System for use in a vehicle and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A system for use in a vehicle includes at least two hydraulic damper assemblies. The system includes an injection pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic damper assemblies. The injection pump includes a barrel having an opening. The injection pump includes a plunger slidable within the barrel in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction causing hydraulic fluid to move into the barrel via the opening and the second direction causing hydraulic fluid to move out of the barrel via the opening. The system includes an actuator supported within the barrel and operatively coupled to the plunger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a system used in a vehicle to control the movement of wheels relative to the vehicle body, and a vehicle comprising the same. The system includes at least two hydraulic damper assemblies, an injection pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic damper assemblies, and an actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic dampers are commonly used in automotive suspension systems or other suspension systems to control the movement of a vehicle's wheels relative to the vehicle's body. To control movement, the damper assembly is typically positioned between the sprung (body) mass and the unsprung (suspension / drivetrain) mass of the vehicle.

[0003] The hydraulic damper can be connected to a hydraulic fluid system that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic damper. The hydraulic fluid system typically includes a reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid and a fluid pump, such as a reciprocating pump or a vibratory pump, which draws hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and delivers it to the hydraulic damper, for example, via a hydraulic fluid line connecting the reservoir to the pump's inlet and a hydraulic fluid line connecting the pump's outlet to the hydraulic damper. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a system for use in a vehicle is provided. The system includes: at least two hydraulic damper assemblies; an injection pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic damper assemblies, the injection pump including a cylinder having an opening and a plunger slidable within the cylinder in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction causing hydraulic fluid to move into the cylinder through the opening and the second direction causing hydraulic fluid to move out of the cylinder through the opening; and an actuator supported within the cylinder and operatively coupled to the plunger, wherein the plunger is hollow and the actuator is supported within the plunger.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes: a body; wheels; a hydraulic damper assembly operatively connected between the body and the wheels; an injection pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic damper assembly, the injection pump including a cylinder having an opening and extending along a lateral axis of the vehicle, and having a plunger slidable within the cylinder in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction causing hydraulic fluid to move into the cylinder through the opening, and the second direction causing hydraulic fluid to move out of the cylinder through the opening; and an actuator operatively coupled to the plunger, wherein the plunger is hollow and the actuator is supported within the plunger.

[0006] This application provides an injection pump for hydraulic suspension systems that offers greater packaging and cost efficiency, requiring fewer components than conventional hydraulic suspension systems. As an example, the injection pump replaces and eliminates the need for a conventional reservoir and connected reciprocating or vibratory pump in a hydraulic suspension system. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle including a hydraulic suspension system with an injection pump.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the syringe pump.

[0009] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 A close-up of a portion of a cross-sectional view.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the syringe pump.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the components of a hydraulic suspension system.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of the vehicle's components. Detailed Implementation

[0013] refer to Figure 1 The reference numerals in the figures indicate similar elements in several views, illustrating an exemplary vehicle 20.

[0014] Vehicle 20 can be any suitable type of ground vehicle, such as a passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a sedan, coupe, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc.

[0015] In this application, relative vehicle orientation and direction, such as up, down, front, rear, outside, inside, inward, outward, lateral, left, right, etc., are from the perspective of an occupant sitting inside the vehicle 20 facing forward, for example, towards the front dashboard and / or windshield of the vehicle 20. The direction of travel of the vehicle 20 is the direction of movement of the vehicle 20 when the vehicle 20 is traveling forward in a straight line using the wheels 34 of the vehicle 20. The orientation and direction associated with the component are given in relation to the component being supported by the vehicle 20, as described below and shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Vehicle 20 is defined by, for example, a longitudinal axis A1 extending between the front end 22 and the rear end 24 of vehicle 20. Vehicle 20 is defined by, for example, a lateral axis A2 extending between the left side 26 and the right side 28 of vehicle 20. Vehicle 20 is defined by, for example, a vertical axis A3 extending between the top and bottom of vehicle 20. The longitudinal axis A1, the lateral axis A2, and the vertical axis A3 are perpendicular to each other.

[0017] Vehicle 20 includes a frame. The frame can be a one-piece construction, where the frame and body 30 are integral, such as including frame longitudinal beams, pillars, roof longitudinal beams, etc. As another example, the body 30 and frame can have a body frame construction, also known as a non-load-bearing construction, where the body 30 and frame are separate components, i.e., they are modular, and the body 30 is supported on and fixed to the frame. Alternatively, the frame and body 30 can have any suitable construction. The frame and body 30 can be made of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, and / or fiber-reinforced plastics, etc.

[0018] Vehicle 20 includes a suspension system 32 that controls the vertical movement of the wheels 34 of vehicle 20 relative to the body 30 of vehicle 20, for example, to absorb the effects of road impacts, potholes, and other elevation changes encountered by vehicle 20, to adjust the ride height of vehicle 20, and to limit body roll (e.g., lateral tilt). Suspension system 32 may include damper assemblies 36, springs, etc. Damper assemblies 36 are typically used in conjunction with other components of suspension system 32 to control the movement of the wheels 34 of vehicle 20 relative to the body 30 of vehicle 20. For controlling movement, damper assemblies 36 are operatively connected between the body 30 of vehicle 20 and the wheels 34. Vehicle 20 may include, for example, a separate damper assembly 36 located at each wheel 34. Each damper assembly 36 may be coupled to a coil spring.

[0019] The damper assembly 36 controls the movement of the corresponding wheels 34 of the vehicle 20 by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the respective chambers of the damper assembly 36 and / or between the respective chambers, such as into and out of the compression chamber and the rebound chamber and / or between the compression chamber and the rebound chamber. The fluid movement is caused by the movement of a piston within the pressure tube of the damper assembly 36, for example, when the damper assembly 36 moves toward a compression position or a relief position.

[0020] Vehicle 20, such as suspension system 32, may not have an anti-roll bar connecting the body 30 to one of the wheels 34 on the right side 28 and one of the wheels 34 on the left side 26. Suspension system 32 can compensate for the lack of an anti-roll bar by selectively controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to damper assembly 36, for example, as described below.

[0021] The suspension system 32 includes an injection pump 38 that pressurizes hydraulic fluid used in conjunction with the damper assembly 36. The injection pump 38 is in fluid communication with the damper assembly 36, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the injection pump 38 to the damper assembly 36. For example, multiple hydraulic lines 40 may connect the injection pump 38 to the damper assembly 36.

[0022] The syringe pump 38 stores reserve hydraulic fluid in, for example, a pressure chamber 42. Fluid from the syringe pump 38 can be supplied to the damper assembly 36, for example, without having to draw such fluid from a reservoir. In other words, the suspension system 32 may not have a reservoir in fluid communication with the syringe pump 38.

[0023] The injection pump 38 can extend along the lateral axis A2, that is, the injection pump 38 can be longer along the lateral axis A2 than along the longitudinal axis A1 and the vertical axis A3. The injection pump 38 can be cylindrical. The injection pump 38 can be supported by the vehicle body 30, for example, fixed to the vehicle body. The injection pump 38 can be supported, for example, at the front end 22 of the vehicle body 30 in a volume typically occupied by an anti-roll bar.

[0024] The injection pump 38 may include a barrel 44 defining a pressure chamber 42. The barrel 44 may store and pressurize hydraulic fluid in and within the pressure chamber 42. The barrel 44 may extend along a lateral axis A2. For example, the barrel 44 may be a hollow tube surrounding the pressure chamber 42. The barrel 44 may include opposing ends 46 spaced apart from each other along a pump axis A4. The pump axis A4 may be parallel to the lateral axis A2. The ends 46 may be closed. The barrel 44 may include an opening 48 that allows fluid to flow into or out of the pressure chamber 42. The opening 48 may be located, for example, at one end of the ends 46. The opening 48 may be coupled to a hydraulic line 40, for example, allowing fluid to flow from the hydraulic line 40 into the pressure chamber 42 and out of the pressure chamber into the hydraulic line via the opening 48.

[0025] The syringe pump 38 may include an inner cylinder 50. The inner cylinder 50 may be, for example, a hollow tube. The inner cylinder 50 may be supported within a cylinder body 44. The inner cylinder 50 may be fixed to the cylinder body 44, for example, to one end of an end 46 of the cylinder body 44. The cylinder body 44 and the inner cylinder 50 may be concentric on the pump axis A4. The inner cylinder 50 may extend along a lateral axis A2. The inner cylinder 50 may include, for example, a second end 52 enclosing the hollow tube. The second end 52 may include a second opening 54.

[0026] The syringe pump 38 includes a plunger 56 that slides within a barrel 44. Movement of the plunger 56 changes the volume of the pressure chamber 42. (Reference) Figure 2 The movement of plunger 56 within cylinder 44 along the first direction D1 increases the volume of pressure chamber 42 and allows hydraulic fluid to move into cylinder 44 via opening 48, for example, from hydraulic line 40. The movement of plunger 56 along the first direction D1 decreases the pressure in pressure chamber 42. The first direction D1 can move away from opening 48. (Reference) Figure 3The movement of plunger 56 along the second direction D2 reduces the volume and allows hydraulic fluid in cylinder 44 to move through opening 48, for example, into hydraulic line 40. The movement of plunger 56 along the second direction D2 can increase the pressure in pressure chamber 42. The second direction D2 is opposite to the first direction D1. For example, the second direction D2 can be directed towards opening 48.

[0027] The plunger 56 may be, for example, a hollow tube. The plunger 56 may include an open end 58 and a closed end 60 spaced apart from each other along the pump axis A4. The plunger 56 may extend along a lateral axis A2. A pressure chamber 42 may be located between the closed end 60 of the plunger 56 and the end 46 of the cylinder 44 having the opening 48. The plunger 56 may be supported between the inner cylinder 50 and the cylinder 44. For example, the plunger 56 may define an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder 44 and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 50. The plunger 56 may be concentric with the cylinder 44 and the inner cylinder 50 on the pump axis A4. The inner cylinder 50 may extend from inside the plunger 56, for example, through the open end 58, to the outside of the plunger 56.

[0028] The syringe pump 38 may include an actuator 62 operatively coupled to the plunger 56, such that actuation of the actuator 62 causes the plunger 56 to move in a first direction D1 or a second direction D2. The actuator 62 may be actuated in response to a command received from the computer 64 to move the plunger 56 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. The command may specify the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0029] refer to Figure 2A The actuator 62 may include a motor 66 or other suitable electromechanical structure coupled to the plunger 56. Rotation of the drive shaft 68 of the motor 66 in one direction causes the plunger 56 to move in a first direction D1, and rotation of the drive shaft 68 in the opposite direction causes the plunger 56 to move in a second direction D2. For example, a worm 70 may be operatively coupled to the motor 66 such that rotation of the drive shaft 68 causes the worm 70 to rotate. The worm 70 may include a helical thread. The worm 70 may be fixed to the drive shaft 68. One or more worm wheels 72 may engage with the worm 70, i.e., rotation of the worm 70 causes the worm wheels 72 to rotate. For example, the worm wheels 72 may include teeth that mesh with the helical thread of the worm 70. The worm wheels 72 may engage with one or more racks 74 fixed to the plunger 56, for example, the teeth of the worm wheels 72 may mesh with the teeth of the racks 74. Rotation of the worm wheels 72 causes the racks 74 and the plunger 56 to move linearly along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. The rack 74 may be located on the inner surface of the plunger 56. The rack 74 and the plunger 56 may be integral. Integral means a single, uniform sheet of material without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding them together; that is, it is formed simultaneously as a single continuous unit, for example, by machining, molding, forging, casting, etc., from a single blank. In contrast, non-integral components are formed separately and subsequently assembled, for example, by threaded connection, welding, etc.

[0030] Actuator 62 may be supported within cylinder 44, for example, within plunger 56 and / or inner cylinder 50. For example, motor 66 may be fixed within inner cylinder 50 and located at second end 52. Motor 66 may be concentric with cylinder 44, inner cylinder 50, and / or plunger 56. Drive shaft 68 may extend out of inner cylinder 50, for example, through a second opening 54 at second end 52. Worm 70 and worm wheel 72 may be located within plunger 56. Second end 52 of inner cylinder 50 may be located along pump axis A4 between motor 66 and worm 70 and worm wheel 72. Closed end 60 of plunger 56 may be located along pump axis A4 between pressure chamber 42 and worm 70 and worm wheel 72.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The suspension system 32 may include a manifold 76. The manifold 76 is fluidly connected, for example, via a hydraulic line 40 between the injection pump 38 and the damper assembly 36. The manifold 76 selectively supplies hydraulic fluid from the injection pump 38 to each damper assembly 36. For example, the manifold 76 may supply hydraulic fluid from the injection pump 38 to one or more damper assemblies in the damper assembly 36, but not to other components. The manifold 76 may include a pump port 78, which is connected to the injection pump 38, for example, via a hydraulic line 40. The manifold 76 may include a plurality of damper ports 80, each of which is connected, for example, via a hydraulic line 40 to a corresponding damper assembly in the damper assembly 36. The pump port 78 and the damper port 80 are in fluid communication, i.e., allowing hydraulic fluid to flow therebetween.

[0032] Manifold 76 may include one or more valves 82. Valve 82 controls fluid flow from syringe pump 38 to damper assembly 36. Each valve 82 moves between an open position that allows fluid flow and a closed position that inhibits fluid flow. One valve of valve 82 may be located at each damper port in damper ports 80, for example, thereby allowing or inhibiting fluid flow between syringe pump 38 and the corresponding damper assembly 36. Valve 82 may include solenoids and / or other suitable structures, for example, as commonly known, for moving the corresponding valve 82 from a closed position to an open position, or vice versa. Valve 82 may move from a closed position to an open position, or vice versa, in response to a command from computer 64.

[0033] refer to Figure 5Computer 64 includes a processor and memory. The memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable medium and stores instructions executable by computer 64 to perform various operations as disclosed herein. For example, computer 64 may be a general-purpose computer 64 having a processor and memory as described above, and / or may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or controller for a specific function or set of functions and / or special-purpose electronic circuitry having an ASIC manufactured for a specific operation, such as an ASIC for processing sensor data and / or transmitting sensor data. In another example, computer 64 may include an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is an integrated circuit manufactured as a user-configurable component. Typically, hardware description languages ​​such as VHDL (Very High Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) are used for electronic design automation to describe digital and mixed-signal systems such as FPGAs and ASICs. For example, ASICs are manufactured based on VHDL programming provided prior to manufacturing, while logic components within an FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming, for example, stored in memory electrically connected to the FPGA circuitry. In some examples, a combination of processor, ASIC, and / or FPGA circuitry may be included in computer 64. The memory can be of any type, such as a hard disk drive, solid-state drive, server, or any volatile or non-volatile media. The memory can store collected data transmitted from sensors. The memory can be a separate device from computer 64, and computer 64 can retrieve the information stored in the memory via a network in vehicle 20, such as via a CAN bus, wireless network, etc. Alternatively or otherwise, the memory can be part of computer 64, for example, as the memory of computer 64.

[0034] Computer 64 is typically arranged for communication on a vehicle communication network 84, which may include buses in vehicle 20 such as a controller area network (CAN), and / or other wired and / or wireless mechanisms. Computer 64 may communicate electronically with syringe pump 38 and manifold 76 via communication network 84. Alternatively or otherwise, where computer 64 actually comprises multiple devices, vehicle communication network 84 may be used for communication between devices represented as computer 64 in this disclosure. Furthermore, various controllers and / or sensors may provide data to computer 64 via vehicle communication network 84.

[0035] Computer 64 can be programmed, i.e., its memory includes instructions executable by a processor, to decrease the hydraulic pressure in one or more hydraulic damper assemblies in hydraulic damper assembly 36, for example, by commanding actuator 62 of injection pump 38 to move plunger 56 in a first direction D1. Computer 64 can increase the hydraulic pressure in hydraulic damper assembly 36, for example, by commanding actuator 62 to move plunger 56 in a second direction D2. Computer 64 can command actuator 62, for example, by providing a specified voltage to motor 66. The voltage can cause drive shaft 68 to rotate in one direction or the other, for example, depending on the polarity of the voltage.

[0036] Computer 64 can be programmed to selectively command valve 82 to be in open and closed positions. For example, computer 64 can send one or more commands via a communication network, which specify which valves 82 (if any) should be opened and which valves 82 (if any) should be closed.

[0037] Computer 64 can be programmed to command actuator 62 and manifold 76 to individually increase or decrease the hydraulic pressure at one or more specific hydraulic damper assemblies 36. For example, computer 64 can first open valve 82 connected to the damper assembly 36 located on the right side 28 of vehicle 20 and close valves 82 connected to the damper assembly 36 located on the left side 26 of vehicle 20. Computer 64 can then command actuator 62 to increase or decrease the hydraulic pressure provided by injection pump 38, thereby increasing or decreasing the hydraulic pressure provided to the damper assembly 36 located on the right side 28 connected via the open valve 82. For example, when performing a left turn and compensating for the absence of an anti-roll bar in vehicle 20, increasing the pressure provided on the right side 28 (relative to the left side 26) can reduce body roll of vehicle 30.

[0038] Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted by computer programs created using various programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to Java, C, C++, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, HTML, etc., used individually or in combination. Typically, a processor, such as a microprocessor, receives and executes instructions from memory, computer-readable media, etc., to perform one or more processes, including one or more processes described herein. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using various computer-readable media. Files in networked devices are typically collections of data stored on computer-readable media such as storage media, random access memory, etc. Computer-readable media include any computer-readable medium that participates in providing data, such as instructions. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Instructions can be transmitted via one or more transmission media, including fiber optic cables, wires, wireless communications, including internal components having a system bus connected to a computer's processor. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other computer-readable medium.

[0039] The term “exemplary” as used in this article means an example; for example, the mention of “exemplary desktop applet” should be understood as simply referring to an example of a desktop applet.

[0040] Use "in response to" and "when it is determined" to indicate any causal relationship, not just a temporal one.

[0041] This disclosure has been described by way of example, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to describe rather than limit the nature of the words. Many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings, and this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A system for use in a vehicle, the system comprising: At least two hydraulic damper assemblies; An injection pump, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic damper assembly, includes a cylinder with an opening and a plunger slidable within the cylinder in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction causing hydraulic fluid to move into the cylinder through the opening and the second direction causing hydraulic fluid to move out of the cylinder through the opening. and An actuator, supported within the cylinder and operatively coupled to the plunger, The plunger is hollow, and the actuator is supported within the plunger.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a worm gear operatively coupled to a motor and a worm wheel engaging with the worm gear.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the plunger includes a rack that engages with the worm gear.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a manifold fluidly connected between the injection pump and the hydraulic damper assembly.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer programmed to command the actuator to move the plunger in the first direction to reduce the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic damper assembly, and to command the actuator to move the plunger in the second direction to increase the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic damper assembly.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a motor concentric with the cylinder.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the injection pump includes an inner cylinder, and the plunger is supported between the inner cylinder and the cylinder body.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a motor supported within the inner cylinder.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the actuator includes a drive shaft extending out of the inner cylinder.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the cylinder, the plunger, and the inner cylinder extend along an axis, and the cylinder, the plunger, and the inner cylinder are concentric on the axis.

11. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: Body; wheel; A hydraulic damper assembly, operatively connected between the vehicle body and the wheel; An injection pump, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic damper assembly, includes a cylinder having an opening and extending along a lateral axis of the vehicle, and has a plunger slidable within the cylinder in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction causing hydraulic fluid to move into the cylinder through the opening, and the second direction causing hydraulic fluid to move out of the cylinder through the opening. and An actuator, operatively coupled to the plunger, The plunger is hollow, and the actuator is supported within the plunger.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the vehicle body includes a front end, and the injection pump is supported at the front end.

13. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising a second wheel and a second hydraulic damper assembly, the second hydraulic damper assembly being in fluid communication with the injection pump and operatively connected between the vehicle body and the second wheel, and the vehicle further comprising a manifold fluidly connected between the injection pump and the hydraulic damper assembly and the second hydraulic damper assembly, the manifold including at least one valve controlling fluid flow from the injection pump to the hydraulic damper assembly and the second hydraulic damper assembly.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a computer programmed to command the actuator and the manifold to individually increase or decrease the hydraulic pressure at the hydraulic damper assembly and the second hydraulic damper assembly.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the wheel is located on the right side of the vehicle body and the second wheel is located on the left side of the vehicle body.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the vehicle does not have an anti-roll bar connecting the body to the wheel and the second wheel.

17. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the injection pump includes an inner cylinder, and the plunger is supported between the inner cylinder and the cylinder body.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the actuator comprises a motor supported within the inner cylinder.

19. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the actuator includes a worm gear operatively coupled to a motor and a worm wheel engaging with the worm gear, and the plunger includes a rack engaging with the worm wheel.

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