Damping device

Abstract

The invention provides a damping device with good load responsiveness. The damper device (10) is provided with a cylinder tube (20) and a piston, the cylinder tube (20) is provided with a vent hole (25) and a valve seat (30), the damper device (10) is provided with an elastically deformable valve body (90) which abuts against the valve seat (30) before the piston moves in the damper braking direction and when the piston moves in the damper braking direction, and a vent groove (35) is formed in the valve seat (30). An inclined surface (33) is formed in which the amount of protrusion of the valve seat gradually decreases from the outer peripheral side of the valve seat toward the vent hole (25), the vent groove (35) has a first groove portion (36) extending so that the depth of the first groove portion (36) with respect to the inclined surface (33) gradually decreases from the outer peripheral side of the inclined surface (33) toward the vent hole (25), and when the piston moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body (90) comes into contact with the inclined surface (33) and elastically deforms. The contact area between the valve body (90) and the inclined surface (33) is enlarged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a damping device which is used for braking the opening and closing operation of a glove box of a vehicle, for example. Background Art

[0002] For example, in a car glove box, a damping device is sometimes used to suppress the lid from opening suddenly and to open it slowly.

[0003] As the damping device described below, a damper is described in the following patent document 1, which comprises: a piston; a cylinder having a partition wall formed with a vent hole; and a valve body, wherein the cylinder comprises: a first barrel portion, which is cylindrically protruded from the partition wall of the cylinder in a manner to surround the vent hole, and the top end of the first barrel portion serves as an opening connected to the vent hole; and a second barrel portion, which is cylindrically protruded from the partition wall of the cylinder in a manner to surround the first barrel portion, and the second barrel portion has a plurality of protrusions formed on the inner circumferential surface and arranged along the circumferential direction, and the valve body is gap-fitted between the plurality of protrusions and the top end of the first barrel portion.

[0004] A groove of fine width is formed at the opening on the top side of the first barrel, and the groove functions as a throttle hole. Furthermore, when the piston slides in the direction away from the partition wall, the valve body abuts against the top of the first barrel and closes the vent hole, thereby the first chamber in the cylinder becomes negative pressure and generates damping force (braking force). At this time, air will flow in the groove, so the damping force can be adjusted.

[0005] Furthermore, as described in paragraph 0020 of Patent Document 1, in the damper of Patent Document 1, as the negative pressure of the first chamber in the cylinder increases, the valve body enters the groove further, thereby narrowing the opening of the throttle hole and generating a greater damping force.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5856678

[0009] Furthermore, in the damping device, responsiveness corresponding to the load of cargo, etc. (called load responsiveness. It can also be called responsiveness corresponding to the speed of the piston) is sometimes required so that, for example, when the weight (load) of the cargo, etc. accommodated in the glove box is heavy, a large braking force is generated, and when the weight of the cargo, etc. is light, a smaller braking force is generated compared to the case where the weight of the cargo, etc. is heavy.

[0010] In the damper of Patent Document 1, as described above, the opening area of ​​the groove is adjusted by inserting the valve body into the groove of a small width. However, since the groove has a small width, it is difficult for the valve body to enter, so the load responsiveness as described above is not good. Summary of the invention

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a damping device having good load responsiveness.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention is a damping device, which is installed between a pair of components that are close to / away from each other, and applies braking force when the pair of components are close to or away from each other, and the damping device is characterized in that it comprises: a cylinder, which is in the shape of a cylinder with an internal space, is provided with an opening at one end, and is provided with a vent hole and a valve seat connected to the internal space at the other end; and a piston, which reciprocates in the cylinder, and an elastically deformable valve body is arranged at the other end of the cylinder, before the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper and when the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper, the valve body abuts against the valve seat, and when the piston moves in a return direction opposite to the braking direction of the damper, the valve body abuts against the valve seat. At least a portion of the valve body is away from the valve seat, the valve seat surrounds the vent hole and protrudes in a direction opposite to the internal space, and has a vent groove extending from the outer periphery of the valve seat to the vent hole and connected to the vent hole, the opposite part of the valve seat to the valve body forms an inclined surface with a protrusion gradually decreasing from the outer periphery of the valve seat toward the vent hole, the vent groove has a first groove portion, and the first groove portion extends in a manner that its depth relative to the inclined surface gradually becomes shallower from the outer periphery of the inclined surface to the vent hole, when the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper, the valve body contacts the inclined surface and elastically deforms along the inclined surface, and the contact area between the valve body and the inclined surface is expanded.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] In the present invention, when the piston moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body contacts the inclined surface and elastically deforms along the inclined surface, and the contact area between the valve body and the inclined surface increases. Therefore, the elastic deformation amount of the valve body varies according to the load of the cargo, etc., so the contact area between the valve body and the inclined surface can be changed in accordance with the load of the cargo, etc., thereby changing the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove, and improving the load responsiveness of the damping device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the damper device of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the damping device.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the damping device.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1An enlarged stereogram of the main parts of the damping device.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged top view of the main parts of the damping device.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of sight.

[0021] Figure 7 is Figure 1 The piston in the damping device moves from Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the state in which the damper moves from the state of generating a damper braking force.

[0022] Figure 8 It means in Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the deformation state of the valve body when the piston in the damping device moves in the braking direction of the damper.

[0023] Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 1 The deformation state of the valve body when the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper is related to Figure 8 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the case where the load is large.

[0024] Fig. 10A Another embodiment of the damper device of the present invention is shown, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of a valve body when a piston moves in a damper braking direction.

[0025] Fig. 10B Shown in Fig. 10A The deformation state of the valve body when the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper is related to Fig. 10A Enlarged cross-sectional view of the case where the load is large.

[0026] Fig.11A The present invention shows still another embodiment of the damper device, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of a valve body when a piston moves in a damper braking direction.

[0027] Fig. 11B Shown in Fig.11A The deformation state of the valve body when the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper is related to Fig.11A Enlarged cross-sectional view of the case where the load is large.

[0028] Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 10: damping device; 20: cylinder; 22: opening; 25: vent hole; 30, 30A: valve seat; 31: periphery; 35, 35B: ventilation groove; 36: first groove portion; 38: second groove portion; 60: piston; 63: sealing ring; 65: coil spring; 70: cap; 80: rope-like body; 90: valve body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] (One embodiment of the damping device)

[0031] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the damper device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 , Figure 2 The damping device 10 shown is mounted on a pair of members that are close to or away from each other, and a braking force is applied when the pair of members are close to or away from each other. For example, it can be used as a braking device for a glove box, a cover, etc. that is mounted in an openable and closable manner on an opening of a storage part provided on an instrument panel of a car. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, one of the members is set as a fixed body such as a storage part of the instrument panel, and the other member is set as an opening and closing body such as a glove box, a cover, etc. that is mounted in an openable and closable manner on the opening of the fixed body.

[0033] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the damping device 10 of the present embodiment comprises: a cylinder 20, which is in a cylindrical shape with an internal space R, is provided with an opening 22 at one end, and is provided with a vent hole 25 and a valve seat 30 connected to the internal space R at the other end; a piston 60, which reciprocates in the cylinder 20; a coil spring 65, which forms a piston force unit in the cylinder 20 for applying force to the piston 60; a cap 70, which is attached to the opening 22 of the cylinder 20; and a rope-like body 80, which is fixed to the piston 60.

[0034] In addition, an elastically deformable valve body 90 is disposed on the other end of the cylinder 20 on the side opposite to the internal space R. Before the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction and when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body 90 abuts against the valve seat 30, and when the piston 60 moves in the return direction opposite to the damper braking direction, at least a portion of the valve body 90 leaves the valve seat 30. It should be noted that, as the valve body, a structure that can be elastically deformed in a manner that the entire valve seat is separated when the piston moves in the return direction may be adopted.

[0035] The valve body 90 in the present embodiment is formed of an elastic material such as rubber (gom, rubber) to be an elastically deformable member as described above, and has a circular plate shape.

[0036] It should be noted that it can also be said that the valve body 90 is the following component: it is arranged on the side opposite to the internal space R of the other end of the cylinder 20, and before the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction and when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body 90 abuts against the valve seat 30 to generate the damper braking force, and when the piston 60 moves in the return direction opposite to the damper braking direction, at least a portion of the valve body 90 leaves the valve seat 30 to release the damper braking force.

[0037] The cylinder 20 has a substantially cylindrical wall portion 21, an opening 22 is provided at one end portion in the extending direction, and an end wall 23 is provided at the other end portion in the extending direction (see Figure 3 ). In addition, a plurality of locking holes 22 a are formed near the opening 22 provided at one end of the wall portion 21 .

[0038] It should be noted that in the following description, "one end" or "one end" refers to one end or one end on the damper braking direction side of the damping device 10, and "the other end" or "the other end" refers to the other end or the other end on the return direction side opposite to the damper braking direction.

[0039] In addition, the above-mentioned "damper braking direction" in this embodiment refers to the direction in which the piston 60 is away from the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 (see Figure 3 ) so that the amount of the rope-like body 80 pulled out from the opening 22 of the cylinder 20 increases (refer to Figure 3 F1).

[0040] In addition, the above-mentioned "return direction opposite to the damper braking direction" (hereinafter also referred to as "damper return direction") in this embodiment refers to the direction in which the piston 60 approaches the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 and the amount of retraction of the rope-like body 80 into the cylinder 20 increases (refer to Figure 7 arrow F2).

[0041] The rope-like body 80 is in the shape of a rope extending to a predetermined length, and its two ends 81 and 83 in the extending direction are in the shape of loops. One end 81 in the extending direction is engaged with an engaging portion of an opening and closing body (not shown), and the other end 83 in the extending direction is engaged with the piston 60 .

[0042] The piston 60 includes a base 61 and a top end 62 connected to the base 61. A seal ring 63 is formed at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the base 61 to form an air chamber in the cylinder 20 by sliding contact with the inner periphery of the wall 21 of the cylinder 20. The other end 83 of the rope-like body 80 is locked to the top end 62 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0043] The cap 70 has a plurality of locking protrusions 71 formed on its outer periphery. These locking protrusions 71 are respectively locked in the corresponding locking holes 22a of the cylinder 20, so that the cap 70 is attached to the opening 22. In addition, a rope lead-out hole 73 is formed in the radial center of the cap 70 for leading out the rope-like body 80.

[0044] Moreover, if Figure 3 As shown, the coil spring 65 is disposed in a compressed state inside the cylinder 20 and between the piston 60 and the cap 70 , and the coil spring 65 urges the piston 60 toward the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 .

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 9 etc. describe the cylinder 20 in detail.

[0046] A plurality of mounting portions 24 are provided from the outer periphery of the wall portion 21 constituting the cylinder 20. The cylinder 20 is mounted on a fixed side (not shown) via these mounting portions 24.

[0047] The end wall 23 disposed at the other end in the extension direction of the wall portion 21 is substantially circular plate-shaped. A circular hole-shaped vent hole 25 is formed in the radial center portion of the end wall 23 so as to extend along the extension direction of the cylinder tube 20 (see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 It should be noted that the vent hole 25 is formed to be aligned with the axis of the cylinder 20 (the radial center of the wall portion 21).

[0048] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the valve seat 30 surrounds the vent hole 25 and protrudes in a direction opposite to the inner space R, and is formed with a vent groove 35 extending from an outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 toward the vent hole 25 and communicating with the vent hole 25 .

[0049] Moreover, if Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown in the figures, the portion of the valve seat 30 facing the valve body 90 forms an inclined surface 33 whose protrusion amount (the protrusion amount of the valve seat 30 relative to the end wall 23) gradually decreases from the outer periphery 31 side of the valve seat 30 toward the vent hole 25. In addition, it can also be said that the inclined surface 33 has a shape in which the depth (the depth of the valve seat 30 relative to the top end of the protrusion direction) gradually increases from the outer periphery 31 side of the valve seat 30 toward the vent hole 25. It should be noted that the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 is the portion with which the valve body 90 contacts to close the vent hole 25, and therefore it can also be said to be the seat surface of the valve seat 30.

[0050] In addition, the ventilation groove 35 has a first groove portion 36, which extends in a manner where its depth relative to the inclined surface 33 gradually becomes shallower from the outer periphery of the inclined surface 33 (here, the outer peripheral edge portion 33a of the inclined surface 33 located on the outer periphery, that is, the portion reaching the top edge portion 31a of the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30) toward the ventilation hole 25.

[0051] The first groove portion 36 has: a first opening 36b, opening to the side of the valve body 90; and a second opening 36c, located at the top end side of the first groove portion 36 in the extending direction, opening to the vent hole 25 side (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ).

[0052] In addition, the ventilation groove 35 further includes a second groove portion 38, which extends from the first groove portion 36 (here, the second opening 36c of the first groove portion 36) to the ventilation hole 25 in a manner fixed to its depth relative to the inclined surface 33 (see Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ). It should be noted that the internal space of the second groove portion 38 and the internal space of the first groove portion 36 are communicated with each other via the second opening 36c.

[0053] Furthermore, the valve body 90 is configured such that when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, it contacts the inclined surface 33 and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33, and the contact area between the valve body 90 and the inclined surface 33 is enlarged compared to before the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction (see Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ).

[0054] The above-mentioned valve seat 30, ventilation groove 35, etc. are described in more detail. In the case of the present embodiment, the valve seat 30 protrudes from the outer surface of the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 (the surface opposite to the inner surface facing the internal space R) in a manner that becomes opposite to the internal space R (the direction away from the internal space R).

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve seat 30 is in the shape of a substantially circular protrusion having a circular outer periphery 31, wherein the circular outer periphery 31 gradually decreases in diameter from the protruding direction base end side to the protruding direction tip side. Figure 4 As shown, the tip edge portion 31 a of the outer periphery 31 which is farthest from the end wall 23 (and which protrudes the most with respect to the end wall 23 ) is in a curved surface shape with rounded corners.

[0056] Moreover, if Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, a protrusion 32 in the shape of a circular protrusion is protruded from the inner surface of the end wall 23 and aligned with the valve seat 30 in the radial center. The protrusion 32 also surrounds the vent hole 25. That is, the vent hole 25 passes through the valve seat 30 and also passes through the protrusion 32.

[0057] In addition, if Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 , the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 is in the shape of a curved surface (arc-shaped curved surface) that is convex in the protruding direction of the valve seat 30 .

[0058] More specifically, the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30, which is the portion opposing the valve body 90, is an inclined surface in the shape of a convex curved surface as follows: from the top edge 31a in the protruding direction of the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 toward the vent 25, a convex curved surface (a convex curved surface protruding upward) that protrudes (protrudes) in the protruding direction of the valve seat 30 is described, and at the same time, the protrusion amount of the valve seat 30 relative to the outer surface of the end wall 23 gradually decreases (it can also be said that the depth of the top edge 31a of the valve seat 30 relative to the outer periphery 31 gradually becomes deeper).

[0059] In addition, as described above, the ventilation groove 35 includes a first groove portion 36 and a second groove portion 38. The base end of the first groove portion 36 in the extension direction is located at the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30, and the first groove portion 36 is connected to the outside of the valve seat, and extends from the outer peripheral edge portion 33a of the inclined surface 33 (the peripheral edge portion of the inclined surface 33 located on the radially outer side) toward the ventilation hole 25. It should be noted that the outer peripheral edge portion 33a of the inclined surface 33 is configured to reach the top edge portion 31a of the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 (refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 ).

[0060] That is, the ventilation groove 35 is constructed as follows: from the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 to the ventilation hole 25 via the internal space of the first groove portion 36, the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36, the second opening 36c of the first groove portion 36, the internal space of the second groove portion 38, the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38, and the second opening 38c of the second groove portion 38, and is connected with the outer periphery of the valve seat 30 and the ventilation hole 25.

[0061] Furthermore, when viewed from the axial direction of the vent hole 25, the first groove portion 36 constituting the vent groove 35 is shaped so as to gradually narrow from the outer periphery of the inclined surface 33 (here, the outer peripheral edge portion 33a of the inclined surface 33 located at the outer periphery) toward the vent hole 25. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the first groove portion 36 is wide at the base end side (the outer periphery 31 side of the valve seat 30 ) in the extending direction, and gradually narrows toward the vent hole 25 . The first groove portion 36 is narrowest at the tip end side in the extending direction.

[0062] It should be noted that if Figure 5 As shown, the second groove portion 38 constituting the ventilation groove 35 has a substantially constant width from the base end in the extending direction thereof to the second opening 38c at the top end in the extending direction thereof.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 8As shown, the bottom 36a of the first groove 36 is formed to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylinder 20 (formed to be parallel to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction). It should be noted that the first opening 36b of the first groove 36 is arranged to face the bottom 36a.

[0064] And, if Figure 8 As shown, when the depth of the first groove portion 36 relative to the inclined surface 33 (the length from the inclined surface 33 to the bottom 36a) is set to D1, the depth D1 is set to be deepest (longest) at the base end of the extension direction of the first groove portion 36 and gradually shallower toward the top end of the extension direction located on the side of the vent 25.

[0065] In addition, the second groove portion 38 extending from the second opening 36c of the first groove portion 36 to the vent hole 25 includes: a first opening 38b, which opens to the portion facing the valve body 90; and a second opening 38c, which is located at the top end side of the extension direction of the second groove portion 38 and opens to communicate with the vent hole 25 (see Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ).

[0066] Furthermore, when the depth of the second groove portion 38 relative to the inclined surface 33 (the length from the inclined surface 33 to the bottom 38a) is set to D2, the depth D2 is set to be a fixed depth (fixed length) from the base end of the second groove portion 38 in the extension direction to the top end in the extension direction communicating with the vent hole 25. It should be noted that the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38 is arranged opposite to the bottom 38a.

[0067] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the valve body 90 is constructed as follows: when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body 90 contacts the inclined surface 33 and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that expands in the circumferential direction of the inclined surface 33 and falls radially inward. The contact area between the valve body 90 and the inclined surface 33 is enlarged, whereby the elastic deformation amount of the valve body 90 changes in accordance with the weight of the load of the object, etc., acting on one or the other component.

[0068] In the present embodiment, as a result of the valve body 90 contacting the inclined surface 33 and elastically deforming as described above, the valve body 90 is also configured to expand without entering the vent groove 35 (see Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ).

[0069] It should be noted that the above-mentioned action scheme is described in detail through the explanation of the effects of the invention.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 4 , Figure 6As shown, an outer wall 40 projects at a predetermined height from the outer surface of the end wall 23 and outside the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 . The outer wall 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape that projects so as to surround the valve seat 30 .

[0071] A plurality of protrusions 41 are provided protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 40 at evenly spaced intervals in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 41 are arranged on the top surface of the valve body 90 (the surface opposite to the inner surface which is the opposite surface to the valve seat 30), thereby preventing the valve body 90 from moving too far away from the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 (in other words, preventing the valve body 90 from opening too much or preventing the valve body 90 from floating up too much, etc.).

[0072] (Variation Example)

[0073] The shapes and structures of the cylinder, piston, cap, rope-like body, etc. constituting the damping device in the present invention and the shapes and structures of the vent holes, valve seats, inclined surfaces, vent grooves, outer walls, protrusions, etc. constituting the cylinder are not limited to the above-mentioned schemes.

[0074] In the damping device of this embodiment, the piston 60 is pulled by the rope-like body 80 in a manner that overcomes the biasing force of the coil spring 65 and is thereby movable within the cylinder 20 . However, the piston may be formed integrally with a rod or connected to a separate rod.

[0075] Furthermore, the wall portion 21 of the cylinder 20 in the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape, but the wall portion of the cylinder may have a substantially thin cylindrical shape having a major axis and a minor axis, for example.

[0076] Moreover, the cylinder 20 of the present embodiment has an end wall 23 integrally formed on the other end side of the wall portion 21 in the axial direction, but, for example, the following structure may be adopted: the other end side of the wall portion of the cylinder is also set as an opening, and a separate cap including the components of the present invention such as the end wall, vent hole, valve seat, vent groove, etc. is attached to the other end side.

[0077] In addition, the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 in the present embodiment is a convex surface that protrudes in the protruding direction of the valve seat 30, but the inclined surface of the valve seat can also be, for example, a conical surface that gradually deepens in a straight line toward the vent hole, or a concave surface that is recessed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the valve seat (a concave surface that is recessed downward), or a combination of a convex surface, a conical surface, and a concave surface.

[0078] Furthermore, the ventilation groove 35 in the present embodiment is constituted by the first groove portion 36 and the second groove portion 38 , but the ventilation groove only needs to have at least the first groove portion, and the second groove portion may not be provided.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 5As shown, when the ventilation hole 25 is observed from the axial direction, only the first groove portion 36 constituting the ventilation groove 35 gradually narrows from the outer peripheral edge portion 33a of the inclined surface 33 toward the ventilation hole 25, but for example, a shape that gradually narrows over the entire range from the base end to the top end in the extension direction of the ventilation groove may also be adopted.

[0080] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the structure is as follows: when the piston 60 moves in a direction away from the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 (when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction F1), the damper braking force is applied, and when the piston 60 moves in a direction close to the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 (when the piston 60 moves in the damper return direction F2), the above-mentioned braking force is released.

[0081] However, the above configuration may be reversed so that when the piston 60 moves toward the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 , the damper braking force is applied, and when the piston 60 moves away from the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20 , the damper braking force is released.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, one component is set as a fixed body such as a storage part of the instrument panel, and the other component is set as an opening and closing body such as a glove box and a cover, but as long as a pair of components can approach / move away from each other, there is no special limitation.

[0083] (Effect)

[0084] Next, the effects of the damper device 10 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0085] When the other member (opening and closing body, etc.) and the one member (fixed body, etc.) are close to each other, the damping device 10 is in a state where the piston 60 is stationary in the cylinder 20. It should be noted that in this state, the bottom surface of the valve body 90 abuts against the outer peripheral edge portion 33a of the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30, and the vent hole 25 is blocked except for the vent groove 35.

[0086] When the component on the other side moves in a direction away from the component on the one side from the above-mentioned state (when the opening and closing body is opened from the fixed body), the piston 60 is pulled by the rope-like body 80 in a manner that overcomes the applied force of the coil spring 65, and the piston 60 moves in a direction away from the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20, that is, the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction indicated by F1 inside the cylinder 20.

[0087] As a result, the air chamber defined in the internal space R of the cylinder 20 is decompressed, and the air outside the cylinder 20 is sucked into the cylinder 20 through the ventilation groove 35, thereby exerting an attractive force on the bottom surface of the valve body 90 (the surface opposite to the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30).

[0088] As a result, the bottom surface of the valve body 90 contacts the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30, and the elastically deformable valve body 90 elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that expands outward in the circumferential direction of the inclined surface 33 and falls inward in the radial direction. The valve body 90 is in a state where the contact area with the inclined surface 33 is enlarged and does not enter the vent groove 35 (see Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ), the valve body 90 is closed relative to the valve seat 30 (the valve body 90 is closed relative to the inclined surface 33 which may also be referred to as the seat surface of the valve body 90), and the upper opening of the vent hole 25 (the opening on the side opposite to the internal space R of the cylinder 20) is blocked.

[0089] Thus, a damper braking force is applied to the piston 60, so that the other component can be moved relative to the one component while slowing down the moving speed (the opening and closing body can be opened from the fixed body while slowing down the moving speed). It should be noted that even when the valve body 90 is closed relative to the valve seat 30, the air outside the cylinder will flow through the ventilation groove 35, so the damper braking force can be adjusted.

[0090] Figure 8 The figure shows the case where the piston 60 moves at a low speed, that is, the object contained in the fixed body is light and thus the load acting on the opening and closing body is small. Fig. 9 2 shows a case where the movement of the piston 60 is high speed, that is, it shows a case where the article contained in the fixed body is heavy and the load acting on the opening and closing body is large.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, when the movement of the piston 60 is low speed and a small damper braking force is required, the valve body 90 contacts the portion of the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 in which the first groove 36 is provided, and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that the circumferential and radial inner side of the contacted portion of the inclined surface 33 (the contact portion with the valve body 90) expands toward the circumferential outer side of the inclined surface 33 and falls toward the radial inner side, and the contact area between the valve body 90 and the inclined surface 33 is enlarged compared to before the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction.

[0092] It should be noted that the elastic deformation of the valve body 90 in this case is greater than Fig. 9 The situation shown is that the piston 60 moves at a high speed.

[0093] Furthermore, by allowing the valve body 90 to expand in a manner elastically deforming along the inclined surface 33 as described above, the valve body 90 is suppressed from entering the first groove portion 36 (here, the valve body 90 can be substantially reliably prevented from entering the first groove portion 36), while maintaining the opening state of the second opening 36c of the first groove portion 36, and closing a predetermined range from the base end side to the tip end side of the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36 in the extension direction. It should be noted that the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38 is not closed in the entire range.

[0094] On the other hand, Fig. 9 As shown, when the movement of the piston 60 is at a high speed and a large damper braking force is required, the valve body 90 contacts the portion of the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 on the base end side in the extension direction of the first groove portion 36 and the second groove portion 38, and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that expands circumferentially and radially inwardly along the contacted portion of the inclined surface 33 and falls radially inwardly. Compared with before the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, the contact area between the valve body 90 and the inclined surface 33 is enlarged.

[0095] It should be noted that the elastic deformation of the valve body 90 in this case (particularly the deformation of the valve body 90 falling inward in the radial direction) is greater than that of the valve body 90 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The situation shown is when the piston 60 moves at a low speed.

[0096] Furthermore, by allowing the valve body 90 to expand in a manner that elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 as described above, the valve body 90 is inhibited from entering the first groove portion 36 (here, the valve body 90 can be roughly reliably prevented from entering the first groove portion 36), while the opening state of the second opening 36c of the first groove portion 36 is maintained, and the range from the base end side of the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36 to the top end side of the first opening 36b and to the base end side of the extension direction of the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38 is blocked.

[0097] That is, the blocking amount of the ventilation groove 35 is greater than Figure 8 The case shown is large when the piston 60 moves at a low speed (the contact area between the valve body 90 and the inclined surface 33 is larger than when the piston 60 moves at a low speed).

[0098] As described above, when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body 90 contacts the inclined surface 33 and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that expands in the circumferential direction of the inclined surface 33 and falls radially inward, thereby expanding in a manner that does not enter the vent groove 35. Therefore, there is no room for the valve body 90 to deform into the first groove portion 36 when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction.

[0099] As a result, the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35 gradually narrows from the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 toward the ventilation hole 25, thereby improving the load responsiveness of the damper device 10 and obtaining appropriate timing according to the load and stable damper braking force.

[0100] That is to say, when the load acting on the opening and closing body is small, Figure 8 As shown, the blocking amount of the first opening of the vent groove 35 on the side facing the valve body 90 (here, the predetermined range of the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36) is greater than Fig. 9 The piston 60 shown in the figure is smaller when it moves at a high speed, so the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35 is reduced to less than Fig. 9 In the case of large loads, appropriate speed and timing corresponding to light loads can be obtained, and a stable small damper braking force can be obtained.

[0101] On the other hand, when the load acting on the opening and closing body is large, Fig. 9 As shown, the blocking amount of the first opening of the vent groove 35 on the side facing the valve body 90 (here, the entire area of ​​the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36 and a part of the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38) is smaller than that of the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36. Figure 8 The situation shown is when the piston 60 moves at a low speed.

[0102] As a result, the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35 is reduced to Figure 8 The situation is small, and the appropriate speed and timing corresponding to the heavy load (from the beginning when the opening and closing body opens from the opening of the fixed body) and the stable large damper braking force can be obtained.

[0103] As described above, in the damping device 10, the valve body 90 is constructed as follows: the elastic deformation amount of the valve body 90 changes in accordance with the weight of the load of an object or the like acting on a pair of components, that is, it changes in accordance with the case where the load acting on one or the other component is light and the case where the load is heavy.

[0104] That is, the elastic deformation amount of the valve body 90 varies depending on the load of the cargo, etc., so the contact area between the valve body 90 and the inclined surface 33 can be changed in accordance with the load of the cargo, etc., thereby changing the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35, thereby improving the load responsiveness of the damping device 10.

[0105] Furthermore, the effect of the damping device 10 can also be described as follows.

[0106] That is, in the damping device 10, when the damper brakes, the elastic deformation of the valve body 90 itself caused by the shape of the inclined surface 33 gradually becoming deeper from the outer periphery of the valve seat toward the vent hole 25 and the accompanying expansion can prevent the valve body 90 from entering the first groove portion 36 of the vent groove 35, so that the second opening 36c of the first groove portion 36 can be reliably closed, the ventilation area of ​​the vent groove 35 can be reduced, and the load responsiveness of the damping device 10 can be improved.

[0107] Furthermore, when the component of the other party is moved in a direction approaching the component of the one party (when the opening and closing body is closed relative to the fixed body), the tension from the rope-like body 80 no longer acts on the piston 60, and the piston 60 moves in the damper return direction F2 in the cylinder 20 due to the applied force of the coil spring 65.

[0108] Then, the air in the air chamber of the cylinder 20 passes through the vent hole 25 and presses the valve body 90 from the inner surface side, so that the valve body 90 opens relative to the valve seat 30. That is, the portion of the valve body 90 from the contact position with the inclined surface 33 to the radially outer side (this portion forms a "part" of the valve body when the valve body leaves the valve seat) leaves the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 in a curled manner, and the air in the air chamber of the cylinder 20 is discharged to the outside of the cylinder 20 through the upper opening of the outer wall 40. As a result, the damper braking force acting on the piston 60 is released, and the piston 60 returns to the initial position.

[0109] In addition, in the present embodiment, the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 is a convex curved surface that is convex in the protruding direction of the valve seat 30 .

[0110] According to the above solution, since the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 is a convex curved surface as described above, when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body 90 can be more easily elastically deformed along the inclined surface 33. As a result, the vent groove 35 can be reliably blocked, and the vent area of ​​the vent groove 35 can be more reliably reduced from the outer periphery of the valve seat toward the vent hole side, so the load responsiveness of the damping device 10 can be further improved.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the vent hole 25 , the first groove portion 36 extends in a manner gradually narrowing from the outer periphery of the inclined surface 33 toward the vent hole 25 .

[0112] According to the above scheme, by the shape of the first groove portion 36 extending in a manner that its depth relative to the inclined surface 33 gradually becomes shallower from the outer periphery of the inclined surface 33 to the vent hole 25 and the shape of the first groove portion 36 extending in a manner that gradually becomes narrower from the outer periphery of the inclined surface 33 to the vent hole 25 when viewed from the axial direction of the vent hole 25, the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35 can be more easily changed, which can further improve the load responsiveness of the damping device 10.

[0113] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ventilation groove 35 further includes a second groove portion 38 extending from the first groove portion 36 toward the ventilation hole 25 so that the depth of the second groove portion 38 relative to the inclined surface 33 is constant.

[0114] According to the above scheme, since the ventilation groove 35 has the second groove portion 38 constructed as described above, when the piston 60 moves in the damper braking direction and the valve body 90 is elastically deformed along the inclined surface 33, even if the deformation amount of the valve body 90 is large and the entire area of ​​the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36 is blocked, the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38 is not easily blocked, and the first opening of the ventilation groove 35 (which refers to the entire opening opposite to the valve body 90 formed by the first opening 36b of the first groove portion 36 and the first opening 38b of the second groove portion 38) can be prevented from being completely blocked, so that the damper braking force can be stably generated.

[0115] (Another embodiment of the damping device)

[0116] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Another embodiment of the damping device of the present invention is shown in FIG. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to indicate the substantially same parts as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] The damper device of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment mainly in the shape and structure of a valve seat 30A.

[0118] The valve seat 30A has a wall portion 37 protruding from the end wall 23 of the cylinder 20. The inner peripheral surface 43b of the wall portion 37 is in the form of a vertical surface that rises along the axis of the cylinder 20 via the first arc-shaped portion 43a. In addition, the top end of the inner peripheral surface 43b is connected to the curved top surface 43d via the second arc-shaped portion 43c.

[0119] That is, the top surface 43d, the second arc-shaped portion 43c, the inner surface 43b, and the first arc-shaped portion 43a are arranged in sequence from the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30A to the vent hole 25, and they form a slope 43 whose protrusion amount gradually decreases from the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30A to the vent hole 25.

[0120] In addition, the ventilation groove 35 has a first groove portion 36 aligned with the top surface 43d and a second groove portion 38 aligned with the inner peripheral surface 43b, but the second opening 38c of the second groove portion 38 is configured not to directly reach the ventilation hole 25 (not directly connected to the ventilation hole 25) but to reach the outer surface of the end wall 23.

[0121] And, if Fig. 10AAs shown, when the piston 60 moves at a low speed, the valve body 90 contacts a predetermined range of the top surface 43d constituting the inclined surface 43 of the valve seat 30A, and elastically deforms in a manner that the contacted portion along the top surface 43d expands radially inward and falls radially inward.

[0122] On the other hand, Fig. 10B As shown, when the piston 60 moves at a high speed, the valve body 90 contacts the top surface 43d and the second arc-shaped portion 43c of the inclined surface 43 constituting the valve seat 30A, and elastically deforms in a manner that the contacted portion along the top surface 43d and the second arc-shaped portion 43c expands radially inward and falls radially inward.

[0123] As a result, the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35 gradually narrows from the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30A to the ventilation hole 25, thereby improving the load responsiveness of the damping device, obtaining appropriate speed / timing according to the weight of the load, and obtaining a stable damper braking force.

[0124] (Another embodiment of the damping device)

[0125] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Another embodiment of the damping device of the present invention is shown in FIG. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to indicate the substantially same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] The damping device of this embodiment is similar to Figures 1 to 9 The embodiments shown are different.

[0127] That is, the ventilation groove 35B in this embodiment is constructed as follows: it has a first groove portion 36 and a second groove portion 38, and a step portion 39 in the shape of a vertical surface along the axis of the cylinder 20 is arranged between the second opening 36c on the top end side of the extension direction of the first groove portion 36 and the base end side of the extension direction of the second groove portion 38.

[0128] And, if Fig.11A As shown, when the piston 60 moves at a low speed, the valve body 90 contacts the portion of the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 in which the first groove portion 36 is provided, and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that expands circumferentially outward along its circumferential and radial inner circumferential inclined surface 33 and falls radially inward.

[0129] On the other hand, Fig. 11BAs shown, when the piston 60 moves at a high speed, the valve body 90 contacts the base end side of the inclined surface 33 of the valve seat 30 where the first groove 36 and the second groove 38 are provided in the extension direction, and elastically deforms along the inclined surface 33 in a manner that the inclined surface 33 expands circumferentially and radially inwardly along the circumferential outer side of the inclined surface 33 and falls radially inwardly.

[0130] As a result, the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation groove 35B gradually narrows from the outer periphery 31 of the valve seat 30 to the ventilation hole 25, thereby improving the load responsiveness of the damping device, obtaining appropriate speed / timing according to the weight of the load, and obtaining a stable damper braking force.

[0131] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modified embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and such embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A damping device, mounted between a pair of components that are moving closer or farther from each other, and imparting a braking force when the pair of components move closer or farther from each other, wherein the damping device is characterized in that: A cylinder barrel having an inner space and having an opening at one end and a vent hole and a valve seat communicating with the inner space at the other end; and The piston reciprocates in the cylinder. An elastically deformable valve body is disposed at the other end of the cylinder, and before the piston moves in the damper braking direction and when the piston moves in the damper braking direction, the valve body abuts against the valve seat, and when the piston moves in a return direction opposite to the damper braking direction, at least a portion of the valve body leaves the valve seat. The valve seat surrounds the vent hole and protrudes in a direction opposite to the internal space, and is formed with a vent groove extending from the outer periphery of the valve seat toward the vent hole and communicating with the vent hole. The portion of the valve seat facing the valve body forms an inclined surface whose protrusion gradually decreases from the outer peripheral side of the valve seat toward the vent hole. The ventilation groove has a first groove portion, and the first groove portion extends in a manner such that its depth relative to the inclined surface gradually becomes shallower from the outer periphery of the inclined surface toward the ventilation hole. When the piston moves in the braking direction of the damper, the valve body contacts the inclined surface and elastically deforms along the inclined surface, and the contact area between the valve body and the inclined surface increases.

2. The damping device according to claim 1, wherein: The inclined surface is a convex curved surface that is convex in a curved surface shape that is convex in a protruding direction of the valve seat.

3. The damping device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When viewed from the axial direction of the vent hole, the first groove portion extends so as to gradually narrow from the outer periphery of the inclined surface toward the vent hole.

4. The damping device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ventilation groove further includes a second groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the ventilation hole in a manner that a depth of the second groove portion relative to the inclined surface is fixed.

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