WO2008038321A1 - Adjustable-height shock absorber provided with automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator. - Google Patents

Adjustable-height shock absorber provided with automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator. Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008038321A1
WO2008038321A1 PCT/IT2007/000639 IT2007000639W WO2008038321A1 WO 2008038321 A1 WO2008038321 A1 WO 2008038321A1 IT 2007000639 W IT2007000639 W IT 2007000639W WO 2008038321 A1 WO2008038321 A1 WO 2008038321A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shock absorber
height
oil
control unit
chamber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2007/000639
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Enrico Pezzi
Loris Vignocchi
Paolo Marzocchi
Original Assignee
Tenneco Marzocchi Srl
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 Tenneco Marzocchi Srl filed Critical Tenneco Marzocchi Srl
Publication of WO2008038321A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008038321A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F16F9/32—Details
    • F16F9/54—Arrangements for attachment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
    • B60G17/027—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
    • B60G17/0272—Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means the mechanical spring being a coil spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
    • B60G17/04—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means fluid spring characteristics
    • B60G17/052—Pneumatic spring characteristics
    • B60G17/0523—Regulating distributors or valves for pneumatic springs
    • B60G17/0526—Distributor units, e.g. for retractable wheels
    • 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
    • F16F13/00—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
    • F16F13/005—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a wound spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper
    • F16F13/007—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a wound spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper
    • 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
    • F16F9/32—Details
    • F16F9/56—Means for adjusting the length of, or for locking, the spring or damper, e.g. at the end of the stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/10—Type of spring
    • B60G2202/12—Wound spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/40—Type of actuator
    • B60G2202/41—Fluid actuator
    • B60G2202/413—Hydraulic actuator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
    • B60G2500/30—Height or ground clearance

Definitions

  • Adjustable-height shock absorber provided with automatic or semiautomatic electrohvdraulic actuator.
  • the present patent application relates to an adjustable-height shock absorber provided with an automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator.
  • the said shock absorber has been designed for preferential use in the motorcycle sector, to which the following description refers.
  • the height of the shock absorber is the distance between the two "eyes", one fixed to the frame and the other fixed either directly or through a system of levers to the fork on which the back wheel of the motorcycle is mounted.
  • the possibility to adjust the said distance is a very important technical characteristic of the motorcycle, since the height of the shock absorber considerably affects the attitude of the motorcycle, modifying the weight distribution between the two wheels, which determines the behaviour of the motorcycle, meaning the speed of direction changes, the agility in curves, and the performance when braking.
  • the main characteristic of the shock absorber according to the invention consists in the fact that the adjustment or self-adjustment can take place during motion, while all the adjustable shock absorbers for motorcycles that are currently known are provided with mechanical adjustment systems, which require the use of wrenches or screwdrivers, that can be actuated only when the motorcycle is stopped.
  • the shock absorber according to the invention is made of two components that are physically integrated, but operate independently: a first component with shock-absorbing function and a second component with height- adjustment function.
  • This type of structure, formed of two components that are physically integrated and operate independently considerably simplifies the design and construction of each component, and makes the shock absorber of the invention extremely flexible and modular, allowing to integrate it, from the mechanical, hydraulic and electronic viewpoint, on different models of motorcycles with simple adjustment and turning actions.
  • the first component with the typical shock-absorbing function has the typical structural configuration of a standard shock absorber, being formed of a spring and a first hydraulic cylinder provided on the bottom with the first eye of the shock absorber of the invention.
  • the second component with height-adjustment function is formed of a second hydraulic cylinder provided on the bottom with the second eye of the shock absorber of the invention.
  • the two chambers of the second hydraulic cylinder are inserted inside an external oil-pressure power circuit and work in antiphase, meaning that while one chamber is filled, the other chamber is emptied, being understood that the total oil volume contained in the two chambers remains constant. From this brief description of the shock absorber of the invention it can be understood that the shock absorber height can be modified by introducing pressurised oil in one of the two chambers in antiphase.
  • the shock absorber of the invention is equipped with an external oil-pressure power circuit used to vary the oil volume contained in the two chambers in antiphase.
  • the system is controlled by a control unit.
  • the control unit receives the main inputs from the driver and from sensors installed on the vehicle.
  • the driver defines the desired operation mode (cross, race, comfort, etc.) and the sensors provide information on the vehicle status (on/off engine, motorcycle speed, suspension travel, motorcycle inclination, battery charge, height from ground, wheel revolution speed, etc.).
  • the control unit defines the total height of the shock- absorbing system by means of previously tested algorithms and sends the output commands to the electrical engine and the electro-valve system.
  • the new shock absorber revolutionises the management of motorcycles and offers several new perspectives.
  • the driver can change the motorcycle height and inclination to obtain the most comfortable position;
  • - While driving the driver can change the motorcycle height and inclination to obtain the best driving feeling and optimise performance;
  • the driver can change the motorcycle height and inclination, distributing the loads on the front and the back to modify the motorcycle grip; -
  • the driver can choose from several automatic programmes for the intelligent management of the motorcycle position, according to the environmental conditions and desired performance.
  • the shock absorber can be integrated with other control devices for the integrated management of the motorcycle dynamics.
  • the driver can set a function to automatically lower the motorcycle at low speed, restoring the normal height when the speed starts to increase again; the said device allows all drivers (including short ones) to comfortably get on and off the motorcycle also from higher motorcycles and put the feet on the ground when stopping in traffic; this opportunity can be especially beneficial for specific groups of new potential users (such as women and short people).
  • - figures 1 , 2 and 3 are a view of the shock absorber of the invention sectioned with an axial plane in three different positions, which correspond to the maximum height, minimum height and intermediate height;
  • - fig. 4 is a view of the shock absorber of the invention sectioned with an axial plane together with the oil-pressure power circuit and the electronic management and control system.
  • the adjustable-height shock absorber comprises two components that are physically integrated but operate independently: a first component (1) with shock- absorbing function and a second component (2) with height-adjustment function.
  • the first component (1) has the typical structural configuration of a standard shock absorber and is formed of a spring (10) externally inserted on the stem (11) of a first hydraulic cylinder (12) provided on the bottom (13) with the first eye (F1 ) of the shock absorber of the invention.
  • the second component (2) which has a height-adjustment function, is formed of a second hydraulic cylinder (20), whose stem is the same as the stem (11) of the first hydraulic cylinder (12), so that the piston (21 ) of the second hydraulic cylinder (20) is joined by means of the stem (11) to the piston (14) of the first hydraulic cylinder (12).
  • the bottom (22) of the second hydraulic cylinder (20) is externally provided with the second eye (F2) of the shock absorber of the invention.
  • the two chambers (20a and 20b) of the second hydraulic cylinder (20) work in antiphase, meaning that while the first chamber (20a) meaning that while one chamber is filled, the other chamber (20b) is emptied, and vice versa, being understood that the total oil volume contained in the second cylinder (20) remains constant. Obviously, until one of the said chambers is not emptied in antiphase and the other chamber is simultaneously filled, the piston (21 ) cannot slide inside the second cylinder (20), which is practically inert, without any prejudice for the regular operation of the first component (1).
  • a pressurised oil accumulator (30) is filled at regular time intervals, taking the oil from one low pressure tank (40) by means of a pump (31 ) actuated by an electric motor (32).
  • the use of the accumulator (30) provides several advantages, first of all the fact that the pump (31) can have compact dimensions and the motor (32) can have a low power, because the accumulator (30) provides the power necessary to provide the correct amount of oil in one of the two chambers (24a and 24b) in a very short time.
  • the introduction and discharge of the oil in the chambers (24a and 24b) are controlled by means of two three-way electrovalves (33a and 33b). According to the opening way from the electrovalves (33a and 33b), the chambers (24a and 24b) communicate, selectively and alternatively, with the inlet branch (30a) from the accumulator (30) or with the outlet branch (40a) ending in the tank (40).
  • the operation of the second component (2) is managed and controlled by an electronic control unit (50) powered by the battery (60) that receives the data transmitted by the button panel (70) actuated by the driver, in case of semiautomatic operation mode, or by the sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle, in case of automatic operation mode.
  • the driver controls the opening of the electrovalves (33a and 33b) with the control unit (50) and sets the height of the shock absorber at the desired value.
  • control unit (50) detects the motorcycle conditions through the sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle and determines the best instantaneous height of the shock absorber. To better understand the actuation of the different components during the operation of the system, this description continues with reference to a simple actuation procedure in which the driver brakes the motorcycle. In this case the control algorithm provides for lowering the shock absorber to optimise the weight distribution and improve braking.
  • the sensor (80) on the braking circuit detects the increase in pressure and the acquisition and control unit (50) saves this datum.
  • the variation of this parameter directs the selection between the different management programme to the "BRAKING" programme.
  • the control unit (50) starts acquiring the data from the longitudinal accelerometer installed on the motorcycle with a higher frequency.
  • the intensity of the acceleration (or deceleration) determines the amount of height variation of the back shock absorber.
  • the control unit (50) sends the control signal for the modification of the fuse position to the electrovalves (33a and 33b), so that the electrovalve (33b) associated with the chamber (24b) creates a communication between the said chamber and the oil inlet branch (30a), while the electrovalve (33a) associated with the chamber (24a) creates a communication between the said chamber (24a) with the oil outlet branch (40a), with consequent reduction of the height of the shock absorber proportional to the motorcycle deceleration.
  • the control unit (50) leaves the electrovalves (33a and 33b) open until the desired height is reached (instantaneously detected by the linear potentiometer installed on the shock absorber) or until the braking phase is completed (the signals from the pressure sensor (80) of the braking system and accelerometer indicate the motion of the motorcycle second by second and immediately indicate the end of the braking action).
  • the control unit (50) sends to the electrovalves (33a and 33b) a signal to invert the position of the fuse, so that the electrovalve (33b) associated with the chamber 24b creates a communication between the said chamber with the oil outlet branch (40a), while the electrovalve (33a) associated with the chamber (24a) creates a communication between the said chamber (24a) and the oil inlet branch (30a), with consequent increase of the shock absorber length.
  • the control unit (50) instantaneously measure the height of the shock absorber.
  • the control unit (50) sends the electrovalves (33a and 33b) the command to switch to the closing position of the conduits.
  • the motor (32) actuates the pump (31 ) that starts charging the accumulator (30).
  • the charging phase ends when the pressure inside the accumulator, which is measured by a suitable sensor, reaches the predefined value.
  • the system restores the stand-by configuration until the sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle send a new signal that activates a programme to change the height of the shock absorber.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shock absorber, in particular for motor vehicles, with adjustable height by means of an automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator designed to operate during motion, being the said shock absorber formed of two components that are physically integrated, but operate independently: a first component (1) with shock-absorbing function and a second component (2) with height-adjustment function.

Description

Description
Adjustable-height shock absorber provided with automatic or semiautomatic electrohvdraulic actuator.
The present patent application relates to an adjustable-height shock absorber provided with an automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator. The said shock absorber has been designed for preferential use in the motorcycle sector, to which the following description refers. It must be noted that the height of the shock absorber is the distance between the two "eyes", one fixed to the frame and the other fixed either directly or through a system of levers to the fork on which the back wheel of the motorcycle is mounted. The possibility to adjust the said distance is a very important technical characteristic of the motorcycle, since the height of the shock absorber considerably affects the attitude of the motorcycle, modifying the weight distribution between the two wheels, which determines the behaviour of the motorcycle, meaning the speed of direction changes, the agility in curves, and the performance when braking. The main characteristic of the shock absorber according to the invention consists in the fact that the adjustment or self-adjustment can take place during motion, while all the adjustable shock absorbers for motorcycles that are currently known are provided with mechanical adjustment systems, which require the use of wrenches or screwdrivers, that can be actuated only when the motorcycle is stopped.
It appears evident that the possibility to adjust the height of the shock absorber during motion allows to adjust and optimise the attitude of the motorcycle to all environmental or driving conditions. The shock absorber according to the invention is made of two components that are physically integrated, but operate independently: a first component with shock-absorbing function and a second component with height- adjustment function. This type of structure, formed of two components that are physically integrated and operate independently, considerably simplifies the design and construction of each component, and makes the shock absorber of the invention extremely flexible and modular, allowing to integrate it, from the mechanical, hydraulic and electronic viewpoint, on different models of motorcycles with simple adjustment and turning actions. The first component with the typical shock-absorbing function has the typical structural configuration of a standard shock absorber, being formed of a spring and a first hydraulic cylinder provided on the bottom with the first eye of the shock absorber of the invention.
The second component with height-adjustment function is formed of a second hydraulic cylinder provided on the bottom with the second eye of the shock absorber of the invention. The two chambers of the second hydraulic cylinder are inserted inside an external oil-pressure power circuit and work in antiphase, meaning that while one chamber is filled, the other chamber is emptied, being understood that the total oil volume contained in the two chambers remains constant. From this brief description of the shock absorber of the invention it can be understood that the shock absorber height can be modified by introducing pressurised oil in one of the two chambers in antiphase.
To this end, it must be noted that the shock absorber of the invention is equipped with an external oil-pressure power circuit used to vary the oil volume contained in the two chambers in antiphase. The system is controlled by a control unit. The control unit receives the main inputs from the driver and from sensors installed on the vehicle.
By means of suitable buttons, the driver defines the desired operation mode (cross, race, comfort, etc.) and the sensors provide information on the vehicle status (on/off engine, motorcycle speed, suspension travel, motorcycle inclination, battery charge, height from ground, wheel revolution speed, etc.). Given the input data, the control unit defines the total height of the shock- absorbing system by means of previously tested algorithms and sends the output commands to the electrical engine and the electro-valve system. The new shock absorber revolutionises the management of motorcycles and offers several new perspectives.
By raising and lowering the back suspension, the driver can distribute the weight on the two wheels, with consequent variations of the dynamic behaviour and grip of the motorcycle. The main benefits and opportunities offered to final users are as follows:
- While driving, the driver can change the motorcycle height and inclination to obtain the most comfortable position; - While driving, the driver can change the motorcycle height and inclination to obtain the best driving feeling and optimise performance;
- In case of wet or slippery surfaces, the driver can change the motorcycle height and inclination, distributing the loads on the front and the back to modify the motorcycle grip; - The driver can choose from several automatic programmes for the intelligent management of the motorcycle position, according to the environmental conditions and desired performance.
- The shock absorber can be integrated with other control devices for the integrated management of the motorcycle dynamics. - The driver can set a function to automatically lower the motorcycle at low speed, restoring the normal height when the speed starts to increase again; the said device allows all drivers (including short ones) to comfortably get on and off the motorcycle also from higher motorcycles and put the feet on the ground when stopping in traffic; this opportunity can be especially beneficial for specific groups of new potential users (such as women and short people).
For purposes of clarity, the description of the tank of the invention continues with reference to the enclosed drawings, which are intended for purposes of illustration only and not in a limiting sense, whereby: - figures 1 , 2 and 3 are a view of the shock absorber of the invention sectioned with an axial plane in three different positions, which correspond to the maximum height, minimum height and intermediate height; - fig. 4 is a view of the shock absorber of the invention sectioned with an axial plane together with the oil-pressure power circuit and the electronic management and control system.
With reference to figures 1 , 2 and 3, the adjustable-height shock absorber according to the invention comprises two components that are physically integrated but operate independently: a first component (1) with shock- absorbing function and a second component (2) with height-adjustment function. The first component (1) has the typical structural configuration of a standard shock absorber and is formed of a spring (10) externally inserted on the stem (11) of a first hydraulic cylinder (12) provided on the bottom (13) with the first eye (F1 ) of the shock absorber of the invention.
Small seeping holes, not shown in the figure, are traditionally obtained on the piston (14) of the first cylinder (12) that allow oil to leak from the lower chamber (Ci) to the upper chamber (Cs) of the first cylinder (12).
The oil transfer from the lower chamber (Ci) to the upper chamber (Cs) and vice versa occurs with energy dissipation, which favours the end of the oscillatory motion of the piston (14) in a few compression and extension cycles. The second component (2), which has a height-adjustment function, is formed of a second hydraulic cylinder (20), whose stem is the same as the stem (11) of the first hydraulic cylinder (12), so that the piston (21 ) of the second hydraulic cylinder (20) is joined by means of the stem (11) to the piston (14) of the first hydraulic cylinder (12). The bottom (22) of the second hydraulic cylinder (20) is externally provided with the second eye (F2) of the shock absorber of the invention. The two chambers (20a and 20b) of the second hydraulic cylinder (20) work in antiphase, meaning that while the first chamber (20a) meaning that while one chamber is filled, the other chamber (20b) is emptied, and vice versa, being understood that the total oil volume contained in the second cylinder (20) remains constant. Obviously, until one of the said chambers is not emptied in antiphase and the other chamber is simultaneously filled, the piston (21 ) cannot slide inside the second cylinder (20), which is practically inert, without any prejudice for the regular operation of the first component (1).
The height (H) of the shock absorber can be modified by introducing pressurised oil in either one of the two chambers in antiphase, as shown in figures 2 and 3, where the chamber (20a) is completely full (maximum height = Hmax) or completely empty (minimum height = Hmin). To generate the pressurised oil flow, in short time and with high output, a pressurised oil accumulator (30) is filled at regular time intervals, taking the oil from one low pressure tank (40) by means of a pump (31 ) actuated by an electric motor (32).
The use of the accumulator (30) provides several advantages, first of all the fact that the pump (31) can have compact dimensions and the motor (32) can have a low power, because the accumulator (30) provides the power necessary to provide the correct amount of oil in one of the two chambers (24a and 24b) in a very short time.
The introduction and discharge of the oil in the chambers (24a and 24b) are controlled by means of two three-way electrovalves (33a and 33b). According to the opening way from the electrovalves (33a and 33b), the chambers (24a and 24b) communicate, selectively and alternatively, with the inlet branch (30a) from the accumulator (30) or with the outlet branch (40a) ending in the tank (40).
Evidently, if one of the two chambers communicates with the inlet branch (30a), a positive variation of the oil volume contained in the chamber is obtained, which corresponds to the simultaneous variation, with identical value and opposite sign, of the oil volume contained in the other chamber; and if one of the two chambers communicates with the outlet branch (40a) a negative variation of the oil volume contained in the chamber is obtained, which corresponds to the simultaneous variation, with identical value and opposite sign, of the oil volume contained in the other chamber.
Until both electrovalves (33a and 33b) are closed, no oil flow through the second component (2) is possible, since the second component (2) acts as a stiff, inert part of the frame, without impairing the regular operation of the first component (1 ) in charge of the shock-absorbing action. As mentioned above, the operation of the second component (2) is managed and controlled by an electronic control unit (50) powered by the battery (60) that receives the data transmitted by the button panel (70) actuated by the driver, in case of semiautomatic operation mode, or by the sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle, in case of automatic operation mode. In semiautomatic operation mode, the driver controls the opening of the electrovalves (33a and 33b) with the control unit (50) and sets the height of the shock absorber at the desired value.
In automatic operation mode the control unit (50) detects the motorcycle conditions through the sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle and determines the best instantaneous height of the shock absorber. To better understand the actuation of the different components during the operation of the system, this description continues with reference to a simple actuation procedure in which the driver brakes the motorcycle. In this case the control algorithm provides for lowering the shock absorber to optimise the weight distribution and improve braking. The sensor (80) on the braking circuit detects the increase in pressure and the acquisition and control unit (50) saves this datum.
The variation of this parameter directs the selection between the different management programme to the "BRAKING" programme. The control unit (50) starts acquiring the data from the longitudinal accelerometer installed on the motorcycle with a higher frequency. The intensity of the acceleration (or deceleration) determines the amount of height variation of the back shock absorber.
The control unit (50) sends the control signal for the modification of the fuse position to the electrovalves (33a and 33b), so that the electrovalve (33b) associated with the chamber (24b) creates a communication between the said chamber and the oil inlet branch (30a), while the electrovalve (33a) associated with the chamber (24a) creates a communication between the said chamber (24a) with the oil outlet branch (40a), with consequent reduction of the height of the shock absorber proportional to the motorcycle deceleration.
The control unit (50) leaves the electrovalves (33a and 33b) open until the desired height is reached (instantaneously detected by the linear potentiometer installed on the shock absorber) or until the braking phase is completed (the signals from the pressure sensor (80) of the braking system and accelerometer indicate the motion of the motorcycle second by second and immediately indicate the end of the braking action). When one of these two conditions is achieved (end of braking phase or achievement of desired height) the control unit (50) sends to the electrovalves (33a and 33b) a signal to invert the position of the fuse, so that the electrovalve (33b) associated with the chamber 24b creates a communication between the said chamber with the oil outlet branch (40a), while the electrovalve (33a) associated with the chamber (24a) creates a communication between the said chamber (24a) and the oil inlet branch (30a), with consequent increase of the shock absorber length. The control unit (50) instantaneously measure the height of the shock absorber. When the height of the shock absorber is equal to the height defined as "initial", the control unit (50) sends the electrovalves (33a and 33b) the command to switch to the closing position of the conduits. Once the adjustment of the height of the shock absorber has been completed, the motor (32) actuates the pump (31 ) that starts charging the accumulator (30). The charging phase ends when the pressure inside the accumulator, which is measured by a suitable sensor, reaches the predefined value. Once the correct charge pressure has been reached, the system restores the stand-by configuration until the sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle send a new signal that activates a programme to change the height of the shock absorber.

Claims

Claims
1 ) Adjustable-height shock absorber, of the type comprising a first component (1) consisting in a spring (10) externally inserted on the stem (11) of a first hydraulic cylinder (12) externally provided on the bottom (13) with the first eye (F1 ) of the shock absorber, with small seeping holes obtained on the piston (14) to allow oil leak from the lower chamber (Ci) to the upper chamber (Cs) of the first cylinder (12), shock absorber being characterised by the fact that it comprises:
- a second component (2) consisting in a second hydraulic cylinder (20), whose stem is the same as the stem (11 ) of the first hydraulic cylinder (12) externally provided on the bottom (22) with the second eye (F2) of the shock absorber;
- an oil-pressure power circuit used to charge or discharge pressurised oil in the second cylinder (20), whose chambers (24a and 24b) work in antiphase, meaning that while one chamber is filled, the other chamber is emptied, being understood that the total oil volume contained in the cylinder (20) remains constant;
- an electronic control unit (50) for the correct operation of the oil-pressure power circuit based on the received data, according to which the control unit defines (50) defines the height variation of the shock absorber by means of previously tested algorithms;
- an apparatus that instantaneously measures the height of the shock absorber and transmits the said value to the control unit (50).
2) Shock absorber as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the control unit (50) is associated with a button panel (70) used by the driver to select the height of the shock absorber.
3) Shock absorber as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the control unit (50) is associated with one or more sensors (80) installed on the motorcycle designed to detect the data to be transmitted to the control unit (50) for the automatic definition of the height of the shock absorber. 4) Shock absorber as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the control unit (50) controls the opening and closing of two three-way electrovalves (33a and 33b), respectively associated with the two chambers (24b and 24b) designed to create a communication, selectively and alternatively, with the pressurised oil inlet branch (30a) or with the outlet branch (40a) ending in a low pressure oil tank (40).
5) Shock absorber as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the pressurised oil inlet branch (30a) is connected to a pressurised oil accumulator (30) provided with pressure measurement device, which is filled at regular time intervals by means of a pump (31) actuated by an electric motor (32), which takes oil from the low pressure tank (40).
PCT/IT2007/000639 2006-09-26 2007-09-14 Adjustable-height shock absorber provided with automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator. WO2008038321A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITAN20060052 ITAN20060052A1 (en) 2006-09-26 2006-09-26 ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER BY AN ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR WITH AUTOMATIC OR SEMI-AUTOMATIC DRIVE.
ITAN2006A000052 2006-09-26

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WO2008038321A1 true WO2008038321A1 (en) 2008-04-03

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PCT/IT2007/000639 WO2008038321A1 (en) 2006-09-26 2007-09-14 Adjustable-height shock absorber provided with automatic or semiautomatic electrohydraulic actuator.

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WO2009124742A1 (en) * 2008-04-08 2009-10-15 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Damping device
WO2009124741A1 (en) * 2008-04-08 2009-10-15 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Axle raising device and method for raising an axle
EP2644932A1 (en) * 2012-03-30 2013-10-02 Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG Clamping device
ITPD20130040A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-23 Piaggio & C Spa MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION WITH AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF THE PRE-LOAD AND DAMPING AND ITS AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT METHOD OF A MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION
EP2918486A1 (en) * 2014-03-13 2015-09-16 Showa Corporation Motorcycle height adjusting device and motorcyle height adjusting method
ITUA20163740A1 (en) * 2016-05-24 2017-11-24 Sistemi Sospensioni Spa Vehicle suspension with regenerative hydraulic shock absorber and vehicle adjustment system.
CN107878139A (en) * 2013-07-25 2018-04-06 坦尼科汽车操作有限公司 Vehicle leveling systems
WO2020077727A1 (en) * 2018-10-18 2020-04-23 湖北火鑫消防车辆装备有限公司 Balance system for active lifting of vehicle body
EP3597457A4 (en) * 2017-03-06 2020-11-18 Showa Corporation Vehicle height adjustment device
IT201900019439A1 (en) 2019-10-21 2021-04-21 Vrm S P A SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT AND FAST LOWERING

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DE10224433A1 (en) * 2002-06-01 2003-12-11 Heyng Brigitte Adjustable length spring strut for motor vehicle, especially a motorcycle, has piston rod or protective tube provided with length adjuster between spring plate and connecting element
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JPS5579776A (en) * 1978-12-11 1980-06-16 Suzuki Motor Co Suspension for bicycle
US4568101A (en) * 1984-05-02 1986-02-04 Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Inc. Automatic suspension system
US5009451A (en) * 1988-07-19 1991-04-23 Kabushiki Kaisha Showa Seisakusho Shock absorber for use in a vehicle
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JPH05162525A (en) * 1991-10-15 1993-06-29 Kayaba Ind Co Ltd Car height adjusting device
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US8814184B2 (en) 2008-04-08 2014-08-26 Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge Gmbh Axle-lifting device and method for lifting an axle
WO2009124741A1 (en) * 2008-04-08 2009-10-15 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Axle raising device and method for raising an axle
WO2009124742A1 (en) * 2008-04-08 2009-10-15 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Damping device
EP2644932A1 (en) * 2012-03-30 2013-10-02 Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG Clamping device
US9682741B2 (en) 2013-02-22 2017-06-20 Piaggio & C. S.P.A. Apparatus and method for adjusting the pre-load of a motorbike suspension spring
WO2014128617A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Piaggio & C. S.P.A. Apparatus and method for adjusting the pre-load of a motorbike suspension spring
ITPD20130040A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-23 Piaggio & C Spa MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION WITH AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF THE PRE-LOAD AND DAMPING AND ITS AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT METHOD OF A MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION
CN107878139A (en) * 2013-07-25 2018-04-06 坦尼科汽车操作有限公司 Vehicle leveling systems
EP2918486A1 (en) * 2014-03-13 2015-09-16 Showa Corporation Motorcycle height adjusting device and motorcyle height adjusting method
US9174698B2 (en) 2014-03-13 2015-11-03 Showa Corporation Vehicle height adjusting device and vehicle height adjusting method
ITUA20163740A1 (en) * 2016-05-24 2017-11-24 Sistemi Sospensioni Spa Vehicle suspension with regenerative hydraulic shock absorber and vehicle adjustment system.
WO2017202811A1 (en) * 2016-05-24 2017-11-30 Sistemi Sospensioni S.P.A. Vehicle suspension with a regenerative hydraulic shock-absorber and with a system for adjusting the attitude of the vehicle
US11072220B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2021-07-27 Sistemi Sospensioni S.P.A. Vehicle suspension with a regenerative hydraulic shock-absorber and with a system for adjusting the attitude of the vehicle
EP3597457A4 (en) * 2017-03-06 2020-11-18 Showa Corporation Vehicle height adjustment device
WO2020077727A1 (en) * 2018-10-18 2020-04-23 湖北火鑫消防车辆装备有限公司 Balance system for active lifting of vehicle body
IT201900019439A1 (en) 2019-10-21 2021-04-21 Vrm S P A SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT AND FAST LOWERING

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