WO2011009181A1

WO2011009181A1 - Multi-adjustable damping assembly for telescopic fork or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2011009181A1
Application number: PCT/BR2010/000237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darte Carcalho Labatut
Original assignee: Fabrica Nacional De Amortecedores Ltda
Priority date: 2009-07-23
Filing date: 2010-07-15
Publication date: 2011-01-27
Also published as: BRPI0902679A2; BRPI0902679C1

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-adjustable damping assembly for a telescopic suspension fork for motorcycles and similar vehicles, which offers an enhanced ride comfort and smoothness at low speeds, increased rigidity at higher speeds, and a greater stroke on rough ground, among other possible adjustments. The damping assembly (1) comprises a secondary chamber (3), preferably designed as a gas spring with a helical spring (8) around the rod (4) thereof. The damping assembly (1) is coaxially mounted inside the primary chamber (2), which consists of the inner volume of the telescopic fork leg (11) of the vehicle suspension. The secondary chamber (3) comprises a rod (4) provided with a piston (5) that divides the inner volume of the chamber into a bottom compartment (6) and a top compartment (7), which both have a variable volume because of the oscillating movement of the piston (5). The piston (5), which is attached to the rod (4), is moved in the direction of expansion and compression of the compartments (6 and 7), and is equipped with a system of bearings and seals. The secondary chamber (3) is sealed, with an optionally limited access to the interior thereof, and contains a fluid that can be a gas or a hydraulic liquid. The secondary chamber (3) can be simply loosely arranged inside the primary chamber (2) or attached thereto in some form. The coupling of the secondary chamber (3) can also be on the outside of the fork leg tube.

Description

"MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK SET FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an innovative multi-adjustable suspension damper assembly for telescopic suspension fork vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, sidecars, unicycles, among others where the technique can be applied, which has been Developed with total unprecedentedness, both in functionality, layout, performance, efficiency and application that provides high comfort and softness.

The innovative multi-adjustable telescopic fork damper assembly results in greater comfort as it allows adjustment for greater softness or stiffness of the suspension, especially for sudden or long but not restrictively limiting movements.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-adjustable telescopic fork damper assembly which has low manufacturing cost, combined with the requirements of robustness, safety and utility practicality.

State of the Art

It is noted that in the state of the art telescopic fork suspension solutions are characterized by an assembly comprising two parallel-coupled hydraulic dampers, with generally long mechanical springs which are associated or not with the use inside. of hydraulic oil.

Most motorcycles and vehicles of this type use the above-mentioned shock absorber type, which has kept its concept stagnant in recent years and has not shown significant technological developments.

State of the art deficiencies

The conventionally used shock absorber forks do not allow major adjustment adjustments for suspension stiffness and travel, as they are limited by having only one chamber stage.

Different volumes of hydraulic fluid along with some gas, including air, they provide conventional damping forks with a reasonable adjustment in damping capacity and are most effective for some motorcycle models depending on the type of ground to ride. However, this regulation is very limited, besides being linear, without any intermediate stages of course and stiffness, besides presenting great complexity and high cost.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-adjustable telescopic fork suspension damper assembly for motorcycles and similar vehicles which has more effective tuning parameters, where stroke and softness can be adjusted in non-linear curves, ie with different steps in the Same suspension set. This damping effect is achieved by two inner chambers, a main chamber, that is, the fluid-hosting location, which incorporates a second coaxial chamber, both centered by the same piston rod or shaft. The secondary chamber is provided with two or more compartments subdivided by said piston, where various configurations with compression / expansion stages can be composed in the set of spaces. The secondary chamber coupling can be external to the cane tube (telescopic fork).

Possible constructive variants to the chambers include the incorporation of coil springs, elastomers, plastomers, gas or hydraulic fluid, with each item occupying separately each space or a hybrid of associative composition, including the integration of different items into a single space resulting in different actuation steps, for greater weight, stroke, pressure, etc.

Suspensions of vehicles fitted with the shock absorber assembly of the invention result in greater softness at lower speeds, greater rigidity at higher speeds, greater control over rough terrain, among other possible adjustments.

The invention further comprises the following aspects:

- Improved sealing of the rod against the cylinder;

incorporating a spring over the entire length of the main chamber; adding a valve which also serves as a means of securing the end of the cylinder rod to the end of the lower axial tube (flute) positioned at the bottom of the main chamber and supported by the cane tube;

- arrangement of the multi-adjustable shock absorber assembly from the outside of the vehicle suspension telescopic fork.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings fully characterize the multi-adjustable telescopic fork shock absorber assembly for motorcycles and similar vehicles, as well as various design variants, in order to allow a full understanding of their constructivity and functionality.

The accompanying figures are designed to illustrate preferred shapes of the telescopic fork damper assembly which cannot be considered restrictive of the invention. Some other variations should be included within the scope of the present patent as long as they do not depart from their inventive concept.

The invention is now described in detail based on the following drawings:

Figure 1 - exploded perspective of the multi-adjustable telescopic fork damper assembly;

Figure 2 - perspective view of a cane incorporating the multi-adjustable telescopic fork damper assembly;

Figure 3 - perspective of the secondary chamber of the multi-adjustable shock absorber telescopic fork assembly;

Figure 4 - exploded perspective of the secondary chamber of the multi-adjustable shock absorber telescopic fork assembly;

Figure 5 - axial sectional view of the cane with the multi-adjustable telescopic fork damper assembly;

Figure 6 - front view of a telescopic fork with one of the axial sectioned canes detailing a damping assembly;

Figure 7 - front view of a telescopic fork with one of the axial section canes detailing a first constructive variant of the damper assembly; Figure 8 - Axial sectional view of the cane with a second embodiment of the damping assembly;

Figure 9 - Axial sectional view of the cane with a third embodiment of the damping assembly;

Figure 10 - Axial sectional view of the cane with a fourth embodiment of the damping assembly;

Figure 11 - Axial sectional view of the cane with a fifth embodiment of the damping assembly;

Figure 12 - Axial sectional view of the cane with a sixth embodiment of the damper assembly;

Figure 13 - Axial sectional view of the cane with a seventh embodiment of the damper assembly;

Figure 14 - Axial sectional view of the cane with an eighth embodiment of the damper assembly;

Figure 15 - Axial sectional front view of the shock absorber assembly with a spring positioned externally to the secondary chamber;

Figure 16 - front view of the shock absorber assembly with the spring surrounding the secondary chamber, isolated from the fork cane;

Figure 17 - Front view of a construction option of the shock absorber assembly with the spring only around the rod and insulated from the cane;

Figure 18 - axial section detail of the stem seal seal assembly as indicated by square A in Figure 16 or B in Figure 17;

Fig. 19 is an axial sectional detail of a constructional option of the sealing rod seal assembly shown in Figs. 16 and 17;

Fig. 20 is an axial section detail of another constructional option of the stem seal seal assembly shown in Figs. 16 and 17;

Figure 21 - front view of the secondary chamber stem end support valve in the lower axial tube of the bottom of the cane;

Figure 22 - Diametrical sectional view of the secondary chamber stem support valve, along the line AA indicated in Figure 21;

Figure 23 - side view of the secondary chamber stem support valve;

Figure 24 - Axial section of the secondary chamber stem support valve, as shown in Figure 15; Figure 25 - perspective of a constructive option of the secondary chamber stem support valve;

Figure 26 - Diametrical sectional view of the chamber stem support valve; Figure 27 - Axial section of the secondary chamber stem support valve option, as shown in Figure 15;

Figure 28 - front view of the vehicle suspension telescopic fork with the shock absorber assembly disposed externally;

Figure 29 - Side view of the telescopic vehicle suspension fork with the shock absorber assembly disposed externally.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The multi-adjustable telescopic fork suspension damper assembly of motorcycles and similar vehicles proposed by the invention differs from conventional ones in that it comprises two inner chambers, namely a coaxially mounted primary and secondary chambers, which act together to generate a new damping effect. Optionally, the secondary chamber may be attached externally to the telescopic fork.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the damping assembly (1) comprising a secondary chamber (3), preferably in the form of a gas spring, whose rod (4) has an elastic element (8) around it, preferably in the form of a coil spring. This damping assembly (1) is mounted coaxially to the primary chamber (2) consisting of the internal volume of the vehicle suspension telescopic fork cane.

Figures 3 to 4 detail the secondary chamber (3) which has a rod (4) which is provided with a piston (5), which divides its internal volume into lower compartment and upper compartment, both with variable volumes, due to the oscillating movement (stroke) of the piston (5).

Figure 5 details the assembly of the secondary chamber (3) inside the primary chamber (2). The secondary chamber (3) is sealed, with or without access to its interior, whose fluid content may be gaseous, such as atmospheric air, nitrogen gas, argon or any other inert mixture, or may contain liquid. hydraulic.

The secondary chamber (3) can simply be released in the the interior of the primary chamber (2) or fixed in any way, for example by means of threads, keys, conical body or assembled with tightness and initial preload by the length thereof. The secondary chamber coupling can also be external to the cane tube (11).

Figure 6 shows the shock absorber assemblies with their respective secondary chambers (3) mounted within the primary chambers (2), making up the suspension telescopic fork of motorcycles and similar vehicles. The secondary chamber (3) has a rod (4) which is provided with a plunger (5) which divides its internal volume into lower compartment (6) and upper compartment (7), but both with variable volumes due to movement. oscillating (stroke) of the piston (5). The plunger (5) which is fixed to the rod (4) moves in the direction of expansion and compression of the compartments (6 and 7), and is provided with a bearing assembly and seals. The lower (6) and upper (7) compartments of the secondary chamber (3) as well as the internal volume of the primary chamber (2) are filled with an appropriate amount of gas, hydraulic fluid or a mixture of these two substances.

In a first embodiment of the invention, detailed in Figure 7, the secondary chamber (3) has a gas-oil mixture therein, whose lower compartment (6) is equipped with an elastic element (8A), preferably coil spring. . Alternatively, the elastic member may be a plastomer or an elastomer.

In a second embodiment of the invention, detailed in Fig. 8, the damping assembly has a greater compressive strength because in addition to the spring (8A) disposed internally to the lower compartment (6) of the secondary chamber (3), it also has a elastic member (8) external to the stem (4) which may preferably be a coil spring. Alternatively the elastic member may be a plastomer or elastomer. Alternatively, the elastic member may be arranged surrounding the entire length of the secondary chamber (3). Additionally, the secondary chamber (3) may have a cover (9) housing the elastic member (8).

In other constructive embodiments of the invention, detailed In Figures 9 to 13, the secondary chamber (3) may have a fluid inlet and exhaust valve (10), allowing calibration of its damping capability when desired. Valve (10) may have a sealing plug (14) as detailed in Figures 9 to 12.

In a third embodiment of the invention, detailed in Figure 9, the secondary chamber (3) has a fluid inlet and exhaust valve (10), which may be the damping effect arising solely from the behavior of the fluid or gas system. fluid.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, detailed in FIG. 10, the secondary chamber (3) associates a fluidic inlet and exhaust valve (10) with an elastic element (8A) only in the lower housing (6).

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, detailed in Figure 1, the secondary chamber (3) associates a fluidic inlet and exhaust valve (10) with an elastic element (8A) only in the upper housing (7).

In a sixth embodiment of the invention, detailed in Figure 12, the secondary chamber (3) associates a fluidic inlet and exhaust valve (10) with elastic elements (8A) positioned in the lower (6) and upper (7) compartments. .

In a seventh embodiment of the invention, detailed in Figure 13, the secondary chamber (3) has a fluidic inlet and exhaust valve (10) which is mounted in such a way as to protrude from the cane tube (2). ), in order to facilitate access to the secondary chamber (3), allowing its calibration without the need for removal of the sealing plug, making it similar to the tire calibration operation.

In an eighth embodiment of the invention, detailed in Figure 14, the secondary chamber (3) incorporates a properly sealed separating element (12) in order to create an isolated and separate additional chamber (13) to accumulate generated energy. in the state of compression that is returned proportionally during the expansion movement. The damping assemblies (1) detailed in Figures 9 to 13 have an axial lower tube (15), commonly known as a flute, which is fixed to the bottom of the cane and which supports the end of the rod (4) of the secondary chamber (3). Around the flute (15) a spring (16) may be positioned and the oil communicates with that contained in the lower chamber of the cane (17). This conventional fork device performs the function of mitigating the backlash that occurs when vehicle suspension is required.

Figure 15 illustrates yet another embodiment of the damping assembly (1) comprising a secondary chamber (3) coaxially mounted on the primary chamber (2). The primary chamber (2) comprises the entire internal volume of the vehicle suspension telescopic fork cane. The secondary chamber (3) has a rod (4) which is provided with a plunger (5), which divides its internal volume into lower compartment (6) and upper compartment (7), both with variable volumes, due to movement. oscillating piston (5). A spring (8) is positioned around and throughout the secondary chamber (3). The damping assembly (1) rests on a coaxial lower tube (15), also known as a flute, which is fixed to the bottom of the cane and which contacts the end of the stem (4) of the secondary chamber (3) through a valve. (18) allowing the main chamber (2) oil to communicate with the inside of the flute (15) at the bottom of the cane.

Figure 16 details the assembly of the damping assembly, with the spring (8) positioned around and along the entire length of the secondary chamber (3). The spring (8) is supported by its upper end on a plug (19) that is fixed to the telescopic fork cover (20) (shown in figure 15). The spring (8) is supported by its lower end on the valve (18), which in turn rests on the flute opening (15).

Figure 17 details another constructive option of mounting the damper assembly, the spring (8) being positioned only around the stem (4) of the secondary chamber (3). The spring (8) is supported by its upper end on the cylinder end of the secondary chamber (3) and its lower end on the valve (18), which in turn abuts the flute opening (15).

Figure 18 details the piston (5) of the rod (4) and the assembly of the sealing seal (20) of the stem (4) in the secondary chamber cylinder (3). The plunger (5) comprises a guide bushing (51) having a ring (52) and washers (53) for locking the plunger (5) at one end of the rod (4) having a head (41) and a recess diametral (42).

The seal seal assembly (20) is secured to the cylinder end of the secondary chamber (3) by an extreme draw (31) and a peripheral upset (32). The seal seal assembly (20) comprises an alignment of the following components: a washer (21), a guide bushing (22), a seal (23) and a spacer (24).

Figure 19 details a constructive option of the sealing seal assembly (20 ') of the stem (4) in the secondary chamber cylinder (3). The seal seal assembly (20 ') comprises an alignment of the following components: a washer (21), a guide bushing (22), a seal (23), a spacer (24) and a second guide bushing (22') .

Figure 20 details another constructional option of the sealing seal assembly (20 ") of the stem (4) in the secondary chamber cylinder (3). The sealing seal assembly (20") comprises an alignment of the following components: a wide washer (21 '), a seal (23') with a mounted washer (25) and a second washer (21), a first peripheral upset (33) on the secondary chamber cylinder wall (3), a third washer (21), a guide bushing (22), a second seal (23 ') with a mounted washer (25) and a spacer (24). This entire seal assembly (20 ") is held at the cylinder end of the chamber (3) by a second peripheral upsetting (32).

Figures 21 to 24 detail the stem end support valve (18) of the secondary chamber (4) in the lower axial tube (15) of the bottom of the cane, shown together in figures 15 and 16. The valve ( 18) comprises a bushing (181) with a central hole (182) for engaging the rod end and peripheral ears (183) resting on the edge of the flute tube (15), with clearances (184) for oil passage from the main chamber (2) into the flute (15).

Figures 25 to 27 detail a constructive option of the stem end support valve (18 ') in the lower axial tube (15) comprising a bushing (181') with a central port (182 '), side ports (184 ') and a peripheral edge (185) in which recesses (186) are positioned to assist the passage of oil from the main chamber (2) into the flute (15).

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate a possibility of arranging the multi-adjustable damping assembly formed by the secondary chamber (3) and its rod (4) by the outer side of the telescopic fork. Mounting takes place via an upper bracket (40) that connects the secondary chamber (3) to the cane tube (11) and a lower bracket (41) that connects the rod end (4) to the cane cover (9).

Claims

1. "MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC FORK OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY", characterized in that it comprises a secondary chamber (3) which is coaxially mounted to the primary chamber (2) defined by the internal volume of the vehicle's telescopic fork cane, the chamber having secondary (3) a rod (4) which is provided with a piston (5) which divides its internal volume into lower compartment (6) and upper compartment (7) with variable volumes due to the movement of the piston (5) and the secondary chamber (3) being sealed and fluid filled.

2. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE DAMPING ASSEMBLY FOR

TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is the secondary chamber fluid (3), gas, hydraulic fluid or a mixture of these substances.

3. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to Claim 1, characterized in that the secondary chamber (3) is detached within the cane tube (2).

4. "MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to Claim 1, characterized in that the secondary chamber (3) is fixed within the cane tube (2).

"MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it has an elastic element (8A) in the lower compartment (6) of the secondary chamber (3).

6. "MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it has an elastic element (8A) in the upper compartment (7) of the secondary chamber (3).

7. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE DAMPING ASSEMBLY FOR

TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to either of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it has an elastic element (8A) in the lower (6) and upper (7) compartments of the secondary chamber (3).

8. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that it has a coil spring (8) around the rod (4).

9. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE DAMPING ASSEMBLY FOR

TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that it has a fluid inlet and exhaust valve (10).

"MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to Claim 9, characterized in that the valve (10) has a sealing plug.

(14).

11. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC FORK OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the secondary chamber (3) incorporates a properly sealed separator element (12) which creates an additional chamber ( 13), isolated and separated.

"MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK SHOCK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that it has an axial lower tube

(15) supporting the rod end (4) of the secondary chamber (3).

13. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK" according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the elastic element (8A) is a coil spring.

A "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the elastic element (8A) is a plastomer or an elastomer.

15. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ASSEMBLY

FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the secondary chamber (3) is arranged externally to the cane tube (2).

16. "MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has:

- a valve (18) which abuts the edge of the coaxial lower tube (15), which fits the stem end (4) of the secondary chamber (3) and which allows oil from the main chamber (2) to pass through. the inside of the flute (15);

- a spring (8) which is positioned around the secondary chamber (3), being supported by its lower end on the valve (18).

17. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ASSEMBLY

FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to claim 16, characterized in that the spring (8) is positioned only around the stem (4) of the secondary chamber (3), the spring (8) being supported by its upper end on the end of the secondary chamber cylinder (3).

18. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ASSEMBLY

FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to claim 16, characterized in that the spring (8) is positioned around and throughout the secondary chamber (3) and is supported by its upper end on a plug (19) which it is fixed to the lid (20) of the telescopic fork.

19. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ASSEMBLY

FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to one of Claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the piston (5) of the secondary chamber rod (4) (3) comprises a guide bushing (51) with a ring (52) and washers (53) for locking the plunger (5) at the lower end of the rod (4) having a head (41) and a diametrical recess (42).

20. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to Claim 19, characterized in that the seal seal assembly (20) is fixed to the cylinder end of the secondary chamber (3) by an extreme pull (31) and a peripheral upset (32), the sealing seal assembly (20) comprising the alignment of a washer (21), a guide bushing (22), a seal (23) and a spacer (24).

21. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ASSEMBLY FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to claim 19, characterized in that the seal seal assembly (20 ') is comprised of the alignment of a washer (21), a guide bushing (22), a seal (23), a spacer (24) and a second guide bushing (22).

22. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE SHOCK SET

FOR TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK "according to claim 19, characterized in that the seal seal assembly (20") is comprised of the alignment of a wide washer (21 '), a seal (23') with a mounted washer ( 25) and a second washer (21), a first peripheral upset (33) on the secondary chamber cylinder wall (3), a third washer (21), a guide bushing (22), a second seal (23 ') with a mounted washer (25) and a spacer (24).

23. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to any one of Claims 20 to 22, characterized in that it comprises the stem end support valve (4) of the secondary chamber (3) in the tube. bottom axial (15) of the bottom of the cane a bushing (181) with a central hole (182) for engaging the rod end and peripheral ears (183) that rest against the edge of the flute tube (15), leaving free spaces ( 184) to pass oil from the main chamber (2) into the flute.

24. "MULTI ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to one of Claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the valve (18 ') consists of a bushing (181') with a central port (182 ') , side holes (184 ') and a recessed peripheral edge (185).

"MULTI-ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC OR SIMILAR FORK ASSEMBLY" according to one of Claims 16 to 24, characterized in that the secondary chamber assembly (3) and its stem (4) are arranged on the outside of the telescopic fork; through an upper bracket (40) that connects the secondary chamber (3) to the cane tube (11) and a lower bracket (41) that connects the end of the rod (4) to the cane cover (9).