JP2018017266A - Damper gear, and process of manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a damper gear capable of improving the assembly among an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder member and a passage forming member, and a manufacturing method therefor.SOLUTION: A shock absorber 1 applies an electric field to an annular passage 18 between an inner cylinder 4 and an electrode cylinder 17 disposed on the outer side of said inner cylinder 4, so that the characteristics of an attenuation force are varied by causing to pass a functional fluid having a fluid property varied by the electric field. The shock absorber 1 is constituted to include an outer cylinder 2, an inner cylinder 4, a piston 5, a piston rod 8, an electrode cylinder 17, an annular passage 18, a working fluid 21, a passage forming member 22 and so on. The passage forming member 22 is interposed between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 thereby to form a passage 27 for the functional fluid in the annular passage 18. The electrode cylinder 17 has a separation part 17B extending in the axial direction of the electrode cylinder 17 and formed in the electrode cylinder 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a damper device suitably used for buffering vibrations of vehicles such as automobiles and railway vehicles, and a method for manufacturing the same.

  Generally, in a vehicle such as an automobile, a damper device represented by a hydraulic shock absorber is provided between a vehicle body (spring top) side and each wheel (spring bottom) side. Here, in Patent Document 1, in a damper (buffer) using a functional fluid, a flow path forming member is provided between an inner cylinder and an outer cylindrical member (electrode cylinder). A configuration is disclosed in which a damping characteristic is changed by circulating a functional fluid.

International Publication No. 2014/135183

  By the way, in order to suppress the leakage of the functional fluid between the electrode cylinder and the flow path forming member, for example, the damper device may be configured to set a tightening margin for fitting between the electrode cylinder and the flow path forming member. It is done. However, when the tightening margin is increased, there is a possibility that the flow path forming member may be kinked or displaced, and there is a problem that the assembling property is deteriorated.

  The objective of this invention is providing the damper apparatus which can improve the assembly | attachment property of an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder member (electrode cylinder), and a flow-path formation member, and its manufacturing method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a damper device according to the present invention applies an electric field or a magnetic field to an annular passage between an inner cylinder and a cylindrical member provided outside the inner cylinder, and the fluid property is changed by the electric field or the magnetic field. A damper device that changes damping force characteristics by circulating a changing functional fluid, and is provided between the inner cylinder and the cylinder member, and forms a flow path of the functional fluid in the annular passage. A flow path forming member, and a spacing portion extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical member and formed in the cylindrical member.

  Also, the damper device manufacturing method according to the present invention has a function in which an electric field or a magnetic field is applied to an annular passage between an inner cylinder and a cylindrical member provided outside the inner cylinder, and a fluid property is changed by the electric field or the magnetic field. A damper device manufacturing method for changing a damping force characteristic by flowing a functional fluid, wherein the flow path is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder in order to form a functional fluid flow path in the annular passage A fixing step of fixing the forming member to the inner cylinder or the cylindrical member, a thermal deformation step of cold-shrinking the inner cylinder or thermally expanding the cylindrical member, and the inner cylinder after the thermal deformation step And an insertion step of inserting the inside into the cylindrical member.

  According to the damper device and the manufacturing method thereof of the present invention, it is possible to improve the assembling property of the inner cylinder, the outer cylinder member (electrode cylinder), and the flow path forming member.

It is a longitudinal section showing a buffer as a damper device by a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the inner cylinder, electrode cylinder, flow-path formation member, and ring in FIG. It is a top view which shows the state which assembled | attached the inner cylinder, the electrode cylinder, the flow-path formation member, and the ring. It is sectional drawing which looked at the inner cylinder, the electrode cylinder, the flow-path formation member, and the ring from the arrow IV-IV direction in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a flow-path formation member. It is the expanded view which expand | deployed the inner cylinder and the flow-path formation member. It is a perspective view which shows the electrode cylinder of the buffer by 2nd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which attaches the electrode cylinder of the buffer by 3rd Embodiment to an inner cylinder. It is a flowchart which shows the process of assembling the inner cylinder and electrode cylinder by 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of assembling the inner cylinder and electrode cylinder by 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attaches the electrode cylinder of the buffer by a 1st modification with a clamp member.

  Hereinafter, the damper device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking as an example a case where the damper device is applied to a shock absorber provided in a vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle.

  1 to 6 show a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a shock absorber 1 as a damper device includes a damping force adjustment type hydraulic shock absorber (semi-semiconductor) that uses a functional fluid (that is, electrorheological fluid) as a working oil (a working fluid 21 described later) sealed inside. Active damper). The shock absorber 1 constitutes a suspension device for a vehicle together with a suspension spring (not shown) made of, for example, a coil spring. In the following description, one end side of the shock absorber 1 in the axial direction is referred to as an “upper end” side, and the other end side in the axial direction is referred to as a “lower end” side.

  The shock absorber 1 includes an outer cylinder 2, an inner cylinder 4, a piston 5, a piston rod 8, an electrode cylinder 17, an annular passage 18, a working fluid 21, a flow path forming member 22, and the like. The outer cylinder 2 forms an outer shell of the shock absorber 1 and is formed as a cylindrical body. The outer cylinder 2 has a closed end whose lower end is closed by a bottom cap 3 using welding means or the like.

  The bottom cap 3 constitutes a base member together with a valve body 13 of the bottom valve 12 described later. The upper end side of the outer cylinder 2 serves as an opening end, and a caulking portion 2A is formed at the opening end side by bending inward in the radial direction. The caulking portion 2A holds the outer peripheral side of the annular plate 11A of the seal member 11 in a retaining state.

  The inner cylinder 4 is formed as a cylindrical cylinder extending in the axial direction and encloses a working fluid 21 (that is, a functional fluid) described later. The inner cylinder 4 is provided coaxially with the outer cylinder 2 in the outer cylinder 2, and a piston rod 8 described later is inserted into the inner cylinder 4. The lower end side of the inner cylinder 4 is fitted and attached to the valve body 13 of the bottom valve 12, and the upper end side is fitted and attached to the rod guide 9. The inner cylinder 4 is formed with a plurality of (for example, four) oil holes 4A that are always in communication with a flow path 27, which will be described later, and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction as radial holes. The rod side oil chamber B in the inner cylinder 4 communicates with the flow path 27 through the oil hole 4A.

  The inner cylinder 4 constitutes a cylinder together with the outer cylinder 2, and a working fluid 21 is enclosed in the cylinder. Here, in the embodiment, an electrorheological fluid (ERF: Electro Rheological Fluid) is used as the fluid filled (enclosed) in the cylinder, that is, the working fluid 21 serving as the working oil. In FIG. 1, the enclosed working fluid 21 is colorless and transparent.

  The electrorheological fluid is a kind of functional fluid whose properties change by an electric field, and the electrorheological fluid is a fluid whose properties change by an electric field (voltage). That is, the electrorheological fluid has a flow resistance (damping force characteristic) that changes according to the applied voltage. The electrorheological fluid is composed of, for example, a base oil made of silicon oil or the like, and particles that are mixed in the base oil and change the viscosity according to a change in electric field. The shock absorber 1 is configured to control (adjust) the generated damping force by generating a potential difference in a flow path 27 described later and controlling the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid flowing through the flow path 27.

  An annular reservoir chamber A is formed between the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 2. In the reservoir chamber A, a gas that is a working gas together with the working fluid 21 is sealed. This gas may be atmospheric pressure air or a compressed gas such as nitrogen gas. The gas in the reservoir chamber A is compressed to compensate for the entry volume of the piston rod 8 when the piston rod 8 is contracted (contraction stroke).

  The piston 5 is slidably fitted (inserted) into the inner cylinder 4. The piston 5 defines the inside of the inner cylinder 4 into a rod side oil chamber B and a bottom side oil chamber C. The piston 5 is formed with a plurality of oil passages 5A and 5B that allow the rod-side oil chamber B and the bottom-side oil chamber C to communicate with each other in the circumferential direction. Here, the shock absorber 1 according to the embodiment has a uniflow structure. Therefore, the working fluid 21 in the inner cylinder 4 is directed from the rod-side oil chamber B (that is, the oil hole 4A of the inner cylinder 4) toward the flow path 27 in both the contraction stroke and the extension stroke of the piston rod 8. Always circulates in one direction (that is, the direction of arrow F indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1).

  In order to realize such a uniflow structure, the upper end surface of the piston 5 is opened when, for example, the piston 5 is slid downward in the inner cylinder 4 in the reduction stroke (contraction stroke) of the piston rod 8. In other cases, a non-return check valve 6 is provided that closes. The contraction-side check valve 6 allows the oil liquid (working fluid 21) in the bottom-side oil chamber C to flow through the oil passages 5A toward the rod-side oil chamber B, and the oil flows in the opposite direction. Prevents liquid from flowing.

  On the lower end surface of the piston 5, for example, an extension-side disc valve 7 is provided. When the piston 5 slides upward in the inner cylinder 4 during the extension stroke (extension stroke) of the piston rod 8, the pressure in the rod-side oil chamber B exceeds the relief set pressure. And the pressure at this time is relieved to the bottom side oil chamber C via each oil passage 5B.

  The piston rod 8 is a rod that extends in the inner cylinder 4 in the axial direction (the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 2, and in the same direction as the central axis of the shock absorber 1 and in the vertical direction in FIG. 1). The lower end side of the piston rod 8 is connected (fixed) to the piston 5 in the inner cylinder 4. That is, the piston 5 is fixed (fixed) to the lower end side of the piston rod 8 using a nut 8A or the like. On the other hand, the upper end side of the piston rod 8 extends to the outside of the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 2 serving as cylinders. That is, the upper end side of the piston rod 8 protrudes outside through the rod guide 9. The lower end of the piston rod 8 may be further extended so as to protrude outward from the bottom portion (for example, the bottom cap 3) side, so-called double rods may be used.

  The rod guide 9 is provided on the upper end side (one end side) of the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 2. The rod guide 9 is fitted to the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 2 so as to close the upper ends of the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 2. The rod guide 9 supports the piston rod 8, and is formed as a cylindrical body (stepped cylindrical shape) having a predetermined shape by, for example, forming or cutting a metal material, a hard resin material, or the like. . The rod guide 9 positions the upper part of the inner cylinder 4 and the upper part of the electrode cylinder 17 described later in the center of the outer cylinder 2. At the same time, the rod guide 9 guides (guides) the piston rod 8 so as to be slidable in the axial direction on the inner peripheral side thereof.

  The rod guide 9 is positioned on the upper side and is inserted into the inner peripheral side of the outer cylinder 2. The rod guide 9 is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4. It is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape by a short cylindrical small diameter portion 9B to be inserted and fitted. On the inner peripheral side of the small-diameter portion 9B of the rod guide 9, a guide portion 9C that guides the piston rod 8 so as to be slidable in the axial direction is provided. The guide portion 9C is formed, for example, by applying a tetrafluoroethylene coating on the inner peripheral surface of a metal cylinder.

  On the other hand, an annular holding member 10 is fitted and attached between the large diameter portion 9A and the small diameter portion 9B on the outer peripheral side of the rod guide 9. The holding member 10 holds the upper end side of an electrode cylinder 17 described later in a state of being positioned in the axial direction. The holding member 10 is formed of, for example, an electrically insulating material (isolator), and keeps the inner cylinder 4 and the rod guide 9 and the electrode cylinder 17 electrically insulated.

  The seal member 11 is provided between the large diameter portion 9 </ b> A of the rod guide 9 and the caulking portion 2 </ b> A of the outer cylinder 2. The seal member 11 is formed in an annular shape as a whole. That is, the seal member 11 includes a metallic annular plate body 11A provided with a hole through which the piston rod 8 is inserted at the center, and an elastic material such as rubber fixed to the annular plate body 11A by means such as baking. And an annular elastic body 11B. The seal member 11 seals (seal) between the piston rod 8 in a liquid-tight and air-tight manner when the inner circumference of the elastic body 11B is in sliding contact with the outer circumference of the piston rod 8.

  The bottom valve 12 is located on the lower end side (the other end side) of the inner cylinder 4 and is provided between the inner cylinder 4 and the bottom cap 3. The bottom valve 12 includes a valve body 13, an extension side check valve 15, and a disc valve 16. The valve body 13 defines a reservoir chamber A and a bottom oil chamber C between the bottom cap 3 and the inner cylinder 4. The valve body 13 is formed with oil passages 13A and 13B that allow the reservoir chamber A and the bottom oil chamber C to communicate with each other at intervals in the circumferential direction.

  A stepped portion 13C is formed on the outer peripheral side of the valve body 13, and the lower end inner peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4 is fitted and fixed to the stepped portion 13C. An annular holding member 14 is fitted and attached to the stepped portion 13 </ b> C on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4.

  The holding member 14 holds the lower end side of an electrode cylinder 17 described later in a state of being positioned in the axial direction. The holding member 14 is formed of, for example, an electrically insulating material (isolator), and keeps the inner cylinder 4 and the valve body 13 and the electrode cylinder 17 in an electrically insulated state. In addition, the holding member 14 is formed with a plurality of oil passages 14 </ b> A that allow a later-described flow passage 27 to communicate with the reservoir chamber A.

  The extension side check valve 15 is provided, for example, on the upper surface side of the valve body 13. The extension-side check valve 15 opens when the piston 5 slides upward in the extension stroke of the piston rod 8, and closes at other times. The extension side check valve 15 allows the oil liquid (working fluid 21) in the reservoir chamber A to flow through each oil passage 13A toward the bottom side oil chamber C, and the oil liquid flows in the opposite direction. Stop flowing.

  The reduction-side disc valve 16 is provided, for example, on the lower surface side of the valve body 13. The disc valve 16 on the reduction side opens when the pressure in the bottom side oil chamber C exceeds the relief set pressure when the piston 5 slides downward in the reduction stroke of the piston rod 8, and the pressure at this time Is relieved to the reservoir chamber A side through each oil passage 13B.

  The electrode cylinder 17 is a cylinder member (intermediate cylinder) provided outside the inner cylinder 4. That is, the electrode cylinder 17 is a pressure tube extending in the axial direction between the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 4. The electrode cylinder 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape using a conductive material, thereby forming an electrode having a circular cross section or an O-shaped cross section. In this case, the electrode cylinder 17 is formed as a divided structure using two half-divided bodies 17A and 17A having a semicircular shape. That is, the half body 17A is formed by dividing the electrode cylinder 17 into two parts. Both ends in the circumferential direction of the half-divided body 17A form a pair of separating portions 17B extending linearly in the axial direction of the electrode cylinder 17. That is, the separation portion 17B of each halved body 17A is configured by forming a pair of slits that are separated in the circumferential direction of the electrode cylinder 17. The spacing portion 17B serves as a joining (contacting) portion that is joined (contacted) with each other when the electrode cylinder 17 is formed by combining the two halves 17A.

  Here, the electrode cylinder 17 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4 via holding members 10 and 14 that are spaced apart in the axial direction (vertical direction). In this case, the upper end side of the electrode cylinder 17 is fixed to the outer cylinder 2 in a non-rotating state via, for example, the holding member 10 and the rod guide 9. On the other hand, the lower end side of the electrode cylinder 17 is fixed in a non-rotating state to the outer cylinder 2 via, for example, the holding member 14, the valve body 13, and the bottom cap 3.

  The electrode cylinder 17 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 20 serving as a power source via, for example, a high voltage driver (not shown) that generates a high voltage. On the other hand, the inner cylinder 4 is connected to a negative electrode (ground) via a rod guide 9, a bottom valve 12, a bottom cap 3, an outer cylinder 2, a high voltage driver, and the like. The electrode cylinder 17 serves as an electrode (electrode) that applies an electric field (voltage) to the working fluid 21 that is a fluid in the flow path 27. In this case, both end sides of the electrode cylinder 17 are electrically insulated by the electrically insulating holding members 10 and 14.

  The annular passage 18 is located between the inner circumference side of the electrode cylinder 17 and the outer circumference side of the inner cylinder 4, and is formed by the electrode cylinder 17 surrounding the outer circumference side of the inner cylinder 4 over the entire circumference. Yes. The annular passage 18 constitutes an intermediate passage through which the working fluid 21 flows between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17. A plurality of flow paths 27 are formed in the annular passage 18 by a flow path forming member 22 described later.

  Here, the high voltage driver outputs a DC voltage output from the battery 20 based on a command (high voltage command) output from a controller (not shown) for variably adjusting the damping force of the shock absorber 1. Is boosted and output to the electrode cylinder 17. As a result, a potential difference corresponding to the voltage applied to the electrode cylinder 17 is generated in the annular passage 18 (in the flow path 27) between the electrode cylinder 17 and the inner cylinder 4, and the working fluid which is an electrorheological fluid The viscosity of 21 changes. That is, the high voltage driver applies an electric field in the annular passage 18. In this case, the shock absorber 1 changes the generated damping force characteristic (damping force characteristic) from a hard characteristic (hard characteristic) to a soft characteristic (soft characteristic) according to the voltage applied to the electrode cylinder 17. Characteristic) can be continuously adjusted. The shock absorber 1 may be capable of adjusting the damping force characteristics in two stages or a plurality of stages without being continuous.

  One ring 19 is provided on each of the upper side and the lower side of the electrode cylinder 17, and one ring 19 is provided. The ring 19 constitutes a coupling member for fixing the electrode cylinder 17 to the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4. In this case, in a state where the electrode cylinder 17 is formed by combining the two halves 17A, the ring 19 is attached so as to be fitted to the outside of the electrode cylinder 17. Accordingly, each ring 19 seals a flow path 27 described later to prevent the working fluid 21 from leaking from the separation portion 17B.

  The flow path forming member 22 is a contact member, is positioned between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 and is provided coaxially with the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17. The flow path forming member 22 includes a plurality of (for example, four) support beams 23 that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the flow path forming member 22 and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of each support beam 23 in the circumferential direction. A number of one-side comb-like portions 24A formed to extend in an arc shape to one side (for example, clockwise direction), and the shafts of the support beams 23 at positions different from the one-side comb-like portions 24A. A plurality of other comb-like portions 24B formed in a circular arc shape to the other side in the circumferential direction of each support beam 23 (for example, counterclockwise direction), and flow path formation It is comprised by the annular connection part 25 which is arrange | positioned in the axial direction one side edge part (for example, upper end side) of the member 22, and connected each support beam 23 integrally in the circumferential direction of the flow-path formation member 22.

  In this case, the flow path forming member 22 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole by the support beam 23, the one-side comb-like portion 24 </ b> A, the other-side comb-like portion 24 </ b> B, and the annular coupling portion 25. The flow path forming member 22 is formed using, for example, an insulating resin material. The flow path forming member 22 forms a plurality of (for example, four) maze-shaped flow paths 27 between the electrode cylinder 17 and the inner cylinder 4. In other words, the flow path forming member 22 partitions the inside of the annular passage 18 and forms the flow path 27 for guiding the working fluid 21.

  Here, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the inner cylinder 4 using means such as adhesion. Thereby, the inner peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 22 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 4, and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 22 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the electrode cylinder 17. That is, the working fluid 21 flowing through the flow path 27 is prevented from flowing out beyond the support beam 23 of the flow path forming member 22, the one-side comb-tooth-shaped portion 24 A, the other-side comb-tooth-shaped portion 24 B, and the annular coupling portion 25. Yes.

  Each support beam 23 is positioned between the oil holes 4A spaced apart in the circumferential direction and extends in the axial direction. One side comb-tooth shaped part 24A is connected to the support beam 23 at the base end side, and extends in the clockwise direction. Further, the other end comb-like portion 24B is connected to the support beam 23 at the base end side and extends in the counterclockwise direction. Thereby, the one side comb-tooth shaped portion 24 </ b> A and the other side comb-tooth shaped portion 24 </ b> B are connected via the support beam 23. In this case, each one-side comb-like portion 24 </ b> A and each other-side comb-like portion 24 </ b> B constitute an annular portion of the flow path forming member 22. Further, the plurality of support beams 23 constitute an axial connection portion that connects these annular portions (each one-side comb-like portion 24A and each other-side comb-like portion 24B) in the axial direction.

  Here, two adjacent support beams 23 that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction among the support beams 23 are each one-side comb-like portion 24 </ b> A formed on one support beam 23 and each formed on the other support beam 23. It arrange | positions so that the other side comb-tooth-shaped part 24B may become alternate and may be opposed in an axial direction. That is, each one side comb-tooth-shaped part 24A and each other side comb-tooth-shaped part 24B are opposingly arranged so that it may enter alternately. Thus, a channel 27 having a crank shape or a labyrinth shape is formed between the one side comb tooth portion 24A and the other side comb tooth portion 24B adjacent in the axial direction.

  Two convex-shaped portions 26 extend along the axial direction of the support beams 23 facing in the radial direction. The base end side in the radial direction of the convex portion 26 is formed integrally with the support beam 23, for example, and is integrated with the support beam 23. On the other hand, the radial front end side of the convex portion 26 protrudes radially outward from the support beam 23. The convex portion 26 is fixed or engaged in a state of being sandwiched between the two separated portions 17B when the electrode cylinder 17 is formed by combining the two halves 17A opposed in the radial direction. In other words, the convex portion is fixed or engaged while being sandwiched between the peripheral ends of the two halves 17A.

  The flow path 27 is provided in the annular passage 18 between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17. The flow path 27 is formed as a meandering crank-shaped flow path by the one side comb-tooth shaped portion 24A and the other side comb-tooth shaped portion 24B adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the flow path forming member 22. In this case, a plurality of (for example, four) flow paths 27 are formed between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 by the four support beams 23. In each flow path 27, the working fluid 21 flows from the upper end side in the axial direction toward the lower end side as the piston rod 8 moves forward and backward.

  The flow path 27 is always in communication with the rod-side oil chamber B through the oil hole 4 </ b> A of the inner cylinder 4. That is, as shown by the arrow F in the direction of the flow of the working fluid 21 in FIG. 1, the shock absorber 1 flows from the rod-side oil chamber B through the oil hole 4 </ b> A in both the compression stroke and the extension stroke of the piston 5. Into the working fluid 21. The working fluid 21 that has flowed into the flow path 27 moves in the axial direction of the flow path 27 when the piston rod 8 moves back and forth in the inner cylinder 4 (that is, while the contraction stroke and the expansion stroke are repeated). It flows from the upper end side toward the lower end side.

  The working fluid 21 that has flowed into the flow path 27 flows out from the lower end side of the electrode cylinder 17 to the reservoir chamber A through the oil path 14 </ b> A of the holding member 14. At this time, the pressure of the working fluid 21 is highest on the upstream side of the flow path 27 (that is, on the oil hole 4A side), and gradually decreases because it receives flow resistance (flow resistance) while flowing in the flow path 27. For this reason, the working fluid 21 in the flow path 27 has the lowest pressure when flowing through the downstream side of the flow path 27 (that is, the oil path 14A of the holding member 14).

  Next, a method for assembling the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 as a manufacturing method of the shock absorber 1 will be described.

  First, the flow path forming member 22 is inserted into the inner cylinder 4 by light press-fitting. In this case, as shown in the development view of FIG. 6, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the inner cylinder 4 by means such as adhesion. 6 is a developed view in which the inner cylinder 4 and the flow path forming member 22 are developed along the right end R and the left end L for convenience of explanation, but in actuality, the right end R and the left end L are continuous and integrated. Thus, it is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

  Next, the separation portion 17B of the half body 17A abuts against the convex portion 26 of the flow path forming member 22 so as to be sandwiched from both sides. In this state, the two halves 17A are assembled on the outer peripheral side of the flow path forming member 22 in a state in which each separation portion 17B sandwiches the convex portion 26 from both sides. In this case, the separation portion 17B is fixed (joined) at a position facing the two support beams 23 provided with the convex portions 26 in the radial direction. Then, the two rings 19 are inserted from the outside of the electrode cylinder 17 to assemble the two halves 17A. Thereby, suppression of the leak of the flow path 27 and an assembling property are improved. The assembled inner cylinder 4, electrode cylinder 17, and flow path forming member 22 are disposed between the outer cylinder 2 and the piston rod 8 using the rod guide 9, the holding members 10 and 14, and the valve body 13. Fixed to.

  The shock absorber 1 according to the first embodiment has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described next.

  When mounting the shock absorber 1 on a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, the upper end side of the piston rod 8 is attached to the vehicle body side, and the lower end side (bottom cap 3 side) of the outer cylinder 2 is on the wheel side (axle side). Install. When the vehicle travels, if an upward or downward vibration is generated due to road surface unevenness or the like, the piston rod 8 is displaced so as to extend and contract from the outer cylinder 2. At this time, the generated damping force of the shock absorber 1 is variably adjusted by generating a potential difference in the flow path 27 based on a command from the controller and controlling the viscosity of the working fluid 21 passing through the flow path 27.

  For example, during the expansion stroke of the piston rod 8, the contraction-side check valve 6 of the piston 5 is closed by the movement of the piston 5 in the inner cylinder 4. Before opening the disc valve 7 of the piston 5, the oil liquid (working fluid 21) in the rod-side oil chamber B is pressurized and flows into the flow path 27 through the oil hole 4 </ b> A of the inner cylinder 4. At this time, the oil liquid corresponding to the movement of the piston 5 flows from the reservoir chamber A into the bottom oil chamber C by opening the extension check valve 15 of the bottom valve 12.

  On the other hand, during the contraction stroke of the piston rod 8, the contraction-side check valve 6 of the piston 5 is opened by the movement of the piston 5 in the inner cylinder 4, and the expansion-side check valve 15 of the bottom valve 12 is closed. Before the bottom valve 12 (disc valve 16) is opened, the oil in the bottom side oil chamber C flows into the rod side oil chamber B. At the same time, an oil liquid corresponding to the amount that the piston rod 8 has entered the inner cylinder 4 flows into the flow path 27 from the rod-side oil chamber B through the oil hole 4 </ b> A of the inner cylinder 4.

  In any case (both during the expansion stroke and during the contraction stroke), the oil that has flowed into the flow path 27 has a viscosity corresponding to the potential difference of the flow path 27 (potential difference between the electrode cylinder 17 and the inner cylinder 4). It passes through the flow path 27 toward the outlet side (lower side) and flows from the flow path 27 to the reservoir chamber A via the oil path 14A of the holding member 14. Here, the working fluid 21, which is an oil liquid flowing between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 from the oil hole 4 </ b> A of the inner cylinder 4, has four meandering flow paths 27 formed by the flow path forming member 22. Flows from the upper end to the lower end. That is, the working fluid 21 circulates in a crank shape or a maze shape along the support beam 23, the one-side comb-like portion 24A, and the other-side comb-like portion 24B. At this time, the shock absorber 1 generates a damping force (pressure loss) corresponding to the viscosity of the oil liquid passing through the flow path 27, and can buffer (attenuate) the vertical vibration of the vehicle.

  Thus, in the first embodiment, the shock absorber 1 is provided with the flow path forming member 22 that forms the flow path 27 in the annular path 18 between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17. In addition, the electrode cylinder 17 of the shock absorber 1 is formed as a divided structure by two halves 17A having a separation portion 17B extending in the axial direction. Thus, the electrode cylinder 17 can be configured by combining the two halves 17A on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4 and the flow path forming member 22. As a result, the shear force generated between the flow path forming member 22 and the electrode cylinder 17 can be reduced as compared with the case where an electrode cylinder having no divided structure is fitted to the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 4 and the flow path forming member 22. Can do. For this reason, since the twist and deviation of the flow path forming member 22 can be suppressed, the assembling property of the inner cylinder 4, the electrode cylinder 17, and the flow path forming member 22 can be improved.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the flow path forming member 22 is fixedly provided on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4, and includes a plurality of one-side comb-like portions 24 </ b> A and other-side comb-tooth-like portions 24 </ b> B, 24A and the other side comb-tooth-shaped part 24B are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction, and the support beam 23 connects them in the axial direction. Thereby, a crank-like or labyrinth-like flow path 27 can be formed in the annular passage 18 between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17. As a result, the total length of the flow path 27 can be made longer than that of the flow path linearly extending in the axial direction.

  In the first embodiment, the separation portion 17 </ b> B of the electrode cylinder 17 is joined at a position facing the support beam 23. In this case, the projecting portion 26 is provided on the two support beams 23 opposed in the radial direction, and the projecting portion 26 and the separating portion 17B are engaged with each other, so that the electrode cylinder 17 and the flow path forming member 22 are connected. It is configured to be assembled. Further, the ring 19 is fitted to the outer peripheral side of the electrode cylinder 17 to fasten the two halves 17A. As a result, the two halves 17A (electrode cylinder 17) can be stably fixed to the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 4 and the flow path forming member 22, and the flow path 27 is sealed and the working fluid 21 is sealed. It is possible to prevent leakage from the separation portion 17B.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment. The feature of the second embodiment resides in that one spacing portion is provided in the electrode cylinder. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Similarly to the electrode cylinder 17 of the first embodiment, the electrode cylinder 31 of the second embodiment constitutes a cylinder member (intermediate cylinder) provided outside the inner cylinder 4, and It is a pressure tube extending in the axial direction between the cylinder 4. In this case, the electrode cylinder 31 is different from the electrode cylinder 17 of the first embodiment in that a separation portion 31A extending linearly in the axial direction is provided only at one place in the circumferential direction. That is, the electrode cylinder 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape using a conductive material, thereby forming an electrode having a C-shaped cross section. In this case, a convex portion (not shown) that engages with the separation portion 31 </ b> A of the electrode cylinder 31 may be provided only on one support beam 23 of the flow path forming member 22.

  In this case, the method of assembling the inner cylinder 4 to which the flow path forming member 22 is fixed and the electrode cylinder 31 is performed as follows, for example. That is, with the electrode cylinder 31 slightly expanded in diameter, the inner cylinder 4 and the flow path forming member 22 are inserted into the electrode cylinder 31 together from one side in the axial direction of the electrode cylinder 31. Then, the two rings 19 are fitted from the outside of the electrode cylinder 31, and the electrode cylinder 31 is assembled and fixed to the inner cylinder 4. Thereby, suppression of the leak of the flow path 27 and an assembling property are improved.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment. In other words, in the second embodiment, the separation portion 31A is provided only at one place in the circumferential direction of the electrode cylinder 31, and the electrode cylinder 31 is a cylinder having a C-shaped cross section. Thereby, it can be set as a structure strong with respect to the internal pressure of the buffer 1 compared with the structure which has the electrode cylinder as the division | segmentation structure.

  Next, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a third embodiment. A feature of the third embodiment resides in that an electrode cylinder not provided with a separation portion is thermally expanded and assembled to the inner cylinder. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Similarly to the electrode cylinder 17 of the first embodiment, the electrode cylinder 41 of the third embodiment constitutes a cylinder member (intermediate cylinder) provided outside the inner cylinder 4, and It is a pressure tube extending in the axial direction between the cylinder 4. In this case, the electrode cylinder 41 is different from the electrode cylinder 17 of the first embodiment in that no separation portion is provided.

  Next, an assembly method (procedure) of the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 41, which is a manufacturing method of the shock absorber 1, will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 1, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 4. Specifically, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 4 by bonding means such as adhesion and welding. In this case, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed so that the oil holes 4 </ b> A are disposed between the support beams 23 of the flow path forming member 22. This step 1 constitutes a fixing process for fixing the flow path forming member 22 to the inner cylinder 4.

  Next, in step 2, the electrode cylinder 41 to which the flow path forming member 22 is not fixed is thermally expanded. In this case, the electrode cylinder 41 is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the radial dimension of the electrode cylinder 41 is expanded. Specifically, the diameter of the inner cylinder 4 to which the flow path forming member 22 is fixed is expanded by thermally expanding the electrode cylinder 41 to such an extent that the gap can be fitted in the electrode cylinder 41. This step 2 constitutes a thermal deformation process in which the electrode cylinder 41 is thermally expanded.

  In step 3, the inner cylinder 4 to which the flow path forming member 22 is fixed is inserted into the thermally expanded electrode cylinder 41. This step 3 constitutes an insertion process in which the inner cylinder 4 is inserted into the electrode cylinder 41 after the thermal deformation process.

  In step 4, the electrode cylinder 41 with the inner cylinder 4 inserted is cooled by the outside air temperature and cold contracts. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the electrode cylinder 41 whose diameter has been reduced by cold shrinkage is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 22. Thereby, the electrode cylinder 41 seals the flow path 27, and prevents the working fluid 21 from leaking beyond a midway portion of the flow path forming member 22. In this case, the cold shrinkage after heating may be a step of cooling the electrode cylinder 41 using a cooling device. This step 4 constitutes a returning process for reducing the diameter of the electrode cylinder 41.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operational effects as in the first embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment, an adhering step of adhering the flow path forming member 22 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 4 to the inner cylinder 4, a thermal deformation step of thermally expanding the electrode cylinder 41, and thermal deformation The shock absorber 1 is manufactured by the insertion process of inserting the inner cylinder 4 into the electrode cylinder 41 after the process. Thereby, the assembly | attachment property of the inner cylinder 4, the electrode cylinder 41, and the flow-path formation member 22 can be improved.

  Further, since the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 41 are assembled by thermally deforming the inner cylinder 4, it is possible to omit components (for example, the ring 19) for assembling. As a result, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the shock absorber 1 can be suppressed.

  Next, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 show a fourth embodiment. A feature of the fourth embodiment is that a cold-shrinkable inner cylinder and an electrode cylinder not provided with a separation portion are assembled. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment and the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Similarly to the electrode cylinder 41 of the third embodiment, the electrode cylinder 51 of the fourth embodiment constitutes a cylinder member (intermediate cylinder) provided outside the inner cylinder 4, and It is a pressure tube extending in the axial direction between the cylinder 4.

  Next, an assembly method (procedure) of the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 51, which is a manufacturing method of the shock absorber 1, will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 11, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the electrode cylinder 51. Specifically, the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the inner periphery of the electrode cylinder 51 by bonding means such as adhesion and welding. This step 11 constitutes a fixing process for fixing the flow path forming member 22 to the electrode cylinder 51.

  Next, in step 12, the inner cylinder 4 to which the flow path forming member 22 is not fixed is cold contracted. In this case, the inner cylinder 4 is cooled to a predetermined temperature, and the radial dimension of the inner cylinder 4 is reduced. Specifically, the diameter of the electrode cylinder 51 to which the flow path forming member 22 is fixed is reduced by cold contracting the inner cylinder 4 to such an extent that the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 4 can be fitted with a gap. This step 12 constitutes a thermal deformation process for cold shrinking the inner cylinder 4.

  In step 13, the inner cylinder 4 which has been cold-shrinked is inserted into the electrode cylinder 51 to which the flow path forming member 22 is fixed. In this case, the inner cylinder 4 is inserted into the electrode cylinder 51 so that the oil holes 4 </ b> A are arranged between the support beams 23 of the flow path forming member 22. This step 13 constitutes an insertion process for inserting the inner cylinder 4 into the electrode cylinder 51 after the thermal deformation process.

  In step 14, the inner cylinder 4 into which the electrode cylinder 51 is inserted is warmed by the outside air temperature and thermally expanded. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 4 expanded in diameter by thermal expansion is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 22. Thereby, the inner cylinder 4 seals the flow path 27, and prevents the working fluid 21 from leaking beyond a midway portion of the flow path forming member 22. In this case, the heating after the cold shrinkage may be a step of heating the inner cylinder 4 using a heating device. This step 4 constitutes a returning step of expanding the diameter of the inner cylinder 4.

  Thus, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment and the third embodiment. That is, in the fourth embodiment, a fixing process for fixing the flow path forming member 22 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the electrode cylinder 51 to the electrode cylinder 51, a thermal deformation process for cold contracting the inner cylinder 4, The shock absorber 1 is manufactured by the insertion process of inserting the inner cylinder 4 into the electrode cylinder 51 after the thermal deformation process. Thereby, the assembly | attachment property of the inner cylinder 4, the electrode cylinder 51, and the flow-path formation member 22 can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the ring 19 is inserted from the outside of the electrode cylinder 17 and the two halves 17A are combined is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be configured as a first modification shown in FIG. That is, the electrode cylinder 61 is formed in two halves 61A and 61A having a semicircular shape, a pair of separation portions 61B formed at both ends in the circumferential direction of the halves 61A, and the separation portion 61B. And four L-shaped protrusions 61C. Then, by fitting the two clamps 62 to each protrusion 61C, the electrode cylinder 61 can be formed by combining the two halves 61A. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the flow path 27 meanders has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flow path may be formed in a spiral shape so that the working fluid flows only in one direction (clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction). The same applies to the second, third, and fourth embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the flow path forming member 22 is made of an insulator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the flow path forming member may be configured of other than an insulator. For example, the flow path forming member may be configured of a conductor, a magnetic body, a nonmagnetic body, or the like. The same applies to the second, third, and fourth embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the working fluid 21 is configured to flow from the upper end side in the axial direction toward the lower end side has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, a configuration that flows from the lower end side toward the upper end side according to the arrangement direction of the shock absorber, from the left end side (or right end side) to the right end side (or left end side). It is good also as a structure which flows toward the other end side from the one end side of an axial direction, such as the structure which flows toward the rear end side (or front end side) from the front end side (or rear end side), or the structure which flows toward the other end. The same applies to the second, third, and fourth embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the case where both ends of the electrode cylinder 17 in the axial direction are held by the holding members 10 and 14 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one end of the electrode cylinder in the axial direction is held by the holding member (for example, only the holding member 10 on the upper end side is held, and the lower end side of the electrode cylinder 17 is held on the working fluid 21. It is good also as a structure which is set as the opening used as the outflow port. The same applies to the second, third, and fourth embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the electrode cylinder is divided into two parts by providing the electrode cylinder 17 with two spacing portions 17B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electrode cylinder may be divided into three or more by providing three or more spaced portions.

  In the first embodiment, the separation portion 17B of the electrode cylinder 17 is configured to extend linearly in the axial direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the separation portion may extend in the axial direction in a wave shape, a sawtooth shape, a crank shape, or the like. For example, the separation portion may be configured to extend obliquely in the axial direction.

  In the third embodiment, the case where the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 41 is thermally expanded has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inner cylinder to which the flow path forming member is fixed may be cold-shrinked, and the electrode cylinder may be fitted from the outside in this state.

  In the fourth embodiment, the case where the flow path forming member 22 is fixed to the electrode cylinder 51 and the inner cylinder 4 is cold contracted has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electrode cylinder to which the flow path forming member is fixed may be thermally expanded, and the inner cylinder may be inserted inside in this state.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, the case where the working fluid 21 as a functional fluid was comprised with the electrorheological fluid (ER fluid) was mentioned as an example, and was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the working fluid as the functional fluid may be configured using, for example, a magnetic fluid (MR fluid) whose properties change due to a magnetic field. In the case of using a magnetic fluid, the electrode cylinder 17 as a cylinder member is replaced with an electrode and used as a magnetic pole. In this case, for example, when a magnetic field is generated between the inner cylinder 4 and the cylindrical member (magnetic pole cylinder) and the generated damping force is variably adjusted, the magnetic field may be variably controlled from the outside. Further, the insulating holding members 10, 14 and the like can be formed of, for example, a nonmagnetic material.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, the case where the shock absorber 1 as a damper apparatus was used for a four-wheel vehicle was mentioned as an example, and was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a shock absorber used for a two-wheeled vehicle, a shock absorber used for a railway vehicle, a shock absorber used for various mechanical devices including general industrial equipment, a shock absorber used for a building, etc. It can be widely used as various shock absorbers (damper devices) for buffering an object to be processed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the contact member is located between the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 and is provided coaxially with the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 to form a flow path. The case of the path forming member 22 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact member may be, for example, a member that contacts the inner cylinder 4 and the electrode cylinder 17 and insulates them. That is, the contact member may not form a flow path.

  Furthermore, it is needless to say that each of the embodiments described above is an exemplification, and partial replacement or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible.

  As the shock absorber based on the embodiment described above, for example, the following modes can be considered.

  A first aspect of the damper device is a functional fluid in which an electric field or a magnetic field is applied to an annular passage between an inner cylinder and a cylindrical member provided outside the inner cylinder, and a fluid property is changed by the electric field or the magnetic field. A damper device that changes a damping force characteristic by circulating a gas, and is provided between the inner cylinder and the cylinder member, wherein one side is in contact with or fixed to the inner cylinder, and the other side is in contact with the cylinder member or It is characterized by comprising a contact member to be fixed, and a spacing portion formed in the cylindrical member extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical member. Thereby, the assembly | attachment property of an inner cylinder, an electrode cylinder, and a contact member can be improved.

  As a second aspect, in the first aspect, the contact member is a flow path forming member that forms a flow path of a functional fluid in the annular passage. Thereby, the assembly | attachment property of an inner cylinder, an electrode cylinder, and a flow-path formation member can be improved.

  As a third aspect, in the first aspect, the contact member is an insulating member. Thereby, between an inner cylinder and a cylinder member can be insulated.

  As a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the flow path forming member is provided on an outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder, and the flow path forming member includes a plurality of annular portions. The annular portions are separated from each other in the axial direction and are connected in the axial direction, and the separation portions of the cylindrical members are joined at positions facing the axial connection portions. It is characterized by having a structure. As a result, a meandering flow path can be formed, and the flow path can be sealed to prevent the working fluid from leaking from the separation portion.

  In addition, as an aspect of the manufacturing method of the damper device, a function in which an electric field or a magnetic field is applied to an annular passage between an inner cylinder and a cylindrical member provided outside the inner cylinder, and a fluid property is changed by the electric field or the magnetic field. A damper device manufacturing method for changing a damping force characteristic by flowing a functional fluid, wherein the flow path is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder in order to form a functional fluid flow path in the annular passage A fixing step of fixing the forming member to the inner cylinder or the cylindrical member, a thermal deformation step of cold-shrinking the inner cylinder or thermally expanding the cylindrical member, and the inner cylinder after the thermal deformation step And an insertion step of inserting the inside into the cylindrical member. Thereby, the assembly | attachment property of an inner cylinder, an electrode cylinder, and a flow-path formation member can be improved.

1 Shock absorber (damper device)
4 Inner cylinder 17, 31, 41, 51, 61 Electrode cylinder (cylinder member)
17B, 31A, 61B Separation part 18 Annular passage 21 Working fluid (functional fluid)
22 Channel formation member (contact member)
23 Support beam (joint part in the axial direction)
24A One side comb-shaped part (annular part)
24B Other side comb tooth part (annular part)
27 Flow path

Claims (5)

The damping force characteristic is changed by applying an electric field or magnetic field to the annular passage between the inner cylinder and the cylindrical member provided outside the inner cylinder, and causing a functional fluid whose fluid properties change by the electric field or magnetic field to flow. A damper device,
A contact member provided between the inner cylinder and the cylinder member, wherein one side contacts or adheres to the inner cylinder, and the other side contacts or adheres to the cylinder member;
A damper device extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical member and formed in the cylindrical member.   The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is a flow path forming member that forms a flow path of a functional fluid in the annular passage.   The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is an insulating member. The flow path forming member is provided on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder, and
The flow path forming member has a plurality of annular portions, and axial connecting portions that are arranged by separating the annular portions in the axial direction and connect them in the axial direction,
4. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the separation portion of the cylindrical member has a structure joined at a position facing the axial connection portion. 5. The damping force characteristic is changed by applying an electric field or magnetic field to the annular passage between the inner cylinder and the cylindrical member provided outside the inner cylinder, and causing a functional fluid whose fluid properties change by the electric field or magnetic field to flow. A damper device manufacturing method,
An adhering step of adhering a flow path forming member disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder to the inner cylinder or the cylinder member in order to form a functional fluid flow path in the annular passage;
A thermal deformation step of cold shrinking the inner cylinder or thermally expanding the cylinder member;
And a inserting step of inserting the inner cylinder into the cylindrical member after the thermal deformation step.

Images