JPWO2020121408A1 - Suspension system, vehicle height adjustment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The suspension system has a spring 500 and a jack chamber 60 that supports one end of the spring 500 and stores oil, and adjusts the length of the spring 500 according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60. A pump 600 having a jack 550, a reservoir chamber 40 for storing oil, and a cylinder 230, sucking oil into the cylinder 230 during expansion and discharging oil in the cylinder 230 during compression, and a reservoir chamber 40. The first state in which the oil flows into the cylinder 230 and the oil flows from the cylinder 230 into the reservoir chamber 40, and the oil flows from the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230 and from the inside of the cylinder 230 into the jack chamber. A switching unit 800 capable of switching to a second state in which oil flows into the 60 is provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a suspension system and a vehicle height adjusting device.

In recent years, a device having a function of raising the vehicle height while a motorcycle is running and lowering the vehicle height while the motorcycle is stopped has been proposed to facilitate getting on and off.
For example, the device described in Patent Document 1 has a spring whose one end is supported on the vehicle body side and the other end is supported on the wheel side, and a storage chamber for storing liquid, depending on the amount of liquid in the storage chamber. The spring is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the length of the spring and a storage chamber for storing the liquid. Further, the device described in Patent Document 1 has a cylinder, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheel becomes large, the liquid stored in the storage chamber is sucked into the cylinder, and the device is described. A pump for discharging the liquid in the cylinder when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels becomes small is provided. Further, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is a state in which the liquid discharged from the pump is guided to the accommodation chamber in order to increase the amount of liquid in the accommodation chamber, and the device is described in order to reduce the amount of liquid in the accommodation chamber. A flow path switching unit for switching between a state in which the liquid in the storage chamber is guided to the storage chamber and a state in which the amount of the liquid in the storage chamber is maintained is provided.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-175555

The suspension device is a device that improves riding comfort, steering stability, etc. by having a cushioning function that makes it difficult to convey the unevenness of the road surface to the vehicle body and a function of pressing the wheels against the road surface (pressing function). When the suspension device is set to be so-called soft, the cushioning function is increased, so that the riding comfort when traveling on a road with large irregularities such as a gravel road is likely to be improved, but the pressing function is lowered. Steering stability tends to decrease. On the other hand, when the suspension device is set so-called hard, the pressing function is increased, so that the steering stability is likely to be improved when driving in an urban area where there is a lot of asphalt and there are many opportunities to change the course, while the buffer function is used. The ride quality tends to decrease because the ride quality decreases. Therefore, for example, when traveling on a road with large irregularities such as a gravel road, the soft setting is set, and when traveling in an urban area, the hard setting is set. It is desirable to be able to switch the settings.
An object of the present invention is to provide a suspension system or the like capable of switching the hardness setting of the suspension device according to a traveling situation.

As a result of diligent studies, the present inventors have made relative changes by mechanically changing the shape of the oil passage in a suspension device having a jack that adjusts the length of the spring according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber. It was found that it is possible to switch between the first state in which the vehicle height is maintained when the spring constant is small and the second state in which the vehicle height is maintained when the spring constant is relatively large. It was discovered that by making it possible to mechanically switch between the first state and the second state, it is possible to provide a suspension device of the first form capable of switching the setting of the hardness of the suspension device according to the traveling situation. , The present invention has been completed.
Next, as a result of diligent studies, the present inventors have determined a configuration that enables switching between the first state and the second state, which have different spring constants, by mechanically changing the form of the oil passage, and the vehicle height. The suspension device of the second form was completed by combining the state of raising the height and the state of lowering the vehicle height by changing the form of the oil passage. The suspension device of the second form is a suspension device in which the vehicle height can be changed between running and stopped, and a new function of variable spring constant is added to the suspension device. According to the suspension device of the first form and the suspension device of the second form, the motion characteristics of the vehicle can be changed by changing the spring constant, so that the motion characteristics suitable for the road surface properties can be selected. ..

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described. In the following description, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.
In the present invention, one end is supported on the vehicle body (10) side and the other end is supported on the wheel (2) side, and one end of the spring (500) is supported and oil is applied. A jack (550) having a jack chamber (60) for accommodating and adjusting the length of the spring (500) according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber (60), and a reservoir chamber (reservoir) for storing oil. It has a 40) and a cylinder (230), and when the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes large, oil is sucked into the cylinder (230) to suck the oil into the vehicle body. When the relative distance between (10) and the wheel (2) becomes small, the pump (600) that discharges the oil in the cylinder (230) and the cylinder (40) from the reservoir chamber (40). The first state in which oil flows into the cylinder (230) and oil flows from the cylinder (230) into the reservoir chamber (40), and from the jack chamber (60) into the cylinder (230). Suspension system (700) including a switching unit (800) capable of switching to a second state in which oil flows into the cylinder (230) and oil flows from the inside of the cylinder (230) into the jack chamber (60). Is.
Here, the switching unit (800) includes a first continuous passage (R1) for flowing oil from the inside of the cylinder (230) to the inside of the reservoir chamber (40), and the cylinder from the inside of the jack chamber (60). (230) The first passage has a second passage (R2) for flowing oil toward the inside, and the first passage (R1) or the second passage (R2) is communicated with the first passage (R2). The state and the second state may be switched.
Further, a control unit (20) that controls switching of the switching unit (800) may be further provided according to the information selected by the user.
Further, the switching unit (800) has a first on-off valve (931) for opening and closing the first connecting passage (R1) and a second on-off valve (932) for opening and closing the second connecting passage (R2). The control unit (20) may switch between the first state and the second state by switching the opening and closing of the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932).
Further, in the present invention, one end is supported on the vehicle body (10) side and the other end is supported on the wheel (2) side, and one end of the spring (500) is supported. A jack (550) having a jack chamber (60) for accommodating oil and adjusting the length of the spring (500) according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber (60), and a reservoir for accommodating oil. It has a chamber (40) and a cylinder (230), and when the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes large, oil is sucked into the cylinder (230). When the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes small, the pump (600) that discharges the oil in the cylinder (230) and the cylinder from the reservoir chamber (40). Replenishment that allows the flow of oil into the cylinder (230) but does not allow the flow of oil from the cylinder (230) into the reservoir chamber (40) and replenishes the cylinder (230) with oil. Allows the flow of oil from the portion (810) and the cylinder (230) into the jack chamber (60), but allows the flow of oil from the jack chamber (60) into the cylinder (230). An increasing portion (820) for increasing the amount of oil in the jack chamber (60) and a first continuous passage (R1) for flowing oil from the inside of the cylinder (230) to the inside of the reservoir chamber (40). A second passage (R2) for flowing oil from the inside of the jack chamber (60) to the inside of the cylinder (230), and oil going from the inside of the jack chamber (60) to the inside of the reservoir chamber (40). The first state in which only the first passage (R1) is communicated, the second state in which only the second passage (R2) is communicated, and the third passage (R3) among the third passages (R3). Switching that can be switched to the third state in which R3) is communicated, and the fourth state in which the first passage (R1), the second passage (R2), and the third passage (R3) are blocked. A vehicle height adjusting device (700) including a unit (800).
Here, the control unit (20) that controls the switching of the switching unit (800) is provided, and the control unit (20) has the first state or the second state according to the information selected by the user. You may switch to.
Further, the switching unit (800) has a first on-off valve (931) for opening and closing the first connecting passage (R1) and a second on-off valve (932) for opening and closing the second connecting passage (R2). The control unit (20) switches from the first state to any of the fourth states by switching the opening and closing of the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932). You may.
Further, the control unit (20) is brought into the fourth state by closing the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932), and the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (931) are opened and closed. By opening the valve (932), the third state is set, and by opening the first on-off valve (931) and closing the second on-off valve (932), the first state is set, and the first on-off valve (931) is set. ) Is closed and the second on-off valve (932) is opened to bring about the second state.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a suspension system or the like capable of switching the setting of the hardness of the suspension device according to a traveling situation.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the motorcycle 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the vehicle height adjustment device 700 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the distribution state of the oil in the 4th state. It is a figure which shows the distribution state of the oil in the case of the 1st state. It is a figure which shows the distribution state of the oil in the 2nd state. It is a figure which shows the distribution state of the oil in the 3rd state. It is a figure for demonstrating the balance of the force generated in the suspension device 23. It is a figure which shows the change of the force Fa1 which occurs in the whole suspension device 23 in the 1st state, and the change of the force Fa2 which occurs in the whole suspension device 23 in a 2nd state. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the switching control processing performed by the control device 20. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the switching control processing performed by the control device 20. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the vehicle height adjustment device 2700 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a motorcycle 1 according to a first embodiment.
The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2 which is a front wheel, a rear wheel 3 which is a rear wheel, and a vehicle body 10. The vehicle body 10 includes a vehicle body frame 11 forming the skeleton of the motorcycle 1, a handle 12, a brake lever 13, a seat 14, and the like.
Further, the motorcycle 1 has a front fork 21 that connects the front wheel 2 and the vehicle body 10. Further, the motorcycle 1 includes two brackets 15 for holding two front forks 21 arranged on the left and right sides of the front wheel 2, and a shaft 16 arranged between the two brackets 15. The shaft 16 is rotatably supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The front fork 21 includes a suspension spring 21s that absorbs the impact applied to the front wheel 2 from the road surface or the like, and a damping device 21d that attenuates the vibration of the suspension spring 21s.

Further, the motorcycle 1 has one rear suspension 22 for connecting the rear wheel 3 and the vehicle body 10 on the left side and one on the right side of the rear wheel 3. The rear suspension 22 includes a suspension spring 22s that absorbs the impact applied to the rear wheels 3 from the road surface and the like, and a damping device 22d that damps the vibration of the suspension spring 22s.
In the following description, the front fork 21 and the rear suspension 22 may be collectively referred to as a "suspension device 23". Further, the suspension spring 21s and the suspension spring 22s may be collectively referred to as "spring 500". Further, the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 may be collectively referred to as "wheels", and the vehicle body 10 may be referred to as a "body".

Further, the motorcycle 1 is controlled as an example of a control unit that controls the vehicle height, which is the height of the seat 14 of the motorcycle 1, by controlling the switching of the flow path of the oil filled in the suspension device 23. The device 20 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle height adjusting device 700 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle height adjusting device 700 includes a suspension device 23 and a control device 20.
The suspension device 23 includes a spring 500 having one end supported on the vehicle body side and the other end supported on the wheel side.
Further, the suspension device 23 has a support member 551 that supports one end of the spring 500 and a jack chamber 60 that stores oil, and the support member 551 has a support member 551 according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60. It is equipped with a jack 550 that adjusts the length of the spring 500 by moving.

Further, the suspension device 23 includes a reservoir chamber 40 for storing oil.
Further, the suspension device 23 has a rod 150 and a cylinder 230, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels becomes large, oil is sucked into the cylinder 230 and the relative between the vehicle body and the wheels. It is provided with a pump 600 that discharges oil in the cylinder 230 when the distance becomes small. Hereinafter, when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels increases, it may be referred to as "extension", and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels decreases, it may be referred to as "compression".
Further, the suspension device 23 includes a switching unit 800 for switching the flow path of the oil filled in the suspension device 23.

The jack 550, the support member 551, the pump 600, the rod 150, and the cylinder 230 are, for example, the spring length changing unit 250 and the upper end support member 270 described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-175555 filed by the present applicant, respectively. It can be exemplified that it is realized by the pump 600, the rod 150, and the cylinder 230.

The switching unit 800 allows the flow of oil from the reservoir chamber 40 into the cylinder 230, but does not allow the flow of oil from the cylinder 230 into the reservoir chamber 40, so that the cylinder 230 is replenished with oil. It has a part 810.
The replenishment unit 810 has a replenishment flow path 811 which is a flow path between the inlet / outlet 230a of the cylinder 230 and the outlet 40a of the reservoir chamber 40, and a check valve 812 provided on the replenishment flow path 811. .. The check valve 812 opens when the pressure in the reservoir chamber 40 is higher than the pressure in the cylinder 230 by a predetermined pressure or more.

Further, the switching unit 800 allows the flow of oil from the inside of the cylinder 230 into the jack chamber 60, but does not allow the flow of oil from the inside of the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230, so that the oil in the jack chamber 60 is allowed to flow. It has an increase unit 820 for increasing the amount.
The increase unit 820 has an increase flow path 821 which is a flow path between the entrance / exit 230a of the cylinder 230 and the entrance / exit 60a of the jack chamber 60, and a check valve 822 provided on the increase flow path 821. .. The check valve 822 opens when the pressure in the cylinder 230 is higher than the pressure in the jack chamber 60 by a predetermined pressure or more.

Further, the switching unit 800 includes a first passage R1 for flowing oil from the inside of the cylinder 230 to the reservoir chamber 40, a second passage R2 for flowing oil from the inside of the jack chamber 60 to the inside of the cylinder 230, and a jack. It has a third passage R3 for flowing oil from the chamber 60 into the reservoir chamber 40.
Further, the switching unit 800 has a first on-off valve 931 that opens and closes the first continuous passage R1 and a second on-off valve 932 that opens and closes the second continuous passage R2.

The first continuous passage R1 is a flow between the first flow path 941 which is a flow path between the inlet / outlet 230a of the cylinder 230 and the first on-off valve 931 and the inlet 40b of the first on-off valve 931 and the reservoir chamber 40. It is composed of a second flow path 942, which is a road.
The second continuous passage R2 is composed of a third flow path 943, which is a flow path between the entrance / exit 60a of the jack chamber 60 and the first flow path 941, and a first flow path 941. The second on-off valve 932 is provided on the third flow path 943.
The third passage R3 is composed of a third flow path 943, a first flow path 941, and a second flow path 942.

The first on-off valve 931 is a so-called normally closed solenoid valve that closes the communication passage when the energization of the solenoid is stopped and opens the communication passage when the solenoid is energized.
The second on-off valve 932 is a so-called normally open solenoid valve that opens the communication passage when the energization of the solenoid is stopped and closes the communication passage when the solenoid is energized.
The first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 are outside the cylindrical peripheral member (for example, the inner tube 210 described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-175555 filed by the present applicant) that covers the periphery of the jack 550. It can be exemplified that it is arranged in. However, the arrangement position of the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 is not particularly limited, and both the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 may be arranged inside the peripheral member. Further, one of the on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 may be arranged inside the peripheral member, and the other on-off valve may be arranged outside the peripheral member.

In the switching unit 800 according to the first embodiment, when the first on-off valve 931 is opened, the first flow path 941 and the second flow path 942 communicate with each other and enter the cylinder 230 via the first communication passage R1. It communicates with the inside of the reservoir chamber 40.
Further, when the second on-off valve 932 is opened, the inside of the jack chamber 60 and the first flow path 941 communicate with each other, and the inside of the cylinder 230 and the inside of the jack chamber 60 communicate with each other via the second communication passage R2.
Then, when the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 are opened together, the inside of the jack chamber 60 and the inside of the reservoir chamber 40 communicate with each other via the third communication passage R3.
On the other hand, when both the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 are closed, the first continuous passage R1, the second continuous passage R2, and the third continuous passage R3 are shut off.

According to the above configuration, the switching unit 800 according to the first embodiment communicates the first state in which only the first communication passage R1 is communicated, the second state in which only the second communication passage R2 is communicated, and the third communication passage R3. The third state and the fourth state in which the first communication passage R1, the second communication passage R2, and the third communication passage R3 are blocked are switched.

The control device 20 controls switching between the first to fourth states by controlling the opening and closing of the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932. The control device 20 includes a CPU, a ROM in which a program executed by the CPU, various data, and the like are stored, and a RAM used as a working memory of the CPU. Output values from the detection unit 20a for detecting the movement amount of the support member 551 of the jack 550, the detection unit 20b for detecting the vehicle speed Vc which is the movement speed of the motorcycle 1, and the like are input to the control device 20.
Further, the motorcycle 1 is provided with a switch 20c so that the user can select the hardness setting of the suspension device 23, and the control device 20 is provided with the hardness selected by the user via the switch 20c. Information is entered. The switch 20c is, for example, a so-called dial type switch provided in the vicinity of a speedometer (not shown), and either a relatively hard setting or a relatively soft setting can be set by the user rotating the knob. It can be exemplified that is configured to be selectable. Further, the switch 20c may be a so-called touch panel type switch.
Then, the control device 20 controls the opening and closing of the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 according to the setting of the hardness selected by the user via the movement amount of the support member 551, the vehicle speed Vc, and the switch 20c. To do.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an oil distribution state in the fourth state.
When both the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 are closed, the first open passage R1, the second open passage R2, and the third open passage R3 are shut off in the fourth state. In this fourth state, the pump 600 sucks the oil stored in the reservoir chamber 40 into the cylinder 230 at the time of expansion, and discharges the oil in the cylinder 230 at the time of compression. The oil discharged from the cylinder 230 in this way opens the check valve 822 and flows into the jack chamber 60.
As the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 increases, the support member 551 of the jack 550 moves toward the spring 500, and the length of the spring 500 becomes shorter. As a result, the spring force with which the spring 500 pushes the support member 551 becomes larger than before the support member 551 moves to the spring 500 side. As a result, the vehicle height becomes higher than before the support member 551 moves to the spring 500 side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an oil distribution state in the first state.
When the first on-off valve 931 is open and the second on-off valve 932 is closed, the first communication passage R1 is communicated and the second communication passage R2 and the third communication passage R3 are shut off. In this first state, the pump 600 sucks the oil stored in the reservoir chamber 40 into the cylinder 230 at the time of expansion, and discharges the oil in the cylinder 230 at the time of compression. The oil discharged from the cylinder 230 in this way flows into the reservoir chamber 40 through the first continuous passage R1. Since the second on-off valve 932 is closed, oil does not flow out from the jack chamber 60, and the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 does not increase or decrease. Therefore, the vehicle height is maintained.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an oil distribution state in the second state.
When the first on-off valve 931 is closed and the second on-off valve 932 is open, the second communication passage R2 is communicated and the first communication passage R1 and the third communication passage R3 are shut off. In this second state, the pump 600 sucks the oil stored in the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230 when it is extended, and discharges the oil in the cylinder 230 when it is compressed. The oil discharged from the cylinder 230 in this way opens the check valve 822 and flows into the jack chamber 60. When one cycle consisting of extension and compression of the suspension device 23 is completed, the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 does not increase or decrease, so that the vehicle height is maintained.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an oil distribution state in the third state.
When both the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932 are open, the third communication passage R3 is communicated. In this third state, the oil stored in the jack chamber 60 flows into the reservoir chamber 40 through the third continuous passage R3. As a result, the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 is reduced. Further, the pump 600 sucks the oil stored in the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230 while the pressure in the jack chamber 60 is higher than the pressure in the reservoir chamber 40 during expansion, and sucks the oil stored in the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230 during compression. Discharge the oil. The oil discharged from the cylinder 230 in this way flows into the reservoir chamber 40 through the first continuous passage R1.
As the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 decreases, the support member 551 of the jack 550 moves to the side opposite to the spring 500, and the length of the spring 500 becomes longer. As a result, the spring force with which the spring 500 pushes the support member 551 becomes smaller than before the support member 551 moves. As a result, the vehicle height is lower than before the support member 551 moves to the side opposite to the spring 500.

(About the difference between the first state and the second state)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the balance of forces generated in the suspension device 23.
The force Fa generated in the entire suspension device 23 in the second state is calculated.
Let Fr be the force acting on the rod 150 and Fs be the force acting on the spring 500. Further, the pressure receiving area that receives the pressure of the oil that is the basis of the force Fr acting on the rod 150 is Sr, the pressure receiving area in the support member 551 is Ss, the stroke amount of the rod 150 is Str, the stroke amount of the spring 500 is Sts, and the jack 550. The initial stroke amount of is Stj, the spring constant of the spring 500 is K, and P0 is the encapsulation pressure.

When the stroke amount (compression amount) of the rod 150 to the vehicle body side is Str, the contraction amount of the spring 500 corresponds to the amount of oil that has flowed into the jack chamber 60 due to the movement of the rod 150. Since it is the amount obtained by adding the amount of shrinkage of, Sts = Str + Str × Sr / Ss.
therefore,
Fr = Fs × Sr / Ss + Sr × P0
Fs = K × (Str × (1 + Sr / Ss) + Stj)
Fa = Fr + Fs = Fs × Sr / Ss + Sr × P0 + Fs
= Fs × (1 + Sr / Ss) + Sr × P0
= K × (Str × (1 + Sr / Ss) + Stj) × (1 + Sr / Ss) + Sr × P0
= K × Str × (1 + Sr / Ss) ² + K × Stj × (1 + Sr / Ss) + Sr × P0
Will be.
Therefore, the proportionality constant Ka indicating the force Fa generated in the entire suspension device 23 per unit stroke amount of the rod 150 is calculated by differentiating Fa by Str.
Ka = dFa / dStr = K × (1 + Sr / Ss) ² .

On the other hand, when the force Fa generated in the entire suspension device 23 in the first state is calculated, since the second passage R2 is blocked, the support member 551 of the jack 550 does not move even if the rod 150 moves. Therefore, Sts = Str.
therefore,
Fr = Sr × P0
Fs = K × (Str + Stj)
Fa = Fr + Fs = Sr × P0 + K × (Str + Stj)
Therefore, when the proportionality constant Ka is calculated,
Ka = dFa / dStr = K.

Therefore, the proportionality constant Ka when a second state, (1 + Sr / Ss) of the proportional constant Ka when a first state is ^doubled.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change in the force Fa1 generated in the entire suspension device 23 in the first state and a change in the force Fa2 generated in the entire suspension device 23 in the second state.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing temporal changes in the forces Fa1 and Fa2 when the motorcycle 1 travels on a road surface in which convex portions and concave portions are repeatedly formed.
As described above, the proportionality constant Ka when a second state, since it is ^twice (1 + Sr / Ss) of the proportional constant Ka when it is the first state, the suspension system when it is the second state 23 occurring throughout the force Fa2 becomes (1 + Sr / Ss) ² times the force generated Fa1 throughout the suspension system 23 when it is the first state.
Hence, the impact force transmitted to the vehicle body 10 than is the first state, towards the case of the second state (1 + Sr / Ss) ^2-fold increase. Similarly, the force pressing the wheels against the road surface than if it is the first state, towards the case of the second state (1 + Sr / Ss) ^2-fold increase.

(About switching control)
After the motorcycle 1 starts traveling, the control device 20 sets the initial state described later when the vehicle speed Vc detected by the detection unit 20b is smaller than the predetermined rising vehicle speed Vu, and rises from the state where the vehicle speed Vc is smaller than the rising vehicle speed Vu. When the vehicle speed is Vu or higher, the fourth state is set. After that, when the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu, the fourth state is set until the movement amount of the support member 551 of the jack 550 reaches the target movement amount on the maximum side. On the other hand, in the control device 20, when the motorcycle 1 is traveling at the ascending vehicle speed Vu or more and becomes the predetermined descending vehicle speed Vd or less, the moving amount of the support member 551 is the minimum target moving amount. It is in the third state until it becomes.

The control device 20 sets the hardness selected by the user via the switch 20c after the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu and the movement amount of the support member 551 reaches the maximum target movement amount. Switch according to. The control device 20 is set to the first state when the user selects a relatively soft setting, and is set to the second state when the user selects a relatively hard setting.

It can be exemplified that the ascending vehicle speed Vu is 10 km / h and the descending vehicle speed Vd is 8 km / h. Further, it can be exemplified that the target movement amount on the maximum side is 100 (mm) and the target movement amount on the minimum side is 0 (mm). The target movement amount may be changed according to the user's choice. Further, it can be exemplified that the initial state is any one of the first state to the third state other than the fourth state in which the vehicle height becomes high. In the first embodiment, since the first on-off valve 931 is a so-called normally closed solenoid valve and the second on-off valve 932 is a so-called normally open solenoid valve, the initial state is the first on-off valve. It can be exemplified that 931 is in the same state as the second state in which the second on-off valve 932 is in the closed state and the second on-off valve 932 is in the open state.

The control device 20 has one of the initial flag, the first flag, the second flag, the third flag, and the fourth flag in setting the flag set in the RAM (hereinafter, may be referred to as "flag setting"). By turning on the flag, which state the switching state is is memorized. The initial flag, the first flag, the second flag, the third flag, and the fourth flag are flags that are set when they are in the initial state, the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state, respectively. ..

Next, the procedure of the switching control process performed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart.
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the switching control process performed by the control device 20.
The control device 20 repeatedly executes this switching control process every predetermined period (for example, 1 millisecond).

The control device 20 first determines whether or not it is in the initial state (S901). This is a process in which the control device 20 determines whether or not the initial flag is ON in the flag setting. The initial flag is a flag that is turned ON in S921 described later. In the initial state (Yes in S901), the control device 20 determines whether or not the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu (S902). When the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu (Yes in S902), the control device 20 switches to the fourth state in order to increase the vehicle height (S903). That is, the control device 20 closes the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932. Then, the control device 20 turns on the fourth flag (S904). On the other hand, when the vehicle speed Vc is not equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu (No in S902), the control device 20 ends this process.

When it is not in the initial state (No in S902), the control device 20 determines whether or not it is in the fourth state (S905). This is a process in which the control device 20 determines by confirming whether or not the fourth flag is ON in the flag setting. The fourth flag is a flag that is turned ON in S904 or S918 described later. In the fourth state (Yes in S905), the control device 20 determines whether or not the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or less than the descending vehicle speed Vd (S906). When the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or less than the descending vehicle speed Vd (Yes in S906), the control device 20 switches to the third state in order to reduce the vehicle height (S907). That is, the control device 20 opens the first on-off valve 931 and the second on-off valve 932. Then, the control device 20 turns on the third flag (S908).

When the vehicle speed Vc is not equal to or less than the descending vehicle speed Vd (No in S906), the control device 20 determines whether or not the movement amount of the support member 551 has reached the maximum movement amount (S909). If the target movement amount has not been reached (No in S909), the control device 20 ends this process. On the other hand, when the target movement amount is reached (Yes in S909), the control device 20 determines whether or not a relatively hard setting is selected by the user via the switch 20c (S910). When the relatively hard setting is selected (Yes in S910), the control device 20 switches to the second state in order to maintain the vehicle height and set the suspension device 23 to the relatively hard setting (S911). That is, the control device 20 closes the first on-off valve 931 and opens the second on-off valve 932. Then, the control device 20 turns on the second flag (S912). On the other hand, when the relatively hard setting is not selected (No in S910), the relatively soft setting is selected, so that the control device 20 maintains the vehicle height and the suspension device 23 is relatively soft. Switch to the first state to set it (S913). That is, the control device 20 opens the first on-off valve 931 and closes the second on-off valve 932. Then, the control device 20 turns on the first flag (S914).

If it is not in the fourth state (No in S905), it is determined whether or not it is in the third state (S915). This is a process in which the control device 20 determines whether or not the third flag is ON in the flag setting. The third flag is a flag that is turned ON in S908 or S924 described later. In the third state (Yes in S915), the control device 20 determines whether or not the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu (S916). When the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu (Yes in S916), the control device 20 switches to the fourth state (S917) in order to increase the vehicle height, and turns on the fourth flag (S918).

When the vehicle speed Vc is not equal to or higher than the rising vehicle speed Vu (No in S916), the control device 20 determines whether or not the movement amount of the support member 551 has reached the minimum target movement amount (S919). If the target movement amount has not been reached (No in S919), the control device 20 ends this process. On the other hand, when the target movement amount is reached (Yes in S919), the control device 20 switches to the initial state (S920) and turns on the initial flag (S921).

When it is not the third state (No in S915), since it is the first state or the second state, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or less than the descending vehicle speed Vd (S922). When the vehicle speed Vc is equal to or less than the descending vehicle speed Vd (Yes in S922), the control device 20 switches to the third state (S923) in order to reduce the vehicle height, and turns on the third flag (S924).

The vehicle height adjusting device 700 configured as described above includes a spring 500, a jack 550, a reservoir chamber 40, a pump 600, a replenishment unit 810, an increase unit 820, and a switching unit 800. The suspension device 23 is provided. Then, when the switching unit 800 switches the oil flow path to the fourth state of blocking the first continuous passage R1, the second continuous passage R2, and the third continuous passage R3, the oil in the jack chamber 60 Since the amount of the oil is increased by the increase unit 820, the vehicle height is increased. In this fourth state, the replenishment unit 810 replenishes the cylinder 230 with oil. On the other hand, when the switching unit 800 switches the oil flow path to the third state in which the third communication passage R3 for flowing the oil flowing from the inside of the jack chamber 60 to the inside of the reservoir chamber 40 is communicated, the third communication passage R3 Since the oil in the jack chamber 60 reaches the reservoir chamber 40, the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 is reduced and the vehicle height is lowered. As described above, the vehicle height adjusting device 700 has a function of adjusting the vehicle height by increasing or decreasing the vehicle height.

Further, when the switching unit 800 switches the oil flow path to the first state in which only the first communication passage R1 is communicated among the first communication passage R1, the second communication passage R2, and the third communication passage R3. Since the oil discharged from the cylinder 230 by the pump 600 during compression reaches the reservoir chamber 40, the oil in the jack chamber 60 does not increase or decrease. Therefore, the vehicle height is maintained. In this first state, oil is replenished in the cylinder 230 by the replenishment unit 810 during extension.
Further, when the switching unit 800 switches the oil flow path to the second state in which only the second communication passage R2 is communicated among the first communication passage R1, the second communication passage R2, and the third communication passage R3. The oil discharged from the cylinder 230 by the pump 600 at the time of compression reaches the inside of the jack chamber 60, so that the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 increases. On the other hand, at the time of extension, the oil in the jack chamber 60 is sucked into the cylinder 230, so that the oil in the jack chamber 60 is reduced. The vehicle height is maintained because the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 does not change in each compression and expansion cycle.
As described above, the vehicle height adjusting device 700 has a function of maintaining the vehicle height at a desired height.

As described above, the proportionality constant Ka when it is the second state, since ^twice (1 + Sr / Ss) of the proportional constant Ka when it is the first state, the suspension system when it is the second state hardness of 23, the hardness of the (1 + Sr / Ss) of the suspension system 23 when it is the first state becomes ^twice. Therefore, the switching unit 800 can switch the hardness setting of the suspension device 23 by switching between the first state and the second state. Then, the control device 20 controls the switching by the switching unit 800 according to the hardness setting selected by the user via the switch 20c, so that the user switches the hardness setting according to the traveling situation. Can be done. For example, when traveling on a gravel road, the user makes the hardness setting of the suspension device 23 relatively soft to enhance the cushioning function (as the first state), and when traveling in an urban area, for example, the suspension device It is possible to switch the hardness setting of 23 to be relatively hard (as a second state) to improve steering stability.

The vehicle height adjusting device 700 having the suspension device 23 and the control device 20 causes oil to flow from the spring 500, the jack 550, the reservoir chamber 40, the pump 600, and the reservoir chamber 40 into the cylinder 230. In addition, in the first state in which the oil flows from the cylinder 230 into the reservoir chamber 40, the oil flows from the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230, and the oil flows from the cylinder 230 into the jack chamber 60. It can be regarded as a suspension system including a switching unit 800 that can be switched to the second state. Therefore, even if the increase unit 820 breaks down and the amount of oil in the jack chamber 60 is not increased and the function of adjusting the vehicle height is impaired, it is possible to switch the hardness setting of the suspension device 23. is there.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle height adjusting device 2700 according to the second embodiment.
The vehicle height adjusting device 2700 according to the second embodiment includes a suspension device 2023 in place of the suspension device 23 with respect to the vehicle height adjusting device 700 according to the first embodiment, and replaces the control device 20. The difference is that the control device 2020 is provided. The suspension device 2023 is different from the suspension device 23 in that the switching unit 2800 is provided instead of the switching unit 800. The control device 2020 differs from the control device 20 in the switching control mode of the oil flow path. Hereinafter, the differences from the vehicle height adjusting device 700 will be described. The vehicle height adjusting device 2700 and the vehicle height adjusting device 700 have the same reference numerals for parts having the same shape and function, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The switching unit 2800 of the suspension device 2023 is different from the switching unit 800 according to the first embodiment in that one solenoid valve 2930 functions as a first on-off valve 931 and a second on-off valve 932.
The solenoid valve 2930 includes a coil (not shown), a core arranged inside the coil (not shown), a plunger guided by the core (not shown), and an operating rod connected to the plunger (not shown). It is equipped with a solenoid (not shown) having. In the solenoid, an axial thrust is generated in the plunger so that the amount of protrusion of the operating rod from the case increases as the energizing current to the coil increases. Then, the amount of energization to the coil is controlled by the control device 2020.

The solenoid valve 2930 includes a first on-off valve V1 that opens and closes the first passage R1, a second on-off valve V2 that opens and closes the second passage R2, and a third on-off valve V3 that opens and closes the third passage R3. Have. Then, when the energization of the solenoid coil to the coil is stopped or the current is less than the first reference current, the solenoid valve 2930 opens only the second on-off valve V2 and opens the first communication passage R1 and the second communication passage R2. The second state is such that only the second communication passage R2 is communicated with the third communication passage R3. Further, in the solenoid valve 2930, when the energization of the coil is equal to or more than the first reference current and less than the second reference current, the third on-off valve V3 is opened to communicate the third communication passage R3. Make it a state. Further, the solenoid valve 2930 is included in the first communication passage R1, the second communication passage R2, and the third communication passage R3 when the energization of the coil is equal to or more than the second reference current and less than the third reference current. , Only the first on-off valve V1 is opened to allow only the first communication passage R1 to communicate with each other. Further, the solenoid valve 2930 closes the first on-off valve V1, the second on-off valve V2, and the third on-off valve V3 when the energization of the coil is equal to or higher than the third reference current, and the first continuous passage. The fourth state is set to block R1, the second passage R2, and the third passage R3.

In this way, even if the oil flow path is switched by using one solenoid valve 2930, the vehicle height adjusting function and the hardness of the suspension device 2023 are the same as those of the vehicle height adjusting device 700 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle height adjusting device 2700 can be provided with a function of switching the setting of.
The solenoid valve 2930 may be arranged inside the cylindrical peripheral member that covers the periphery of the jack 550, or may be arranged outside.
Further, instead of the solenoid valve 2930, for example, by using an electric motor and a conversion mechanism that converts the rotational drive of the electric motor into axial movement of the operating rod, the operating rod is moved in the axial direction. , The first on-off valve V1, the second on-off valve V2, and the third on-off valve V3 may be opened and closed.

<Modification example of switching control processing>
The suspension device 23 and the control device 20 according to the first embodiment, the suspension device 2023 and the control device 2020 according to the second embodiment have a function of adjusting the vehicle height of the motorcycle 1, and the suspension device 23 and the suspension device 2023. It has a function to change the setting of the hardness of, but is not particularly limited to such a mode. The control device 20 and the control device 2020 may switch the hardness settings of the suspension device 23 and the suspension device 2023 without adjusting the vehicle height by changing the mode of the oil flow path switching control process. .. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be referred to as a third embodiment.

More specifically, the control device provided in the suspension system according to the third embodiment is a user without switching to a fourth state for increasing the vehicle height and a third state for lowering the vehicle height. Switches to the first state or the second state depending on the hardness setting selected via the switch 20c. That is, the control device provided in the suspension system according to the third embodiment is set to the first state when the user selects a relatively soft setting regardless of the vehicle speed Vc, and the user is relatively If a hard setting is selected, the second state is set.

By controlling as described above, the suspension system according to the third embodiment transfers oil from the spring 500, the jack 550, the reservoir chamber 40, the pump 600, and the reservoir chamber 40 into the cylinder 230. The first state in which the oil flows in and flows from the cylinder 230 into the reservoir chamber 40, and the oil flows from the jack chamber 60 into the cylinder 230 and the oil flows from the cylinder 230 into the jack chamber 60. It can be regarded as a suspension system including switching units 800 and 2800 that can be switched to the second state in which the The suspension system according to the third embodiment does not have a vehicle height adjustment function, but can realize a system having a function of switching the hardness setting of the suspension device 23 and the suspension device 2023.

In the above description, the front fork 21 and the rear suspension 22 are collectively referred to as a suspension device 23. Therefore, the suspension system capable of switching the hardness setting for both the front fork 21 and the rear suspension 22 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. The suspension system of the present invention may be in a form in which only the hardness setting of the front fork 21 can be switched or a form in which only the hardness setting of the rear suspension 22 can be switched, if necessary. It is possible.

1 ... Motorcycle, 2 ... Front wheel, 3 ... Rear wheel, 20,2020 ... Control device, 21 ... Front fork, 22 ... Rear suspension, 23,2023 ... Suspension device, 40 ... Reservoir room, 60 ... Jack room, 500 ... Spring, 550 ... Jack, 600 ... Pump, 700, 2700 ... Switching part, 800, 2800 ... Switching part, 931 ... 1st on-off valve, 932 ... 2nd on-off valve

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described. In the following description, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.
In the present invention, a spring (500) having one end supported on the vehicle body (10) side of the motorcycle (1) and the other end supported on the wheel (2) side and one end of the spring (500) are provided. A jack (550) having a jack chamber (60) for supporting and accommodating oil and adjusting the length of the spring (500) according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber (60), and oil. It has a reservoir chamber (40) and a cylinder (230) for storing the oil, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes large, oil is contained in the cylinder (230). A pump (600) that sucks oil and discharges oil in the cylinder (230) when the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes small, and the reservoir chamber (40). The first state in which the oil flows from the inside of the cylinder (230) into the cylinder (230) and the oil flows from the inside of the cylinder (230) into the reservoir chamber (40), and from the jack chamber (60). A switching unit (800) capable of flowing the oil into the cylinder (230) and switching to a second state in which the oil flows from the inside of the cylinder (230) into the jack chamber (60). The switching unit (800) includes a first continuous passage (R1) for flowing oil from the cylinder (230) to the reservoir chamber (40), and the cylinder (230) from the inside of the jack chamber (60). ), A first on-off valve (931) that opens and closes the first communication passage (R1), and a second passage that opens and closes the second passage (R2). It has an on-off valve (932), and according to the opening and closing of the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932), the first connecting passage (R1) and the second connecting passage (R2) It is a suspension system (700) that switches between the first state and the second state depending on which one is communicated .
Here, according to the information selected by the User chromatography The switching may further include a control unit (20) for controlling the switching unit (800).
The front Symbol controller (20) may be switched between the second state and the first state by switching the opening and closing of the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932).
Further, in the present invention, one end of a spring (500) supported by the vehicle body (10) side of the motorcycle (1) and the other end supported by the wheel (2) side, and one end of the spring (500). With a jack (550) having a jack chamber (60) for supporting the portion and accommodating oil, and adjusting the length of the spring (500) according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber (60). A reservoir chamber (40) for storing oil and a cylinder (230) are provided, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes large, the inside of the cylinder (230) A pump (600) that sucks oil into the cylinder and discharges oil in the cylinder (230) when the relative distance between the vehicle body (10) and the wheels (2) becomes small, and the reservoir chamber. Allowing the flow of oil from (40) into the cylinder (230), but not allowing the flow of oil from inside the cylinder (230) into the reservoir chamber (40), inside the cylinder (230) Allows the flow of oil from the replenishment unit (810) and the cylinder (230) into the jack chamber (60), but from the inside of the jack chamber (60) into the cylinder (230). The increase portion (820) for increasing the amount of oil in the jack chamber (60) and the oil flowing from the inside of the cylinder (230) to the inside of the reservoir chamber (40) without allowing the flow of the oil. A single passage (R1), a second passage (R2) for flowing oil from the inside of the jack chamber (60) to the inside of the cylinder (230), and the reservoir chamber (40) from the inside of the jack chamber (60). ), Of the third passages (R3) for flowing oil toward the inside, the first state in which only the first passage (R1) is communicated, and the second state in which only the second passage (R2) is communicated. A third state in which the third passage (R3) is communicated, and a fourth state in which the first passage (R1), the second passage (R2), and the third passage (R3) are blocked. A switching unit (800) capable of switching to a state is provided , and the switching unit (800) includes a first on-off valve (931) for opening and closing the first communication passage (R1) and the second communication passage (R2). The first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (931) are opened and closed according to the opening and closing of the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (931). A vehicle height adjusting device that switches between the first state and the second state depending on which of the communication passages (R2) is communicated (R2). 700).
Here, the control unit (20) that controls the switching of the switching unit (800) is provided, and the control unit (20) has the first state or the second state according to the information selected by the user. You may switch to.
Switching The front Symbol controller (20) is in one of the states of the fourth state from the first state by switching the opening and closing of the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932) You may.
Further, the control unit (20) is brought into the fourth state by closing the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (932), and the first on-off valve (931) and the second on-off valve (931) are opened and closed. By opening the valve (932), the third state is set, and by opening the first on-off valve (931) and closing the second on-off valve (932), the first state is set, and the first on-off valve (931) is set. ) Is closed and the second on-off valve (932) is opened to bring about the second state.

Claims (8)

A spring with one end supported on the vehicle body side and the other end supported on the wheel side,
A jack that supports one end of the spring and has a jack chamber for accommodating oil, and adjusts the length of the spring according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber.
Reservoir for storing oil and
It has a cylinder, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels increases, oil is sucked into the cylinder, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels decreases, the oil is sucked into the cylinder. A pump that discharges oil in the cylinder and
The first state in which the oil flows from the reservoir chamber into the cylinder and the oil flows from the inside of the cylinder into the reservoir chamber, and the oil flows from the jack chamber into the cylinder and A switching unit that can switch to the second state in which oil flows from the inside of the cylinder into the jack chamber, and
Suspension system with. The switching unit has a first passage for flowing oil from the cylinder to the reservoir chamber and a second passage for flowing oil from the jack chamber to the inside of the cylinder, and the first passage. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the first state and the second state are switched depending on whether the passage or the second communication passage is communicated. The suspension system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit that controls switching of the switching unit according to information selected by the user. The switching unit has a first on-off valve that opens and closes the first passage, and a second on-off valve that opens and closes the second passage.
The suspension system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit switches between the first state and the second state by switching the opening and closing of the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve. A spring with one end supported on the vehicle body side and the other end supported on the wheel side,
A jack that supports one end of the spring and has a jack chamber for accommodating oil, and adjusts the length of the spring according to the amount of oil in the jack chamber.
Reservoir for storing oil and
It has a cylinder, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels increases, oil is sucked into the cylinder, and when the relative distance between the vehicle body and the wheels decreases, the oil is sucked into the cylinder. A pump that discharges oil in the cylinder and
A replenishing unit that allows the flow of oil from the reservoir chamber into the cylinder but does not allow the flow of oil from the inside of the cylinder into the reservoir chamber, and replenishes the oil into the cylinder.
An increasing portion that allows the flow of oil from the inside of the cylinder into the jack chamber but does not allow the flow of oil from the inside of the jack chamber into the cylinder, and increases the amount of oil in the jack chamber.
A first passage for flowing oil from the inside of the cylinder to the reservoir chamber, a second passage for flowing oil from the jack chamber to the inside of the cylinder, and an oil flowing from the jack chamber to the reservoir chamber. Among the third passages to be flowed, the first state in which only the first passage is communicated, the second state in which only the second passage is communicated, the third state in which only the third passage is communicated, and the third state. A switching unit capable of switching to a fourth state that blocks the 1-passage, the 2nd passage, and the 3rd passage.
Vehicle height adjustment device equipped with. It has a control unit that controls switching of the switching unit.
The vehicle height adjusting device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit switches to the first state or the second state according to the information selected by the user. The switching unit has a first on-off valve that opens and closes the first passage, and a second on-off valve that opens and closes the second passage.
The vehicle height adjusting device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit switches from the first state to any of the fourth states by switching the opening and closing of the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve. The control unit is brought into the fourth state by closing the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve, and is brought into the third state by opening the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the first on-off valve is opened and the second on-off valve is closed to bring the first state, and the first on-off valve is closed and the second on-off valve is opened to bring the second state. High adjustment device.