamber 23a, and the oil passage portion 23f. The damping force adjusting mechanism 25 is an example of the “first damping mechanism” in the present invention. Further, the damping force adjusting mechanism 25 has a function of attenuating the force with which the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 11 are relatively expanded and contracted.

  A damping member 26 is provided around the oil passage portion 23 f of the case member 23. The damping member 26 has a plurality of oil passage holes 26a through which oil passes from the upper oil chamber 20a to the lower oil chamber 20b. A plurality of plate-shaped washers 27 are arranged below the plurality of oil passage holes 26b so as to close the lower surfaces of the plurality of oil passage holes 26a. The damping member 26 is formed with a plurality of oil passage holes 26b for allowing oil to pass from the lower oil chamber 20b to the upper oil chamber 20a. In addition, a plate-shaped washer 28 is disposed above the plurality of oil passage holes 26b so as to close the upper surfaces of the plurality of oil passage holes 26b. A compression coil spring 29 that urges the washer 28 downward is disposed above the washer 28. The damping member 26, the washer 27, the washer 28, and the compression coil spring 29 are examples of the “second damping mechanism” in the present invention. The inside of the inner cylinder portion 20 is divided by the damping member 26 into an upper oil chamber 20a disposed above the damping member 26 and a lower oil chamber 20b disposed below the damping member 26. . The upper mounting member 22, the case member 23, and the damping member 26 constitute a piston unit 21.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, an attenuation unit 30 is provided at the lower end portion of the inner cylinder portion 20. Specifically, the lower end portion of the inner cylinder portion 20 is screwed into the lower bracket 31, and the attenuation unit 30 has its main body portion 30 a sandwiched between the lower end portion of the inner cylinder portion 20 and the lower bracket 31. It is being fixed to the lower bracket 31 by.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the damping unit 30 includes a main body 30 a, a plurality of oil passage holes 30 b and a plurality of oil passage holes 30 c provided on the outer periphery of the main body 30 a, and a plurality of plate-shaped washers 32. And a plate-shaped washer 33. A plurality of plate-shaped washers 32 are arranged below the plurality of oil passage holes 30b so as to block the lower surfaces of the plurality of oil passage holes 30b. Further, a plate-shaped washer 33 is disposed above the oil passage hole 30c so as to block the upper surfaces of the plurality of oil passage holes 30c. A compression coil spring 34 that urges the washer 33 downward is disposed above the plate-shaped washer 33. Further, a through hole 30d is formed in the main body 30a so as to extend in the vertical direction. The lower end portion of the through hole 30d is connected to a damping force adjustment unit 35 described later provided in the lower bracket 31.

  An oil circulation hole 20 c is formed on the side surface of the inner cylinder portion 20. The oil circulation hole 20 c is formed to connect the inside of the inner cylinder portion 20 and the reservoir oil chamber 36 between the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 20. The oil circulation hole 20c has a function of causing the oil that has passed through the oil passage hole 30b of the damping unit 30 to flow into the reservoir oil chamber 36 when the front fork 9 is compressed, and also when the front fork 9 extends. The oil flowing through the oil passage hole 30 c of the damping unit 30 has a function of flowing out from the reservoir oil chamber 36.

  A damping force adjustment unit 35 is inserted and fixed to the lower bracket 31 from the side of the lower bracket 31. The damping force adjusting unit 35 has a function of adjusting the flow rate of oil flowing from the through hole 30d of the damping unit 30 when the front fork 9 is compressed. That is, the damping force adjustment unit 35 has a function of generating a damping force when the front fork 9 is compressed, and a function of adjusting the damping force when the front fork 9 is compressed. Further, the downstream side of the oil flow of the damping force adjustment unit 35 is connected to the reservoir oil chamber 36, and the oil that has passed through the damping force adjustment unit 35 flows into the reservoir oil chamber 36.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a receiving member 37 is fixed to the upper end portion of the inner cylinder portion 20. An upper receiving member 38 is attached to the rod fixing member 15 above the receiving member 37. A compression coil spring 39 is disposed between the lower portion of the upper receiving member 38 and the upper portion of the receiving member 37. The compression coil spring 39 has a function of suppressing an impact force when the front fork 9 is compressed. The oil inside the front fork 9 (inner tube 11) is stored up to the position of the oil surface F between the lower part of the upper receiving member 38 and the upper part of the receiving member 37.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a fuel tank 40 is disposed on the upper portion of the main frame 3. A seat 41 is disposed behind the fuel tank 40. An engine 42 is attached below the main frame 3. A pivot shaft 43 is provided at the rear portion of the main frame 3. The pivot shaft 43 supports the front end portion of the rear arm 44 so as to swing up and down. A rear wheel 45 is rotatably attached to the rear end portion of the rear arm 44.

  FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the front fork of the motorcycle according to the embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5-7, operation | movement of the front fork 9 of the motorcycle 1 by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  First, a case where a force in the compressing direction is applied to the front fork 9 will be described. When a compressive force is applied to the front fork 9, the front fork 9 is shortened and a damping force is generated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the piston unit 21 and the rod part 16 are lowered with respect to the inner cylinder part 20, the rod part 16 enters the inner cylinder part 20, and the inner cylinder part 20 The pressure in the lower oil chamber 20b increases. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a part of the oil whose volume is substantially equal to the volume of the rod portion 16 (see FIG. 7) that has entered the inner cylinder portion 20 of oil existing in the lower oil chamber 20 b of the inner cylinder portion 20. Flows into the reservoir chamber 36 through the through hole 30 d of the damping unit 30 and the damping force adjusting unit 35. At this time, part of the oil present in the lower oil chamber 20b of the inner cylinder part 20 that does not pass through the through hole 30d of the damping unit 30 passes through the oil passage hole 30b and the oil circulation hole 20c of the damping unit 30. It flows into the reservoir chamber 36. Specifically, when the lower oil chamber 20b is in a pressurized state, a gap is formed between the lower surface of the oil passage hole 30b and the washer 32. As the oil passes through the gap between the lower surface of the oil passage hole 30b and the washer 32, a damping force is generated.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the oil existing in the lower oil chamber 20b moves to the upper oil chamber 20a through the plurality of oil passage holes 26b. Specifically, when the lower oil chamber 20 b is in a pressurized state, a passage is formed between the upper surface of the oil passage hole 26 b and the washer 28 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 29. As the oil passes through the passage between the upper surface of the oil passage hole 26b and the washer 28, a damping force is generated. At this time, the oil present in the lower oil chamber 20b moves to the oil chamber 23a via the oil passage portion 23f. Specifically, the oil existing in the lower oil chamber 20b passes through the gap between the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f and the needle portion 17a via the oil passage portion 23f. And a damping force generate | occur | produces as oil passes the clearance gap between the upper end part 23g and the needle part 17a. Next, the oil that has passed through the gap between the upper end portion 23g and the needle portion 17a passes between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a. And a damping force generate | occur | produces as oil passes between the outer peripheral part 19b and the internal peripheral surface 23b.

  Next, a case where a force in the extending direction acts on the front fork 9 will be described. When a force in the extending direction acts on the front fork 9, the front fork 9 is extended and a damping force is generated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the piston unit 21 and the rod portion 16 are raised with respect to the inner cylinder portion 20, the rod portion 16 is discharged from the inner cylinder portion 20 and the inner cylinder portion 20. The pressure in the lower oil chamber 20b is reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a part of the oil corresponding to the volume of the rod portion 16 (see FIG. 2) discharged from the inner cylinder portion 20 of the oil existing in the reservoir chamber 36 is the oil circulation hole. It flows into the lower oil chamber 20b via the oil passage hole 30c of the damping unit 30 and 20c. Specifically, when the lower oil chamber 20 b side is in a negative pressure state, a passage is formed between the upper surface of the oil passage hole 30 c and the washer 33 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 34. As the oil passes through the passage between the upper surface of the oil passage hole 30c and the washer 33, a damping force is generated.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the oil present in the upper oil chamber 20a moves to the lower oil chamber 20b via the plurality of oil passage holes 26a. Specifically, a gap is formed between the lower surface of the oil passage hole 26 a and the washer 27 when the lower oil chamber 20 b side is in a negative pressure state. As the oil passes through the gap between the lower surface of the oil passage hole 26a and the washer 27, a damping force is generated. At this time, the oil present in the oil chamber 23a moves to the lower oil chamber 20b through the oil passage portion 23f. Specifically, the oil existing above the elastic member 19 in the oil chamber 23a passes between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a. At this time, a damping force is generated as the oil passes between the outer peripheral portion 19b and the inner peripheral surface 23b. And the oil which passed between the outer peripheral part 19b and the internal peripheral surface 23b passes the clearance gap between the upper end part 23g of the oil channel part 23f, and the needle part 17a. At this time, a damping force is generated as the oil passes through the gap between the upper end portion 23g and the needle portion 17a. And the oil which passed the clearance gap between the upper end part 23g and the needle part 17a is moved to the lower oil chamber 20b via the oil passage part 23f.

  Next, the damping force adjusting process of the damping force adjusting mechanism 25 of the front fork 9 of the motorcycle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The damping force adjustment step is performed when the vehicle is stopped other than during traveling.

  First, the case where adjustment is performed so that the damping force of the front fork 9 is increased will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the adjusting screw member 18 is rotated in the X1 direction using a predetermined tool (not shown). As a result, the adjustment screw member 18 is moved downward with respect to the rod fixing member 15, so that the damping force adjustment rod 17 is moved downward as shown in FIG. As a result, the needle portion 17a at the lower end portion of the damping force adjusting rod 17 enters toward the opening of the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f, and therefore, between the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f and the needle portion 17a. The gap can be reduced. That is, it is possible to adjust the damping force of the front fork 9 when the oil passes through the gap between the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f and the needle portion 17a.

  Further, as the damping force adjusting rod 17 moves downward, the flange portion 17b is also moved downward. As a result, the elastic member 19 sandwiched between the flange portion 17b and the rib portion 23d is compressed and deformed in the vertical direction. As a result, the distance between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a is reduced. That is, it is possible to increase the damping force of the front fork 9 when oil passes between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a.

  Next, a case where adjustment is performed so that the damping force of the front fork 9 is reduced will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the adjusting screw member 18 is rotated in the X2 direction using a predetermined tool (not shown). As a result, the adjustment screw member 18 is moved upward with respect to the rod fixing member 15, so that the damping force adjustment rod 17 is moved upward as shown in FIG. As a result, the needle portion 17a at the lower end portion of the damping force adjusting rod 17 is separated from the opening of the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f, so that a gap is formed between the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f and the needle portion 17a. It becomes possible to enlarge. That is, it is possible to adjust so that the damping force of the front fork 9 when the oil passes through the gap between the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f and the needle portion 17a is reduced.

  Further, as the damping force adjusting rod 17 moves upward, the flange portion 17b is also moved upward. Accordingly, the elastic member 19 sandwiched between the flange portion 17b and the rib portion 23d is released from the force in the compression direction of the flange portion 17b and the rib portion 23d and extends in the vertical direction. As a result, the distance between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a is increased. That is, the damping force of the front fork 9 when oil passes between the outer peripheral portion 19b of the elastic member 19 and the inner peripheral surface 23b of the oil chamber 23a can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the oil flowing through the oil passage portion 23f by moving the needle portion 17a to the damping force adjusting mechanism 25 so as to change the area of the opening of the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f. By providing a damping force adjusting rod 17 capable of adjusting the amount of oil and an elastic member 19 capable of adjusting the amount of oil flowing through the oil chamber 23a by changing the area of the oil chamber 23a by being deformed, an elastic member 19 is not only able to adjust the amount of oil flowing into the oil chamber 23a, but also by changing the area of the opening of the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f by the damping force adjusting rod 17, the oil passage portion. Since the amount of oil flowing through 23f can be adjusted, only the elastic member 19 is deformed so that the oil chamber 23a As compared with the case of adjusting the amount of passing to the oil, it is possible to widen the adjustable range of damping force.

  In the present embodiment, the oil passage portion 23f and the oil chamber 23a are formed in the case member 23 so that the oil passage portion 23f and the oil chamber 23a are different from the case member 23 and the case member 23, respectively. Compared with the case where it is provided separately for the member, the structure can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the stepped portion 23e is provided near the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f of the rib portion 23d, so that the elastic member is sandwiched and compressed between the flange portion 17b and the rib portion 23d. 19 can be prevented from being deformed in the direction of the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f to block the upper end portion 23g of the oil passage portion 23f.

  In the present embodiment, the adjustment screw member 18 is configured to adjust the amount of oil flowing through the oil chamber 23a by adjusting the deformation amount when the elastic member 19 is deformed, thereby adjusting the screw member. 18, the amount of oil flowing through both the oil passage portion 23f and the oil chamber 23a can be easily adjusted.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a motorcycle is shown as an example of a vehicle including a suspension device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any vehicle including a suspension device may be a bicycle, a tricycle, an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). It can also be applied to other vehicles such as rough terrain vehicles.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example comprised so that oil might distribute | circulate between the outer peripheral part of an elastic member and the internal peripheral surface of an oil chamber was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, The outer peripheral part of an elastic member In addition to the oil and the inner peripheral surface of the oil chamber, oil may be circulated between the through hole portion of the elastic member and the needle portion.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which provided the flange part integrally in the damping force adjustment rod was shown, this invention is not limited to this, It is made to provide a flange part separately from a damping force adjustment rod. Also good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which formed the front-end | tip of the needle part of a damping force adjustment rod in the taper shape was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, The front-end | tip of a needle part does not need to be formed in a taper shape. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example which comprised so that the elastic member did not block | close the upper end part of an oil passage part by providing the level | step-difference part in a rib part was shown, but this invention is not limited to this, An elastic member By providing a recess on the oil passage portion side, the elastic member may be configured not to block the upper end portion of the oil passage portion.

1 is a side view showing an overall structure of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the front fork of the motorcycle according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the front fork of the motorcycle according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing along the 100-100 line of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the front fork of the motorcycle according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the front fork of the motorcycle according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the front fork of the motorcycle according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Motorcycle (vehicle)
9 Front fork (suspension device)
10 Outer tube 11 Inner tube 17 Attenuation adjustment rod 17a Needle part (tip part)
17b Flange (elastic body compression member)
18 Adjustment screw member (Adjustment screw part)
19 Elastic member 19b Outer peripheral part (outer peripheral surface, second oil passage)
23 Case member 23a Oil chamber 23b Inner peripheral surface (second oil passage)
23d Rib part (receiving part)
23e Step 23f Oil passage (first oil passage)
23g Upper end (one end)
25 Damping force adjustment mechanism (first damping mechanism)
26 Damping member (second damping mechanism)
27 Washer (second damping mechanism)
28 Washer (second damping mechanism)
29 Compression coil spring (second damping mechanism)

Claims (13)

An outer tube,
An inner tube slidably inserted into the outer tube;
A first damping mechanism for damping the force with which the outer tube and the inner tube relatively expand and contract,
The first damping mechanism includes
A first oil passage through which oil flows when the outer tube and the inner tube relatively expand and contract;
A damping adjustment rod capable of adjusting the amount of oil flowing through the first oil passage by moving the tip so as to change the area of the opening at one end of the first oil passage;
A second oil passage that is provided on one end side of the first oil passage and through which oil flows when the outer tube and the inner tube relatively expand and contract;
A suspension device comprising: an elastic member disposed in the second oil passage and capable of adjusting an amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage by changing an area of the second oil passage by being deformed.   The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the first damping mechanism further includes an elastic body compression member for compressing and deforming the elastic member. The elastic body compression member is configured to be moved together with the attenuation adjustment rod when adjusting the attenuation adjustment rod,
The suspension device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is configured to be deformed as the elastic body compression member is moved.   The suspension device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic body compression member is integrally formed with the damping adjustment rod. Inside the inner tube, a case member in which an oil chamber is formed is provided,
The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the first oil passage and the second oil passage are formed in the case member. The first damping mechanism includes
An elastic body compression member for compressing and deforming the elastic member;
A receiving portion that is provided on the first oil passage side of the oil chamber of the case member and suppresses the elastic member from blocking one end portion of the first oil passage when the elastic member is deformed; Including
The suspension device according to claim 5, wherein the elastic member is disposed between the elastic body compression member and the receiving portion.   The suspension device according to claim 6, wherein a side near the one end of the first oil passage of the receiving portion has a stepped portion. The first damping mechanism further includes an elastic body compression member for compressing and deforming the elastic member,
The second oil passage is provided along an inner peripheral surface of the oil chamber;
The said elastic member is comprised so that the space | interval between the outer peripheral surface of the said elastic member and the inner peripheral surface of the said 2nd oil path may become small when it deform | transforms with the said elastic body compression member. 5. The suspension device according to 5. The inner peripheral surface of the oil chamber of the case member is formed in a circular shape in plan view,
The elastic member is formed in a spherical shape,
The second oil passage is formed in an annular shape between an outer peripheral surface of the spherical elastic member and a circular inner peripheral surface of the case member, and the spherical elastic member is compressed. The suspension device according to claim 8, wherein a radial length of the annular second oil passage is reduced.   The suspension device according to claim 5, further comprising a second damping mechanism that is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the case portion and attenuates a force by which the outer tube and the inner tube relatively expand and contract. The damping adjustment rod includes an adjustment screw portion that can be adjusted from the outside so as to move the tip portion to the opening of one end portion of the first oil passage,
The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment screw portion is configured to adjust an amount of oil flowing through the second oil passage by adjusting a deformation amount when the elastic member is deformed. .   The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is made of rubber.   A vehicle comprising the suspension device according to claim 1.

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