WO2007053944A1 - Amortisseur de direction - Google Patents

Amortisseur de direction Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007053944A1
WO2007053944A1 PCT/CA2006/001833 CA2006001833W WO2007053944A1 WO 2007053944 A1 WO2007053944 A1 WO 2007053944A1 CA 2006001833 W CA2006001833 W CA 2006001833W WO 2007053944 A1 WO2007053944 A1 WO 2007053944A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
steering damper
casing
sub
chamber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2006/001833
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Martin Lamoureux
Jean-François LAMOUREUX
Yannick Morin
Stéphane LEPINE
Original Assignee
Elka Suspension Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Elka Suspension Inc. filed Critical Elka Suspension Inc.
Publication of WO2007053944A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007053944A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K21/00—Steering devices
    • B62K21/08—Steering dampers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/10—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using liquid only; using a fluid of which the nature is immaterial
    • F16F9/14—Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect
    • F16F9/145—Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only rotary movement of the effective parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a steering damper. More particularly, in its preferred intended use, the present invention relates to a steering damper such as the ones used on motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like, and also relates to a vehicle provided with such a steering damper, to a kit for assembling the same, and to a method of operating associated thereto.
  • ATV all-terrain vehicles
  • the present application claims priority of US provisional patent application No. 60/734,265 dated November 8 th , 2005, and of US provisional patent application No. 60/765,164 dated February 6 th , 2006, the contents of which are both incorporated herein by reference.
  • US patent No. 4,773,514 granted on September 27 th , 1988, to GUSTAFSSON relates to an hydraulic damping device.
  • the hydraulic device is used for damping a relative pivotal movement of a motor cycle wheel, which is rotatably journalled at the free end portion of a fork, said fork being pivotably mounted at the frame of the motor cycle.
  • the damping device is of the kind comprising a casing having a sector-shaped hydraulic chamber, in which a piston wing is pivotable while being damped by hydraulic fluid.
  • the device is adapted to be mounted adjacent to the fork mounting of the frame of the motor cycle with the casing secured to the fork or to the frame and with a shaft, which is connected to the piston wing, secured to the frame or the fork, respectively, in coaxial alignment with the pivot axis of the fork.
  • US patent No. 6,401 ,884 B2 granted on June 11 th , 2002, to NORMAN et al. relates to a fluidic dampening device.
  • the fluidic dampening device has a housing containing a rotatably mounted wiper that sealingly moves past the side walls, bottom, and peripheral wall of the housing as well as a faceplate attached to the top of the housing.
  • the housing contains a bypass channel that has a first port in the first side wall of the chamber and a second port in the second side wall of the chamber.
  • a control shaft is rotatably mounted within the housing.
  • the control shaft has indentations of varying sizes formed at distinct points around the shaft with areas having no indentation between each consecutive pair of indentations and is so located in the housing that either no indentation or only one indentation lies within the bypass channel at a given time. When no indentation has been rotated into the bypass channel, the control shaft completely blocks the bypass channel.
  • channels exist in the bottom of the faceplate or in the portion of the housing which forms the bottom of the chamber. These channels create areas where no dampening occurs.
  • a substantial problem associated with these types of conventional damping devices is that to prevent any leakage from one side to the other of the sweeper, a high tolerance must be achieved between the sweeper, the main casing and the cover.
  • the adjusters are generally provided in the casing, which therefore requires a casing with greater external dimensions and greater wall thicknesses, which is disadvantageous on some vehicles where limited spacing is provided for placing the corresponding damping device.
  • another substantial problem associated with these conventional types of damping devices is that they do not provide a great variety of damping modes, and do not enable to provide a selective adjustment of the extent (force, rate, etc.) of each one of these damping modes.
  • damping devices provide low-speed, high-speed and free return adjustments, but the extent of these adjustments, that is, the rate at which they operate, etc., cannot be selectively and adjustably calibrated, which is also particularly disadvantageous, namely when a given vehicle is subjected to different riding configurations, and requires such a variety and versatility of damping modes and extents.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a steering damper which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement over other related devices and/or methods known in the prior art.
  • a steering damper configured for operatively mounting onto two parts of a vehicle for damping a relative angular movement between said two parts
  • the steering damper comprising: a casing being operatively and rigidly connectable to one of said two parts, the casing comprising an inner chamber having at least opposing first and second side walls; a sweeping assembly pivotally mounted within the casing about a sector of the inner chamber, the sweeping assembly having a wing extending along the inner chamber so as to sealingly separate the same into first and second sub-chambers, the wing being configured to be swept from one side wall to another side wall via a corresponding rotation of the sweeping assembly about the sector of the chamber, the sweeping assembly further comprising a plurality of inner passageways for defining a plurality of fluid paths between the first and second sub-chambers, the sweeping assembly also comprising a component operatively and rigidly connectable to the other one of said two parts; and a hydraulic fluid substantially filling the sub-cham
  • the vehicle is a vehicle such as a motorbike, an ATV and the like.
  • a method of securing/mounting the above-mentioned steering damper onto a vehicle there is also provided a kit for assembling the above-mentioned steering damper and/or vehicle.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steering damper according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said steering damper being shown provided with a control arm.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded view of some of the components of the steering damper shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a sweeping assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the wing and corresponding support shown in Figure 3, said wing and corresponding support being shown in an exploded relationship with an optional seal removably mountable onto said wing.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a barrel of a high-speed adjuster of a steering damper according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a rear cross-sectional view of a sweeping assembly according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a sweeping assembly according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a top cover plate of a steering damper according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the casing of the steering damper shown in Figure 2, the casing being shown in an exploded relationship with a pair of sweep flow adjusters according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the sweep flow adjusters shown in Figure 9 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is a top plan view of the casing and adjustment knobs shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of Figure 11.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic top view of a steering damper provided with a remote adjustment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the steering damper 1 is a steering damper 1 adapted to be mounted and secured onto a vehicle, such as motorbikes, ATVs and the like, and/or any other suitable vehicle, between two parts thereof moving relatively with respect to each other, namely a "fixed” part and a “moving” (or “rotating") part, whether in the front, rear or elsewhere in the vehicle, requiring steering, absorbing and/or stabilizing capabilities thereinbetween, as will be easily understood from the present description by a person skilled in the art.
  • a vehicle such as motorbikes, ATVs and the like, and/or any other suitable vehicle
  • the steering damper 1 according to the present invention is configured for operatively mounting onto two parts of a vehicle for damping a relative angular movement between said two parts.
  • angular movement is not to be taken in its restrictive sense, and is intended to include any “relative” movement, whether rotary, pivotal and/or any other suitable movement between two parts of a vehicle being capable of being damped with the steering damper 1 according to the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
  • the steering damper 1 is intended to provide a series of fluid paths through which a hydraulic fluid 3 is intended to travel therealong, as a result of movement between said two parts, so as to provide a damping effect between said two parts as a result of viscous damping from the hydraulic fluid 3 being displaced within the steering damper 1.
  • the steering damper 1 comprises a casing 5, a sweeping assembly 7 and hydraulic fluid 3, as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, and particularly Figure 2.
  • the casing 5 is operatively and rigidly connectable to one of said two parts of the vehicle.
  • the casing 5 comprises an inner chamber 9 having preferably at least opposing first and second side walls 11 ,13.
  • the sweeping assembly 7 is pivotally mounted within the casing 5 about a sector 15 of the inner chamber 9, the sweeping assembly 7 having a wing 17 extending along the inner chamber 9 so as to sealingly separate the same into first and second sub-chambers 9a, 9b, the wing 17 being configured to be swept from one side wall 9,11 to another side wall 11 ,9 (and vice versa) via a corresponding rotation of the sweeping assembly 7 about the sector 15 of the inner chamber 9.
  • the sweeping assembly 7 further comprises a plurality of inner passageways 19, as better exemplified in Figure 3 for example, for defining a plurality of fluid paths between the first and second sub-chambers 9a, 9b.
  • fluid present in a given sub-chamber 9a, 9b is capable of being displaced towards the other sub-chamber 9b, 9a through corresponding passageways 19 within the sweeping assembly 7 by entering and exiting corresponding ports 21 ,23 provided on each side of the wing 17 thereof, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 4, these ports 21 ,23 enabling fluid present in a given sub-chamber 9a, 9b to enter the passageways 19 within the sweeping assembly 7, and more particularly within the stem or shaft 25 supporting the wing 17, so as to end up in the other sub-chamber 9b, 9a as a result of fluid being displaced via a rotation of the sweeping assembly 7, and more particularly by means of the piston wing 17 sweeping the inside chamber 9 so as to displace fluid from one sub-chamber 9a, 9b to another.
  • the sweeping assembly 7 also comprising a component operatively and rigidly connectable to the other one of said two parts of the vehicle.
  • the stem or shaft 25 (i.e. "support”) of the sweeping assembly 7 is operatively and rigidly connected to a fixed frame of the vehicle, preferably by means of a control arm 27, such as the one exemplified in Figure 1 , the latter typically cooperating with a corresponding pin configured to slide along a corresponding slit of said control arm 27, as is well known in the art, whereas the casing 5 of the steering damper 1 is preferably operatively and rigidly connected to the steering system 1 of the vehicle, such as the handlebar for example, via proper mounting brackets and components, such as a "tripleclamp" in the case of motorbikes, as is also well known in the art.
  • a control arm 27 such as the one exemplified in Figure 1
  • the casing 5 of the steering damper 1 is preferably operatively and rigidly connected to the steering system 1 of the vehicle, such as the handlebar for example, via proper mounting brackets and components, such as a "tripleclamp" in the case of motorbikes, as
  • the hydraulic fluid 3 substantially fills the sub-chambers 9a, 9b of the casing, the passageways 19 of the sweeping assembly 7, and other inner passages of the steering damper 1 , and is able to travel from one sub-chamber 9a,9b to another sub-chamber 9b,9a via a rotation of the sweeping assembly 7, through the passageways 19 thereof, as aforementioned and as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, particularly Figures 2-4.
  • the hydraulic fluid 3 used with the steering damper 1 according to the present invention is preferably a substantially incompressible fluid, and is preferably a natural oil, a synthetic oil, or any other suitable fluid or liquid, such as the ones known in the art for carrying out corresponding damping applications.
  • the steering damper 1 comprises at least one adjustment device for adjusting a flow of fluid 3 traveling through at least one of the passageways 19 of the sweeping assembly 7.
  • the at least one of the passageways comprises a first passageway 19a extending within the sweeping assembly 7 and having first and second ports 21 ,23 positioned on first and second sides of the wing 17, the first and second ports 21 ,23 of the wing being located respectively in the first and second sub-chambers 9a, 9b of the casing 5, and the at least one adjustment device comprises a low-speed adjuster
  • the first passageway 19a comprises a segment 31 within the sweeping assembly 7 through which fluid is able to travel
  • the low-speed adjuster 29 comprises a needle 33 adjustably displaceable along said segment 31 for adjustably blocking the same and thus adjusting a rate of fluid 3 passing through the first passageway 19a, thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode ("low-speed").
  • the low-speed adjuster 29 preferably comprises a low-speed adjustment knob 35 positioned outside of the casing 5 and cooperable with the needle 33 for displacing the same axially within the sweeping assembly 7 and into the segment
  • the at least one of the passageways comprises a second passageway 19b extending within the sweeping assembly 7 and having first and second ports 21 ,23 positioned on first and second sides of the wing 17, the first and second ports 21 ,23 of the wing being located respectively in the first and second sub-chambers 9a, 9b of the casing, and the at least one adjustment device comprises a high-speed adjuster 37 for adjusting the flow of fluid 3 traveling along the second passageway 19b, as better shown in Figure 3.
  • the second passageway 19b comprises a portion 39 within the sweeping assembly 7 through which fluid 3 is able to travel
  • the high-speed adjuster 37 comprises at least one spring-loaded check ball 41 contained along said portion 39 and cooperable with a corresponding gate 43 (valve seat, chamfer, etc.) of the portion 39 of the second passageway 19b, each check ball 41 and corresponding spring 45 being configured to permit a certain flow rate of fluid 3 along said second passageway 19b and being further configured for each check ball 41 to block off its corresponding gate 43 when the flow rate of fluid 3 in the portion 39 of the second passageway 19b has exceeded a threshold value (flow rate, flow pressure, etc.), thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode ("highspeed").
  • a threshold value flow rate, flow pressure, etc.
  • the at least one spring-loaded check ball 41 comprises a single spring 41 having opposite ends each provided with a corresponding check ball 41 delimited by a dowel pin 47, each check ball 41 being cooperable with a corresponding gate 43 of the portion 39 of the second passageway 19b to block off the same when the flow rate of fluid 3 in the second passageway 19b has exceeded the threshold value (flow rate, flow pressure, etc.), thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 along two opposite directions of travel of fluid 3 in the second passageway 19b, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 3.
  • the threshold value flow rate, flow pressure, etc.
  • first passageway 19a and the second passageway 19b are substantially the same passageway 19.
  • several modifications could be made to the above-described passageways
  • the high-speed adjuster 37 preferably comprises a barrel 49, better shown in Figure 5, mounted into the sweeping assembly 7, and preferably in the hollow section of the support 25 of the sweeping assembly 7, as better shown in Figure 4, the barrel 49 having an inner bore 51 , and at least one by-pass conduit 53 extending between a peripheral surface area of the barrel 49 and the inner bore 51 thereof, the at least one by-pass conduit 53 being configured to be in an adjustable fluid communication 54 with a corresponding sub-chamber 9a, 9b of the casing 5 via a corresponding port 21 ,23 of the wing 17, thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode (adjustment of "high-speed"), as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 3.
  • the barrel 49 is rotatable within the sweeping assembly 7 and is provided with a bottom cam profile 55, better shown in Figure 5, being positioned, shaped and sized for adjusting an extent of the adjustable fluid communication 54 between the at least one by-pass conduit 53 and the corresponding sub-chamber 9a,9b of the casing 5 via the corresponding port 21 ,23 of the wing by means of a rotation of the barrel 49, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 3.
  • the barrel 49 further comprises at least one passage channel
  • the at least one passage channel 57 extending between a peripheral surface area of the barrel 49 and the inner bore 51 thereof, the at least one passage channel 57 being configured to be in fluid communication with a corresponding sub-chamber 9a, 9b of the casing 5 via a corresponding port 21 ,23 of the wing 17.
  • the high-speed adjuster 37 preferably comprises a high-speed adjustment knob 59 positioned outside of the casing 5 and cooperable with the barrel 49 for rotating the same within the sweeping assembly 7 via a rotation about the casing 5 of said high-speed adjustment knob
  • the inner chamber 9 preferably comprises a bottom floor 61 , a sector wall 63, first and second side walls 11 ,13 each projecting radially from opposite ends of the sector wall 63, a sweeping wall 65 opposite to the sector wall 63 and operatively adjoining the first side wall 11 to the second side wall 13.
  • the steering damper 1 also preferably comprises a top cover plate 67 being removably mountable onto the casing 5 for enclosing the inner chamber 9.
  • top cover plate 67 is preferably a removable one is not an essential feature of the present invention, but nevertheless provides substantial advantages, as is well known in the art, particularly in terms of removability and maintenance of parts, in addition to being able to access the inner chamber 9 and other inner components of the steering damper 1.
  • the casing 5 further comprises a plurality of channels for defining a plurality of fluid paths for enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to other modes via an adjustment of fluid flow within and/or between the sub-chambers 9a, 9b through said plurality of channels.
  • the plurality of channels preferably comprises a free return channel 69 extending within the top cover plate 67, the free return channel 69 having a central port 71 positioned in a central area of the inner chamber 9 and a pair of opposite ports 73,75 each being positioned adjacent to a corresponding side wall 9a, 9b of the inner chamber 9 and being also provided with a valve device 77 (e.g.
  • the steering damper 1 comprises at least one adjustment device for adjusting a flow of fluid traveling through the free return channel 69, the at least one adjustment device comprising a free return adjuster 79 having a needle 81 adjustably displaceable along a segment 83 of a channel 85 in fluid communication with the free return channel 69 for adjustably blocking the segment 83 and thus adjusting a rate of fluid passing through the free return channel 69, thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode ("free return" and adjustment of "free return”).
  • the plurality of channels preferably comprises a pair of by-pass channels 87 preferably extending within the sweeping wall 65 of the inner chamber 9 and being positioned respectively on either side of a central angular region of the inner chamber 9, each of said bypass channels 87 having an end port 87c adjacent to a corresponding side wall 11 ,13 of the inner chamber 9 and in fluid communication with a given sub- chamber 9a, 9b, and a plurality of adjustable ports 87d,87e,87f adjacent to the central angular region of the inner chamber 9 and in fluid communication with said given sub-chamber 9a, 9b, wherein an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode (adjustment of "sweep" range/angle) is obtained only in the central angular region of the inner chamber 9 as a result of fluid from the given sub-chamber 9a, 9b traveling within a corresponding by-pass channel 87 when
  • the sweep position adjuster 89 is insertable into a portion of each by-pass channel 87 and comprises a helicoidal groove 91 being positioned, shaped and sized about a peripheral surface of the sweep position adjuster 89 so a rotation of the sweep position adjuster 89 causes the helicoidal groove 91 to be in register with a selected one of the adjustable ports 87d,87e,87f of said each by-pass channel 87 so as to allow passage of fluid through the by-pass channel 87, the sweep position adjuster 89 being further configured so as to block all adjustable ports 87d,87e,87f of the by-pass channel 87 about a given rotation (i.e. configuration) to selectively prevent passage of fluid through the by-pass channel 87 and thus stop damping effect provided by the same.
  • the steering damper 1 comprises at least one adjustment device for adjusting a flow of fluid traveling through each by-pass channel 87, the at least one adjustment device comprising a sweep flow adjuster 93 having a needle 95 adjustably displaceable along a segment 97 of a channel 99 in fluid communication with a corresponding by-pass channel 87 for adjustably blocking the segment 97 and thus adjusting a rate of fluid passing through the corresponding by-pass channel 87, thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode (adjustment of "sweep" rate).
  • the steering damper 1 comprises a pair of sweep flow adjusters 93, as better exemplified in Figure 1 , each one being configured for adjusting the extent of sweep for its corresponding by-pass channel 87, in the manner explained hereinabove, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
  • the adjustments devices e.g. low-speed adjustment knob 35, high-speed adjustment knob 59, sweep position adjuster 89, etc.
  • the steering damper 1 may be provided with corresponding indentations (e.g.
  • the steering damper 1 preferably comprises a remote adjustment device 101 positioned outside of the casing 5 and in fluid communication with fluid contained in said casing 5 so as to form a fluid path therewith, the remote adjustment device 101 being configured for adjustably varying a flow of fluid traveling through said fluid path, thereby enabling an adjustment of the damping effect of the steering damper 1 according to another mode ("remote").
  • the remote adjustment device 101 may be advantageously positioned close to a hand of a rider of the vehicle, such as in the handlebar for example, in the case of a motorbike or ATV.
  • a bottom portion (or other suitable portion) of the casing 5 is provided with at least one hole for accessing fluid contained in the steering damper 1 and for removing air bubbles therefrom.
  • air bubbles may be removed from the fluid circuit of the steering damper 1 by suitable means, either manually or mechanically, as is well known in the art.
  • the steering damper 1 and corresponding preferred components thereof according to the present invention provide several advantages over other related devices and/or methods known in the prior art.
  • the steering damper 1 is a device that uses a hydraulic fluid to dampen rotational movement of direction wheels or of a suspension unit to control the movement of the wheel other than for directional purposes.
  • the steering damper 1 comprises a main casing 5 that is preferably fixed to the body to control.
  • the preferred control arm 27 transfers any type of movement from the steering or suspension into a rotational movement to the sweeping assembly 7 (and the "wing" 17 thereof), hereinafter referred to also as "sweeper".
  • the sweeper by rotating will force the hydraulic fluid 3 through its internal passageways 19 through various adjustments (namely, low-speed, high-speed, by-pass conduits, etc.).
  • the fluid flows from either side of the sweeper, depending on which direction the steering is moved.
  • the adjustments will preferably have the same effect independently of the direction of the fluid.
  • the sweeper is mounted on its centre to the main casing 5 and the control arm 27.
  • the purpose of the control arm 27 is to transfer any linear or semi-circular movement into a rotation movement that will make the sweeper rotate about its axis.
  • the complete unit is preferably sealed and filled with a suitable hydraulic fluid, as aforementioned.
  • the rotation of the piston wing 17 will move this hydraulic fluid through the adjustment(s).
  • the resistance created by the adjustment(s) will dampen the movement of the sweeper, and via the control arm 27, the movement of the steered wheel or other corresponding component of the vehicle.
  • the sweeper is preferably installed in the casing
  • the main casing 5 preferably holds the hydraulic fluid and the sweeper. It is preferably sector-shaped where the sweeper rotates, but may take on several other suitable shapes, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • the dimension relation between the main casing interior and the sweeper is such that the vast majority of the hydraulic fluid will pass through the passageways of the sweeper. Any leakage between the chamber walls, floor and/or top cover plate, and the sweeper, is kept to a minimal, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
  • an optional seal 103 can also be installed, for very particular applications, as can also be understood by a person skilled in the art.
  • FIG 4 is a view of a preferred embodiment of such a seal 103, for exemplification purposes.
  • seal 103 could be made of suitable materials, such as rubber, TeflonTM, and the like, as well as a combination of these materials, so as to ensure a relatively sealed cooperation between the wing 17 of the sweeper and corresponding top cover plate 67, sweeping wall 65, and/or bottom floor 61 of the inner chamber 9, so that most of the fluid present in the sub-chambers 9a, 9b is required to pass through the corresponding ports 21 ,23 of the wing 17 of the sweeper, as aforementioned, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
  • top portion of the main casing 5 also preferably comprises a groove 105 surrounding the inner chamber 9 and is devised to hold a sealing device, such as an O-ring gasket 107, for example.
  • a sealing device such as an O-ring gasket 107
  • this adjustment is preferably made of a needle 33 that is closing a circular hole.
  • the needle 33 will not move under varying pressure, flow or direction of fluid. Once adjusted, it preferably becomes a fixed orifice.
  • This system acts as a bleed hole type adjustment once adjusted. Independently of the direction of the oil, the adjustment will have the same effect.
  • this adjustment is preferably influenced by the variation of pressure and flow.
  • the oil When opened, the oil will pass through a lateral orifice designed in the high-speed check ball unit.
  • the low-speed adjuster 29 In certain rapid movements of the sweeper, the low-speed adjuster 29 is not enough to restrict the hydraulic fluid movement. In this case, and according to the present invention, a high-speed adjustment is provided so that it will operate only on those high velocity situations.
  • a check ball 41 is thus pre-loaded with a spring 45.
  • the flow is coming from one side of the check ball 41.
  • the pressure build up is high enough to counteract the force of the spring to move the ball 41.
  • the ball will move until it stops against the opening of the passageway 19, and when in contact against this opening, a seal is preferably created between the two surfaces, as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 3, 6 and 7 (spring is not shown in
  • a by-pass conduit 53 is preferably used, as previously explained. By restricting the by-pass conduit 53, one can control the amount of fluid available to pass through the highspeed adjuster 37.
  • the high-speed adjuster 37 preferably comprises a single spring with a check ball 41 at either end, this unit works independently of the direction of flow of the fluid.
  • the ability to have a by-pass to free the hydraulic resistance is important for certain vehicle types and damping characteristics and applications.
  • Two types of by-pass are preferably achieved with the steering damper 1 according to the present invention.
  • the first by-pass system is one which eliminates any damping after the sweeper has moved passed a certain degree of rotation ("sweep"). The unit will dampen until it reaches a pre-determined degree of rotation, then it will not have any effect after this point, preferably controlled with the sweep flow adjuster 93.
  • This by-pass can be preferably adjusted in two ways.
  • the value of the by-pass can also be adjusted.
  • the by-pass flow can be controlled by a needle type or barrel type restriction, or any another suitable device, such as with the needle 95 of the sweep flow adjuster 93 shown in Figure 12, for example.
  • the second by-pass system is one which preferably eliminates any damping when the sweeper is moving from any position to its centered position. It is known in the field as the "free return". Preferably, when moving from its centered position to any direction, this by-pass will not be effective.
  • the unit will thus dampen any movement from centre to any direction and will have no damping when returning from any position to its centre position when the free return is adjusted completely “out”, and it can also be adjusted until completely "in”, if desired, so as to have no free return.
  • one advantageous feature of the system according to the present invention is that it can be adjusted as to its effectiveness.
  • a user of the steering damper 1 according to the present invention can control the flow through the free return system.
  • the adjustment is preferably devised so that it can range from completely “free” to completely “closed”. This will control at what rate the unit will be able to return to its centered position.
  • these detailed drawings show a needle type adjustment, one can adjust this system with any other suitable arrangement, such as with a barrel, cam or gate valve type adjustment, for example, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • the purpose of the cover plate 67 is preferably to close and seal the unit. It is held in place with a series of screws or any suitable fasteners surrounding the inner chamber 9 of the casing 5. It preferably also acts as a sealing surface to the sweeper. The tight tolerance between the cover plate 67 and the sweeper will prevent excess hydraulic fluid from by-passing the adjustments.
  • control arm 27 is preferably connected to the sweeper and to a fixed bracket on the non-rotating frame. It is with the control arm that all and/or most of the damping is transferred from the frame to the rotating system, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • a mounting bracket is preferably used to install the steering damper 1 to the rotating system.
  • a second bracket is preferably used to fix one end of the control arm 27 to the fixed frame of the vehicle. It is also possible to install the rotating damper to the fixed frame and to have the control arm end fixed to the rotating part, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • these knobs 35,59 are preferably used to adjust the low-speed and high-speed adjusters 29,37, as previously explained.
  • the oiled or damping fluid preferably enters through the "oil input/inlet”, and is directed by the adjustable cam profile 55 of the barrel 49.
  • This barrel 49 is preferably intended to control the debit/flow of oil which will be directed into the "high-speed by-pass circuit”.
  • the high-speed cartridge locks a portion of the debit/flow at the moment where the pressure exerted on the ball attains a certain value.
  • the amount of oil that passes through the low-speed adjustment is limited to the oil which has been previously directed into the "high-speed by-pass circuit”.
  • the debit/flow of oil is controlled by the low-speed adjustment needle and is then directed towards the "oil output/outlet”.
  • oil is preferably directed from the inlet of the sweep towards the controlling needle of the sweep.
  • the oil circulates in the groove, as better shown in Figure 10, to then return to the other side of the sweep by means of one of the three (3) holes 87d,87e,87f ( Figure 9).
  • the jet of the sweep preferably offers four (4) different possible positions, which enable to have a variable range.
  • the groove 91 is configured so as to align itself with one of the three (3) possible exit holes 87d,87e,87f.
  • this adjustment is preferably used to permit the adjustment of the damper by the use of a remote device. This is to permit a quick adjustment during the movement of the vehicle on which the damper 1 is installed.
  • This remote adjustment device 101 can adjust by having the same internal controls as the damper itself.
  • the hydraulic fluid is transferred from the damper to the remote by suitable conveying devices, such as hydraulic hoses 109, for example.
  • This remote adjuster can be controlled by the rider without having to significantly change his position on the steering or handlebar, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
  • This remote adjuster 101 can be made to by-pass the normal adjustment of the damper. By doing this, the rider could for example turn “on” or “off the effectiveness of the steering damper 1.
  • This remote can be of a mechanical type or any suitable other. It then controls the adjustment of the damper directly.
  • This remote adjuster 101 can be controlled by the rider without having to significantly change his position on the steering or handlebar.
  • FIG 6 there is illustrated a sweeping assembly 7 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the check balls 41 are not delimited by dowel pins, as in the case of Figure 3, and where the effective length of the spring can be adjusted by operating the high-speed adjustment knob 59 intended to rotate a corresponding barrel 49 which cooperates with said spring 45 so as to vary its effective length and thus adjust the threshold at which the check balls 41 will block a given gate under particular high-speed considerations.
  • Figure 7 shows also a sweeping assembly 7 according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first passageway 19a and the second passageway 19b are separate from one another, and where the high-speed adjustment device, unlike in Figure 3 where it is located within the sweeping assembly, is now located within the wing 17 of said sweeping assembly 17.
  • the steering damper 1 and the various components thereof are preferably made of a suitable material, such as steel, aluminum and/or the like, providing suitable structural soundness, while enabling the system to be produced, manufactured, and/or assembled according to a suitable process, and in a cost-effective manner, while being structurally rigid enough and sealed appropriately to carry out its proper functions, and withstand adverse operating and/or loading conditions.
  • a suitable material such as steel, aluminum and/or the like
  • Other suitable materials may be used according to the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • the steering damper 1 and corresponding parts may be shaped and sized so as to accommodate different types of vehicles.
  • the present invention by virtue of its design and components, as briefly described hereinabove, is a substantial improvement over other related devices and/or methods known in the prior art, particularly over US patents Nos. 4,773,514 and 6,401 ,884 B2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Amortisseur de direction configuré pour être monté de manière opérationnelle sur deux pièces d'un véhicule afin d'amortir un mouvement angulaire relatif entre lesdites deux pièces. L'amortisseur de direction comprend un carter, un dispositif de balayage, et un fluide hydraulique remplissant sensiblement des sous-chambres du carter et des voies de passage du dispositif de balayage, de manière à se déplacer d'une sous-chambre à une autre sous-chambre sous l'effet d'une rotation du dispositif de balayage autour du carter. Un mouvement d'une aile du dispositif de balayage à l'intérieur du carter, mouvement engendré par le mouvement angulaire relatif entre les deux pièces du véhicule, force le fluide à se déplacer le long des trajectoires de fluide, d'une sous-chambre vers une autre sous-chambre du carter, via le dispositif de balayage rotatif, au travers de voies de passage de celui-ci, ce qui produit un effet d'amortissement entre lesdites deux pièces du fait de l’amortissement visqueux provenant du fluide hydraulique déplacé.
PCT/CA2006/001833 2005-11-08 2006-11-08 Amortisseur de direction WO2007053944A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US73426505P 2005-11-08 2005-11-08
US60/734,265 2005-11-08
US76516406P 2006-02-06 2006-02-06
US60/765,164 2006-02-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007053944A1 true WO2007053944A1 (fr) 2007-05-18

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WO (1) WO2007053944A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2167837A1 (fr) * 2007-06-14 2010-03-31 Öhlins Racing Ab Amortisseur hydraulique rotatif pour véhicule
WO2011054398A1 (fr) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 öHLINS RACING AB Amortisseur de direction doté d'un réglage actif des caractéristiques d'amortissement
WO2011058586A1 (fr) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-19 Mecwor S.A.S. Di Peli Davide & C. Stabilisateur de direction pour bicyclettes
KR200459204Y1 (ko) * 2009-08-27 2012-03-22 김주성 피아노 건반 덮개용 댐핑장치
EP2525114A1 (fr) * 2011-05-20 2012-11-21 Research In Motion Limited Clapet rotatif à profil bas
US8540062B2 (en) 2011-05-20 2013-09-24 Research In Motion Limited Low profile rotary damper
US9409588B2 (en) 2011-05-05 2016-08-09 Ohlins Racing Ab Steering damper with active adjustment of damping characteristics

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2102457A1 (en) * 1971-01-20 1972-08-03 Fa. Carl Still, 4350 Recklinghausen Cover and water-seal cock (manually operated) - for coking oven filler pipes with hydraulic brake
US4773514A (en) * 1984-11-28 1988-09-27 Per Hakan Albertsson Hydraulic damping device
US4893700A (en) * 1987-06-04 1990-01-16 Itw-Ateco, Gmbh Damping device, in particular for operating members in automotive vehicles
US6220407B1 (en) * 1997-09-30 2001-04-24 Ohlins Racing Ab Method, arrangement and use for and of, respectively, a vane damper
US6401884B2 (en) * 1999-12-28 2002-06-11 Ralph S. Norman Fluidic dampening device
US6802519B2 (en) * 2002-09-09 2004-10-12 Rtt Motorsports, Llc Steering damper
US6824153B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2004-11-30 Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. Steering device

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2102457A1 (en) * 1971-01-20 1972-08-03 Fa. Carl Still, 4350 Recklinghausen Cover and water-seal cock (manually operated) - for coking oven filler pipes with hydraulic brake
US4773514A (en) * 1984-11-28 1988-09-27 Per Hakan Albertsson Hydraulic damping device
US4893700A (en) * 1987-06-04 1990-01-16 Itw-Ateco, Gmbh Damping device, in particular for operating members in automotive vehicles
US6220407B1 (en) * 1997-09-30 2001-04-24 Ohlins Racing Ab Method, arrangement and use for and of, respectively, a vane damper
US6401884B2 (en) * 1999-12-28 2002-06-11 Ralph S. Norman Fluidic dampening device
US6824153B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2004-11-30 Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. Steering device
US6802519B2 (en) * 2002-09-09 2004-10-12 Rtt Motorsports, Llc Steering damper

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2167837A1 (fr) * 2007-06-14 2010-03-31 Öhlins Racing Ab Amortisseur hydraulique rotatif pour véhicule
EP2167837A4 (fr) * 2007-06-14 2014-05-14 Hlins Racing Ab Amortisseur hydraulique rotatif pour véhicule
US8869958B2 (en) 2007-06-14 2014-10-28 Ohlins Racing Ab Hydraulic rotary damper for vehicle
KR200459204Y1 (ko) * 2009-08-27 2012-03-22 김주성 피아노 건반 덮개용 댐핑장치
WO2011054398A1 (fr) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 öHLINS RACING AB Amortisseur de direction doté d'un réglage actif des caractéristiques d'amortissement
WO2011054934A1 (fr) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 öHLINS RACING AB Amortisseur de direction à réglage actif des caractéristiques d'amortissement
US8408572B2 (en) 2009-11-06 2013-04-02 Ohlins Racing Ab Steering damper with active adjustment of damping characteristics
WO2011058586A1 (fr) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-19 Mecwor S.A.S. Di Peli Davide & C. Stabilisateur de direction pour bicyclettes
US9409588B2 (en) 2011-05-05 2016-08-09 Ohlins Racing Ab Steering damper with active adjustment of damping characteristics
EP2525114A1 (fr) * 2011-05-20 2012-11-21 Research In Motion Limited Clapet rotatif à profil bas
US8540062B2 (en) 2011-05-20 2013-09-24 Research In Motion Limited Low profile rotary damper

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