Shock absorber and method for installing damping force adjusting device

Abstract

The invention provides a buffer capable of improving the degree of freedom of chiseling of a cylinder and a method for installing a damping force adjusting device. The rigidity of the end portion of the valve housing is reduced by forming a gap (fragile portion) at the end portion of the valve housing (second cylindrical body), so that the end portion of the valve housing can be chiseled with a small chiseling force, that is, the end portion of the valve housing is bent with a small pressing force, and the chiseling degree of freedom of the valve housing (cylindrical body) can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorber having a damping force adjusting device for controlling a valve opening pressure of a valve core using an actuator, and a method for installing the damping force adjusting device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a damping force adjustable shock absorber 1 (hereinafter referred to as "conventional shock absorber"), which has a large diameter portion 50 formed at one end of a thin wall portion 47 of a valve housing 41, and the large diameter portion 50 has a tapered inner peripheral surface that gradually expands in diameter toward a solenoid housing 42.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2019-027460 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the conventional shock absorber, in the process of mounting the damping force adjusting device, when the valve housing and the solenoid housing are integrated by caulking, the damping force adjusting device is installed by caulking the valve housing from the opening end side toward the base end side ( Figure 2 The clamp moving on the left side in the figure presses one end of the thin-walled portion of the valve housing in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the clamp and bends it into the caulking groove of the solenoid housing, thereby forming a caulking portion.

[0008] In the above-mentioned conventional method, in order to ensure sufficient bonding strength (anti-separation strength) between the valve housing and the solenoid housing, a correspondingly large clamping force is required, but since the burden on the outer tube (outer cylinder) becomes large, the outer tube may be deformed. As a result, the plate thickness of the outer tube needs to be increased, resulting in an increase in the weight of the outer tube and even the buffer.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a buffer having an improved degree of freedom in swaging a cylindrical body and a method for installing a damping force adjustment device.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] The present invention provides a buffer, which is used for vehicles and is characterized in that the buffer has a damping force adjustment device, and the damping force adjustment device has: a cylinder component, which accommodates a damping force generating unit and a solenoid driving the damping force generating unit, and the cylinder component has: a first cylinder; a second cylinder, which is arranged on the outside of the first cylinder and along the axial direction of the first cylinder; a fastening portion, which fastens and fixes the second cylinder to the first cylinder, and the fastening portion is composed of a groove portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylinder in at least a part of its circumference, and an end portion of the second cylinder bent and accommodated in the groove portion, and the end portion has a fragile portion with lower rigidity than another portion of the second cylinder.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a method for installing a damping force adjustment device, which is to install the damping force adjustment device in a buffer for a vehicle, characterized in that the method for installing the damping force adjustment device comprises: a pre-process, preparing a first cylinder having a groove portion on the outer peripheral surface, and a second cylinder having a concave portion in which a part of the outer peripheral surface is recessed relative to another part; a second cylinder installation process, installing the second cylinder that accommodates the damping force generating unit of the damping force adjustment device on the outer peripheral surface of the buffer; a damping force generating unit accommodating process, accommodating the damping force generating unit in the second cylinder body; a first cylinder configuration process, after the damping force generating unit accommodating process, assembling the solenoid for driving the damping force generating unit, and configuring the first cylinder on the inner side of the second cylinder along the axial direction of the second cylinder; a clamping process, after the first cylinder configuration process, engaging the clamping component with the recessed portion, and clamping the second cylinder radially by the clamping component; and a tightening process, after the clamping process, moving the clamp toward the open end of the second cylinder along the axial direction, and at the same time tightening the second cylinder toward the first cylinder.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a shock absorber and a method for mounting a damping force adjusting device, the degree of freedom of caulking the cylindrical body can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the shock absorber according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the damping force adjustment device.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the first embodiment and is a diagram for explaining the shape of the end portion of the valve housing before caulking.

[0017] Figure 4It is an explanatory diagram of the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a slit formed at an end portion of a valve housing.

[0018] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the mounting method of the damping force adjusting device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of another form of the first embodiment and is a conceptual diagram of a valve housing.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A view in the figure.

[0021] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of a method of mounting the damping force adjusting device according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram of another form of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] (First Embodiment)

[0024] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] The shock absorber 1 is assembled in a suspension system of a vehicle (not shown). Figure 1 The shock absorber 1 shown is a so-called horizontally-placed control valve type shock absorber of damping force adjustment type, in which the damping force adjustment device 31 is horizontally placed on the side wall of the outer tube 3 (outer cylinder). Figure 1 The up and down direction in is called the "up and down direction".

[0026] The buffer 1 is formed into a double-tube structure in which a cylinder 2 is provided inside an outer tube 3, and an oil storage chamber 4 is formed between the cylinder 2 and the outer tube 3. A piston 5 is slidably fitted in the cylinder 2 to divide the cylinder 2 into two chambers, an upper chamber 2A and a lower chamber 2B. The buffer 1 includes a piston rod 6 whose lower end is connected to the piston 5 and whose upper end protrudes to the outside of the cylinder 2 through the upper chamber 2A. The piston rod 6 is inserted through a rod guide 7 fitted in the upper end of the cylinder 2. The upper chamber 2A and the outside of the cylinder are sealed by an oil seal 9 mounted on a gasket 8.

[0027] The piston 5 is provided with an extension side passage 11 and a contraction side passage 12 that connect the cylinder upper chamber 2A and the cylinder lower chamber 2B. The extension side passage 11 is provided with a disk valve 13 that opens when the pressure on the cylinder upper chamber 2A side reaches a set pressure to release the pressure on the cylinder upper chamber 2A side to the cylinder lower chamber 2B side. The contraction side passage 12 is provided with a check valve 14 that allows the working fluid to flow from the cylinder lower chamber 2B to the cylinder upper chamber 2A.

[0028] A bottom valve 10 is provided at the lower end of the cylinder 2 to divide the cylinder lower chamber 2B and the oil storage chamber 4. An extension side passage 15 and a contraction side passage 16 are provided on the bottom valve 10 to connect the cylinder lower chamber 2B and the oil storage chamber 4. A check valve 17 is provided in the extension side passage 15 to allow the working fluid to flow from the oil storage chamber 4 side to the cylinder lower chamber 2B side. A disc valve 18 is provided in the contraction side passage 16 to open the valve when the pressure on the cylinder lower chamber 2B side reaches the set pressure to release the pressure on the cylinder lower chamber 2B side to the oil storage chamber 4 side. It should be noted that as the working fluid, oil is sealed in the cylinder 2, and oil and gas are sealed in the oil storage chamber 4.

[0029] A partition pipe 20 is mounted on the outer periphery of the cylinder 2 via a pair of upper and lower sealing members 19, 19. An annular oil passage 21 is formed between the cylinder 2 and the partition pipe 20. A passage 22 is provided on the upper side wall of the cylinder 2 to connect the annular oil passage 21 with the cylinder upper chamber 2A. A passage 22 is provided on the lower side wall of the partition pipe 20 to Figure 1 A cylindrical connection port 23 protrudes on the right side (outer side in the cylinder radial direction) in the outer tube 3. A mounting hole 24 is provided coaxially with the connection port 23 on the side wall of the outer tube 3. A cylindrical valve housing 121 (first cylinder) is provided on the side wall of the outer tube 3 in a manner surrounding the mounting hole 24.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the damping force adjustment device 31 is accommodated in the valve housing 121. The damping force adjustment device 31 includes a valve block 33 (damping force generating unit) in which valve parts are integrated, and a solenoid block 101 (solenoid) in which solenoid parts are integrated. The valve block 33 includes a back pressure type main valve 41, a pilot valve 61 for controlling the valve opening pressure of the main valve 41, and a safety valve 91 provided downstream of the pilot valve 61.

[0031] A joint member 28 is inserted through the mounting hole 24 of the outer tube 3. The joint member 28 has Figure 2 The left end of the cylindrical tube 29 is inserted into the connection port 23, and the cylindrical tube 29 is provided Figure 2 The flange portion 30 (external flange) is located at the right opening periphery of the valve body 121 and is accommodated in the valve body 121. The cylinder portion 29 and the flange portion 30 are covered with a sealing material. As for the flange portion 30, Figure 2 The left end surface (inner side in the cylinder radial direction) of the valve housing 121 is aligned with the inner flange portion 122 of the valve housing 121. Figure 2 The end surface on the right side (outer side in the cylinder radial direction) abuts against the Figure 2 The right end surface of the main valve body 42 Figure 2 It should be noted that the flow path 35 on the outer periphery of the valve block 33 and the oil storage chamber 4 are connected through a plurality of grooves 123 provided on the inner flange portion 122 of the valve housing 121 .

[0032] The valve block 33 includes an annular main valve body 42, an annular pilot valve body 62, and a guide pin 63 for connecting the main valve body 42 and the pilot valve body 62. Figure 2 An annular sheet portion 43 is formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the right end surface in the middle. The outer peripheral edge portion of the main plate 44 abuts against the sheet portion 43 in a manner that allows separation or seating.

[0033] The inner circumference of the main disc 44 is sandwiched between the inner circumference 45 of the main valve body 42 and the large diameter portion 64 of the guide pin 63. Figure 2 An annular gasket 46 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the right side of the main valve body 42. Figure 2 An annular recess 47 is provided on the right end surface of the main disc 44. Since the main disc 44 is seated on the sheet portion 43, an annular passage 48 is formed between the main valve body 42 and the main disc 44. The annular passage 48 is connected to the flow path 35 on the outer periphery of the main valve body 42 via a throttle hole (reference numeral omitted) formed on the main disc 44. Figure 2 A recess 49 is formed in the center of the left end surface of the main valve body 42. The recess 49 and the annular recess 47 (annular passage 48) are connected by a plurality of grooves (in Figure 2 Only “two” passages 50 are shown to be connected.

[0034] The guide pin 63 is formed as Figure 2 The bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening on the right side of the guide pin 63. Figure 2 The bottom of the left side of the guide pin 63 is formed with an introduction throttle hole 65. Figure 2 The left side of the guide pin 63 is pressed into the shaft hole 51 of the main valve body 42. Figure 2 The right side of the guide pin 63 is pressed into the axial hole 66 of the pilot valve body 62. Figure 2 The outer peripheral surface on the right side of the Figure 2 Thus, a plurality of grooves (in the "left-right direction") extending between the pilot valve body 62 and the guide pin 63 are formed. Figure 2 Only "one" passage 67 is shown.

[0035] The pilot valve body 62 is formed as Figure 2 The right side of the pilot valve body 62 is open and has a bottomed cylindrical shape. Figure 2 A flexible disk 69 is provided on the left side of the pilot valve body 62 and is clamped by the inner peripheral portion of the pilot valve body 62 and the large diameter portion 64 of the guide pin 63. Figure 2 The outer peripheral portion on the left side of the main valve 41 is formed with a cylindrical portion 70 coaxial with the pilot valve body 62. The gasket 46 of the main valve 41 is in slidable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 70. Figure 2A pilot chamber 71 is formed on the right side (back side) of the housing 42. The pressure of the pilot chamber 71 acts on the main disk 44 in the valve closing direction (the direction of pressing toward the sheet portion 43).

[0036] A plurality of axially extending strips (at Figure 2 Only "two" passages 72 are shown. Since the flexible disc 69 is seated on the pilot valve body 62, Figure 2 The annular sheet portion 73 is formed on the left end surface of the sheet portion 73, thereby forming an annular passage (reference numeral omitted) on the inner side (inner periphery) of the sheet portion 73. Figure 2 The left side in the middle is opened in the annular passage inside the sheet portion 73. The flexible disk 69 is bent by receiving the internal pressure of the pilot chamber 71, thereby providing volume elasticity to the pilot chamber 71.

[0037] The flexible disk 69 is formed by stacking a plurality of disks. A notch 75 is provided on the inner circumference of the disk that contacts the large diameter portion 64 of the guide pin 63 to connect the passage 67 and the pilot chamber 71. Thus, the oil in the annular oil passage 21 is introduced into the damping force adjustment device 31 via the flow passage 36 (axial hole) of the joint member 28, and is introduced into the pilot chamber 71 via the introduction passage, i.e., the introduction orifice 65, the axial hole 76 of the guide pin 63, the passage 67, and the notch 75.

[0038] In the pilot valve body 62 Figure 2 A recess 77 is formed on the right side of the valve body 62. An annular sheet portion 79 (valve seat) is provided at the bottom of the recess 77, against which the valve core 78 can be moved away or seated. The sheet portion 79 is provided at the opening periphery of the shaft hole 66 of the pilot valve body 62 through which the working fluid passes. The valve core 78 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. Figure 2 The left end of the valve core 78 is formed into a tapered shape. Figure 2 The valve core 78 is moved away from the sheet portion 79 by the pilot valve spring 74 ( Figure 2 Apply force in the right direction).

[0039] In the pilot valve body 62 Figure 2 A cylindrical portion 81 is formed on the right side of the pilot valve body 62. Laminated parts including the pilot valve spring 74, the safety disk 94, the retaining ring, the gasket, the washer, etc. are provided on the cylindrical portion 81. These laminated parts are fixed by an end cover 98 embedded in the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 81. A passage 99 is formed between the end cover 98 and the cylindrical portion 81 of the pilot valve body 62 to connect the recessed portion 77 (valve chamber) and the flow path 35 on the outer periphery of the valve block 33.

[0040] The solenoid block 101 is formed by integrating the coil 103, the core 104, the core 105, the plunger 106, and the hollow operating rod 107 connected to the plunger 106 into the solenoid housing 102 (first cylinder). Figure 2 The right side of the solenoid housing 102 is provided with a gasket 108 and a cover 109. Figure 2 The right edge of the solenoid housing 102 is plastically processed to apply axial force to the parts in the solenoid housing 102. The plunger 106 generates a thrust corresponding to the current value by energizing the coil 103. The thrust generated by the plunger 106 causes the valve core 78 to overcome the elastic force of the pilot valve spring 74 and move in the direction toward the sheet portion 79 ( Figure 2 It works by moving in the left direction (in the image).

[0041] With respect to the solenoid housing 102, Figure 2 The left end of the valve housing 121 is inserted into the Figure 2 The solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 are sealed by a sealing member 110. The operating rod 107 Figure 2 The left side of the actuating rod 107 protrudes into the recess 77 (valve chamber). Figure 2 The valve core 78 is installed at the left end of the valve body 121. In the first embodiment, the valve housing 121 (second cylinder) is caulked toward the solenoid housing 102 (first cylinder), thereby fixing the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 to form a cylinder part 100 in which the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 are integrated, and the valve block 33 and the solenoid block 101 are combined (integrated). It should be noted that the caulked portion 118 (refer to Figure 3 ) is covered by a cylindrical cover 111 (cover component).

[0042] Moreover, in Figure 2 When the coil 103 is not energized, the valve core 78 is urged by the pilot valve spring 74 in the direction of separation from the sheet portion 78, and the flange portion 80 of the valve core 78 abuts (sits on) the safety disk 94. On the other hand, when the coil 103 is energized, a force is generated on the plunger 106 to move in the direction of separation from the sheet portion 78. Figure 2 The left thrust in the middle causes the actuating rod 107 to overcome the elastic force of the pilot valve spring 74 and to Figure 2 The valve core 78 is moved to the left in the middle, and the valve core 78 is seated on the sheet portion 79. The valve opening pressure of the valve core 78 is controlled by changing the current value of the current supplied to the coil 103. In the soft mode when the current value supplied to the coil 103 is small, the pilot valve 61 is opened with a constant valve opening amount (valve opening amount in the soft characteristic) by balancing the elastic force of the pilot valve spring 74 and the thrust of the plunger 106.

[0043] In the case of the shock absorber 1, when the piston rod 6 is extended, the check valve 14 of the piston 5 is closed due to the increase in the pressure in the cylinder upper chamber 2A, and the working fluid on the cylinder upper chamber 2A side is pressurized before the disc valve 13 opens. The pressurized working fluid passes through the passage 22 and the annular flow path 21, and is introduced into the damping force adjustment device 31 from the connection port 23 of the partition pipe 20 via the joint member 28. At this time, the working fluid caused by the movement of the piston 5 opens the check valve 17 of the bottom valve 10, and flows from the oil reservoir 4 into the cylinder lower chamber 2B. It should be noted that when the pressure in the cylinder upper chamber 2A reaches the valve opening pressure of the disc valve 13 of the piston 5 and the disc valve 13 opens, the pressure in the cylinder upper chamber 2A is released to the cylinder lower chamber 2B. In this way, the pressure in the cylinder upper chamber 2A is prevented from increasing excessively.

[0044] On the other hand, during the contraction stroke of the piston rod 6, the check valve 14 of the piston 5 opens due to the increase in pressure in the cylinder lower chamber 2B, and the check valve 17 of the extension side passage 15 of the bottom valve 10 closes. Before the disc valve 18 opens, the working fluid in the piston lower chamber 2B flows into the cylinder upper chamber 2A, and the volume of the working fluid that has intruded into the cylinder 2 by the piston rod 6 is introduced from the cylinder upper chamber 2A through the passage 22, the annular flow path 21, the connection port 23 of the partition pipe 20, and the flow path 36 of the joint member 28 to the damping force adjustment device 31. It should be noted that when the pressure in the cylinder lower chamber 2B reaches the valve opening pressure of the disc valve 18 of the bottom valve 10 and the disc valve 18 opens, the pressure in the cylinder lower chamber 2B is released to the oil storage chamber 4. In this way, the pressure in the cylinder lower chamber 2B is prevented from excessively rising.

[0045] The working fluid introduced into the damping force adjustment device 31 is introduced into the pilot chamber 71 via the introduction orifice 65 of the guide pin 63, the shaft hole 76, the recessed portion 77 of the pilot valve body 62, the passage 72, and the flexible disk 69. Before the main valve 41 is opened (when the piston speed is in the low speed region), the working fluid that has flowed into the recessed portion 77 flows into the oil reservoir 4 through the pilot valve spring 74, the shaft hole of the safety disk 94, the passage 99 between the end cover 98 and the pilot valve body 62, the flow path 35 on the outer periphery of the valve block 33, and the plurality of grooves 123 formed on the inner flange portion 122 of the valve housing 121.

[0046] If the piston speed increases, the pressure of the working fluid introduced into the annular passage 48 via the annular oil passage 21, the flow path 36 of the joint component 28 and the passage 50 of the main valve body 42 reaches the valve opening pressure of the main valve 41, causing the main valve 41 to open. Then, the working fluid in the annular passage 48 flows to the oil storage chamber 4 through the flow path 35 on the periphery of the valve block 33 and the multiple grooves 123 formed on the inner flange portion 122 of the valve housing 121.

[0047] In this way, the damping force adjustment device 31 generates damping force by allowing the working fluid to pass through the orifice 65 and the pilot valve 61 before the main valve 41 opens (when the piston speed is in the low speed region) in both the extension stroke and the contraction stroke of the piston rod 6. In addition, after the main valve 41 opens (when the piston speed is in the medium speed region), a damping force corresponding to the opening of the main valve 41 is generated. Moreover, by controlling the energization of the coil 103 to adjust the valve opening pressure of the pilot valve 61, the damping force generated by the damping force adjustment device 31 can be directly controlled.

[0048] In addition, when the coil 103 fails due to wire breakage, malfunction of the vehicle-mounted controller, etc., and the thrust of the plunger 106 is lost, the elastic force of the pilot valve spring 74 (which also serves as a safety spring) causes the valve core 78 to move in the opposite direction of the cylinder to open the pilot valve 61, and the flange portion 80 of the valve core 78 abuts against the safety disk 94 to cut off the connection between the inner flow path (illustration mark omitted) of the valve block 33 and the outer flow path 35.

[0049] Thus, by adjusting the valve opening pressure of the safety valve 91, the flow of the working fluid flowing from the annular oil passage 21 through the flow passage 36 of the joint member 28, the introduction orifice 65 of the guide pin 63, the shaft hole 76, the recess 77 of the pilot valve body 62, the passage 99 between the end cover 98 and the pilot valve body 62, the flow passage 35 on the outer periphery of the valve block 33, and the plurality of grooves 123 formed on the inner flange portion 122 of the valve housing 121 to the oil reservoir 4 is controlled, and a constant damping force can be generated when a failure occurs. At the same time, the internal pressure of the pilot chamber 71 and even the valve opening pressure of the main valve 41 can be adjusted, and a constant damping force can be obtained even when a failure occurs.

[0050] Here, Figure 3 The solenoid housing 102 (first cylinder) is arranged inside (coaxially arranged on) the valve housing 121 (second cylinder) along the axial direction of the valve housing 121, and the valve housing 121 Figure 3 The state before the end portion 125 of the opening on the right side (outer side in the cylinder radial direction) is caulked. It should be noted that the internal component 32 is accommodated in the valve housing 121.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the end 125 of the valve housing 121 is relative to another part ( Figure 3 The left side portion of the valve housing 121, i.e., the portion radially inward of the cylinder, is formed to have a smaller outer diameter. In other words, the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 is formed to be thinner than the other portion. The opening edge of the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 is provided with a radially outer side (ie, the portion radially inward of the cylinder) of the valve housing 121 toward the opening end of the valve housing 121. Figure 3 The enlarged diameter portion 126 is enlarged in an inclined manner ("upper side" in the figure).

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, at the end 125 of the valve housing 121, there is provided a portion extending from the opening end of the valve housing 121 (the enlarged diameter portion 126) along the axial direction of the valve housing 121 with a constant width W. Figure 4 The gap 127 (fragile portion) extending to the left side (inner side in the radial direction of the cylinder) of the valve housing 121. The rigidity of the end portion 125 is reduced by the gap 127, and when the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 is crimped, the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 can be moved radially inward (inner side) of the valve housing 121 with a small crimping force. Figure 3 bend in the "lower side" of the figure.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , an annular caulking groove 112 (groove portion) is provided on the outer peripheral surface 117 of the solenoid housing 102 to accommodate the end 125 of the valve housing 121 bent by caulking. The caulking groove 112 includes a bottom 113 having a constant outer diameter, a Figure 3 The right side of the Figure 3 The tapered portion 114 that expands in diameter to the right (outward in the cylinder radial direction) from the bottom 113 Figure 3 The left end of the Figure 3 The conical portion 115 is expanded in diameter in the left direction (inward in the cylinder radial direction), and the flange surface 116 is provided between the conical portion 115 and the outer peripheral surface 117. It should be noted that the caulking groove 112 does not need to be formed over the entire circumference of the annular outer peripheral surface 117, and a plurality of grooves can be provided intermittently to form the caulking groove 112.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 5 A method for installing the damping force adjusting device 31 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0055] (Pre-process)

[0056] First, the solenoid case 102 (first cylinder) and the valve case 121 (second cylinder) are prepared.

[0057] (Second Cylinder Installation Process)

[0058] Next, the valve housing 121 is joined to the outer tube 3 (outer cylinder) by welding (fillet welding). Thus, a weld bead 128 having a substantially isosceles triangle cross section is formed along the edges of the valve housing 121 and the outer tube 3 .

[0059] (Damping force generating unit accommodation process)

[0060] Next, the valve block 33 (damping force generating unit) of the damping force adjusting device 31 is assembled into the valve housing 121 .

[0061] (First Cylinder Arrangement Step)

[0062] After the valve block 33 is housed in the valve housing 121, the solenoid block 101 (parts other than the coil 103, etc.) is assembled to the valve block 33. Next, the cylinder radial inner side ( Figure 5 The end portion (the "upper side" in FIG. 1 ) of the solenoid housing 102 is inserted into the inner side of the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121. Thus, the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 are arranged coaxially (along the axial direction).

[0063] (Clamping process)

[0064] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the side wall of the outer tube 3 opposite to the side on which the valve housing 121 is fixed is supported by the support member 130, and the cylindrical portion (the portion accommodating the coil 103) of the solenoid housing 102 is supported by the guide member 131. In this state, the internal parts 32 (valve block 33 and solenoid block 101) in the cylindrical member that integrates the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 are pushed toward the support member 130 in the cylinder radial direction ( Figure 5 The inner part 32 is pressurized in the "upward direction" of the figure to apply axial force to the inner part 32. Furthermore, when the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 are coaxial and overlapped by a certain amount, the outer peripheral surface 124 of the valve housing 121 is clamped in the radial direction of the valve housing 121 by a pair of clamping members 133, 133.

[0065] (Fixing process)

[0066] Next, the end 125 of the valve housing 121 is swaged by the swaging jig 135 to form a swaging portion 118 (see FIG. 1 ) at the portion where the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 overlap. Figure 3 Here, the clamp 135 has a pair of rod-shaped link parts 137, 137 that can rotate relative to each other around a hinge 136 (fulcrum), and pressurizing parts 138, 138 that are provided in a manner opposite to each other at one end of each link part 137, 137. It should be noted that the link part 137 and the pressurizing part 138 form an L shape.

[0067] Then, in the caulking process, the other ends (force points) of the link parts 137, 137 of the caulking jig 135 are pressurized in the closing direction, thereby bending (bending) the end 125 of the valve housing 121 toward the caulking groove 112 (groove part) of the solenoid housing 102 through the front ends (action points) of the pressurizing parts 138, 138 of the caulking jig 135. At this time, the caulking jig 135 is moved in the axial direction of the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 (cylinder member) and in the direction away from the outer tube 3 ( Figure 5 The valve body 121 is moved at a constant speed (in the “downward direction” and in the direction toward the opening end of the second cylinder) while pressurizing the end 125 of the valve housing 121.

[0068] exist Figure 5 For convenience, the pressing part 138 ( Figure 5 14. The figure shows a method in which the pressurizing portion 138 on the left side of the figure applies pressurization to the portion of the end 125 of the valve housing 121 where the gap 127 is formed, but in fact, the other portion of the end 125 of the valve housing 121 (the portion where the gap 127 is not formed) is pressurized by the two pressurizing portions 138, 138.

[0069] Here, in order to ensure the joint strength (anti-separation strength) between the valve housing and the solenoid housing, a large clamping force corresponding to the strength is required. Therefore, the burden applied to the outer tube (outer cylinder) becomes large, resulting in deformation of the outer tube.

[0070] In contrast, in the first embodiment, since the rigidity of the end 125 of the valve housing 121 is reduced by forming the slit 127 (fragile portion) at the end 125 of the valve housing 121 (second cylinder), the end 125 of the valve housing 121 can be crimped with a smaller crimping force, that is, the end 125 of the valve housing 121 can be bent with a smaller pressure, and the degree of freedom of crimping of the cylinder (valve housing 121) can be increased. As a result, the burden on the outer tube 3 can be reduced, and the deformation of the outer tube 3 can be suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, since the rigidity of the end 125 of the valve housing 121 is reduced by the slit 127, there is no need to increase the thickness of the outer tube 3 to withstand the large clamping force, thereby preventing the outer tube 3 from becoming thicker and the shock absorber 1 from becoming heavier.

[0072] In the first embodiment, before being caulked, an expanded diameter portion 12 is provided at the opening edge of the end portion 125 of the valve housing 125, which is inclined radially outward toward the opening end of the valve housing 121. Therefore, in the above-mentioned first cylinder configuration process, the solenoid housing 102 (first cylinder) can be easily centered relative to the valve housing 121 (second cylinder).

[0073] In addition, since an expanded diameter portion 126 is provided at the end 125 of the valve housing 121, when the solenoid housing 102 is inserted into the inner side of the valve housing 121, the sealing component 110 (O-ring) installed on the solenoid housing 121 can be prevented from being damaged, thereby suppressing the generation of contamination and improving the reliability of the buffer 1.

[0074] In the first embodiment, in the above-mentioned crimping process, the crimping fixture 135 is moved at a constant speed in the axial direction of the solenoid housing 102 and the valve housing 121 (cylindrical component) and in a direction away from the outer tube 3, and at the same time, the end 125 of the valve housing 121 is pressurized. Therefore, the crimping force acting on the outer tube 3 (the force that acts in a manner to deform the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 3) can be released, and the deformation of the outer tube 3 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the gap 127 (fragile portion) extends from the open end of the valve housing 121 in the axial direction of the valve housing 121 toward the outer tube 3. Therefore, for example, when the buffer 1 is installed on the vehicle, by arranging at least one (only one in the first embodiment) of the gaps 127 in the semi-circular area on the side close to the road surface of the end 125 of the valve housing 121, water that has penetrated into the inside of the cover 111 (cover part) can pass through the gap 127 and be discharged to the outside of the cover 111, thereby improving the drainage inside the cover 111.

[0076] It should be noted that the first embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be configured as follows, for example.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 is provided with a slit 127 (fragile portion) extending from the open end of the valve housing 121 along the axial direction of the valve housing 121 with a constant width W, thereby reducing the rigidity (bending strength) of the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121. Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 is provided with equal intervals along the circumference of the valve housing 121 from the opening end of the end portion 125 to the axial direction ( Figure 6 The "left direction" in Figure 6 , Figure 7 By providing recessed portions 129 (“four” portions are illustrated in the figure) instead of the slits 127, the rigidity (bending strength) of the end portion 125 of the valve housing 121 is reduced.

[0078] (Second Embodiment)

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 8 The second embodiment will be described. Here, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the same names and reference numerals are used for the parts common to the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0080] In the first embodiment, in the clamping step of the method for mounting the damping force adjusting device 31, the outer peripheral surface 124 of the valve housing 121 (first cylinder) is clamped in the radial direction of the valve housing 121 by a pair of clamping members 133, 133 and guided in the axial direction. In addition, in the first embodiment, the pressure (axial force of the internal part 32) applied by the pressing member 132 and the axial component of the clamping force acting on the valve housing 121 (force acting in a manner to press the valve housing 121 against the outer tube 3 (outer cylinder)) are received by the support member 130 that abuts against the side wall of the outer tube 3 opposite to the side on which the valve housing 121 is fixed.

[0081] In contrast, in a second embodiment, a double-sided width portion 141 (a recessed portion recessed relative to another portion of the outer peripheral surface 124) having a constant width in the axial direction (a width corresponding to the plate thickness of the clamping member 133) is provided on the outer peripheral surface 124 of the valve housing 121, and during the clamping process, a pair of clamping members 133, 133 are engaged with (hooked on) the double-sided width portion 141.

[0082] According to the second embodiment, a pair of clamping parts 133, 133 can receive the force received by the outer tube 3 (support part 130) in the first embodiment, namely, the pressure applied by the pressing part 132 and the axial component of the clamping force acting on the valve housing 121, so that the deformation of the outer tube 3 during the clamping process can be reliably suppressed.

[0083] In addition, in the second embodiment, the support member 130 can be omitted compared with the manufacturing equipment of the first embodiment, and the equipment can be simplified.

[0084] It should be noted that the second embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be configured as follows, for example.

[0085] In the second embodiment, a double-sided width portion 141 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 124 of the valve housing 121 in order to form a recessed portion that is recessed relative to another portion of the outer peripheral surface 124, but for example, an annular groove (141) can also be provided on the outer peripheral surface 124 of the valve housing 121 to form a recessed portion.

[0086] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, it is also possible to form a valve body 121 on the outer tube 3 side ( Fig. 9 A recess 143 (a portion recessed relative to another portion) is provided at the end portion (the "upper side" in the figure) of the outer tube 3 at a height (axial length) of H from the outer tube 3 and extending circumferentially along the edges of the outer tube 3 and the valve housing 121, the recess 143 and the edges of the outer tube 3 are welded to form a weld bead 128, and in the clamping process, a pair of clamping members 133, 133 are engaged (hooked) on the side opposite to the outer tube 3 side of the recess 143 ( Fig. 9 ” on the lower side).

[0087] In this case, since the welded bead 128 is accommodated in the recess 143, the design of the shock absorber 1 can be improved. In addition, since the outer diameter of the weld bead 128 can be reduced, the hole for penetrating the damping force adjustment device 31 formed on the bracket (not shown) can be reduced, and the rigidity of the bracket and the mounting strength of the shock absorber 1 can be improved.

[0088] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are detailed descriptions for the purpose of making the present invention easy to understand, and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of other embodiments, and in addition, the structure of other embodiments can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, a part of the structure of each embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced with other structures.

[0089] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-167233 filed on October 18, 2022. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-167233 filed on October 18, 2022, including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0090] Description of Reference Numerals

[0091] 1 Buffer

[0092] 31 Damping force adjustment device

[0093] 101 solenoid block (solenoid)

[0094] 102 solenoid housing (first cylinder)

[0095] 112 Chisel the groove (groove)

[0096] 117 outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface of the first cylinder)

[0097] 118 Chisel Tightening

[0098] 121 valve housing (second cylinder)

[0099] 125 end (end of the first cylinder)

Claims

1. A buffer for a vehicle, characterized in that: The buffer has a damping force adjustment device, The damping force adjustment device comprises: a cylinder member, in which a damping force generating unit and a solenoid for driving the damping force generating unit are housed, The barrel component has: A first cylinder; A second cylinder, which is disposed outside the first cylinder and along the axial direction of the first cylinder; and a fastening portion, which fastens and fixes the second cylinder to the first cylinder, The caulking portion is composed of a groove portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first tube body in at least a portion of the circumference thereof, and an end portion of the second tube body bent and accommodated in the groove portion. The end portion has a fragile portion having lower rigidity than another portion of the second cylinder.

2. The buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The fragile portion is at least one slit formed at the end portion and extending in the axial direction of the tube member.

3. The buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The fragile portion is formed by a recessed portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion.

4. The buffer according to claim 2, characterized in that The end portion is expanded in diameter so as to be inclined toward the radially outer side of the tube member in a state before caulking.

5. The buffer according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: The damping force adjustment device further includes a cover member covering the outer peripheral side of the caulking portion, When the shock absorber is mounted on the vehicle, the at least one slit is provided at any position of the half circumference of the end portion on the side close to the road surface.

6. A buffer for a vehicle, characterized in that: The buffer has a damping force adjustment device driven by a solenoid, The damping force adjustment device includes a cylinder member that accommodates a damping force generating unit and the solenoid that drives the damping force generating unit. The barrel component has: A first cylinder; as well as The second cylinder is arranged outside the first cylinder and along the axial direction of the first cylinder, has a concave portion in which a part of the outer peripheral surface is recessed relative to another part, and the first cylinder is fixed to the second cylinder.

7. The buffer according to claim 6, characterized in that The damping force adjustment device is mounted on the outer cylinder of the buffer by welding. The recessed portion is disposed at a position opposite to the outer tube, The weld bead is accommodated within the recess.

8. A method for installing a damping force adjustment device, wherein the damping force adjustment device is installed in a buffer for a vehicle, wherein the method for installing the damping force adjustment device is characterized by: In the previous step, a first cylindrical body having a groove portion on an outer peripheral surface and a second cylindrical body having a concave portion in which a part of the outer peripheral surface is recessed relative to another part are prepared; A second cylinder installation step of installing the second cylinder accommodating the damping force generating unit of the damping force adjusting device on the outer peripheral surface of the buffer; a damping force generating unit accommodating step of accommodating the damping force generating unit in the second cylinder; a first cylinder disposing step of assembling a solenoid for driving the damping force generating unit after the damping force generating unit accommodating step, and disposing the first cylinder inside the second cylinder along the axial direction of the second cylinder; a clamping step of, after the first cylinder arrangement step, engaging a clamping member with the recessed portion and clamping the second cylinder from a radial direction by the clamping member; and A tightening process, after the clamping process, moves the clamp toward the open end of the second cylinder along the axial direction, and simultaneously tightens the second cylinder toward the first cylinder.

Images