Semi-active hydraulic mount and control method thereof, vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a semi-active hydraulic suspension, a control method thereof and a vehicle, and relates to the field of vehicles; wherein a rubber main spring is provided with a mounting structure capable of connecting a power assembly at one end in a first direction; a rubber bottom film is connected to the other end of the rubber main spring in the first direction and surrounds a closed liquid chamber; a flow channel structure separates the closed liquid chamber into a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber arranged along the first direction; the flow channel structure comprises a shell and a decoupling film; the shell is provided with an inertia passage and a mounting hole; the inertia passage is respectively communicated with the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber; the mounting hole penetrates through the shell at the opposite surfaces in the first direction; the decoupling film is made of a magnetic sensitive rubber material and is arranged in the mounting hole; a magnetic deformation part is arranged around the central axis of the rubber main spring and is connected to the rubber main spring; the magnetic deformation part is located on the side of the rubber main spring close to the mounting structure; and an electromagnetic structure can generate a magnetic force on the decoupling film and the magnetic deformation part. The stiffness and damping of the application have a large adjustable range and can meet higher vehicle NVH performance requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a semi-active hydraulic suspension and its control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Engine mounts are automotive powertrain components used to reduce and control the transmission of engine vibrations and to provide support; they are widely used in the current automotive industry. Commonly used mounts include traditional pure rubber mounts and hydraulic mounts, which offer better dynamic and static performance.

[0003] Currently, with the development and popularization of electric vehicles, and the increasing demands from the public for vehicle NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) and handling, the design requirements for vehicle suspension systems, as a crucial vibration isolation system, are also gradually increasing. Ordinary hydraulic suspension systems are increasingly unable to meet vehicle performance requirements, while semi-active suspension systems offer higher performance and can meet the performance requirements of vehicles under various operating conditions, gradually becoming an important direction for various automakers in the design and development of powertrain suspension systems. Although existing semi-active suspension systems can achieve adjustable stiffness and damping, their structure is complex, and the range of adjustable stiffness and damping is narrow. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a semi-active hydraulic suspension with a simple structure, capable of adjusting stiffness and damping, and with a wide range of adjustable stiffness and damping, meeting higher requirements for overall vehicle NVH performance while improving vehicle handling.

[0005] The present invention also provides a control method for the above-mentioned semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0006] The present invention also provides a vehicle having the above-mentioned semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a semi-active hydraulic suspension, comprising:

[0008] A rubber main spring has a central axis extending in a first direction, and one end of the rubber main spring in the first direction is provided with a mounting structure for connection with a powertrain.

[0009] A rubber bottom membrane is connected to the other end of the rubber main spring in the first direction, and together they form a sealed liquid chamber;

[0010] A flow channel structure is provided in the sealed liquid chamber and divides the sealed liquid chamber into a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber arranged along a first direction. The flow channel structure includes a shell and a decoupling membrane. The shell is provided with an inertial channel and a mounting hole. The inertial channel is connected to the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber respectively. The mounting hole penetrates two opposite surfaces of the shell in the first direction. The decoupling membrane is made of magnetically sensitive rubber material and is provided in the mounting hole.

[0011] A magnetostrictive element is arranged around the central axis of the rubber main spring and connected to the rubber main spring. The magnetostrictive element is located on the side of the rubber main spring closer to the mounting structure.

[0012] An electromagnetic structure is used to generate a magnetic force on the decoupling membrane and the magnetostrictive element.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the semi-active hydraulic suspension has at least the following beneficial effects: when the electromagnetic structure is energized and generates a magnetic field, the magnetostrictive element is deformed by the magnetic field, which increases the stiffness of the rubber main spring. At the same time, the decoupling membrane is also affected by the magnetic field and its hardness increases, thereby increasing the damping and stiffness of the semi-active hydraulic suspension. When the electromagnetic structure is de-energized and the magnetic field disappears, the magnetostrictive element returns to its original state, the stiffness of the rubber main spring decreases to the original design stiffness, and the hardness of the decoupling membrane decreases, thereby reducing the damping and stiffness of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0014] Compared to existing semi-active hydraulic suspensions, the semi-active hydraulic suspension provided in this embodiment of the invention achieves variable stiffness and damping through the cooperation of an electromagnetic structure, a magnetostrictive element on the rubber main spring, and a decoupling membrane made of magnetically sensitive rubber material. Moreover, the adjustable range of stiffness and damping is large, which can provide better overall vehicle NVH performance requirements and improve vehicle handling.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the magnetostrictive element is a magnetostrictive material, the magnetostrictive element has a ring-shaped structure, and the central axis of the magnetostrictive element coincides with the central axis of the rubber main spring.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the magnetostrictive element is vulcanized and connected to the rubber main spring, and the rubber main spring covers the magnetostrictive element.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the semi-active hydraulic suspension further includes a protective shell. The rubber main spring includes a first main spring portion and a second main spring portion connected along a first direction. The first main spring portion is provided with the mounting structure and the magnetostrictive element at one end away from the second main spring portion. The first main spring portion is flared, and the outer diameter of the first main spring portion decreases from the second main spring portion toward the mounting structure. The extension and retraction direction of the magnetostrictive element is parallel to the sidewall extension direction of the first main spring portion. The protective shell has a receiving groove with an opening facing the first main spring portion. The second main spring portion and the rubber bottom film are both disposed in the receiving groove. The second main spring portion is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove. The first main spring portion is partially disposed in the receiving groove and connected to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting structure is provided with a mounting cavity, the electromagnetic structure is disposed in the mounting cavity, and the magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic structure extends along a first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting structure includes an aluminum core and a connector. The aluminum core is connected to the rubber main spring. The axial direction of the connector extends along a first direction. The connector is connected to the aluminum core. The end of the connector away from the rubber base film is a connection end for connecting to the powertrain. The electromagnetic structure includes a coil. The coil is wound around the circumferential surface of the connector. The central axis of the coil, the central axis of the decoupling film, and the central axis of the rubber main spring coincide.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum core is shaped like a frustum conical, and the outer diameter of the aluminum core decreases from the rubber main spring toward the rubber base film, and the extension and retraction direction of the magnetostrictive element is perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall of the aluminum core.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the semi-active hydraulic suspension further includes an inner shell and a limiting structure. The inner shell is disposed in the sealed liquid chamber and located on the side of the flow channel structure near the connector. A through hole is provided in the middle of the inner shell, and the through hole penetrates the two opposite sides of the inner shell in a first direction. The limiting structure is located on the side of the through hole near the flow channel structure and is connected to the end of the connector near the flow channel structure. The limiting structure is in elastic contact with the inner shell and covers the through hole. The limiting structure and the inner shell separate the first liquid chamber into a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity arranged along the first direction.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting structure includes an elastic portion and a skeleton, the elastic portion covering the skeleton and the elastic portion in elastic contact with the inner shell.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a semi-active hydraulic suspension, applied to the semi-active hydraulic suspension described in the first aspect embodiment, comprising the following steps:

[0024] The system acquires the input command and determines the vehicle's current driving mode, which includes a normal driving mode, a comfort driving mode, and a sport driving mode.

[0025] If the vehicle is in normal driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is de-energized when the vehicle speed is less than the set value; the control electromagnetic structure is energized when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the set value.

[0026] If the vehicle is in comfort driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is de-energized;

[0027] If the vehicle is in Sport driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is energized.

[0028] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control method for a semi-active hydraulic suspension has at least the following beneficial effects: when the current driving mode of the vehicle is selected as the normal driving mode, it is necessary to determine the vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed is less than a set value, the electromagnetic structure is de-energized to minimize the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, thereby meeting the NVH performance requirements under starting, stopping, and creeping conditions. Otherwise, the electromagnetic structure is energized to increase the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension to meet the NVH performance requirements under impact conditions. When the current driving mode of the vehicle is selected as the comfort driving mode, the electromagnetic structure is de-energized to reduce the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, giving the vehicle good NVH performance. When the current driving mode of the vehicle is selected as the sport driving mode, the electromagnetic structure is energized to increase the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, giving the vehicle good handling.

[0029] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a semi-active hydraulic suspension as described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0030] The vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the vehicle adopting the semi-active hydraulic suspension with the above-described structure can adjust the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension to enable the vehicle to meet the performance requirements of different working conditions and provide better handling.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the semi-active hydraulic suspension provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the mounting structure and the electromagnetic structure in a semi-active hydraulic suspension according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the rubber main spring in a semi-active hydraulic suspension provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel structure in a semi-active hydraulic suspension provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the flow channel structure in a semi-active hydraulic suspension according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the limiting structure and the inner shell in a semi-active hydraulic suspension provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a semi-active hydraulic suspension provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Reference numerals: 100, mounting structure; 110, aluminum core; 111, first peripheral wall; 120, connector; 121, connecting end; 122, threaded part; 200, rubber main spring; 201, first main spring part; 202, second main spring part; 210, mounting groove; 211, second peripheral wall; 220, first cavity; 230, snap-fit ​​cavity; 310, outer shell; 320, bottom shell; 400, coil;

[0040] 510 Inner shell; 511 Second cavity; 512 Through hole; 520 Limiting structure; 521 Elastic part; 522 Skeleton; 523 Through hole; 530 Nut; 600 Magnetostrictive element; 710 First sub-cavity; 720 Second sub-cavity; 730 Second liquid chamber; 800 Flow channel structure; 810 Decoupling membrane; 820 First sub-shell; 821 Opening structure; 822 First opening; 830 Second sub-shell; 831 Groove; 832 Second opening; 840 Shell; 841 Inertial channel; 842 Mounting hole; 900 Rubber bottom membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] With the rapid development and widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the public's demands for vehicle NVH performance and handling have increased, leading to higher requirements for vehicle suspension design. Ordinary hydraulic suspensions are gradually failing to meet these performance requirements, necessitating the development of higher-performance hydraulic suspensions. Semi-active hydraulic suspensions, in particular, offer superior performance and can meet the demands of various vehicle operating conditions, making them an important research direction in the automotive field. Currently available semi-active hydraulic suspensions offer adjustable stiffness and damping; however, their complex structure and limited adjustable range of stiffness and damping prevent them from adequately meeting the higher overall vehicle NVH performance requirements.

[0045] Based on the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a semi-active hydraulic suspension and its control method, and a vehicle. The semi-active hydraulic suspension has the advantages of simple structure, small space occupation, durability and reliability. It can achieve adjustable stiffness and damping, and the adjustable range of stiffness and damping is wide, which can meet higher vehicle NVH performance requirements. At the same time, it can improve vehicle handling.

[0046] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 7 This invention describes a semi-active hydraulic suspension and its control method, as well as a vehicle, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the semi-active hydraulic suspension according to an embodiment of the present invention has a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, based on the installation of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, the powertrain (i.e., the engine) is located above the semi-active hydraulic suspension; therefore, it is assumed that the first direction is the vertical direction and the second direction is the horizontal direction.

[0048] The structure of the semi-active hydraulic suspension includes a rubber main spring 200, a protective shell, a rubber base diaphragm 900, a flow channel structure 800, a magnetostrictive element 600, and an electromagnetic structure.

[0049] The central axis of the rubber main spring 200 extends along a first direction. The rubber main spring 200 is provided with a mounting structure 100, located at one end of the rubber main spring 200 in the first direction. The mounting structure 100 is used to connect to the powertrain, allowing the semi-active hydraulic suspension to be mounted on the powertrain. In this embodiment, the mounting structure 100 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rubber main spring 200.

[0050] The rubber base diaphragm 900 is fixedly connected to the other end of the rubber main spring 200 in the first direction, and the rubber base diaphragm 900 and the rubber main spring 200 together form a sealed liquid chamber. The sealed liquid chamber provides a sealed containment space for the liquid. It is understood that the liquid can be injected into the sealed liquid chamber using vacuum filling technology, filling the sealed liquid chamber with liquid. The liquid can be ethylene glycol. In this embodiment, the rubber base diaphragm 900 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rubber main spring 200.

[0051] The protective shell has a receiving groove with its opening facing the mounting structure 100. A rubber base diaphragm 900 is disposed within the receiving groove, and a portion of a rubber main spring 200 is also disposed within the receiving groove. The mounting structure 100 is located outside the receiving groove. Both the rubber base diaphragm 900 and the rubber main spring 200 are connected to the protective shell. The protective shell provides protection for the rubber base diaphragm 900 and the first and second liquid chambers 730 formed by the rubber base diaphragm 900 and the rubber main spring 200. Furthermore, the protective shell can be bolted to the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the receiving groove is provided with vent holes, and there is a certain space between the rubber base diaphragm 900 and the bottom surface of the receiving groove. Gas in this space can enter and exit the vent holes during the deformation of the rubber base diaphragm 900.

[0052] In this embodiment, the protective shell includes an outer shell 310 and a bottom shell 320. The bottom shell 320 is located below the outer shell 310. The outer shell 310 and the bottom shell 320 are connected and together form a receiving groove. The inner circumferential surface of the outer shell 310 is connected to the rubber main spring 200.

[0053] A flow channel structure 800 is disposed within a sealed liquid chamber. The outer peripheral surface of the flow channel structure 800 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the sealed liquid chamber, enabling the flow channel structure 800 to divide the sealed liquid chamber into two liquid chambers, namely a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber 730. The first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber 730 are arranged along a first direction. The first liquid chamber is located near the mounting structure 100, and the second liquid chamber 730 is located near the rubber base diaphragm 900. It is understood that the shape and size of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber 730 can be different, and they can be set according to the actual situation.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first liquid chamber is located above the second liquid chamber 730. The rubber main spring 200 and the flow channel structure 800 together define the first liquid chamber, and the rubber bottom film 900 and the flow channel structure 800 together define the second liquid chamber 730.

[0055] The flow channel structure 800 includes a housing 840 and a decoupling membrane 810. The housing 840 is provided with an inertial channel 841. The inertial channel 841 has two openings, one connected to a first liquid chamber and the other connected to a second liquid chamber 730, allowing the inertial channel 841 to communicate with both the first and second liquid chambers 730, enabling the liquid in the sealed liquid chambers to flow back and forth within the inertial channel 841. It is understood that the shape and size of the inertial channel 841 can be set according to actual conditions and are not specifically limited here. In this embodiment, the inertial channel 841 is spiral-shaped.

[0056] The housing 840 is also provided with mounting holes 842, the central axis of which extends along the first direction. The mounting holes 842 penetrate two opposite surfaces of the housing 840 in the first direction, connecting to the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber 730 respectively. The decoupling membrane 810 is made of magnetically sensitive rubber and is disposed within the mounting holes 842 of the housing 840. In this embodiment, both the flow channel structure 800 and the decoupling membrane 810 are flat. Viewed along the first direction, the housing 840 is circular, and the decoupling membrane 810 is also circular. The vertical dimension (i.e., thickness) of the decoupling membrane 810 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the mounting hole 842; therefore, a damping cavity is formed between the surface of the decoupling membrane 810 and the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 842. A decoupling membrane 810 made of magnetically sensitive rubber material is disposed in the mounting hole 842 of the housing 840, such that the liquid in the first liquid chamber contacts the upper surface of the decoupling membrane 810, and the liquid in the second liquid chamber 730 contacts the lower surface of the decoupling membrane 810.

[0057] The magnetostrictive element 600 is arranged around the central axis of the rubber main spring 200. The magnetostrictive element 600 is fixedly connected to the rubber main spring 200. Moreover, the magnetostrictive element 600 is located on the side of the rubber main spring 200 closer to the mounting structure 100.

[0058] Understandably, the deformation of the magnetostrictive element 600 is affected by the magnitude of the magnetic field strength. Within a certain range, the greater the magnetic field strength, the greater the deformation of the magnetostrictive element 600. In one example, the number of magnetostrictive elements 600 can be one, arranged in a ring shape, with the central axis of the magnetostrictive element 600 extending along a first direction. Therefore, the magnetostrictive element 600 is arranged around the central axis of the rubber main spring 200, such that the central axis of the magnetostrictive element 600 coincides with the central axis of the rubber main spring 200. In other examples, the number of magnetostrictive elements 600 can be two, three, or more, and all the magnetostrictive elements 600 are arranged in a ring around the central axis of the rubber main spring 200, so that all the magnetostrictive elements 600 are evenly distributed on the rubber main spring 200, and each magnetostrictive element 600 can be arc-shaped.

[0059] The electromagnetic structure functions to generate a magnetic force on the decoupling film 810 and the magnetostrictive element 600. Essentially, the electromagnetic structure is a device that generates electromagnetic fields when energized, specifically an electromagnet. Under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic structure, the hardness of the decoupling film 810 changes, and simultaneously, the deformation of the magnetostrictive element 600 changes.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic structure and the protective housing are designed as separate units, meaning the electromagnetic structure can be installed independently, for example, mounted on the vehicle body and located below or to the left of the protective housing. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic structure is connected to the protective housing, for example, it can be installed below or to the left of the protective housing. In still other embodiments, the electromagnetic structure can be disposed inside the mounting structure 100.

[0061] Understandably, the rubber main spring 200 can not only withstand the static and dynamic loads of the powertrain, but also act as a pump piston, allowing the liquid to flow in a damped manner between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber 730 through the inertial channel 841, thereby consuming the vibration energy from the powertrain.

[0062] When the vehicle is traveling at low speed, the rubber main spring 200 will be compressed under low-frequency large amplitude vibration. At this time, the decoupling membrane 810 has high stiffness and the volume of the first liquid chamber becomes smaller. As a result, the liquid in the first liquid chamber is subjected to pressure and flows into the second liquid chamber 730 through the inertial channel 841. During this process, flow loss and throttling loss will occur, resulting in a large damping effect, which will attenuate the excitation energy, thereby effectively attenuating the low-frequency large amplitude vibration from the powertrain, limiting the large displacement of the powertrain, and thus improving the ride comfort of the vehicle.

[0063] When a vehicle is traveling at high speed, the powertrain will experience high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations. At this time, the decoupling membrane 810 has low stiffness, and the liquid cannot flow in the inertial channel 841. The damping is low, so the decoupling membrane 810 will deform and drive the liquid around it (such as the damping cavity) to move, so that the pressure is dynamically balanced, achieving the vibration isolation requirements of the powertrain and effectively suppressing high-frequency noise.

[0064] When using the semi-active hydraulic suspension of this embodiment, the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension can be adjusted by controlling the energization and de-energization of the electromagnetic structure, thereby adjusting the hardness of the decoupling membrane 810 and the deformation of the magnetostrictive element 600. At the same time, compared with existing semi-active hydraulic devices, the adjustable range of stiffness and damping can be improved.

[0065] When the electromagnetic structure is energized and generates a magnetic field, the magnetostrictive element 600 deforms under the influence of the magnetic field, which increases the stiffness of the rubber main spring 200. At the same time, the decoupling membrane 810 also becomes harder under the influence of the magnetic field, thus increasing the damping and stiffness of the semi-active hydraulic suspension. When the electromagnetic structure is de-energized and the magnetic field disappears, the magnetostrictive element 600 returns to its original state, the stiffness of the rubber main spring 200 decreases to its original design stiffness, and the hardness of the decoupling membrane 810 decreases, thus reducing the damping and stiffness of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0066] The electromagnetic structure and the magnetostrictive element 600, as well as the electromagnetic structure and the decoupling membrane 810, are all connected in a non-contact manner. Compared with the structural design that uses an air cavity and a solenoid valve in conjunction with the decoupling membrane 810, and the structural design that connects the electromagnetic actuator to the decoupling membrane 810, the semi-active hydraulic suspension provided in this embodiment of the invention has the advantages of simple structure, easy assembly, stability and reliability, and low failure rate.

[0067] Compared to existing semi-active hydraulic suspensions, the semi-active hydraulic suspension provided in this embodiment of the invention achieves variable stiffness and damping through the cooperation of an electromagnetic structure, a magnetostrictive element 600 on a rubber main spring 200, and a decoupling membrane 810 made of magnetically sensitive rubber material. Moreover, the adjustable range of stiffness and damping is large, which can provide better overall vehicle NVH performance requirements and improve vehicle handling.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the magnetostrictive element 600 is a magnetostrictive material. The magnetostrictive element 600 has a ring-shaped structure, and the central axis of the magnetostrictive element 600 extends along the first direction and coincides with the central axis of the rubber main spring 200.

[0069] Understandably, as the magnetic field strength increases, the magnetostrictive effect of the magnetostrictive element 600 increases, meaning the elongation of the magnetostrictive element 600 increases. This configuration ensures that the force exerted on the rubber main spring 200 by the magnetostrictive element 600 is uniform throughout its circumference.

[0070] Furthermore, the magnetostrictive element 600 is vulcanized with the rubber main spring 200, and the rubber main spring 200 covers the magnetostrictive element 600, which can protect the magnetostrictive element 600 from being exposed.

[0071] In a specific example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the rubber main spring 200 includes a first main spring portion 201 and a second main spring portion 202, wherein the first main spring portion 201 and the second main spring portion 202 are arranged along a first direction and are connected by an integral molding process. In this embodiment, the first main spring portion 201 is located above the second main spring portion 202.

[0072] The first main spring portion 201, located away from the second main spring portion 202, is provided with a mounting structure 100 and a magnetostrictive element 600. The first main spring portion 201 is trumpet-shaped, and its outer diameter changes along a first direction; specifically, the outer diameter of the first main spring portion 201 decreases from the second main spring portion 202 toward the mounting structure 100. From a cross-sectional perspective, the sidewalls of the first main spring portion 201 are inclined, with the upper portion of the sidewall closer to the central axis of the first main spring portion 201 than the lower portion. The sidewall thickness of the first main spring portion 201 is greater than the sidewall thickness of the second main spring portion 202.

[0073] The magnetostrictive element 600 is disposed within the sidewall of the first main spring portion 201, and is in a wrapped state. Moreover, the length extension direction of the magnetostrictive element 600 is parallel to the extension direction of the sidewall of the first main spring portion 201. From a cross-sectional perspective, the dimension of the magnetostrictive element 600 in the thickness direction of the sidewall of the first main spring portion 201 is greater than or equal to the thickness dimension of the sidewall of the first main spring portion 201.

[0074] The housing has an opening in the receiving groove, which is open to the first main spring part 201. The second main spring part 202 and the rubber bottom film 900 are both located in the receiving groove. The second main spring part 202 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove. The first main spring part 201 is partially located in the receiving groove and is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove.

[0075] It is understandable that by adopting the above structural design, the magnetostrictive element 600 can be extended or shortened to its original state along the side wall extension direction of the first main spring 201. The length change of the magnetostrictive element 600 is fully utilized to adjust the stiffness of the rubber main spring 200, which helps to reduce the amount of material used in the magnetostrictive element 600 and reduce the power of the electromagnetic structure.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mounting structure 100 has a mounting cavity, the electromagnetic structure is located inside the mounting cavity, and the magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic structure extends along the first direction.

[0077] This configuration effectively utilizes the internal space of the mounting structure 100, making the semi-active hydraulic suspension structure more compact and reducing its space occupation. Furthermore, since the decoupling membrane 810 is farther from the mounting structure 100 than the magnetostrictive element 600, when the magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic structure extends along the first direction and is perpendicular to the end face of the decoupling membrane 810, the hardness change of the decoupling membrane 810 becomes more pronounced under a certain magnetic field strength. This facilitates significant adjustment of the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0078] In one example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mounting structure 100 includes an aluminum core 110 and a connector 120. The aluminum core 110 is connected to the rubber spring 200, for example, by vulcanizing the outer surface of the aluminum core 110. The connector 120 extends axially along a first direction and is fixedly connected to the aluminum core 110, such as by bolts, rotating clips, or welding. The end of the connector 120 furthest from the rubber base 900 is a connection end 121 for connecting to the powertrain, which can be connected to the powertrain via a threaded structure. After the mounting structure 100 is connected to the powertrain, both the connector 120 and the aluminum core 110 will be in contact with the powertrain. The connector 120 can be a cylinder made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0079] The electromagnetic structure includes a coil 400, which is wound around the circumference of the connector 120. Both ends of the coil 400 are energized terminals, allowing it to be connected to an external power source, thus enabling the coil 400 to be energized and generate a magnetic field. The central axis of the coil 400, the central axis of the decoupling membrane 810, and the central axis of the rubber main spring 200 coincide, while the central axis of the rubber main spring 200 coincides with the central axis of the annular magnetostrictive element 600.

[0080] When the coil 400 is energized, a magnetic field is generated. The magnetostrictive element 600 is deformed and elongated under the action of the magnetic field. The rubber main spring 200 is affected by the deformation of the magnetostrictive element 600, and its stiffness increases. At the same time, the decoupling membrane 810 is affected by the magnetic field and its hardness increases, resulting in increased damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0081] When the coil 400 is de-energized, the magnetic field disappears, the magnetostrictive component 600 returns to its original shape, the stiffness of the rubber main spring 200 decreases, and the original design stiffness is maintained; at the same time, the hardness of the decoupling membrane 810 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0082] This configuration allows for a significant change in the hardness of the decoupling membrane 810. At the same time, the magnetic field strength experienced by the magnetostrictive element 600 is uniform throughout its circumference, and the length variation of the magnetostrictive element 600 is consistent, thereby achieving uniform stiffness variation in the rubber main spring 200.

[0083] In a specific example, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the aluminum core 110 is truncated cone-shaped, and its outer diameter decreases from the rubber main spring 200 toward the rubber base film 900. The extension and retraction direction of the magnetostrictive element 600 is perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall of the aluminum core 110. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the aluminum core 110 decreases from top to bottom.

[0084] The rubber main spring 200 is provided with an upward-opening mounting groove 210, the shape of which matches the shape of the aluminum core 110. From a cross-sectional view, the aluminum core 110 has an inclined first circumferential wall 111, while the mounting groove 210 has an inclined second circumferential wall 211, which fit together. When the powertrain vibrates, the vibration is transmitted through the aluminum core 110 to the rubber main spring 200. Since the extension direction of the magnetostrictive element 600 is perpendicular to the first and second circumferential walls 111 and 211, and parallel to the sidewall extension direction of the rubber main spring 200, the direction of the vibration acting on the sidewall of the rubber main spring 200 is parallel to the sidewall extension direction. Therefore, the elongation of the magnetostrictive element 600 can be fully utilized to effectively increase the stiffness of the rubber main spring 200 and effectively limit large displacements of the powertrain, thereby improving the vibration damping effect of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the semi-active hydraulic suspension structure also includes an inner shell 510 and a limiting structure 520.

[0086] The inner shell 510 is located in the sealed liquid chamber. The inner shell 510 is located on the side of the flow channel structure 800 near the connector 120. Moreover, a through hole 512 is provided in the middle of the inner shell 510, and the through hole 512 passes through the two opposite sides of the inner shell 510 in the first direction.

[0087] The limiting structure 520 is located on the side of the through hole 512 near the flow channel structure 800. The limiting structure 520 is connected to the end of the connector 120 near the flow channel structure 800. Moreover, the limiting structure 520 is in elastic contact with the inner shell 510 and can cover the through hole 512. The limiting structure 520 and the inner shell 510 cooperate to divide the first liquid chamber into a first sub-cavity 710 and a second sub-cavity 720. The first sub-cavity 710 and the second sub-cavity 720 are arranged along a first direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first sub-cavity 710 is located above the second sub-cavity 720. The inner shell 510, the limiting structure 520, and the rubber main spring 200 together define the first sub-cavity 710, and the inner shell 510, the limiting structure 520, and the flow channel structure 800 together define the second sub-cavity 720.

[0089] The inner shell 510 has a second recess 511 with its opening facing downwards, and a through hole 512 is connected to the second recess 511. The through hole 512 can be a circular hole. The lower part of the inner shell 510 is provided with an annular protrusion that can abut against the flow channel structure 800. The outer diameter of the limiting structure 520 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 512; therefore, the limiting structure 520 cannot pass through the through hole 512.

[0090] The lower part of the mounting groove 210 of the rubber main spring 200 is open so that the connector 120 passes through the mounting groove 210 and connects with the limiting structure 520. The aluminum core 110 is flared, and the mounting groove 210 is also flared. When the connector 120 is connected to the limiting structure 520, the lower surface of the aluminum core 110 will contact the limiting structure 520.

[0091] It is understandable that the limiting structure 520 will bear some of the vibration from the powertrain, causing the limiting structure 520 to move relative to the inner shell 510 in the first direction, which can play a similar role to a pumping piston as the rubber main spring 200.

[0092] In some examples, the limiting structure 520 remains in contact with the inner shell 510 at all times, so the first sub-cavity 710 and the second sub-cavity 720 are not connected to each other. When the limiting structure 520 moves up and down due to vibration, the limiting structure 520 will undergo a certain deformation and will always be in contact with the inner shell 510 to block the through hole 512.

[0093] In other examples, the limiting structure 520 can move back and forth along the first direction, allowing the through hole 512 to switch between open and closed states. Moreover, when the downward movement of the limiting structure 520 reaches its maximum, the limiting structure 520 will come into contact with the flow channel structure 800, preventing the limiting structure 520 from moving further downward, thereby providing a certain limiting effect on the powertrain.

[0094] In one example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the limiting structure 520 includes an elastic portion 521 and a frame 522. The frame 522 can be made of a metallic material such as iron. The elastic portion 521 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic portion 521 covers the frame 522 and is in elastic contact with the inner shell 510.

[0095] The frame 522 is provided with a through hole 523, and the lower part of the connector 120 is provided with a threaded part 122. The threaded part 122 can pass through the through hole 512 and the through hole 523, and is connected to a nut 530, so that the mounting structure 100 is connected to the limiting structure 520. The upper surface of the nut 530 can contact the frame 522 or connect to the elastic part 521.

[0096] In one example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the housing 840 includes a first sub-shell 820 and a second sub-shell 830. The first sub-shell 820 is located above the second sub-shell 830. The first sub-shell 820 has a first opening 822 at its center and an opening structure 821 on its upper surface. The second sub-shell 830 has a second opening 832 at its center and an upward-facing groove 831 for liquid flow. The groove 831 is arc-shaped and has an opening.

[0097] Therefore, the first sub-shell 820 and the second sub-shell 830 are connected and together define the inertial channel 841 and the mounting hole 842. The decoupling membrane 810 is located between the first opening 822 and the second opening 832.

[0098] The liquid in the first liquid chamber enters the inertial channel 841 through the opening structure 821, and the liquid in the second liquid chamber 730 flows into the inertial channel 841 through the opening of the groove 831.

[0099] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 6As shown, the aluminum core 110 and the outer shell 310 are vulcanized together with the rubber main spring 200. The outer shell 310, inner shell 510, flow channel structure 800, rubber bottom film 900, and bottom shell 320 are press-fitted together to connect them. The first sub-shell 820 and the second sub-shell 830 are connected by riveting, and the decoupling film 810 is press-fitted between the first sub-shell 820 and the second sub-shell 830.

[0100] The rubber main spring 200 has a hollow interior forming a first recess 220 and a snap-fit ​​cavity 230. The first recess 220 is located above and communicates with the snap-fit ​​cavity 230, and the snap-fit ​​cavity 230 is open downwards. During the press-fit process, the flow channel structure 800, the annular protrusion of the inner shell 510, and the annular protrusion of the rubber bottom membrane 900 are all located within the snap-fit ​​cavity 230. After the press-fit is completed, the rubber main spring 200 and the rubber bottom membrane 900 together define a sealed liquid chamber.

[0101] The housing 310 is provided with connection holes for mounting on the vehicle body by bolts.

[0102] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the control method for a semi-active hydraulic suspension according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention is applied to a semi-active hydraulic suspension according to a first aspect embodiment. The control method includes the following steps:

[0103] Step S1: Obtain the input command and determine the current driving mode of the vehicle, which includes normal driving mode, comfort driving mode and sport driving mode.

[0104] Step S21: If the vehicle is in sport driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is energized.

[0105] Step S22: If the vehicle is in normal driving mode, when the vehicle speed is less than the set value, the control electromagnetic structure is de-energized; when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the set value, the control electromagnetic structure is energized.

[0106] Step S23: If the vehicle is in comfort driving mode, de-energize the control electromagnetic structure.

[0107] Understandably, users can input commands into the vehicle's system to select the desired driving mode. After receiving the command, the system will compare and judge the data to confirm the vehicle's current driving mode. Then, based on the vehicle's current driving mode, it will control the energization and de-energization of the electromagnetic structure of the semi-active hydraulic suspension.

[0108] When the vehicle's current driving mode is set to normal, the vehicle speed needs to be assessed. If the speed is less than the set value, the control electromagnetic structure is de-energized, and no magnetic field is generated. In this case, the magnetostrictive component 600 remains unchanged, and the decoupling membrane 810 has minimal hardness, thus minimizing the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension to meet NVH performance requirements during start-up, engine shutdown, and creep conditions. If the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the set value, the control electromagnetic structure is energized, generating a magnetic field. This causes the magnetostrictive component 600 to deform and elongate, increasing the hardness of the decoupling membrane 810. This improves the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, meeting NVH performance requirements under impact conditions, especially providing better handling when the vehicle travels over potholes or speed bumps.

[0109] The setting value can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the setting value can be selected as 10km / h.

[0110] When the current driving mode of the vehicle is selected as comfort driving mode, there is no need to judge the vehicle speed. The electromagnetic structure is directly de-energized. Under the influence of no magnetic field, the magnetostrictive component 600 remains unchanged, and the hardness of the decoupling film 810 remains at a minimum, thereby reducing the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, so that the vehicle has good NVH performance.

[0111] When the current driving mode of the vehicle is selected as Sport driving mode, there is no need to judge the size of the vehicle. The electromagnetic structure is directly energized, causing the magnetostrictive component 600 to deform and elongate under the action of the magnetic field. The hardness of the decoupling film 810 increases under the action of the magnetic field, thereby increasing the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, giving the vehicle good handling.

[0112] The semi-active hydraulic suspension provided in this invention is typically applied to the front suspension of longitudinally mounted vehicles, and can also be applied to the engine or transmission side suspension of some transversely mounted vehicles. When the semi-active hydraulic suspension has high damping and high stiffness, the vehicle exhibits good handling and performance under road impact conditions. When the semi-active hydraulic suspension has low damping and low stiffness, the vehicle exhibits good NVH performance.

[0113] Furthermore, the vehicle according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention includes the semi-active hydraulic suspension of the first aspect embodiment.

[0114] Specifically, the vehicle can be a private car, such as a sedan, SUV, MPV, or pickup truck. The vehicle can also be a commercial vehicle, such as a van, bus, small truck, or large semi-trailer. The vehicle can be a gasoline-powered vehicle or a new energy vehicle. When the vehicle is a new energy vehicle, it can be a hybrid vehicle or a pure electric vehicle.

[0115] The semi-active hydraulic suspension with the above structure allows the vehicle to meet the performance requirements of different working conditions by adjusting the stiffness and damping of the semi-active hydraulic suspension, providing better handling and better ride comfort.

[0116] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0117] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A semi-active hydraulic suspension, characterized in that, include: A rubber main spring has a central axis extending in a first direction, and one end of the rubber main spring in the first direction is provided with a mounting structure for connection with a powertrain. A rubber bottom membrane is connected to the other end of the rubber main spring in the first direction, and together they form a sealed liquid chamber; A flow channel structure is provided in the sealed liquid chamber and divides the sealed liquid chamber into a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber arranged along a first direction. The flow channel structure includes a shell and a decoupling membrane. The shell is provided with an inertial channel and a mounting hole. The inertial channel is connected to the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber respectively. The mounting hole penetrates two opposite surfaces of the shell in the first direction. The decoupling membrane is made of magnetically sensitive rubber material and is provided in the mounting hole. A magnetostrictive element is arranged around the central axis of the rubber main spring and connected to the rubber main spring. The magnetostrictive element is located on the side of the rubber main spring closer to the mounting structure. An electromagnetic structure is used to generate a magnetic force on the decoupling membrane and the magnetostrictive element.

2. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetostrictive element is a magnetostrictive material, the magnetostrictive element has a ring-shaped structure, and the central axis of the magnetostrictive element coincides with the central axis of the rubber main spring.

3. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetostrictive element is vulcanized and connected to the rubber main spring, and the rubber main spring covers the magnetostrictive element.

4. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a protective shell. The rubber main spring includes a first main spring portion and a second main spring portion connected along a first direction. The first main spring portion is provided with the mounting structure and the magnetostrictive element at one end away from the second main spring portion. The first main spring portion is trumpet-shaped, and the outer diameter of the first main spring portion decreases from the second main spring portion towards the mounting structure. The extension and retraction direction of the magnetostrictive element is parallel to the sidewall extension direction of the first main spring portion. The protective shell has a receiving groove with an opening facing the first main spring portion. The second main spring portion and the rubber bottom film are both disposed in the receiving groove. The second main spring portion is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove. The first main spring portion is partially disposed in the receiving groove and connected to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove.

5. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting structure has a mounting cavity, the electromagnetic structure is located in the mounting cavity, and the magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic structure extends along a first direction.

6. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting structure includes an aluminum core and a connector. The aluminum core is connected to the rubber main spring. The axial direction of the connector extends along a first direction. The connector is connected to the aluminum core. The end of the connector away from the rubber base film is a connection end for connecting the powertrain. The electromagnetic structure includes a coil. The coil is wound around the circumference of the connector. The central axis of the coil, the central axis of the decoupling film, and the central axis of the rubber main spring coincide.

7. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aluminum core is shaped like a frustum cone, and the outer diameter of the aluminum core decreases from the rubber main spring toward the rubber base film. The extension and contraction direction of the magnetostrictive element is perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall of the aluminum core.

8. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, It also includes an inner shell and a limiting structure. The inner shell is disposed in the sealed liquid chamber and is located on the side of the flow channel structure near the connector. A through hole is provided in the middle of the inner shell. The through hole passes through the two opposite sides of the inner shell in a first direction. The limiting structure is located on the side of the through hole near the flow channel structure and is connected to the end of the connector near the flow channel structure. The limiting structure is in elastic contact with the inner shell and covers the through hole. The limiting structure and the inner shell separate the first liquid chamber into a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity arranged along the first direction.

9. The semi-active hydraulic suspension according to claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes an elastic part and a skeleton, the elastic part covers the skeleton, and the elastic part is in elastic contact with the inner shell.

10. A control method for a semi-active hydraulic suspension, applied to a semi-active hydraulic suspension as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The steps include the following: The system acquires the input command and determines the vehicle's current driving mode, which includes a normal driving mode, a comfort driving mode, and a sport driving mode. If the vehicle is in normal driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is de-energized when the vehicle speed is less than the set value; the control electromagnetic structure is energized when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the set value. If the vehicle is in comfort driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is de-energized; If the vehicle is in Sport driving mode, the control electromagnetic structure is energized.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the semi-active hydraulic suspension as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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