Vehicle height adjusting device

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle height adjusting apparatus. The vehicle height adjusting apparatus may include: a pump supplying or recovering a fluid; and an actuator disposed between a chassis and a vehicle body of the vehicle, receiving the fluid from the pump to raise the vehicle body to raise the vehicle height or lowering the vehicle body to lower the vehicle height as the fluid is recovered to the pump.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle height adjustment device, and more particularly, to a vehicle height adjustment device that changes the distance between the chassis and the body of a vehicle to adjust the height of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle height adjustment device adjusts the distance between the chassis (i.e., unsprung mass) and the body (i.e., sprung mass) of a vehicle, thereby adjusting the height of the vehicle. By actively raising the height of the vehicle through the vehicle height adjustment device, the convenience of passengers getting on and off the vehicle or loading and unloading cargo can be improved. In addition, by adjusting the height of the vehicle at each corner of the vehicle through the vehicle height adjustment device, the levelness of the body can also be maintained, etc.

[0003] In order to be widely applicable to vehicles, the vehicle height adjustment device requires lightness and miniaturization. For this reason, it is necessary to simplify the structure of the vehicle height adjustment device. In addition, it is required to develop a universal structure that can be installed regardless of the type of vehicle.

[0004] (Prior Art Documents)

[0005] (Patent Documents)

[0006] Korean Patent No. 2659190, "Vehicle body control device and vehicle height control method using the same", issued on April 16, 2024 SUMMARY

[0007] (I) Technical Problem to be Solved

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a vehicle height adjustment device that raises the height of a vehicle by operating a fluid or lowers the height of a vehicle by the self-weight of the vehicle, which can be effectively achieved by a simple structure.

[0009] Another object of the present application is to provide a vehicle height adjustment device that has a high degree of freedom in installation in a vehicle.

[0010] The subject matter of the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned subject matter, but other subject matter not mentioned above, which can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains from the following description.

[0011] (II) Technical Solution

[0012] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a vehicle height adjustment device including a pump that supplies or recovers a fluid, and an actuator disposed between the chassis and the body of a vehicle, which receives the fluid from the pump to raise the body to raise the height of the vehicle or recovers the fluid to the pump to lower the body to lower the height of the vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include a hydraulic line connecting the pump and the actuator to allow the fluid to flow between the pump and the actuator.

[0014] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the pump can include a motor rotatable in a forward direction or a reverse direction, a main shaft rotatable in a forward direction or a reverse direction as the motor is rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction, a main shaft nut coupled to the main shaft to advance when the main shaft is rotated in the forward direction and to retreat when the main shaft is rotated in the reverse direction, and a piston disposed in contact with the main shaft nut and advancing or retreating together with the main shaft nut.

[0015] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the piston can supply the fluid to the actuator while advancing and can recover the fluid to an inside of the pump while retreating.

[0016] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, an output shaft of the motor and a direction of advancement and retreat of the piston can be disposed in parallel with each other.

[0017] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the pump can further include a main housing in which the motor is disposed, and a pump chamber housing in which the piston is disposed, defining a pump chamber in which the fluid is stored, and coupled to the main housing.

[0018] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the pump chamber housing includes a pump chamber housing main body defining the pump chamber, and a pump chamber housing extension protruding outward from an outer surface of the pump chamber housing main body, and the main housing and the pump chamber housing can be coupled by a fastening member inserted through the main housing into the pump chamber housing extension.

[0019] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the pump can further include an insertion housing coupled to the main housing and disposed in contact with an outer surface of the main shaft nut inside the pump chamber housing, in contact with one side of the piston at a maximum retreat position of the main shaft nut, thereby defining a retreat limit of the piston.

[0020] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the insertion housing includes an insertion housing main body having a cylinder shape and inserted into an inside of the pump chamber housing, and an insertion housing extension protruding outward from an outer surface of the insertion housing main body to be disposed outside the pump chamber housing, and the main housing and the insertion housing can be coupled by a fastening member inserted through the main housing into the insertion housing.

[0021] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the actuator can include an outer tube having one end open, an inner tube inserted into the outer tube through the open end of the outer tube, and a fixed piston fixed to the outer tube and disposed inside the inner tube to define an actuating chamber together with an inner wall of the inner tube.

[0022] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, if the fluid is supplied to the inside of the actuating chamber, the volume of the actuating chamber is expanded by the fluid, and the inner tube is guided to the outside of the outer tube, thereby increasing the vehicle height, and if the fluid flows from the actuating chamber to the pump side, the volume of the actuating chamber is reduced, and the inner tube is inserted to the inside of the outer tube, thereby decreasing the vehicle height.

[0023] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the fixed piston can include a fixed piston head having an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the actuating chamber and disposed in contact with the inner wall of the inner tube, and a fixed piston body having an outer diameter smaller than that of the fixed piston head and connected to the fixed piston head to extend from the inside of the inner tube and be fixed to the outer tube.

[0024] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, an inner tube groove is recessed in an inner circumferential surface of the inner tube, and the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include an inner tube stopper inserted into the inner tube groove and caught by the fixed piston head when the inner tube is guided to the outside of the outer tube to define a guide limit of the inner tube.

[0025] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the inner tube can include an inner tube body in the shape of a tube inserted into the inside of the outer tube, and an inner tube flange extending to the outside in the radial direction at one end of the inner tube body and contacting the outer tube to define an insertion limit of the inner tube when the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube.

[0026] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, an inner tube fluid inlet and outlet passage can be formed in the inner tube flange to communicate the inside of the inner tube body with the pump.

[0027] In the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the outer tube can include an outer tube body having one end open and into which the inner tube is inserted, and an outer tube flange extending to the outside in the radial direction at one end of the outer tube body.

[0028] In a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, an outer tube recess is recessed in an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube; and a reinforcing member is inserted into the outer tube recess, guides movement of the inner tube inside the outer tube, and provides resistance against a lateral externally applied force.

[0029] In a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an aspect of the present application, the reinforcing member can have a ring shape.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a vehicle height adjusting apparatus including: a pump including a bi-directionally rotatable motor and a piston that advances or retreats inside a pump chamber while pressurizing fluid located in the pump chamber to the outside or guiding fluid from the outside to the inside of the pump chamber as the motor rotates; and an actuator configured between a chassis and a body of a vehicle, receiving the fluid from the pump to raise the body to increase a vehicle height or lowering the body as the fluid is recovered to the pump to decrease the vehicle height; the actuator including: an outer tube having one end open; an inner tube inserted into the outer tube through the open one end of the outer tube; and a fixed piston fixed to the outer tube and configured inside the inner tube and defining an actuating chamber together with an inner wall of the inner tube.

[0031] In a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to another aspect of the present application, an output shaft of the motor and a direction of advance or retreat of the piston can be configured to be parallel to each other.

[0032] (Three) Advantageous Effects

[0033] According to the above-described structure, the vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to the present application has a simple hydraulic transmission structure using a motor and a piston, and thus can effectively achieve height adjustment of a vehicle.

[0034] The vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to the present application provides high freedom in installation in a vehicle by a structure in which a pump and an actuator are configured to be spaced apart from each other.

[0035] Effects of the present application are not limited to the above-described effects, but should be understood to include all effects that can be deduced from the configurations of the application described in the detailed description or claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a pump of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a pump of a vehicle height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of A-A' of Figure 2

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an actuator of a vehicle height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator of a vehicle height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of B-B' of Figure 5

[0043] Figure 8 is a view showing a state in which a vehicle height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present application lowers a vehicle height.

[0044] Figure 9 is a view showing a state in which a vehicle height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present application raises a vehicle height.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] 1: vehicle height adjustment device

[0047] 100: pump

[0048] 200: actuator

[0049] 300: hydraulic line DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so as to be easily practiced by those having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present application pertains. The present application can be implemented in various forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly describe the present application, portions irrelevant to the description are omitted from the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0051] The words and terms used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to commonly used meanings or meanings in dictionaries, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts of the technical idea of the present application on the basis of the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meanings and concepts of the words and terms to the best method for describing the own application.

[0052] ​​In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" should be understood to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0053] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] A vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present application is installed in a vehicle 2 to adjust a vehicle height. The vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 can be individually provided at each wheel side of the vehicle. That is, the vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 is installed at each corner of the vehicle 2, and can independently adjust the vehicle height at each corner of the vehicle 2.

[0055] The vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 adjusts a distance between a chassis 21 (i.e., unsprung mass) and a vehicle body 22 (i.e., sprung mass) of the vehicle 2, and thus can adjust the vehicle height. In more detail, the vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 expands the distance between the chassis 21 and the vehicle body 22, and thus can increase the vehicle height. In addition, the vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 shortens the distance between the chassis 21 and the vehicle body 22, and thus can decrease the vehicle height.

[0056] On the other hand, a suspension 23 can be disposed between the chassis 21 and the vehicle body 22. The vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 can stretch or compress the suspension 23 in the process of actively adjusting the vehicle height.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1 , the vehicle height adjusting apparatus 1 can include a pump 100, an actuator 200, and a hydraulic line 300.

[0058] The pump 100 supplies or recovers a fluid. The fluid is a medium for increasing or decreasing the vehicle height. The pump 100 supplies the fluid to the actuator 200 or can recover the fluid from the actuator 200.

[0059] The pump 100 can be bidirectionally operated. That is, the pump 100 is operated in one direction to supply the fluid to the actuator 200 or is operated in the other direction to recover the fluid from the actuator 200.

[0060] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pump of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. In addition, Figure 3 FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a pump of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. In addition, Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a sectional view of A-A' of FIG. 3. Figure 2 In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" should be understood to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0061] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the pump 100 includes a motor 110, a gear 120, a main shaft 130, a main shaft nut 140, and a piston 150.

[0062] The motor 110 can rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. That is, the motor 110 can rotate in both directions. The rotational force of the motor 110 can be transmitted to the outside through an output shaft 110a of the motor 110.

[0063] The gear 120 transmits the rotational force of the motor 110 to the main shaft 130. The torque can be increased while being decelerated by the gear 120.

[0064] The gear 120 can include a first worm 121 coupled to the output shaft 110a of the motor 110 to rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction as the motor 110 rotates in the forward direction or the reverse direction, a first worm wheel 122 rotating in engagement with the first worm 121, a second worm 123 disposed on a rotation shaft 122a of the first worm wheel 122 to rotate together with the first worm wheel 122, and a second worm wheel 124 rotating in engagement with the second worm 123.

[0065] The first worm 121, the first worm wheel 122, the second worm 123, and the second worm wheel 124 can be configured such that a rotation shaft of the first worm 121 is parallel to a rotation shaft of the second worm wheel 124. The rotation shaft of the first worm 121 is the same as the output shaft 110a of the motor 110, and the rotation shaft of the second worm wheel 124 is a rotation shaft of the main shaft 130. That is, the output shaft 110a of the motor 110 and the rotation shaft of the main shaft 130 can be configured in parallel.

[0066] The second worm wheel 124 can have a sawtooth hole 124a passing through the center of the shaft direction and forming a sawtooth on the inner circumferential surface. The main shaft 130 can be inserted in engagement with the sawtooth hole 124a.

[0067] The main shaft 130 rotates in a forward direction or a reverse direction as the motor 110 rotates in the forward direction or the reverse direction. One end of the main shaft 130 is coupled to the gear 120, and the other end of the main shaft 130 is coupled to the main shaft nut 140.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the main shaft 130 can include a main shaft body 131 extending from one end to the other end, a sawtooth 132 disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the one end portion of the main shaft body 131 to be engaged with the sawtooth hole 124a, and a thread 133 formed in a predetermined interval of the other end of the main shaft body 131. The thread 133 engages the main shaft nut 140.

[0069] The main shaft 130 can have a main shaft groove 134 recessed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shaft body 131 between the sawtooth 132 and the screw thread 133. The main shaft groove 134 can be formed along a circumferential direction of the main shaft body 131.

[0070] The main shaft groove 134 can be provided with a main shaft stopper 130a that limits axial movement of the main shaft 130. The main shaft stopper 130a is partially inserted into the main shaft groove 134 in a state of being fixed to the main housing 101 described later, and further limits axial movement of the main shaft 130.

[0071] The main shaft 130 can further have a main shaft flange 135 protruding outward from an outer circumferential surface of the main shaft body 131 between the sawtooth 132 and the screw thread 133. The main shaft flange 135 can limit movement of the main shaft nut 140. In addition, the main shaft flange 135 can reinforce rigidity of the main shaft 130.

[0072] A bearing 130b for supporting rotation of the main shaft 130 can be provided inside the pump 100. For example, the bearing 130b can be provided adjacent to the main shaft flange 135.

[0073] The main shaft nut 140 is coupled to the main shaft 130 and advances or retreats as the main shaft 130 rotates. The main shaft 130 is coupled along an axial center of the main shaft nut 140; the main shaft nut 140 advances as the main shaft 130 rotates in a forward direction, and can retreat as the main shaft 130 rotates in a reverse direction.

[0074] Here, the advancing direction is a direction in which the main shaft nut 140 pushes out the piston 150 to pressurize the fluid to the outside of the pump 100, and the retreating direction is a direction opposite to the advancing direction.

[0075] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main shaft nut 140 includes a main shaft nut body 141 that is cylindrical with a through-hole 142 formed along an axial center. At least a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 142 can be provided with a corresponding screw thread 142a that can engage with the screw thread 133 of the main shaft 130.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present application, a length of a portion in which the corresponding screw thread 142a is formed in the through-hole 142 of the main shaft nut 140 is less than a length of a portion in which the screw thread 133 is formed in the main shaft 130. On this basis, a first non-engagement portion 142b that does not engage with the screw thread 133 of the main shaft 130 can be formed in a predetermined interval in front of the through-hole 142.

[0077] This structure can appropriately adjust the engagement force and friction force between the spindle 130 and the spindle nut 140. As a result, when the spindle 130 rotates, the spindle nut 140 can smoothly perform linear displacement (advance or retreat).

[0078] A second non-engagement portion 142c, which does not engage with the thread 133 of the spindle 130, can be formed at the rear end interval of the through-hole 142 of the spindle nut 140. The end portion of the spindle 130, in which the thread 133 is formed, enters the rear of the through-hole 142 of the spindle nut 140, and further fastens the spindle 130 and the spindle nut 140, and the second non-engagement portion 142c is a portion that allows the end portion of the spindle 130, in which the thread 133 is formed, to easily enter the inside of the through-hole 142 when the spindle 130 and the spindle nut 140 are assembled.

[0079] The spindle nut 140 can further include a spindle nut protrusion 143 protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface of the spindle nut body 141. In an embodiment of the present application, the spindle nut protrusion 143 can be disposed at the rear end of the spindle nut body 141. For example, the spindle nut protrusion 143 can be formed as a flange that cuts a portion of the cross section of the outer circumference.

[0080] The piston 150 is disposed in contact with the spindle nut 140 and advances or retreats together with the spindle nut 140. The piston 150 can be disposed to contact the front end of the spindle nut 140.

[0081] Here, the advancing direction of the piston 150 refers to the direction in which the piston 150 pressurizes the fluid to the outside of the pump 100. In addition, the retreating direction of the piston 150 refers to the opposite direction of the advancing direction. That is, the piston 150 supplies the fluid to the actuator 200 while advancing and can recover the fluid to the inside of the pump 100 while retreating.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present application, the piston 150 is not combined with the spindle nut 140, but can be disposed in a state of contacting the front end of the spindle nut 140 to be pushed out by the spindle nut 140 when the spindle nut 140 advances in the front direction. Such a structure can make it easy to manufacture the spindle nut 140 and the piston 150, and can also improve the assembly efficiency of the pump 100.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The piston 150 can include a cylindrical piston body 151 and a piston groove 152 recessed in the outer circumferential surface of the piston body 151. The piston groove 152 can be formed in the circumferential direction of the piston body 151.

[0084] The rear surface of the piston body 151 is configured to contact the front surface of the spindle nut 140. In an embodiment of the present application, the piston body 151 can have a diameter greater than that of the spindle nut 140. In addition, the piston groove 152 can be configured with the first sealing member 150a. For example, the first sealing member 150a can be an O-ring.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4 A piston groove 153 can be configured on the rear surface of the piston body 151, which is recessed toward the front at the axial direction center portion. When the spindle nut 140 is located at the maximum retracted position, the end portion of the spindle 130 formed with the screw thread 133 can be configured in the piston groove 153 through the through hole 142 of the spindle nut 140. This structure reduces the height required for the configuration of the spindle nut 140 and the piston 150, thus improving the space efficiency.

[0086] As described above, the output shaft 110a of the motor 110 and the rotation axis of the spindle 130 can be configured in parallel. This will be described from another point of view, in which the output shaft 110a of the motor 110 and the advancing and retreating direction of the piston 150 can be configured in parallel with each other. With this structure, the length of the pump 100 is shortened, and miniaturization of the pump 100 can be achieved.

[0087] The pump 100 includes a housing in which the motor 110, the gear 120, the spindle 130, the spindle nut 140, and the piston 150 are configured. In more detail, the pump 100 can include a main housing 101 and a pump chamber housing 103.

[0088] The main housing 101 is provided to configure the motor 110 and the gear 120. For assembly, the main housing 101 can have the form of an open one surface. For this, the housing cover 102 can be configured to cover the open one surface of the main housing 101.

[0089] The pump chamber housing 103 is configured to internally configure the piston 150, define the pump chamber C1 in which the fluid can be stored, and be coupled to the main housing 101.

[0090] The pump chamber housing 103 can include a pump chamber housing body 103a defining the pump chamber C1 and a pump chamber housing extension 103b protruding outward from the outer surface of the pump chamber housing body 103a. The main housing 101 and the pump chamber housing 103 can be coupled by a fastening member 107 inserted through the main housing 101 into the pump chamber housing extension 103b. For this, the main housing 101 can have a main housing coupling portion 101a through which the fastening member 107 is inserted.

[0091] A pump chamber connecting hole 103c, which communicates the pump chamber C1 with the hydraulic line 300, can be formed on the upper surface of the pump chamber housing body 103a. In addition, a pump fluid inlet and outlet hole 103d, which allows fluid to flow in or out in a state in which the hydraulic line 300 is coupled, can be formed on the upper surface of the pump chamber housing body 103a.

[0092] An adapter 104, which communicates the hydraulic line 300 with the pump chamber C1, can be coupled to the pump chamber connecting hole 103c. In addition, a pump cover 105 can be provided to close the pump fluid inlet and outlet hole 103d.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present application, the pump 100 can further include an insertion housing 106. The insertion housing 106 is coupled to the main housing 101 and is configured to contact the outer surface of the main shaft nut 140 inside the pump chamber housing 103. In addition, the insertion housing 106 contacts one surface of the piston 150 at the maximum retracted position of the main shaft nut 140, thereby defining the retraction limit of the piston 150.

[0094] The insertion housing 106 includes an insertion housing body 106a, which has a cylinder shape and is inserted into the inside of the pump chamber housing 103, and an insertion housing extension 106b, which protrudes outward from the outer surface of the insertion housing body 106a to be disposed outside the pump chamber housing 103.

[0095] The insertion housing 106 can be coupled by a fastening member 107, which is inserted through the main housing 101 into the insertion housing 106. In more detail, the fastening member 107 is inserted through the main housing coupling portion 101a into the pump chamber housing extension 103b, thereby coupling the main housing 101, the pump chamber housing 103, and the insertion housing 106.

[0096] A flat surface portion 106c, which is configured to be flat, can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion housing body 106a. As described above, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the main shaft nut protrusion 143 can be formed as a flange in cross-section, and the flat surface portion 106c is formed to correspond to the main shaft nut protrusion 143, contacts the main shaft nut protrusion 143, and prevents the main shaft nut 140 from rotating while the main shaft 130 rotates, thereby guiding the linear motion of the main shaft nut 140.

[0097] The actuator 200 is disposed between the chassis 21 and the body 22 of the vehicle 2. For example, the actuator 200 can be disposed in a state in which it is inserted into the spring of the suspension 23.

[0098] The actuator 200 is configured to raise the body 22 by receiving the fluid from the pump 100, thereby increasing the height of the vehicle. In addition, the actuator 200 is configured to lower the body 22 by recovering the fluid into the pump 100, thereby decreasing the height of the vehicle.

[0099] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an actuator of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. In addition, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator of a vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. In addition, Figure 7 is Figure 5 a sectional view of B-B' of

[0100] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , the actuator 200 can include an outer tube 210, an inner tube 220, and a fixed piston 230.

[0101] The outer tube 210 is open at one end. The inner tube 220 can be inserted through the open end of the outer tube 210. The outer tube 210 is configured to be relatively displaced with the inner tube 220. That is, the outer tube 210 provides a channel through which the inner tube 220 can linearly displace.

[0102] The outer tube 210 can include an outer tube body 211 and an outer tube flange 212.

[0103] The outer tube body 211 is open at one end and formed so that the inner tube 220 is inserted inside. The other end of the outer tube body 211 can be closed.

[0104] The outer tube flange 212 is extended to the radial outside at one end of the outer tube body 211. The outer tube flange 212 is caught by the suspension 23 of the vehicle and can allow the actuator 200 to be disposed between the chassis 21 and the body 22. For example, the outer tube flange 212 can be extended to the radial outside from the outside of the open end of the outer tube body 211.

[0105] For example, the outer tube 210 can be inserted into a spring disposed in the suspension 23. At this time, the outer tube body 211 is inserted inside the spring of the suspension 23, and the outer tube flange 212 is caught by the upper end of the spring to fix the outer tube 210.

[0106] An outer tube groove 213 can be concavely formed in the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 210. In more detail, the outer tube groove 213 can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the open end of the outer tube body 211 in which the outer tube flange 212 is extended.

[0107] A reinforcing member 240 can be disposed in the outer tube groove 213. The reinforcing member 240 is inserted into the outer tube groove 213 to guide the movement of the inner tube 220. In addition, the reinforcing member 240 provides a resistance force against an external force applied to the actuator 200 in the lateral direction. For example, the reinforcing member 240 can have a ring shape.

[0108] The inner tube 220 is inserted into the outer tube 210 through an open end of the outer tube 210. The inner tube 220 is configured to be relatively displaceable with respect to the outer tube 210. That is, the inner tube 220 is linearly displaceable inside the outer tube 210.

[0109] The inner tube 220 can include an inner tube body 221 and an inner tube flange 222.

[0110] The inner tube body 221 is a tubular member inserted inside the outer tube 210. The inner tube body 221 defines, together with the fixed piston 230, an actuator chamber C2 as described later, which is formed inside the inner tube body 221.

[0111] The inner tube body 221 has one end communicating with the hydraulic line 300 and the other end can have an open form. In a state where the inner tube 220 is inserted into the outer tube 210, the open end of the inner tube body 221 can be closed by the fixed piston 230.

[0112] On the other hand, an actuator fluid inlet and outlet hole 223 for flowing in or discharging the fluid even in a state of connecting the hydraulic line 300 can be formed at one end of the inner tube body 221. In addition, an actuator cover 220a can be configured to close the actuator fluid inlet and outlet hole 223.

[0113] The inner tube flange 222 is extended to the outer side in the radial direction at one end of the inner tube body 221, contacts the outer tube 210 when the inner tube 220 is inserted into the outer tube 210, and defines the insertion limit of the inner tube 220. In more detail, the inner tube flange 222 can be extended outward from the outside of one end of the inner tube 220.

[0114] The inner tube flange 222 can contact the outer tube flange 212 at the maximum position of the insertion of the inner tube 220 into the outer tube 210. The inner tube flange 222 has the same outer diameter as the outer tube flange 212, and can be configured to overlap the outer tube flange 212 at the maximum position of the insertion of the inner tube 220 into the outer tube 210.

[0115] The inner tube fluid inlet and outlet duct 224 communicating the inside of the inner tube body 221 with the pump 100 can be formed at the inner tube flange 222. The inner tube fluid inlet and outlet duct 224 communicates with the duct formed inside the inner tube body 221, and can be formed to span the inner tube flange 222 in the radial direction. The inner tube fluid inlet and outlet duct 224 can be connected with the hydraulic line 300.

[0116] The inner tube recess 225 can be recessed at the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 220. The inner tube recess 225 can be formed along the circumferential direction at the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube body 221 adjacent to the open end of the inner tube body 221.

[0117] The inner tube stopper 230b can be provided in the inner tube groove 225, and defines a limit of the outward movement of the inner tube 220 when the inner tube 220 is moved outward of the outer tube 210.

[0118] The fixed piston 230 is fixed to the outer tube 210 and is provided inside the inner tube 220. Referring to Figure 7 The fixed piston 230 defines the actuating chamber C2 with the inner wall of the inner tube 220.

[0119] The fixed piston 230 can include a fixed piston head 231 and a fixed piston body 233.

[0120] The fixed piston head 231 has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the actuating chamber C2, and is provided in contact with the inner wall of the inner tube 220. A fixed piston groove 232 can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixed piston head 231. The fixed piston groove 232 can be formed in the circumferential direction of the fixed piston head 231.

[0121] In addition, a second sealing member 230a can be provided in the fixed piston groove 232. For example, the second sealing member 230a can be an O-ring.

[0122] The fixed piston body 233 has a smaller outer diameter than the fixed piston head 231, and is connected to the fixed piston head 231 to extend from the inside of the inner tube 220. The fixed piston body 233 is fixed to the outer tube 210. One end of the fixed piston body 233 is in contact with the end of the closed internal passage of the outer tube 210, and the other end can be connected to the fixed piston head 231.

[0123] In an embodiment of the present application, one end of the fixed piston body 233 can be provided to be in contact with the end of the closed internal passage of the outer tube 210. Since the piston fastening member 230c is inserted into the inside of the fixed piston body 233 through the outer tube 210, the fixed piston 230 can be fixed.

[0124] When the fluid flows into the actuating chamber C2, the volume of the actuating chamber C2 is expanded, and the inner tube 220 is moved outward of the outer tube 210 by the pressure of the fluid flowing into the inside of the actuating chamber C2.

[0125] As described above, the inner tube stopper 230b is provided in the inner tube groove 225. When the inner tube 220 is moved outward of the outer tube 210, the fixed piston head 231 can stop the movement of the inner tube 220 while being caught by the inner tube stopper 230b. That is, the limit of the outward movement of the inner tube 220 can be defined by the inner tube stopper 230b.

[0126] The hydraulic line 300 connects the pump 100 and the actuator 200 so that the fluid can flow between the pump 100 and the actuator 200. The pump 100 and the actuator 200 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle, and the fluid can flow through the hydraulic line 300. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in mounting the vehicle height adjusting device 1 can be improved. For example, the hydraulic line 300 can include a flexible hose.

[0127] Differently from the above, the pump 100 and the actuator 200 can also be arranged adjacent to each other, and the hydraulic line 300 can be realized by a pipe arranged between the pump 100 and the actuator 200.

[0128] The above describes the structure of the vehicle height adjusting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application in detail. Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle height adjusting device 1 will be described.

[0129] Figure 8 is a view showing the state in which the vehicle height adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present application lowers the height of the vehicle. In addition, Figure 9 is a view showing the state in which the vehicle height adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present application raises the height of the vehicle.

[0130] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , if the fluid F is supplied to the inside of the actuating chamber C2, the volume of the actuating chamber C2 is expanded by the fluid F, and the inner tube 220 is guided to the outside of the outer tube 210.

[0131] More specifically, if the motor 110 of the pump 100 rotates in the forward direction, the spindle 130 rotates in the forward direction, and in correspondence therewith, the spindle nut 140 and the piston 150 advance, and further, the fluid F inside the pump chamber C1 is pressurized to the side of the hydraulic line 300. In addition, the pressurized fluid flows into the inside of the actuating chamber C2 of the actuator 200 through the hydraulic line 300.

[0132] As a result, the volume of the actuating chamber C2 is expanded, and the inner tube 220 is guided to the outside of the outer tube 210 by the pressure of the fluid F flowing into the actuating chamber C2. Accordingly, the distance between the chassis 21 and the vehicle body 22 is expanded. That is, the height of the vehicle is raised.

[0133] If the motor 110 of the pump 100 stops rotating in the state in which the height of the vehicle is raised, the spindle 130 and the spindle nut 140 are locked while being engaged with each other at this position. Accordingly, the raised height of the vehicle can be maintained.

[0134] On the other hand, if the fluid F flows from the actuating chamber C2 to the side of the pump 100, the volume of the actuating chamber C2 is reduced, and at the same time, the inner tube 220 is inserted into the inside of the outer tube 210.

[0135] More specifically, if the motor 110 of the pump 100 is reversed in rotation in a state in which the height of the vehicle is further increased than the minimum height, the main shaft 130 is reversed in rotation while releasing the lock of the main shaft 130 and the main shaft nut 140, and the main shaft nut 140 and the piston 150 are retracted.

[0136] Accordingly, the volume of the pump chamber C1 is increased, and the volume of the actuating chamber C2 is reduced by the weight of the vehicle body 22 while the inner tube 220 is inserted inside the outer tube 210. As a result, the fluid F inside the actuating chamber C2 flows to the inside of the pump chamber C1 through the hydraulic line 300, and the distance between the chassis 21 and the vehicle body 22 is reduced. That is, the height of the vehicle is reduced.

[0137] Embodiments of the present application have been described, but the idea of the present application is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification, and other embodiments can be easily presented by adding, changing, deleting, etc. of components within the same idea range by those skilled in the art who understand the idea of the present application. Also, this can be considered to be included in the idea range of the present application.

Claims

1. A vehicle height adjustment apparatus comprising: a pump supplying or recovering a fluid; and an actuator configured between a chassis and a body of a vehicle, receiving the fluid from the pump to raise the body to increase a vehicle height or recovering the fluid to the pump to lower the body to decrease the vehicle height. Further comprising:

2. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that a hydraulic line connecting the pump and the actuator to flow the fluid between the pump and the actuator.

3. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pump comprises: a motor rotating forward or backward; a main shaft rotating forward or backward as the motor rotates forward or backward; a main shaft nut penetrating the main shaft, advancing when the main shaft rotates forward and retreating when the main shaft rotates backward; and a piston configured in contact with the main shaft nut and advancing or retreating with the main shaft nut.

4. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the piston supplies the fluid to the actuator while advancing and recovers the fluid to an inside of the pump while retreating.

5. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an output shaft of the motor and a direction of advancing or retreating of the piston are configured in parallel to each other.

6. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pump further comprises: a main housing configured with the motor; and a pump chamber housing configured with the piston inside, defining a pump chamber storing the fluid, and combined with the main housing.

7. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pump chamber housing comprises a pump chamber housing main body defining the pump chamber and a pump chamber housing extension protruding outward from an outside of the pump chamber housing main body; the main housing and the pump chamber housing are combined by a fastening member penetrating the main housing and inserted into the pump chamber housing extension.

8. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pump further comprises an insertion housing combined with the main housing and configured to contact an outside of the main shaft nut inside the pump chamber housing, contacting one side of the piston at a maximum retreating position of the main shaft nut, thereby defining a retreating limit of the piston.

9. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the insertion housing comprises an insertion housing main body having a cylinder shape and inserted inside the pump chamber housing and an insertion housing extension protruding outward from an outside of the insertion housing main body to be configured outside the pump chamber housing; the main housing and the insertion housing are combined by a fastening member penetrating the main housing and inserted into the insertion housing.

10. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises: an outer tube having an open end; an inner tube inserted into the outer tube through the open end of the outer tube; and a piston configured in contact with an inside of the inner tube. A fixed piston is fixed to the outer tube and is disposed inside the inner tube and defines an actuating chamber together with the inner wall of the inner tube.

11. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 10, wherein If the fluid is supplied to the inside of the actuating chamber, the volume of the actuating chamber is expanded by the fluid, and the inner tube is guided to the outside of the outer tube, thereby raising the vehicle height; if the fluid flows from the actuating chamber to the pump side, the volume of the actuating chamber is reduced, and the inner tube is inserted to the inside of the outer tube, thereby lowering the vehicle height.

12. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 10, wherein The fixed piston includes a fixed piston head having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the actuating chamber and being disposed in contact with the inner wall of the inner tube, and a fixed piston body having an outer diameter smaller than that of the fixed piston head and being connected to the fixed piston head to extend from the inside of the inner tube and be fixed to the outer tube.

13. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 12, wherein An inner tube groove is recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube; The vehicle height adjustment device further includes an inner tube stopper inserted into the inner tube groove and caught by the fixed piston head when the inner tube is guided to the outside of the outer tube, to define a limit of the guidance of the inner tube.

14. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 10, wherein The inner tube includes an inner tube body having a tubular shape inserted into the inside of the outer tube, and an inner tube flange extending to the outside in the radial direction at one end of the inner tube body and contacting the outer tube when the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube to define a limit of the insertion of the inner tube.

15. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 14, wherein An inner tube fluid inlet and outlet passage is formed in the inner tube flange to communicate the inside of the inner tube body with the pump.

16. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 10, wherein The outer tube includes an outer tube body having an open end and inserted into the inside of the inner tube, and an outer tube flange extending to the outside in the radial direction at one end of the outer tube body.

17. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 10, wherein An outer tube groove is recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube; The vehicle height adjustment device further includes a reinforcing member inserted into the outer tube groove, guiding the movement of the inner tube in the inside of the outer tube, and providing a resistance force against a lateral external force.

18. The vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 17, wherein The reinforcing member has a ring shape.

19. A vehicle height adjustment device, comprising: A pump including a motor rotatable in both directions and a piston advancing forward or backward inside a pump chamber while pressurizing fluid located in the pump chamber to the outside or guiding fluid from the outside to the inside of the pump chamber as the motor rotates; and An actuator configured between a chassis and a body of a vehicle to raise the body to increase a vehicle height by receiving the fluid from the pump or to lower the body to decrease the vehicle height as the fluid is recovered to the pump; The actuator includes: An outer tube having one end open; An inner tube inserted into the outer tube through the open end of the outer tube; and A fixed piston fixed to the outer tube and configured inside the inner tube to define an actuating chamber together with an inner wall of the inner tube. 20.The vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to claim 19, wherein An output shaft of the motor and a forward / backward direction of the piston are configured in parallel with each other.

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